Since launching late last month, Sydney's billion-dollar Metro North West railway has already seen over one million passengers pass through its train station doors. To help even more commuters travel the 36-kilometre journey, linking Rouse Hill and Chatswood, Transport for NSW has launched a new on-demand bus that'll pick you up and drop you right by a new railway station. Cooee Busways works a little bit like UberPool, combining both fixed route and on-demand transit. To book a trip, jump on the smartphone app — which you can download for free for IOS and Android — input your pick-up location and your destination station, and a booking confirmation will be sent through with a nearby pick-up spot and estimated drop-off time. You'll also be sent a SMS notification two minutes before the bus is due to arrive, with its corresponding bus number. It'll then drop you at the station, possibly picking up a few other passengers along the way. The on-demand buses operate between 5am and 9pm on weekdays (including public holidays) and run to the Tallawong and Rouse Hill Metro stations, as well as to the Schofields Train Station. The area they service, at the moment, includes Schofields, The Ponds and Kellyville Ridge, and is outlined in the map below. As the on-demand bus service is currently only serving a fraction of the Metro's surrounding suburbs, we're hoping there are plans to expand it in the near future. Fares cost between $2.20 and $3.66 (depending on how far you're travelling), and concession card holders pay between $1.10 and $1.83. You can pay either through the app or by tapping your credit or debit card on board the bus. You, unfortunately, can't use your Opal card on the service. While the idea of on-demand public transport may seem novel, it's not new for Sydney. As well as an on-demand ferry, the city already has on-demand buses running in the inner west and eastern suburbs. Cooee Busways are now running from 5am–9pm, Monday to Friday in the Schofields, The Ponds and Kellyville Ridge areas. You can download the app for free via the Apple or Google stores.
The NSW Government might be forking out the big bucks for Sydney's rail transport overhaul, but the new fleet of trains it's introducing will be missing one of its best elements: flip seats. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, Transport for NSW has opted to ditch the seats — which can be reversed to face either forwards or backwards, to awkwardly knock knees with strangers or look at the back of their heads — in the new intercity trains, even though the body's own research shows that they're the kind preferred by most of the city's commuters. Instead, the 512 double-decker carriages that are being bought for a cool $2.3 billion will feature only fixed seating, apparently due to safety reasons and heftier costs. An internal document for Transport Minister Andrew Constance states that even though flip seats scored a big thumbs up from the passengers, they're heavier, require more maintenance and could pose a greater fire risk due to the materials used. Many of the manufacturers originally bidding for the trains also claimed that reversible seating would push up the building cost of each carriage and reduce seating capacity overall. And while the transport agency has revealed it's listened to customer feedback elsewhere, incorporating wider seats and armrests, and device charging outlets on the new trains, many are slamming the seat choice, which could see some passengers forced to sit backwards for train rides of up to three hours. Services for the first of these new trains on the Central Coast and Newcastle lines will kick off late 2019, with the view to place them on the Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Wollongong and South Coast lines in the following years. Metropolitan trains will continue to have flip seats, but this decision certainly seems like they will be phased out in time. Via The Sydney Morning Herald. Image: Wykymania via Wikimedia Commons.
A toastie-themed takeaway joint has just opened on the lower north shore, and it's offering up ten Korean-style sangas — all made fresh to order by a team of Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs. Toastiesmith Chatswood is Sydney's answer to Isaac Toast, a Korean chain with more than 700 stores that slices and serves this popular street eat. Like in Korea, each toastie is made using thick-cut brioche and comes topped with a fluffy omelette. If you're new to this style of toastie, start with the signature Eggsmith ($7.95) — it's stuffed with scrambled eggs and cheese and topped with sesame slaw, spicy tomato relish and chipotle sauce. [caption id="attachment_782079" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kera Wong[/caption] Other fillings include shichimi-spiced chicken with smashed avo and pineapple; fried barramundi with tartare sauce and pickled cucumbers; a garlic mushroom number; and one stuffed with wagyu beef, truffle mayo and seaweed. Keeping it all cheap and cheerful, toastie prices range from a reasonable $7.95–$12.95 here. To accompany the eats, diners can grab a coffee ($3.95–4.50), smoothie ($5.95) or house-made soda ($5.95), with refreshing flavours including rose lychee and cucumber mint. For those that live south of the bridge, a second Toastiesmith outpost is slated to open in Darling Square's Maker Dozen on Wednesday, September 16. Images: Kera Wong
UPDATE, MARCH 5: Due to concerns around the coronavirus, Universal Pictures has announced that No Time to Die will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, April 8, 2020. It will now release worldwide in November 2020 — including Down Under on November 12, 2020. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. It's trailer time. James Bond trailer time. That means espionage thrills, world-in-peril action, formidable villains, savvy ladies, plenty of gadgets and — since 2006's Casino Royale — Daniel Craig as 007. All of the above is present and accounted for in the just-released first look at No Time to Die, which'll mark the British spy's 25th official big-screen outing. It's also Craig's final go-around as the martini-loving hero. After the events of 2015's Spectre — and after retiring from active service to soak in Jamaica's splendours — Craig's version of Bond is looking a bit shaken and stirred in the No Time to Die trailer. That's bound to happen when he's told his skills are needed to rescue a kidnapped scientist, only for that mission to bring him face-to-face with an unhinged new adversary (Bohemian Rhapsody Oscar-winner Rami Malek). Throw in a new 00 agent (Captain Marvel's Lashana Lynch) covering Bond's turf, a forced meeting with imprisoned ex-opponent Blofeld (Christoph Waltz) and things not seeming to have ended well with psychiatrist Dr Madeleine Swan (Lea Seydoux), and it's safe to say that the mood is rather tense. The instalment is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective, Maniac) and penned by a team that includes Fukunaga, The Report director Scott Z Burns and Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge — and all the usual Bond offsiders are on hand, too. Yes, Ralph Fiennes is back as M, alongside Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw as Q, Rory Kinnear as MI6 head Bill Tanner and Jeffrey Wright as CIA agent Felix Leiter. Plus, reuniting with Craig after co-starring in the fabulously entertaining Knives Out, Ana de Armas also joins the cast. And, naturally, the first No Time to Die sneak peek delivers plenty of impressive action. It is a Bond film after all. Indeed, if Craig is stepping away from the role after five features (including 2008's Quantum of Solace and 2012's Skyfall), he looks to be going out in suave, stunt-filled, Aston Martin-driving style. Watch the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo-jtTLBhok&feature=youtu.be No Time to Die was originally due to release in cinemas on April 8, 2020, but will now release in Australia on November 12, 2020.
When your name is Kate, you make a series with a heap of other Kates — "I think there was nine of us working on the show," Kate Box advises — and the streaming hit with all that Kate energy is the brainchild of Australian comedy queens Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, accidentally punning on Deadloch's creators, aka The Kates, is probably inevitable. Ask Box about getting started on the award-winning mystery-comedy's upcoming second season, as Concrete Playground did, and the Rake, Wentworth, Stateless and Boy Swallows Universe star drops the perfect response: "I can't wait to get cracking on it". "Oh my god, they've taken over my body," she laughs about referencing one of the TV series before Deadloch that helped cement McCartney and McLennan's status as comedy greats, as sharp and smart satirists, and as creators of the very best comic television that viewers could ask for. Unlike morning TV spoof Get Krack!n, however, or cooking show sendup The Katering Show before it, McCartney and McLennan left the acting to others on Deadloch. Earlier in 2024, Box deservedly won an AACTA Award for Best Acting in a Comedy for co-leading the series as small-town cop Dulcie Collins. She's also rightly up for a Logie for Best Actress in a Comedy. The character of Dulcie is one half of Deadloch's lead double act, and also one part of a TV cop show staple: the odd couple. The Senior Sergeant was once a Sydney homicide detective, then moved south with her vet wife Cath (Alicia Gardiner, The Clearing), finding more solace in the routine and rules of the job than in a quieter Tasmanian life. Donning sandals and Hawaiian shirts, loving swearing as much as Dulcie loves structure, and incapable of containing her emotions for a moment, Eddie Redcliffe arrives from the Darwin Major Crimes division to complete the series' key duo. As the new colleagues investigate why the bodies of dead men have started piling up in the show's titular town, cue pairing Box with The Breaker Upperers, Baby Done and Our Flag Means Death's Madeleine Sami, and giving the small screen an instant-favourite chalk-and-cheese twosome. Imagining anyone else as either Dulcie or Eddie is impossible, but Box was initially in line to play the latter role. When the project came the Offspring, The Daughter and Fucking Adelaide alum's way, that's what she first auditioned for. Envisaging anything about Deadloch's first season differing from the eight excellent episodes that hit Prime Video in 2023 is equally inconceivable; however, knowing what might've been sparked some on-set fun. "I mean, I gave Mads quite a lot of shit when we'd get to the scenes that we were shooting that I'd done in my audition scene," Box explains. "I was like 'ohh, are you going to do it like that? Yeah, I wouldn't have when I was doing it'." It doesn't come as a surprise for a second that Deadloch's first season was a delight to make; as it charted Dulcie and Eddie's investigations, expertly parodied its genre, made a killer feminist statement, and always proved both a hilarious watch and a gripping crime series, the end product certainly was a joy to watch. It might've taken its streaming home a full year to greenlight more episodes of a show that The Kates originally gave the working title Funny Broadchurch, but that a second season is on the way is similarly understandable — and eagerly anticipated. As set up at the end of season one, Deadloch's return will take Dulcie and Eddie to Darwin, looking into the death of Eddie's former partner — plus beyond when more bodies pile up again. We not only chatted with Box about what she's excited about the second time around, but also the response to the show so far, why it has resonated with viewers, working with The Kates, auditioning for both Dulcie and Eddie, how she prepares for stepping into former's shoes not once but twice, what gets her interested in a project and more. On the Enormous Response to the First Season of Deadloch "Obviously it's been so wonderful. It's a project that I feel so deeply proud to be a part of. There's this really wanky thing, I suppose, in the industry where you're like 'don't say it was like a family' — but it really was. It felt like an incredible bunch of artists who all really were looking out for each other and looking out for this incredible new life that would be Deadloch. I think that everybody who worked on it had such great passion for it — and when you see something that you love reach so many people and have the response that it did, it's a pretty great feeling." On Why Deadloch Has Struck Such a Chord with Viewers "It's so funny, isn't it — you never know what's going to stick, really. But I think The Kates write such brilliant characters, they write such tight plots and their voices are so incredibly unique. I think watching Deadloch was that beautiful feeling of danger and surprise, because all of this feels very new — but also of real safety in trusting that the show was going to deliver the goods in terms of great characters and great politics. And once you got into the show and you got used to the fact that it was a fairly new genre — in the way that it was trying to balance these very dark topics with this very wild humour — I think there's that feeling of joy that you get in watching something that is so unique, that is really universal, that you're witnessing something new and wonderful. The Kates just managed to bring that genre to the world in such a smart and generous and joyful way." On How Box Reacted When a New Project by The Kates Came Her Way "I auditioned for Eddie, so when I got sent the first script or the first scene, that was to put down a tape for Eddie. And I read that character — and I'd been a bit madly in love with The Kates for a while now, and had watched their work and had always found them to be exceptional — and then I read this character and I was like 'who is this woman? This is a role that I don't see come across my iPad very often'. I was kind of gobsmacked by that. And I spent the first week preparing Eddie and just having the most-amazing time doing that. It was one of those things I was so excited to go into the audition for and just put the tape down. I just really wanted to play in that world. That's a really good sign, because it doesn't feel like it's a job interview — it feels like an opportunity to just relish a very cool human. Then, before I sent the tapes in, they said 'oh, can you also put something down for Dulcie?'. I'd grown so in love with Eddie and I hadn't read much of Dulcie's material, and then they sent the stuff through for Dulcie and I was like 'well, this is a different hat to put on' — and I had to really recalibrate how I imagined living in that world. Obviously Eddie and Dulcie approach the world in very, very different ways. But it was actually such a great start to being a part of Deadloch, because I got to inhabit the the madness and the straightness of what they were trying to create with this dynamic. It was really wonderful." On Working with Madeleine Sami as Eddie "I think nobody else could play Eddie except Mads. She's the perfect fit for that sandal, and so I was standing opposite her and just watching this cyclonic force of comedy — and Eddie had such big kid emotions and Dulcie is an incredibly restrained adult. Watching Mads was just a comedy masterclass, and my task was to try to stick to the words on the page and to the crime that needed to be solved, and just manage this whirlwind of madness around me. It was just fun. It was very, very fun — and really hard to keep my shit together in a lot of scenes." On How Box Approaches Playing Dulcie "If you look at who Dulcie fell in love with, they're not a buttoned-up, repressed, tight-lipped human. Dulcie's love for Cath speaks volumes in the kind of energy that Dulcie may thrive off internally as well. So while there's all this kind of madness around her, I think her love for Cath indicates that she is drawn to the parts of her that she can't access, which is that chaos and big emotion. And so I think in playing Dulcie, I was always really wary of giving her this massive internal life of responses. I would look at a scene and imagine the screaming and shouting and tantrum-throwing that Dulcie would be doing internally, and then shut the lid on that and play the professional, straight, repressed version of that — which was a really fun task. I think that the chaos of the show and the brilliance of the show is that it is able to hold this incredibly dark and serious storyline, and tackle some pretty rough and intense and vulnerable issues, but it also does it in a way that is wildly funny and absurd. And so finding that balance within Dulcie of somebody who can feel all this stuff but hold everything in felt like the right match for the piece." On the Preparation Process for Stepping Into Dulcie's Shoes the First Time Around "Because the script is so extraordinary, so much of your information is handed to you because The Kates are so specific and so excellent. I chatted to a few folks in the police force, a few women in the police force, and had discussions with them about what it was like working in a pretty dick-swinging environment. And I just watched the way in which they would talk about it. Often the women that I met had taken on a lot of the mannerisms of what you would imagine that really heavy testosterone environment is like. That was really interesting to watch, because I thought 'I don't think Dulcie's gone that way'. I think Dulcie doesn't play the game in that way. I think what she does is she follows the rules, and she does that hopefully to the point where she can't be thrown off or criticised because she's done everything by the book. So I chatted to quite a few yeah folks in the police force. And I rewatched Broadchurch, because that was such an amazing inspiration for it. And I tried to just get incredibly precise in my note-keeping, which is very different to me. Like me, Kate, my notes are chaotic. My brain is a bit messy. I'm not a particularly ordered person. And so as I was preparing for Deadloch, I tried very hard to keep really neat notebooks and to have little codes as to what certain things in the scripts would refer to. I tried to get into the mind of someone with that much precision. Unfortunately it didn't stay. And I'm a big fan of writing personal history for characters, so I have notebooks filled with imagined events that had happened to Dulcie in her life, like the first time she met Cath and the day of their wedding, and when she graduated from the police academy — all that kind of stuff. I journaled." On Returning to the Character Again for Season Two "I feel like I've got access to so many of Dulcie's memories because I wrote them down, but otherwise I may have forgotten. You know when you're moving house and you open that box of letters and photos and you're like 'oh my god, that!'? I feel like I've got Dulcie's box of letters and photos in my desk drawer, all ready to pull out and get going again." On What Box Is Most Looking Forward to with Deadloch's Second Season "I cannot wait to be in Darwin. I spent primary school in Darwin, and I've gone back there quite a lot in my life, and I love it. So I'm really looking forward to spending some time up north in the heat. And hopefully as we get closer to wet season, watching those clouds roll in and waiting for that rain to break at the end of the day. I'm looking forward to all of those things that the place dishes up so beautifully, the sunsets and the markets. So I'm looking forward to the lifestyle — not that I'll get out much because I'll be on set all the time. And obviously just being around Mads and Alicia and Nina [Oyama, Utopia] and The Kates again. I just adore them as humans. They are really good mates, and people that I feel really joyous around and really lucky to be in their company, so I'm looking forward to being in their orbit again." On What Gets Box Excited About a New Role at This Stage of Her Career "I think I'm at a point in my life where the greatest joy is the people that I'm working with. I get really excited about having opportunities to work with people who I love and whose work I find thrilling and challenging and smart. I think I get most excited about collaboration, to be honest. I get excited about building humans alongside other people who have great insight into humanity, and into how folks think and feel and walk through the world. The good thing about being at this point in my career is I feel like I'm able to come into conversations much earlier on than I was when I was younger. I feel like when I was younger, I'd enter projects at the final stage of everything and not trust my voice enough, either, to be able to help fill out those characters through conversation with the writers and the directors. So I think what I love now most is that I trust myself a lot more. I have some excellent relationships with artists who I admire wildly, and that collaborating with those people feels like a real two-way street rather than me getting a script and just trying to give somebody what I think that they want. The inventiveness that comes with working now, I find really thrilling." Deadloch streams via Prime Video, with no release date announced as yet for season two. Read our review of season one, and our interview with Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan. Deadloch images: Bradley Patrick / Prime Video.
While there are fewer feet dancing in the Cross than there used to be, the Kings Cross Hotel is still flying the good-time flag high. From the dive bar to the rooftop, you'll have ample opportunity to get your freak on. Bask under the neon light of the Coke sign on the club level as you pull your best moves to some of Sydney's finest DJ talents. At the occasional takeover, the entire six floors of the venue are transformed into one big party, and, yeah, you might want to take the following Monday off.
In the modern world of entertainment, content can feel a little bit non-stop. There's always new things to watch, but a lot of it is better than ever. Each month, we're cutting through the streaming noise and helping you figure out what's worth bingeing on release day and what you can save for some downtime later in the year. Here are the new seasons and series we'll be watching in June. Prefer something with a longer runtime? Check out our guide to the movies releasing in theatres and on streaming this month instead. Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — Thriller, Dark Comedy Motherhood is a mystery. It's hard enough already for Paula (Tatiana Maslany). Divorce, custody battles, work, youth soccer, exercise, a kidnapping conspiracy that threatens to destroy her life, you know, the usual. Okay, the latter isn't typically what you'd call "usual", but she certainly watched something that looked a lot like a kidnapping. Is it a scam? Or can these people make good on the threats against her and her family? One way or another, she's going to find out. Streaming weekly on Apple TV now. The Boroughs — Mystery, Sci-Fi For grieving newcomer Sam (Alfred Molina), the idyllic retirement community of The Boroughs seems like it's not much more than a polished piece of desert where people come to die. But soon he finds community with a group of intrepid fellow retirees (Geena David, Alfre Woodard, Bill Pullman, Clarke Peters and Denis O'Hare), who discover this community hides an otherworldly secret that could steal the one thing they want more of: time. This new supernatural series comes from the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, so expect enough mystery to fill the Hawkins-shaped hole in your heart. Streaming on Netflix now. Rick and Morty: Season nine — Animation, Comedy What's one more quick adventure? Adult Swim's smash hit comedy has been gracing our screens with madcap science fiction and multiversal hijinks for the better part of 13 years now, and it's still going strong. For its ninth season, it promises to be AI-slop-free and 100 per cent A-grade human-made slop. Expect portals, explosions, killer furniture, kung fu, breakfast drugs and… well, this is Rick and Morty, so god knows what. Expect the unexpected. Streaming weekly on HBO Max now. Spider-Noir — Superhero, Crime If you've seen Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, you have some idea of what a detective noir version of Spider-Man can look like. While this is from the same creators and also stars Nicolas Cage, it's not the exact same spider seen in the 2018 film. Confusing right? Don't worry about it, just enjoy watching PI Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage) solving crimes, swinging from rooftops, drinking egg creams and fighting nazis (and some old-timey spins on classic Spider-Man villains). You can choose to watch it either in black and white or colour, depending on how noir you want to go. Streaming weekly on Prime Video now. Taskmaster: Season 21 — Game Show, Comedy Greg Davies and Alex Horne, the mad geniuses of the gameshow world, are deep into their latest season of subjecting a lineup of stars to all sorts of quirky and confusing challenges. Season 21 is currently releasing on Binge, and stars Kumail Nanjiani (Fallout), Amy Gledhill (Run Away), screenwriter Armando Ianucci, Joanna Page (Gavin & Stacey) and Joel Dommett (Popatron). The finale nears, and these competitors are putting it all on the line…to varying degrees of enthusiasm. Streaming weekly on Binge now. Not Suitable for Work — Comedy, Feel-Good Medical school. Celebrity fashion. Wall Street. Cosmetic clinics. None of these workplaces is an easy pathway to success, let alone happiness, but damned if these 20-somethings aren't going to try. Not Suitable for Work, the latest series from executive producer Mindy Kaling, follows this ragtag group of good-hearted go-getters through the ups and downs of their early careers and lives, each chasing their own version of success in the Big Apple without losing out on everything that makes life worth living. Streaming weekly on Hulu via Disney+ from Tuesday, June 2. Clarkson's Farm: Season Five — Documentary, Comedy Jeremy Clarkson (the Top Gear presenter-turned-farming advocate) is continuing his one-man war against inconvenience and naysayers as his farm-life documentary series returns for its fifth season. With every year comes new opportunities and new challenges. This time that includes malfunctioning driverless tractors, cow contaminations, problematic pub crowds and that classic Clarkson enthusiasm for stirring up discourse — no matter how much Amazon begs him not to. Streaming weekly on Prime Video from Wednesday, June 3. The Legend of Vox Machina: Season Four — Animation, Fantasy When the story of Vox Machina began, they were just a ragtag team of unlucky mercenaries with all the unsettled scores you could imagine. Now, the first team of heroes from the famous Dungeons and Dragons crew Critical Role are two-time realm savers who've reunited after a year apart. They've been called back into the hero game by the return of an ancient evil and its army, with the plans of gods unfolding around them and the fate of the realm hanging in the balance...again. Streaming weekly on Prime Video from Wednesday, June 3. Two Years Later — Romance, Australian Brisbane, 2022, the pandemic has begun to fade into a strange sense of normalcy, and life is going back to the way it was — including a return to the office for Ryan (Brenton Thwaites) and Emily (Phoebe Tonkin). Two strangers, they made a habit of flirting on the bus, and now that their time apart has ended, they want to put it all on the line. Following his instincts and his grandparents' example, Ryan suggests they go on eight dates to decide once and for all whether it's forever or just for fun. Streaming weekly on Paramount+ from Thursday, June 4. Cape Fear — Thriller, Remake The 1991 classic film Cape Fear has been remade for the small screen with an all-star cast and crack creative team to do so. Executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, Cape Fear follows the Bowdens, (Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson) married lawyers who live comfortably with their daughter Natalie (Lily Collias). 17 years ago their client Max Cady (Javier Bardem) was found guilty in a murder trial, supposedly a wrongful charge. Now he's free, he's angry, and he's haunting the family's every step with a wicked smile and a plan for revenge. Streaming weekly on Apple TV from Friday, June 5. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apple TV (@appletv) Sugar: Season Two — Crime, Noir Apple TV's sunset city-set neo-noir detective series is officially returning for its second season this June. John Sugar (Colin Farrell) is a private investigator who's especially good at one thing: finding the missing. While he has his own missing sister that constantly eludes him, he excels at tracking down his clients' loved ones. This time, he's tracking down the troubled older brother of a professional boxer, a simple case that expands into a conspiracy tangled in the underbelly of Los Angeles. Streaming weekly on Apple TV from Friday, June 19. House of the Dragon: Season Three — Fantasy, Drama Things never de-escalate smoothly in Westeros. House of the Dragon, the Emmy-winning prequel to Game of Thrones, is going all-in for its third and penultimate season, recounting the succession war between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and her half-brothers Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell). Rhaenyra has the dragons, her brothers have the armies, but their cause is divided, and Rhaenyra's path to the Iron Throne is backed by prophecy. Heads will roll, and cities will burn, before this is through. Streaming weekly on HBO Max from Monday, June 22. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Bear (@thebearfx) The Bear: Season Five — Drama, Finale FX's smash hit, multi-award-winning culinary drama isn't outstaying its welcome, because all the best meals have an expiration date, and this fine-dining drama is concluding with its fifth season this June. In season 4, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and his team have put everything they have into The Bear, but Carmy has now quit the restaurant game. With their budget running out, the threat of a sale and storm looming, the team pull together for one crack at getting a Michelin Star. Streaming weekly on Hulu via Disney+ from Friday, June 26. 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. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied / HBO Max
Sydney's made headlines as one of the world's most liveable cities, but it's also one of the world's most expensive cities, and it's battling a homelessness crisis. Rough sleeping rose by 24 percent in 2025, and according to the ABS, almost half of Australia's homeless are aged 24 or under. Enter Sleep Under the Stars, the annual initiative by Stepping Stone House to raise awareness and funds to help fight youth homelessness across the country. In 2025, Sydneysiders can register to spend a night sleeping rough in Barangaroo's Stargazer lawn with the goal of raising $1 million for Stepping Stone House, money that will in turn go towards safe homes, education and life-changing support to young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Participants are encouraged to raise money on their team ahead of the night, but come 4pm on Friday, October 24, all registrants will head to the lawn for the night. There'll be a welcome to country, live music, games, food, drinks, stargazing, and all the supplies you and your crew will need to build a shelter for the night. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stepping Stone House (@stepping_stone_house) In 2023-24, almost half (49 percent) of everyone supported by NSW Specialist Homelessness Services was under 24. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of those seeking help in NSW were female, and more than 13,000 young people in Sydney presented alone at homelessness services last year. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people account for around one in three young people seeking homelessness support, with more than half of all Aboriginal clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) aged under 25. Jason Juretic, CEO, Stepping Stone House, says, "We often think of youth homelessness as something that only happens in big global cities like London or New York, but the reality is it's unfolding right here in our own backyard. And it's not just happening to strangers, it's touching people we all know. It could be a mate, a colleague, or even the kids your children go to school with, forced to find shelter wherever they can." "People don't always associate couch surfing with homelessness, but that's exactly what it is. Just because it isn't happening on the street doesn't make it any less devastating, and the ramifications on a young person's health, education and future are huge." If you'd like to sign up, visit the website, but if you can't attend, you can still make a donation online.
What makes a good rooftop bar? The menu is the natural place to start, and ambience goes a long way, but a rooftop bar can live or die on the quality of the view. When it comes to rooftop views in Sydney, few do it better than Aster Bar. Where else can you sip a cocktail and soak in a perfectly framed 270-degree view of Sydney Harbour and the Royal Botanic Garden? Sitting atop the InterContinental Sydney, which was already arguably one of Sydney's prettiest hotels, Aster Bar is an unbeatable spot for a dash of luxury on a night out. The drinks menu rarely stays steady for long, but is always top-notch. The cocktails pay homage to the setting, a proximity to the sky and sea alike, using native botanicals and more than a few nods to the history of the Harbour City. Classics are available, but to pass on a signature is to pass on a seriously good drink. Martinis are a house favourite, and you can order a flight of three mini martinis if you're indecisive. Some drinks can be made at your table if you want to see the shaking or stirring up close. Aster is also fond of a spirits collaboration, so peruse the website and prepare your palate for a potential flight. You better not do this on an empty stomach, so be sure to tuck into some of the gourmet share plates and snacks. Take it easy with some Sydney rock oysters or the selection of cured meats and Australian cheese, or opt for bigger bites like the Aster cheeseburger and prawn katsu sandos to line your stomach properly. Images by Steven Woodburn
All the elements of this cafe, an award-winning Surry Hills stalwart, make it a pretty ace place to drink coffee and eat some lunch, if you don't think too carefully about it. The first is the million-dollar fit-out. The site looks like a studio apartment of a graphic designer with lots and lots of money, with timber floors, exposed brick, a garage roller-door at one end and a semi-circular cut out of the ceiling so you can see the level above. The food is definitely not your run-of-the-mill Surry Hills fare either. With influences from South America, it has a Baleada (a Honduran tortilla), Ceviche and Empanadas for choice. The Baleada was a little salty (as was the Avocado on Toast, though this was nicely tangy), and didn't reach its full potential in terms of flavour. The Baked Eggs, however, had a rich, flavoursome tomato sauce and would be good to share. The Figs on Sourdough with Goat's Curd was perfect, with the warm comfort of the cheese and bread perfectly balanced by fresh figs and rocket. The coffee is hands down great. A few of their house roasts are always on offer, which are creamy and rich. Eating the Dogg's Breakfast, an ice cream sandwich with salted caramel, will conjure memories of your five-year-old self, sneaking past your mum for a cheeky breakfast. It's tasty in the 'oh my god, junk fooood' kind of way but again, I think they could have done something a little more exciting - as they do with the flavours of the milkshakes (black sesame, espresso and wattle seed). That's where I baulk at claiming it's the bee's knees. Eating in such an amazing space, I kind of expect the food to surprise and impress me a little more. There's nothing wrong with having a beautiful premise and keeping things low key, some of Sydney's most exciting new restaurants are utilising this combination with fantastic results, but add on a 15 minute wait on busy (read: most) days, I expect the food to be well worth it. The place lacks the personality and charm that was once the trademark of Surry Hills. Gentrification will always change the essence of a place so perhaps it's useless to be nostalgic, but Reuben Hills seems like it's trying just a little too hard to fit into what people expect it to be: a cookie-cutter version of inner city slick/cool, without striving to be individual. [nggallery id=149]
This guide to the best dog-friendly hotels in Australia is made for those fur parents out there who can't bare the thought of travelling without their pooch — and let's not to mention the pain of finding a dog-sitter. For you dog owners, the best holiday is one where both your two-legged and four-legged mates are there. There's no denying it. Luckily, there are heaps of accommodation options all over Australia where you don't need to choose between the two. Each spot catering to your pup in its own way — think special beds, treats, beaches and walks, all for your furry pal. Looking for a spot where your dog is welcomed as much as your human friends? These dog-friendly hotels and B&Bs in Australia are here for you. CRYSTALBROOK ALBION, NEW SOUTH WALES The Crystalbrook Albion (formerly, Little Albion) team believe that our little fur babies deserve to enjoy life's luxuries just as much as we do. That's why they've designed their Urban rooms (located down on the ground floor with direct access to outside) to be pet-friendly. They mostly cater to cats and dogs with their special beds and pet treats but are open to other creatures – just make sure to call them up and enquire. We're assuming it's a no to your pet snake…? How much? From $370 per night. YONDAH BEACH HOUSE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA At Yondah Beach House (a 3.5-hour drive from Adelaide), owners Michele Bain and Nick Cureton take the term 'pet-friendly' to a whole new level. They know animals are part of the family — so, they let your dog on every inch of the expansive 150-acre property, including inside the award-winning house, where a special gift will be awaiting your pooch. The beachside home is also fenced on three sides and is one-kilometre from the road, so it's safe for your pup to roam around the Yorke Peninsula coastline on your doorstep. The place isn't just for dogs, either; in the past, Yondah has also welcomed cats, birds and even a turtle. How much? From $490 per night. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES The Four Seasons is the latest addition to the growing group of dog-friendly hotels in Sydney. Their Pet Paw-fection package includes putting you and your pooch up in rooms made specifically for your needs. Each fur-tunate pup gets its own plush bedding, dog toys, bath amenities, outdoor water bowls and specialty treats — Bone Appetit. The concierge is also brimming with knowledge about Sydney's best dog-friendly places and activities. They'll direct your pooch and you all around the city. You can check out the best dog-friendly parks, cafes and bars with your four-legged friend or choose to leave them behind with the dog minding team. They haven't been doing this service for long, but they're already up the top of the list for Australia's best dog-friendly hotels. How much? From $495 per night. MT COTTON RETREAT, QUEENSLAND Mt Cotton Retreat's self contained cabins are located just 30-minutes from the Brisbane CBD, yet offer a real bush retreat for you and your pup. Choose from lakeside or treetop accommodation, with select cabins specifically reserved for pets (and prior approval needed). The property spans 20 hectares and is situated within a private nature refuge — expect to see koalas aplenty, along with wallabies, possums and goannas. And Venman National Park is just a short one-kilometre walk or drive away. So you and your fur baby can't possibly run out of things to do, and will have nice warm cabins to come back to. How much? From $260 per night. ELEMENT RICHMOND MELBOURNE, VICTORIA A great city escape for fur parents is Element Richmond. It's an eco-conscious accommodation option that welcomes guests of both the human and four-legged variety. The hotel expands over 168 suites and offers a contemporary design by award-winning local architects Rothelowman. Up to two pups can share your room, which comes equipped with extra comfy dog beds. Element Richmond also boasts a dog-friendly mini-bar that has featured treats like the Quarter Hounder (pan-fried steak served with green vegetables) and The Good Dog (market fish with steamed carrot). It's safe to say your dog won't want to leave this lap of luxury. How much? From $214 per night. SHAMBHALA BYRON BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES Set along a private stretch of Belongil Beach in Byron Bay, Shambhala is a true oasis for you and your pet. The cottages are located right on the sand, and also back onto stunning rainforest. Each offers sweeping ocean views, specifically across the Coral and Tasman seas. Some of the cottages also include a separate deck that comes complete with an outdoor barbecue and an eight-person dining table, and the resort features a giant steam room and a hot rock sauna. But your doggo isn't forgotten here, either. The hotel provides food and water bowls for your pooch, as well as offers a map of the off-lead and dog exercise areas within range. So, humans and animals alike can soak up all this luxury. How much? From $395 per night. BANNISTERS PORT STEPHENS, NEW SOUTH WALES Bannisters Port Stephens is an opulent dog-friendly hotel in Australia that welcomes your pooch with open arms. It has three dog-friendly rooms, including two ocean deck rooms and the ground floor luxury suite. All three rooms open out onto the garden and are walking distance to Wanda Beach where your pup can roam free. Doggos can also enjoy the Terrace Bar deck, where humans have the added benefit of an infinity pool (not for dogs, sorry). Your four-legged friend can also accompany you for a bite in the Cheeky Dog beer garden. These rooms understandably book out quickly, so be sure to plan in advance. How much? From $320 per night. OVOLO NISHI CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Bush and beach retreats aren't the only options for your dog-filled holiday, either. Heaps of Australian cities are now extending accommodation to doggos as well, including Canberra's Ovolo Nishi. The city centre hotel is dedicated to luxury, nature, sustainability — and your four-legged friend. Opt for the VIP Pooch Package, which takes care of dogs just as much as humans. For starters, it includes a special doggy bed, food mat and bowl. Plus, both you and your fur baby will get goodie bags on arrival — your dog's will include toys and treats exclusive to the hotel. And to take it to the next level, the pet-loving staff will also act as dog-sitters, ready to provide assistance as needed. For those looking to venture elsewhere, Ovolo's other hotels in Sydney and Brisbane have the VIP pooch deal, too. How much? VIP Pooch Packages start at $376 per night. LILIANFELS BLUE MOUNTAINS RESORT & SPA, NEW SOUTH WALES Located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the small town of Katoomba, Lilianfels offers luxury and pampering for you and your pup. Here, you can book a special BYO dog package, which includes a deluxe view room that comes equipped with a bed, bowl and treats just for your fur baby. The dog-friendly room overlooks the gorgeous surrounds, which also include a tennis court, a spa, two pools — one of which is a heated outdoor infinity pool — and a fine-diner. Plus there are heaps of easily accessible bushwalks to enjoy with your pooch. How much? From $350 per night. THE LANGHAM, VICTORIA AND NEW SOUTH WALES The Langham in Sydney and Melbourne both offer up one of the most luxurious dog-friendly hotel experiences in all of Australia. They're not holding back in any capacity. Four-legged loves staying here get a dedicated Pet Room Service Menu as well as plush beds, signature Langham bowls, gourmet goodies and a pet gift bag on arrival. Reckon you might need a break from your utterly indulged friend? No problem. Pet sitting and walking services are on-hand. They also offer breakfast in bed for both you and your cat or dog (their private dining pet menu is damn impressive). They won't get pampered like this anywhere else, making this a clear front runner for the very best dog-friendly hotels in Australia. How much? From $570 per night. BRIAR ROSE COTTAGES, QUEENSLAND All aboard a dog-friendly wine tour of the Granite Belt! Set up a luxe base camp at Briar Rose Cottages, just 1km outside of Stanthorpe (which happens to be one our favourite day trip destinations from Brisbane). These three darling little cottages are straight out of a picture book. Think, 'aspirational country chic'. Crackling wood-fire heating, white wicker chairs on the verandah and heritage elegance with a welcoming, homey feel. They're self-contained, for 2, 4 or 6 people, but as there's no fence on the property, you'll just have to keep the doggo on a leash when you're outside. When you've settled in, head out to one of the numerous dog-friendly wineries, including Ridgemill Estate, Robert Cannon Wines, Summit Estate and the trendy Symphony Hill Wines. A tasting for you, some head-pats for the pup, then return to your cosy country abode. How much? From $220 per night. QT, VARIOUS AUSTRALIAN LOCATIONS At all QT Hotels & Resorts across Australia and New Zealand, your dog can come for a luxurious sleepover with you. The chain's Pup Yeah! fur-friendly stays include a night's accommodation for you and your doggo, an in-room menu specifically made for woofers and a pooch-friendly mini bar offering and designer canine bedding. The doggy food range is overseen by the brand's head of treats, Nic Wood, and includes steak tartare with raw beef, mushrooms and egg yolk; bone marrow risotto with bone broth and crispy pigs ears; and chicken livers and pork necks on wholemeal toast with chicken gravy. Fancy a pupper dessert? There's also a bacon ice cream sandwich, made from bacon ice cream, dried liver and oat biscuits. The team will also help guide you to all the best pet-friendly cafes and bars in the local area. And this isn't just one of the best dog-friendly hotels in Australia, it's also one the best hotels in Melbourne, period. How much? From $350 per night. HAWLEY HOUSE, TASMANIA A self-proclaimed 'animal paradise', Hawley House is set on a 150-hectare homestead on the northern coast of Tasmania. Your four-legged friends are welcome free of charge — and that goes not only for dogs but also for ferrets, rabbits, horses and cats. At this dog-friendly accommodation, you are surrounded by Tasmanian wildlife, as well as kilometres of private bushwalking trails and a dog-friendly beach that's set just below the property's garden. Dogs are specifically allowed to stay in the Stables Spa Rooms and the Aquarius rooms, as they are ground floor and have easy access to the outdoors. But if you want to get away with all of your best human and furry mates, book out The Hill House — the four bedroom, two bathroom home sleeps up to ten guests and also includes an outdoor deck with barbecue. How much? From $380 per night. PIER ONE, NEW SOUTH WALES Pooches checking into Pier One won't be quite as ridiculously spoiled as those at The Langham, but nonetheless, they'll be greeted with their very own bed, bowl and toy ... not to mention all the harbour views. What's more, the hotel's staff are mad dog lovers, so be prepared for enthusiastic showers of attention. Don't go getting jealous, now. Pet-friendly hotel rooms come with direct access to the pier, so, when walk-time craziness hits, you'll merely have to open the door. The Rocks and Circular Quay are a waddle away, and, should energy levels reach exploding point, there's always nearby Barangaroo. THALIA HAVEN, TASMANIA Located just an hour from Hobart airport, Thalia Haven is set on a private 130-acre peninsula that's surrounded by the Great Oyster Bay. Tassie's wild east coast is at your doorstep, and there are a whopping five kilometres of secluded coastline, plus a private beach for your entire group to enjoy. The ancient stone cottage contains four bedrooms, so it's the best option for you and your entire crew of dog-loving mates. The place is also solar and wind powered and includes an outdoor bathtub, shower and wood-fired sauna. It's safe to say that this would be an incredibly fancy getaway for you and your pup. How much? From $1500 per night. Top image: QT Hotels 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.
Running off to a tropical island is one of the ultimate getaway dreams. When the beach surrounds you — and plenty of greenery, too — how can everyday life's troubles cause any bother? On Hook Island in The Whitsundays in the near future, cabin stays will do their part to help you escape your normal existence. So will dining atop a cliff, hanging out at a beach club and swimming in forest pools. A yoga pavilion will assist as well, as will a lounge telling the island's history. If everything goes to plan, come 2027 you'll be able to head to the Great Barrier Reef to relax at the just-announced Hook Island Eco Lodge. More than a decade has passed since the landmass in the Coral Sea boasted its own place to stay, with the former Hook Island Wilderness Resort closing in 2013 after weathering damage from 2011's Cyclone Anthony. A group led by Epochal Hotels' CEO Glenn Piper is setting out to change that. Both sustainability and luxury will sit at the heart of the new eco lodge; indeed, setting a new standard for luxe sustainable travel for Australia is one of the venue's goals. After nabbing the leasehold in 2022, Piper and his team — working with design firm Luxury Frontiers — are also keen to revive the locale following several cyclones, and get visitors enjoying its 9.3-hectare expanse again, including by using Hook Island's natural features as the resort's inspiration. To slumber in, there'll be 39 cabins spanning six different types of accommodation (some at the beach, some in the forest). Multiple eateries will also be part of the site, including a fine-diner atop a cliff that'll pair dishes made with local produce with views out over Stingray Bay. For ocean swims, that's where the beach club will come in — complete with all-day dining, a bar, a pool, a lounge deck peering across Hook Passage and, for evenings, an outdoor firepit. Or, opt to take a splash in leafy surrounds thanks to the eco pools, which'll be among a forest spa. When travellers hit the island, they'll be welcomed at the arrival pavilion. For finding out more about the destination, the Explorer's Lounge will be your go-to. It's obvious what's on offer at the yoga pavilion — and there'll also be a family-friendly lounge, plus an adventure club for kids. Drawing from experience working on the Four Seasons' Naviva in Mexico, Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica and Madwaleni River Lodge in South Africa, Luxury Frontiers is set to deck out the eco lodge's interiors with brown, blue, green and coral hues, alongside other tones, that match the island — and design cyclone-resistant buildings made with sustainable materials. Ensuring that the resort settles in harmoniously with the landscape, including its plants and habitats, is also a key component of the plan. "Hook Island is a truly spectacular part of the world — its raw beauty deserves a sanctuary that both preserves and celebrates every facet of its charm. Our vision is bold: to create an experience that redefines luxury travel through a deep, authentic and wild-spirited connection to nature," said Piper. "This project has been a labour of love; we've poured our hearts into blending thoughtful design with a profound respect for the island's heritage and delicate ecosystem. After being closed for more than a decade, we can't wait to soon welcome overnight guests and day visitors alike to experience its magic firsthand." [caption id="attachment_807810" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_604486" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Pierre Pouliquin.[/caption] Hook Island Eco Lodge is expected to open on Hook Island in The Whitsundays sometime in 2027 — we'll update you with more details when they're announced.
Alex Warren, the chart-topping, Grammy Award-nominated pop star, was just in Australia last year (and sold out eight shows in the process), but he's already announced that he'll be back in town for his Finding Family on the Road tour. Fresh off the release of his latest single, 'FEVER DREAM', which gathered five million streams in the first 24 hours of its release, Warren confirmed seven cities in Australia and New Zealand are on the spring tour schedule. Though Warren's discography has well over seven billion streams and garners over 54 million monthly listeners, you probably know him from his viral breakout single, 'Ordinary'. The track, which was released in February 2025, went nothing short of nuclear — being certified 3x platinum in the US, 7x platinum in Australia and 4x platinum in New Zealand. It's currently tied for the second-longest running No. 1 single in ARIA chart history after concluding a 17-week streak in the top ten last year. [embed]https://open.spotify.com/artist/0fTSzq9jAh4c36UVb4V7CB?si=R3HA-1ZPRqq1W4vWiZZFqQ[/embed] You might have also seen Warren perform at a number of major music events in the last year, including the American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and the Grammy Awards, plus TV appearances like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and festival slots at Coachella and Stagecoach. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex Warren (@alexwarren) Announcing the Australian shows, Warren released a trailer featuring himself and his wife alongside Aussie icon Robert Irwin. But where exactly is he performing? Fans in Christchurch, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth rejoice — you're all on the list with the concerts taking place in massive arena venues between Friday, August 21 and Saturday, September 12. Tickets for Alex Warren's 'Finding Family on the Road' tour are on sale now. Visit the Frontier Touring website for more information. This article is produced by Concrete Playground in partnership with Frontier Touring. Image: Getty
Located at the Campbell's Stores waterfront precinct, Bay Nine Omakase is right at home among its fine-dining neighbours. But unlike its neighbours, there's no menu at Bay Nine Omakase. 'Omakase' translates loosely to "I'll leave it up to you" — and the chef you'll be leaving your dinner to is Chef Kim Kihoon. Chef Kihoon is a gastronomy master who brings his natural talent, dedication to creativity and passion for the dining experience to the table. He has honed his skills as head chef at Besuto and during his tenure at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute in Seoul, Korea. "People feast with their eyes. The surprise is in the flavours, but upon presentation of food, I believe in clarity. Chefs often tend to get overly elaborate with their plating," says Kihoon. So what about the restaurant? Well, Bay Nine is a quaint dining room with just a few tables and a cosy 10-seater counter where you sit around Chef Kihoon while he prepares 11 courses of high-quality Japanese food. All you have to do is watch and eat. It's dinner and theatre, all in one. The fit-out is classic wabi-sabi minimalism: all blond timber and soft underlighting, wrapped in a heritage-listed 19th-century warehouse space. [caption id="attachment_887361" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall Photography[/caption] The omakase menu changes daily, depending on what's in season and what fish is available at the city's best seafood suppliers. To accompany your sushi — that comes seared, salted, blanched, steamed, grilled and everything in between — there's a 40-strong sake menu, including dedicated sake flights (highly recommended) and a solid range of Japanese craft spirits. If you're feeling really fancy, there's also Bay Nine's Icon Collection, which includes a $3,500 magnum of 1996 Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95. Top images: Steven Woodburn and Declan Blackall Photography
The traditional Sydney weekend — a practice honed after many years of dedication — includes heading to the market for flowers, fruit and veg (with coffee in hand, of course), and then finding a way to squeeze a touch of culture into your morning. And Carriageworks has you covered for both, with their famous Saturday farmers market and eclectic exhibition space only a few steps away. In the coming months the space will house Liveworks, experimental performance and art from across Australia and Asia, Project Banaba, a work of historical artefacts, and New Breed by the Sydney Dance Company.
It's official: on Monday, March 31, 2025, you'll need to subscribe to a new streaming service if you want to watch HBO shows in Australia. In 2024, the US network confirmed that it was bringing Max, its dedicated platform, Down Under in 2025. Now it has locked in the launch date. And yes, that timing means that you'll need to sign up to see the second season of The Last of Us. From House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and any other Game of Thrones spinoffs through to Euphoria and upcoming IT prequel series Welcome to Derry, HBO's lengthy list of must-see TV shows will have their own dedicated platform in Australia. The American station's streamer debuted in America in 2020, and has been rolling out through Latin America, the Caribbean, parts of Europe and Japan since as well, before setting its sights on Aussie audiences. While the great streaming service rush, when new platforms seemed to appear every few weeks or so, is a few years in the past, HBO bringing Max to Australia is huge news. At present, the US network's shows largely screen and stream to Aussie viewers via Binge and Foxtel. When the former launched, boasting HBO's catalogue was one of its big selling points. The deal between Binge, Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery — which owns HBO — was extended in 2023, but it was reported at the time, accurately so it proves, that Max might debut in Australia from 2025. While the platform will be available direct to consumers via its website and app stores — so you'll sign up for it by itself — for viewing via mobile, tablet, gaming consoles and connected TV, it will still keep a connection with Foxtel. If you subscribe to the pay-TV service, you'll get access to the Max app without paying extra. For everyone else, details about Max's subscription options, which'll include premium, standard and an ad-supported tier, are still to come — as is pricing. HBO shows — HBO Originals and Max Originals alike — aren't all that's heading to Max. Warner Bros Discovery's stable of brands includes Warner Bros (of course), the DC Universe, Harry Potter, Discovery, Cartoon Network, TLC, ID and HGTV, to name a few. Max will also show movies from Warner Bros Pictures, including recent cinema releases such as Barbie, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice and Twisters. The Lord of the Rings and DC Universe franchises, And Just Like That..., Friends, Rick and Morty: they're just some of the other movies and TV shows that will be on Max as well. HBO is also behind The White Lotus, True Detective, The Rehearsal, The Penguin, Dune spinoff Prophecy, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire, Oz, Deadwood, Big Love, True Blood, Big Little Lies, Westworld, Succession, The Larry Sanders Show, Sex and the City, Flight of the Conchords, Bored to Death, Girls, Veep, Barry, Enlightened — and plenty more. "We've been clear that the globalisation of Max is a top priority, and Australia represents one of our biggest new markets and a significant opportunity to delight even more fans with the incredible stories told by our iconic brands. Combining an unrivalled breadth of high-quality content, legendary franchises and a strong product experience, Australians can look forward to the highest-calibre streaming proposition from March 31," said JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at WBD. "WBD has a long history in Australia, and we know our world-class content from HBO, Warner Bros, Discovery and more is incredibly popular with audiences here. We have a clear strategy to maximise reach through our direct-to-consumer app and distribution partnerships, and our collaboration with Foxtel at launch is a testament to that. We can't wait for fans across the country to experience Max," added WBD Australia and New Zealand General Manager Michael Brooks. Max launches in Australia on Monday, March 31, 2025 — head to the streaming service's website for more details.
Burnt Orange has a fascinating history. It was originally a golf club, then it was converted into a clubhouse during the Second World War for the army stationed at the nearby barracks. Now, it's a cafe, boutique shop, and one of the best places to come for high tea in Sydney. Bring your loved ones for macarons, Belgian chocolate mousse and house-made scones with jam and cream — all with incredible harbour views. And if high tea isn't your jam, Burnt Orange also dishes up top-tier breakfast and lunch dishes. Other favourites on the lunch menu include the Green Goddess salad; a Thai fish pie with scallops, salmon, makrut lime and coconut; a wagyu beef burger with Swiss cheese and spinach artichoke; and a free-range pork tenderloin served with broccolini and pickled blackberry. Its dessert menu includes a baked lemon cheesecake with yoghurt foam and a mandarin curd tart with torched meringue. If all this has you feeling thirsty, then try one of its classic cocktails, including the Hemingway daiquiri, the lemon drop or the rum sour. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Beloved American pastry chef and entrepreneur Christina Tosi is headed to Australia, jet-setting across the globe with the very same viral desserts that made her beloved bakery chain Milk Bar a household name. Rising to fame thanks to her over-the-top sweet and sometimes savoury treats, Tosi will bring the same rule-breaking energy that built her baking empire. With an approach to food that's equal parts ambitious, delicious and nostalgic, the two-time James Beard Award winner is set to transform Ace Hotel Sydney's Good Chemistry into a Milk Bar venue of its own. Running daily from 8am–2pm across Friday, May 1–Sunday, May 3, thanks to American Express this bustling laneway cafe will offer a rare chance to indulge in Tosi's sweet sensations. View this post on Instagram Best of all, there's no shortage of options to explore, with visitors welcome to bite into Tosi's famed Cereal Milk soft-serve cookies, as well as signature cookie creations like Confetti and Chocolate Chip 'N Chunk. Plus, you can sip on a Milk Bar Mont Blanc, featuring cold brew topped with Cereal Milk cream and Cornflake Crunch. Yet there's one more surprise to come. Celebrating Tosi's journey to Australia, she's keeping a limited-edition dessert under wraps, made in collaboration with Ace Hotel Sydney's Culinary Director Isobel Whelan-Little. Revealed on Friday, May 1, expect a Milk Bar twist on a classic Aussie treat. Lamingtons, vanilla slice, fairy bread? The options are almost endless and will undeniably be worth the wait. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
You've played Nintendo's Mario games, including on Google Maps and mobile phones. You've tried your hand at Mario Kart in reality. You've made plans to hit up the Super Nintendo theme park in Japan, or perhaps the upcoming second site in Hollywood. And you've watched 1993's live-action Super Mario Bros, which starred Bob Hoskins as the titular, John Leguizamo as Luigi and Dennis Hopper as King Koopa. If all of the above fit — or even just some of it, because everyone has pressed start on at least one Mario game — then you're primed for the character's next leap to the big screen. This time, it's happening in animation, and Nintendo has just dropped a colourful sneak peek during its Nintendo Direct stream. The film: The Super Mario Bros Movie, which has enlisted Chris Pratt (The Terminal List) to voice the Italian plumber, because the former Parks and Recreation star doesn't have enough big franchises (see: Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World and The Lego Movie) on his resume. (So far, there's only one new Super Mario Bros, but predicting there'll be more if it does well at the box office is as easy as collecting mushrooms in the games.) As initial teaser trailers tend to do, there's little in terms of story in this first glimpse at the movie — but Mario does frolic his way to the Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) gets a-running in spooky surroundings (here's hoping that games' haunted house soundtrack makes the jump to cinemas, too) and Bowser (Jack Black, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood) gets fiery as well. Also among The Super Mario Bros Movie's voice cast: Anya Taylor-Joy (Amsterdam) as Princess Peach, Keegan- Michael Key (Reboot) as Toad, Seth Rogen (Pam & Tommy) as Donkey Kong and Fred Armisen (Los Espookys) as Cranky Kong. Hailing from directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies), penned by Matthew Fogel (Minions: The Rise of Gru) and produced by Illumination Entertainment (aka the studio behind the Despicable Me and Minions flicks, and the Sing films), the movie reaches cinemas Down Under at the end of March 2023. That gives you plenty of time to mash buttons in the interim — just try watching this first sneak peek and not busting out your old Mario games. Check out the trailer below: The Super Mario Bros Movie releases in cinemas Down Under on March 30, 2023.
During the pandemic, we all sorely missed the experience of catching live tunes in heaving venues. To get musicians back onstage, the New South Wales government and ARIA launched Great Southern Nights. Following two blockbuster years that saw thousands of gigs pop up across the state, the series is returning in 2024 with a massive 300-plus shows over 17 nights. Live music will ring out throughout NSW between Friday, March 8–Sunday, March 24, with some of the country's biggest musicians and the hottest emerging talent performing in Sydney live music institutions as well as regional hubs including Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Tamworth and the Northern Rivers. With such a huge lineup, it's hard to know where to start — but let's break it down. ROCK LUMINARIES If you love the classics and have a penchant for the singular sound that is Australian rock, you'll be able to catch sets from Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, The Church, You Am I, Yothu Yindi, The Whitlams, Black Stump Band, Hoodoo Gurus and Kate Ceberano. BEATS AND BOPS Local hip hop heads can hit up gigs from Barkaa, 360, JK-47, Bliss n Eso, L-Fresh the Lion, Illy, Drapht, YNG Martyr and Jesswar. And if your prerogative is to dance, The Presets, Havana Brown, Tigerlily, Sneaky Sound System, Hermitude and Anna Lunoe are all performing. INDIE FAVES If you're an indie-rock aficionado, Ball Park Music, Sarah Blasko, King Stingray, The Buoys, Ruby Fields, Budjerah, Alex Lahey, Gordi, Gretta Ray, The Vanns, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers will be coming to a stage near you. AND A WHOLE LOT MORE Plus, there will be shows from Becca Hatch, Cub Sport, Dune Rats, Vika and Linda, A.Girl, Xavier Rudd, David Campbell, Fanny Lumsden, Kasey Chambers, Kate Miller-Heidke, Redhook and Northlane — and also a special tribute to Rowland S Howard. Check where your faves are playing and what shows are happening near you via the full gig guide, then start planning an epic 17 nights of music stat. Great Southern Nights 2024 will run from Friday, March 8, to Sunday, March 24, throughout New South Wales. Tickets are on sale now via the festival's website. Images: Enmore Theatre, Destination NSW
Ever wanted to own your very own theme park? Port Macquarie's old pseudo-Disney theme park Fantasy Glades is up for sale. Remember Fantasy Glades? A sort of creepy but loveable Disneyland, Fantasy Glades was home to Snow White's cottage, Cinderella's castle, the Old Woman in the Shoe's shoe, the Crooked Man's House, a totally whack Magic Dragon Cave and the freakiest Witch's Cottage you've ever, ever seen, before it closed in 2002. Now it's up for sale on Gumtree, for a measly $560,000. Why? "Massive price reduction, owner needs to move on," according to the listing. Oh. For just $500K, you can nab 1.6 hectares of tropical rainforest, dotted with creepy and pretty dilapidated fantasy character homes at Shelly Beach. Some of the former fairytale homes have been vandalised, because people suck. But you get your own castle. Your. Own. Castle. Owners Shane and Karen Hay are after a quick sale, hence the low price. It all sounds pretty heartbreaking. "Owner prepared to sacrifice this once in a lifetime opportunity. Your chance to own a piece of history... once one of Port Macquarie's favourite tourist attractions." If you ever visited Fantasy Glades, you'll be slightly cut up about this. It'd be like owning a piece of Peppermint Park. Fantasy Glades ran at 44 Parklands Cl, Port Macquarie for a whopping 35 years, after total legends George and Rosemary Whitaker opened the park in 1968. Then in the late '80s, FG was snapped up by the Spry family and Brian Hutchinson, and closed in 2002. But there was a glimmer of hope for Port's answer to Waltland, with the Hays buying the property in '09 hoping to restore the park to its former glory. But it looks like six years later, the Hays are skipping to the end of the Fantasy Glades story. Sad stuff. So, for $500K in Port Macquarie, you can buy your own theme park. In the Sydney CBD, you're looking at a laundry room on Bond. Maybe. For the interested or nostalgic, here's a map of your brand new home: YouLand. Images: Fantasy Glades.
Across the first few months of 2025, HBO is bringing back both The White Lotus and The Last of Us — and if you feel like you've been waiting a while for the two hit shows to return, then you mustn't be a Euphoria fan. 2022 closed with the second season of the US network's vacation anthology. 2023 began with the debut run of its game-to-TV smash. It was before all of that, at the start of 2022, that Euphoria last dropped new episodes, though — and its third season isn't expected to arrive until 2026. Here's the good Euphoria news, however: HBO has finally started production on season three of the award-winning favourite. And, while there's still a wait to see how it pans out, a first-look image of Zendaya in the new season has also arrived to give viewers a sneak peek. View this post on Instagram A post shared by euphoria (@euphoria) The show's cast haven't been sitting around doing nothing for the past three years. Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Colman Domingo and company have been busy — and our screens have been full of movies and TV shows to prove it. Challengers, Dune: Part Two, Saltburn, Priscilla, Reality, Anyone But You, Madame Web, Immaculate, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Cuckoo, Kinds of Kindness, The Color Purple. Drive-Away Dolls, The Madness: they're just some of the projects that've featured Euphoria stars since 2022, and the list goes on. Elordi has been back in Australia making miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North, which hits streaming in April — and will also be seen as Frankenstein's monster for Guillermo del Toro (Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio) before 2025 is out. Domingo was nominated for an Oscar for Rustin, then scored another nomination for Sing Sing. Storm Reid won an Emmy for The Last of Us. Maude Apatow has been doing voice work on Pantheon, Alexa Demie popped up in Fantasmas, Dominic Fike was in Earth Mama — and played Laneway 2024. Season three of Euphoria has experienced delays for a heap of reasons. Back in 2024, it was reported that scripts were still being worked on, but shooting had been pushed back. "HBO and Sam Levinson remain committed to making an exceptional third season. In the interim, we are allowing our in-demand cast to pursue other opportunities," a HBO spokesperson told Deadline and Variety in a statement at the time. Apparently the idea of doing a movie instead of a new season was floated, but obviously isn't the plan that's moving ahead. Given the passage of time — come 2026, it will have been four years since season two — there'll be a time jump within the narrative in season three and the show's main characters will no longer be in high school, Zendaya has mentioned in interviews. There's obviously no trailer for Euphoria season three yet, but you can watch HBO's 2024–25 roundup trailer below: Euphoria season three doesn't have an exact release date yet, but is expected to arrive in 2026 — we'll update you when further details are announced. Images:HBO.
Eastside Kitchen draws inspiration from a number of fertile food scenes: New York's high-end steak houses, Japanese cuisine's reverence for seafood and the buzz of Hong Kong dining. That might seem like a lot to work into one venue, but the Kensington Street restaurant does it quite seamlessly. The nicely lit space brings to mind the industrial style of lower Manhattan's Meatpacking District, while a Japanese binchotan grill takes pride of place in the kitchen. Executive chef Stanley Wong is himself fresh from a stint in Hong Kong, and has brought with him some key staff and a whole grab bag of good ideas from the city's dining scene. Seafood is tackled with creativity, as in the trio of plump oysters ($16) which come alternately topped with a plum salsa, a raspberry vinaigrette and a lemongrass sorbet. Each variation makes the right move in seeking to complement rather than overwhelm the oyster. Another seafood option is the scallop ceviche ($24), where pieces of ripe pomelo and a swirling sweet potato crisp add colour and bite to the tiger's milk — a Peruvian concoction combining the almost creamy seafood juices with citrus — it sits in. More interesting, slightly left-field fare comes in the form of bone marrow with mushrooms ($23). It's an indulgent treat, with the meaty, buttery texture of the marrow both good on its own and with a few slices of sourdough. A side of shishito peppers with yuzu essence ($14) is visually interesting, with the pepper flakes breathing and contracting on the plate, but more of the citrus would have been a plus. But the real centrepiece of the restaurant is their binchotan grill, an almost flameless and smoke-free style of grilling over Japanese charcoal that allows for extreme temperatures to cook meat. A good choice is black Angus beef New York-style strip steak ($42). With meat aged 270 days and quietly blasted into a blistered, charred state with pink, luscious softness inside, it's one of the most winning steaks in the city. You'll want at least one thing from the grill, but don't sleep on other options, like the Spanish-accented braised octopus ($29) in a romesco sauce blessed with both sweetness and a mild smoky heat. The recently instated liquor licence has allowed them to bring in a globe-crossing wine list, while desserts once again take cues from the Big Apple. The 'super-sized' New York cheesecake ($17) is a rich slab of dense, creamy sweetness which comes surrounded by a jammy berry coulis. A lighter option is the burnt fig bread pudding ($16), which is paired winningly with mocha ice cream. Eastside Kitchen may be the kind of upscale, cosmopolitan steakhouse at home in any world city, but you'll glad it's right here in Sydney. Images: Alana Dimou.
Four years after opening its doors, The Calile Hotel keeps attracting holidaymakers to Fortitude Valley, including Brisbanites for staycations and out-of-towners for resort-style getaways — all right in the middle of the city. Come 2026, fans of the venue's sub-tropical look and feel will ideally have a second site to visit, this time in Noosa. Calile Malouf Investments CMI), the group behind The Calile, has announced plans for a second site on the Sunshine Coast. In fact, the company has just lodged development plans for a 2.4-hectare site at 3–7 Serenity Close in Noosa Heads, which'll feature 178 rooms, 12 suites and 15 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. "The point of difference for the new resort will be the luxury of space. Embedded in a bushland setting, the large site allows for generously proportioned facilities, including multiple swimming pools, [a] tennis court, comprehensive wellness facilities, [a] cinema and function spaces," said CMI Director Michael Malouf. "All hotel rooms will be generously sized with the standard room being 45 square metres, and a range of larger suites. In addition, the three-bedroom villas (complete with private pool) will cater to families or groups of friends looking for a shared hotel experience." Accordingly, your future trip to Noosa should see you roaming around a coastal resort surrounded by lush bushland, taking a dip in several pools, picking up a racquet, chasing your bliss and watching movies — and then relaxing in sizeable rooms, suites and villas. CMI also hopes that guests will be able to get to Hastings Street easily as part of their stays. "We have commenced discussions with Noosa Council to enable hotel guests to be ferried to Hastings Street via a solar powered electric ferry. Not only will this strategy allow visitors to experience the tranquil beauty of the Noosa River, but this also successfully removes the transport burden from the road network," advised Malouf. Sustainability is another core focus, setting a carbon-neutral target for the Noosa hotel's operations and having large-scale worm farms for composting onsite. A benefit of the latter: feeding the soil nutrient rich worm-cast by-product for the rooftop culinary garden. CMI is aiming to commence work on the project in early 2024. Landscape architect Marc Conlon of Conlon Group will be looking after the planting, while the hotel itself will be designed by Richards and Spence, as Brisbane's is. Calile Malouf Investments' new Noosa resort is set to open in 2026 at 3–7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads. In the interim, find Brisbane's The Calile Hotel at 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley. The Calile Fortitude Valley images: Sean Fennessy. 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.
Traditionally, a food outing with kids in tow has involved a jumbo pack of wipes, stale nuggets and worn-out parents who wished more than anything that they had booked an expensive babysitter while they indulged their passion for food. Well, times have changed. Now more than ever, restaurants have parents in mind. So we've teamed up with Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove, to find Sydney's top ten kid-friendly cafe and restaurants. These places offer some of the best, most exciting food offerings in the city — with a little extra somethin' somethin' to make family outings a delight. Now you can save the babysitter for when you actually need the alone time, not just a great feed someone else has cooked. ACRE EATERY Acre at Camperdown Commons is where paddock-to-plate enthusiasts can indulge their foodie dreams while educating their ankle-biters on where those edible nasturtiums really come from. Almost a quarter of Acre's fresh produce comes from the adjoining Pocket City Farms. Take a seat in the indoor Hamptons-style dining room to enjoy its refined menu — including pan-roasted sustainable barramundi or melt-in-your mouth slow-cooked lamb shoulder — or the outdoor garden terrace, which has all the appeal of a country fair on a summer's day, with a more relaxed bar menu to suit. Plenty of room for the sprogs to run around, too. 31a Mallett Street, Camperdown THAI POTHONG Hankering for authentic Thai but can't fit your Bugaboo into the inner city's hole-in-the-wall eateries? Head to Thai Pothong, a Newtown stalwart that was expanded several years ago, making room to swing a pram or two. Friday and Saturday nights can be louder, with groups and families descending en masse, but all the better for drowning out the noise of a toddler (or parent) tantrum. It also boasts an outstanding kids' menu of mild-flavoured classics chicken pad Thai and satay skewers take centre stage. A pail of coloured pencils for doodling on the paper tablecloths, balloons handed out like they're going out of fashion, and friendly waitstaff cooing over your offspring like they're the next Dalai Lama make this one of the best eateries for parents. 294 King Street, Newtown TIM HO WAN Think Michelin-starred dining is off the menu with your wee ones? Think again. Tim Ho Wan is where sophisticated yum cha lovers and their equally discerning offspring can get their fix of silky prawn and pork gow gee, century egg congee and, for the more adventurous, braised chicken feet. Dim sum-sized serves, meant for sharing, mean kids' can get their pick of whatever the grown-ups are having without the the need for a dedicated kids' menu. Once they've had their fill, the surrounding Blade Runner-esque Asian food court of lotus-like lights and Ginza-style installations makes a good backdrop for a game of spot the artwork. Or hide-and-seek. Whatever takes your fancy. Chatswood Interchange, 75a and 76a/436 Victoria Avenue THE NEWPORT There's a games room with giant Scrabble, a sprawling outdoor area channelling the Hamptons meets Club Med, live musicians and DJs in the evening, yoga in the morning and even local markets on the weekend. An unbeknownst resort on Pittwater? Nope, it's just the former Newport Arms Hotel, reincarnated under Merivale as The Newport. It may seem like a juggernaut of spaces, but for Northern Beaches parents and their progeny, this is where to come to soak in the laidback local vibe. Food options range from fresh seafood to pulled pork burgers, woodfired pizzas and every pub-style meal in-between. Start the day with a superfood smoothie for you and a Banana Rama version for your little one, and end with a watermelon margarita (for you, of course) as the sun sets over Pittwater. 2 Kalinya Street, Newport THE HENSON A kids' ball pit in the back, craft beers behind the bar and a killer lamington espresso martini — what's not to love about this unashamedly family-friendly bolthole? The Asian-inspired menu at this inner-west stalwart could see you tucking into a Szechuan fish taco, karaage chicken burger, or salmon fillet baked in banana leaf, lemongrass and coconut if you feel like something more fancy. For littlies, there's the usual assortment of kids' nosh (think fish and chips and burgers) along with some cool vegetarian offerings including veg spring rolls. Tables in the beer garden are in high demand, especially with pram-accessible entry, so get in early. 91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA When it opened in 2012 this 1800-square-metre garden/restaurant was the talk of the town — not least because inner-city mums had a new place for their offspring to run wild. Five years on and The Grounds is still the place to be. Pull up a stool under the courtyard's dripping grapevines and select from an Insta-worthy menu that spans everything from avo toast to tender beef ragout and healthy "bowls" that can be served chilled just in time for Summer. Try not to drool over the show-stopper cakes – the Black Forest and Polenta and Pistachio cakes will have you whipping out your phone camera in a heart beat – and if you're in a rush, grab your coffee fix courtesy of their signature Grounds Single Origin Blend. Want more? There are weekend green thumb workshops for the ankle biters and yoga and coffee cupping sessions for you. 7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria SHUK With a name that means "market" in Hebrew but also alludes to the venue's specialty dish, Israeli cafe Shuk is known for offering some of the best breakfasts in town. Its famous shakshuka comes in either the traditional spicy tomato-based sauce or a fetching green version, with its poached eggs sitting in a mix of zucchini, kale and spinach. But breakfast food is not the only area where Shuk is a deadset overachiever. Its dedication to accommodating kids stretches to including a substantial shaded play area with toys and a chalkboard in the back courtyard. Several tables are within watchful distance of it, and there's room to pull up a pram to them besides. Shuk is also open at night from Thursday to Saturday, for the true gourmands hankering after Baharat roast chicken or slow-cooked beef cheeks. 2 Mitchell Street, Bondi BUTCHER AND THE FARMER The Tramsheds Harold Park is generally a winner for kids-inclusive outings, whether its grab-and-go pastries while you roam the revamped heritage-listed tram depot or a proper sit-down dinner where parental palettes come first. But only at one of the venue's 13 eateries can you actually dine inside a restored tram, with all the novelty value that serves. That venue is Butcher and the Farmer, a paddock-to-plate restaurant where meat is given particular love and attention, with the provenance and farmer listed for every cut. The emphasis on premium produce extends to the kids' menu of mini steak, house-made pork sausage, chicken tenderloin or pan-fried salmon. While you're here, don't miss Tramsheds' parents' room. It's basically five-star luxury — a destination in itself. Shop 7, Tramsheds Harold Park, 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge QUEENS PARK SHED Located at the eastern end of Centennial Park at the foot of a playground and sporting field, Queens Park Shed is a no-brainer for Sydney parents with children busting to run around off-leash. The cafe's kids' menu is wider than most, including soft-boiled eggs and soldiers for breakfast, toasties for lunch and a picnic box for when you just can't tear them away from the jungle gym. Amazingly, you get a kids' meal free with every adult meal on Fridays during NSW school holidays. Another cause for excitement among grown-ups is the recent addition of a South American barbecue following the venue's full revamp. Take your pick of proteins and add sides like chipotle coleslaw or quinoa and kale salad. 31 Darley Road, Queens Park ARMORY WHARF CAFE There's solid cafe food at the Parramatta River-adjacent and family-friendly Armory Wharf Cafe — home in on really good huevos ranchos or a sweet potato cake piled high with grilled bacon and smashed avocado. Still, the real draw is the activity-packed surroundings of Blaxland Riverside Park and the Newington Armory, a former naval site dotted with historic buildings. Your little regiment can take a train tour over the heritage railway, visit the BirdLife Discovery Centre, hire bikes, play something called Disc Golf (think golf, with a Frisbee), climb over playgrounds and forts, and honestly, that's just scratching the surface. Blaxland Riverside Park, Jamieson Street (off Holker Street), Newington Drive your family on adventures in and outside of town in the Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove. Find out more on the Holden website.
Dinner and a movie now has an entire cinema dedicated to it: FoMo Cinemas. The brand's name isn't about fearing missing out; instead, it refers to its blend of food and movies. Every one of the six screens in the new Melbourne picture palace is all about watching a film while having a meal. You'll pick between blockbuster, arthouse and retro flicks on the program, plus pizzas, burgers and deli sandwiches on the chef-designed menu. Before you take your seat, you'll also hit up the neon-lit Blade Runner-inspired bar. First announced in 2023, the 392-seat dine-in FoMo Cinemas opens its doors on Thursday, January 18 at East Brunswick Village — and adds something new not just to Melbourne's but to Australia's cinema scene. Co-owners Natalie Miller AO and Barry Peak, who co-founded Carlton's Cinema Nova, have taken their cues from two famed names in the global business: the Alamo Drafthouse chain across the US, plus Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn. "Barry and I have been partners in the Nova for 32 years, and Barry's always looking for new ideas and new ventures. And he was very anxious to do a cinema with food and movies based on the Nighthawk and the Alamo in America. So he went out on a survey over there and come back with all the ideas," Miller, who also spent 17 years running South Yarra's old Longford Cinema, tells Concrete Playground. "What very much appeals is the fact that people are time-poor and we are trying to encourage people to come 20 minutes earlier, sit down, they can order their food off an app and then the movie will start. Or if they want to, they can do it during the film. But the idea is to let people have their meal and their film together," Miller continues. "It's not a totally new concept because there's gold class and platinum and all those other cinemas, but ours are at standard ticket prices. So you can come at a standard ticket price and order your meal accordingly." As designed by Head Chef Darren Collier, food choices also include cheese and antipasto platters, as well as desserts — and, when it comes time to deliver your bites and drinks as the movie plays, the focus is on discreet service that doesn't disrupt the viewing experience. As is a drawcard at Alamo Drafthouse, all films are preceded by a pre-show presentation. Expect trivia, interactive quizzes and clips celebrating classic movie moments — and trailers, but no ads. The idea is that you peruse the menu while the pre-show plays, and that it's all part of the experience. And the films? Although Cinema Nova is known for its arthouse selections — and Miller is behind film distributor Sharmill Films, which has brought movies such as Triangle of Sadness and Compartment No. 6 to Australian screens in recent years — FoMo is combining those kinds of flicks with broader fare. So, in its opening weeks, you can see the Mean Girls musical, Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, Michael Mann's Ferrari, Golden Globe-winner The Holdovers, wrestling biopic The Iron Claw and Jason Statham in The Beekeeper. Among repertory titles, both Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 will have a date with the venue, as will Chef — all befitting the picture palace's look and focus. Specs-wise, two of FoMo's cinemas have a 3D setup, and the 114-seat biggest theatre with a screen that ten-metres-plus wide boasts 4K resolution. While the newly opened East Brunswick Village is the site of the first-ever FoMo, it won't be the last if the debut location proves a success. "If you ask Barry Peak that question, he'd say absolutely yes," Miller advises about the possibility of expanding the chain across Melbourne and even nationally. "We'll test it out and we'll see how it works. We feel that Brunswick's such a growing area with such a young population and student population, and probably a cross-section of the community. And we'll see how it works, and then take it from there." Find FoMo Cinemas at East Brunswick Village, 133 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick from Thursday, January 18.
There is an art to a sad song — to writing something so devastatingly precise that it stops feeling like wallowing and starts feeling like company. For nearly three decades, Matt Berninger has been making it look easy. As the unmistakable voice behind The National, Berninger inimitably chronicles love, loss and the slow excavations of the self (with a poet's ear for the right strange detail). Now, ahead of his first solo Australian tour — a run of intimate shows that includes a rare evening at Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House — we caught up with him to talk about his second solo record, Get Sunk. CP: This will be your first time touring Australia as a solo artist. What's different about playing solo versus playing with The National? MB: A lot of these shows are going to be a much more intimate situation. I love the National shows and I can't wait to get back to that, to do those songs and be with that gang. But doing these solo shows, I connect with the audience in a whole different way. I have more room — because I don't tell a lot of stories, it's not like An Evening with Matt Berninger (too much) — but I can engage. I can look people in the eye. When people say something, I can hear what they say. CP: You write all of the lyrics for The National. Is it different sitting down to write under just your own name? Do you feel more exposed? MB: No, in fact I don't. First of all, I never write songs alone, because I suck at piano and guitar, so I'm always collaborating. I'll be working on solo songs, National songs, EL VY songs all at the same time. I have a lot of whiteboards, but even the whiteboards sometimes will have songs from all the different bands on the same whiteboard. I don't put any barriers between those projects, mentally. What I'm writing about is always coming from — what's bubbling? What just bubbles up? I never sit down and go, okay, I'm gonna write a song about a relationship or a certain thing. I'm always just writing — writing down thoughts, phrases, strange word combinations, bits of vernacular I overhear. It's not a journal, it's just collections of — I mean, poetry. I'm trying to write poetry. That's what I try at the beginning. Then you start listening to songs, and you start to collage these things together, flesh them out, see if — is this a song about a person, a feeling, a moment? I don't know until it really gets close to being finished. You work on a thing until it starts to float. There's no science to it. It's just a lot of chaos, and chemistry, mixing stuff together until it starts to bubble and float. CP: With all of those projects intermingling, how did you know what was going to belong on 'Get Sunk'? Was there an overarching feeling for the record? MB: There usually is — there ends up being a blurry arc or arrangement of themes in each record, but I can't tell exactly what it's going to be until pretty much almost finished. With Get Sunk, there were a few songs I'd started a long time ago, before I went through a period where I got really depressed and didn't write for about a year. So some of those started before that, and they changed dramatically after. A lot of Get Sunk was about the perspective of having been in that sunken place. The last two National records were kind of climbing out of it — and this was written from a perspective very much on the other side. It never happened to me quite that bad before, that kind of long phase, eight months of pretty, pretty low, to a point where I couldn't really get out of bed in the worst part of it. So Get Sunk was my way to look at it all and package it in a way that felt like — what did I learn from that? Let's go forward, not denying it. It feels like a healing or on-the-other-side kind of a record, whereas the National ones — I was literally still struggling with it when we put those out. I was still deep in that depression. The first few shows for that record I was barely able to do. Get Sunk was me finally writing songs where I was breathing. My head was above the water again. Sometimes it's good to be underwater — sometimes you write really good songs underwater. But this one was different. It feels like a healthier mental excavation of all that. CP: I imagine it was confronting to look back at lyrics you'd written in that frame of mind — almost like seeing a version of yourself you didn't recognise. Is there something you took away from that experience? MB: What I learned about myself is that making stuff out of nothing makes me sleep better at night. And it doesn't even have to be good. I just have to make a little something. If I write one or two lines that I don't hate in a day, I feel that's a good day. So now I realise that just making ugly songs or bad songs or songs that just aren't going to go anywhere is still a really, really fruitful and healthy thing that I have to do. But I also learned not to put any pressure on myself, because I was so angry at myself for not being able to do it. Sometimes you can't ride a bike, and you can't get back on the bike because you have no feet — somebody took your feet. Sometimes you wake up with no feet and you're like, I just can't do anything today. I can't even get out of bed. Don't kill yourself trying to crawl around. Wait, chill out. Your feet will come back tomorrow. CP: You're such a connoisseur of writing a truly sad, melancholic song. What do you listen to when you're sad? MB: That's funny. I love that sad songs are always the songs that made me feel so good. Writers like Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave — those people who can really look under the rock of the human heart and find all the bugs and all the beauty and all the everything. When you're feeling that romantic misery or anxiety, it's really nice to hear somebody else who can capture that. Patti Smith too — she writes a different kind of song, beautiful and desperate. There's nothing more uplifting than a Leonard Cohen binge — like a bottle of wine and Leonard Cohen all night long. Or Roberta Flack. Or Otis Redding. These are people whose voices — the emotion is just right here, so beautiful yet so fragile. Those are the singers I connect with most when I'm sad, I guess. I also listen to a lot of punk and hip-hop when I'm sad, because sometimes sadness is like emotional constipation. Or it's just ... you need a snack. Sometimes depression is just chemicals. I get why my brother listens to a lot of heavy, heavy metal and black metal. It's cathartic. And it's really beautiful — these guys are playing instruments beautifully. They're nerds, you know what I'm saying? It sounds so meathead and rocking, and it's so expressive. There's a band Liturgy that I listen to a lot, and there's a song called 'God of Love' — it's beautiful yet just a wall of pain. Nothing sounds more real. It's such a relief to hear another human just letting it out, whether it's a growl or a scream. That's so healthy. I've written a lot of songs where I scream my head off, and doing too much of that I think can also be unhealthy — it can grind your brain into some beaten-up version of your own psyche. But you also just need to bloodlet, emotionally. Emotional truth is always what I'm most looking for in music. Sometimes I love pop music, stuff that's just fun, but there's got to be some emotional truth. I won't even know what a song is about, but just the sound of the voice — like, I believe them. I don't know what they're talking about, but I believe it. CP: Do you have a favourite song you've ever written? MB: There's a song, 'Green Gloves', that I really love — it's just so weird and beautiful. But also 'Gospel', which is the last song on Boxer — that one holds a very special place for me, because it does a lot of stuff I hadn't done before. It brings together a lot of imagery, a lot of violence, and then a lot of passion. I think those are my best collections of, like, just with the words. It's definitely not one of the hit songs or anything. When I'm finished with a record, I will listen to it for several months, every night, before it comes out but after it's mastered. I take a deep dive into my own record and really get into it — drink and smoke to it and dance to it. But then I don't often go back. I very rarely will sit down and listen to Boxer. We've been doing some of those songs live though, and 'Gospel' — I realised, yeah, that's when I knew I was becoming a better writer than I had been. That's also around the same time I met my wife, and I was really trying to impress her. I started stealing stuff from her — she raised the bar, and that was me trying to clear it. Matt Berninger plays Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, 28 May. View his full Australian and New Zealand tour dates via Handsome Tours. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground Newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied
Darlinghurst's much esteemed (and very, very tiny) corner of cafe culture, Bootsdarling, has drummed up quite the dedicated pack of coffee and fritters crazed Sydneysiders crowding around the door. Expect a rotating menu of hearty fare like vegetable pie with a creamy tomato sauce, organic grass-fed slow-cooked lamb with vegetable ratatouille and chili pumpkin cornbread, grilled cheese, Thai crab and fish burgers, quinoa salads — even the odd Friday gourmet sausage sizzle. But you'll also find insane sweet things like the salted caramel coconut slice and coffee experiments aplenty — they once brewed up a blueberry cold drip, so expect anything and everything. Image: Trent Van der jagt.
Originally built in 1893, but beautifully restored in 2005, the Marble Bar is a luxury basement bar with iconic marble archways, a frosted glass ceiling and a beautifully restored mahogany bar. Enjoy the Victorian Gothic vibes combined with speakeasy energy as you sip on a glass of sparkling or stunning cocktails at this heritage-listed underground bar and music venue. The bar was built in the former Adams Hotel in 1893 and was dismantled, transported and reassembled in the Hilton Sydney in 1973. The drinks and food bar harks back to the prohibition era with signature cocktails like the Autumn in New York (Olmeca Reposado Tequila, pomme vert, apple juice, agave, citrus), classic sidecar and the Charlie Chaplin (Plymouth Sloe Gin, apricot brandy and citrus). Pair with some lobster rolls, charcuterie platters or cheese boards for an epic night on the town. There are live music events Monday–Saturday featuring a mix of jazz, pop and R&B to keep the chill vibes going. But take note, this is a classy joint so you'll have to keep to a strict dress code — thongs, t-shirts, shorts and sneakers are no-gos in this underground bar. Images: Marble Bar
The City of Sydney has unveiled an ambitious plan to create a more liveable and sustainable city over the next thirty years. The plan builds upon the Sustainable Sydney 2030 strategy that the City of Sydney has been working towards since 2017. The plan promises a better-connected and more open city with increased public spaces, town squares and greenery, improved public transport and greater cultural identity. Now labeled Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 Continue the Vision, the new plan includes already announced projects like the completion of the Yananurala foreshore walk, boosting green cover across the city to 40-percent and creating a harbour that facilitates swimming, alongside infrastructure innovations including the permanent and temporary transformation of roads into public spaces, and transport improvements to the Metro train line and Green Square town centre. "All successful cities have long-term plans to ensure their economies and communities prosper, business invests with confidence and all governments work together providing essential infrastructure and services," said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. [caption id="attachment_849521" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Town Hall Square render[/caption] By far the most ambitious of the announced plans are three linked public squares the City of Sydney wants to create at Circular Quay, Town Hall and Central. The squares will be connected by the new and improved George Street and the light rail, radically changing these sections of the CBD. The plan for Circular Quay suggests removing the Cahill Expressway, creating an openair civic space in front of Customs House, while the vision for Town Hall features a far-reaching green space linking Hyde Park, Sydney Square and Town Hall Station. The future of the Cahill Expressway has been a focus of the current NSW Government on several occasions, with the road being used to host a week-long music and arts festival over New Year's and current NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet naming it one of ten iconic buildings he'd bulldoze. The City of Sydney's plan also prioritises cultural and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. "The cities that will recover and thrive most effectively are the ones that provide affordable housing, working and cultural space, a myriad of cultural offerings, walking, cycling and excellent late-night public transport, green, cool calm streets, laneways, small bars and late-night activity," says Moore. [caption id="attachment_849518" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Central render[/caption] Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 Continue the Vision will be presented to the council on Monday, April 11. Top image: Circular Quay render supplied by the City of Sydney.
Balmain has a distinctly village-y feel despite its close proximity to the city. The pace is very much a stroll, not a sprint. Lumbering dalmatians attached to activewear-clad runners mix with young publicans and families amid a series of historic pubs, cheery brunch spots and specialty shops lining the footpaths. While you cruise the suburb's main pedestrian hub on Darling Street, you can unearth the perfect gift or discover your next favourite wine shop. In partnership with American Express, we've explored the area and found a destination to match your mood and needs — from prepping for your next party to indulging in some well-deserved pampering.
Songs, tears, Travis Barker on the drums playing 'In the Air Tonight', host Anthony Anderson advising that his mother would be on "playoff mama" duties to keep the acceptance speeches for the 20-plus awards on time, first presenter Christina Applegate (Dead to Me) getting a standing ovation, a tribute to The Sopranos with an ode to James Gandolfini, Jennifer Coolidge winning another award for The White Lotus: now that's how you start an awards ceremony. The accolades: the 2023 Emmy Awards, being held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Australian and New Zealand time after they were postponed during Hollywood's writers' and actors' strikes. And before half an hour had even ticked over, Anderson had advised that "Miami Vice taught me that all I needed was a tanned white friend and a cool white jacket"; Coolidge had announced that Mike White "definitely dead so I'm going along with it", then thanked all the evil gays; The Last of Us ' Pedro Pascal claimed that his arm was in a sling because Succession's "Kieran Culkin beat the shit out of me"; and the latter's co-star Matthew Macfadyen thanked his two on-screen wives, aka Sarah Snook and Nicholas Braun. So, in the second huge Hollywood night of nights in as many weeks, the Emmys started better than the Golden Globes. In fact, that's an understatement. And that's even before Tina Fey (Mean Girls) and Amy Poehler (Moxie) took to the Weekend Update desk, the Cheers and Ally McBeal casts reunited, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's stars pondered why they don't have Emmys, Ru Paul spoke out against hate, DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story's Niecy Nash-Betts thanked herself and Matty Matheson couldn't be more passionate about hospitality with a "restaurants forever!" shout. All of the throwbacks and nostalgia, and spreading the love far beyond what was nominated, was in honour of a big milestone: the Emmys reaching 75 years. These awards should always feel like a celebration of the entire medium; however, that can be easier said than done — but it's a task that the delayed 2023 ceremony perfected. The big winners mirrored the Golden Globes, aka Succession among the dramas, The Bear in the comedy field and Beef in the limited series field. So, while there was no been-there-done-that feel to the presentation between the two awards, that came through in the recipients — supremely worthy as they all are. The main trio weren't the only shows to score prizes, but plenty of deserving series went home empty-handed — see: Better Call Saul, Yellowjackets, Barry and Only Murders in the Building, to name a few — even amid the warm hug-style vibes. What else nabbed a trophy? Who else was in contention? We've got that covered. Here's a rundown of the awards handed out at the main ceremony, plus the nominees competing for them — and you can check out the seven winning shows you should watch ASAP, too. EMMY NOMINEES AND WINNERS 2023 OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES Andor Better Call Saul The Crown House of the Dragon The Last of Us Succession — WINNER The White Lotus Yellowjackets OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES Abbott Elementary Barry The Bear — WINNER Jury Duty The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Only Murders in the Building Ted Lasso Wednesday OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES Beef — WINNER DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Daisy Jones & the Six Fleishman Is in Trouble Obi-Wan Kenobi OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES Jeff Bridges, The Old Man Brian Cox, Succession Kieran Culkin, Succession — WINNER Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us Jeremy Strong, Succession OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Sharon Horgan, Bad Sisters Melanie Lynskey, Yellowjackets Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us Keri Russell, The Diplomat Sarah Snook, Succession — WINNER OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES Bill Hader, Barry Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building Jason Segel, Shrinking Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso Jeremy Allen White, The Bear — WINNER OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Christina Applegate, Dead to Me Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary — WINNER Natasha Lyonne, Poker Face Jenna Ortega, Wednesday OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TELEVISION MOVIE Taron Egerton, Black Bird Kumail Nanjiani, Welcome to Chippendales Evan Peters, DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Daniel Radcliffe, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Michael Shannon, George & Tammy Steven Yeun, Beef — WINNER OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TELEVISION MOVIE Lizzy Caplan, Fleishman Is in Trouble Jessica Chastain, George & Tammy Dominique Fishback, Swarm Kathryn Hahn, Tiny Beautiful Things Riley Keough, Daisy Jones & the Six Ali Wong, Beef — WINNER OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES F. Murray Abraham, The White Lotus Nicholas Braun, Succession Michael Imperioli, The White Lotus Theo James, The White Lotus Matthew Macfadyen, Succession — WINNER Alan Ruck, Succession Will Sharpe, The White Lotus Alexander Skarsgård, Succession OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Jennifer Coolidge, The White Lotus — WINNER Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown Meghann Fahy, The White Lotus Sabrina Impacciatore, The White Lotus Aubrey Plaza, The White Lotus Rhea Seehorn, Better Call Saul J. Smith-Cameron, Succession Simona Tabasco, The White Lotus OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES Anthony Carrigan, Barry Phil Dunster, Ted Lasso Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso James Marsden, Jury Duty Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear — WINNER Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary Henry Winkler, Barry OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Ayo Edebiri, The Bear — WINNER Janelle James, Abbott Elementary Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary Juno Temple, Ted Lasso Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso Jessica Williams, Shrinking OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TELEVISION MOVIE Murray Bartlett, Welcome to Chippendales Paul Walter Hauser, Black Bird — WINNER Richard Jenkins, DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Joseph Lee, Beef Ray Liotta, Black Bird Young Mazino, Beef Jesse Plemons, Love & Death OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TELEVISION MOVIE Annaleigh Ashford, Welcome to Chippendales Maria Bello, Beef Claire Danes, Fleishman Is in Trouble Juliette Lewis, Welcome to Chippendales Camila Morrone, Daisy Jones & The Six Niecy Nash-Betts, DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story — WINNER Merritt Wever, Tiny Beautiful Things OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES Andor, Benjamin Caron, Bad Sisters, Dearbhla Walsh The Last of Us, Peter Hoar Succession, Andrij Parekh Succession, Mark Mylod — WINNER Succession, Lorene Scafaria The White Lotus, Mike White OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES Barry, Bill Hader The Bear, Christopher Storer — WINNER The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Amy Sherman-Palladino The Ms. Pat Show, Mary Lou Belli Ted Lasso, Declan Lowney Wednesday, Tim Burton OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR MOVIE Beef, Lee Sung Jin — WINNER Beef, Jake Schreier DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Carl Franklin DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,Paris Barclay Fleishman Is in Trouble, Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton Prey, Dan Trachtenberg OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES Andor, Beau Willimon Bad Sisters, Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, Brett Baer Better Call Saul, Gordon Smith Better Call Saul, Peter Gould The Last of Us, Craig Mazin Succession, Jesse Armstrong — WINNER The White Lotus, Mike White OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES Barry, Bill Hader The Bear, Christopher Storer — WINNER Jury Duty, Mekki Leeper Only Murders in the Building, John Hoffman, Matteo Borghese, Rob Turbovsky The Other Two, Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider Ted Lasso, Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Jason Sudeikis OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR MOVIE Beef, Lee Sung Jin — WINNER Fire Island, Joel Kim Booster Fleishman Is in Trouble, Taffy Brodesser-Akner Prey, Patrick Aison, Dan Trachtenberg Swarm, Janine Nabers, Donald Glover Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Al Yankovic, Eric Appel OUTSTANDING SCRIPTED VARIETY SERIES A Black Lady Sketch Show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver — WINNER Saturday Night Live OUTSTANDING REALITY COMPETITION SHOW The Amazing Race RuPaul's Drag Race — WINNER Survivor Top Chef The Voice OUTSTANDING TALK SERIES The Daily Show with Trevor Noah — WINNER Jimmy Kimmel Live! Late Night with Seth Meyers The Late Show with Stephen Colbert The Problem with Jon Stewart OUTSTANDING LIVE VARIETY SPECIAL The Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Starring Rihanna Chris Rock: Selective Outrage Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium — WINNER The Oscars 75th Annual Tony Awards OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY SERIES The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Last Week Tonight with John Oliver — WINNER Late Night with Seth Meyers The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Saturday Night Live The 2023 Emmys were announced on Tuesday, January 16, Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website. Top image: Chuck Hodes/FX.
With ocean views and weather that practically begs you to eat outdoors year-round, the Gold Coast is where long lunches often roll into sunset drinks, and reservations are planned around golden hour. Whether you're plotting a food-focused escape or simply want to see how good dining with a sea breeze can really be, Get Up and Gold Coast to these al fresco dining spots that deliver on atmosphere, flavour and location in equal measure. The Tropic, Burleigh Heads Set right on beautiful Burleigh Beach, The Tropic is the type of venue your mind wanders to when you think of the Gold Coast. White umbrellas, breezy interiors and uninterrupted ocean views set the tone, while a Mediterranean-leaning menu keeps things fresh and coastal. You can expect plenty of seafood (the cold seafood platter features the best in Moreton Bay bugs, tiger prawns, freshly shucked oysters, and more), and refined cocktails, including signatures like the Mojo Tivo Blood Orange spritz and the Basil Maybe, which features gin, mango, basil, and bitters served straight up for a refreshing sip. If you're looking for an al fresco long lunch destination that ends in sunset spritzes overlooking the beach, The Tropic is your go-to. [caption id="attachment_1070222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads[/caption] Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads Rick Shores is the type of Gold Coast restaurant that interstate foodies plan their trips around, and for good reason. Also located on Burleigh, the modern Asian restaurant pairs bold flavours with a stellar view. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an open deck, the beach is the backdrop for signature dishes like Moreton Bay bug rolls, cured Ora King salmon sashimi, and freshly shucked oysters with Thai vinaigrette. The al fresco experience is polished yet relaxed, making it one of the Gold Coast's most memorable dining experiences. [caption id="attachment_1070225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta[/caption] Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta If you find yourself in the southern Gold Coast, be sure to drop by Kirra Beach House in Coolangatta. Despite being a multi-level, elevated beachfront venue, Kirra Beach still has a laidback atmosphere. Lounge in the terrace cabanas, sink into booth seating in the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, and enjoy the sunset terrace for cocktail catchups and casual lunches. When it comes to food, expect seafood-led pasta, fish and steak fillets, as well as salad bowls for something lighter. With an extensive wine list and signature crowd-pleasing cocktails, it's easy to spend the whole day relaxing al fresco-style. [caption id="attachment_1070223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sueño, Mermaid Beach[/caption] Sueño, Mermaid Beach If you're looking for a rooftop bar that's as design-driven as it is delicious, head to Sueño. The Mermaid Beach rooftop is located above the Latin American restaurant Norté and features a variety of shareable plates. Think: ceviche, skewers, handmade tortillas and guacamole. Sueño's signature cocktail menu is extensive and inspired by the Americas (be sure to try the Beso Picante featuring gin, Aperol, and spicy agave). The rooftop also offers a bottomless brunch on weekends, featuring an eight-dish shared-style brunch menu paired with bottomless selected cocktails, house beer, and wine for $149 per person. Whether you're here for a rooftop afternoon aperitif or a long evening under the stars, Sueño is all about fresh flavours and al fresco dining – Latin American-style. [caption id="attachment_1070226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Surfers Pavilion[/caption] Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise If you're looking for a Gold Coast dining experience that's a bit more casual (without compromising on its view), Surfers Pavilion in Surfers Paradise does the trick. The restaurant is located on the Nerang River, providing a different type of waterfront al fresco dining experience. It offers a relaxed, social atmosphere that suits large groups and after-work revellers, and its deck is ideal for grazing, cocktail parties and casual catch-ups. The menu is a crowd-pleaser serving everything from burgers to fish and chips and share plates at affordable prices. Enjoy a cold beer in the Queensland afternoon with a river view to match. [caption id="attachment_1070224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads[/caption] Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads Burleigh Pavilion is a Gold Coast institution. Sitting right on the headland, the large restaurant overlooks Burleigh Beach and features sprawling spaces to socialise alfresco-style. Grab a spot on the deck beneath the umbrellas for the best views of Burleigh, and enjoy the menu, which features share plates for groups and pub-style classics, including battered local snapper, burgers, steak, and woodfire pizzas. Aperol Spritzes are the unofficial cocktail of Burleigh Pavilion, making it the perfect Sunday session location when on the Gold Coast. [caption id="attachment_1074101" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palette, HOTA[/caption] Palette, Surfers Paradise Located inside HOTA, Home of the Arts, Palette is one of the Gold Coast's hidden dining gems. The refined restaurant offers a calm, cultural dining experience with a seasonal menu inspired by the gallery's exhibitions. Palette is the Gold Coast's only three-hatted restaurant, offering fine dining alongside the fresh, local produce the destination is known for. If you're looking for an alfresco bar post-gallery hopping, head to The Exhibitionist Bar, which features breathtaking views across the city and toward the hinterland from HOTA's rooftop. From beachside views to rooftop escapes, the Gold Coast's al fresco dining scene is reason enough to plan a getaway. Come for the sunshine, stay for the long lunches, and don't be surprised if your afternoon plans roll on into the evening. Image Credit: Supplied Lead Image Credit: The Tropic
If ever there was a time to treat yourself to a vacation, it's now, and you'll still find scores of memorable holiday destinations located in New Zealand. No long-haul flight required. What's more, if you're after a true break from reality, New Zealand is brimming with unique stays that'll transport you blissfully far from your everyday. Indulge in a few nights in a leafy treehouse, a beautifully restored truck perched right on the bay, or even a mountaintop cabin with views for days. Here, we've taken care of the hard bit and pulled together 15 of the most unique stays you can book in New Zealand. Pick your favourite, pack those bags and embark on a holiday that's worth writing home about. Recommended reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in New Zealand The Best Places to Go Glamping in Australia Ten of the Most Luxurious Waterfront Stays You Can Book in Auckland The Most Unique Stays with Breathtaking Views of New Zealand's South Island Glamcamping, Whananaki A secluded waterfront cabin and campsite set among untouched wilderness, with hiking trails, clear blue ocean and private sandy beaches right on its doorstep. From $148 a night, sleeps six. The Grove Farm Stay, Thornton With features like a hot tub and king size bed, this comfy yurt makes for an idyllic farm stay. All just metres from the beach. From $276 a night, sleeps four. Mud Hut at Welcome Rock Trails, Garston Dose up on serenity at this rustic high-country hikers' hut, kitted out with a cosy fireplace, outdoor tub and some of the best views going around. From $125 a night, sleeps four. Fairytale Treehouse, Whangarei Your own magical treehouse escape, complete with cosy interiors, leafy wraparound deck and 28 lush acres to explore at your leisure. From $290 a night, sleeps two. The Amazing House Truck, Wainui Bay This former truck has been transformed into a comfy bayside getaway, complete with a woodfire and outdoor bath. Spend your days swimming, hiking or soaking up those views. From $237 a night, sleeps four. The Mudcastle, Nelson Fancy holidaying like royalty? Try this picturesque castle retreat, complete with fairytale features, a private pool and sweeping countryside views. From $1336 a night, sleeps 16. Alpine Cube, Ben Ohau Check out of reality and into this architecturally designed nature cabin, featuring zero wi-fi, a luxe open air spa and all the tranquility you could dream of. From $498 a night, sleeps two. Blackpool House, Auckland This contemporary couples' retreat boasts a lush, leafy setting, with stunning architecture, a cosy mezzanine library nook and a sun-drenched deck that's primed for relaxing. From $390 a night, sleeps two. Warm Cosy Yurt, Motueka Valley Al fresco drinks among the treetops and stargazing through the rooftop skylight — enjoy it all at this kitted-out yurt overlooking the Motueka River. From $122 a night, sleeps three. Rocky Point Hut, Pepin Island A tranquil hideaway for two with an outdoor tub offering epic panoramas, this clifftop hut is the stuff of holiday dreams. From $219 a night, sleeps two. The Treehouse, Waiheke Island Hidden among the treetops, this contemporary cabin will charm you with its romantic loft bedroom, leafy gardens and blissful outdoor spa. From $292 a night, sleeps four. Woodpecker Bay Bach, Punakaiki Wake to the sound of crashing waves at this quaint beachfront stay. It's rocking a charmingly kitsch style and a bathtub with views to swoon over. From $226 a night, sleeps two. Away Treehouse, Auckland Blissful treehouse vibes abound at this secluded forest retreat. Unplug and recharge, while enjoying the cosy wood fire, outdoor spa and peaceful treetop setting. From $438 a night, sleeps two. Kauri Forest Chalet, Auckland In the heart of the bush, this secluded chalet makes for a tranquil couples' escape. Hiking trails abound and the beach is just a short drive away. From $180 a night, sleeps two. Te Kouma Heights Glamping, Manaia Find luxury off the grid in this tent for two with endless ocean and farmland views. Enjoy fully equipped solar power, a king bed and two claw-foot outdoor tubs facing the glittering Coromandel Harbour. From $332 a night, sleeps two. 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.
The French bistro has had somewhat of a comeback of late — but while restaurants like Hubert have focused on making French food cool again, Bistrot Gavroche isn't preoccupied with doing the same. It's gone for a concept that is unashamedly trying to recreate the old-school French bistro — and, for the most part, they've succeeded. There's something about BG (which is located above Spice Alley, of all places) that feels like you've wandered into a bistro in a French provincial city, say Lyon, that your 2012 copy of Lonely Planet said would be 'an authentic French dining experience'. It's one of those ones where every surface is chocolate hardwood, the menus are set in glass A3 frames, the bread basket is replenished unprompted, and the French songs ('Champs Elysées' included) are played over the speakers a little too loud. It's borderline kitsch and it's delightful. Similarly French is the cone of still-warm gougères (cheesy choux pastry balls) that appear on the table as you peruse the wine list and the bread basket that is replenished with neat slices of crusty baguette (from Brickfields just up the road) as soon as you polish them off. The rest of the menu follows suit with an offering that covers off pretty much all the French staples. The escargot — which comes lathered with an epic amount of parsley butter — and the pastry-encased baked pork terrine is a good place to start, the latter of which is a recipe from chef Frederic Colin's Grandpa Henri. While the menu is not one that changes week-to-week — and coming back here to eat the same comforting food is half the appeal — additional dishes are added according to the seasons. For spring, a plate of incredible new-season asparagus is heroed with just herbs and a poached egg on top, and an immaculate raspberry and pistachio cream tart ($15) has been added to the dessert list. With dark timber, red wine (preferably a Shiraz from the Rhône Valley) and quiet conversation between mainly two-person parties scattered around the room, it feels almost remiss not to order a steak. The entrecôte — served with frites and Béarnaise for $45 — is a mammoth of a steak, enough to serve two or three people. Ours comes a little too rare, and is a little too difficult to slice a knife through the bloodiest bits. It certainly doesn't have the melty qualities of the hanger steak, which, smaller, instead comes finely sliced on a bed of red wine shallots and Lyonnaise potatoes ($37). This one is an exquisite and memorable cut of steak — order it instead. Dessert too toes the traditional line and incorporates all the classic French sweets you've probably heard about but never actually eaten; crêpe Suzette comes swimming in a visually amazing orange sauce, profiteroles are filled with ice cream and hot chocolate sauce and that worm-like pureed chestnut cake — the Mont Blanc — makes an appearance too ($15 each). None are particularly mind-blowing, but are comforting, familiar and feel legitimately French — much like Bistrot Gavroche itself.
It's a chair made out of swords. So notes Daemon Targaryen's (Matt Smith, Morbius) description of TV's most-fought-over piece of furniture of the past 13 years: the Iron Throne. Not one but two hit HBO shows have put squabbles about the sought-after seat at their centre so far, and the second keeps proving a chip off the old block in a fantasy franchise where almost everyone meets that description. If the family trees sprawling throughout Game of Thrones for eight seasons across 2011–19 and now House of the Dragon for two since 2022 (with a third on the way) weren't so closely intertwined in all of their limbs, would feuding over everything, especially the line of succession, be such a birthright? Set within the Targaryens 172 years before Daenerys is born, House of the Dragon could've always cribbed the name of another HBO success. In season two from Monday, June 17 Down Under — via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — season one's black-versus-green factionalism remains a civil war-esque showdown over which two offspring of the late King Viserys the Peaceful (Paddy Considine, The Third Day) should wear the crown and plonk themselves in the blade-lined chair. The monarch long ago named Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy, Mothering Sunday) as his heir. But with his last breaths, his wife Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke, Slow Horses) — also Rhaenyra's childhood best friend-turned-stepmother — claims that he changed his pick to their eldest son Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney, Rogue Heroes) instead. In King's Landing, the response was speedy, with Rhaenyra supplanted as the next ruler before she'd even heard over at Dragonstone that her father had passed away. Based on Fire & Blood, which George RR Martin penned as backstory after A Song of Ice and Fire's first five books A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons, House of the Dragon has also long painted Rhaenyra as the preferred type of chip off the old block. She too wants peace, not war. She also seeks stability for the realm over personal glory. If Viserys spotted that in her as a girl (Milly Alcock, Upright) when he chose her over Daemon, his brother who is now Rhaenyra's husband, he might've also predicted the dedication that she sports towards doing his legacy, and those before him, proud. Aegon, also the grandson of Viserys' hand Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans, The King's Man), sees only entitlement above all else. Martin's tales of family dynasties — the names Stark, Tully, Lannister, Baratheon and more also pop up again — trade in the cycles that course through the bonds of blood, especially in House of the Dragon. Everyone watching knows what's to come for the Targaryens in Daenerys' time, right down to an aunt-nephew romance as the counterpart to Daemon and Rhaenyra's uncle-niece relationship. (No one watching has started this prequel series, the first spinoff of likely many to Game of Thrones, without being familiar with its predecessor). Ice-blonde hair, ambition that soars as high as the dragons they raise and fly, said flame-roaring beasts of the sky, the inability to host happy reunions: these are traits passed down through generations. Some are a matter of genes. Martin continues to explore why the others persist. Season one took to its role as the next on-screen trek across Westeros with seriousness, devotion and reverence, leading to a front-ended run intrigue-wise with talk — scheming, plotting, proclaiming who should be next to sit upon several thrones — and laying the groundwork for more seasons to come monopolising the ten-years-later back half. It was exactly what fans of this TV franchise could've wanted, in no small part thanks to its fondness for overt mirroring that stresses the point that some things trickle down from parent to child no matter what. Season two has less establishing to do, and therefore a quicker pace and tighter focus. It's content in one time period. It also has not just the aftermath of a usurpation but also of a tragic death at the hands of Aegon's younger brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell, Saltburn), who bears a grudge and wears an eyepatch (the two are connected), to traverse. Rhaenys (Eve Best, Nurse Jackie), cousin to Viserys and Daemon, sums up one of the tragedies that House of the Dragon has committed itself to unpacking: that skirmishes will become such a given that no one will recall or care why the blacks (Rhaenyra's camp) and greens (Aegon and Alicent's) took up weapons and began torching each other with dragons in the first place. The audience won't forget. With images thankfully easier to discern — there's no repeat in the first four episodes of the dull-looking day-for-night atrocity of season one, its low point — the show's return witnesses the cost of pursuing the Iron Throne. It spends more time with the smallfolk, aka those beyond the royals and their cronies. It observes their reaction to the bad blood's brutality at its cruellest. And it does so even while making good on the big promise of Targaryens tearing into each other in a Seven Kingdoms period when dragons weren't a rarity: those mid-air sweeping and snapping dragon frays, which are gloriously brought to life. Scaling back the scene-setting and future-plotting is a gift to House of Dragon's cast in season two, especially to D'Arcy and Cooke. Rhaenyra's battle is really a battle with Alicent more than her son — and the two actors behind the parts expertly handle the task of conveying not only the duelling ambitions feeding the Targaryen tussle for the crown and throne, but also the emotional stakes and costs in their friends-turned-enemies portrayals. Best, as another Targaryen who should've been queen but was overlooked for Viserys, joins them in expressing what it means to walk every step with Westeros' engrained malice shaping your path beyond your control. Seeing their characters team up may now be left to fan fiction, but House of Dragon is a better series with their performances at its heart. As uttered with the snarling glibness that Smith oozes so well in his scene-stealing role, that aforementioned account from Daemon of what everyone is fighting over might sound flippant. It's designed to. But trust House of Dragon to encapsulate the undying source of its heat, and of the perpetual clashes within this conflict-riddled saga, with such a seemingly easy and ordinary turn of phrase. When the fact that leading means climbing across a path of violence, then sitting atop one, even if you're devoted to eschewing bloodshed — again, the Iron Throne is literally a chair made out of swords — and when that fact is such a routine aspect of life that no one thinks twice about it, what else but more feuding can spring? Check out the full trailer for House of the Dragon season two below: House of the Dragon season two streams Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia, and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand, from Monday, June 17, 2024. Read our review of season one. Images: HBO.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBMS85Rii5A THE GODMOTHER With the inimitable Isabelle Huppert at its centre, and a premise that owes a debt to Weeds and Breaking Bad, The Godmother strikes a crafty balance between comedy, drama and thrills. The Greta and Happy End star (and Elle Oscar-nominee) plays Patience Portefeux, a translator who works with the Paris police on narcotics cases — a job that's routine until, thanks to a big decision, it isn't. During an otherwise straightforward assignment that tasks Patience with listening to and translating wiretapped phone conversations, she holds back a few crucial pieces of information. Instead of giving her boyfriend Philippe (Hippolyte Girardot, Marseille) the details he needs to make a big bust and enhance his career, she chooses to take matters into her own hands. She's never done anything like this at work before, but she's soon redirecting the cops' attention, stealing an enormous stash of hash and taking up a side hustle as a wholesaler to street-level dealers. Her motivation: money. A long-widowed mother of two, she's attempting to secure her financial future via the only viable means at her disposable. As her fellow widow-turned-dealer in Weeds also did, she's also attempting to navigate a world that's hardly accommodating to single, middle-aged women. Adapted from Hannelore Cayre's book of the same name by the author with director Jean-Paul Salomé (Playing Dead, Female Agents), The Godmother is unsurprisingly lifted by Huppert, as everything she stars in always is. Indeed, if the film earns an English-language remake — which, undoubtedly, it will — Hollywood will be doing itself a disservice if the filmmaking powers-that-be cast anyone but the veteran French star. She plays Patience as a slippery, enterprising everywoman with hopes, dreams and a unique opportunity. More than that, she never lets a single thing about the character feel like a collection of stock-standard tropes and traits. It's due to Huppert, in fact, that The Godmother never flounders even when its script does cycle through more than a few predictable crime film cliches. Nonetheless, this is a lively and engaging caper that's helmed with a light touch, as well as a keen awareness of the material's deeper moments. It'd make a stellar double feature with 2018 heist flick The World Is Yours, too, which similarly deployed the distinctive talents of one of France's enduring leading ladies (and someone Huppert has been compared with constantly throughout her career): Isabelle Adjani. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQz1Am56-GQ DEATH OF A LADIES' MAN Tales of men known for their romantic successes — or, to be more accurate, their luck between the sheets — might just have an expiration date in today's post-#MeToo world. We should've outgrown them earlier, really, although Death of a Ladies' Man smartly chooses to grapple with the fallout when a lifelong playboy is forced to face his own end. Taking its cues from Leonard Cohen's songbook (hence the title), this Canadian-Irish co-production also opts to interrogate the idea of the blissful womaniser and drunk, rather than simply let another suave, sauced-up lothario strut across the silver screen. Poetry professor Samuel O'Shea (Gabriel Byrne, Hereditary) is about to add another ex-wife to his tally when the film begins, actually, although this time he's the one who caught her being unfaithful. That's soon the least of his problems. After the hockey players at his son's (Antoine Olivier Pilon, Mommy) latest match appear to start singing and dancing on the rink, and he then returns home to hallucinate an entire boozy conversation with his long-dead father (Brian Gleeson, Hellboy), Samuel seeks medical attention. His daily drinking habit of anywhere up to 39 drinks isn't the problem, but rather a brain tumour — and the terminal prognosis that accompanies its diagnosis gives him just months left at best. For a film about cancer, death, addiction, lingering childhood trauma, several liquor cabinets full of regrets and taking stock of an unfulfilling life complicated by male fantasy, Death of a Ladies' Man is playful rather than bleak — welcomely so. The visions that cause Samuel to imagine women with tiger heads (and sometimes entire relationships) all add a surreal touch to a movie that knows it is wading through both weighty and familiar territory. Writer/director Matt Bissonnette (Passenger Side) doesn't endeavour to thwart or dispel tropes, but to unpack them. Confronting a fatal disease and looking back at all the mistakes made to that juncture is another oft-used narrative crutch, and usually the only time someone with cancer is treated like a real person in a feature, but here it also helps Death of a Ladies' Man expose just why Samuel has clung to his image for so long, what he's been hiding from in the process and what it has ultimately cost him. Byrne is excellently cast, as he usually is, bringing both charisma and waning hubris to the film's protagonist — and Cohen's songs do what they're meant to, adding insight, beauty and melancholy to this quietly potent blend of comedy and drama. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IuL_FSoMBU TWO OF US Early in Two of Us, Martine Chevallier sports a look of such utter devastation and heartbreak that it feels as if her pain will smash the camera peering her way. The French actress (Farewell, My Queen) plays Madeleine, a retiree finally free of the husband she abhorred — a fact that her adult children Frédéric (Jérôme Varanfrain, A Wedding) and Anne (Léa Drucker, Custody) ignore in vastly different ways — and now living with the woman, Nina (Barbara Sukowa, Gloria Bell), that she has secretly been in love with for decades. Given her kids' attitude towards their father, she hasn't been able to tell them. Indeed, when the aforementioned expression darkens her face, it's because Nina publicly admonishes her for hiding their relationship. But the German expat will soon sport the same look, too, after tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, neither Frédéric or Anne know her as anything more than just a friend of Madeleine. So, she spends her days peeking through the peephole in her own front door across the hall — one of the benefits of keeping a second apartment to maintain their ruse — and trying to sweet-talk her way into new carer Muriel's (Muriel Bénazéraf, Conviction) good graces in order to even see and snatch the smallest amounts of time with her lifelong love. Largely taking place within Madeleine and Nina's flats — one warm and inviting, the other sparse and hardly used — Two of Us is an intimate film several times over. First-time feature writer/director Filippo Meneghetti stares intensely at his characters as he steps into their complex lives and, slowly and patiently, watches as they inch towards revealing their true selves to the world. The central performances, especially by Sukowa, a German acting powerhouse dating back to Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Berlin Alexanderplatz and Lola, couldn't feel more lived-in. Nor could the rapport between Madeleine and Nina, even after illness robs the former of her words. And, the same applies to the predicament that Nina finds herself navigating, circumstances she shares (with a few minor tweaks) with the protagonist in Oscar-winner A Fantastic Woman. Deeply contemplating the historical treatment of queer relationships, and the struggles that still linger today, this is both an astutely judged and overwhelmingly heartfelt drama, and one that also simmers with tension and anger. It's impossible not to feel moved and infuriated by the behaviour directed Madeleine and Nina's way, and to be moved by this tender and impassioned story in general. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGDWckiZcj8 I BLAME SOCIETY She's fired by her manager after he finally reads one of her scripts, then deems the topic of Israel "too political". When his assistant wrangles her a meeting with a couple of indie film producers in the aftermath, she's asked to lend her perspective to stories about strong female voices, breastfeeding in public, and either intersexuality or intersectionality — when it comes to the latter two, they aren't quite sure which. So, as I Blame Society gleefully posits in its savage takedown of the film industry today, it's little wonder that Gillian (writer/director Gillian Wallace Horvat) decides to follow up a leftfield idea. Three years earlier, some of her friends told her that she'd make a great murderer, a notion that she took as a compliment and has been fascinated with to an unhealthy degree ever since. Indeed, at the time, she went as far asking her pal Chase (co-writer Chase Williamson) if she could hypothetically walk through the process of killing his girlfriend. The request put a long-lasting pause on their friendship, to no one else's surprise. Now, as she resurrects the project, her editor boyfriend Keith (Keith Poulson, Her Smell) keeps reiterating that it's a terrible idea; however, with no other avenues forward, Gillian is committed to doing whatever she thinks she needs to to kickstart her career. During a mid-film conversation, an increasingly exasperated Keith reminds Gillian that no "there is no movie that is worth hurting someone for". He's endeavouring to get her to agree, but "if it's a very bad person for a very good movie…" is her quick and firm reply. I Blame Society is equally direct. While Horvat plays a fictional character — and, the audience presumes, hasn't ever flirted with or committed murder in real life — she absolutely slaughters her chosen concept. Not every line or moment lands as intended, but this biting satire sticks a knife into every expectation saddled upon women in general and female filmmakers especially, then keeps twisting. The film's recurrent gags about likeability cleave so close to the truth, they virtually draw blood. Its aforementioned parody of supposed allyship among powerbrokers and gatekeepers is similarly cutting and astute. In their canny script, Horvat and Williamson find ample time to poke fun of a plethora of industry cliches and microaggressions, the treatment of marginalised voices both within filmmaking and in broader society, and even the current true-crime obsession, all without ever overloading the 84-minute movie. And, on-screen as well, Horvat is a savvy delight. She wants viewers to both cringe and nod, and everything about her performance and her feature directorial debut earns that response. I Blame Society is currently screening in Sydney and Melbourne cinemas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WrZU_14cxE 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzigvG55ImQ SON OF THE SOUTH A film can tackle an always-important subject, tell a true tale about a real-life figure and their hard-fought battle for a crucial cause, and also seem caught between an adoring celebration and an after-school special. It can boast Spike Lee's frequent editor as its director — with Barry Alexander Brown splicing together everything from Do the Right Thing and Malcom X to BlacKkKlansman — and also Lee himself as an executive producer, and still feel like the most simplistic version of its narrative. And, it can pay tribute to a crusader in the civil rights movement, and note the struggles involved for a southern-born and -bred white college student with klan ties so recent in his past that his grandfather remained a hate-spewing member, and also leave viewers wondering why someone like future US Congressman John Lewis is treated like a mere footnote. Yes, a movie can do all of the above because Son of the South does. Adapted by Brown from Bob Zellner's co-penned (with Constance Curry) autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the Freedom Movement, this by-the-numbers biopic proves both earnestly well-intentioned and blandly formulaic. Even viewers unfamiliar with Zellner will find themselves knowing what to expect at each and every turn. Son of the South introduces its Alabaman subject (Lucas Till, MacGyver) in 1961, with a noose around his neck and an angry white mob at his feet, before flashing back to explain his predicament. This early storytelling choice is designed to make a statement, and to show how deep the resistance to equality burrowed at the time, but it really just acts as a reminder that such violence against Black Americans still rarely garners the same attention. Zellner found himself facing a lynching for his inability to stand on the sidelines — after Rosa Parks (Sharonne Lainer, The Outsider) made history five years earlier, after being told not to go to an event at a Black church commemorating her actions, and then after facing threats of arrest and expulsion for attending. His fiancée (Lucy Hale, Fantasy Island) warns him, too, and his grandfather (Brian Dennehy, The Seagull) says he'll shoot him, but he's soon helping Freedom Riders during riots and volunteering for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Till's performance is as sincere as anything in Son of the South. He's also joined by scene-stealing co-stars, including Dexter Darden (Saved by the Bell) as Lewis, Lex Scott Davis (The First Purge) as a young college professor and Shamier Anderson (City of Lies) as a fellow SNCC worker initially skeptical of Zellman's involvement. And yet, they're all just tasked with sticking to a template, much to the movie's detriment. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on January 1, January 7, January 14, January 21 and January 28; February 4, February 11, February 18 and February 25; March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25; and April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22 and April 29; and May 6 and May 13. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman, Summerland, Ammonite, The Dig, The White Tiger, Only the Animals, Malcolm & Marie, News of the World, High Ground, Earwig and the Witch, The Nest, Assassins, Synchronic, Another Round, Minari, Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, The Truffle Hunters, The Little Things, Chaos Walking, Raya and the Last Dragon, Max Richter's Sleep, Judas and the Black Messiah, Girls Can't Surf, French Exit, Saint Maud, Godzilla vs Kong, The Painter and the Thief, Nobody, The Father, Willy's Wonderland, Collective, Voyagers, Gunda, Supernova, The Dissident, The United States vs Billie Holiday, First Cow, Wrath of Man, Locked Down, The Perfect Candidate, Those Who Wish Me Dead, Spiral: From the Book of Saw and Ema.
In this age of seemingly endless streaming platforms, there's never a shortage of things to watch. New movies hit the likes of Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and DocPlay all the time, as well as the plethora of other online viewing services that just keep popping up, especially in 2020 — and they're all ready to be viewed and enjoyed by your ravenous eyeballs. With such an ongoing onslaught of content fighting for everyone's attention, there's always a new highlight. This year has been full of them, in fact, and we've been rounding up the best streaming standouts each and every month. But, with 2020 now almost at a close, we're in reflective mode — so, from a 12-month period that saw us all glued to our screens at home far more than we ever dreamed of back in January, we've picked the 12 very best straight-to-streaming flicks from the past year. These movies didn't play in local cinemas, even for just a short period, but they're all absolute must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcqItifbNUA SMALL AXE British filmmaker Steve McQueen hasn't directed a bad movie — and, dropping five new features as part of the Small Axe anthology, that isn't changing now. The director of Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave and Widows gifts viewers a quintet of films that are as exceptional as anything he's ever made, with every entry in this new series taking place in England, in the 60s, 70s and 80s, with London's West Indian community at its centre. The first, Mangrove, tells an infuriating true tale about a police campaign to target a Caribbean restaurant in Notting Hill. From there, Lovers Rock spends time at a house party as two attendees dance into each other's orbits, and Red, White and Blue follows a young forensic scientist who decides to join the force to change it from the inside. Next, Alex Wheatle explores the life of the award-winning writer of the same name, while Education unpacks unofficial moves to segregate children of colour in schools. There's no weak link here — only stunning, stirring, standout cinema that tells blistering tales about Black London residents doing everything it takes to resist their racist treatment. Every film is sumptuously shot, too, thanks to cinematographer Shabier Kirchner (Bull), and the cast spans everyone from Lost in Space's Shaun Parkes and Black Panther's Letitia Wright to Star Wars' John Boyega. All five Small Axe films are available to stream via Binge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ord7gP151vk MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Chadwick Boseman, Oscar-winner. That combination of words is very likely to become a posthumous reality for the late, great actor, thanks to his last screen role. Boseman is just that phenomenal in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. He has earned that term before in Get on Up, Black Panther and Da 5 Bloods, but his performance in this stage-to-screen production is such a powerhouse effort that it's like watching a cascading waterfall drown out almost everything around it. He plays trumpeter Levee Green, who is part of the eponymous Ma Rainey's (Viola Davis, Widows) band. On a 1920s day, the always-nattering, big-dreaming musician joins Ma — who isn't just a fictional character, and was known as the Mother of Blues — and the rest of his colleagues for a recording session. Temperatures and tempers rise in tandem in the Chicago studio, with Levee and Ma rarely seeing eye to eye on any topic. Davis is in thundering, hot-blooded form, while Colman Domingo (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Glynn Turman (Fargo) also leave a firm impression. It's impossible take your eyes off of the slinkily magnetic Boseman though, as would prove the case even if he was still alive to see the film's release. Adapting the play of the same name by August Wilson (Fences), director George C. Wolfe (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) lets Boseman farewell the screen with one helluva bang. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTfJp2Ts9X8 UNCUT GEMS The best film of 2020, based on Australian release dates, might only screen on Netflix on our shores. That might seem a big call, but the anxiety-dripping, riveting Uncut Gems is a stone-cold masterpiece, complete with one of the greatest performances of Adam Sandler's career (alongside Punch-Drunk Love and The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)). Far, far removed from his Netflix comedies of late, the actor is all hustle and bustle as Jewish American diamond-district jeweller Howard Ratner. A compulsive gambler who is deeply in debt, about to get divorced and being shaken down by a loan shark (Eric Bogosian) he's related to by marriage, he's always trying to lure in high-profile clientele. When he comes into possession of a rare black opal — the uncut gem of the title — basketballer Kevin Garnett becomes interested, sparking a wild chain of events. Writer/directors Josh and Benny Safdie last worked their gritty, vivid and relentlessly tense magic with the Robert Pattinson-starring Good Time to exhilarating and mesmerising effect, and this uncompromisingly chaotic thriller and all-round exceptional character study is even better. Uncut Gems is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5RDTPfsLAI DA 5 BLOODS A fiery examination of both the Vietnam War and US race relations, Da 5 Bloods is a Spike Lee film through and through. It nods liberally to its influences, such as Apocalypse Now, but only the acclaimed Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman filmmaker could've made a war movie this affecting, incisive, entertaining and politically astute — especially given its focus on African American men expected to fight and die for the same country that still struggles to treat them equally. Plot-wise, the part combat drama, part heist thriller, part history lesson follows four ex-soldiers (Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis and Isiah Whitlock Jr) who make the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City decades after the conflict. They're searching for buried gold, as well as for the remains of their beloved squad leader (Chadwick Boseman, as seen in flashbacks). In Lee's hands, and with Lindo taking charge as a PTSD-afflicted, MAGA hat-wearing veteran, the results are energetic, passionate, and both intellectually and emotionally stunning. Da 5 Bloods is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7X0O9lZ_jQ WOLFWALKERS From FernGully: the Last Rainforest to Moana — and including everything from Studio Ghibli's Pom Poko and Princess Mononoke to Pixar's Wall-E, too — many an animated movie has combined eye-catching frames with an important message about the environment. Irish film Wolfwalkers joins the pile and rockets to the top, thanks to one of the most visually and emotionally enchanting features of the year. Story-wise, it follows young wannabe hunter Robyn Goodfellowe (Honor Kneafsey, The Bookshop). In a tale set centuries ago, she moves to Ireland with her father Bill (Sean Bean, Snowpiercer) when he's hired to eradicate the last wolf pack lurking in the woods. The locals, as overseen by an English Lord Protector (Simon McBurney, The Loudest Voice), want to wipe out the wolves so that they can tear down the forest in the name of progress. But, after sneaking out to go exploring, Robyn befriends a girl called Mebh (feature first-timer Eva Whittaker) who just might be a member of a mythical tribe that's able to shapeshift into the creatures while they're dreaming. As well as a rousing eco-conscious narrative, Wolfwalkers delivers distinctive and delightful animation. Expect earthy, natural colours, with greens, browns, oranges and yellows dancing across the screen. Expect a line-heavy visual style, too, which is almost reminiscent of woodblock prints. And, expect another all-round beauty from co-director Tomm Moore, who also helmed the Oscar-nominated and equally beautiful duo The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. Wolfwalkers is available to stream via Apple TV+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs--6c7Hn_A SOUL Released earlier in 2020, Onward definitely wasn't Pixar's best film — but Soul, its straight-to-streaming latest movie, instantly contends for the title. The beloved animation studio has always excelled when it takes big leaps. Especially now, 25 years into its filmmaking tenure, its features prove particularly enchanting when they're filled with surprises (viewers have become accustomed to seeing toys, fish, rats and robots have feelings, after all). On paper, Soul initially seems similar to Inside Out, but switching in souls for emotions. It swaps in voice work by Tina Fey for Amy Poehler, too, and both movies are helmed by director Peter Docter, so there's more than one reason for the comparison. But to the delight of viewers of all ages, Soul is a smart, tender and contemplative piece of stunning filmmaking all on its own terms. It's Pixar at its most existential, and with a strikingly percussive soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to further help it stand out. At its centre sits aspiring jazz musician-turned-music teacher Joe (Jamie Foxx, Just Mercy). Just as he's about to get his big break, he falls down a manhole, his soul leaves his body, and he's desperate to get back to chase his dreams. But that's not how things work, and he's saddled with mentoring apathetic and cynical soul 22 (the always hilarious Fey) in his quest to reclaim his life. Soul is available to stream via Disney+ from Friday, December 25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAveuCPBYSw I'M YOUR WOMAN Normally, when a criminal's latest job takes a turn for the worst for whatever reason, the film that tells their tale follows their part in the aftermath. I'm Your Woman isn't that movie. It looks like that kind of feature. It resembles one with exacting precision. But that isn't the narrative that's on offer here, and refreshingly so. Directed and co-written by Julia Hart (Fast Colour) with such a supreme handling of style, story and genre, this is a 70s-esque crime affair, but it focuses on Jean (Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel), the wife of a thief who has gone missing after a big score goes south. The aggrieved gangsters chasing her husband are also unlikely to be kind to Jean and her baby, so she's whisked off into hiding in the middle of the night with zero notice. That's a drastic change that she's unprepared to cope with — but, with help from the her spouse's ex-acquaintance Cal (Arinzé Kene, How to Build a Girl), she also discovers that she's far more resilient than she thinks. Compelling from the moment it opens with Jean clad in a magenta robe, add I'm Your Woman to the pile of movies that serves up a big shift in a familiar genre (see also: Sylvie's Love below), and does so in a spectacular fashion. I'm Your Woman is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDTg62vsV4U I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS For much of I'm Thinking of Ending Things two-hour-plus running time, the film's characters sit and talk as discomfort fills the space around them. The movie's protagonist (Wild Rose's Jessie Buckley) and her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) awkwardly chat as they drive through the snow to the Oklahoma farm where the latter grew up. They both endure several seesawing conversations with Jake's erratic and eccentric mother (Toni Collette) and father (David Thewlis) once they arrive. And, steam-of-consciousness narration also provides a soundtrack. But given this feature is written and directed by Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, it was never going to be a straightforward flick about meeting the parents. Instead, it's a purposely ambiguous and complex exploration of identity, choice and the very nature of human existence — complete with sudden ballet dances, strange overnight stops at deserted dessert stands and flashes to an unhappy janitor (Guy Boyd) — and it's a fascinating, challenging, visually stunning trip the entire way. I'm Thinking of Ending Things is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSCKfXpAGHc HAMILTON If you haven't been lucky enough to catch Hamilton on the stage — and, let's face it, most of us haven't — a filmed "live capture" version of the popular hip hop musical here to fill the gap. The story, for those who aren't intimately acquainted with US revolutionary history, chronicles the Caribbean-born eponymous "bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman" from his arrival in New York in the early 1770s. As the informative opening number explains, Alexander Hamilton will go on to become "the ten-dollar Founding Father without a father", with the production charting how he "got a lot farther by working a lot harder, by being a lot smarter and by being a self-starter". And, as shot on Broadway back in 2016, the results really are as phenomenal as we've all been hearing for the past five years. The entire cast, including not only creator, writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda but Tony-winners Daveed Diggs (Snowpiercer) and Leslie Odom Jr (Murder on the Orient Express), Mindhunter's Jonathan Groff and Waves' Renee Elise Goldsberry, is superb, as is every element of the production. Infectiously exuberant from its first moments, and not only lively but frequently funny, Miranda's rich, dense but always accessible words and songs interrogate US history with passion, intelligence and energy. They'll also become firmly lodged in your head, too, so don't say we didn't warn you. The filmed version of Hamilton is available to stream via Disney+. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7QpnvmMmag&feature=emb_logo PALM SPRINGS It wasn't the first movie to play with temporal trickery; however, Groundhog Day has a lot to answer for. Films about folks stuck in a loop, repeating the same day or events over and over, now almost comprise their own genre — but, wearing its allegiance to the aforementioned Bill Murray-starring comedy on its sleeves, Palm Springs is one of the best of them. Here, Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Andy Samberg plays Nyles, who has ventured to the titular location with his girlfriend Misty (Meredith Hagner, Brightburn) to attend a friend's nuptials. He gets drunk, makes a speech and a scene, befriends fellow wedding guest Sarah (Cristin Milioti, Modern Love) and disappears into a cave, warning the latter not to follow. When dawn breaks, it's the same day again. Then variations on the same events happen once more, and they just keep repeating over and over. Also featuring an initially intense JK Simmons (21 Bridges) as another ceremony attendee, Palm Springs has a wealth of fun with its concept, and becomes one of the year's most enjoyable movies in the process. Produced by Samberg alongside his Lonely Island colleagues Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, directed by feature first-timer Max Barbakow and written by Lodge 49's Andy Siara, it also finds its own way to grapple with the time-loop genre's usual elements — the repetition that feels like being stuck in purgatory, and the existential malaise that comes with it — in a smart and funny rom-com that boasts particularly great performances from Samberg and Milioti. Palm Springs is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfTmT6C5DnM DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD Mortality is no one's favourite subject. Confronting the certainty of our own demise is so difficult, we all just generally carry on as though it won't happen. And the reality that everyone we know and love will die, including our parents, is just as tough to deal with. Facing not only the fact that her father is advancing in age, but that he's suffering dementia — meaning that she'll lose him mentally before he passes away physically — cinematographer and documentarian Kirsten Johnson (Cameraperson) conjured up a playful and poignant project. In Dick Johnson Is Dead, she stages her dad's death over and over. He's very much alive and he takes part, with the father-daughter duo bonding during what time they have left together in the process. While it might sound morbid, this moving movie is anything but. As well as the scenes that give the film its title, it also provides an insightful chronicle of the Johnsons' lives. Tender, thoughtful, personal and intimate, and driven by both Dick and Kirsten's presence, the result is perhaps the most affecting feature of the year — and a very worth winner of the Special Jury Award for Innovation in Non-Fiction Storytelling at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Dick Johnson Is Dead is available to stream now via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGvYFB6GHRY SPACESHIP EARTH When it premiered at Sundance in January this year, Spaceship Earth wouldn't and couldn't have seemed as topical as it does at present. The documentary's subject: Biosphere 2, the biodome in the Arizona desert that played host to eight inhabitants for two years in the early 90s — all isolating themselves from the world by choice, in the name of science, to see if a closed-off, fully self-sustaining vivarium could work if/when humanity ever ventures beyond the earth. It sounds like pure sci-fi, but this is 100-percent reality. With the help of a treasure trove of archival material as well as present-day interviews from many of the folks involved at the time, filmmaker Matt Wolf takes viewers through the unusual and fascinating experiment. While it would've been very easy to play up the outlandishness of the whole project (indeed, as seen in media clips from the time, many an onlooker did), this doco approaches Biosphere 2 and the passionate people who made it happen with thoughtfulness and appreciation, in what proves a supremely mesmerising, engaging and intelligent film. Spaceship Earth is available to stream via DocPlay.
So, you finally managed to tick a Japan trip off your bucket list. You went, adventured and — inevitably — fell hard for the cuisine. Back in Sydney, you've started having drool-inducing daydreams about those tiny six-seat noodle shops that dished up the best ramen you've ever had, the charming izakayas with their wooden walls and shelves of local liquor, the buzzy food courts in department store basements, and those endless cups of sake. You want more; we get it. But if another trip to the Land of the Rising Sun isn't on the cards for you any time soon, never fear. Sydney is packed with great restaurants that will help you relive the gustatory joys of your Japan trip, no expensive plane ticket required. To steer you in the right direction, we've rounded up the spots where you can get lost in steaming bowls of ramen, drink sake to raucous cheers of 'kanpai!' and eat sushi so fresh it will rival the stuff you had in Tokyo. Plus, all of these eateries welcome that American Express Card you may have just signed up for. You'll get to up your Amex points balance toward that next trip (or the first one if you haven't made it quite yet), all while reminiscing about your favourite dishes from Japan. Double win. Yes, nothing's ever going to be quite as good as the original, but these places come pretty damn close. Can't wait to start travelling the world again? American Express has the card for you. Sign up for the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card and you'll score 55,000 bonus Qantas Points, plus $450 of Qantas Travel Credit and two passes to the American Express Lounge every year. And you'll earn 1.25 Qantas Points for every dollar spent. T&Cs, minimum spend and eligibility criteria apply.
Whether it's being time poor or just a little bit lazy, relying on the big supermarket chains for your weekly grocery shop is all too easy. But if you're becoming conscious of where and what products you're buying, it may be time to return to a good ol' fashioned neighbourhood grocer. We've teamed up with American Express to highlight some of Sydney's most impressive local grocers — to help you shop small. Many of them are still family owned and run, so not only will you be supporting the small guys but you're also buying from families that have been in the fruit and veg biz for generations. They really know their stuff, and they're passionate about sourcing fresh produce locally and sustainably, which means your goodies will be seasonal, grown by Aussie farmers and (hopefully) free from nasty additives. Plus, many have expanded their product range beyond the green goodies to include bread, eggs, deli products, pantry staples and other household items, so you'll actually be able to cross more off your shopping list than you expected. But if you really can't justify the extra time it may add to your trip to the shops, some offer home delivery, too. You've really got no excuses to get your five a day in.
Fire is at the heart of the kitchen within Surry Hills restaurant Bessie's. The Albion Street joint arrives from the Bar Copains team, with a myriad of wood-fired standouts and an attached cocktail bar, Alma's. The names — Bessie's and Alma's — are homages to owners Morgan Mcglone and Nathan Sasi's nans, with the chefs promising to celebrate their early memories of food across the two venues. Find your spot in the rustic dining room, containing nods to its former life as a chef's warehouse, with exposed brick and an impressive open kitchen among the tables. Once seated, you'll discover a menu built on dishes, large and small, that have been elevated by flames. Olives, garlic cream mushrooms, paprika prawns and a fennel, spinach, chicory and ricotta pie all emerge from the woodfire oven. There's also fried ocean jacket cheeks, grilled wagyu MG9+ rib cap skewers and a contender for Sydney's best flatbread, served warm and drenched in garlic and herb butter. You can accompany these seared and baked highlights with more delicate snacks and small plates. Think Olasagasti anchovies, Alma's mortadella paired with devilled eggs, and creamy burrata topped with charred zucchini and pine nuts. Or you can turn your attention towards the larger mains, all designed for sharing. There are playful and indulgent takes on your classic share plates here. Standouts include the pork belly and loin chop, partnered with a quince aioli, or the flavour-packed broccoli, hidden under layers of macadamia cream, pesto and chilli. Wine is the star of the drinks menu, with plenty of approachable reds to pair with your wagyu skewers, or funky skin contacts to befriend the prawns. And, if you're after a post-dinner nightcap, wander over to Alma's, where you'll find dirty martinis and bright kir royales. Images by Declan Blackhall
The best steaks in Sydney aren't only found at luxe steakhouses. French bistros cook up a mean steak frites, Argentinian grills know exactly how to treat all kinds of cuts before throwing them on the flames and there are some ripping pubs serving up affordable steaks that rival many a fine diner in the city. When you want to try the best steak in Sydney, you should expect to pay handsomely for it. The best of the best source only the most exceptional (and most expensive) cuts of meat from around Australia and abroad. Top-grade wagyu makes it onto a few Sydney steak menus, perfectly marbled and cooked with love. Pair it all with the right wine for an elevated experience (brilliant sommeliers abound at these steak spots, too) — but whatever you do, don't ask for your meat well done. Recommended reads: The Best Mexican Restaurants in Sydney The Best French Restaurants in Sydney The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney The 50 Best Bars in Sydney — Ranked
Originally designed by Bruce Dellit, the same architectural visionary behind Hyde Park's striking War Memorial, this 1930s-built heritage-listed former bank in the CBD is regarded as one of Australia's finest examples of the Egyptian art deco style. In the impressive foyer, which boasts wow-worthy 14-metre-high ceilings, the same travertine-clad walls, marble floors and huge glass light pendants that were present when this O'Connell Street address first opened are still in their proper place. However, as much as certain elements have remained untouched, it's doubtful Dellit ever imagined his elegant bank would one day be home to a buzzy cocktail lounge, a rock-n-roll dive bar and a pumping nightclub and cabaret space. With stunning interiors by Sydney-based architecture firm Steel and Stitch, visitors can step through time by ascending the venue's three levels. When you enter, you are immediately greeted by the deco dream of the aptly named Main Bar, where smart bartenders in Gatsby-coded garb shake and stir a menu of classic and signature cocktails curated by Nathan Alan Jones from Drinks By Design. One floor up, laidback drinking den The Hutch pushes the vibe a few decades forward, channelling a more 1990s rock energy, complete with a retro hi-fi system. On the third level, the 21st-century nightclub space, also named Arcade, is a flexible after-dark playground, hosting comedy gigs one night and DJ sets with exclusive VIP bottle service the next.
What was once a daggy bowlo has been transformed into a lush, summertime garden bar with million-dollar Sydney skyline views. Inside The Greens, floor-to-ceiling glass doors allow sunlight to stream into a plant-filled brasserie which is fitted out with curved booths and long communal tables. If it's a sunny day, head outside to the rustic garden, where you'll find a plenitude of daybeds and picnic settings adjacent to the lawns. The bar is run by Matt Le Rade (Ex Pelicano, Palmer & Co), and you simply can't ignore the fun and frivolous cocktails that everyone is holding. The larger groups sport Watermelon Keggers — a hollowed out half-watermelon filled with vodka, juice and bitters — as well as jugs of rose sangria, Pimms cocktails and Aperol spritzes. The kitchen was set up by Lilly Fasan, the former executive chef at The Grounds of Alexandria, in partnership with her husband Nathan. There are clear similarities between the two venues, both sharing luscious green surrounds, a seasonal menu with produce grown in-house and beautifully presented food, which is making its mark on Instagram. You'll be pleased to know that the lawn bowls greens are still fully operational and available to book for social games, so you can bring your granddad along for a bowl, while you can have a bowl. They also hold yoga sessions, organic markets, live music nights, campfire smores events and film screenings on the greens, as well as DJ sets on the weekend. The Greens definitely has its game on. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
Situated on the 'Little Vietnam' end of Illawarra Road, Eat Fuh has been in the game for many years. But you don't have to go to Marrickville to try some of the best Vietnamese in Sydney. The team dishes up noodle soups, vermicelli and rice dishes in shopfronts and pop-up market stalls all over the city. The service here is what you might expect considering the line on the street — it's fast and without frills since the team knows you're here for the food and not any kind of fine dining. The signature Fuh Noodle Soup (pho) is the obvious order. The meat options include rare beef, flank and chicken.Vegan? No worries, opt for the meat-free pho that uses a totally vegetable-based broth. And if you're not looking for pho, there's a killer chicken laksa with king prawns, chicken, tofu, fried onions, coriander and a divine laksa broth. Other options include a lean beef stir-fry with rice, eggplant and tomato relish or rice with garlic and pepper chicken and seasonal vegetables. For an entree try the shrimp and pork dumplings. If you order your pho in-store, it comes in a giant, seemingly bottomless bowl. And when you get it delivered, everything is packaged separately. You just need to combine the steaming and surprisingly complex bone broth — layered with star anise, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and onions — with the noodles, garnishes and your chosen meat (we recommend the rare beef and flank). Hot tip: if you like to plan ahead, Eat Fuh has an option to order the broth early. Chuck it in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready to eat. There's no need to test your luck with delivery riders who might get lost or be in short supply when you're hungry. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
With such a special Sydney location, Surry Hill's Foreign Return is an Indian dining experience like no other. The team at Foreign Return pride themselves on not taking things too seriously. From the buzz of Crown Street at its doorstep to the charming Taj Mahal mural in the main dining area, this is the kind of place that shouts optimism and fun, rather than solemn and earnest dining. Founded by seasoned restaurateur Javed Khan of Delhi 'O' Delhi fame, along with hospo mainstays Gaurang Gahoi ('GG') and Kunal Patel, Foreign Return will challenge the Australian idea of Indian cuisine – lamb rogan josh get the day off in favour of regional and forgotten dishes. Head chef Tanvi Goswani, whose passion is fusing Indian flavours with other cuisines from around the world, brings the menu to life with bold flavours and traditional cooking methods. The tandoor and grill produce delights such as minced goat kebabs from Lucknow, cooked with ground spices, saffron and onion, while vegetarians can feast on khichdi, a lost recipe from the eighth and ninth centuries, made of black rice, lentils and fresh herbs. Another standout is the vari kokaru curry, a recipe from an ancient East Indian tribe, consisting of lamb shanks, home-made masala and fresh coriander. Foreign Return is more than just fabulous food, accentuating the fun with a vibrant and eclectic drinks list. Cocktails include the Marigold Sour, a twist on a classic gin sour and dedicated to Asia's biggest flower market, the Mullik Ghat in Kolkata. Elsewhere there is the Curry Colada, a mix of rum, curry leaves, coconut, pineapple and lime. It's the perfect pairing to balance the spiced Tangra colony chilli prawns. Foreign Return offers an a la carte menu, bottomless brunch, pre-theatre dining and an all-vegan fare. For a night of fun and frivolity, you'll struggle to find a better Indian restaurant in Sydney. Top images: Leigh Griffiths
With Monster Fest showering Melbourne with an annual showcase of horror, thrills and just a bloody good time at the cinema since 2011, non-Victorian genre buffs can be forgiven for experiencing a severe case of film festival envy. Don't worry, the Monster Fest Travelling Sideshow is the cure for that green shade you've been sporting. It's taking the best of the festival around the country; first stop: Sydney. From March 9 to 12, Event Cinemas George Street will become Monster Fest's temporary home away from home with a lineup that should excite and unnerve cinephiles in equal measure. Topping the bill is the faint-inducing Raw — and it really has made people weak at the knees, so don't say we didn't warn you. The cannibal-focused effort certainly made an impact when it opened the 2016 Melbourne festival, taking out the fest's Golden Monster award. Attendees can also catch the all-female horror anthology XX, which premieres at this year's Sundance Film Festival, delivering scares, frights, gore and more from filmmakers of the fairer sex. About time. Or, see the monochrome delights of the maternally minded The Eyes of My Mother splashed across the screen, as well as the old-school slicing and dicing of Toronto International Film Festival hit The Autopsy of Jane Doe. Rounding out the program is classic Italian horror Suspiria, plus the locally linked Skinford (which was made in Sydney) and doco Dead Hands Dig Deep (which was made by a Sydney director).
