As the NSW bushfire tragedy continues, a number of articles have appeared discussing the various ways a home may be fireproofed. There are miraculous treatments such as this fire-retardant gel, but how do you build for the bush? It's certainly possible. Incredibly, in the 1970s Sydney architect Glenn Murcutt designed a house so safe that its owner moved many actual drums of petrol from the garage into it before a bushfire surrounded the property. In the States an extremely old, fire-safe construction method is currently trending: the rural Japanese tradition of shou-sugi-ban. Roughly translated as 'burnt cedar board', shou-sugi-ban supposedly dates back to the 1700s, when it was used primarily to safeguard against fire and to preserve the wood against rot. So how does shou-sugi-ban work? The reasoning goes, if wood has already been charcoaled, it's unlikely to catch fire a second time. Similar in principle to the weathering of steel, where oxidisation creates a protective barrier, wood is first scorched with a controlled method of burning then brushed with a stiff broom to remove excess soot. Next it's washed and dried, and finally treated with an oil like Penofin Verde. It just happens to look fantastic, with many shades and finishes achievable, depending on how long the wood is burned. Usually a paint or a stain is required to darken wood to an attractive chocolate hue with rustic texture, and both methods are subject to fading and degradation. But not shou-sugi-ban. Apart from providing resistance to flames, the charred wood also repels insects and rot. This makes it durable and long-lasting. A standard cedar might decay after five years, whereas the owner of a low-maintenance shou-sugi-ban wall or fence could expect 30 years without decay, which is a pretty dramatic difference. For this reason, as well as its visual attractiveness, lately it's appearing in many restaurants around the Bay Area in California. Companies like Shou-Sugi-Ban in the UK and Delta Millworks in Austin, Texas (a land where it is said that cowboys mingle with punks) have mastered how to artfully scorch reclaimed wood for beautiful and practical built spaces. We hope to see more of it popping up on our shores. Via PSFK
Love hanging in your local park and patting all the good boys that run past? Do you find the cool demeanour of cats cute? And don't get you started about rabbits doing zoomies, right? If you've answered yes to all of the above, we're guessing you're a big animal lover. Or, even if you wouldn't say you love animals, we're guessing you don't want to cause them harm. That's why factoring critters, both great and small, into your daily decisions is important, from the clothes on your back to what you eat. To help you out, we've teamed up with the animal-loving folks at nutritious plant-based meal delivery service Soulara to bring you five simple swaps to introduce to your daily life. Because you shouldn't have to choose between yourself and adorable animals. SIGN UP TO A PLANT-BASED MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE As they say, you are what you eat — and a plant-based diet is just one way you can live your best animal-loving life. It also has a bunch of health benefits and is one of the biggest ways you can lower your environmental impact. So, really, it's a win-win-win. But, whether you're all in or trying it out a few days a week, making the switch to plant-based can be tricky. One way to cut out the guesswork is by signing up to an animal product-free meal delivery service like Soulara. Every meal is designed by nutritionists and prepared by chefs, packed with vital nutrients and delivered fresh, not frozen, so you can simply pop it in the microwave when you're ready to eat. You'll enjoy the likes of choc hazelnut and chia seed pudding for brekkie, tofu laksa for lunch, and shiitake mushroom carbonara for dinner. It's got bliss balls, kombucha and cold-pressed juice packs that you can tack onto your order, too. There are plenty of dietary requirement-friendly options, too, as well as for the calorie conscious. If you're worried about not getting enough protein, don't be; Soulara's high protein range offers veg-based meals with 25-plus grams of protein in each serve. To top it off, it's a pretty affordable option, with meals starting from $8.50 and, right now, you can also nab $60 off your first order, too — just sign up here. GO CRUELTY-FREE WITH YOUR BEAUTY REGIME Breaking into labs and freeing rabbits isn't something Hollywood made up. Yep, the world of beauty has an ugly side. So, if you want to go cruelty-free with your daily beauty regime, it's important to know what brands to opt for. One thing to remember is that vegan and cruelty-free products are not one and the same. Vegan means no animal products or animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, are used in the product, whereas cruelty-free means no animal testing was carried out in the making of your face mask, perfume, moisturiser or body scrub. If you're a hardcore animal fan, you want to be buying beauty brands that do both. The good news is more and more companies are shifting to creating more ethical products. Natural skincare brand Sukin is a great go-to as it's good for your skin, animals, the environment and, for the most part, your wallet. Otherwise, Aussie beauty retail giant Mecca stocks a bunch of vegan and/or cruelty-free products, from brands such as Frank Body, Josie Maran, Korres, Stila and its own Mecca Max — just be sure to check the label. Animal welfare organisation PETA Australia has a handy guide, too, which you can check out here. ADOPT OR FOSTER AN ADORABLE ANIMAL While more of us are working from home — or, at least, spending more time at home — it makes sense that we're increasingly wanting a furry, four-legged friend by our sides. So, if you've been thinking about adding a pet to your fam (and have considered it thoroughly), now might just be the time. Rescue organisations such as the RSPCA and Petbarn adoption centres work to find permanent and foster homes for pups, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs surrendered into their care. In 2019, the RSPCA found new homes for 2654 pets Australia-wide, and we can only assume this year the numbers will be even more impressive. If you can't commit to taking a pet in permanently (but still think you'd make a great fur parent), fostering is also a great way to help out animals in need. Rest assured that the usual procedures and standards still apply, so every furry and feathered friend ends up in a happy home — whether it's forever or just for a little while. GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY We're not suggesting you follow Fido into a mud puddle, but there are ways you can directly help out animals that aren't fostering or adopting. For one, you can get to work on your green thumb. If you haven't already heard, bees play a pretty big part in how the world goes round; however, due to things like land development and pesticides used in farming, the global bee population is in danger. Just by getting a little garden growing in your backyard, you can help bees to do their work transferring pollen, which aids the growth of certain fruits, plants and, in turn, provides sources of food for much wildlife. Or, you could skip the dirt and get yourself this nifty Bee Pollination Grow Kit. Another way you can help is through animal conservation work. After last summer's devastating fires, there are a lot of native critters that need your help, which can involve everything from volunteering in national parks and joining WIRES to simply putting water out for distressed animals. [caption id="attachment_779786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] LEVEL UP YOUR WARDROBE WITH ETHICAL LABELS No one ever said fashion had to be all fur, leather and feathers, but according to PETA, more than one billion animals are killed each year for their fur and leather alone. It's 2020 and we're a far cry from medieval times. On top of that, now it's easier than ever to pick up ethical threads — so why wouldn't you? While ethical is a broad-stroke term, when talking about animal-friendly fashion specifically, you don't have to look too far. Global retailers such as Zara, Uniqlo, Dr Martens and Topshop sell a bunch of 'vegan' leather goods, as well as alternative animal-free materials. You'll find some Aussie labels doing that, too, including Nico, Kowtow and Tasi Travels. For a one-stop ethical clothing shop, head to Well Made Clothes, which has a wide range of vegan clothing and accessories. And leading the charge of animal welfare in the high-end industry is Stella McCartney, which uses alternatives for everything from leather to fur, silk, feathers and wool. One of the biggest ways you can care for animals is to switch to a plant-based diet. To help make that part easy and fuss-free, Soulara delivers nutrition-packed meals straight to your door. And, if you need to, you can also pause or skip a week of your subscription at no extra cost. Better yet, Soulara is currently offering $60 off your first four deliveries — just sign up here.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Christmas in July first took hold in Australia back in 1980. An otherwise cheery group of Irish travellers hanging about in the Blue Mountains got teary when they saw snowflakes falling outside their window and, instead of moaning about it, decided to throw themselves a Christmas dinner six months early. Ever since, Australians, especially in mountainous regions, have turned July into an excuse to indulge in Yulefest feasts, knock back an eggnog or three and generally get festive. If there's one place where the celebration takes on an especially Northern Hemispher-ean flavour, it's Thredbo. Between July 20 and 26, the resort will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with overloaded Christmas trees, glittering tinsel, fairy lights, baubles, toasty log fires and gallons of mulled warm Winter cider from Rekorderlig. Various eateries will be hosting epic, multi-course feasts, serving up all the European goodies that our ridiculously hot December Christmases often make unpalatable. Think stuffed turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, mince pies, plum pudding and mulled wine. Plus, there'll be a steady stream of live entertainment and, of course, a visit or several from Santa Claus, who, according to rumour, has been waxing his skis in preparation.
There's nothing small about Hollywood's superhero obsession, with its 30-movies-deep-and-counting cinematic universes, competing caped-crusader realms, ever-growing spread across screens big and small, and determination to enlist every actor ever (and some actors more than once). That decades have passed, many spandex-clad characters have cycled through a few faces now, and reuniting past and present versions of beloved crime-fighters is the current trend: none are minor matters, either. And yet, when 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse took pop culture's favourite web-slinger back to its animated roots, it made those flesh-and-blood flicks and shows, as well as the expensive special effects behind them, look positively trivial and cartoonish. Five years later, the first sequel to the deservedly Academy Award-winning masterpiece plasters around the same sensation like a Spidey shooting its silk. Give this latest take on Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's iconic character 2024's Best Animated Feature Oscar immediately. All the money in the world can't make people in tights standing against green screens as visually spectacular and emotionally expressive as the Spider-Verse films. If it could, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and now Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse wouldn't be so astonishing and exhilarating, look so stunning and feel so authentic. Spider-Man's eight stints in theatres with either Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield or Tom Holland behind the mask — and all of the latter's pop-ups in other Marvel Cinematic Universe entries, too — have splattered around plenty of charm, but they'll now always swing far below their animated counterparts. Indeed, when Spider-Man: No Way Home tried to emulate the Spider-Verse by pointing its fingers into the multiverse, as Marvel's live-action world is now fixated upon, it paled in comparison. And, that isn't just because there was no Nicolas Cage-voiced 30s-era spider-vigilante Spider-Man Noir, or a spider-robot, spider-pig, spider-car or spider-saur; rather, it's because the Spider-Verse movies truly do whatever a Spider-Man movie can. In Across the Spider-Verse, which will be followed by 2024's Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse plus a Spider-Women spinoff after that, being an imaginative and agile spider-flick initially entails hanging with Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld, one such talent with multiple superheroes on her resume thanks to Hawkeye). In most Spidey stories, Gwen Stacy is a love interest for Peter Parker, but the Spider-Verse Gwen from Earth 65 was bitten by a radioactive spider instead. Alas, with a great twist to the status quo comes not-so-great consequences for the aquamarine-haired teen drummer. Accordingly, when a battle with a Renaissance-era Vulture (Jorma Taccone, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) gets the attention of Miguel O'Hara/Spider-Man 2099 (Moon Knight and X-Men: Apocalypse alum Oscar Isaac) and his Spider-Society, she begs to join. Before the film goes jumping between universes upon universes, however, it begins with a dazzling demonstration of how intimately linked its graphics and characters are. Gwen's dimension takes its cues from watercolours and sketches, which wax and wane in their hues and movement depending on her inner state. It's a breathtaking sight and an immensely moving touch, and Across the Spider-Verse is just getting started. For newcomers and folks with foggy memories alike, Gwen also narrates backstory details, filling in what's occurred since the first feature while playfully parodying that overused approach. When the movie slides into Miles Morales' (Shameik Moore, Wu-Tang: An American Saga) life, he takes her lead, but gives it his own spin. The first Black Latin American Spider-Man is now 15, and more confident in his spider-skills and -duties. In-between being Brooklyn's friendly neighbourhood Spidey and attending a private school that'll ideally help him chase his physics dreams, he's even guest-hosted Jeopardy!. But not telling his mum Rio (Luna Lauren Velez, Power Book II: Ghost) and police-officer dad Jefferson (Brian Tyree Henry, Causeway) about his extracurricular activities is weighing upon Miles, and he's still yearning for mentorship and friendship, especially knowing that Gwen, Peter B Parker (Jake Johnson, Minx) and an infinite number of other web-slingers are all out there catching thieves just like flies. The Spider-Verse movies take each new Spidey as a challenge to make their style and world their own, but never put aesthetics over substance. When another iteration drops in, then another and another, there's nothing arbitrary, unthinking or simple about how directors Joaquim Dos Santos (The Legend of Korra), Kemp Powers (Soul) and Justin K Thompson (Into the Spider-Verse's production designer) and their team depict anything about them. That's true in Mumbattan, where the film finds Pavitr Prabhakar/Spider-Man India (Karan Soni, Miracle Workers). And when Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya, Nope) swaggers around, it's also accurate of the Sex Pistols-meets-Basquiat standout and his totalitarian-ruled universe. He isn't part arachnid, but the same applies with Across the Spider-Verse's big bad The Spot (Jason Schwartzman, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson), whose fight scenes are a mind-bending wonder. Is coming-of-age angst still a part of these spider-tales? Yes. Do uncles and aunts still die, and other loved ones? Yes again. And are loss, heartbreak and great powers begetting great responsibilities still pivotal factors? That's another yes. And yet, returning writers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (directors of The Lego Movie, too), plus Spider-Verse newcomer Dave Callaham (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Wonder Woman 1984), engage as eagerly and astutely with those spider-basics as the imagery springing from their script manages in every remarkable frame (all of which earn the cliche that they could and should grace walls). Across the Spider-Verse is gorgeous not only in those enchanting and entrancing visuals that couldn't better reveal who its characters are, why, and what they're thinking and feeling, but in how keenly it interrogates and engages with the comic-book medium and the page's limitless possibilities. Saying that the film resembles sticking every past Spider-Man outing in every format into a blender is a compliment; every spider-element is that well-merged. Although Across the Spider-Verse embraces being everything it can with every pixel — explodes with that idea, in fact, and makes the utmost of the freewheeling artistic freedom that animation is capable of — that isn't its message for Miles or audiences. There's so much going on in this intricate picture's kaleidoscope of intricate pictures, including unpacking what it means to have endless choices, or want to. Where the first film made it plain that being a hero isn't just for the stereotypical usual suspects and never should've been, this one champions the fact that no destiny is the same for everyone. At the same time, it conveys that being true to yourself and being in the moment is more meaningful than constantly pondering what might happen. As given voice by its first-rate cast, all imbuing their characters with a lifetime of emotion, it's no surprise that Across the Spider-Verse is so potent and infectious, or that it leaves live-action caped crusaders resigned to its shadows.
The Kensington Street precinct is taking the Year of the Dog very literally, celebrating the Lunar New Year this Saturday, February 17 with real live pups running amok through its laneways — plus free wine. First up, they've invited Sydney Dogs and Cats Homes to bring some doggos along, so you can have a cuddle while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine. Donations are encouraged and adoptions welcomed, as long as it isn't just the free booze talking. Patrons are also encouraged to BYO their pup for a slew of activities, including professional family photos, caricaturist drawings and doggo treats like ice cream and even dog beer. If you need a break from your best friend to enjoy the festivities, they're also offering up doggie daycare. Apart from the dog-mania, the precinct will host its annual block party, with Spice Alley, Handpicked Wines and the Old Clare teaming up to put on food and drink specials. Traditional lion dancers, fortune tellers, karaoke, lantern making classes and noodle demonstrations will round out the evening. Image: Kimberley Low
Belles Hot Chicken is opening its third and most impressive Sydney outpost on Friday, March 3, bringing its cult-favourite fried chicken to Circular Quay. The Belles team has built a passionate fanbase — and landed on our favourite Sydney fried chicken spots — through its Glebe and Barangaroo eateries in Sydney, alongside multiple Melbourne outposts. Now, it's bringing its fun and flavoursome approach to takeaway to a 130-seat restaurant-style opening. To celebrate the opening, the Belles team is giving everyone the chance to come in, check out the venue and get their hands around a Belles spicy chicken sandwich on the house. That's right — the expansive inner-city opening will be kicking things off by giving away its signature Nashville-style sandwiches. The promotion will run for two periods during the opening day: 12–3pm and 5–9pm. Head down to Young Street during either of those two slots and you'll nab your complimentary burger. Leave your packed lunch at home, or head in for a cheap and cheerful Friday dinner — as well as a few after-work drinks. The fried chicken sandwich comes with chicken thigh tossed in Belles' traveller spice, then topped with lettuce, onion, cheese and specialty sauce on a fluffy milk bun. While you're there, the rest of the menu will be for sale on the day, so feel free to settle in, soak in the restaurant's harbour views, and order something and a couple of bevs. Arriving in the Quay Quarter Tower, Belles Hot Chicken Circular Quay will bring the expected hallmarks of the chain to an exciting new space. The other location's vintage Americana style is here in spades. Fresh from working with Lune, Ewert Leaf has collaborated with Belles' Design Director Vicki Punch to create a warm, welcoming space fitted out with neon signs, vintage tiles and vending machines, plus an entirely chrome ceiling and cork detailing. On the menu, things stick close to Belles' more takeaway-driven spots in Tramsheds and Barangaroo. Pair tenders, drumsticks, wings and buffalo cauliflower — all available in heat levels ranging from chicken salt to Really F**king Hot — with Belles Original Draught, orange wines and house cocktails like spiked iced tea. The aforementioned chicken sandwiches and loaded fries also feature, with a highlight-reel set menu available for $40 per person if you want the decisions taken out of your hands. Some of the more extravagant or unique drinks you'll find at the Circular Quay spot include Pappy Van Winkle 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon available for $85 a pop, Louis Roederer Cristal Brut — because who doesn't want to pair champagne and fried chicken? — and rakija and tonic RTDs from Baba's Place and DNA Distillery. Rounding out the vibrant energy of this new outpost is a set of vinyl turntables ready for a DJ to take hold and spark a party at any point in time. With enough champagne and spiked iced tea, it could just happen. Bookings are open if you want to reserve a spot at the new flagship Belles in Circular Quay. Half the venue will also be available for walk-ins if you want to make an impromptu trip. Belles Hot Chicken Circular Quay will open on Friday, March 3 at Quay Quarter Towers, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney (entry on Young Street). It will be giving away fried chicken sandwiches on opening day between 12–3pm and 5–9pm. Top image: Parker Blain
If your usual night-out routine has been suffering from same-same syndrome of late, left-of-field events company Curious Cartel has just the thing to help you lift your game. The experts of immersive theatre and masters of intrigue — the same ones that brought us Prom Night and Popcorn Therapy — will again lead punters blindly into an unknown world of wonders, this time with their interactive cocktail pop-up and game room, The Lock In. Guests are in for a truly immersive experience here, mixing booze, nostalgia, sci-fi and theatre, as they're led back in time (and over some oceans) to 1980s small-town Indiana, USA. In classic Curious Cartel form, the event is pretty much shrouded in mystery until the moment you walk through the door, entering the pop-up's temporary world above Surry Hills bar The Wanderer. All we know is you'll have 90 minutes to investigate an eerie mystery surrounding a fictional, top-secret government facility, while enjoying cocktails, games, food and a soundtrack of banging 80s jams. UPDATE: MARCH 18, 2019 — Due to overwhelming success, The Lock In has been extended until further notice. To purchase tickets, head this way.
Maurice Terzini — known for launching Icebergs and The Dolphin — is unveiling an opening of a different kind this month, a guerrilla store showcasing his latest fashion collection. Terzini launched his unisex streetwear label Ten Pieces at Australian Fashion Week back in May 2017. The brand's next collection, Disco SottaSopra, will hit Bondi on February 16. The collection's concept — to 'turn disco upside down with a punk philosophy' — has been realised by Terzini with hand-numbered, super limited-edition pieces. Think black and white slides sporting the words 'disco' and 'unity', along with a range of customised military-style canvas pieces. The 'day-to-night' collection will also introduce new colours, prints and embroideries for the brand, including runway zip boots, wool cashmere knits and bright orange knitted coats. "We feel like it's much more appealing to wear clothing that has an artisan feel about it," says Terzini. "This collection has all been hand customised in Australia which gives it a really personal feel." Situated inside Pacific Bondi Beach on the corner of Gould Street and Beach Road, the shop will open daily from 9am to 5pm — but, in true limited fashion, will only remain open until sold out. This is a very literal case of first in best-dressed.
Lightning Ridge might be best known for its enduring opal mining history, but the community's collection of bizarre museums is definitely a close second. Astronomers Monument is a kooky landmark dedicated to scientists like Copernicus. Others not to miss are the Bottle House Museum, Amigo's Castle, Beer Can House and the Kangaroo Hill Complex. Image: John, Flickr
You might already know that this year marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' last tour of Australia. Maybe you attended the recent exhibition in honour of the event, you might have spun a bit of Sgt. Pepper in an act of solidarity, or perhaps you've been copping an earful from older relatives reliving their days as hapless groupies. Either way, any of your tributes pale in comparison to that of the legends who live in Holbrook, New South Wales. In what's being hailed as the country's largest ever yarn bomb, thousands of eager knitters have this week coated a decommissioned Navy submarine in yellow crocheted wool. Organised by Murray Arts, the project has been six months in the making and features a crazy amount of work by the local community. Outside of Holbrook, contributions for the project came from as far across the globe as Scotland, where family members of those that had served on the submarine kindly offered their efforts too. At a whopping 90 metres in length, this yellow submarine now stands as beautiful tribute to the eponymous Beatles' classic (and also uncannily makes the vessel look like a prop from a Wes Anderson film). The yarn bomb will stay in place until July 12, when the blankets will be cut down and donated to an animal shelter. Good vibes all 'round. Via ABC. All images via the Holbrook Submarine Facebook.
In response to Sydney's latest cluster of locally acquired COVID-19 cases, people who live or work in four Sydney Local Government Areas will be required to stay home for the next week. From 11.59pm tonight, Friday, June 25 until at least the same time on Friday, July 2, the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick LGAs will revert to the same conditions that were in effect when the state went into lockdown back in March 2020 — which means you'll only be able to leave the house for four specific essential reasons. Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the new public health order on the morning of Friday, June 25, announcing that the New South Wales Government was following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community. Also revealed this morning: 11 new locally acquired cases reported to 8pm yesterday, Thursday, June 24, plus another 17 that have been identified since. If you need a reminder about those four reasons, folks who either live or work in the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick LGAs can only leave home for work and study if you can't do it from your house, for essential shopping, for exercise — outdoors in groups of ten or fewer — and for compassionate reasons, which includes emergency medical treatment. Otherwise, everyone must stay at home; however, there are no restrictions on when you can go shopping or go out for exercise, and there's no curfew. Again, the stay-at-home orders don't just apply to folks who live in the four LGAs, but also to anyone who works in them. "In this outbreak, we're seeing too many examples of workers coming in from other areas, getting infected in the workplace but then passing on the infection to multiple clients — and that is, without being specific, it hasn't just happened in one instance, it's happened in multiple instances," said the Premier. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1408228493310132226 The stay-at-home orders will require venues in the four LGAs will need to close. "Clearly, if you are a business in those four Local Government Areas, unfortunately, unless you're providing essential food and services — that is take away food and services or grocery services of that nature — we don't expect those businesses to remain open in the next week," said the Premier. Premier Berejiklian also said that NSW Health "remains concerned that given how contagious the virus is, we are likely to see more cases in coming days — namely from household contacts. Previously, you may have had one or two other members of a household getting the virus, but because this is a contagious strain, we anticipate that close to 100 percent of everybody in a household is likely to get the virus if one person has had a positive test result." She continued: "we also appreciate, given the patterns of behaviour that we've seen, that many workers, unfortunately, who are face-to-face with a number of clients during the day have also been transmitting the virus." While the stay-at-home order only applies to four specific LGAs, the rest of Greater Sydney — including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour areas — will remain under the same restrictions that came into effect on Wednesday, June 23. They'll be in effect a little longer, too, until at least 11.59pm on Friday, July 2. And, in general, folks across Greater Sydney "should also limit unnecessary activity and avoid large gatherings in coming days and comply with the current restrictions," the NSW Government advised. Those settings for the rest of the city include only having five people over to your home, as well as wearing masks in all indoor spaces and at organised outdoor events — and still on public transport and in public indoor spaces. If you're having a beverage in a bar or something to eat at a cafe, you need to sit down. Dancing and singing have be banned again, Footloose-style, everywhere except weddings — which can only have 20 people on the dance floor at once — and the one person per four-square-metre rule is also back in all indoor and outdoor settings. Residents of the Bayside, Canada Bay and Inner West LGAs also can't leave the metropolitan Sydney area. Neither can residents of the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick LGAs, of course — so if you are leaving home for one of the four permitted reasons, you can't venture beyond the city limits. As always, Sydneysiders are also asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited over the past week — and, if you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days after your visit. In terms of symptoms, you should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste — and getting tested at a clinic if you have any. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Now with twice as many allusions to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, it might be assumed that those running Sydney's White Rabbit– the huge and exquisite private art gallery reposing in a quiet-for-the-moment Chippendale nook—have a thing for Carroll’s fable. But nay, while White Rabbit is very likely to make one feel very small amid it’s four tall levels of ample art space, its library, teahouse, and theatrette, the gallery’s name actually comes from the idea that a good artwork can ‘leap out.’ And cause, as director Judith Neilson says, ‘serendipity and surprise’. After all, White Rabbit’s not about proto-trippy literature, but about showing striking contemporary art from the East, having been commissioned by the Nielson’s foundation in 2008 to bring to Sydney the best Chinese art produced this side of the millennial turn. With Down The Rabbit Hole, we are cajoled to take a light-trip to China via Taiwan, and then back again. Artist pair LuxuryLogico (not a high-end corporation of logicians, but a set of twin Taiwanese futurists) bear a penchant for repurposing old technologies to create high tech sculptural forms. For this exhibition they’ve put together Solar, which, comprising a couple hundred recycled lamps individually wired and programmed, turns on to create a spate of meaningfully coded, hallucinatory light patterns. The light show continues with Wu Chi-Tsung’s Wire, a sculptural sleight-of-hand made up of mesh wire fabric and a commonplace light projector. The ultimate effect of which is to bring about a shanshui type landscape that moves, breathes and flexes on the wall. At the more material end of the exhibition, Ashley’s Heart by photographer and multimedia artist Wu Daxin is a giant, cool (read: refrigerated) sculpture of that most vital of human organs, the heart. Daxin’s art practice revolves around a fascination with his own ability, living in China, to make large-scale art objects for a comparably miniature cost (and to make a living from them too). Elsewhere, Wu Jian’an’s landscapes offer a different kind of trance. Here, Jian'an's seemingly thick, swarming and jungle-like landscapes reveal themselves at a close distance as the painstaking layering of many finely-cut, multi-coloured paper cutouts. Lastly, in a huge piece, Michael Lin's Untitled Gathering (pictured) brings together 320 flat-top, wooden stools. Originally ungathered, they create a jigsaw-like patchwork upon which appears a super-scaled swatch from an ancient Chinese floral textile design. Down The Rabbit Hole is open from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
Here's a trend: co-stars from Baywatch, the movie not the series, making separate biopics about wrestlers. When Zac Efron (The Studio) did it, The Iron Claw was the result, and the film about Kevin Von Erich and his family was excellent. Next, it's Dwayne Johnson's (Red One) turn in The Smashing Machine, with MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the spotlight. Johnson, aka The Rock, leaping into the ring is far from a new development, of course — but the wrestler-turned-actor is now drawing upon his sporting background and talents in the other well-known side of his career. That said, even if you've watched plenty of his WWE exploits, and then his film and TV roles in everything from The Scorpion King, the Fast and Furious franchise, Ballers and Pain & Gain to San Andreas, the recent Jumanji flicks and Black Adam, you haven't seen Johnson like this before. The Smashing Machine hits cinemas in October 2025. Opposite Emily Blunt (The Fall Guy) as Dawn Staples — with the pair reuniting after 2021's Jungle Cruise, and set to team up again next for Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon) — Johnson helps bring the story of a wrester-turned-UFC star to the screen. In the just-dropped first trailer for the flick, Kerr is determined to keep chasing the unparalleled high that comes with winning, even while he's in pain and as it's clearly taking a toll on his relationship with Staples. The term "unrecognisable" gets thrown around a lot when actors transform for a role; however, every time Johnson's face is on-screen in the first sneak peek at The Smashing Machine, that description proves true. If the name of the movie sounds familiar, that's because there's a 2002 documentary of the same moniker that's also about Kerr. As a biopic, The Smashing Machine hails from writer/director Benny Safdie, making his first solo directorial effort after spending his filmmaking career so far co-helming with his brother Josh. On their shared resume: Daddy Longlegs, Lenny Cooke, Heaven Knows What, Good Time and Uncut Gems. It's been six years since Benny was last behind the camera on a feature, but he's been popping up in acting parts elsewhere, including in Pieces of a Woman, Licorice Pizza, Stars at Noon, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Oppenheimer and The Curse — the latter of which he co-wrote and co-created with The Rehearsal's Nathan Fielder. Benny's brother Josh also has a new film out in 2025, also focusing on sports and also helmed on his lonesome. In Marty Supreme, Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) is in the lead — and ping-pong is the focus. Check out the trailer for The Smashing Machine below: The Smashing Machine releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Polyamory (loving two or more people, sincerely, at the same time) from the outside tends to look a bit like piloting a fighter jet, requiring talent, instinct and a lot of practice. But it looks to me like it can be done, and done well. One half of Serial Space's upcoming debators are happy to agree with me, the other half are happy to see my heart pulled apart in two equally well-loved directions. As part of their series of Great Debates, Serial Space is hosting The Great Love Debate - That Polyamory Doesn't Work, to put the idea to bed once and for all. Debating for the affirmative are Imperial Panda regular Eddie Sharp, Angela Bowne Anderson and ACON icon Siri May. Contradicting are Performance-Spacer Lara Thoms (who is either Spat or Loogie), as well as Nigel Cox and Jess Keen. Recently preggers Nick Coyle is adjudicating, and you can relax after the love-fueled bloodletting to the discs of Tyson Koh alter-ego Baron Mundi. Serial Space is home to deep thinkers and agile speakers. You may or may not find yourself changing your mind, partner or preconceptions, but you're likely to fall in love with all on stage.
Transforming the Cellblock Theatre into a lonely-hearts club, Theatre Kantanka's CLUBSINGULARITY is a contemporary cabaret with a scientific twist. Attempting to answer — through song and dance, of course — the complex question of "why (and if) we're alone in the universe," the long-standing Sydney troupe will be exploring speed of light dating, along with the the strange, wondrous workings of the cosmos. Their ideal audience? In their words, "anyone who has fallen back to Earth from a broken heart." Theatre Kantanka (Bargain Garden, Missing the Bus to David Jones) have been around since 1995, with a rotating roster of some pretty awesome experimental performers like Katia Molino (Belvoir Street's I'm Your Man) and Arky Michael, who you may have caught in Kate Gaul's Penelope last year. If you're already a devoted fan, you'll recall their fondness for using non-traditional spaces to their advantage. And if you haven't yet been introduced, this could be the start of a beautiful, if unusual, relationship. CLUBSINGULARITY takes place as part of Performance Space's PSpace Social along with Micro Parks and NightTime: Talent Quest. See the Performance Space website for more details. https://youtube.com/watch?v=8yIXjsK_s_o
If you haven't heard of 28 Hongkong Street before now, don't feel too out of the loop. Sure, it's been voted Asia's best bar for three years running and knocks out some seriously amazing cocktails — but it also operates as one of those mysterious, super secretive, word-of-mouth-only venues, hidden away behind an unassuming 1960s shopfront. Plus, it's been hanging out all the way up in Singapore, 6000 kilometres and an eight-hour flight away. Until now. For three nights this month, 28HKS will be hitting our shores as part of Sydney Bar Week. The brief touchdown on Australian turf will see the Singaporean enigma visit Sydney and Melbourne to take over two of our own hidden cocktail bars and give lucky locals a whirlwind taste of all the cocktail magic. They're not cutting any corners, either. The pop-ups — which will grace Darlinghurst's Henrietta Supper Club on September 18, and Fitzroy's The Everleigh from September 21-22 — will offer a bang-on recreation of the 28HKS concept. Expect those award-winning cocktails alongside a selection of the American-leaning share plates, all delivered by five of 28HKS's mixologists, floor staff and chefs. They're even bringing over the soundtrack to round-out the experience. It's not the first time Australia's had a fleeting taste of international cocktail greatness and, given the success of Attaboy's February stints at The Everleigh and Dead Ringer, and last year's Please Don't Tell pop-up at The Black Pearl, it's probably safe to say that this latest cocktail-wielding visitor won't be the last. One thing's for sure, though — at $20, these tickets won't hang around for long. Snap one up here for the Sydney pop-up, or here for the Melbourne one. 28 Hongkong Street will pop up at Henrietta Supper Club, Darlinghurst, on Sunday, September 18, and The Everleigh, Fitzroy, from September 21-22. There will be two sessions available each night, with each session running for 1.5 hours. Tickets are $20, and include a cocktail on arrival.
Usually when Cirque du Soleil hits cities around the world, it has audiences rolling up to its big top to see stunning acrobatic feats. But with the Montreal-based circus company's latest show, which also marks a pioneering display for the organisation, viewers will be hitting up arenas instead — because CRYSTAL takes place on ice. Cirque du Soleil's first-ever ice show, CRYSTAL still features all the trapeze, juggling, aerial acrobatics and more that fans have seen and loved across the company's past 41 productions — seven traditional circus acts, in fact, including banquine and hand balancing — but then adds a frosty surface rather than its usual stage setup. And, it includes figure skating and extreme skating into the spectacle as well, two disciplines that've never been featured in a Cirque du Soleil production before now. Even better: CRYSTAL will make its debut Down Under in 2023, kicking off in — when else? — winter. The show will start unleashing its frosty wonders in New Zealand, starting in Christchurch and then heading to Auckland, before making its way to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in Australia. This'll mark Cirque du Soleil's first visit since KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities in 2019 and 2020, although that production's run was interrupted by the pandemic. Also part of CRYSTAL, and another Cirque du Soleil first: remastered pop songs, including Beyoncé's 'Halo', U2's 'Beautiful Day', Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and Sia's 'Chandelier', in the company's only touring show so far to use such tracks. CRYSTAL has been doing the rounds worldwide since 2017, with more than 1.8-million people in 115 cities in 12 countries checking it out over the past five years. The all-ages show takes its name from the production's protagonist, who acts as the audience's guide as she follows her destiny to become herself. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S CRYSTAL — AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR 2023: Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18 — Christchurch Arena Tuesday, July 4–Sunday, July 9 — Spark Arena, Auckland Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre Thursday, August 3–Sunday, August 6 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Thursday, August 17–Sunday, August 20 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Thursday, August 31–Sunday, September 3 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Friday, September 15—Sunday, September 17 — RAC Arena, Perth Cirque du Soleil's Crystal will tour New Zealand in June–July 2023, and Australia in July–September 2023. For more information, or to buy tickets from 12pm on Wednesday, November 16 — with various presales beforehand — head to the show's website. Images: Matt Baker / Olivier Brajon.
Joining beloved venues XOPP and Chase Kojima's Simulation Senpai on the top floor of Darling Exchange, Haidilao Hotpot has opened an expansive new restaurant, throwing its hat in the ring of Darling Square's dining precinct. The 200-seat venue offers traditional hotpot from midday seven days a week. Guests choose up to four soup bases for their hotpot with bases like spicy oil, mushroom, tomato and chicken all on offer. From there, diners can mix-and-match from the menu which is divided into meat, seafood, beans and noodles, vegetables and snacks. Highlights of the meat menu include wagyu beef M8, XO tongue, pork kidneys and marbled pork belly. Be sure to order the 'dancing noodles' at some point in the meal, where staff will hand-stretch them in front of you before dropping them into your hotpot. Pre-meal fruit and self-serve condiment bars featuring house-made sesame paste and a variety of oils and sauces are on hand to complete your meal, while added comforts like complimentary hair ties and plush toys to accompany solo diners are all provided to ensure you have the perfect hotpot experience. Those waiting for a table can also be treated to a complimentary manicure, subject to availability, so waiting has never been easier. Originating in China, Haidilao is an international restaurant group with venues across Sydney, Australia and the world. Walk-ins are available but if you want to ensure your spot, you can book by calling the restaurant on 02 7252 3500. Haidilao Hotpot is located at Level 5, The Exchange Darling Square, 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket. It's open from midday with last orders at 8.30pm.
For what seems like forever, locals and visitors alike have asked themselves: why doesn't Melbourne Airport have a rail link? Having been promised and walked back over, and over, and over again since the 1960s, this lack of convenience hasn't gone unnoticed, at least according to a just-released study from travel comparison website iSelect. Based on a specially created index, Melbourne Airport is now officially considered Australia's least convenient airport, with its high transport costs and long distance from the city to blame. To arrive at their conclusion, the stats boffins at iSelect ranked our major airports on the average cost of airport parking, transport and taxi costs, as well as distance from the city's CBD, number of daily passengers and time spent queuing. Now, before anyone from the Harbour City leans too far into intercity rivalries, Sydney Airport placed second to last on the index. It lost marks for having the highest average weekly parking costs at $343. Unsurprisingly, it also receives the most daily passengers, at more than 113,000. At the same time, the airport offers flights to 99 destinations around the globe, making sure departing and arriving tend to be more than a little congested. As for the airports that make heading away on a holiday a breeze, Townsville and Canberra shared top honours. Travellers can expect cheaper weekly parking costs at $178 and $190, respectively. Meanwhile, Canberra Airport had the most affordable transport costs to get to the airport. At just 7.4 kilometres from the CBD, a taxi journey should cost around $28. Both airports also scored four out of five stars for queueing times, as ranked by travellers. But with these smaller centres having a bit of an advantage, you might wonder which major capital airport performed best in terms of convenience. The answer would be Adelaide, landing fourth on the list behind Darwin and just pipping Perth. Featuring some of the cheapest average public transport and taxi costs at $15.48, the airport's distance from the city centre is third-best at 6.8 kilometres. While the convenience of your nearest airport might not change your travel plans, the journey to reach the runway could dampen your holiday vibes before they've even begun. And for those Melburnians hanging out for an airport rail link, the good news is that plans are moving ahead. Yet with no publicly announced timeline or completion date, don't expect Melbourne Airport to climb the convenience rankings any time soon. Head to iSelect to read the full report on Australia's best and worst airports for convenience.
There's certainly no shortage of cafes in St Leonards — both locals and the business people are spoilt for choice when it comes decision time to appease their rumbling stomachs. And one place they shouldn't be overlooking is The Wooden Whisk. Owned by Sean Flanagan, whose CV includes La Buvette in Potts Point and numerous stints in reputable London restaurants, this cafe is dishing up five-star-quality food and service, and you'd be a fool to walk past without stopping. The place is at once welcoming with a homely, wooden fitout. The staff are neatly attired in beige aprons, and the place holds such a relaxed atmosphere, you might even be tempted to sink into the booth seating post-meal. Speaking of meals, given that Sean has spent some time in the kitchen, the menu doesn't fail to impress. An array of juices and smoothies are a must-try — like the Kale Crave ($5.90), which is sweetened up with apple, cucumber and mint. The Green Supreme ($5.90) suggestion was also a straw-slurping winner. Sean's Irish background and how it filters through in this place's menu is enough to make your morning quite the experience. Try the truffle butter with sauteed field mushrooms ($12.50) or the Spanish-style baked beans ($14.50) with chorizo sausage and black pudding. A warm toasted croissant with Nutella ($6) is decidedly wicked, and the breakfast grazing board ($14.50) is a delicious steal with house-made tomato chutney and creamy goats cheese to spruce things up. The Wooden Whisk's lunch offerings are equally notable. A range of sandwiches ($9) such as an Asian pulled pork or smoked salmon with cabbage and mint slaw, are spiffier than the usual suspects sandwich shops offer. The Ruben ($14.50) comes served with shoestring fries and the balance of mustard, pickled cabbage, pastrami and Swiss cheese is just right. Salad wise, it's a difficult choice. A smoked chicken salad ($15) with apple and cabbage slaw or a green mix of fennel, zucchini and cucumber with marinated feta ($14.50) are two standouts. Goat's cheese and pear with roast pumpkin ($14.50) or ocean trout with pearl couscous and pesto aioli ($16) could also be your pick. With restaurant-quality food and cafe prices, The Wooden Whisk is sure to whip this neighbourhood into a food frenzy and we reckon it's time you joined in.
You might remember One Day Sundays for its legendary monthly hip hop block parties, which took place around Sydney before the pandemic. After a few years' hiatus, the One Day Sundays crew is back to bring you an unforgettable shindig this long weekend. Partnering up with touring agency Niche, the collective is presenting Daybreak from 2–9pm on Saturday, April 23 — with the event taking you from day to night in the Ivy courtyard. Daybreak will showcase some of the country's most exciting musical talents. Don't miss the debut DJ set from western Sydney producer OPEN TILL L8, whose work you might recognise on Youngn Lipz and Kerser tracks. There will also be vocals from Sahxl and Pania, plus Babyface Mal. And, you'll be able to plenty of live beats from a lineup of Sydney's top DJs, who'll be playing rap, R&B, drill and afrobeats on the Ivy's world-class sound system. So, it's a two-for-one kind of event, letting you discover some rising talent in the Australian hip hop scene while enjoying a much missed One Day party. Tickets are on sale now, but are selling out fast — so get in quick.
Peering through the front window on Pittwater Road, you could easily mistake The Herring Room for a fine dining haunt. But the reality is quite the opposite. Once the space of a former surf shop, the boards and bathers may be gone, but the laidback northern beaches vibe certainly remains. What caused this confusion was the attention to detail that was paid to both the fit-out and the menu. Tactically accented by exposed brick walls, polished floorboards, candlelight and dark leather chesterfields, the space is polished but still warm and homely — complete with a prize herring mounted proudly over the fireplace. In the kitchen, you'll find a trio of chefs and a mix of culinary skills that clearly shine through on the seasonal menu. And while each of The Herring Room's influences takes a leading role at different points, there is one constant: its focus on seafood. A signature French dish is a squid ink spaghetti with a sea urchin butter emulsion and shaved bottarga, which makes for a deliciously rich but well-portioned combination. Making up the Aussie contingency is a dish of baked NSW Snowy Mountains rainbow trout with little neck clams, fennel, shallots and crushed peas and slow-cooked, braised lamb shank with red wine jus, rosemary and white polenta, among others. Switching to South Asian flavours try the Vietnamese-inspired beef tartare with cos, pine nuts, crispy shallots, chilli, coriander and mint leaf. When it comes to dessert — which you'll want to save room for — try the dulce de leche fondant with salted macadamia ice cream and fresh banana brûlée or the crepe Suzette with orange and caramel sauce and vanilla chantilly. They're both great desserts in their own right, but here they make for an epic partnership. The Herring Room is actually a much larger space than you would initially imagine, and the best seats in the house are in the courtyard out the back. Surrounded by high walls adorned with succulents, this little garden oasis epitomises the chilled-out nature of northern beaches dining culture. Images: Lauren Vadnjal.
Sydney Good Food Month presented by Citi is back and ready to once again make it near impossible to leave your winter habits behind. We say lean into it. Sydney's annual month-long feasting fiesta kicks off on Thursday, October 4 with its most expansive program yet — and you don't want to miss out on any of it. Some of it will look familiar — alongside the ever-popular Night Noodle Markets, last year's vibrant Palm Springs-inspired pop-up restaurant in Hyde Park will also make its return. And, in honour of the festival's 20th birthday, the festival hub is dialling up the nostalgia. This year, the festival will celebrate the famed restaurants, influential chefs and up-and-coming innovators that have shaped Australia's food scene through a series of throwback-themed events. Here are just a few of the food experiences you should book immediately. DATE NIGHT WITH UME BURGER AND COW & THE MOON The old dinner-and-a-movie date: it's a classic for a reason. Whether this is a first attempt or you've been with your person for many trips around the sun, Friday, October 5 is your opportunity to kick things real old-school. Hyde Park Palms' Date Night event has all the ingredients for casual yet romantic night out. On a platonic mate date? Even better. You can collectively swoon over Heath Ledger in the chosen film for the night: 90s cult classic 10 Things I Hate About You. As you're watching, you'll get to chow down on a burger from Japanese-inspired joint Ume Burger and sip on wine from South Australian winery Brand's Laira, before Enmore's Cow & the Moon provides its renowned gelato for dessert. Date Night with Ume Burger and Cow & the Moon will be held on Friday, October 5. $65 per person. 90s LONG LUNCH WITH VICTOR LIONG AND ANDY BOWDY Do you fondly think back to the time when Clueless, grungy flannel and Nintendo 64 were the height of popular culture? If you're ever filled with 90s nostalgia (we swear it feels like only yesterday), this Long Lunch event is sure to tick all of your retro-loving boxes. Chefs Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) and Andy Bowdy (Saga, ex-Hartsyard) will be at the helm, serving up a host of quintessential 90s flavours. While the exact menu is yet to be revealed, we know Bowdy is partial to a number of desserts from the era — think apple turnovers, finger buns and vanilla slice — so you can expect some recognisable flavours from your childhood, but with the added bonus of pairing them with grown-up drinks: Baileys, Brand's Laira wine and James Squire beer. Don that double denim and get ready to chat 90210 trivia. 90s Long Lunch with Victor Lion and Andy Bowdy will be held on Sunday, October 7. $99 per person. NOUGHTIES LONG LUNCH WITH MITCH ORR AND KATE REID If you feel like the 90s weren't that long ago (we swear they weren't), it's a rude shock to the system when you realise it's almost been two decades since the start of millennium. To soothe your disbelief, head to the Noughties Long Lunch, where two renowned chefs will be paying tribute to the era that shaped their careers in food. First up, Acme's Mitch Orr. His incorporation of flavours from his childhood into dishes is well-documented, namely the baloney sandwich and use of Jatz on Acme's menu. Orr will be joined by pastry queen Kate Reid from Lune Croissanterie, the internationally celebrated Fitzroy patisserie that dishes up the world's best croissants in both traditional and retro flavours — including pecan pie. Brand's Laira wine and James Squire beer will also be flowing throughout the meal. This is selling out quick, so you better shake it like a polaroid picture and get booking. Noughties Long Lunch with Mitch Orr and Kate Reid will be held on Sunday, October 14. $99 per person.
Taking their celebrated bakery beachside, Love Tilly Group has set its sights on beloved Coogee Beach. Fabbrica Bread Shop is now bringing its popular pastries to eastern shores a year after opening its first location in the docklands of Rozelle. Led by Head Baker Aniruddha Bhosekar and Sous Baker Alyce Bennett, the OG Fabbrica quickly earned a reputation for the calibre of its sourdough, which is used throughout Love Tilly Group's various venues. Today, the bakery boasts a cult following among Sydneysiders, hungry for treats like shakshuka Danishes, anchovy toast and an array of unique pastries. Bhosekar and Bennett will also be overseeing Fabbrica's second site, incorporating the classic baked goods that put the first Fabbrica on the map plus a selection of new creations including a couple of Roman classics. Exclusive to the Coogee outpost will be soft, golden maritozzi – the traditional filled brioche bun originating from Rome – bursting with sweet and savoury fillings like strawberries and Chantilly cream, vegan cherry, and curried egg and achari mayo. Visitors can also indulge in one-metre-long Roman pizzas del Giorno, along with a DIY focaccia bar for those who want to try their hand at making their own Italian bread. Coogee's Fabbrica will also be offering a rotating selection of crowd-pleasing toasties, ideal for a post-beach snack. "It's everything you'd want in a great local bakery, whether you're picking up some still-warm pastries and a coffee to enjoy by the beach after a morning swim, building a DIY sandwich from our sando bar for lunch, or simply swinging by to collect a loaf of sourdough," says Love Tilly Group co-owner Matthew Swieboda. "We're excited to have some new creations for Coogee and look forward to sharing them with you."
You might be exhausted from Art Month. You might be saving your energy for Vivid. But there's no reason you can't see just a very few of these instantly fascinating shows opening in April.
In the Annex is proof that Forest Lodge — that half suburb in between Annandale and Glebe, whose main drag Ross Street left much to be desired until now — is slowly catching up to its neighbours. The 30-seater joint's got the cafe trifecta: a bang on coffee dispensary manned by barista babes, a compact menu based on fresh, seasonal produce and conversation-worthy decor. And if our recent visit was anything to go by, we're not the only ones who've been charmed. Flodge's newest kid on the coffee shop block's got it going on in large part due to the beans — Umami beans. A blend is used for milk-based coffee while a single origin, roasted slightly lighter, is used for black. The delivery of your morning pick-me-up is just as considered — flats and caps come in teacups while lattes come in science beakers. And while we're on the liquids, there's plenty more worth noting. In the Annex offers a colourful selection of freshly squeezed juice, frappes and smoothies with unique flavour combos akin to those you'd expect to find at some dreamy beachside resort. Try the grapefruit, ginger, tonic and honey frappe ($8) for fresh citric goodness; the kale, banana, coconut and chia smoothie ($8) for a taste of suburban Tropicana; or the almond, macadamia, cinnamon and rice milk smoothie ($9) for nutty indulgence. And who's banging about the pans? That's a certain Joey Astorga (ex El Capo) whose seasonal menu caters for a number of tastes. Astorga's dishes are well executed and demonstrate a great understanding of portion control and ethical food processes — all eggs are free range and meats sustainably farmed. The best part? Chef's food is delivered by only the most amicable service. Win win. The breaky burrito ($10) — scrambled egg, rice 'n' beans with guac and jalapenos — is perhaps the least inventive on the menu, but caught my eye nonetheless. For something more carnivorous, go for the cured duck, roasted Brussels sprouts, brioche and duck egg ($16). This baby looks like something you'd see served in a hatted restaurant and clearly demonstrates chef's inventive presentation, but the best part? You're free to dig in sans any obligation to do so with the refined poise often expected at aforementioned swank fest. Then there's the crumbed egg with bubble and squeek ($14), which is the hero dish in my opinion. Slice into the crumbed egg and warm yolk oozes out to provide the desired mess — a yolky mess to be mopped up by remaining mash, whole baby potatoes, peas, green beans and heirloom carrots. Lest we forget to mention one more thing. It's a must you check out the In the Annex's goodie cabinet up front. A selection of sambos and sweet treats are readily available for those on the go. And if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a few Hubba Bubba-flavoured lamingtons. Yeah, that's right. I just said Hubba Bubba-flavoured lamingtons. Do it. Alas, no longer is Ross Street a cultural wasteland swarming with vacant shopfronts and barefooted students. In the Annex has amped things up and seems to be vibing on something along the lines of, "I've done this before, I know how to please you and I'm doing it for your own good." And to that I say thank you. Cue In the Annex: You're welcome.
Once, dance and classical weren't music genres that you'd usually find swirling around in the same basket, unless you have a particular bent for the orchestral 'Sandstorm' covers found in the depths of YouTube. Since 2019 in Australia, however, Synthony has been here to prove that the disciplines go hand in hand — and it's returning for another tour in 2024. Initially founded in New Zealand, and now an annual highlight on Australia's gig calendar, the event gets a live orchestra joining forces with a selection of DJs and onstage performers to play the biggest dance tracks of the last 30 years. Think: tunes by Swedish House Mafia, Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim, Avicii, Fisher, Faithless, Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Flume, Calvin Harris, Wilkinson and the like, and as you've never heard them before. Wherever Synthony pops up, the venues that it temporarily call home take a few cues from the nightclub scene, with lights, lasers and mapped video all featured in the experience. And, as the orchestra busts out a selection of dance floor bangers note for note, vocalists also do their part — because this isn't just about instrumental versions of your favourite club tunes. The 2024 run first has two dates with Sydney, playing Carriageworks during Vivid across Friday, June 7–Saturday, June 8. On the lineup: the Metropolitan Orchestra conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, as joined by Ilan Kidron from The Potbelleez, Emily Williams, Cassie McIvor, Greg Gould, Matty O and Mobin Master.
It's all well and good to lock in a destination and start booking your itinerary, but when was the last time you thought about the devices and accessories that'll keep your trip running smoothly? Travelling is stressful enough, so make the journey as easy as possible with practical tech gadgets that'll help you deal with the noise of fellow passengers, having to re-wear dishevelled clothes or running out of charge at the worst possible time. From odour-reducing clothing steamers to powerful portable chargers, we partnered with Philips to put together a list of handy tools that'll take some of the hassle out of your next adventure. Philips Handheld Garment Steamer This portable tool will keep you looking (and smelling) your best throughout your holiday, so you can pack light and have plenty of room in your suitcase for shopping and souvenirs. At an affordable $79.95, the Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series is compact enough to throw in your luggage and safe to use on all types of iron-safe fabrics, including delicates like silk. As well as getting rid of wrinkles, the nifty gadget also removes odours and eliminates bacteria, which is ideal when you don't have easy access to a washing machine on your travels. Noise-Cancelling Headphones Ditch the tinny audio and discomfort of those complimentary airline headphones and upgrade to a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for your next flight. You might not think it makes a difference, but eliminating the background roar of the plane means that you don't have to crank up the volume and overstimulate your ears, and it also helps your chances of getting some sleep. There are a wide variety of options available, from the fancy Apple AirPods Max ($899) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($645.95) or the more affordable Space One by Soundcore ($135.99). And with the incredibly handy Airfly device ($54.99), you can connect to the in-flight entertainment using your own Bluetooth headphones. Portable Power Bank Imagine trying to navigate an unfamiliar city with only a 2% charge. Or arriving at a spectacular view but not having enough battery to take a photo. Don't let your phone add stress to your trip — throw a portable power bank in your bag so you can be out and about for the whole day. With wireless charging, two built-in cables, interchangeable power adaptors and additional cable outlets, the 5-in-1 Universal Travel Power Bank by Snap is worth the splurge ($169.95). You can also go for a cheaper option, like this power bank by Charmast ($47.99). It offers built-in cables and outputs to charge up to five devices at once and can charge your phone multiple times. E-Reader You don't want to waste precious suitcase space by packing multiple books for your holiday, but that doesn't mean your reading goals need to be put on hold. Both the Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo are able to store more than 10,000 books and last over a month with a single charge. You can take notes, highlight important passages, adjust the font size and brightness, and even rent certain titles. At less than 170 grams, you won't even notice you're carrying it around, but it'll be on hand for those quiet moments when you're sipping coffee in a local cafe, lounging in a park or stuck in a long queue. Portable Fan If you're chasing summer in the northern hemisphere, you'll need an easy way to keep the temperature (and tempers) as cool as possible. Keep a handheld fan in your pocket for long days in the sun, like this water-spraying fan from Big W ($29.99) for a chilly boost or this multi-functional gadget from Amazon ($23.99), which includes a flashlight and power bank. There are also wearable options that keep your hands free, like this rechargeable neck fan ($50.99). The convenient tool disguises as a pair of headphones while circulating cool air across your face and back. With no danger of spinning blades, it is a great option for kids. Shop the Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series and other products on the website.
Located on Cleveland Street, Kindred is the brainchild of chef Matt Pollock (A Tavola), who spent more than a year renovating the 45-seat space. The food is Italian inspired, but not strictly Italian. So, expect to find Mediterranean dishes made with a spattering of Aussie ingredients — and lots of vegetarian options. Starters such as roasted pumpkin ($11) with whipped ricotta and fermented chilli and chargrilled octopus ($17) with eggplant purée, precede heartier mains like bucatini with guanciale and agnolotti with cauliflower and sunflower seeds ($27). All pastas can be made with gluten-free pappardelle for an extra $2, too. While it's tempting to go hard on the entrees (the bread and the pastas) leaving room for dessert is rewarded. The chocolate fondant with peanut butter gelato ($13) and fig leaf semifreddo sandwich ($13) are both winners As well as having tasty fare — that keeps dietary requirements in mind — everything from the pasta to the bread and the cultured butter is made on site, and produce is sourced from local suppliers. The wine list, meanwhile, has many organic, biodynamic and natural drops, and is bolstered by a selection of local spirits, too.
In honour of Negroni Month, The Dolphin Hotel is hosting a pop-up Red Bar in collaboration with Campari, slinging a range of 'newgronis' — twists on the popular tipple — from Wednesday, September 20, to Sunday, October 22. Not only will the bar-inside-a-bar be stirring out reinterpretations of the cocktail, but the bar will also be bathed in red light and red accents — so it'll be akin to walking into a glass of the red stuff. Bar Director Josh Reynolds has compiled a bespoke drinks list that includes four reimaginings of the cocktail made with Campari. If you aren't in the mood for a newgroni, there is a range of spritzes, sodas and additional cocktails made with Campari and inspired by Italian summer available on the drinks list. You can choose between the Tiramisu Negroni made with Mr. Black and clarified with Messina's coffee ice cream, or go for tropical vibes with the London Passion Week made with suze, Unico Pomelo and clarified with Messina passionfruit ice cream. For lovers of berry flavours, there's the Raspberry Beret Negroni made with wild raspberry eau de vie and freeze-dried raspberry; and finally, the Black Truffle & Cacao Husk Negroni with — you guessed it — black truffle, Martini Rosso, cacao husk and white chocolate. Complete your evening at Bar Red with some nibbles from executive chef Danny Corbett's snack menu created for the event. You could go for house-made focaccia loaded with classic Italian cured meats, buffalo mozzarella, the fritto misto (fried veggies and seafood) with prawn, calamari and ling, or opt for something more substantial such as a classic spaghetti carbonara or the tramezzino (lamb shoulder with verde sauce). What's a bar without a good backing track? Bar Red will be spinning out tunes courtesy of local artist DJ Kali. It's only available for one month, so check it out while you can. Bar Red is in action from 4–6pm daily on Wednesday, September 20, to Sunday, October 22. No Bookings. For more information, check out the Dolphin Hotel's website.
Around 9000 cattle are still run at the historic Goonoo Goonoo Station, just 25 minutes south of Tamworth. But in recent years, this gem has become best known for its boutique accommodation and award-winning on-site dining offering, Glasshouse Restaurant. The buildings that once made up the station village (many dating back as far as the 1840s) have been expertly restored in a massive project, which has delivered a spectacular event destination and unique holiday spot. Of the nine transformed heritage buildings, The Homestead is the largest. It sleeps up to ten guests and includes a private pool, billiard room and epic views of the undulating landscape from every sitting room and sunchair. What to do when you're not reclining or dining at the station? Visit local landmarks like the Big Guitar, the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame or the Tamworth Regional Gallery. And if boot-scootin' is your group's jam, line up your trip with the next Tamworth Country Music Festival (January 13–22, 2023). Top images: Destination NSW
Kick start your day at this bright and breezy coffee and smoothie purveyor, located inside Kiaora Place. The menu here extends far beyond a plain latte, offering your standard coffees made with Allpress coffee beans alongside bulletproof coffees (a long black with grass-fed butter and XCT oil) and matcha lattes. You'll also find a heap of cold-pressed juices and an extensive smoothie menu, where fruits and greens are blended up with nutrient-dense superfoods like ashwagandha, blue spirulina, astragalus root, maca and lion's mane mushrooms. If you're hungry, you can also grab a sandwich, toastie, acai bowl or a burrito bowl.
There's never a bad time to bust out the lyrics to 'Footloose', the Kenny Loggins-sung, Oscar-nominated theme to the film of the same name that helped Kevin Bacon dance to fame four decades back. Still, although the track doesn't get a spin in X, Pearl or MaXXXine, its opening line feels particularly relevant to the trilogy, which Bacon has now joined. Since coming up with the idea for three horror movies inspired by pornographic film classifications in the US in 2019, writer/director Ti West (The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers, The Sacrament) has been working so hard to bring a unique slasher saga to the big screen. Working so hard to chase a dream and do more than punch a card has also throbbed within every instalment. Before it had Bacon (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F) as a sleazy private detective and Australia's own Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown) as a film director, the franchise first had X initially mark the spot in 2022, with the New Zealand-shot feature kicking it back to 1979, to a Texas farmhouse where a porn production featuring an aspiring adult-film actor turns bloody. The talent: Maxine Minx, a force of nature in the movie played by Mia Goth, the X series' own force of nature. Fresh from stealing scenes in Emma, and with standout roles in Nymphomaniac: Vol II, A Cure for Wellness, Suspiria and High Life also on her resume, Goth cemented herself as the consummate horror star in two X roles. She captured Maxine's lust for a life worthy of her ambitions and desires, shooting her shot in the X-rated game, and for survival. She also made the elderly Pearl, one of the remote property's owners, an unforgettable adversary. When X reached audiences, splashing around gore like it truly was a 70s horror flick — and styled playfully to look the part, as if it'd just been unearthed in a dusty barn or basement — good news already beckoned when the film hit the spot with viewers. West and Goth had shot a sequel immediately after the first film, stepping back to 1918 when Pearl was a young woman with her own hopes for the future that spanned far beyond rural life. This time, as the movie's eponymous figure covets chorus-girl gigs and also gracing the pictures, West also took cues 50s-era musicals and melodramas. He didn't hold back in getting bloody, though, and nor did Goth for even a second. Again, viewers lapping up Pearl knew that more was coming. MaXXXine brings the trilogy to a close by once more exploring the pursuit of a Hollywood-tinted dream, also paying tribute to everything that gives movies that I-want-to-be-in-them sheen and equally championing a woman who isn't going to settle for anything less than her fantasies by choice. It's now 1985, Maxine has made it in porn, but she wants to move out of skin flicks and go legit, winning a role in — what else? — a horror sequel. The timing steeps the picture in the backlash against supposedly inappropriate pop-culture wares, while also setting it against the Night Stalker killings, all as someone begins taking a literal stab at Tinseltown's starlets and others in Maxine's orbit. [caption id="attachment_965315" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Stewart Cook/Getty Images for A24[/caption] West and Goth's three films haven't ever lacked name power. West has been a genre favourite ever since 2009's The House of the Devil, which also gave a slasher a satanic panic spin. Goth's stature was rising already in 2022, and fast. Jenna Ortega (Scream VI) and Scott Mescudi (Silent Night) were among X's other actors, while Pearl precedes the next Superman — playing the Man of Steel, too — on David Corenswet's (We Own This City) resume. But it's the 80s in MaXXXine, so everything is bigger, including the film's array of familiar faces. Cue not just Bacon and Debicki cutting loose in the franchise, but also Giancarlo Esposito (The Boys), Lily Collins (Emily in Paris), Bobby Cannavale (Bupkis), Michelle Monaghan (The Family Plan) and Halsey (Americana). With Bacon, who visibly relishes getting shady as questionable detective John Labat, MaXXXine's love of the 80s and its cinema couldn't be paired with a better icon from the period. With The Night Manager, Widows and Tenet's Debicki as Elizabeth Bender, the female filmmaker helming The Puritan 2 — Maxine's hopeful big Hollywood break — the movie earns another opportunity to explore the expectations enforced upon women and the battle to buck them. Ahead of MaXXXine reaching cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 11, 2024, we chatted with Bacon and Debicki about joining the trilogy, covering Debicki's admiration for Goth, the full-circle feel for Bacon and another way that the feature wears its love for cinema on its frames: multiple scenes set on the Universal backlot on the Bates Motel set from Psycho. On Sliding Into a Franchise with Such Commanding Performances by Mia Goth at Its Centre Maxine Minx will not accept a life that she does not deserve in MaXXXine. That isn't just an observation — it's a mantra. If it was revealed that Goth had been uttering the same words IRL but about starring roles, in fact, it wouldn't come as a surprise. In the saga's latest chapter, nothing is going to get in Maxine's way, not a serial killer, not a private detective rifling through her past, not the weight of expectation when it comes to her first chance in Hollywood. How does acting against a performance like that help Goth's co-stars? Debicki, who also shares Everest on her filmography with Goth, has nothing but praise. "I think she's phenomenal and she's quite mesmerising. She's really a unique creature. She occupies a very interesting energy field. And I felt that when I watched the two films. I've been a fan of hers for a long time because I think what she's been doing in this genre is really kind of radical — she's amazing to watch on screen," Debicki explains. "So it was really just delightful for me, because the first thing I shot was the golf cart monologue and I spent maybe eight hours talking. We were just going round and round in a golf cart, and I was just chewing her ear off, and she was a very good sport about it." "But she exudes Maxine energy. There's no other way to put it. And so because she's the centre of the film and we all come in and out and shoot however many days, she's the vibration — in a way — that you meet, and each character meets and reflects off. I don't know how else to put it. She's the thing we all orbit around. So she really has to hold that space, and she does it amazingly well." Debicki knows Bender's perspective on Maxine, too, as any actor playing a part should of their on-screen alter ego. "I found her kind of maddening, as in the character. She's so on another stratosphere that as Liz Bender, I want rip her down to earth and get her to react the way I want her to. But also, you know that Liz Bender knows her value is that she's kind of on another planet." Seeing MaXXXine's finished product only cemented Debicki's appreciation, however. "I just think she's amazing in this film. And I felt that watching it too — a mesmeric performance that really holds you for the whole thing. I'm a big fan." On Throwing It Back to Footloose-Style Pop-Culture Backlashes, Getting a Start in Horror and All Things 80s From the instant that X started flickering, West's commitment to revelling in the film's period setting was as clear as the determination in Goth's eyes that she, like Maxine, wasn't going to let anything that she wanted pass her by. The years changed, but that era-appropriate dedication didn't fade in Pearl. MaXXXine makes it three for three, while expanding the movies beyond the farm that was so pivotal to the initial two instalments. That sense of immersion isn't just about aesthetics, either. It must've felt that way on paper, and it definitely plays like it on-screen: casting Bacon is a stroke of genius, especially in a feature arriving 40 years on from Footloose that places him in another picture where music and entertainment is considered evil by some. He's also in an 80s-set slasher film after the OG Friday the 13th, an 80s slasher film, was one of his early on-screen credits. Ask Bacon if being in MaXXXine feels a bit like a full-circle moment and of course he sees it, too. "You know, it really does. It's also 40 years since Beverly Hills Cop, and I'm in the new Beverly Hills Cop. And MaXXXine takes place in 85, which is a year hence from when both of those movies came out," he tells Concrete Playground. "I think it really hit me — there's a scene out on Hollywood Boulevard at night. And I walked up there and I saw all the period cars, and I saw that the sets were dressed and the stores, things that were all super, super authentic, and the way that people were dressed. And I went 'wow, this is really like time traveling'." On the Layers of Mythology, Horror Love and Film History That Come with Shooting on the Bates Motel Set Still on blasts from the past, MaXXXine nods back further than the 80s (or even the 70s, when mentions of X's events pop up). Not once but twice while she's on the Universal lot making The Puritan 2, including with Bender and then Labat for company, Maxine walks in the footsteps of Marion Crane. As immortalised by Janet Leigh — mother of Jamie Lee Curtis, for more horror ties — the character's mid-shower fate in one of Alfred Hitchcock's masterpieces gave cinema the definitive slasher sequence. West doesn't dare attempt to recreate the scene, even if the 1998 remake with Anne Heche (All Rise) did, but love for Psycho is splattered on welcomely and gloriously thick. Accordingly, MaXXXine is well-aware of film history, and strengthens its homage to filmmaking at every possible point, with working in the set to one of the earliest slasher flicks while making a slasher flick one such tactic. Yes, that adds another layer to the picture's cinema worship — and swirls in more meta hijinks for Bacon, more eeriness for Debicki and more fun for both. "I think that the two times that we shot on the lot, for me, were very meta in a way. Not even just the Bates Motel horror movie part, but just the whole making of films and running through the flats, and going in and out of these fake buildings — it was great. That was some of the most fun I've had making a movie in a really long time," Bacon advises. "And certainly to end up with that chase scene at the Bates Motel, to walk up those steps and, you know, knock on that door — great, great moment for me." "The same for me," Debicki adds. "There's a very specific — I'm very esoteric today — but there's a very specific energy off that set. I think it's what you bring. It's a pretty creepy place. Would you agree, Kevin? Like it's got a super creepy, it's a creepy vibe." "It does," Bacon concurs. "So you feel it," continues Debicki. "It's something about how it's sort of exactly how you remember in the film, but really kind of dilapidated. Some of the crew were going in and out of the actual rooms in the motel, and someone was like 'come and look at this'. And I was like 'I am not'. Because actually it feels super weird to me." "So I loved it. It really helped me, again, to have that scene where we drive up and we land in this place that's steeped in this mythology. It's just really fun, actually, to have that. And it really helped me. If we'd been shooting off a mockup of that set, it wouldn't be the same performance, I don't think, from either of us." MaXXXine opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Read our review.
As the force behind Cake Wines, Glen Cassidy has been shaping Sydney's epicurean side for six years now — and enjoying partaking in it as well. The brand is known for getting involved with the city's cultural events, while the man himself is full of tips and praise for Sydney's dining and drinking scene — particularly Redfern, the evolving inner-city suburb where Cake Wines opened its own cellar door in 2016. In partnership with Pullman Hotels and Resorts, we're helping you explore more on your next holiday and make sure you get those experiences that the area's most switched-on residents wouldn't want their visitors to miss. In Sydney, we've called in Glen, whose favourite spots range from the restaurant that's home to Gourmet Traveller's 2018 Chef of the Year to the joint slinging his favourite burgers in town. A stay in one of Pullman's two locations in central Sydney — Hyde Park and Quay Grand Sydney Harbour (there's also two more at Sydney Airport and Sydney Olympic Park) — will not only put you in the thick of all this action, it will let you rest and digest in five-star luxury at the end of the day. Read on for Glen's top Sydney food hot spots in his own words, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. ESTER The team at Ester in Chippendale are big supporters of interesting wines — mostly natural, I think. The food is simple, but with what seems like a few very personal twists by the 2018 Gourmet Traveller Chef of the Year, Mat Lindsay. These guys have got the "local undiscovered but always full" vibe totally dialled. I love going there and sitting at the bar, with a couple of share plates and a few vinos. I've had some memorable afternoons there with Cake staff over the years. HUBERT Best in the game? Probably. The wine list, the menu, the atmos — CBD restaurant Hubert is a reimagining of classic dining, but without the stiffness that often accompanies food and wine this good. Hats off to the team (the Swillhouse Group, also behind Sydney establishments Shady Pines Saloon and the Baxter Inn) who have created this special place, and to the crew who work there. They deliver killer service and vibe, week in, week out. CAKE WINES CELLAR DOOR Yep, ok, I'm biased, but our Cellar Door in Redfern captures everything we love about food, wine and culture in this city. We have all our wines, different cultural programming each week, a solid selection of simple pizzas and charcuterie — all in a beautiful space down on Eveleigh Street. Vibes are always high at the Cellar Door as Redfern continues to evolve, and we're super proud to be part of it. ACME What's not to like? Acme in Rushcutters Bay boasts simple but creative cooking, a banging wine list, great staff and just an all-round vibe. Their creative approach to Italian food means you'll see dishes like cold spaghetti with okra, sesame and ponzu, and pig's head macaroni with egg yolk. We recently had a staff night out there for the launch of Ochota Barrels' new wines and the food was beautifully matched. No wonder they've just been awarded one hat by the Good Food Guide. REDFERN CONTINENTAL AND GDR Legends of the game. Redfern Continental presents a near-perfect example of casual dining, with a hidden gem of a night spot out the back. A complement to the pan-European offering in front, Gunther's Dining Room (aka GDR) is loosely East Germany themed, with curywurst and traditional German hotdogs on the bar menu. Factor in a killer wine list with selections from all around the world, and you've got it made here. $1 Oysters on Sundays in the bar are a must. This place is a regular haunt for Cellar Door staff. Redfern on the come up! SUPERIOR BURGER I grew up near this joint, so I am fond of the crew that is making such a positive contribution to the rapidly changing region that is Western Sydney. In a city overrun with burgers, I can hand on heart say these guys are the best I've tasted by far. The love, skill, energy and drive Jovi [chef Jovan Curic, formerly of Pub Life Kitchen] and the crew have for creating the best-tasting burgers comes out in spades. Get in your car and head to Wakeley — you will not regret it. HANOI QUAN Hanoi Quan offers a truly authentic northern Vietnamese experience. It's been at this spot in Marrickville since forever and gives nothing away from the outside. Had it not been introduced to me by the one and only DJ Arno, I wouldn't know about it, and I can honestly say my life would not be the same had I not tried their signature combination pho and grilled pork vermicelli. BART JR A new kid on the block in Redfern, Bart Jr is a cosy little joint that is quickly becoming my go-to. They have a great wine list (I drank a bottle of Piss Christ there only last week!), plus a fresh and simple menu that changes weekly. Do yourself a favour and stop by today. George, Anne [George Woodyard and Anne Cooper from Scout's Honour and Morris] and the crew have brought something special to the area for sure. DA ORAZIO PIZZA + PORCHETTA Food + wine + music = vibe. It's a hard combo to nail but full respect to Maurice [Terzini, the restaurateur who is also behind Icebergs] and the crew who balance this beautifully (shouts to Picnic on the bookings!). The Napoli-style pizza is made from dough that's left to rise for 48 hours before heading to the woodfire stove, while a whole Berkshire pig hits the spit roast every day (explaining the titular pizza and porchetta). Bondi needs more joints like this. FATIMA'S LEBANESE RESTAURANT Ok, this is the straight-up best "late night on the way home and don't want to get something gross" spot around. We are talking next-level Lebanese food. When it comes to takeaway, kebabs are as legit as they come, served by a proper maestro who has been there since as long as I can remember. Get the lot with chilli sauce, hummus, tabbouleh and salad. Fatima's will make sure you arrive home in one piece. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
The industrial grid-like backstreets of Brookvale are best known for their breweries, but among the tanks and taps, one spot is trading pale ales and parmies for garam masala negronis and slow-cooked goat curry. Bazaar & Bar reimagines the wine bar through an Indian lens, plating up bold, spice-driven dishes alongside natural wines and cleverly layered cocktails — and proving there's more to this patch of the Northern Beaches than just beer. The venue has been brought to life by experienced operator Kabir Arora (the brains behind Manly mainstay Sketch) and Head Chef Adwait Jagtap (Raja, Kolkata Social), whose produce-forward menu draws on personal memories and regional recipes. True to the wine bar template, there's a menu of small plates and share-style dishes — but instead of focaccia, you'll find pillowy naan, and kingfish crudo is swapped for a semolina-crusted kingfish collar with fiery recheado spice rub. The usual hanger steak gets a hearty upgrade in the form of champaran mutton, which replaces lamb for goat that's slow-cooked on the bone and dressed with a fragrant mix of smoky garlic and spice. It's confident stuff, but remains familiar and approachable. "We're not trying to reinvent Indian food — we're showcasing it in a setting people might not expect," says Arora. The cocktail list picks up where the food menu leaves off, showcasing classics with a distinctly Indian twist — think curry leaf gimlet, smoked jaggery old fashioned and a garam masala-infused negroni. A tight, accessible wine list champions Australian producers, with a handful of internationals also in the mix. It takes place in an inviting space that mirrors this blend of tradition and modernity, with design elements drawn from the vivid colours and textures of Indian bazaars. To that end, the venue's name isn't just a case of clever alliteration — a small spice bazaar shelf near the bar is lined with house-made pickles, chutneys and sauces available for purchase.
Good news, chicken lovers. El Jannah is spreading its wings east with the launch of a brand-new location in Randwick. To celebrate, the charcoal chicken fanatics have put together a grand opening celebration, with anyone named Charlie (or close enough) earning a special treat. Happening on Saturday, July 26, a charcoal chicken meal is on the house for the Charlottes, Charlenes and Charles of the world — you get the idea. But don't think the rest of us have been forgotten. El Jannah Randwick will serve quarter charcoal chicken meals to all-comers for $5. "Opening in Randwick is a milestone moment for us and a reflection of Sydney's ever-growing love for charcoal chicken," says Adam Issa, Head of Marketing at El Jannah. "What began as a single family-run store in Granville has grown by keeping true to our founding principles; serving honest food, made with care, and shared with community." The arrival of El Jannah Randwick has also thrown a wrench in the 'Red Rooster Line.' Emerging from the western suburbs, the cult-favourite chicken joint has ignored the buffer, finding a new home among Chargrill Charlie's territory. It only makes sense — juicy chicken and legendary garlic sauce know no boundaries.
After seven years of bringing food to Australians' doors — and alcohol, kitchen and household products, and pop culture-themed board games in some places, too — Deliveroo has delivered a significant piece of news: it now no longer operates in the country. Via a series of messages to customers, on social media and on its local website on Wednesday, November 16, the company announced that it was shutting its Aussie service effective immediately. "Deliveroo no longer operates in Australia," the organisation's website now reads. "Deliveroo has taken the difficult decision to leave Australia. We have been proud to bring so many people amazing meals from Australia's great restaurants over the years," it continues. The company is now in administration, with KordaMentha appointed to oversee the process. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deliveroo (@deliveroo_au) In its statements on social media, Deliveroo called the news a "sad announcement" and reiterated that it "has been a very difficult decision to make". It also called out Australia's "amazing food" and "thousands of brilliant restaurants and riders". Obviously, the sudden shuttering will impact both considerably. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Deliveroo staff will receive compensation, and drivers who made a delivery in the past three months. As a result of the closure, Deliveroo's app is now no longer accepting orders, leaving customers to use competing food-delivery services such as UberEats, Menulog and DoorDash. Since opening in Australia in 2015, in efforts to stand out in a crowded market, Deliveroo has done everything from giving away burgers and Tim Tams, offering free delivery during lockdowns and slinging free fries based on vaccination levels through to even dropping off free Gelato Messina choc tops by boat. For more information about Deliveroo ceasing operations in Australia, head to the service's website.
Huge birthday, huge program, huge list of reasons to spend an entire year at the Sydney Opera House. Come October 2023, the iconic Australian venue will reach its 50th birthday, and it's doing what everyone does when it hits a massive milestone: celebrating for as long as possible. In fact, the Opera House is dedicating 12 whole months to its 50th-anniversary shenanigans, starting a year in advance. From October 2022, the acclaimed Sydney Harbour venue will kick off the festivities in the most fitting way — with From the Sails: Light Years, a nightly projection series featuring new art by Sam Doust and Art Processors, which'll adorn the structure's famous sails from Wednesday, October 19–Sunday, 30. Obviously, that's just the beginning of a hefty program, with the already-announced Amadeus starring Michael Sheen taking over the site's newly revamped Concert Hall from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Saturday, January 21, 2023, too. Also on the bill: a full lineup that spans 230-plus performances, events and experiences, covering outdoor concerts, community events, First Nations storytelling, tours, public art, exhibitions and more, and happening in the venue's theatres, on its forecourt and online. From Thursday, October 20–Sunday, 30, that includes From the Steps: Voices at Dusk, which'll see local community choirs — as curated by resident company Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' Artistic Director Brett Weymark OAM — sing free open-air choral performances on the Opera House steps. Also outdoors, this time running from Thursday, November 10–Saturday, November 19, is a concert series at the Opera House's forecourt featuring Tim Minchin, New Zealand's Fat Freddy's Drop and two shows by Vance Joy. There'll be two free gigs, too — one dedicated to Yolŋu music and culture with Djakapurra Munyarryun, Dhapanbal Yunupingu, the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and more on the lineup, and another that'll see Ngaiire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra join forces. [caption id="attachment_871449" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ngaiire[/caption] While Sydney Opera House hasn't unveiled the full program yet, with further events set to be announced in the coming months, the rest of the lineup so far features two big festivals: Inside/Out at the House and Open House Festival. The first will arrive at the beginning of May 2023, heroing performances by the London Symphony Orchestra, Australian Ballet, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and Australian Chamber Orchestra. Each show will take place inside either the Concert Hall or the Joan Sutherland Theatre, but you'll also be able to watch in the forecourt, where they'll be broadcast to an openair cinema setup. At the second, Open House Festival will live up to its name across the entire month of October 2023. That means hosting performances, events and activities in every part of the Opera House, and also holding an open day where attendees can go exploring. [caption id="attachment_871446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ken Leanfore[/caption] Plus, Bangarra Dance Theatre will unveil the world premiere of a new production in June 2023, under incoming Artistic Director Frances Rings. Sydney Theatre Award-winning play The Visitors will receive a new staging, directed by Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch — and the Opera House will present Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert in conjunction with Sydney WorldPride 2023. Also, the Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir (CAAWC) — which hails from six remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory — will unleash their vocals in the Concert Hall, German operatic tenor Jonas Kaufmann and an international cast will perform La Gioconda, and Mad Scenes by Jessica Pratt will showcase the Australian talent. [caption id="attachment_871445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Marking a full-circle moment given that it was part of the Opera House's opening in 1973, Sydney Dance Company will stage three works. And, there'll be a revamped Opera House tour that highlights past performances and historic moments. Clearly, this year-long party is going to be massive — it's supported by the NSW Government's Blockbuster Funding initiative, and 'blockbuster' is the right word for it. [caption id="attachment_871453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] Sydney Opera House's 50th anniversary program kicks off in October 2022 and runs for a year. For more information, head to the Sydney Opera House website. Top images: Prudence Upton / Keith Saunders / Anna Kacera.
Taking inspiration from Hong Kong and its melting pot of cuisines, Honkas' describes itself, not inaccurately, as "pan Asian dining". You can start with Chinese bao — filled with Korean gochujang, cauliflower and crispy shallots ($11 for two), perhaps — move on to Japanese-style fried chicken ($18) served with wasabi, kimchi fried rive ($15), Sichuan-style squid ($18) and even prawn toast ($13) with Vietnamese slaw. Bigger dishes follow trend, too, and include the likes of pork belly ($27) with lotus root and steamed barramundi ($26). Located in the heart of Kings Cross, in a space previously home to bar and nightclub Favela, there's no live music at Honkas, but there are plenty of drinks. Lychee martinis ($18), new york sours ($19) and a sake-infused PoPo Trio ($17) sit alongside a compact lineup of local and international wines. The bar also offers bottomless brunches on weekends, dumpling making classes and free food for pooches. Yep, when you go in to eat, your pooch receives a free gluten-free healthy treat, potentially a sweet potato tart with peanut butter.
'Hold Me Down' is the only song Sydney three-piece Mansionair have released. Ever. But it's got 5.5 million hits on YouTube and has peaked at number one on Hype Machine. Not bad for a first go. The Sydneysiders have also just been signed to CHVRCHES' label, Goodbye Records. (By the way, CHVRCHES seem to be on to a good thing with that one. Earlier this year they signed the baby-faced, angel-voiced Irish teenager SOAK — she plays the kind of hauntingly beautiful, emotionally complex acoustic tracks that will make you question your emotional development at her age, and now, and into the future.) Mansionair's debut EP will be released on October 13, but if you fancy yourself as someone with their finger on the musical pulse of this city — or you're just a fan of the mellow and mesmerising sounds of 'Hold Me Down' — get yourself along to their upcoming three-date string of shows, supporting Movement. If CHVRCHES' endorsement and the hype around the song are anything to go by, it's doubtful you'll be able to experience them in such an intimate setting again.
Home to stacked burgers named after Kanye West, Drake and Kevin Bacon, loaded fries of both the potato and doughnut variety, and boozy shakes and spiders, Milky Lane's regular menu brings one word to mind: indulgent. We all know that we shouldn't be eating fried chicken and maple smoked bacon burgs, mac 'n' cheese croquettes and deep-fried Golden Gaytimes every day — or drinking Bubble O' Bill and Zooper Dooper cocktails, either — but that's exactly what the chain serves at its stores across Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Canberra. If you think that those aforementioned dishes are OTT, they are. The brand's latest additions to its menu earn the term several times over, too, because mixing up Caramilk and Biscoff cocktails will do that. From Monday, June 28, Milky Lane will try to tempt your tastebuds with 12 new items — and whether you're keen on its burgs, desserts or boozy beverages, you're likely to find something to try on the new menu. On the burger lineup, the Hail Caesar will feature a herb and panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel and a parmesan deep-fried mozzarella patty; the Chicken Parmy comes loaded with a schnitty, ham, mozzarella and smashed potato gems on a mozzarella coated bun; and the Big Poppa pairs a smashed pattie, pulled brisket, bacon, mozzarella and twice as much American cheese as usual. Still sticking with all things savoury, loaded potato gems are exactly what they sound like — and if you like the deep-fried cheese curds that come on top, you can also order them separately. For folks with a sweet tooth, the new desserts range spans deep-dried Snickers served with liquid peanut butter, Nutella, crushed peanuts and vanilla ice cream, as well as a Caramilk and Biscoff cookie skillet — combining two cult dessert items in one dish. And, there's more Caramilk and Biscoff concoctions on the booze list, including Biscoff espressos, shots and loaded shakes, all featuring crushed Biscoff pieces, and Caramilk-heavy cocktails and loaded shakes. A grape Hubba Bubba spider made with grape vodka, bubblegum syrup and grape Fanta rounds out the new offerings, if you'd like to combine sweet treats and booze in a different way. Sydneysiders can head to Milky Lane's eateries in Bondi, Cronulla, Parramatta, Gregory Hills and Crows Nest, with fellow New South Wales stores also located in Newcastle and Terrigal. Queenslanders can hit up joints in Newstead and Surfers Paradise — and there's a store in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, too. Milky Lane will start serving its new menu from Monday, June 28 at all of its stores across Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Canberra. For further details, head to the chain's website.
Update Thursday, November 9: Fabbrica Pasta Bar will no longer be opening in The Empire Hotel when it's revamped as The Federal. Find out more here. Several of the most-exciting names in Sydney's hospitality scene are coming together to reinvigorate a historic Annandale hotel. PUBLIC and the Maybe Group are teaming up with the equally beloved Love Tilly Group to transform Parramatta Road stalwart The Empire Hotel, refreshing the pub's current offerings, and bringing both a Maybe Frank pizzeria and Fabbrica Pasta Bar to the venue. Before The Empire opened all the way back in 1902, it was originally slated to be called Federal Hotel. As part of the refresh, PUBLIC is entwining some history into the makeover and renaming it The Federal. You can expect the new pub to reopen in October, complete with a sports bar and the addition of the two much-hyped new culinary additions. Boutique accommodation will follow early in 2024, with the 21-room hotel set to offer sleek and affordable stays for Sydneysider staycations, family and friends visiting Annandale or Stanmore residents, and tourists looking to soak in a dose of the Inner West. Sitting on the corner of Parramatta Road and Johnston Street, The Empire currently offers your standard pub affair, with affordable beers, a family-friendly diner and a no-frills sports bar. PUBLIC Executive Chairman Jon Adgemis hopes that the transformation will see the hotel regain its place as the neighbourhood's bustling social hub. "When we're creating an enhanced vision for a property, we want to expand on what already exists within the suburb, and offer locals even more experiences from both a hospitality and accommodation perspective," said Adgemis. The 80-seat Fabbrica Pasta Bar Annandale will arrive at the former Empire Hotel with the classic stylings of the Love Tilly Group. Expect the city-best pasta that the group has perfected across openings like Ragazzi, Palazzo Salato and Fabbrica Balmain — plus, the passion for the interesting, minimal-intervention wines you've come to expect at bars like Love, Tilly Devine and La Salut. [caption id="attachment_918402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] "Off the back of the success of Fabbrica Pasta Bar Balmain, we're really excited about bringing our spaghetti cacio e pepe and cotoletta alla Milanese to another of our favourite neighbourhoods: Annadale," said Love Tilly Group's Founder and Director Matt Swieboda. As if one industry-leading eatery wasn't enough, the pub will also boast a new outpost for the award-winning Maybe Group's pizzeria Maybe Frank. Antipasti, woodfired pizza and a cocktail menu from Maybe Sammy's Paolo Maffietti will all be available in the 66-seat indoor dining room and covered terrace. "Maybe Frank is all about relaxed dining and the space we're taking over in The Federal suits that perfectly," said PUBLIC Executive Director of Business Development Vince Lombardo. "There is a heap of natural light streaming into the terrace, plus we'll be showing silent classic Italian movies from the 50s and 60s in the dining room so both spaces will have a lot of energy and atmosphere." [caption id="attachment_918403" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fabbrica Pasta Bar Balmain, Dexter Kim[/caption] The Empire Hotel will reopen as The Federal at 103 Parramatta Road, Annadale, in October 2023. Inside, you'll find new outposts for both Fabbrica and Maybe Frank — keep an eye on the venue's website for further details.
Growing up is a pretty weird thing to do, and it's even weirder when you look back on it as an adult. You'll find nostalgia littered with inevitable cringing and unanswerable instances of "what possessed me to do that?" Matthew Whittet's acclaimed play, the final instalment of a critically-acclaimed trilogy and now a quirky and incisive feature film, dives head first into this quagmire of hormones and helplessness, a quagmire that is otherwise known as the life of 15-year-old Greta Driscoll. As if the ever-changing, ever-raging cusp of adulthood wasn't enough of a swirling vortex of emotion, Girl Asleep is set in the 1970s, and follows Greta's experiences exploring a new town, a new school, boys and the crushing notion of having to leave the safety of childhood for the terrifying reality of being a grown-up. You know, nice and light. The story is brought to life by the Windmill Theatre company and directed by Rosemary Myers, who was also the director behind the film version of the play. Head behind the scenes of Girl Asleep, check out our interview with designer Jonathon Oxlade. In conjunction with Girl Asleep, Belvoir has opened their very own '70s-inspired arcade pop-up bar. Take a look.
Rising above cookie-cutter treats, Butterboy has become one of Sydney's favourite destinations for creative and choc-filled cookies. Following the success of its Manly and Chatswood stores, the much-loved bakery has launched its third location at Broadway Sydney. Arriving in the inner city, Butterboy fans will notice a slight change in aesthetic, as the Broadway store trades in the brand's usual laidback, coastal vibe for something a little more future-focused. Gleaming with stainless steel and polished chrome finishes, a lilac-accented design draws inspiration from science labs and test kitchens. "Broadway gives us a totally different energy — it's fast, central, and full of people from all over the city," says Butterboy founder James Sideris. "We wanted the space to reflect that dynamism and feel a little unexpected, while still bringing the warmth and joy people associate with Butterboy." While the design is changing, the beloved menu is still very much the same, featuring all of Butterboy's best-known classics. From rotating cookie six-packs and tins to its signature soft serve and syrupy milkshakes, the new location will also serve up the bakery's famed limited-run seasonal drops. While nothing is exclusive to the Broadway store, a new part of Sydney can get a convenient taste. Sidaris launched the brand in 2019, after discovering a passion for whipping up cookies and muffins from his home kitchen during his university days. As his inventive ideas and clever branding attracted a following, he traded in his commerce books for the dessert business. Alongside Butterboy, Sidaris is also the co-owner of Manly's Rollers Bakehouse and Norma's Deli. Butterboy is open Monday–Wednesday and Friday from 10am–7pm, Thursday from 10am–9pm, Saturday from 9am–6pm and Sunday from 10am–6pm at Broadway Sydney, 1 Bay Street, Glebe. Head to the website for more information. Images: Dexter Kim.
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
This specialist Japanese grocery store in Crows Nest has a wide range of fresh Asian veggies, Fuji Bakery goods, and frozen foods that provides home comforts to those with connections to Japan. Ume-Ya launched in Sydney in 2002, but it very recently opened a new store next to Woolworths on Alexander Street. It's an eclectic store — you never know what you'll walk out with. It also offers Australia-wide delivery, though check the store's website or Facebook page, as some delivery services are temporarily on hold due to COVID-19.
Australia's stunning flower festival Floriade is back for another colourful year. Hosted in Canberra's Commonwealth Park from September 15 to October 14, the festival will this year be themed around 'pop culture'. Festival-goers will get up-close to an intricate array of retro-inspired flowerbeds showcasing many of our icons from music, film and literature, including Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe. And entry is free. The headline event is NightFest, Floriade's after-dark experience which, for five special nights from September 26–30, sees the park come to life with dazzling illuminated flowerbeds. To match, there's an exciting cultural program with food and drink stalls, an open-air cinema and stand-up comedy from the likes of Arj Barker and Akmal Saleh, not to mention a host of live music performances including Caiti Baker and Bowie Unzipped, featuring Jeff Duff and Kate Miller-Heidke. Tickets to the after-dark event will set you back $31.70 a pop. For dog-lovers, October 14 sees the return of the popular Dog's Day Out, which this year wants you to deck yourself, and your pup, out like the superhero your furry friend thinks you are. Meanwhile, green thumbs can refresh their skills at The Greenhouse, which hosts a range of creative gardening workshops, including kokedama and terrarium making classes. And for those looking to just have a tranquil layabout in the park, Sundays are your chance with the 'Jazz in the Park' sessions providing a peaceful soundtrack to the serene surrounds.
Bars where you can do more than just sit around and drink are really having a moment. And, in no small part, it's thanks to the ever-expanding empire of Funlab, the company in charge of the ever-popular Holey Moley, Strike Bowling and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Now, Funlab has brought its B. Lucky & Sons concept to Wollongong. It's a bar-meets-arcade with some actually good pawn shop prizes, instead of the usual plastic crap you get. Think vintage Chanel bags, classic cameras and rare vinyls, plus a Nintendo 64 in its original box and Tune Squad swag from the 1996 cult classic, Space Jam. Yup, they're going real old-school with this one. It's hidden behind the façade of a pawn shop, and decked out with eclectic furnishings. For drinks, the bar is slinging creative cocktails and alcoholic bubble teas. Meanwhile, the food menu consists of pizzas, toasties and some sides. As far as games go, expect throwbacks for the millennial generation — featuring everything from Mario Kart and Space Invaders to NBA Hoops and a Dance Dance Revolution knock-off. Head in on a Tuesday for half-price games, or on Wednesday when selected games will spit out double tickets. And although the venue will be open to littl'uns during the day, it'll be strictly adults-only at night, so you don't have to worry about being laughed at by a ten-year-old when you fall off Rainbow Road for the 14th time.
Little monsters, get excited: Lady Gaga is coming to Australia. Been watching with envy as the music superstar has locked in dates on The MAYHEM Ball tour everywhere from Las Vegas, New York and Toronto to London, Stockholm, Berlin and Paris? You can now start making plans to see Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on her next Down Under visit, with shows confirmed for Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. Lady Gaga is heading this way in December 2025, with three gigs announced: on Friday, December 5 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, then Tuesday, December 9 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and Friday, December 12 at Sydney's Accor Stadium. When the 14-time Grammy Award-winner takes to the stage at the trio of massive concerts, she'll not only play her first Australian shows in 11 years — she'll do her first-ever Australian stadium concerts as well. [caption id="attachment_998819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frank Lebon[/caption] The tour kicks off in Las Vegas in July, after Lady Gaga headlines Coachella — which everyone worldwide can livestream across both of the Californian festival's two weekends on Saturday, April 12–Monday, April 14 and Saturday, April 19–Monday, April 21 Australian time. Before The MAYHEM Ball tour begins, she's also doing shows in Mexico City, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro. Given that this is Gaga's first Aussie visit since 2014's ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball gigs (with the Joanne and Chromatica Ball tours bypassing this part of the world), expect tickets for the local leg to go fast. When she added 13 new dates to the initially announced first shows on the tour, they all sold out swiftly. As the name makes plain, Germanotta is touring on the back of MAYHEM, her latest album — and seventh in a row to go to number one on the Billboard 200. It also debuted in the top spot on Australia's charts, and gave Gaga her biggest streaming week ever by notching up 240-million streams on its first week alone. As well as MAYHEM tracks such as 'Disease', 'Abracadabra' and 'Die with a Smile', fans can likely look forward to hits from across the artist's career, such as 'Poker Face', 'Bad Romance', 'Paparazzi', 'Born This Way' and 'Rain on Me' — plus, of course, seeing Gaga live onstage, rather than getting your fix via her film work in recent years in A Star Is Born, House of Gucci and Joker: Folie à Deux. Lady Gaga's The Mayhem Tour Australia 2025 Dates Friday, December 5 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Tuesday, December 9 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Friday, December 12 — Accor Stadium, Sydney Lady Gaga is touring Australia in December 2025, with ticket presales starting at 10am on Monday, April 14 and general sales from 12pm on Thursday, April 17 — with times varying per city. Head to the tour website for more details. Live images: Raph PH via Flickr.
