You would think that for a country girt by sea, comprising a shitload of bewilderingly great beaches and a population who love a good bevvy, we'd have more opportunities to drink by the ocean (you know, outside of a sneaky goon sack stroll down the shore on NYE). But we haven't, legally, until now. Fremantle's Bathers Beach House has been granted Australia's first liquor license for alfresco beach dining (and drinking). The WA establishment is currently the only place in Australia where you can (legally) drink on the beach. Of course, they've arranged sun lounges in their newly licensed sand and will be serving a range of food and drinks from their beachside menu, delivered straight to your sunbathing face. General erosion, gradual ecosystem destruction and environmental impact aside, generally speaking, it could be the impetus the rest of Australia needs to start amending the laws that forbid the pairing of our nation's two strongest assets: a hot beach and cold beers. The Gold Coast toyed with the idea in 2015 but to no avail. Come on local Australian councils, legalise beach beers. Think of the boom in sales of those fold-out chairs with in-built drink holders. We can't afford not to follow suit on this one. Via Hospitality Magazine.
The last two years might have been a little lighter on travel adventures than we're used to, but if you're keen to make up for lost time, Visit Victoria has come up with a beaut excuse to escape the city and hit the road again. It's just unveiled its latest touring off-grid accommodation experience championing the regions — a tiny home stay for two by the name of Stella the Stargazer. Similarly to Visit Victoria's Wine Down Pop-Up Hotel, which launched in mid 2019, Stella won't be tying herself down to just one location. Rather, she'll move between three idyllic regional settings for eight weeks at a time, starting with a sojourn at Maffra's Blue Gables vineyard from Friday, October 14. [caption id="attachment_869901" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blue Gables Vineyard, Maffra[/caption] After its Gippsland stint, the environmentally sensitive pop-up will relocate to a spot along the Great Ocean Road for a couple of months, before seeing out its last leg nestled against the mountainous backdrop of the Grampians in April and May, 2023. The accommodation itself is a study in simple luxury, the off-grid tiny home the work of Port Fairy-based design and manufacture crew Ample. Inviting you to switch off, unplug and recharge, without forgoing comfort, it's kitted out with a queen-sized bed, complete with threads from Weave Home Australia, Society of Wanderers and Grampians Goods Co. There's a roll-out sleeping platform that's primed for stargazing, an indulgent shower surrounded by adjustable glass louvres designed to envelop you in the natural surroundings, and a central wood fire that doubles as a hotplate for cooking. Glass sliding doors open onto the modular deck and fire pit, and you'll find plenty of local wares featured throughout; from crockery, to Dindi Naturals toiletries. Meanwhile, famed chef Alejandro Saravia (Farmer's Daughters, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters) will ensure you're dining like royalty, with guests enjoying a curated welcome hamper, a bottle of wine and breakfast provisions showcasing top local produce. A dinner experience is also available to add on to your stay. Stella the Stargazer will make her home in Maffra, Gippsland, from October 14–December 15, 2022. She'll then stop in a new location along the Great Ocean Road from February 3–April 6, 2023, before moving to the Grampians from April 17–June 18, 2023. Rates are $330 per night Monday–Thursday, and $390 per night Friday–Sunday.
Hosting your own craft beer-tasting event is a great way to discover the breadth and variety of the good stuff in a fun and highly convivial situation. Plus, you'll appreciate your casual Friday tipple more than ever. If you're a fan of the James Squire craft beer range, chances are you enjoy talking the ears off of your buds about your favourite type and why you think they should try them. Alternatively, you may be a devotee of one or two beers in the range and are now ready to explore a little further, with a mate or two coming along to keep you company on your journey. Either way, we've got all your home-hosted beer tasting ingredients right here. Friends Don't look at us like that. Obviously you're going to invite buds, this is a beer tasting. Four or five would be a good number for a tasting, this ain't a keg party. Food You don’t have to serve up a Michelin-starred degustation menu, but snacks provide the dual purpose of keeping alcohol levels lower and cleansing the palate between tastings. Make sure you don't choose food that could overshadow the taste of the beer. Having water on hand is also a good idea. Beer You could say this is somewhat a crucial element. You could go full throttle and sample the full range of nine James Squire craft beers and two James Squire Orchard Crush ciders or maybe you'd prefer to taste just a handful. Depending on which approach you choose, you could consider buying some of the beers (One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale, Nine Tales Amber Ale and The Chancer Golden Ale) in 568mL Friendship Pint format rather than six packs of the standard 345mL bottles. To keep costs down, you could suggest that each guest/participant/contestant/buddy ol' pal supplies one of the beers. Glasses The aim of the night is to taste rather than scull, meaning proper beer tasting glasses would be ideal. However, if you don't have any of these to hand (and since you don't live in James Squire Brewbar, that’s hardly surprising) any glass will do. You'll earn bonus craft beer cred points for having the 'right glass' for each style of beer (have a look over JS's Guide to Glassware Etiquette), but it's not the end of the world if you don't. Pour about three fingers worth into each glass, allowing the aroma to fill the rest of the space. Remember, the night is about tasting the beer, not simply drinking it and gettin' crunk. Materials You’ll need to provide pencils or pens, along with paper or notecards. If you’re a particularly efficient and overly-excited host, you could create a print a simple tasting score sheet with spaces for notes on appearance, aroma, flavour, mouth feel, overall impression and final total score. Guidelines Each beer should be judged in the same way, as follows: - On pouring, immediately sniff the beer to detect initial aromas. Write these down in the 'Aroma' section of the score sheet – e.g., 'nutty malt' or 'citrusy hops'. - Note the beer's appearance, particularly its colour (golden, copper, etc.), clarity (cloudy, clear, etc.) and head characteristic. - Taste the beer by taking a sip and keeping it in the mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. Note both the immediate finish and aftertaste, the malts and hops and the balance. - Assess the mouth feel — this includes body, carbonation level and alcoholic warmth. - Write down your overall impression and give a final score for each beer. For more detailed judging information, head over here. Now there's nothing left to do except begin the tasting — and enjoy. Image credits: *vlad* via photopin cc, oskay via photopin cc, nahlinse via photopin cc, Fixed in Silver via photopin cc.
In yet another southward-bound international fashion expansion, Uniqlo has just announced that it'll be opening in Australia for the first time come autumn 2014. Melbourne's Emporium, located on Lonsdale Street in the CBD, will be home to a four-level, 2180 square metre megastore selling the Japanese brand's quality yet affordable apparel. Heattech underwear, bold collaborations with designers and Ultra Light Down are among their signature products. "We are very excited to be opening our first store in Melbourne, Australia," Uniqlo's Australian CEO Shoichi Miyasaka commented. "The city is a great centre of style and we hope to make Uniqlo an essential stop for for fashion-conscious Melbourne shoppers looking for high quality, affordable clothes. "Our goal is to build a loyal customer base by offering every visitor the outstanding level of customer service that Uniqlo is known for within Japan, in a comfortable and welcoming shopping environment." Owned by Japan's Fast Retailing Co. (the globe's fourth biggest clothing retail giant), Uniqlo first opened in 1984 and now runs 1200 stores across 14 different countries. It's been moving steadily south for four years, having set up in Singapore in 2009, Malaysia and Thailand in 2010, the Philippines in 2012 and Indonesia earlier this year. Fast owns six other major brands: Theory, Princess tam.tam, J Brand, Helmut Lang, GU and Comptoir des Cotonniers, and sold a whopping 928 billion Japanese Yen (AU$10 billion) worth of goods during the 2011-2012 financial year. Via Daily Life
Don't let Monday morning scare you away from a Sundate. This Sunday, impress them over tasty treats from a delicatessen that's quickly becoming a Sydney institution, then hit the Dendy in Newtown for a two-for-one movie. First stop: feel those old timey vibes at Continental Deli, and try something new like the succulent octopus with sobrasada, stracciatella, radicchio and salsa verde, or play it safe (but well) with one of their cheese and charcuterie plates. Second stop: head down to the Dendy on King Street, and grab two movie tickets for $22 after 5pm — there's also usually some sort of deal at the snack bar should your tum still be a-rumblin'. Nothing rounds out the week like a good feed and a night at the movies. Newtown's certainly the spot for a Sunday night done right. Image: Kimberly Low.
Another day, another story about natural wine, with Pyrmont snagging itself a natural wine bar. Bar Clementine opened next door to Clementine's cafe in late March and it's slinging funky drops, aperitif-style cocktails and European share plates. Owner and sommelier Eric Mendoza really knows his grapes, having previously curated the award-winning wine lists at lauded Sydney venues Bloodwood and The Baxter Inn. Mendoza has also clocked in time at Rockpool and Melbourne's MoVida. Oh, and did we mention that he makes his own vermouth? "The focus will be on authenticity and intention, which can often be lost in the hedonism of Sydney," says Mendoza. Plenty of experimental labels from around the country and the world will be on display at Bar Clementine, though more accessible drops have a place here as well. At the moment, there are Aussie bottles from Gippsland, Hunter Valley, Ballarat and Margaret River on offer, as well as varietals from France and Germany by the glass. Bottled beers and classic cocktails are also up for grabs, including dirty martinis and one called the Adonis — it's made from coffee-infused vermouth, sherry and orange bitters. For eats, Mendoza has partnered with chef Craig Gray (ex-Neighbourhood Wine and Taxi Dining in Melbourne) who has created a menu of modern European fare. The food is, of course, tailored to pair with a glass of wine (or two). Expect a rather elevated version of the classic wine bar trio of cheese, charcuterie and share plates. The seasonal menu focuses on local produce with a smattering of Asian influence. Think lunch items like Sydney rock oysters with eschallot mignonette, snapper with kohlrabi kraut and apple, and a beef flank paired with pommes frites. And for the dinner tasting menu, there's dishes such as celeriac churros, beetroot with nectarine, preserved lemon and hazelnut, and a chocolate tart topped with creme fraiche. The fit-out takes cues from Europe as well, with Parisian-style aplenty. Though a small space, it benefits from a large, street facing bay window which allows for heaps of natural light. Pull up a stool at the marble-topped bar — which extends all the way to the window — and get stuck in. Bar Clementine is now open at 52 Harris Street, Pyrmont. Opening hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon–9pm.
Sydney's cultural scene hits full stride in summer, when theatres, galleries, parks and inner-city streets light up with blockbuster musicals, bold new exhibitions and major festivals. Whether you're in the mood for a time-travelling stage spectacular, a boundary-pushing gallery show or a night out at one of the city's biggest cultural celebrations, there's something happening in nearly every corner of Sydney. To help you plan your season, we've pulled together six standout events and paired each one with nearby places to help you make a day — or night — of it. Consider this your roadmap to experiencing Sydney at its most creative and colourful. [caption id="attachment_1048999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Back to the Future: The Musical Why it's unmissable Great Scott! The DeLorean has arrived in Australia, bringing high-voltage sets and nostalgia-driven humour to the Sydney Lyric. Featuring music and lyrics by OG Back to the Future composer Alan Silvestri and acclaimed songwriter Glen Ballard (Jagged Little Pill the Musical), plus a book by Gale — who co-penned all three Back to the Future film scripts with filmmaker Robert Zemeckis — the Olivier Award-winning Back to the Future: The Musical is summer's blockbuster musical moment. Find out more here. Make a night of it Start your evening with pasta and a spritz on the breezy waterfront terrace — the largest in Barangaroo — at Gina. The sun-washed venue takes its cues from the classic coastal trattorias of the Amalfi Coast, serving daily handmade pasta, cold cuts sliced to order and crowd-pleasing Italian classics. Its position on the ferry pier also means a swift (and scenic) trip across the harbour will set you down in Pyrmont just steps from the theatre. Extend your stay Extend your night out with a stay at Sofitel Darling Harbour, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the skyline and the rooftop infinity pool delivers some of the best sunrise views in the city. It's an elegant, easy base just a short stroll from the theatre — and puts you right in the heart of Pyrmont and Darling Harbour's buzzy dining and lifestyle scenes. RELICS: A New World Rises Why it's unmissable Running at the Australian Museum, RELICS: A New World Rises goes far beyond your average LEGO® exhibit. Created by Alex Towler and Jackson Harvey (2020 winners of Channel 9's LEGO® Masters), it blends the iconic bricks with real-world objects like you've never seen before, transforming pre-loved everyday items into 14 immersive mini civilisations. Find out more here. Make a day of it After the exhibition, take things sky-high at Infinity by Mark Best — a scenic stroll through Hyde Park from the museum — where, from the 81st floor of Sydney Tower, the Harbour City feels like its own miniature civilisation. Its elegant Modern Australian menu showcases local produce in clever, technique-driven dishes — a fitting follow-up to an exhibition that asks you to look closer at the worlds we build. [caption id="attachment_1018817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Loucas[/caption] Then, ease back down to street level and wander over to Library Bar, the State Library's rooftop hideaway overlooking the treetops of Macquarie Street. It's an easygoing spot for a summer sundowner, with spritzes, snacks and views that pair perfectly with a slow end to the afternoon. Sydney Festival Why it's unmissable Sydney Festival turns 50 in 2026, and it's marking the milestone with a citywide celebration of culture and connection. From January 8–25, the annual summer spectacular will take over stages, parks and galleries — plus unexpected spaces like alleyways, pools and even a working funeral home — for a three-week program spanning theatre, dance, music, cabaret, visual art and immersive experiences. It's one of the most exciting times to be out in the city, with something happening in nearly every corner. Find out more here. Make a day of it Sydney Festival is built for days spent wandering between performances and pop-ups, so start early with brunch or a breezy lunch in whichever pocket of the city your show is in. If you're headed to Walsh Bay, a waterside spot like Barangaroo seafood favourite love.fish sets the tone; for a show in the CBD or around Town Hall, enjoy a pre-show snack and sip at contemporary Greek spot Ela Ela, or slip into elegant fast fine-dining spot Ette for an aperitivo and creative snack before the curtain goes up. Follow the festival trail Post-show, drift along the Festival trail and hop between neighbourhoods as the night builds. That could mean a sunset drink at InterContinental Sydney's rooftop stunner Aster before an event in The Rocks, or a stop at vibey Chippendale fave Bar Freda's for a spicy watermelon marg slushie — and maybe even a cheeky boogie — ahead of a late-night gig at Carriageworks. [caption id="attachment_1046924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the 'Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 11 October 2025 – 15 February 2026, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Anna Kučera[/caption] Dangerously Modern Why it's unmissable The Art Gallery of NSW is spotlighting an often-overlooked chapter of Australian art history with its summer blockbuster Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940. This landmark exhibition showcases more than 200 works by 50 pioneering women who left Australia to embed themselves in the studios, salons and artist colonies of Europe's cultural capitals, where they experimented and exhibited long before modernism took hold back home. The show traces how these experiences shaped their practices, and how they returned with ideas that helped reshape Australia's artistic landscape. Find out more here. Make a night of it With two-for-one tickets on offer for Art After Hours on Wednesdays, the gallery is an ideal spot to kick off a chic midweek date night. Afterwards, channel the spirit of Europe's late-night salons and slip into Letra House, Kent Street's moody underground tapas bar. Head in for a pick from its ever-evolving 50-bottle wine list, and pair it with a selection of ingredient-driven small plates like raw scampi tostada, duck liver parfait with pickled rhubarb and brandy snap, or socarrat with firefly squid, broadbean and garlic. Nightcap? Take a short stroll around the corner to Bar Herbs, which pours classic and flavour-forward martinis in a neon-hued subterranean space that hums until the small hours. Extend your stay Turn your date night into a mini-escape with a stay at W Sydney, where boundary-pushing design and statement-making interiors pick up right where your gallery visit left off. The hotel's striking architecture, curated art moments and rooftop infinity pool overlooking Darling Harbour will keep you perfectly primed to carry that creative spark into the next day. Tropfest Why it's unmissable Following a six-year hiatus, the world's biggest short-film festival returns to Centennial Park this summer. And while the world has changed quite a bit since its last outing in 2019, Tropfest's core mission remains unchanged: to give filmmakers at any stage of their careers a genuinely global platform — and to do it at a free, openair event that welcomes everyone. Find out more here. Make a night of it Centennial Park's position smack-bang in the middle of the eastern suburbs means you're on the doorstep of Double Bay's buzzy dining scene. Stop by Neil Perry's big-swinging Italian restaurant Gran Torino for handmade pasta and a show-stopping tiramisu in a historic setting, or settle in for a perfectly cooked steak at Perry's sleek Mod Oz fine diner Margaret, just up the street. [caption id="attachment_1017635" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yusuke Oba[/caption] If dinner by the sea is more the mood, head east and grab a table at Rocker, North Bondi's breezy all-day diner featuring coastal Mediterranean-inspired plates, natural wines and a solid cocktail lineup that includes eight types of margarita — plus one of the more impressive Sunday roasts in town. [caption id="attachment_978660" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joseph Mayers[/caption] Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Why it's unmissable Sydney's most colourful pride parade returns to the streets of Darlinghurst for its 48th edition in February, transforming Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade into a glittering celebration of visibility, power and joy. With thousands of marchers and dozens of flamboyant floats, the night pulses with energy — and it's completely free to watch, making it one of Sydney's most accessible major events. The theme guiding the parade's 48th edition is ECSTATICA, which celebrates joy as power, protest and connection. Find out more here. Before the parade Set the tone early in Darlinghurst, where street-front tables start filling long before the first float hits Oxford Street. Ease into the night at The Waratah, the cosy two-storey bar known for its native ingredient-starring cocktails and fun bar snacks (pictured below). Or, take a seat at L'Avant Cave, Oxford Street Paddington's charming courtyard wine bar pouring standout drops by the glass and nostalgic French-leaning bites. If you're coming in via Surry Hills, The Art Syndicate serves wines, beers and spirits exclusively from NSW in an intimate art gallery just behind Taylor Square. For a more low-key warm-up, 40Res offers a seasonally evolving menu built around local ingredients and a sharp list of Australian and European from boutique producers — all in an understated, dimly lit room that contrasts beautifully with the technicolour chaos of the festivities outside. [caption id="attachment_929493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Loucas[/caption] After the parade When the glitter settles, head up to Monica, Paddington's 1960s Hollywood-inspired rooftop bar overlooking Oxford Street, for skyline views and a party-ready drinks list. It's perched above the personality-packed 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, a handy spot to crash after one of the city's biggest parties. When you resurface, stroll down to Surry Hills stalwart Bills for a breezy brunch — the signature ricotta hotcakes, corn fritters and velvety scrambled eggs are an ideal way to fuel your debrief from the night before. Ready to feel the Sydney side of summer? Discover the full calendar of what's on across the city at sydney.com. Top image: Anna Kučera.
After giving ramen its own t-shirt range last year, casual-wear retailer Uniqlo has set its sights on another Japanese culinary staple. This time, you can wear your affection for the boozy beverage that goes oh-so-well with a big bowl of brothy soup: sake. The fresh designs showcase prestigious Japanese sake breweries with a long history in making the drink in question, with each brand collaborating on the design. If names such as Suigei, Tengumai, Dassai, Tsukino Katsura and Kenbishi sound familiar from sipping their wares, now you can show your love for them in another way. Eleven different shirts are available — some, like the black option for Dewazakura, feature a green bottle of sake, while others take inspiration from different brewery logos. The sake items all retail for $19.90 as part of Uniqlo's pop culture-focused UT line, which aims to turn simple t-shirts into something more exciting by highlighting different characters, trends, brands and artists. Also currently on offer are a range of super geometric prints, two Mickey Mouse collections, one dedicated to Peanuts, an ode to Dutch typographer Pieter Ceizer, a shirt by Tokyo-based Australian illustrator Grace Lee and a Hokusai-inspired selection. Uniqlo's Sakagura t-shirts are available now for $19.90 each. You can purchase them from all Australian stores or online here.
Roam the aisles for the camouflage two-pieces and glitter phone cases you never knew you wanted. The fresh produce markets run Wednesday to Sunday so you can stock up on groceries for the week or buy fresh flowers for your office.
Sydney's beloved taco-slinger Toby Wilson (Ghostboy Cantina, Bad Hombres) has recently returned from Mexico and he's brought a legit taste of the street food scene back with him. To showcase his new recipes, Wilson will take over the Mecca Alexandria kitchen with Las Taquerias de Mexico — offering a set menu of tacos and snacks over two sittings a night on March 16, 17, 23 and 24. The eight-course taco degustation is based off of Wilson's food journey, with regional dishes from Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Oaxaca and Baja California represented on the menu — think lamb barbacoa tacos, zucchini flower and Oaxaca cheese quesadillas, ceviche tostadas and al pastor tacos. Other dishes will be announced on Wilson's Instagram in the lead up to the pop-up. For drinks, they've imported tequila and mezcal from the distilleries Wilson visited on his trip, with Mexican beer, cocktails and natural wines also on offer. There will be an additional drinks pairing option available for $40, or patrons can buy drinks as they go. As it's a fairly intimate venue, tickets for each sitting are limited. $60 for snacks — sans drinks — is definitely on the pricey side, but Wilson's tacos could certainly be worth it.
Callan Park, the beloved Inner West parkland that used to be home to a psychiatric hospital, is looking at a bright future thanks to the planned upgrades from Greater Sydney Parklands, which have now been finalised. The short version? More native greenery, a cafe, timings for the tidal baths and upgrades on the iconic Bay Run. The 61-hectare parkland on the harbour shore of Lilyfield, once known as Callan Park Hospital for the Insane, has been earmarked for upgrades for a while now. There's a major focus on maintaining the park's history, and adding new spaces and opportunities for the 300,000-and-counting residents who live nearby. The park's iconic green spaces are home to a lot of introduced species, and one of the sticking points for Lilyfield locals was the need to restore native bushland in the park. A special focus has also been placed on the area's cultural significance and First Nations archaeology, especially on the Parramatta River foreshore, which will be maintained with oversight from First Nations custodians. [caption id="attachment_892353" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Greater Sydney Parklands[/caption] The big issue for anyone who's been following this story is the park's strict ban on commercial activity, which could be scrapped entirely. Historically, only not-for-profit activity has been allowed in the park, but the management plan includes turning one heritage building into a cafe, which has been debated even at the parliamentary level. According to the ABC, the plan was brought before the NSW Parliament, where the Minister for Planning and Public Space, Paul Scully, said the public now expects commercial sites in public spaces (right now, you have to head to Balmain Road for the nearest food and drink options). While the Member for Balmain, Kobi Shetty, was concerned the changes undermine the park's identity, Liberal MP Mark Hodges argued that limited commercial activity "can, and should, play a role in supporting the long-term maintenance and activation of these spaces." [caption id="attachment_1103250" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] DoNk3y via Flickr[/caption] Whether visitors want coffee close by or not, the majority want to run. In 2023, half of all visitors to the park were on the popular Bay Run path. Now, those regulars (about 5,000 a day) can expect less cars, dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, more shade and a cooling off spot at the previously announced tidal baths. As confirmed last month, those baths are still on track to begin construction in June, adding a new spot for harbour swimming to the area sometime this summer. There's also a planned community sports facility in an old repatriation ward, which will add to the sports fields and facilities that are already used year-round. Visitors will also be able to enjoy an extra 1.6 hectares of open green space after nine derelict buildings are removed, giving you even more space to enjoy one of Sydney's most popular parks. Community consultation on the plan, which you can read in full here, is open until Sunday, June 21. Lead image: Warwick King via iStock
We're the country that gave the world Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, to name just a few renowned Australian actresses owning the silver screen in recent years. Accordingly, we're no stranger to celebrating formidable women in cinema. It tracks, then, that Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image has curated a world-premiere exhibition dedicated to femininity across screen history — which is running from Wednesday, April 5–Sunday, October 1. Six-month-long showcase Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion declares its affection for ladies of the screen right there in its name. Examining how women are represented in cinema and television, it pays tribute to standout ladies, how depictions and expectations of femininity have changed, and what female talents have symbolised — and been forced to deal with — about and from the society around them. It's both a massive and a landmark exhibition. More than 150 original costumes, objects, artworks, props and sketches are now gracing the Federation Square venue's walls and halls, all championing oh-so-many women and their impact. Launched in-person by the one and only Geena Davis, who is also the exhibition's lead ambassador, Goddess fittingly includes outfits worn by her and Susan Sarandon in 1991's Thelma & Louise — and that's just the beginning of its treasures. Among a lineup that spans threads that've never been displayed before, various cinematic trinkets, large-scale projections and other interactive experiences, attendees can check out odes to Marlene Dietrich in 1930's Morocco, Pam Grier's spectacular Blaxploitation career, Tilda Swinton in 1992's Orlando and the aforementioned Robbie via 2020's Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). Plus, there's Mae West's sky-high heels from 1934's Belle of the Nineties, as well as Michelle Yeoh's fight-ready silks from 2000's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The list goes on, clearly, covering Anna May Wong, Marilyn Monroe, Laverne Cox and Zendaya as well. And, everything from Glenn Close's Cruella de Vil in 102 Dalmatians to the Carey Mulligan-starring Promising Young Woman also gets time to shine. As it does with its big exhibitions, ACMI is pairing Goddess' wide-ranging display with soundscapes by Melbourne-based composer Chiara Kickdrum, and also hosting a sprawling events program complete with late-night parties, performances and talks — and film screenings, of course. Fancy taking an in-depth curator tour of the exhibition after hours? That's on the bill monthly. There's also a music program called Goddess Nights from late May, which'll focus on three femme-centric live music lineups with performances by DJ JNETT, CD, POOKIE and Ayebatonye — and a curated range of food and booze put together just for each evening. For film buffs, movie series Divine Trailblazers will focus on contemporary actors at the height of their powers, while the Goddess Sundays is all about on-screen personas. So, the first includes Angela Bassett's Oscar-nominated performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Academy Award-winners Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Cate Blanchett conducting a masterpiece in Tár, Viola Davis in warrior mode in The Woman King, Filipino actor Dolly De Leon stealing every scene she's in in Triangle of Sadness, and Leah Purcell writing, directing, producing and starring in The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson. Images: Eugene Hyland Photography.
After spending time at Gelato Messina Rosebery, Rocker and Grifter Brewery, Toby Wilson and his adored Sydney taco truck Ricos Tacos have found a permanent home in Chippendale. Located on Meagher Street, the new bricks-and-mortar outpost sees Ricos expand its always-reliable menu, and allows Wilson to experiment with new dishes and flavours. If you're looking for a recovery dinner from your Easter long weekend, the new Chippendale restaurant is hosting an al pastor party on Tuesday, April 19. Wilson and co will be bringing out the rotating meat to create al pastor tacos alongside hash browns and corn chips for a special one-night feast. For those out of the loop, al pastor is spit-grilled, marinated pork that is often found at street food vendors in Mexico. The tacos will be available for dine-in or takeaway from 5pm until they are sold out, so it's best to head over for an early dinner to make sure you get to try these tasty creations.
The third season of The Bear is a season haunted. Creator and writer Christopher Storer (Dickinson, Ramy) — often the culinary dramedy's director as well — wouldn't have it any other way. Every show that proves as swift a success as this, after serving up as exceptional a first and second season as any series could wish for, has the tang of its prior glory left on its lips, so this one tackles the idea head on. How can anyone shake the past at all, good or bad, it ruminates on as Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw) faces a dream that's come true but hasn't and can't eradicate the lifetime of internalised uncertainty that arises from having an erratic mother, absent father, elder brother he idolised but had his own demons, and a career spent striving to be the best and put his talents to the test in an industry that's so merciless and unforgiving even before you factor in cruel mentors. Haunting is talked about often in this ten-episode third The Bear dish, but not actually in the sense flavouring every bite that the show's return plates up. In the season's heartiest reminder that it's comic as well as tense and dramatic — its nine Emmy wins for season one, plus four Golden Globes across season one and two, are all in comedy categories — the Faks get to Fak aplenty. While charming Neil (IRL chef Matty Matheson) is loving his role as a besuited server beneath Richie aka Cousin (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, No Hard Feelings), onboard with the latter's commitment to upholding a Michelin star-chasing fine-diner's front-of-house standards and as devoted to being Carmy's best friend as ever, he's also always palling around with his handyman brother Theodore (Ricky Staffieri, Read the Room). They're not the season's only Faks, and so emerges a family game. When one Fak wrongs another, they get haunted, which is largely being taunted and unsettled by someone from basically The Bear equivalent of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Boyles. For it to stop, you need to agree to give in. In Storer's hands, in a series this expertly layered, this isn't just an amusing character-building aside. Joining the Disney+ menu Down Under on Thursday, June 27, 2024, season three opens with an episode called 'Tomorrow', setting the action on the titular day following the soft relaunch of Carmy's pride and joy. Season one followed his immersion in The Original Beef of Chicagoland, which his elder sibling Mikey (Jon Bernthal, Origin) ran before his death, and the call to turn it into the restaurant that Carmy has always wanted. Season two charted the hard yards traversed to make the plan happen and bring The Bear to fruition, culminating in an unveiling to family and friends that had them raving about the food while The Bear's staff were in bedlam. With Carmy, who was stuck locked in the fridge for most of the big hurrah, then ended it with his girlfriend Claire (Molly Gordon, Theater Camp) out of his life and his relationship with Richie at a new low, the third go-around asks how you whisk that difficult kickoff — and all previous difficulties — out of your brain and somehow move forward. The Bear has been posing a version of this question from the outset, because it's one of existence's defining queries: how does anyone go on when our heads are swirling with the pinnacles and plunges, achievements and traumas, and riches and missteps gone by? This is a show that sees baggage and, Station Eleven-style, remembers damage. So, how could Carmy, Richie, Carmy and Mikey's sister Natalie (Abby Elliott, Cheaper by the Dozen), their pseudo-uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt, Chicago Med), and The Beef's loyal staff Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas, IF), Marcus (Lionel Boyce, Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) carve a path — any path — after losing Mikey? With newcomer chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri, Inside Out 2), after they ensured it was still a place that he'd approve of, how could they pivot to The Bear? And with Jimmy's money backing them and the culinary world watching, how can they now guarantee that their new restaurant not just simmers but boils? 'Tomorrow' is a tone-poem first instalment to The Bear's third course, flitting through Carmy's history — the other kitchens that he's been employed in feature heavily — to establish how being haunted will season everything that follows. It's a mindset episode, and a smart and absorbing one, as his time working for the unpleasant David Fields (Joel McHale, Animal Control), the kindly Andrea Terry (Olivia Colman, Wicked Little Letters) and the IRL René Redzepi at Noma all flash up. Its mood then turns haunting itself, persisting atmospherically as Carmy makes some blunt decisions solo about what the restaurant will be and do, then Syd, Richie and the crew are confronted with his choices. The Bear will now operate under a list of non-negotiables. It will change its menu entirely daily. It'll actively seek Michelin's covered five-pointed endorsement. It isn't overtly stated, but it will also exist in a state of fear over what a review by the Chicago Tribune might deem it, be it innovative, excellent, delicious, confusing, overdone or inconsistent. The aftertaste of what's come before, and how impossible it is to cleanse it from your palate, lingers in every moment of kitchen and dining-room chaos — of which there's a buffet — alongside every plot strand. Syd struggles with the realisation that she's still the entree to Carmy's main, clicking the button on the partnership agreement that will formalise her stake in The Bear and whether to leave what she's toiled so hard for to take a new opportunity. Richie has the reality of his ex-wife (Gillian Jacobs, Invincible) moving on to deal with. The pregnant Nat's due date speeds closer. Marcus endeavours to cope with his grief by focusing on the job. Tina's route to The Beef gets its own episode. And The Computer (Brian Koppelman, the creator of fellow TV series Billions), Jimmy's no-nonsense numbers guy, has thoughts as The Bear keeps booking out and generating buzz but battling financially. Season three's performances in roles not only lead and supporting but also among the guest stars — well-known names pop up again, some returning, some new — remain delectable. Leading the show, no one better provides the faces of those tormented by their choices, hopes, yearnings, chances, mistakes and regrets, sometimes as motivation and sometimes as an anchor for Carmy, Syd and Richie, like the one-two-three punch of White, Edebiri and Moss-Bachrach. No one on- or off-screen across the whole series shows any sign of being plagued by living up to the one of the best new shows of 2022 and best returning shows of 2023, or knowing what to do, either. Although the second and third seasons of The Bear have had the program's own past to match, doing so hasn't been a problem to-date, including when Storer can so effortlessly segue between experimental and classic, and wide-spanning to ultra-focused as well. One of the reasons that the exploits of Carmy and company satisfied audiences from the show's initial arrival is its authenticity, understanding the pressures and anxieties, plus the hustle and bustle, of the hospo grind at the sandwich-diner level and the cream-of-the-crop tier alike. The Bear is equally as emotionally astute and frenetic beyond the kitchen, as every spoonful of its third season reminds viewers. The reality of trying to make it as a chef, cook, restaurateur and server collides with the reality of simply trying and being; it's a perfect recipe. In the show, the feeling of sitting down to your dream meal but proving incapable of dislodging your inner mayhem is inescapable. For those watching, The Bear is the streaming equivalent of the ultimate dish — and, because we all have our own internal turmoil, also the cure for being haunted across its superb 14 hours now over three seasons. Check out the full trailer for The Bear season three below: The Bear streams via Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand, with season three dropping on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Read our review of season one and review of season two. Images: FX.
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
UPDATE, March 8, 2023: The Banshees of Inisherin is now available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Prime Video. In The Banshees of Inisherin, the rolling hills and clifftop fields look like they could stretch on forever, even on a fictional small island perched off the Irish mainland. For years, conversation between Padraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell, After Yang) and Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson, The Tragedy of Macbeth) has been similarly sprawling — and leisurely, too — especially during the pair's daily sojourn to the village pub for chats over pints. But when the latter calls time on their camaraderie suddenly, his demeanour turns brusque and his explanation, only given after much pestering, is curt. Uttered beneath a stern, no-nonsense stare by Gleeson to his In Bruges co-star Farrell, both reuniting with that darkly comic gem's writer/director Martin McDonagh for another black, contemplative and cracking comedy, Colm is as blunt as can be: "I just don't like you no more." In the elder character's defence, he wanted to ghost his pal without hurtful words. Making an Irish exit from a lifelong friendship is a wee bit difficult on a tiny isle, though, as Colm quickly realises. It's even trickier when the mate he's trying to put behind him is understandably upset and confused, there's been no signs of feud or fray beforehand, and anything beyond the norm echoes through the town faster than a folk ballad. So springs McDonagh's smallest-scale and tightest feature since initially leaping from the stage to the screen, and a wonderful companion piece to that first effort. Following the hitman-focused In Bruges, he's gone broader with Seven Psychopaths, then guided Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell to Oscars with Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, but he's at his best when his lens is trained at Farrell and Gleeson as they bicker in close confines. There's no doubting who's behind the camera of The Banshees of Inisherin from the get-go, with McDonagh speedy and concise in setting his scene, and showing his knack for witty dialogue and clever character-building in the process. The year is 1923, and the time — at first — is 2pm on an ordinary day. Except, after Pádraic calls on Colm's fisherman's cottage for their usual bar jaunt and gets no answer, nothing about it plays out as it typically would for the film's two main figures. Pádraic can see Colm sitting inside, in fact, smoking but not opening his door. He tries to talk it through with publican Jonjo (Pat Shortt, Pixie) after heading for a drink anyway, and with his sister Siobhán (Kerry Condon, Better Call Saul) later at home. It's the next day when Pádraic gets the response no one wants to hear from the man he thought was his best friend, but that's hardly the end of their rift. A tragicomedy that lives up to both halves of that term without a whiff of formula, The Banshees of Inisherin twists Pádraic and Colm's hostilities in circles — not to be repetitive or due to any lack of plot, but because life's cycles keep spinning both within the duo's fractured bond and around them. Endings are never easy but neither is life, McDonagh has his film contend, doing so with intelligence, humour and an unshakeable unwillingness to shy away from bleakness. Take the inclusion of village oddball Dominic (Barry Keoghan, The Batman), for example. He buzzes around the movie's central quarrel, endeavouring to use it to become Pádraic's BFF and make his romantic intentions for the single Siobhán known, and he's frequently a source of overt laughs. And yet, as his backstory with his drunk cop dad Peadar (Gary Lydon, Brooklyn) is fleshed out, he proves as sorrowful a resident as Inisherin has, in a feature that sees life's small joys and heartbreaking woes alike with clear eyes. McDonagh is a master at packaging the grim with the chucklesome, however, as Pádraic's attempts to cope with his rejection convey. The writer/director has his dejected protagonist go through several stages of grief — but once he's done being shocked, denying his friend's rebuffs, getting angry, trying to bargain his way to a new outcome, feeling depressed and hoping Colm will change his mind, seeking revenge becomes his baseline. The alternative: feeling uncomfortable at the pub and in general; and badgering the protective Siobhán to spend more time with him, ignorant to her yearning to leave an island that embodies everything to most of its inhabitants but offers far too little for her. Or, Pádraic can accept his beloved miniature donkey Jenny and the ever-present Dominic as his new chief sources of company. Simply watching Farrell's eyebrows as Pádraic faces his changing circumstances is entertaining, emotional and evocative; the depths and shades he can relay with a twitch, many actors can't muster with their entire bodies. Watching Gleeson's exhaustion and despair is equally revelatory — indeed, while Farrell plays Pádraic as constantly searching for a silver lining and eagerly proud of being the village nice guy, his co-star conjures up a man who doesn't expect to find anything much to smile about even after making drastic choices. In Bruges sparked it and now The Banshees of Inisherin cements it: Farrell and Gleeson are one of cinema's very-best pairs, and they're mesmerising to an awards-worthy degree here. Also exceptional is Condon as the kind but frustrated woman who can see both sides. "He's always been dull; what's changed?" she replies to Colm when he admits his boredom with Pádraic. Amid the grand performances, scenery, cinematography (by The King's Man's Ben Davis) and score (from Catherine Called Birdy's Carter Burwell), McDonagh hasn't anchored this griping, one-upping, apologising, pleading and vengeance-seeking a century ago for fun. He hasn't made the move to avoid technology, either, although this'd be a lesser movie with phones and apps fuelling fires and gossip. As poignant and resonant as it is amusing — and sometimes horrifying — The Banshees of Inisherin works sparklingly as an odd-couple decoupling comedy, a slice of insular small-town life, a bittersweet musing on mortality and an interrogation of masculinity, but it's also firmly a product of its homeland. Despite being Irish, this is McDonagh's first film set in the country, and harks back to the 1920s Civil War. The conflict rages across the bay from Inisherin without disrupting the isle's daily life, but Pádraic shouts tellingly at its gunshots: "good luck to you, whatever it is you're fighting about".
If you're planning to snap up one of IKEA's joyfully sculptural Gustaf Westman tablewares next month, there's another collaboration that should be on your radar. This time, the furniture juggernaut has tapped in Tekla Evelina Severin, a Swedish interior architect who goes by Teklan. Celebrated for her playful geometric sensibilities and expert eye for colour composition, Teklan has imagined up a seven-piece collection of whimsical speakers. The standouts are a pair of KULGLASS lamps that double up as Bluetooth speakers. Their swirly shades are a delightful nod to soft-serve ice cream, rendered in reddish-brown and mint green tones drawn from Teklan's childhood memories – she even matched the mint green to a soap bar from her grandparents' home. Originally a minimalist white speaker crafted by IKEA product designer Ola Wihlborg, the SOLSKYDD speaker has been transformed by Teklan into a trio of colourful collectibles. The round speakers come in three sizes: a portable model that pops in every room; a medium version sporting green, brown and beige stripes; and a large textured orange one that can be mounted on the wall. All speakers in the SOLSKYDD family can sync up with each other and other IKEA Bluetooth speakers, so you can play your tunes throughout the house. The lineup also features the iconic FADO lamp, a mood light reimagined with a gentle brown pattern across to its surface. This isn't the first time IKEA has worked with Teklan and her distinct aesthetic — earlier this year, she released 14 climbing rope-inspired charging cables. The full Teklan range is scheduled be launched globally in December 2o25.
After a six million dollar makeover, The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has managed to shake off its shady past and reinvent itself as a palace fit for queens. The recently launched first floor of the venue has been named Priscillas after the cult Aussie flick The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which was filmed on-site. Priscillas has something for everyone — from food and drinks to dancing, drag, music, cabaret, burlesque and sexy magic (it's a thing). Whatever you're in to, it's probably here. Designed by Alexander and Co, the extravagant new fit out includes a cherub-frescoed ceiling, velvet armchairs, gold and marble fixtures and multiple chandeliers. There's a main bar, complete with a stripper pole and a drag stage, as well as various intimate spaces, including an indoor glasshouse with fringed umbrellas and a private pink dining room with streamers hanging from the ceiling. Priscillas will offer a unique "dine and drag" concept, which will see the time-honoured tradition of drag return to the stage every night from 7:30pm. Patrons can watch the show and order a meal from the pub menu, which is 85-percent vegetarian. And because this is an inclusive space, they also catered to vegans, the gluten- and lactose-intolerant and those with nut allergies. too. The menu includes a whole page dedicated to ceviche, however on our visit, the yellowfin tuna with habanero agua, jicama and mint crema on lettuce boats ($20) tasted a bit lifeless, despite the mouthful of ingredients. The best dishes were the simple ones, from the crispy cauliflower and broccoli "wings" with ranch dressing ($14) to the grilled corn with chipotle mayo ($9) and the moreish pumpkin and coriander frito balls with pequin chilli pepper and mint crema ($14). The drinks list includes an impressive selection of international wines and local beers — from VB and Tooheys to Carlton, Young Henrys, Little Creatures and Byron Bay Brewery. If you're in the mood for something fruity, try one of the cocktails, which take their names from legendary drag performers past and present. Priscilla character Mitzi (played by Hugo Weaving) is immortalised in a tropical punch of rum, passionfruit and lime, while Sydney drag queen Felicity Frockaccino makes an excellent impression with fresh apple, vodka and kombucha. And if you thought all that was pretty cool, The Imperial also boasts a pumping nightclub downstairs called The Basement (open Friday and Saturday nights) as well as a soon-to-launch event space upstairs, which will be dedicated to LGBTQI exhibitions and workshops. And following next year, the adjoining venue, also owned by The Sydney Collective, will become Australia's first same-sex wedding chapel. So many great things happening in Erko, and we know just where to celebrate. Images: Trent van der Jagt
Ride-sharing isn't just about hopping in someone's car, getting a lift and avoiding a taxi queue. Over the past few years, scooter and electronic bicycle services have been popping up on Australia's streets, with companies such as Lime, oBike, Uber and Neuron Mobility bringing their fleets — usually in bright colours — to the nation's cities. In Sydney, Beam is the latest outfit to join the fold, courtesy of 50 purple-hued Apollo e-bikes that are now available to hire around Bondi. That number will grow in the coming weeks, topping out at 250, with bikes placed at parking around the Waverley area as well. Beam's launch is timed to coincide with Sydney's continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions, as well as the springtime weather — but if you're wondering what makes it different from the others, that's understandable. While e-bike services are typically dockless, meaning that you can finish your ride wherever you like and just leave your bike there, Beam offers designated parking spots. It calls the scheme 'virtual docking', with customers parking the bikes in predetermined places located by using the company's app. The aim is to solve a familiar problem. As anyone who has stumbled across a scooter or e-bike in an inconvenient location knows, these modes of transport can be left everywhere from roadways to the middle of footpaths. Indeed, back in 2018, the Waverley Council — which covers Bondi, Bronte, Vaucluse, Dover Heights, Bondi Junction, Waverley and parts of Rose Bay — started impounding dockless bikes dumped around the area. In the same year, the City of Sydney created bike sharing bays to help tackle the same issue. Beam users don't have to park the services bikes in its allocated spaces, though. It's encouraged, and parking in a designated spot is free, but you can choose to leave your ride somewhere else and pay a $4 fee. That doesn't seem like the biggest incentive to get people to do the right thing; however, it's better than nothing. When it comes to that other item that's often spotted in weird and awkward places, aka bike helmets, Beam is using bluetooth to lock them down. And, to deal with errant bikes and helmets, it has a team of rangers who are tasked with collecting them. Beam already operates scooters in Adelaide, in Bunbury in Western Australia, and in New Zealand, South Korea and Malaysia as well — but its Apollo e-bikes are making their worldwide debut in Sydney. If you're keen to hit the road, Beam isn't currently charging users to unlock its bikes, but you will pay 29 cents for every minute you're riding. That's part of the company's introductory special, which runs until Sunday, October 18. And for those wondering about the realities of hygiene and e-bike hire in this COVID-19 world, Beam advises that its bikes and helmets are coated with a long-lasting but non-toxic anti-microbial treatment — and regularly sanitised with disinfectant as well. Beam's Apollo e-bikes are now popping up around the Waverley Council area. For more information, head to the company's website.
Head west to Penrith to catch the first ever touring exhibition from the Maruku Arts archive, which is based at Mutitjulu, near Uluru. The carvings and artefacts communicate the stories and law of Anangu culture. "Punu (carved objects made of wood) is a significant and prolific artform in Central Australia and its production and display are integral to the maintenance of culture and to the sharing of knowledge,” says Louise Partos, executive officer of Artback NT. There are 88 punu objects, as well as sculptures, audio and video, representing three generations of artists. Explore at your own leisure with the bespoke mobile app.
A day without laughter is a day wasted, which works out well for comedy rooms around Sydney looking to sell out shows and fill out insurance claims for patrons whose sides have split from the funnies on-stage. Whilst there are copious clubs dedicated to your regular serving of stand-up, there are also a number of alternative, lesser-known and uniquely hilarious shows and events across the harbour city ready to leave you with a breathless stitch. Concrete Playground has laughed (and cringed) at a range of them to bring you the best seven non-stand-up comedy events in Sydney. Story Club Story Club is the wonderful grown-up version of a bedtime story. The best storytellers around read their (often) true stories to avid audiences in the club's new Surry Hills home, The Raval, on the third Wednesday of every month. And with each new evening hosting a brand-new theme, the material is always fresh and hilarious. Adding to the majesty are the the ornate story throne and enormous book the authors read from. Curated and hosted by the affable Ben Jenkins and hilariously dark Zoe Norton Lodge (The Hamster Wheel), Story Club is the most honest and hilarious evening of comedy available in Sydney and will crank the LOL factor up to ten. The Raval, 1/42 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills. Full Body Contact No Love Tennis Full Body Contact No Love Tennis delivers hands down Sydney's best long-form improvisation. Performing upstairs every Tuesday at the Roxbury Hotel in Glebe, a rotating cast of improvisers perform alongside fan favourites including creator Cale Bain and Steen Raskopoulos (winner of the Sydney Comedy Festival's Best Newcomer Award) create hilarious scenes from your audience suggestions that will never be seen again. Regarding the mouthful of a name: don't worry, it barely makes sense even to the initiated, but it sure does add charm. The Roxbury, 180/182 St Johns Road, Glebe. Sydney Fringe Festival Sydney's favourite festival of eclectic performances is about to begin, running from September 6-29, 2013, meaning that there is a glut of alternative comedy to check out. Whether it is The Human Jukebox skills of Benny Davis; MotherFather's newest comedy cavalcade, DoctorDoctor; Pat Magee's brave attempt to stage Every Episode of Doctor Who Ever Live on Stage in an hour; or the Game of Thrones-themed sketch show Make Way For Winter, there is plenty to enjoy without having to watch one person stand at a microphone. Club Cab Sav The secret to humour is surprise. With these famous words of Aristotle in mind, Club Cab Sav is a comedy night all about surprising its audience. Club Cab Sav offers its patrons an alternative take on the traditional night of laughs. Expect to see a mixed bag of entertainment experiments, laugh-inducing comedy and an eclectic palette of performances on the last Wednesday of every month at FBi Social, all for just $10. FBi Social, Level 2, Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William Street, Kings Cross. Project 52 Project 52 is Sydney University's home of comedy, playing host to a rotating roster of formats that includes one of Sydney's last sketch shows, Make Way for Ducklings; Sydney's best young improvisers at Improv Den; themed trivia nights; and Christmas Spooktaculars. Performing out of Sydney University's Hermanns Bar, the guys behind P52 clearly have you covered for a stand-up alternative (but they also have a stand-up night), and all are welcome to enjoy one of Sydney's best comedy rooms curated by Sydney comedy regulars Michael Hing, Steen Raskopoulos and Ben Jenkins — correct, it was the birthplace of Story Club. Hermanns Bar, University of Sydney, Cnr City Road & Butlin Avenue Butlin Avenue, Darlington. Theatresports Theatresports has always been a Sydney stalwart but it has experienced a resurgence in recent years. 2012 saw a surge in crowds attending the Cranston Cup, the state's most prestigious theatresports competition, and it's winners, MotherFather, deservedly went on to be crowned national champions. With this year's Cranston Cup only a month or so away from beginning, excitement is building. Erotic Fan Fiction Whether it is delving into the wonderful world of Harry Potter and exploring the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries, which happens to be a sex dungeon, or enjoying the sordid tales of Buffy the Vampire Layer, erotic fan fiction is funny. So imagine an entire evening dedicated to it. Whilst it does not have a regular night in Sydney, this adds to the allure, making it a must-see when it climbs out of bed to amuse and arouse audiences at events such as Penguin Plays Rough, Late Night Library, Story Club and the Sydney Writers' Festival.
Long before Australia was plunged into a cost-of-living crisis, German-born supermarket chain Aldi was beloved by budget-conscious shoppers for its discounted groceries. Fans of cheap snow gear love the brand for cheap winter threads, too — and everyone knows someone who has nabbed a bargain bed, TV, barbecue, air fryer, outdoor setting or kettle from the retailer. Next on Aldi's list: $3.25 beers. No, there's no figure missing from that number. Yes, that's a wallet-friendly price for a frothy. In Sydney on Wednesday, December 13, you can also enjoy the cheapest pub visit that you're ever likely to have while still buying a drink. To celebrate its new summery beers, which are called ALD IPA and are brewed by BrewDog at its Brisbane base, Aldi is setting up a one-night-only pop-up pub. Meet Special Brews by Aldi, with beverages costing $3.25 there as well, and the beers on offer from 3–7pm at Hotel Sweeney's on Clarence Street. Head along to Special Brews and you'll get a sneak peek at ALD IPA, because it'll be available at the pop-up before it hits supermarkets on Wednesday, December 20. It's a first-come-first-served setup with no bookings, which means that arriving early is recommended. There'll also be a three-drink limit per person, so you won't even spend $10 on brews. Tucking into some chips while you drink will up your budget, however, with Special Brews featuring Aldi's Blackstone crisps in smoky chorizo (aka smoked paprika, pork, garlic and salt) and truffle and olive oil flavours for $3.49 a pack. Also on offer on the night: limited-edition BrewDog stubby holders and socks. Described as "a fresh, fruity ale with tasting notes of citrus, stone fruits and a hint of toast", made with four different hops and coming in at four-percent ABV, ALD IPA will cost $13 for a four-pack — so, still $3.25 each — at Aldi.
Young Adult tells the story of Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron), a teen author and recent divorcee who lives in a spacious apartment in Minneapolis. Tired of spending alcohol-soaked nights alone, she decides to venture back to her hometown of Mercury in an attempt to rekindle a romance with her high-school sweetheart, Buddy (Patrick Wilson). However, Buddy is recently married and has recently become a father. Always determined and slightly sinister, Mavis develops a plot to break up Buddy's marriage and further her own love interests. Along the way she manages to form an unusual bond with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt), who is also keen on reliving his earlier teenage years. Young Adult is a romantic comedy with an unusual twist, exploring the concept of forbidden love and the extreme lengths at which we go to recapture happiness. Although we may see Mavis as a villain, we identify with her sense of nostalgia and desperation. What results is a hilarious insight into human nature and our adaption to change and age. The film marks the reuniting of director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody, who previously collaborated on the Academy Award-winning Juno. To win one of twenty double passes to see Young Adult, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Maybe it was a breakfast staple, sipped as a chaser after a couple of pieces of toast. Perhaps heading home from school, scooping as many spoonfuls as you could into a tall glass of milk and watching whatever was on the ABC was a dedicated part of your daily routine. Either way, if you grew up in Australia, odds are that Milo played a significant role in your childhood — cold, hot, stirred in, left sitting on top or however else you like. Milo makes everything better. Still indulging the odd glass, piled high with that delicious choc-malt powder, now you're an adult? Have a soft spot for a warm Milo on a freezing day? You're not alone. Come the end of July, here's another way to get your Milo fix: via the new, soon-to-release Milo KitKats. Yes, it's a case of one childhood fave joining forces with another — and trust KitKat, the brand known for oh-so-many wild and delightful flavours in Japan (cough drop KitKats, anyone?) to be behind it. The Milo KitKats will indeed combine the former's choc-malt goodness, via a fudge in fact, with the latter's wafers and chocolates. Three varieties are on their way, too: a regular four-finger KitKat filled with Milo, a KitKat Chunky filled with Milo (both retailing at $2 each), and a big KitKat block also packed with Milo ($5). If you can remember the old Milo chocolates that were sold up until the early 2000s — which were basically condensed bars of Milo covered in chocolate — then your tastebuds are probably already watering. For Milo and KitKat lovers that simply can't wait, you can pre-order the new collaboration online now, too. Obviously, you know what to drink with them: a regular ol' Milo, of course, with as much or as little of the good stuff as you prefer. KitKat's Milo bars will hit store shelves from late July, retailing at $2 per bar and $5 per block — or you can pre-order them online in advance.
Bordered by the sunny, sandy beaches of Wollongong and located less than 90km south of Sydney, Shell Cove is our pick of the season for those seeking an easy weekend escape. While it's packed with many of the natural wonders synonymous with the neighbouring NSW South Coast towns, the area's gorgeous, sun-soaked offerings make it a must-visit destination unto itself. If you've never been to Shell Cove, it's time to change that. With the help of Shellharbour City Council, with Frasers Property, we've put together a guide on some of our favourite places to eat, play and stay in this scenic and relaxing spot. [caption id="attachment_869851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Waterfront Tavern[/caption] EAT SHELL-EBRATE SEAFOOD Given that Shell Cove enjoys direct access to the Tasman Sea, it should surprise exactly nobody that visitors will be able to enjoy some spectacular seafood at The Waterfront Dining Precinct. Test out the theory for yourself by tucking into fresh takeaway fish and chips at the The Salty Squid, or, if you aren't about the pescatarian life, sample the local beef burgers with milk buns at family-friendly restaurant Georgia Rose. Just be sure to finish things off at The Waterfront Tavern with a Caramilk Espresso Martini. GET THE (DOUBLE) SCOOP Did you even do a road trip if you didn't stop for ice cream? BLISS Ice Cream and Gelato makes it easier to get your warm-weather sugar fix — as well as a nice snap of your cone for Instagram — by offering over 50 delicious flavours of ice cream and gelato, alongside an equally impressive range of milkshakes, thick shakes and caffeine-fixing drinks. A FOODIE FESTIVAL If brunch, booze and all the bits in between aren't enough to entice you, then those looking for a little extra incentive to make the leisurely drive from Sydney to Shell Cove will find it in The Waterfront Food and Wine Festival this October. Headlined by Masterchef's Adam Liaw and renowned Indigenous chef Mark Olive, the weekend-long event will kick off at 4pm on Friday, October 28 (and continue on into the next day before ending on Saturday evening) — bringing together the South Coast's finest food makers and the region's award-winning wine, craft beer and spirit producers. Think chefs, cheesemakers, baristas, bakers, brewers, winemakers and distillers showing off their best wares — and yes, there will be samples. You can also check out workshops and live cooking demonstrations from food experts — with delicious results. LOVE YOU A BRUNCH Sure, Sydney is known for its brilliant brunch spots, but those in Shell Cove serve theirs alongside a beautiful sea breeze — and Leaf Cafe & Co is one of the best. Located in the The Shell Cove Town Centre, Leaf prepares dishes like breakfast gnocchi daily, while roasting and grinding its award-winning coffee beans every single week… Which is probably how it managed to bring home four medals from the largest global roasting competition this year. [caption id="attachment_869850" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Waterfront Boardwalks[/caption] PLAY ON THE BEATEN TRACK Whether you're a workout warrior, art aficionado or just keen to get your blood and creative juices flowing, be sure to check out The Waterfront's 2.5-kilometre promenade and harbourside boardwalks. As well as public artworks and outdoor exercise equipment dotted the track, there's a lot to love about the striking lookouts over the Tasman sea. Prefer to head off the beaten track (literally)? The marina offers a number of casual berths for hire, that make it popular among boat owners. With sailors coming in from across Australia (including adventurous Adelaideans and others en route to Queensland), you'll be in good company should you opt to pull up ship and spend the day fishing from the boat ramp. A HOLE NEW BALL GAME You don't need to be Greg Norman to book a round at Links Shell Cove. While the picturesque golf course does service aspiring pro-putter with its challenging 18-hole course, it's also home to a brand new, mini-but-mighty golf course for those who are more pussycat than Tiger Woods. A scaled-down version of the original full-size golf course, the "Links" course is best suited for beginners and budding golfers who are, well, a little bit green, on the green. [caption id="attachment_871410" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shellharbour Wild Tours[/caption] DOLPHIN DREAMING The best way to get up close and personal with those dolphin spotting opportunities we mentioned in our introduction? By booking a tour with Shellharbour Wild. Begin your trip with a cruise from the Shellharbour Marina travelling south and exploring beautiful Bushrangers Bay and its calm turquoise waters, before driving up north to take in the panoramic views of Perkins and Windang Beach. Depending on the season you might cross paths with dolphins, whales or the fur seals sunbathing on the rocks of Five Islands. BEACHY KEEN It seems almost criminal to get halfway through an article on Shell Cove before we mention its beautiful beaches, and yet here we are. To make up for our misdemeanour, allow us to share some of the most scenic seaside spots that border Shell Cove. As well as the unspoilt white sands and surfing swell you'll find at Shellharbour South Beach and Killalea Beach, be sure to check out Bass Point and Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve. Popular with both locals and passing travellers, this sheltered site affords access to iconic snorkelling and diving excursions, only accessible through Shell Cove. [caption id="attachment_869853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Kids Beach at The Waterfront[/caption] STAY COMING SOON: THE CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL Looking for iconic, deluxe hotel accommodation, with chic restaurants and bars, delicious food and beverage outlets, contemporary rooms and function facilities, and a resort-style pool? Then watch this space, with the Crowne Plaza Hotel expected to be opening at The Waterfront in 2025 — mark your calendars now. A SPECIAL KIND OF SEBEL Can't wait that long? May we suggest the Sebel Harbourside Kiama, in the meantime? Featuring a range of luxury lodgings, as well as a variety of entertainment and dining options, and views over the beautiful Kiama harbour you would be completely forgiven for spending the entirety of your stay onsite. Insider tip: Don't do that, otherwise you'll miss out on the famous Kiama Blowhole and historic terrace shops, which are both but a short walk away. [caption id="attachment_869696" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] APARTMENT STAYS If you prefer the experience of a self-serviced stay, check out this one by the beach (three minutes away to be precise). With a stylish set-up and take-your-breath-away views of the ocean, this spectacular three-bedder is the ideal space for your Shell Cove stay. Plus it comes with a large alfresco balcony (including an inbuilt BBQ) so you can enjoy sunrises and sunsets all year round. TOWNHOUSE FOR THREE For a townhouse that gives city slick vibes without skimping on Shell Cove's signature South Coast charm, we recommend this stunning three-bedroom townhouse. If you have a long list of luxury accommodation essentials, we can almost guarantee that this place is the one that will mark them off. Think top-tier furnishings, a master bedroom with a king-size bed, and waterfront views courtesy of its world-class marina location. To find out more about Shell Cove and discover this scenic NSW location for yourself, head to The Waterfront Shell Cove.
After first setting up shop in Brisbane last year, and then announcing plans to open more Australian stores last month, Taco Bell has revealed the location of its second Australian outpost: Robina on the Gold Coast. The US Tex-Mex chain is headed to a spot adjacent to Robina Town Centre later in 2018, with construction currently underway on its new digs. While the exact opening date hasn't yet been revealed, fans of burritos, quesadillas, nachos and, of course, tacos, can expect to start munching away before summer hits. Taco Bell's Queensland expansion will come as no surprise to anyone who's seen the lines at the company's existing Annerley store, and it doesn't look as though the company is done with the region yet — with job listings presently open for not only Robina, but for Brisbane and the surrounding suburbs. In good news for those eager for a Mexican-inspired bite in Sydney and Melbourne, more Australian shops are planned by the end of the year. It'll be a case of out with the old and in with the new, actually, with previous reports indicating that Taco Bell will take over old Sizzler spots. Find Taco Bell at a to-be-confirmed Robina location near Robina Town Centre later this year. We'll keep you updated on the opening.
I will admit to not knowing any astronauts or showjumpers or firemen, or even any cops for that matter, but I have met my share of ballerinas and marine biologists, and also this one thoroughly demoralising dude who worked for the U.N "on the strategic planning staff in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General," and some models and some people well on their way to qualifying as surgeons. On these grounds, I feel like the 'When I Grow Up' predictions of childhood do have a reasonable chance of playing out. And you absolutely do find people who are working actors, directors, musicians, writers or artists too, it's just that they more often than not have another job or three to keep them going. So how do you find the space and time and money to sustain a creative practice in Sydney these days? As part of Vivid Creative Sydney's fringe program, Queen Street Studio is holding a panel discussion on this very topic. Hosted by QSS director and co-founder James Winter, the evening will bring tips and tales of survival and strategy in visual arts, performance and the wonderful world of the ARI. Panellists are Fran Barrett, a member of Brown Council and current director of Serial Space; artist/performer/writer/curator Rosie Dennis; Sian McIntyre, who is a director of The Paper Mill exhibition space; contemporary artist and intervenor into public space Sebastian Goldspink; and Michelle Kotevski, independent filmmaker and Executive Producer of Urban Theatre Projects. Image by Leah McGirr
This article is sponsored by our partners, the Sydney Festival. We all know Hyde Park is much better when conceived as a kind of Midsummer Night's Dream: a magical, atmospheric hub bounded by strings of lights. This Sydney Festival promises a Festival Village in Hyde Park, thrice as sprawling as last year's Festival Garden, stretching along College Street past the Archibald Fountain and housing the Spiegeltent, Circus Ronaldo tent as well as five bars. The Village's free activities, music and nommy nomz will take you from day to night with the laidback, buzzy vibe that's unique to Sydney in January. Gelato Messina, Food Society, Jafe Jaffles and Woofys hot dogs have your voracious stomach's needs completely covered (just behold these custom-built Messina creations). But this is not just about slobbering gluttony, you barbarian. It's also about playtime. Melbourne-based Boxwars will entertain kids with art workshops where they can do neat stuff with reclaimed cardboard. City of Sydney's Lawn Library offers books and workshops by day, and Adult Storytime with comedy by Campfire Collective by night. Bounce on Jeremy Deller's inflatable Stonehenge, Sacrilege, and enjoy intimate serenades care of Folk in a Box. And what is the soundtrack to all this hubbub? The tunes are plentifully provided at the Village Bandstand and Rekorderlig Gazebo in sets by DJs including Captain Franco, Marcus King, Smart Casual, Radge, Tyson Koh, Sweetie, Andy Votel, Jimmy Sing, Gramophone Man, The Laurels, The Crusty Suitcase Band, The Ukes of Today and Saint Tropez All Day. How will you cope, sipping a cold one to the smooth grooves of these soundsters, and sampling all these Sydney summer delights? Festival Village is open 9am-2am, January 9-26 (closed Mondays). For bookings call 1300 668 812 or visit the Sydney Festival website. Image by Prudence Upton.
Ultimo studio Design By Them is truly committed to showcasing Australian designers. The shop has been around since 2007 and was founded by industrial designers Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis. The duo are committed to selling bespoke products that are built to last. You'll find all original furniture here, along with lighting, homewares and accessories. Each design is created by a local designer, then produced in-house at the Wattle Street location. The curated collection doesn't just offer pieces for the home, either — Design By Them also caters to restaurants, hotels, universities, libraries and even airports, and has produced works for mega-brands like Facebook, Google, the Sydney Opera House and Louis Vuitton. Images: Pete Daly
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.
As the weird and wonderful program of the Sydney Fringe Festival takes over the Harbour City, potential attendees need help determining which events to attend. If you're looking for a physical theme, consider the acrobatic skills of Head First Acrobats and the three shows the group is putting on across the festival. First, some context. Head First Acrobats is a Melbourne-based group of performers that specialises in a blend of circus acrobatics and physical comedy. They have won awards and found fringe festival fame worldwide. The contributions to this year's Sydney Fringe Festival are split across three shows, each very different from the last. First up is the current flagship performance: GODZ. It's been raking in awards from fringe festivals nationwide and is now bringing its signature style of hedonism to Sydney. The stars are the gods of Ancient Greece, setting the scene for "the biggest party to hit Mount Olympus since 500 BCE". Said party involves muscles, stunts, skills and laughs of a godlike scale. GODZ is showing at Spiegeltent Festival Garden – The Vault until Sunday, October 1. [caption id="attachment_916818" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tenae Francis[/caption] Another headline show is Créme de la créme, a variety show that combines the impressive stunts and displays of the circus with the cheeky fun of cabaret and burlesque. Attendees can look forward to world-class acrobatics that's as gritty as it is glammed and a fair warning to expect a spot of nudity. Créme de la créme is showing at Spiegeltent Festival Garden – The Vault from Tuesday, September 12 until Sunday, September 24. Finally, if you're planning to bring some younger attendees along with you, grab tickets to Prehysterical. The physical performances continue but this time even further back in history, following the antics of three Neanderthals just trying to get by in a dangerous world. Expect good old fashioned slapstick humour and some tongue-in-cheek jokes for the adults. Prehysterical is showing at Spiegeltent Festival Garden – The Vault until Sunday, October 8. Head First Acrobats are performing several shows across September and October, each in Spiegeltent Festival Garden – The Vault, for more information on GODZ, Créme de la créme or Prehysterical, visit the respective websites. Images courtesy of Head First Acrobats.
There's plenty of food at Bondi Feast, but it's not the main course. The Rock Surfers Theatre Company's annual festival serves up offbeat performances, comedy and writerly projects from some of our favourite creative Sydneysiders, all backed up by a rotating cast of food vendors in the Bondi Pavilion's Festival Bar. With tickets to shows starting at $10, consider it a tapas of ideas, hilarity, provocation and feels. The shows here have fronted up ready to compete for our very limited attention spans on title alone. There's My Struggle: The Life and Times of an Individ (in a World Full of Hipsters), This Is My Box, Awkward Conversations with Animals I've Fucked, Jack Kerouac's Rules for Spontaneous Prose, Destroyer of Worlds and Josipa Draisma is Jean Claude Van Damme. The synopsis for (Melbourne Fringe Festival and Green Room Award winner) Tim Spencer's Sweet Sweet Merch reads simply, "Shock hot super cool amazing unbelievable award winning prizes escalation fireworks blow by blow action responsive titivating nudity live girls progressive mind bending altering adulterating celebrity scandal high quality mindfulness organic all natural beatific excellence quality service customer care highlights moisturising elevating prosthetic cyborg money back guarantee*". What more could you ask for? But there's a lot of substance to these dishes. With acts pulled together by festival director and regular indie theatre conduit Phil Spencer, Bondi Feast is a showcase of the east coast's best fringe or up-and-coming performers and writers. "Bondi Feast 2014 is packed full of action with guided meditations, dance classes, open auditions, 24 hour playwright parties, scratch nights, hot soup and bags of new works,” says Spencer. Included on the bill is Eddie Sharp (Erotic Fan Fiction), Genevieve Fricker (TV's The Roast), Vanessa Bates (Every Second), Jessica Bellamy (Shabbat Dinner), Caleb Lewis (Death in Bownegabbie), Daniel Townes and Hannah Malarski (Bushpig). For the duration of the fest, the Bondi Pav will kitted out as a North American roadside diner, featuring designer Gemma O'Nions' "bespoke truckie cab shrines". A different food truck or local business takes over the kitchen each night (in previous years that's included the Bucket List, Veggie Patch, Misschu, Bondi Harvest and the Beach Burrito Co), while Batlow's hot spiced apple cider provides the support you need to step out onto that blustery balcony with the killer beach views.
The world of fantasy literature has mourned some staggeringly talented people lately, like Diana Wynne Jones and Robert Jordan. Thankfully Sir Terry Pratchett is still with us, and what's more he's coming to the Opera House to prove it. Whereas the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy pioneered humour in sci-fi, Terry Pratchett took some of the early piss out of fantasy, starting in the early seventies. His career really took off with the first in his still-running Discworld series in 1983, where Death is one of the many contenders for protagonist. The series remains unfinished, in the sense that his life, too, is unfinished. What started as pure satire began to change eight books in. He introduced Dickens-like undercurrents about politics, the mechanics of how cities work, and a sure-footed humanist bent. He's gone from the author of some fringe, funny books to one of the UK's top selling authors. April 17 he'll be claiming Imagination, Not Intelligence, Made us Human in front of fellow author Garth Nix. It's booked out in Melbourne, and it's getting close to it here in Sydney. And while he's not dead yet, who knows when he'll be back again to prove it to you? Image of Terry Pratchett by Moroboshi.
Hordes of imitators have spilled ones and zeros claiming otherwise, but the greatest move The Matrix franchise ever made wasn't actually bullet time. Even 22 years after Lana and Lilly Wachowski brought the saga's instant-classic first film to cinemas, its slow-motion action still wows, and yet they made another choice that's vastly more powerful. It wasn't the great pill divide — blue versus red, as dubiously co-opted by right-wing conspiracies since — or the other binaries at its core (good versus evil, freedom versus enslavement, analogue versus digital, humanity versus machines). It wasn't end-of-the-millennia philosophising about living lives online, the green-tinged cyberpunk aesthetic, or one of the era's best soundtracks, either. They're all glorious, as is knowing kung fu and exclaiming "whoa!", but The Matrix's unwavering belief in Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss is far more spectacular. It was a bold decision those two-and-a-bit decades ago, with Reeves a few years past sublime early-90s action hits Point Break and Speed, and Moss then known for TV bit parts (including, in a coincidence that feels like the product of computer simulation, a 1993 series called Matrix). But, as well as giving cinema their much-emulated gunfire-avoidance technique and all those other aforementioned highlights, the Wachowskis bet big on viewers caring about their central pair — and hooking into their chemistry — as leather-clad heroes saving humanity. Amid the life-is-a-lie horrors, the subjugation of flesh to mechanical overlords and the battle for autonomy, the first three Matrix films always weaved Neo and Trinity's love story through their sci-fi action. Indeed, the duo's connection remained the saga's beating heart. Like any robust computer program executed over and over, The Matrix Resurrections repeats the feat — with plenty of love for what's come before, but even more for its enduring love story. Lana goes solo on The Matrix Resurrections — helming her first-ever project without her sister in their entire career — but she still goes all in on Reeves and Moss. The fourth live-action film in the saga, and fifth overall counting The Animatrix, this new instalment doesn't initially give its key figures their familiar character names, however. Rather, it casts them as famous video game designer Thomas Anderson and motorcycle-loving mother-of-two Tiffany. One of those monikers is familiar, thanks to a surname drawled by Agent Smith back in 1999, and again in 2003 sequels The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. But this version of Thomas Anderson only knows the agent from his own hit gaming trilogy (called The Matrix, naturally). And he doesn't really know Tiffany at all, instead admiring her from afar at Simulatte, their local coffee shop. Before Reeves and Moss share a frame, and before Anderson and Tiffany's awkward meet-cute, The Matrix Resurrections begins with blue-haired hacker Bugs (Jessica Henwick, On the Rocks). She sports a white rabbit tattoo, observes a scene straight out of the first flick and helps set the movie's self-referential tone. As a result, The Matrix Resurrections starts with winking, nodding and déjà vu — and, yes, with a glitch, with Lana and co-screenwriters David Mitchell (author of Cloud Atlas) and Aleksandar Hemon (Sense8) penning a playful script that adores the established Matrix lore, enjoys toying with it and openly unpacks everything that's sprung up around it. Long exposition dumps, some of the feature's worst habits, explain the details, but waking up Anderson from his machine-induced dream — again — is Bugs' number-one aim. The Matrix Resurrections' main task: reteaming Neo and Trinity, and getting them to realise that they even are Neo and Trinity. Once more, Wachowski knows where the saga's heart resides, that its existential dramas are about people, and that the bonds that bind us are our lifeblood. But now that Neo and Trinity inhabit a realm where a game series with the exact same plot as the first three Matrix movies is Anderson's livelihood, the path to simulation-dismantling love is unsurprisingly paved with difficulties. Here are three: the demands by Anderson's business partner (Jonathan Groff, Hamilton) for a sequel to the games, the blue pills prescribed by Anderson's analyst (Neil Patrick Harris, It's a Sin), and Tiffany's husband Chad (played by the John Wick franchise's director Chad Stahelski, who was also Reeves' stunt double in the first Matrix flick) and all he represents. Reviving a romance last seen on-screen 18 years ago, raising its main players from the dead, bringing back other characters in altered guises, liberally weaving in clips from past films — stitched together as it is from oh-so-many familiar parts, you could call The Matrix Resurrections a Frankenstein's monster of a movie. Wachowski has found a rare way to make that a positive more often than not, however, because deprogramming the notion that anything is just one thing alone couldn't be more crucial here. That truth pulsates through the film's action, too, which can't live up to the original and doesn't particularly seem to try. Enough of the movie's fights and chases and sci-fi trickery still look stunning, but The Matrix Resurrections wants audiences to go "whoa!' over its ideas, emotions and meta-philosophising above all else. Even the warmer colour scheme — sorry, fans of futuristic green — casts this new tumble down the rabbit hole in multiple lights. A film can be daring, evolve its franchise while mining nostalgia with care and savvy, and make the utmost of its biggest strengths — Reeves and Moss, clearly, who could melt faces with their chemistry. It can be both fun and funny, and also skewer the company resuscitating it (that'd be Warner Bros, with The Matrix Resurrections doing a superior job of making the joke than the studio's horrible Space Jam: A New Legacy). It can offer a sincere ode to love, human connection and perseverance, too, and transform old parts to make them feel different in the process. Still, while so much about The Matrix Resurrections dazzles — Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Candyman) joining the fold and rocking magnificent suits among them — sometimes it's just clunkily new and clumsily self-referential rather than fresh. Believing in Reeves and Moss remains its biggest superpower, though. If the energy from their timeless on-screen romance can help the world forget how underwhelming The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions both proved, it can fuel this mostly thrilling, almost-always-entertaining look back in the sci-fi mirror.
Sydney's dining scene is set to score a glamorous new addition this spring, as Chris Lucas, the celebrated Melbourne restaurateur behind zeitgeist-defining venues such as Chin Chin, Yakimono and Maison Bâtard, brings his Venetian-inspired brasserie Grill Americano to the Harbour City. And while we announced the news when it broke in February, new details have now been revealed about the opening — including an official launch date. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 19, when Lucas' second Sydney restaurant opens at No. 1 Chifley Square, perhaps better known as the heritage-listed Qantas House building. Grill Americano Sydney will channel the same old-world Italian elegance and theatrical flair that's made the original one of Melbourne's hardest-to-book restaurants since it debuted on Flinders Lane in 2022. [caption id="attachment_1030742" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] But don't expect a carbon copy. Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini — whose resume includes stints at Michelin-starred kitchens Ristorante Reale, Le Calandre and Mugaritz, and who's helmed Grill Americano Melbourne since 2024 — has worked closely with Lucas Restaurants Head of Culinary Damian Snell and Lucas himself to create a menu that pairs Grill Americano signatures with new dishes designed exclusively for Sydney. A clutch of the new additions lean into Sydney's love of fresh fruits of the sea. Among them: prawn panzerotto with Oscietra caviar, tuna 'nduja and anchovy crostini and a Sicilian-style seafood risotto laced with saffron and chilli. A dedicated raw seafood bar will spotlight oysters, crustacea and daily-changing crudo selections. [caption id="attachment_1030741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] Naturally, many of Grill Americano's Melbourne favourites will make the trip north, including the scampi alla veneziana on saffron pilaf and the show-stopping tiramisu, which is served tableside. The kitchen's famed bistecca offering, featuring 15 premium cuts and specialty beef dishes, will also demand attention, from the bistecca pepe e verde Angus Chateaubriand with cognac and green peppercorn to a 700-gram New York Cut Striploin of grappa-infused, dry-aged Chauvel beef. Chef Simone Giorgianni, who has led the restaurant's acclaimed pasta program since day one, will bring a lineup of daily handmade favourites to Sydney. Expect pillowy ravioli, silky pappardelle and a luxurious lobster tortellini finished with sauce américaine. To match, Master Sommelier Paolo Saccone has curated an extensive wine list — Melbourne's cellar houses over 2000 bottles — while the classic-leaning cocktail list includes a tribute to the bellini from Harry's Bar, Venice's legendary 1930s cocktail den. Designed by Chris and Sarah Lucas with longtime collaborator Samantha Eades, Grill Americano Sydney will feel familiar to fans of the Melbourne original thanks to its signature blue velvet banquettes, a 30-metre-long marble bar and an open kitchen anchored by a Josper grill and woodfired oven, all framed by the building's existing soaring ceilings and expansive heritage windows. Reservations open mid-October — and with buzz already building, this is shaping up as one of Sydney's biggest restaurant openings of 2025. [caption id="attachment_1030743" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Dillon[/caption] Grill Americano Sydney is set to open on Wednesday, November 19, at 1 Chifley Square, 68–96 Hunter Street, Sydney. Reservations, which open from mid-October, can be made on the Sydney reservations page. For more information about the restaurant, visit the Lucas Collective website.
A couple of years back, a ramen joint in Sydney served up $400 bowls of brothy, noodle-filled goodness, complete with a full lobster and a golden head as a garnish. If you wanted to give it a try, you clearly needed deep pockets. But it now looks positively cheap and affordable compared to Australia's new $15,000 gold-infused cocktail. Yes, you read that amount correctly. Yes, that's a ridiculous sum of money for a drink. No, we didn't add an extra zero, or two or three — because $150 or $1500 cocktails would still elicit the same reaction. The bank balance-crushing tipple — called the Woodford Gold Fashioned — will clearly be the most pricey old fashioned you ever come across, and has unsurprisingly been dubbed Australia's most expensive cocktail. It's also only on offer for a limited time at two Australian bars for Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Week. That celebration, as the name makes plain, hails from booze brand Woodford Reserve and is all about showcasing one specific type of boozy concoction. The fest itself is popping up at 200-plus bars Australia-wide, running from Saturday, November 5–Monday, November 14. Only Sydney's Dean and Nancy on 22 and Melbourne's Sky Bar will be serving up the $15,000 versions, though. What do you get for that hefty cost? An old fashioned made with Woodford's XO cognac-finished Baccarat Edition, as paired with a gold-infused Chateau d'Yquem reduction, plus handmade saffron and vanilla bitters. Even the ice that's popped in it is fancy — it'll be specially engraved — and the whole sip is poured into a hand-cut French crystal Baccarat tumbler. If you're wondering, the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo has a Diamonds Are Forever martini that costs US$19,000, so a more expensive drink does exist. The Woodford Gold Fashioned one comes in after that, making it the second-most expensive cocktail worldwide. Somehow manage to stump up the cash for a Woodford Gold Fashioned and you'll also get an at-home cocktail kit, which includes a pair of the same Baccarat tumblers and a bottle of Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition. If you're paying $15,000 for a cocktail, it really does need to come with freebies to enjoy afterwards. The Woodford Gold Fashioned will be available from Saturday, November 5–Monday, November 14 at Sydney's Dean and Nancy on 22 and Melbourne's Sky Bar for Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Week.
Canada had Degrassi. Britain had Press Gang. For for seven seasons, 210 episodes and a whole heap of "rack off"s between 1994–99, Australia had Heartbreak High. It's the show that turned Callan Mulvey's Drazic into an icon, actually resembled the multicultural country its homegrown audience experienced every day, and lived and breathed 90s teen angst along with its after-class viewers. Once its instantly catchy opening-credits theme started each episode, it cycled through the same taboos and troubles that every high school-set drama does, and weathered the same schoolyard ups and downs as well — but it was unmistakably and unashamedly Aussie from its accents and Sydney setting to its attitude and vernacular. The OG Heartbreak High wasn't just another snapshot of adolescent chaos; it was a mirror. Dropping on Netflix on Wednesday, September 14, the revival is now another generation's looking glass. It's also a welcome blast from the past for everyone who grew up with the original or managed to track it down afterwards (wearing out old VHS tapes, perhaps, before it hit Netflix itself); however, it's never just that, not even for a second. Initially a spinoff from the Claudia Karvan- and Alex Dimitriades-starring 1993 movie The Heartbreak Kid, which adapted the 1987 play of the same name, Heartbreak High returns with Gen Z at its core and a spicier vibe to match. This new batch of Sydney high schoolers don't just watch Euphoria, Sex Education and Never Have I Ever, the shows that Heartbreak High circa 2022 easily slots alongside — they're now at the centre of Australia's version, all while listening to a Triple J soundtrack, working at Harry's Cafe de Wheels, avoiding eshays and talking about bin chickens. Teen-focused dramas always reflect the generation they're made for, and the returning Heartbreak High is no different. Today's high school-set shows often come with more than a few nods backwards as well, though. Just like Beverly Hills, 90210, Saved by the Bell and Gossip Girl before it — like Degrassi's multiple go-arounds across more than four decades now, including a new take that's set to land in 2023 — Heartbreak High 2.0 knows it has a history and doesn't dream of pretending otherwise. 90s worship is in fashion anyway, so all those Doc Martens, nose rings, baggy jeans, slip dresses and oversized band t-shirts not only could've adorned the initial show's cast, but prove a natural fit this time around. Sporting such decade-crossing attire is a fresh-faced — and fresh-to-the-franchise — cohort of Hartley High students. The years and teens have changed, but the location, like plenty of the outfits, remains the same. When the eight-episode new season begins, Amerie (Ayesha Madon, The Moth Effect) and Harper (Asher Yasbincek, How to Please a Woman) are life-long best friends, but their sudden rift after a drunken night at a music festival changes everything. Amerie doesn't know why Harper has suddenly shaved her head, let alone cut all ties with her. She's just as shocked when the mural they've graffitied in an unused school stairwell, chronicling who's dated, had a crush on and slept with who among the year 11s, is scandalously outed. That "incest map", whether one of Amerie's classmates received a "tongue punch in the fart box", if another has a "lazy kebab vagina", the pink dildo stuck to the school basketball hoop's backboard: there isn't just one sign that Heartbreak High isn't in the 90s anymore, let alone on Network Ten or the ABC; there's a whole classroom full of them. Where the initial series was groundbreaking in its cultural and class diversity at a time when the overwhelmingly white casts of Home and Away and Neighbours otherwise monopolised Aussie screens, navigating almost exclusively middle-class existences, creator Hannah Carroll Chapman (The Heights) ensures that her version is equally as inclusive — and frank — when it comes to gender, sexuality and neurodiversity. Principal Woodsy (Rachel House, Baby Done) isn't impressed by her students' candour, however, sending every Hartley attendee named on the map to an after-hours sexual literacy tutorial. Also in the group: the non-binary Darren (screen first-timer James Majoos) and their bestie Quinni (Chloe Hayden, Jeremy the Dud), who has autism — and who now comprise Amerie's new support system. Hartley heartthrob Dusty (Josh Heuston, Thor: Love and Thunder), his smug pal Spider (Bryn Chapman Parish, Mr Inbetween) and resident comic relief Ant (debutant Brodie Townsend) are all roped in, too. So is the pink-haired Sasha (Gemma Chua-Tran, Mustangs FC), her ex-turned-bestie Missy (fellow newcomer Sherry-Lee Watson), and mullet-wearing drug dealer and food delivery driver Ca$h (Will McDonald, Home and Away), plus Bundjalung boy, basketballer and new Hartley arrival Malakai (Thomas, Troppo). Throw any motley crew of high schoolers together and familiar issues and struggles will arise, as all of Heartbreak High's peers — then and now — can attest. Although no one becomes a teen mother here, recent fellow Aussie series Bump also casts a shadow (and not just because it stars The Heartbreak Kid's Karvan among the parents). That show hews softer and smoother, while this one skews glossier and racier. At first, it feels like the OG Heartbreak High's rawness and grit might've been buffed away. But as the series charts the fallout from Amerie and Harper's feud, the reasons behind it, and a new wave of hookups and controversies — as well as parties and pairings — it finds its own intensity. Come for the instant nostalgia, stay for an old favourite firmly seen with fresh eyes: that's the revived Heartbreak High experience. Some recognisable names pop up, but overtly winking and nudging to 90s viewers definitely isn't the show's point. It can't be; teen chaos doesn't rack off but rather gets handed down through time, just as this series now has. Spanning everything from consent and crime to drugs and police brutality, there's more than enough adolescent mess and stress to go around again. Viewers don't have a moment to waste wondering if old faces will return anyway, given how dynamic the new cast is — Madon, Majoos and Hayden make a terrific lead trio, and Weatherall, McDonald and Yasbincek in particular turn in beautifully complicated performances — and how addictive their characters' dramas prove. Check out the trailer for Heartbreak High below: Heartbreak High streams via Netflix from Wednesday, September 14. Images: Mark Rogers / Lisa Tomasetti / Elise Lockwood, Netflix.
UPDATE, September 27, 2022: Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert general admission tickets have sold out, with only Sydney WorldPride's affordability option left — but you can still head along thanks to Concrete Playground Trips. The Sydney WorldPride package includes tickets to the Domain Dance Party and Live and Proud: Opening Concert, plus three nights at the PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney. On a Sydney stage on Friday, February 24, 2023, here's hoping that Australia's princess of pop utters four specific words: "come into my WorldPride". The massive LGBTQIA+ festival is heading to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, taking over Sydney for two and a half weeks — and who else but Kylie Minogue could open it? Sydney WorldPride has been announcing parts of its lineup since June, including the return of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade to Oxford Street after the 2021 and 2022 events were held at the Sydney Cricket Ground due to the pandemic — and it will drop its full program in November. But Kylie headlining Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, spinning around The Domain and making sure that Sydney WorldPride festivalgoers can't get her out of their heads is obviously massive. LOVERS! For the first time ever, WorldPride is coming to the Southern Hemisphere. YES! I'm so excited to announce that I will be performing at the opening concert in Sydney on 24 February, 2023 at The Domain. Can't wait to see you there! 💖 https://t.co/ExghPi5NEw pic.twitter.com/Wt0q1Szg2n — Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) September 23, 2022 Sydney shall be so lucky — and so will Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert attendees, because it'll mark Kylie's only WorldPride performance. Her set for the night is also being created especially for the evening, so this isn't the kind of Kylie show you've seen before. Already know that you can't make it along? The performance will also be broadcast live nationwide on the ABC. On a night like this, Casey Donovan and Courtney Act will be on hosting duties — and the rest of the Live and Proud lineup will be revealed later this year. Hand on your heart, you know you want to be there, with tickets on sale now. The event doubles as a celebration of 45 years of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, if you needed more motivation to break out your best 'Loco-Motion'. "Kylie is not only a beloved musician and rainbow icon, but the highest selling Australian-born solo artist of all time," said Sydney WorldPride CEO Kate Wickett, announcing the news. "We are honoured and INCREDIBLY excited to have Kylie again stand with our community at Sydney WorldPride 2023 — the global rainbow family reunion we've been waiting for." Sydney WorldPride will run from Friday, February 17–Sunday, March 5, 2023, with the opening concert taking place at The Domain on Friday, February 24. Tickets for Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert are on sale now. For more information about Sydney WorldPride, or for general ticket sales, head to the event's website.
Like most major cities, there are some well-known must-dos when you visit Canberra for the first time. The Australian War Memorial? Check. The National Gallery of Australia? Obviously. A paddleboat on Lake Burley Griffin? Of course. But once all those major attractions are ticked off the list, what's next? Well, there is more to Canberra than meets the eye. The capital is teeming with hidden gems — think social enterprise cafes, farmers markets and teeny tiny galleries — that locals love to frequent on their days off. And now you can, too. Make the most of your next Canberra adventure with this list of lesser-known spots. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
The Central Coast has just gained a massive new hospitality precinct thanks to Australian entrepreneur extraordinaire John Singleton. He's done much to develop the high-end hospitality scene on the Central Coast, with his ventures include the award-winning Pretty Beach House and Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel. But the latest spot to receive the Singleton treatment is Gosford's 14-storey Bonython Tower, a luxury waterfront mixed-use building at Point Frederick. Singleton has transformed the building into a six-in-one venue, The Bon Pavilion — and it opens today, Friday, April 12. Longtime hospitality partners Brian and Karina Barry (Pokolbin Hunter Valley Resort) are in on the action, having also joined Singleton on Bells at Killcare, Pretty Beach House and the Bluetongue Brewery. In the kitchen is celebrity executive chef Sean Connolly, who is best known locally as the man behind The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room, but also operates highly lauded venues in Byron Bay, Auckland, Adelaide and Dubai. Connolly is all about ethically sourced produce and simple food done well, which will of course be on display across Bon Pavilion's many offerings. And we mean many. The enormous pavilion is split between six 'zones', each with a distinct offering. First up there's Bonfire, the venue's main dining room, which is open for lunch and dinner. Think freshly shucked oysters, seasonal fish and premium cuts of steak, plus an extensive wine list with a strong focus on Hunter Valley drops. For even more wine, head to the Bon Vin cellar door, which offers up premium wines from around the globe — including Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Spain and South America — with bottles ranging from $38 to a whopping $750. Then there's Bon Bar, open from midday until midnight, and slinging Australian and international craft beer on tap, a wide range of spirits and seasonal cocktails, plus late-night bar snacks. The public bar will be a more casual affair, open each day as well. For more casual fare, Bon Bon Espresso offers breakfast and lunch, along with a selection signature cocktails and house wines — a clear theme across the board. There's also separate private dining and function rooms for booking. Speaking of a many hats, Connolly is also the space's creative director and is also responsible for the fit-out, alongside design practice Alexander & Co. The impressive interior features a palette of burnt orange and sea greens, and diners will be joined by a huge mural by Lisa King of Biripi Nation woman Elsie Stuart. Worth a trip up the coast this weekend — especially as it's only an hour and a half away, both in the car or on the train. The Bon Pavilion is now open at 159 Mann Street, Gosford. The espresso bar will open from 6.30am daily, and the other venues will open from midday. Images: Jacs Powell Photography.
You're soon about to lead an existence in which you carry chicken salt and vinegar in your bag at all times. Australian hot chip vending machines are about to be all up in your grill. Again, slower. Hot. Chip. Vending machines. According to the ABC, the Perth-based Hot Chips Company have been cooking this up for the last five years, inspired by Australian '90s models and similar developments in Dubai, Japan, the UK and Belgium. They've been working with WA potato processor Bendotti Exporters to create the perfect take-away solution for late night snackery — reppin' the Western Australian potato industry while they're at it. Stephen Bendotti (of Bendotti Exporters) told the ABC the chips will be freshly cooked while you wait, all inside the machine. "You put your money in and it goes from frozen to the fryer and in your cup within two minutes and 20 seconds," he said, with an aim to whittle that waiting time down to two minutes. And in case you're freaking out over the hefty price of Perth airfares to try this out, these babies are going national. According to the ABC, Bendotti's friends over at WA Chip are going to roll them out Australia-wide. So how long will we have to wait for the mighty hot chip robots? Apparently we're looking at national distribution by December 2015, with trials and development continuing until then. We're still waiting on details for condiments, salt options and cost, so watch this space for your chippie deets. Via ABC. CORRECTION 29/1 3:15PM : We initially ran this story reporting that these were Australia's first hot chip vending machines. They aren't, in fact, the first, as numerous models have made their way through Australian cities since the '90s. Apologies for the wrong info, we got way too excited about the prospect. Image: will ockenden via photopin cc
Rosebery's award-winning distillery Archie Rose is going experimental this month as it launches ArchieMite: a new 'buttered toast spirit' that uses Pepe Saya butter, a house-mix of 'mite' spreads and Sonoma sourdough toast in the distilling process. The umami-packed liqueur will launch at the Archie Rose Bar on Wednesday, May 8 — and we're not sure if we should be excited or not. ArchieMite certainly won't be everyone's favourite, as descriptors like salty, buttery and savoury are not normally attributed to alcohol. But fans of Vegemite (and other umami-rich yeast-extract spreads) will likely appreciate this unusual spirit. Apart from the 'mites', a whopping 25-kilograms of freshly churned Pepe Saya and 15-kilograms of Sonoma's toasted sourdough went into the ArchieMite making. If you want to taste the spirit in its best form, head along to Archie Rose Bar on the weekend for its themed Mitey Brunches — which will run noon–2pm every Saturday and Sunday from May 11–June 2. On the menu will be a list ArchieMite cocktails, so expect to drink the likes of a Mitey Bloody Mary, Espresso Mite-Ini, Mitey Colada and ArchieMite Pickleback. For food, there'll be build-your-own platters on offer, with the obvious options including Sonoma bread, Pepe Saya butter and breakfast spreads aplenty. Next door at Gelato Messina's Rosebery HQ, the team has created ArchieMite-infused gelato sandwiches, too — using Sonoma bread, Pepe Saya butter and breakfast 'mite' spreads, of course. These will be available at the Archie Rose Bar from Wednesday, May 8 until sold out. And the Australia Museum will stay open after-dark to host a ArchieMite makers night in July. The limited-edition run of 3000 bottles will also be available in bars, independent bottle shops and online for $79 per bottle. Come and get it. Archie Rose's ArchieMite is available to purchase online from 10.30am on Wednesday, May 8.
This promotion of Faber Castell is amazing. Watch an entire portrait being drawn in one single, circling stroke right before your eyes. It's incredible, isn't it, the things an ordinary person can do if they just have the appropriate felt-tip pen [tongue planted firmly in cheek].
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=87RIVAc6MJU&feature=emb_logo SYNCHRONIC Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead made a significant splash in genre circles with 2014's horror-romance Spring and 2017's excellent cult thriller The Endless, but they aren't currently household names. If the duo keep writing and directing mind-bending sci-fi like Synchronic, though, they will be sooner rather than later. The pair actually appear destined to become better known via Marvel. They're slated to helm one of the MCU's many upcoming Disney+ TV series, the Oscar Isaac-starring Moon Knight, in fact. But, they've already worked their way up from the US$20,000 budget of their 2012 debut Resolution to making movies with Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan. Here, with Marvel's own Falcon and Fifty Shades of Grey's leading man, they play with time, relativity, fate and brain-altering substances. They ponder the shadows that the past leaves on the present, the way that progressing through life can feel far more like a stumble than following a clear path, and how confronting loss and death can reframe your perspective on living, too. Those temporal jumps and existential themes aren't new, of course, and neither is the film's steely look and feel, and its willingness to get dark. That's the thing about Benson and Moorhead, however: few filmmakers can twist familiar parts into such a distinctive, smart and engaging package in the same way, and with each and every one of their movies. Synchronic shares its title with a designer drug. In the film's vision of New Orleans, the hallucinogen can be bought in stores — and plenty of people are doing just that. Shift after shift, paramedics Steve Denube (Mackie) and Dennis Dannelly (Dornan) find themselves cleaning up the aftermath, as users keep overdosing, dying in unusual ways and getting injured in strange mishaps. And, these aren't your usual drug-fuelled incidents. One, involving a snakebite, happens in a hotel without even the slightest sign of slithering reptiles. That's enough to arouse the world-wearied Steve and Dennis' interest, and to give them something to talk about other than the former's attachment-free life and the latter's marriage. Then Dennis' teenage daughter Brianna (Ally Ioannides, Into the Badlands) goes missing, and the two EMTs are instantly keen to investigate any links that the popular pill might have to her disappearance. Cue a film that initially drips with tension, dread and intensity; uses every tool at its disposal to take viewers on a trippy journey; and grounds its surreal imagery and off-kilter atmosphere in genuine emotions. Each of Benson and Moorhead's four films so far are strikingly shot and astutely written, and rank among the best horror and sci-fi efforts of the past decade, but they're also as thoughtful and resonant as they are intelligent and ambitious — and that's an irresistible combination. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5R46NgopPw&feature=emb_logo ANOTHER ROUND Even the most joyous days and nights spent sipping your favourite drink can have their memory tainted by a hangover. Imbibe too much, and there's a kicker just waiting to pulsate through your brain and punish your body when all that alcohol inevitably starts to wear off. For much of Another Round, four Copenhagen school teachers try to avoid this feeling. The film they're in doesn't, though. It lays bare the ups and downs of knocking back boozy beverages, and it also serves up a finale that's a sight to behold. Without sashaying into spoiler territory, the feature's last moments are a thing of sublime beauty. Some movies end in a WTF, "what were they thinking?" kind of way, but this Oscar-shortlisted Danish film comes to a conclusion with a big and bold showstopper that's also a piece of bittersweet perfection. The picture's highest-profile star, Mads Mikkelsen (Arctic), is involved. His pre-acting background as an acrobat and dancer comes in handy, too. Unsurprisingly, the substances that flow freely throughout the feature remain prominent. And, so does the canny and candid awareness that life's highs and lows just keep spilling, plus the just-as-shrewd understanding that the line between self-sabotage and self-release is as thin as a slice of lemon garnishing a cocktail. That's how Another Round wraps up, in one the many masterstrokes poured onto the screen by writer/director Thomas Vinterberg (Kursk)) and his co-scribe Tobias Lindholm (A War). The film's unforgettable finale also expertly capitalises upon a minor plot detail that viewers haven't realised had such significance until then, and that couldn't typify this excellent effort's layered approach any better. But, ending with a bang isn't the movie's only achievement. In fact, it's full of them. The picture's savvy choices start with its premise, which sees the quiet and reserved Martin (Mikkelsen) and his fellow educators Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen, Veni Vidi Vici), Peter (Lars Ranthe, Warrior) and Nikolaj (Magnus Millang, The Commune) all decide to put an out-there theory to the test. Motivated by real-life Norwegian psychiatrist Finn Skårderud, they conduct an experiment that involves being permanently sauced. Skårderud has hypothesised that humans are born with a blood alcohol deficit of 0.05 percent, so, with some cajoling needed on Martin's part, the quartet work that idea into their daily lives. Ground rules are established, and the shots, sneaky sips and all-hours drinking swiftly begins — and so splashes a tragicomic look at coping with mundane lives and the realities of getting older in an extreme fashion that's frank, unflinching, and yet also warm and sometimes humorous. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNkmnVd9wHM&feature=emb_logo ASSASSINS On February 13, 2017, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, a man was assassinated in broad daylight. While standing by the self check-in kiosks at around 9am, he was approached from behind by two women. After they each rubbed their hands across his face, he was dead within the hour. For a plethora of reasons, the attack garnered global news headlines. Such a brazen murder, carried out not only in public but also in full view of the Malaysian airport's security cameras, was always going to receive worldwide attention. The use of extremely deadly chemical weapon VX obviously demanded scrutiny — and so did the fact that the victim was Kim Jong-nam, the estranged elder half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. But, despite the onslaught of newsprint, pixels and airtime devoted to the incident when it happened, the full details behind it took time to unfurl. As Assassins explores, those facts are fascinating, gripping and distressing in equal measure. Indeed, if a Hollywood screenwriter had cooked up the story at the centre of Ryan White's (The Keepers) meticulously documentary, they would've been told that it's too far-fetched. Not that the world needs any additional reminders, but real life really is far stranger than fiction here. Across 104 minutes that relay an unmistakably and inescapably wild tale in an edge-of-the-seat yet never sensationalistic fashion, White asks the question that was on everyone's lips four years ago: why? That query has many layers. It starts with wondering why two women in their 20s — one from Indonesia, the other from Vietnam — with no clear political affiliations would kill an exiled North Korean who was once expected to lead his nation. From there, it expands to contemplate why Malaysian law enforcement officers and prosecutors were so content to believe that culprits Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong acted without any involvement from North Korea, and why a number of the latter country's citizens were interviewed, but then released and allowed to return home without facing any legal repercussions. Aisyah and Huong certainly weren't afforded the same treatment. Charged with Kim Jong-nam's murder, they were put through a long trial, and faced the death penalty if convicted. The pair, who didn't know each other beforehand, pled their innocence from the outset. Both women were adamant that they had each been hired to make prank videos for a YouTube show and, as far as they knew, their efforts in Kuala Lumpur were part of their latest production. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZNN9AttdBQ LONG STORY SHORT The type of guy who is always too busy to both make plans and stick to them, Teddy (Rafe Spall, Just Mercy) has a slippery relationship with time. He never seems to have enough to commit to anything right now, including setting a date to marry to his girlfriend of four years and new fiancée Leanne (Zahra Newman, Neighbours). Ever the procrastinator, he's always saying that he'll do everything later, too. Then, after an odd cemetery run-in with a mysterious woman (Noni Hazelhurst, Ladies in Black) that results in his wedding occurring just weeks later, Teddy's life starts slipping away in an unexpected fashion. Everything is normal when he climbs into bed on his wedding night but, when wakes up, he realises that it's suddenly a year later. Leanne hasn't skipped the past 12 months with him, although she does think that he's acting strangely (and, that he's simply freaking out because he forgot their anniversary). Teddy's best friend Sam (Ronny Chieng, Crazy Rich Asians) also doesn't believe that anything is amiss with the calendar, but plenty has changed. When another year glides by a few minutes later, everything changes yet again. Now, Teddy's claims that he doesn't have enough time take on much greater urgency, as he tries to work out what's going on, how to stop it and how to save his disintegrating marriage in the process. Writing, directing and appearing on-screen as a psychiatrist who exacerbates Teddy's frustrations, House of Lies and Superstore actor Josh Lawson turns filmmaker again with Long Story Short. He's still sticking with comedy, as he did with The Little Death, his last effort behind the camera. He's still happy to sketch out his narratives via broad strokes, too, and to pile on implausible details as well. Here, he starts with the supposedly romantic idea that a man will kiss any woman who wears the same dress as his girlfriend. That mistaken situation inspires Teddy's meet-cute with Leanne, and somehow sparks their whole relationship. It's about as believable as the beachfront Sydney house the apparently ordinary couple buy as their first marital home — so, when Teddy starts jumping through time, that seems feasible in comparison. From there, Long Story Short packages the expected manchild and relationship cliches with familiar temporal-hopping tropes, and can't hide that fact by shouting out to Groundhog Day. Physically resembling his director more often than not, Spall plays rattled well enough. Newman does her best in a thinly written role that simply has Leanne reacting to Teddy's chaos. But being suddenly whisked through time and missing this flat movie wouldn't be a bad outcome for audiences, unless you're the type of viewer who loves Aussie flicks filled with all the usual tourist-courting visuals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4mxHlXBy_g THE PEOPLE UPSTAIRS A film like Spanish comedy The People Upstairs lives and dies on the strength of its performances. That's not a criticism of the movie's script; rather, it's recognition that its conversation-fuelled dramas and sudden, drastic twists and turns need the right actors to sell everything that unfurls across its brief 82-minute running time. Thankfully, writer/director Cesc Gay (A Gun in Each Hand, Truman) has amassed a top-notch cast. That's hardly surprising — he has worked with his male leads Javier Cámara (Narcos) and Alberto San Juan (Advantages of Travelling by Train) before, and his female leads Belén Cuesta (Money Heist) and Griselda Siciliani (Morir de Amor) boast considerable resumes. But, had any of the quartet missed even the slightest of beats, the whole film could've crumbled, and badly. As the long-married Julio and Ana, Cámara and Siciliani are asked to convey years of unhappiness that's long threatened to push the couple apart, but to still find enough of a spark in their wearied relationship to explain why they're still together (and not just via the smoke that radiates from their frequent arguments). As the upstairs-dwelling Salvo and Laura, San Juan and Cuesta are tasked with looser roles; however, they also have to roll with the punches when their characters keep shocking and surprising their downstairs neighbours. For Julio, the Friday night that attracts the movie's attention should just be an ordinary evening. Coming home from his music teaching gig, he has papers to grade and doesn't plan on doing much else. Alas, after mentioning in passing the day prior that she'd like to invite Salvo and Laura over, Ana has followed through — and they arrive not long after Julio walks in the door, notices the new rug and starts an argument. From there, The People Upstairs stays within Julio and Ana's apartment and follows their awkward get-together with Salvo and Laura. The latter pair notice the tension immediately, and they have very specific ideas about how to ease it. Plenty of comedies of manners have stepped into comparable terrain, to the point that dinner party movies have become their own subgenre, but Gay and his cast never let the situation feel too familiar. While the film makes the most of its nicely appointed set, which helps, how its stars deliver the lively content of Julio, Ana, Salvo and Laura's chats remains crucial. The movie's comedy, and the pondering of changing societal norms that's baked into it, wouldn't work otherwise. That's not to say that The People Upstairs always hits its targets; although short, some of its conversations become not only purposefully circular, but also repetitive. But when the tightly written script and the cast performing it all sparkle, so does the feature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c85aXHth_uQ&feature=youtu.be UNSOUND In Unsound, Finn (feature first-timer Yiana Pandelis) and Noah (Reece Noi, When They See Us) meet by chance. When the latter wanders into the club for Sydneysiders with hearing impairments that the former runs in the city's northern beaches, a connection springs, although both enter the relationship with other things on their mind. Attendance at the neighbourhood centre has been waning, and the locals complain about Finn's weekly dance parties. Tucking his long hair up under a cap while he stands behind the DJ decks by night and helps children learn Auslan by day, Finn is also slowly taking steps to cement his identity as a transgender man. As for the British-accented Noah, he's just arrived in Australia after touring the UK with his pop singer mentor Moniqua (Christine Anu), and his mother Angela (Paula Duncan, Neighbours) has hardly given him a warm welcome. So, Unsound follows Finn and Noah's romance, but that's just one of the things the film is interested in. While both lead characters receive ample screen time, Finn's experiences as a person who is deaf and with his transition are frequently thrust to the fore. That's a welcome move — not because Noah's efforts to step out of his absent father's shadow, take his career seriously and cope with his often-dismissive mum don't deserve attention, but because inclusive movies about trans men and people who are hearing impaired are rarely this thoughtful (and rarely exist at all, really). Directed by TV veteran Ian Watson (Heartbreak High, Home and Away) and penned by Ally Burnham (Nice Package), Unsound might bring both 52 Tuesdays and Sound of Metal to mind, which are excellent movies to even remotely resemble; however, this small feature with big ambitions and a heartfelt impact is always its own film. Absent touristy Sydney shots that constantly remind you where it's set, and favouring a low-key, lived-in aesthetic instead, it dedicates its running time to plunging into Finn's life and portraying it authentically, a task that it doesn't lose sight of even for a minute. The texture and detail in Burnham's script, especially in fleshing out the movie's characters, isn't just admirable but essential. It's little wonder, then, that Pandelis always makes Finn feel as if he could walk off the screen — although the performer also deserves ample credit. Noi also more than does his part justice, in a well-cast film all-round (see also: scene-stealer Olivia Beasley as one of Finn's colleagues, and a grounded turn from The Boy From Oz star Todd McKenney as Finn's father). And, the use of sound to convey the joy that Finn and his friends feel at their Saturday night dance parties is one of the picture's many astutely calibrated touches. Unsound is currently screening in Melbourne cinemas, and will open in Sydney and Brisbane cinemas on March 18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb7iVXzGics&feature=youtu.be ESCAPE FROM EXTINCTION As well as introducing the world to Joe Exotic and his out-there story, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness initiated many viewers into the horrors of roadside zoos and exotic animal menageries. Consider Escape From Extinction the counterpoint, then. Focusing on the other end of the zoo and aquarium industry — the professional, well-funded, properly run type — it sings the praises of establishments worldwide that have been doing their part to help save threatened and endangered species from disappearing. The figures, which the film quotes often (and repeats frequently, too), speak volumes. It's impossible not to be moved by the numbers of species already lost, others teetering on the brink, the dwindling populations left in some cases and, after successful conservation programs, the hard-earned upswings as well. But, it's also impossible not to see this feature as a prolonged advertisement, and an attempt to redress the criticism of keeping animals in captivity stoked by not just Tiger King, but animal activism in general, including high-profile campaigns to release creatures such as Keiko, the orca from the Free Willy films. American Humane produced the movie, so the latter is hardly surprising — but even if you didn't know that when you stepped into the cinema, you'd easily guess. With Helen Mirren's calm but no-nonsense voice providing its narration, Escape From Extinction largely operates in two modes: bigger-picture overviews and individual case studies. If you've delved into the ever-growing subgenre that is animal-focused environmental documentaries before (such as 2020's David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet), you'll have heard many of the movie's main overall messages. If you've paid any attention to news coverage of recent disasters, including Australia's bushfires, you'll also be familiar with its top-level details. When first-time director Matthew R Brady gets specific, however, the film endeavours to find its own niche — and to pad it with its clear viewpoint at the same time. Accordingly, there's more than a little awkwardness to some segments, especially when you compare the section about sharks being unfairly maligned by popular culture (yes, Jaws gets a mention) and the black-and-white footage and sinister soundtrack used whenever activists are shown protesting. Of course, the fight to save animals from extinction is a worthy one. The view that many zoos play an important part is worth espousing, too. And the experts, wildlife veterinarians, scientists, zookeepers and other industry figures assembled as taking heads are all clearly passionate about their work and about conservation. But, as Escape From Extinction shows, a film can make a plethora of valid and important points and still clumsily and forcefully push an agenda at the same time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIxq3UCcJmw LOVE, WEDDINGS & OTHER DISASTERS Filmmaker Garry Marshall passed away in 2016, ending his career with three terrible movies focused around specific occasions: Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve and Mother's Day. As well as being awful, all three took star-studded ensemble casts, split them across separate but eventually interlinked vignettes, and told tales relating to the celebrations in each feature's title. While Marshall clearly didn't helm it, Love, Weddings & Disasters takes its cues from his aforementioned films. It's directed by Dennis Dugan, though, who otherwise has the Adam Sandler-starring Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Grown Ups and its sequel, Just Go With It and Jack and Jill on his resume. Sandler doesn't show up here, though, because he's made a decision far wiser than Jeremy Irons (Watchmen), Diane Keaton (Poms), Maggie Grace (Fear the Walking Dead) and Diego Boneta (Monster Hunter). Indeed, it's difficult to see what anyone appearing on-screen saw in Dugan's script, other than the filmmaker himself — who plays the obnoxious host of a TV dating show called Crash Couples that sees strangers literally chained together in an attempt to win $1 million. Yes, the clips involving the latter are as excruciating as they sound but, in fairness, so is everything else about this supremely unfunny and unromantic supposed rom-com. Putting the word 'disaster' in this movie's moniker couldn't be more apt. Nor could its opening scene, where the ultra-competitive Jessie (Grace) drops her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend while skydiving. She also crashes into a lakeside ceremony, with the footage going viral and earning her the nickname 'wedding trasher' — which is a problem given that she wants to work in the industry. Just eight days before a Boston mayoral candidate and his bride-to-be are due to get hitched, Jessie scores her big chance. Trying to play nicely with veteran Lawrence Philips (Irons) while planning the ceremony isn't easy, though, especially when he's preoccupied after being set up on a blind date with Sara (Keaton), a woman with a visual impairment. More of Love, Weddings & Other Disasters' bite-sized tales link in with these narratives from there, involving musicians, buskers, Crash Couples and tours of the city, and they're all just as cliched and thinly thought-out. That's one of the movie's problems, but it's also near-incoherently shot and edited, and looks as if all of its budget went to paying Irons and Keaton. It's hard to say they were worth the money, because he's just asked to be prim, proper and uptight, and she somehow agreed to play a woman who is blind and trips over all the time. That's Dugan's idea of prime romantic-comedy material, and it's enough to harden even the softest of hearts in dismay. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30; August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27; September 3, September 10, September 17 and September 24; October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22 and October 29; and November 5, November 12, November 19 and November 26; and December 3, December 10, December 17, December 26; and January 1, January 7, January 14, January 21 and January 28; and February 4. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Craft: Legacy, Radioactive, Brazen Hussies, Freaky, Mank, Monsoon, Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt), American Utopia, Possessor, Misbehaviour, Happiest Season, The Prom, Sound of Metal, The Witches, The Midnight Sky, The Furnace, Wonder Woman 1984, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles, Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman, Summerland, Ammonite, The Dig, The White Tiger, Only the Animals, Malcolm & Marie, News of the World, High Ground, Earwig and the Witch and The Nest.
Whether your school holidays were filled with chilling tales by campfires or reading Goosebumps by torchlight, you'll appreciate the historic spooks this after-dark tour inspires. Cockatoo Island's history of paranormal encounters stretches back more than a century, with reports of apparition sightings and sensory experiences — like unexplained bursts of air and smoky aromas — colouring its past as a convict prison and dockyard. This spine-tingling exploration will take you through rarely visited buildings and corridors, where true tales of murder and botched prison escapes will be shared while you wield spirit-detection devices to seek out lingering souls. Only brave ghost hunters over 18 are invited to this two-hour journey into the unknown that sets out on select Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm ($47 per person). Images: Robert Mulally, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
Opened in spring 2017, Title Barangaroo is one of Sydney's newest independent bookshops. But its mothership store in Surry Hills has been around for yonks. Between them, the two offer the biggest collection of new art books in Australia. The secret to Title's success is avoiding trends. Rather than jumping on the latest hot thing, the owners are dedicated to quality. "Title is all about the art and artists that run free, the ones that don't fit into boxes, and even more, the ones that last the distance and out last time," reads the website. In addition to books, there are film and music, including a massive range of new vinyl.
Let's face it, when life gives you lemons, you don't always feel like lemonade. For some of us, a bad day at work, an unexpected bill or the total wet blanket that is lockdown can see you reaching for something a little more heavy duty than citrus juice. If the standard Netflix and takeout self-soothing strategy has worn thin, we get it. And that's why we've put together a few strategies to try next time life tosses you a curveball. PRIORITISE YOUR SLEEP How many days of the week do you wake up and feel like you've actually had enough sleep? For us, it's minus three. So when everything hits the fan, one thing we like to focus on is getting a good night's sleep. If you have a hard time falling asleep, there are a few habits you can incorporate into your nightly routine to wind down more easily. NSW Health recommends doing an activity that you find relaxing for an hour or so before bed like reading or taking a bath. Or, you could try incorporating a sleep supplement into your routine to assist in de-stressing from the day and to help you hit the hay at a reasonable hour. TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK When things have gone awry it can be easy to distract yourself with mindless activities to escape. One way you might do that is by spending hours doomscrolling on social media platforms. And while social media definitely has its positives, it's not like you can control what other people post. Typically, people use social media to make public declarations of wins they've had, and that's great. We love celebrating our friends. But, if you've just had a loss, no matter how big or small, seeing someone nailing life can send you into a tailspin. That's not to say you can't be happy for people in those moments — you absolutely can. But before you login after a tough day, consider checking in with yourself and figure out whether or not you're emotionally prepared to deal with the feelings that may arise while being online. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS When you're not feeling 100 percent, taking active steps to look after your physical health is a great way to lift yourself out of your slump. Getting on top of the basics like good sleep, a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water is key. And, if you want to go even further, we recommend stocking up on vitamins from JSHealth, too. Whether you need something to help with skin health, hormone balance, sleep or stress, JSHealth has an extensive selection of supplements to choose from to help you take care of yourself. Plus, you'll get access to the JSHealth app for free with any order of vitamins — just use your order ID to access recipes, workouts, meditations and more, so you can get yourself back on track. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES When you've had a doozy of a day, it can be useful to shift your focus to things that you actually have control over. One of those things is your cash. And while at times it may feel like your money controls you more than you control it, taking time to sort out your finances (and actually following through with your plan) is possible. It can be useful to think of your money like other parts of your wellbeing. For example, if you want to start running, signing up for a marathon may not be the best place to start. The same applies to your dollarydoos. If you need to pay off some debt, want to bolster your savings or have a desire to start investing, you've gotta make time for it. And like running, if you stick to your plan, you'll get closer to your goal every day. Check out the Australian Government's moneysmart website for free tips on how to make your cash make sense (and cents). GET TRIPLE CLEAN We're all fans of freshly washed sheets, right? Crisp, warm and straight of the line on a sunny day are the top-tier kind. But to boost your mood on a less-than-average day, you've got to step things up a notch and get yourself triple clean. Let us talk you through what we mean. Step one is to strip your bed sheets and give your mattress a makeover with a fresh set of threads. Step two is to strip yourself and get squeaky clean in the shower. Then, it's time for step three — fresh PJs. Yep, time to swap out last night's pizza-stained pants for a fresh pair and soon after you'll be feeling like a million-dollar triple-clean queen. DIY PAMPER NIGHT We've never had a bath that we later regretted — ever. So next time things feel like they're spiraling out of control, consider taking a moment to slow yourself down with an at-home pamper session. One of the great things about a DIY pamper sesh is you get to decide how extra you want it to be. If you feel like going all out, pick up a new face mask, bath salts, a candle and a cheeky bottle of something to take to the tub. Or, if you're more the spontaneous type, dig out that gift pack your Secret Santa gave you last year and actually use it. Whether you want to go all out with a foot scrub and at-home microdermabrasion or are stoked by the idea of a classic bubble bath, the whole point is for it to be relaxing — so don't stress over the set up. You can do a lot with dim lighting, a calming soundtrack and warm water. GET SOME FRESH AIR If you spend a lot of time working indoors, a quick whip around the block can do wonders to your mood after a wonky day. There's no need to rush your walk or worry about getting hardcore exercise in while you enjoy the outdoors, either. It's all about getting a change of scenery and a lil fresh air to take you far away from your desk for a moment. To heighten the experience, you can add your favourite podcast to soundtrack the stroll. Or, if you want to get really in touch with nature, go sans headphones and soak up the natural sounds of your surroundings. MAKE A CONNECTION When we're feeling down in the dumps, it can be hard to reach out to loved ones. It's easy to feel like you'll be terrible company and no-one wants to feel like the party pooper in the pack. But think about how many times you've gladly sat with a friend after a breakup. They weren't exactly the life of the party on those occasions but you still happily made yourself available in their time of need. And guess what? Your friends will absolutely want to do that in return. But, if being around people is a no-go for you in those moments of distress, consider making a connection with yourself, instead. You could do this by by journalling, meditating or engaging mindfully in one of your hobbies. CROSS SOMETHING OFF YOUR LIFE ADMIN LIST We all have a list of tasks we've been meaning to get to but for one reason or another it keeps getting put on the backburner. And even more unfortunately, as time goes on, the list keeps getting longer, too. Whether it's returning an online shopping purchase, consolidating your superannuation funds or finally booking your car in for a service — we've all got a thing or two we could cross off our lists. So next time you're feeling like you're in a funk, consult your mental to-do list and tackle one of its tasks for a lil pick me up. SET A BOUNDARY With work from home now a reality for a lot of us, the boundary between work and play has become increasingly blurry — which makes sense considering a lot of dining tables now double as work desks. With physical spaces melding together like this, it's more important than ever to create a healthy set of boundaries, and stick to them. One way to do that is to set times for when you'll respond to work questions (hot tip: try and stick to your regular work hours). Another boundary you may need to implement is knowing when to say no to social occasions so that you can schedule in essential alone time to recharge. Just remember, if your boundaries impact others (and they often do) it's a good idea to communicate what they are so that others can understand your limitations and respect them without trying to read your mind. CP readers can take advantage of a 15% discount on all JSHealth products by using the code: CPLAYGROUND. Learn more about JSHealth by visiting the website here. Images: Unsplash.
This 3.1km walking loop in Ulladulla winds through windswept bushland that gives way to sweeping coastal vistas as you stride towards the lookout at Warden Head. A wind-blown sculpture of Corroboree man, Bulan Yuin, greets walkers at the start of the track which follows the path of Dreamtime story creator, the Rainbow Serpent. As you move along the Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail you'll encounter Garawanda Daran or 'dreaming poles' which depict native flora and fauna and their Aboriginal names. You can organise an Indigenous tour guide through the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council to join you along the route, so you can learn more about Dhurga language, edible plants in the area and the rich Indigenous history of the site. Image: Warden Head Lighthouse, darlingtrk via Flickr
Call it cinema, the movies, the pictures, the big screen, the silver screen, a glorious excuse to sit in a darkened room without your phone for at least 90 minutes: whichever you prefer, the experience it refers to is usually the same. You hit up your favourite/most convenient theatre, get comfortable in your chosen chair, maybe munch on popcorn or a choc top, and stare at the giant rectangle in front of you as the magic happens. Sometimes the shape that glistens with films is bigger than normal, but there's always just one of them — until now. Meet ScreenX, Australia's first-ever surround-screen viewing experience, which'll use three screens within one movie theatre. Meet the new trend that is multi-projection, too, which is debuting Down Under thanks to Event Cinemas. In the chain's ScreenX's auditoriums, there'll be a trio of screens: one right there at the front where it usually is, plus one over the left wall and another across the right wall. Three walls, three screens, a 270-degree field of view: that's the maths. ScreenX will premiere on the Gold Coast, launching at Event Cinemas Robina on Thursday, August 17; however, that's just the beginning of the rollout. Event Cinemas plans to take the concept nationwide, including hitting Sydney by the time that 2023 is out. The exact details of which other sites will be scoring the ScreenX experience, and when, haven't yet been revealed — but only peering forwards is about to become outdated. If your first question is "how big will this three-screen setup get as it envelops everything that I can see, including my peripheral vision?", the answer is up to 67.7 metres in width. The surround-screen format will be paired with surround sound, of course, to truly immerse two of your senses. And while you watch, you'll be in recliners to get as comfortable as possible. If your burning query is "which films can I see?" — aka which flicks will make you feel like you've walked right into them — the response there is: big blockbusters and epic spectacles. Among the upcoming slate of releases, Dune: Part Two, The Marvels and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom are all getting the ScreenX treatment at Robina. The cinema is also looking backwards, too — not literally, just into past hits — with Top Gun: Maverick, Avatar: The Way of Water, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. (Cross your fingers that Barbie and Oppenheimer also get the nod down the line.) "At Event Cinemas, we are dedicated to bringing the best range of cinema experiences to Australian audiences. ScreenX is popular globally and we can't wait for our local audiences to experience it. Our next stop will be Sydney," said Luke Mackey, Director of Entertainment Australia for EVT (which owns Event Cinemas), announcing ScreenX. "We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Event Cinemas by premiering Australia's first ScreenX experience," added Don Savant, ScreenX's Chief Business Officer. "Our talented team of ScreenX visual effects artists work closely with the Hollywood studios and top talent to truly differentiate movie going. ScreenX provides an unparalleled experience in a completely unique format to watch the biggest blockbuster films." If there are three giant screens showing each movie in every ScreenX auditorium, patrons will have no excuse not to put their own tiny screen — aka their phone — away while the film plays. Event Cinemas' new ScreenX experience launches at Event Cinemas Robina on Thursday, August 17, with a national rollout to follow — including in Sydney later in 2023. Head to the chain's website for further details.
Just as NAIDOC week kicks into gear for 2019, Australia's Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List — becoming the first Australian site to receive recognition exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values. During its current meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation added the south-west Victorian site to its list of landmarks and areas that are legally protected due to their significance. Located on Gunditjmara country, the region spans the Budj Bim volcano, Tae Rak (Lake Condah), the Kurtonitj wetlands, and Tyrendarra's rocky ridges and large marshes. It also includes remnants of more than 300 round, basalt stone houses, which demonstrate the Gunditjmara people's permanent settlement in the area. Of specific interest to UNESCO, Budj Bim features a system of channels, dams and weirs, all made possible due to basalt lava flows that have been carbon-dated back to 6600 years. The complex network is considered one of the the largest and oldest aquaculture setups in the world, and is used not only to contain floodwaters, but to trap and harvest the kooyang eel. The listing comes after five years of work between Gunditjmara people and the Victorian and Australian governments to develop Budj Bim's World Heritage nomination, and marks Australia's 20th entry on the list — alongside the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, Fraser Island, the Tasmanian wilderness, the Greater Blue Mountains area, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, among others. [caption id="attachment_729904" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tae Rak channel and holding pond,Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation[/caption] In total, UNESCO has added 21 new sites to the World Heritage List as part of its 2019 conference, which runs through until Wednesday, July 10, and will examine 35 nominations in total. In addition to Budj Bim, the new entries showcase spots in China, Iran, France, Iceland, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, Czechia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Burkina Faso and Iraq, including Babylon. The list of new cultural sites chosen so far is as follows: Migratory bird sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China — natural site. Hyrcanian forests in the Islamic Republic of Iran — natural site. French Austral Lands and Seas in France — natural site. The fire and ice of Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland — natural site. The culture and biodiversity of Paratyand Ilha Grande in Brazil — natural and cultural site. Ancient ferrous metallurgy sites of Burkina Faso — cultural site. Babylon in Iraq — cultural site. Dilmun burial mounds in Bahrain — cultural site. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Australia — cultural site. Archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City in China — cultural site. Jaipur City, Rajasthan in India — cultural site. Ombilin coal-mining heritage of Sawahlunto in Indonesia — cultural site. Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group of mounded tombs from Ancient Japan — cultural site. Megalithic jar sites in Xiengkhouang — Plain of Jars in the Lao People's Democratic Republic — cultural site. Bagan in Myanmar — cultural site. Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies in the Republic of Korea — cultural site. Writing-on-Stone /Áísínai'pi in Canada — cultural site. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří mining region of Czechia and Germany — cultural site. The landscape for breeding and training of ceremonial carriage Hhrses at Kladruby nad Labem in Czechia — cultural site. The water management system of Augsburg in Germany — cultural site. Krzemionki Prehistoric Striped Flint Mining Region in Poland) — cultural site. UNESCO also extended the heritage listing of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region, to not only include northern Macedonia but also Albania. Prior to the 2019 meeting, the World Heritage List included 1092 different sites spread across 167 countries. Need some travel inspiration — or a reminder of just how wondrous our planet is? Browsing the full list will take care of that for you. Top images: Lake Condah, Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation / Tae Rak in flood, Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
