Few restaurant openings in Sydney had as much hype surrounding them as The Lucas Group's Sydney outpost of its Melbourne mainstay Chin Chin back in 2017. Owner Chris Lucas is considered such a master of industry spin, marketing and branding that his concepts are almost always elevated into cult territory. So the question always was: would this translate to the Sydney market? In today's restaurant scene — which is, arguably, largely influenced by the success of the Melbourne restaurant's model — there's nothing unusual about the components that make up the Chin Chin concept: loud music, industrial design, strong branding, and punchy, super fast Asian fare. But the queue of people snaking down Commonwealth Street on a weeknight suggest otherwise. The food model is undoubtedly a smart one. Supported by a huge production kitchen downstairs, the well-oiled 'show kitchen' pumps out snappy Asian dishes at lightning speed, particularly if you order the 'epic feast' menu. Order a few beers and you'll likely get your pulled pork 'roll-ups' — that is, pancakes with slaw and plum sauce — before your beers arrive. Like most menus of Chin Chin Sydney's size, there are hits and misses in every section. The iceberg lettuce salad is too spicy for our palates and the squid too fried, but the egg noodles with prawn meat are more on the money. This dish has a nice balanced dose of chilli, and it doesn't last long on our table. The rotisserie and curry dishes are more reliable, so order one or two of these. The Griffiths Teas Building that the restaurant sits in has great bones and lots of natural light, booth seating and pale timber tones with splashes of Chin Chin's signature neon. The adjoining bar GoGo — where you'll probably have to kill time while you wait for a table — is a contrast to the restaurant with more mood and black velvet booths. The 'Chef's Table' offers an intimate private dining space for small groups, while groups of up to 120 people can be accommodated elsewhere. The Asian-style cocktail offering and approachable wine list mean that, when you do get a seat, you can have a fun, boozy time without blowing hundreds of dollars. And if this is what you're going in for — and you don't mind having to yell at the person sitting next to you or potentially overdosing on chilli — you'll leave satisfied. But if you've been privy to the hype, you may not be so willing to let even a few disappointing dishes slide. The problem with hype is expectation, and if you head to Chin Chin Sydney — a restaurant that's no longer so fresh — with a fistful of it, you might be a little disappointed. Images: Leticia Almeida and Tom Ferguson.
One word: laksa. Ho Jiak's laksa is one of the absolute best in Sydney. But if you're in the mood for other Malay favourites like chilli crab, mie goreng (try it with lobster and you'll never look back) or Ipoh hor fun, then you're in luck because Ho Jiak does it all flawlessly. For the most part, the eatery makes you feel as though you're in Penang, devouring street eats — but with a few modern twists here and there (and sturdier chairs). So, if you're craving that essential street food travel experience, a visit to Ho Jiak to eat traditional recipes handed down within the family of chef Junda Khoo is worth your time. Just be sure to make a reservation because this spot has a line out the door most days. [caption id="attachment_731636" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Van Der Jagt[/caption] Highlights include the Ichi Kabin for a starter, a delicious serving of deep fried chicken wings, or the stir fried crispy fish skins with salted duck egg yolk, butter and curry leaves. From the sea try the steamed barramundi with soy sauce and shallots, while the paddock provides succulent wagyu with black pepper and oyster sauce or braised slow cooked pork in soy sauce. There's an entire menu for vegetarians to pick from too, as well as gluten free. Images: Trent van der Jagt You'll find Ho Jiak in our list of the best degustations in Sydney. Check out the full list here.
Your brain knows it as well as your stomach: food tastes a certain way after midnight. And that way is generally "very good". Something happens to your tastebuds (and appreciation for food) post-wines on a weekend. One minute you're happily wandering down George Street on your way to get a train home and the next you're hit with a craving for noodles. Or you're suddenly incapacitated in the middle of Oxford Street with a need for schnitty. Instead of doing a futile (and probably ineffective) search through Google Maps, bookmark this page to come back to. We see you and your late-night salty food cravings — and give you the best late-night eats in Sydney.
One of the great things about Japanese food is that it rarely leaves you feeling horrendously full, even after scoffing an insane amount of it. Which means that an unlimited feasting situation at somewhere like Okami packs a serious punch in the value department. With over 20 outposts across Melbourne, Okami launched its first Sydney restaurant in Marrickville in 2020. Like the others, it also offers an all-you-can-eat menu. Go to town on sushi and sashimi, karaage chicken, agedashi tofu, chicken sausage skewers and takoyaki (crisp octopus balls), knowing you'll probably even have belly room left over for some green tea ice cream for dessert. The inner west spot is also BYO and has robust takeaway menu, featuring the likes of pork katsu with curry sauce, terriyaki chicken don and bento. Sydneysiders are lucky enough to now have eight Okami restaurants scattered all over the city — it's never been so easy to find affordable Japanese fare in the city.
Back in 2018, Chatswood scored a big infusion of contemporary Chinese flavour in elegant newcomer Mama Mulan. Located in The Concourse, the 180-seater made quite the impression, with its restaurant, bar and private dining areas boasting striking interiors by creative agency DS17. To match the polished, modern aesthetic, the kitchen is dishing up a culinary exploration of China, delivered through a mix of traditional techniques and new-school flair. The chefs have pulled together an approachable menu full of tightly executed dishes from a range of Chinese provinces. Wok-fried lobster is dressed in the restaurant's secret Szechuan sauce, dandan noodle soup is made with noodles hand-pulled before your eyes and roasted lamb ribs are cooked Mongolian style. The addition of duck drives a san choi bao into modern territory, while the Mama Mulan fried rice is supercharged with asparagus, wagyu beef and XO sauce. If you decide to look to the tanks for inspiration, pick out a live mud (or snow) crab and order it typhoon shelter-style, piled high with dried chilli and black beans. Headlining the dessert offering is a range of signature fried ice cream flavours, created in collaboration with Sydney's famed dessert masters, Duo Duo. A hefty selection of Chinese booze, clever cocktails and international beer rounds out the fun. If you're coming for a special event then be sure to book out the private dining room. With polished floorboards, floor to ceiling linen curtains and a curved, steel-grey interior, the room is sophisticated and fun, elegant without being overbearing. They can seat over fifteen guests so you can kick back and relax while the professional staff take care of your evening.
In 2022 and 2023, an omakase craze swept Sydney's CBD, and one of the most popular openings in that suite of Japanese restaurants is TOKO Restaurant. In its sleekly appointed digs on George Street (having closed the doors to its original Surry Hills location in April 2022), owner Matt Yazbek brought all the elements that made the former iteration of TOKO such a consistently good dining experience, with a few impressive new tricks thrown into the mix. Kick things off with the signature lychee blossom martini, a cloud-pink creation that has just the right melding of sweetness, acidity and a not-insignificant hit of booze. It pairs beautifully with the spicy edamame, served warm with extra heat provided by the big hitting chilli-garlic sauce. Menu favourites from the original Toko Restaurant venue remain — like the miso eggplant, delicate ponzu kingfish and incredibly moreish broccolini (yes, we're alerting your attention to robata-grilled greenery). However, the sashimi omakase starring a daily selection of the freshest raw seafood is a whole new kettle of, well, fish. Melts-on-the-tongue tuna, snapper and salmon are bound to make an appearance with whatever else is raw, in season and of the highest quality. The sushi menu also features some particularly luxurious nigiri. The scampi offering, for example, comes with foie gras, truffle and soy jelly with a generous piece of scampi on top. Not for the faint-hearted (or the light-walleted — a pair of these hedonistic mouthfuls will set you back over $30). [caption id="attachment_866232" align="alignnone" width="8280"] Image: Steven Woodburn[/caption] If a more substantial meal is what you seek, then the tempura Moreton Bay bug artfully served in the bug's tail or the excellent karaage with mayonnaise and TOKO's hot sauce will have you crunching away delightedly. But you don't want to miss the wagyu. The Tajima Wagyu striploin (with a 9+ marble score) is a joy to eat. Seared on the robata grill and served with minimal fuss, simply dip a slice in flaked salt or give it a light bathing in soy and close your eyes. Along with seating for 100 diners, the venue has a 16-person private dining room for special occasions. It also boasts a 2am license and a kitchen that remains open past 10pm — meaning more hours to take advantage of what remains a consistently good dining experience. Images by Steven Woodburn Appears in: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and its Parade are synonymous: it's impossible to imagine one without the other. The historic centrepiece, the jewel in the sparkly tiara, the very raison d'être of the festival, is an important, entertaining, and uplifting celebration of all things LGBTIQA+. Hundreds of beautiful floats, themselves testaments to the immense creative talents of the queer community and drawn from all walks of life, glide down Oxford Street to the thunderous adulation of tens of thousands of revellers. The theme guiding the parade's 48th edition is ECSTATICA, which celebrates joy as power, protest and connection. Unfortunately, entries for this cavalcade of queerness have now closed, however you can still get down and share in the love. A word to the wise, though — unless you've bought tickets to one of the many Parade events held by pubs and clubs with a view of the route (or you have a friend with a balcony overlooking Oxford Street), get there early as spots will go fast. There'll be accessible viewing areas on Flinders Street, while Glitter Club at Taylor Square will put you as close to the action as possible without stepping onto the route itself — unfiltered, unforgettable and right in the heart of the Parade. Image: Ash Penin.
Spice World Sydney is one in a chain of over 500 international Spice Worlds around the globe, and is a dining experience unlike anything Sydney has seen before. Firstly, be prepared to be greeted by one of two robot waiters at the entrance who will seat you at your table and present the menu. The interior here is huge and you are likely to get lost finding your way to the bathroom, but the elegant and exotic decor make it an adventure all its own. The idea is simple, be presented with your chosen ingredients at your table and cook up a storm at your own hot pot complete with broth, heat and cooking utensils. The items come out looking something bizarre, with the wagyu steak draped around an unwitting Barbie doll as if she's gracing the runway of a Milan fashion show. The order here is to shock and awe — and it doesn't disappoint. We ordered a soup that was half spicy and half chicken and pork broth, and included a combination of pork belly, vegetables, wagyu and crab meat balls. While the broth cooked away we distracted ourselves on the arcade games and a game of jingo. Spice World is the kind of place to bring a group of friends and catch up over conversation and great food. The imaginative presentation ensures there'll be plenty of hilarity and the interactive nature of the hot pot itself makes it more than just your usual dining experience. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time as the options here are endless. And with all the games on offer, it's unlikely you'll want to leave.
If you're looking for ways to spoil the leading man in your life (whether dad or father figure), we're here to help. Let's face it, your local pizza joint doesn't quite cut it and the decibels at your favourite hole-in-the-wall ramen shop might be a little too high to allow for a meaningful chat. This is your chance to deliver something memorable and earn brownie points on the side. Take your dad out this year on Father's Day for an exceptional dinner, a long boozy brunch or a morning coffee — all at some of our city's best parent-friendly eateries and drinking establishments. You've got enough selection anxiety on your hands with presents, so we've picked out our favourite dad-worthy spots. These are the best Father's Day restaurants, bars and cafes in Sydney. Recommended reads: The Best Pubs in Sydney The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Wine Bars in Sydney The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney Three Blue Ducks, Rosebery Three Blue Ducks has everything you need to impress dad on Father's Day. Hearty, approachable eats; top-notch coffee from Single O; the endorsement of beloved MasterChef judge and co-owner Andy Allen — they're all covered. While the full suite of tasty goodies will be on offer on dad's day, Three Blue Ducks' expansive Rosebery eatery is offering a special two-course lunch for $69 per head, Sunday's at Three Blue Ducks are all about the roasts too, so dad can tuck in to beef sirloin or roast pork with beef fat roasties, veggies and gravy (plus a caramelised apple with the pork) to celebrate the big day. Cho Cho San, Potts Point If dad's got a taste for the contemporary, Cho Cho San is the place to be, serving up high class izakaya in a setting that's very TikTok/Instagram compatible. Both Cho Cho San and its sibling the Apollo have special offers for the big day. A la carte dining is an option, but for $80 per person, Cho Cho San will have a beer ready for the man of the hour on arrival and a pre-selected range of house favourites. Think wagyu kushiyaki alongside eggplant miso sticks and wasabi oysters. He'll choose from two claypots for the main event: beef short rib 'Kabayaki,' tan tan sauce or misozuke Murray cod — plus a very on-trend strawberry and matcha trifle to finish. Misc, Parramatta Out west, spoil dad with an unforgettable Mediterranean spread within the heart of Parramatta Park at the expansive and sleek venue Misc. The impressive 300-seat cafe and diner is the workings of Executive Chef Sebastian Geray, Menu Collaborator Joel Bennetts and Restaurateur Jad Nehmetallah (the last of whom you may recognise from Gogglebox). Swing by in the morning for Stitch coffee, plus Misc's takes on cafe favourites like french toast, eggs with the lot, crumpets or a mushroom pita fold with black truffle and garlic butter. Later in the day, the menu is designed to be shared, with plenty of freshly sliced charcuterie, dips and buttery woodfired bread available alongside beef tartare, lamb shoulder and roasted half chicken. North Bondi Fish, Bondi Part of the star-studded Matt Moran wheelhouse, North Bondi Fish is the ideal spot for any dad who loves nothing more than ocean views and a stacked plate of seafood — no matter the special occasion. As a special Father's Day offer, dad can take full advantage of the menu, with additional specials being the seafood tower ($250 — pictured above) or the lobster smash burger for $45. Marking the occasion is a complimentary tequila tasting table, and dad can order any house beer, wine or cocktail to get his first drink on the house. [caption id="attachment_1018496" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] The Gidley, CBD If dad is a steak fiend, he's probably familiar with this legendary CBD steakhouse. From the team behind the similarly excellent Bistecca, it's a subterranean hot spot that takes your phone away for maximum immersion, but makes up for it with a superb ribeye and top-shelf bites big and small. For dad's day, The Gidley is offering a $160pp Sunday roast, pricey yes, but well worth it for a father with a taste for the finer things. He'll get confit duck cigars, aged swordfish steak and butter beans, a rib roast, English sliced beef and grilled flank steak served with red wine jus and a dessert of apple crumble, marnier custard and the famous Gidley pecan pie. Needless to say, maybe it's worth skipping breakfast for this one. The Bank, Newtown King Street icon The Bank is joining a wider offering as a Solotel venue, but still stands as a top choice for any inner west local dads. For starters, dad can make the most of that famous beer garden with a complimentary tap brew at his convenience. Food-wise, the usual pub menu is a solid pick for any Father's Day feast, but as a part of the festivities, The Bank (and 18 of its Solotel siblings across Sydney) is offering a plate of barbecued meats for a generous $35. That comes with beef brisket, kransky sausage, onion rings, hot dinner rolls, pickles, slaw and Fancy Hanks BBQ Sauce. That's enough to make any dad take off a belt notch or two. Armorica, Surry Hills Perhaps your dad is a fan of French fare? If so, this Surry Hills outpost from the Franca team is the perfect spot to treat the father figure in your life. While the full Armorica menu is on offer on Father's Day — including the restaurant's famous chocolate bar for dessert — the kitchen is offering a special steak frites menu to celebrate all the meat-loving dads. There are four different steak options available, ranging from a special little treat to an all-out dose of extravagance. Take your pick from the 250-gram sirloin ($39), the 250-gram flat iron ($49), the wagyu sirloin ($139) or the one-kilo t bone ($169). All four options are served with a side of fries and your choice of béarnaise, mushroom, mustard or bone marrow butter. Happyfield, Haberfield Tucked into a corner of Ramsay Street in Haberfield is one of Sydney's best cafes, Happyfield. This sunny yellow spot knows how to nail breakfast, with stacks of pancakes paired with Pepe Saya butter; next-level brekkie burgers like the McLovin Muffin loaded with a chicken sausage patty, folded eggs, cheddar, chipotle mayo and 'happy' salt; and a 300g steak frite for the family members who like to eat lunch for breakfast. There's something for every dad here. Plenty of veggie options also grace the menu and the coffee list is extensive. Plus, if a boozy brunch is on the table, there's an adults-only section of the menu featuring espresso martinis, mimosas, boutique Australian wines and craft beers. Sinclair's, Penrith Way out west, the views don't get any better than when you're looking out over the Nepean, and that's the scenic backdrop for one of Penrith's top eateries; Sinclair's. The upstairs eatery to the beloved Log Cabin, it's ideal for fine dining that won't leave you wanting more, with a menu built on ingredients secured from local producers in an exclusive 50-km radius of the restaurant. For Father's Day, Head Chef Scott Mills has crafted a set menu for $95pp. Starters include Montecatini chorizo and king prawn, followed by entrees of Beef carpaccio with potato crumb and smoked lamb ribs with bourbon caramel. On the main front, there's Little joes' prime rib with coal-roasted jus with sides of triple-cooked Wilberforce potato with beef fat, confit garlic and thyme. For dessert? An oh-so-fancy Zokoko chocolate cigar, vanilla bean cheesecake mousse, and cocoa nibs. [caption id="attachment_707972" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leticia Almeida[/caption] The Baxter Inn, CBD If you want to truly treat the special man in your life, The Baxter Inn in Sydney's CBD is hosting a special Father's Day celebration. This one is for the whisky-loving fathers, with a guided tasting through rare whiskies available at the charming inner-city bar for $260 per person. Attendees will be treated to tastings of and a guided trip through some of the hardest-to-find and off-the-beaten-path spirits from around the world at the hands of some of the whisky industry's most in-the-know folks. OUT OF TOWN: Distillery Botanica, Erina If dad lives outside of Sydney, there are still plenty of top-notch options for Father's Day. On the Central Coast is a whimsical garden distillery that produces some of the finest gin and liquers this side of the Hawkesbury, and it's hosting a special event for the occasion. Starting at 1.30pm, you and dad will be treated to a gin and tonic on arrival, before a guided oyster shucking and tasting experience from the Broken Bay Pearl Farm team, then a mix-your-own-martini class using Distilley Botanica's range of award-winning gin and botanicals grown on site. For more out-of-town ideas, check out our list of the best regional NSW restaurants.
It's getting to that time of year when the idea of putting some original thought into gifts can start to seem too noble a cause — especially when a Myer giftcard is just in arm's reach. But it doesn't have to be so difficult. Whether you've made a dent on your gift shopping list or not (because let's face it, you probably haven't), take note of these online stores perfect for uncommon and sure-to-delight Christmas gifts. SORRY THANKS I LOVE YOU Sorry Thanks I Love You is making gift-giving less torturous and more fun again with a quiz that helps you track down the ultimate gift. By asking a few questions ('What were they like a kid?' or 'What would they do with 24 hours in NYC?'), Sorry Thanks I Love You actually tailors their gift list to your loved one. It does help if your gift recipient is a fan of artisanal creature comforts as gourmet food and beverages, flowers and accessories are what Sorry Thanks I Love You does best. www.sorrythanksiloveyou.com OXFAM SHOP Regret purchases are virtually nonexistent at Oxfam's online shop, which features handmade, Fair Trade gifts crafted by skilled people from 136 producer groups in 38 different countries. Boasting a wide variety of homewares, fashion accessories and gourmet food and drink, Oxfam Shop has answered your Christmas gift shopping prayers with presents for your 96-year-old grandmother down to your two-year-old niece all neatly taken care of. And let's not forget how delicious fair trade chocolate can be. www.oxfamshop.org.au THIS IS WHY I'M BROKE Collating the wackiest gifts from all corners of the internet, This Is Why I'm Broke will perplex and amaze you, or at least, make you laugh audibly at some of the downright ridiculous things on sale. With edge-only brownie pans, suit pajamas, crystal-clear canoes and countless other brilliant inventions, it does take a bit of trawling to find just the right gift, but once you start, there's no knowing when you'll stop. Don't blame us if you forget you're not shopping for yourself. www.thisiswhyimbroke.com HUNTING FOR GEORGE Hunting for George is the project of Melbourne-based sisters Jo Harris and Lucy Glade-Wright who hand-pick local and international pieces which accord with their own brand's emphasis on quality and originality. Featuring creatively curated gift guides and product descriptions that feel less like manufacturer dribble and more like a friend's recommendation, Hunting For George is gift hunting without the headache. It's the place to go for indoor/outdoor Milk & Sugar stools, pastel-splashed Pop & Scott plant pots and Iris Hantverk's old-school birchwood house essentials. www.huntingforgeorge.com SIX THINGS Following an Alice in Wonderland guiding light — "Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast" — Six Things is the prime place to shop for gifts for the friend who can quote entire movies backwards. Founded by the Queensland-based designers at j6 design, Six Things allows you to shop by theme or by type and discover people-pleasing gifts like Tea-Rex mugs, ghetto car fresheners or Pulp Fiction/Sesame Street fusion cushion covers. Alternatively, slip into the rabbit hole and treat your friend (or even yourself) to a mystery blind date… with a book. www.sixthings.com.au SOCIETY6 Founded by Justin Cooper, Lucas Tirigall-Caste and Justin Wills, Society6 is breathing new life into printed clothes, wall art and homewares. Shop for your gifts on Society6 if you think your partner's shower curtains need some refreshing, or if your best friend's wall clock is looking a bit drab. Society6 sources artwork from thousands of artists worldwide and allows artists to actually profit from sales without giving up their creative rights. A printed iPhone case never felt so morally good. www.society6.com MOMA DESIGN STORE The MoMA Design Store is a special place. One of New York City's most exciting galleries, it has a number of retail spaces where you can purchase all of the designy gifts you have ever wanted. And if you can't just fly over to New York for a shopping weekend anytime soon, they've got you covered with their comprehensive online store, which provides modest international shipping rates to Australia. www.momastore.org ETSY Cutesy might be the first thing you think of when someone says Etsy, but there's no denying that Etsy is queen of the online boutique, hosting over 1 million online handcraft and vintage stores from all across the globe. If searching for the perfect gift among Etsy's online treasure trove is a bit daunting, we recommend eyeing the Etsy Design Award Nominees, a handpicked bunch of designers that stand a little taller than the rest. www.etsy.com THE DOWNTIME AGENDA Keeping true to this website's policy of absolute zen, your Christmas shopping for those who do their downtime right — from curling up with a scented candle to finding inner peace with earthy incense — is right here at the click of a button. With selections of gift packs for mothers, gardeners and blanket enthusiasts, the Downtime Agenda has all your 'chilling' needs covered. If your zen friend is not so much the materialistic type, you can also buy 'experiences' such as yoga classes and 'blend your own gin' workshops. www.thedowntimeagenda.com HARD TO FIND This hidden Australian gem brings together all the best elements of gift shopping and makes them super easy to find, putting presents for Christmas, birthdays, friends, dads, grandmas and girlfriends together for a beautifully designed stroll through the online market. Hard To Find offers an array of treasures sourced from across Australia and around the world, with gifts from France, England and beyond sure to satisfy even the pickiest family member on Christmas morning. www.hardtofind.com.au UNCOMMON GOODS From a water bottle for your dog to personalised whiskey barrels, Uncommon Goods definitely delivers what it promises, alongside a host of more sophisticated, grandmother-approved gifts for the whole family Christmas. This website has a particular section for more fun and quirky gifts, along with a section entirely for all your festive needs, allowing you to choose personalised wares that suit everybody's individual style. www.uncommongoods.com JAPAN TREND SHOP Have you ever woken up in the morning, looked in the mirror, and realised you absolutely can't go without a Panasonic Beauty Ion Effector? Neither have we, but you can buy one at the Japan Trend Shop — if you can believe it. With a range of beauty wears including USB-heated leggings and boiled egg-shaped headbands, this kitsch online emporium really does stock whatever you can imagine. www.japantrendshop.com HIM & 1 Specialising in all that is fine and functional across household goods, art and body care products, Him & I is a wholesome Australian online store that houses the current obsessions of site creators Kara and Josh. From boldly coloured bedding by Kip & Co and sophisticated watches by The Horse to simple tableware by Made in Japan and earthy art designs by Kristina Krogh, Him&I is a feast of gift ideas by brands definitely not seen at your nearest Westfield. www.himandi.com.au By Katie Davern, Eden Faithfull and Matthew Abotomey. Top image: Basil Bangs, available at Hunting for George.
Two Chaps is one of the best things you'll find behind a garage roller door in Sydney. The Chapel Street cafe has a strong following among vegetarians and pastry lovers, and for good reason — everything on the menu is vego and the kitchen bakes all its own bread and pastries. Plus, almost everything can be done vegan or gluten-free. There are two menus on offer, the day menu and the Two Chaps night menu. The day menu features pastries, brioche burgers — such as the spiced pumpkin version with onion jam, mint coconut yogurt, and pickled beetroot — as well as a seasonal salad bowl and eggs on sourdough. For drinks, there are a range of coffees and teas to choose from and an array of cold drinks, including smoothies, cold brew and a fruity frappe, if you're feeling fancy. You can drop by and purchase the aforementioned baked goods each day — along with one of three daily sandwich options — or sit in for what is one of Sydney's best brunches. Keep in mind — the cafe kitchen closes at 2:30pm daily. Alternatively, the night menu features a set dinner menu, alongside vegan and gluten-free alterations. Think stracciatella with grilled radicchio; handmade polenta with porcini sauce and rosemary oil; and cauliflower gratin with confit leek and pangrattato. For dessert, the roast banana mille-feullie and the mandarin granita are the perfect way to end a satisfying meal. For vegan and gluten free alternatives the friendly staff will guide you through the ever changing options. The set menu requires reservations, so make sure to book either the 6pm or 8:15pm time slots. There is also a BYO policy with a small corkage fee. Images: Alana Dimou. Appears in: The Best Degustations Under $100 in Sydney The Best Cafes in Sydney Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
In the words of The Little Mermaid, "it's better, down where it's wetter". For a city that's oft-accused of being surface-heavy, Sydney has a lot going on beneath. More than 500 species roam the harbour and surrounds — from flamboyant weedy sea dragons to green turtles and (thankfully) blunt-headed Port Jackson sharks. So, when the hectic pace of life on top gets you down, don your flippers and head underwater at one of the best Sydney snorkelling spots, where time slows to a delightfully dreamy tempo. Here are 13 of the most lively, colourful and intricate snorkelling spots around Sydney, from the crystalline waters of Little Bay to the rocky outcrops of Manly's Cabbage Tree Bay and the surreal seagrass beds of The Basin, Pittwater. Recommended reads: The Best Ocean Pools in Sydney The Best Waterfalls to Swim Under Near Sydney The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Rivers to Swim in Near Sydney [caption id="attachment_704431" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] LITTLE MANLY COVE Little Manly Cove is made for slow, gentle, relaxing snorkelling. Your best bet is to start on the outside of the swimming enclosure's western wall and follow it all the way around to the rocks on the eastern side. Stick alongside them until you hit the point before heading back. If you're keen for further adventure, Collins Flat and Store Beaches are short strolls away. This is also one of our favourite spots for kayaking near Sydney. [caption id="attachment_704433" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CABBAGE TREE BAY Like the Bronte-Coogee stretch, Cabbage Tree Bay is in an aquatic reserve. It comprises 20 hectares, between Manly Beach's southern end and the northern tip of Shelly Beach Headland. Most of the time, visibility is extraordinarily good and the diversity of critters Great Barrier-level impressive. The most convenient place to begin is Shelly Beach. Follow the reef along the headland or jump in at the boat ramp and swim alongside the walkway. Prepare to meet flounder, flathead, goatfish, old wives, fiddler rays and sharks — namely Port Jacksons, wobbegongs and, between January and June, young dusky whalers. [caption id="attachment_704435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] THE BASIN, KU-RING-GAI This escapade takes you into new territory. Safe within the shelter of Pittwater, you'll discover the alternative universe created by seagrass beds. The star attraction is sea horses, but you'll also cross paths with starfish, cuttlefish, bream, leather jackets and, during the warmer months, tropical species. If you want a helping hand, book a tour with Eco Treasures. To make a weekend of it, take your tent and stay overnight in The Basin campground. The Basin is only accessible by water (or via a 2.8-kilometre track from West Head Road car park) — catch a ferry from Palm Beach. [caption id="attachment_663537" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paros Huckstepp[/caption] CLOVELLY Like Little Bay (below), Clovelly is a safe, reassuring place to start for inexperienced snorkellers. Unless a storm is brewing at sea, the waters are tranquil and it's easy to get in and out via concrete steps. The most renowned underwater resident(s) is Bluey, a 1.2-metre long blue groper, who was allegedly murdered in 2002 and 2005, but keeps making mysterious returns. The entire Bronte-Coogee coastline is an aquatic reserve, so, in addition to Bluey (and his offspring), there's a wealth of marine life. By the way, killing a groper — New South Wales's official fish — can provoke a fine of up to $22,000. [caption id="attachment_703766" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Taso Viglas via Flickr[/caption] KURNELL Famous for being the Captain Cook's 1770 landing space, Kurnell is also where you'll find one of the city's busiest underwater communities. For an easy entry point, try Silver Beach, from where you can swim east towards Kamay Botany Bay National Park, passing Cook's obelisk on the way. Keep your eyes peeled for giant cuttlefish, moray eels, sea horses, Port Jacksons and firetruck red weedy sea dragons, decorated with bright blue stripes and canary yellow spots. Fur seals make occasional visits, too. [caption id="attachment_704432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BARE ISLAND Just north of Kurnell, across the mouth of Botany Bay, lies Bare Island. Arrive on a weekend and you'll be sharing with lots of scuba divers; it's one of the most popular diving sites in not only Sydney but also New South Wales. If the island looks familiar despite your having not visited before, that's because you saw it in Mission Impossible II (remember the villain's lair?). The western side has good visibility and vibrant sponge gardens filled with life, including red Indian fish and gurnards, while the eastern coast is hugged by a rocky reef. A footbridge connects the island to the mainland. [caption id="attachment_703769" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TotyVox via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] LITTLE BAY For snorkelling newbies, Little Bay is a treat. Rocky headlands provide excellent protection from the behemoth Pacific, so the water is almost always calm and clear. Shy, delicate creatures thrive here, from sea anemones and black urchins to squid and tiny fish, travelling in large, brilliant schools. The beach has toilet and change rooms about half way down the steep timber staircase that leads to the beach. [caption id="attachment_703770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam JWC via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] MALABAR BEACH Just north of Little Bay is Malabar Beach, which is home to not one but two shipwrecks. In 1931, the MV Malabar was travelling to Sydney from Singapore when it smashed into the headland. Everyone on board survived, but the ship (or bits of it, at least) are still in the sea. As are parts of the HMAS Goolgwai, which hit rocks and was wrecked here 24 years later in 1955. It's a hit with divers, and, when visibility's good, snorkellers can check them out, too. Meanwhile, an abundance of octopuses, sting rays and assorted fish will keep you company. [caption id="attachment_704430" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GORDONS BAY Hidden between Clovelly and Coogee Beaches, Gordons Bay is one of the eastern suburbs' prettiest spots. And it's the only snorkelling destination on this list with a dedicated underwater nature trail. Like the MV Malabar wreck, it's gold for divers, but, thanks to the bay's incredibly clear waters, snorkellers can also enjoy it on most days. Simply follow the series of sunken drums, linked by chains, each of which gives you info about local submarine dwellers, from starfish, sponges, urchins and anemones to cuttlefish, spotted goatfish and garfish. FISHERMANS BEACH, LONG REEF This one's inside yet another aquatic reserve: Long Reef, which covers 76 hectares between Collaroy's rock pools and the Long Reef SLSC. Most of it features rocky shores and wild surf, but lovely, sandy, sheltered Fishermans Beach is an exception. Watch out for feather stars, sea stars, heart urchins and sea slugs (also known by the more elegant name nudibranchs). OAK PARK Oak Park is one of Sydney's largest marine sites with tons of diverse marine life to ogle in your goggles. It's also a perfect spot to start your journey if you're a bit green — you can just start in the tidal pools to warm up, then move into the sea. Divers say seahorses and turtles are frequently spotted here. And, if you've been around the underwater block a few times, Oak Park is phenomenal for scuba diving, too. SOUTH BONDI Ah, Bondi. Australia's most famous beach gets an honourable mention for being its iconic self — and because it has an aptly named spot on its south end: Flat Rock. Flat Rock is ideal for a wondrous day strapped into flippers. Though be careful, the sea must be fairly calm to snorkel here. You can check to see if it's diveable from Wilga Street, which is the best way to get down to the snorkel spot. And make sure you look for slight south-easterly swells, otherwise you want it almost dead calm. If not, you'll want to head somewhere else for your snorkeling adventure. WATTAMOLLA BEACH Wattamolla Beach is like something from your most picturesque, lagoon swimming, bushwalking, beach picnicking dreams. If the emerald-clear water isn't enough to get you jumping in the car and driving an hour south from Sydney, then the Royal National Park it lies in will. The water at this beach is so incredibly calm, it's a family favourite for snorkelling and liloing.
If you could picture the kind of Italian restaurant you'd like in your neighbourhood, you'd probably picture Matteo. In the old Limoncello digs in Double Bay, you'll find friendly service, great booze and a thumping big pizza oven that warms up the whole space with doughy and cheesy aromas. The persuasive simplicity of its menu is personified in the burrata panzanella with heirloom cherry tomatoes, cucumber, gazpacho and croutons. The saute mussels with chilli and garlic is divine while the beef tartare is perfection. The first thing you notice walking into the space is the deceptively simple, and really beautiful design. The full grey terrazzo marble bar, painted brick walls and diamond tiles — both in cream — and blonde timber tables and chairs. But the real hero is the sizeable exposed kitchen and matte white cladded wood-fired pizza oven with the most beautiful pale mint panelling encasing it. Matteo manages to feel bright and summery but also intimate and stylish for the evening. Bravo. The linguini hits all the right notes with fresh king prawns, shaved zucchini, heirloom cherry tomatoes and bottarga; it has everything you want from a dish like this. The staff are confident, quick and on-point with a wine suggestion of a crisp Fattoria Uccelliera Pinot Bianco Viognier from Italy. Matteo's is home to some damn fine pizza as well — expect a perfectly charred, soft base topped with sparse, quality ingredients. The funghi option with porcini mushrooms, gorgonzola, pancetta and evoo manages to be big on flavour without being too rich. The ternderloin eye-fillet with truffle mash and mirto jus is another fab addition to the menu. Finish the night off with a Fernet-Branca amaro and tiramisu and things are looking good. The simplicity of the formula, paired with the confidence in its delivery makes Matteo a very lovely local indeed. Images: Steven Woodburn. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney
Since 2023, Shadow Baking has seen three current and former Gelato Messina head chefs turn their attention from gelato to pastries. Now the trio is kicking things off a little earlier, with a brand-new breakfast menu served exclusively at Messina's Marrickville HQ. So, what can you expect from this dine-in offering? Croissant loaf french toast with maple butter, crème anglaise and a scoop of gelato will satisfy any sweet cravings, while a pork sausage and egg bun served with a potato rosti and apple cider hollandaise is another brekkie treat. There are fresh takes on classics too, like the avo on toasted focaccia with whipped feta, confit tomato and jammy egg. The drinks menu hasn't been forgotten either, with a well-rounded coffee selection featuring beans from Toby's Estate. The Marrickville HQ will also be serving Nitro Coffee — that's cold brew with added nitrogen for maximum creaminess — and a strawberry matcha topped with pandan foam. Served every Thursday–Sunday from 8am–12pm, Shadow Baking's breakfast menu might just become your new morning ritual. And don't worry, if you're just swinging by for your usual pastry and coffee combo, the full spectrum of baked goods is still up for grabs.
The World's Best 50 Hotels has named The Calile in Brisbane the top place to stay in the whole of Australia and Oceania not once but twice. Nigella Lawson has sung its praises recently. It's been one of the River City's finest homes away from home ever since first opening in 2018. Holidaymakers flock to the Fortitude Valley spot, including Brisbanites for staycations and out-of-towners for resort-style getaways. Soon, you'll have a second The Calile to stay at further north. As initially announced back in 2022, the group behind The Calile has plans for a new site on the Sunshine Coast. Now, that proposal has just been given final approval. The destination for The Calile's expansion beyond James Street: Noosa, where the brand's sub-tropical look and feel will fit in perfectly. Calile Malouf Investments CMI), the group behind The Calile, has announced that Noosa Shire Council approved the final plans for The Calile Noosa on Thursday, October 17, 2024 after a two-year process. Work can now begin in early 2025, with construction expected to take three years. The next must-stay Noosa hotel will sit on a 2.4-hectare site at 3–7 Serenity Close in Noosa Heads, and feature 153 rooms, 29 suites and four villas. Yes, it's going to be a sprawling venue, which'll apply within the broader location and in the rooms themselves. That's one of the key points of focus for CMI's plans, alongside soaking in that sub-tropical vibe — complete with gardens, which have helped make The Calile in Fortitude Valley what it is. [caption id="attachment_909119" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St[/caption] "We worked collaboratively with the Noosa Council and fine-tuned the scheme to ensure we addressed the planning scheme and community expectations," said The Calile co-owner and CMI Director Michael Malouf. "Resort sites are often at risk of being ceded to multinational hotel companies who impose incongruous designs and standards upon the local community. By contrast, The Calile is a homegrown Southeast Queensland brand with an implicit understanding of the local culture, climate, community, demographic and attributes," he continued. [caption id="attachment_694714" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] Accordingly, your future trips to Noosa should see you roaming around a coastal resort surrounded by lush bushland, taking a dip in several pools — one stretching 50 metres, the other in a garden — and chasing your bliss in the site's wellness facilities. When you recline to your rooms, you'll be relaxing in sizeable surroundings, with 45 square metres the standard hotel-room space. Guests will also be making the most of The Calile's second hotel to be designed by architects Richard and Spence, as Brisbane's is. Mark a 2028 visit in your diary now. Plus, sustainability will be a focus, with carbon-neutral operations the target. [caption id="attachment_973398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Cieran Murphy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_856487" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_973394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Cieran Murphy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_694716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] The Calile Noosa is set to open by 2028 at 3–7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads. In the interim, find Brisbane's The Calile Hotel at 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley.
"I never want a guest to walk away hungry — ample sauce is a must." This is the mantra of chef Hamish Ingham when it comes to his Redfern eatery Redbird. Ingham met his partner in crime Rebecca Lines while they were working at Billy Kwong. And now, the hospitality power couple behind the likes of Bar H, Banksii and Tequila Daisy has brought the skills they learnt back in the Crown Street kitchen to this Redfern Street venue. Redbird presents simple and fresh takes on classic modern Chinese dishes using local and native ingredients. Sydney rock oysters ($6–6.50) and steamed ginger Murray cod ($49) make an appearance on the menu, alongside sticky caramelised pork belly ($34.50), prawn toasts ($18) and Sichuan-braised eggplant ($18.50). "I also want them to experience that perfect meeting of salty, sweet and sour that has kept me coming back to this style of cooking for 22 years and counting," says Ingham. The signature dish on the menu is the eponymous red bird (market price). Which bird just happens to be the subject of this dish will change regularly, ranging from chicken to pigeon to duck. But what stays the same is the treatment, the poultry poached in an aromatic Cantonese red braise. Other highlights on the menu include chilli-spiced lotus root chips ($7.50), five spice tofu salad ($18.50), pork and scallop wontons ($18), and stir-fried beef fillet ($65). For dessert, you can opt for the lighter strawberry and Sichuan spice sorbet ($15), or double down on the indulgence by ordering the jasmine custard with verjuice caramel ($13.50), or perhaps some Sichuan caramel chocolate truffles ($8). There's also a hefty cocktail menu here at Redbird, featuring sips like the Redfern sour ($19) — a mix of Bacardi Blanca, Pernod, osmanthus syrup, mint and lime leaf — and a jasmine margarita ($23) made with Patron Reposado, yuzushu, jasmine syrup, and a smoke and salt bitter. The inviting dining room is defined by exposed brick, recycled timber and terrazzo tiles, while a 20-seat al fresco dining area out on Redfern Street provides a perfect people-watching vantage point.
A 275-square-metre hotel suite is bigger than the average new Australian home — and Australia builds larger-than-average new homes — let alone a standard apartment. Splash some cash to stay on the Gold Coast from 2026 onwards, and that massive space could be yours for a night or several. Its home: the Glitter Strip's just-announced new Ritz-Carlton hotel, which will join a $480-million waterfront development at Mariner's Cove in Main Beach. If that expansive — and clearly pricey — suite won't fit your budget, the swanky spot will feature 149 other rooms, plus a range of eating, drinking and hangout options. Expect to still treat yo'self cost-wise, however. A signature restaurant will serve bites to eat, as will a cafe, while there'll be three bars: a lobby lounge, a destination bar and a poolside bar. Speaking of swims, the Gold Coast's Ritz-Carlton will boast an outdoor rooftop pool, too, so just think of the views while you're taking a dip. Boasting the signature Ritz-Carlton Spa for pampering sessions, too, plus a 512-square-metre ballroom for functions and parties, the Mariner's Cove site will mark the hotel chain's third in Australian when it opens. At present, it operates in Perth, and will also open an outpost in Melbourne in 2023. Next stop from there: the Goldie. While the Sunshine State tourist spot doesn't lack in hotels near the ocean, the Ritz-Carlton's waterfront location is still set to be a huge drawcard — alongside the luxury the brand is known for. Given the spot, it'll also be in close vicinity to a heap of waterfront restaurants and bars, the Broadwater and beaches. "Once opened, the resort expects to set a new benchmark for luxury on Australia's Gold Coast with the property's enviable waterfront location," said Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific at Marriott International, which owns the Ritz-Carlton. It's a booming time for big-name hotels either heading to or spreading through Australia, with The Langham launching on the Gold Coast earlier in 2022, Ace Hotels launching its first Down Under site this year and The Waldorf Astoria on its way to Sydney in 2025. You can never have too many staycation/vacation options, though. The Ritz-Carlton is set to open in 2026 in Mariner's Cove, 60–70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach. We'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced. 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.
There are times to be sensible, and there are times to treat yourself. If you fancy the latter right now, you're in luck — Sydney is blessed with heaps of dreamy destinations within a stone's throw. As long as you have the credit card to back it up, of course. We've rounded up 15 of the best luxury hotels, resorts, villas and stays in New South Wales — from architectural masterpieces and luxe vineyard escapes to next-level beach houses and seven-bedroom dream homes that'll fit all of your mates. But be prepared to splash some cash, these retreats are in a class (and price point) of their own. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Spas in Sydney The Best Glamping Sites Near Sydney SPICERS SANGOMA RETREAT, BLUE MOUNTAINS Spicers Sangoma Retreat is comprised of five luxury suites that are perched on the eastern edges of the Blue Mountain ranges overlooking the Nepean River delta below. Each of the accommodations is surrounded by nature and decked out with all the top luxury fittings. Find king-size beds, fireplaces, private heated plunge pools, under floor heating, outdoor decks, kitchenettes, baths with views and heaps of space to relax within. You can even dine on the property at the hatted Restaurant Amara, where degustations are the name of the game — forever changing depending on what local and seasonal produce is available to the chefs. THE CAPE AT WATEGOS, BYRON BAY If you're after a laidback luxury stay with uninterrupted sea views, then these Byron Bay lodges should more than do the trick. The Cape at Wategos sits above the area's much-loved Wategos Beach (backed by a national park) and is super close to a bunch of great restaurants and bars. It has the ideal blend of feeling totally remote but still close to Byron Bay's fun stuff. Choose from one of the two-bedroom suites — each with massive private decks overlooking the beach — or go for the large Residence that sleeps up to six guests. Expect stark white interiors, Hampton-style furnishings, spacious kitchens and living areas, an infinity swimming pool and comfy king-sized beds. Either spend all your days up at the lodges or take a short walk down for afternoons of swimming and surfing with mates. [caption id="attachment_778161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] EMIRATES ONE & ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY, BLUE MOUNTAINS This eco‐friendly resort is surrounded by all of the things you know and love about the Blue Mountains: endless greenery, wilderness and misty mountaintops. And you can take it all in while experiencing the utmost luxury that Emirates One&Only's 7000 acres have to offer. The resort's villas each offer a private swimming pool, veranda and fireplace. The property's grounds also include a communal swimming pool, a tennis court, spa, sauna, steam room and an array of outdoor experiences. If that isn't enough, there's a restaurant boasting seasonal menus, a wine cellar and a bar — pouring 1832 Wolgan Gin, which is distilled locally. [caption id="attachment_720481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Aitchison and Baille Lodge, courtesy of Destination NSW.[/caption] CAPELLA LODGE, LORD HOWE ISLAND If you're taking the trip to Lord Howe, why not stay in the island's most opulent resort? At Capella Lodge, you don't need to choose between mountain, lush rainforest or striking ocean views — this super-luxe hotel offers all three. The boutique accommodation has been operating for over a decade and has become an Australian icon, especially after its $4 million facelift a few years ago. Views include the island's twin peaks, Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, along with pristine Pacific Ocean coral reef. In summer months, cool off in the onsite pool, or take a short walk down to the nearby beach. You can also enjoy one of the many long hikes in the region, followed by a relaxing treatment at the hotel's spa. SEIDLER HOUSE, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Seidler House is one of Australia's great architectural masterpieces — thanks to famed architect Harry Seidler. But did you know that you (and all of your closest friends) can actually book a stay here? The four-bedroom, futuristic-looking home is dramatically built into the cliff's sandstone rock formation and offers unobstructed views across the Southern Highlands. Expect sweeping vistas of the Wingecarribee River gorge, with plenty of balconies, patios and viewing decks to enjoy those views. Other key features include an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue and wood fireplace. Plus 150 acres of private gardens and two kilometres of river frontage to explore. And it's located a short 90-minute drive from Sydney, so is great for a weekend away with your fanciest mates. LASCALA HOLIDAY HOUSE, WOY WOY This seven-bedroom home is made for big groups of mates or a couple of families who are looking for a glam getaway on the Central Coast. You can squeeze up to 22 people on beds. And it still doesn't feel cramped. That's thanks to the large rooms, plenty of common areas and the stunning pool that overlooks the water. The Lascala Holiday House even has its own bar, billiards room, squash court and tennis court. This is the kind of place you'll remember staying at forever. [caption id="attachment_778158" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart for DNSW[/caption] PRETTY BEACH HOUSE, BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK Located within the gorgeous surrounds of the Bouddi National Park, the Pretty Beach House is not your average waterfront stay. As the name suggests, the resort is set above the escarpment of Pretty Beach and is located just 90 minutes north of Sydney. The exclusive retreat is home to just four villas, which include bayview split-level pavilions and treetop penthouses — each of which features separate king-sized bedrooms, log fireplaces and sandstone flooring. Then there's the main house, which offers guests unfettered access to an open bar, wine cellar, outdoor infinity pool and poolside pizza oven. Indoors, there is an open-plan kitchen, an expansive dining room, a huge sandstone fireplace and a library, all of which are yours to enjoy to the fullest. [caption id="attachment_718055" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] MONA FARM, BRAIDWOOD Mona Farm's luxurious yet homely farm is the perfect excuse for an out-of-town holiday. Located a three-hour drive south of Sydney in the town of Braidwood, the property is part luxury farm stay, part nature retreat and part art gallery. The country estate offers six historic farmhouses that have been luxuriously revamped by Australian architecture heavyweights. Beyond the accommodation, over 20 Australian and international sculptors have installed works throughout the gardens and grounds, giving the natural surrounds a modern appeal. And it really is a working farm, with Scottish Highland cattle, English Wiltshire Horn sheep, Wessex Saddleback pigs and Clydesdale horses all sharing the land — and platypuses, long-necked turtles and rainbow trout sharing the lake. BEACHCOMBER HOTEL & RESORT, TOUKLEY The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort is an iconic waterfront destination located in the heart of the Central Coast, Toukley. With sweeping waterfront views, Hamptons-inspired ambience, boutique-style accommodation, an exclusive pool club and multiple eateries and bars, it's a damn good place to switch into holiday mode. Be sure to also check out its list of weekly events for live gigs, DJ sets and food and drink deals — taco and tequila Tuesdays are not to be missed. [caption id="attachment_774383" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BANNISTERS, PORT STEPHENS Bannisters Port Stephens is one opulent escape. The resort overlooks the Soldiers Point beachfront and offers 80 Hamptons-inspired suites — four of which are super-luxe one-bedroom suites with expansive ocean-view balconies and one of which is the over-the-top penthouse. A few of the rooms are also dog-friendly, with easy access to outdoors and walking distance to Wanda Beach. Other onsite indulgences include a seafood-heavy restaurant by an acclaimed Chef Rick Stein, a terrace bar with an infinity pool and a beer garden. These rooms understandably book out quickly, so be sure to plan in advance. [caption id="attachment_812064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BENDOOLEY ESTATE, BERRIMA The 200-acre property that makes up Bendooley Estate doesn't just offer a cellar door — it's also home to a luxe restaurant, an alfresco cafe, an outpost of the much-loved Berkelouw bookshop and an extravagant cottage stay. Located in gorgeous surrounds just 90 minutes outside of Sydney, the estate's cottages are perfect for a quick escape out of the city. Choose from up to three-bedroom layouts, each of which offers lakeside, valley or stunning vineyard views, which brings us to the added benefit of being able to fully enjoy the cellar door's wines without having to drive home. The winery serves up some of the best drops in the Southern Highlands, and also boasts a large fire and daily lunch service. BLACKBIRD, BYRON HINTERLAND Blackbird takes bed-and-breakfast to a new level, with its three high-end pavilions, views across the Pacific Ocean and tropical landscape. Each one-bedroom villa accommodates two guests and offers a large verandah, a Moroccan-tiled ensuite with a freestanding bathtub, a king-sized bed with Egyptian cotton linen, a fireplace and an outdoor barbecue. There's also a ten-metre magnesium mineral pool on site, and you'll receive complimentary champagne and local produce on arrival, plus breakfast each morning. Set on acres of rainforest in the Byron Hinterland, this is a retreat for nature-lovers. Heaps of outdoor activities are within easy access of your doorstep, including kayaking, mountain-biking and bushwalks, and the secluded spot is great for star gazing. Grab a few mates and book out the entire resort for a truly special getaway. ANCHORAGE PORT STEPHENS, PORT STEPHENS Anchorage Port Stephens is as waterfront as it gets. Many suites come with their own north-facing balcony or terrace, giving you dreamy views of the bay, foregrounded by the Anchorage Marina and backdropped by Corrie Island. The spacious interiors take inspiration from The Hamptons — think crisp, white linen and pale timber furnishings, splashed with blues and oranges. There's a variety of rooms on offer, from one- and two-bedroom loft suites to self-contained villas. This luxe resort also boasts a pool, day spa and two onsite restaurants, making it a true escape from your day-to-day. WHITEVALE ESTATE, HUNTER VALLEY A rather extravagant country retreat, Whitevale Estate will show you a whole new side of Hunter Valley. Drive down a tree-lined driveway to reach this expansive home, which fits you and up to 17 of your nearest and dearest. The open plan space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with native bushland views, a vaulted lounge area with wood fireplace, galley kitchen, large leather sofas and a separate games room with a custom pool table, bar fridge and tele. Then there's the outdoor kitchen, which comes complete with another huge concrete table, a five-burner barbecue, a built-in esky and an adjoining in-ground pool. The seven bedrooms and six bathrooms include a master suite that features a herringbone-tiled hydro spa bath, marble walk-in rain shower, double vanity and expansive walk-in dressing room. It's safe to say you'll be fighting over this room. [caption id="attachment_812116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nat Hallyer[/caption] SUNDARA BEACH HOUSE, SOUTH COAST Just steps from Werri Beach, Sundara Beach House is a two-storey retreat that is as luxurious as it gets. Its seven bedrooms sleep 14 people and feature stunning ocean, farmland views. The house is decked out with top-notch facilities including the ten-metre heated saltwater pool with a spa and adjacent Weber barbecue, a detached games room with a pool table and bar, and two lounges — one of which includes a fireplace and large windows that offer regular dolphin and whale sightings. For things to do when you're not in the lap of luxury, check out the nearby Gerringong town centre, which boasts award-winning restaurants, cafes and wineries. The oceanfront property is also five minutes from the Kiama Coast Walk. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top image: Pretty Beach by Anson Smart for DNSW.
Maybe your day hasn't truly started until you've had your caffeine fix. Perhaps you like the ritual of the coffee shop experience. Or, you might just love pairing your cuppa with a cafe spread. Whichever applies, you'll have your favourite spots for a coffee — and you'll know that not all venues slinging it are created equal. According to the first-ever Top 100 Coffee Shops list, the very best place for a cuppa on the planet is Down Under. Toby's Estate Sydney flagship cafe and roastery in Chippendale in has been named the best in the world in the inaugural ranking, which made its picks based on the quality of coffee, barista experience and customer service, as well as each venue's approach to innovation, ambience and atmosphere, plus its sustainability practices, food and pastry quality, and consistency. Combined, Australia and New Zealand account for a tenth of the list, with eight other Aussie spots joining Toby's Estate, alongside one from Aotearoa. Two of those other Australian coffee shops also made the top ten: Proud Mary in Melbourne at fourth and Coffee Anthology in Brisbane at eighth. From around the globe, they were joined by Onyx Coffee Lab in the USA at second, Gota Coffee Experts in Australia in third and Tim Wendelboe in Norway at fifth — then Singapore's Apartment Coffee taking sixth place, Kawa in France at seventh, Malaysia's Story of Ono in ninth and Colombia's Tropicalia Coffee at tenth. Back to Down Under coffee havens, Veneziano Coffee Roasters in Melbourne came in at 19th, fellow Melburnian Calēre Coffee ranked 28th, Adelaide's Exchange Coffee placed 37th and Fonzie Abbott in Brisbane took 70th spot. Next came Melbourne's Vacation Coffee at 71 and Seven Seeds, also in Melbourne, at 87. Flying the flag for NZ, Rocket Coffee in Hamilton notched up 62nd place. [caption id="attachment_733568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Proud Mary[/caption] So, in plenty of cities across Australia and Aotearoa, you've got no excuse to drink a subpar coffee. While Toby's Estate's Sydney flagship earned the list's love, it also has locations in Brisbane and Melbourne locally. "At Toby's Estate, coffee is at the heart of everything we do, and I think that's reflected in our customer's experience. Our whole team puts in an immense amount of effort to make the best coffee possible, so we're absolutely delighted to be awarded this incredible recognition," said the brand's General Manager Jody Leslie about the win. [caption id="attachment_992420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Toby's Estate[/caption] [caption id="attachment_935274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fonzie Abbott[/caption] [caption id="attachment_631878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vacation Coffee[/caption] [caption id="attachment_918220" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seven Seeds[/caption] [caption id="attachment_992421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Toby's Estate[/caption] For more details about the Top 100 Coffee Shops list, head to the ranking's website.
After opening in early 2023, Beau underwent a quickfire revamp before the end of the year. The result is a welcoming laneway restaurant and bar just 150-metres down from the team's flagship venue NOMAD. Beau 2.0 is a little more stripped back, shifting from two distinct dining concepts to one in order to place the focus on what's made NOMAD so beloved: fresh produce, flavour-packed dishes and quality wine. "We are relaunching our restaurant and wine bar with a better and more concise offering," NOMAD Group co-owner Rebecca Yazbek said. "We aren't trying to be everything, we've learnt what works." The charming laneway space blends the casual and the luxurious. You're welcomed by floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing light to stream in during lunch services Thursday through Saturday, with the addition of a black granite bar, leather banquette seating and a private dining room. Highlights from Head Chef Troy Spencer's menu include duck liver parfait tartlets, labneh- and chilli-topped broccolini, fried bread covered in padrons and anchovies, spanner crab spaghetti and Black Angus tri-tip served with bordelaise. Group Beverage Director Ged Bellis oversees the wine program alongside talented Head Sommelier Zoe Pyo. The pair have curated a crowd-pleasing slate of drops both by the glass and the bottle, with Beau offering a comprehensive selection thanks to its 600 temperature-controlled wine bins and taps. Hot tip: A table out on Franks Lane is calling out to be enjoyed on a sunny afternoon. Nab one of the al fresco seats and order a few oysters, some padron-topped fried bread and a standout glass of vino.
No matter who your favourite Marvel hero is, whether it's Iron Man, Captain America or Thor, you can't miss out on Marvel's Infinity Saga Concert Experience, coming to Sydney this December. The new film concert offers an immersive Marvel encounter, spanning 23 movies in one event, accompanied by live music from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. You can revisit the early days of the captivating saga and get up close and personal with all your heroes. Marvel's Infinity Saga Concert Experience combines the most memorable moments from the first 23 movies into one screening. Past heroes join forces with the next wave of Avengers, including Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and more. In terms of the music, you're in for a real treat. Conductor Benjamin Northey leads the Sydney Symphony Orchestra through Academy Award-winning scores by Ramin Djawadi, Alan Silvestri, and Ludwig Göransson. You can also expect a taste of the Guardians of the Galaxy mixtape. There's nothing quite like seeing your heroes on stage against the backdrop of the melodic sounds of one of the world's greatest orchestras. Relive the iconic series of films in this unforgettable concert experience live at the Sydney Opera House. Book tickets now. Images: Supplied.
This month, The Lakes Festival celebrates its tenth birthday. The festival is designed in homage to the Central Coast's lakes, waterways and community with a stellar program of 30-plus events dotted along the coast. The majority of the program is free to enjoy, too. Each year, it brings a smack of music, colour and culture to the Central Coast. From November 7–16, we're all invited to head north and make the most of the lineup. The highlight of the festival takes place on Saturday, November 8 with Light Up the Lake. Headlined by Ruby Fields, she'll share the stage with Dear Sunday, Dizzy Days, Chloe Parché, and Elaskia. As the sun sets, the sky will erupt with fireworks to, as the name suggests, light up the lake. Away from the main stage, food trucks and local restaurants will be serving hungry festival goers between sets. Aside from great music, The Lakes Festival is about honouring the waterways through sustainability. Naturally, that means everyone's favourite gardener, Costa Georgiadis, will be making an appearance. You can catch him and Lottie Dalziel (NSW Young Australian of the Year) at the Sustainable Future Festival at The Entrance on Saturday, November 15. Over the ten days, make the trip north and you'll be able to experience everything from floating yoga to artisan markets. There's something for everyone at the festival—even Pelican Time. Join a free talk with local volunteers who rescue and care for the area's beloved pelicans. Or, join a cooking class and learn to cook with native ingredients like pepperberry and saltbush. Stop by The Entrance Artisan Markets for local artwork and homemade scones. Spend a day following the Soundscapes Story Trail throughout the Central Coast where local writers and creators have written stories with the coast as the muse. Drive up to Canton Beach for a day at Sea Food Fest and devour fresh prawns in the sunshine. You can even operate an underwater drone or rover to scope out underwater habitats in Tuggerah Lake. Or, head down to Avoca Beach and join a free surf lesson or group surf. Carve out some space in your November, The Lakes Festival is sounding like summer's place to be. Check out the full digital program here. Lead Image: The Lakes Festival
High-concept cocktails, leather booths and a distinctly horny vibe are the modus operandi at play in Pleasure Club. You'll find the bar-meets-live music venue and performance space down a long flight of stairs on Wilson Street in Newtown. The vibe of Pleasure Club is an anything-can-happen horny hedonism. A glowing purple eye greets you at the street-level entrance, hinting at the layers of violet hues contained within. Otherworldly decor and stage design are tone-setters for the entertainment program, which is be a true mixed bag of live music, performance art and audience interaction (including what the venue refers to as Dark Service around the 11pm mark). But this is a bar first and foremost and the drinks list is pretty unreal. For the venue's launch, Creative Beverage Lead Sam Kirk collaborated with booze whisperer Matt Whiley (of Re) on a cocktail series dubbed 'Nostalgia Machine' which included a number called the 'Cheese TV' a Coco Pops-infused version of an old fashioned that throws you back to your days of watching morning cartoons. Other more radical creations on the menu include the Chicken Parm, a real one-of-a-kind experience made with vodka, comte cheese, bacon, tomato and chicken salt. We liken it to a chilled alcohol-laced cheese and chicken soup. Do with that information what you will. The drinks are accompanied by a simple menu of good hot dogs that pair surprisingly well with the cocktails. Sydney has jumped on the 'dog train, taking inspiration from other sausage-loving cities like Copenhagen and Berlin. Loaded dogs have been popping up at increasingly cool and high end locations whether it's Love, Tilly Devine's Scandi snacks or Rockpool's happy hour chorizo dog. Pleasure Club's late-night snacks are just as impressive, loading up LP's franks on potato buns with fries, mustard and sauerkraut. But it's generally just a standout spot to grab a drink and hang out. While the signature cocktails may be a little out of your comfort zone, there's a huge wall of spirits and a team of bartenders more than happy to whip up a perfect negroni or amaretto sour. And, there's a pool table in the corner so you can hit the felt with an impressive bev in hand. Sydney could definitely do with more cocktail bars with pool tables.
Just can't wait for another date with The Lion King in one of its many guises? For more than three decades now, since the original animated flick first arrived and became a beloved favourite — as well as a box-office smash and an Oscar-winner — no one has had to. Movie sequels followed, as well as a photorealistic remake with its own prequel. Spinoffs and TV shows have popped up, too. For almost 30 years, The Lion King has also taken to the stage. No stranger to Australia, the film-to-theatre musical has just announced a new date Down Under in 2026. Let's call it the circle of stage productions: a local version of The Lion King initially trod the Aussie boards in 2003, then a second take arrived in 2013. Just as both of those two tours did, the new production will open in Sydney. In fact, it's playing at the same venue, the Capitol Theatre, that The Lion King first roared into when it made its Australian theatre debut. So far, only a month has been announced in terms of timing, with The Lion King set to open in April 2026. No other cities or dates have been revealed as yet, but prior productions have taken the story of Simba, Mufasa and Scar beyond the Harbour City. In the past, almost four-million audience members have enjoyed the show Down Under. Worldwide, that number is more than 120 million, all watching a performance that's played more than 100 cities in 24 countries, and is the biggest-grossing title in history. On the stage, The Lion King is as acclaimed as it is popular, including collecting six Tony Awards in 1998, Best Musical among them — and making its OG director Julie Taymor the first woman to receive a Tony for Direction of a Musical. Can you feel the love tonight? This theatre hit has, repeatedly. [caption id="attachment_990210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Deen van Meer, Disney[/caption] "Every time we return to Australia, we are reminded of the region's considerable talent pool, both onstage and off, and we can't wait to gather a talented and exciting company for The Lion King," said Disney Theatrical Group Executive Producer Anne Quart and Managing Director Andrew Flatt, who have been with The Lion King onstage since its 1997 US premiere. "We are thrilled to welcome The Lion King back to Sydney, the place where it all began in Australia over 20 years ago. The Walt Disney Company ANZ is proud to be one of only three places in the world where, alongside Broadway and the West End, we self-produce musicals, directly employing hundreds of Australian theatre professionals," added The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Senior Vice President and Managing Director Kylie Watson-Wheeler. [caption id="attachment_803460" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthew Murphy, Disney[/caption] [caption id="attachment_803461" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joan Marcus, Disney[/caption] The Lion King will open at the Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket, Sydney, from April 2026. For more details, and to join the ticket waitlist, head to the production's website. Top image: Matthew Murphy, Disney.
Under normal circumstances, when a new-release movie starts playing in cinemas, audiences can't watch it on streaming, video on demand, DVD or blu-ray for a few months. But with the pandemic forcing film industry to make quite a few changes over the past year — widespread movie theatre closures will do that — that's no longer always the case. Perhaps you haven't had time to make it to your local cinema lately. Given the hefty amount of films now releasing each week, maybe you missed something. Or, you could be under lockdown — again. Whichever applies, that doesn't mean we aren't eager to see the latest flicks. Film distributors have been fast-tracking some of their recent releases from cinemas to streaming lately — movies that might still be playing in theatres in some parts of the country, too. In preparation for your next couch session, here's ten you can watch right now at home. SAINT MAUD If humanity ever managed to cure or circumvent death — or even just stop being despairingly afraid of our own mortality — the horror genre would immediately feel the difference. Lives are frequently in peril in films that are meant to spook and frighten. Fears of dying underscore everything from serial killer thrillers and body horror flicks to stories of zombies, ghosts and vampires, too. Indeed, if a scary movie isn't pondering the fact that our days are inescapably finite, it's often contemplating our easily damaged and destroyed anatomy. Or, it's recognising that our species' darkest urges can bring about brutal and fatal repercussions, or noting that the desperation to avoid our expiration dates can even spark our demise. Accordingly, Saint Maud's obsession with death isn't a rarity in an ever-growing genre that routinely serves it up, muses on it and makes audiences do the same whether they always realise it or not. In an immensely crowded realm, this striking, instantly unsettling feature debut by British writer/director Rose Glass definitely stands out, though. Bumps, jumps, shocks and scares come in all manner of shapes and sizes, as do worries and anxieties about the end that awaits us all. In Saint Maud, they're a matter of faith. The eponymous in-home nurse (Dracula and His Dark Materials' Morfydd Clark) has it. She has enough to share, actually, which she's keen to do daily. Maud is devoted to three things: Christianity, helping those in her care physically and saving them spiritually. Alas, her latest cancer-stricken patient doesn't hold the same convictions, or appreciate them. Amanda (Jennifer Ehle, Vox Lux) isn't fond of Maud's fixation on her salvation or her strict judgements about her lifestyle. She knows her time is waning, her body is failing and that she needs Maud's help, but the celebrated ex-dancer and choreographer does not want to go gently or faithfully in that good night. Instead, she'd much prefer the solace that sex and alcohol brings over her palliative care nurse's intensely devout zeal. Saint Maud is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Read our full review. JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH The last time that Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield appeared in the same film, Get Out was the end result. Their shared scene in Jordan Peele's Oscar-winning horror movie isn't easily forgotten (if you've seen the feature, it will have instantly popped into your head while you're reading this), and neither is Judas and the Black Messiah, their next exceptional collaboration. With Kaluuya starring as the Black Panther Party's Illinois Chairman Fred Hampton and Stanfield playing William O'Neal, the man who infiltrated his inner circle as an informant for the FBI, the pair is still tackling race relations. Here, though, the duo does so in a ferocious historical drama set in the late 60s. The fact that O'Neal betrays Hampton isn't a spoiler; it's a matter of fact, and the lens through which writer/director Shaka King (Newlyweeds) and his co-scribes Kenneth Lucas, Keith Lucas (actors on Lady Dynamite) and Will Berson (Scrubs) view the last period of Hampton's life. The magnetic Kaluuya has already won a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his performance, and is bound to be nominated for and likely win an Oscar as well — and if he wants to keep acting opposite Stanfield in movies this invigorating, ardent, resonant and essential, audiences won't complain. It's 1966 when O'Neal falls afoul of the law for trying to impersonate an FBI agent to steal a vehicle. With J Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen, Grace and Frankie) directing his employees to "prevent the rise of a 'messiah' who could unify and electrify the militant black nationalist movement" — his real-life words — the car thief is offered a deal by actual FBI Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons, I'm Thinking of Ending Things). If O'Neal cosies up to Hampton, then reports back on his comings, goings, political moves and general plans, he'll avoid jail. Initially apprehensive, he acquiesces to keep his freedom. With Hampton's raging speeches earning him a firm following, and his charisma and canny strategies broadening the crowds hanging on his words, O'Neal's task isn't minor. And the further he ingratiates himself into Hampton's confidence, becoming his head of security, the more he's torn about keeping tabs and doing the government's increasingly nefarious bidding. This isn't just a story about one young Black man coerced into bringing down a rising leader and revolutionary, however. It's also a tale about the figure who mobilised the masses as Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X had, until he was shot while he slept at the age of just 21. And, it's an account of the powers-that-be's abject fear of progress, equality, and the crusaders willing to put their lives on the line to fight for justice and a better world. Judas and the Black Messiah is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Read our full review. GODZILLA VS KONG Given that neither of Godzilla vs Kong's towering titans are truly terrors, and therefore neither should really emerge victorious over the other, getting them to face off seems pointless. "They're both big, so they can't get along" is the simplistic concept. This isn't a new train of thought, or new to the American-made Monsterverse that's been nudging the beasts closer together for seven years. Thankfully, in the hands of You're Next and The Guest director Adam Wingard, Godzilla vs Kong has as much in common with its superior Japanese predecessors as it does with 2019's terrible Godzilla: King of the Monsters. The follow-up to 2017's Kong: Skull Island, too, this new battle of the behemoths doesn't remake the duo's first screen showdown in 1962's King Kong vs Godzilla. And, sadly, it hasn't ditched the current Hollywood flicks' love of unexciting human characters. But it crucially recognises that watching its titular creatures go claw-to-paw should be entertaining. It should be a spectacle, in fact. The film also realises that if you're not going to make a movie about this pair with much in the way of substance, then you should go all out on the action and fantasy fronts. In other words, Godzilla vs Kong feels like the product of a filmmaker who loves the Japanese Godzilla flicks and Kong's maiden appearance, knows he can't do them justice thematically, but is determined to get what he can right. Wingard is still saddled with a flimsy script with a tin ear for dialogue by screenwriters Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok) and Max Borenstein (Kong: Skull Island), but his massive monster melees are a delight. Also welcome: Godzilla vs Kong's eagerness to lean into its genre. When it surrenders to its pixels, and to a tale that involves a journey to the centre of the earth, subterranean asteroids, altercations with giant flying lizards and an underground tunnel from Florida to Hong Kong, it's equal parts loopy and fun. That trip to the planet's interior is guided by Kong. Now kept in a dome that simulates the jungle, the jumbo primate is under the watch of researcher Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall, Tales from the Loop), and bonds with Jia (newcomer Kaylee Hottle), the orphan also in the doctor's care. But, after Godzilla surfaces for the first time in three years to attack tech corporation Apex's Miami base, CEO Walter Simmons (Demián Bichir, Chaos Walking) enlists geologist Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgård, The Stand) on a mission. Testing the latter's hollow earth theory, they plan to track down an energy source that could be linked to both Zilly and Kong's existence — if Kong will lead them there. In a plot inclusion that'd do Scooby Doo proud, teenager Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown, returning from King of the Monsters) and her classmate Josh Valentine (Julian Dennison, Hunt for the Wilderpeople) are certain that Apex is up to no good and — with podcaster Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry, Superintelligence) — start meddling. Godzilla vs Kong is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Read our full review. NOMADLAND Frances McDormand is a gift of an actor. Point a camera her way, and a performance so rich that it feels not just believable but tangible floats across the screen. That's true whether she's playing overt or understated characters, or balancing those two extremes. In Fargo, the first film that earned her an Oscar, McDormand is distinctive but grounded, spouting midwestern phrases like "you betcha" but inhabiting her part with texture and sincerity. In Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, her next Academy Award-winning role, she's an impassioned mother crusading for justice and vengeance, and she ripples with deep-seated sorrow mixed with anger so fiery that it may as well be burning away her insides. Now, in Nomadland, McDormand feels stripped bare and still a commanding force to be reckoned with. She's tasked with a plucky but struggling part — defiant and determined, too; knocked around by life's ups and downs, noticeably; and, crucially, cognisant that valuing the small pleasures is the hardest but most rewarding feat. It earned her another Oscar nomination. It saw her nab a third shiny statuette just three years after her last, too. Along with the attention the movie received at the Golden Globes, both are highly deserved outcomes because hers is an exceptional performance, and this was easily 2020's best film. Here, leading a cast that also includes real people experiencing the existence that's fictionalised within the narrative, she plays the widowed, van-dwelling Fern — a woman who takes to the road, and to the nomad life, after the small middle-America spot where she spent her married years turns into a ghost town when the local mine is shuttered due to the global financial crisis. A slab of on-screen text explains her predicament, with the film then jumping into the aftermath. Following her travels over the course of more than a year, this humanist drama serves up an observational portrait of those that society happily overlooks. It's both deeply intimate and almost disarmingly empathetic in the process, as every movie made by Chloe Zhao is. This is only the writer/director's third, slotting in after 2015's Songs My Brothers Taught Me and 2017's The Rider but before 2021's Marvel flick Eternals, but it's a feature of contemplative and authentic insights into the concepts of home, identity and community. Meticulously crafted, shot and performed, it truly sees everyone in its frames, be they fictional or real. Nomandland understands their plights, and ensures its audience understands them as well. It's exquisitely layered, because its protagonist, those around her and their lives earn the same term — and Zhao never forgets that, or lets her viewers either. Nomadland is available to watch via Disney+. Read our full review. WILLY'S WONDERLAND If you've ever wondered how Nicolas Cage might've fared during cinema's silent era, Willy's Wonderland has the answer. A horror film about killer animatronic restaurant mascots, it's firmly a 2021 feature. It wasn't made a century ago, before synchronised sound forever changed the movie business, so it's definitely a talkie as well. Cage doesn't do any chattering, however. He groans and growls, and often, but doesn't utter a single word. The actor's many devotees already know that he's a talent with presence; whether he's cavorting in the streets under the delusion that he's a bloodsucker in Vampire's Kiss, grinning with his locks flowing in the wind in Con Air, dousing himself with vodka and grunting in Mandy or staring at a vibrant light in Color Out of Space, he repeatedly makes an imprint without dialogue. So, the inimitable star needn't speak to command attention — which is exactly the notion that Willy's Wonderland filmmaker Kevin Lewis (The Third Nail) put to the test. First, the great and obvious news: Cage doesn't seem to put in much effort, but he's a joy to watch. Playing a man simply known as The Janitor, he glowers like he couldn't care less that furry robots are trying to kill him. He swaggers around while cleaning the titular long-abandoned Chuck E Cheese-esque establishment, dances while hitting the pinball machine on his breaks, swigs soft drink as if it's the only beverage in the world and proves mighty handy with a mop handle when it comes to dispensing with his supernaturally demonic foes. Somehow, though, he's never as OTT as he could be. Cage plays a character who doesn't deem it necessary to convey his emotions, and that results in more restraint on his part than the film demonstrates with its undeniably silly premise. Accordingly, cue the bad news: as entertaining as Cage's wordless performance is — even without completely going for broke as only he can — Willy's Wonderland is often a ridiculous yet routine slog. Willy's Wonderland is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Read our full review. THE LAST VERMEER Dutch artists Johannes Vermeer and Han van Meegeren picked up their brushes more than two centuries apart. Mention the latter, though, and you need to mention the former. Just why that's the case makes for a fascinating tale, as The Last Vermeer tells — one filled with twists, subterfuge, investigations, a trial and post-World War II efforts to punish anyone who conspired with the Nazis. Directed by producer turned first-time helmer Dan Friedkin (All the Money in the World, The Mule), and adapted from Jonathan Lopez's 2008 book The Man Who Made Vermeers, The Last Vermeer relays the Hollywood version of the story, of course. Big speeches and massaged details consequently abound. Attention-grabbing performances jump across this cinematic canvas, too, with Guy Pearce (Bloodshot) resembling Geoffrey Rush as van Meegeren and Claes Bang (Dracula) adding his third recent art-centric feature to his resume after The Square and The Burnt Orange Heresy. There's enough here to keep viewers interested, as there should be given the real-life basis, cast and handsome staging, but this is the type of film that's nicer to look at than to dive into. Its subject: art forgery, a topic that leaves an imprint beyond the movie's narrative. The Last Vermeer doesn't steal from elsewhere, but it also sinks into a well-populated list of other dramas about art and the war (see also: The Monuments Men and Woman in Gold ) far too easily and generically than a feature about this specific tale should. Bang plays Dutch Jewish officer Captain Joseph Piller, who is tasked with hunting down artworks illegally sold to the Nazis during the war and bringing everyone responsible to justice. That leads him to Christ and the Adulteress, a piece credited to Vermeer but found after his death — and to van Meegeren, the man who is suspected of selling it to key Nazi figure Hermann Göring in the world's biggest art sale at the time. Turning on the rakish charisma even when he's being interrogated by Piller and his offsider (Roland Møller, The Commuter), van Meegeren denies the accusation. Piller isn't convinced, but then police detective Alex De Klerks (August Diehl, A Hidden Life) tries to take over the case. Soon, van Meegeren has been secreted away, is painting while in hiding and, when eventually charged and brought to court, offers an astonishing theory. Also arising in The Last Vermeer: an exploration of the costs of and sacrifices involved in surviving wartime, although Friedkin and screenwriters John Orloff (Anonymous), Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby (The Expanse) happily stick to the surface as they do elsewhere. As a mystery, the film suitably zigs and zags. As a courtroom drama, it boasts stirring moments. But, as well as wasting Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread) in a thankless part, The Last Vermeer is never more than passable. The Last Vermeer is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. SONGBIRD If there are any words that absolutely no one wants to see when they're watching a COVID-19-inspired movie, it's these: produced by Michael Bay. The filmmaker who gave cinema the Bad Boys franchise and five Transformers flicks isn't behind the lens of Songbird, but writer/director Adam Mason and his frequent co-scribe Simon Boyes (Hangman) have clearly mainlined Bay's work, then decided to use its worst traits as a how-to manual. Set in 2024, when a virulent mutation of the coronavirus known as COVID-23 is on the loose, their tactless thriller is gimmicky and misguided at best. It's derivative, dull and has a plot that's so stale it really should also feature a tornado full of sharks, too. Wondering what might happen if the pandemic was even more horrendous and tragic than it is — and if America's handling of it, as based on 2020's response at least, was skewed even further towards corporate interests and the rich — the film decides to opt for quarantine concentration camps and a gestapo-like sanitation department. When it's not tastelessly taking cues from the holocaust to supposedly turn a shattering event the world is still experiencing into entertainment, it also attempts to tell a Romeo and Juliet-style love story about a couple separated by lockdown. And, if you've ever wondered what might happen if a Bay wannabe remade David Lynch's Blue Velvet, Bradley Whitford's (The Handmaid's Tale) role as an oxygen-huffing record executive preying on a young singer (Alexandra Daddario, Baywatch) answers that question as well. Bicycle courier Nico (KJ Apa, Riverdale) is resistant to COVID-23, and has an immunity bracelet to prove it; however, his girlfriend Sara (Sofia Carson, Feel the Beat) and her grandmother (Elpidia Carrillo, Euphoria) aren't so lucky. The coveted wristwear can be bought on the black market, though, which is why Nico is trying to make as much cash as he can working for delivery kingpin Lester (Craig Robinson, Dolemite Is My Name). The obvious happens, of course, sending unhinged sanitation head Emmett Harland (Peter Stormare, John Wick: Chapter 2) to Sara's building — and putting a deadline on Nico's quest, which wealthy couple William (Whitfield) and Piper Griffin (Demi Moore, Rough Night) might be able to assist with. The latter are also meant to be a picture of stay-at-home disharmony, all while trying to protect their immunocompromised daughter Emma (Lia McHugh, The Lodge) from anything outside their sprawling mansion. A PTSD-afflicted ex-veteran (Paul Walter Hauser, Richard Jewell) who flies drones to experience life beyond his walls also forms part of the story, although not a single character is given enough flesh to make viewers care about their plight. Even only clocking in at 84 minutes, this thoroughly unsubtle and exploitative film overstays its welcome — and the fact that it's shot and edited like Bay's glossiest and most bombastic action fare doesn't help. Songbird is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. MORTAL KOMBAT No one enjoys watching someone else mash buttons. While it's a passable way to spend a few minutes, losing interest quickly simply comes with the territory. That's how viewing Mortal Kombat feels as well, except that watching your friends play any of the martial arts video game franchise's 22 different arcade and console titles since 1992 (or any game at all) would be far more entertaining. Shot in South Australia and marking the feature debut of filmmaker Simon McQuoid, the latest attempt to bring the popular series to the big screen — following a first try in 1995 and a sequel in 1997 — feels like watching cosplay, too. The movie's cast literally dresses up in the outfits needed to recreate the game's characters, of course, but the film shouldn't so overtly resemble fans donning costumes at a pop culture convention. And yet, Mortal Kombat evokes this situation from the moment its 17th century Japan-set prologue, which is also its best scene, comes to an end. After establishing a mythic and bloody backstory for the movie's narrative as a whole, the character that'll become an undead ninja ghost called Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada, Westworld) and his prophecised descendants, this B-grade flick is happy to, in fact. It's not just the violence that's cartoonish here; it's every glare exchanged and word uttered, with much of the script trading in cliches, dramatic pauses and catchphrases. Mortal Kombat's gaming fanbase may be eager to see their beloved characters given flesh and blood, face off against each other and spout lines that usually emanate from a much smaller screen, but that doesn't make a movie engaging. Nor can a flimsy screenplay by first-timer Greg Russo and Wonder Woman 1984's Dave Callaham, which follows the battle between Earthrealm and Outworld — one that'll be lost by the former if an MMA fighter named Cole Young (Lewis Tan, Wu Assassins), who bears a dragon birthmark, doesn't team up with the other figures with the same marking to stop humanity from losing for the tenth time. That's where the no-nonsense Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee, Black Water: Abyss) comes in, and also the grating, wisecracking Kano (Josh Lawson, Long Story Short). The villainous Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim, Warrior) might be threatening to freeze all of earth's champions so that Outworld's Shang Tsung (Chin Han, Skyscraper) can rig the tournament before it even happens, but Mortal Kombat still has time — and far too much of it — to spend pondering supernatural destinies and letting an over-acting, always grating Lawson mug for attempted laughs. The end result is intentionally ridiculous, and presumably unintentionally dull, all while setting up an unearned sequel. And although brutal enough amidst the silliness for an R rating, even the film's fight scenes merely go through the motions, especially given the heights that films like The Raid and John Wick have scaled in with their eye-popping action choreography over the past decade. Mortal Kombat is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. CHAOS WALKING Adapted from the book series of the same name, Chaos Walking has weathered a difficult path to cinemas. The tedious and generic space western releases ten years after the rights to turn Patrick Ness' novels into films were first acquired, four years since the movie was originally shot and two years after major reshoots following unfavourable test screenings. It went through a plethora of rewrites, too, with I'm Thinking of Ending Things' Charlie Kaufman on scripting duties at one point, and Ness (A Monster Calls) and Spider-Man: Homecoming's Christopher Ford getting the final credit. Navigating such a mess rarely bodes well for a movie, so the fact that Chaos Walking proves dull and derivative shouldn't come as a surprise. Even with its cast filled with impressive talent, and with Edge of Tomorrow filmmaker Doug Liman begin the lens, it's hard to see how it might've fared better, with its premise an instant struggle. Set in 2257, the film follows colonists from earth on a planet called New World, who are plagued by a strange phenomenon. A multi-coloured haze hovers around men's heads — and only men — showing their every thought. The sensation has been dubbed 'the noise', and experiencing it while watching sure is rackety. Indeed, 'noise' is the absolute right word for the entire movie. In his pioneer village, teenager Todd (Tom Holland, The Devil All the Time) can rarely control his noise. While the Mayor (Mads Mikkelsen, Another Round) is able to filter the words and images that project from his mind — and also rock a furry red coat and wide-brimmed hat far better than anyone should — few others have the same ability. Seeing what everyone is thinking is a tricky way to live at the best of times, and it applies to the entire population, because women have been wiped out in a war attributed to the planet's original inhabitants. But Todd's troubles multiply when he discovers a spaceship, as well as Viola (Daisy Ridley, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker), its sole surviving occupant. The mayor and his followers don't take kindly to the first female in their midst for years; however, supported by his adoptive fathers Ben (Demian Bichir, The Midnight Sky) and Cillian (Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter), Todd isn't willing to surrender the only girl he's ever seen to an angry mob. Cue a tale of toxic masculinity that dates back to 2008, when first instalment The Knife of Never Letting Go hit bookshelves, and feels timely in the current social, political and cultural climate. That said, this isn't a complex, layered or thoughtful film. Instead, it's content to stress its themes in such a broad and easy manner that getting Holland to hold up a sign saying "the patriarchy is bad" would've been more subtle. Indeed, Chaos Walking really just uses these notions as a backdrop for a predictable and formulaic dystopian story, and as a handy reason to motivate its conflicts, in a movie that plays like a hodgepodge of far better sci-fi and western fare. Chaos Walking is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Read our full review. TOM & JERRY Before Itchy and Scratchy started terrorising each other well beyond the bounds of normal cat and mouse antagonism, another feline and rodent pair got there first. Of course, The Simpsons' adversarial four-legged critters were designed to parody the characters created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera more than 80 years ago, but they've long since supplanted Tom and Jerry as popular culture's go-to fighting animal duo. Perhaps the new Tom & Jerry movie is an attempt to push its titular creatures back to prominence. Perhaps it's just the latest effort to cash in on nostalgia while hoping that a new generation of children will be interested enough to warrant more big-screen outings, and therefore more chances to make some cash. Watching this all-ages-friendly hybrid of cartoon and live-action, it doesn't seem as if anyone involved knows quite why the film exists — not director Tom Story (Ride Along and Ride Along 2), who cares more about stressing the feature's hip hop soundtrack than paying much attention to its eponymous figures; not screenwriter Kevin Costello (Brigsby Bear), who pens a dull and derivative script about celebrity wedding chaos; and definitely not a cast that spans Chloë Grace Moretz (Shadow in the Cloud), Michael Peña (Fantasy Island), Rob Delaney (Catastrophe), Ken Jeong (Boss Level), Colin Jost (Saturday Night Live) and Pallavi Sharda (Retrograde), all of whom will forever have this misfire on their resumes. The animated animal action starts with Tom's latest vendetta against his long-time rival Jerry, after the latter destroys the former's keyboard and his music stardom dreams along with it. In his quest for revenge, the cat follows the house-hunting mouse to his newest abode at Manhattan's upmarket Royal Gate hotel, where the pair soon wreak havoc. Story and Costello prefer to focus on the resourceful and human Kayla (Moretz) at almost every turn, though. After talking her way into a job onsite, she's soon given two important tasks. The first: help ensure that the nuptials of two nondescript celebs (Jost and Sharda) go smoothly, which of course doesn't happen. The second: track down Jerry, which involves hiring Tom to assist. Somehow, Tom & Jerry is both lazy and overcomplicated. It does the bare minimum with its flesh-and-blood and pixel characters alike, all while completely forgetting that viewers have always loved Tom and Jerry for its fast, smart and entertaining slapstick antics (and definitely not because one day the duo might become bit-players in yet another flick about bland wedding dramas). When the film starts with pigeons rapping A Tribe Called Quest's 'Can I Kick It?' in its entirety, it begs an obvious question: who is this for? No one that's brought this movie to fruition seems to know the answer there, either — and they certainly haven't expended any energy on trying to make the feature funny, because laughs are absent from start to finish. Tom & Jerry is available to watch via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video.
In recent years, there's been a growing perception that Australian nightlife is in decline, as rising cost-of-living pressures push more people to stay in and "enjoy their rent." With social habits shifting, particularly among younger generations, more than a quarter of nightclubs have closed since the pandemic. At the same time, Gen Z is increasingly being described as the "sober curious" generation, with drinking rates continuing to fall. All of these factors have resulted in quieter streets, restaurants that close earlier, and fewer people spending money in bars and clubs. The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, surveyed Australians to learn how we spend our evenings (and how much cash we splash on a night out). It turns out that there are still a number of Australians getting out and about after dark. [caption id="attachment_1032801" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Getty Images Maskot[/caption] What's prompting Australians to get out? It should come as no surprise that we are a nation of foodies, with the research revealing the main reason we leave our homes after dark is to go out for dinner. With our major cities having thousands of world-class restaurants to choose from, it's no wonder that seven in ten Australians put food at the top of the list when deciding on a night out. Next on the list was the quality of entertainment, and interestingly, whether or not you can grab a pint at a night-time venue is low on Aussies' priority list. Only 28 percent of people surveyed felt that alcohol availability was necessary when choosing where to spend a night out. Aussies are heading out after dark for more than just a good time with mates—though that's still a big part of it. Half say they're hitting the streets to unwind and shake off the day, while many are keen to break the routine and discover something new. The call for fresh nighttime experiences is loud and clear, with over 50 percent of people wanting more night markets, festivals and late-night culture in their neighbourhoods. Of course, the cost of living also plays a crucial role, with 52 percent of us looking for more affordable options for a night out. With restaurants charging premiums due to the price of produce and the cost of living not seeming to slow down anytime soon, people's leisure budgets are clearly taking a hit. On average, 81 percent of Australians spend up to $120 per person on a night out, and cost was the most significant barrier for people not getting out and about in the evening. Who's getting out of the house the most frequently? The Visa Australia Night-time Index 2025, a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, and venues open after dark, found Melburnians are the cohort spending the most evenings away from the couch, with the city being crowned as the number one night-time hotspot in the country. From the city's CBD laneway restaurants to the pubs in Brunswick and Fitzroy, Chapel Street's nightlife strip and St Kilda's live music scene, Melburnians have a number of precincts to choose from, all with a high standard of food, drink, and atmosphere. After the Victorian capital, Sydney was next on the list of Australian nightlife hotspots. The city and Inner South, Eastern suburbs, Parramatta, Inner South West, Inner West and North Sydney were all locations that saw the most spending after dark. Although you may feel your friends are staying in more than usual, the report finds that almost half of Australians go out in the evening at least once a week. Not bad. And despite their sober curious nature, Gen Z is leading that charge with 73 percent of the cohort getting out once or more a week. On average, the generation is spending 9.4 nights out per month, and boosting the economy at the same time. [caption id="attachment_1032802" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Getty Images Klaus Vedfelt[/caption] Where to next? Australians clearly love a night out. While we might not be hitting the clubs at the same rate as a few decades ago, the night-time economy is still contributing a lot to our way of life. So, get out there and try new restaurants, head to a night market you've not been to, and cheers to enjoying your city after dark. Discover the vibe near you. Lead image: Getty Images Thomas Barwick
Whether you're shopping for Christmas gifts, birthday presents or simply treating yourself for surviving another shitty year, the inner west has it all. This diverse and thriving creative community sells everything from handmade pickles and First Nations art to craft beers and ethically-made clothing. And they've never needed our business more. In partnership with Inner West Council, we've rounded up the area's top shops to visit. Peruse the stores in person, sample some of the tasty treats and locally made booze, take part in creative workshops or buy yourself a new scented candle. Go on, you deserve a bit of retail therapy.
Sydney's ever-growing appreciation of fusion cuisine and experimentation has ushered in the arrival of Moku, a Japanese fusion restaurant and bar on Crown Street. Across two storeys the venue boasts Japanese dishes with a modern twist, creatively crafted cocktails, as well as the city's first-ever bottomless highball brunch offering. Moku's dining menu is led by celebrated Head Chef Ha Chuen Wai, alongside mixologist Charles Chang, who keeps a watchful eye over the restaurant's drinks menu and designs artisanal cocktails for thirsty guests. With Japanese inspiration at the forefront, it heroes Japanese flavours and cuisine paired with native Australian ingredients. When arriving at the venue, the first thing you do is take in the intimate dining atmosphere and attractive fit-out of textured brick walls, earthy tones and timber furniture, and the bar on each level where bartenders mix cocktails, bespoke highballs, and pour sake and the best Japanese whisky. When it comes to the dining experience, each day of the week looks slightly different at Moku. There's a daily dinner menu and lunch seating on Fridays and on Saturdays when Moku also does a bottomless highball brunch for $95 per person, which gives you 90 minutes of chef-selected dishes and free-flowing highballs. Settle in for dinner instead, and you'll find a variety of plates to choose from. The smaller plates include dishes like Sydney rock oysters, bacon katsu sandos, mini seared engawa don and sashimi. Larger plates include the likes of braised mushroom noodles with garlic miso, nori and onsen egg, hojicha smoked duck breast with heirloom carrot, hibiscus and plum dashi and chicken karaage with lemon myrtle salt and sriracha mayo. The dessert selection completes the fusion menu with cheesecake served with Davidson plum, mandarin curd, matcha tiramisu and ice cream mochi. For the indecisive or adventurous, you can taste your way through the banquet menu. For $95 per person, you'll be able to sample the venue's best, from tuna carpaccio with smoked cream cheese and bacon katsu sandos, through to the torched edamame and the dessert of the day. The omakase experience headed up by Chef Wai is an intimate culinary journey across a range of premium dishes focusing on fresh seafood. This option is available only on Wednesday and Thursday nights, so be sure to secure your spot in advance.
This huge 1100-square-metre warehouse nursery on the Princes Highway is your go-to for plants and pots — especially if you're on your way to IKEA. Garden Life specialises in high-end plants and is frequented by professional designers and landscape architects as well as those looking to make their home more green. The space is filled with a wide range of specimen trees, indoor succulents and outdoor plants — sourced both from Australia and around the world. Apart from plants, you can also shop for a range of outdoor homewares, gardening tools and a whole heap of pots.
After closing its doors in 2016, Sydney's Theatre Royal will finally reopen. The 1200-seat Theatre Royal is one of Australia's oldest theatres, dating back to the 1870s. But most Sydneysiders will know it in its current form, which reopened in the 1970s and was designed by famed Australian architect Harry Seidler. It was built as a replacement for the old theatre, as that was demolished when the MLC Centre was erected — and, before sitting idle for the past five years, it's played host to everything from the Australian-premiere season of Cats to a three-year season of The Phantom of the Opera. In terms of physical changes during the multimillion-dollar refurbishment, leaseholders Trafalgar Entertainment has kept true to Seidler's original designs, while also increasing capacity from 1100 to 1200 via a redesign that's added an extra row of seats. The venue now sports a two-tiered setup, with no seat within the auditorium any more than 23 metres from the stage. Red and gold still feature heavily, colour-wise. There's also a new circular glass entrance space decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows, for views of King Street from the internal theatre foyer — and vice versa, including being able to see Theatre Royal's ribbed ceiling and geometrically precise hanging Mercator sculpture, as designed by Italian structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi and American sculptor Charles O Perry respectively. And, there's a new Theatre Royal sign, as crafted and produced by Newcastle-based Owen Signs.
The term 'hotel bar' has taken on a whole new meaning with the opening of Estate within the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach. The four-in-one venue boasts a seafood-focused dining room, a tropical terrace bar, a dedicated taqueria and even a hidden karaoke room. The multimillion-dollar refurbishment is headed by Chef (and Creative Director) Matthew Butcher, who has worked alongside a few of the culinary greats — including big names like Gordon Ramsay and Vue de Monde's Shannon Bennett. Butcher is joined by Head Chef Scott Eddington, who has clocked time with Rene Redzeppi at Noma, as well as at Australian favourites A1 Canteen, Belle's Hot Chicken and Melbourne's Mamasita. Start off at the Terrace, an outdoor bar giving off Bali beach club vibes. Think beanbags, heaps of tropical palms and a projector screening sunset films and live sporting events. Bar snacks — such as fish tacos ($20 for three), oysters ($27 for six) and totopos with guacamole ($14) — are served out of a vintage Airstream trailer alongside locally made beers and wines. Meanwhile, over at the dining room — dubbed Kitchen — expect an ocean-themed fit-out that reflects the menu's focus on fresh, local seafood. King salmon with ginger sauce ($36), zucchini tagliatelle ($32) and spicy tuna with kaffir lime ($26) all make the regularly changing menu. In the Taqueria, there are neon lights, orange furnishings and bright patterns aplenty. The main offering here is the soft-shell tacos, which come in four varieties: chicken and avo ($6), fish with mojo-spiced cabbage ($7), beef with ancho sauce ($7) and huitlacoche ($6). Otherwise, you can tuck into a big ol' bowl of vegan nachos ($18). There are heaps of margaritas and micheladas going around, too. Also hidden within the premises is a private karaoke room that can (and should) be reserved for late-night revelry. Views of the Coogee coastline surround the venue and it's set up to fully embrace in those views —the courtyard even has three-step bleachers installed, from which punters can look out over the the ocean. Estate will be run separately from the hotel, though nothing is stopping you from turning your night out into a new excuse for a staycation.
First, Good Things confirmed that it would be back in 2025, and also announced its dates. Now comes the next key detail: where the festival is heading this year. Music lovers already knew that the event is returning to its three annual stops — Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane — but now organisers have locked in the specific venues in each city. There's no change in the Victorian capital, with Flemington Racecourse again playing host to Good Things. In the Sunshine State, Brisbane Showgrounds is doing the honours again, too. But Sydneysiders will be hitting up Sydney Showground instead of Centennial Park, in a move made to increase capacity, shelter, transport options and accessibility. As it has in past years, the fest will play all three cities across one huge weekend. So, you can mark Friday, December 5 in your diaries for the Melbourne, then Saturday, December 6 in the Harbour City and Sunday, December 7 in Brisbane. As for who'll be on the bill, that still hasn't been revealed as yet, but it's safe to expect it soon. While 2022's lineup dropped in June, 2023's and 2024's each arrived in August. Last year, Korn, Violent Femmes and Billy Corgan were on headlining duty, with Electric Callboy, Mastodon, The Gaslight Anthem, L7, Kerry King, Jet, The Living End, The Butterfly Effect and Killing Heidi among their company. 2023's fest featured Devo, Limp Bizkit, Corey Taylor, Pennywise, Bullet for My Valentine, Taking Back Sunday, I Prevail, Enter Shikari, Pvris, Behemoth, Sepultura, Spiderbait, Frenzal Rhomb, Jebediah and Eskimo Joe, among other acts. In 2022, the reunited TISM, Bring Me the Horizon, The Amity Affliction, NOFX and Millencolin led the roster. Good Things 2025 Dates and Venues Friday, December 5 — Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Saturday, December 6 — Sydney Showground, Sydney Sunday, December 7 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Good Things will hit the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in December 2025. We'll update you when the lineup is announced and tickets go on sale — head to the festival website for more information and to sign up for the event's mailing list in the interim. Images: Kane Hibberd.
There's a moment in the (so underrated) spy-comedy show Chuck that I think we can all relate to. Rachel Bilson's character, trying to cope with a stressful situation, closes her eyes and starts intoning under her breath: "Turkey, Muenster cheese, egg bread, grilled". That's right, she's gone to her happy place, and it's a sandwich. Sandwiches are just an excellent thing, having brought solace into the middle of our days for centuries. Now new Redfern cafe Three Williams has taken it upon themselves to not only put the sarnie in the spotlight but to up the ante with what they've called a 'narnie', which comes wrapped in their glistening, signature house-baked flatbread that's much like Indian naan. Oh yes. Three Williams is the kind of next-level cafe Redfern has been waiting for, with a vibe that's a little bit Grounds of Alexandria. That's not entirely surprising, really, given that former Groundsman Glen Bowditch leads the team on the floor, while the menu comes from Tim Bryan, who's ex-ARIA looking to get homey. It's a big, warehousey cavern that's been warmed up with beech wood, wall lights and plain old conviviality. The team is clearly positioning the place as a neighbourhood hub where you know you'll always be welcome. They've got free Wi-Fi if you want to get some work done, tables big enough for a crowd and a kids' corner where any tykes can be kept occupied. Coming here is a no-brainer; it's good at any time. The only thing missing, perhaps, is some sound baffling; noise bounces around the exposed brick chamber. But it's the narnies that people are particularly flocking for. Priced between $11-$14, gloriously rich and too loose to hold in one hand, these aren't the sort of sandwiches you're meant to eat every day at your desk — and yet, since Three Williams is literally next door to the Concrete Playground office, I've done basically that. The pick of the trio of flavours is the grilled prawn with avocado, sweet corn, tomato salsa and aioli ($12 take away/$13 eat in). Packed with juicy prawns, it's beautifully fresh, summery and seductive, like a taco in overdrive. Runner-up is the glazed beef brisket with slaw, gherkins and chipotle mayonnaise ($13/$14) — a sublime combination that's sometimes let down by a lingering layer of fat on the meat. The fried tempeh with pickled veg, Sriracha and lime mayo ($11/$12) is decent — excellent texturally but in flavour a bit stubbornly earthy. There's also a range of hearty and wholesome salads ($12-$14), perfect for people who want a light meal but not necessarily salad lovers who crave the burst of raw veg and zing of vinaigrette. The breakfast menu is short, but you don't want to miss it. The star of the show is the boldly reinvented French toast ($14), which instead of being soggy with egg (don't get me wrong; that's how I usually like it) is light and crisp, crusted on the outside with toasted pecans and maple syrup and topped with yoghurt and fresh berries. It's beautiful to eat and beautiful to Instagram. The poached eggs with marinated bull horn peppers, Serrano ham, feta and dukkah on toast ($16) is another solid choice: the ingredients are perfect individually and in combination, though a sauce could help to tie them all together. Also on the brekkie menu are the likes of granola with hibiscus pear ($12) for every day, and bacon-and-egg-roll-with-a-vengeance 'The Merchant' (that's chilli fried egg, crispy bacon, pickled slaw and ranch dressing on a brioche bun) for special occasions (like hangovers). Couple anything with a smooth Single Origin coffee and you'll be set to face the day. So what are you waiting for? Three Williams is out there, awaiting you with open arms and a sandwich of kings. Images: Kitti Gould.
The renowned Sydney Seafood School has revealed a brand new look that has been developed as part of the Sydney Fish Market's sweeping renovations, which is set to open in January 2026. The new space is high above the water and comes with a cracking view of Blackwattle Bay — a vibrant space where Sydneysiders can learn what it takes to prep seafood like a pro. The transformed space upgrades the school's offering in several ways. There's now a dedicated event space, an oyster bar and upgraded appliances from Neff and Gaggenau. The program has been similarly upgraded, classic courses like the Singapore chilli mud crab and barbecue courses have been reimagined ahead of summer, while some new offerings have joined the program too. The Seafood Discovery course educates guests on the history of Sydney Fish Market and provides hands-on experience in preparing NSW-native species, while the Land & Sea class focuses on native ingredients and showcases how easy they are to prepare at home. If you're not a seafood fan, you can instead book classes in baking, preserving, pasta making and gluten-free cooking. The guest chef classes continue, each led by Sydney hospo legends like Danielle Alvarez (Culinary Director, Sydney Opera House Events), Khanh Nguyen (King Clarence), Joel Bickford (Shell House, The International), Brendan Pang (author, street food expert and content creator), Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater and the soon to open Flaminia) and Alessandro Pavoni (Ormeggio, a'Mare, Vineria Luisa), with more to be announced. Sally Webb, General Manager for Sydney Seafood School, says "Unveiling the new space is such a special moment for us. We've taken everything people have always loved about the school – the expertise, the joy and the incredible seafood – and brought it to life in a fresh new way." "We've designed classes that reflect the way Aussies love their seafood. From learning how to confidently handle a whole fish to exploring underutilised species to build your seafood repertoire – we'll do it all!" The Sydney Seafood School can be found at 25 Bank Street, Pyrmont, in the Sydney Fish Market. Bookings are available now for 2026, and you can make yours here.
Despite boasting a city right on the water, most of Sydney's inner-city harbour shores have been definitively off-limits to swimmers for decades. This is all beginning to change, however, with significant investment in cleaning up our waterways leading to the reintroduction of swimming in Barangaroo — the first new harbour spots for summer dips in what could be many according to plans from the City of Sydney and NSW Government. Today it has been announced that Marrinawi Cove, a secluded section of Barangaroo Reserve that boasts skyline views, has just reopened to swimmers. The introduction of this swimming enclosure marks the first new harbour swimming spot to be created west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in more than 50 years. "Our city stopped building ocean and harbour pools more than half a century ago — it's past time to provide more great, safe public places to swim," said Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes. "Being able to swim at Marrinawi Cove is only possible because we have invested in cleaning up our harbour from industrial wastelands to aquatic playgrounds." "Marrinawi Cove offers a fitting foundation for a swimming enclosure, and we know for thousands of years our traditional custodians, the Gadigal, used the land around Barangaroo for fishing, canoeing and swimming," Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said before taking a fully-clothed dip in what he described as Sydney's first city beach. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex Greenwich MP (@alexgreenwich) Stokes also promised that the push for harbour swimming spots wouldn't stop with Marrinawi Cove. The minister said he's bookmarked spots at Blackwattle Bay, Bays West and other Barangaroo locations as possible sites for urban renewal and future summer swims. This isn't the first Sydney spot to reopen to swimming in recent years. Improvements to water quality have also seen the likes of Bayview Park reopen for safe swimming. That section of the Parramatta River recently joined Dawn Fraser Baths, Cabarita Park beach, Chiswick Baths and Lake Parramatta as one of five areas along the waterway where people can now swim. The Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) has also earmarked spots including Bedlam Bay, McIlwaine Park and Putney Park as possible new swim sites along the river. If you're in need of additional inspiration our list of the best swimming spots around Sydney and local swimming holes for any mood ought to keep you busy. You can read all about the reintroduction of swimming to Marrinawi Cove at the NSW Government's website. Images: Bec Dreher
An exciting new culinary precinct has arrived in western Sydney. Taking over a heritage building on the banks of the Georges River, The Paper Mill Food houses four different eateries, open for morning coffees, dinner feeds and everything in between. While the development was first announced back in 2017 as part of a broader cultural and community development, The Paper Mill Food officially launched in August 2019. Its lineup is diverse and multicultural, with offerings for all budgets and cravings, as well as both dine-in and takeaway options. Georgie's Pizzeria & Bar is serving up Neapolitan-style pizzas ($20–26), while casual restaurant Firepit showcases dishes cooked over charcoal or in one of two woodfired ovens. Here, expect corn-fed chicken breast with miso ($36), barbecue-glazed charcoal pork ribs ($59) and even charcoal lobster served ($89) with fermented hot sauce butter and chips. Over at Shepherd's Lane, you'll find a patisserie and cafe during the dar and a dessert bar after dinner, with dreamy sweet treats, house-made gelato and decadent cocktails. Highlights include the morning mezze plate ($24–31), Nutella waffles ($18–24), manoush ($6–15) and a passionfruit curd tart ($12). And at Charcoal Joe's, expect a modern take on Lebanese charcoal chicken ($7–23), alongside a menu of mezze, meat skewers, burgers and fried chicken. The backdrop is an impressive one. Once home to Australia's largest paper mill, the building has been brought into a sleek new phase of life. Dating back to 1868, it's now sporting a contemporary makeover at the hands of DS17's Paul Papadopoulos, with the original brickwork and saw-tooth roof offset by a modern assembly of stone, steel and glass. Visitors will spy lots of custom joinery and a sprawling handmade mosaic tile floor as well.
Bali is a no-brainer for Aussie travellers. It's close, beautiful, and it's packed with the kind of beaches, spas and resorts that make you want to quit your job and move there permanently (kidding…sort of). If you're going to do Bali, you have to do it right – which means finding the best accommodation. Luckily, you've got some incredible options. And now, thanks to Visa, you can book your dream stay with 10% off through our dedicated platform, Concrete Playground Trips. Whether you're chasing waves and smoothie bowls in Canggu, planning a honeymoon getaway in Uluwatu or heading to Ubud for something a little more off-radar, these eight hotels will have you booking that flight ASAP. Simply book using your Visa card to score the discount, then start packing.
In what can only be described as an odd turn of events, Top3 was founded by Terri Winter after she saw a German cabaret show featuring a woman, a walrus and a trapeze artist. As it happens, these three acts were the best in their field — and this inspired Winter to translate the 'top three' concept into a retail store. As it turned out, it was a huge success. Now with four stores around the country — two in Melbourne, one in Sydney and one in Canberra — Top3's mission is to offer customers the best products based entirely on their design merits. The store stocks well over 1000 different products — but only three of each type — across homewares, clothing and travel accessories. You're bound to find something you need and/or want here. Images: Trent Van der jagt.
I have been to Ching-a-Lings many a time, yet never can I remember precisely where it is. Despite its entrance being located on Oxford Street, Ching-a-Lings has an almost Harry Potter-esque ability to disguise its entrance from the eyes of the public. All I can ever remember is that it's kinda near an Indian restaurant. To avoid looking lost, I recommend counting the building numbers in a nonchalant manner from the opposite side of the street. Ching-a-Lings was one of the first small bars to pop up a couple of years ago and it has stuck, because it's good and it's friendly. There's nothing that makes you feel like you're wearing the wrong shoes or sipping the wrong drink when you walk in. Most importantly, it's not ostentatious and there's no gimmick. That's why people love the place and keep coming back. The whole thing is a little bit industrial, with a dark staircase you ascend only by following the shadows of the feet in front of you. You emerge upstairs to exposed brick walls, a recycled bar, people reposing on couches and a DJ pumping out some rather fine beats in the corner. You'll find more people hanging out on the deck, which is a little on the slender side. While there's nothing amazing out there, it's simple, well-designed and, as one of my friends has often pointed out, a very good spot to watch the bats fly over the city in summer. One of the nicest things about Ching-a-Lings is that its drinks are unpretentious. Wine and beer are pretty standard, nothing special, but Ching-a-Lings is a chilled place and it all fits with the vibe. Because while it's great to have bars in Sydney that have three hundred types of wine and cocktails mixed from strawberry and pixie tears, it's also nice just to go somewhere and not have to stress about what you're ordering. You come with good company, pull up a couch or a bench outside, and while away a couple of hours while Oxford Street seethes and pulses below you.
Although it sits outside the CBD, Newtown has everything you could want from a city centre. The inner west suburb — and its bustling bloodline, King Street — is packed with thrift shops, live music venues, pubs, vegan spots, nurseries, rooftop bars and even a cinema. No matter what you enjoy doing in your spare time, Newtown can deliver it — wander through one of the many vintage clothing stores and catch a limited release film at the Dendy, then, when night falls, grab a bottle of pét-nat to take home or join locals and uni students at the pub for a happy hour pint. If there's one thing Newtown has too much of, it's choice. So we've joined forces with American Express to create a guide to the must-visits — the stores that locals love. These eight shops sell everything from vintage Levis to indoor plants, and you can shop small up and down King Street with your Amex Card.
It was in 2017 that Paddo Inn reopened alongside other Oxford Street greats like The Unicorn, The Paddington and The Light Brigade. The Paddo mainstay received a new lick of paint and a new lease on life. Ownership now rests in the hands of Sydney venue group Solotel, the company behind venues like North Bondi Fish, Aria and The Sheaf. The old front bar of the Paddo Inn was renovated into a bar and casual dining spot, with a more formal eatery out the back. But we're here for the full shebang, so we head down into the lovely dining room designed by George Livissianis, who is also responsible for the redesign of The Dolphin in Surry Hills and Matt Moran's Aria. Visually, it's exactly what you want from a contemporary pub bistro — high ceilings, painted brick, wood and marble textures with a casual elegance. The open kitchen looks fresh and well-appointed, and the menu too is instantly appealing, with a good number of dishes and interesting flavour combinations. The room is packed with upwardly mobile locals and industry folk, a crowd that gets busy even on quieter weeknights. The food matches that contemporary design flavour with a selection of Italian dishes from Il Baretto, which operates out of the back of the venue. Starters are light in style but heavy on the seafood with the likes of insalate di polpo (octopus salad with butter beans and salsa verde) and yellowfin tuna carpaccio with broad bean dressing and sugar snap peas. The mains are straightforward, with a Caesar salad, chicken schnitzel and sirloin steak on offer — things get more diverse when you inspect the seven choices of pasta. Shoutouts have to go to the wine list, which is compact, thoughtful and food-friendly, with a great selection of red, white, sparkling, rosé, natural and low-to-no options. And cocktails are, of course, an option, with all the classics plus signatures like the pesto smash (Hendrick's Gin, almond, lime, basil) and vanilla and fennel Cuban (Bacardi Spiced Rum, pickled fennel, lime). Images: Byron Martin for PADDO(Collective)
When that big city life feels like it's getting a little bit much, there's no better antidote than to whisk yourself away for a dose of countryside. Lots of fresh air, an abundance of nature and a slower pace that's guaranteed to relax and revive. And you can find all of that just a quick hop out of the big smoke, with idyllic country cottages, wilderness huts and secluded farm retreats dotted all across the state. Places where you can wake up to nature and spend your days lounging by the fire or exploring acres of surrounding bushland. Well, we've done the hard work for you and pulled together twenty of the most unique country stays you can book right now in NSW. Choose a favourite, pack those bags and get set for a taste of rural living. Recommended Reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in NSW The Best Tiny Houses You Can Book Around NSW The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains Wilderness Hut Studio, Worrowing Heights Embrace the best of country and coast, at this secluded, self-contained cabin. It's a modern beauty, surrounded by nature and crafted from reclaimed timber. From $335 a night, sleeps two. Casa Del Casson, Smiths Lake A little slice of Mexico in the coastal village of Smiths Lake. With a wood fireplace and dense wilderness surrounds, this log cabin is endlessly cosy. From $250 a night, sleeps six. Billabong Cottage, Termeil This secluded cottage for two overlooks its own lush billabong. Enjoy a cosy fireplace, sunny verandah and complete serenity throughout. From $160 a night, sleeps two. Laguna Sanctuary, Upper Colo A Balinese-inspired cottage, bordered by a freshwater lagoon. This one's got a firepit, heated outdoor spa and sun-drenched overwater deck. From $390 a night, sleeps four. The Stables, Holgate A secluded country escape, just minutes from the beach, this modern cabin is primed for relaxing and romancing. And that bath features incredible views. From $250 a night, sleeps two. JR's Hut, Nangus Escape the world at this mountaintop eco-hut, complete with 360-degree views. It's entirely off-grid, with a fire to keep things extra snug. From $660 a night, sleeps two The Shed at Broger's End, Upper Kangaroo River This former machinery shed is now a stylish cottage, cleverly built with reclaimed materials and boasting its own outdoor pizza oven. From $600 a night, sleeps seven. Japanese Studio, Fitzroy Falls Enjoy your own private Japanese-style retreat set among the lush surrounds of Fitzroy Falls, which is on the doorstep of both national parkland and wine country. From $250 a night, sleeps two. Nearest Neighbour Cabin, Cambridge Plateau Unplug at this charming, off-grid couples' cabin, backing onto heritage-listed rainforest and rolling green acreage. It's as private and peaceful as they come. From $80 a night, sleeps three. Spiral House, Robertson This unique tiny home comes complete with alfresco tub, sweeping views and 33 acres as your private backyard. From $277 a night, sleeps two. Warramba, Glen Alice A contemporary country cottage with styling that'll make you swoon. Unplug, recharge and soak up a taste of rural life. From $805 a night, sleeps six. Romantic Guesthouse, Foxground Recapture the romance at this private studio, overlooking rolling green hills. Enjoy cosy nights around the firepit and sunny days in the infinity pool. From $514 a night, sleeps two. Strikes 2, Eurunderee Enjoy an epic outlook and serenity aplenty when you book a stay at this eco-friendly couples' cottage, set high above the Eurunderee Valley. From $357 a night, sleeps two. The Treehouse, Kangaroo Valley Nab your own treehouse paradise, overlooking the Kangaroo River. This group-friendly retreat is enveloped in nature, featuring a firepit and sun-drenched deck. From $508 a night, sleeps four. The Shearing Shed, Cowra This stylishly repurposed shearing shed makes for a dreamy couples' escape, complete with log fire and loads of farm-style charm. From $250 a night, sleeps two Black Rose Cottage, Mudgee A sweet country cottage with room for ten, this stylish retreat sits just minutes from the heart of Mudgee and is surrounded by wine country. From $375 a night, sleeps ten. Kookawood, Rydal A quaint farmhouse cottage perched high overlooking the Blue Mountains. Enjoy the cosy log fireplace and some truly breathtaking views from the outdoor bath. From $550 a night, sleeps four. Loughmore Cottage, Kangaroo Valley Load up on country-style tranquility at this revamped Irish settler's hut, complete with comfy furnishings and a library full of books. From $250 a night, sleeps two. Barrington Eco Hut, Cobark An eco-friendly tiny home that's primed for an unplugged getaway, featuring a hot shower, cosy fire pit and delightfully remote wilderness setting. From $230 a night, sleeps two. Practice Ground, Glen Davis Surrounded by the rugged cliffs of the Capertree Valley, relax and unwind in this architectural wonder nestled on a 20-acre plot of bushland. From $455 a night, sleeps four. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: courtesy of Airbnb.
If you're ever in the Chippendale/Ultimo stretch of Sydney and are craving a quick and delicious feed, one of your best options is Hongdae Pocha — the new KBBQ joint from the Vuza Hospitality team, who are the same team behind South Korean bakery and cafe Buttered. Housed in a heritage-listed former brewery, exposed brick, concrete walls, steel supports and plaques reflect the history of the space, which boasts enough seating for 172 diners on any day. The menu, crafted by Head Chef Haeseung Choi (Firedoor, Jueun), champions the informal and social dining experience of pocha, offering a mix of street-style South Korean eats designed to be shared. "Pocha is a big part of Korean nightlife — it's where food and drink come together in a relaxed, social setting. It's not formal dining, it's about unwinding with drinks and enjoying bold flavours with good company. With Hongdae Pocha, we wanted to capture that same energy for Sydney — approachable, vibrant, and true to the way we eat and socialise back home," said Choi. Highlights on the menu include the umami-laden yukhoe, a Korean beef tartare mixed in chilli paste and served atop a crispy hash brown, and the yetnal tongdak, a whole chicken deep fried and topped half-and-half — one half with a mustard soy glaze and green onion, and the other with a spicy sweet-and-sour blend. The rest of the food menu is filled with street food classics, plates of grill-it-yourself pork and beef with toppings aplenty, seafood pancakes, and ice cream topped with a mix of treats we dare not spoil. Images: Trent Van Der Jagt for Stanley House Studios
Taco Bell, Wahlburgers, Five Guys and Wendy's all did it. Now, Chuck E Cheese is as well. Big-name American food chains keep making the leap to Australia, with this US restaurant-slash-entertainment centre brand first announcing its Down Under plans in 2024, and now backing it up by confirming that it'll launch in 2025. Yes, Charles Entertainment Cheese is heading this way, ready to delight kids, families and Australian adults who've always wanted the Chuck E Cheese experience. The children's birthday-party go-to is set to open its first Aussie venue in the coming months, in Perth. Exactly where in the Western Australian capital will be revealed in April. Chuck E Cheese's jump Down Under is a result of the WA-based Royale Hospitality Group signing a master franchise partnership for the country, adding to a stable that also includes Outback Jack's and Milky Lane. It's helping extend the chain as it closes in on five decades of existence — launching in 1977 — and as Asia and Europe also become a global focus. On offer: the place to eat slices, play games and watch animatronics that's been parodied in the likes of Five Nights at Freddy's and Willy's Wonderland, but obviously without the horror. And yes, that spans the company's characters. Yes, Charles Entertainment Cheese is Chuck E Cheese's mouse mascot's full name. Patrons can look forward to pizza, arcade games, climbing walls, an interactive dance floor and other play areas, plus VIP birthday party rooms and a space for parents to kick back sans kids. On the menu, smoothies and milkshakes will also be a feature, as will healthy options. "Perth has a strong culture for family entertainment, so bringing Chuck E Cheese to Australia is incredibly exciting — we can't wait for families to experience the fun, games and great food that have made it famous around the world," said Royale Hospitality Group General Manager Christian Beaden, announcing that Perth will play host to the chain's first Aussie store. If you live elsewhere around the nation, you'll need to keep waiting to find out when you'll be able to take your nieces and nephews to Chuck E Cheese in other Australian cities. Chuck E Cheese will start opening in Australia in 2025, starting in Perth, but exactly when and where hasn't yet been revealed — keep an eye on the chain's website, and we'll update you with more details when they're announced.
It's no surprise the humble banana is a lunchbox staple. After all, they pack in essential vitamins while being ripe to eat on their own or paired with myriad ingredients. What's more, this much-loved fruit can even score you a free workout this Wednesday, October 8, in celebration of National Banana Day. Made possible by Australian Bananas — the national peak body advocating for the potassium-packed powerhouses — the Banana Gym Pass returns for a second year following its 2024 debut. Just show a banana to the team at over 900 participating gyms nationwide to receive a free guest pass for the day. Featuring more than double the gyms included in the first year, the campaign has been embraced with open arms by boutique studios and massive chains like Virgin Active, Fitness First and Anytime Fitness. That means it's likely a nearby gym is ready to peel open its doors so you can get in a session — just check for a participating location. "Bananas have always been one of my go-to snacks," says Australian Bananas ambassador Tim Robards. "They're natural, easy to grab and full of the energy you need for a great workout, to chase after the kids, or just keep on top of a busy day. National Banana Day is a great reminder that looking after your body and keeping it fuelled doesn't have to be complicated."
