Set along Newtown's Enmore Road and open for dinner daily, this joint is serving up some of Sydney's most authentic Korean fried chicken. The shop has become known around the city for its signature dish, served in four styles: original, sweet chilli, soy garlic and 'spicy bomb'. It's best to pair your fried chicken with a traditional bibimbap, which is a rice bowl topped with a whole heap of veggies, including radish kimchi, bean sprouts, carrots and shiitake mushroom, and is a refreshing accompaniment to the deep fried main attraction. Other more westernised sides here include fries, seafood pancakes and mozzarella cheese on a sizzling plater. Wash it all down with local beers from Young Henrys and Batch or, for something a little more traditional, there are Korean beers and soju on offer. You can also BYO wine for a small price per bottle You'll find Flying Tong in our list of the best fried chicken in Sydney. Check out the full list here. Appears in: The Best Fried Chicken in Sydney for 2023
When you're starring in a survivalist drama about humanity's attempts to keep life going 219 years after nuclear bombs destroyed existence as everyone knows it, do you start thinking about how you'd cope in a similar situation? As Fallout's three leads tell Concrete Playground, the answer is yes. But for Walton Goggins, Ella Purnell and Aaron Moten, that question always comes back to their characters — as disparate a trio that anyone could ever imagine trying to eke it out in post-apocalyptic times, ranging from the literally sheltered to the centuries-old and mutated, and also a wannabe soldier in a military where robotic armour is the best protection against a living nightmare. Goggins (I'm a Virgo) helps usher the game-to-screen series, which dropped its eight-episode first season on Prime Video Down Under on Thursday, April 11, into its premise. First he's seen as Cooper Howard, an actor who was once a western star, but is initially introduced getting paid to show up a a child's birthday party. That's where he is, alongside his young daughter Janey (Teagan Meredith, The Calling), when Los Angeles is devastated. Next, what should've been several lifetimes have passed and Goggins is now The Ghoul, with a look to suit his name (including a hole where his nose should be) and the fact that his character is still kicking after so much time. In her latest series with a survivalist angle — see also: her turn as Jackie in Yellowjackets — Purnell plays Lucy MacLean, who wasn't even a twinkle in anyone's eye when life was a picture of retrofuturistic normality for Howard. Her status quo is Vault 33, one of several underground facilities where a blue uniform-clad mission to keep civilisation alive is underway. Her first goal is simply to marry and help perpetuate the species; a wedding to a neighbouring vault dweller, as overseen by her father and Vault 33's leader Hank (Kyle MacLachlan, Lucky Hank), is her initial fate. Soon, however, she's venturing out into wasteland, where there's more going on than she's been taught to believe — and a place that both The Ghoul and Maximus (Aaron Moten, Emancipation) have no choice but to call home. The latter has a clear aim, too, when Fallout begins: becoming a knight for the Brotherhood of Steel, which means donning Pacific Rim and Gundam-esque suits. Even being a squire for a knight would be a step up from being terrorised by his fellow trainees. As brought to streaming by series creators and showrunners Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (The Office, Silicon Valley) — plus Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy as executive producers — Lucy, The Ghoul and Maximus' journeys will see them cross paths, of course, but nothing is simple in the show's hellish realm. Fallout has the three lead performances to make that plain, and both the vibe and the world-building design (plus no shortage of carnage, whether from people doing battle or mutated animals leaping out of toxic waters). [caption id="attachment_950361" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Webber/Getty Images for Prime Video[/caption] Goggins, Purnell and Moten are each sublimely cast. For viewers, enlisting Goggins as The Ghoul is especially perfect, after a three-decade career that spans everything from The Shield, Justified, Sons of Anarchy and The Hateful Eight to Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones. No one has the same kind of swagger, or flair with dialogue. He's just as mesmerising when he's stepping into Howard's past, too, where his soft-spoken tones match his own in-person. Purnell's Lucy and Moten's Maximus both navigate coming-of-age stories amid Fallout's dystopian realm, albeit from vastly different beginnings. Plucky from the get-go, Maleficent, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Sweetbitter's Purnell segues from perennial optimism to toughened-up realism. Haunted from the outset, The Night Of, Mozart in the Jungle and Next's Moten is tasked with searching for somewhere to belong, but stops letting his yearning cloud reality. Fallout is about ascertaining who you want to be — what you're willing to do, and face, and put up with — in such grim times as well, with its main trio constantly unpacking that weighty idea. What does it take to step into Fallout's wasteland, and to bring a gaming series beloved since 1997 to television? How do the show's stars see the heart of its survivalist story? What does the inimitable Goggins look for in a part, and what appealed to him about taking on The Ghoul? We chatted to Goggins, Purnell and Moten about all of the above, and also found out how much they adored the job at hand, how Goggins saw the setup as a "good, the bad and the ugly" situation, and the fact that this marks Moten's first-ever project shot on celluloid. On Whether the Fallout Cast Think About How They'd Respond in the Same Dystopian Situation — and How That Influences Their Take on Their Characters Aaron: "I think sometimes." Ella: "Yeah." Walton: "Yeah." Aaron: "I do think that, I feel like we all have specific details that are different, actually, about that answer, though. Because as Maximus, I'm playing a person who was born and raised in the wasteland, versus a person born and raised in a vault underground, and a person who lived before the bombs happened. So for me, yes, I think there's an essence of 'what would I do in this moment?'. But at the same time, I think Maximus has lived a harsh reality. A major challenge for me is how to change my thought pattern to match one of someone who would have been born and raised in the wasteland. What that means, usually it's about his moral compass; how survival has, I guess, evolved people; and their choices, and their right and wrong parameters. That to me, there's an element of 'what would I do?' — but I usually then am using that as a springboard, and sometimes landing on the 180 opposite then, as of what to do in in a situation." Walton: "I think we would all go about it in a very different way. The thing about the question that sparked a thought in my mind is what I love about this show — I think so often over time, over the last eight decades, shows that dealt with this type of end-of-the-world event, so much of the time is dedicated to showing the end of the world, right. That happens in the first five minutes of this experience. And the moderator last night [at Fallout's London premiere] brought up the fact that there's an inherent kind of hope and optimism even in this bleak landscape — whether that's coming from Lucy, or whether that's built into the show. For me, I was thinking about that today, and I thought last night after she asked it, and I thought 'well, no', because really, the world that we knew is over. So the only thing that we have left to do once you know the deck has been reshuffled is to build. It's about recreating the world. And Maximus brings that up in a in a just a great line in the pilot. And I think at the onset of any great human endeavour, hope or optimism springs eternal — and that's a cool part of this show. I like it. I'm watching it. It's really exciting to me." On Unpacking Fallout's Survivalist Themes Ella: "For me, one of the most exciting parts about the role was you take this very — at the start of the show — privileged, sheltered, innocent, clean (literally) young woman, and put her in this horrible, horrific situation that you would never hope to be in. And you really see her explore the extent of what humans are capable of. She gets to the very brink of her limits. I think that she really gets put through it, and you see this deterioration happening in front of your eyes. And I think she has to dig really deep inside her to find that place of wanting to survive. Because you want to give up. And there has to be a point where you make the choice that 'I am a survivor, I am going to get through this no matter what it takes'. And then that's where the theme of morality and identity come in. I find survival stuff really interesting, just seeing how desperate a human can get — how they pave the way, how they put one foot in front of the other." Walton: "I think the relationship between the two of us [The Ghoul and Lucy], I was thinking about that, too, after that conversation last night. The Ghoul in some way is a metaphor for life and tragedy. And he's saying in our relationship between Lucy and The Ghoul, it's as if he's sadistically saying: 'Come with me. Let me show you what the world is really like. You'll see this and you'll see this'. And that loss of innocence is tragic, but inevitable in life." On What Gets Goggins Excited About a Role, Including Playing Cooper Howard/The Ghoul Walton: "For me, it's just money at this stage of my life. I'm just kidding. I'm joking. That's a very big joke." Ella: "I always wanted someone to answer a question like that." Walton: "It's just money. No, no, no. I've never taken a job for money, actually. I've believed in everything that I've been a part of. I think all of us would say this — I don't want to speak for anyone else, but Jonathan Nolan is number one. Geneva, who's an old friend of mine, and we did Tomb Raider together. Graham, I've been a fan of for a very long time. And so you get that out of the way. And then you look at the story. [caption id="attachment_950363" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JoJo Whilden/Prime Video ©Amazon Content Services LLC[/caption] When I read the first two scripts, I was blown away by my journey, by The Ghoul's journey — but also blown away by Lucy's journey and Maximus' journey. And really saw it as kind of this good, the bad and the ugly, this strange configuration of these three people that come from very, very different backgrounds, and the way in which they meet up. But the thing that got me more than anything is Cooper Howard is two people at different parts of the story, and understanding Cooper Howard — Cooper Howard was a movie star, a western kind of movie star. And he was the perfect protagonist, if you will, or the perfect hero for a time of eternal American optimism, for that specific time and the history in our country. And in some ways, I think The Ghoul is not an anti-hero. I think he's the perfect hero in a cynical fallen world. He is someone who survived for 200 years. And for those of us that were left on the surface, it's a game of struggle, of daily survival. And I think it was the juxtaposition between those two different journeys that was most fascinating to me." On the Responsibility of Bringing Fallout to the Screen Given the Enormous Fandom for the Games Aaron: "I think we feel a great deal. There's a weight to it, for sure. I know that, for myself, it comes from care as well. You cherish the material and you want to do it justice. A big part of acting, ultimately, I think for all of us is about getting yeses sometimes in a world of moving through scripts. And so there's a validation that you do hope to achieve taking on something that is beloved. But at the same time, every day for me — and [turning to Walton and Ella], I don't know if you guys were different — Howard Cummings [Fallout's production designer] and his team, and what they were building and putting together, and the detail that they were just preparing every set, every location, really made a lot of that fall away. It was just such a joy to get such a great playground. It's like being the kid that's nervous to go to school, but then 'ohh man, they've got a swirly slide!'. It really felt like how could I not just jump in and enjoy it and really just go there. Jonah [Jonathan Nolan] as well, helped a lot with that. And getting to shoot on film, just real celluloid, which is the first time for me. But hearing that camera." [caption id="attachment_950367" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JoJo Whilden/Prime Video ©Amazon Content Services LLC[/caption] Walton: "Amazing." Aaron: "Yeah. First time." Walton: "Wow. I never heard that." Aaron: "A life of digital. A life of 'it's rolling, just play'." Walton: "I didn't know that. Wow." Aaron: "It makes us more economical, I think. You hear the rolls start, and you know we just reloaded, we've got seven or eight minutes." Ella: "Yeah." Aaron: "And if action is called, I'm doing it." Ella: "Yeah, more intensely." Aaron: "We're going for it." Ella: "I'd say it's also the anticipation that's the scariest part. I don't know about you guys [turns to Aaron and Walton], but the two weeks leading up to beginning, I think I lost my mind. And then as soon as you start, it's, like you say, you get taken in by the characters and the costumes and the collaboration and the sets — and all of that goes away because it's fun. It's just so fun. We're so lucky." Walton: "Yeah, we really are." Fallout streams via Prime Video from Thursday, April 11, 2024. Read our review. Images: courtesy of Prime Video.
It takes a pretty special — and downright genius — place to transcend all ages, dress codes and occasions. But The Boathouse does just that. Whether you're hankering for a post-swim feed up at Palm Beach or taking your mum out for lunch in Balmoral, The Boathouse always fits the bill. The venue at Shelly Beach — the fourth on Sydney's north shore — the winning formula has made it to Manly. The sheltered, only accessible by foot traffic Shelly Beach location is the perfect spot for the cafe-restaurant. There are people half-dressed, hair still dripping seawater, sipping smoothies, and there are large groups, fully dressed (and nicely), popping a bottle of wine and settling in for a long Sunday lunch. There's also a kiosk for beachside takeaways. Predictably, it's packed, and the hectic order at the counter and finding a table system still stands. Boathouse owners Pip and Andrew Goldsmith sure know how to run a damn good venue, and unsurprisingly, they've done it again at Shelly Beach.
The team behind Bacon Brewfest, Wolli Creek's Discovery Markets and the Brewery Yard Markets at Central Park are bringing a new monthly food extravaganza to Sydney. Truckstop! will take over the carpark of Rosebery's Saporium on the first Thursday of every month, starting June 1 from 5pm. The evening will feature some of Sydney's best food trucks in a night of eats, drinks, live music and art. Food will include Brazilian churrasco by MEET Restaurant, yakitori and gyoza from Shiso Fine, freshly shucked oysters from The Shuck Truck, Americana diner classics from The Nighthawk Diner and vegan sundaes from Over The Moo, along with one special guest food truck that will be revealed closer to the event. DJs will be spinning the beats while Work-Shop runs live street art demonstrations. If you fancy a Thursday bevvy, Rosebery neighbours Archie Rose Distillery will be slinging cocktails made using their local spirits and a Coors Australia bar will offer beer and cider — though we're not sure why they're not spruiking a beer made closer to home. The carpark will be decorated with long communal tables, white marquees and fairy lights to create a cosy midweek market atmosphere.
With all these blustery, grey, wintry days afoot, you'd think Sydney would begrudgingly hibernate for the season, retreating indoors to binge-watch Cleverman and inhale a bunch of soup. But the city's got too much going on, too many new exhibitions opening, activities aplenty and hidden natural gems to explore. Bundle up in your favourite woolies and get amongst your city this chilly season. All you need is a crisp $20 — and in most of these cases, you'll have a little (or a lot) left over. By the Concrete Playground team. 1. EAT HOUSE-MADE DAMPER IN A CITY PUB Redesigned by the team behind Momofuku Seiobo and Bar Brose, and with a menu inspired by the pub's former regular Henry Lawson, The Edinburgh Castle has officially reopened in the CBD. Ex-North Bondi Fish chef Daniel Lanza has created a menu that subtly references the Edinburgh's important literary history as one-time home to Aussie writer and poet Henry Lawson. Tasty morsels on the snacks list include house-made damper with garlic herb butter ($8 a serve), the perfect thing for a chilly winter's day. They also do a mean pork sausage roll for $14. Cost: $8 2. BUNDLE UP AND TAKE A HIKE According to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, 'walking is man's best medicine'. 2500 years — and the invention of antibiotics — later, he's still got a point. This week, a Tasmanian study showed that people in their 50s who walk 10,000 steps a day, every day, lower their mortality risk by 46%. And in Sydney — where spectacular waterfalls, mountains, caves and coastline are just minutes away from the car-strangled CBD — following the doctor's advice is easy. Plus, you'll boost your overall health to avoid those nasty winter sniffles — just make sure you bundle up and take your vitamins. Cost: Free 3. VISIT THE CALYX Meet the Royal Botanic Garden's new world-class horticultural experience, The Calyx. Opened 200 years after the official opening date of the Garden on June 13, 1816, this dazzling new UFO-shaped public space not only houses thousands and thousands of plants, but gives Sydneysiders an escape from the city's busy streets and relentless traffic. It also provides a new home for fun, innovative exhibitions. The first, now open, is Sweet Addiction, the botanic story of chocolate, from bean to bar. Also part of the show is a collection of over 18,000 plants, which are arranged as living artworks. Together, they form the biggest interior green wall in the Southern Hemisphere, measuring six metres in height and 285 square metres in area. Cost: $15 online/$17.50 at the door 4. FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE 'POST-HUMAN' Step into New Romance: art and the posthuman at the MCA this winter and you'll be greeted with a dizzying array of moving parts, flickering lights and a casual spot of time travel. Splicing science and technology with politics and aesthetics, 18 artists from Australia and Korea conceive of the distant and not too distant future in this just-opened exhibition. New Romance runs Thursday, June 30 to Sunday, September 4 at the Museum of Contemporary Art and is open until 9pm on Thursday nights. Cost: Free 5. 'RESEARCH' YOUR WAY THROUGH SYDNEY'S BEST BAKERIES Sydney bakeries these days are in hot competition for your dough — especially in winter, when fresh, hot, bready goodness is just the ticket for a dreary day. There aren't many bakeries left just churning out simple loaves of white bread — now it's all about sourdough, fruit loaves, croissants, cronuts and cruffins. But not all of them rise to the occasion, so we're here to sort out which establishments you knead to visit, and which crumby ones you can be gluten-free of. Use your loaf and follow the Concrete Playground Crust-See Sydney Bakery list this season. Cost: Around $5-10 per visit 6. LEARN UP ON FRIDA KAHLO Two of the greatest artists in history, who happened to have one of the most volatile relationships in recent memory, are the focus of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' brand new exhibition, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Kahlo and Rivera's artistic and personal rollercoaster ride is the focus, with 33 artworks from the pair — including self-portrait paintings, drawings and canvases — all from the renowned collection of Jacques and Natasha Gelman. Australia doesn't actually have a Frida Kahlo on public display, so this is one heck of a slam dunk for the gallery. Cost: $14-18 7. CURL UP NEXT TO A FIREPLACE As the pelting rain and wind of winter roll in, it's easy to see your enthusiasm for a night on the town being replaced by a deep craving to don your long dachshund-print pajamas and settle in for a dry and drama-less night of MasterChef. But there's one thing we know that's worth braving the rain and wind for, and that's cosy beers at one of Sydney's fireplace-equipped pubs and bars. It's your chance to feel like Hemingway with an alcoholic beverage in one hand as you relax in a room filled with that incredible open fire. Here are nine of the best. Cost: Around $10 for a cheeky beverage by the fire 8. WANDER THROUGH A BAMBOO PAVILION Paddington's Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation is going green with the final installation in their Fugitive Structures temporary pavilion series. For the finale of this awesome series, SCAF has teamed up with award-winning architect Vo Trong Nghia to create Green Ladder. The pavilion structure is made entirely from bamboo, "the steel of the 21st century" according to Nghia. The temporary pavilion will be on public display at SCAF from July 7 to December 10 and aims to raise awareness of bamboo's strength as a 'green steel' building material. Green Ladder aims to resemble a dense bamboo forest and visitors will be able to move through the graceful grid at their leisure. Cost: Free 9. GO ROUND THE TWIST AT SYDNEY'S LIGHTHOUSES Gone are the days when lighthouses were the domain of lonesome keepers, spending long nights keeping an eye on kerosene lamps and braving the fog and the foam. These days, automation does all the work. But despite that, it's hard to spend time at one without feeling like you're going back in time 100 years, when adventuring by ship was an extraordinarily risky business. Since 1622, more than 8000 ships have wrecked on the Australian coast, yet only about 2000 have been found. Visit these ten lighthouses in and around Sydney to travel back in time a little, take in some dazzling views, visit some beautiful beaches and perhaps even sleepover in an original light keeper's cottage. Cost: Free 10. SEE A SEASHORE ART EXHIBITION YOU'D USUALLY SEE IN SUMMER Lovers of outdoor sculpture, you no longer have to wait till October for your waterfront fix. The good folks at Sculpture by the Sea are teaming up with the Barangaroo Delivery Authority for an epic new annual exhibition, Sculpture at Barangaroo. Launching on August 6, the inaugural event will feature 12 spectacular outdoor works, created by fifteen Australian artists. Six of the pieces are brand new, while the other six are existent, but have been handpicked for their suitability to the site. Best bit? It's free. Cost: Free 11. DO YOGA AT AN URBAN FARM Though Sydney is filled with some awesome yoga studios, there are very few chances for city slickin' yogis to breathe in fresh air while trying out their best crane pose. Pocket City Farms is connecting mind and body to the actual earth with outdoor yoga classes that overlook their urban farm. For those worried about the winter chill, the practice will be held in a heated pavilion overlooking the market garden, with additional heaters and clear blinds also available for the cooler mornings. Cost: From $10 12. GO WHALE WATCHING Whale watching season is upon us, and the New South Wales coast is one of the best spots in the world to catch these majestic creatures in action. From May to November, the Pacific Coast migration goes from south to north and back again as the whales seek warmer water for the winter months. While humpbacks are the most documented, you might be lucky enough to catch orcas, brydes and southern right whales as well — and all without having to step foot from dry land. From Sydney to Byron, we've put together a list of all the best spots to stake-out and catch a glimpse of the majestic sea creatures. Binoculars, hiking shoes, snacks and picnic blankets recommended. Cost: Free 13. TRY A POPCORN OLD FASHIONED Easy Eight was opened by the Mojo Record Bar crew in March 2016 and they've got one heck of a delightfully fun winter cocktail for you. Order big from the fun and frivolous cocktails list, where every drink comes with an edible garnish, hurrah! There's an apple pie cocktail (i.e. an appletini) with an adorable pie crust lid which you can pull off and dunk into your drink. But we're here for the Popcorn Old Fashioned, with popcorn-infused bourbon, maple syrup and little pieces of popcorn. It'll warm you right up. Cost: $19 14. EXPLORE HIDDEN CAVES NEAR SYDNEY Don't spend all winter sprawled on the couch enthralled by The Goonies — go out and choose your own adventure. Within a couple of hours' drive of Sydney, there are hidden caves for cooling off in, huge sandstone caves for camping in (with 50 or so of your closest mates), beachside caves for picnicking in, tunnel caves for meeting glow worms in and river caves for swimming in. In short, there's a lot of caves. Here are ten we think you should visit. Cost: Free 15. SNUGGLE UP TO SOMEONE ELSE'S DOG Dog-sharing. Yep. Read it again. Dog-sharing. Services that allow pooch owners to connect with other pooch owners to help with everyday care, pupsit for holidays, do walks and so on. It's happening. Australian service Dogshare was initially launched for dog owners only, but it's now launched a pretty damn exciting feature — a 'borrowing' feature for dog loving people in the same neighbourhood. Similar Aussie service BorrowMyPooch works on the same principle but has a subscription fee for owners and borrowers, while Pawshake is free to sign up as a sitter, but owners pay to host their pups. Cost: Free 16. BUY A SUCCULENT The gardening bug is a hard one to shake. What might start off as some Woolies parsley growing in the windowsill above the sink can quickly evolve into obsessively spraying Seasol on your asters and getting elbow-deep in dirt to dig up this month's potato harvest. By then, you'll know succulents are glorious gems to invest in during the colder months — they're hardy little blighters. Here are the ten best places to buy plants in Sydney, go pick out a nice little summery cactus. Cost: Smaller succulents can cost as little as $10 17. BRAVE THE COLD AND LISTEN TO THE STARS SING It's such a shame David Bowie's not around to see this. Sydney installation artist Michaela Gleave has come up with an app that translates constellations into musical scores so you can 'play' the stars above you. Wherever you are in the world, at anytime of night, A Galaxy of Suns can read your geolocation and plays the music it transcribes from the constellations within your view. Bundle up and get amongst the cold winter night. Cost: Free 18. FIND HIDDEN ARTWORKS IN THE CITY If you've got a hankering to see new art but have run out of vital organs to sell for travel money to Venice, there's actually quite a bit to see around the traps. You can experience a whole different cultural side to Sydney, especially in the CBD, if you know where to look. Check out our guide to some of the best public art permanently installed by the City of Sydney — you might have literally tripped over it. Cost: Free 19. GO BUSHWALKING IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS If you particularly love a solid mountain trek in winter, pull on those Blundstones. We're lucky enough to have so many great hiking tracks right in our backyard, and the best among these is arguably the Blue Mountains, but with so many trails and paths to traipse, choosing is the hard part. From easy day hikes to hardcore overnighters, the Blue Mountains have it all. Check out a few of our favourites. Cost: Free 20. GO FOR A BIG LONG BIKE RIDE Many people associate cycling in Sydney with dodging cars, battling road rage and navigating their way through complicated tangles of main roads and side streets. But it's the best way to warm up with the wind in your hair this winter, and there are oodles of dedicated (and more serene) bike paths to explore, passing through expansive parks, around tranquil lagoons and alongside stunning beaches. Whether you're still on your training wheels or prepping for the Tour de France, here are ten of Sydney's best bike routes. Cost: Free Top image: Ondrej Supitar.
Tucked along the coast close to the Victorian-South Australian border, and just beyond the westernmost end of the Great Ocean Road, Nelson is a charming country town brimming with incredible outdoor adventures. With its tight-knit local community and hardy surrounding wilderness, this is one spot to put on your list if you're looking for top-notch hiking, surfing, fishing and more. Nelson might not be considered the end of the earth, but its veritable collection of stunning landscapes means you and your pals will struggle to find a place with better access to nature. Whether you get your kicks from underground walkways, remote inland hikes or riding rugged waves, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to present a collection of experiences in this thriving border town where unforgettable memories are guaranteed. [caption id="attachment_841188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] EXPLORE THE DRAMATIC PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE CAVE Situated along the banks of the Glenelg River, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave sees daring travellers descend into a subterranean cavern where calcite formations have ebbed and flowed over the last 700,000 years. Opened in 1940 as one of Australia's first show caves, the limestone lair is one of Nelson's standout destinations. Make the most of your time underground with a guided tour, during which you'll have 45 minutes to wander illuminated walkways flanked by crystalline stalagmites and stalactites that have expanded to over six metres in length. If you can't get enough of your surrounds, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave is located next to a picturesque campground, where you can find close encounters with native wildlife among a eucalypt forest. [caption id="attachment_841190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TACKLE THE GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK AND SPEND A NIGHT BENEATH THE STARS A staggering amount of rewarding hikes are located along the Great Ocean Road's 243 kilometres, but few are as impressive as the Great South West Walk. While the total distance of this epic journey through Victoria's western coast takes around 12 days to complete — the whole trail is longer than the Great Ocean Road itself — choosing a section or two to tackle is a far more realistic prospect for most. Across full-day hikes and laidback loops, the path meanders from the coastal edge inland through Cobboboonee National Park and side-by-side with the Glenelg River, meaning you'll see both lush forests and idyllic seaside villages. If you're looking to really connect with nature, pack a tent and set yourself up at one of the 14 well-maintained campsites along the way, which provide fitting amenities for an overnight stay. [caption id="attachment_843921" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] SEE WHERE THE RIVER MEETS THE OCEAN AT DISCOVERY BAY ESTUARY BEACH Exploring scenic beaches is one of the main reasons to cruise Victoria's western fringe. Discovery Bay Estuary Beach is a particularly beautiful highlight, as the meeting point of the Glenelg River and the rugged Southern Ocean. And whether you want to take it easy on the river side or test your mettle on the ocean side, the two kilometres of sandy shoreline means that the swimming and surfing potential is virtually endless. Fair warning: the beach isn't patrolled by lifesavers so be sure you know what you're doing before you set off. Situated about a five-minute drive from the centre of Nelson, this beach is also beloved for its fishing, with local anglers heading out by boat or seeing what they can catch in the shallows. Plus, the surrounding wetlands and sand dunes provide critical ecosystems for hundreds of rare waterbirds and plant species, ensuring you feel that enchanting connection with nature. [caption id="attachment_841194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] SURF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN AT DISCOVERY BAY COASTAL PARK For even more surfing possibilities, heading further south to the Discovery Bay Coastal Park leaves you totally spoilt for choice. Spanning nearly 26,000 acres from Cape Nelson to the South Australian border, this spectacular national park welcomes you to soak up the diverse landscape from end to end. While you might feel the urge to dive in anywhere, several top-quality breaks present the best waves. Crumpet Beach and Blacknose Point are ideal for newbies, while Descartes is where more experienced surfers test their skills. Meanwhile, Discovery Bay Marine National Park offers outstanding underwater ecosystems, so be sure to pack your snorkelling gear. There's plenty happening inland, too, thanks to soaring coastal cliffs, impressive sand dunes and idyllic freshwater lakes and swamps. Feel free to take your time here — there are several vantage points within the park where you can catch one of the best sunsets in Victoria. [caption id="attachment_841197" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] HEAD TO CAPE BRIDGEWATER FOR OTHERWORLDLY ROCK FORMATIONS Set in an ancient volcanic crater, Cape Bridgewater's otherworldly landscape is perfect for road trippers seeking a unique adventure. Its jagged coastline is home to some of Victoria's highest clifftops, and the countryside beyond overflows with freshwater lakes that are excellent for fishing and water skiing. However, the coast remains the main attraction, with the Bridgewater Blowholes helping travellers get up close to rock formations forged in the basalt and scoria rock over millions of years. The cape is also well-known for its population of fur seals, with a dedicated viewing platform providing a glimpse of this year-round colony situated on the ocean edge. [caption id="attachment_843922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] FISH AND PADDLE ALONG THE GLENELG RIVER Spanning 350 kilometres from Nelson's Discovery Bay to the lofty Southern Grampians, the Glenelg River boasts a thriving biosphere that makes for a captivating day on the water. With the waterway considered one of the state's top fishing destinations, you can cast a line for flathead, morwong and silver sweep throughout the year. If you decide to explore the inland reaches of the Glenelg River, Dartmoor is great for a pitstop. Here, Paestan Canoe Hire provides everything you need for a peaceful paddle beneath the shaded banks. For something a little different, tee off for a round at Dartmoor Golf Club or feast on classic pub grub at the Dartmoor Hotel Motel. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Visit Victoria
Set on the bustling high street of Military Road, Constant Reader has long been a fixture of the Mosman community. One of the longest-standing independent book retailers in Sydney, Constant Reader boasts nonfiction and fiction books on just about every topic you could imagine. The store is run by enthusiastic and incredibly well-read staff, so you'll be sure to find something to lose yourself in. Or, if you're in search of the perfect gift, the team's always more than happy to suggest titles that will please even the fussiest of readers.
2005 movie Mr & Mrs Smith isn't the first time that title adorned a spy caper about a literally killer couple. That honour goes not to the Brad Pitt (Babylon)- and Angelina Jolie (Eternals)-starring, Brangelina-sparking film, but to a 90s TV series. No one remembers 1996's Mr & Mrs Smith, where Scott Bakula (who was not long off Quantum Leap at the time) and Maria Bello (Beef) took on the eponymous parts. It didn't last, with just nine episodes airing and a further four made but left unseen. But its existence gives 2024's Mr & Mrs Smith a full-circle vibe, with Donald Glover (Atlanta) and Maya Erskine's (PEN15) now both adopting the monikers and ushering the premise back to episodic storytelling. Bakula and Bello's Mr & Mrs Smith didn't inspire Pitt and Jolie's; however, the latter did give rise to Glover and Erskine's. Their version isn't the first time that television has taken the Brangelina picture's lead, either. In 2007, a pilot was made of a spinoff from the then-recent film featuring Martin Henderson (Virgin River) and Jordana Brewster (Fast X), but didn't go any further. Thankfully, as streaming via Prime Video from Friday, February 2, the latest eight-part Mr & Mrs Smith hasn't suffered the same fate. All that history isn't mere trivia. Instead, it speaks to a concept that's so appealing that it keeps being reused, whether coincidentally or knowingly, and to an idea that's now being given its full Mr & Mrs Smith due, in line with True Lies and The Americans: that relationships are mysteries, missions and investigations. The backstory behind Glover and Erskine bringing glorious chemistry to John and Jane Smith doesn't stop there, because Mr & Mrs Smith circa 2024 has been in the works for three years. When announced in February 2021, it was with Atlanta-meets-Fleabag hopes, with Glover co-starring and co-creating with Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny). Then creative differences with Glover saw Waller-Bridge — who also co-wrote the No Time to Die screenplay and created Killing Eve — leave the project within six months. While it's impossible to know how that iteration of Mr & Mrs Smith would've turned out, whether with more overt comedy, talkier or boasting a darker tone, Glover's interpretation with fellow Atlanta alum Francesca Sloane lives up to the promise of two creatives from one of the 21st century's best dramedies turning their attention to espionage and romance. There's an intimacy, a lived-in feel and hangout charm to this Mr & Mrs Smith, even as it swaps Brangelina's already-wed pair discovering that they're assassin rivals for a duo only tying the knot for the gig. This John and Jane solely make each other's acquaintance via their shadowy new employer, who they exclusively interact with online (they nickname their supervisor "hihi" because that's how every message from them starts). After a vetting process, complete with questions about their individual willingness to leave their loved ones and current existence behind, the new Mr and Mrs Smith are soon inhabiting a just-renovated New York brownstone so lavish that their neighbour (Paul Dano, Dumb Money) is wowed. They're both fresh to the job, leaping into the spy world with their own baggage. They're unsurprisingly also fresh to fake marriages. They now have an array of cases to navigate and, slowly but heatedly, real feelings to grapple with. Alongside the self-contained exploits in each episode, surrounding Mr & Mrs Smith's stars with a feast of other talents is a highlight. The wealth of well-known names includes Ron Perlman (Poker Face), Alexander Skarsgård (Infinity Pool), Sarah Paulson (The Bear), John Turturro (Severance), Parker Posey (Beau Is Afraid), Wagner Moura (The Gray Man), Eiza González (Ambulance), Michaela Coel (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters). Fellow Smiths, rich bigwigs, targets, a couples' therapist with no clue what John and Jane do for a paycheque (software engineers is their cover): Glover, Sloane, and their co-scribes Stephen Glover (also Atlanta), Carla Ching (Home Before Dark), Yvonne Hana Yi (Raising Dion), and Adanne Ebo and Schuyler Pappas (both screenwriting first-timers) enlist the supporting cast in all of the above roles, keeping John, Jane and audiences on their toes. No one among the guest performers puts a foot wrong, but this is always the ever-excellent Glover and Erskine's time to shine. There's not just suaveness but also patience and vulnerability in his portrayal, while she goes for hyper-competent and enigmatic with equal skill. This Mr and Mrs Smith always feel like humans rather than character types — messily, engagingly, complicatedly so. With love no longer a given from the outset in this spin on the story, Glover and Erskine's growing rapport also couldn't be more crucial. John is clearly interested in being more than just colleagues early, Jane is more tentative about mixing work and pleasure, and everything about them falling for and bickering with each other plays as authentically as every Atlanta scene between Earn and Van (Zazie Beetz, Black Mirror). The slinky series handles its mix of Mission: Impossible and wedlock comparably: although it's always an espionage effort, it's about John and Jane as people, and as a pair getting amorously entangled, first and foremost. "Spies but relatable" could've been the tagline as the show's protagonists juggle life, love and work. They trot the globe, receive secretive instructions, shoot to kill and make the stylishly crafted action sequences count. They also struggle with disposing of bodies, and are visibly shaken by explosions, deaths and other necessities of their line of work. They argue over doing the dishes, too, then clash over trying to truly get to know each other, tussle with trust and weather the minutiae of living together. That lived-in atmosphere plays two ways, in fact: in the intricacies of John, Jane and their connection; and in the cooped-up, pandemic-appropriate scenario that is thrusting folks together to make the most of it. Behind the camera, Hiro Murai directs the first two episodes after notching up 26 instalments of Atlanta, plus helming the Glover-led Guava Island and several Childish Gambino music videos ('This Is America' being one). She Dies Tomorrow's Amy Seimetz similarly took the reins on Atlanta, while Christian Sprenger was the cinematographer on 34 episodes and Guava Island. Karena Evans has fellow movie-to-TV adaptation Dead Ringers on her resume — and when Glover himself directs Mr & Mrs Smith's finale, which makes stunning use of costuming for both him and Erskine, that he's calling the shots is evident. This is a series to commit to, embrace and relish. All the history that comes with TV's latest mining of cinema's wares (see also: Irma Vep, A League of Their Own, What We Do in the Shadows, Interview with the Vampire and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, to name just a few), Brangelina and all, melts away in this gem. Check out the trailer for Mr & Mrs Smith below: Mr & Mrs Smith streams via Prime Video from Friday, February 2, 2024.
The Grounds doesn't do things in half measures. Whether it's an elaborate Disney-themed takeover of its Alexandria home or its next-level events space at South Eveleigh, the Sydney institution isn't afraid to go big. And that's exactly what it's doing with its Easter celebrations. They're bringing back the giant Easter egg crack — and when they say 'giant' they mean it. Taking over The Grounds of Alexandria on Easter Sunday is the annual Easter Egg Cracking Eggstravaganza, a next-level chocolate party centred around a massive Max & Boon chocolate egg that is smashed open and divvied out among the crowd. It's truly a sight to be seen and a fun, family-friendly way to get into the spirit of things. Tickets are $27 and grant you access to the egg cracking, plus a range of activities for kids and adults alike, including free face painting, live music, roving entertainment and an obligatory appearance from the Easter bunny. The egg crack kicks off at 5pm. Once you've gorged your way through a heap of chocolate, you can balance out your Sunday diet by taking a seat in The Grounds' expansive barbecue area or garden bar for a hearty Easter Sunday dinner. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Grounds (@thegrounds)
We're sure you've heard of a haunted house, but what about a haunted suburb? Dust off your witch's hat, grab a pumpkin and prepare to be immersed in the Halloween spirit because Funlab is taking this spooky season to a new extreme. Until November 3, the competitive socialising venues will be partnering with Fireball Whisky to take over the Alexandria precinct, transforming Hijinx Hotel, Holey Moley, and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq into the premiere spot for chills and thrills this Halloween. Most known for bowling alleys, mini golf courses, and arcades, Funlab is putting a frightening spin on its classic concepts."Taking inspiration from Beetlejuice, Tim Burton and of course, Wes Anderson in our Hijinx Hotel, we've created spooky fun that we hope Sydney residents can enjoy" says Funlab CEO Michael Schreiber. "And rather than making it one night, we're celebrating the whole month." At no additional charge, anyone who purchases activities this October will be able to participate in the immersive experience, including Halloween-themed challenge rooms, mini-golf courses, laser tag and much more. To top it all off, Fireball will be turning Holey Moley's Caddyshack Bar into the Dragon's Lair, complete with new cinnamon-fuelled signature cocktails to keep visitors in the Halloween spirit. Along with Hijinx Hotel's signature challenge rooms, guests will be able to roll in ball pits with spiders, skulls and eyeballs, spell spooky words in the scrambled room, and hear screams that will make their hairs stand on end throughout the challenges. Holey Moley's course will be crawling with creatures, crime scenes, eerie doll houses, and beloved Halloween pop-culture references. Venture into the laser tag arena turned abandoned graveyard at Archie Brother's Cirque Electriq and battle your way through friends and monsters. Stick around afterwards for an in-venue spooky scavenger hunt with themed arcade games and attractions. Top your experience off with a visit to the virtual world, dodging zombies with Zero Latency's VR Undead Arena Zombie Experiences for a discounted $30 per person all month. For those who attend after dark (6–10pm), steel yourself for the Witching Hour, where an array of monsters roam the venues, searching for unsuspecting revellers. After an evening of scares, stop by Fireball's Dragon's Lair, designed by Australian artist Callum Preston. New on the menu will be a variety of drinks that taste like heaven - and burn like hell, including the Dirt-y Martini with Fireball, Marie Brizard Coffee Liqueur, First press Coffee with Biscoff "dirt" garnish and sour worms, and the Eye of Fire - Fireball, raspberry syrup, lemon and soda with a "blood" drip rim and blueberry eyeball. But don't be fooled by the sweet treats - the bar's interactive space may seem like a respite from the excitement of Alexandria's spooky venues, but it will scare you when you least expect it. Funlab's month of tricks and treats will culminate on Halloween night with live DJ sets, tarot card readers, VFX makeup artists, and costume pop ups to help you get into the spirit. "We strive to continue taking our venues to the next level", says Schreiber. "Halloween is the perfect time for us to bring our venues to life in a new, fun way."
The City of Sydney is ushering in the Year of the Tiger with the unveiling of 12 lanterns in its annual Lunar Lanterns exhibition, which runs from Saturday, January 28 until Sunday, February 13. Each larger-than-life illuminated artwork symbolises one of the signs of the Chinese zodiac, with the free exhibition spanning from Circular Quay all the way to Haymarket. The installations are a long-running part of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney and a mix of returning designs and new interpretations on the zodiac signs make up this year's set of creatures. Most notably, eight tigers have been set up in four different locations around the CBD this year to mark the feline's place at the centre of this Lunar New Year. To help you navigate the animals, you can take a virtual walk and examine the map through the Sydney Culture Walks app. [caption id="attachment_760097" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 2020 Lunar New Year tiger, Katherine Griffiths[/caption] Images: Katherine Griffiths
Australia is home to some incredible music festivals, with Laneway, Bluesfest, Splendour, Groovin' the Moo and Dark Mofo bringing some of the world's best acts to our shores each year. But live music isn't the only excuse to head out of town. Australia is also home to heaps of out-there festivals set in rural and random locations, celebrating everything from spuds and watermelon to Mary Poppins and the Nutbush. Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary getaway? Here's our pick of the top ten weird and wonderful festivals to track down around the country.
The days might be shorter and the nights might be longer, but our impending winter is no excuse to hibernate — especially when there are excellent dining deals to be found all over town. Joining the party is Delta Rue, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's elegant French-Vietnamese diner, which is warming up Monday and Tuesday nights with 50-percent off noodle and rice dishes. From Monday, May 19–Tuesday, June 24, you can score any of the rice and noodle dishes on the restaurant's à la carte menu at half price — with absolutely no catch. Prices start at $13.50, making it a perfect option for those looking for a winter warmer that's big on flavour but small on price. Jazz up your weeknight dinner with the likes of Vietnamese-style flat noodles with drunken chicken, snake bean and basil; spicy spanner crab noodles with chilli sambal; or the umami-laden fried rice loaded with pork belly and crispy chicken skin, finished in a five-spice gravy. There are a couple of creative meat-free options too, namely the wok-fried sate egg noodles with mushroom, lemongrass and Thai basil, and a veggie fried rice with gai lan, carrot and chilli crisp. Of course, half-price carbs mean that you can splurge a little more on mains, like Delta Rue's fall-apart hoisin-glazed lamb shoulder, turmeric-roasted John Dory, or roasted duck legs served with a spicy plum sauce. Finish your meal with a pick from the restaurant's impressive drinks list, which boasts a sturdy selection of French wines and champagne available by the glass, as well as classic French-inspired cocktails.
Your must-see movie list just keeps growing, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball. Call Dendy Opera Quay's latest special a case of great thinking, then, with the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem. Every week up until December 19, you can catch up on a recent flick from the last month. The selected movie changes each Thursday, but you head along to see it any time across the next seven days — and you'll only pay $7. A wide variety of films are getting the cheap treatment, from The Meg to BlacKkKlansman to Crazy Rich Asians, and including Searching, A Simple Favour and the upcoming The Girl in the Spiders's Web too. Check Dendy's Did You Miss It? page to keep an eye on what you should see each week, with online bookings taken from two weeks in advance. Your budget will thank you.
Your phone doesn't always need to be glued to your hand, but that's often easier said than done. Your nights out don't need photographic evidence to prove that they occurred, but that's also rarely the case anymore. This Never Happened is rallying against that status quo, however, via the Lane 8's record label's dance parties. The distraction-free This Never Happens Presents gigs first arrived in Australia in 2023 — and in 2025, they're returning for more evenings of shenanigans without phones and cameras. Pics or it didn't happen? Not here. You won't have a screen in your hand — or face. You won't be swiping, texting or doing anything else with the gadget that we're all addicted to, either. Attendees will have their phones taped upon arrival, because these dance music get-togethers are all about connecting IRL and in the moment. French house producer Massane and Dublin-based DJ EMBRZ are headlining the two parties, with support from Samantha Loveridge — following in the footsteps of Le Youth, Sultan & Shepard and PARIS in 2023. Whatever their sets bring, you'll just have to rely upon your noggin to remember all of the highlights afterwards. [caption id="attachment_979217" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Megan Burch[/caption] This Never Happens Presents' 2025 shindigs will hit Sydney's Liberty Hall on Saturday, January 18, complete with Massane and Embrz making their Australian debuts. When it last made the trip Down Under, This Never Happened held its first shows in this part of the world, after launching in 2016, signing artists who've toured with producer and DJ Lane 8, and initially hosting parties in 2017 and 2019 elsewhere around the globe. Clearly, its Aussie visit was a hit, hence the return tour. Top image: Megan Burch.
Every September and October, Germany erupts with brews, food and lederhosen-wearing revellers for its annual Oktoberfest celebrations. When that time rolls around Down Under, Australia follows suit. One such festivity is Oktoberfest in the Gardens, which has been throwing big Bavarian-themed celebrations around the country for 13 years — and is returning to Sydney for 2023. Oktoberfest in the Gardens will make its latest Harbour City stop at The Domain on Saturday, October 28. If you're keen to head along, expect company; the event expects to welcome in over 70,000 people enjoying steins, schnitties and German shindigs across this year's seven-city run. Sydney's fest will serve up the same kind of beer- and bratwurst-fuelled shenanigans that Germany has become so famous for. So, if you have a hankering for doppelbock and dancing to polka, it's the next best thing to heading to Europe. Oktoberfest in the Gardens boasts a crucial attraction, too: as well as serving a variety of pilsners, ciders, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, it constructs huge beer halls to house the boozy merriment. When you're not raising a stein — or several — at the day-long event, you can tuck into pretzels and other traditional snacks at food stalls, or check out the hefty array of entertainment. Live music, roving performers, a silent disco, rides and a sideshow alley are all on the agenda.
If you're staying put in Sydney this Easter, but don't want to hide at home, we hear you. A lot of the city closes down over the long weekend, but that doesn't mean everyone's taking a break. In fact, there are stacks of adventures to take on – from axe throwing and mini golfing to cracking open the biggest Easter egg in Australia. On top of all that, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is heading into its 97th year. Between April 12–23, make tracks to Olympic Park to feast on dagwood dogs, rummage through show bags, meet prize-winning animals and take a whirl on tons of rides. Here's a bunch of places you'll find open across Sydney this Easter. And if you're looking for even more spots where you can eat, drink and make merry, add this list to your bag of tricks, too. CHANNEL YOUR INNER CHILD AT THE SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW This 97-year-old friend doesn't need any introduction. But its new food offerings do. First up, classics like dagwood dogs and meat pies have had mega makeovers. Try a dog infused with cheese, a meat pie stuffed with a cheeseburger or something called the Flurrito: a fairy floss burrito, packed with sweet treats. Secondly, there's now a food truck herd, featuring the likes of Greek Street, Birdman Korean chicken, American BBQ and Mr Tortillas. Before (or maybe after if you dare) eating, check out more the more than 100 rides set up for the show. But if you need to wait after eating all that carnival food, go cuddle baby animals in the Farmyard Nursery and watch some very clever working pups in action. GET A CHOCOLATY SUGAR HIGH AT THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA If, for you, Easter is mainly about mountains of chocolate, be sure to factor a visit to Alexandria into your celebrations. Every year, The Grounds presents a three-metre high, 300-kilogram gigantic egg — and you're invited to join in on cracking it open. (Yes, you'll get to eat it, too). The egg is the centrepiece of an epic, weekend-long celebration, which also involves Easter lunches, high teas, live music, appearances by the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt to raise money for the Sydney Children's Hospital. The Garden stays open until 5pm and the Potting Shed till 9pm, so you can fuel up in between festivities and when that sugar high starts to fade. [caption id="attachment_705409" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frenchies Bistro and Brewery.[/caption] TAKE YOUR MATES ON AN INNER WEST BREWERY CRAWL While many of Sydney's best bars and restaurants close up shop over the Easter break, there's one industry sector that is always there for you. Most of Sydney's ever-expanding list of craft breweries stay open throughout the long weekend, offering up specialty brews fresh out of the tank. Wayward Brewing Co. will release a different seasonal brew every day of the long weekend, one of which will be hot cross bun flavoured. Willie The Boatman is hosting a 'young and old' Easter egg hunt on the Sunday, and the Grifter pool table will be waiting for you afterwards, as will Sauce Brewing Co's expansive beer garden. If you're looking for something to kick off the weekend, Alexandria's Yulli's Brews hosts free jazz with $5 schooners every Thursday night. And while you're in the neighbourhood, stop by Frenchies Bistro for some craft brews and French fare. Just be sure to check with each brewery for exact opening hours, as times may vary. ENJOY VIEWS AND FROSÉ ALL DAY AT WATSON'S BAY HOTEL Want to take advantage of the outdoors while you're free from the office? Watson's Bay Hotel has you covered with an entire weekend's worth of Easter-related events happening across the waterside venue. The party will go down from 1pm each day of the weekend. Grab a seat under the blue-and-white checkered umbrellas with the restaurant's signature frosé in hand, while DJs spin the decks well into the night. There'll be plenty of Easter treats to keep you in the festive spirit, too — last year there were hot cross buns stuffed with scoops of ice cream so here's hoping there'll be treats that are just as extra. To check out all of the venue's Easter happenings, head here. [caption id="attachment_696740" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elise Hassey.[/caption] SWAP EASTER SWEETS FOR APERITIVO HOUR AT THE DOLPHIN If you're looking for a different way to indulge this Easter, head to aperitivo hour at The Dolphin. It lets you sample snacks from some of Australia's best chefs on the cheap. The weekly resident curates a menu of drinks and eats, which are available Sunday through Thursday from 5–7pm and priced at just $5-7 bucks, too. Taking over the Wine Room on Easter Sunday is canned-stuff specialists Continental Deli, who will be slinging its signature tinned cocktails and cured meats till April 25. Think locally made prosciutto and Iberico jamon alongside a 'Mar-Tinny' (tinned martini) or 'Can-Hattan' (canned manhattan). Whatever you order, this aperitivo hour lets you overindulge without breaking the bank. [caption id="attachment_676582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund.[/caption] SNAG $40 TICKETS TO WEST SIDE STORY ON SYDNEY HARBOUR Each year, Sydney Harbour comes alive with a special Handa Opera performance on the water. It's always a spectacular show that offers up stunning views to boot. This year, the floating stage will host West Side Story, a classic Broadway tale of star-crossed lovers. The show runs throughout the long weekend, with the final performance happening on Easter Sunday. Plus, you can now snag $40 tickets to the show with new app TodayTix. A limited number of cheap tickets are available for every performance from 9am on the morning of the show — all you need to do is to share a post about TodayTix on your social media to 'unlock' the rush tickets. We reckon it's well worth it to spend your Easter at one of the world's most stunning openair opera venues. [caption id="attachment_685611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugenia Lim, The Australian Ugliness (2018), photo by Tom Ross.[/caption] HIT UP ALL THREE VENUES OF THIS MAJOR ART EXHIBITION It's not always easy to catch all of the latest art exhibitions when you're stuck at your desk during the day. Lucky for Sydneysiders, a major installation has just started, and there's no better time to catch it than during the Easter long weekend. That's because The National 2019's extensive exhibition spans three-gallery — namely AGNSW, the MCA and Carriageworks — so you'll need a lot of daytime hours to see it all. It features work from a whopping 65 contemporary Australian artists and promises to be one of the best exhibitions of the year. If you're feeling really ambitious, you could try a gallery hop, spending one seriously art-filled, glorious day out of the office. DANCE GOOD FRIDAY AWAY AT THIS MARRICKVILLE BLOCK PARTY Now in its tenth year, the BAD Friday block party will return to Marrickville's Fraser Park for a live music-filled bash on April 19. For its anniversary, the lineup of local acts is especially strong — expect a DJ set by The Avalanches, plus performances by DMA's, DZ Deathrays, The Jezabels, Tropical Fuck Storm, Jungle and much, much more. It's the perfect excuse for an all-out party, seeing as you've got three more days off afterwards. Best to snatch up your tickets quick; the first two releases have already sold out.
Unless you're lucky enough to live close by, Watsons Bay isn't a stumble-there-by-accident kind of place. You've either made the journey by ferry, bus or car, or you powered here on two legs. However, it's worth the effort. This picturesque suburb is home to harbour beaches, legendary fish and chip shops, wedding venues and a family-friendly park. It's also where you'll find the one-kilometre South Head Heritage Trail, which snakes through national parkland and overlooks the ocean and city. Together with Adidas, we've picked out seven rewarding pit stops to enjoy next time you tackle the South Head Heritage Trail, starting and finishing at Robertson Park. Take a look, then launch the map below to plan your own adventure. [caption id="attachment_805547" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GREEN POINT RESERVE From Robertson Park, stroll along Marine Parade looking out to the city beyond. Follow the path around to Camp Cove and you'll soon find Green Point Reserve. Looking out over Sydney Harbour's glistening blue waters, this small patch of grass is the perfect place to stretch your limbs and take in the view. Take a moment to snap a few photos and relax on the grass as you gaze across the water. In your swimmers? There are secluded swimming spots here if you prefer to take a dip away from the crowded beaches. [caption id="attachment_805549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CAMP COVE Barely a stone's throw away from Green Point Reserve is the harbour-facing Camp Cove Beach. This strip of golden sand is well known for its calm waters and you'll sometimes spot divers entering the water near the kiosk. Nab a spot by the shore for quick access in and out of the water, or set up a brolly for a picnic before tackling the rest of the walk. Rich in history, Camp Cove is believed to be an important fishing location for the Gadigal people before invasion. [caption id="attachment_805662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Yurasek/DPIE[/caption] HISTORICAL CANON After you've brushed off the sand from your swim, follow the trail up the stairs for just 100 metres. Here you'll find a canon. Originally placed to protect the headland from potential attacks, this historic monument has become somewhat of a photo op location for tourists. Take a rest on the sandstone and appreciate the magnificent backdrop. [caption id="attachment_805698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Yurasek/DPIE[/caption] LADY BAY BEACH Continue along the path and you'll soon find Lady Bay Beach, also know as Lady Jane Beach. This small, sheltered beach is a popular nudist spot for (mostly male) locals and tourists. If you didn't pack swimmers and you are open to a nudie swim, take the opportunity to plunge right in. While swimwear is accepted here, it's far from the norm. Be respectful and avoid taking photos. And, as always, slip, slop and slap. [caption id="attachment_805550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] HORNBY KEEPER'S COTTAGE Next stop on the trail is Hornby Lighthouse — the third lighthouse to be built in NSW in 1858 — and the nearby Hornby Keeper's Cottage. Originally built for the lighthouse keeper, of course, this sandstone cottage is a key milestone in the walk. From here you can spend time whale watching in winter, or spotting yachts in the harbour in summer. Swot up on your local history, or use the opportunity to lay down and enjoy South Head's views. From here, turn back around and retrace your steps to Camp Cove. [caption id="attachment_805675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pexels; Min An[/caption] CAMP COVE KIOSK By the time you've made your way back to the beach, you're sure to have worked up an appetite. For a quick refreshment, head to Camp Cove Kiosk for an ice cream, juice or smoothie. Or, if you're feeling a bit more peckish, opt for one of its sandwiches (tuna, brisket, egg and chicken are usually on offer). Breakfast options include avocado and feta on sourdough and healthy brekkie bowls. Take your snacks to the sand as you refuel by the gentle waves. [caption id="attachment_805556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr; Marc Dalmulder[/caption] THE GAP After your feed, take the most direct route along Cliff Street for 650 metres to reach The Gap. The stunning ocean cliff has unique rock platforms and the pounding ocean below. Before colonisation, the area was home to the Birrabirragal people. Today it's a lookout point, but it also has a history of being a place where people have taken their own lives. Local man Don 'Angel of The Gap' Richie was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his prevention of more than 160 deaths at The Gap. Take a moment to remember Don and those who've walked here before us. Then, head back down the steps to Robertson Park to mark the end of your run or walk. Want to extend your day further? Enjoy an afternoon drink at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Sydney. Top image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW
While there's no shortage of markets running in Sydney this month, one to add to your list is the South Eveleigh Openair Artist Markets — open on Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 2, from midday-8pm each day. While we would never go all Grinch on you and suggest you skip Sydney's Christmas-themed bazaars, feel free to shake things up with this end-of-year affair where the stalls aren't strictly focused on all things Santa. Instead, you'll find a plethora of pop-ups offering unique present ideas. Specifically, there's contemporary art by the likes of Catherine McGuiness, Lional Bawden and Kieran Butler which ranges from acrylic drawings, printed textiles and posters. Plus, you'll enjoy live music by DJ Kombi & Co and snacks from the eateries on Locomotive Street including Eat Fuh, Fishbowl, Lucky Kwong and Pepper Seeds Boutique Thai Bites. Thirsty Thursday happy hour by Whitton will run from 4-6pm on December 1, while BrewDog South Eveleigh will celebrate the opening of its new location within the iconic and historic Locomotive Workshop by giving the first 200 customers through the door the chance to win free beer for a year. Add in the fact that the event is a showcase by Studio A — a social enterprise that tackles the barriers faced by artists with intellectual disabilities — and we don't think you'll mind the missing mistletoe decor much at all. For more information on the full program visit South Eveleigh Open Air Artist Market's website.
The mercury is soaring, cold and cloudy days have become a distant memory and enjoying a few hours of sunlight after knock-off time is a daily occurrence. Yes, it's summer — which means that soaking in Australia's sultry weather is the number-one pastime across the nation. Well, that and finding something refreshing to drink on those hot days and nights when you're hanging with your mates and having a fiesta. Enter spritzes. They're light, they couldn't pair better with our climate and they have long been a warm-weather favourite. Feel like you've tried every type of spritz there is, though? Don't want to simply serve the same old drinks to your friends next time you're kicking back by the barbecue or pool? That's where the tequila versions come in — and they're sure to get the party going at any at-home do. We've teamed up with top-notch tequila brand — and, fun fact, Matthew McConaughey's go-to agave juice — Jose Cuervo to bring you four incredibly easy spritz recipes to add to your must-drink list. THE CUERVO SPRITZ Serves one Sometimes, you don't need a complicated recipe — you just need a tasty beverage. This zesty spritz is big on fruit flavours, but still impossible to get wrong. Ingredients 30ml Jose Cuervo Especial Silver 20ml lychee liqueur 10ml lemon juice 15ml simple syrup 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters 120ml soda water 1 mint sprig (optional) Method Add ice to a tall glass, then fill with Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, lychee liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura orange bitters and soda water. To finish, garnish with a mint sprig. THE TEQUILA BUCK Serves one Every buck cocktail features two key ingredients: ginger beer and something citrusy. This version also adds tequila, plus raspberry cordial or grenadine and aromatic bitters for a rosy-hued tipple. Ingredients 45ml Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado 15ml raspberry cordial or grenadine 20ml lime juice 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters 120ml ginger beer 1 lime wedge or candied ginger (optional) Method Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado, raspberry cordial or grenadine, lime juice and Angostura aromatic bitters. Shake for about 30 seconds. Strain into a wine glass and top with ginger beer. Then, garnish with lime wedge or candied ginger. Or, you could just watch this quick how-to video below. https://youtu.be/lxpNiYKB514 ELDERFLOWER T'N'T Serves one Tequila pairs mighty well with tonic, as this take on an old favourite shows. You'll also enjoy the distinctive taste of elderflower here, so you won't confuse this for any other spritz. Ingredients 30ml Jose Cuervo Especial Silver 20ml elderflower liqueur 10ml lime juice 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters 120ml tonic 1 cucumber slice (optional) Method Fill a wine glass with ice, then add Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, Angostura orange bitters and tonic. Stir, but only briefly, then top with a cucumber slice as a garnish. SPARKLING MARGARITA Serves one A margarita, but make it sparkling? This spritz is as simple and straightforward as it sounds. It's also a perfect go-to for when you only have a few ingredients on hand. Ingredients 45ml Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado 120ml lemon soda 1 lemon wedge (optional) Method Fill a wine glass with ice, add Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado and top with lemon soda, then garnish with a lemon wedge. See? Simple. Find more Jose Cuervo cocktail recipes by visiting the brand's website.
Lumi is Italian for 'small lights', and, true to that theme, LuMi Bar and Dining creates a delightfully intimate (and well-lit) atmosphere. Led by head chef Federico Zanellato and his wife and sommelier Michela, LuMi combines Italian heritage with Asian flavours to offer a casual yet refined dining experience. The simplicity of the European decor is in stark opposition to the complexity of the cuisine it houses. Meanwhile, the food is a fusion of modern Italian and Japanese flavours, serving up refined seasonal produce over a series of spectacular courses that look almost too good to eat. The chef's menu ($185 per person) lets you explore it all, with the Italian-focused wine pairing highly recommended ($115 per person).
Back in 1988, when John Waters wrote and directed Hairspray, he couldn't have known what'd follow. The cult filmmaker's flick was a modest hit to begin with, but really became a sensation on home video in the early 90s. The film's star Ricki Lake, who made her big-screen debut playing 60s teen Tracy Turnblad, also became one of the decade's big talkshow hosts. That's a wild path for any movie to take, but Hairspray's story doesn't end there. A theatre adaptation followed in 2002, as did eight Tony Awards. Then came a new 2007 movie based on that stage musical. Yes, Hairspray has lived many lives — and in its latest, it's coming to Sydney. In its on-stage, all-singing, all-dancing guise, it'll spin the dance-loving Turnblad's tale of teen dreams and making a difference at Sydney Lyric from late summer, kicking off on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Turnblad has one specific fantasy, actually: to dance on The Corny Collins Show. And when she makes it, it changes her life — but she has more change to fight for, too. The story unfolds in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, where racial discrimination is an everyday part of life. So, Turnblad uses her newfound fame to advocate for a different future for everyone. Hairspray's Sydney run is a local staging of the original Broadway production, and with director Jack O'Brien (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) guiding the show. Appearing on-stage in the new Aussie version, which comes to Sydney after premiering in Melbourne: Shane Jacobson, swapping Kenny's overalls, his numerous TV hosting gigs and appearing in seemingly every Australian movie made over the past decade for the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother (which was played by the inimitable Divine in Waters' movie, Harvey Fierstein on Broadway and John Travolta in the 2007 film). He's joined by Carmel Rodrigues as Tracy, Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad, Rhonda Burchmore as the villainous Velma Von Tussle and Rob Mills as Corny Collins. Hairspray will open at the Sydney Lyric, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, from Sunday, February 5, 2023. You can join the show's ticket waitlist by heading to its website. Images: Jeff Busby.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the Woodland Cabin, one of three luxe lodgings at Logan Brae Retreats in the Blue Mountains. With room for only two, any one of the cabins is an ideal getaway for when you need space, solitude and something a little fancy. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? The magical quality of this escape starts well before check in. If you're heading here from Sydney, you'll start your journey by winding your way through Hazelbrook, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath (stopping off for deli provisions and vino, so there's no need to interrupt your imminent immersion in nature) before you're welcomed by expansive views across Megalong Valley. Once you pull into the gravel driveway and make your way up to the Woodland Cabin, you'll immediately be consumed by calm. Warmly hued festoon lights, wildlife wandering freely, a round plunge pool perched alongside your deck, a vista to rival most: everything is special here. THE SPACE Although there's only room for a pair at the Woodland Cabin, the lofty open-plan design, towering windows and pared-back earthy palette delivers a space that's anything but small. You'll arrive to an already-built fire in the hearth with logs aplenty stacked alongside — all you need to do is strike the match. There's a deep stone tub to soak in, which when married with that view makes for a deliciously spent afternoon. And in the bathroom? A wide double shower, stone-topped vanity and gold fixtures, a lineup of lush products from Apotheke, plus style-heavy towels and robes adding a transportive touch of luxe. Outside, deck chairs beckon you for a morning coffee, as does a breakfast bar and outdoor dining set. While the deep plunge pool ensures you can beat any country heat. FOOD AND DRINK As a delightful touch to start your trip, a basket of snacks, vino, chocolate and light breakfast supplies waits on the dining table for you. Then, in the kitchen, you've got all the essentials. An oven, gas stove and nice wide sink join all the usual suspects (fridge, microwave, toaster, pots and pans); and you've covered for both olive oil and salt and pepper. Caffeine a pre-requisite? You've got a dedicated coffee bench, you lucky thing. Espresso machine? Tick. Plunger? Tick. Percolator? Tick. You can even make your own drip coffee. There's freshly ground beans, milk — cow only, so BYOM(ilk) if you're an almond or oat drinker — plus a 12-strong selection of teas. If you don't want to cook, you can get catering from Lavender Hill Graze. There's breakfast boxes, barbecue and salad packs and grazing platters ideal for by the pool. You can even have a picnic basket (complete with bubbles and rug) delivered to your doorstep. THE LOCAL AREA The Blue Mountains is a classic choice for a Sydneysider's weekender. And it's with good reason. There are hikes up to world-class views and secluded waterholes, buzzy breweries and cosy restaurants — all surrounded by that fresh clean country air. Nearby your lodging are farmers markets (in Blackheath on the second Sunday of the month), Euro-inspired saunas and the option to explore the area atop a horse. And if you want to stay close, stroll to the staggering cactus plant or stick to the private Woodlands Walk for a top-notch spot to take in the sunset. Got a book? Head to the tree hammock and while away your time suspended among the trees. THE EXTRAS Beyond the fact that this spot is clearly a winner, the family-run stay boasts delightfully personal touches too. Take the props adorning the walls: hats fit for seasoned bushmen and a whip. You two holidaymakers can stage a shoot, ensuring you have more than happy memories when you leave. There's a set of vintage binoculars for spotting faraway critters and all the deets for you to organise an in-room spa treatment. You can even organise flowers on arrival, from the locally loved micro flower farm Floral by Nature. It's just about time you booked a stay, dear reader. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
In case you missed it last year, Sculpture at Scenic World is an annual, stunning art exhibition that takes place in the Blue Mountains. Each year a group of artists create sculptures that sit in the depths of the region's rainforest for a month, and every year it's the perfect opportunity to go on an Autumn weekend away and experience everything that the Blue Mountains has to offer. Now in its sixth year, Sculpture at Scenic World will showcase artworks from 35 local, interstate and international artists along the Blue Mountain's 2.4 kilometre Scenic Walkway—Australia's longest elevated boardwalk. You can walk along the trail and immerse yourself in a stunning rainforest setting while looking at some impressive sculptural art from artists including Tully Arnot, Claire Becker, Chris Bennie and Jennifer Cochrane. The unique pop-up outdoor exhibition runs for 30 days from April 7 to May 7. To visit, you'll need to buy a ticket to Scenic World, which is home to the Scenic Railway, Skyway (which hangs 270 metres above a gorge and offers panoramic views of Katoomba Falls and The Three Sisters) and Cableway that all take you high above the mountains for scenic views of the region. A $39 ticket includes unlimited rides on all three, plus entry to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in town. [caption id="attachment_561929" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Elyssa Sykes-Smith A Canopy of Thoughts (2015)[/caption] Not just exclusive to the rainforest, the exhibition extends to include an indoor exhibition named Sculpture Otherwise that takes place at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, as well as other outdoor artworks situated at various locations around the upper Mountains region. A full public program, including workshops and guided tours, will be released closer to the event. A short drive away from Sydney, this is the perfect excuse to go on a weekend away. If you're keen to turn your day trip into a sleepover, Scenic World have partnered with a range of accommodation providers in the region, from the stunning Hydro Majestic Hotel to the luxurious Carrington. As if there weren't enough reasons to spend a weekend in the Blue Mountains. Head to Sculpture at Scenic World to purchase exhibition tickets and sort out your accommodation. Top image: Lang Ea KA-BOOM! (2016)
Sydney Metro's city and southwest line is set to launch in 2024, and a host of new venues will be opening in North Sydney as part of the transport hub. From midyear, Victoria Cross Station will welcome a group of 20 new retailers to Miller Street. While North Sydney has seen a boom in premium hospitality offerings over the last couple of years — including the incredibly luxe Poetica located right across from the station — the new dining options at Victoria Cross Station will be a who's who of beloved casual Sydney eateries. [caption id="attachment_748000" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mary's[/caption] Mary's Burgers fifth Sydney outpost and Marrickville Pork Roll's fourth location headline the list of vendors. Also coming to the station: Only Coffee, North Sandwiches, DOPA, Machi Machi, Top Impressions Bakery, Sushi Hub and McDonald's. That's right, loaded banh mis, Mary's famous beef burgers, top-notch coffee, crispy chicken karaage, affordable sambos and Big Macs — they'll all be available in the heart of North Sydney from the middle of next year. [caption id="attachment_736938" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DOPA[/caption] There will also be a new multi-level drinking and dining venue called Miller House opening the following year, offering more refined eats and sips. Plus, five terrace restaurants, cafes and bars will open alongside the flagship venue in 2025. Alongside all of these exciting hospitality additions will be Victoria Cross Tower, a 42-storey, 58,000-square-metre office building that will host 7000 office workers. "With the first retailers set to open mid-next year and the precinct to be completed by 2025, Victoria Cross will soon be a social business district for workers, visitors and locals and complement North Sydney council's public domain strategy to foster thriving activity from east to west of the CBD," says Lendlease Victoria Cross Project Director Jessica Paterson. [caption id="attachment_763480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] North Sandwiches[/caption] Victoria Cross Station's new eateries will start opening in mid-2024. Head to the Sydney Metro website for more information.
What do a twisted woodland, enchanted big-screen stories, the best new art that the Asia-Pacific region has to offer, movies about mad science, the work of Queensland artist Judy Watson, the fashion designs of Iris van Herpen, and an exploration of the importance of plants to Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples all have in common — and with Brisbane, too? They're each featured on the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art's big 2024 program. GOMA's tribute to fairy tales was announced in 2022, and arrives before 2023 is out; however, as the newly announced full lineup for next year shows, it's just one of many reasons to visit South Brisbane — and, if you're making the trip from elsewhere in Australia, Brisbane in general — before 2025 rolls around. Running from Saturday, December 2, 2023–Sunday, April 28, 2024, Fairy Tales is quite the blockbuster, and comes with movie program Fairy Tales: Truth, Power and Enchantment at Australian Cinémathèque to match. The 100-plus-piece showcase and its corresponding flicks will focus stories that we all lapped up as kids, telling us about otherworldly critters, wishes, spells and more. From venturing into the woods to peering through the looking glass, and also pondering what happily ever after means — while featuring works by Henrique Oliveira, Patricia Piccinini, Jana Sterbak, Kiki Smith, Abdul Abdullah and Ron Mueck along the way, plus a costume worn by David Bowie in all-time classic Labyrinth, pieces from Where the Wild Things Are as both a book and a movie, and threads from 2012's Mirror Mirror by Eiko Ishioka, and more — this showcase is primed to entrance. [caption id="attachment_919713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henrique Oliveira / Brazil b.1973 / Baitogogo 2013 / Palais de Tokyo, Paris / Plywood and tree branches / 6740 x 1179 x 2076cm / Courtesy SAM Art Projects, Galerie GP&N Vallois, Galeria Millan / © Henrique Oliveira / Photograph: André Morin / This work is indicative of a new commission by Henrique Oliveira for the exhibition 'Fairy Tales' at QAGOMA.[/caption] Set to arrive while Fairy Tales is still working its magic are both Seeds and Sovereignty and mudunama kundana wandaraba jarribirri: Judy Watson. The first will run from Saturday, March 2–Sunday, September 8, 2024 also at GOMA, and feature artworks about not only Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples bond with plants, but with Country. The second will take over Queensland Art Gallery to celebrate the Queensland artist's career, spanning four decades and highlighting her emphasis on Waanyi Country in northern Queensland, where her family is from. Also on display at GOMA until Sunday, September 8, 2024: sis: Pacific Art 1980–2023, which centres on contemporary pieces from the titular region — with Lisa Reihana, Yuki Kihara and Latai Taumoepeau among the artists with works on display. [caption id="attachment_923891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Iris van Herpen / Netherlands b.1984 / Hydrozoa dress, from the 'Sensory Seas' collection 2020 / Collection: Iris van Herpen / Photograph: David Uzochukwu / © David Uzochukwu.[/caption] Midyear, Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses will head to GOMA as well, in an Australian exclusive for the massive exhibition about the Dutch fashion designer, as organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. It visits Down Under after displaying in Paris. "Set in direct dialogue with a selection of contemporary works of art, installations, videos, photographs and objects from natural history, the exhibition brings together more than 100 garments created by van Herpen, seeking new forms for femininity and challenging our notions of haute couture. It will include a recreation of van Herpen's Amsterdam studio and a space dedicated to her fashion shows, accompanied by a sound work by Dutch artist Salvador Breed," said curator Cloé Pitiot. "Iris van Herpen is one of the most avant-garde figures of her generation and Sculpting the Senses, organised by Musée des Arts Décoratifs, offers a sensory exploration of the pioneering Dutch designer's multidisciplinary practice. It's a creative universe that merges fashion, contemporary art, design and science," added QAGOMA Director Chris Saines. [caption id="attachment_923890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mit Jai Inn / Thailand b.1960 / Planes (Electric) (detail) 2019 / Oil on canvas / Dimensions variable / Installation view, 'Encounters', Art Basel Hong Kong, 2019 / Image courtesy: The artist and Silverlens, Manila & New York / © Mit Jai Inn.[/caption] Then, come Saturday, 30 November 2024–Sunday, April 27, 2025, it'll be time for The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (aka APT11) at both GOMA and Queensland Art Gallery. While it's too early for specifics, artists and collectives hailing from Australia, Asia and the Pacific will have pieces on display — and a cinema lineup, events, live performances and the like will also be on the agenda. As well as its fairy tale flicks, the Australian Cinémathèque has plenty in store. The Magic of Monty Python will celebrate the obvious for two January weeks, then the films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger — so The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus, for instance — will be in the spotlight from February–April. When May hits, those movies about mad science will start rolling until late June, such as The Bride of Frankenstein and The City of Lost Children. [caption id="attachment_923889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Production still from The Bride of Frankenstein 1935 / Director: James Whale / Image courtesy: Universal Pictures.[/caption] QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY AND GALLERY OF MODERN ART 2024 PROGRAM: GOMA and Queensland Art Gallery: Saturday, December 2, 2023–Sunday, April 28, 2024 — Fairy Tales at GOMA Saturday, March 2–Sunday, September 8, 2024 — Seeds and Sovereignty at GOMA Saturday, March 23–Sunday, August 11, 2024 — mudunama kundana wandaraba jarribirri: Judy Watson at Queensland Art Gallery Saturday, June 29–Monday, October 7, 2024 — Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses at GOMA Until Sunday, September 8, 2024 — sis: Pacific Art 1980–2023 at GOMA Saturday, 30 November 2024–Sunday, April 27, 2025 — The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11) at GOMA and Queensland Art Gallery Australian Cinémathèque: Saturday, December 2, 2023–Sunday, April 28, 2024 — Fairy Tales: Truth, Power and Enchantment Saturday, January 13–Saturday, January 27, 2024 — The Magic of Monty Python Wednesday, January 31–Wednesday December 11, 2024 — For the Love of It: A Curator's Pick Saturday, February 3–Saturday, April 27, 2024 — Technicolor Dreams and Transcendent Reality: The Films of Powell & Pressburger Friday, May 3–Sunday, June 23, 2024 — Mad Science For more information about the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery's 2024 exhibitions, plus Australian Cinémathèque's 2024 lineup — all of which will occur at Stanley Place, South Brisbane — visit the venue's website. Top image: Still from 'Cinderella' (1922) dir. Lotte Reiniger, courtesy British Film Institute.
Breathe in real deep — can you smell that? It's the unmistakable, shimmering scent of joy, pride and an inevitable hangover (but that's a problem for future you). That's right; it's Mardi Gras time. It's absolutely essential to attend the official Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade at least once in your lifetime, but if you've been there and done that, you might be looking to experience Mardi Gras in a totally different way. Or maybe you just need a nice party vibe to bookend your night, with some parade viewing in the middle. So, here's a list of bars, pubs and clubs in close proximity to Oxford Street that are having special Mardi Gras events that you can hit up before, during and after Sydney's most fabulous procession. [caption id="attachment_679716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katje Ford.[/caption] STONEWALL HOTEL Stonewall is an institution, no doubt about it, and on Mardi Gras night, this prestigious reputation is on display tenfold. There'll be drag hosts, dancing shirtless men, DJs over three floors and dancing till very, very late. The parade will be going right past the establishment. But, they'll have camera people roaming Oxford Street to stream the parade on screens around the venue, so you can keep dancing while being totally on top of what's happening outside. The Gold Class event is already sold out, but keep an eye on its Facebook event for people who double-booked themselves selling tickets at the last minute. Entry: $30 175 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst [caption id="attachment_652495" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould.[/caption] THE OXFORD HOTEL The benefit of the vibrant Oxford Hotel is its incredible location on Taylor Square, right at the point where the floats turn down Flinders Street. They're streaming a live feed of the parade from a camera that they've installed on the roof, so no matter if you're close to a window or not, you'll have a prime possie to see it all. Tickets to the event are $155, and you get a drink on arrival, plus canapés will be roaming about if you're peckish. If you're keen to kick on, there's also a ticketed afterparty from 11pm, where DJ Ray Isaac will be playing the only thing you want to dance to on Mardi Gras: the iconic pop divas. Entry: $155 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst GREEN PARK HOTEL If you'd prefer to put a few strides between you and the parade crowds, there's no better choice than the beloved LGBTQIA+ establishment, the Green Park. The party kicks off late-afternoon with DJs Dave, Acraig and Roski on the decks until 2am — so it's also a perfect joint to bookend your night. Have a tipple (or ten) before heading around the corner to see the floats turn down Flinders, then come back to dance into the wee hours. Best of all, the Greeny is free entry, so you can save your dollars for the boozy beverages fuelling your all-night dancing. Entry: free 360 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst UNIVERSAL SYDNEY Universal, is always, and will forever be, a whirlwind of fun on any given night, but it's promising to be a particularly wild experience this Mardi Gras. As well as offering a VIP experience to watch the parade with a not-to-be-missed view from 6–10pm, this cherished icon of a gay bar is also hosting some impressive musical acts for its post-parade party — Zoë Badwi, DJ Kate Monroe, DJ Alex Taylor, Beth Yen, James Alexandr and many more. Oh, and there'll be drag queens, dance acts, live art shows, fire performances and aerialists to boot. Plus, if you're the type to be in it for the long haul, this party doesn't end till 10am Sunday. Best to nab your tickets before the night of, because it means you'll get to jump the dreaded queue. Entry: $70 general entry; $140 VIP parade viewing 85–91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst THE BERESFORD Visiting the icon that is The Bero during Mardi Gras is a must — its famous recovery parties in the laneway between Bourke and Flinders streets are almost as old as Mardi Gras itself. On the night, they're streaming the parade live in the airy courtyard, so you can watch all the colourful action while relaxing in comfort, drink in hand. Speaking of, there'll be a delightful watermelon-citrus Mardi Gras cocktail to sip — obviously titled the Yass Queen— with $2 from every one sold heading straight for Australia's longest-running HIV Charity, the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation. Entry: free 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills THE TAPHOUSE The Taphouse is conveniently located at the end of Flinders Street, so if you've stationed yourself at the end of the parade route, it's just a hop, skip and jump to this fantastic craft beer and natural wine haven. Or if you'd prefer somewhere to sit while the crowds below you clamour to find milk crates to stand on, the parade is visible from every level. This includes its delightful rooftop, where Sundown DJs are spinning tunes from 12pm and bar staff are slinging rainbow cocktails all day and evening. Best of all, it's unticketed and zero dollars entry. Entry: free 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst [caption id="attachment_671514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Letícia Almeida.[/caption] THE WINERY A few streets away from the action, you'll find The Winery. But don't be fooled into thinking you'll find peace and quiet — this energetic wine bar will be joining in on the Mardi Gras spirit with a live feed of the nearby parade in its lush courtyard. You'll feel like you're in the middle of it all, without the messy crowd-wrangling. Also on offer are $10 Aperol spritzes and a barbecue with chicken wings, prawn skewers, sliders, and a 'dress your own lettuce cup' station. There's no cover charge either — but we daresay tables will be snapped up quick. Entry: free 285A Crown Street, Surry Hills BURDEKIN HOTEL The Burdekin has the trump card of being the first venue on Oxford Street to be able to spot each float as it comes by, and they're taking full advantage of the fact. With several levels offering a range of different events and vibes, the Burdekin is a one-stop shop for all your Mardi Gras partying. In the main bar, you'll get your life dancing to party bangers; the dugout is techno of the 'filthy' variety; Viper offers emo tracks (just in case all the glitter is making you a little too happy); finally, the Mini Bar offers disco and house for your soul. On top of that (literally, top floor), a ticketed Bear Bar party is offering you second-to-none views of Sydney's best street party, and they're also showing the SBS broadcast of the parade on the big screen. Entry: $30 pre-sale or $35 at the door; $50 Bear Bar party 2 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst THE FORRESTERS If you simply cannot wait for the evening to begin (completely understandable), then start your Mardi Gras early at Sparklebutt Mardi Gras Costume Market, a special pop-up event at The Forresters. This buzzing Riley Street pub already offers great drinks and grub, but the pop-up means you'll also be able to get (eco)glittered and costumed up for Sydney's most vivacious event. Starting from midday, designers such as Sparklebutt, A Beautiful Weirdo Glitter Bar, Trash Vintage, Holosexual Wear and many more will be raring to get you Mardi Gras-ready, cocktails in hand all the while. Entry: free 336 Riley Street, Surry Hills THE FLINDERS HOTEL The renaissance period of The Flinders is well and truly underway, and the Mardi Gras offering will be another glittering example of it. This revamped pub has a very limited run of tickets for a small parade viewing party, but if you've missed out on that, they're holding a two-level banger of an afterparty, with Rotarydisco DJs keeping your Mardi Gras spirits high from 10pm till god-knows-when. Tickets are available at the door, if you've been indecisive with your plans. Entry: $100 private viewing party; $20 at the door for the afterparty 63 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst Looking for even more Mardi Gras events? Here are nine more ways to celebrate that aren't just watching the parade. Top image: Upstairs Beresford.
Before Stranger Things returns for its fifth and final season sometime in 2025, Finn Wolfhard has some slasher things to deal with. Movie lovers in Sydney and Melbourne can see how that pans out at Fantastic Film Festival Australia's 2025 run. With Hell of a Summer, the actor also turns co-director and co-writer with his Ghostbusters: Afterlife, When You Finish Saving the World and Saturday Night co-star Billy Bryk, with the pair giving the summer-camp masked-killer horror subgenre their own spin. Helping out on-screen: Gladiator II and The White Lotus' Fred Hechinger, plus Reservation Dogs' D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai. That's how Fantastic Film Festival Australia is opening this year, with a meta horror-comedy. From there, this celebration of boundary-pushing pictures has 26 more features on its lineup, 16 of the rest brand-new and then ten others must-see classics. Sydneysiders can get their fix from Thursday, April 24–Friday, May 16 at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick, while Melburnians have two destinations: Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn across Thursday, April 24–Thursday, May 15, plus Thornbury Picture House from Tuesday, April 29–Monday, May 5. If you haven't been to FFFA before, the event is marking its fifth iteration in 2025 — and one of its hallmarks, the nude screening, is back for the occasion. Get ready to say "yeah, baby" to watching a movie sans clothes, with Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery this year's flick to watch while wearing nix (following on from past sessions of nudist camp-set comedy Patrick, The Full Monty, Zoolander and The Naked Gun). Another highlight of 2025's program: the retrospective dedicated to Scottish writer/director Lynne Ramsay. Her filmography might only span four features since 1999, all of which are showing at FFFA, but it's a resume that any fellow helmer should envy. For audiences, getting the chance to see Ratcatcher, Morvern Callar, We Need to Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here on the big screen — whether for the first time or as a revisit — is a cinephile's dream. Among the fest's new fare, The Second Act hits the lineup after opening the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, with Rubber and Deerskin's Quentin Dupieux enlisting Léa Seydoux (Dune: Part Two), Louis Garrel (Saint-Exupéry) and Vincent Lindon (The Quiet Son) for his latest absurdist satire. Or, catch Tár's Noémie Merlant in The Balconettes, which she co-wrote with her Portrait of a Lady on Fire director Céline Sciamma; see what happens when The Wild Boys and After Blue's Bertrand Mandico combines two film essays in one split-screen presentation in Dragon Dilatation; and head back to 1999 while journeying into teen antics 3000 light years away in Escape From the 21st Century. Viewers can get a dose of eerie puppetry via Monkey's Magic Merry Go Round, too, then watch Crispin Glover (Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities) as a magician in Mr. K and undergo a unique animated musical-comedy experience with Spermageddon. Back with FFFA's 2025 blasts from the past, John Woo's (The Killer) gun-fu great Hard Boiled is the festival's closing-night pick, including screening in 35mm in Sydney. If you're keen on a movie marathon, Umbrella-Palooza will get you watching three films about technological nightmares, all courtesy of Australian distributor Umbrella Entertainment — starting with 2002's Cypher, then heading back to 1990's vision of cyberpunk in Hardware, before the OG Japanese Pulse unleashes its presence. Supporting homegrown efforts, the fest has 1977 psychological thriller Summerfield among its retro component, alongside four newcomers: the Super 8-shot A Grand Mockery; the Pedro Almodóvar (The Room Next Door)-inspired Salt Along the Tongue; Pure Scum, which is set amid Melbourne's private-school culture; and Sword of Silence, as shot completely under a full moon. Aussie talents are also in focus in the Sydney Shorts and Melbourne Shorts screenings. "FFFA is a celebration of vibrant, boundary-pushing cinema, spotlighting unrestrained and wholly original voices from around the globe. It's an invitation to take a ride on the wild side, discover cult classics in the making and join our community of likeminded cinematic explorers," said Artistic Director Hudson Sowada, announcing 2025's flicks. 2025 Fantastic Film Festival Australia Dates Melbourne: Thursday, April 24–Thursday, May 15 — Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn Tuesday, April 29–Monday, May 5 — Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury Sydney: Thursday, April 24–Friday, May 16 — Ritz Cinemas, Randwick Fantastic Film Festival Australia runs in April and May at Ritz Cinema, Randwick in Sydney, plus Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn and Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury in Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the FFFA website.
It's a film about searching for treasure, and it is indeed a treasure. La Chimera is also dreamy in its look and, while watching, makes its viewers feel as if they've been whisked into one. There's much that fantasies are made of in writer/director Alice Rohrwacher's fourth feature, which follows Corpo Celeste, The Wonders and Happy as Lazzaro — God's Own Country breakout and The Crown star Josh O'Connor leading the picture as a British archaeologist raiding tombs in 80s-era Italy chief among them. Thinking about Lara Croft, be it the game, or the Angelina Jolie (in 2001 and 2003 flicks)- or Alicia Vikander (2018's Tomb Raider)-led movies, is poking into the wrong patch of soil. Thinking instead about the way that life is built upon the dead again and again, and upon unearthed secrets as well, is part of what makes La Chimera gleam. Rohrwacher's latest, which also boasts her Happy as Lazzaro collaborator Carmela Covino as a collaborating writer — plus Marco Pettenello (Io vivo altrove!) — resembles an illusion not just because it's a rare mix of both magical-realist and neorealist in one, too (well, rare for most who aren't this director). In addition, this blend of romance and drama alongside tragedy and comedy sports its mirage-esque vibe thanks to being so welcomely easy to get lost in. As a snapshot of a tombaroli gang in Tuscany that pilfers from Etruscan crypts to try to get by, it's a feature to dig into. As an example of how poetic a film can be, it's one to soar with. The loose red thread that weaves throughout La Chimera's frames, intriguing folks within the movie, also embodies how viewers should react: we want to chase it and hold on forever, even as we know that, as the feature's 130 minutes tick by, the picture is destined to slip through our fingers. Wearing his crumpled linen suits and residing in his makeshift shack, O'Connor's Arthur knows what it's like to not be able to grasp tightly onto what you want. Just as the movie that he's in transports its audience four decades back, he's stuck in the past, obsessing over the missing Beniamina (Yile Yara Vianello, The Beautiful Summer). Stolen Italian artefacts are his trade, with friends to help with the excavations but his own divining methods (rod included) locating where an invisible X marks the spot. When he's not dowsing and delving, or offloading the loot he extracts to antiquities dealers who profit from and perpetuate the cycle of tombaroli thievery far more than Arthur and his pals, the mansion of Beniamina's mother Flora (Isabella Rossellini, Spaceman) is his frequent pilgrimage. It was equally true of The Wonders and Happy as Lazzaro: a movie by Rohrwacher, and with cinematographer Hélène Louvart (Disco Boy, The Lost Daughter, Never Rarely Sometimes Always) behind the lens, is a movie that looks ethereal and earthy at once. Shot on a mix of different film stocks (35-millimetre, 16-millimetre and Super16), La Chimera's imagery virtually floats, but it similarly sees the dirt and the grit. Arthur's journey couldn't better live and breathe that contrast as he illicitly uncovers riches in a marvellous setting, but not without the grime and the risk that goes with it. He also starts the feature freshly released from jail for his grave-robbing manner of making a living, then spends his time chasing more 2000-year-old pieces — pottery, statues and such — that mysterious broker Spartaco will pay for, as punctuated with chats with Flora and a burgeoning connection with her housekeeper Italia (Carol Duarte, Segunda Chamada). The language of archaeology, whether taking from the dead or studying history through its physical remains, is the language of discovering and seeking — and mine, disinter and pursue, Arthur does, including with his feelings and hopes. He pines for his lost love while burrowing down where valuables, secrets and lives gone by are kept; he's navigating his own Orpheus and Eurydice as well. He's haunted, plunging literally to where such torments spring from in humanity's eternal grappling with mortality, and also emotionally and psychologically into memories that gnaw as if they too are possessed. A mastery of symbolism is among Rohrwacher's many skills as a filmmaker; however, so is a command of effortlessly lingering in the realm, as La Chimera does, between the tangible and intangible. Here's another talent to her name: casting, especially with O'Connor standing in front of the camera. While Rossellini's involvement is a magnificent touch — only she can switch to marauding from warm, and back, so naturalistically and so quickly; also, the link with Italian cinema history that she brings via her director father Roberto Rossellini, the neorealist great, is so wonderfully apt — O'Connor is an exquisite choice as La Chimera's lead. Rumpled charm, lost-soul melancholy, drifting and yearning, a hold on his temper that's flimsier than a deal on the relics black market: as Arthur, he conveys or has them all. A picture as enigmatic as this needs someone at its centre that's able to both go with its flow and be grounded — and again, in a role that joins Mothering Sunday, Emma, Hope Gap and Challengers on his post-God's Own Country resume, that's O'Connor. As La Chimera proves evocative and expressive, and loose and playful, it takes its audience on an adventure so layered and distinctive that Rohrwacher could be the only one guiding it. Thoughtful and contemplative as her film also is, it has clear eyes to stare daggers at social inequality, and towards those who think that they can own the past. Forming a trilogy with The Wonders and Happy as Lazzaro — one about beekeepers, the other about sharecroppers, each fascinated with communities that are far from the everyday now, as with the tombaroli — La Chimera almost feels as if it has pulled off a heist itself, then. In ensuring that every single element of the movie works perfectly, this gem steals itself a place as an unforgettable piece of cinema; long may it keep being cherished.
This article is sponsored by our partner lastminute.com.au. Dreaming of a trip to New York? Win NYE in NYC for you and a lucky friend thanks to lastminute.com.au. Stay in the centre of the action. To make the most of your NYC stay, choose digs that are slap bang in the middle of the Manhattan action. Affinia Manhattan is a good mid-priced option or if you're in the market for something special on the Upper East Side The Surrey is fabulous. For all NYC accom check out lastminute.com.au's range here. If you like a spectacle, tap the costume and burlesque scene. Prohibition-era fashion and Gatsbyesque entertainment is the flavour of the decade in NYC, and you can easily get a hit of it by attending one of the regular parties hosted by Dances of Vice, Wit's End or the weekly Floating Kabarette at Galapagos in Brooklyn. Twice a year, Governors Island (a free five-minute ferry ride from lower Manhattan) comes alive with the Jazz Age Lawn Party hosted by Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra. Between Charlestons, you're likely to spot (and be spotted by) photographers like the Sartorialist, Bill Cunningham and many other notables in dapper ensembles (Baz Luhrmann was spotted by a friend last year). A visit to some legendary sources of thrift shopping like Brooklyn Flea, Beacon's Closet and Housing Works will be necessary for your costume. And just for fun. Nowhere does speakeasies like Manhattan. Enter Chinatown's creepiest alley, Doyers Street, and listen for the sound of music behind a pile of trashcans; that’s Apotheke. Concealed deep in a hotdog shop lurks the luxe cocktail bar Please Don't Tell. And you'd easily miss Little Branch but for the line of chic folk loitering outside its low-key entrance on a Saturday night. Dress me up! New York's H & M, Anthropologie, Madewell and Urban Outfitters megastores are fabulous, but blogs are a great resource if you want to get off the beaten track of clothes shopping. Racked and Refinery29 give a heads-up on designer sample sales as well as new store openings and events like the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show. The East Village, LES and Williamsburg have great boutiques if you like unique, offbeat pieces. Need vintage glasses to complete your Woody Allen vibe? Moscot and Fabulous Fanny's will have just the ones for you. Crafty? Visit M & J Trimmings for sequins and studs galore. People are the key. New York is all about community. As the world's gathering-point, it attracts a very receptive sort of crowd. So make friends at bars. Get on OKCupid and talk to people. You might get invited to a party or find out about something cool happening just round the corner. It doesn't really matter where you end up, because everything that happens in NYC makes for a good story. Prepare to walk. And walk and walk. NYC is truly a pedestrian city, which is fantastic because it puts you in the thick of the action. At the risk of sounding like a grandma, make sure you have sturdy and comfortable shoes. Buy a wallet-sized subway map at a bodega and venture underground — the subway has some of the best buskers in the world, from Mariachi bands to break dancers to elderly beat poets. Brunch! On the weekend, brunch is an NYC institution. The Spotted Pig, Hundred Acres, Kittichai and every trendy restaurant up and down the Westside have special brunch menus, often with bottomless cocktails ahoy, so you can sag out into the sunlight afterward, happy as a clam. Casually go see high-profile musicians play for cheap. Check the line-up at Bowery Ballroom, Le Poisson Rouge and the Rockwood. Midnight diner meals are compulsory. Try Veselka, Seinfeld's Tom's or Katz' Delicatessen. Drunk? Order Disco Fries. Harness the power of social media. From tuning into the Facebook feeds of your NYC-based friends, or friends of friends, to searching Twitter hashtags like #bestofnyc to simply liking a fan page about regular events like the incredible storytelling series The Moth, there's infinite platforms to give you info on what’s happening right now. Walk the High Line and explore its surrounds. On the top of the Standard Hotel you'll find Le Bain, a bar with one of the best views in town plus bartenders dressed as tennis pros, circular pink waterbeds, astroturf and Nutella crepes. It's also a hop from the Chelsea gallery district and many designer flagship stores. If this list doesn't satisfy you, there's always tips from SNL's Stefon.
There is plenty to see and do in Canberra at any time of year, but a strong case can be made for visiting between September and November. The city really blossoms in spring (see what we did there?) — so there's no wonder why it's home to one of Australia's biggest and best annual flower festivals. Can't make it to Floriade this year? Never fear, there are still plenty of epic experiences to have in the nation's capital during spring. Whether you're planning a trip with mates, a significant other or solo, this list of activities will help you emerge from your winter hibernation with a spring in your step. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Everyone loves Gelato Messina's creative ice cream concoctions; however, believe it or not, there is a way to make their chilled sweet treats even better. You know how dessert takes oh-so-divine when it caps off an amazing meal? Yep, that's how to amplify your Messina experience. At the fourth instalment of their Messina Eats pop-up series, Burn City Smokers are in the spotlight. Following in the footsteps of Huxtaburger and Mr Claws, Wonderbao and Hoy Pinoy, they're serving up eight-hour smoked beef short rib, brisket burgers and smokey beans until they run out. PS40 will be taking care of the bar, while you know who will be serving up your final course courtesy of a mouth-watering pumpkin pie and choc soft serve combo. That's what happens when Messina meets meat. The word you're looking for is yum. Messina Eats runs from noon until sold out on October 7 and 8 in the carpark at Messina's Rosebery HQ.
For ten weeks Object Gallery is flinging open it's doors and heading into the Surry Hills springtime sunshine with a sequence of 14 collaborative showings with artists, designers, filmmakers and ... cyclists? Not so much exhibitions as events and community interventions, there'll be a ride-on dinner in local, shared and sustainable style, tours of tucked-away studio spaces, a special Kino screening in the gallery, plus Sydney's first PARK(ing) day — a group takeover of concrete spaces with picnicking and inflatable furniture. There are crafting sessions too — which you can help out with a show by donating a pencil — and the specially-designed, cutely-titled Stereotyped, which explores the interaction of sound and typography, for your more take-home urges. The website is very very pretty too, so no excuses for not keeping up with what's going on: take these little windows of opportunity to watch ideas and projects blossom in the balmy months.
When Michael Crichton put pen to paper and conjured up a modern-day dinosaur-filled amusement park, he couldn't have known exactly what he'd done. The author easily imagined the story making its way to the big screen, because the Jurassic Park novel started out as a screenplay. He could've also perceived that a whole film franchise could follow, and that folks would be quoting the movies for decades. And yet, we're guessing that he didn't predict the latest development: a recreation of the Jurassic World movies, which started with fourth flick in the series back in 2015, made completely out of Lego. Jurassic World by Brickman first popped up in Melbourne in 2021, and now Sydneysiders will be able to wander through it, too — and peer at more than 50 dinosaurs, props and scenes from the Jurassic World movies that have all been fashioned out of the popular plastic bricks in the process. That'll all be on display at the Australian Museum from Saturday, March 5–Sunday, May 29, as part of the exhibition's tour of the country. More than six million Lego blocks have been used in the exhibition, to create the four-metre-tall park gates, the lab where the dinosaurs are genetically engineered, those instantly recognisable jeeps, a petting zoo, a heap of creatures and more. Welcome to... your Lego Jurassic World fantasy, basically. Lego dinosaurs are obviously the main attraction and, yes, this event is going big. There'll be a life-sized brachiosaurus that weighs more than two tonnes, a huge tyrannosaurus rex, two life-sized velociraptors (Blue and Delta), and everything from a stegosaurus to a triceratops, too. Just for Sydney, there'll also be a new 400-kilogram baryonyx that spans 4.8-metres in length. Plus, you'll see some prehistoric creatures in the baby dinosaur enclosure, encounter more on the loose and learn how to track them over the exhibition's recreation of Isla Nublar (while using your imagination a whole heap, obviously). If it all sounds rather sizeable, that's because Jurassic World by Brickman is the largest Lego exhibition in Australia. And, Lego aficionados will also be able to get building while they're there, with 2.5 million bricks to play with. Obviously, this'll be a family-friendly affair, so expect to have plenty of small dinosaur fans for company.
UPDATE: Originally scheduled for Saturday, November 25, 2023, Hot Jazz Picnic has been postponed until Saturday, February 10, 2024. Gather any jazz fans in your life to join you for the debut of Sydney's latest live music offering — Hot Jazz Picnic. Picture a spread of vibey musicians playing throughout the afternoon, attendees dressed in vibrant summer outfits and a wide range of luxe food and drink options, all with the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. That's the essence of Hot Jazz Picnic, which comes to Lyne Park in Rose Bay on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 12pm—8pm. The jazz comes to play with Harry James Angus, Dan Barnett Big Band with special guest Emma Pask, Katie Thorne, The Vampires, Brekky Boy, Kate Wadey, The Morrisons, Ruby Jackson, all hosted by comedy duo Sketchshe. [caption id="attachment_926238" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anton Rehrl[/caption] Spread out across the park and enjoy the jazz alongside lawn games, a gin garden, a pop-up bar from Pommery Champagne and an artisanal food market. On the food front, look for Mary's, Sonoma Bakery, Ta Ta Ta pizza, Rock Oyster Depot, Tuckerbox and the famous Mapo Gelato truck on site. To up the luxury, pre-purchase a premium (and exclusive) 'Keep Picnic' pack from Business and Pleasure, or book VIP tickets to access the Pommery Champagne bar and bar-to-blanket food and drink service throughout the day. And perhaps most importantly, the dress code is 'colour-block chic', and the best dressed get some extra goodies to take home. Hot Jazz Picnic comes to Lyne Park on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 12pm to 8pm. The event is supported by Create NSW and Woollahra Council, and $1 from every ticket goes to support OzHarvest. Kids under 12 come free. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
For 73 years now, since the film first danced into cinemas in June 1952, there's never been a bad time to see the musical delight that is Singin' in the Rain on the big screen. Head to the Randwick Ritz's session at 2pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025, however, and you'll be doing more than revelling in movie magic and playing tribute to an all-time classic. The Gene Kelly-, Debbie Reynolds- and Donald O'Connor-starring Singin' in the Rain was David Stratton's favourite film. Accordingly, at a session presented by Sydney Film Festival — where Stratton was the Director between 1966–83 — the iconic flick is getting a spin to honour one of its biggest fans, as well as a glorious figure in Australian film culture, after his death in August 2025. Heading along means being a part of this ode to Stratton, and also trying not to tap your toes to the movie's musical numbers such as 'Good Morning', 'Make 'Em Laugh', 'Gotta Dance' and, of course, the titular 'Singin' in the Rain'. If you've somehow missed the 1920s-set film so far, Singin' in the Rain charts a story of romance and stardom, as silent film star Don Lockwood (Kelly) tries to adjust to the age of talking pictures, and aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Reynolds) tries to make her big break. It was actually crafted around a heap of existing songs, such the eponymous track, 'Make 'Em Laugh' and 'Good Morning'. Outside of the cinema, you can also check out Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz's star on the Australian Film Walk of Fame.
From high speed car chases across the post-apocalyptic outback to heartbreaking tales of love and loss, 2015 was a pretty great year for Australian cinema. Films like Mad Max and The Dressmaker hit it big at the box-office, while Holding the Man and Last Cab to Darwin had people reaching for their handkerchiefs. Throw in a couple of strong documentaries in the form of Gayby Baby and That Sugar Film, along with crowd-pleasing family fare like Oddball and Paper Planes, and it seems like local audiences are finally coming around to the idea that movies made in Australia can be every bit as good as those made overseas. Of course, in order to keep up that positive perception, the local film industry needs to keep making great films. Luckily, it looks like they're up to the challenge. We've already given you our list of our most anticipated international efforts, but now, here are the ten Australian films you need to see in 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSse2RIapEA THE DAUGHTER The debut film from theatre director Simon Stone (adapted from his own critically acclaimed stage play), The Daughter arrives in cinemas following great reviews at a number of local and international film festivals last year. A reworking of Henrik Ibsen's The Wild Duck, this nuanced family drama concerns a man, played by Paul Schneider, who returns to the small logging town where he grew up, only to uncover a secret that could tear the lives of his friends and family apart. With Geoffrey Rush, Ewen Leslie, Miranda Otto and Sam Neill, it might have the best cast of any Australian film this year. The Daughter is due in cinemas on March 17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn2vfS6bbK0 SHERPA Anyone who saw Everest might think they have an idea of what it's like to climb the world's tallest mountain. But as this eye-opening documentary from filmmaker Jennifer Peedom reveals, you only know a fraction of the story. Sherpa shows the efforts of the native mountain guides, who risk life and limb in order to get foreign visitors to the summit. Over the course of a season, tension begins to brew between the locals, the tourists and the companies that facilitate the climbs, before finally boiling over in the wake of a deadly avalanche. A powerful, troubling film — it's of the best things we caught at last year's Sydney Film Festival, and an absolute must see in 2016. Sherpa is due in cinemas on March 24. DOWN UNDER A comedy about the Cronulla race riots? It's safe to say Down Under could either be brilliant or a total disaster. Director Abe Forsythe appears to be deliberately courting controversy — not that there's anything wrong with that, per se. With racism and Islamophobia still major issues in this country, a dark comedy that tears into good old Aussie jingoism could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Of course, satire is a tricky thing — and easy to muck up. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. Down Under is due in cinemas on August 4. 2:22 Between Predestination, The Infinite Man and the recent remake of Patrick, it's been a good few years for homegrown science fiction. Continuing this trend (we hope) is Paul Currie's 2:22, an American-Australian co-production in which a man is forced to relive the same day over and over, always ending when the clock hits — you guessed it — 2.22pm. Game of Thrones actor Michiel Huisman stars alongside Australia's own Teresa Palmer. Imagine Groundhog Day remade as a psychological thriller, and you'd be roughly on the right track. 2:22 is due in cinemas in 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-98kUEnkxHM DOWNRIVER Writer-director Grant Scicluna's feature film debut was one of the most buzzed about local films at last year's Melbourne Film Festival. Reef Ireland (Puberty Blues) plays James, a young man recently released from prison after serving time for his involvement in the drowning of a small boy. Looking for redemption, James sets out to recover the boy's body, only to find himself in danger when it becomes clear that his accomplices would rather the past remain buried. Downriver looks grim and compelling in equal measure, and could well mark the emergence of a promising new Australian film talent. Downriver is due in cinemas in 2016. THE FAMILY This upcoming documentary, from director Rosie Jones, promises to pull back the curtain on Australia's most notorious cult. For three decades between the 1960s and 1990s, Anne Hamilton-Byrne led a group of devoted followers as the head of a sect known as The Family. Controlling her disciples, including a host of "adopted" children, through a mix of physical abuse and mind-altering drugs, Hamilton-Byrne convinced cult members she was the reincarnation of Jesus, before their compound was eventually raided by police. It's a story made all the more troubling for having taken place in our own backyard. The Family is due in cinemas in 2016. GOLDSTONE Actor Aaron Pedersen and filmmaker Ivan Sen are reuniting for a sequel/spin-off to their masterful outback thriller Mystery Road. Pederson returns as Indigenous detective Jay Swan, who finds himself in the eponymous town of Goldstone while investigating a missing persons case, only to find himself caught up in a web of crime and corruption. He'll be joined in front of the camera by two-time Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver, veteran Indigenous actors David Gulpilil and Tom E. Lewis, and Hong Kong martial arts star Cheng Pei-pei. If it's half as good as Mystery Road it'll be a contender for best film of the year. Goldstone is due in cinemas in 2016. JASPER JONES The new film from Bran Nue Dae director Rachel Perkins, Jasper Jones is an adaptation of Craig Silvey's award winning novel, described by at least one reviewer as Australia's To Kill a Mockingbird. Set in the fictional WA town of Corrigan in the mid 1960s, the film tells the story of 13-year-old Charlie Bucktin who befriends the eponymous Jasper Jones, a half-white, half-indigenous boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Toni Collette, Hugo Weaving and Dan Wyllie are set to co-star, although it's the younger cast members who will ultimately make or break the film. Jasper Jones is due in cinemas in 2016. LION Adapted from Hobart man Saroo Brierley's best-selling memoir, Lion stars Dev Patel as a young man who was adopted by an Australian couple (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham) as a child, who travels to India to try and track down his biological family. Rooney Mara co-stars, along with a number of high-profile Indian actors, giving this cross-cultural drama a real shot at international success. The film marks director Garth Davis' first feature film, following on from strong work on Top of the Lake. Lion is due in cinemas in 2016. NEST We've got two words for anyone who thinks Australian films are serious and boring: giant bloody spiders. Okay, so that's technically three words, but you get what we're trying to say. A Chinese-Australian co-production directed by Kimble Rendall — the same guy behind the wonderfully schlocky sharks in a supermarket movie Bait — this 3D creature feature stars Kellan Lutz, Kelsey Grammar, Shane Jacobson and Li Bingbing as a group of scientists who become lost in a labyrinth full of enormous, man-eating funnel web spiders. Leave your scaredy-cat friends at home. Nest is due in cinemas in 2016.
The Snowy Mountains has long attracted snow bunnies from across the state, nation and even oceans to play. Though these days the area is buzzing with much more than skiing fresh powder to entertain you. Whether you've never so much as seen snow before, or are a seasoned pro, there's plenty to taste, see and do when you're not flying down the slopes. A big draw card during the winter season is the Snowtunes music festival, returning to Jindabyne this year to host an epic snowy weekend. The breathtaking lakeside town of less than 3000 people is set to explode with music from a swag of Australian and international artists. Unzip your puffer jacket and warm up to some fiery sets from Gang of Youths, Safia, Tigerlily, Mashd N Kutcher, Klingande, Royal and Skeggs — just to name a few. This is not a drill; if you're looking to see this winter out dancing it up to some electro tunes, surrounded by some pretty stunning snowy vistas, you'll want to mark this one in your diary for the first weekend of September. The two-day music festival is just the tip of the 'snowberg', if you will. We've partnered with Destination NSW to bring you a Snowy Mountains getaway cheat sheet, so before, after and between sets, you can pack in as many snowbound activities as possible. [caption id="attachment_632818" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK From your road trip to the snow and into the wee hours of après ski, the Snowy Mountains region has a bustling food scene that'll keep you going. Make your first stop Ingelara Farm Truck. This bright blue food truck sits just outside of Bredbo and caters to all your stop, revive, survive needs from coffee to homemade sourdough. And once you've settled in The Snowies, there's plenty more tasty goodies to discover for all budgets. Take a culinary journey down the Alpine Way running between Jindabyne and Thredbo. Stop by award-winning Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery Door and Café for a free tasting of their wide array of schnapps — our picks are the butterscotch and spicy devil's tongue — and stay for the hearty Euro-inspired meals like German smoked sausages, the schnitzel burger and Austrian beef gulasch. Next stop along the way is Crackenback Farm Restaurant. If you splurge anywhere, make it here. The French farmhouse-style cuisine is best enjoyed leisurely by the fireside. And make sure to save room for dessert, because the hot chocolate mousse with vanilla ice cream and marinated mandarins will crack even the most seasoned dessert connoisseur. [caption id="attachment_633133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Crackenback Farm.[/caption] If you're based Thredbo village way, take a tour through the brimming offering of eateries, bars, pubs and even a nightclub. Stop by Central 2526 for their dumplings of the day, or wander up to The Denman Hotel for the fanciest cocktails in town. Looking for a mid-ski refuel? The classic drive-thru's got nothing on Eagles Nest. Ski in and out of Australia's highest restaurant perched 1937 metres above Thredbo at the top of Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. The show-stopping 270-degree view pairs nicely with some hearty classics such as a rather generous parmigiana schnitzel, loaded waffles and a cold German beer. DO Of course, a trip to NSW's snow capital wouldn't be complete without a bit of shredding — they don't call it 'Shredbo' for nothing. Whether you prefer one plank or two, investing in lessons for those just starting out or even those in need of a refresher will definitely pay dividends. Thredbo runs two-hour group lessons three times a day at Friday Flat. You'll find solidarity in your fellow students as five-year-olds fly past you down the mountain. Many locals and visitors alike have not ventured beyond the resorts into the surreal wilderness, but K7 Adventures opens this world up with their snowshoeing tours leaving from Thredbo resort. On a clear day, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views across the valley. On a snowy day, the hike across fresh snow is well worth the unexpected beauty of snowy gums and staggering rock formations that emerge from the white silence. You'll feel like you've just discovered frozen Atlantis. K7 also hosts cross-country skiing, photography and ice climbing tours. After carving up the slopes, or just making some casual snow angels, slip on your après-ski boots and get ready for the evening's entertainment at Snowtunes. If you're feeling extra celebratory, opt for one of their sweet package deals like the Snow Worries. As the name suggestions, the festival legends organise it all for you, including a two-day admission ticket, express entry, return bus from Central Station in Sydney to Jindabye, accommodation and brekkie at the Snowy Valley River Inn. You'll be sorted for a full weekend in the snow, without a care to dampen those spirits. And finally, a tough day playing in the snow or burning up the dance floor is sure to take it out of you, so the Lake Crackenback Spa & Wellness Centre is the chilled-out cherry on top of an action packed weekend. Book into a facial, massage or go all in with a spa special like their Winter Day package that sees you massaged, exfoliated and completely relaxed. Go on, you've earned it. STAY To fully immerse yourself in alpine luxury, check in to Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa nestled at the foot of the mountains on the edge of Kosciusko National Park. The striking lake view apartments and mountain view chalets cater up to seven mates, while the expansive grounds are a playground for wildlife and visitors alike. Greet the day with the local kangaroos, try your hand at archery in the afternoon, take a dip in the indoor heated pool pre-dinner, then grab a pizza to-go for some in-room dining with a view from Alpine Larder or dine at onsite Cuisine Restaurant & Bar right on the edge of the lake. The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle bus to the Skitube that connects you via rail to Perisher and Blue Cow. It's also only a 20-minute drive along the picturesque road to Thredbo village. Alternatively, you have the option of staying in one of the several ski-in, ski-out chalets on the fields. The big four resorts – Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort – all offer a huge array of accommodation for all budgets. Though, many of the best value spots can be found in Jindabyne. Round up your nearest and dearest to rent one of the many large guesthouses there. For a splashy stay, split the bill with sixteen mates and enjoy large, private entertainment areas, fancy tubs and open fireplaces. And for a no frills kind of stay, try The Banjo Patterson Inn and take advantage of their pool table, the onsite Kosciusko Brewery and an energetic Tuesday night trivia. Head to the snow to eat, drink and play, then hit the dance floor at Snowtunes, taking place September 1 and 2.
Are you a seasoned boatie who's happiest when the anchor's aweigh? Did you binge Below Deck and discover a thirst for the superyacht lifestyle? Or, do you just enjoy the finer things in life? Well, The Harbour Lounge at this year's Sydney International Boat Show is the event to add to your calendar, stat. The locale: a private VIP precinct aboard 60-metre superyacht The Jackson. The sips: bubbles at the Mumm Sparkling Bar, flights of Penfolds' best and cocktails laced with locally crafted spirits. To eat: Bites from the premium all-day grazing menu. Indulge in it all with your $399 ticket. How you enjoy the onboard experience is up to you. Lean in to the aquatic life and remain afloat, enjoying your vantage of Cockle Bay's luxe lineup of superyachts (some of which are making their international debut). Or, come and go as you explore the wider show — up your know-how at demos, check out the latest gear and enjoy live entertainment. It's time to grab your pool of pals for a lush day on the water, or invite your nicest clients and set your corporate catch-ups afloat. The Harbour Lounge moors in Darling Harbour from Thursday, July 18 till Sunday, July 31. Head to the website to book your ticket.
Dancing is back and two of the godfathers of Sydney's clubbing scene are reuniting to usher in a post-lockdown era of hot and heavy dance floors. Hoodrat and DoomY were two members of the iconic DJ roster Bang Gang back in the 2000s and the duo is getting back together to kick off the weekend with a night of classic tunes. Where are these two hitting the decks? Club 77, of course. One of Sydney's most storied nightclubs, Seventy Seven has played home to an endless amount of beloved and acclaimed local and international DJs over the years, including most of the Bang Gang's most memorable nights. So it's only fitting that Hoodrat and Doomy are coming back together to grace the decks of the hallowed club once again. "I grew up inside this dungeon really and this is my 55th re-re-re-incarnation," Doomy told Concrete Playground. "I came straight outta Terror Terror Terrigal and into the basement — the four walls of Hades, the dance floor of lava, fire and brimstone. I've seen bliss. I've seen packets on packets. I've seen Ajax protect the little Terrigal boy from some Cronulla sharks one night." When asked what we can expect from the night at Club 77, his answer is simple: "I live and party by all the five letter words. NNNRG. PARTY. FUNNY. SILLY. HORNY. So this party will embrace all the same values and maybe infuse some of them together into unified amalgamations of vibes." The reunion is going down from 8pm until close on Friday March 11. Tickets are $22. [caption id="attachment_845824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hoodrat and DoomY[/caption] Top images: Benjamin Weser
Maxwell Wines isn't just known for its exceptional cellar — its flagship restaurant is lauded for its innovative and produce-led offerings. If a trip to McLaren Vale isn't on the cards, Executive Chef Fabian Lehmann brings a taste of Maxwell Restaurant to Arthur. [caption id="attachment_1019299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] For an intimate Monday night dinner, Lehmann is teaming up with Arthur's Head Chef Juwon Gwak on six innovative courses at the Surry Hills diner, paired with a curated Maxwell Wines selection. With both restaurants sharing a philosophy rooted in a respect for seasonality, producers and thoughtful technique, it's shaping up to be a promising meal that does right by its ingredients. Expect small bites like carrot tartlets filled with rosella and honey custard and kombu-cured hiramasa kingfish croustades, alongside contemporary rustic-style plates like carrot-glazed bay bugs in mussel butter sauce and dry-aged quail stuffed with mushroom duxelle. The highlight? A Maxwell Restaurant signature — smoked rainbow trout with chives and black garlic. [caption id="attachment_1019298" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption]
More totes, less plastic: that's been the motto of supermarkets and state governments around the country over the past few years, as plastic shopping carriers have been phased out by stores and the authorities alike. But if you're the kind of shopper who always leaves their own bags at home, you might've simply swapped the thin, single-use plastic variety for their thicker, reusable counterparts. Now, Woolworths and Big W are ditching those nationally as well. Announced to celebrate World Environment Day on Sunday, June 5, the two chains will phase out all of its remaining plastic shopping bags — which includes 15-cent versions at Woolies, and both 15-cent and 45-cent versions at Big W. The move also covers bags not only in stores, but for online orders as well. Exactly when they'll stop being available depends on the brand, with Woolies gradually making the move over the next year, and Big W committing to scrapping them completely by the end of June 2023. Those two timelines are very similar, though — so, by July 2023, you won't be buying reusable plastic bags if you've forgotten your own totes. Woolies will still keep its recycled paper carriers on offer, however, saving you from lugging out your purchases in your arms if you gone shopping without bags. And, Big W is introducing additional bag options alongside its existing printed totes and other fabric bags. Western Australian Woolies stores have already made the switch, since back in March. South Australia and Northern Territory will follow from September 2022, with other states doing the same afterwards — with exact dates for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT yet to be announced. Yes, that means that your shopping will help do the environment a solid — although, there'll still be plastic bags available for fruit and vegetables, but the supermarket is exploring more sustainable options for those as well. Woolworths will start phasing out reusable plastic bags over the next year, while Big W will ditch them by the end of June 2023. For further information, head to the Woolworths and Big W websites.
When Guillermo del Toro last made a movie for Netflix — and last made a movie, too — Pinocchio not only streamed via the platform, but had a date with cinemas, where all of the director's films should be seen, first. The same plan is in place for the filmmaker's next picture, thankfully, the streamer has just announced. Del Toro officially adapting Frankenstein after riffing on it across his career? Now that absolutely demands the big-screen treatment. Netflix has revealed that the Oscar Isaac (Moon Knight)- and Jacob Elordi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North)-starring take on Mary Shelley's horror masterpiece will release in select picture palaces on Thursday, October 23, 2025. To watch it at home, it'll be available to stream from Friday, November 7, 2025 Oscar-winning The Shape of Water director del Toro will be the first to tell anyone, as he did at Neflix's annual Tudum event for 2025, that he's long had an obsession with Frankenstein, that he's been weaving that affection for it into his work since he first hopped behind the camera and that making his own adaptation of the gothic-horror masterpiece is a dream come true. "This is, for me, the culmination of a journey that has occupied most of my life," he advised the crowd at the time. So far, from its trailer and images, that love for Shelley's now 207-year-old novel is evident in every frame of del Toro's Frankenstein. "I first read Mary Shelley's book as a kid, and saw Boris Karloff in what became, for me, an almost-religious stage," he continued at Tudum while accompanied by Isaac and co-star Mia Goth (MaXXXine). "Monsters have become my personal belief system. There are strands of Frankenstein throughout my films — Cronos, Blade, Hellboy, big time on Pinocchio, and a long, long [list], et cetera." Isaac portrays the feature's namesake, aka Victor Frankenstein, the scientist driven by tragedy to attempt to conquer the line between life and what exists beyond it. As the trailer notes, "only monsters play god". As Victor advises himself, "in seeking life, I created death". Also uttered in the movie's debut sneak peek, reinforcing its theme: "what manner of creature is that? What manner of devil made him?". Goth is Elizabeth, Victor's fiancée. From there, Christoph Waltz (Old Guy), Ralph Ineson (The Fantastic Four: First Steps), Charles Dance (The Day of the Jackal), Lars Mikkelsen (Dalloway) and del Toro regular Burn Gorman (Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, Pinocchio) are also part of the cast. Frankenstein will never stop entrancing filmmakers, as it has James Whale back in 1931 when Karloff played the monster, Mel Brooks (Dracula: Dead and Loving It) with 1974 comedy Young Frankenstein, Kenneth Branagh (A Haunting in Venice) on his 1994 take, Danny Boyle (28 Years Later) with his stage adaptation, Tim Burton (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) via Frankenweenie and Yorgis Lanthimos (Kinds of Kindness) in Poor Things, plus Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Lost Daughter) with 2026's The Bride!, just to name a few other examples. Check out the trailer for Frankenstein below: Frankenstein is releasing in select cinemas on Thursday, October 23, 2025 — and streaming via Netflix from Friday, November 7, 2025. Images: Ken Woroner/Netflix © 2025.
It's almost time to tick over into another trip around the sun. But before our current rotation is complete, we have to give this year a massive send-off that celebrates the ups and, hopefully, helps us forget the downs. Fortunately, this New Year's Eve in Sydney is stacked, with these dining encounters, late-night parties and waterfront events making for a memorable final night on the town. New Year's Eve at Cibaria Manly Bring a little Italian spirit to your NYE send-off, as Cibaria Manly presents a specially curated share menu, complete with ocean views and beachfront vibes. Priced at $240 per person, the experience begins with oysters in chardonnay mignonette, warm pizzetta bianca and loads more before arriving at the scotch fillet main, served with a Barolo jus and truffle-pecorino fries. As midnight approaches, enjoy a suitably sweet treat with a Cibaria hazelnut tiramisu. Find out more here. New Year's Eve Dinner Party at Olympus Dining Ringing in the end of 2025 — and a hugely successful debut year — Olympus Dining is transforming into a Greek amphitheatre for an unforgettable dinner party. Bringing along their friends, Four Pillars and Louis Roederer, this Med-inspired banquet — think Sydney rock oysters, a fully stocked souvlaki station and watermelon ouzo slices — is paired with cocktails, wine and beer. From 9pm, the party goes up a notch, as hosts Daimon Downey and Rich Penny guide DJ-led tunes beneath the oculus. Find out more here. Cosmic Universe at Opera Bar Luxe doesn't even begin to describe Cosmic Universe — Opera Bar's galaxy-inspired NYE playground. An incredible fireworks vantage point, this lavish experience, priced at $745 per ticket, features non-stop live performances and DJ sets alongside roaming canapés and complimentary food stalls, available until midnight and beyond. Don't have a budget? An ultra-exclusive VIP lounge costs $20,000 — stacked with free drinks, decadent bites, a dedicated host and uninterrupted views. Find out more here. Balcony Bottomless Package at Coogee Bay Hotel The Coogee Bay Hotel is lighting up NYE with a special balcony bar bottomless experience. Gazing over Coogee Beach with exceptional views of the fireworks, this $180 package features a huge array of tasty bites, spanning freshly shucked oysters, beer-battered potato scallops, crumbed short ribs and more. The drinks are just as inviting, with champagne poured on arrival (and at midnight) alongside beers, wines and cocktails all night long. Find out more here. New Year's Eve at The International Get among the NYE action in Sydney CBD, as The International celebrates the occasion across three vibrant spaces, each with its own skyline view. Head to Wine Bar for easygoing partying, complete with cocktails, slushies and oysters, or enter Panorama Bar for elevated sunset cocktails. If dining is more your mood, The Grill's openair setting is the way to go, featuring woodfired steaks flamed in a two-hatted kitchen. Find out more here. NYE Dinner at The Dry Dock Launch into the New Year with a four-course sharing dinner prepared by The Dry Dock's head chef Ben Sitton. Available for $195 per person, this feast includes an amuse bouche, shared entrees, mains and desserts alongside a glass of Lallier Réflexions R.020 Brut Champagne or a schooner of Asahi Super Dry on arrival. When it's time for the fireworks, guests are welcome to head across the street to Mort Bay Park to catch the harbour show before returning to the restaurant for plenty more partying. Find out more here. NYE at Felons Manly Toast the final sunset of the year, as Felons Manly puts together a vibrant feast made for the Cove. For $149 per person, you'll enjoy a three-course set menu, elevated by a free drink on arrival. As the night wears on, a special 9pm fireworks display will set the tone, followed by live music and tune-spinning DJs that keep the waterfront shindig going into the early hours, both inside and on the jetty. Find out more here.
As soon as they step off the plane in Tropical North Queensland, most people make a beeline for the Great Barrier Reef. After all, this marine wonderland is the largest coral reef system in the world and attracts visitors from every corner of the globe. The reef is bold and beautiful but it's also a delicate ecosystem, so it's important to take care when travelling to help protect it and to remember a few quick tips before you explore. Even simple actions like swapping to reef-safe sunscreen or checking you're fishing where you're allowed to do so can have long-lasting positive effects on the health of this natural wonder. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways you can help keep our reef beautiful for generations to come. [caption id="attachment_842448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] OFFSET YOUR TRIP Offsetting your trip is an easy way to travel responsibly — especially with many tourism and travel providers of all sizes now providing you an option to do so. One Tropical North Queensland tourism provider that is both dedicated to eco-friendly explorations and aids sustainability efforts is the award-winning Cairns-based Passions of Paradise. The company offers reef tours as well as snorkelling and scuba diving with all gear included, too, so you can get up close to turtles, fish and all the coral-dwelling creatures of the reef with ease before relaxing on board with a buffet lunch. Passions also gives certified divers the chance to engage in citizen science with its Eco Tours. Under the direction of a Master Reef Guide, divers who opt for this experience can contribute to ongoing reef conservation projects and support the work of local conservationists on the Great Barrier Reef through things like surveying reef locations, monitoring reef health or assisting in coral planting. Not a certified diver? You can still make a difference — Passions of Paradise work with researchers to help grow coral through the Coral Nurture Program and offset carbon emissions by planting trees in the Daintree. If you're visiting the reef from Port Douglas, consider a trip with Sailaway. This full-day tour with a qualified marine biologist is a great way to learn more about the wonders beneath the shimmering blue waves. The best bit? The company donates $20 from every ticket to its reforestation and carbon offsetting project. [caption id="attachment_830381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] SEE THE REEF WITH FIRST NATIONS GUIDES If your idea of a perfect day in the ocean is seeing beautiful reefs and getting an insightful connection to the sea, put Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel on your itinerary. Offering a unique experience, this local team of First Nations sea rangers will invite you to step into the Great Barrier Reef's Dreamtime. Cairns' only Indigenous-focused cruise, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel is recognised as one of Australia's leading ecotourism providers thanks to its Advanced Eco accreditation awarded by Ecotourism Australia and a Climate Action Business Certification, with its tours and activities carried out in line with industry-best standards. Some proceeds from ticket sales go to local conservation initiatives and further research through GBR Biology group, a dedicated team of marine biologists, educations and rangers that delivers immersive experiences and invests in coral reef monitoring and research. [caption id="attachment_845484" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mikhail Nilov (Pexels)[/caption] USE REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN (OR WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SO YOU DON'T NEED SUNSCREEN) If you went to primary school in Australia, then you are probably pretty familiar with the 'slip, slop, slap' campaign. Sun protection is always paramount when you live in a scorching country, but there are ways to keep yourself protected that also help protect the planet. Certain sunscreen ingredients are known to cause coral deterioration, so it's worth being savvy when choosing your products. An easy guide is to look for reef-safe ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and avoid nasties such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Also, look for packaging that is recycled or recyclable and stay away from spray sunscreens that cause excess product to land on the sand. But if you're looking for the easiest (and most effective) way to escape sun damage, opt for protective clothing that is dark and densely woven. Unlike sunscreen, it doesn't need to be reapplied, and never washes off. [caption id="attachment_845201" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET INVOLVED IN CITIZEN SCIENCE It's easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef, but there are some simple ways we can all help. The Eye on the Reef app allows you to quickly log information about reef health and wildlife sightings, allowing anyone who visits to contribute to its protection. It's simple to use, free to download and use and requires zero special equipment — it takes just seconds to record any spots of coral bleaching or instances of sick animals. The app also uses GPS settings to give you specific zoning rules for each area, so you don't get caught out fishing or diving in restricted spots. [caption id="attachment_845200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] PLANT SOME CORAL Want to help the reef in an immediate and hands-on way? Scuba divers: assemble. All you need is a PADI certification and a ticket on the Passions of Paradise reef tour. This proud ecotourism operator has spent decades on the reef via its 30-metre catamaran. Its Coral Nurture Program is a collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney and allows previously damaged sections of coral to flourish. Divers are carefully guided underwater and shown how to harvest tiny pieces of coral that they then relocate to a coral nursery where they can safely grow up to 30 centimetres each year. This is an immersive and educational activity that gives divers a tangible connection to coral rehabilitation. [caption id="attachment_845197" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] ADOPT SOME CORAL Keen to help with coral conservation but don't have your diving licence? We've got you sorted. The Reef Restoration Foundation (RRF) is a not-for-profit social enterprise that challenges the idea that the reef is damaged beyond hope. Following a coral bleaching event in 2016, keen diver and soon-to-be RRF founder Gary McKenna observed that the coral in his home aquarium could regrow and create new fragments. He expanded his research worldwide, and discovered that there were several coral replanting methods that hadn't been tried on the Great Barrier Reef. International experts came on board, and grant funding allowed the RRF coral nurseries to double. While these steps are incredibly positive, reef restoration is a long-term project. By adopting your own patch of coral through RRF, you can provide much-needed funds to keep resources flowing. Plus, you will receive regular growth updates on your cute coral patch. [caption id="attachment_845797" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Juergen Freund[/caption] VISIT THE OUTER REEF When visiting the Great Barrier Reef, it's tempting to look for the quickest tours that have you zipping there and back before nightfall. However, for those who want to really immerse themselves in the region, the Eco Tourism Australia-accredited Coral Expeditions offers seven- and ten-day adventures to the outer stretches of the reef, far beyond the reach of most tourist vessels. Jump on board one of the company's purpose-designed small ships for an immersive voyage to uninhabited sand cays and pristine reef systems, taking in some of the most impressive and untouched dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef. The expeditions visit both the Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, with on-board experts to guide you through unforgettable moments like meeting green sea turtles, a Welcome to Country in the world's oldest rainforest and many more. LEARN ABOUT REEF CONVERSATION A useful resource for reef conservation information are the Master Reef Guides. These marine experts must meet a long list of criteria before they can carry the title, as well as having to undergo additional training in public speaking and storytelling. If learning more about the iconic destination is on your list while in Tropical North Queensland, be sure to book a tour that has a Master Reef Guide – they work across both tourism and research vessels. Ready to be rewarded for living responsibly? For more information on obtaining Green tier status via the Qantas Frequent Flyers program, visit the website. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland Words: Eliza Crisp, Courtney Ammenhauser, Stephanie Monteith, Nik Addams.
Initially, even getting just one COVID-19 vaccination was a struggle, after Australia's inoculation rollout took its time in its early months. Then, we all started focusing on those crucial second jabs, especially with roadmaps out of lockdowns and towards international travel highlighting double-dose thresholds. Now, with vax rates climbing quickly — as of Friday, October 8, 60.2 percent of Australians are fully vaccinated — third COVID-19 jabs have started gaining attention. Also called booster shots, they're designed to prolong the effectiveness of the coronavirus vax. And, they've just been given the go-ahead for Australians with severely compromised immune systems. For most Aussies, that means that third jabs aren't on the cards at the moment; however, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has now recommended booster shots for severely immunocompromised folks. Also, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has advised that they'll start being rolled out from Monday, October 11. "This is for the severely immunocompromised — a group of up to 500,000," said Hunt. "It's about providing additional protection." We're expecting to receive advice on booster doses for the general population in the coming weeks. With over 151 million Pfizer, Novavax & Moderna vaccines secured for supply into the future, Australia is prepared to provide booster doses if recommended by the medical experts. — Greg Hunt (@GregHuntMP) October 8, 2021 ATAGI has outlined exactly who falls into the severely immunocompromised category, and why it's making this recommendation. The group spans people with cancer, or who've had stem cell transplants or organ transplants; folks undertaking immunosuppressive therapies for cancer such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy; others taking immunosuppressive therapies and some certain steroids; and those born with immunodeficiencies. If you're an Aussie who fits any of these descriptions, you might not be as protected by the regular two jabs. It's also recommended that an mRNA vaccine (so either Pfizer or Moderna) is used instead of AstraZeneca's jab (which is now called Vaxzevria) for the third dose. That said, the latter can be used if you had the AZ vax for your first two shots and you didn't have a reaction, or you've had a reaction to either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations. Timing-wise, ATAGI recommends waiting between two and six months after you've had your second dose, although a four-week minimum interval will be considered if it's likely your immunosuppression is about to get worse or there's a big COVID-19 outbreak. Severely immunocompromised Aussies can talk to their doctors about getting the third jab, with ATAGI's recommendations and guidelines now being sent to GP surgeries, pharmacies and aged care disability care settings. For all other Aussies who aren't eligible for booster shots yet, Hunt said that news is on the way. "The next stage, the general population stage, of the booster program, we're expecting advice from ATAGI before the end of October," he advised. For more information about booster COVID-19 vaccinations for severely immunocompromised Australians, visit the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation website.
When it comes to neighbourhoods that offer a little something for everyone, Darlinghurst certainly delivers. By day, locals can roam the leafy streets and spend up a storm in the many boutiques. When the sun goes down, Sydneysiders from near and far flock to the area for an after-work tipple, a hearty meal, live music and maybe even a boogie. There are many, many small businesses in Darlinghurst that should be on your radar. In partnership with American Express, we've selected ten that should become your go-tos for every possible (or perhaps, impossible) situation.
There are many ways that you can show love for your pet pooch, especially in these extremely dog-friendly times. Want to take Fido to a music festival? Head to a pub with Coco? Let Rex loose at a Halloween party for canines? Yes, you can do just that — and have your four-legged bestie's cute face plastered across your swimmers, too, because the list really does go on. Only one adorable pupper can get immortalised in Lego, however. We're not talking about just sticking a few bricks together at home, either. Inspired by International Dog Day, Melbourne's Legoland Discovery Centre will build a life-size replica of one lucky doggo. The celebratory date was actually this past Monday, but the competition runs until 11.59pm on Friday, September 2o. If you're already clearing a spot for your new Lego addition to the family — and wondering how your fluffball will react to their own likeness — you'll need to submit a photo of your pooch on the Legoland Discovery Centre's Facebook page, specifically to its competition post. You'll also need to explain why your dachshund or dalmatian should get the Lego treatment, which shouldn't be hard. Serve up the best answer, and a master builder (yes, that's a real thing) will recreate your dog with in tiny plastic bricks. While the contest terms and conditions don't require entrants to live in Melbourne, the winner will be unveiled there in November — and you'll need to head by in person to pick up your prize. You'll also need to like the Legoland Discovery Centre's Facebook page to enter, and include your pet's name, age, breed and one crazy fact about them with your submission. If your canine can walk on its hind legs or bark to a tune, don't keep that detail to yourself. To enter the Lego Dog Competition, visit the Legoland Discovery Centre Facebook page before 11.59pm on Friday, September 2o.
