Lock up your children, Hocus Pocus fans. Actually, if you have kids, you'll want to leave them at home on your next getaway. Just in time for Halloween, Airbnb has conjured up a particularly witchy stay in Salem, Massachusetts: the Sanderson sisters' cottage, which comes complete with broomsticks, bubbling cauldrons, cobwebs, curious cats, creaking floorboards, potions in apothecary bottles and spellbooks. Get ready to run amok, amok, amok to indulge your Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 love, with this one-time-only listing arriving not only for the spookiest time of year, but because the latter flick — a 29-years-later sequel to the beloved 1993 film that starred Bette Midler (The Addams Family 2), Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) and Kathy Najimy (Music), with all three returning as Winnie, Sarah and Mary Sanderson this time around — hits Disney+ on Friday, September 30. A screening of that movie is included in your magical stay, too, whether you've caught it already by then or you manage to hang out for the ultimate viewing experience. The bewitching date to pop into your diary: Thursday, October 20. But, as tends to be the case with Airbnb's pop culture-themed one-offs, only one booking is being taken. The cottage will welcome in two guests for a one-night stay, with reservations opening at 4am AEDT on Thursday, October 13 via the Airbnb website. There is a fee for the accommodation, costing US$31 dollars — but, if you're lucky enough to score the booking and you're travelling from Down Under, flights and transportation aren't included in that cost. That obviously makes it a much more expensive prospect. Still, this spellbinding experience will be the first time that anyone has been able to get slumbering (and scheming) like the Sandersons. And, it also includes the chance to try the enchantments listed in the Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy, as well as exploring Salem's history via visits to some of the town's purportedly haunted properties. And yes, the black flame candle flickers. Of course it does. In fact, expect candlelight to be a huge part of your trip — in every room. The cottage has been recreated as though it's 300 years ago, after all. (Bathroom facilities are in a separate outhouse, for example.) "We all know that the Sanderson sisters' story might not have ended when we turned to dust, nor did our shenanigans," said Kathy Najimy, aka Mary Sanderson, helping Airbnb announce the Hocus Pocus stay. "What better way to celebrate the season than to host guests at the trio's historic haunt for a night they'll remember for years to come?" Najimy continued. The Sanderson sisters' cottage joins Airbnb's growing list of movie and TV-inspired getaways, including the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion and the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop just in 2022 alone. For more information about the Hocus Pocus mansion listing on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 4am AEDT on Thursday, October 13, head to the Airbnb website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Helynn Ospina.
If your life could use a bit more Pixar magic at the moment, then Disney is here to help, with the Mouse House rushing the beloved animation studio's latest film to Australian and New Zealand audiences via digital rental and its streaming platform Disney+. Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer, Onward was originally slated to release on the big screen Down Under on Thursday, March 26; however those plans changed when cinemas were ordered to shut. While the movie did play in Australian theatres for a few days over the weekend immediately beforehand, giving dedicated audiences a sneak peek, cinemas were hardly packed at the time — so, if this elf-filled adventure is still on your must-watch list, you're not alone. Pixar fans will be able to get their animation fix via video on demand from Friday, April 3, which'll require paying separately to view the film. Or, if you're already a Disney+ subscriber — or you've been thinking of becoming one — you'll be able to watch Onward on the company's own streaming platform as part of its regular package from 6pm on Friday, April 24. Story-wise, Onward tells the tale of brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot (Marvel co-stars Holland and Pratt), two teenage elves who've grown up without their dearly departed dad. Thanks to an unexpected flash of long-dormant magic, they're given the chance to spend one last day with their father — but, in order to do so, they'll have to undertake a perilous quest in Barley's rundown van Guinevere. From the above description, you might've noticed that Pixar's usual formula isn't at play here, with the company branching beyond the "what if toys/cars/rats/robots/monsters/feelings had feelings?" setup that's served it so well in everything from the Toy Story franchise to Inside Out. Rest assured, however, that Onward's central elf siblings do indeed experience a whole heap of emotions as they cast spells, try to decipher mysterious maps, endeavour to avoid curses, explore their complicated brotherly relationship and team up with a part-lion, part-bat, part-scorpion called The Manticore (Spencer). Fast-tracking Onward to digital platforms is the latest example of film industry's efforts to adapt to the changes forced by the spread of COVID-19. In Australia and New Zealand, Disney follows fellow distributor Roadshow's lead — with the latter also speeding up the online release of a number of its big titles as well. Check out the trailer for Onward below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKXiQvyG_o Onward will be available to purchase separately on digital platforms in Australia and New Zealand from Friday, April 3, before hitting Disney's streaming platform Disney+ as part of its regular package at 6pm on Friday, April 24. Images: © 2019 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The past lingers. At the heart of Scrublands, both in its debut season in 2023 and now in its second — aka Scrublands: Silver — history doesn't just fade as time goes by. Portrayed by Luke Arnold (Last King of the Cross), investigative journalist Martin Scarsden witnessed this truth in action in the town of Riversend the first time that this page-to-streaming series based on Chris Hammer's novels hit the small screen. There, the character was chasing a story about a shocking tragedy impacting the entire community. As he met and became closer to bookstore-slash-cafe proprietor and single mother Mandy Bond, as played by Bella Heathcote (The Moogai), he wasn't just watching on from the outside, either. Streaming on Stan from Thursday, April 17, 2025, season two of Scrublands swaps Mandy's hometown for Martin's. In their new coastal surroundings of Port Silver, she isn't free from the past's persistent grasp despite being a newcomer to the close-knit seaside spot; however, her other half is equally haunted. Martin left town as a teenager to pursue his journalism dreams, but not before sparking a scandal. Until the first episode begins, he hasn't been back since. What's meant to be a fresh beginning for a couple already burdened by recent woes soon gets swept in other directions. The murder of Martin's childhood best friend Jasper (Hamish Michael, Apple Cider Vinegar), Mandy being named as the key suspect and Martin using his reporter instincts to try to get to the bottom of another mystery affecting the woman he loves will do that. So will Scarsden's own history bubbling back up. Looking back to the start of their Scrublands journey with Arnold and Heathcote, the pair are both clear that one season was all that they were focusing on when they initially stepped into Martin and Mandy's shoes — even though Hammer's novels about their characters had already notched up three entries thanks to 2018's Scrublands, 2019's Silver and 2020's Trust. That approach was partly pragmatic. "I think having been in this game for a while, you very much try to practice not getting ahead of yourself. And I think we were all in that mode, going 'okay, this would be great. We know the books are there. And so if we do a good job, we might be asked to come back and do some more'," Arnold tells Concrete Playground. "But at first you're just going 'hey, let's try to get through this thing and not screw it up, and then let's see what people think'." "It is always tough when there is this existing property there that people really love — sometimes that can go well, sometimes it can go the opposite way, and you find 'ohh no, you didn't', and it wasn't what the fans wanted or something went awry. So I think first season, we were just trying to do the best we could with that. And then I think the response to the show was so great and kind of beyond what we could have hoped for, so once that happened, things quickly started moving towards coming back for season two." Heathcote was instantly drawn to Mandy when the project crossed her path via Wolf Creek, Rogue and Jungle director Greg McLean, who she worked with on fellow Aussie series Bloom, but the pitch was for a one-and-done project. "Bizarrely, not at the time," she advises when asked about whether season two was ever on her mind to begin with. "I've now drunk the Kool-Aid and now I've read all the books, but in the first season I didn't — because it was pegged as a miniseries, and I thought 'okay, great'. But now I think we're all hooked, on the books and each other. I just want to work with everyone again." "There was something so comforting about coming back to this role, and being back with Luke, and Sarah Roberts [Runt], Toby Truslove [La Brea], taking the band on tour to WA. It feels sort of like coming home." Both Arnold and Heathcote have enjoyed a coming-home journey themselves, as Australian actors who enjoy overseas success tend to. (See also: Jacob Elordi and Odessa Young with The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Ashley Zukerman with In Vitro, and Radha Mitchell and Jesse Spencer with Last Days of the Space Age, to name just a few recent examples). Scrublands' two leads each have the almost-requisite Aussie soaps on their resumes, Home and Away for Arnold and Neighbours for Heathcote — and, for Arnold, four seasons on seafaring American series Black Sails, around gigs in everything from Rush Hour and MacGyver to Lethal Weapon; for Heathcote, a main part in Dark Shadows led to the eclectic likes of Not Fade Away, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, The Neon Demon, Fifty Shades Darker, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women and The Man in the High Castle. Neither have been absent from Australian fare lately, though, via the likes of Glitch, The End, Preppers, True Colours and Arnold's Home and Away stint, plus Relic, C*A*U*G*H*T and others for Heathcote. With Scrublands, they're both hooked, including as viewers. Indeed, both binged Silver's four parts, texting each other, when they were able to see the finished product. And yet, Arnold wouldn't be bringing Scarsden to the screen at all if he had followed the advice given to him back on his first taste in the business, as assistant sword fight choreographer on 2003's Australian-made Peter Pan more than a decade before playing Michael Hutchence in Never Tear Us Apart changed the course of his career. The person offering those ignored words of wisdom: The White Lotus season three's Jason Isaacs. Heathcote's early experiences also resonate with her now, specifically when it comes to being part of a great cast on Scrublands (The Artful Dodger's Luke Carroll, Good Cop/Bad Cop's Debra Lawrance, Spit's David Roberts, The Twelve's Tasma Walton and Transfusion's Damian De Montemas are among Silver's ensemble). "Oh man, it's everything. I remember early on in my career, just being really terrified of working with some big-name actor — but you're also as good as the actors around you. It's pretty hard to act in a vacuum if the people around you aren't good," she notes. From the process of stepping back into Martin and Mandy's shoes for the second time, navigating complicated emotional journeys and pondering how the past keeps haunting, through to why this Aussie noir hit resonates and whether either of its leads initially dreamed of where acting would take them, we also chatted to Arnold and Heathcote about plenty more. On What Excited Arnold and Heathcote When Scrublands First Came Their Ways Luke: "I hadn't read the books yet. It came through a lovely casting director, Lou Mitchell here in Melbourne — who, back in the day, I used to read for her at auditions for other people. And so when it came through her and I had a look, and because I have in the last few years also been writing — and writing mystery novels, fantasy, mystery stories — being able to play a writer in a mystery show just felt like the perfect fit. There's sometimes a little battle in my head between the writer and the actor, and I was like 'oh, I get to bring both sides of my creative self to this job'. And so from when I put the first tape down, I put it down with my now-fiancée, and out of all the jobs I've ever done, it was the one, she was reading opposite me, she thought it was a done deal from the beginning — and ended up being right. So I think Martin and I were a good fit from the beginning, and it is a very comfortable place for me to be when I get to step into it." Bella: "It did get me excited. It's so funny, because it came about in a really surprising way. Greg McLean and I had a project that we were doing together that fell apart, and I emailed him just checking in about something and he said 'you know what, I'm doing this show, and I feel like you might be right for this role in it'. And it was Mandy. And he's like 'read the scripts and tell me what you think' — the thing that we all say to each other, where it's like 'oh, don't worry if you don't like it'. And I read it and I just ripped through them. And then I was just like 'where do I sign?'. Because I thought she was great, and I loved how spunky she was. And I loved how much — there's something that I do that tat I really share with Mandy, where if she likes someone, she hangs shit on them. If she doesn't like someone, she also hangs shit on them. But if she really likes someone, then she just hangs even more shit on them. And I just loved that interaction that she had with both Martin and Byron [Territory's Jay Ryan in season one], and how quickly it cut through and established these relationships. Particularly the Byron storyline, I was just so impressed at how you could really feel the intimacy between them in such a short period of time. You know that expression 'show don't tell'? I just thought it did that so well, but with the thrill of the crime drama. And yeah, I just thought it was so well done and I loved it." On How the Job and Your Performance Evolves When You're Stepping Back Into a Character's Shoes for a Second Season Bella: "I guess it does evolve, because you're just layering up, aren't you? I get terrified before every job. I maybe erroneously thought that — no, I just know that I get terrified before every job. But this one felt like I put more pressure on myself or I was scared because I loved Mandy in season one, and I didn't want to do her a disservice in season two. So god, I hope I didn't. I guess the circumstances evolve, and you just put that suit back on and hope that you show up and do it justice." Luke: "It's interesting, because it's both much more comfortable and it's nice knowing 'okay, I know to a degree where this guy sits'. I also think sometimes the trap is to get too comfortable in that, and to make sure you're really looking at what the arc of this season is, what the story is. In a lot of ways, there's a lot of things that are completely different between these two seasons. The first season, Martin is the outsider. He is not emotionally or personally connected to this mystery in any way. He's got his own personal journey going on, but he is the somewhat-dispassionate journalist coming in just to tell this story, and everyone else in town has been traumatised and connected to it. This is the opposite. When we when we jump into Silver, it's Martin's old best friend who's been murdered — in a town where a lot of terrible things happened to Martin, but also he did some things that we'll find out he has some regrets, some shame over, potentially. The person who is accused of the murder is his now-partner. So he could not be more personally connected to every aspect of it. So in that way, he's going to approach it completely differently to how he did the mystery in season one. So it's somewhat comfortable, but also a completely new character in some ways." On Whether One of the Challenges of Returning to a Role Is Conveying How a Character Has Grown and Changed Between Seasons Luke: "I think so, mainly in context to Martin and Mandy. The potential relationship is only just blooming by the end of season one. So the whole year has happened for those two. So I think that's the hardest bit of catch-up to do, is to work out 'all right, how close are these two? How established is the relationship? How much trust has been built?'. Because very quickly, going back to Port Silver and the events that happened there, both of them realise that maybe they have to question how much this other person is opening up to them, how much they trust them, how truthful they're being. [caption id="attachment_929182" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sarah Enticknap[/caption] So I think that is the first thing that we had to consider — what this relationship between Martin and Mandy is, how that year has been between, how established are things, how much do they trust each other? And because it is an ongoing series — but each of these is its own standalone mystery. So in some ways, you want to get that established really quickly so you can get into the real meat of what this season's about." On How Heathcote Approached Mandy's Complicated Emotional Journey in Scrublands: Silver Bella: "I really just went off what was on the page and in the book. Although, you know what comes to mind — and this is a book that has really spoken to me, a book that I've told everyone I know to read and rabbited on about for so long. I don't know if you've ever read it? Any Ordinary Day by Leigh Sales. Oh my god, so just this idea that Mandy — everything that's happening to her is so in the present, but given everything that's happened in season one, it's just like she just has to keep going on, even given everything happened with Byron and with her dad. But she has this son and she has to raise him. And there's all this stuff happening and it's just a trauma that she doesn't have time to process right now because she just has to do the next indicated thing, and she's just so focused on Liam. It's almost like Martin has to try to think of things around the crime and what's going on, because all she can think about is like 'where's my son? I have to go get him. Is he okay? Who is he with right now?. And in some ways, I guess that sort of protects her, insulates her. I feel like if you looked at Mandy five weeks later, she'd be grappling with something different than just what she's dealing with in the shock of the moment." On Navigating the Conflicts Within Both Martin and Mandy — One So Astute in His Work and Yet Awkward in His Personal Life, the Other Fiercely Protective of Who She Loves But Struggling with Trust in Their Relationship Luke: "I think it's the great thing about having the whole story from the beginning — this feeling that 'all right, we've got all these four episodes', and so even before starting, you get to chart some evolution about what can change for him over the course of the story and why. And I think it is knowing that this guy has mostly been on his own, single, bouncing around the world, caring about one thing — which is the story — and believing that is important above all things. That would even mean that in a lot of these situations, while he would be making friends, building relationships, if some of those people are implicit in the story, if they're part of it, that he'd know professionally it's his job to put that aside in the service of the truth. So I think once you know that that is a core part of who Martin is, then it becomes a little easier to play those moments where he could maybe act in ways that are disappointing or upsetting to the people around him. And I do think that's the fun of the season. Every time you do any part, it's always fun to look at 'all right, what are you hoping they learn through the course of this story? So how do we take them a few steps back from that at the beginning?'. And I think it's sometimes the most fun stuff to see when characters are oblivious, when they put a foot wrong — when you hopefully still enjoy watching them, but you can also be frustrated by them as well." Bella: "I think she just loses patience pretty quickly with Martin and his jealousy, Martin and his inability to deal with his past and his family. I think she calls him out on it quite a few times because she just hasn't, doesn't, they don't have time to luxuriate in whatever six months of couples' therapy they need in order to deal with this. It's just like 'get over yourself. Go deal with your family. I'm going to do this thing that's right in front of me. I'm going to deal with the next crisis. I don't have time for whatever nonsense you're bringing to this'." On the Series' Exploration of the Fact That the Past Can Haunt You — Whether You've Tried to Leave It Behind in a New Setting or You're Returning Home Bella: "I don't think you need to dig deep into it because it's true. I mean, it's true for me. I think we're all shaped by our past and whatever traumas we've experienced or whatever loss we've experienced, so I think it's just something that we all carry. We carry the scars of it, hopefully to a lesser extent — or hopefully we are able to do the work so that it doesn't impact our daily life in a way that becomes unmanageable. But I guess I just agree with what Mandy says, because that's been my experience." Luke: "I think what was really great is there were extensive flashbacks in the book, and I think Felicity [Packard, Pine Gap], our writer/producer, and Ben Young [Hounds of Love], our director this season, and everyone else did a really good job of going 'okay, how do we crystallise the ideas, the themes, the character moments in those very broad flashbacks down to something that fits our format?'. And I think they did a fantastic job of that. I think it's really about tying the tragedies of Martin's history here to his own actions, and to the man he is now. And knowing that, yes, some of those blocks he might have emotionally and relationship-wise all have to do with those walls he put up at a very young age, and those decisions he made to go 'no, this is important, what I'm doing is important, so I'm going to go down that road'. So I think it's a theme that pops up with a lot of characters there, but what's fun is I think all those themes, those character moments and the mystery all end up overlapping each other really nicely." On Why the World of Scrublands Resonates with Audiences, Both on the Page and as a TV Series Luke: "This Aussie-noir thing is obviously captivating people here and around the world. It taps into that feeling of Australia I think we all have — I feel like each of these stories so far take place in an Australian small town where some dark things happened, where you've got this tight-knit community. And there is something interesting here, I think, compared to Riversend. Riversend was a place where an awful thing happened that I think really affected the whole community in terrible ways. There's a bit of a different thing going on here with Port Silver, where the change is different — there's some stuff here that happened in the past that compromised everyone and there is still some pain of that, but there's also this gentrification and other shift happening in the town. But I think overall it's that mix of a really good mystery, first and foremost. I think sometimes we can put those darker themes front and centre, and the mystery is somewhat there to support a story that's more interested in theme, in pain, in trauma — and sometimes those stories can be fantastic. But I think this story, for us, especially when we lift it to the screen, we're really trying to tell the mystery first and making sure that we fill it in with all that beautiful texture, but that from scene to scene, we're keeping you on the hook, trying to find out what happened, why and who committed the crime." Bella: "I talk to my dad about this a lot because he loves crime fiction, and it's sort of the only genre he reads. And it tracks because he was a lawyer. I can see why that would be fun for him. But I also I ripped through these books so quickly, and I don't typically read crime fiction. I read them all in two days each — less, maybe. Just couldn't put them down. And I don't know, why is that? They're just delicious and moreish. And you can't, you just want to know what happens. I want to know what happens. I wanted to know what happened watching the show. I was trying to prep this job I'm doing now, and I just thought 'I'll just watch one episode' — and then cut to it's midnight and I'm supposed to be working the next day, and I'm like 'shit, okay, stop watching them'. And I was texting with Luke, and he was still up in Australia because he and his partner had stayed up to watch them. Yeah, they're just moreish." On Scrublands: Silver Taking Aussie Noir to a New Setting in Coastal WA and Helping Expand the Vision of Australia On-Screen Luke: "I think it is the kind of secret weapon of the season, that we could not get over when we were there. This is not a side of Australia people have seen a lot of. Augusta, the town that we shot in, is like the most-southwesterly point of Australia. It's got its own little microclimate. There are humpback whales that you're seeing every day. And funnily enough, there was just this amazing silver sheen over the whole place. Very different to season one, and very different to most things that we've seen in Australia. And I think it is really great. And that just because we're making so much more stuff — and I think we're making so much interesting stuff these days, and enough of it, that we don't feel like what it would have been in the old days, where if you were trying to make a show in Australia that you wanted to export to the world, there's almost an Australian brand. And so you go 'no, don't try and' — like a show like this, you might go 'no, no, no, you buy a show that looks like this from somewhere in Europe. Let's do another McLeod's Daughters or something like that'. Where, because we're exporting so much great stuff these days, we do get to step outside that. We do get to shoot in all corners of the country, and I think it's really exciting for so many reasons. We get to really start showing the world that this isn't just a bunch of beer-drinking — even though, look, we drink a bit of beer in this as well — but it's it's not quite that one image of Australia that we were showing for a very long time." Bella: "My god, I love it — and I love the fact that they let us do it, because I think for most people, Australia, its selling point is the sun-bleached country or the beaches and sunshine and barbecues or something. So to be given — permission is the wrong word, but to be given carte blanche to shoot in winter in WA. And it's so beautiful, it's so breathtakingly beautiful that coast in winter, and the whales and that lighthouse. I just thought it was so idyllic and just really set a certain tone and mood, and I think it's incredible. I'd never been to WA before shooting there, so I'm grateful that we shot there. Because Australia, everywhere you go just feels like it could be its own little universe. They're so different, season one to season two, those settings are so vastly different — and both are so, so special and so beautiful." On What You Learn From Playing Parts Like Martin and Mandy for Two Seasons Bella: "The thing that comes to mind is that you can be tough and sensitive. That you can be tough and vulnerable, and that those things aren't mutually exclusive. I think through so much of my twenties, I thought you were either one or the other, and I feel like Mandy is all of those things all at once." Luke: "I think there's a great window, in both seasons, there's a real window into journalism that I didn't quite know before that's really interesting, and that I had to get my head around then to start playing Martin. Being in the arts, I do think we're often going to the human element first, and are empathy-forward in our ways of how we think about any story. And so just ticking over into not only the mindset of a journalist, I guess, where it's like 'it's about the truth, it's about the facts, that's what's important' — the human element is part of it, but your job as a journalist is to go in and get the truth first, and that's what matters. And I think that's so fun to play. I don't think is a spoiler to say that Toby Truslove as Doug Monkton is back, and so is Sarah Roberts as Beth, so when you get these scenes between the journos, I think that's really, really fun. And that's something that also feels different. We've seen a lot of shows of cops talking and lawyers talking and that kind of thing. I think that the camaraderie and competition between journalists is really fun to play, a whole new window. So I think extending my understanding of that world and getting to play with that is one of my most favourite elements." On Whether Arnold and Heathcote Ever Dreamed of Where Their Careers Have Taken Them Both at Home and Overseas When They Were First Starting Out — Behind the Scenes on Peter Pan and in Australian Film Acolytes, Respectively Luke: "No, of course not. It's funny on that job, being assistant to the swordmaster from Peter Pan. I'm just like everyone watching The White Lotus season three at the moment. And so I was still at high school, really, doing that job — and Jason Isaacs from White Lotus was playing Hook. And on my last day, I went in and had a chat with him, and he was like 'so what are you going to do now?' And I was like 'ohh, I'm going to go to film school, or do a writing course or go to acting school'. And there in his full Hook regalia, he was like 'well, just so you know, writers and directors often have much happier lives than actors'. And I was like 'all right' — and I ended up not taking his advice and went to drama school. And during that time, you're just hoping — like you really get it in your head that 'hey, if I can be a jobbing actor, if I can get to a point where I make most of my money from being an actor, that'll be great'. And that is a kind of dream, and it is tough. It's really hard to do. So then you spend, for a while there, doing a bunch of jobs that are really rewarding but without any — you'd go and do an acting job and then you go back to one of the countless terrible casual jobs that I've done in between. And that felt like 'well, this might be my life'. And then going through those couple of years where I got to do Never Tear Us Apart and Black Sails, obviously that really changed things. Since then, I've just been able to solely work in the creative industries, and I am eternally grateful for it. And there's always a sense that it could change at any moment. But on that, I think as well, that also led me — not to go on a whole big thing, but from that as well, that led to a bit of time where I was spending a lot of time overseas. And I then also had that moment where I was like 'oh, I don't — this isn't the life I want'. It's very easy to get drawn into this feeling of trying to go bigger and further away. And while I'm always open to working overseas, there was a shift even before 2020, when I really, I think, felt really appreciative of the industry we have here in Australia, the great things we do and being able to have this quality of life — working with these people on projects like this was really appealing. So what I'm really most grateful for is that I was able to come back to Australia and really cement myself here, and the work I've been doing the last few years has been some of the most fun and rewarding I've done." Bella: "I suppose that's what you want when you start as an actor, but also I had no concept of really where it could go — because I didn't have anyone in my family who was in this industry. It seemed sort of improbable. But I just didn't want to do anything else, so it's just like 'well, this is what I have to do'. I mean, it's a dream. I still think about that now, like the fact that I've just been able to earn a living doing this thing for the last, jeez, 18 years or whatever it's been now, feels like a small miracle." On What Heathcote Looks for in a New Homegrown Project When Adding to Her Recent Run of Scrublands, Bloom, The Moogai and More Bella: "I guess it's the same thing I'd look for overseas — just a role that speaks to me and creatives that I'm excited by. I mean, The Moogai, for example, I just thought that was a really important story and I'm always fascinated by horror films that are sort of an allegory for something bigger than just horror, genre. And Bloom, I remember just being excited to work with Phoebe [Tonkin, Boy Swallows Universe], and I was in Australia — and I met with Greg and Glen [Dolman, I Met a Girl], the writer, and just thought this would just be a laugh. I also love the comedic element of it, or the situation just felt so ludicrous, to play this old woman, this very uptight old woman, but in a young woman's body. It's giving Freaky Friday. And then Scrublands, I just love Mandy. I just thought she had such spunk. A friend of mine said something once: 'you need two out of three'. And it was pay, creative, location. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you get all three. And I suppose that's how I make most of my decisions." On What Gets Arnold Excited About a New Role in General Luke: "It can go both ways. I think what excites me sometimes is if there's some crazy challenge — where the script is so good and there's some amazing challenge in there that I haven't done yet. And you go 'all right'. And it's going to push me in ways where I can't rely on the things I think I know and the things I've done before, and just launch into something with faith in the people I'm working with and in the process, and get to just stretch myself in new and exciting ways. That's both really exciting — and also what's really exciting sometimes is when I feel like 'oh, I think I'm the right guy for this job'. It's a really rewarding, exciting thing, because there's so much self-doubt here. And every job you do, you always go 'well, everyone's going to think I suck in that'. And every audition you do, you go 'of course, I'm not going to get this'. But occasionally these things come forward where you're like 'I think this is my skill set. I think I know how to do this. And I think I can maybe bring something to this that not every actor could'. And I think, from a kind of craft sense — and just, as we said, how long I've been in this industry — it's a really nice thing when I feel 'oh, I think I could be helpful to this thing'. And that's why there was maybe a sense with Martin that I felt like 'oh, I think my writer's mind will be really useful in this role'. Because when you are in the position where your character is, you are with the audience as you're putting the pieces together, you are part of shaping the story and putting the pieces of that mystery together, I did feel like 'oh, I think I might be the right actor to make this character work'. So I think that is sometimes a great thing, when I can enter into something with a little less self-doubt and a little more excitement to bring all of me to a role." Scrublands: Silver streams via Stan from Thursday, April 17, 2025. Read our review of season one. Images: David Dare Parker / Sarah Enticknap.
Of all of Earth's natural ecosystems, there's nothing quite like rainforests. An incredibly important part of our global climate, these verdant kingdoms make up only three percent of our planet's surface but are home to more than half of terrestrial animals. They absorb pollutants, are crucial to the livelihoods of one in every four people and effectively act as the 'lungs' of planet Earth. We might not have a rainforest here in Sydney, but the next best thing in town is the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and its dedicated greenhouse space, The Calyx. This indoor space is home to thousands of plants year-round, and it also hosts regular exhibitions like Alchemy of a Rainforest. Having opened on Sunday, September 15, this latest exhibition is all about the rainforest. It showcases the variety and beauty of the biomes with recreations of plants, flowers, trees and animals made with recycled materials by environmental artist Jane Gillings. From humble seeds and busy butterflies to an oversized satin bowerbird bower you can walk through, the exhibition is built to immerse you in and educate you about the mysteries of nature and the little living things that make our rainforests and world go around. Before leaving, be sure to swing by The Leaf Department Cafe, the on-site eatery within The Calyx, for a cup of coffee and a hearty sandwich to enjoy indoors or on the grass outside. Have you got any events coming up? This quiet oasis is sticking around in The Calyx until well into 2025, and will be available as a function space for hire for any special occasion you can fit inside a rainforest. Alchemy of a Rainforest runs from Sunday, September 15. Entry is available with a donation. Visit the website for more information.
'Jazz' is a term that's never been easy to define. Its evolution has depended on the constant challenging of conventions. Even some of the world's most iconic jazz musicians question the label altogether — Louis Armstrong once famously quipped, "All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song." The Sydney scene is defined by a tendency to push musical boundaries, jazz often meeting rock, world music, folk or roots. Artists such as Darren Percival, Thirsty Merc's Rai Thistlethwayte and Hermitude's Luke Dubber were all well known on the jazz circuit before reaching a mainstream audience. What's more, the NSW Government's 2009 relaxing of the PoPE laws has led to a diversification of staging opportunities, putting the intimate wine bar experience firmly back on the map. Our guide takes you through ten of Sydney's favourite jazz venues. 505 Where: 280 Cleveland St, Surry Hills When: Monday to Saturday nights, 8.30pm Cover: Free-$20 Established in 2004, 505 has transformed from an ‘underground’ space into one of the city’s most important venues. Super-comfy couches, quirky decor and a 100 percent performance-focused sensibility are its defining characteristics. Jazz and her many cousins, from roots to groove to world music, comprise the programme, with high quality being the unifying element. The menu caters to the whole spectrum of tastes and budgets, and whiskey lovers certainly won't mind sampling the top shelf. SIMA @ THE SOUND LOUNGE Where: Cnr Cleveland St and City Rd, Chippendale When: Friday and Saturday nights, 8.30pm Cover: $10-$20 If you enjoy your jazz with a dash of sophistication and an emphasis on the listening experience, the Seymour Centre's Sound Lounge is the place to visit. The cream of the crop appears here on Friday and Saturday nights. Hosted by SIMA (the Sydney Improvised Music Association), the programme features emerging artists, seasoned veterans and innovative projects. Global touring musicians are often on the bill — 'International Season' occurs every May/June, in conjunction with the Melbourne Jazz Festival. Recent renovations, including new sound and lighting systems and a heightened ceiling, have given the room a fresh resonance. Light refreshments are available at the bar. DOME BAR Where: 1/598 Crown St, Surry Hills When: Tuesday to Thursday nights Cover: Free on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; $10 on Tuesdays With its French chandeliers, commodious red leather furniture and Baroque-style mural, Dome Bar offers a jazz experience that’s at once glamorous and relaxing. The choice is yours: sit close to the band and listen intently or kick back and enjoy a cocktail with a friend. Tuesdays feature new instrumental collaborations; every Wednesday there’s a jam session; and Thursdays see the city’s finest jazz vocalists matched up with various all-star bands. Legendary drummer Andrew Dickeson is the man behind the programme. JAZZGROOVE @ 107 Projects Where: 107 Redfern St, Redfern When: Tuesday nights, 7.30pm Cover: $15/$8 (members) Jazzgroove was started in 1998 by a group of young improvising musicians who wanted to inject some vitality into Sydney's live music scene. Apart from running a record label, an annual festival and the prestigious JARA Award, the collective hosts a Tuesday night gig, which moved to 107 Projects in February. Each week is witness to exciting, original, unpredictable projects. Cushion-covered benches and couches are the seating options, and it’s BYO. No need for arguments if you're down to the last beer, though — the Tudor Hall pub is just across the road. COLBOURNE AVENUE Where: Cnr Colbourne Ave and St Johns Rd, Glebe When: Thursday nights, 8pm Cover: $20/$10 (conc.) Checking out a gig at Colbourne Avenue is a bit like watching a private concert in your lounge room. The couches are so comfortable, you’d most likely fall asleep, were the music not so good. The only trick is, you have to be there early if you want to secure yourself a cosy spot close to the band. Organised by keys player Barney Wakeford, the room features an excellent piano and that rare asset — great acoustics. Noise levels are kept to a minimum because there’s no bar — glasses are provided, but, like 107, it's BYO. Glebe Point Road has plenty of bottle shops and a nearby Thai restaurant is on-call for food deliveries. BLUE BEAT Where: 16 Cross St, Double Bay When: Various nights Cover: Various Blue Beat is one of those rare venues in which everything seems to sit just right. That probably shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, given that it is run by two of Sydney’s live music gurus — Christopher Richards, who managed and booked The Basement for four decades, and Nicholas Rice, an expert promotions and venue consultant. The room has the feel of a classic jazz club, but with a classy, contemporary edge. A Steinway Grand graces the stage and the sound is always crystal-clear. Big name touring artists, like Mike Stern and Trombone Shorty, often appear on the bill. THE BASEMENT Where: 7 Macquarie Place, Sydney When: Various nights Cover: Various If you were to compile a list of all the artists to have appeared on The Basement stage, it would read like a Who’s Who of Australian, if not international, jazz. Dizzie Gillespie, Herbie Hancock and Art Pepper are just some of the names you’d see. For years, the famous club was more or less exclusively devoted to improvised music; however, these days it forms just one part of a multifaceted programme. When jazz does happen at The Basement, it’s usually of a high calibre, involving the likes of Vince Jones, The Necks and James Morrison. Securing a table close to the band usually requires a dinner reservation, but even if you’re standing, you’re always very close to the action. STARFISH CLUB @ CLOVELLY BOWLO Where: 1 Ocean St, Clovelly When: First Monday of every month, 7pm Cover: $20 Kate Ceberano reading poetry, Jon Stevens performing the Stax repertoire, and Renee Geyer making a live ABC broadcast are just a few of the surprises that Starfish Club audiences have been treated to over the past 15 years. On the first Monday of every month, bassist/composer extraordinaire Jonathan Zwartz puts together an evening of live music that sees some of Australia’s finest musicians in action, often breaking out of their usual artistic confines. Clovelly Bowlo’s ocean views form the backdrop, delicious food is on the menu, and under-18s are welcome, as long as they’re accompanied by grown-ups. JAMES VALENTINE SUPPER CLUB @ THE GOLDEN SHEAF Where: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay When: Tuesday nights, 7pm Cover: Free Apart from pursuing a successful career as a broadcaster and writer, James Valentine has been playing jazz and rock saxophone for decades. In the early '80s he played with the likes of Jo Camilleri, Kate Ceberano and the Models. Every Tuesday, he takes his quartet to the Sheaf for a weekly Supper Club. A different special guest joins them on each gig, guaranteeing some unpredictable and exciting dynamics. Entry is free and dinner is available. MR FALCON’S Where: 92 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe When: Wednesday nights Cover: Free Visiting Mr Falcon's feels a bit like wandering into some Bohemian bar in a Parisian back street. That's especially the case on Wednesday nights, when Gadjo Guitars bring their scorching gypsy jazz to the floor. Bar snacks are available, or you can have a meal delivered from Mengen Sofrasi Turkish Kitchen, which is just across the road. As far as alcohol goes, the cocktail menu is extensive. It's hard to resist the hot apple cider, served with spicy rum or bison grass vodka.
Alice Springs is not what it seems. For a start, it’s not the actual centre of Australia. It’s also not a sleepy, dusty, desert town — there’s a pulse and underlying ferocity that you can find only in the middle of something. What’s beneath the surface is what’s addressed in Alex Kershaw’s One of Several Centres. Filmed over a number of visits to the red centre, the work is a series of vignettes on unlikely characters, representing Alice through personality, encounter and landscape. He first visited Alice Springs years ago as a photographic assistant and, after subsequent returns, was struck by the gap between his experience of the place and familiar representations of it. One of Several Centres is a reimagining of the town; the stories are authored, but the characters’ reactions within them spontaneous. They raise more questions than they answer, making Kershaw’s tale unique, surprising and provocative. Hear about it from the artist himself, this Saturday 6 March at 2pm.
The sun is out, the cicadas are humming and the beaches are calling – but don't let the summer go by without taking an indoors break to check out Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age: Masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum at the Art Gallery of NSW. Until Sunday, February 18, you can gaze at 78 incredible artworks — including a rare Vermeer and an entire room devoted to Rembrandt — by the greatest Dutch painters of the 17th century. From stormy seas to tranquil domestic scenes to intricate studies of flowers and fruit, each work radiates with the abundant artistic energy of an era buzzing with power, wealth and cultural confidence. We spoke to exhibition researcher Josephine Touma to get a glimpse into a seriously unmissable, beautifully arranged exhibition. [caption id="attachment_649477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Johannes Vermeer: Woman Reading a Letter, 1663, Rijksmuseum, on loan from the City of Amsterdam (A. van der Hoop Bequest).[/caption] JOHANNES VERMEER: WOMAN READING A LETTER (1663) Vermeer nerds will already know just how exciting it is to have this work in Sydney. Not only is it one of only 35 surviving Vermeer paintings in the entire world, it's also completely enchanting. Typical of the serene domestic scenes Vermeer painted at the height of his powers, the work captures an uneventful domestic moment — a woman at home reading a letter — and, through sublime use of light, colour and atmosphere, elevates it to a thing of extreme beauty. "These are the paintings that he's become most loved for and I think it's because they're very beguiling," says Touma. They also spark curiosity: in this case, the woman's bent head and parted lips create a sense of romantic suspense. "There's a story there but we don't know what it is. Who is the letter from? What's she thinking? What's she feeling? There's a sense of expectation, there's a bit of mystery and there's enough to ignite the viewer's imagination." Fun fact: Van Gogh was apparently a big fan of this work, particularly for the gorgeous ultramarine (what he called 'celestial blue') seen in the woman's bed jacket, a costly pigment Vermeer made from finely ground lapis lazuli stones imported from Afghanistan. [caption id="attachment_649475" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Judith Leyster: The Jolly Drinker, 1629, Rijksmuseum, purchased with the support of the Vereniging Rembrandt.[/caption] JUDITH LEYSTER: THE JOLLY DRINKER (1629) One of just two works by women painters in the exhibition — and by far one of the most entertaining — Leyster's The Jolly Drinker immediately raises a smile. A large painting in a much brighter key than was typical of the period, the work depicts a rosy-cheeked, feather-capped fellow holding up an empty (and we assume, recently full) tankard. It's the kind of character study that was fairly common for the period, with one difference: he actually looks like a real person. "What Leyster brings to that genre is a real sense of the character of an individual. He's got such a distinctive face. He looks like a real person you could know," comments Touma. (True; he bears an uncanny resemblance to this writer's Uncle Martin after a few too many Riojas.) The painting doesn't feel like a warning against drunkenness. Touma notes the gorgeous green sage colour, the infectious sense of joy and abandon within the work. "For all their reputation for being pious and austere, protestant and strict, the Dutch had fun, and they also poked fun at themselves." Art trivia: For a long time, Leyster's works were wrongly attributed to fellow Haarlem painter Frans Hals or her husband Jan Miense Molenaer. [caption id="attachment_649474" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jan Davidsz de Heem: Still Life With Flowers in a Glass Vase, 1665– 70, Rijksmuseum, on loan from the City of Amsterdam (A van der Hoop Bequest).[/caption] JAN DAVIDSZ. DE HEEM: STILL LIFE WITH FLOWERS IN A GLASS VASE (1665-70) "We deliberately placed this picture as the final painting in the exhibition, because I think it's a real statement of artistic dexterity and ingenuity," says Touma of De Heem's illusionistic Still Life with Flowers in a Glass Vase. Reflecting both the period's fascination with botany and a tendency for artists to show off their refined technique, the work displays De Heem's incredible ability to transform a three-dimensional natural scene into a two-dimensional painting. Particularly impressive is the sense of texture: it really seems like you could touch the cold, smooth glass of the jar, the silkiness of the petals, even the sliminess of the tiny snail in the bottom right corner. For the flower buffs: tulips were imported into the Netherlands from Turkey the century prior and considered an exotic symbol of wealth. In fact, a few decades before De Heem painted this work, tulips were so popular that people went a little crazy. "There's evidence in the archives that says people spent as much on a single bulb as they did on an Amsterdam house," reveals Touma. (Feel better about your $5 avocado yet?) You'll spot two kinds of tulips in the painting - the 'Viceroy' and the 'Semper Augustus,' which at the time were the two most prized varieties. [caption id="attachment_649473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jan de Bray: Judith and Holofernes, 1659, Rijksmuseum.[/caption] JAN DE BRAY : JUDITH AND HOLOFERNES (1659) Anyone familiar with other painterly interpretations of this biblical subject might be used to seeing a bit more gore (Artemisia Gentileschi's Judith Slaying Holofernes springs to mind). There's still a lot of blood red present, but it's used for the velvet bedding and the colour of Judith's ornate dress, and instead of a grisly scene, de Bray chooses to depict the final moment before all hell breaks loose, resulting in a painting that brims with tension despite it's fairly small scale. Touma notes that, interestingly, de Bray's Holofernes isn't depicted as a massive brute. "There's a vulnerability there in the way he's painted the flesh, he's so vulnerable and pale, his neck open," explains Touma. "He doesn't look like a threatening, rugged figure." Judith in comparison seems incredibly strong and solid. The figure of the maid — in Gentileschi's version, a capable contemporary rolling up her sleeves and helping to pin Holofernes down – is here a cowering, child-like figure, perhaps serving as a point of empathy for the viewer. Hot tip: look out for the candle in the foreground that's been snuffed out, which Touma suggests may symbolise that Holofernes' life is due for a similar fate. "It's a bit obvious town but he's a Dutch painter, he loves symbolism!" [caption id="attachment_642223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn: Self-Portrait as the Apostle Paul, 1661, Rijksmuseum, de Bruijn-van der Leeuw Bequest, Muri, Switzerland.[/caption] REMBRANDT HARMENSZ. VAN RIJN: SELF-PORTRAIT AS THE APOSTLE PAUL (1661) Last but certainly not least, the iconic Self-Portrait as the Apostle Paul by Rembrandt. Hailed as one of the greatest minds in the history of art, Rembrandt worked consistently throughout a long career and produced over 40 self-portraits (not a vanity thing, self-portraits meant both a constantly available sitter and a chance to return to the same subject with endless innovation and experimentation) including this one, painted eight years before his death aged 63. See it with a mate or two, and odds are you'll all read something different in the complex, ambiguous facial expression. "Everyone who stands in front of a Rembrandt self portrait reads a different emotion," says Touma, for whom it is a painting about "resignation, wisdom and pathos." Created later in life after the death of his first wife and many financial losses, the work stands in stark contrast to an early etched self-portrait completed in his 20s that you'll find in the opposite corner of the room. Comparing the two is revealing. "You can see the progression from a young, cocky, ambitious artist in this haughty self portrait to this later one where he's feeling perhaps a bit more brittle, but experienced," says Touma. "If anyone embraced the signs of ageing and the wisdom of old age, it was Rembrandt." Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age: Masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum runs until February 18 as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2017–2018.
Whether you're trying to find your way around your a far-flung holiday destination, a part of your own city you're not so familiar with or your own neighbourhood, Google Maps has probably helped you out of a bind more than once. Over the years, you've been able to play everything from Pac-Man and Mario Kart to Where's Waldo and Snake via the online service, too — so using it for a global Easter egg hunt really isn't too far out of the ordinary. Because it's almost that time of year, and because Cadbury wants to remind us all to eat chocolate, the brand has teamed up with Google Maps for the second year in a row to create a virtual way for you to hide and search for Easter eggs. It's all digital, though, so it does mean that you won't actually be eating any choccies. If you want to dive into your own stash while you're clicking and scrolling away, though, absolutely no one is going to stop you. Here's how it works: you head to the worldwide Easter egg hunt website, sign up and then get hiding. Once you've picked your spot — somewhere of significance to you and the person you're hiding it for — you'll write a clue, which'll then get sent to your chosen person. For those on the receiving end, it's up to you to decipher the details and find the virtual egg. If it's too hard, that's all down to whoever enlisted you in the hunt — so, if you can't find your digital egg, you might want to ask them for more hints. You can only hide one egg at a time, and only send the corresponding clue to one person. But, you can repeat the process as many times as you like. While there is a physical component, it sadly doesn't involve racing around the world, the city or even the house actually trying to get your hands on chocolate. Instead, you can arrange to send one of seven Cadbury products to someone in Australia, including tins and hampers. Staying virtual doesn't cost a thing, however, if that better suits your budget. To take part in the worldwide Easter egg hunt, head to the Cadbury website.
Both Sydney institutions and both beloved around Redfern and the Inner West, Young Henrys and the South Sydney Rabbitohs are a match made in heaven. The brewery and the NRL club have been linked for the last half-decade with Young Henrys the team's official beer sponsor for the past five years. To celebrate the anniversary, the pair have teamed up to create a new limited-edition beer. Taking inspiration from South's team song Glory Glory to South Sydney, the Young Henrys Glory Haze XPA is an easy-drinking beer with citrus and tropical aromas. The collab has just launched across the country, with the can decked out in the club's signature red and green to celebrate the long-running partnership. The limited-run beer is available in bottle shops nationwide in both six-packs and cases. It's also getting a run in kegs so you can expect it to pop up in a pub or bar near you as well. "This beer is all about the fans!! Fans of the Rabbitohs. Fans of Young Henrys. Or just fans of bloody good-tasting beer," says Young Henrys Director Dan Hampton. The collaboration is the latest creative brew produced by the Young Henrys crew following previous team-ups with the likes of Dune Rats, The Art Gallery of NSW, Foo Fighters, DZ Deathrays and Dylan Alcott. "Young Henrys are all about bringing people together — sharing a beer when celebrating moments with friends and family — a sentiment shared with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and their members who enjoy celebrating our victories both on and off the field," said South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly. The pre-sale for the Glory Haze XPA is already sold out, so you'll have to pick up a six-pack from your local bottle shop if you want to get your hands on them. In the meantime, you can watch the passionate launch video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Young Henrys (@younghenrys) Young Henrys' and South Sydney Rabbitohs' Glory Haze XPA is available in stores now across Australia in six packs, cases and kegs.
Taste of Coogee is back with a new name and a stacked new two-day program of culinary pop-ups and demonstrations. Following eight years under its original name, the festival will return to Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter under the banner of Taste in the City, serving up its annual array of tastings and experiences, live music and its always popular long lunch. Highlights of this year's event include a return of Lobster & Co's lobster rolls following their successful run in Darling Harbour, cocktail masterclasses from the award-winning Maybe Sammy, a Caffeine Caravan from Mr Black and live music from the likes of Hot Potato Band and Top Shelf Live. Ready Steady Cook's Peter Everett will be back to host the celebrity kitchen demonstrations with guests including Mindy Woods, Jason Roberts, Tom Walton and Rowie Dillon. Plus, the long lunch will also return for 100 guests featuring food curated by Tom Walton and Jason Roberts and a quality selection of NSW wines. Tickets are $40 for adults which gets you entry to the festival, a tasting cup and access to the cooking demonstrations, while kids under 18 are free. If you're looking to take your visit to the next level, you can purchase a seat at the long lunch with your ticket which will set you back an extra $110. Rowie Dillon will also be running a Kids in the Kitchen program with tickets for the little ones available for $45. To top off the fun, the event is dog-friendly so you can spend the day with your four-legged pals or expect to run into some adorable fluffballs as you make your way around the festival.
Charging your phone is probably one of the most mundane things you do each day. Your phone's on three percent, you scramble to find your charger cord, you plug it in, it makes a noise and, hey, it's charging. But a Canadian startup has decided to take the downright borezo process of charging your phone and make it look like literal magic — they've created a charger that makes your phone levitate while it's powering up. The OvRcharge is a wireless charging base that puts your smartphone on show. While it's charging your device it not only suspends it in mid-air, but it can slowly rotate it too through an invisible magnetic field. The product, which has been created by Toronto studio AR Designs, is currently being funded on Kickstarter, and is $10k (Canadian dollars) off their $40,000 goal. Of course, it's not actual magic. The OvRcharge is able to simultaneously charge and suspend the device through magnets, which will transmit from the base to a special phone case that plugs into your device. "It consists of two main technologies: electromagnetism and induction," AR Designs' founder and CEO Rukhsana Perveen told Digital Trends. "Electromagnetism is responsible for maintaining its altitude and balance, [while] induction is for wireless power transfer." The charger is set to be compatible with the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Sony Xperia and a few other models. If you want one, you'll have to pledge to the Kickstarter campaign — there's 15 days left. Via Digital Trends.
No longer confined to children's birthday parties, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle sources and blow-up labyrinths have become hot property for adults (and their inner kids, of course). And the next blow-up event to return to Sydney is big. Really big. Dubbed 'The Big Bounce Australia', it's an inflatable theme park made up of the world's biggest bouncy castle — as certified by the Guinness World Records — plus a 300-metre long obstacle course, a three-part space-themed wonderland and a sports slam arena. You're going to need a lot of red cordial to bounce your way through all of this. Set to take over the St Ives Showground between Friday, March 11–Sunday, March 13, The Big Bounce is open to both littl'uns and big'uns, but there are a heap of adults-only sessions — so you don't have to worry about dodging toddlers on your way through. Tickets for adults will set you back $59, which gives you a whole three hours in the park. Yes, you'll need it. Inside, you'll encounter the aforementioned bouncy castle — aptly named The World's Biggest Bounce House — covering a whopping 1500 square metres and, in some spots, reaching ten metres off the ground. In this house, you'll encounter a heap of slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and (if you can believe it) a stage with DJs, confetti cannons and beach balls. Then, there's The Giant, with 50 inflatable obstacles, including giant red balls and a monster slide. Before you hit the next, three-part section of the extremely OTT theme park, you may need to pause, down some red frogs and maybe even have a nap. Or not, as you do only have three hours to explore it all. Either way, at Airspace, aliens, spaceships and moon craters collide with a five-lane slide, some more ball pits and an 18-metre-tall maze. After that, you'll certainly need a nap. And, new for 2022, there's also the Sport Slam, which is rather self-explanatory — and will be a must of you're keen to add a competitive spin to all that bouncing. [caption id="attachment_825374" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarasota Experience[/caption]
Home to stacked burgers named after Kanye West, Drake and Kevin Bacon, loaded fries of both the potato and doughnut variety, and boozy shakes and spiders, Milky Lane's regular menu brings one word to mind: indulgent. We all know that we shouldn't be eating fried chicken and maple smoked bacon burgs, mac 'n' cheese croquettes and deep-fried Golden Gaytimes every day — or drinking Bubble O' Bill and Zooper Dooper cocktails, either — but that's exactly what the chain serves at its stores across Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Canberra. If you think that those aforementioned dishes are OTT, they are. The brand's latest additions to its menu earn the term several times over, too, because mixing up Caramilk and Biscoff cocktails will do that. From Monday, June 28, Milky Lane will try to tempt your tastebuds with 12 new items — and whether you're keen on its burgs, desserts or boozy beverages, you're likely to find something to try on the new menu. On the burger lineup, the Hail Caesar will feature a herb and panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel and a parmesan deep-fried mozzarella patty; the Chicken Parmy comes loaded with a schnitty, ham, mozzarella and smashed potato gems on a mozzarella coated bun; and the Big Poppa pairs a smashed pattie, pulled brisket, bacon, mozzarella and twice as much American cheese as usual. Still sticking with all things savoury, loaded potato gems are exactly what they sound like — and if you like the deep-fried cheese curds that come on top, you can also order them separately. For folks with a sweet tooth, the new desserts range spans deep-dried Snickers served with liquid peanut butter, Nutella, crushed peanuts and vanilla ice cream, as well as a Caramilk and Biscoff cookie skillet — combining two cult dessert items in one dish. And, there's more Caramilk and Biscoff concoctions on the booze list, including Biscoff espressos, shots and loaded shakes, all featuring crushed Biscoff pieces, and Caramilk-heavy cocktails and loaded shakes. A grape Hubba Bubba spider made with grape vodka, bubblegum syrup and grape Fanta rounds out the new offerings, if you'd like to combine sweet treats and booze in a different way. Sydneysiders can head to Milky Lane's eateries in Bondi, Cronulla, Parramatta, Gregory Hills and Crows Nest, with fellow New South Wales stores also located in Newcastle and Terrigal. Queenslanders can hit up joints in Newstead and Surfers Paradise — and there's a store in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, too. Milky Lane will start serving its new menu from Monday, June 28 at all of its stores across Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Canberra. For further details, head to the chain's website.
Jaffles and toasties hold a very special nostalgic place in people's hearts. A new cafe in the shire is dedicated to serving up a healthy dose of childlike delight through its menu of creative savoury and sweet jaffles. Miss Jaffles Cafe opened last week on Gerrale Street in Cronulla, with an offering of premium coffee, a reserved brekkie menu and most importantly, piping-hot jaffles. The fifteen-strong list of jaffles includes everything from your classic baked bean or ham, cheese and tomato options, through to more inventive choices like smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers, shepherd's pie, or the Miss Chicky which packs in chicken, cheese, sundried tomatoes, red onion, sweet chilli sauce and mayo. There's also an unholy Miss Mary Mac mac and cheese jaffle with bacon bites. The savoury selections range from $7–12 and come on the option of white, wholemeal, Turkish or gluten free bread. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge their inner child and turn their attention to the dessert jaffles where they'll find creations like the Miss Biscoff jaffle stuffed with Caramilk chocolate, biscoff, strawberries and ice cream. Or try the Miss Berrilicious and you'll find a mixture of berries, white chocolate, maple syrup and ice cream inside. A standard cafe drinks menu is on hand with a range of hot and iced coffees all made with Miss Jaffle's own blend of coffee beans. The cafe is the first venture of friends Vass and Michelle who have been working in hospitality since they were 14-years-old. The pair are shire locals who decided to take the plunge and open a cafe despite the uncertainty of COVID-19. Located just a stone's throw from South Cronulla Beach, Miss Jaffle is still serving shire residents takeaway during Sydney's current lockdown and will open for seated dining as restrictions surrounding hospitality rollback. Miss Jaffles Cafe is located at Shop 9/20 Gerrale Street, Cronulla and is open 6am–3pm Monday–Sunday.
Cleveland Street's Norfolk Hotel might not be Sydney's oldest pub, but it's got a case to make as the city's most consistently evolving. In just the past decade, the Redfern watering hole — which poured its first beer in 1921 — has passed through the hands of no less than three different hospo groups. And now, its latest iteration has been unveiled. After being taken over earlier this year by local hospo juggernaut Solotel (the group behind the likes of The Abercrombie, Chiswick and Oxford House), the new Norfolk is leaning into its long-held reputation as an easygoing, no-nonsense local, complete with trivia, spin the wheel and a badge draw. The opening follows a months-long restoration, which sees the century-old institution return with a new look and mission as it embarks on its next chapter. Helming this next chapter are GM Marcella Guilfoyle and Executive Chef Toby Wilson (pictured below), whose buzzy taqueria Ricos Tacos is still holding down the fort in the pub's courtyard, while the upstairs Club Ricos also remains intact. Wilson has also turned his attention to the Norfolk's new pub menu, which champions local suppliers — Good Ways Deli is both providing the focaccia and teaming up with Ciccone & Sons for a lamington ice cream sandwich — while showcasing pub classics with a thoroughly contemporary remix. On the menu, you'll find the likes of house-made pork and fennel sausage roll sold by the inch, beef and VB party pies, a roast chicken and sage roll with a side of dipping gravy, and those lamington ice cream sandwiches. "The new menu keeps it classic, but everything's made with heart," says Wilson. "It's a team effort to bring the best of the 'burb to the table." At the bar, you'll also find a bit of the surrounding 'burbs (and slightly further beyond) with boutique local wines available by the glass and a dark lager collab with Alexandria brewers Yulli's. There's also a selection of aperitivo-style cocktails, with some available on tap. "The Norfolk has always stood for good times, great food and that sense of belonging you only get from your local," says Guilfoyle. "We're proud to be back, collaborating with some of the neighbourhood's greatest success stories and creating a space where everyone's welcome." The Norfolk is now open at 305 Cleveland Street, Redfern. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Steven Woodburn.
One of Australia’s most distinctive and spectacular installation artists, Nike Savvas has long had a flair for the genuinely epic, but Rally is her largest installation yet. Comprised of some 60,000 coloured strips of plastic bunting hanging from the ceiling, it covers a whopping 480 square metres and occupies almost the entire roof of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ cavernous entry hall. Art scholars have often evoked colour theory in describing Savvas’ work, but this is theory harnessed to crowd-pleasing, ecstatic effect with a sense of fun and kitsch. You could see it as an exercise in using geometry for a purely aesthetic result, or a contemporary twist on pointillism’s approach of synthesising pure individual colours into a cohesive whole. But most of all, it’s an eye-catching, conversation-starting transformation of a previously functional and underused aspect of the gallery space into a day-glo bright visual feast. Previous Savvas works have included the unforgettable Atomic: Full of Love, Full of Wonder, made by stringing up literally thousands of coloured bouncy balls. Like that work, which involved a laborious process of hand-painting every single element of the work, there’s a sense with Rally that a meticulous, factory-like process has gone into producing something which is ecstatic and in the best way, quite simple. The work can also be blown around by fans and the movement of people below, meaning the work is interactive and is never quite viewed the same by any two different viewers. Savvas has previously talked about her interest in “the idea of using materials from the real world and turning them into high art”. This is both a fascinating continuation of her approach to her work and a successful one-off. It’s a work that functions on a number of levels; you could write an art theory paper on it, remix the work’s colour scheme yourself with a camera phone and Instagram filters or just reflect that the Art Gallery of New South Wales has never seen anything quite like this.
According to one urban myth, Sydney's jacarandas are the work of an unknown hospital matron who sent every new mother home with a seedling. Another states that soldiers brought the trees home as gifts on their return from World War II. The problem is that there's no evidence for either. So no one really knows how Sydney came to have so many. What we do know, though, is that, come late October, the city begins to transform into a vision of purple, as hundreds of jacarandas bloom. But they don't hang around for long — the flowers are expected to peak in mid-November and usually disappear by early December. So, if you're keen to see them, it's time to start planning a day out. Here are a few spots — both in and near Sydney — where you can get your jacaranda fix this spring. [caption id="attachment_692359" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Circula Quay, Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY AND THE ROCKS The Rocks' heritage-listed sandstone provides another striking backdrop. Turn your adventure into a lovely walk by starting at the Royal Botanic Gardens and following the Harbour shore line to The Rocks. PADDINGTON Paddington's most famous jacarandas line Oxford Street, just outside Victoria Barracks. But you'll find plenty more among the suburb's back streets and parks — especially around Five Ways. LAVENDER BAY To see a purple sea against the brilliant blue of the Harbour, head to Lavender Bay on the lower north shore. Other spots to check out nearby include Wollstonecraft, Waverton and Kirribilli's famous (and always packed with photo-takers) jacaranda 'tunnel' on McDougall Street. HUNTERS HILL While you're on the north shore, head a little west to take a stroll through Hunters Hill. For a local's perspective, jump on board a walking tour with the Hunters Hill Trust. CAMDEN Found an hour's drive southwest of the Sydney CBD, Camden's town centre transforms into a blaze of purple, thanks to 39 trees planted way back in the 1920s. The town hosts its own annual Jacaranda Festival, too, which this year falls on the weekend of November 22–24 . Images: Destination NSW.
We are all well acquainted with the fascinating leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Shrouded in mystery, marvelously eccentric and either architecturally amazing or atrocious, leaning towers and buildings are simply fascinating structures, which arouse our amazement and curiosity. However, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is far from being the only leaning tower in the world; in fact, it doesn't even top the list for being the oldest, tallest or having the greatest lean. Here are ten of the most stunning, mystifying leaning buildings from around the world that will be sure to make you look at buildings from a new angle. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi Granted the title of the world's furthest leaning man-made tower, the recently built Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi boasts of a whopping 35 stories, all leaning at an impressive 18-degree slant. This structural wonder is a 520-foot sleek and futuristic design which requires 49 piles drilled 100 feet into the Earth to maintain its integrity. Qianwei Leaning Tower, China In Huludao City in China's Liaoning Province lies the world's first leaning tower. Aside from it's rich historical background, the Qianwei leaning tower is believed by many to also have the largest lean in the world, yet it is not recognized by Guinness World Records. Leaning Tower of Barceloneta, Spain Situated on Barceloneta Beach in Spain, this iconic tower features four cubes stacked precariously on top of each other at varying angles. Scores of tourists and visitors flock to this beautiful part of the country, not only for the sun and sand, but also to take in the view of this unorthodox building. Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, Malaysia The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, formerly known as just the water tower, is one of the major attractions of this small Malaysian town. Shortly after the construction of the tower the building began to tilt due to the stream of water running through the ground below, which made the foundation soil weak. Neuer Zollhof, Germany Part of the redeveloped port in Dusseldorf, this unconventional building was created by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The three buildings curve and lean in varying directions and are made of different cladding, whether that be white plaster, red brick or reflective stainless steel. Leaning Temple of Huma, India The only leaning temple in the world, the Temple of Huma was built in 1670 on the banks of the Mahanadi at an angle of 17 degrees, and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It is said that the construction of the temple came about due to enquiries made because of a milkman's daily ritual of crossing the Mahanadi and offering his milk to the rock which cropped out on the bank, and the rock would miraculously consume the milk each time. Tilting Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank, Italy This eco-friendly building is an architectural feat in its own right as, rather than using shading devices to protect the south-facing walls, the solar passive design instead uses its own floors with the 14 degree tilt. The office also features a myriad of sustainable building strategies to provide comfort and save energy. Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Russia The mysteries surrounding this Russian tower work to make this ethereal building all the more stunning. No-one knows exactly what the tower/prison/science lab for secret experiments is actually for, when in the 18th century it was constructed, by whom, or the origins of its tilt. Although there are bizarre speculations including crying walls or throwing architects off the balcony, this one is better shrouded in mystery. Gate of Europe, Madrid The twin towers that make up the Gate of Europe are named as such for good reason. These foreboding structures, known as Puerta de Europa, lay at the top of a stone staircase and appear to barricade the city of Madrid. The 114m towers have 26 floors of office space and have fittingly appeared in a number of movies, such as The Day of the Beast. Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Germany Before the Capital Gate was built in Abu Dhabi, this medieval steeple held the title of the most tilted tower in the world. Located in a village in North Western Germany, the 14th century church was built with oak tree trunk foundations, which rotted in the surrounding marshy land.
Facebook is swiftly becoming the radar of global activity, now obtaining the power to track not only people's social networking patterns but also their travel paths, their ages and even their political inclinations. With over 800 million active users the social networking site is rampant, with immense data processing required for the constant stream of check-ins, status updates and photo uploads. Data scientist at Facebook, Justin Moore, created these global maps as a captivating visual indicator of where and who the world's Facebook users are to make sense of some of the unique data. SEASONED TRAVELLERS WHO WANT TO MAKE IT KNOWN Forget the old maps of showing aeroplane's routes across the globe because we can now follow travel patterns through Facebook users' check-ins. This map uses check-ins at two far off locations as a way of tracing globe-trotting journeys. NYC HUSTLE AND BUSTLE Check-ins over several days in New York City alone reveal the heavier users are situated around more heavily trafficked commercial and tourist areas. Shouldn't you guys be working or studying or something? NEW VS. OLD The colour ranges of this dazzling map represent the ages of users, again through their check-ins on Facebook. The green zones constitute the older and more established Facebookers whilst the blue are the younger rookies. PRETTY POLITICAL Although what may look like some sort of beautiful and rare star constellation, this last image actually maps American users' political affiliation. Democrats are shown as blue and the Republicans are red. Better pick up your game Obama, the social world has spoken.
The Olympic Games bring nations together in a worldwide contest of sport and competition. But the Olympics do much more than this too by providing an arena for remarkable triumphs, terrible failures, true perseverance and utter determination. Even through devastating wars, ongoing global conflicts, drastic terrorism acts and natural disasters, nations of the world have managed to unite (almost) every four years for over a century in a demonstration of friendly competition and unity. With the approaching London Olympics, it got us thinking about the spectacular images from past Olympic Games — photos that make you think, laugh, cringe or cry. Here is our pick of the best photographs from each summer Olympic Games throughout history. Athens 1896 - The Starting Gun Fires The first international Olympic Games to be held in the modern era. Being the 'birthplace of the Olympic Games', Athens was a suitable first venue. Athletics events obtained the most international field of the sports on offer, with the major highlight being the marathon; this was the first time the event had been held in international competition. Paris 1900 - Women Compete for the First Time Women donned their sporting caps and get-ups (apparently dresses in those days) for the first time at an international sporting event in Paris in 1900, with Charlotte Cooper being crowned the first female Olympic champion. 1000 competitors took part in 19 sports at these Games, which was held during the 1900 World's Fair. St. Louis 1904 - 3rd Time Not Such a Charm The St. Louis Olympic Games almost became the last due to such poor management. Making the same mistake as Paris did four years earlier, the World's Fair was run at the same time, causing audience members to be lost to other cultural exhibitions and events. Many athletes were also a no-show due to the Russo-Japanese War. London 1908 - Kings, Queens and Cramming London only had a short amount of time to ready themselves for these games as the original location, Rome, had to focus funds on restoring Naples following the destruction of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius two years earlier. The London games saw the setting of the new official distance for the marathon; in an attempt to restore the importance of the monarchy, British officials changed the track to start below the window of the Royal Nursery and finish in front of the King. Stockholm 1912 - Women's Gymnastics The Olympic Games in 1912 was the year of many firsts - and one last. The final Games to issue solid gold medals, Stockholm also held the first Olympics to have art competitions, the first to feature the decathlon and pentathlon, the first to have an Asian nation participate (Japan), and the first death during competition after Portuguese competitor, Francisco Lazaro, died from hyperthermia in the marathon. The Games also had a whopping 48 women compete (most of which appear to be in the Norwegian's Gymnastics team above). Berlin 1916 - A No-Show The Olympics were due to take place in Berlin in 1916, and it was expected to be a grand affair with the development of the new 'Deutsches Stadion'. The stadium was released with a parade, 10,000 pigeons and 60,000 people. If only they could get that many people to turn up to the real event though, because the Games didn't go ahead in this year due to the turmoil embroiling Europe at the time with the outbreak 0f the Second World War. Antwerp 1920 - Return to the Stadium The Games of the VII Olympiad were offered to Antwerp to honour the suffering the citizens had endured during World War I. The Games had originally been set to appear in Budapest, however as a German ally, Hungary, and many other nations such as Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey, was banned from competing. France appeared strong in the games, as is evident through Suzanne Lenglen's valiant effort on the tennis court. Paris 1924 - The Old Switcheroo Known as 'The Flying Scot', Britain's Golden Boy, Eric Liddell, stubbornly refused to take place in the 100m finals, as the event was to take place on a Sunday. The devout Christian thus decided to simply swap events in favour of the 400m sprint, ignoring the vast differences in distances and strategies. Despite the public's low expectations of his abilities, Liddell managed to not only win the competition, but also tied the Olympic record. Amsterdam 1928 - Jumping for Joy After being denied the ability to play host to the Games in both 1920 and 1924, the Olympics were finally celebrated in Holland in 1928. This was the first games to have an Olympic flame lit during the event and was also the first time that 400m athletics tracks were used. Los Angeles 1932 - Jumping Hurdles Mildred Zaharias wasn't the only one overcoming hurdles and breaking records in 1932, with California attempting to look past the worldwide Great Depression plaguing the globe at the time. These Summer Olympics held less than half the number of participants that competed in its previous location, Amsterdam, because many nations were unable to pay for the trip to Los Angeles. However, this didn't seem to impact the US too negatively as newspapers reported that the Games nevertheless reaped a profit of US$1,000,000. Berlin 1936 - Showing Off After being denied their chance to host the games in 1916, Berlin gained a second opportunity in 1936. The games were held on the eve of the Nazi Regime's rise to power in Germany, which occurred two years later. In an attempt to outdo the Los Angeles Olympics four years prior, the Nazis built a new 100,000 seat track and field stadium, six gymnasiums and many other small arenas. London 1948 - Third Time is a Charm After the Games were cancelled in Tokyo in 1940 and again London in 1944 (due to the Second World War), the Olympics finally returned to the world stage in 1948. Due to the destruction the war had caused in Europe, the games became known as the 'Austerity Games'. No new venues were built for the games and rather than being housed in an Olympic VIllage, athletes were housed in existing accommodation. Helsinki 1952 - A Record Breaking Event Known for being the games in which the most number of records were broken (until the 2008 Olympics in Beijing that is), Helsinki also saw the return and first appearance of a large number of nations. A total of 69 nations competed in the games, a figure 59 higher than that of the 1948 Games. Japan and Germany both appeared this time, along with 13 totally new nations such as The People's Republic of China and the USSR. Melbourne 1956 - Exceeding Expectations Melbourne was selected by a mere one vote margin and many were skeptical of its suitability as the reversal of seasons would mean that athletes would be unaccustomed to the wintery weather at the Summer Games. The Games proved to be a success and later became known as the 'Friendly Games'. Betty Cuthbert (above) was a star for the Australian nation by securing three gold medals, in the 100m, 200m & 4 x 100m sprint relay. Rome 1960 - Frozen in Time After emerging from the quarter and semi-finals of the 100m with the quickest times, German Armin Hary jumped the gun by false-starting twice in the finals. By the third, time, he seemed to have honed his panther-like reflexes to run a speedy 10.2 second and take out the Gold Medal. Tokyo 1964 - Savvy Games The Olympic Games held in the Tokyo in 1964 were the first Olympics to be telecast internationally without the need for tapes to be flown overseas, as was required previously. They were also the first games in which South Africa was barred from participating due to its apartheid system. Mexico City 1968 - Black Power Although you've probably seen this image a thousand times, the use of sport for making overt political statements and to become a vehicle for change, which is embodied in this photo, cannot be ignored. The Black Power Salute, made by African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the 1968, was a contentious gesture. Ostracised at the time, their demonstration only became recognised as a demonstration for dignity years later. Munich 1972 - Shadows The Games in Munich were largely overshadowed by the Munich Massacre, in which eleven Isreali athletes and coaches, a West German Police Officer and five terrorists were killed. Despite the event, the West German Government was determined to present a new democratic government, after the last games held in Germany was under the Nazi Regime. To this aim, the official motto of the games became 'the Happy Games'. Montreal 1976 - A Perfect Performance Romanian Gymnast Nadia Comaneci made Olympic history in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal by becoming the first female gymnast to ever be awarded a perfect score of 10 for her wondrous display on the uneven bars. Comaneci was also the the first Romanian gymnast to win the all-round event and was only 14 at the time - no wonder she appears to be floating on air. Moscow 1980 - Boycott Because of the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, the United States and a number of other countries boycotted the games in Moscow. As a result the games garnered a mere 80 participating nations, the smallest number since the 1956 Olympics. All in all a fairly non-eventful Games evidently. Los Angeles 1984 - Yep, another Boycott In retaliation to America's boycott four years prior, this time the Eastern Bloc nations boycotted the games. Seems like the fighting fire with fire approach is being employed here. Seoul 1988 - Cracking Under Pressure In the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the world's best diver at the time. Greg Louganis seemed to crack under the pressure - and that's not the only thing he cracked. In his attempt to complete a reverse 2 and a 1/2 pike somersault, the diver didn't get enough distance from the board and hit his head on the board, requiring temporary sutures. Barcelona 1992 - A Family Affair Renowned 400 metre sprinter Derek Redmond tragically tore a hamstring in the middle of the semi-final race at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. However, after his father tore past the security to go to his son's aid, Redmond was able to fight through the pain to complete a full lap, finishing with a standing ovation from the crowd. Atlanta 1996 - A Bombshell of an Olympics In the middle of the Atlanta Games in 1996, Eric Rudolph conducted his first of four terrorist bombings, killing two people and injuring 111. Rudolph bombed the Centennial Olympic Park, which was designed as the 'town square' of the Olympics. Sydney 2000 - Controversial Cathy Making the history books, Freeman brought glory to the Australian population by claiming the title of winner of the 400m track event. She was only the second ever Australian Aboriginal Olympic Champion. Following the race, the sprinter proceeded to (somewhat controversially and against Olympic norms) take a victor lap carrying both the Aboriginal and Australian flags. Athens 2004 - Making Waves Charnvudth Saensri of Thailand made waves with his strong stroke in the men's swimming 1500 metre freestyle heat in Athens. (Ok he didn't do that well but you can't go past the beauty of the photograph and his sheer determination). Beijing 2008 - As Fast as a Bolt Despite unfavourable wind conditions, Usain Bolt smashed through the 100m sprint world record with a swift 9.69 seconds. If that wasn't enough Bolt then went on to win gold and set another world record in the 200m. This made Bolt the first sprinter to ever break both records at the same Olympics.
Bold plaids, dramatic silhouettes — Katharina Lou certainly knows how to make a moodboard come to life with her cult namesake label. The slow fashion icon doesn't disappoint with her dinner parties either. [caption id="attachment_1083319" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Image supplied[/caption] Chic and convivial, Girl Dinners are a prompt to, as the brand's tagline goes, dress the fuck up. This March, its third edition will be held over a three-course dinner at the cosy Arms Length in Potts Point. Raise a glass or two with other like-minded guests as wines (and non-alcoholic bevvies) flow all night long. Got your eye on a Katharina Lou piece? You might just get lucky with the loot in a complimentary gift bag. Otherwise, each ticket also comes with a $40 Katharina Lou voucher. All dietaries are welcome — simply leave a note at checkout and you'll be taken care of. Girl Dinner with Katharina Lou will run from 6–9pm on Thursday, March 26. For more information, visit the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
If you're sick of buying tops that don't quite fit, you may want to consider investing in custom-made t-shirts. The sustainable basics label makes one thing and one thing only — really comfy, tailor-made men's and women's tees in every colour. And, best of all, you end up with ones that actually fit correctly and last longer. With a bricks-and-mortar shop in Haymarket's Steam Mill Lane, Citizen Wolf has a local and ethical approach to clothes-making. It exclusively uses local materials and manufacturing services, buying all of its fabric — cotton, organic cotton and Merino wool — from a series of ethically accredited mills in Melbourne and with every single garment made in a micro-factory in Darlinghurst. Plus, it makes every piece to order, meaning there's no unsold inventory going to landfill. So, you can pick up quality threads and feel good about it, too. In an era of fast fashion and temporary trends, Citizen Wolf is undeniably going against the grain — and its proving less certainly is more.
Nerds and drinks? Don't mind if I do. The secret's out and Tokyo Sing Song's a treat. The vibe at the late-night bar is part Mai Tai jelly square, part Asahi schooner, and the gorgeous guys in bubble wrap skirts — one of whom I swear was dressed as a game of Tetris — clashed swimmingly with the Tokyo decor, black-and-white film projections and pop rock candy conversation. There's a strong aesthetic of darkness and intrigue: a stage draped in foil and flickered with red, blue and white lights is smooshed in between cosy old-school vinyl booths with silver-topped tables scattered with sweets in shiny wrappers, plates of beans, and bright cans of Mount Fuji and Giddy Geisha — tasty "poptails" in soft drink fancy dress, with a sprig of mint or a handful of candy and a "shot 'n' a half" of booze. Each month sees a new curator tizzy up the joint and the debut month has been designed by Melbourne based artist and lighting designer, Duckpond. "I'm thrilled with the way it looks and feels," he said at the midnight launch party on October 10. "I like to explore the dark crevices, the nooks and crannies." With his mop of grey hair, dark-rimmed glasses frosted with the silver glitter covering his eyebrows and sporting a bright purple pair of soft cotton pyjamas, Duckpond hardly stood out on launch night amidst the gowned and glowing. He's an advocate of sleepwear at any time of day — "'at any given moment you can have either just stepped out of bed or be perfectly ready to go back to bed" — and Tokyo Sing Song is just the venue to tout such activism. Christa Hughes as Fanny Warhol tooted off proceedings at the launch party with a breathless rendition of Celine Dion and later on in the eve See More Butts and local icons Matt Format and Aaron Manahan kept the eve on the wide and windy. Poptails go for $12 a can and the Sumo Sour — plum wine, lime, Suntory CC Lemon Soda and sour candy is a winner. Cocktails are $16 and the sashimi platter — a trio of alcoholic jelly cocktails served with Midori 'wasabi' — is delish. There's zilch in the way of food, although complimentary edamame beans are served all night.
There are many ways to start – or jump start – attraction, from getting cosy in romantic bars to taking a weekend getaway. But, if you want your frisson backed up by science, then one of your best bets is to give your lover (or prospective lover) a serious fright. Why? Because it's said an adrenaline rush can increase feelings of attraction. Luckily, you don't have to go crawling through canyons or abseiling cliff faces to get your kicks, because there's plenty of them to be had at Luna Park this winter. Plus, if thrills really aren't your thing, loads of other romantic possibilities are on offer, including ice skating, watching dreamy light shows and cuddling over Baileys hot chocolate. Here are five ideas to get your started. Note that, on weekend nights, Luna Park stays open late – till 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays — and entry is free. So you can spend all your loose change on sideshows. [caption id="attachment_673818" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oliver Minnett[/caption] ICE SKATING There's an undeniable magic about ice skating, whether you and your date are making figures like Torvill and Dean or bumbling along like a couple of awkward penguins. Either way, you're never short of excuses for holding hands and giving one another a little help. Luna Park's pop-up ice skating rink was so popular in 2017, it's making a comeback this winter. It'll be open throughout the July school holidays – from Friday, July 6 to Monday, July 23 – and entry is included with a Twilight Saver, which gets you unlimited rides and ice skating after 6pm for only $35. HAVE A FAIRGROUND FEAST Go straight back to your childhood with a fairground-style feast. At Helter Skelter, a retro takeaway outlet, you'll be tucking into Hot Diggity Hot Dogs, Pluto Pups and American burgers, including the Easy Peasy Nice 'N' Cheese. Meanwhile, health-conscious dates are catered to with rotisserie chicken and salads, plus there's a bunch of vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you'd prefer to sit, head for the carousel-inspired Hungry Horse restaurant. Here, you'll find pizza, seafood and salads, as well as sticky pork ribs, buttermilk fried chicken and cheesy chicken loaded fries. DESSERT AT THE POP-UP FOOD HUT To help keep visitors warm through winter, Luna Park is hosting a pop-up food hut. This cosy little spot is right near the ice skating rink, so you can refuel after conquering some newfound skills. The menu is all about sweet, comforting snacks and piping hot drinks. To beat winter German-style, tuck into a pretzel layered with gooey caramel. Alternatively, head across to France, with a crepe, cooked before your eyes and covered in Nutella or Grand Marnier. Its perfect match is a hot chocolate infused with Baileys. GET LOST IN A LIGHT SHOW Vivid might be over, but Luna Park's Ferris Wheel installation is yet to be switched off. Titled Phantasos – after the spirit of surreal dreams – the five-minute display involves 3,000 LED lights, which continually change colour and pattern, soundtracked by hypnotic music. You're welcome to watch it for free from the ground or immerse yourself completely by jumping on the Ferris Wheel. Either way, Phantasos is definitely a mesmerising escape from the winter blues: and a dreamy way to spend time with your date. RIDE THE RIDES For a major adrenalin rush, go straight for the Hair Raiser, which lifts you 50 metres above the ground, before plummeting at a rate of 80 kilometres per hour. Then there's the Wild Mouse rollercoaster, a 61-second blitz of dips and drops and hairpin bends. Meanwhile, the old-school, hand-painted carousel – fitted with 1,640 lights and dazzling mirrors – travels at a slower pace. The same goes for the Ferris Wheel, which transports you to a height of 40 metres, taking in epic views of the Opera House, the Bridge and the Harbour. You can pay for each ride individually or grab the aforementioned Twilight Saver, letting you ride to your heart's content for just 35 bucks. To find out more about what's happening in Luna Park this winter, and to secure your Twilight Saver tickets, head to lunaparksydney.com.
Getting some shuteye or even slightly comfortable on a long-haul can be tricky. With its new 17-hour non-stop Auckland to New York service on the horizon, Air New Zealand is hoping to put economy travellers to sleep with a new prototype that features six lie-flat pods. The Economy Skynest is the result of three years of research and development at its Hangar 22 innovation centre in Auckland. Each bunk bed-style Skynest, measuring 200 by 58 centimetres, will have room for six sleepers. While still yet to be confirmed, it is intended that each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep. The airline says it is exploring other features such as separate reading light, personal device USB outlet and ventilation outlet. Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod says that the development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to economy travellers inability to stretch out on long-haul flights. It's not the first time the carrier has put energy into making economy passengers more comfortable; the Economy Skycouch allows travellers to book an entire row and transform it into a makeshift bed, while last year saw the introduction of inflight exercise videos to enhance wellbeing. The airline today filed patent and trademark applications for the Economy Skynest. It will make a final decision on whether to operate the service next year after it has assessed the performance of its Auckland to New York operations. For more information about the Economy Skynest, visit airnz.co.nz.
Everyone has one, or several: a TV show you just keep going back to no matter how many times you've seen it before. Whatever series that is for you, you're probably always at some stage of rewatching it — and when you finish it this time, you'll start working your way through it again because of course you will. These are our soul-replenishing comfort shows, and they usually share a few traits. Sitcoms are particularly easy to rewatch over and over. Comedies with not only a big sense of humour but also a big heart are, too. Is your go-to series filled with characters supporting each other, overcoming everyday obstacles and helping each other be their absolute best selves? Then that fits the bill as well. Basically, the shows we keep gravitating back towards are the ones Marie Kondo would approve of. Yes, they definitely spark joy, and do so again and again. Watching them feels like catching up with old friends, they always brighten your day and they're there for you when times are tough. Here are our ten picks for sitcoms that feel like the warmest of hug — and that you can stream right now. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Long-running shows become a comforting part of our routines, giving us something to look forward to with each new episode — and in the case of supremely warm-hearted comedies, giving us all plenty of feel-good laughs as well. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is one such series. It came to an end in 2022 with its eighth season, but it'll always live on in streaming queues. Heart and laughs: that's been a noice, toit and cool cool cool formula for the Andy Samberg (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)-starring cop-focused sitcom over the years. "Title of your sex tape" jokes, Die Hard nods and Halloween heists have all worked well, too. And so have the multi-layered, always-supportive bonds between Jake Peralta (Samberg), his best friend and fellow detective Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio, Monsters at Work), and their other colleagues Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero, Velma), Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz, Twisted Metal), Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews, Craig of the Creek) and Raymond Holt (the late, great Andre Braugher, She Said) — and the bumbling but always-affable Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker, Doogie Kamealoha, MD) and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller, Station 19). In its final season, as it geared up to say goodbye, Brooklyn Nine-Nine also found a smart and still amusing way to reckon with being a comedy about police officers in America today. Brooklyn Nine-Nine streams via Netflix. SCHITT'S CREEK The idea behind Schitt's Creek is immensely straightforward, and also incredibly obvious. If one of the obscenely wealthy families that monopolises all those trashy reality TV shows was suddenly forced to live without their money, like the rest of us, how would they cope? If you're thinking "not well", you're right. If you're certain that seeing the results would be amusing, you're on the money again. As envisaged by father-son duo — and the program's stars — Eugene (Human Resources) and Dan Levy (Sex Education), that's the scenario the Rose crew finds itself in, including moving to the titular town that it happens to own as a last resort. Yes, as the name gives away, they're in a sticky situation. The adjustment process isn't easy, but it is very, very funny, immensely feel-good and ridiculously quotable, and remained that way for the show's entire six-season run before wrapping up in 2020. And, although plenty of other credits on her resume have made this plain (such as Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, Waiting for Guffman and For Your Consideration, all also with Eugene Levy), the great Catherine O'Hara (Pain Hustlers) is an absolute comedy powerhouse as the Rose family matriarch. She deservedly has both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance here — and for her glorious accent work — too. Also stellar: Annie Murphy (Fingernails) as socialite daughter Alexis. Schitt's Creek streams via Netflix. PARKS AND RECREATION She's the government worker we all wish could be in charge of, well, absolutely everything — and she's the fictional Indiana city of Pawnee's most devoted employee and biggest fan. We're talking, of course, about Leslie Knope, Amy Poehler's (Moxie) super-passionate, waffle-loving character in iconic sitcom Parks and Recreation. Willing to work hard in any situation and always ready to lean upon her friends and co-workers, Leslie knows how to handle almost anything. In one particular fifth-season episode of the Nick Offerman (Dumb Money)-, Rashida Jones (Silo)-, Aziz Ansari (Master of None)-, Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)-, Aubrey Plaza (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off)-, Adam Scott (Party Down)- and Rob Lowe (Unstable)-costarring series, that also includes grappling with a pandemic. Created by The Office's Greg Daniels and Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Michael Schur, Parks and Recreation may have only come to the end of its seven-season run back in 2015, but the sitcom has been an instant classic from the get-go for one reason: focusing on relatable characters, the minutiae of their lives and the time working in local government, workplace-based comedy has never felt more kind-hearted, or — thanks to the show's penchant for letting its main players talk directly to the camera — so inclusive. Parks and Recreation streams via Stan and Binge. TED LASSO A sports-centric sitcom that was like a big warm hug from the get-go, Ted Lasso is a cheerleader for comedies that focus on nice and caring people doing nice and caring things. Like the other shows on this list, it celebrates folks supporting and being there for each other, and the bonds that spring between them — and not just to an entertaining but to a soul-replenishing degree. As played by Jason Sudeikis (Booksmart), the series' namesake is almost all positivity, almost all the time. And, he keeps that up in the face of quite the challenges. A small-time US college football coach, he scored an unlikely job as manager of British soccer team AFC Richmond in the show's first season, a job that came with struggles. Instantly, the ravenous media wrote him off. The club was also hardly doing its best, owner Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham, Hocus Pocus 2) had just taken over the organisation as part of her divorce settlement, and veteran champion Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, Thor: Love and Thunder) and reigning hotshot Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster, The Devil's Hour) refused to get along. Ted's upbeat attitude does wonders, though, in one of the best new sitcoms of the 2020s. You definitely don't need to love soccer or even sport to fall for this show's ongoing charms, to adore its heartwarming determination to value banding together and looking on the bright side, and to love its depiction of both male tenderness and supportive female friendships. Ted Lasso streams via Apple TV+. Read our full review of season two and season three, plus our interview with Brendan Hunt. WELLINGTON PARANORMAL Three of the best comedic actors on TV in recent years all starred in New Zealand-made sitcom Wellington Paranormal. Playing Officer O'Leary, Officer Minogue and Sergeant Maaka, Karen O'Leary (Red, White & Brass), Mike Minogue (My Life Is Murder) and Maaka Pohatu (Our Flag Means Death) spit out devastatingly hilarious deadpan line readings. They need to in this mockumentary series, which follows a squad of Wellington cops who investigate the supernatural — as the show's title so succinctly explains — but every episode across its four seasons demonstrated just how perfect these three actors are for their job. As the team tackle cases of the paranormal variety, they also often look into matters of the silly and always amusing kind as well, to delightful results. Whatever comes this crew's way, hearty laughs always ensue. A spinoff from Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's excellent 2014 movie What We Do in the Shadows — well, one of the film's spinoffs, given that the very funny US TV series also called What We Do in the Shadows also exists — Wellington Paranormal aces its concept again and again. It's basically a low-key, comedic, NZ-based version of The X-Files, it's glorious, and former NZ Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford has even made an appearance. Also, it now boasts a companion podcast. Wellington Paranormal streams via SBS On Demand. LOS ESPOOKYS It took some time for the delight that is Los Espookys to initially reach Australian screens, arriving two years after it debuted in the US — and it'll take you less than six hours to binge its two seasons, which you'll likely do in no more than two sittings. This HBO comedy has proven both worth the wait and worth devouring as quickly as possible. The setup: horror aficionado Renaldo (Bernardo Velasco, Noise) wants to turn his obsession into his profession, so he starts staging eerie scenarios for paying customers. That involves enlisting his best friend Andrés (Julio Torres, Problemista), pal Úrsula (Cassandra Ciangherotti, Thursday's Widows) and the latter's sister Tati (Ana Fabrega, Father of the Bride) to help, and doing everything they can to get spooky. Torres and Fabrega co-created the show with Portlandia and Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen, who also pops up as Renaldo's parking valet uncle. This mostly Spanish-language series only uses its biggest name sparingly, however, because its key cast members own every moment. Following the titular group's exploits as they attempt to ply their trade, and to weave it into their otherwise chaotic lives, Los Espookys always manages to be both sidesplittingly hilarious and so meticulous in its horror references that it's almost uncanny. There's also nothing on-screen quite like it. Los Espookys streams via Binge. OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH First dropping anchor with its debut season in 2022, and finding a mooring among the best new series that the year had to offer, Our Flag Means Death's premise has always glinted as brightly as its impressive cast (not just Uproar's Rhys Darby and Thor: Love and Thunder's Taika Waititi, but also Bloods' Samson Kayo, Creation Stories' Ewen Bremner, Bank of Dave's Joel Fry, Game of Thrones' Kristian Nairn, Hello Tomorrow!'s Matthew Maher, Loot's Nat Faxon, The Sex Lives of College Girls' Vico Ortiz and The Batman's Con O'Neill for starters). It follows Darby as self-styled 'gentleman pirate' Stede Bonnet. Born to a life of privilege, he felt that seafaring and swashbuckling was his calling, leaving his life on land behind to hop on a ship — details that all spring from reality. Creator David Jenkins (People of Earth) isn't interested in telling the exact IRL tale, however. Consider those basics merely Our Flag Means Death's departure point. On-screen, Stede gets caught up in both a workplace comedy and a boatmance. The first springs from his certainty that there has to be a nicer way to glide through a pirate existence, and the second from his blossoming feelings for feared marauder Edward Teach (Waititi), aka Blackbeard. So, Stede and Ed find love in a buccaneering place, but also feel splashes of uncertainty about what their relationship means. Life might prove choppy for Our Flag Means Death's characters, but there's always a sense of camaraderie about this series — and it's been sweet sailing for viewers across two seasons. Our Flag Means Death streams via Binge. Read our full review of season one and season two. THE OFFICE You're working. It's an ordinary day. You've been doing your usual tasks and, in a completely unremarkable incident, you happen to notice a stapler — whether you're in the office or doing the nine-to-five grind at home. If your first thought is "hmmm, I bet I could set that in a bowl of jelly", then you're obviously a fan of The Office. One of the rare instances where a TV remake is better than the original — it is based on the UK series of the same name, after all — this sitcom about paper company employees is far more amusing than it really has any right to be. In fact, it's downright side-splitting; it nails workplace relationships and minutiae in such a precise, knowing and relatable way that it sometimes feels uncanny (every office has a Creed, after all); and it's immensely easy to just keep rewatching. Of course, that's what you get when you round up Steve Carell (Asteroid City), John Krasinski (Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan), Jenna Fischer (Splitting Up Together), Rainn Wilson (Lessons in Chemistry), Mindy Kaling (The Morning Show), Ed Helms (Family Switch), Ellie Kemper (Happiness for Beginners) and Craig Robinson (Killing It) in the same show, and let all of them break out their comedic best. An Australian version is on the way, and there's talk of rebooting the OG, but there's no topping this cast. The Office streams via Stan, Prime Video and Binge. BOB'S BURGERS We've all grown up watching animated sitcoms about families, because The Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Simpsons, Family Guy, King of the Hill, American Dad and Rick and Morty all exist. Bob's Burgers has been on the list as well for over a decade now, and it does what plenty of its counterparts also do — focusing on a family and their usual ebbs and flows, mainly — while also finding a tone that's sweet, goofy, cute, funny and filled with top-notch food puns. An animated TV series can definitely make you feel hungry, as this show manages all the time. It also enjoys exploring the eclectic and eccentric personalities of the Belcher clan, including burger-cooking father Bob (voiced H Jon Benjamin, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later), his wife Linda (John Roberts, Gravity Falls), and children Tina (Dan Mintz, Adventure Time), Gene (Eugene Mirman, Aqua Teen Hunger Force) and Louise (Kristen Schaal, Flight of the Conchords). You do have to come to terms with the fact that Bob's voice is also Archer's voice — if you also watch fellow animated series Archer, that is — but you'll also get to enjoy the series' fabulous musical numbers, and the warmth that stems from more than just cooking up patties in a burger joint. Plus, the big-screen Bob's Burgers outing is also ace. Bob's Burgers streams via Disney+. THE GOOD PLACE Some shows are just so engaging and entertaining — so smart and heartfelt and hilarious all at the same time, too — that they just make you exclaim "holy forking shirtballs!" The Good Place achieves all of that, and easily. It's the show that found plenty of jokes around the kind of swearing you're forced to do in its titular spot, given that busting out the real versions of those words isn't really heaven's vibe. Because nothing in this life lasts forever, including beloved sitcoms about the afterlife stretching on into eternity, the existential comedy only ran for four seasons. They all followed the adventures of the very dead Eleanor (Kristen Bell, The People We Hate at the Wedding), Chidi (William Jackson Harper, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Tahani (Jameela Jamil, Poker Face) and Jason (Manny Jacinto, Top Gun: Maverick), plus demon Michael (Ted Danson, Mr Mayor) and "not a person" Janet (D'Arcy Carden, Barry), and they all kept throwing delightful surprises our way. One of the spectacular things about rewatching this clever, creative and side-splitting mix of humour, philosophy and people actively trying to embrace their best rather than worst impulses is picking up all the breadcrumbs left along the way — and its all-round warm and wise approach thanks to Parks and Recreation, The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Michael Schur (yes, him again), of course. The Good Place streams via Netflix.
Nestled at the south end of Darling Harbour, you'll find a hidden oasis: the Chinese Garden of Friendship. While the silhouette of the city skyline shadows the garden, you'll be put at ease by the towering willow trees and soon forget your workday woes. The garden is at once peaceful and harmonious, making it the perfect place to stop and recharge your batteries or devour a good book. Take a deep breath and feel instantly revived. If you're keen to stretch your legs and explore, the garden has waterfalls, sculptures, lakes and local wildlife, such as koi carp, water dragons and lots of pretty birds. As you meander through the winding pathways, be sure to stop by the tea house which offers traditional Chinese refreshments. The gardens are open every day from 9am–5.30pm (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day), entry ranges between $3–6. Top Image: Destination NSW
This spring, Sydney's Night Noodle Markets will finally make its glorious return for six nights of tasty things on sticks, bowls of noodles, all the bao you can handle and oh-so-many extravagant desserts. After a couple of disrupted years, the beloved food event will hit up Sydney from Tuesday, October 4–Sunday, October 9 at Prince Alfred Park. With just under two months until the festival returns, the markets' lineup of food stalls and activations has been announced with some beloved names popping up on the roster. Leading the program is Filipino barbecue group and frequent Gelato Messina collaborator Hoy Pinoy, alongside Bangkok Street Food, Shallot Thai, Roll Up, Raijin, Calabang. Messina will also be on-site serving its highly sought-after scoops, as well as Redfern favourite Donut Papi. Plus, Brendan Pang's Bumplings, May's Malaysian Hawker, Teppanyaki Noodle, Flying Noodles and Wonderbao will all be setting up stalls to deliver their signature eats to Sydneysiders. There will also be a range of pop-up bars stationed around the markets. Dan Murphy's is bringing its short-term zero-alcohol bar concept from Melbourne to Sydney for the event; Rekorderlig will be pouring its fruity strawberry-lime, wild berry and low-sugar ciders; an Aperol Kombi bar will be making spritzes and Gage Roads Brew Co will be in attendance with a range of beers. [caption id="attachment_785200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Donut Papi leche flan[/caption] The Night Noodle Markets were originally set to return in March this year, but had to be postponed due to Sydney's wet weather. Autumn's loss is spring's gain, with the markets now making a comeback when the weather gets warmer — to give Sydneysiders the opportunity to get out and fill their night with Asian street food, drinks and entertainment. Like most major events, the last two years haven't been smooth sailing for the Night Noodle Markets. In 2020, it was forced online, offering special meals from local restaurants and selections from its usual vendors via home delivery. Last year, the markets were unable to run at all, but now it's finally time to get excited again. The 2022 Sydney Night Noodle Markets will run from Tuesday, October 4—Sunday, October 9 in Prince Alfred Park, Chalmers Street, Surry Hills. For more information, head to the event website.
It's time to get your boogie on (again) — because the Archie Party is returning for its second instalment. Following the success of last year's red-hot debut, the Art Gallery of NSW and Vyva Entertainment have teamed up to bring back the huge night dedicated to local artists and producers — and 2023's version of the event will shine a spotlight on talent from Western Sydney. Come Friday July 14, you'll be able to celebrate the best of contemporary art, music and food at the Art Gallery of NSW with live performances, interactive installations and some of Sydney's best DJs spinning tracks to take care of the event's tunes. This year, you can look forward to a night with exhilarating performances from Haiku Hands, hip hop mainstay A.Girl alongside her full band, and rapper MRVZ, plus electrifying DJ sets from Diola and DJ D. There will also be a bunch of interactive art experiences from local artists (and this year's Archibald Prize finalists) Laura Jones, Billy Bain and Jason Phu. Plus, tickets to the Archie Party also includes exclusive all-night access to the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes for 2023. You'll also be able to enjoy a massive feast at this year's bash. Expect to see the likes of Fishbowl, Chatkazz, Miss Pearl and Tacos Muchachos filling out the savoury selection, while the dessert range will include but is not limited to Messina, Sweet Belem and Butter Boy. Plus, there will be pop-up bars serving up drinks to accompany the array of treats on the menu. This exclusive after-dark winter party is around for one night only — and will have limited capacity — so be sure to secure your spot with tickets from the event's page. The night will start at 7pm, running til late, and is an 18+ event. Prices for members sits at $36, while non-member tickets are $45, and students or those with concessions can score tickets at $40.
Ten years ago, in March 2015, Netflix launched in Australia. It wasn't the first streaming service eager to give Aussies new couch-time choices — it wasn't even completely new, thanks to local film and TV lovers accessing the US version before the platform officially arrived Down Under — but it still gave the nation's at-home viewing landscape a milestone moment. The great streaming service rush followed, spoiling audiences for choice via an array of other platforms. Although another new streamer no longer seems to pop up every week, a big player has just hit the market: Max. Warner Bros Discovery's Max platform has launched to Australian viewers as at Monday, March 31, 2025. If you're a fan of HBO's TV shows, you'll be excited. You should also be well-aware of Max's Aussie debut, given that it has been rumoured since 2024, was then confirmed the same year, and scored an exact launch date earlier this year before dropping pricing and plan details. First, the crucial info for The Last of Us fans: this is where you'll need to head to check out the game-to-screen series' second season when it debuts on Monday, April 14. When The Rehearsal returns for its second season on Monday, April 21, you'll also need a Max subscription to see what Nathan Fielder has whipped up next. If you're addicted to The White Lotus or excellent hospital-set newcomer The Pitt, they're rounding out their current seasons on both Max and Binge, which was previously the home of the bulk of HBO's output Down Under. The Righteous Gemstones is among the other series playing on both platforms until their present run wraps up. Max is also your go-to for other HBO Originals, returning, new and old alike, such as House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and any other Game of Thrones spinoffs; Euphoria; upcoming IT prequel series Welcome to Derry; and everything from True Detective, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire, Oz, Deadwood, Big Love, True Blood, Big Little Lies and Westworld through to Succession, The Larry Sanders Show, Sex and the City, Flight of the Conchords, Bored to Death, Girls, Veep, Barry and Enlightened. The platform's own Max Originals — so made for it, rather than for HBO — cover And Just Like That..., Peacemaker, The Other Two and more, while the Warner Bros television library also spans Friends, Rick and Morty (including Rick and Morty: The Anime), Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl and others. Adventure Time, Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo are among the cartoon names available on the service. In addition, content TV networks Discovery, Cartoon Network, TLC, Food Network, ID and HGTV are also part of the platform. If you're a film obsessive, access to recent cinema releases at home is one of Max's drawcards. Movies from Warner Bros Pictures from the year, such as Joker: Folie à Deux, Trap, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Twisters, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim and Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, are all available from launch. Going forward, Max is also set to screen blockbusters fast-tracked from their silver-screen dates. Warner Bros is behind big franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Dune, the DC Universe and Harry Potter, too, so expect them as well. On most streaming platforms, classic flicks aren't a priority. If you like a blast from the past with your viewing, the TCM hub boasts all-time greats such as Singin' in the Rain, North by Northwest, The Maltese Falcon, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, A Clockwork Orange, The Exorcist, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Rebel Without a Cause, Bonnie and Clyde, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, All the President's Men, Ben Hur, Cool Hand Luke, Mean Streets, Enter the Dragon and Gaslight, all from launch. In its first month of Aussie operations, Max will also welcome Brian Cox (The Electric State)-, Lisa Kudrow (No Good Deed)- and Parker Posey (Thelma)-starring new film The Parenting; Fast Friends, a game show about loving a certain sitcom; and Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein's new stand-up special The Second Best Night of Your Life. From the Warner Bros back catalogue, Dune, The Batman, The Matrix Resurrections, Elvis, Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, all ten seasons of Friends and three seasons of The Leftovers are also on the way. Regarding plans and pricing, there's three of the former — starting with a basic package that includes ads, then offering standard and premium options. The first spans full HD resolution and two devices streaming simultaneously, as does the second, with the latter also including 30 downloads to watch offline. Opt for premium and 4K resolution plus Dolby Atmos sound are featured, if they're available per title; four devices can stream simultaneously; and the downloads go up to 100. In a launch special until Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the basic with ads plan is available for $7.99 per month for the first 12 months or $79.99 for the first year (or $11.99 per month/$119.99 per year from Thursday, May 1, 2025). The standard plan special is $11.99 per month for the first 12 months or $119.99 for the first year ($15.99 per month/$159.99 per year afterwards), while premium is available for $17.99 per month for the first 12 months or $179.99 for the first year (or $21.99 per month/$219.99 per year afterwards). As for Binge, when it launched, giving subscribers access to HBO's catalogue was one of its big selling points. The deal between Binge, Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery — which owns HBO — was extended in 2023; however, it was reported at the time, accurately so it proves, that Max might debut in Australia from 2025. Max is available direct to consumers via its website and app stores — you sign up for it by itself — for viewing via mobile, tablet, gaming consoles and connected TV, but it is still keeping a connection with Foxtel. If you subscribe to the pay-TV service, you'll have access to the Max app without paying extra. Max is available in Australia from Monday, March 31, 2025 — head to the streaming service's website for more details.
In early 2019, Western Sydney will not only score a brand new zoo, it will also add a new community running event to its calendar: RunWest. Its first incarnation will see joggers sharing the route with lions and tigers, as they race through Sydney Zoo, which is due to open early next year. Open to runners of all ages and abilities, RunWest will follow a 12-kilometre course, through several major landmarks. You'll begin at Sydney Motorsport Park, before visiting the zoo, traversing Western Sydney Parklands, heading into Blacktown International Sports Park and winding up at West HQ. If 12 kilometres sounds too far, conquer the more friendly four-kilometre Family Fun Run instead. Either way, there'll be plenty of action to keep you on course. Keep an ear out for live music and an eye out for live performers. Plus, on crossing the finish line, you'll find yourself immersed in the Finish Line Festival, an extravaganza of food trucks, music and rides. If you're a City2Surf regular, this might be a good race to enter in the off-season — although, being March, chances are the weather will be pretty warm. But, like City2Surf, you're encouraged to raise funds for a charity of your choice, so your sweat will be all worth it. If you're ready to commit, sign up right now at super early bird rates, which are $15 per person for the fun run and $30 for the 12-kilometre event. Plus, your ticket includes entry to Sydney Zoo, valid for a year from 1 August, 2019. RunWest will happen on Sunday, March 31, 2019. You can enter here.
UPDATE, FEBRUARY 21: This That has been postponed and will now take place at Wickham Park on Saturday, March 12. Here's something that has been as rare as a good night's sleep this year: the announcement of a music festival to look forward to. Come February 2022, This That will be returning to Newcastle's Wickham Park for its sixth event — so mark Saturday, March 12 in your diary, tell your mates and get ready for a road trip. On the bill is an all-Australian lineup, featuring Client Liaison, Dune Rats, Mallrat, Hayden James, Jack River, San Cisco, The Chats and more. Yes, you'll be listening to electronic, hip hop, pop and rock tunes all day — and, as the event's name suggests, you'll be doing so across two stages. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday, November 12, and more acts will be announced down the line. Naturally, everything will be held in a COVID-19-safe way. Plus, if you're in need of some more good news, This That will actually be hosting two fests in 2021, with its second event currently planned for Sandstone Point in Queensland. Images: Jordan Munns.
Spoilt as we are by a city of surf and sun, it's no secret we Sydneysiders are prone to a bit of a whinge when the weather starts to turn. Now, don't get us wrong: we love binge-watching Netflix in our snuggies as much as the next guy. But we're here to bust all your best excuses to stay home when it pours with our picks of the ten best things to do on a rainy day (or even a crisp, less-than-outdoorsy one) in Sydney. GET SWEATY AT SKY ZONE There is nothing more gleeful than jumping around with reckless abandon like a child. And by opening its trampoline-lined doors until 10pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends, Sky Zone (75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria) lets you do just that without jumping on a child. Sydney's first indoor trampoline park sits in Alexandria and brings you foam pits into which to fling yourself, basketball hoops to dunk like Shaq and dodgeball games to join, as well as some pretty intense 'skyfit' classes that channel all that bouncy fun into strategic cardio and muscular workouts. Other places to get sweaty this winter: Enjoy an 80s aerobics workout at Retrosweat, shake what your mama gave you at No Lights No Lycra, or get high and mighty at ClimbFit. GET FULL AT THE FOUR IN HAND No amount of rain can bring you down when you've got a craft beer in one hand and some warming comfort food in the other, so make your way into the back streets of Paddington for award-winning pub grub at the Four in Hand (105 Sutherland Street, Paddington). You don't even need to book into the fancy dining room to enjoy the renowned nose-to-tail experience; the bar offers creative (and surprisingly delicious) dishes like pan-fried duck egg with a rich slab of black pudding and crispy bits of pig's ear ($18), or you can keep things simple with a burger and crunchy chips ($19). If you're celebrating, 48 hours' notice and $35 per head will score you a whole roast pork belly plus trimmings for ten people. Other places to get full on a rainy day: Smash a brilliant burger at the Duck Inn, or go for the razzed-up pub grub at Hart's Pub. GET WATCHING AT THE GOLDEN AGE CINEMA AND BAR Watching Marilyn make Manhattans while sipping on our own is our idea of heaven. The Golden Age Cinema and Bar (80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills) has gifted us this fabulous reality by restoring the old screening room of the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills and running two screenings a day (tickets $20, Tuesday-Sunday) of old favourites like Some Like It Hot and Casablanca all the way through to critically acclaimed newbies. The teensy art deco cinema is made even cosier by clever cinema snacks such as cinnamon doughnut popcorn and a 'Spielberger' pastrami toastie, which you'll want to wash down with a wintery classic like a Maple Pecan Old Fashioned or a Golden Negroni. Other places to get watching this winter: Catch an arthouse film and a vegetarian feed at Govinda's or enjoy a free cult classic at Smash Cut Cinema. GET SKILLED AT THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT Homeware emporium The Essential Ingredient (731-735 Darling Street, Rozelle) boasts an industrial kitchen in which you can learn to create all sorts of deliciousness this winter. From Mexican street food to Moroccan stews to gluten-, dairy- or sugar-free treats, the chef-run cooking school schedule has something for everyone and covers both the total beginner and the Masterchef in making. The classes are relaxed and communal, with everybody pitching in to create the day's feast and then sitting down to devour the tastiness created together. You'll go home with a recipe pack and, no doubt, a basketful of artisanal goodies from the adjoining store. Other places to get skilled this winter: Get pickled with Cornersmith, step outside your comfort zone at Work-Shop; or get trigger happy with Sydney Photographic Workshops. GET LISTENING AT THE OLD 505 The sexy, brooding jazz den that unfolds at 5 Eliza Street, Newtown only gets cosier as the rain outside gets heavier. This intimate artist-run space has transformed (not to mention physically moved) in recent years from an underground secret into a stalwart of the music scene, now operating not only as a fantastic venue but also a centrepoint for local music and theatre communities. You can snuggle up in one of the comfy couches and catch some serious local or international talent, Pinot and tapas in hand. There's no wonder we're drawn here when the skies start to fill: in the words of Duke Ellington, the rain drumming on the roof and the storm raging in the sky are music. Other places to get listening this winter: Get noisy among the vinyl at Black Wire Records. GET BUZZED AT THE LOBO PLANTATION What's more warming than rum? Rum that's been delicately spiced, generously buttered and served piping-hot for you to sip in your comfy lounge chair by candlelight, that's what. Yours awaits in the underground Cuban den that is the Lobo Plantation (209 Clarence Street, Sydney), together with an epic collection of the sugarcane liquor ready to be devoured neat or in cocktail form. Add to that some fiery empanadas prepared by the team at Food Society and spontaneous bursts of flame when the delightfully pyromaniacal bartenders torch their cocktail garnishes and you're all set for a seriously snug evening in from the rain. Other places to get buzzed this winter: Sip on 'Gunther's Gluhwein' at Arcadia Liquors, hug a steaming mug of mulled cider at Mr Falcon's or get technical with a titrated hot toddy at the Eau de Vie Apothecary. GET WIRED AT GOWINGS BAR AND GRILL It's no secret that inclement weather operates as an energy-sucking black hole, so perk yourself back up with the double-coffee double-chocolate caffeine-fest that is Gowings' (49 Market Street, Sydney) renowned affogato ($16 or $24 with a shot of Patron). Creamy dark chocolate ice-cream is sprinkled with crispy Valrhona chocolate pearls and organic prunes, all ready to be drenched in a double shot of Allpress ristretto and, at your choosing, a liberal serve of Patron XO Coffee Tequila. You'll be singing in the rain like Gene Kelly by the time you're through with this little number. Other places to get wired this winter: Check out the brew bar at the Paramount Coffee Project, indulge in High Coffee at the Intercontinental or learn to distinguish origins at the Campos Coffee Cupping Room. GET PAMPERED AT CHI SPA Head in from the cold and spoil yourself with a hot stone treatment at CHI at the Sydney Shangri-La (Level 2, 176 Cumberland Street, Sydney). CHI massages and treatments are based on authentic natural healing methods drawn from traditional Asian cultures and feature local botanical ingredients like lemon myrtle and eucalyptus. The signature hot stone massage ($175) involves the placement of heated basalt stones on key points in the body to relieve tension, improve circulation and rebalance the body and mind. The indulgent treatment ends with a light oil massage, a refreshing facial spray and a warming cup of T2 tea. Other places to get pampered this winter: Snuggle into a natural clay and hot oil massage at the Park Hyatt, indulge with a honey exfoliation and yoghurt cocoon at Endota Day Spa or experience a Moroccan hammam-inspired ritual at the Darling Hotel. GET CULTURED AT WHITE RABBIT GALLERY Step inside White Rabbit Gallery (30 Balfour Street, Chippendale) for some warm, dry kulcha. Check out their bold, rotating major exhibitions, alongside the gallery's super eclectic permanent collection — the upper floors are crammed with more colourful art communicating the stories of 21st-century China. Plus, there's a tea room calling you to rest your weary, art-appreciating legs. Other places to get cultured this winter: Experience some of Australia's best theatre talent at Belvoir St Theatre, absorb yourself in grassroots urban arts at the Red Rattler or get some laughs at the Giant Dwarf. GET SMART AT DARLO BAR Every Wednesday from 8pm, keep your head with 'Texas Chainsaw Trivia' at Darlo Bar (306 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst). Hosted by rambunctious Darlinghurst locals Coffin Ed and Jay Katz of FBi Naked City fame, trivia here involves three rounds of eccentric questions, spot quizzes and novelty segments. The winning team at the end of each round scores drinks for the table, with the ultimate champion going home at the end of the night with a hamper of animal-themed DVDs such as The World's Scariest Bears (don't ask us) and a couple of bottles of wine. Good fun to be had by all. Other places to get smart this winter: Win the heads or tails pot at the Four in Hand or snuggle into the Dove and Olive for their Tuesday triv.
Nothing says Aussie summer like an afternoon courtyard bevvy, whether you're at your local for a schooner and a pub feed, or kicking on after a brunch date and making the most of the good weather. What makes a summer arvo session even better is that the days are longer, the nights are warmer, and you can choose from lots of different drinks to keep your palate interested. To give you some inspiration for your next catch-up, we've teamed up with Maker's Mark to pin down the best courtyards in Sydney where you can enjoy an old-fashioned, a whisky sour, or whatever refreshment takes your fancy.
What happens when a croissanterie known for perfecting its signature dish, and also for getting inventive with its pastries, joins forces with a distillery that both knows how to make a stellar dry gin and equally likes experimenting? We're talking about Lune and Four Pillars, of course — and the result is the world's first croissant gin. Is this the new perfect brunch drink? Will this help you enjoy a breakfast of champions? You can be the judge from Wednesday, February 19, 2025, when the croissant gin hits stores — and online. And yes, it's a buttery sip. "Lune croissants are made with nearly double the butter of your average croissant, so we knew that butter had to be a key part of the gin," explains Four Pillars Head Distiller Sarah Prowse, with Lune's own clarified butter a key ingredient. Alongside that caramel slice-smelling dairy product, the croissant gin is made with almonds that've been roasted in the Four Pillars distillery kitchen, juniper and a range of other botanicals, plus wattle seed and nutmeg. The recommended way to knock it back? In G&Ts or in espresso gin-tinis. While this isn't the type of tipple that just anyone could've dreamed up, Lune and Four Pillars joining forces couldn't seem more obvious — not only for their similar meticulous approaches to their chosen wares, but as Melbourne-born success stories that hero local ingredients. The croissant gin sprang from shared visits and tours, then hand delivering butter and testing distillations. If it sounds like a bucket-list collab, Lune Founder Kate Reid agrees. "Infusing our Lune magic into my favourite gin was a dream come true. I can honestly say I've never been thirsty for a croissant before but once you taste this gin, you'll understand what I mean." "It turns out there is a knack to distilling butter, but after a few trial distillations we found our sweet spot and we couldn't be happier with the end result," explains Prowse. "The nuts and spices add a real depth to the gin, the vanilla bean brings a hint of sweetness, and then we've bought in our signature organic oranges to deliver lovely brightness and balance." The croissant gin retails at $80 a bottle — or $100 with a Four Pillars x Lune tote bag exclusively from Four Pillars. If you're among the first to get your hands on it, free croissants are also on offer. On launch day, the Four Pillars Sydney Lab in Surry Hills will be giving away free Lune croissants with first 50 bottles of gin sold, for instance. At Dan Murphy's Malvern East and BWS Hawksburn in Victoria, plus Dan Murphy's Double Bay and BWS Potts Point in New South Wales, as well as Dan Murphy's Newstead in Queensland, there'll be a limited number of Lune vouchers up for grabs on launch day as well. And on Saturday, February 22, the Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville will have free Lune croissant for the first 50 bottles purchased, too. Croissant Gin will be available from the Four Pillars website, Four Pillars Distillery, Four Pillars Lab, and select Dan Murphy's and BWS stores from Wednesday, February 19, 2025 — head to the Four Pillars website for further details.
If you've got a hard-earned thirst for some spiffy beer merch, the folks at Victoria Bitter have you covered, and that's been the case for a couple of years. Already decked out most of your wardrobe with VB gear, but still looking for something to splash around in at the beach? Then you'll be pleased to discover that the famed Carlton & United Breweries beer has just joined forces with Budgy Smuggler on a new range of swimwear. Available via Budgy Smuggler's website, the Victoria Bitter collection includes briefs for men — budgie smugglers, obviously — plus one-piece swimmers for women, with both types available in multiple designs. If you're keen to have the classic beer logo emblazoned across your body, you can choose between green and white backgrounds. You can also opt for a 'sticker bomb' design, which features multiple different VB logos, or pick one with cartoon beers as well. Whether you're a beachgoer or you prefer lazing around a pool, you'll need a towel, too, with four different types available with the same imagery. They'll set you back $55 each, while the mens' bathers cost $65 and womens' togs cost $100. If you're keen on other VB-themed items as well, you can still head to the brand's site to check out its retro-styled collection, which nods firmly to the brew's lengthy history quenching the thirst of hardworking Aussies. There are crewneck jumpers, t-shirts, hoodies, beanies and caps, all emblazoned with that instantly recognisable logo. Alongside all the clothes, you'll also find VB jigsaw puzzles — plus glasses, water bottles, coolers, speakers, bar mats and even fridges. And, as part of its ever-expanding range of merch, don't forget that VB also has its own scent now, too. The Victoria Bitter Collection is available to purchase from Budgy Smuggler's website. Top image: VB.
There's nothing humdrum about rum. A favourite with pirates, sailors and scoundrels alike, this rich, golden dram works equally well as a neat shot or for a disorderly night of mojitos. Here's our list of the top destinations for rum-sipping in Sydney, so you can get better acquainted with the spirit of the sea. THE LOBO PLANTATION The Lobo Plantation on Clarence Street will transport you to the glamorous, old world estate of Julio Lobo, a wealthy Cuban sugar trader from the 20th century. Splash out on their Millionaire cocktail ($17), which features a powerful blend of Appleton Estate VX, apricot brandy, sloe gin, lime juice and grenadine, served with a rolled up bank note attached to the stem. Otherwise, cosy into one of the leather banquettes with their Lobo Rum Journal, a 100+ page compendium of rum tasting and production notes which leaves you spoilt for choice. Basement Lot 1, 209 Clarence Street, Sydney PAPA GEDE'S Named after the Haitian voodoo spirit of love and laughter, Papa Gede is just one of many spirits in this witch-doctor apothecary bar. Specialising in Caribbean rum and fruit concoctions, the signature drink is The Zombie ($16), a bright and spicy mix of Appleton Estate rum, brandy, Cointreau, grapefruit and falernum (a sugar syrup made with almonds, ginger and cloves). It's strong enough to resurrect the dead, Papa Gede's warns. This is definitely a venue to add to your regular haunts. 348 Kent Street, Sydney EAU DE VIE This dimly lit speakeasy is the darling of Darlinghurst, serving some of Sydney's best rum cocktails (with a glass cabinet of awards to prove it). If you're a mighty fan of the mai tai, try their tiki version, Captain Zissou ($21). This inspired blend is made with Appleton VX rum, grapefruit and passionfruit marmalade, dry fino sherry, freeze-dried mint leaves and liquorice root syrup, vigorously shaken over ice. As a final touch, it's flamed to impart a burnt rum aroma over the top. C'est magnifique! 229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst GRANDMA'S BAR Isn't it time you paid Grandma's a visit? This cosy den of cosmopolitan kitsch on Clarence Street is one of the last places you might expect to find such a vast battery of rum. Just like Grandma, the mai tai ($21) is an oldie but a goodie. Her version uses Appleton Extra Jamaican rum, Creole schrubb (an orange and rum liqueur), orgeat, lime, pineapple and bitters, set alight. Grandma would never let you leave hungry, so tuck into an old-school spaghetti jaffle ($8) while you're here. Basement 275 Clarence St, Sydney THE CUBAN PLACE Directly across from the Queen Victoria Building, The Cuban Place recreates the heydays of 1950s Havana, considered to be the home of the mojito. This classic rum, lime and mint medley is available in three sizes, or you can thumb your way through their extensive rum list, with over 150 entries from around the globe. You can also order a Cuban cigar, something that will surely make the smokers light up. 125 York Street, Sydney THE CLIFF DIVE Decorated with artefacts from the South Seas, this little treasure on Oxford Street features a one-of-a-kind underwater dance floor and tiki bar with a rum focus. To drink, we recommend the Monkey Hat ($25), which combines home-spiced rum, Aperol, passionfruit and lime and is served in a monkey head, just like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. 16-18 Oxford Square, Darlinghurst BUTTON BAR Welcome aboard button bar, a pirate-themed watering hole by the crew behind Pocket Bar and Stitch. There's no X marks the spot at this inconspicuous address on Foveaux Street, but once inside, you'll find a gorgeous, wood-panelled ship's hull with 19th-century long rifles and dripping. The go-to cocktail is the Pleasure Vessel ($17) a tasty, tart combination of Appleton dark rum, Grand Marnier, orange marmalade, fresh grapefruit, lemon and orange blossom water. We're sure ye will love it. 65 Foveaux Street, Sydney MOONSHINE CIDER & RUM BAR Located upstairs in the Hotel Steyne, Moonshine is one of the only pirate bars with an outdoor wooden deck and beachside views, which makes it a breath of fresh sea air. Racks of caged rums line the walls, priced from $7.50 for the house to $40 for a top shelf selection. There's also a stage for live bands and DJs, if you feel like hearing a few shanties. 75 The Corso, Manly
A book described as "a modern story of sex, erotica and passion. How the sexiest sales girl in business earns her huge bonus by being the best at removing her high heels," might not be anything to write home about. But what if the author of said book was someone's dad, and that someone decided it would be hilarious to read a chapter every week to the entire world, with some incredibly funny friends providing commentary? Jamie Morton did just that with his father's (pen name: Rocky Flinstone) erotic 'novels', the Belinda Blinked series. And so the audacious and pants-wettingly hilarious podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno was born. Since its premiere in 2015, the podcast about "the best/worst erotica ever written" has racked up over 150 million downloads. And now, off the back of an HBO Original Series featuring a "lost chapter", Morton and his pals James Cooper and Alice Levine are bringing their hilarious smut back to Australia and New Zealand in 2020. As part of a huge world tour, the live show will treat 'Belinkers' across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in January. Team Porno will read unreleased material from the erotic saga while throwing in a few surprises and interactive elements. Now four books deep — with the fifth due to be cracked opened on Monday, September 9, 2019 — the series follows the sexual escapades of Belinda Blumenthal who works in the sales and marketing department of a pots and pans company. There have been leather rooms and nipples as big as Titanic rivets, anti-erotic ridiculousness with sales reps and young-ish men, references to pomegranates and the popping of vaginal lids, and one truly disgusting flaking prosthetic appendage. If you're a fan of the show, the live incarnation should make you very happy. As Belinda says, "When you get what you want, you feel great." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WotAuoFwF0 'MY DAD WROTE A PORNO' WORLD TOUR 2020 Wednesday, January 8, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Saturday, January 11, Crown Theatre, Perth Monday, January 13, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Wednesday, January 15, Palais Theatre, Melbourne Friday, January 17, The Tivoli, Brisbane Monday, January 20, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland Tuesday, January 21, Wellington Opera House, Wellington Wednesday, January 22, Issac Theatre Royal, Christchurch Tickets for My Dad Wrote a Porno World Tour go on sale at 1pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Stay tuned for further updates.
Sinclair's — the only hatted restaurant in Penrith — is turning three. And to celebrate, it's putting on a limited-edition set menu throughout June. For $120, you'll be treated to three courses. They're all the creations of Head Chef Scott Mills, who sources his ingredients from within a 50-kilometre radius, working with producers from the Greater Nepean, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains regions — including Grima Brothers, Pepe's Ducks, Game Farm and Glossodia Gourmet Herbs. Start with a selection of bites, including house-made crumpets with sweet corn and fennel jam, zucchini flowers with buffalo mozzarella and honey, and baked scallops with parsley and garlic butter. Then move on to small plates, such as charcuterie featuring Montecatini salami, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with herbs and jus. Mains include an MB4+ scotch fillet from Little Joe's served with your pick of house condiments. And come dessert, you'll be tucking into Sinclair's signature take on the wagon wheel with Zokoko chocolate and house-made strawberry jam. Bookings are essential.
You'll find handcrafted Australian made furniture alongside a range of contemporary pieces from international brands at The Wood Room, a bespoke store located in North Narrabeen. The beautifully designed furniture includes dining tables, chairs, coffee tables, sofas and outdoor pieces, as well as lighting, rugs, mirrors, art and other homewares. Owners Kate and Simon, who founded The Wood Room in 2012, say they are inspired by simplicity and minimalism in design and love embracing the natural beauty of timber. All of The Wood Room's furniture is made to order, and each item can be custom designed to specific requirements such as dimensions, materials and finish — making it possible to create the pieces that you've been searching for. Images: Marie Homer
Look, some things are definitely better fresh. Things like like produce, sashimi and hot chips. But other things get better with age, things like you and, surprisingly, beer. There's an idea floating around that beer only belongs in the former category, but in celebration of Cooper's 2017 Vintage Ale release, we're shedding some light on the beers that age gracefully. If you're intimidated by the idea of a cellar, don't be. Modern cellaring doesn't require you to own a sprawling mansion with a decked-out cellar door. All you need is a dark, cool and consistent space to cellar beer and bring out its mature flavours. A basement or garage will do the trick, as long as the temperature stays between ten to 12 degrees celsius and doesn't fluctuate. Also, keep the space between 50 and 70 percent humidity if you can, but if you can't, an air humidifier will help control any mould issues. The other very important item you'll need is self control — don't go downing your cellared beers just because they're there and you can. Good beers come to those who wait. (And so do some pretty tasty food and beer pairings.) Once you've got the set-up, which beers should you choose? Which actually age well? Well, that's where we come in. Follow our lead, and look to these brews for your home beer cellar. In a year or so, you'll be thanking us. STOUT A good rule of thumb is that heavier beers with a higher alcohol content will cellar the best. Aim for beers that are heavy on malt and have an alcohol content of eight percent for good results. Stout is an excellent beginner's brew for cellaring. The word stout is even a synonym for heavy, determined and forceful, making it an ideal candidate to develop some extra depth. The rich, dark (but never heavy) texture of a stout starts off great, but is made even better with time. The roasted malt component, which is what gives the beer its depth, becomes even more complex. The consensus on how long to cellar a stout for is mixed, but the best approach for a DIY beer-ager is through experimentation. Buy the brew of your choice in bulk (like Cooper's Best Extra Stout) and drink a few fresh, making sure to take notes as you go. Age the rest and every six months, repeat the experiment, each time taking notes. Everyone has different tastes, but when you have your perfectly aged stout, pair it with a slow-cooked pork roast or oysters. DARK ALE Dark ale is one of the lesser known dark beers, but its reputation (or lack thereof) is undeserved; this beer warrants a place in your DIY cellar, especially if you're into chocolaty, coffee flavours. Think of dark ale as a dessert beer — heavy, creamy and rich. This strong flavour profile is what makes the beer excellent for cellaring, as it gets stronger, yet subtler, after a few years in the dark. For your home cellar, look for either barrel-aged or bottle-conditioned beer, like Cooper's Dark Ale. The active yeast contained in the bottle means they were designed to cellar well. Also note, thanks to their high alcohol content, dark ales can withstand a slightly higher temperature — between 12 and 14 degrees celsius — compared to their wheaty brethren, making this one a kinder brew for the home cellar novice. VINTAGE ALE From time to time, brewers will develop and release beers that are designed to age. Cooper's Vintage Ale is the perfect example and a must have for any DIY beer cellar — trust us, you'll be glad you added it in couple years. In its infancy, it has a bitter and punchy flavour with pineapple and pear undertones (unusual flavours for such a heavy beer, but somehow it works). During the production process, the introduction of live yeast as a conditioner gives this brew its longevity. So, if you're patient, you'll notice as the beer ages that the bitterness evolves into a sweet, caramel palette. Keep an eye out for these kinds of limited releases at your local as they're often designed — bottle and all — to be cellared, and may even become collector's items in years to come. SPARKLING ALE Now, we have just said that dark and heavy beers age well, so it may surprise you to see sparkling ale on this list. As a lighter brew, it may not be a go-to for most cellars, but sparkling ales do actually age beautifully and (if you do it right) you'll end up with a rich brew a lot faster than the heavier drops. The cellaring process takes the sparking ale's fruity, floral notes and smooths them out. Any acidity, over-the-top sweetness or rough edges age into honeyed undertones. But make sure you check these beers more regularly than their darker counterparts as they'll mature a little faster. Also, make sure to keep the temperature under control; these brews won't react well to any heat. Once you've nailed your desired aged flavours, pair them with bold tastes. Spicy food will match with the bubbles, and charcoal and rotisserie barbecue flavours will sit well with fruity tones. SOUR BEER If you like your beer a little bit tart, then turn your attention to sour beer. These acidic brews famously cellar well, but be warned, they're an unpredictable beer to begin with. Sour beers have always been brewed differently from other beers. Before modern brewing, beer was intentionally soured by introducing wild yeasts into the fermentation process — a method still used today. And although the modern brewing method is a little more controlled — brewers often use a Belgium yeast called brettanomyces to sour, instead of leaving the beer out to the elements — things can still go wrong. On the plus side, if the initial brew goes well, the beer will taste even better a few years down the track, since brettanomyces take months to develop a full flavour profile. Even if you don't traditionally like sour beer, we recommend you hop on down to your local and try an aged sour — you might be pleasantly surprised. (Beer pun intended.) A limited number of the 2017 Coopers Vintage Ale cartons have been released, so get to stocking your cellar with these brews quickly. Otherwise, you can find the vintage available on tap at a few key venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond. Find your closest pub serving the brew here.
Television has delivered many great characters over the decades, but Leslie Knope is the best there is. As played to perfection by Amy Poehler, she's the determined, passionate and persistent local government employee and later politician — not to mention a huge fan of waffles and Joe Biden, too — that we all wish really existed. Where The Office turns a regular paper company's operations into must-see comedy, Parks and Recreation weaves the same magic with the titular department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Creators Mike Schur and Greg Daniels worked on both shows, but P&R evolves into its own overwhelmingly good-natured, heartwarming, hilarious creation. If you wanted to call it literally the best TV comedy of the 21st century, Chris Traeger-style, we'd wholeheartedly agree with you. And yes, with Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Aziz Ansari, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe among its cast, it's the show that just keeps giving.
As the name suggests, Lounge Lovers is the place to head when your cosy spaces need a bit of a zhuzh. A company dedicated to providing beautiful homewares at affordable prices, Lounge Lovers has a team of in-house buyers that works directly with the suppliers to ensure it can continue to offer modern and luxurious decor pieces at a competitive price. Initially starting out as an online store, founder, Derek Kerr, quickly realised the demand to sit on and feel furniture before purchasing is a huge priority for people like us who aren't willing to risk being stuck an uncomfortable couch.
They call it Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, oh Tina — The Tina Turner Musical — and, while it finally arrived in Australia in May, it now has more dates around the nation. After premiering in London back in 2018, this stage ode to the music icon that's had Aussies dancing to 'Nutbush City Limits' for decades will tour Down Under, following up its current first local stint in Sydney with seasons in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. No, it isn't taking to the stage in a church house, gin house, school house or outhouse — or on highway number 19, either. But Tina — The Tina Turner Musical will obviously have Crown Theatre, Festival Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Princess Theatre enjoying Turner's greatest hits in one massive show. The list of musical numbers includes 'Nutbush City Limits', naturally, as well as everything from 'River Deep, Mountain High' and 'Proud Mary' through to 'Private Dancer' and 'What's Love Got to Do with It?'. Tina — The Tina Turner Musical has made its trip Down Under courtesy of TEG DAINTY, Stage Entertainment and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner herself before her passing in May this year. Announcing the show's stint on our shores back in 2022, the singer said that "Australia has always shared abundant love with me, going back to my early concerts in the late 70s through the uplifting partnership with the National Rugby League. It is very special for me that we will be reunited." "The joy, passion and message of resilience in my musical is so important now as ever. Thank you from the bottom my heart for welcoming me with open arms once again," Turner continued. The singer didn't mention her appearance in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, but she is indeed part of the beloved Mad Max franchise, too. In Australia, The Lion King, We Will Rock You, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ragtime and Moulin Rouge! The Musical star Ruva Ngwenya plays Tina, with In the Heights, Fame: The Musical and fellow Moulin Rouge! The Musical alumni Tim Omaji as Ike Turner. Penned by Tony Award-nominee and Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, plus Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, and directed by fellow Tony-nominee Phyllida Lloyd, Tina — The Tina Turner Musical clearly has quite the story to tell. The show steps through Turner's life and fame, including growing up in Nutbush, Tennessee, the hard work that led to her career, all of those aforementioned hits, her 12 Grammy Awards, her volatile time with Ike and her huge solo success. If you're a fan, Turner herself summed it up — yes, it's simply the best. "I first heard about the possibility of a stage musical portraying Tina's life eight years ago and I immediately reached out to Tali Pelman at Stage Entertainment. At that point there was no script and no book; however, I was hooked on the idea of it," said TEG DAINTY CEO Paul Dainty about Tina — The Tina Turner Musical. "We have been on that journey ever since, and here we are today announcing the Australian tour! Australians love this theatrical masterpiece which tells the story of Tina's life, of empowerment and success, and is ultimately the best music industry comeback story of all time." TINA — THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL AUSTRALIAN DATES: Now until Sunday, December 31, 2023 — Theatre Royal, Sydney From Tuesday, February 27, 2024 — Crown Theatre, Perth From Wednesday, April 24, 2024 — Festival Theatre, Adelaide From Sunday, July 2, 2024 — Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane From Tuesday, September 24, 2024 — Princess Theatre, Melbourne Tina — The Tina Turner Musical is currently playing in Sydney, and will tour the rest of Australia in 2024. For more information and tickets, head to the musical's website. Images: Daniel Boud.
Not content with creating four of Sydney's favourite venues in Bar Planet, Cantina OK!, Tio's and The Cliff Dive — plus the beloved OK! sparkling margarita seltzer — Mucho hospitality group has just served up another absolute home run with its new hidden underground cocktail lair Centro 86. Described as an "old, fancy Mexican cantina on shrooms", the fresh Sydney CBD opening takes the magic of Bar Planet, as well as Cantina OK!'s love of margaritas, and applies it to an expansive 110-seat space. But before you settle in for a few fanciful cocktails, you've got to find the bar first. Wander down Pitt Street until you find the Centro 86 sign. At this point, you'll have to take a right-hand turn and venture around to the unassuming Hoskings Place, where you'll find a fire escape and luminous Centro 86 sign, which will lead you down two flights of stairs to the moody subterranean watering hole. Mucho has kept things local, working with a collection of Sydney and Australian artists to transform the space. David Humphries, the mind behind Bar Planet's psychedelic countertops, is back to inject big splashes of colour into the bar — while the team has enlisted local stained-glass artists, ceramicists, furniture makers and visual artists to bring the venue to life. Margaritas are the name of the game at Centro 86, with five varieties on the menu, including the sensational and ultra-unique parsley-topped Verde — a must-try. Adding to that something special is a set of three old-school ice shavers, bringing a dose of theatrics and a melt-in-your-mouth touch to the drinks. The inventive cocktails don't stop with the margs, with sherry-forward mixes and a fresh take on Bar Planet's Scorpino gracing the menu, alongside a refined wine and beer list featuring a few minimal-intervention drops and Wildflower Brewing's beloved table beer. There's also an expansive tequila collection featuring spirits available from $13–180. You'll find varieties that the Mucho team has aged themselves, ultra-rare options, plus Australia's first agave spirit that's distilled up in Bowen, Queensland. And it wouldn't be a Mucho venue without a bag of popcorn on your table — this time with a new secret spice mix that's promised to rival the fan-favourites of the group's other venues. Located just metres from The Caterpillar Club and Ragazzi, this opening marks another impressive addition to the ever-improving Sydney CBD as it bounces back from the lockout laws. A few city-best margs and a bag of popcorn before heading off to enjoy a bowl of artichoke ravioli at one of our favourite restaurants in Sydney — sounds like a match made in heaven. Centro 86 is located at Basement 86/88 Pitt St, Sydney — find the entrance on Hoskings Place. It's open 4pm–12am on Tuesday and Sunday, and 4pm–2am on Wednesday–Saturday. Stay up to date with the bar at the venue's Instagram. Images: Dexter Kim.
With Winter's Bone, Debra Granik directed one of the undoubted film highlights of 2010. More than that, she directed the haunting drama to four Oscar nominations, earned herself a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay, and helped put Jennifer Lawrence on the path to superstardom. And yet, it still took eight years for the masterly filmmaker to helm her next fictional feature — eight years where her empathetic perspective could've been brightening up cinemas. Blame the difficulties faced by female directors, projects falling by the wayside or the vagaries of fate; whichever you choose, the big screen has sorely missed her work. It's not just that Granik makes movies about American life on the margins, as her 2014 documentary Stray Dog also illustrates. What sets her films apart is her probing yet compassionate approach, not only spinning stories about struggling folks striving to get by, but ensuring that her pictures feel humane and authentic above all else. They're traits that are much more rare in today's blockbuster-heavy cinema realm than they really should be, and they help Granik's gentle, thoughtful work soar. While that was evident in Winter's Bone, it's even more apparent in Leave No Trace, an equally tender and devastating father-and-daughter effort that's handled with supreme sensitivity, shot with unwavering kindness and, as a result, proves one of the best movies of this year. Adapted by Granik and her Winter's Bone co-scribe Anne Rosellini from Peter Rock's novel My Abandonment, Leave No Trace takes its title from what might as well be military veteran Will (Ben Foster) and teenager Tom's (Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie) unspoken motto. Living well off the grid in an Oregon forest, their entire existence relies upon not being spotted. And, as long as they're able to enjoy their lives in the manner that they prefer, they're happy hiding out and keeping things simple. The local authorities soon have other plans, busting up their modest camp, arresting Will and forcing the pair to re-integrate into society. To her own surprise, Tom warms to more traditional confines, but her PTSD-afflicted dad can only stomach mod cons and social worker check-ups for so long. Where Winter's Bone coiled a coming-of-age tale around a bleak mystery, Leave No Trace steeps its story in lighter but no less meaningful waters. Both feature young women learning to survive in fraught circumstances; however, even given the films' thematic similarities, Granik's latest is its own textured, complicated and delicate creation. At the movie's core sits a familiar battle that's fleshed out in an intimate and heartbreaking fashion — the choice between following in the footsteps of someone you adore, or following your own wisdom even if it'll completely change your life forever. This is a film about breaking free and forging a new path on many levels (from trauma, from the prevailing concept of normality, from the structures enforced by a broken country and from the parent-child bond), and they're all expertly and intelligently intertwined. As also seems to be Granik's remit across her small oeuvre to date, Leave No Trace overflows with everyday detail. Thanks to the director's patient gaze, no moment of Will and Tom's lives is too small or insignificant. That's never more evident than when the movie hones its focus on revelatory New Zealander McKenzie, who demonstrates not only Granik's keen eye for observation, but for talent. Acting against the similarly exceptional Foster (who's in career-best form), the young star's seemingly effortless naturalism radiates from the screen, with a cocktail of potent emotions always emanating from her pores. Indeed, while Leave No Trace is visually sumptuous with its lush wilderness-set visuals, it's downright sublime when it's simply watching its two leads quietly encapsulate the effects of America's increasingly fractured society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVkX1qAyMrY
Auckland is a city built on stories. Some are told in theatres that once hosted Bette Davis and Bob Dylan. Some on the slopes of former volcanoes. The rest, you'll have to find for yourself in the city's cobbled streets and galleries. Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland's) charm blooms beyond the tourist stops. Past the Sky Tower and steeple of St Patrick's Cathedral, you'll spot an unassuming vintage facade. Here, at 53 St Patrick's Square, The Motor House forms the foundation of Hotel Indigo Auckland. Once a showroom for Cadillacs and motorcycles, it now acts as your key to the city. Inside midtown's tallest building, warm wood panels, Māori art, and leather touches make an unexpected home out of the building's industrial bones. [caption id="attachment_1037197" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Auckland[/caption] But the best part? The hotel's position puts you at the heart of the city. Here, your neighbours are indie bookstores, laneway bars and suburban swimming spots. Here's how to plan a weekend getting lost in the hills, islands and laneways of Tāmaki Makaurau. [caption id="attachment_1037201" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Maungakiekie[/caption] Wide Open Spaces Auckland was built around the valleys and ridgelines of 53 ancient volcanoes. You can see it in the sprawling, green knolls of Maungakiekie. Also known as One Tree Hill. These Teletubbyland-esque hills act as Auckland's best viewing platform. Back in the city's heart, find Khartoum Place. Shady trees and a fountain's trickle make it a pocket of calm that locals retreat to. Check out the tile artwork in honour of the Women's Suffrage Movement in New Zealand and have a break to caffeinate. Take a short stroll and you'll find yourself at the wharf. Catch a ferry 40 minutes off the coast and you'll land a world away on Waiheke Island. Sundrenched vineyards, shaded olive groves and your footprints on white sand beaches await. Or, dive right into the harbour at the Karanga Plaza Tidal Steps: a totally free swimming area on the shores of the city. Take Notes on the Culture Follow any street in Auckland, and you'll find yourself at a crossroads of culture. Here, Māori culture threads through so much of the city, linking with European history in the wharves, cafes and museums. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is home to the world's largest collection of New Zealand art. Enter through majestic kauri tree columns to spend a day working through four levels of exhibitions. Plan your visit to Aotearoa in November, and you'll catch the Elam School of Fine Arts annual graduate show. Take a stroll through midtown and you'll find a slew of independent bookshops like Unity Books, Time Out Bookstore, and Hard To Find Books. Read local stories spun into poems or get lost in the whodunnits of local crime author legend Ngaio Marsh. [caption id="attachment_1039738" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Auckland[/caption] Dine Like the Locals Vulcan Lane was once an unnamed and muddy track. Today, it's a meeting point of some of Auckland's best bars, cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping. The Queensferry Hotel was one of the first to move in over 200 years ago. It's Auckland's oldest pub, but its menu is modern and best enjoyed al fresco while people-watching. Each Thursday, the laneway comes alive with free jazz performances from local music schools and seasoned pros. Follow the warm cathedral light down St Patrick's Square and you'll find Bistro Saine. Here, beyond the art-filled lobby of Hotel Indigo, you'll find this modern take on the classic European bistro is a destination in its own right. Leather banquette seating, antique tableware and perfectly cooked steak makes it easily to forget you're not in Paris. [caption id="attachment_1037203" align="alignleft" width="1920"] The Civic Theatre[/caption] Read the Stars The 1930s were Auckland's golden age. Theatres, cinemas and music halls were soundtracked by Māori soprano Ana Hato and The Beatles. Legendary spots like Everybody's, The Roxy, and Peter Pan Cabaret may be gone, but their legends live on in the feel of the streets. The Civic Theatre is perhaps the magnum opus of Auckland's golden age. Inside, giant, golden elephants and carvings of Buddha line the walls alongside gaudy chandeliers. Above it all—for no reason other than opulence—is a replica of the Auckland night sky at 10pm on Saturday, April 20, 1929. Bette Davis, The Rolling Stones, Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, and even the Dalai Lama have visited. Nowadays, you can catch a musical or comedy show there. [caption id="attachment_1037204" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Auckland[/caption] The Perfect Base When your step count is nearing new heights, Hotel Indigo Auckland makes for the perfect place to rest your tired feet. The hotel's historic home, The Motor House, plays the role of muse. In each corner, you'll find nods to the past. From the scaffold-inspired wardrobes and vintage fixtures to the factory facade still bearing the names of its former owners, you can feel the stories of Auckland past in each inch of the hotel. Step out from the lobby and you'll be met with a view of the Sky Tower and Auckland at your feet. Want to stay in the thick of it? Find out more about Hotel Indigo Auckland here. Lead image: Hotel Indigo Auckland
Surry Hills' hidden gem Beau, the intimate laneway bar from the NOMAD team, introduces its latest exciting collaboration with China Heights Gallery, bringing art to the table with its new Artist Series. For three months, Beau will play host to one prominent artist per month, coinciding with their exhibitions at China Heights. Ellen Virgona, Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal), and Otis Hope Carey are the featured artists, and they will transform the laneway setting into a unique and immersive artistic experience. Enjoy curated playlists, floral arrangements, projected visuals, artwork and a collaborative specialty dish inspired by their work. To kick off the series, photographer Virgona will showcase her work from Friday, April 12, alongside a limited-edition dish of Greek-style rice pudding with caramelised figs. Head chef Troy Spencer has crafted this textural dish inspired by Virgona's rich and visceral imagery, a seemingly perfect autumnal dish. The event series brings contemporary art to the hospitality scene, blurring the lines between dining and gallery spaces. So be sure to check out this cultural fusion and experience art through a new lens. Allen's stint starts on Friday, June 7, and Carey's on Friday, September 13.
Peering at Yayoi Kusama's work doesn't just mean being surrounded by dots, pumpkins and tentacles; stepping inside her infinity rooms; and spying mirrors, balls, flowers and rainbow hues aplenty. It also means relishing every moment with her immersive art. One trip to a Kusama showcase, whether at her own Tokyo museum or elsewhere, is never enough. However long an exhibition's season runs for, it's not long enough, either. Melbourne's NGV International, the host of Australia's largest-ever Kusama retrospective, understands this — and it is giving art lovers more chances to enjoy the artist's wonders. Yayoi Kusama, as the current exhibition is called, opened on Sunday, December 15, 2024 and runs until Monday, April 21, 2025. That end date isn't being delayed, sadly, but the gallery is extending its hours instead across the showcase's final weeks. Revealed on Friday, March 21, the news was unveiled a day before a significant occasion: Kusama's 96th birthday on Saturday, March 22. Of course, this'd be exciting no matter when it was announced. From Saturday, April 5–Wednesday, April 16, the exhibition will operate from 8am–6pm. Melburnians, if you fancy exploring Kusama's work before or after the nine-to-five grind, this is your chance. Over the Easter long weekend, you'll have even longer to head by, which is also great for visitors from elsewhere making the trip to Melbourne for the break. From Thursday, April 17–Monday, April 21, the exhibition will be open from 8am–midnight daily. The National Gallery of Victoria's spectacular tribute to Kusama includes the Japanese icon's brand-new Infinity Mirrored Room–My Heart is Filled to the Brim with Sparkling Light among its ten immersive installations, breaking the world record for the number of such pieces by the artist assembled in one spot. In total, there's 200 pieces on display, taking over the St Kilda Road gallery's entire ground floor with a childhood-to-now survey of its subject's creative output. Across the eight decades of art on display, some pieces have never been seen Down Under until now. Some are sourced from private collections, and others from Kusama's own personal stash. Here's yet one more drawcard: the NGV is throwing Friday-night parties as part of the exhibition, too, running until Friday, April 18. Kusama's five-metre-tall dot-covered Dancing Pumpkin sculpture in NGV International's Federation Court, the artist's Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees wrapping the trunks of 6-plus trees in pink-and-white polka-dotted material: they're also key elements of one of the most-comprehensive retrospectives devoted to the artist to be staged globally. Other highlights include NGV International's glass waterwall going pink, but with black rather than white dots; Kusama's new version of Narcissus Garden, which dates back to 1966 and features 1400 30-centimetre-diameter silver balls this time around, sitting in front of the waterwall and in parts of Federation Court; and the yellow-and-black spheres of Dots Obsession hanging over the Great Hall. Then there's the artist's sticker-fuelled, all-ages-friendly The Obliteration Room, where audiences young and old pop coloured dots everywhere — 'obliterating', as Kusama calls it — to cover an apartment interior that's completely white otherwise. Flower Obsession is another participatory piece, returning from the 2017 NGV Triennial. Again, you're asked to add to the work. Here, red flowers are applied to a domestic space — and again, obliterating it is the mission. If you adore the artist's way with mirrors, you'll want to see 2016's Chandelier of Grief, which features baroque-style chandelier spinning within a hexagon of mirrors; 2013's Love Is Calling, where tentacles in different colours spring from both the floor and the ceiling; and 2017's The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens, which gets viewers peering at glowing pumpkins as far as the eye can see through a small peephole. In Invisible Life, convex mirrors line a twisting and multi-hued corridor. With its six-metre-tall tendrils — which are covered in polka dots, naturally — the yellow-and-black The Hope of the Polka Dots Buried in Infinity Will Eternally Cover the Universe from 2019 is striking without using a looking glass (or several), and has made its Australian premiere. Prefer flowers instead? Set within a dotted space, All My Love for the Tulips, I Pray Forever from 2013 sees a trio of giant tulips loom over audiences. Overall, Yayoi Kusama steps through the artist's 80-plus years of making art via a thematic chronology. While a number of pieces hail from her childhood, others are far more recent. Her output in her hometown of Matsumoto from the late 30s–50s; the results of relocating to America in 1957; archival materials covering her performances and activities in her studios, especially with a political charge, in the 60s and 70s; plenty from the past four decades: they all appear. Yayoi Kusama displays at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne until Monday, April 21, 2025 — including from 8am–6pm between Saturday, April 5–Wednesday, April 16, and from 8am–midnight between Thursday, April 17–Monday, April 21. NGV Friday Nights: Yayoi Kusama runs each Friday until Friday, April 18, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Images: Visitors and artworks in the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA. Photos: Danielle Castano, Sean Fennessy, Tobias Titz and Kate Shannassy.
