Where in the world do you want to go shopping today? If you were asked that question a few years ago you probably would have scoffed. Now we do more and more of our shopping online, yet finding (and remembering) that little boutique that matches your personal taste from the other side of the world still isn't so easy. That's where District8 comes in. The site, which went live last week, is a compilation of boutiques from the best shopping districts in Sydney, London and New York City (Hong Kong and Paris coming soon). Want to see what the Upper East Side has to offer? No problem, you can browse through 30 different boutiques in the neighbourhood without getting out of bed. District8's fashion editor, Sara Kaplan, described the experience to Vogue as "that feeling you get when you spot a store while walking down a side street in Notting Hill, say, along with the ease of shopping online at one of the big e-boutiques". Clearly, this is no Amazon or eBay, as District8 is taking online shopping to the next, less mass-consumer level. District 8 creates a unique, online-meets-offline shopping experience. The easily navigable platform is a clever cross between Pinterest and Tumblr, which makes it totally tailor-able to the shopper. The motto? "The world has a new shopping district: yours." In a nutshell, District8 lets you digitally browse different locations, select your favourite shops, and add them to 'your district'. Conveniently for oft-frustrated Australians, you can limit your browsing to just shops that ship to your location. The site, which has scouted and sorted through hundreds of shops, includes detailed descriptions of every district and boutique so you know what you're getting into. Like the boho look? Go to Bondi. Want Trendy? Try Soho. By 'following' all your faves in a newsfeed-type setting, you can stay up-to-date on their latest news, collections and sales in one place. You can even safely unsubscribe from all those pesky mailing lists that clutter your inbox. The site also functions like a blog with tags and labels, so you can filter your search for shops based on categories like price, attire type and style. Sounds like it's time to build your dream district, whip out the plastic and get down to business.
Let's face it, sometimes we just don't have the energy for crowded clubs where we're practically yelling at our mates over deafening music (which essentially just becomes noise after a while) just to make ourselves heard. If you still fancy that lifestyle, kudos to you. However, for those looking for nights out in more cosy, laidback surrounds (with quality drinks, of course), we've partnered with American Honey to gather a list of bars in Sydney that will offer just that. From intimate, nook-filled venues to lively establishments, the bars below are perfect the next time you want to sit back, relax and soak up quality time with quality people. THE CORNER HOUSE, BONDI Every suburb needs a go-to neighbourhood bar, and The Corner House is Bondi's. The two-tiered spot has everything you'd want in a good local: plenty of natural light, cosy vibes, a sprawling balcony and nooks galore to hole yourself up in for an afternoon or evening. There are also stellar happy-hour deals from Tuesdays to Saturdays and regular live intimate gigs, while a Mediterranean-inspired sharing menu adds to the unmistakably social atmosphere. Settle in with a smooth American Honey, fresh soda and lime, for the ultimate bevvie by the beach. [caption id="attachment_857392" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jasons Loucas[/caption] THE BAR, DOUBLE BAY There's something about luxe hotel bars that inspires conversation — and InterContinental Double Bay's The Bar takes luxe to a whole new level. Inspired by the best hotel bars in New York, London and Rome, the venue is the vision of hospitality legend Maurice Terzini, who also co-curated the menu alongside Icebergs head chef Alex Prichard. As is to be expected, the menu goes beyond the usual bar fare with native produce-driven dishes like the wagyu tartare, chimichurri lamb cutlet and chocolate and hazelnut millefeuille. Meanwhile, the cocktails — devised by beverage creative director Ana Page — spotlight French and Italian vermouths, as well as herb- and citrus-based liqueurs. Perfect, in other words, for a leisurely nightcap. APOLLONIA, CBD Situated in the basement of Hinchcliff House, sleek cocktail cavern Apollonia takes inspiration from Sicily's famed Bar Vitelli, perhaps best known for its supporting role in The Godfather. That's not the only reference to the classic film at this underground bar — the name Apollonia comes from Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone, the first wife of Michael Corleone himself, while the sophisticated cocktail list features tipples named after plot points in the film, with particular reference to Apollonia and Michael's love story (no spoilers). The drinks lean heavily Italian, though negronis are a stand-out here — there's a rotating selection created by some of the world's most celebrated bartenders. BITTER PHEW, DARLINGHURST Oxford Street in Darlinghurst might not be the most obvious location in town for a moody and intimate bar, but Bitter Phew puts paid to that particular notion. The snug upstairs spot definitely punches above its weight relative to its size, having made a name for itself among beer-lovers Australia-wide for its excellently curated 12-tap rotation and hundreds of bottled local and international craft brews. There's also a sizeable whisky selection if you're after a spirit for sipping. Come for the beer but stay for the low-key vibe — there's a smart, small-bar feel in the front and a quaint 'keg garden' in the back, the perfect place to nurse a cold one as you enjoy quality time with your crew. OLD MATE'S PLACE, CBD This World's 50 Best Bars-recognised CBD spot might be tough to find, but it's well worth the effort. Locate the nondescript door on Clarence Street and venture up four floors to find this homey spot that recalls an old library — think stately bookshelves, dapper furnishings and family heirlooms throughout with cleverly placed accents of foliage. Grab a leather booth for you and your crew as you settle in for an evening of excellent conversation, intriguing cocktails and primo bar food from a menu that includes six variations on the Philly cheesesteak, including meat-free options. Knocking off work early? Head up another flight of stairs to secure a spot on the leafy rooftop bar for an al fresco sundowner and sweeping views of the CBD. MOYA'S JUNIPER LOUNGE, REDFERN If you're an avid gin drinker, Moya's Juniper Lounge is where you need to be. The quaint, old-world cocktail bar is hidden in plain sight on Redfern's Regent Street, but don't let its lack of ostentatiousness put you off. This place serves up excellently made gin-fuelled classics, including a range of lesser-known ones, from its bar that houses over 200 different gins from around the globe. Beyond the gin, you can also select from a well-considered range of whiskies, rums, tequilas, mezcals, brandies and wine. To elevate your experience, order from the charcuterie and cheese menu which comes with house-cured pickles and locally baked bread. Additionally, the lounge hosts weekly free jazz nights and offers $10 negronis every Sunday from 4pm. THE SAVOY BAR, LONG JETTY The Savoy Bar has been a fixture in the vibey Central Coast 'hood of Long Jetty for decades — though it started life very differently when it first opened in 1956, when it was home to the Coast's biggest movie theatre. These days, The Savoy Bar is a lively bar and restaurant, and a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Head in for cocktails on tap (or an impossibly smooth American Honey, fresh lime and soda highballs), craft beers and a diverse wine list that focuses on natural drops, which you can complement with a Napoli-style pizza or cheeseboard. In honour of the venue's past, classic films are shown every Thursday on the big screen, while vibes remain high on weekends thanks to a lineup of DJs playing funk, soul and old-school jams. For more ways to celebrate golden moments with mates, head to the American Honey website.
Now restaurants, bars and cafes are back in full swing, we'll take any excuse to eat out — especially when that excuse involves hunting down some of Sydney's best dishes. While mains are normally the star of the meal, we find sometimes the entrees steal the show. We've teamed up with American Express to bring you a list of our city's most epic starters and sides. These dishes are so tasty they're almost worth the restaurant booking alone, from melt-in-your-mouth bone marrow in the CBD to Big Mac-inspired dumplings in Manly. You'll want to tick this list off one by one.
When March arrives, the Murray River transforms into a wonderland of reds, oranges and golds. It's the ideal season to visit. While outdoorsy types can walk, cycle and paddle, wine aficionados can linger over autumnal releases, with rolling vineyards and river sunsets as their backdrop. Here are five dreamy ways to enjoy the Murray's changing colours, from drifting down the river on a houseboat to cycling along share paths scattered with sculptures and cantering on horseback through red river gum forests. SLEEPOVER ON A HOUSEBOAT To completely immerse yourself in the river – from dawn till dusk – stay on a houseboat. All you have to do is sit back, relax and watch the day roll by (unless, of course, you're captain). Or, you can get as adventurous as you like, mooring at riverside villages, stopping by wineries for tastings, embarking on kayaking escapades, jumping in the water for dips and trying your hand at fishing. Most vessels come with a variety of spaces, including sunny decks, glass-walled lounge rooms and outdoor spas. If you've cash to splash, go for a luxury model, such as Magic Murray Houseboats' Magic or Murray River Houseboats' Decadence, which each feature four queen or king bedrooms, luxurious linen, TVs galore, a spa and sun deck. Meanwhile, Mildura Houseboats' fleet ranges from back-to-basics to total extravagance, so there are options for any budget. Stacks more boats are listed on the Wander Victoria website. JUMP ON A BICYCLE It's possible to ride the entire length of the Murray, from its source on the slopes of Mount Kosciuszko to its mouth in Coorong, about 75 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. However, if you don't have weeks to spare (and Amazonian legs), then there are plenty of shorter cycle paths to explore. In Echuca, the Food and Wine Trail takes in numerous cellar doors and local producers, including Morrisons Winery and Cape Horn Vineyard, which both afford expansive views of the river. If you're heading to Albury, conquer the Wagirra Trail, a six-kilometre roll dotted with river-inspired sculptures created by local Indigenous artists. And in Mildura, you'll find several options, including the 12.5-kilometre Riverfront Highlights route, which passes Mildura Arts Centre, Old Mildura Homestead and Ornamental Lakes. PADDLE A CANOE, KAYAK OR STAND-UP BOARD Another way to see autumn from the water – apart from hiring a houseboat – is by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. For red river gums, koalas and cockatoos, make tracks to Barmah National Park, where there are four paddling trails, between 2.7 and 17.4 kilometres long. Nearby lies Murray Valley National Park, home to the Edward River, a tranquil tributary of the Murray sprinkled with picnic areas and swimming spots. You'll find hire facilities in many riverside towns, including Echuca (Echuca SUP and Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire), Cohuna (Murray River Adventours) and Albury-Wodonga (Canoe the Murray). If you're not confident paddling on your own or would like someone else to take care of the organising, book an adventure with Southern Side Eco Tourism, who'll take you to remote terrain and put you up in a bell tent, or River Country Adventours, whose canoe safaris run on the Goulburn River. HORSE RIDING THROUGH RED RIVER GUM FOREST If reading Black Beauty changed your life forever, then make your equine dreams come true at Billabong Ranch. This 390-acre property just ten minutes' drive from Echuca is an adventure park, where you can jump on a horse's back and canter alongside rivers and through red river gum forest. There are four journeys to choose from: a one-hour bush and creek ride, a two-hour journey beside Goulburn River, a three-hour escapade taking in the Goulburn and the Murray, and a winery ride, which carries you to a local cellar door. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, then the latter can be turned into an overnighter, with extra activities, such as a longer ride to a local pub, a mini cattle muster, a cruise on a paddle steamer and a tour of the Great Aussie Beer Shed. GO WINE TASTING What better way to admire dazzling autumn leaves than with a glass of wine in hand? There are several places to sip and sample along the Murray. If you're Mildura-bound, then begin your explorations at the Sunraysia Cellar Door, where more than 250 wines await your review. Just 15 minutes' drive away in Trentham Cliffs is Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery and restaurant on the banks of the Murray. It's one of many waterfront wineries along the river. Drive southeast for two hours to reach Piangil, where you'll find Andrew Peace's cellar door, then another two-and-a-half to Echuca Moama, home to Cape Horn Vineyard and Morrisons Winery. While you're in the area, get off the beaten track with a trip along the Backroads Trail, stopping at The Old School to try some small-batch meads and Restdown for organic drops. For more ideas on how to spend your autumn getaway in the Murray River region and across the state, check out the Wander Victoria website.
If the idea of health-conscious eating conjures up images of boiled vegetables, soggy tofu or a cut-everything-that-actually-tastes-good-out diet, you're doing it all wrong. In a city like Sydney, where a slew of restaurants are dishing up wholesome food in innovative, delicious ways, healthy eating is honestly as easy as (gluten-free) pie. That's good news for those among us who want to treat our bodies right without having to go through the hell of detoxes or cleanses. Yes, our bodies are our temples, but that doesn't have to mean days of exclusively ingesting kale smoothies. To help get you started, we've teamed up with American Express to pick out the best spots to go when you want a healthy feed with zero compromises on flavour. Whether you're looking for a new vegan spot or a place more suited to the healthy carnivore, we've got the place for you. From premier farm-to-table eating to some of Sydney's best sushi, these eateries make grabbing a healthy meal a total breeze. Grab your Amex and kiss that cleanse goodbye. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
A new fashion market is joining Sydney's growing array of weekend shopping spots; however this one-off event has something other than bargain purchases or vintage finds in mind. At the Slow Fashion Market, attendees will browse through racks of clothing and shelves of accessories that fit two criteria. Firstly, everything on offer is made from sustainable, non-toxic materials. Secondly, it all hails from retailers that either make the fashion themselves or pay their workers fair wages. It's the latest venture from Emma Morris and Lee Glezos — aka the team behind The Makers & Shakers Market and the Round She Goes Preloved Fashion Market — with the duo aiming to raise awareness about the slow fashion movement. With mass-produced, over-produced 'fast fashion' having an enormous environmental impact, resulting in around 85 percent of new textiles eventually ending up in landfill, the Slow Fashion Market "will bring together people who care about how their fashion is made," explains Morris. "Consumers are reaching their threshold for clothes that is made cheap and fast, that falls apart after a couple of washes, and potentially exploits the people who made them." Taking place from 10am–3pm on Saturday, September 1 at Petersham Town Hall, the market will feature more than 40 independent brands selling womens, mens and children's fare. Entry costs $2, so keep your gold coins handy. While there's a serious and important topic behind the one-day event, the Slow Fashion Market not only endeavours to educate consumers, but to celebrate makers. "We create an environment where everyone is comfortable asking questions — and 'who made my clothes?' is the core question at this event," says Morris. The Slow Fashion Market takes place from 10am–3pm on Saturday, September 1 at Petersham Town Hall. For more information, visit the market website. Image: Alana Dimou.
In recognition of the historical significance of the six-week-long, statewide strike that originated at Eveleigh Railway Workshops 100 years ago, 1917: The Great Strike at Carriageworks invited five artists to interpret the event and its legacy from a modern perspective. Combining specially commissioned works with archival footage and photography, original union banners, badges and certificates alongside tours and artist-led workshops, the exhibition grants a unique insight into both the site's industrial heritage and an important moment in Australian history that quickly become overshadowed by WWI. Shannan Whitney, CEO of presenting show partner and long-term Carriageworks supporter BresicWhitney, says the show program honours a landmark community event and provides a valuable window into the life of Sydney workers a century ago. "The presentation of historical artefacts, alongside new works, reminds us of the gravity of this moment in time and the impact it had on generations to come." We spoke with three of the artists involved to discover how they chose to interpret The Great Strike for a contemporary context. [caption id="attachment_631757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1917: The Great Strike: Women's Demonstration in Front of Parliament House, Sarah Contos, 2017.[/caption] SARAH CONTOS — WOMEN'S DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF PARLIAMENT HOUSE Artist Sarah Contos has created a large-scale textile work inspired by the role women played in the strike, both through public protest and as sole supporters of their families on the homefront. Initially stumped as to how she'd connect with the subject matter, Contos was struck by a photograph during her research. It depicted a sea of hatted women marching to Parliament House. This inspired a quilt, expressing solidarity with the daughters, wives and mothers involved. Using a monochromatic colour palette (reflecting the photographs of the time), utilitarian materials of canvas and cotton, the quilt also features ladies' gloves and screenprints of the medallions given to strikers fashioned into a charm bracelet. There's a subversive playfulness to the work and a spirit of celebration conjured up by a glitter border. Contos comments that although textiles are no longer considered a uniquely 'female' realm, there was a harmony between medium and theme. "The craftsmanship involved at the railway yard between the workers and their materials to create and object of beauty and function lends a nice parallel to quiltmaking. A quilt also acts as a metaphor for the care demonstrated by the women to families affected by the strike." [caption id="attachment_631851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Franck Gohier, Snakes and Ladders, 2017, screen print and wood-type letterpress on board[/caption] FRANCK GOHIER — SNAKES AND LADDERS Darwin-based artist Franck Gohier has created an inventive graphic tribute to the strike in the form of a giant Snakes and Ladders board. Inspired by the scale and imagery of the original union banners, Gohier spent months researching before commencing the laborious process of setting up the antique wood type on his proofing press. He painstakingly hand-inked all the numbers, spent weeks sourcing historical imagery before transferring them onto screen and finally printing. "Even the paper stock was hand-cut on a cast iron guillotine from the 1940s," he says. The end result: 80 giant screen-printed cards for the 'board', with train tracks in place of the traditional ladders. Instead of the usual snake, Gohier chose the ancient symbol of the ouroboros (a serpent eating its own tail), which invokes the number eight — a nod to the eight-hour-day, won in Australia in 1856 by striking stonemasons during the gold rushes. While Gohier describes himself as an artist "intolerant of intolerance" whose work actively explores sociopolitical issues, nevertheless this show, he says, "was a big departure, in terms of the physical size of the commission in order to accommodate both the vast scale and breadth of the exhibiting space and the topic of the Great Strike." [caption id="attachment_631756" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1917: The Great Strike: Handshake with the Past, Raquel Ormella, 2017.[/caption] RAQUEL ORMELLA — A HANDSHAKE WITH THE PAST "My work is a reaction to the world I live in," says artist Raquel Ormella, whose contribution engages with co-curator and City of Sydney historian Laila Ellmoos' efforts to retrieve the names of strikers, recognising them as individuals rather than the anonymous mass suggested by the media of the time. After some initial deliberation over form, Ormella created colourful, ebullient banners recalling those defiantly held up during the strike's street marches. Handmade from repurposed work clothes (overalls, business shirts) each bears the name of an individual striker from the local area, along with classic union motifs such as clasped hands, symbolising solidarity. Inexpensive reclaimed materials were deliberately chosen to reflect how "many people in Sydney in 1917 were really struggling economically and living in poor conditions. This is still the situation." On Saturday, August 5, Ormella carried her banners into the neighbourhood during a community performance. With the participation of residents, they were installed in local homes, buildings and parks for the duration of the exhibition. Ormella hopes their installation will connect today's locals to their suburb's history. "I want my work to make the past community of workers present to those living in the area now." Visit 1917: The Great Strike at Carriageworks now until August 27. Top image: 1917 The Great Strike, installation view, image by Zan Wimberley 2017.
Sydney has no shortage of history, both owned and borrowed, to learn about this summer. From the long cultural history of the First Nations custodians of the land to the colonial bones of Sydney's architecture to the modern-day melting pot of cultures and stories, every era leaves its mark. We've combed through the Harbour City and found some historical gems that deserve your attention, whether you're a local or a visitor, starting with a new and exciting opportunity that will only be in the city for a few months. RAMSES & THE GOLD OF THE PHARAOHS — THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM The Australian Museum is always a top choice for history in Sydney, and this exhibit running until May 2024 is unlike anything the museum has ever hosted before. Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs is a multi-sensory, immersive experience for all ages and is exclusive to the Australian Museum. The exhibition explores the life and reign of the late Ramses the Great, Egypt's second longest-reigning Pharaoh, and is comprised of over 180 objects, each dating back approximately 3000 years. Ramses II lived well into his 90s, old even for a monarch, and each object captures important details of the era and his life. Items on display include jewellery, ceramics, small mummified animals, royal masks, and even the actual sarcophagus that Ramses was entombed in in 1213 BC. You'll also find an optional multisensory VR experience that will transport you virtually to two of the era's most significant monuments, the tomb of Queen Nefertari and the temples of Abu Simbel. [caption id="attachment_923966" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] QUEENSCLIFF TUNNEL AND HOTEL STEYNE — MANLY Sydney's own history spreads well beyond the centre of the city, from bush to coast. On the coastal side of town is a suburb that is one of the most well-known to the culturally, coastally and historically inclined — Manly. On the north side of Manly Beach, on the border of Queenscliff, is the Queenscliff Tunnel. It could easily be dismissed as a detail in the rocky headland, but it is actually a manmade tunnel, supposedly carved in 1908 by local fishermen to act as a shortcut between Freshwater and Manly Beaches. It's open to visitors but on an elevated cliff face, so remain cautious. Back on flat ground is another historical highlight, Hotel Steyne. Originally built in 1859, the pub has been destroyed by two mysterious fires, but the current building dates back to 1923 and is one of the best pub feeds in Manly. ILLOURA RESERVE AND THE FENWICK — BALMAIN EAST Among some of the lesser-known harbourfront historical areas, specifically in Balmain East, is Illoura Reserve. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was a swamp, only established in land purchases in the early 19th century as a part of a 222-hectare grant to colonial Surgeon Dr William Balmain. Seeing the connection? Since then, the area has been used as a harbourside industrial precinct and a tip. One building that has stood since the 1880s is The Fenwick. Originally a store for harbour tugboats, it evolved alongside Illoura Reserve and is now a stunning waterfront cafe and art gallery. The menu stars local and seasonal produce, and the second-floor gallery showcases a range of local and international artists, with everything available for purchase. [caption id="attachment_923971" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tim Downey via Flickr[/caption] PADDINGTON RESERVE GARDENS — PADDINGTON Away from the harbour, in the inner east hub of Paddington, we find a historical site that holds great significance to the city. More than just a public park, these are the Paddington Reservoir Gardens. This was where most of Sydney's water was pumped from its construction in 1866 to its closure in 1899. In its prime, it had a hefty capacity of just over 9000 megalitres. Still, it was closed and repurposed into a storage yard until 1934, when it was partially converted into a service station. When the roof collapsed twice in the 1990s, the station was again closed. Following a major restoration, the site was reopened as a park in 2009, combining elements of its history with overland reserves that had been constructed prior. Now, it's known for its beautiful but eerie appearance, almost like post-industrial Roman undercity ruins, but on Oxford Street. [caption id="attachment_826667" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CREMORNE RESERVE AND MACCALLUM POOL — CREMORNE POINT Across the city and harbour is the suburb of Cremorne, one of the most disputed shorelines of Sydney Harbour's history. Once a site of great significance to the Cammeraygal people, the land was acquired by Europeans in 1833. Over the following years, it would be a public amusement park, residential development, and even almost a coal mine in the early 1890s. Thankfully, the point and reserve are now protected as a heritage conservation area. One of the gems of the location is MacCallum Pool, a harbour swimming pool originally constructed by local residents. It was maintained by locals until hygiene concerns of harbour swimming prompted North Sydney Council to take over maintenance in 1930. Renamed to MacCallum in tribute to one of its most loyal civilian carers, Hugh J MacCallum, the council has since restored the pool and added decking, landscaping and fencing to secure the pool and its visitors. [caption id="attachment_827016" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] FOUNDATION PARK, FORTUNE OF WAR AND THE DOSS HOUSE — THE ROCKS The Rocks precinct is synonymous with Sydney's history, being one of it's oldest and most iconic heritage precincts. One hidden detail, an unmarked alleyway off Argyle Terrace, is Foundation Park. At first glance, it looks like a collection of discarded furniture, but it's actually a living museum designed to recreate the space and feel of Sydney's oldest homes. The history of The Rocks extends to some of its extremely popular venues, such as Fortune of War and The Doss House. Fortune of War is regarded as Sydney's oldest pub, originally built by a former convict settler in 1828. The name comes from its regulars, sailors and soldiers who were leaving and arriving in Sydney for (or from) war. The Doss House is equally historic, a heritage-listed underground whiskey bar with rooms that pay tribute to the building's many past identities, from a bootmaker workshop to a cheap accommodation for the desperate and even an illegal opium den. [caption id="attachment_923973" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ryan Frank via iStock[/caption] BADU MANGROVES AND HOMEBUSH BAY — HOMEBUSH When you think of Homebush, history and nature might not be the first thoughts that come to mind. But one of the best-kept secrets of Sydney can be found in Homebush. Badu Mangroves is a 56-hectare slice of wetland between Homebush Bay and Bicentennial Park. Overlooked for most of Sydney's history, this haven of local wildlife was choked by pollution for decades but is now thriving again thanks to a restoration program and can be explored via an elevated boardwalk. The mangroves, as mentioned, are adjacent to Homebush Bay, and from the boardwalk, you can spot the famous 'floating forest', the wreck of the SS Ayrfield. Originally built in 1911 and part of a fleet of cargo ships that ferried coal, oil and wartime supplies, it survived WWII but is now being slowly broken down by a mangrove forest. A small slice of history, forever locked in the waters of the Parramatta River. For more information on Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs, or to book tickets, visit the website. For more experiences in Sydney, keep exploring Concrete Playground.
Somehow music artists seem to look even cooler in their music videos than they usually do - which is saying something. Their level of chic can seem daunting to us fans, mere mortals that we are. Regardless, online fashion retailer SSENSE wants you to buck up and give the whole rockstar thing a go. With their new 'shoppable music video', SSENSE makes that unattainable level of swagger...well, attainable. Collaborating with Iggy Azalea, Diplo, and FKi on their latest video 'I Think She Ready', the retailer breaks down the outfits of each artist for potential buyers. When the artist appears on the screen, a small 'S' logo will hover over their outfit. Click on it, and a new page will open, complete with information on each component of the outfit. Each featured piece is from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection of a variety of high-end designers. Whether you are lusting after Iggy's Alexander Wang cat-eye sunglasses, or envying her J Brand snow leopard jeans, simply click and purchase. SSENSE CEO Rami Atallah says, "The integration we are introducing between technology, entertainment and retail with this video not only creates a unique experience for the audience, but also has utility." Watch, sing along, and shop like a rockstar? All from the comfort of our desk? We're in. [via PSFK]
Sydney's world-class food scene is built on discovery, from neighbourhood gems to waterfront icons. And right now, thanks to Dine Out with Uber Eats, you can explore more of it for less. Running until Sunday, November 9, this global-first feature lets you unlock exclusive in-venue dining discounts, including 50 percent off your bill at hundreds of Sydney restaurants — just open the Uber Eats app, pick your spot, claim the offer and redeem it in-venue right before you pay. To help you get started, we've asked our CP colleagues to share their favourite spots around town where, this month, you can pair your meal with an excellent deal. Tuga Pastries While Tuga might be best known for its faithful rendition of the classic pastel de nata, it's another of the cafe and bakery's creations that's caught the attention of Jack Castles, Head of Commercial: "Nothing says Sunday like a sunrise swim in Clovelly, followed by Tuga's coffee and their legendary Nutella croissant — flaky, buttery, and oozing with gooey perfection that's truly second to none." Jack Castles, Head Of Commercial Partnerships, ANZ [caption id="attachment_989811" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Island Radio Vibey Redfern spot Island Radio has quickly made its mark on Sydney's dining scene since opening in Wunderlich Lane at the tail end of 2024 — and right now, you can score 50 percent off your bill there thanks to Dine Out with Uber Eats. One person who'll be there is our own Anan Salvarinas: "Island Radio nails it. Great food, great drinks, and a DJ that keeps the place buzzing. The sinangag fried rice is the clincher — those brown butter crumbs are on another level." Anan Salvarinas, Head of Strategic Solutions Raw Bar Fresh seafood by the beach is as Sydney as sunrise over Bondi with a flat white in hand. This quintessential Harbour City ritual is a favourite of Projects Director Rojan Khastoui, who'll be taking full advantage of the Dine Out with Uber Eats promotion this month to get her fix at one of her neighbourhood faves: "I'll definitely be hitting up Raw Bar in Bondi — it's around the corner from me, perfect for soaking up the sunshine, and the bento boxes are next-level. Think: fresh sashimi, inside-out rolls, tempura, teriyaki chicken and all the good stuff. I always roll out of there happy and seriously satisfied." Rojan Khastoui, Projects Director [caption id="attachment_776052" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cacio e pepe[/caption] Chester White Cured Diner Potts Point stalwart Chester White is one of the city's premier spots for a sundowner — and it's the kind of spot you could easily settle into for the night. "I'll be heading to Chester White for a cheeky Thursday night dinner date with the girls," says Partnerships Director Cinzia Giacchi. "The truffle cacio e pepe (served out of a truffled, pecorino cheese wheel), paired with a glass of Italian chianti, is what dreams are made of." Cinzia Giacchi, Partnerships Director Muum Maam Barangaroo's Muum Maam has been drawing steady crowds for a decade, thanks to its produce-driven twists on classic Thai dishes. It's long been a go-to for our own Batoul Peters: "Nothing beats Thai food made for sharing, especially with that iconic waterfront backdrop. The whole fried snapper is a must-order and hands-down one of my favourite dishes in Sydney." Batoul Peters, Chief Business Officer [caption id="attachment_747999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Mary's "Mary's has been my go-to spot since it opened up over a decade ago," shares Partnerships Manager Anita Tran. "It's a classic spot for all cravings — lunchtime comfort food done exceptionally well, dinner with mates in a place with fab vibes and character, or even a spot for when you just want to keep the good times rolling and hit those late-night cravings. Don't skip the buttermilk fried chook with a side of mash and gravy to dip that juicy bird in." Anita Tran, Partnerships Manager To discover more great dining deals around town, explore Dine Out with Uber Eats in the Uber Eats app. T&Cs apply. Top image: Island Radio, Steven Woodburn.
For actress and model Sarah Stephens, fashion has never been about following the rules. Instead, it's about experimentation, performance, and storytelling. Between her auditions, acting roles, modelling and events, the multi-hyphenated Australian often switches between characters and identities. Whether she's on set or scouring stores, Sarah sees style as an extension of her identity and career — a way to experiment. "Clothes are costumes to me. My everyday look is quite classic and feminine, but I'm not tied to one particular look. I like to experiment depending on my mood, event or character." Sarah's fluid approach to fashion mirrors her layered career. After winning the Girlfriend Magazine model search competition in 2006, the young girl from Sydney jetted to the glamorous world of fashion and modelling. "I sort of stumbled into modelling without a clear direction for my life, and soon found myself completely immersed in the fashion industry," Sarah tells Concrete Playground. [caption id="attachment_1028485" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image by Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] From walking 14 shows at her debut New York Fashion Week to being photographed by famed German photographer Ellen Von Unwerth for Italian and Russian Vogue, Sarah hit dizzying international success early on in her career. In Europe, she was the face of Lacoste's Love of Pink campaign, and just a few months after her 18th birthday, the model walked a coveted international runway show. Reaching these milestones so quickly came at a cost, though. "It was all too much too soon. I burnt out. I couldn't cope with the loneliness and pressure," she reflects. "As a shy and conscientious kid thrown into a ruthless, cutthroat industry, you often find yourself vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse," says Sarah. "I often didn't question what photographers, agents or clients asked of me because I didn't want to seem rude or ungrateful." A young Sarah had to make a decision. Continue down the modelling route or head home and regroup. "I was struggling both physically and emotionally. Being far from home left me feeling incredibly lonely, and the constant pressure to maintain a certain size took a serious toll on my mental health." [caption id="attachment_1028486" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image by Declan May[/caption] Sarah decided to head home to Australia and "reconnect with reality". It was during this time that Sarah stumbled upon another passion — acting. "I attended a summer course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and discovered a deep passion for acting. It felt therapeutic, and the structure kept me engaged, challenged, and energised." Sarah's acting break came in the form of A24 movie The Witch, directed by Robert Eggers. Her proudest acting achievement, however, was playing Mary in The Flood, a four-person play that ran Off-Broadway in New York and at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. Now, as the actress reaches her mid-thirties and returns to the acting industry post-COVID and U.S. writers' strike shutdowns, Sarah is leaning into her self-expression. She's just finished shooting an independent film in which she portrays an ASIO detective and is currently working on a short film with a friend. "I love how acting lets me step into entirely different lives. I have a deep passion for storytelling and the immersive nature of film." When it comes to styling herself, Sarah believes that having an everyday uniform is overrated. For the actress and model, a wardrobe full of vintage blazers, polkadots, Mary Janes, and puffy-sleeved blouses means she can transform into whichever character she's tapping into (both on and off screen). "Every outfit I put on that day dictates the role I play. It could be bold and cinematic, or it could be soft and intimate and feminine." But, it's statement pieces, she says, that make you feel the most powerful. When we met with Sarah while she was sourcing clothes from For Artists Only, UTURN Bondi and Ekoluv for an upcoming event, the actress shared how technology is instrumental for her day-to-day life, schedule and also style exploration. "For someone like me who plays with identity and storytelling, technology has become this amazing bridge between imagination and reality," Sarah says of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7. Powered by Google Gemini*, it's a handy tool for the on-the-go person with multiple passions. As for what's going into the model and actress' schedule next, the acting world's Sarah's oyster. "Hopefully something in a period drama or maybe even a supervillain. Time will tell, and that's exactly what makes this career so exciting," Sarah shares. Explore more at Samsung. *Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Available on select devices and select countries, languages, and to users 18+. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Requires internet connection and Google Account login. Works on compatible apps. Features may differ depending on subscription. Set up may be required for certain functions or apps. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Results may vary per video depending on how sounds present in the video. Accuracy is not guaranteed. If you or anyone you know is experiencing emotional distress, please contact Lifeline (131 114) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for help and support.
Melbourne will be stepping up its hotel game in the coming years, with Adina's new Pentridge Prison development, Bennetts Lane's proposed jazz-era hotel, and the upscale CBD outpost of Mornington Peninsula's Jackalope. And now the city's is set to welcome yet another luxury accommodation offering into the fold, as the internationally renowned St. Regis Hotels & Resorts makes its Aussie debut, with a 168-room hotel slated to open in 2022. The grand hotel will spread over ten floors of the yet-to-be-built, 33-storey Flinders Bank precinct, towering above the CBD on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. And it's set to be a pretty swanky operation, sporting luxury interiors by famed design studio Chada and a cutting-edge building design by Melbourne's own Fender Katsalidis Architects. It will have an onsite wellness and fitness centre, too, complete with a spa, a salon and a 25-metre indoor pool, and the acclaimed St. Regis Butler Service will let guests customise every last detail of their stay. The hotel will also feature a bunch of upscale wining and dining options, including a specialty restaurant and the elegant St Regis Bar. For the uninitiated, the St Regis New York's King Cole Bar was the supposed birthplace of the Bloody Mary back in 1934 and the hotel brand has claimed the spicy cocktail as its signature sip ever since. Here, the bar will be whipping up a special Melbourne edition of the drink — we wonder just what that entails. The St Regis Melbourne has 40 hotels worldwide — including in New York, Mallorca and the Maldives — and is one of the Marriott International's brands. The parent company has announced more plans to open hotels Down Under, too, with the recent launch of the W Hotel in Brisbane and W Hotels also planned for Sydney and Melbourne. St Regis Melbourne is slated to open in the new Flinders Bank precinct in 2022.
For the past few months, Australia's pandemic-era rules and restrictions around travelling have been easing — covering both heading interstate and venturing abroad. If spending more time at home over the last two years has left you with a hefty case of wanderlust, you've likely noticed another big trend, too: flight sales aiming to make your next getaway far more affordable. Just after New Zealand announced that it'd be letting Aussies head across the Tasman for holidays earlier than expected, Virgin has started a sale that'll help you scratch that ditch-crossing itch. Actually, with 1.5 million fares up for grabs to both Aussie and international destinations, it'll help you get flying to wherever your next vacation spot may be. So, whether you're keen to see your mates interstate or head overseas for some rest and relaxation, you've got options. Among the domestic routes, one-way fares start at $45, which'll get you from Sydney to Ballina. Other sale flights include Melbourne–Hobart from $55, Brisbane–Whitsunday Coast from $59, Sydney–Sunshine Coast from $65 and Melbourne–Adelaide from $89. And if you're wondering when you'll need to travel, you can book trips between July 27–December 14, 2022. Internationally, one-way fares cover getaways to Bali, Fiji and Queenstown — including from Sydney (from $269 to Bali, $229 to Fiji and $289 to Queenstown), Melbourne ($269 / $259 / $279) and Brisbane ($239 / $249 / $309). Again, that means you've got choices, including if multiple getaways to different spots are in your ideal future. As always when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's discounted fares are now on offer until midnight AEST on Monday, April 4 or sold out, whichever arrives first. In a bonus for anyone travelling with kids, Virgin is also taking an extra 25 percent off sale fares booked for children between the ages of 2 and 11. Across all of its sale flights, only some fares cover seat selection and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing last year that it is now splitting its economy range into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. Also, depending on where you're travelling to internationally, you'll obviously need to check border restrictions and any entry requirements. Virgin's Back to Holidays sale runs from until Monday, April 4 — or until sold out. Find out more about current Australian border rules via the Australian Government's Health Direct website and its Smart Traveller website.
There's no one right way to experience SXSW, whether you're attending the Austin or Sydney version, but one of the event's huge highlights is its high-profile list of folks who get talking. This is the kind of event where you could be listening to Chance The Rapper one moment, then Black Mirror's Charlie Brooker the next, as everyone learned in the Harbour City in 2023. In 2024, it's also the type of festival where Lucy Lawless, Grace Tame and Tim Minchin will be chatting — plus Nick Kyrgios, Noémie Fox, Suzie Miller and Stephen Page as well. Another week, another lineup drop for 2024's SXSW Sydney as it moves closer and closer to its Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 dates. The event began revealing its program back in May, which was just the beginning. Another announcement arrived in June, then not one, not two, but three more in July — and also another, focusing on the free hub at Tumbalong Park, at the beginning of August. Then came more music acts and speakers, still in August, and now arrives even more talents that'll be part of SXSW Sydney's conference. [caption id="attachment_971189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul McMillan[/caption] From just the people mentioned above, SXSW Sydney 2024 has warrior princesses, activists, comedians, sports stars, playwrights and the former Bangarra Dance Theatre Artistic Director on its bill. Among the highlights, Lawless has moved behind the camera for the first time on documentary Never Look Away about CNN camerawoman Margaret Moth, and will chat about her directorial debut — while Stephen Page and actor Hunter Page-Lochard (Critical Incident), his son, will explore whether there's a global market for First Nations content and artists. With fellow guests such as Ogilvy Global CEO Devika Bulchandani, Google Analytics and Google Voice founder Wesley Chan, Intel Corporation's first futurist Brian David Johnson, and MIT Technology Review CEO and publisher Elizabeth Bramson-Boudreau, everything from artificial intelligence in marketing and entrepreneurs keen to make the leap to America through to thinking about the future and new tech innovations will be covered as well. Also among the new additions: Fox joining Clare Stephens for But Are You Happy? live, Welcome to the Future! with Charles Firth and Dom Knight similarly taking to the stage, and sessions digging into neurotechnology and how to change habits. [caption id="attachment_971190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] SXSW Sydney's latest 2024 wave expands a program that already features Australian filmmaker Warwick Thornton (The New Boy), Aussie composer Jed Kurzel (Monkey Man), Barbie executive producer Josey McNamara, Brave co-director Mark Andrews, Mortal Kombat helmer Simon McQuoid, human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, author Johann Hari, Australian race car driver Molly Taylor, pianist Chad Lawson, Aussie astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, TikTok marketing head Sofia Hernandez and Academy Award-winning Slumdog Millionaire composer AR Rahman — among a hefty list of others. More lineup details will keep being revealed over the coming month and a half, with the full event set to span more than 1000 speakers, 60-plus tech exhibitors, over 200 artists, 120-plus games and more than 75 screenings. [caption id="attachment_971191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_971192" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul McMillan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_967878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953724" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_923286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney[/caption] SXSW Sydney 2024 will run from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details.
Muggle, rejoice: if you've been hanging out to flex your 'wizarding skills' in the new Harry Potter augmented reality game, your time to shine has arrived. Tapping into the same style of virtual smartphone experience made hugely popular by Pokémon Go, WB Games and Niantic have launched the beta version of their Harry Potter: Wizards Unite game — but only in New Zealand and Australia. Locals with a smartphone can now download the app and start their own Harry Potter adventure, as part of a testing phase that'll help developers shape the final product. It means users might have to put up with a few bugs and off-kilter graphics, but that's a small price to pay for getting to play the game before the rest of the world. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite works a whole lot like Pokémon Go, swapping out the animated monsters and gyms for content and characters from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises. They're featured in an augmented reality 'Wizarding World', which is mysteriously appearing in the muggle world due to some unforeseen calamity. As a player, you'll kick start your adventure as a newbie in the Statute of Secrecy Task Force. You'll be called on to whip up potions, cast spells and use your wand to overcome the traces of magic appearing through your smartphone, popping up in front of real-world locations. You'll collect potion ingredients along the way, and earn special rewards for finding 'Foundables' and returning them to the wizarding world. Scattered through the game, you'll also discover virtual 'inns' where you can recharge your 'spell energy', multi-player wizarding challenges taking place in 'fortresses', and 'portkeys' that can whisk you away into an immersive 360-degree, augmented reality experience, in settings like Ollivanders Wand Shop. The beta version of Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is now available to download for free to iOS (via the App Store) and Android devices (via Google Play) if you're in Australia or New Zealand.
Seven years after they were first introduced to curb alcohol-fuelled violence, the lockout laws are set to be lifted in Kings Cross. In January last year, just weeks before the pandemic caused a mass closure of venues across the country, the lockout laws were repealed in the CBD and on Oxford Street, but they remained in place in the "high risk" Kings Cross area for the foreseeable future. Today, Tuesday, February 9, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced plans to repeal Sydney's final lockouts, telling the Sydney Morning Herald: "Kings Cross has transformed considerably since these laws were introduced. The precinct is now well positioned to continue to evolve into a vibrant lifestyle and cultural destination with a diverse mix of small bars, live music venues and restaurants." From Monday, March 8, Sydneysiders will be able to head into Kings Cross bars, pubs and nightclubs after 1.30am — and those same venues will be able to serve drinks until 3.30am. While rules on shots and the use of glass after midnight will also be rolled back, ID scanners will still be required in some busy venues as an "additional public safety measure", according to the SMH. [caption id="attachment_792049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dean's Lounge opened in Kings Cross during the pandemic[/caption] Since the lockout laws were introduced in 2014, a reported 176 venues have closed, and a report by Deloitte Access Economics showed that the laws had contributed to NSW missing out on $16 billion in potential profits. A year-long parliamentary inquiry into the state of the Sydney's music and nightlife economy in 2018 also found that the industry was in "peril" due to the NSW Government's history of neglect, and lack of funding. This was all, of course, before the city's hospitality and nightlife industries were hamstrung again by the COVID-19 pandemic. In September of 2020, a Music NSW survey of 47 city entertainment venues found 85 percent predicted shutdown within six to nine months if crippling trading conditions persisted. These same businesses reported accumulated losses of $70 million due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Hopefully, the winding back of the final lockout laws — and the final COVID-19 restrictions — will allow Sydney's nightlife to flourish once again. There have been some early green shoots of hope, too. While the last few years have been peppered with closures, the last few months have seen flourish of openings across Kings Cross and Potts Point, including a gin distillery, a French bistro, a retro lounge and wine bar and pizza joint. The City of Sydney has also announced plans to reignite the nightlife in Kings Cross and Oxford Street, while the NSW Government has scrapped several archaic laws surrounding liquor licenses and live music. The lockout laws are set to be rolled back in Kings Cross on Monday, March 8. Top image: Luke-rative via Wikimedia Commons
Tired of what's hanging in your wardrobe? When you're in the market for new threads, there are plenty of independent boutiques in Sydney offering handpicked collections of international brands and locally made labels, so you can elevate your everyday look without having to wait for shipping or bother with crowds at the inner city malls. We've teamed up with American Express to bring you these nine fashion boutiques that either make clothing for men and women here in Australia, or import premium fashion brands from overseas. You can shop for fresh kicks, timeless cashmere jumpers, quality cotton tees and quirky accessories at these Sydney shops with your Amex Card in hand.
If you’re a chocaholic and a Hunger Games fan, take a deep breath and try not to hyperventilate with greedy excitement. Two American chocolate companies have teamed up to create a range of chocolate bars inspired by The Hunger Games. Only in America, right? Themed around both the districts and lead characters, the range created by Vosges Haut Chocolates and Wild Ophelia includes a 'Katniss' bar — milk chocolate combined with what they describe as the “subtle, salty crunch of hickory smoked bacon accented by sweet, crisp apples. Yum. But some dozen times better is the 'Chocolate Bar Library' — a collection of 12 bars representing all 12 districts of Panem. Included are such imagination- and tastebud-stirring numbers as the mined salt and milk chocolate (District 12, which specialises in mining), beef jerky and smoked mesquite in milk chocolate (District 10, livestock), smoked chipotle chilli and milk chocolate (District 7, lumber) and crispy crunchy caramel corn and dark chocolate (District 5, power). The smartarses at BuzzFeed pitted the whole range of bars — or chocolatey 'tributes' — against each other and ranked them in order of deliciousness. The victor? District 9's milled oats, vanilla, hemp seeds and dark chocolate (representing grain). Sadly they don’t ship to Australia, but if you’re in the US, Canada or the UK (or are willing to test out parcel forwarding on a meltable item) you can get your gluttonous little hands upon these slightly ridiculous, slightly overpriced yet undeniably tempting goodies. Via Buzzfeed.
Perched on the fifth level of the newly renovated Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is one of the most impressive additions to Sydney's rooftop bar scene in recent years — a lush terrace watering hole that looks fated to become a popular go-to for an inner-city sundowner. Designed by Fender Katsalidis, who also delivered the interiors of Wentworth Bar's sister venues Delta Rue, tilda and bar tilda, the space is sophisticated yet relaxed, combining leafy planting, natural finishes and soft lighting. Conceived to cater to punters throughout the day, there are a variety of seating options, from low-slung chairs for sun-basking, cocktail in hand, to high tables with stools for those looking to perch for a quick drink and generous seating areas intended for group gatherings. Terrazzo tables and verdant planting centred around an impressive focal point — a mature tree — transport guests far from the urban hustle just five storeys below while DJ sets keep the good times rolling. The cocktail menu amps up the fun with playful mixes that are easy to drink. A signature will be Wentworth Bar's party cocktails. Priced at $220, they come served in a showstopping glass fountain that holds 12 standard drinks. Get the party started with the Tai Chi Mumma, a refreshing mix of Ketel One vodka, rosé, and prosecco, rounded out with raspberry, lemon, and lychee or the Strawberry Yuzu Spritz - a bright blend of white wine, herbal aperitif, yuzu, and a fruity hit of mango, passionfruit, and grapefruit.
When cinemas were forced to close their doors back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry had to adapt. Some individual films started moving to streaming and video on demand, while a number of picture palaces created their own online viewing platforms. Following in the footsteps of Sydney's Golden Age, as well as the teams behind the city's Ritz and Melbourne's Lido, Classic and Cameo cinemas, national chain Palace Cinemas is now making the leap to digital — with its new Palace Home Cinema venture launching during this year's Italian Film Festival. Palace Home Cinema will focus on world cinema, and on a curated movie lineup; however, when its first films become available to watch on Thursday, October 15, they'll all hail from the 2020 IFF program. The chain is calling its debut selection the 'IFF Piccolo', with eight movies on offer to watch on a pay-per-view basis until Wednesday, October 21. Cinephiles around the country can check out IFF's opening night film, a live-action, whimsy-heavy version of Pinocchio from Gomorrah and Dogman filmmaker Matteo Garrone — or watch its two special presentation flicks for this year, The Goddess of Fortune and Martin Eden. Also on the bill: comedies Once Upon a Time... in Bethlehem and Say It Loud, dramas Bad Tales and Ordinary Justice, and the family-friendly The Most Beautiful Day in the World. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rIcXgMx7hU&feature=emb_logo Prices vary — with Pinocchio costing $20 to view and the rest of the program costing $14 per title. Once viewers make their purchase, they can watch their chosen film or films at any time during the seven-day IFF Piccolo window. That said, after you first press play, you'll have to finish watching within 48 hours. The Italian Film Festival is currently showing physically in cinemas in Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth — but if you're a Melburnian eager to get your fix while theatres are still closed, you live in a regional area or you can't attend in-person, you now have an at-home way to enjoy the fest. While Palace hasn't revealed what else will screen on the Palace Home Cinema platform, the service will focus on the kind of films shown in the chain's venues. "People look to Palace for a special kind of entertainment. We want to accompany them on their journey, making fine cinema easy to find and play, even as we spend more time at home than ever before," said Palace Cinemas CEO Benjamin Zeccola. Palace Home Cinema is available via the service's website. The Italian Film Festival Piccolo is available to stream from Thursday, October 15–Wednesday, October 21.
Dee Why is a sporting beach through and through. It's the site of the annual Ocean Thunder Surfboat competition and was once home to major surfing comp Beachley Classic. Essentially, it's a beach set up for those who want to get active. Just next to it is Long Reef Beach, with the two stretches of sand separated by a shallow lagoon, so there's heaps of space. You'll even find an outdoor table tennis spot, so you don't even need to bring any equipment to get competitive with your crew. There's also a playground for obstacle course-style games as well as barbecues for post-game feasts. Image: Destination NSW
Underground inner west rave cave Tokyo Sing Song has reopened its neon-lit dance floor, running events every Friday and Saturday. Hidden underneath Marly Bar, the King Street club has enlisted the help of Sydney party crew Picnic. If Picnic's name rings a bell, the team of dance music enthusiasts has been behind dance floors at the likes of Picnic Social, Fellr's Pop-Up Seltzer Bar and CC:Disco's show at the Roundhouse, as well as international tours from Peggy Gou, Jayda G and DJ Harvey. For these weekly events, Picnic is always dipping into Sydney's trusty community of local DJs — lining up the likes of Tornado Wallace, Bria, Deepa, Isa, Kato and Ben Fester — as well as pulling in special guests from interstate. For each week's lineup, head to Picnic's website where you can see all their pop-up raves and parties. Ticket prices vary depending on the night but are generally between $15-40, with free entry before 11pm for some events. [caption id="attachment_828929" align="alignnone" width="1929"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Top image: Katje Ford
The Makers and Shakers Market is cooking up a big return to Sydney this May, complete with more than 100 stalls filled with handmade goods — spanning everything from clothing to candles. Shoppers at the two-day market at the White Bay Cruise Terminal will be able to peruse stalls featuring Australian-made wares, and also participate in creative workshops and product tastings. Also a highlight: having a drink at the outdoor bar. Vendors include sellers such as Albatross Ceramic, a ceramics studio that designs functional tableware that looks like fruit and vegetables; and The Social Outfit, a slow fashion company that provides employment and training in fashion industries to folks from refugee and new migrant communities. Obviously, the list goes on. This edition of Makers and Shakers is a joint venture with The Slow Fashion Market, an event dedicated ethical and sustainably made clothing. And, it has been certified by the Australian Made campaign, which means that it will showcase only genuine locally made products. It all takes place from 10am–5pm on Saturday, May 7–Sunday, May 8, with entry to the market costing $5 for adults. Photo credit: Alana Dimou
If you're looking for your first glimpse of the latest Star Wars movie, there's no need to travel to a galaxy far, far away, because the initial teaser trailer has just dropped in this one. Nine months before the main franchise's ninth episode hits cinemas (and 11th theatrical flick overall), Disney has gifted audiences a sneak peek of what comes next — and the movie's moniker. Come December, fans will be getting comfy to watch Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker. Right now, there's a two-minute sneak peek to whet your appetite. Given the title, the way that Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi wrapped up and the theories that have been swirling around Daisy Ridley's Rey since she was first introduced in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, it should come as no surprise that the scavenger-turned-pilot takes centre stage. Also popping up are Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron and John Boyega's ex-stormtrooper Finn, helping out the film's plucky heroine once more; Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, wielding his red lightsaber for the dark side yet again; and long-standing series favourites Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO, of course. The late Carrie Fisher features as well, with the actor's appearance as General Leia Organa made possible by using previously filmed footage. And two other familiar characters also rejoin the fold, including Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian and a sinister figure who's heard rather than seen. The huge cast list keeps going, with Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran and Lupita Nyong'o all returning, Mark Hamill also included, and Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell and Naomi Ackie among the Star Wars newcomers. As he did with The Force Awakens, JJ Abrams sits in the director's chair. And while this isn't the end of the Star Wars story by any means — a new TV series, The Mandalorian, is headed to Disney's new streaming platform later this year, and two big-screen spinoff trilogies are in development from The Last Jedi helmer Rian Johnson and Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, respectively — The Rise of Skywalker is being badged as the finale of the Skywalker saga. Feel the force with the first teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adzYW5DZoWs Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker releases in Australian cinemas on December 19.
Above Bungalow 8 sits its sophisticated sibling, for when you're feeling a little bit fancy. The Loft is a cocktail and lounge bar aimed at offering opulence and a wistful nod to a bygone era. And it's not hard to get into the feel of it all with those harbour views and live music. While its downstairs neighbour is where to go for a full sit-down dinner, The Loft is about having a drinking experience. Don't get us wrong, you can enjoy bar food like natural Sydney rock oysters, artichoke skewers and fried avocado tacos, but the short food menu is overshadowed by the drinks list. The bar's signature cocktails have a tropical tilt: Rhu The Day with Archie Rose gin, prosecco, peach and rhubarb syrup and soda ($18); get to know Miss Myrtle with Espolon Blanco tequila, raspberry sorbet and lemon myrtle-infused agave ($20); or try The Tiki One for a mix of cachaca, sweet vermouth, lime, pineapple, coconut and Pernod ($21). The menu continues with all your favourite classics, bottled cocktails, fancy mocktails, and plenty of beer, wine and cider. You can also splash out for bottle service with your favourite liquor starting from 300 bucks. Image: Daniele Massacci.
Small-scale organic winery Firescreek pairs an exploration of Indigenous tradition with a tasting of its native botanical-influenced wines for this unique cellar door experience. As you get comfortable among the manicured rainforest gardens, a local Aboriginal Elder will lead a discussion about Indigenous traditions and heritage before showcasing edible plants that are local to the Central Coast. Following this, a Firescreek winemaker will walk you through the biodynamic practices at the vineyard, which incorporates fruit growing and native permaculture. You'll get to taste a run of Firecreek's current vintages and test your palate detecting native flavours. Image: Destination NSW
It's safe to say, restaurants like Meu Jardim don't come around every day. After all, this dramatic new Skittle Lane venture from restaurateur Ussi Moniz Da Silva not only boasts a heady $4.1 million dollar fit-out, but also a huge firepit and a three-metre-high indoor waterfall. A futuristic nod to the natural elements of fire and water, the two-level, 330-seat space delivers a striking vision of glossy white angles and turquoise neon finishes. White pearl walls supposedly pull inspiration from the Dordogne Valley in France, while an impressive curved block staircase connects the two floors. Upstairs is dedicated to a high-end contemporary French restaurant, its entrance marked by that flowing sheet of water and an oyster shucking station, and its open kitchen set artfully behind glass. Here, Executive Chef Jason McCauley (Banc Restaurant, Carpaccio Leichhardt, Eatalia) is plating up modern reworkings of classic fine French flavours. It's a lineup that's both considered and totally decadent, kicking off with bites like escargot in garlic, butter and champagne, Western Australian lobster tail and a wagyu tartare starring quail yolk and Tasmanian summer truffle. Mains might include a duck a l'orange featuring turnip, green olive and an orange gelee, or the blue eye trevalla and mussels done with plenty of white wine and cream. There's even a 1.2-kilogram grass-fed tomahawk steak, which you can pimp out even further with the addition of some gold leaf for an extra $60. [caption id="attachment_764757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] If decisions aren't your strong point, a five-course degustation is also on offer for $100 a head, which will take you from scallops with caviar through to fillet and an apple tarte tartin served with smoked honey yoghurt ice cream. A more casual (and affordable) affair awaits you downstairs, where snacks, shared plates and bistro fare take centre stage. Expect to tuck into creations like the chicken liver parfait served with a port gel and sesame lavash, salt cod beignets and the restaurant's signature 'crodogs' — a croissant-hot dog hybrid — filled with the likes of pulled pork, lamb and mint or strawberries and cream. You can also pull up a seat by that 40-person firepit to settle in with a cosy tipple. There's a wine selection heroing drops from across Australia and France — go for a glass of the 2018 Domaine Paul Blanck pinot blanc from Alsace, perhaps — and a cocktail lineup starring forgotten classics alongside signature creations. Stay on theme with something lush, like the Vuju De — a fusion of Monkey 47, sherry, Dom Benedictine, Lillet Blanc, creme de violet and orange bitters. Images: Kitti Gould
The launch of Sydney's light rail might be delayed, but despair not: you can climb aboard the Chandon S Tram instead. The pop-up bar will be rolling into North Sydney, ready to help you celebrate spring and the arrival of blooming flowers, baby lambs and balmy evenings. Your ticket to the beautifully restored vintage carriage comes in the form of a glass of Chandon S, purchased from The Greens bar for $15. Made with local grapes in the Yarra Valley, this warm weather-friendly aperitif is a rather delightful concoction of sparkling wine and handcrafted orange bitters. At The Greens, it'll be served in ideal form: on ice, with a twist of orange. Claim a window seat and you'll be instantly transported to some Parisian past life — but with views over Sydney Harbour. Once you've lingered over your Chandon S, the tram-dedicated wine list and food menu will be ready for your perusal. The pop-up bar plans on hanging around until mid-November, giving you ample time to enjoy both sundowners (Thursdays–Sundays from 4pm) and a weekend morning session (Saturdays and Sundays between 9–11.30am) — complete with a brekkie board for two with Chandon S mimosas for $55. You can also grab a bunch of mates and undertake a hijack. The Chandon S Tram Takeover package includes Chandon cocktails, share platters, lawn bowls and your very own private bar (price available upon request). It takes two years to make a single bottle of Chandon — thank goodness we don't need to wait that long between drinks (or for spring). For more information on the Chandon S pop-up visit The Greens website.
Mosman has welcomed Amalfi Coast-inspired gem St Siandra to The Spit's waterfront, bringing with it a touch of coastal luxury and permanent vacation vibes. Tasteful golden-hued interiors, terracotta tiling and white marble bar give way to stunning beachfront views and a tantalising menu that promises a journey through the Mediterranean — all without the airfare. Come in via the sun-soaked wharf entrance and take a seat on the woven loveseats — sourced from Italy — and take in the thoughtful interiors designed by Sally Taylor, who has previously curated venues including Felix and Queen Chow. Up the winding stairs is the dedicated event space Bluebird Room & Deck, awash in calming blue hues and natural light. It can host up to 70 guests and has its own private bar and stunning views of the waters below. Continuing the Euro-summer vibes, the menu features fresh seafood, vibrant seasonal produce and classic Mediterranean flavours with a sprinkling of Middle Eastern spices. The spot is slinging brunch most days with dishes like stracciatella toast with caramelised onion, pistachio and chilli oil, and fried chicken and waffles with sage dukkah and date caramel syrup. Heading over for the lunchtime or dinner menu, instead? Tuna crudo and the Spring Bay mussels are crowd favourites as are the classic tray of Sydney rock oysters with champagne mignonette. For a meat-focused main, opt for the Angus MB4 short rib skewer or the lamb shoulder accompanied by broccoli gremolata, pomegranate and za'atar. Sail your way through cocktails, each with nautical themes or named after local luxury yachts or a bottle of bubbly. Dessert runs to the likes of spiced persimmon pavlova, Sicilian citrus tart with toasted meringue and strawberry; and the classic ricotta fritters with cinnamon sugar and banana caramel. St Siandra was conceived by the hospitality duo, Mitchell Davis and Gavin Gray, the team behind Great Eats. Collaborating with the visionary Head Chef Sam McCallum, formerly of Nomad, and Adam George, the ensemble is a seasoned all-star cast ready to bring maritime allure to Mosman. Images: Steve Woodburn
The underworld beckons: in 2025, hit musical Hadestown is set to take to the stage for the first time in Australia. Initially premiering as an indie theatre piece in 2006 in Vermont, then reaching off-Broadway in 2016 and Broadway in 2019, the show from musician and playwright Anaïs Mitchell plunges into the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. Audiences at Theatre Royal Sydney will be able to see the production give the ancient Greek myth a new spin from February. The Harbour City will host the Aussie debut season of the musical that spent 2019 and 2020 collecting accolades after accolades. From 14 Tony nominations, it won eight awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. At the Grammys, it took home Best Musical Theatre Album. If you're new to the show – which has been seen by more than three-million people and streamed over 350-million times — two love stories get Hadestown's narrative burning. Orpheus and Eurydice share the spotlight with King Hades and Persephone, as Mitchell accompanies their intertwined affairs with a soundtrack of New Orleans-inspired jazz and American folk. Aussie audiences have Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group to thank for Hadestown making its way Down Under. "I'm absolutely thrilled that we're able to bring this incredible new musical to Australia for the first time, and I'm sure it will be as adored here has it has been overseas, finding a whole new legion of fans," said Opera Australia's Artistic Director Jo Davies. "Creator and writer Anaïs Mitchell is just such an amazing talent, I'm very much looking forward to working with her and her team to realise this production here," Davies continued. "Hadestown is one Broadway musical experience you remember forever. It is magical, bold, exciting, and full of love and promise," added JONES Theatrical Group's Suzanne Jones. "It transports the audience in a way that only great theatre can. JONES Theatrical Group is extremely excited to be bringing this incredible production to Australia with Opera Australia and can't wait for Australians to embrace it just as audiences all over the world have." Just like exact dates for the musical's inaugural Down Under run, there's no casting announcements for the show as yet, with open-call auditions happening in June — on Saturday, June 15 in Sydney and Sunday, June 16 in Melbourne. There's also no word as yet whether Hadestown will make a trip to any other Australian cities. Accordingly, if you're excited about descending into the local production, you might have a visit to Sydney in your future. Hadestown will open at Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King Street, Sydney, from February 2025 — head to the musical's website for further details and to join the ticket waitlist. Images: Hadestown Original London Cast.
Despite taking its name from a raucous, rundown pub in the 80s flick Road House, Double Deuce Lounge isn't a dive bar. Instead, the CBD drinking hole from the Ramblin' Rascal team is a refined cocktail lounge with a touch of '70s porn chic'. No, you won't find Ron Jeremy lounging in one of the burgundy leather booths. Instead, you can expect loud geometric 70s wallpaper laid with vintage film posters, the likes of Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Curtis Mayfield on heavy rotation and a cocktail list that arrives in a Deep Throat-esque VHS cover. The bar's owners, Charlie Lehmann, Sebastian Soto and Dardan Shervashidze, will also be suitably on theme, decked out in safari suits and furry vests. Behind the bar, the team is shaking and stirring signature cocktails, as well as seasonal specials, which travel from the tangy and refreshing Sea Breeze and minty Stinger (with lots of Fernet and Cognac) to the cold brew-spiked Discretionary and a super-fancy take on a gin and soda dubbed Trouble Man. While the cocktails are proverbially stuck in the 70s, the wines and beers are very much 2019. Co-owner of Newtown's P&V Wine and Liquor Mike Bennie has pulled together an extended list of fun and funky drops. Ask the crew to see what they're pouring. Not content with a funky drinks menu, Doule Deuce Lounge also offers a short list of 70s-themed bar snacks including bowls of cabanossi, cheese cubes and French onion dip served with Jatz. Take a funky step back in time at Double Deuce Lounge. Images: Kimberley Low. Updated April 28, 2023.
Sydney's schwanky rooftop pool bar, Ivy Pool Club, has had a big ol' revamp just in time for the warmer months. Unveiling a brand new look, Ivy's moving the space from LA-inspired glamour to Italian Riveria-style trimmings. Ivy Pool Club is now prepped for a whole new season of poolside lounging, overt splurging and a whole bunch of Italian-themed festivities.
Time Exposures: 60 Life Portraits, on show in the exhibition space on level two of Sydney University’s Fisher library, is an absolute delight. The exhibition consists of sixty ‘portraits’ of people admired by artist Sharon Zwi. Each work is a composite portrait is made up of twenty-five black and white photos taken throughout the subject’s life, presented chronologically. Not everyone featured in the exhibition is a high-profile Australian, but many are. There are feminists, judges, teachers, scientists, writers, filmmakers, politicians, and many others. Eva Cox, Margaret Whitlam, Shanti Raman, Michael Kirby, John Coetzee, and David Stratton fill out the long list of subjects. "Photographs address my interest in memory, place, identity and history. Each photo was taken in a time and place of different historical events," explains Zwi. "I also find it fascinating to see the changes as people grow up, mature and age; at what stage you see the 'essence' of the person, when their personalities are formed and their faces take on their identity." There is something deeply intimate about these works. It feels like you’re looking through a stranger’s private photo albums (which, essentially, you are). Some of the images have been shot professionally, but many are amateur snaps taken over the course of a lifetime. It’s a lovely reminder that life is peppered with so many happy, important occasions worth celebrating and recording. There are pictures of beaming newlyweds, photos thrilled fathers have taken of their wives holding newborn babies, pictures of graduations, confirmations, school pictures, snapshots of cherished dogs, photos with friends and family, holiday happy snaps, photos of people welcoming new pets into the family and photos of young children excited as they hold their new sibling for the first time. It’s terrifically moving. I only wish that these wonderful works could have been presented in the University Art Gallery. Who knows why they weren’t. I guess there is something nice about being able to stop and look at some gorgeous art while dropping off your library books, but where they’re displayed feels less like an ‘exhibition space’ and more like ‘an available wall’. This is one of the more poignant exhibitions I’ve seen in a long while. Make sure you take a trip (downstairs) to level two next time you drop into Fisher.
A snowy camp, crosses, bad dreams, creepy houses, lurking shadows, ringing phones and an immensely unsettling mask: welcome to the world of Black Phone 2. Four years after writer/director Scott Derrickson (The Gorge) adapted a short story by Joe Hill — an author with a hefty horror pedigree as the son of Stephen King — into The Black Phone to box-office success, he's now helming his first sequel to his own work. Derrickson began his feature career on follow-up flicks courtesy of 2000's Urban Legends: Final Cut (which he co-penned) and Hellraiser: Inferno (which he directed), but was absent from the hot seat when his Sinister and Doctor Strange continued their stories. A second Black Phone film wasn't originally the plan, though. For fans of the first feature, 2025's return to the movie's world also raises a question within its narrative. In the just-dropped first trailer for Black Phone 2, however, Ethan Hawke's (Leave the World Behind) villainous The Grabber utters a pivotal line to Mason Thames' (Monster Summer) Finney Blake, who survived his clutches the first time around: "you of all people know that dead is just a word". How important is that sentiment to Black Phone 2? "Very essential and fundamental is my answer to that," Derrickson tells Concrete Playground. Audiences will find out how and why for themselves in the best horror-movie month on every annual calendar, with the film set to reach cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 16, 2025. For now, though, the picture's initial trailer teases snowball fights, a stint at the Alpine Lake Youth Camp, photos of other kids and blood. Also featured: The Grabber asking "did you think our story was over?" before stating "vengeance is mine". In The Black Phone, The Grabber did what his name suggests: he snatched up children. Circa 1978, Finney, his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw, The Curse of the Necklace) and their friends were already scared of his insidious presence, too, before Finney became his next target. Back to things living up to their monikers: yes, there was a black phone, disconnected yet still ringing, offering a link to The Grabber's prior victims. It wasn't just Hawke getting nefarious that made the movie a hit and piqued viewer interest for more, but also its full impressive cast, immersive tale, and the expert sense of tension cultivated by The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Deliver Us From Evil alum Derrickson. With Black Phone 2, a few years have passed on-screen as well — which meant that Derrickson could find his ideal way into a Black Phone sequel. He wasn't interested in the kind of next effort that just repeats the first, so the fact that Thames and McGraw are now older was pivotal. Black Phone 2 is "a high-school coming-of-age movie instead of a middle-school coming-of-age movie", then, he explains. Now that he's focusing on teenage characters, that does indeed enable him to heighten some of the horror elements, including gore. "Absolutely. All true. That's very perceptive. And yeah, I think a high-school horror film requires a certain degree of intensity and violence that a middle-school horror film really doesn't want or need," Derrickson told us. Alongside Hawke, Thames and McGraw, Jeremy Davies (Adventures of the Naked Umbrella) and Miguel Mora (So Help Me Todd) are also back. Getting Hawke onboard in the beginning, even after Derrickson had directed him in Sinister, wasn't assured, but The Black Phone was all the better for his efforts. For Thames, Black Phone 2 arrives in what's already a huge year, given that he plays Hiccup in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. We also chatted with Derrickson about the franchise's core casting, how the second movie came about, his essentials for the sequel, the approach when you're stepping back into a film's world and that oh-so-key skill of dripping unease through a horror flick. On Whether Making Sequel to The Black Phone Was Initially the Plan "After the first movie, I didn't feel obliged to make a sequel. The studio, as soon as the movie was a hit, was asking me 'will you please make a sequel?'. And I didn't feel necessarily that I wanted to do that. I didn't have any ideas at that point. And it started, the idea for Black Phone 2 started, with an email from Joe Hill — with my friend Joe, he sent me an email and he said 'hey, I have an idea for a sequel', and he wrote out this pitch. I didn't respond to all of it, but there was an idea, a central idea in it, that I thought was fantastic that I'd never thought of. So I began to sort of noodle on that idea — and then, as I was toying with the idea, I started to realise that if I went and made another movie first, then by the time I finished that film these kids that I've had loved so much, and did such a good job in the in the first movie, would be in high school. And so I thought 'I'm going to go do that'. So I told the studio I would do the sequel, but I'm going to go make another movie first — because I wanted to make a high-school coming-of-age movie instead of a middle-school coming-of-age movie. And so it's been a little bit of a wait, but that was intentional, because I wanted these kids to be older. Mason, when we shot this, was 17 — and Maddie was 15. And both are in high school, and that's a very different kind of film and a very different genre to work in." [caption id="attachment_861837" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Black Phone[/caption] On Casting Ethan Hawke as The Grabber — and Getting Him to Agree to Play a Villain "I wrote the first movie without him even knowing anything about it. And I sent him the script, and he told me before he read it, he said 'look, I don't really do villains. I don't play villains. I probably won't do this'. And then that night, he left me a voicemail saying one of the lines of The Grabber in The Grabber's voice. And I thought 'oh, that's all it was'. I knew that that was his way of saying he was going to do it. And I think he really loved the movie. So when it came to doing a sequel, I did the same thing. I sent him the script, and he told me he was very nervous to read it because he had never done a sequel. And I said 'what about the Before Sunrise movies? You made three of those'. He goes 'yeah, but I wrote those. That doesn't count'. But he read the script and was so excited afterwards. And it was just a very similar story — he read it, and called me immediately after and said 'I love this. I think it's great'. And we scheduled the movie right away." On the Importance of This Being a Sequel That Continues the Story with the Same Characters, Not One That Basically Remakes the First Film "I didn't want to make the same movie again. And I think that sequels that disappoint are sequels that try to do the same thing, only bigger — or the same thing, only more. I knew that I would want to make a very different kind of movie, but I also probably wouldn't have considered doing a sequel of any kind if it didn't involve those characters. Because I love those characters. I love those kids. They're all really good actors, and the idea of being able to make a movie with characters who are in a different stage of life and played by actors who were in a different stage of life — Mason was 17 when we shot this and Maddie McGraw was 15. And Miguel Mora comes back as well in this movie. And it was really a delight to be able to, again, tell a different kind of story about a different stage of life. And I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't with all those same characters." On How Mason Thames' Career Has Blossomed Since The Black Phone, Including Black Phone 2 and Playing Hiccup in the Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon "It's so wonderful to watch. And part of the reason that it's so wonderful is because Mason is a kid who really has his head on his shoulders. He's not seduced by the fame. He's not interested in celebrity. He told me, he said 'if I could get rid of all my social media, I would'. He said 'the only reason I keep it is because it's important to studios for the marketing of their movies'. He's just got such a solid perspective and grounded point of view for such a young man — for somebody who's, I think he's 18 now. It couldn't happen to a better kid is what I'm saying. So it's wonderful to know that I gave him, I just sort of discovered his raw talents and gave him the shot that I did. He did such a good job and he does an amazing job in this movie as well." On What Goes Into Cultivating Unease, Dread and Disquiet in a Horror Film for Derrickson "I think that's the essential thing about the horror genre. It's not gore. It's not acts of violence. Ultimately, what makes a horror film a horror film is tone. There are some horror films that are very, very scary without any violence. And there are some very violent movies that aren't very scary. And the difference is that dreadful tone. I think that I'm interested in that aspect of horror more than jump scares, more than gore. The horror films that I love are films that crawl under my skin and have a captivating tone. And the best ones stay with me after the movie. I remember when I saw The Witch — it took me three days to shake the feeling of that movie from me." [caption id="attachment_861838" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Black Phone[/caption] On the Approach When You're Stepping Back Into an Existing World with a Horror Sequel "I think that, including those early things that I did, the goal is to try to bring something fresh and original while maintaining the elements that our audience wants to see return. And that's always a tough thing to do as a director, but you have to be in tune with your audience and understand 'well, these are the things they definitely want to see. They want to see this. They want to see that. They want this to happen. They want these elements from the original film within their franchise picture'. [caption id="attachment_873778" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Black Phone[/caption] But at the same time, what they can't tell you is that they want most of it to be fresh. They want to be surprised. They don't want to watch the same movie again. And so as a director, it's about threading that balance. And in this movie, I think it was the characters that they wanted to see returning. And the fact that the movie has a kind of tonal shift, I think is something they're going to find satisfying." Black Phone 2 opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
When you want a stay that feels unique and personal, sometimes an Airbnb offers something that hotels often don't. Now you'll know which stays offer the best of the best experience, as the short-term stay giant has revealed the winners of its 2025 Host Awards — its annual accolades that celebrate "the creativity, care and community impact of local hosts." With six awards up for grabs, these honours cover everything from the best family-friendly stay to the best design experience. Spanning heritage-listed Hobart bakeries, bold coastal escapes on the Sunny Coast and serene Kangaroo Valley retreats, the winners come from far and wide, meaning an award-winning stay might be closer than you think. Host of the Year: Braithwaite (Hobart, TAS) There's no shortage of deserving hosts, but there can only be one Host of the Year. In 2025, that's Alix and John from Braithwaite — a heritage-listed former bakery in Sandy Bay. Wonderfully restored, this courtyard apartment is the perfect base to explore the cultural hub of Salamanca Place, with its restaurants and art galleries just two kilometres away. According to judge Sarah Huang: "[Alix and John] don't just provide a stay, they create a moment in time that's deeply meaningful." Best Family-Friendly Stay: Sassafras (Southern Highlands, NSW) You don't have to trek hours into the wilderness to discover a country retreat when it comes to Sassafras. Set on 98 acres in Kangaroo Valley, this five-bedroom farmhouse carefully balances rustic charm with modern features, offering all the creature comforts you desire alongside a sandstone fireplace and unbeatable valley views. And at just a two-hour drive from Sydney, this peaceful stay is primed for weekend escapes. Best New Host: The Nook (Adelaide, SA) Some Airbnbs have become synonymous with luxury stays over numerous years. Yet others have just begun to earn their reputation. The Nook is the latter, with owners Erin and Rory taking home the Best New Host award in 2025. Set on their family property, guests encounter a modern cottage featuring an airy open-plan design made for easygoing entertaining. Plus, the outdoor terrace is the ideal spot to admire the cottage's surrounding greenery. Best Nature Stay: Ligo (Wolgan Valley, NSW) While living in a tiny house forever might not appeal, Ligo in the Wolgan Valley might convince you it's more than possible. Hosted by Eddie and Ange, this award-winning retreat in the shadow of the Blue Mountains National Park is built from materials reclaimed from bushfires, offering an off-grid stay rich in warm interiors, passive sustainability and bushland views. Take a bath beneath the stars and roam the nearby walking trails when you need to reconnect. Best Room Stay: Short Stay Made Simple (Sydney, NSW) The best Airbnb experiences don't have to be exclusive. In fact, sometimes the warm hospitality of the host can make the mutual enjoyment of a space that much more special. Short Stay Made Simple's Caroline and Daniel received the award for Best Room Stay, with the peaceful upstairs retreat of their Sydney home celebrated for its spotless presentation, full kitchen access and generous touches, like late-night train station pickups and welcoming shared meals. Best Design Stay: Banksia House (Sunshine Coast, QLD) The interiors are impressive enough at Banksia House, but the winner of the Best Design Stay really comes into its own when you consider its outdoor features. Designed by hosts Toni and Kirsti, the latter brought her experience as a landscape architect to conceive the magnesium pool, bocce court, fireplaces and al fresco bathrooms immersed in lush gardens. "Guests highlight its Scandinavian simplicity, earth tones, and calming energy. This is a masterclass in 'rugged luxury,'" says Huang. Looking for more information on the winners? Head to the website to get all the details. Images: Rachel Tagg.
Manning Cartell is one of Sydney's best boutiques for shopping ethically made, contemporary womenswear. Founded in 2005 by three sisters, the label is well-loved for its sculptural silhouettes, playful construction and collections that shake things up every season. Their signature cocktail dresses typically cost a pretty penny, but savvy shoppers can score a bargain at the annual warehouse sale this November. The annual warehouse sale will be held from 20 November 2025 – 23 November 2025 at Manning Cartell's Marrickville HQ, which will be converted into a treasure trove of rare samples, never-before-seen styles and past season grails. Expect price slashes of up to 80%, with tops and bottoms starting at $40. Dresses kick off at $90 — a steal compared to the usual $300–800 price tag. Racks are restocked daily, so there'll be plenty of gems to browse anytime. It's worth an after-work trip with the girls on the 20th and 21st, when the sale runs until 8pm. Weekend shoppers should get in early: closing time is 5pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. Image supplied
Those currently working from home have probably seen two major changes to their routine: less shoes and more snacks. To help with the latter, Australia's much-loved biscuit maker Arnott's is opening its vault and releasing some of its coveted recipes — for the first time in history. First up in the snack expert's Big Recipe Release is the second best bikkie in the assorted creams pack: the Monte Carlo. The Kingston is, undeniably, number one. But, arguments aside, the Monte Carlo definitely goes quickly, and is definitely a great cooking project to tackle during lockdown. As you'd expect, the recipe does call for flour, but we've rounded up some of the spots selling the essential ingredient across the country, which aren't supermarkets. Australia's oldest baker will continue to release a new recipe for one of its famous biscuits every week until social distancing regulations are lifted. Next up, will it be the Tim Tam? Mint Slice? Pizza Shapes? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, though, here's the Monte Carlo recipe: ARNOTT'S MONTE CARLO For the biscuit 125 grams butter, softened 125 grams caster sugar ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 2 tablespoons golden syrup 1 egg 40 grams desiccated coconut 240 grams plain flour For the cream 60 grams butter 150g pure icing sugar 2 teaspoons milk Raspberry jam Method Preheat oven to 170°C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. In a medium mixing bowl, place butter, sugar, lemon rind, vanilla and golden syrup. Beat for approximately one minute. Add egg and beat for a further minute. Do not overbeat. Stir in sifted flour and coconut until well combined. Place half the dough mixture on a piece of baking paper and wrap to form a log. Repeat with remaining dough mixture. Place in refrigerator for 15 minutes or until slightly firm. Using a serrated knife, cut into 8 millimetre slices. Place on baking sheet and bake for 14 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on tray for five minutes then place on a cooling rack to cool. For the cream filling, place butter, sugar and milk in a medium bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Sandwich cooled biscuits with jam and cream.
After giving Looking for Alibrandi and Nosferatu the page-to-screen-to-stage treatment in recent years, Malthouse Theatre has another cinema great in its sights for 2025: The Birds, which started its life as a book by Daphne du Maurier, then hit picture palaces thanks to Alfred Hitchcock. A source of ornithophobia for more than half a century, the tale is swooping into the Melbourne theatre company, but not as anyone has seen it before. A world-premiere production, it's being staged as a one-woman show — and, courtesy of headphones, it's ensuring that audiences don't miss a single fluttering wing or blood-curdling squawk. Paula Arundell, a Helpmann Award-nominee for playing Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, will be in the only actor onstage when The Birds flues into Malthouse's Beckett Theatre between Friday, May 16–Saturday, June 7, 2025. In an approach that brings Sydney Theatre Company's The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Dracula to mind, She's tasked with conveying the terrors of a family facing the animal world's feathered creatures turning deadly, but going far beyond Tippi Hedren's efforts in Hitchcock's 62-year-old movie given that she's the show's sole performer. "The Birds is a thriller about a family who are living through an extraordinary crisis — the day birds, as an entire species, turn on humankind. Paula is one of the country's most astonishing actors, and this will be the performance of a lifetime, and you'll be in the theatre, wearing headphones, experiencing every whisper and every swoop intimately with her," said Matthew Lutton, who directs the production after finishing his ten-year run as Malthouse Theatre's Artistic Director. If you haven't seen the classic film or read the 1952 horror story that it's based on, as penned by an author that Hitchcock adapted more than once — see also: Rebecca and Jamaica Inn — it focuses on an unexplained attack on a coastal town, plus the fight to try to survive it. Malthouse's version, hailing from playwright Louise Fox, is giving The Birds a modern spin. [caption id="attachment_995200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shkuru Afshar via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] As for listening in, J David Franzke is responsible for the sound design and compositions — and getting theatregoers donning headsets is all about sensory immersion. At present, anyone wanting to catch the end result for this new take on The Birds will need to hit up the Melbourne season, but cross your fingers that the production will eventually take flight elsewhere around the country in the future. The Birds' world-premiere season runs from Friday, May 16–Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Beckett Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank, Melbourne. Head to the Malthouse Theatre website for tickets and further details.
In 2016, Potts Point restaurant Yellow underwent a radical transformation when it transitioned from a French-inspired bistro to a plant-fuelled fine diner. It's fair to say the gamble — coming three years after the restaurant first opened — paid off for Bentley Restaurant Group co-founders and owners Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt, with the Macleay Street spot quickly establishing itself at the forefront of innovative meat-free dining in Sydney and becoming the first vegan restaurant to be awarded two chef hats in the Good Food Guide along the way. And now, after nearly a decade of plant-powered pioneering, Yellow is once again embarking on a new chapter, with Savage and Hildebrandt having sold the business to longtime head chef Sander Nooij and his business partner Mark Hanover (pictured below). Don't expect any more radical changes though: the ethos of Yellow will remain, more or less, the same. Changes under the new owners will be more gradual, reflecting a new approach to plant-based dining that Nooji and Hanover define as 'botanical gastronomy' — the menu will change with the seasons, with dishes and ingredients evolving as new produce becomes available. There'll be an emphasis, per Nooji, on "seasonality, sustainability and the extraordinary". "Botanical gastronomy is a culinary approach that celebrates the vibrant world of plants, herbs, and flowers," Nooji continued. "Free from the controversy and politics that can be part of the vegan narrative, botanical gastronomy merges elements of contemporary cuisine with a strong emphasis on botanical ingredients, showcasing their flavours, textures, and nutritional advantages." The more obvious changes to the restaurant will be cosmetic, with a refreshed bar area, as well as new artwork and decor. Hanover emphasised the desire for Yellow to be "more than a restaurant". "We want it to be a place where people gather for extraordinary food, great wine, and the joy of discovery," he said. Savage expressed pride in passing the baton to Nooij, who he notes has been "an integral part of Yellow's success". "When you have the chance to hand over a restaurant like Yellow to a much-loved staff member, you don't pass it up," Savage said. "We couldn't be more proud to see [Nooji] take the lead and bring his vision to life." Savage and Hildebrandt will now focus on Bentley Restaurant Group's CBD venues, including Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Monopole, King Clarence and recently opened Eleven Barrack. With ambitions to rank among the country's finest dining establishments (not just among its plant-based brethren), Yellow is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine. Perhaps Nooji sums it up best: "Our goal is to create a dining experience that is not just for vegans, but for anyone who values creativity, refinement, and the beauty of nature on their plates." Yellow is located at 57 Macleay Street, Potts Point. For more details, head to the website. Images: Andrea Veltom
Cycling seems like it's never been more popular in Sydney, and though the city hasn't always been the friendliest place to ride a bike, local councils are working to change that with free bike tune-ups and skills and maintenance courses available across suburbs like Glebe, Erskineville and St Peters. Plus, the City of Sydney has introduced six new temporary cycling lanes to make it even easier to adopt two wheels for your commute, or to simply explore more of Sydney while avoiding public transport. When you're new to cycling, or looking to invest in a new helmet, tyres or cycle wear, you may want to chat to the experts to make sure you're on the right track — and best place to do that is in store. So, we've partnered with American Express to bring you a list of boutique bike shops that have the latest road bikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes, plus cycling equipment, so you can find the one that best suits your needs, and shop small with your Amex Card. Once you're saddled up, check out these Sydney bike rides for leisurely city rides and stunning bush cycles.
Award-winning pastry chef and dessert expert Anna Polyviou is bringing her beloved sweet treats to the inner west. Polyviou revealed she'll be opening her first shopfront in Marrickville later this year, via an Instagram post earlier this month. Polyviou, known for her outlandish dessert creations, appearances on MasterChef Australia and her iconic pink mohawk, said she had received the keys to a store in the inner west suburb and has plans to open up around Easter. "YES I am opening my first FIRST SHOP... and what better location than Marrickville. It's forever been a dream of mine & my teams to be around such an amazing community," Polyviou wrote on Instagram. Not much has been revealed about the shop yet, with more information to be unveiled soon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna Polyviou (@annapolyviou) The announcement comes as the popular chef launched a new range of cookie dough available at Harris Farm Markets across Sydney. Hot off the tails of Bennett St Dairy's supermarket cookie dough which captured the attention of Sydneysiders in lockdown last year, Polyviou has dropped a range of bake-it-yourself dough featuring three flavours — triple choc, choc brownie and peanut butter fudge. To stay up-to-date with everything happening at Anna Polyviou's Marrickville store, be sure to follow her on Instagram as she documents the process of renovating and setting up the shop. Anna Polyviou's inaugural IRL store is set to open in Marrickville sometime in April or May 2022. We'll bring you more details as they become available.
For fans, the news that Peter Conistis's CBD settling ground-cum-Sydney's Hellenic Club headquarters, Alpha, has opened its doors for Saturday and Sunday lunches can be nothing but great. For everyone else, it's good news too: Alpha has the potential to become a fabulous, lazy winter weekend lunch spot if it can fill all its seats. Less than half capacity on our visit, the place is huge and needs a buzz to suit, yet it's comfortable and gleams with warmth like the Greek isles from which it hails. Step in from the grey of Castlereagh and you're instantly bathed in the whites and creams of the Med, complemented by impressive fishing net light shades dividing the tall, spacious dining room from the intimate and casual outside section looking onto the street. At the back of the restaurant is a large bar complete with sit-up dining and drinking. We took a seat on one of the plush, multi-cushioned central banquettes and, when in Rome (well, close enough) began with pita ($2 per person), hommous ($8), taramosalata ($11) and a bottle of Viognier ($90) from the northern Greek town of Epanomi. The hommous and taramosalata hit the mark, especially smeared over the hot, soft and crispy-where-it-counts pita (obvious warning alert: don't fill up on this). We had barely had a slice each by the time our twice-cooked octopus arrived ($25), but in all fairness it was ready to go: the succulent flesh fell apart with each chew, accompanied by melt-in-your-mouth white beans and the floral, fruity flavours of the wine. Next came one of Alpha's arguably favourite dishes, the spanakopita, aka spinach, leek and filo pie ($20). A telltale sign of good Greek, the pastry was just the right level of moist but light enough to avoid dryness and that all too familiar feeling-like-a pig-syndrome when you've still got another dish coming. Said dish in question was the spiced, slow roasted lamb shoulder (the small yet not small version at $35) with roast potatoes and tzatziki. You can imagine it just fell off the bone. We also added a side of wild greens immersed in the holy trinity of garlic, chilli and olive oil, which were a standout ($10). Finishing off, we squeezed down both the chocolate hazelnut baklava ($12), which was my personal favourite until I crunched into an overpowering lump of clove that must have missed the full mixing process, and the strawberry and raspberry loukoumi delight ice cream slice with filo cigars ($14). The latter was refreshing and not too heavy, but also not the best colder-weather choice. Already established in the city as a go-to for good Greek, it's clear that if the team here really want to make weekend lunches work all they have to do is put arses on seats (and perhaps work on dish timing a little). Food, drink and service all get a big fat Greek tick here. We just need the big fat Greek atmosphere too.
iPhone photography apps like Instagram and Hipstamatic recreate a Polaroid-feel in our piccies. We can Lomo-fi and Poprocket our way to nostalgia-town, but still, there's something not quite right. According to the creators of Instaprint, a location-based photography booth launched last Monday, "deep down we all still miss the uniqueness of those square little photos you'd hold comfortably in your hand." Created by Breakfast, a New York interactive agency, Instaprint is the modern day equivalent of a photo booth, but with all the digital mobile perks modern technology has to offer. The device automatically detects and prints photos marked with a particular location or hashtag using old-school inkless printing techniques developed by Zink. Two Instaprint machines will be showcased at the SxSW conference in Austin this week, where tech enthusiasts can road-test the device. It's still in beta-stage, but will be officially available by March 18. That's not the only way to get your Instagrams in ink. StickyGram turns your miniature masterpieces into delightful magnets, perfect for jazzing up shopping lists, menus and notes living on the door of your fridge. The service is currently limited to select UK and US users, but as the website assures us, StickyGram will be open to the public soon.
We're all guilty of visiting the same old haunts week in, week out. Given that Sydney is teeming with new places to while away a summer's day, it's time to get out and explore. Next destination: Coogee. Even if Coogee Beach is your local, when's the last time you've paid a visit to some different spots from your norm? To help you out, we've curated a sunrise to sunset itinerary to show you how to pack the most into a day-long Coogee frolic. From sunrise boxing on the beach to lounging on the rooftop at Coogee Pavilion, outdoor yoga at the Baths to dog-spotting on the foreshore, you can have an active, ocean-drenched, food-filled (and sun-safe) day all at once down at one of Sydney's most laid-back eastern suburbs beaches. Grab your sunnies, slip into some clothes that'll protect that delicate skin of yours, slap a hat on your head and slop some SPF 30+ sunscreen all over — it's time to explore. 6AM: GO BOXING ON THE BEACH Book one of Beachfit and Wellbeing's outdoor boxing classes to kick-start your day with the zest of a lifestyle blogger. Coogee Beach itself gets fairly packed on your average summer's day, so the best way to enjoy the sand between your toes is to get down there early. Like, sunrise early. Meet at the centre of Coogee Beach, watch the sun come up and smash out a workout before most of Sydney has even registered that it's a new day. 7AM: GRAB COFFEE AND BREKKIE AT THE LITTLE KITCHEN Rinse off the sunrise sweat at one of the council's outdoor showers, and walk towards the south end of Coogee to The Little Kitchen. A family-run cafe open from 7am daily, you'll find modern Aussie cafe food in a relaxed, freshly refurbished setting. Pick a seat at one of the long tables inside away from the sun. Double Roasters coffee or cold drip takes care of all your caffeine needs. Keep brekkie simple with a humble order of fruit toast and ricotta, or have the grilled chorizo with roasted peppers, herb salad, hummus and labne for a more substantial feed. Don't forget to bring a book or the paper — anyone who gets up before 8am truly earns the right to savour that morning coffee. 8.30AM: ENJOY SOME PRIME DOG-SPOTTING Scientific fact: dogs are freaking cute. But you can test this hypothesis for yourself if you must. Grab a coffee to go, meander along the boardwalk towards Trenerry Reserve and you'll be in the heartland of peak dog-spotting action. Remember to wear a hat, some SPF 30+ sunscreen and sunnies as those UV rays start to strengthen. 9.30AM: PRACTICE YOUR SUN SALUTATION AT OUTDOOR YOGA Keep the active-wear on for a relaxing outdoor yoga session. From the dog park, just wander 100 metres back towards Coogee Beach to the historic Wylie's Baths for a wholesome al fresco Hatha Flow. Run by Wylie's Wellness, classes take place in the shade of a marquee overlooking the sea. But even so, remember to reapply sunscreen before practising. 12PM: FISH AND CHIPS AT CHISH N FIPS After an active morning, it's time to chill. Lunch from Chish N Fips is a local favourite. It's a reasonably priced, no-frills joint reminiscent of grabbing a feed on a South Coast camping car trip with the family circa 1998, but, more importantly, it's very tasty. Order calamari and chips to take away and find a seat in the shade. 2PM: COOGEE PAVILION Unequivocally the best place to scout a prime view overlooking the whole of Coogee Beach is from the rooftop balcony of Coogee Pavilion. With UV radiation still very strong at this time of day, under one of their balcony umbrellas is also a good place for enjoying a summer afternoon wind down overlooking the beach — without the sun damage. 4PM: SNORKELLING AT GORDONS BAY You don't have to travel to the Great Barrier Reef to live out your marine biologist dreams — check out the teeming aquatic life down at Gordons Bay, the coastal inlet just north of Coogee Beach. The word that comes to mind when describing the bay is 'magical'. This might sound like the overzealous puffery of a high-end Maldivian resort guidebook write-up, but when you're floating in the water looking up at the surrounding cliffs, you will second this assessment. Wear some kind of rash vest and reapply the SPF 30+ sunscreen — the water reflects those UV rays, even in the afternoon. 6PM: DINNER AT SUGARCANE RESTAURANT Conclude your Coogee adventure with dinner and drinks at Sugarcane. It's a contemporary Asian dining experience with Japanese, Malay, Thai and Chinese cuisines all featuring on the menu. The decor has Balinese Seminyak vibes, but the ocean view from the restaurant's balcony tables is pure Sydney. As you explore Coogee Beach this summer, make sure to stay sun safe — slip, slop, slap, slide on some sunnies, don't forget to reapply and seek out that shade. For more information on how to protect your skin from the sun visit Pretty Shady and join the generation that's putting an end to skin cancer.
Huge birthday, huge program, huge list of reasons to spend an entire year at the Sydney Opera House. Come October 2023, the iconic Australian venue will reach its 50th birthday, and it's doing what everyone does when it hits a massive milestone: celebrating for as long as possible. In fact, the Opera House is dedicating 12 whole months to its 50th-anniversary shenanigans, starting a year in advance. From October 2022, the acclaimed Sydney Harbour venue will kick off the festivities in the most fitting way — with From the Sails: Light Years, a nightly projection series featuring new art by Sam Doust and Art Processors, which'll adorn the structure's famous sails from Wednesday, October 19–Sunday, 30. Obviously, that's just the beginning of a hefty program, with the already-announced Amadeus starring Michael Sheen taking over the site's newly revamped Concert Hall from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Saturday, January 21, 2023, too. Also on the bill: a full lineup that spans 230-plus performances, events and experiences, covering outdoor concerts, community events, First Nations storytelling, tours, public art, exhibitions and more, and happening in the venue's theatres, on its forecourt and online. From Thursday, October 20–Sunday, 30, that includes From the Steps: Voices at Dusk, which'll see local community choirs — as curated by resident company Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' Artistic Director Brett Weymark OAM — sing free open-air choral performances on the Opera House steps. Also outdoors, this time running from Thursday, November 10–Saturday, November 19, is a concert series at the Opera House's forecourt featuring Tim Minchin, New Zealand's Fat Freddy's Drop and two shows by Vance Joy. There'll be two free gigs, too — one dedicated to Yolŋu music and culture with Djakapurra Munyarryun, Dhapanbal Yunupingu, the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and more on the lineup, and another that'll see Ngaiire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra join forces. [caption id="attachment_871449" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ngaiire[/caption] While Sydney Opera House hasn't unveiled the full program yet, with further events set to be announced in the coming months, the rest of the lineup so far features two big festivals: Inside/Out at the House and Open House Festival. The first will arrive at the beginning of May 2023, heroing performances by the London Symphony Orchestra, Australian Ballet, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and Australian Chamber Orchestra. Each show will take place inside either the Concert Hall or the Joan Sutherland Theatre, but you'll also be able to watch in the forecourt, where they'll be broadcast to an openair cinema setup. At the second, Open House Festival will live up to its name across the entire month of October 2023. That means hosting performances, events and activities in every part of the Opera House, and also holding an open day where attendees can go exploring. [caption id="attachment_871446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ken Leanfore[/caption] Plus, Bangarra Dance Theatre will unveil the world premiere of a new production in June 2023, under incoming Artistic Director Frances Rings. Sydney Theatre Award-winning play The Visitors will receive a new staging, directed by Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch — and the Opera House will present Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert in conjunction with Sydney WorldPride 2023. Also, the Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir (CAAWC) — which hails from six remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory — will unleash their vocals in the Concert Hall, German operatic tenor Jonas Kaufmann and an international cast will perform La Gioconda, and Mad Scenes by Jessica Pratt will showcase the Australian talent. [caption id="attachment_871445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Marking a full-circle moment given that it was part of the Opera House's opening in 1973, Sydney Dance Company will stage three works. And, there'll be a revamped Opera House tour that highlights past performances and historic moments. Clearly, this year-long party is going to be massive — it's supported by the NSW Government's Blockbuster Funding initiative, and 'blockbuster' is the right word for it. [caption id="attachment_871453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] Sydney Opera House's 50th anniversary program kicks off in October 2022 and runs for a year. For more information, head to the Sydney Opera House website. Top images: Prudence Upton / Keith Saunders / Anna Kacera.
Leichhardt’s supine pub scene has been given an overhaul with the newly renovated The Royal bringing back the historic hotel’s charm and charisma. The Royal Botanical, situated upstairs, is the schmick new dining room, bar and garden terrace that is offering up not only an appealing new menu, but also a welcoming venue at which to sample this fare. The layout of the main room is traditionally bistro-style, yet freshened up with hanging baskets and framed botanicals on the wall, as well as views over the district, should you nab a window seat. The sophisticated outdoor terrace is a horticulturalist's heaven — wall-to-wall plants and greenery make the covered space a verdant, airy alternative — especially in the warmer months. Those seeking a change from Norton Street’s Italian flavour will be rewarded with a jazzed up menu that hasn’t boycotted the usual pub culprits. To start with, sharing plates such as the salt & pepper squid ($14) is a staple that can’t be missed, nor the potato wedges ($8) with sweet chilli sauce and sour cream (a match made in heaven). Even more tempting is a 1kg bucket of hot chicken wings ($17.50) — get your napkins ready, with flavours of coriander, chilli and lemon punching through, these are tasty sticklers. For the main fare, hearty pub grub lives up to its name with the classic schnitzel ($19), or dressed up with chunky tomato sauce and melted cheddar to turn it into a parmi ($21). The royal burger ($17.50) is indulgently royal: with everything you could want in a burger, plus more, same with the pulled pork roll ($16.50). The sirloin steak ($24) will curb any appetite — nothing like a 300g Black Angus steak served with gravy and green beans on a bed of mash. As for something more refined, crispy skin salmon ($23) is perfectly seared, yet hungrier bellies may be craving that bed of mash to really hit the spot. If you’ve got room for dessert ($11), go for it — the chocolate trifle will convert anybody who detests the old favourite. But our bet is that you’ll want to get started on the cocktails — the decent list has got numerous tantalizing options, all at reasonable prices. The Quince Cup ($14) is a sweet and fragrant blend of gin, pear, quince and lemon but it’s the Ginger Nut ($13) that’s the standout — Frangelico with vodka, apple juice, lemon and bitters shaken through, topped with ice cold ginger beer ($13). The bar also has a solid selection of craft beers and top notch wines from Australia- a Mr Riggs shiraz from McLaren Vale is a tasty drop at $8 a glass and the Margaret River Semillon sav blanc ($8/$38) is delicate, yet balanced with a fresh acidity. Needless to say, the hotel — which has been a part of Leichhardt’s fabric since 1886 — has been spruced up a notch, yet managed to stick to its customary roots with class.
Luxury apartments, a boutique hotel and a bustling retail and dining precinct are all on their way to the eastern end of Cleveland Street thanks to the new Surry Hills Village development from property group TOGA. The new precinct, which is technically located in Redfern, will be bordered by Cleveland, Marriott, and Baptist Streets. It will consist of a range of luxe housing spanning apartments and terraces. Alongside the lived-in spaces, there will be a number of extra-curricular additions to the area. Possibly most excitingly, House Made Hospitality, the minds behind many of Sydney's best new venues, will bring three new openings to Surry Hills Village. The team behind Hinchcliff House, Martinez and Promenade will be opening a restaurant, an all-day cafe and wine bar, and a cocktail bar within a heritage-listed space. We don't have the full lowdown on the trio of openings, but they'll be housed across two levels of a historic Bank of NSW building and will feature an Asian-inspired menu of eats and drinks. "We prefer sites that offer numerous opportunities to engage with guests on a daily or weekly basis, and we feel this collection of venues within Wunderlich Lane will appeal to locals as well as destination diners and drinkers, for various experiences," said House Made Hospitality Director Scott Brown. "We like that it's a pocket of Surry Hills that hasn't had a lot of attention for a while and look forward to breathing some life back into it." Adding to Surry Hills Village will be a Harris Farm Market and a new hotel. Surry Hills Boutique Hotel is expected to open in 2024 with a lobby bar, rooftop bar and a pool designed by George Livissianis Interior Architecture. Surry Hills Village is expected to open off Cleveland Street in 2024. Head to the development's website for a full rundown on all the expected offerings coming to the new precinct.
