There are many ways to start – or jump start – attraction, from getting cosy in romantic bars to taking a weekend getaway. But, if you want your frisson backed up by science, then one of your best bets is to give your lover (or prospective lover) a serious fright. Why? Because it's said an adrenaline rush can increase feelings of attraction. Luckily, you don't have to go crawling through canyons or abseiling cliff faces to get your kicks, because there's plenty of them to be had at Luna Park this winter. Plus, if thrills really aren't your thing, loads of other romantic possibilities are on offer, including ice skating, watching dreamy light shows and cuddling over Baileys hot chocolate. Here are five ideas to get your started. Note that, on weekend nights, Luna Park stays open late – till 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays — and entry is free. So you can spend all your loose change on sideshows. [caption id="attachment_673818" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oliver Minnett[/caption] ICE SKATING There's an undeniable magic about ice skating, whether you and your date are making figures like Torvill and Dean or bumbling along like a couple of awkward penguins. Either way, you're never short of excuses for holding hands and giving one another a little help. Luna Park's pop-up ice skating rink was so popular in 2017, it's making a comeback this winter. It'll be open throughout the July school holidays – from Friday, July 6 to Monday, July 23 – and entry is included with a Twilight Saver, which gets you unlimited rides and ice skating after 6pm for only $35. HAVE A FAIRGROUND FEAST Go straight back to your childhood with a fairground-style feast. At Helter Skelter, a retro takeaway outlet, you'll be tucking into Hot Diggity Hot Dogs, Pluto Pups and American burgers, including the Easy Peasy Nice 'N' Cheese. Meanwhile, health-conscious dates are catered to with rotisserie chicken and salads, plus there's a bunch of vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you'd prefer to sit, head for the carousel-inspired Hungry Horse restaurant. Here, you'll find pizza, seafood and salads, as well as sticky pork ribs, buttermilk fried chicken and cheesy chicken loaded fries. DESSERT AT THE POP-UP FOOD HUT To help keep visitors warm through winter, Luna Park is hosting a pop-up food hut. This cosy little spot is right near the ice skating rink, so you can refuel after conquering some newfound skills. The menu is all about sweet, comforting snacks and piping hot drinks. To beat winter German-style, tuck into a pretzel layered with gooey caramel. Alternatively, head across to France, with a crepe, cooked before your eyes and covered in Nutella or Grand Marnier. Its perfect match is a hot chocolate infused with Baileys. GET LOST IN A LIGHT SHOW Vivid might be over, but Luna Park's Ferris Wheel installation is yet to be switched off. Titled Phantasos – after the spirit of surreal dreams – the five-minute display involves 3,000 LED lights, which continually change colour and pattern, soundtracked by hypnotic music. You're welcome to watch it for free from the ground or immerse yourself completely by jumping on the Ferris Wheel. Either way, Phantasos is definitely a mesmerising escape from the winter blues: and a dreamy way to spend time with your date. RIDE THE RIDES For a major adrenalin rush, go straight for the Hair Raiser, which lifts you 50 metres above the ground, before plummeting at a rate of 80 kilometres per hour. Then there's the Wild Mouse rollercoaster, a 61-second blitz of dips and drops and hairpin bends. Meanwhile, the old-school, hand-painted carousel – fitted with 1,640 lights and dazzling mirrors – travels at a slower pace. The same goes for the Ferris Wheel, which transports you to a height of 40 metres, taking in epic views of the Opera House, the Bridge and the Harbour. You can pay for each ride individually or grab the aforementioned Twilight Saver, letting you ride to your heart's content for just 35 bucks. To find out more about what's happening in Luna Park this winter, and to secure your Twilight Saver tickets, head to lunaparksydney.com.
Getting some shuteye or even slightly comfortable on a long-haul can be tricky. With its new 17-hour non-stop Auckland to New York service on the horizon, Air New Zealand is hoping to put economy travellers to sleep with a new prototype that features six lie-flat pods. The Economy Skynest is the result of three years of research and development at its Hangar 22 innovation centre in Auckland. Each bunk bed-style Skynest, measuring 200 by 58 centimetres, will have room for six sleepers. While still yet to be confirmed, it is intended that each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep. The airline says it is exploring other features such as separate reading light, personal device USB outlet and ventilation outlet. Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod says that the development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to economy travellers inability to stretch out on long-haul flights. It's not the first time the carrier has put energy into making economy passengers more comfortable; the Economy Skycouch allows travellers to book an entire row and transform it into a makeshift bed, while last year saw the introduction of inflight exercise videos to enhance wellbeing. The airline today filed patent and trademark applications for the Economy Skynest. It will make a final decision on whether to operate the service next year after it has assessed the performance of its Auckland to New York operations. For more information about the Economy Skynest, visit airnz.co.nz.
Everyone has one, or several: a TV show you just keep going back to no matter how many times you've seen it before. Whatever series that is for you, you're probably always at some stage of rewatching it — and when you finish it this time, you'll start working your way through it again because of course you will. These are our soul-replenishing comfort shows, and they usually share a few traits. Sitcoms are particularly easy to rewatch over and over. Comedies with not only a big sense of humour but also a big heart are, too. Is your go-to series filled with characters supporting each other, overcoming everyday obstacles and helping each other be their absolute best selves? Then that fits the bill as well. Basically, the shows we keep gravitating back towards are the ones Marie Kondo would approve of. Yes, they definitely spark joy, and do so again and again. Watching them feels like catching up with old friends, they always brighten your day and they're there for you when times are tough. Here are our ten picks for sitcoms that feel like the warmest of hug — and that you can stream right now. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Long-running shows become a comforting part of our routines, giving us something to look forward to with each new episode — and in the case of supremely warm-hearted comedies, giving us all plenty of feel-good laughs as well. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is one such series. It came to an end in 2022 with its eighth season, but it'll always live on in streaming queues. Heart and laughs: that's been a noice, toit and cool cool cool formula for the Andy Samberg (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)-starring cop-focused sitcom over the years. "Title of your sex tape" jokes, Die Hard nods and Halloween heists have all worked well, too. And so have the multi-layered, always-supportive bonds between Jake Peralta (Samberg), his best friend and fellow detective Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio, Monsters at Work), and their other colleagues Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero, Velma), Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz, Twisted Metal), Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews, Craig of the Creek) and Raymond Holt (the late, great Andre Braugher, She Said) — and the bumbling but always-affable Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker, Doogie Kamealoha, MD) and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller, Station 19). In its final season, as it geared up to say goodbye, Brooklyn Nine-Nine also found a smart and still amusing way to reckon with being a comedy about police officers in America today. Brooklyn Nine-Nine streams via Netflix. SCHITT'S CREEK The idea behind Schitt's Creek is immensely straightforward, and also incredibly obvious. If one of the obscenely wealthy families that monopolises all those trashy reality TV shows was suddenly forced to live without their money, like the rest of us, how would they cope? If you're thinking "not well", you're right. If you're certain that seeing the results would be amusing, you're on the money again. As envisaged by father-son duo — and the program's stars — Eugene (Human Resources) and Dan Levy (Sex Education), that's the scenario the Rose crew finds itself in, including moving to the titular town that it happens to own as a last resort. Yes, as the name gives away, they're in a sticky situation. The adjustment process isn't easy, but it is very, very funny, immensely feel-good and ridiculously quotable, and remained that way for the show's entire six-season run before wrapping up in 2020. And, although plenty of other credits on her resume have made this plain (such as Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, Waiting for Guffman and For Your Consideration, all also with Eugene Levy), the great Catherine O'Hara (Pain Hustlers) is an absolute comedy powerhouse as the Rose family matriarch. She deservedly has both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance here — and for her glorious accent work — too. Also stellar: Annie Murphy (Fingernails) as socialite daughter Alexis. Schitt's Creek streams via Netflix. PARKS AND RECREATION She's the government worker we all wish could be in charge of, well, absolutely everything — and she's the fictional Indiana city of Pawnee's most devoted employee and biggest fan. We're talking, of course, about Leslie Knope, Amy Poehler's (Moxie) super-passionate, waffle-loving character in iconic sitcom Parks and Recreation. Willing to work hard in any situation and always ready to lean upon her friends and co-workers, Leslie knows how to handle almost anything. In one particular fifth-season episode of the Nick Offerman (Dumb Money)-, Rashida Jones (Silo)-, Aziz Ansari (Master of None)-, Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)-, Aubrey Plaza (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off)-, Adam Scott (Party Down)- and Rob Lowe (Unstable)-costarring series, that also includes grappling with a pandemic. Created by The Office's Greg Daniels and Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Michael Schur, Parks and Recreation may have only come to the end of its seven-season run back in 2015, but the sitcom has been an instant classic from the get-go for one reason: focusing on relatable characters, the minutiae of their lives and the time working in local government, workplace-based comedy has never felt more kind-hearted, or — thanks to the show's penchant for letting its main players talk directly to the camera — so inclusive. Parks and Recreation streams via Stan and Binge. TED LASSO A sports-centric sitcom that was like a big warm hug from the get-go, Ted Lasso is a cheerleader for comedies that focus on nice and caring people doing nice and caring things. Like the other shows on this list, it celebrates folks supporting and being there for each other, and the bonds that spring between them — and not just to an entertaining but to a soul-replenishing degree. As played by Jason Sudeikis (Booksmart), the series' namesake is almost all positivity, almost all the time. And, he keeps that up in the face of quite the challenges. A small-time US college football coach, he scored an unlikely job as manager of British soccer team AFC Richmond in the show's first season, a job that came with struggles. Instantly, the ravenous media wrote him off. The club was also hardly doing its best, owner Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham, Hocus Pocus 2) had just taken over the organisation as part of her divorce settlement, and veteran champion Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, Thor: Love and Thunder) and reigning hotshot Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster, The Devil's Hour) refused to get along. Ted's upbeat attitude does wonders, though, in one of the best new sitcoms of the 2020s. You definitely don't need to love soccer or even sport to fall for this show's ongoing charms, to adore its heartwarming determination to value banding together and looking on the bright side, and to love its depiction of both male tenderness and supportive female friendships. Ted Lasso streams via Apple TV+. Read our full review of season two and season three, plus our interview with Brendan Hunt. WELLINGTON PARANORMAL Three of the best comedic actors on TV in recent years all starred in New Zealand-made sitcom Wellington Paranormal. Playing Officer O'Leary, Officer Minogue and Sergeant Maaka, Karen O'Leary (Red, White & Brass), Mike Minogue (My Life Is Murder) and Maaka Pohatu (Our Flag Means Death) spit out devastatingly hilarious deadpan line readings. They need to in this mockumentary series, which follows a squad of Wellington cops who investigate the supernatural — as the show's title so succinctly explains — but every episode across its four seasons demonstrated just how perfect these three actors are for their job. As the team tackle cases of the paranormal variety, they also often look into matters of the silly and always amusing kind as well, to delightful results. Whatever comes this crew's way, hearty laughs always ensue. A spinoff from Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's excellent 2014 movie What We Do in the Shadows — well, one of the film's spinoffs, given that the very funny US TV series also called What We Do in the Shadows also exists — Wellington Paranormal aces its concept again and again. It's basically a low-key, comedic, NZ-based version of The X-Files, it's glorious, and former NZ Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford has even made an appearance. Also, it now boasts a companion podcast. Wellington Paranormal streams via SBS On Demand. LOS ESPOOKYS It took some time for the delight that is Los Espookys to initially reach Australian screens, arriving two years after it debuted in the US — and it'll take you less than six hours to binge its two seasons, which you'll likely do in no more than two sittings. This HBO comedy has proven both worth the wait and worth devouring as quickly as possible. The setup: horror aficionado Renaldo (Bernardo Velasco, Noise) wants to turn his obsession into his profession, so he starts staging eerie scenarios for paying customers. That involves enlisting his best friend Andrés (Julio Torres, Problemista), pal Úrsula (Cassandra Ciangherotti, Thursday's Widows) and the latter's sister Tati (Ana Fabrega, Father of the Bride) to help, and doing everything they can to get spooky. Torres and Fabrega co-created the show with Portlandia and Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen, who also pops up as Renaldo's parking valet uncle. This mostly Spanish-language series only uses its biggest name sparingly, however, because its key cast members own every moment. Following the titular group's exploits as they attempt to ply their trade, and to weave it into their otherwise chaotic lives, Los Espookys always manages to be both sidesplittingly hilarious and so meticulous in its horror references that it's almost uncanny. There's also nothing on-screen quite like it. Los Espookys streams via Binge. OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH First dropping anchor with its debut season in 2022, and finding a mooring among the best new series that the year had to offer, Our Flag Means Death's premise has always glinted as brightly as its impressive cast (not just Uproar's Rhys Darby and Thor: Love and Thunder's Taika Waititi, but also Bloods' Samson Kayo, Creation Stories' Ewen Bremner, Bank of Dave's Joel Fry, Game of Thrones' Kristian Nairn, Hello Tomorrow!'s Matthew Maher, Loot's Nat Faxon, The Sex Lives of College Girls' Vico Ortiz and The Batman's Con O'Neill for starters). It follows Darby as self-styled 'gentleman pirate' Stede Bonnet. Born to a life of privilege, he felt that seafaring and swashbuckling was his calling, leaving his life on land behind to hop on a ship — details that all spring from reality. Creator David Jenkins (People of Earth) isn't interested in telling the exact IRL tale, however. Consider those basics merely Our Flag Means Death's departure point. On-screen, Stede gets caught up in both a workplace comedy and a boatmance. The first springs from his certainty that there has to be a nicer way to glide through a pirate existence, and the second from his blossoming feelings for feared marauder Edward Teach (Waititi), aka Blackbeard. So, Stede and Ed find love in a buccaneering place, but also feel splashes of uncertainty about what their relationship means. Life might prove choppy for Our Flag Means Death's characters, but there's always a sense of camaraderie about this series — and it's been sweet sailing for viewers across two seasons. Our Flag Means Death streams via Binge. Read our full review of season one and season two. THE OFFICE You're working. It's an ordinary day. You've been doing your usual tasks and, in a completely unremarkable incident, you happen to notice a stapler — whether you're in the office or doing the nine-to-five grind at home. If your first thought is "hmmm, I bet I could set that in a bowl of jelly", then you're obviously a fan of The Office. One of the rare instances where a TV remake is better than the original — it is based on the UK series of the same name, after all — this sitcom about paper company employees is far more amusing than it really has any right to be. In fact, it's downright side-splitting; it nails workplace relationships and minutiae in such a precise, knowing and relatable way that it sometimes feels uncanny (every office has a Creed, after all); and it's immensely easy to just keep rewatching. Of course, that's what you get when you round up Steve Carell (Asteroid City), John Krasinski (Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan), Jenna Fischer (Splitting Up Together), Rainn Wilson (Lessons in Chemistry), Mindy Kaling (The Morning Show), Ed Helms (Family Switch), Ellie Kemper (Happiness for Beginners) and Craig Robinson (Killing It) in the same show, and let all of them break out their comedic best. An Australian version is on the way, and there's talk of rebooting the OG, but there's no topping this cast. The Office streams via Stan, Prime Video and Binge. BOB'S BURGERS We've all grown up watching animated sitcoms about families, because The Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Simpsons, Family Guy, King of the Hill, American Dad and Rick and Morty all exist. Bob's Burgers has been on the list as well for over a decade now, and it does what plenty of its counterparts also do — focusing on a family and their usual ebbs and flows, mainly — while also finding a tone that's sweet, goofy, cute, funny and filled with top-notch food puns. An animated TV series can definitely make you feel hungry, as this show manages all the time. It also enjoys exploring the eclectic and eccentric personalities of the Belcher clan, including burger-cooking father Bob (voiced H Jon Benjamin, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later), his wife Linda (John Roberts, Gravity Falls), and children Tina (Dan Mintz, Adventure Time), Gene (Eugene Mirman, Aqua Teen Hunger Force) and Louise (Kristen Schaal, Flight of the Conchords). You do have to come to terms with the fact that Bob's voice is also Archer's voice — if you also watch fellow animated series Archer, that is — but you'll also get to enjoy the series' fabulous musical numbers, and the warmth that stems from more than just cooking up patties in a burger joint. Plus, the big-screen Bob's Burgers outing is also ace. Bob's Burgers streams via Disney+. THE GOOD PLACE Some shows are just so engaging and entertaining — so smart and heartfelt and hilarious all at the same time, too — that they just make you exclaim "holy forking shirtballs!" The Good Place achieves all of that, and easily. It's the show that found plenty of jokes around the kind of swearing you're forced to do in its titular spot, given that busting out the real versions of those words isn't really heaven's vibe. Because nothing in this life lasts forever, including beloved sitcoms about the afterlife stretching on into eternity, the existential comedy only ran for four seasons. They all followed the adventures of the very dead Eleanor (Kristen Bell, The People We Hate at the Wedding), Chidi (William Jackson Harper, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Tahani (Jameela Jamil, Poker Face) and Jason (Manny Jacinto, Top Gun: Maverick), plus demon Michael (Ted Danson, Mr Mayor) and "not a person" Janet (D'Arcy Carden, Barry), and they all kept throwing delightful surprises our way. One of the spectacular things about rewatching this clever, creative and side-splitting mix of humour, philosophy and people actively trying to embrace their best rather than worst impulses is picking up all the breadcrumbs left along the way — and its all-round warm and wise approach thanks to Parks and Recreation, The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Michael Schur (yes, him again), of course. The Good Place streams via Netflix.
Nestled at the south end of Darling Harbour, you'll find a hidden oasis: the Chinese Garden of Friendship. While the silhouette of the city skyline shadows the garden, you'll be put at ease by the towering willow trees and soon forget your workday woes. The garden is at once peaceful and harmonious, making it the perfect place to stop and recharge your batteries or devour a good book. Take a deep breath and feel instantly revived. If you're keen to stretch your legs and explore, the garden has waterfalls, sculptures, lakes and local wildlife, such as koi carp, water dragons and lots of pretty birds. As you meander through the winding pathways, be sure to stop by the tea house which offers traditional Chinese refreshments. The gardens are open every day from 9am–5.30pm (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day), entry ranges between $3–6. Top Image: Destination NSW
This spring, Sydney's Night Noodle Markets will finally make its glorious return for six nights of tasty things on sticks, bowls of noodles, all the bao you can handle and oh-so-many extravagant desserts. After a couple of disrupted years, the beloved food event will hit up Sydney from Tuesday, October 4–Sunday, October 9 at Prince Alfred Park. With just under two months until the festival returns, the markets' lineup of food stalls and activations has been announced with some beloved names popping up on the roster. Leading the program is Filipino barbecue group and frequent Gelato Messina collaborator Hoy Pinoy, alongside Bangkok Street Food, Shallot Thai, Roll Up, Raijin, Calabang. Messina will also be on-site serving its highly sought-after scoops, as well as Redfern favourite Donut Papi. Plus, Brendan Pang's Bumplings, May's Malaysian Hawker, Teppanyaki Noodle, Flying Noodles and Wonderbao will all be setting up stalls to deliver their signature eats to Sydneysiders. There will also be a range of pop-up bars stationed around the markets. Dan Murphy's is bringing its short-term zero-alcohol bar concept from Melbourne to Sydney for the event; Rekorderlig will be pouring its fruity strawberry-lime, wild berry and low-sugar ciders; an Aperol Kombi bar will be making spritzes and Gage Roads Brew Co will be in attendance with a range of beers. [caption id="attachment_785200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Donut Papi leche flan[/caption] The Night Noodle Markets were originally set to return in March this year, but had to be postponed due to Sydney's wet weather. Autumn's loss is spring's gain, with the markets now making a comeback when the weather gets warmer — to give Sydneysiders the opportunity to get out and fill their night with Asian street food, drinks and entertainment. Like most major events, the last two years haven't been smooth sailing for the Night Noodle Markets. In 2020, it was forced online, offering special meals from local restaurants and selections from its usual vendors via home delivery. Last year, the markets were unable to run at all, but now it's finally time to get excited again. The 2022 Sydney Night Noodle Markets will run from Tuesday, October 4—Sunday, October 9 in Prince Alfred Park, Chalmers Street, Surry Hills. For more information, head to the event website.
It's time to get your boogie on (again) — because the Archie Party is returning for its second instalment. Following the success of last year's red-hot debut, the Art Gallery of NSW and Vyva Entertainment have teamed up to bring back the huge night dedicated to local artists and producers — and 2023's version of the event will shine a spotlight on talent from Western Sydney. Come Friday July 14, you'll be able to celebrate the best of contemporary art, music and food at the Art Gallery of NSW with live performances, interactive installations and some of Sydney's best DJs spinning tracks to take care of the event's tunes. This year, you can look forward to a night with exhilarating performances from Haiku Hands, hip hop mainstay A.Girl alongside her full band, and rapper MRVZ, plus electrifying DJ sets from Diola and DJ D. There will also be a bunch of interactive art experiences from local artists (and this year's Archibald Prize finalists) Laura Jones, Billy Bain and Jason Phu. Plus, tickets to the Archie Party also includes exclusive all-night access to the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes for 2023. You'll also be able to enjoy a massive feast at this year's bash. Expect to see the likes of Fishbowl, Chatkazz, Miss Pearl and Tacos Muchachos filling out the savoury selection, while the dessert range will include but is not limited to Messina, Sweet Belem and Butter Boy. Plus, there will be pop-up bars serving up drinks to accompany the array of treats on the menu. This exclusive after-dark winter party is around for one night only — and will have limited capacity — so be sure to secure your spot with tickets from the event's page. The night will start at 7pm, running til late, and is an 18+ event. Prices for members sits at $36, while non-member tickets are $45, and students or those with concessions can score tickets at $40.
In early 2019, Western Sydney will not only score a brand new zoo, it will also add a new community running event to its calendar: RunWest. Its first incarnation will see joggers sharing the route with lions and tigers, as they race through Sydney Zoo, which is due to open early next year. Open to runners of all ages and abilities, RunWest will follow a 12-kilometre course, through several major landmarks. You'll begin at Sydney Motorsport Park, before visiting the zoo, traversing Western Sydney Parklands, heading into Blacktown International Sports Park and winding up at West HQ. If 12 kilometres sounds too far, conquer the more friendly four-kilometre Family Fun Run instead. Either way, there'll be plenty of action to keep you on course. Keep an ear out for live music and an eye out for live performers. Plus, on crossing the finish line, you'll find yourself immersed in the Finish Line Festival, an extravaganza of food trucks, music and rides. If you're a City2Surf regular, this might be a good race to enter in the off-season — although, being March, chances are the weather will be pretty warm. But, like City2Surf, you're encouraged to raise funds for a charity of your choice, so your sweat will be all worth it. If you're ready to commit, sign up right now at super early bird rates, which are $15 per person for the fun run and $30 for the 12-kilometre event. Plus, your ticket includes entry to Sydney Zoo, valid for a year from 1 August, 2019. RunWest will happen on Sunday, March 31, 2019. You can enter here.
UPDATE, FEBRUARY 21: This That has been postponed and will now take place at Wickham Park on Saturday, March 12. Here's something that has been as rare as a good night's sleep this year: the announcement of a music festival to look forward to. Come February 2022, This That will be returning to Newcastle's Wickham Park for its sixth event — so mark Saturday, March 12 in your diary, tell your mates and get ready for a road trip. On the bill is an all-Australian lineup, featuring Client Liaison, Dune Rats, Mallrat, Hayden James, Jack River, San Cisco, The Chats and more. Yes, you'll be listening to electronic, hip hop, pop and rock tunes all day — and, as the event's name suggests, you'll be doing so across two stages. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday, November 12, and more acts will be announced down the line. Naturally, everything will be held in a COVID-19-safe way. Plus, if you're in need of some more good news, This That will actually be hosting two fests in 2021, with its second event currently planned for Sandstone Point in Queensland. Images: Jordan Munns.
Spoilt as we are by a city of surf and sun, it's no secret we Sydneysiders are prone to a bit of a whinge when the weather starts to turn. Now, don't get us wrong: we love binge-watching Netflix in our snuggies as much as the next guy. But we're here to bust all your best excuses to stay home when it pours with our picks of the ten best things to do on a rainy day (or even a crisp, less-than-outdoorsy one) in Sydney. GET SWEATY AT SKY ZONE There is nothing more gleeful than jumping around with reckless abandon like a child. And by opening its trampoline-lined doors until 10pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends, Sky Zone (75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria) lets you do just that without jumping on a child. Sydney's first indoor trampoline park sits in Alexandria and brings you foam pits into which to fling yourself, basketball hoops to dunk like Shaq and dodgeball games to join, as well as some pretty intense 'skyfit' classes that channel all that bouncy fun into strategic cardio and muscular workouts. Other places to get sweaty this winter: Enjoy an 80s aerobics workout at Retrosweat, shake what your mama gave you at No Lights No Lycra, or get high and mighty at ClimbFit. GET FULL AT THE FOUR IN HAND No amount of rain can bring you down when you've got a craft beer in one hand and some warming comfort food in the other, so make your way into the back streets of Paddington for award-winning pub grub at the Four in Hand (105 Sutherland Street, Paddington). You don't even need to book into the fancy dining room to enjoy the renowned nose-to-tail experience; the bar offers creative (and surprisingly delicious) dishes like pan-fried duck egg with a rich slab of black pudding and crispy bits of pig's ear ($18), or you can keep things simple with a burger and crunchy chips ($19). If you're celebrating, 48 hours' notice and $35 per head will score you a whole roast pork belly plus trimmings for ten people. Other places to get full on a rainy day: Smash a brilliant burger at the Duck Inn, or go for the razzed-up pub grub at Hart's Pub. GET WATCHING AT THE GOLDEN AGE CINEMA AND BAR Watching Marilyn make Manhattans while sipping on our own is our idea of heaven. The Golden Age Cinema and Bar (80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills) has gifted us this fabulous reality by restoring the old screening room of the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills and running two screenings a day (tickets $20, Tuesday-Sunday) of old favourites like Some Like It Hot and Casablanca all the way through to critically acclaimed newbies. The teensy art deco cinema is made even cosier by clever cinema snacks such as cinnamon doughnut popcorn and a 'Spielberger' pastrami toastie, which you'll want to wash down with a wintery classic like a Maple Pecan Old Fashioned or a Golden Negroni. Other places to get watching this winter: Catch an arthouse film and a vegetarian feed at Govinda's or enjoy a free cult classic at Smash Cut Cinema. GET SKILLED AT THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT Homeware emporium The Essential Ingredient (731-735 Darling Street, Rozelle) boasts an industrial kitchen in which you can learn to create all sorts of deliciousness this winter. From Mexican street food to Moroccan stews to gluten-, dairy- or sugar-free treats, the chef-run cooking school schedule has something for everyone and covers both the total beginner and the Masterchef in making. The classes are relaxed and communal, with everybody pitching in to create the day's feast and then sitting down to devour the tastiness created together. You'll go home with a recipe pack and, no doubt, a basketful of artisanal goodies from the adjoining store. Other places to get skilled this winter: Get pickled with Cornersmith, step outside your comfort zone at Work-Shop; or get trigger happy with Sydney Photographic Workshops. GET LISTENING AT THE OLD 505 The sexy, brooding jazz den that unfolds at 5 Eliza Street, Newtown only gets cosier as the rain outside gets heavier. This intimate artist-run space has transformed (not to mention physically moved) in recent years from an underground secret into a stalwart of the music scene, now operating not only as a fantastic venue but also a centrepoint for local music and theatre communities. You can snuggle up in one of the comfy couches and catch some serious local or international talent, Pinot and tapas in hand. There's no wonder we're drawn here when the skies start to fill: in the words of Duke Ellington, the rain drumming on the roof and the storm raging in the sky are music. Other places to get listening this winter: Get noisy among the vinyl at Black Wire Records. GET BUZZED AT THE LOBO PLANTATION What's more warming than rum? Rum that's been delicately spiced, generously buttered and served piping-hot for you to sip in your comfy lounge chair by candlelight, that's what. Yours awaits in the underground Cuban den that is the Lobo Plantation (209 Clarence Street, Sydney), together with an epic collection of the sugarcane liquor ready to be devoured neat or in cocktail form. Add to that some fiery empanadas prepared by the team at Food Society and spontaneous bursts of flame when the delightfully pyromaniacal bartenders torch their cocktail garnishes and you're all set for a seriously snug evening in from the rain. Other places to get buzzed this winter: Sip on 'Gunther's Gluhwein' at Arcadia Liquors, hug a steaming mug of mulled cider at Mr Falcon's or get technical with a titrated hot toddy at the Eau de Vie Apothecary. GET WIRED AT GOWINGS BAR AND GRILL It's no secret that inclement weather operates as an energy-sucking black hole, so perk yourself back up with the double-coffee double-chocolate caffeine-fest that is Gowings' (49 Market Street, Sydney) renowned affogato ($16 or $24 with a shot of Patron). Creamy dark chocolate ice-cream is sprinkled with crispy Valrhona chocolate pearls and organic prunes, all ready to be drenched in a double shot of Allpress ristretto and, at your choosing, a liberal serve of Patron XO Coffee Tequila. You'll be singing in the rain like Gene Kelly by the time you're through with this little number. Other places to get wired this winter: Check out the brew bar at the Paramount Coffee Project, indulge in High Coffee at the Intercontinental or learn to distinguish origins at the Campos Coffee Cupping Room. GET PAMPERED AT CHI SPA Head in from the cold and spoil yourself with a hot stone treatment at CHI at the Sydney Shangri-La (Level 2, 176 Cumberland Street, Sydney). CHI massages and treatments are based on authentic natural healing methods drawn from traditional Asian cultures and feature local botanical ingredients like lemon myrtle and eucalyptus. The signature hot stone massage ($175) involves the placement of heated basalt stones on key points in the body to relieve tension, improve circulation and rebalance the body and mind. The indulgent treatment ends with a light oil massage, a refreshing facial spray and a warming cup of T2 tea. Other places to get pampered this winter: Snuggle into a natural clay and hot oil massage at the Park Hyatt, indulge with a honey exfoliation and yoghurt cocoon at Endota Day Spa or experience a Moroccan hammam-inspired ritual at the Darling Hotel. GET CULTURED AT WHITE RABBIT GALLERY Step inside White Rabbit Gallery (30 Balfour Street, Chippendale) for some warm, dry kulcha. Check out their bold, rotating major exhibitions, alongside the gallery's super eclectic permanent collection — the upper floors are crammed with more colourful art communicating the stories of 21st-century China. Plus, there's a tea room calling you to rest your weary, art-appreciating legs. Other places to get cultured this winter: Experience some of Australia's best theatre talent at Belvoir St Theatre, absorb yourself in grassroots urban arts at the Red Rattler or get some laughs at the Giant Dwarf. GET SMART AT DARLO BAR Every Wednesday from 8pm, keep your head with 'Texas Chainsaw Trivia' at Darlo Bar (306 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst). Hosted by rambunctious Darlinghurst locals Coffin Ed and Jay Katz of FBi Naked City fame, trivia here involves three rounds of eccentric questions, spot quizzes and novelty segments. The winning team at the end of each round scores drinks for the table, with the ultimate champion going home at the end of the night with a hamper of animal-themed DVDs such as The World's Scariest Bears (don't ask us) and a couple of bottles of wine. Good fun to be had by all. Other places to get smart this winter: Win the heads or tails pot at the Four in Hand or snuggle into the Dove and Olive for their Tuesday triv.
Nothing says Aussie summer like an afternoon courtyard bevvy, whether you're at your local for a schooner and a pub feed, or kicking on after a brunch date and making the most of the good weather. What makes a summer arvo session even better is that the days are longer, the nights are warmer, and you can choose from lots of different drinks to keep your palate interested. To give you some inspiration for your next catch-up, we've teamed up with Maker's Mark to pin down the best courtyards in Sydney where you can enjoy an old-fashioned, a whisky sour, or whatever refreshment takes your fancy.
What happens when a croissanterie known for perfecting its signature dish, and also for getting inventive with its pastries, joins forces with a distillery that both knows how to make a stellar dry gin and equally likes experimenting? We're talking about Lune and Four Pillars, of course — and the result is the world's first croissant gin. Is this the new perfect brunch drink? Will this help you enjoy a breakfast of champions? You can be the judge from Wednesday, February 19, 2025, when the croissant gin hits stores — and online. And yes, it's a buttery sip. "Lune croissants are made with nearly double the butter of your average croissant, so we knew that butter had to be a key part of the gin," explains Four Pillars Head Distiller Sarah Prowse, with Lune's own clarified butter a key ingredient. Alongside that caramel slice-smelling dairy product, the croissant gin is made with almonds that've been roasted in the Four Pillars distillery kitchen, juniper and a range of other botanicals, plus wattle seed and nutmeg. The recommended way to knock it back? In G&Ts or in espresso gin-tinis. While this isn't the type of tipple that just anyone could've dreamed up, Lune and Four Pillars joining forces couldn't seem more obvious — not only for their similar meticulous approaches to their chosen wares, but as Melbourne-born success stories that hero local ingredients. The croissant gin sprang from shared visits and tours, then hand delivering butter and testing distillations. If it sounds like a bucket-list collab, Lune Founder Kate Reid agrees. "Infusing our Lune magic into my favourite gin was a dream come true. I can honestly say I've never been thirsty for a croissant before but once you taste this gin, you'll understand what I mean." "It turns out there is a knack to distilling butter, but after a few trial distillations we found our sweet spot and we couldn't be happier with the end result," explains Prowse. "The nuts and spices add a real depth to the gin, the vanilla bean brings a hint of sweetness, and then we've bought in our signature organic oranges to deliver lovely brightness and balance." The croissant gin retails at $80 a bottle — or $100 with a Four Pillars x Lune tote bag exclusively from Four Pillars. If you're among the first to get your hands on it, free croissants are also on offer. On launch day, the Four Pillars Sydney Lab in Surry Hills will be giving away free Lune croissants with first 50 bottles of gin sold, for instance. At Dan Murphy's Malvern East and BWS Hawksburn in Victoria, plus Dan Murphy's Double Bay and BWS Potts Point in New South Wales, as well as Dan Murphy's Newstead in Queensland, there'll be a limited number of Lune vouchers up for grabs on launch day as well. And on Saturday, February 22, the Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville will have free Lune croissant for the first 50 bottles purchased, too. Croissant Gin will be available from the Four Pillars website, Four Pillars Distillery, Four Pillars Lab, and select Dan Murphy's and BWS stores from Wednesday, February 19, 2025 — head to the Four Pillars website for further details.
If you've got a hard-earned thirst for some spiffy beer merch, the folks at Victoria Bitter have you covered, and that's been the case for a couple of years. Already decked out most of your wardrobe with VB gear, but still looking for something to splash around in at the beach? Then you'll be pleased to discover that the famed Carlton & United Breweries beer has just joined forces with Budgy Smuggler on a new range of swimwear. Available via Budgy Smuggler's website, the Victoria Bitter collection includes briefs for men — budgie smugglers, obviously — plus one-piece swimmers for women, with both types available in multiple designs. If you're keen to have the classic beer logo emblazoned across your body, you can choose between green and white backgrounds. You can also opt for a 'sticker bomb' design, which features multiple different VB logos, or pick one with cartoon beers as well. Whether you're a beachgoer or you prefer lazing around a pool, you'll need a towel, too, with four different types available with the same imagery. They'll set you back $55 each, while the mens' bathers cost $65 and womens' togs cost $100. If you're keen on other VB-themed items as well, you can still head to the brand's site to check out its retro-styled collection, which nods firmly to the brew's lengthy history quenching the thirst of hardworking Aussies. There are crewneck jumpers, t-shirts, hoodies, beanies and caps, all emblazoned with that instantly recognisable logo. Alongside all the clothes, you'll also find VB jigsaw puzzles — plus glasses, water bottles, coolers, speakers, bar mats and even fridges. And, as part of its ever-expanding range of merch, don't forget that VB also has its own scent now, too. The Victoria Bitter Collection is available to purchase from Budgy Smuggler's website. Top image: VB.
There's nothing humdrum about rum. A favourite with pirates, sailors and scoundrels alike, this rich, golden dram works equally well as a neat shot or for a disorderly night of mojitos. Here's our list of the top destinations for rum-sipping in Sydney, so you can get better acquainted with the spirit of the sea. THE LOBO PLANTATION The Lobo Plantation on Clarence Street will transport you to the glamorous, old world estate of Julio Lobo, a wealthy Cuban sugar trader from the 20th century. Splash out on their Millionaire cocktail ($17), which features a powerful blend of Appleton Estate VX, apricot brandy, sloe gin, lime juice and grenadine, served with a rolled up bank note attached to the stem. Otherwise, cosy into one of the leather banquettes with their Lobo Rum Journal, a 100+ page compendium of rum tasting and production notes which leaves you spoilt for choice. Basement Lot 1, 209 Clarence Street, Sydney PAPA GEDE'S Named after the Haitian voodoo spirit of love and laughter, Papa Gede is just one of many spirits in this witch-doctor apothecary bar. Specialising in Caribbean rum and fruit concoctions, the signature drink is The Zombie ($16), a bright and spicy mix of Appleton Estate rum, brandy, Cointreau, grapefruit and falernum (a sugar syrup made with almonds, ginger and cloves). It's strong enough to resurrect the dead, Papa Gede's warns. This is definitely a venue to add to your regular haunts. 348 Kent Street, Sydney EAU DE VIE This dimly lit speakeasy is the darling of Darlinghurst, serving some of Sydney's best rum cocktails (with a glass cabinet of awards to prove it). If you're a mighty fan of the mai tai, try their tiki version, Captain Zissou ($21). This inspired blend is made with Appleton VX rum, grapefruit and passionfruit marmalade, dry fino sherry, freeze-dried mint leaves and liquorice root syrup, vigorously shaken over ice. As a final touch, it's flamed to impart a burnt rum aroma over the top. C'est magnifique! 229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst GRANDMA'S BAR Isn't it time you paid Grandma's a visit? This cosy den of cosmopolitan kitsch on Clarence Street is one of the last places you might expect to find such a vast battery of rum. Just like Grandma, the mai tai ($21) is an oldie but a goodie. Her version uses Appleton Extra Jamaican rum, Creole schrubb (an orange and rum liqueur), orgeat, lime, pineapple and bitters, set alight. Grandma would never let you leave hungry, so tuck into an old-school spaghetti jaffle ($8) while you're here. Basement 275 Clarence St, Sydney THE CUBAN PLACE Directly across from the Queen Victoria Building, The Cuban Place recreates the heydays of 1950s Havana, considered to be the home of the mojito. This classic rum, lime and mint medley is available in three sizes, or you can thumb your way through their extensive rum list, with over 150 entries from around the globe. You can also order a Cuban cigar, something that will surely make the smokers light up. 125 York Street, Sydney THE CLIFF DIVE Decorated with artefacts from the South Seas, this little treasure on Oxford Street features a one-of-a-kind underwater dance floor and tiki bar with a rum focus. To drink, we recommend the Monkey Hat ($25), which combines home-spiced rum, Aperol, passionfruit and lime and is served in a monkey head, just like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. 16-18 Oxford Square, Darlinghurst BUTTON BAR Welcome aboard button bar, a pirate-themed watering hole by the crew behind Pocket Bar and Stitch. There's no X marks the spot at this inconspicuous address on Foveaux Street, but once inside, you'll find a gorgeous, wood-panelled ship's hull with 19th-century long rifles and dripping. The go-to cocktail is the Pleasure Vessel ($17) a tasty, tart combination of Appleton dark rum, Grand Marnier, orange marmalade, fresh grapefruit, lemon and orange blossom water. We're sure ye will love it. 65 Foveaux Street, Sydney MOONSHINE CIDER & RUM BAR Located upstairs in the Hotel Steyne, Moonshine is one of the only pirate bars with an outdoor wooden deck and beachside views, which makes it a breath of fresh sea air. Racks of caged rums line the walls, priced from $7.50 for the house to $40 for a top shelf selection. There's also a stage for live bands and DJs, if you feel like hearing a few shanties. 75 The Corso, Manly
A book described as "a modern story of sex, erotica and passion. How the sexiest sales girl in business earns her huge bonus by being the best at removing her high heels," might not be anything to write home about. But what if the author of said book was someone's dad, and that someone decided it would be hilarious to read a chapter every week to the entire world, with some incredibly funny friends providing commentary? Jamie Morton did just that with his father's (pen name: Rocky Flinstone) erotic 'novels', the Belinda Blinked series. And so the audacious and pants-wettingly hilarious podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno was born. Since its premiere in 2015, the podcast about "the best/worst erotica ever written" has racked up over 150 million downloads. And now, off the back of an HBO Original Series featuring a "lost chapter", Morton and his pals James Cooper and Alice Levine are bringing their hilarious smut back to Australia and New Zealand in 2020. As part of a huge world tour, the live show will treat 'Belinkers' across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in January. Team Porno will read unreleased material from the erotic saga while throwing in a few surprises and interactive elements. Now four books deep — with the fifth due to be cracked opened on Monday, September 9, 2019 — the series follows the sexual escapades of Belinda Blumenthal who works in the sales and marketing department of a pots and pans company. There have been leather rooms and nipples as big as Titanic rivets, anti-erotic ridiculousness with sales reps and young-ish men, references to pomegranates and the popping of vaginal lids, and one truly disgusting flaking prosthetic appendage. If you're a fan of the show, the live incarnation should make you very happy. As Belinda says, "When you get what you want, you feel great." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WotAuoFwF0 'MY DAD WROTE A PORNO' WORLD TOUR 2020 Wednesday, January 8, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Saturday, January 11, Crown Theatre, Perth Monday, January 13, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Wednesday, January 15, Palais Theatre, Melbourne Friday, January 17, The Tivoli, Brisbane Monday, January 20, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland Tuesday, January 21, Wellington Opera House, Wellington Wednesday, January 22, Issac Theatre Royal, Christchurch Tickets for My Dad Wrote a Porno World Tour go on sale at 1pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Stay tuned for further updates.
Sinclair's — the only hatted restaurant in Penrith — is turning three. And to celebrate, it's putting on a limited-edition set menu throughout June. For $120, you'll be treated to three courses. They're all the creations of Head Chef Scott Mills, who sources his ingredients from within a 50-kilometre radius, working with producers from the Greater Nepean, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains regions — including Grima Brothers, Pepe's Ducks, Game Farm and Glossodia Gourmet Herbs. Start with a selection of bites, including house-made crumpets with sweet corn and fennel jam, zucchini flowers with buffalo mozzarella and honey, and baked scallops with parsley and garlic butter. Then move on to small plates, such as charcuterie featuring Montecatini salami, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with herbs and jus. Mains include an MB4+ scotch fillet from Little Joe's served with your pick of house condiments. And come dessert, you'll be tucking into Sinclair's signature take on the wagon wheel with Zokoko chocolate and house-made strawberry jam. Bookings are essential.
You'll find handcrafted Australian made furniture alongside a range of contemporary pieces from international brands at The Wood Room, a bespoke store located in North Narrabeen. The beautifully designed furniture includes dining tables, chairs, coffee tables, sofas and outdoor pieces, as well as lighting, rugs, mirrors, art and other homewares. Owners Kate and Simon, who founded The Wood Room in 2012, say they are inspired by simplicity and minimalism in design and love embracing the natural beauty of timber. All of The Wood Room's furniture is made to order, and each item can be custom designed to specific requirements such as dimensions, materials and finish — making it possible to create the pieces that you've been searching for. Images: Marie Homer
Look, some things are definitely better fresh. Things like like produce, sashimi and hot chips. But other things get better with age, things like you and, surprisingly, beer. There's an idea floating around that beer only belongs in the former category, but in celebration of Cooper's 2017 Vintage Ale release, we're shedding some light on the beers that age gracefully. If you're intimidated by the idea of a cellar, don't be. Modern cellaring doesn't require you to own a sprawling mansion with a decked-out cellar door. All you need is a dark, cool and consistent space to cellar beer and bring out its mature flavours. A basement or garage will do the trick, as long as the temperature stays between ten to 12 degrees celsius and doesn't fluctuate. Also, keep the space between 50 and 70 percent humidity if you can, but if you can't, an air humidifier will help control any mould issues. The other very important item you'll need is self control — don't go downing your cellared beers just because they're there and you can. Good beers come to those who wait. (And so do some pretty tasty food and beer pairings.) Once you've got the set-up, which beers should you choose? Which actually age well? Well, that's where we come in. Follow our lead, and look to these brews for your home beer cellar. In a year or so, you'll be thanking us. STOUT A good rule of thumb is that heavier beers with a higher alcohol content will cellar the best. Aim for beers that are heavy on malt and have an alcohol content of eight percent for good results. Stout is an excellent beginner's brew for cellaring. The word stout is even a synonym for heavy, determined and forceful, making it an ideal candidate to develop some extra depth. The rich, dark (but never heavy) texture of a stout starts off great, but is made even better with time. The roasted malt component, which is what gives the beer its depth, becomes even more complex. The consensus on how long to cellar a stout for is mixed, but the best approach for a DIY beer-ager is through experimentation. Buy the brew of your choice in bulk (like Cooper's Best Extra Stout) and drink a few fresh, making sure to take notes as you go. Age the rest and every six months, repeat the experiment, each time taking notes. Everyone has different tastes, but when you have your perfectly aged stout, pair it with a slow-cooked pork roast or oysters. DARK ALE Dark ale is one of the lesser known dark beers, but its reputation (or lack thereof) is undeserved; this beer warrants a place in your DIY cellar, especially if you're into chocolaty, coffee flavours. Think of dark ale as a dessert beer — heavy, creamy and rich. This strong flavour profile is what makes the beer excellent for cellaring, as it gets stronger, yet subtler, after a few years in the dark. For your home cellar, look for either barrel-aged or bottle-conditioned beer, like Cooper's Dark Ale. The active yeast contained in the bottle means they were designed to cellar well. Also note, thanks to their high alcohol content, dark ales can withstand a slightly higher temperature — between 12 and 14 degrees celsius — compared to their wheaty brethren, making this one a kinder brew for the home cellar novice. VINTAGE ALE From time to time, brewers will develop and release beers that are designed to age. Cooper's Vintage Ale is the perfect example and a must have for any DIY beer cellar — trust us, you'll be glad you added it in couple years. In its infancy, it has a bitter and punchy flavour with pineapple and pear undertones (unusual flavours for such a heavy beer, but somehow it works). During the production process, the introduction of live yeast as a conditioner gives this brew its longevity. So, if you're patient, you'll notice as the beer ages that the bitterness evolves into a sweet, caramel palette. Keep an eye out for these kinds of limited releases at your local as they're often designed — bottle and all — to be cellared, and may even become collector's items in years to come. SPARKLING ALE Now, we have just said that dark and heavy beers age well, so it may surprise you to see sparkling ale on this list. As a lighter brew, it may not be a go-to for most cellars, but sparkling ales do actually age beautifully and (if you do it right) you'll end up with a rich brew a lot faster than the heavier drops. The cellaring process takes the sparking ale's fruity, floral notes and smooths them out. Any acidity, over-the-top sweetness or rough edges age into honeyed undertones. But make sure you check these beers more regularly than their darker counterparts as they'll mature a little faster. Also, make sure to keep the temperature under control; these brews won't react well to any heat. Once you've nailed your desired aged flavours, pair them with bold tastes. Spicy food will match with the bubbles, and charcoal and rotisserie barbecue flavours will sit well with fruity tones. SOUR BEER If you like your beer a little bit tart, then turn your attention to sour beer. These acidic brews famously cellar well, but be warned, they're an unpredictable beer to begin with. Sour beers have always been brewed differently from other beers. Before modern brewing, beer was intentionally soured by introducing wild yeasts into the fermentation process — a method still used today. And although the modern brewing method is a little more controlled — brewers often use a Belgium yeast called brettanomyces to sour, instead of leaving the beer out to the elements — things can still go wrong. On the plus side, if the initial brew goes well, the beer will taste even better a few years down the track, since brettanomyces take months to develop a full flavour profile. Even if you don't traditionally like sour beer, we recommend you hop on down to your local and try an aged sour — you might be pleasantly surprised. (Beer pun intended.) A limited number of the 2017 Coopers Vintage Ale cartons have been released, so get to stocking your cellar with these brews quickly. Otherwise, you can find the vintage available on tap at a few key venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond. Find your closest pub serving the brew here.
Television has delivered many great characters over the decades, but Leslie Knope is the best there is. As played to perfection by Amy Poehler, she's the determined, passionate and persistent local government employee and later politician — not to mention a huge fan of waffles and Joe Biden, too — that we all wish really existed. Where The Office turns a regular paper company's operations into must-see comedy, Parks and Recreation weaves the same magic with the titular department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Creators Mike Schur and Greg Daniels worked on both shows, but P&R evolves into its own overwhelmingly good-natured, heartwarming, hilarious creation. If you wanted to call it literally the best TV comedy of the 21st century, Chris Traeger-style, we'd wholeheartedly agree with you. And yes, with Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Aziz Ansari, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe among its cast, it's the show that just keeps giving.
As the name suggests, Lounge Lovers is the place to head when your cosy spaces need a bit of a zhuzh. A company dedicated to providing beautiful homewares at affordable prices, Lounge Lovers has a team of in-house buyers that works directly with the suppliers to ensure it can continue to offer modern and luxurious decor pieces at a competitive price. Initially starting out as an online store, founder, Derek Kerr, quickly realised the demand to sit on and feel furniture before purchasing is a huge priority for people like us who aren't willing to risk being stuck an uncomfortable couch.
They call it Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, oh Tina — The Tina Turner Musical — and, while it finally arrived in Australia in May, it now has more dates around the nation. After premiering in London back in 2018, this stage ode to the music icon that's had Aussies dancing to 'Nutbush City Limits' for decades will tour Down Under, following up its current first local stint in Sydney with seasons in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. No, it isn't taking to the stage in a church house, gin house, school house or outhouse — or on highway number 19, either. But Tina — The Tina Turner Musical will obviously have Crown Theatre, Festival Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Princess Theatre enjoying Turner's greatest hits in one massive show. The list of musical numbers includes 'Nutbush City Limits', naturally, as well as everything from 'River Deep, Mountain High' and 'Proud Mary' through to 'Private Dancer' and 'What's Love Got to Do with It?'. Tina — The Tina Turner Musical has made its trip Down Under courtesy of TEG DAINTY, Stage Entertainment and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner herself before her passing in May this year. Announcing the show's stint on our shores back in 2022, the singer said that "Australia has always shared abundant love with me, going back to my early concerts in the late 70s through the uplifting partnership with the National Rugby League. It is very special for me that we will be reunited." "The joy, passion and message of resilience in my musical is so important now as ever. Thank you from the bottom my heart for welcoming me with open arms once again," Turner continued. The singer didn't mention her appearance in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, but she is indeed part of the beloved Mad Max franchise, too. In Australia, The Lion King, We Will Rock You, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ragtime and Moulin Rouge! The Musical star Ruva Ngwenya plays Tina, with In the Heights, Fame: The Musical and fellow Moulin Rouge! The Musical alumni Tim Omaji as Ike Turner. Penned by Tony Award-nominee and Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, plus Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, and directed by fellow Tony-nominee Phyllida Lloyd, Tina — The Tina Turner Musical clearly has quite the story to tell. The show steps through Turner's life and fame, including growing up in Nutbush, Tennessee, the hard work that led to her career, all of those aforementioned hits, her 12 Grammy Awards, her volatile time with Ike and her huge solo success. If you're a fan, Turner herself summed it up — yes, it's simply the best. "I first heard about the possibility of a stage musical portraying Tina's life eight years ago and I immediately reached out to Tali Pelman at Stage Entertainment. At that point there was no script and no book; however, I was hooked on the idea of it," said TEG DAINTY CEO Paul Dainty about Tina — The Tina Turner Musical. "We have been on that journey ever since, and here we are today announcing the Australian tour! Australians love this theatrical masterpiece which tells the story of Tina's life, of empowerment and success, and is ultimately the best music industry comeback story of all time." TINA — THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL AUSTRALIAN DATES: Now until Sunday, December 31, 2023 — Theatre Royal, Sydney From Tuesday, February 27, 2024 — Crown Theatre, Perth From Wednesday, April 24, 2024 — Festival Theatre, Adelaide From Sunday, July 2, 2024 — Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane From Tuesday, September 24, 2024 — Princess Theatre, Melbourne Tina — The Tina Turner Musical is currently playing in Sydney, and will tour the rest of Australia in 2024. For more information and tickets, head to the musical's website. Images: Daniel Boud.
Not content with creating four of Sydney's favourite venues in Bar Planet, Cantina OK!, Tio's and The Cliff Dive — plus the beloved OK! sparkling margarita seltzer — Mucho hospitality group has just served up another absolute home run with its new hidden underground cocktail lair Centro 86. Described as an "old, fancy Mexican cantina on shrooms", the fresh Sydney CBD opening takes the magic of Bar Planet, as well as Cantina OK!'s love of margaritas, and applies it to an expansive 110-seat space. But before you settle in for a few fanciful cocktails, you've got to find the bar first. Wander down Pitt Street until you find the Centro 86 sign. At this point, you'll have to take a right-hand turn and venture around to the unassuming Hoskings Place, where you'll find a fire escape and luminous Centro 86 sign, which will lead you down two flights of stairs to the moody subterranean watering hole. Mucho has kept things local, working with a collection of Sydney and Australian artists to transform the space. David Humphries, the mind behind Bar Planet's psychedelic countertops, is back to inject big splashes of colour into the bar — while the team has enlisted local stained-glass artists, ceramicists, furniture makers and visual artists to bring the venue to life. Margaritas are the name of the game at Centro 86, with five varieties on the menu, including the sensational and ultra-unique parsley-topped Verde — a must-try. Adding to that something special is a set of three old-school ice shavers, bringing a dose of theatrics and a melt-in-your-mouth touch to the drinks. The inventive cocktails don't stop with the margs, with sherry-forward mixes and a fresh take on Bar Planet's Scorpino gracing the menu, alongside a refined wine and beer list featuring a few minimal-intervention drops and Wildflower Brewing's beloved table beer. There's also an expansive tequila collection featuring spirits available from $13–180. You'll find varieties that the Mucho team has aged themselves, ultra-rare options, plus Australia's first agave spirit that's distilled up in Bowen, Queensland. And it wouldn't be a Mucho venue without a bag of popcorn on your table — this time with a new secret spice mix that's promised to rival the fan-favourites of the group's other venues. Located just metres from The Caterpillar Club and Ragazzi, this opening marks another impressive addition to the ever-improving Sydney CBD as it bounces back from the lockout laws. A few city-best margs and a bag of popcorn before heading off to enjoy a bowl of artichoke ravioli at one of our favourite restaurants in Sydney — sounds like a match made in heaven. Centro 86 is located at Basement 86/88 Pitt St, Sydney — find the entrance on Hoskings Place. It's open 4pm–12am on Tuesday and Sunday, and 4pm–2am on Wednesday–Saturday. Stay up to date with the bar at the venue's Instagram. Images: Dexter Kim.
With Winter's Bone, Debra Granik directed one of the undoubted film highlights of 2010. More than that, she directed the haunting drama to four Oscar nominations, earned herself a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay, and helped put Jennifer Lawrence on the path to superstardom. And yet, it still took eight years for the masterly filmmaker to helm her next fictional feature — eight years where her empathetic perspective could've been brightening up cinemas. Blame the difficulties faced by female directors, projects falling by the wayside or the vagaries of fate; whichever you choose, the big screen has sorely missed her work. It's not just that Granik makes movies about American life on the margins, as her 2014 documentary Stray Dog also illustrates. What sets her films apart is her probing yet compassionate approach, not only spinning stories about struggling folks striving to get by, but ensuring that her pictures feel humane and authentic above all else. They're traits that are much more rare in today's blockbuster-heavy cinema realm than they really should be, and they help Granik's gentle, thoughtful work soar. While that was evident in Winter's Bone, it's even more apparent in Leave No Trace, an equally tender and devastating father-and-daughter effort that's handled with supreme sensitivity, shot with unwavering kindness and, as a result, proves one of the best movies of this year. Adapted by Granik and her Winter's Bone co-scribe Anne Rosellini from Peter Rock's novel My Abandonment, Leave No Trace takes its title from what might as well be military veteran Will (Ben Foster) and teenager Tom's (Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie) unspoken motto. Living well off the grid in an Oregon forest, their entire existence relies upon not being spotted. And, as long as they're able to enjoy their lives in the manner that they prefer, they're happy hiding out and keeping things simple. The local authorities soon have other plans, busting up their modest camp, arresting Will and forcing the pair to re-integrate into society. To her own surprise, Tom warms to more traditional confines, but her PTSD-afflicted dad can only stomach mod cons and social worker check-ups for so long. Where Winter's Bone coiled a coming-of-age tale around a bleak mystery, Leave No Trace steeps its story in lighter but no less meaningful waters. Both feature young women learning to survive in fraught circumstances; however, even given the films' thematic similarities, Granik's latest is its own textured, complicated and delicate creation. At the movie's core sits a familiar battle that's fleshed out in an intimate and heartbreaking fashion — the choice between following in the footsteps of someone you adore, or following your own wisdom even if it'll completely change your life forever. This is a film about breaking free and forging a new path on many levels (from trauma, from the prevailing concept of normality, from the structures enforced by a broken country and from the parent-child bond), and they're all expertly and intelligently intertwined. As also seems to be Granik's remit across her small oeuvre to date, Leave No Trace overflows with everyday detail. Thanks to the director's patient gaze, no moment of Will and Tom's lives is too small or insignificant. That's never more evident than when the movie hones its focus on revelatory New Zealander McKenzie, who demonstrates not only Granik's keen eye for observation, but for talent. Acting against the similarly exceptional Foster (who's in career-best form), the young star's seemingly effortless naturalism radiates from the screen, with a cocktail of potent emotions always emanating from her pores. Indeed, while Leave No Trace is visually sumptuous with its lush wilderness-set visuals, it's downright sublime when it's simply watching its two leads quietly encapsulate the effects of America's increasingly fractured society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVkX1qAyMrY
Auckland is a city built on stories. Some are told in theatres that once hosted Bette Davis and Bob Dylan. Some on the slopes of former volcanoes. The rest, you'll have to find for yourself in the city's cobbled streets and galleries. Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland's) charm blooms beyond the tourist stops. Past the Sky Tower and steeple of St Patrick's Cathedral, you'll spot an unassuming vintage facade. Here, at 53 St Patrick's Square, The Motor House forms the foundation of Hotel Indigo Auckland. Once a showroom for Cadillacs and motorcycles, it now acts as your key to the city. Inside midtown's tallest building, warm wood panels, Māori art, and leather touches make an unexpected home out of the building's industrial bones. [caption id="attachment_1037197" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Auckland[/caption] But the best part? The hotel's position puts you at the heart of the city. Here, your neighbours are indie bookstores, laneway bars and suburban swimming spots. Here's how to plan a weekend getting lost in the hills, islands and laneways of Tāmaki Makaurau. [caption id="attachment_1037201" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Maungakiekie[/caption] Wide Open Spaces Auckland was built around the valleys and ridgelines of 53 ancient volcanoes. You can see it in the sprawling, green knolls of Maungakiekie. Also known as One Tree Hill. These Teletubbyland-esque hills act as Auckland's best viewing platform. Back in the city's heart, find Khartoum Place. Shady trees and a fountain's trickle make it a pocket of calm that locals retreat to. Check out the tile artwork in honour of the Women's Suffrage Movement in New Zealand and have a break to caffeinate. Take a short stroll and you'll find yourself at the wharf. Catch a ferry 40 minutes off the coast and you'll land a world away on Waiheke Island. Sundrenched vineyards, shaded olive groves and your footprints on white sand beaches await. Or, dive right into the harbour at the Karanga Plaza Tidal Steps: a totally free swimming area on the shores of the city. Take Notes on the Culture Follow any street in Auckland, and you'll find yourself at a crossroads of culture. Here, Māori culture threads through so much of the city, linking with European history in the wharves, cafes and museums. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is home to the world's largest collection of New Zealand art. Enter through majestic kauri tree columns to spend a day working through four levels of exhibitions. Plan your visit to Aotearoa in November, and you'll catch the Elam School of Fine Arts annual graduate show. Take a stroll through midtown and you'll find a slew of independent bookshops like Unity Books, Time Out Bookstore, and Hard To Find Books. Read local stories spun into poems or get lost in the whodunnits of local crime author legend Ngaio Marsh. [caption id="attachment_1039738" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Auckland[/caption] Dine Like the Locals Vulcan Lane was once an unnamed and muddy track. Today, it's a meeting point of some of Auckland's best bars, cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping. The Queensferry Hotel was one of the first to move in over 200 years ago. It's Auckland's oldest pub, but its menu is modern and best enjoyed al fresco while people-watching. Each Thursday, the laneway comes alive with free jazz performances from local music schools and seasoned pros. Follow the warm cathedral light down St Patrick's Square and you'll find Bistro Saine. Here, beyond the art-filled lobby of Hotel Indigo, you'll find this modern take on the classic European bistro is a destination in its own right. Leather banquette seating, antique tableware and perfectly cooked steak makes it easily to forget you're not in Paris. [caption id="attachment_1037203" align="alignleft" width="1920"] The Civic Theatre[/caption] Read the Stars The 1930s were Auckland's golden age. Theatres, cinemas and music halls were soundtracked by Māori soprano Ana Hato and The Beatles. Legendary spots like Everybody's, The Roxy, and Peter Pan Cabaret may be gone, but their legends live on in the feel of the streets. The Civic Theatre is perhaps the magnum opus of Auckland's golden age. Inside, giant, golden elephants and carvings of Buddha line the walls alongside gaudy chandeliers. Above it all—for no reason other than opulence—is a replica of the Auckland night sky at 10pm on Saturday, April 20, 1929. Bette Davis, The Rolling Stones, Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, and even the Dalai Lama have visited. Nowadays, you can catch a musical or comedy show there. [caption id="attachment_1037204" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Auckland[/caption] The Perfect Base When your step count is nearing new heights, Hotel Indigo Auckland makes for the perfect place to rest your tired feet. The hotel's historic home, The Motor House, plays the role of muse. In each corner, you'll find nods to the past. From the scaffold-inspired wardrobes and vintage fixtures to the factory facade still bearing the names of its former owners, you can feel the stories of Auckland past in each inch of the hotel. Step out from the lobby and you'll be met with a view of the Sky Tower and Auckland at your feet. Want to stay in the thick of it? Find out more about Hotel Indigo Auckland here. Lead image: Hotel Indigo Auckland
Surry Hills' hidden gem Beau, the intimate laneway bar from the NOMAD team, introduces its latest exciting collaboration with China Heights Gallery, bringing art to the table with its new Artist Series. For three months, Beau will play host to one prominent artist per month, coinciding with their exhibitions at China Heights. Ellen Virgona, Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal), and Otis Hope Carey are the featured artists, and they will transform the laneway setting into a unique and immersive artistic experience. Enjoy curated playlists, floral arrangements, projected visuals, artwork and a collaborative specialty dish inspired by their work. To kick off the series, photographer Virgona will showcase her work from Friday, April 12, alongside a limited-edition dish of Greek-style rice pudding with caramelised figs. Head chef Troy Spencer has crafted this textural dish inspired by Virgona's rich and visceral imagery, a seemingly perfect autumnal dish. The event series brings contemporary art to the hospitality scene, blurring the lines between dining and gallery spaces. So be sure to check out this cultural fusion and experience art through a new lens. Allen's stint starts on Friday, June 7, and Carey's on Friday, September 13.
Peering at Yayoi Kusama's work doesn't just mean being surrounded by dots, pumpkins and tentacles; stepping inside her infinity rooms; and spying mirrors, balls, flowers and rainbow hues aplenty. It also means relishing every moment with her immersive art. One trip to a Kusama showcase, whether at her own Tokyo museum or elsewhere, is never enough. However long an exhibition's season runs for, it's not long enough, either. Melbourne's NGV International, the host of Australia's largest-ever Kusama retrospective, understands this — and it is giving art lovers more chances to enjoy the artist's wonders. Yayoi Kusama, as the current exhibition is called, opened on Sunday, December 15, 2024 and runs until Monday, April 21, 2025. That end date isn't being delayed, sadly, but the gallery is extending its hours instead across the showcase's final weeks. Revealed on Friday, March 21, the news was unveiled a day before a significant occasion: Kusama's 96th birthday on Saturday, March 22. Of course, this'd be exciting no matter when it was announced. From Saturday, April 5–Wednesday, April 16, the exhibition will operate from 8am–6pm. Melburnians, if you fancy exploring Kusama's work before or after the nine-to-five grind, this is your chance. Over the Easter long weekend, you'll have even longer to head by, which is also great for visitors from elsewhere making the trip to Melbourne for the break. From Thursday, April 17–Monday, April 21, the exhibition will be open from 8am–midnight daily. The National Gallery of Victoria's spectacular tribute to Kusama includes the Japanese icon's brand-new Infinity Mirrored Room–My Heart is Filled to the Brim with Sparkling Light among its ten immersive installations, breaking the world record for the number of such pieces by the artist assembled in one spot. In total, there's 200 pieces on display, taking over the St Kilda Road gallery's entire ground floor with a childhood-to-now survey of its subject's creative output. Across the eight decades of art on display, some pieces have never been seen Down Under until now. Some are sourced from private collections, and others from Kusama's own personal stash. Here's yet one more drawcard: the NGV is throwing Friday-night parties as part of the exhibition, too, running until Friday, April 18. Kusama's five-metre-tall dot-covered Dancing Pumpkin sculpture in NGV International's Federation Court, the artist's Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees wrapping the trunks of 6-plus trees in pink-and-white polka-dotted material: they're also key elements of one of the most-comprehensive retrospectives devoted to the artist to be staged globally. Other highlights include NGV International's glass waterwall going pink, but with black rather than white dots; Kusama's new version of Narcissus Garden, which dates back to 1966 and features 1400 30-centimetre-diameter silver balls this time around, sitting in front of the waterwall and in parts of Federation Court; and the yellow-and-black spheres of Dots Obsession hanging over the Great Hall. Then there's the artist's sticker-fuelled, all-ages-friendly The Obliteration Room, where audiences young and old pop coloured dots everywhere — 'obliterating', as Kusama calls it — to cover an apartment interior that's completely white otherwise. Flower Obsession is another participatory piece, returning from the 2017 NGV Triennial. Again, you're asked to add to the work. Here, red flowers are applied to a domestic space — and again, obliterating it is the mission. If you adore the artist's way with mirrors, you'll want to see 2016's Chandelier of Grief, which features baroque-style chandelier spinning within a hexagon of mirrors; 2013's Love Is Calling, where tentacles in different colours spring from both the floor and the ceiling; and 2017's The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens, which gets viewers peering at glowing pumpkins as far as the eye can see through a small peephole. In Invisible Life, convex mirrors line a twisting and multi-hued corridor. With its six-metre-tall tendrils — which are covered in polka dots, naturally — the yellow-and-black The Hope of the Polka Dots Buried in Infinity Will Eternally Cover the Universe from 2019 is striking without using a looking glass (or several), and has made its Australian premiere. Prefer flowers instead? Set within a dotted space, All My Love for the Tulips, I Pray Forever from 2013 sees a trio of giant tulips loom over audiences. Overall, Yayoi Kusama steps through the artist's 80-plus years of making art via a thematic chronology. While a number of pieces hail from her childhood, others are far more recent. Her output in her hometown of Matsumoto from the late 30s–50s; the results of relocating to America in 1957; archival materials covering her performances and activities in her studios, especially with a political charge, in the 60s and 70s; plenty from the past four decades: they all appear. Yayoi Kusama displays at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne until Monday, April 21, 2025 — including from 8am–6pm between Saturday, April 5–Wednesday, April 16, and from 8am–midnight between Thursday, April 17–Monday, April 21. NGV Friday Nights: Yayoi Kusama runs each Friday until Friday, April 18, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Images: Visitors and artworks in the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA. Photos: Danielle Castano, Sean Fennessy, Tobias Titz and Kate Shannassy.
Update Tuesday, June 7: Due to COVID-related concerns, this event has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26. Long weekends are a real treat — an entire extra day to spoil yourself with relaxing activities, good food and even better company. Here to make your long weekend even better, I Should Be Souvlaki is celebrating its first birthday by giving away free signature wraps at their Newtown location to the first 50 food-loving customers across Queen's Birthday long weekend. I Should Be Souvlaki prides itself on an entirely plant-based menu that adheres to traditional Greek flavours. Think dairy-free tzatziki, warm pita, fresh salads and a Mediterranean herb mixture developed by co-owner Adam Papastathopoulos's yiayia (grandmother). "We're incredibly excited to be celebrating our first birthday here at I Should Be Souvlaki, Newtown. Opening a new venue just days before Sydney went into widespread COVID lockdowns last year was not part of our initial plan, but we've received overwhelming community support over the last twelve months, and this is an important shared milestone for our customers and our team alike," co-owner Emma Langley said. Available from midday on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26, the first 50 customers each day will be able to choose from marinated cauliflower, soy-based lamb, mushroom-based lamb or chick'n in their pita. If you miss out on the free goodies, you'll get a chance to spin a wheel for freebies like vegan cheesecake, upgraded meals and gift vouchers. "When people first try our menu, they can't believe that plant-based food can be so mouth-wateringly delicious yet still taste authentically Greek. We do not cut corners on flavour," co-owner Adam Papastathopoulos says.
No one makes neon-lit, red-hued, emotion-dripping tales of yearning and loneliness like Wong Kar-Wai, as everyone who has seen 2000's In the Mood for Love knows. It isn't the Chungking Express, Happy Together, 2046, Ashes of Time: Redux and The Grandmaster filmmaker's only masterpiece, but the 1960s Hong Kong-set romantic drama is utterly unforgettable as it unfolds its love story against a backdrop of festering societal tension. Viewers have fallen for the film for almost a quarter of a century now. Sydney Opera House clearly feels the same way. Back in 2020, it hosted and livestreamed dreamy song cycle In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong, which delivered exactly what its title promised. At 2pm and 7pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, the venue will also welcome in the Australian premiere of In the Mood for Love in Concert. As everything from Batman, Back to the Future, Home Alone and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to The Lion King, The Princess Bride, Black Panther and Star Wars films has in the past — and plenty more — the iconic movie will return to the big screen while an orchestra brings its score to life. In this case, the film will flicker across Sydney Opera House's HD silver screen as conductor Guy Rundle leads a 39-piece group of musicians playing live. The BAFTA-nominated and César-winning film — which also picked up two awards at Cannes, including Best Actor — stars the great Tony Leung (Hidden Blade) and Maggie Chen (Better Life) as Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-zhen. In a complicated time and place, the two neighbours are drawn together when they begin to suspect that their partners are not only being unfaithful, but that they're having an affair with each other. While In the Mood for Love is rightly acclaimed for its affecting performances and evocative direction, as well as its gorgeously lush cinematography, its score is just as exceptional. Indeed, the filmmaker has called it "a poem itself". This is a stellar opportunity to find out why — and to discover why this movie, and Wong Kar-Wai, keep proving so influential.
On your next weekend getaway to the Blue Mountains, you can spend the day exploring many cafes and hiking tracks, and the night exploring the sky, thanks to a new stargazing tour. Taking place at the Wentworth Falls picnic area and hosted by Dr Dimitri Douchin — who has a PhD in astronomy and astrophysics, no less — the 90-minute tour will see you ogling the likes of the Milky Way, the Orion Nebula, shooting stars (if you're lucky), Mars and Venus through a professional-grade telescope. You'll also learn about the history of the Blue Mountains and how to identify stars and constellations with your naked-eye. Plus, the $85 ticket includes a vegan hot chocolate — particularly important on the chillier nights. The nighttime tours run Thursday through Sunday most weeks, depending on weather. To see the full list of dates, head over here. If you plan on making a weekend out of the tour, we've also rounded up a list of 20 of the most enchanting getaways in the Blue Mountains, which include an Airbnb inside an actual clifftop cave. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations, giving you inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to fabulous Fiji for a special stay at Castaway Island. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive five-night travel deal — including a complimentary bottle of wine and a fruit platter on arrival, free use of snorkelling equipment and selected water activities and a guided sunset kayaking tour and island walk. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? It may share the same name as the fictional survival drama starring Tom Hanks but, coconuts aside, guests at Castaway Island will experience an entirely different version of island life thanks to everything on offer at this decidedly indulgent escape. Castaway Island Fiji blends the charm of traditional Fijian bure (bungalows) with contemporary comforts to deliver luxurious relaxation to those who travel there. THE ROOMS Nestled amongst either the lush tropical gardens or at the water's edge, Castaway Island's Fijian-style thatched bungalows offer spectacular blue-to-green views to start the day, regardless of which suite you stay in. Rooms range in size from simple two-sleepers ideal for a romantic rendezvous to super-sized group spaces perfect for getaways with a crew of friends or the whole family. Each stay offers airy vaulted ceilings lined with individually designed hand-painted 'Tapa' cloths, an outdoor patio, those incredible vistas, and daily house keeping. They're also air-conditioned, in case being lulled to sleep by warm island breeze isn't your thing. FOOD AND DRINK Castaway Island offers travellers an excellent introduction to South Pacific cuisine, especially those who book this Concrete Trips package. As well as a complimentary tropical fruit platter on arrival, guests can spoil themselves with the a la carte selections at Water's Edge Restaurant (including the chargrilled wild caught fish of the day), or Polynesian-inspired snacks like Crispy Ura Salad with prawns and fruity cocktails at Nuku Maru Pool Bar & Grill, or fine Fijian-Asian fusion served to you at tables on the beach under the stars at Restaurant 1808. Ready to DIY? Enrol in one of Castaway Island Fijian Village cultural programs, which includes a Fijian culinary workshop so you can finesse your own cooking skills. THE LOCAL AREA You can spend most of your days diving into bright blue waters and walking along the sandy white beaches of Castaway Island. But, should you be looking for something more, the resort's all-ages all-interests program is packed with alternatives that allow you to take advantage of the natural landscape and discover the local area. Popular activities range from sunrise yoga to sunset snorkelling, kayaking to coconut-weaving classes, beach volleyball to traditional bracelet making. THE EXTRAS One of the best ways to experience the Fijian concept of Bula (a greeting wishing the person good health and a good life) is to accept an invitation to Castaway Island's weekly management meeting. An exclusive offer included in our Live the Luxe Castaway Life deal. Okay, given that you'll actually enjoy free cocktails and staff Meke (Fijian Dance) performances, it's probably more accurate to refer to it as a party. 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.
Ever feel like navigating your finances is a mess? Commonwealth Bank has created a literal maze in Tumbalong Park to showcase how, as the biggest corporate user of AI, it's embracing new tech to improve the customer experience. Created with AI technology from ideation to build, AMAiZING at CommBank House will feature three sections for attendees to explore. Grab a free coffee in the lounge area before checking out the Tech for Good Gallery, which highlights some of the various technological innovations used by CommBank for everything from cybersecurity and protection from financial abuse to support after natural disasters and future forecasting based on historical data. Learn about data mining from a tech-based artwork, compete with a computer in a machine-learning game and uncover more about digital forensics and scam protection with an interactive activity. Depending on the time, you might be able to catch a talk or demonstration on the stage or learn more about AI or start-ups from the financial pros at CommBank. Nearby, there'll be a bar run by Newtown hotspot Buddy's Bar. One of CommBank's small business clients, Buddy's Bar is known for its innovative self-serve drinks (the first venue in Sydney to do so) and buzzy vibes. Expect more of the same when you stop by to enjoy a drink while looking out onto the SXSW festival hub in Tumbalong Park. CommBank House will be open at Tumbalong Park between 9am–10pm from Sunday, October 15, to Sunday, October 22.
Returning for its 14th edition, All About Women will take over the Sydney Opera House once more, offering a prodigious lineup of local and globally renowned speakers. Held on International Women's Day — Sunday, March 8 — this buzzy experience exploring gender, justice and equality has just revealed its first four names, bound to inspire and inform. These include the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, who'll open up about becoming the world's youngest female head of government and what it takes to leave behind a legacy of radical empathy. Meanwhile, London-born literary powerhouse Zadie Smith will unpack our present-day cultural chaos and explain why feed-friendly takes must be resisted. Audiences will also hear from admired BBC journalist Emily Maitlis, best known for her infamous interview with then-Prince Andrew, which helped kick-start the Duke of York's downfall. Hear how she challenges power and privilege. Plus, Moroccan-American author Laila Lalami will discuss her prescient new novel, The Dream Hotel, where AI punishes people for "potential crimes." For Melbourne-based fans, there's the chance to catch three of these incredible speakers at The Wheeler Centre. Laila Lalami will dissect surveillance culture on Wednesday, March 4, before Emily Maitlis reflects on her remarkable career on Thursday, March 5. Finally, Zadie Smith will discuss her new essay collection, Dead and Alive, on Tuesday, March 10. Images: Jaimi Joy / Cassandra Hannagan.
Sydney's city centre has been overrun by birds — though they're not the usual kind. Rather, these dainty bronze bird statues gracing spots along Bridge and Grosvenor streets are part of the latest public work by acclaimed artist Tracey Emin. The Distance of Your Heart, which was commissioned by the City of Sydney back in 2014 and unveiled by Lord Mayor Clover Moore for the City Art collection yesterday, features over 60 of the handmade sculptures, carefully placed atop doorways, awnings and poles around the CBD. A birdbath inscribed with the work's title forms a centrepiece in Macquarie Place. Emin is perhaps best known for her work My Bed, which included items from her own bedroom, including dirty sheets, cigarette butts and condoms, but the message behind this work is much less controversial. It's about comfort — a kind of reflection on Australia's distance from the rest of the world and a little piece of hope for those who might be feeling homesick or detached. "Sydney is big but the birds are small, tiny, delicate, fragile — just like we are as human beings," Emin explained. "Sometimes we can feel lost and sad, but the sight of a bird can give us hope." The Lord Mayor said that "with its underlying concept of global migration and travel, this artwork will particularly resonate with the many Sydney residents born overseas and the millions of visitors who visit our shores each year". The Distance of Your Heart is a permanent addition to Sydney's collection of public art — you can find the birds on Bridge and Grosvenor streets in the CBD.
Love, sex, internet dating, a charismatic conman, psychological abuse, murder — in the realm of true-crime stories, Dirty John had it all. Hosted by Los Angeles Times journalist Christopher Goffard, the podcast became a huge hit when it dropped back in October 2017. Now the tale of John Meehan has been adapted into a TV series, and it's heading to Netflix. Come Thursday, February 14, you'll be able to watch Aussie actor Eric Bana step into the notorious con artist's shoes, opposite Connie Britton as interior designer and Meehan's mark, Debra Newell. The high-profile cast also includes Juno Temple and Maniac's Julia Garner as Newell's daughters. If you've listened to the podcast, you'll know that all four actors will be re-enacting quite the ordeal. The eight-episode series has just finished its week-to-week run on US television, but Netflix will drop all eight episodes when Valentine's Day hits. It's a stroke of great timing on behalf of the streaming platform — if you were looking for alternative plans for what's supposed to be the most romantic day of the year, consider yourself sorted. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG70KroYlik&feature=youtu.be An anthology series, when Dirty John was picked up by its US network Bravo, two seasons were ordered. That means there's more to come; however, when the next season will arrive — and what it will focus on — hasn't yet been revealed. Dirty John drops on Netflix Australia/New Zealand on February 14, 2019.
Stages graced with international acts? Check. A hefty lineup led by Lizzo, Flume and Mumford & Sons? Check again. Gumboots aplenty, everyone from Pussy Riot to Tony Armstrong, and three wild days at North Byron Bay Parklands? Tick them off the 2023 Splendour in the Grass checklist, too. A graveyard, though? No one had that on their Splendour bingo card, but it's part of this year's fest thanks to ABC series War on Waste, which is drawing attention to fast fashion. Sometimes, you need to see a problem to truly grasp it. That's an approach that folks have been applying to the vast piles of textiles that end up in landfill for some time — in 2022, Joost Bakker filled Melbourne's Federation Square with 3000-plus kilograms of fashion waste, for instance. A cemetery symbolising discarded clothing items is another eye-catching away to get everyone thinking about the issue, with this pop-up gracing Splendour for its full 2023 run from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23. "Fast fashion has exploded! We've moved to ultrafast fashion, even though 30 percent of clothing in the average wardrobe has not been worn in the last year," said War on Waste host Craig Reucassel. "We're throwing out ten kilograms of fashion per person each year. To make only the cotton clothes that we throw out each year would take as much water as there is in Sydney Harbour. Meanwhile, over 60 percent of our clothes are made from plastic derived from fossil fuels." "Through this activation, we hope to engage the festival community in meaningful conversations about the impact of fast fashion and inspire them to embrace more sustainable and ethical practices. Buy less and wear it longer!" Reucassel continued. Splendour attendees will spot the graveyard opposite the Forum and Comedy Club, acting as a commentary on the 227 million kilograms of clothing that goes to Aussie landfills every year. The site's tombstones jokingly pay tribute to items bought and scrapped quickly, yet won't decompose for hundreds of years, and offer facts about the problem. Everything featured has been recycled or repurposed, and all materials used will be recycled or repurposed again after Splendour is over. As well as getting festivalgoers thinking about their outfits, the cemetery pop-up is timed to promote War on Waste's third season, which hits the ABC from Tuesday, July 25. Splendour in the Grass runs from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23, 2023 at North Byron Bay Parklands — head to the festival website for further details and tickets. Images: Georgia Jane Griffiths.
Come on Barbie, let's go party. Let's go to the real world, too. In the second sneak peek at Greta Gerwig's Barbie, the eponymous doll (Margot Robbie, Babylon) and her also-plastic beau Ken (Ryan Gosling, The Gray Man) are living life in Barbie Land, which is meant to be perfect. If you like pink and pastel hues aplenty, which the film splashes through its frames heavily and happily, it'd clearly be a dream. But that supposed bliss brings an existential crisis for the movie's main figure, plus ample everyday angst for its central Ken. Marking Gerwig's third solo stint behind the camera after Lady Bird and Little Women, scripted by the actor-turned-director with fellow filmmaker Noah Baumbach — her helmer on Greenberg, Frances Ha, Mistress America and White Noise, and real-life partner — and boasting a cast that's a gleaming toy chest of talent, Barbie might be the most anticipated toy-to-film release ever. There's that pedigree, of course. There's also the picture's patently playful vibe, which first shone through in an initial teaser trailer that parodied the one and only 2001: A Space Odyssey, and beams just as brightly in its just-dropped next look. Here, there are Barbies everywhere, with Rae (Insecure) as president Barbie, Dua Lipa (making her movie debut) as a mermaid Barbie, Emma Mackey (Emily) as a Nobel Prize-winning physicist Barbie, Alexandra Schipp (tick, tick... BOOM!) as an author Barbie and Ana Cruz Kayne (Jerry and Marge Go Large) as a supreme court justice Barbie — and Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) as diplomat Barbie, Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live) as a Barbie who is always doing the splits, Hari Nef (Meet Cute) as doctor Barbie, Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) as a Pulitzer-winning Barbie and Sharon Rooney (Jerk) as lawyer Barbie. There's also a whole heap of Kens, including Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami), Ncuti Gatwa (the incoming Doctor Who) and Scott Evans (Grace and Frankie). And, Michael Cera (Arrested Development) plays Alan, Emerald Fennell (The Crown) plays Midge, Helen Mirren (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) is the narrator, America Ferrera (Superstore) and Ariana Greenblatt (65) are humans, Jamie Demetriou (Catherine Called Birdy) is a suit, Will Ferrell (Spirited) wears a suit as Mattel's CEO and Connor Swindells (also Sex Education) is an intern. Barbie brings all those characters to the screen across its dream house-filled Barbieland and its version of the real world, as its main doll seems to realise that life in plastic mightn't be so fantastic after all. The new trailer provides more of a storyline than the first did, while also teasing the film's sense of humour — largely around Gosling's Ken, whether he's insisting that him and Robbie's Barbie are boyfriend and girlfriend, fighting with Liu's Ken about "beaching" each other off or sneaking into the Barbie convertible with his rollerblades ("I literally go nowhere without them") when Barbie is driving off to reality. What happens from there, and whether this'll be the best figurine-to-film adaptation yet in a mixed field that also includes the Transformers series, Trolls, The Lego Movie and its sequel, Battleship and the GI Joe films, will all be pulled out of the toy box in cinemas on July 20 Down Under. And no, there's still no signs of Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' on the trailer's soundtrack; however, you'll likely get it stuck in your head anyway just thinking about this movie. Check out the latest trailer for Barbie below: Barbie releases in cinemas Down Under on July 20, 2023.
Bored of your usual Wednesday-night entertainment? Head to Friend in Hand for something a little different — crab racing. Expect crisp-and-cold schooners of Reschs, Coopers, Young Henrys and Fat Yak whilst you watch an upturned bucket of hermit crabs race to the finish line. They've been doing it every Wednesday night at 8pm for the past 22 years. Image: Kitti Smallbone
As blissful as it is to escape Sydney for the whole weekend, you don't have to go far to lay your eyes on spectacular views. For a start, there's Sydney Harbour National Park, which gives you countless secluded harbour beaches and windswept cliff tops within the metropolitan area. Travel a bit further for Ku-ring-gai's secret coves; to Kamay Botany Bay for sweeping ocean vistas and Berowra or Lane Cove for tranquil rivers. Here are five hikes within a stone's throw of the city where you can stretch your legs while clearing your head with clear horizons. BEROWRA TO BEROWRA WATERS, BEROWRA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Catch a train to Berowra Station or drive your car to launch onto this 5.7-kilometre (11.4-kilometre round-trip) walk. The trail follows ridges most of the way, which means you're high enough to catch stunning vistas of Berowra Creek and its surrounding valley. One of the best spots for views is Naa Badu Lookout. You need a decent level of fitness to conquer this one: there's a few steep climbs, as well as several shady gullies, which provide sweet, sweet relief in scorching weather. RIVERSIDE WALK, LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK Desperate for some peace and quiet, but can't find more than a couple of hours to escape everyday demands? Catch a bus or drive your car to Lane Cove National Park. The Riverside Walk might not offer the heady panoramas covered by other hikes on this list, but it's damn pretty. The gentle trail runs alongside the Lane Cove River, scrambling over rocky outcrops and passing through gorgeous picnic areas, while cockatoos flash white overhead. You can enter and leave the trail at various points, so if you're limited for time, you won't have a major issue. [caption id="attachment_592521" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ian Sanderson via Flickr.[/caption] NORTH HEAD WALK, SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK Escape Manly's meandering crowds with this eleven-kilometre loop around North Head. The track begins on the eastern side of Shelly Beach (stop here on hot days for a dip or snorkel), where stairs disappear into bushland and finish up, handily, at Manly Wharf. Along the way, take in panoramas of the Northern Beaches, the dizzying sandstone cliffs of North Head and Sydney Harbour from all kinds of angles. You also pass through former military barracks and the ex-quarantine station, including its poignant cemetery. Divert to Little Collins Beach on your return journey to meet fairy penguins. [caption id="attachment_553972" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Red Hands Cave, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.[/caption] MACKEREL BEACH AND WEST HEAD LOOP, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK As far as views of Pittwater and Brisbane Waters — Sydney's two stunning northern water bodies — go, there's no better vantage point than West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. You can drive there, but walking is way more rewarding. Turn your adventure into a full-day hike with this 8.6-kilometre circuit, which starts and finishes with a ferry ride from Palm Beach. You pass a few sparkling swimming beaches, wander along bush-lined trails (as well as paved roads), visit ancient Aboriginal rock art at Red Hands Cave and get to see legendary Lion Island. HENRY HEAD TRACK, KAMAY BOTANY BAY NATIONAL PARK If you don't feel like moving too much, yet still want all the views, get yourself to Kamay Botany Bay National Park and, more specifically, Henry Head Track. This stroll is really easy, yet, at nearly every twist and turn, there's another refreshing, beautiful perspective of the Tasman Sea and Botany Bay before you wind up at Endeavour Lighthouse. Along the way, expect to be accompanied by kookaburras, lorikeets, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, blue-tongue lizards and water dragons. Make sure you plan ahead for any hike to ensure you have the best and safest experience. Tell somebody you're going and send them your route, take care during your hike as not all tracks are signposted and there may be fragile native plant and animal communities nearby, ensure you bring proper gear and plenty of water, and once you've returned, check in with friends and/or family to make sure they know you've made it back safely. Find more information on bushwalking safety here. For more inspiration to get outside and explore, visit National Parks NSW and check out their Instagram @nswnationalparks.
Who hasn't gone on vacation, soaked up their idyllic temporary surroundings but felt pangs of envy towards a few specific fellow travellers who seem to be having a better time than everyone else? That's how Speak No Evil begins — and it's meant to be relatable. The situation that Louise Dalton (Mackenzie Davis, Station Eleven) and her husband Ben (Scoot McNairy, Invincible) find themselves in while travelling to Tuscany with their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler, Dead Boy Detectives) is a classic grass-is-greener setup. When the American couple look at the brash but charismatic Paddy (James McAvoy, His Dark Materials) and his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi, Stopmotion), and as they get to know them over dinners and drinks, they wish that they too were that happy, that carefree and that relaxed. Hopefully no one has endured IRL what comes next in this Blumhouse horror movie directed by Eden Lake and The Woman in Black's James Watkins, which remakes 2022 Danish film Gæsterne, also called Speak No Evil in English. Reluctantly on Louise's part but eagerly by Ben, the Daltons accept an invitation to spend a weekend with Paddy and Ciara, plus their son Ant (Dan Hough, Hollyoaks), at their rural property back in Britain. Actually, we've all been in a scenario where passive-aggression simmers behind smiles and plastered-on friendliness, social discomfort flavours every interaction and toxic masculinity festers. For the Daltons, however, this second getaway turns particularly grim when they discover what lurks behind the blissful facade that their hosts were such experts at projecting in Italy. Both versions of Speak No Evil take viewers on an unsettling trip — but only the do-over boasts powerful performances by McAvoy and Davis. While no one in the cast puts a foot wrong, including Davis' Halt and Catch Fire co-star McNairy, The Nightingale standout Franciosi and the feature's youngest actors, its two leads are tasked with encapsulating the film's clashing sides. Paddy presents himself as earthy and approachable, packaging up his ideas of manhood — notions that can be called traditional at best and outdated if you're still being polite — with a seemingly wholesome, laidback vibe. Louise is understandably constantly anxious and worried, and yet just as persistently eager not to cause a scene. The more time that she spends in Paddy's farmhouse, the more that she realises that she's being forced to ignore her every instinct about him. Speak No Evil also unpacks why that reaction also feels so familiar. These are complicated and layered roles to play, and a balancing act on both McAvoy and Davis' parts. That's one of the things that attracted them each to the movie, the two tell Concrete Playground. For McAvoy, he's back in the darker psychological terrain that he traversed in Split and Glass for M Night Shyamalan — chatting with us back in 2017, the filmmaker called the actor's work in the former "fearless; he was just very fearless about the whole thing" — and also in the unrelated Filth before that. He credits his excellent, can't-look-away efforts both in Split and Speak No Evil to great writing first and foremost. "I was lucky enough on those two particular jobs, this one as much as any other, to be able to feel really strong going into it and make strong choices," he explains. For Davis, she adds another complex portrayal to a resume teeming with them (see: the aforementioned Station Eleven, Black Mirror's 'San Junipero' episode, Blade Runner 2049, Tully, Happiest Season and more), all while ensuring that she's never repeating herself. "Not retreading footsteps that I've already walked in" is what gets her excited about any new role, she advises. "That's a weird mixed metaphor. Honestly, I read so many scripts and I barely like any of them, and then one comes and you're like 'oh, maybe this is a fucked-up little thing to do'." Davis sums up Speak No Evil perfectly, as audiences Down Under can experience in cinemas from Thursday, September 12, 2024. We also chatted with the film's lead pair about the rollercoaster ride that the movie takes viewers on, where inspiration came from to flesh out their parts, being able to see themselves — or aspects of them — in their characters, digging into what it means not to speak up, ensuring that the movie's emotional journey feels logical and more. On McAvoy Having No Fear When Diving Into Dark Roles, Such as in Split and Speak No Evil James: "I think when you've got a good text and you've got a good character drawn well with a good arc, you've got a solid foundation from which to jump. And that was definitely the case with Split, and that was definitely the case with Speak No Evil. And they both happen to be Blumhouse movies, which is great because they're underpinned by something — not just pieces of entertainment, which they are, which they deliver upon, but they've also got something interesting to say socially. So it was a really strong foundation that it jumped from. I think when the text isn't so strong, maybe I'm not so fearless and maybe a bit more fearful. But I was lucky enough on those two particular jobs, this one as much as any other, to be able to feel really strong going into it and make strong choices." On Davis' First Reaction to the Script, and What She Saw That She Could Bring to the Role Mackenzie: "I loved it. I hadn't seen the original, and I knew it existed but wasn't really familiar with anything else other than the title. So this is my first exposure to the conceit — and I just love things that feel as dangerous as being hunted and killed, being placed on that same plane. Because committing, not like a social faux pas or a gaffe, but like really offending someone or hurting somebody's feelings in a really meaningful way, you can get kind of the same adrenaline response as you do when you're trying to save your life. And they do feel like mortal dangers at the time, and I liked how it how it dealt with that. I wasn't sure at first, honestly, because there's a lot of Louise looking to her husband to act, and that worried me a little bit. But I had lots of long, really meaningful chats with James Watkins, the director, and he assured me that he was really interested in Louise's experience of being silent. Like, it's one thing to not speak, and it's another thing for the camera to be interested in why they're not speaking and what they're thinking while they're not speaking. And as long as that was part of it, then I thought it was a really interesting role. I think James [Watkins], before we started making the movie, convinced me that that was important to him. Then in the movie, I really see that, that he's interested in how Louise is feeling and it's not always through a monologue." On Working Through Speak No Evil's Many Layers James: "I was just so glad that I was getting to be involved in something that could be entertaining, could make people laugh, could make them jump, give them the horror experience or the scary experience that you want in the cinema in a communal, sitting-down environment — but at the same time, it had stuff to say as well, which elevates it. Blumhouse do that time and again, and they do it so so well. So it's a privilege to be a part of something like that because you get to do two things at once. Also part of it was about a conversation about masculinity, which I feel is quite timely as well — and what men are attracted to at the moment in terms of looking for answers. Somebody like Ben, who's really drifting, really lost, really hurt, really damaged, he's looking for answers. And here comes along this sort of totem of toxic masculinity, but he seems to have the answer to one of the questions in life, which is how to be happy. He seems really happy. In fact, I would argue he is really happy. As much as he's rage-filled and anger-filled, he's also capable of great joy and happiness, and he really enjoys his life. And that's an attractive quality, but it's also a scary thing in somebody who's also got such worrying doctrine." On the Film's Relatable Situation, Including the Balance Between Trying to Keep the Peace and Recognising Your Instincts Mackenzie: "What's important to me is that I can see myself in that situation. I relate to the choices she makes, even when they're stupid. I can understand why she's doing the thing that might feel wrong to an audience, because you get that there are other things at play other than the right thing and the wrong thing. There's the marriage and keeping that intact. And then there's 'oh my god, did I just make some sort of enormous, grievous misunderstanding of a situation where I thought I was saving my family, but actually I was villainising myself and really offending these lovely people who are hosting us?. And am I being a snob?'. There's so many currents of thought that are going on all the time, and you kind of have to choose one to follow. And I get why, for a lot of the movie, she's prioritising, with difficulty, keeping the peace — and then at a certain point the dam breaks and she just cannot do it anymore. I think that's really, really relatable, trying to be all things at once." On the Balancing Act Required for McAvoy to Play Someone Who is Charismatic, Earthy and Seemingly Free-Spirited, and Also Angry, Reckless and Unsettling James: "The whole film is a balancing act, and the whole performance for me is a bit of a balancing act, because you can't go too far one way or the other. You can't go too scary or too safe. You've got to be right in the middle, until the end anyway, because you dissipate the tension of horror or a scary movie if you just go full bore too quickly. And that's the same either side. Too safe, too dangerous. Too masculine, too not masculine. Too safe masculine, too toxic masculine. Too politically correct, too politically incorrect. You have to ride this line so that both versions of him are possible at all times without ever jumping down and nailing your colours to the mast on one side or the other. So it's a bit of a balancing act that was orchestrated by myself and by the director definitely on the day, James Watkins. He did a lot of that on the page, but even then on the day, it was about getting shades, colours and levels so that when he was in the edit, he had the opportunity to calibrate as he went in that environment as well." On Acting Opposite McAvoy's Powerful Performance Mackenzie: "There's a moment in the movie where he has this sort of smile and then his eyes go dead, but then his mouth twitches a little bit still, and it's so unsettling. And he's playing three different things in like one second. And that's what it feels like to work across from him. He's really surprising. He's enjoying what he's doing so much, which is so fun, because you shoot one scene for like six hours. You're hearing the same lines over and over, and what you want is an actor that's finding a new way into it every time so that it feels exciting and stimulating to engage with it, and he just does that in spades. He's a wonderful person and a really great actor." On What McAvoy and Davis Each Drew Upon to Help Flesh Out Their Complex Characters James: "I've got a friend who will look into my eyes and sing me an entire song, and there's something weirdly sort of threatening about it — because I don't know the song and I'm not singing it back with him, but he's singing it like he's singing some old favourite that we both know. I drew on that, because that's a kind of masculinity. That's a kind of 'I'm dominating you right now'. And I actually do that in the film with Scoot — and my mate will watch this and be like 'you're totally doing me right now'. He's nothing like Paddy, by the way. What did I draw upon? I guess, weirdly, myself. I'm not like Paddy, but I could be, and I could be if I'd made different decisions or indulged different parts of my personality and animal instincts when I was younger, or if different things had happened to me and I reacted to them differently. So those parts of Paddy that are objectionable or even attractive that aren't immediately apparent or inflated in me, they're still in me. So it's about imagining them growing. It's imagining them into your mind, and imagining them into your soul and into your heart, and then letting them out on camera. They'll never become a part of me properly, but if you just quite imagine who you would become, who you would be if your life had been different and things had changed in different ways. I think the parts of Paddy that we find objectionable and frightening are in us all. We all have the capacity to kill, and we all have the capacity to steal and to hurt others, to be selfish and to put ourselves before everyone else. And that's kind of what he does. And I think we all have that in us. It's just we've had different experiences or made different decisions to get us there. But you can look at yourself and recognise Paddy, I think." Mackenzie: "For me, I just want things to make sense. I'm almost a bit mathematical about it in going through the script and being like 'okay, well, why does she do this and how does that make sense, and if she does this, then what does this mean?'. And as long as I can make the math — and everybody has their own particular math, there is not one unifying, it's just the logic of that person — as long as her logic feels believable and at least consistent enough, to me, that the inconsistencies are exciting and surprising, then I'm great. It's when things just feel random and I can't find the throughline that I'm like 'meh, probably I'm not the right person to play this part'." On What Davis Would Do If She Was in the Same Situation as Louise Mackenzie: "I think you'd be charmed by dreams. I think it would be fun. I think were I in the situation, I can see myself being like 'I don't want to spend two days at their house, we don't even know them'. And then being like 'you know, you've got to have adventure in your life. At the very least, it'll be like a good story'. And it was. So maybe I would make the same decision. I keep saying I wouldn't, but now I guess I've kind of convinced myself it'll be fun to do something weird." Speak No Evil opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Anyone who has tasted The Gidley's extraordinary burger will know it's something special. Now, thanks to the annual rankings compiled by the respected World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants judges, we know just how special it is. Ranked ninth on The World's Top Ten Burgers list, the upmarket CBD steakhouse was the only Australian restaurant to earn a nod this year, making its burger the best in the nation. The two carefully hand-crafted beef patties are sourced from hospitality group Liquid & Larder's in-house butchery, located at The Gidley's sister venue Alfie's in the CBD. Once cooked medium rare, they're topped with mature cheddar and a few judiciously placed slivers of dill pickle, all contained within a soft milk bun. [caption id="attachment_751377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] While customers have the option of adding an egg or rashers of bacon to their sandwich, there are no additional condiments included on The Gidley's burger, and trust us, that's a good thing. When the meat is as tender and moist as this, the rich, beefy juices are more than sufficient to self-sauce every succulent mouthful, right down to the last bite. In other great news for Sydneysiders, The Gidley's award-worthy burger is now also available at Surry Hills whisky bar The Rover. The monster burger at Shoreditch barbecue joint Salt Shed in London took out the top spot on this year's rankings., leading an impressive showing for the British capital, including Bleecker in Bloomberg Arcade in third place, Black Bear Market in Exmouth Market in fifth position, and Burger & Beyond, also in Shoreditch, in seventh. Burgers from New York, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Miami and Valencia made up the rest of the top ten list. For the full list of the World's Best Burgers, head to the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants website. Images: Dominic Loneragan
It seems entirely appropriate that within five minutes of my meeting Lally Katz, she is drenched. When I call her, it is pouring outside and she mentions she is walking to rehearsals. "It's okay, I've got a small umbre–" She is interrupted by what sounds like a burst of static, but is, in fact, a large amount of water being displaced. "Oh shit. Sorry. Yep. Yeah, that was actually a car just driving through a massive puddle. Now I am, I'm pretty wet." She jokes briefly about how this is a special sort of road rage that drivers get to practice on rainy days and continues on, her spirits, at least, seemingly undampened. I say appropriate because I'm calling to talk to her about Atlantis, her latest work, which had its world premiere at Belvoir just this week. The play loosely revolves around Katz's return to her childhood home in Miami and her efforts to consolidate precious memories before rising seas claim the city forever. That at least one of us is sopping wet while we discuss this seems like providence rather than bad luck. Lally's work has been a staple at Belvoir since 2011 when her play Neighbourhood Watch stormed that year's season. Loosely based on the friendship she shared with her elderly Hungarian neighbour, it took awards by the boatload and gave Belvoir-goers a taste for Katz's witty and surreal style. Since then, she has wrestled with bears and curses in her one-woman show Stories I Have to Tell You in Person, detailed the awkwardness of maintaining joint custody of a cat with one's ex in The Cat and gotten to the bottom of her father's karate obsession in Back at the Dojo. With Atlantis, she flirts yet again with autobiography. As usual, though, fantastical elements flit in and out of the memories, stretching the bounds of possibility to the infinite. Although an accomplished chronicler of her own narrative, Katz's also seems to have an unerring, Louis Theroux-like ability to find garrulous oddballs busting to share an outlandish story. The idea for Atlantis came from a conversation she had with a cabbie in Mississippi. The cabbie told her that the mythical sunken city of Atlantis would come again and that we would all be called back there when it did. With this in mind, the cabbie was saving all of her money so she could move her family to Miami, where she hoped they would have a better chance of being taken first. "I thought 'Oh my God, she wants to drown her whole family'", says Katz. "And I don't think it's that uncommon a belief there. I think there's a network of Atlantis believers for sure." With thoughts of sunken utopias ricocheting through her brain, Katz stumbled across an article suggesting that Miami, the city she'd spent a fair chunk of her childhood in, could be completely underwater by 2030. Before that, she had always resisted the urge to return to the city, wanting to safeguard her memories from the cynicism of adulthood. But the ticking clock made her think otherwise and she's since been back several times. Katz was nine when her parents decided to emigrate from a small cul-de-sac in Miami to the suburbs of Canberra ("not as different as you might think", she points out). And while she was too young to immerse herself in Miami's vibrant culture, she has vivid memories of the wildness of the city's cocaine heydays. She speaks of growing up in a neighbourhood where everyone knew who the drug dealers were — "But they were nice, they were fine" — and of devastatingly glamorous women hitting each other with giant stiletto shoes. Katz is a naturally effusive conversationalist, but her tone changes as she remembers. She is full of nostalgia and wonder. "You know when you go to a place as a kid and it's so magical, and then you go there as an adult and it's like 'well…' (she gives the verbal equivalent of a shrug). But when I went back to my old neighbourhood, I was so struck. It was like a tropical Smurf village and it did feel magical to me. That was a big surprise because I thought I was going to go back there and be disappointed." The play grew out of these memories, from discussions she had with the city's residents, the Atlantis myth and from the looming possibility of Miami joining that fabled city at the bottom of the ocean. I ask whether knowing that she'll put such personal material on stage later makes it harder to enjoy these moments as they take place in reality. "I used to think there's something wrong with me, that I'm not living properly. Then in my mid-30s I came to pieces and thought this is just the way I live. It doesn't mean I'm not living, this is just how I am in the work." [caption id="attachment_643831" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lally Katz.[/caption] By this stage, Lally is indoors and out of the rain. Although as she heads into rehearsals, she points out that a series of hurricanes is staged throughout Atlantis. A car splashing up some water now seems rather small by comparison. Images: Brett Boardman. Atlantis runs in Belvoir's Upstairs Theatre until 26 November. Book your tickets here.
2024 marks a big milestone for an unsung Sydney cultural pillar, one you might not be aware of. As of October, the Entertainment Quarter markets are celebrating 23 years of connecting Sydneysiders with fresh produce and artisanal products from all around Australia and the world. After 23 years, most Sydney residents have likely wandered the stalls at least once, whether they knew the name of the market or not. It's a memorable experience to see the empty showground transformed with the sights, sounds and smells from 100+ stalls. The Entertainment Quarter was organised with an activity-first approach, but the markets bring depth to the usual range of Hoyts, Strike Bowling and al fresco pub dining. Current vendors include Mayfarm Flowers (which brings buckets of flowers directly from its local farm), Vegie King, Prickle Hill Produce and Organic Bread Bar. Choose a delicious lunch option from an array of international options — like Spanish from Mojo Picon, Vietnamese from Pho Bay, Israeli from Food Theatre and Ottoman Turkish Gozleme. Or, stick to old favourite Two Duck Trading Co. with its French provisions, baskets and striped tees. Beyond the food, you can also browse a beautiful natural range of handmade body washes, creams and candles from Verve Candles, and get a jump-start on silly season planning by stopping by Wrappsody and stocking up on premium wrapping paper, cards, ribbons and Christmas bonbons and decorations. The lineup of stalls shifts week to week, changing with the seasons and reflecting growing conditions. If you prefer your shopping to focus on sustainable products, made authentically by original vendors, plan a trip to Moore Park for the EQ Markets. The markets are open from 8am–2pm, every Wednesday and Saturday. Visit the website for more information.
As you might know, The Lansdowne and its sky-high outdoor area have a storied history. The rooftop spanned a few different iterations while the Mary's team was at the helm. Now, under the guidance of the crew behind the Oxford Art Factory, The Lansdowne has brought back sun-soaked sips two days a week — as of March 2023. Head upstairs on a Friday or Saturday and you'll find a bright-blue oasis high above City Road that's perfect for a weekend catch-up with mates. The open-air bar was given a quick-fire revamp during the summer and now boasts retro beach umbrellas to shade you from the sun's rays, as well as the full suite of food and drinks from the pub downstairs. Sweetening the deal is a new deli menu that The Lansdowne has introduced in conjunction with its new Head Chef Eugene Novikov. The accomplished hospitality veteran takes the reins of the beloved pub's kitchen after previously working at three-hatted Queenstown restaurant Amisfield and Hamilton Island's Qualia. [caption id="attachment_903435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dougal Gorman[/caption] Sandwiches are the heroes of this new culinary offering, with options including a wagyu meatball sambo, a chicken schnitzel sanga, a classic reuben and a cajun-spiced prawn po boy. Accompanying the sandwich selection, you'll find a Chicago-style hot dog, beef and vegan burgers, chicken wings, wedges and waffle fries. "The Lansdowne was an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how food, music and culture can all come together as the city comes back to life with activity," says Novikov. Rounding out the fresh additions to the venue is the return of its weekly music series, Graveyard Shift. The late-night sessions run free gigs in the downstairs bar every Friday from 10.30pm, serving as the ultimate kick-on spot for Sydneysiders looking to start their weekend right. Top images: Alana Dimou Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
We could all use a bit of a mood boost and if there's one surefire way to up those dopamine levels, it's a weekend spent lazing by the harbour, soaking up a taste of that luxe waterfront lifestyle. A holiday from reality, featuring sunshine, water vistas and maybe even a private pool. Well, dotted all around Sydney, you'll find chic harbourside retreats and beachfront villas you can call your own for a couple of nights, offering exclusive addresses and hard-to-match views. We've done the hard work for you and rounded up Sydney's most exclusive harbourside stays you can book right now. Choose a favourite, pack those bags and get ready to live your best-ever holiday life. Stylish Apartment, Pyrmont Taste the high life with a stay at this next-level apartment, kitted out with luxury features and boasting sweeping harbour views. From $1410 a night, sleeps six. Cloudbreak, Mosman This sprawling hillside home makes for one luxurious group getaway, complete with smart styling, an infinity pool and absolute water frontage. From $385 a night, sleeps two. The Boathouse, Kurraba Point Set right on the shoreline of Kurraba Point, this roomy retreat features both a sunny waterfront lawn and a boat shed-turned-entertaining space. From $1833 a night, sleeps six. Harbour Hideaway, Clontarf A bright, breezy coastal escape for two, set right on the shores of Clontarf. Enjoy barbecues on the spacious balcony, overlooking the beach. From $499 a night, sleeps two. Camp Cove Tropical Retreat, Watsons Bay Your own tropical oasis, set just metres from Camp Cove Beach, featuring modern styling, a pool and leafy private garden. From $300 a night, sleeps three. Postcard View, Kirribilli A spectacular apartment on the water edge with direct view of the iconic Opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge. With ideal views and luxe furnishings, this is the perfect stay for immersing yourself in the Harbour city. From $491 a night, sleeps four. Manly Beach Views, Manly Centrally located with a two minute walk from Manly Beach and Corso shopping strip, you'll have easy access to everything Manly has to offer - stunning views included. From $260 a night, sleeps two. Luxury Yacht Overnight Stay, Rose Bay Indulge yourself in a night of romance on board your own private French built Beneteau yacht moored in Rose Bay. On the waterfront with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background, it will be a stay to remember. From $517 a night, sleeps two. Balmoral Beach Beauty, Mosman This stunning absolute beachfront apartment offers magnificent views of Middle Harbour and Balmoral Beach. From $330 a night, sleeps two. Magnificent Waterfront Living, Double Bay Step into your own peaceful harbourside sanctuary complete with it's own private ten metre marina berth, when you stay in this chic Double Bay apartment. From $1008 a night, sleeps five. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: courtesy of Airbnb
Bondi is already a hub for top-notch cuppas and smashed avo, but that didn't stop the Sydney suburb from scoring a second outpost for North Sydney's Glory Days located within the revamped Bondi Pavilion. The new beachside spot has rolled out an expanded menu designed for both a quick takeaway bite or a relaxed long lunch. "When the spot at the Pav came up, my mind instantly went to Venice beach in Los Angeles, and the amazing food culture and community around the neighbourhood with loved places like Gjelina," says Glory Days Bondi founder Aaron Crinis. Boasting a fresh white and wood-panelled interior that plays off Bondi Pavilion's redesign, the dining spaces bring together European touches — another influence for Crinis — with hallmarks of Australian cafe culture including a red travertine bar and Australian photographer Adrian Mesko's images of Euro beach culture. Damien Hyde (Cafe Sydney, Watsons Bay Hotel) heads up the kitchen, pulling together a lineup of cafe favourites. Before midday, there's a seasonal fruit plate ($16.50), acai bowls ($16), dutch pancakes ($23) and the Glory Days big brekkie ($27). Once lunchtime hits, the eats extend to oysters ($5), kingfish ceviche ($23) and a soba noodle salad ($23) topped with whipped tofu, soy-pickled cucumber, avocado, edamame and a soy and ginger dressing. More sizeable lunch options include the steak sandwich ($23), which loads up sourdough bread with black Angus rump, beetroot, onions and lettuce; or a classic prawn linguine ($28) with chilli, parsley and pangrattato. As you order, take note of the staff's uniforms. The specially designed gear was created by local brand Double Rainbouu whose beach-rave aesthetic is unmistakable (and can be yours to purchase if you're after a Glory Days cap, silk shirt or beach robe). Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
This cosy bar has become a favourite with Bondi locals, both for its food and beverage options as well as its comfortable surrounds. Forget about OTT beach cocktails: wine is the drink of choice here, served by the bottle or the glass. You'll find drops from all around the country as well as New Zealand, France, Argentina and beyond — but you don't need to be a wine snob to enjoy what's on offer, as the drinks list provides short descriptions below each tipple. In addition to reds and whites you'll find a small but tempting selection of spirits, or you can ask the waiter about their secret beers and ciders. The food offerings are similarly tempting, with a mouthwatering array of tapas share plates along with a generous selection of cheeses. The decor is low-key and casual, with dim lighting, comfy couches and seats for around 20 people, making Speakeasy an ideal place for a quiet night out with friends.
Goodbye Shiv Roy, hello Dorian Gray — plus every other character in Oscar Wilde's gothic-literature masterpiece. That's Sarah Snook's current path. The Australian Succession star is swapping the hit HBO drama, which wrapped up forever with its just-aired four season, with a stage date with the sinister portrait that lets its subject stay young and beautiful. And, she's playing every single role in the production. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is exceptional, as well as astute and unnerving, as it follows the selling of its namesake's soul in order to keep indulging every corporeal whim, urge and desire. There's a reason that it just keeps getting adapted for the screen and in theatres, after all. But there's never been a version like Sydney Theatre Company's The Picture of Dorian Gray, which is the iteration that Snook will star in — in the UK's West End. [caption id="attachment_896386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] HBO[/caption] This news is two huge announcements in one: Snook's return to the London stage after debut in the 2016 production of The Master Builder, and this Aussie reworking of Oscar Wilde's classic making its UK premiere. With its high-profile star, The Picture of Dorian Gray is headed to The Theatre Royal Haymarket, with a season from Tuesday, January 23–Saturday, April 13, 2024 locked in. Premiering in Sydney 2020, this take on the tale uses video and theatre to get its star playing 26 characters. In Australian runs, Eryn Jean Norvill has done the honours, and brilliantly, with Snook following in the actor's footsteps abroad. "I am elated to return to the London stage in such an astonishing piece of theatre," said Snook. "From Oscar Wilde's remarkable original text to Kip Williams' stunning adaptation, this story of morality, innocence, narcissism and consequence is going to be thrilling to recreate for a new audience. I can't wait." Williams, who adapted Wilde's text into the phenomenal production and also directs, is heading to the UK as well. "In creating a new piece of theatre like The Picture of Dorian Gray, you always hope to have the opportunity to share it with a wider audience. I am so excited for theatre lovers in London to experience our show, and am thrilled to have the extraordinary Sarah Snook bringing to life the many characters of Oscar Wilde's remarkable story." [caption id="attachment_856346" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Boud[/caption] Taking the show to London is part of a partnership between STC and Michael Cassel Group, which is all about sharing the former's works around the globe. A similar path — from Australia to the UK, but originating from the Griffin Theatre Company — has worked out spectacularly for Prima Facie, with the British production starring Killing Eve's Jodie Comer winning Best New Play and Best Actress at the 2023 Laurence Olivier Awards. On-screen, Snook will next be seen in straight-to-streaming films Run Rabbit Run and The Beanie Bubble. Check out a trailer for STC's Australian seasons of The Picture of Dorian Gray starring Norville below: The Picture of Dorian Gray will play The Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, London from Tuesday, January 23–Saturday, April 13, 2024 — for more information and tickets, head to the venue's website. Top image: Alexi Lubomirski.
In 2022, The Kid LAROI embarked upon his debut headline Australian tour, selling out arenas across the nation and adding more dates to meet demand. Two years later, the Aussie star otherwise known as Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard is hitting local stages again, locking in tour dates for November 2024. Initially announced in 2023 and due to happen in February 2024, then postponed to October due to trying to confirm a "really big surprise and special guest" and "a bunch of other logistical stuff", The Kid LAROI's The First Time Australian tour has now set both its dates and venues. His supports at five of his seven stops: Migos frontman Quavo and Sydney's own ONEFOUR. [caption id="attachment_926206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Kargenian[/caption] "I'm really excited to confirm the November tour dates and bring my show to Australia. It's going to be incredible to perform back home and share this experience with all of you," said the singer-songwriter, revealing the new dates. "I'm also pumped to announce that Quavo will be joining the tour as a special guest. Can't wait to see you guys and make this tour unforgettable!" The Kid LAROI has made some changes to the tour itinerary, which is in support of The Kid LAROI's debut studio album The First Time and was originally set for a five-city Australian run. This was meant to be his first-ever Aussie stadium tour thanks to shows at Melbourne's AAMI Park, Perth's HBF Park, Adelaide's Coopers Stadium, Sydney's Commbank Stadium and CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. Now, however, he's hitting up HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Commbank Stadium in Sydney, Perth's RAC Arena, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, MyState Bank Arena in Hobart and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. Quavo and ONEFOUR won't be on the bill on the Gold Coast or in Hobart. The First Time might've been a new 2023 arrival, but The Kid LAROI has been releasing music since 2018 — solo, and also teaming up with everyone from Juice WRLD and ONEFOUR to Justin Bieber. Accordingly, fans can look forward to hearing 'Stay', 'Without You', 'Thousand Miles', 'Love Again', 'Girls' and more come spring. The Kid LAROI The First Time Australian Tour 2024: Monday, November 11 — HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Thursday, November 14 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Saturday, November 16 — Commbank Stadium, Sydney Wednesday, November 20 —RAC Arena, Perth Sunday, November 24 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Wednesday, November 27 — MyState Bank Arena, Hobart Friday, November 29–Saturday, November 30 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne The Kid LAROI is touring Australia in November 2024, postponed from February 2024. Head to the Australian ticketing site for more information — and for presales from 1pm local time on Tuesday, August 6 and general sales from 1pm local time on Thursday, August 8.
