UPDATE SEPTEMBER 21, 2018: It has been announced that Gould's Book Arcade is not gone for good — it will be reopening at a new location at 536 King Street. So, while its whole book collection is not up for grabs, it will be seriously downsizing. After more than 50 years — and almost 30 years on King Street — Gould's Book Arcade closed its doors in August. While we're mourning the loss of the literary institution, where many a Sydney Uni student spent many a night immersed in a maze of ancient titles, it's not all doom and gloom. Firstly, Commune — an organisation dedicated to the provision of low-cost spaces for creatives and communities — is taking over, so the building won't be turned in to a towering apartment block. Secondly, before setting up, Commune is hosting Booktown — an epic sale of books, records and comics. Yep, what remains of Gould's legendary collection is up for grabs, with single books starting at $1 and boxes from $10. You can also snag records for $5 a pop. Having kicked off on Monday, September 17, the event will continue until Sunday, September 30. And all proceeds will go towards restoring the building. Books, Records and Comics Sale will be open from 11am–7pm daily.
On the outskirts of Tokyo sits one of the city's most coveted spaces: the Studio Ghibli museum. It's also one of Japan's hottest tickets, with locals and tourists alike needing to book well in advance to get in. You'd expect that of a place that features a life-size catbus, a towering robot on its roof and Totoro sitting behind the counter of its box office. You'd expect it of any venue celebrating this beloved animation house, to be honest — even though it now has company three hours out of town thanks to Studio Ghibli's very own theme park. For almost four decades now, Studio Ghibli's movies have possessed their own kind of magic — the type that made viewers want to get spirited away by their gorgeously animated frames long before the company made a film of the same name. Indeed, in the 38 years since Studio Ghibli was formed by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata with producer Toshio Suzuki, it has introduced the world to all manner of delightful and moving on-screen experiences. Cute balls of soot, determined teenage witches and pining high-schoolers sit side-by-side in the company's filmography with war-torn tales, sitcom-style family antics and more than one ecologically minded fable. And, in the process, Studio Ghibli has achieved a significant feat: it has never made a bad movie. Including TV films and co-productions, it has 25 to its name to date in total — with the latest and Miyazaki first film in a decade, The Boy and the Heron, in cinemas Down Under now. While every single Ghibli flick is worth feasting your eyes on, we've ranked them all. Now you know where to start during your next binge-viewing session. 25. TALES FROM EARTHSEA Combine Studio Ghibli with any number of dragon-filled fantasy tales, and the result might look like Tales from Earthsea. It's actually adapted from one such series of books, Ursula K Le Guin's The Earthsea Cycle. The feature directorial debut of Hayao Miyazaki's son, Gorō Miyazaki, this is the most standard of the company's features — although its characters, including a troubled prince and a young girl saved from slavers, always strike a chord. Tales from Earthsea streams via Netflix. 24. EARWIG AND THE WITCH The studio's first movie made solely using computer-generated 3D animation, Earwig and the Witch immediately stands out thanks to its plastic-looking visuals. And, despite the fact that it's about a determined young girl, features a witch, and even includes a talking cat and other helpful tiny critters, it never completely feels like a classic Ghibli film either. That said, a by-the-numbers Ghibli flock is still better than many others, especially of the family-friendly variety. Earwig and the Witch streams via Netflix. Read our full review. 23. ONLY YESTERDAY Based on the 1982 manga of the same name, Only Yesterday explores the incredibly relatable inner turmoil of 27-year-old Tokyo worker Taeko when she heads out to the countryside for a working vacation. Charting her efforts to reconcile her childhood dreams with the life she's living now, it's a mature and thoughtful film from Isao Takahata — and a wistful and sensitive one, too. Only Yesterday streams via Netflix. 22. FROM UP ON POPPY HILL Gorō Miyazaki's second feature heads to Yokohama, in 1963, when high-schooler Umi Matsuzaki lives in a boarding house. Adapted from an 1980 Japanese comic, this sweet and gentle effort charts her quest to stop a beloved school building from being demolished — and benefits from a tender screenplay co-written by none other than Hayao Miyazaki. From Up on Poppy Hill streams via Netflix. 21. PORCO ROSSO Inspired by his family's business from when he was a child — aircraft parts manufacturer Miyazaki Airplane — many of Hayao Miyazaki's movies take to the skies. Porco Rosso, with its high-flying eponymous man-pig pilot, is one of them. This wartime adventure follows the First World War veteran's clash with a group of sky pirates and the American hotshot they've hired to help, as told with wry humour and, obviously, spectacular flying sequences. Porco Rosso streams via Netflix. 20. MY NEIGHBOURS THE YAMADAS The studio's most visually distinctive effort, Isao Takahata's My Neighbours the Yamadas is based on the manga series Nono-chan, and favours the look of a hand-drawn, watercolour-painted comic strip. That stylistic choice suits the content perfectly, immersing audiences into the quirky series of vignettes about the Yamada family, and offering a visible reminder that nothing is ever as simple as it appears. My Neighbours the Yamadas streams via Netflix. 19. THE CAT RETURNS The only Studio Ghibli movie to continue on from one of its earlier films, The Cat Returns is a spinoff from Whisper of the Heart. As the name makes plain, felines take centre stage. That proves entertaining and even often enjoyably silly for audiences; however, for the film's protagonist Haru Yoshioka, it forces her into a battle with the Cat Kingdom after she saves a four-legged fur ball from being hit by a car — and is told she'll have to marry him. The Cat Returns streams via Netflix. 18. ARRIETTY For a movie filled with tiny people who live in the walls of human houses, Arrietty certainly does brandish a big heart. Based on Mary Norton's 1952 novel The Borrowers, this story was always going to fall into Studio Ghibli's wheelhouse, especially given its focus on a new friendship between unlikely pals. As soulfully relayed by director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film charts the connection that between its diminutive titular character and a human boy. Arrietty streams via Netflix. 17. WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE When Marnie Was There champions the importance of friendship, acceptance, understanding and looking to the past to embrace the future, all recurring themes in Studio Ghibli's work. That's hardly surprising in a melancholy and contemplative movie about a lonely foster child and her new friend, of course, but they also take on a different tone here. Made in 2014, Hiromasa Yonebayashi's film adapts Joan G Robinson's novel of the same name into a bewitching gem. When Marnie Was There streams via Netflix. Read our full review. 16. OCEAN WAVES Made for TV, this 1993 Studio Ghibli movie spends the bulk of its time in the city of Kochi, where friends Taku Morisaki and Yutaka Matsuno both become smitten with new high-school classmate Rikako Muto. When the animation studio isn't marching off to magical worlds, it's pondering the emotional turmoil bubbling within everyday characters, with this quiet and moving drama falling into the latter category. Ocean Waves streams via Netflix. 15. THE WIND RISES When it first hit cinemas, The Wind Rises was presented as Hayao Miyazaki's final film — and, if that had stayed the case, it would've been a fitting farewell. Thanks to The Boy and the Heron, the acclaimed animator hasn't said goodbye to viewers yet; however, he gets especially reflective in this rich and bittersweet fictionalised biography of aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi. Like all of Miyazaki's output, of course, there's much more to this understated gem than the obvious. The Wind Rises streams via Netflix. Read our full review. 14. PONYO As well as boasting quite the catchy theme tune, Ponyo takes inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid. Here, though, the story focuses on an escaped goldfish — and explores the cute critter's new bond with a five-year-old boy. Following in the footsteps of fellow Hayao Miyazaki movie My Neighbour Totoro, the film is perfect for audiences of all ages. It's also bright, bouncy, exuberant and poetic as well. Ponyo streams via Netflix. 13. THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA In The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, the eponymous girl blossoms within a bamboo shoot. She's not the only thing that blooms in this hand-drawn beauty, which marked Isao Takahata's first film as a director in 15 years — and, sadly, his last. Spinning an elegant and entrancing story, this Ghibli wonder evolves from a seemingly standard setup into something subversive and meaningful. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya streams via Netflix. 12. KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE Feisty kids are as common in Studio Ghibli movies as jaw-dropping visuals, and 13-year-old Kiki well and truly fits the mould. In this Hayao Miyazaki-helmed coming-of-age fantasy, the fledgling witch moves away from home to prove her independence — as all teen witches must at that age. As well as relaying a smart tale about finding one's place in the world, Kiki's Delivery Service boasts another big highlight: a very amusing talking cat. Kiki's Delivery Service streams via Netflix. 11. WHISPER OF THE HEART Playful, heartfelt and sometimes melancholy, Whisper of the Heart is one of Studio Ghibli's under-appreciated gems — and not just because it features two very memorable cats. It was the company's first film to be directed by someone other than Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Miyazaki wrote the screenplay, though, with Yoshifumi Kondō helming this story about a Tokyo high-schooler obsessed with the boy who borrowed all the same library books before her. Whisper of the Heart streams via Netflix. 10. LAPUTA, CASTLE IN THE SKY Studio Ghibli's first offical feature, Laputa, Castle in the Sky heads back to the late 19th century, as a young girl, Sheeta, endeavours to fend off the cunning and determined government agents on her tail. They're chasing not only a rare magic crystal, but a fabled city floating in the clouds — and as Hayao Miyazaki depicts with steampunk flair, endearing characters and a spirited statement, it all makes for an entrancing adventure. Laputa, Castle in the Sky streams via Netflix. 9. POM POKO Mischievous racoon-like critters called tanuki sit at the heart of this Isao Takahata-directed film — creatures with a basis in folklore, boasting the ability to transform into almost anything and possessing very flexible scrotums (yes, really). Alas, their habitat outside of Tokyo is under threat from developers, with this touching delight combining magical wonder with a message. It's an impassioned, affectionate fable, matching its narrative and overtly offbeat sense of humour with memorable imagery. Pom Poko is available streams via Netflix. 8. THE RED TURTLE In its first-ever collaboration, Studio Ghibli teamed up with Dutch-British illustrator Michael Dudok de Wit — and earned a Cannes Un Certain Regard special jury prize-winning for their efforts. A film of narrative simplicity but both visual and thematic intricacy, this textured and meditative feature explores the complicated splendour that springs from humanity's relationship with the world around us after a man is washed up on a deserted island. The Red Turtle streams via Beamafilm. Read our full review. 7. HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE If ever a movie encapsulated everything that's made Studio Ghibli such a beloved filmmaking force, it's Howl's Moving Castle. Energetic, creative and sensitive, this Hayao Miyazaki-helmed fantasy not only unfurls a mesmerising story — about a young milliner who is cursed by a witch, transforms into an elderly woman and becomes a wizard's housekeeper — but does so with beautiful imagery, endearing characters, and strong anti-war and pro-feminist sentiments. Howl's Moving Castle streams via Netflix. 6. THE BOY AND THE HERON Trust Hayao Miyazaki to return from a ten-year absence, and his latest purported retirement, to deliver one of the best, most breathtaking and most gorgeous movies that he ever has. This World War II-set "semi-autobiographical fantasy" follows 11-year-old Mahito after his mother is killed in an air raid, his father moves him to the countryside and the titular bird beckons him into an otherworldly realm — and every frame feels like a culmination of Miyazaki's career. The Boy and the Heron opened in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on Thursday, December 7. Read our full review. 5. MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO It's the film that immediately found a place in viewers' hearts and never left. Thanks to its heartwarming mood and emotions, astute observations, adorable characters and eager sense of adventure, Hayao Miyazaki's My Neighbour Totoro has become Studio Ghibli's best-known movie for many great reasons — all as it chronicles two sisters' exploits when they not only move into a new house, but make a new pal in the forest (and discover the catbus). My Neighbour Totoro streams via Netflix. 4. PRINCESS MONONOKE Hayao Miyazaki has never shied away from making an ecological statement; however, Princess Mononoke might just send his most forceful message about humanity's impact upon the earth. As set in Japan's Muromachi period (from the 14th–16th centuries), this involving fantasy charts the paths of a young prince with a curse and a young woman raised by wolves, as well as the conflict between a modernising town and the forest it's destroying. Princess Mononoke streams via Netflix. 3. NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind technically pre-dates Studio Ghibli, but Hayao Miyazaki's post-apocalyptic fantasy has been claimed as the company's own. Charting the battles of a young princess as she fights an invading kingdom and tries to reconcile the damage ravaged upon the planet, the 1984 film became an instant classic, with its environmentally conscious story, stunning animation and stellar score all proving beguiling. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind streams via Netflix. 2. SPIRITED AWAY In Spirited Away, ten-year-old Chihiro stumbles across a magical and mysterious world, then wants nothing more than to escape back home. Viewers of Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning masterpiece, however, are happy spending as much time as possible in the film's wondrous realm — which, as set around a luxurious and busy bathhouse that caters to spirits, constantly surprises, delights, and revels in inventive storytelling and animation. Spirited Away streams via Netflix. 1. GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES The most heartbreaking animated film ever made, Isao Takahata's touching war drama Grave of the Fireflies is the rarest of inclusions on Studio Ghibli's cinematic resume. Plunging into dark and sombre territory, it tells the tale of two siblings desperately struggling to survive in the last days of the Second World War. From its fleshed-out characters tussling with life and death to its striking visuals, the movie's handling of its moving and sorrowful story couldn't be more astonishing. Grave of the Fireflies is available on DVD. Images: Sugoi Co / Madman.
He's going to Newport: Johnny Cash, that is. Twice in A Complete Unknown, the iconic singer-songwriter graces the lineup at the famous folk festival in Rhode Island in the 60s. Twice in the Bob Dylan biopic, he crosses paths with the film's subject at the event. The details depicted are in the service of Dylan's story — while James Mangold is in the director's chair, he's not remaking Walk the Line — but these wouldn't be the moments that they are, and nor would A Complete Unknown be the movie that it is, without Boyd Holbrook (The Bikeriders) as Cash opposite Timothée Chalamet's (Dune: Part Two) Dylan. The term "goes electric" will always be synonymous with Dylan at 1965's Newport Folk Festival, where he dared to play an electric guitar in one of his sets — and the response as much as the act ensured that it went down in history. Cash helped him get there, not only by picking up the same type of instrument at the same place the year before, but through his pen-pal friendship with and encouragement of Dylan. The eight-time Oscar-nominated picture makes clear how much that Cash's words, and the effort of him taking time to commit them to paper, meant to Dylan. It goes electric, too, when Chalamet and Holbrook share scenes. A Complete Unknown is a movie with Chalamet as Dylan, Monica Barbaro (Fubar) as Joan Baez, Edward Norton (Asteroid City) as Pete Seeger and Scoot McNairy (Speak No Evil) as Woody Guthrie. So, it's a flick filled with impressive actors portraying music greats. Given that this a film by Walk the Line director Mangold, however, it's also a picture that gives Holbrook a completely different job to his co-stars, since he's portraying Cash. What happens when the filmmaker behind an Academy Award-winning Man in Black biopic asks you to be the next actor to slip into the legend's shoes? Holbrook had been keen on a different role in the feature, he tells Concrete Playground, at a time when Cash wasn't even in the script — then found himself with a "daunting task". Still, for anyone who has charted Holbrook's career since his 2008 big-screen debut in Milk — a span that's taken him through Behind the Candelabra, The Skeleton Twins, Gone Girl, Jane Got a Gun, The Predator, Narcos and The Sandman, just to name a few projects — it should come as no surprise that he feels like he's been preparing for this part for more than a decade. It helped that he'd made two previous films with Mangold, Logan (which uses a Cash song over its closing credits and in its trailer) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. In fact, he sees his relationship with the filmmaker as similar to Dylan and Cash's, but with Mangold as the mentor and Holbrook the protégé. And, it equally assists that he'd also perfected swagger on-screen, which can be an elusive trait, including in his two prior roles in The Bikeriders and Justified: City Primeval. Yes, his A Complete Unknown performance meant facing "the Joaquin element", Holbrook explains — with Joaquin Phoenix (Joker: Folie á Deux) Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated, and the winner of a Golden Globe, for playing Cash two decades back for Mangold. But he also knew that the filmmaker, who worked with fellow screenwriter Jay Cocks (Silence) to adapt Elijah Wald's 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties, had a fresh angle into Cash here. As Mangold himself also told us about the pair's relationship as pen pals, "this correspondence suddenly became central to me, because as I was trying to assemble — as much as I was trying to tell Dylan's story, he is a bit inscrutable, and I felt like you could learn more by also telling the story of those that surrounded Dylan, and the way his genius affected each of them differently". "And what was so necessary about bringing Johnny into the story was that he's the devil on that shoulder. If you have Pete and Lomax and Joan Baez all on this shoulder saying 'stick with the team; don't cross over to that dangerous, suspicious popular music', you had Johnny Cash on the other shoulder who was saying 'track mud on someone's carpet'," Mangold continued. "Which was literally one of Johnny's lines in his letters to Bob. And that he made it his business to encourage Dylan to stay bold and to stay on the leading edge, was so wonderful to me." For Holbrook, taking on the part meant exaggerating his music skills to Mangold to begin with; however, the quest to make good on that promise became a key part of his preparation process. We also chatted with Holbrook about his repeat collaborations with Mangold, perfecting swagger on-screen, drunk acting as Cash in one of the movie's standout scenes, and what excites him about working on a new movie or TV show — next he'll pop up in season four of The Morning Show — at this stage of his filmography. On Having a Cash-and-Dylan Relationship with Director James Mangold After Logan, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Now A Complete Unknown "I don't think I would have gone anywhere near the Johnny Cash character unless it was Jim making the movie. And it was odd, because I'd read the script before we did Indiana Jones together, and I was angling at a part that I was probably too young for, but the Johnny Cash role wasn't even in there yet at the time. And so we went off and did Indiana Jones, and then I got a call, like maybe six months before we made it. And he said 'hey, I want you to play Johnny Cash'. And I said 'how's that possible? He's not in the script'. And so he had added him because he didn't know that when he made Walk the Line that him and Bob Dylan were these pen pals. And so by his research into Bob, he found out this because Bob had kept the letters and Johnny hadn't kept the letters. So he really just let me go off and do what I had to do, which is conjure up a character and an impression in the daunting task of playing Johnny Cash. Jim really gives you a lot of space. And the great thing about when you get to work with Jim, on the day, if you come in prepared, he enhances your performance in a very cinematic way." On Exaggerating His Music Skills Going Into the Film — and How Learning to Make Good on That Promise Helped Holbrook Step Into Cash's Shoes "I knew at the end of the day that they could shoot from here up [Holbrook motions to his mid-chest] and we could get by. But it feels like I've been preparing for the last 15 or ten years to play this part. Because I played guitar. I couldn't count music. I couldn't hold a tune. I couldn't play and sing at the same time. But there is this awesome opportunity where if I just eat, breathe and sleep this character, I can pull it off. And I think there's something really exciting about that amount of pressure, being a performer — I want to have a performance and I want to build this thing. So it almost bottlenecks down into the day of this, like 'well, you're going to sink, or you're going to swim'. And I think that's pretty exciting. So yeah, I think the week of it all started like 'okay, I can do it at the tempo' — and it wasn't just hanging on. I was able to control the song and control the voice, control the pacing." On Bringing Swagger to the Screen — as Johnny Cash, and Across Holbrook's Career "Film acting is really different from theatre acting, and there's also the practical of being relaxed enough that, you know, there's this 800-pound gorilla being the camera staring at me at all times. Like, how do I just relax and embody this? And really it's from a bunch of stuff of the art of not giving a fuck — being really adamant that 'this is who I am, take it or leave it'. And having a sense of humour about yourself. And doing all this so many times that it's just become existence. I'm not even thinking about it anymore. I'm sort of lost in what I'm doing. It comes down to that. It comes down to a lot of rehearsals, a lot of preparation. I almost prefer the preparation to making a movie than making the movie." On What Went Into Capturing Not Just the Essence of Cash, But the Essence of Drunk Cash "It was from one line in particular, 'I saw the ocean', that I just knew how. I just knew where he was in a daydream. You catch yourself doing laundry or whatever around the house and you are just in a dream, and you kind of see the performance, or I do — and you just understand it. So now it's a real idea. Then it just takes the physicalisation of staying on a word and just finding it, or whatever it is. The super subtlety of that is difficult to verbalise, but comes down to playing around with it. I definitely wouldn't recommend going method on a long work day like that." On Whether the Unique Task of Playing an IRL Figure for a Filmmaker Who Has Already Made a Separate Movie About Him Helped Holbrook Prepare "I was concerned that I had to portray someone who was an iconic person and so people, so many people, have strong memories of him and who he is. Then there's the Joaquin element, facing his great performance and following that up. But I think that Jim and I made the film, and he really understood the importance of Johnny's role in Bob's life at that time, because Johnny had been so — he's doing 200 shows a year on the road. I mean, you are a road dog. You have so much experience in this. And when you're becoming the most-famous person in the world within a year's time, Johnny was able to meet him at that fork in a road where 'hey, it's going to get weird if you don't keep your voice' or 'it's going to be okay if you just stay true to who you are'. And I think in commerce and industries and stuff like that, when a lot of money is on the table, your voice can be compromised — and I think it's really all about that moment in the film where Bob is choosing what his voice is telling him, what he wants to say, how he wants to express himself. And that's going electric in that particular time, because he's just skyrocketing with creativity. And so I think Johnny was able to nudge him in the right direction, remind him who he is." On What Excites Holbrook About a New Project, Including A Complete Unknown, at This Stage in His Career "The performance element. I never really have never sang in front of a bunch of people before. There is a sensation that goes along with that that's exciting. I just did The Morning Show and I found out that the guy was a stand-up comic. I don't know how funny I am, but I like to be funny. I like to practice being funny. But I'd never been onstage and done a set in of people. So that's exciting. That's like 'wow', that's slightly — not terrifying at all, but I want to know what that feels like and to do that. And I think there's all an art and a craft to how the instrument of our humanness can be used. So I just love seeing which way I can bend and which way I can go — and how different I can sound, how different I can look? 'What is this character? What is this character going to go through? At what level? Is it kind of like he's going through like a number-two heartbreak?' But no, I want a number ten on everything. And so I really look for that highest value of expression." A Complete Unknown released in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Images: courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
There are two types of travellers: the ones sprinting to the gate with a busted wheel, and the ones gliding easily through duty-free. The latter probably invested in a very good suitcase. After its co-founders sat at Proud Mary in Collingwood and decided to rethink suitcases in 2019, July hit the travel world with a suite of colourful cases that are more than just chic and durable. Equipped with crush-proof shells, built-in chargers, and more recently, the world's first trackable luggage, July's travel gear is now frequently spotted in airport terminals internationally. On the last weekend of February, July is hosting a massive two-day warehouse sale featuring over 150 styles from its warehouses and archives — it's worth a visit even if you're not planning a trip. From chic book totes and darling crescent crossbodys to handy toiletry and camera bags, the luggage label designs pieces that pull double duty on everyday commutes as well. Online shoppers can get up to 50% off travel essentials, too — you can access the sale via July's website, or hop on the mailing list to get first dibs when the sale goes live — but in-store discounts are slated to be juicier. From 9am to 5pm, Melburnians can browse the collection at the Collingwood store, while Sydneysiders should make a beeline for Rosebery. Images: supplied
While gifts are a splendid way to spoil mum this Mother's Day, the most meaningful gesture is clearing your calendar and spending quality time together. Throw in a share-worthy feast and a glass (or bottle) of bubbles, and you have yourself a memorable Mother's Day. Whether you're celebrating your mum, you're a new mum yourself, or you're looking for a way to treat the incredible women in your life this May, we've teamed up with G.H. Mumm, Perrier-Jouët, and Mumm Terroirs to round up eight of the best champagne-fuelled specials in Sydney. Cabana Bar There's few better ways to celebrate Mother's Day together than with a crisp champagne before a long lunch—and Cabana Bar in Sydney's CBD is an ideal place to raise a glass. For just $89 per person, you can kick things off with a glass of Mumm champagne before leaning into a specially-curated tropical-inspired Mother's Day menu teamed with two hours of bottomless margaritas and seasonal cocktails, on the city's largest outdoor terrace. Plus, there's a photobooth so you can take home an adorable keepsake you'll both cherish. Book your outdoor terrace table here. Cafe Sydney If your mum relishes the finer things in life, Cafe Sydney is offering up the ultimate indulgence every Sunday throughout autumn: champagne and caviar. For just $55, spoil your mum with unobstructed views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a glass of 2016 Perrier-Jouët 'Belle Epoque' champagne paired with a divine tart of Black River Caviar - Tradition Oscietra, served simply with créme fraiche. Secure your table here. China Doll Found on Woolloomooloo's Finger Wharf, China Doll is one of Sydney's most distinctive fine dining spots. This Mother's Day, for one day only, treat your mum to a glass of Mumm Grand Cordon Rose for $30 before tucking into an award-winning modern Asian a la carte menu featuring its signature bold dishes like pork belly with chilli caramel and Nam Pla Phrik, and tea-smoked duck with tamarind and plum. Secure your table here. Darling Pavilion If you're looking for a vibrant, central lunch location with a backdrop of Tumbalong Park and sparkly Darling Harbour views, Sydney's Darling Pavilion in the heart of Darling Quarter is where you'll find it. Here, you can pamper your mum with a delicious day out in Sydney starting with Darling Pavilion's special Mediterranean Mother's Day set menu, which includes a free glass of Mumm for all mothers, all for just $55 per person. Secure a booking here. Four Hundred If your mum is a little on the mischievous side and loves to let her hair down, then Four Hundred in North Sydney is the perfect spot to kick back and spend some quality time together over a few bevvies. For one day only this Mother's Day, and for just $89 per person, you can treat mum to a glass of Mumm champagne on arrival before channelling that energy and diving into a Mexican-inspired feast, featuring two hours of bottomless margaritas and tequila spritzes. Secure a booking here. Henry G's Wine Parlour Step away from your standard lunch this Mother's Day and surprise your mum with an intimate wine tasting experience at Manly's boutique bar, Henry G's Wine Parlour. Savour a glass of Mumm champagne on arrival before soaking in a 90-minute sommelier-guided tasting featuring four expressions of Mumm champagne: Cordon Rouge, Central Otago, Tasmania and Marlborough—all for just $50 per person. There are two ticketed sessions, running at 2pm and 5pm, but last year's event sold out fast, so you'd better book asap. Secure a booking here. Nola For a taste of opulence this Mother's Day weekend, treat your mum to some champagne teamed with some of Sydney's freshest oysters at New Orleans-inspired smokehouse Nola, in Barangaroo. With a Barangaroo backdrop, you can devour $2 oysters (max six per person) for every glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne sold — or enjoy a complimentary dozen oysters for every bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne sold. There's also a special extended cocktail menu featuring a special French 75 Perrier-Jouët champagne, plus you can score a complimentary glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne when you order the Big Easy set menu. Secure a booking here. Robin Hood Eastside this Mother's Day? Lorraine's Bistro, located on level one of The Robin Hood in Waverley, is an ambient French-inspired restaurant that's perfect for a laidback family affair on the coastal side of town. Grab a booth or table in the sun-drenched bistro and enjoy a free glass of Mumm champagne when you order the set Mother's Day menu, available on the big day only. Secure a booking here. Mother's Day is just around the corner. Be sure to indulge your mum this May by treating her to a glass of G.H. Mumm, Perrier-Jouët, and Mumm Terroirs at any of these Sydney restaurants and bars. By Elise Cullen.
Few Sydney addresses carry the same depth of dining history as 134A Glebe Point Road. The cavernous sandstone grotto beneath the heritage-listed house became a cornerstone of the city's dining landscape in the late 1980s when it opened as Darling Mills — the Adey family's pioneering farm-to-table restaurant that helped shape Sydney's modern food culture before shuttering in 2003. Since then, the space has lived several lives, first as an Indian restaurant and, more recently, as moody Parisian-inspired brasserie and cocktail lounge Beckett's. But come February 2026, it'll be reborn once again as Darling Glebe. The upcoming venue will unfold across five distinct spaces, anchored by a martini bar that pours until midnight and a chef's table offering a French-leaning omakase experience. Original convict-chipped sandstone walls, vaulted ceilings and the weighty tables fashioned from a single native coachwood tree will remain, grounding the room firmly in its past even as the concept takes cues from French brasseries, New York's buzzy dining rooms and London polish. [caption id="attachment_1056420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] These influences are no accident. Leading the revival is globetrotting chef and restaurateur Jeff Schroeter, a Riverina native whose CV spans The Savoy in London, Manhattan's Royalton Hotel, and Sydney institutions Bistro Moncur and Bayswater Brasserie, as well as cooking for high-profile figures including Queen Elizabeth II and Madonna. Over the course of his career, Schroeter has built a reputation for technical confidence and an instinctive feel for the room. Darling Glebe also marks a personal return for Schroeter, who previously co-founded Beckett's on the same site (the restaurant recently relocated to Spice Alley), before selling his stake to pursue other projects. When the space became available again, he jumped at the chance to help write its next chapter. [caption id="attachment_1056413" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] "This space is an heirloom to Sydney diners," Schroeter says. "It's always been one-of-a-kind, and we're proud to be its new custodians. We want to honour it for what it is — a culinary icon of the city's hospitality industry — and in doing so, welcome back those who loved it then, and invite a new generation to fall in love with its spirit now." Alongside the main dining room and martini bar, Darling Glebe will be home to a private chef's table where Schroeter will personally serve a French omakase menu, plus an intimate private dining room and an underground wine cellar for larger events. He's also assembled a top-shelf team, with two-time Diageo World Class Australian Bartender of the Year Charlie Ainsbury overseeing the drinks program and Sarah Biswas (Odd Culture Group, Restaurant Hubert, Banksii) stepping in as venue manager. [caption id="attachment_1056414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] In a nod to the site's origins, Schroeter plans to source produce from the Adey family's still-thriving Darling Mills Farm and revisit elements from their decades-old recipe book, reinterpreting dishes that once put the venue on the map. As for the broader menu, details remain under wraps — and may continue to be that way even once Darling Glebe opens. "The room has always told me what it wants me to serve," says Schroeter. "I'm just here to listen." [caption id="attachment_1056415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1056417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1056418" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1056419" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1056421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] Darling Glebe will open in February 2026 at 134A Glebe Point Road, Glebe, with dinner service from Wednesday to Sunday and Friday lunches to follow. For more information and first access to reservations, head to the venue's website.
The Hills is getting a luxurious new rooftop restaurant with the arrival of Ciel in 2024. Chef Joshua Mason, the mind behind Baulkam Hills' acclaimed French restaurant Quoi Dining, will lead the charge at this lush new opening in Sydney's northwest. Translating to "sky" in French, Ciel will take over half of the seventh floor at Infinity Park, a new development that will boast 287 apartments by the time it's completed in 2025. The dining room will boast views of the neighbouring Castle Hill Country Club and the Sydney city skyline in the distance. Mason describes the soon-to-open restaurant as: "A woodfired-inspired dining experience honouring the south of France and the light finesse of the Mediterranean cuisine." "Ciel is inspired by my Sicilian heritage, celebrating a seafood-forward menu. There will be an ice well at the front of the restaurant featuring an array of fresh oysters, lobsters, crustaceans and Australian fish." A custom-made grill built in Barcelona has been shipped in to ensure the seafood is given the exact woodfired touch that Mason has envisioned, and the green stone bar has been imported from Argentina. Ciel will bolster the Hills District's fine dining chops, joining Mason's Quoi Dining and the Mullane's Hotel's Italian diner Sarino's in a neighbourhood more known for casual eateries and takeaway favourites like Frango, El Jannah and Good Fella Coffee. If you want to stay up-to-date with the restaurant you can sign up for the Ciel mailing list, or learn more about Norwest's massive new residential development at the Infinity Park website. Ciel is set to open inside Infinity Park, Norwest in mid-2024.
The first stage of The Royal, the long-running Bondi pub, reopened in September, with punters able to quench their thirst yet again with daiquiris, espresso martinis and many take-home wines from the attached bottle-o. However, it's the pub's eatery we had all been waiting patiently for — and with Merivale steering the ship, we knew it wasn't going to be a half-hearted effort. And you'll be happy to know, now that it's open, it's suitably impressive. Chefs Mike Eggert (Mr Liquor's Dirty Italian Disco, Pinbone) and Khan Danis (who worked at Rockpool alongside Neil Perry for 20 years) are heading up the kitchen of the Totti's, a casual Mediterranean-style eatery serving up pasta aplenty, woodfired breads and classic Italian cocktails. The food is a more mature version of that served at Dirty Disco — the six-month pop-up at The Tennyson Hotel, and the first collab between Eggert and Merivale — with the menu aimed at convivial sharing. Cooked-to-order Italian flatbreads come straight from the woodfired oven to the table, to rip and tear alongside small plates of house-made charcuterie and Italian cheeses. Pasta, a focus at Dirty Disco, is also central to the food offering here, with dishes like rigatoni with milk-braised pork belly, prawn casarecce and twists on classics, such as lamb ragu. A Josper oven (part grill, part oven) fires most of the proteins, including fish, Bannockburn chicken and schnitzels charred to perfection, and sides include a radicchio and orange salad and baked eggplant with chilli. And remember that polenta, corn and chervil side that stole our stomachs at Dirty Disco? We can confirm that's made a comeback, too. Another aspect of the eatery similar to Dirty Disco is the drinks. While there's no walk-in fridge — you'll have to head over to The Tennyson's latest pop-up for that — the pub's in-house bottle shop allows the eatery to have an extensive wine list, with house wines, naturals, biodynamics and higher-end varieties, all available by the carafe. Hop fans are taken care of with a long list of local beers and Mediterranean classics, such as negronis, and peach bellinis, will please the cocktail devotees. The 185-seater restaurant and courtyard might seem mammoth, but Eggert maintains that it still feels like your local. "It's a big version of a small trattoria", says Eggert. "We want people to come in and be able to have a great bottle of wine with a steak, and still be in their clothes from the beach." The skylight and big alfresco area take inspiration from a taverna on the Mediterranean sea, with huge olive trees taking centre stage to really set the scene. Images: Nikki To. You'll find Totti's in our list of the best degustations in Sydney. Check out the full list here.
In his three decades so far behind the camera, every film that Wes Anderson has made, features and shorts alike, has boasted one of two people behind their ideas. Number one: himself, with the writer/director sometimes teaming up with Owen Wilson (Haunted Mansion), Noah Baumbach (White Noise), Jason Schwartzman (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) and/or Roman Coppola (Mozart in the Jungle) to pen his screenplays. Number two: Roald Dahl, the author responsible for a bookshelf full of childhood classics that've engaged and entertained generations. With the latter, first came Anderson's magnificent stop-motion Fantastic Mr Fox adaptation, which is lively, smart and funny as well as gloriously animated. Now arrives four new Netflix shorts based on various parts of Dahl's lengthy bibliography. Wondering how Anderson would fare with The Witches, Matilda or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — each of which have reached screens multiple times, including a recent The Witches remake, the film version of Matilda The Musical and upcoming origin story Wonka — remains confined to the world's imaginations at the moment. Instead, the symmetry-loving filmmaker and Dahl still prove a dream match with The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison. Dropping daily since Wednesday, September 27, the entire group is now available to stream. Watch all four at once and you've got a new Anderson-directed, Dahl-inspired feature-length anthology, plus pure, quintessential, gorgeous and thoughtful Anderson gold. Visually, the Rushmore, Moonrise Kingdom and Isle of Dogs filmmaker busts out his jewel and pastel palette, elaborate dollhouse visuals, moving sets, centred framing and distinctive dialogue rhythms in his latest works, each trademark stylistic touch a reliably dazzling treat in his hands. Talent-wise, he enlists a core sextet of well-known stars — Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), Dev Patel (The Green Knight), Ben Kingsley (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Ralph Fiennes (The Menu), Richard Ayoade (The Souvenir: Part II) and Rupert Friend (High Desert) — who deliver pitch-perfect Anderson-esque performances cycling through a range of roles while uttering deadpan to-camera dialogue. Thematically, Anderson starts the shorts series with belief and hope, then keeps skewing darker. His fixation with meticulously delightful sights has always been paired with bleaker notions, as seen from Bottle Rocket onwards; here, he swings between humanity at its best and its worst. Also present: more stories within stories within stories (within stories), as Anderson has long loved stacking and unpacking, frequently with writers taking centre stage. Fresh from stepping into a play as a live production in a TV show in Asteroid City and also flicking through a magazine's articles in The French Dispatch, the filmmaker now gets an author sharing his scribblings. Dahl isn't just the origin of the four stories adapted. Fiennes, who reunites with the writer/director after turning in one of the finest-ever performances in his films in The Grand Budapest Hotel, plays Dahl in one of his current parts for Anderson. That move enthusiastically makes the helmer's fondness for layers known structurally, standing out as much as the faux sets that he deploys visually — and as Dahl pops up to narrate and explain from his Buckinghamshire writing hut, it's also a choice with meaning. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar begins the set with its longest and lightest entry, the source of some of Anderson's best and most purposeful visual playfulness yet, and a 39-minute flick that shares an account of personal and spiritual growth. So, as the author's 1977 tale comes to the screen, the movie's version of Dahl chats. Henry Sugar (Cumberbatch) does as well. Dr Chatterjee (Patel) and his patient Imdad Khan (Kingsley) also have a natter. Their stories reveal that Khan has learned to see without his eyes, Chatterjee couldn't be more fascinated about this medical marvel and, after learning about it accidentally, Sugar is desperate and determined to learn the trick for himself. Initially, the eponymous figure is solely in it to help his gambling and get even richer than he already is; however, there's only soullessness and emptiness on that path, but tenderness with another choice. The next in the batch, the 17-minute The Swan, pushes Friend to the fore. It also sharply changes Anderson's tone. In this short, bullies terrorise a classmate and wildlife in tandem, in a musing on cruelty that's still stunning to look at. With The Rat Catcher, which also clocks in at 17 minutes, the short's namesake (Fiennes) is enlisted by a village (represented by Ayoade and Friend) to live up to his name, a feat he's certain that he only achieve by being as rat-like as possible. Then, in the similarly 17-minute Poison, Cumberbatch, Patel and Kingsley work through almost the opposite of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, with an Englishman in British-occupied India (Cumberbatch) given kindness by a colleague (Patel) and local doctor (Kingsley) in a life-and-death situation, but hardly repaying it. The cast that brings The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison to life is as divine on-screen as it sounds on paper, especially Cumberbatch and Patel in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, plus Patel and Kingsley in Poison. Anderson's way with aesthetics may hog the limelight whenever his name comes up — that, and the wealth of talent that he amasses in each of his films — but his ability with actors is one of his greatest skills. There isn't merely a knack to performing in the filmmaker's work; he gets his stars epitomising his specific style while showcasing their own flair, too. Watching The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, no one would ever want Anderson's latest ensemble to leave his sight, in fact, or to stop telling stories for him. Only one quibble springs from this four-short project: the decision to release each chapter separately, rather than packaging them together as an anthology feature. Of course, streaming makes that choice moot now that The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison are all freely available in Netflix's catalogue. There's a cumulative power to this set of films. Anderson sees the ups and downs of human nature as he works through Dahl's four stories. As Fiennes' Dahl talks in and around their narratives, Anderson also spies it in an author who is both beloved for his creations and decried for his discriminatory opinions. It's there in the explanatory text on-screen noting what inspired The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison as well. Spectacular to look at, exceptionally performed, and packing an emotional and thematic punch, these shorts are vintage Anderson through and through. Check out the trailer for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar below: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison are all available to stream via Netflix. Images: courtesy of Netflix.
The Swillhouse team has done it again. The crew behind heavy-hitting Sydney spots like Frankie's (R.I.P), Shady Pines, Restaurant Hubert and Alberto's Lounge lived out the dream of many Australians and bought a pub, taking over the reins at The Rocks stalwart The Phillip's Foote back in 2021. After a summer pop-up and a series of hiccups, we now have Le Foote, a combination wine bar, restaurant and pub adaptable to just about any situation. A good wine bar is something The Rocks has been pining for during its post-lockdown resurgence. If you're on the hunt to drop dimes on a standout cocktail, the waterfront suburb has a plethora of sleek spots from Doss House and Maybe Sammy to Alice and the Hickson House Distillery. But, what Le Foote brings to the area is a cosy spot to sample some of the world's best vino. European wines and minimal-intervention producers are the preferred selections on the refined but comprehensive drinks list that you can taste your way through from within the moody front bar or out in the paved al fresco street front. Next time date night rolls around or that promotion you've been waiting for finally hits, you can reserve a spot out the back of Le Foote where you'll find a playful, Mediterranean-influenced dining menu. Share one of the highlights from the grill — crispy roasted lamb belly, brown butter barramundi and Jack's Creek Black Angus striploin with salsa verde. Or you can opt for one of the two banquets. Option one moves through house focaccia, taramasalata, beef tartare, octopus with potatoes, the barramundi, bitter greens with an orange panna cotta to close it all out. The huskier set menu swaps the fish for the Black Tyde rib eye, adds in a cheese pie with native berries, and closes the meal out with a pairing of rum baba and banana parfait. There's also plenty of starters and snacks that you can enjoy with your dinner, or simply paired with a chilled red in the bar area. Sydney rock oysters, pork rillettes and scallop carpaccio all make appearances on the cold selections alongside mid-sized dishes like calamari and pancetta skewers and charcoal wild mushrooms with fetta. All of this is housed within the old two-storey timber pub on George Street, giving the entire experience a feeling that you're still squarely in your local watering hole (just taken up several notches). As with all of the Swillhouse venues, the impressive food and drink offerings at Le Foote are balanced out by a feeling that nothing should be taken too seriously. You're free to have fun, whether you're swinging past for a two-sip martini or settling in for the grand banquet. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
In case you don't already have enough reasons to attend SXSW Sydney in 2025, here's more: the event's Music Festival keeps adding to its lineup, with over 50 new performers joining the bill, plus a heap of presenters as well. The latest round of names follows past announcements across all things SXSW Sydney for this year, spanning speakers, an initial batch of local and international acts, high-profile guests, more bands and folks getting chatting, Paul Feig and a 14-hour Freaks and Geeks marathon, and Tumbalong Park's free programming. Even beyond all of the above so far, there's also still lineup drops to come. Ninajirachi, 2charm, Drifting Clouds, Whitney, Picture This, Le Boom, Sonic Reducer, xiao xiao, Angela Ken, Maki, Modern Cinema Master, Lex Amor, Amy Gadiaga: they're now on the Music Festival bill, taking to the stage across Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19. As for where you'll be catching them, SXSW Sydney's already-hefty range of venues is expanding, too, with The Eveleigh Hotel, Embassy Conference Centre, and outdoor stages at the Seymour Centre and on Kensington Street among the new places to hit up. Laneway Festival Co-Founder Danny Rogers, ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd, Support Act Wellbeing Content & Programs Lead Ash King, Skillbox Founder and CEO Anmol Kukreja, Backlash Productions's Tour and Production Manager Jamal Chalabi, UNIFIED's CEO Jaddan Comerford are just some of the speakers adding a little more conversation to the bill — and so are Tickets for Good Founder and CEO Steve Rimmer, Strawberry Fields Director Tara Medina and others. SXSW Sydney has also confirmed that a lengthy list of organisations will be putting on events, including American Apparel, APRA AMCOS, British Music Embassy, College of Hip Hop Knowledge, GYROstream, Impressed Recordings, Laneway Festival x Outside Lands, Moshtix, NPCC presents Taiwan Now, Rolling Stone, Virgin Music and more. The last dedicated Music Festival reveal came in June, and featured the likes of Rashmeet Kaur, Vandelux, The Thing and August Wahh, plus Tenxi & Jemsii, Holly Hebe, Munan and Yasmina Sadiki. In total, this year's fest is due to feature more than 300 music performances. Before that, the festival had already announced Jasmine 4.t, Freak Slug and Ristband + Pivots from the UK; Slowwves from Thailand; Japan's Suichu Spica 水中スピカ; New Zealand's Serebii and Tusekah; and Cardinals from Ireland; and Autralia's Jamaica Moana, JJ4K, RICEWINE, Sacred Hearts, Swapmeet and BADASSMUTHA. SXSW Sydney 2025 runs from Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Select SXSW Sydney images: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney // Jess Gleeson.
Put on your best Hawaiian shirt because the folks from Earls Juke Joint in Newtown have opened up a sneaky tiki bar in Enmore dubbed Jacoby's Tiki Bar — and they are both within walking distance of each other. The new bar takes its inspiration from tiki-obsessed psychiatrist Dr Lawrence Jacoby from cult TV series Twin Peaks. Diehard David Lynch fans should be able to uncover a few other nods to the famous director scattered throughout the venue (at least, that's what my log tells me). The one rule of tiki bars is that you need to go all out. Subtlety be damned. The intimate 60-seater venue has been tastefully decked out in banana leaf wallpaper, a rattan thatched ceiling and carved wooden Tiki figures. It manages to look actually cool rather than too kooky or creepy. The drinks menu centres around ten tiki cocktails, which are mostly rum-heavy concoctions illuminated with bright, tropical flavours. From the list, you can't go past James and the Giant, made from Bulliet bourbon, spiced peach ice tea syrup, apricot brandy, and, to top it all off, absinthe. And then there's the Voodoo Grog — a drinking bowl filled with two types of rum, allspice, passion fruit syrup, honey and lime. However, it's the tiki mugs that really steal the show. These ones are served in beautiful glazed vessels depicting shrunken heads and conch shells, while silly straws, swizzle sticks, and flaming fruit make for a highly memorable experience. As for the wine selection, in true Lynchian style, they're divided by colour — perfect for those in the mood for a straw yellow or garnet red. The bottled beer range includes Hawaiian Kona Big Wave Golden Ale and Sierra Nevada Tropical IPA, while the taps include Jamaican Red Stripe Pale Lager and Grifter Serpent's Kiss. All drinks come with a free bowl of banana chips, and if you're looking for a real meal, the bar offers pizza delivery from Manoosh — just order at the bar. Oh, before you go, no trip to Jacoby's is complete without a trip to the bathroom, although be careful lest you stumble into another dimension. The back hallway has been kitted out in red velvet curtains and black and white chevron tiles to perfectly recreate niwt s'kaep suomaf der moor — ahem — Twin Peaks' famous red room. Images: Katje Ford.
Gone are the days of schlepping heaving bags of soggy bread and warm, subpar booze to the middle of nowhere just for a bit of greenery. These days there's fantastic grub to be procured just around the corner from every good picnic park in the city, from European-style delis just a stone's throw from your favourite patch of grass to perfectly positioned cafes within easy reach of harbourside parks. Why go out of your way to visit a supermarket, when there's excellent produce at these local eateries and shops? We've put together a collection of our favourite booze-friendly Sydney parks and the best places nearby to grab supplies. With help from French vodka Grey Goose, we've also picked out the best cocktails to make at home before joining your friends at the park. They'll put some real punch into your picnic party. [caption id="attachment_753757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW; James Horan[/caption] PIRRAMA PARK Get snacks from: Clementine's Pirrama Park has everything: a beautiful, Californian-style boardwalk right on the water, barbecues, parking spaces, toilets, long stretches of grass and views both east and west. It'll have you feeling oh-so-smug about our city. Right on the edge of Pyrmont, the harbourside park is minutes away from Clementine's, where you can pick up picnic snacks like the croissant cheese toastie with mortadella. Before you leave the house, prepare a pitcher of Grey Goose Summer Lemonade. The passionfruit and vodka cocktail will pair well with the cheesy sambos and you'll appreciate Sydney's summer glory with views of the Harbour and Anzac Bridge in one spot. In Pirrama Park and neighbouring Giba Park you're permitted to drink alcohol between 10am–10pm, except on New Year's Eve. [caption id="attachment_747894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW; Daniel Boud[/caption] PARRAMATTA PARK Get snacks from: Circa Espresso Parramatta Park is an understated gem of Sydney's west. The tranquil riverside park features the elegant Old Government House and a host of traditional gazebos tailor-made for picnics. Load up on Circa Espresso's house-made focaccia with harissa cashew butter before you head to the park, and before the kitchen closes at 2pm. Circa has sticky chais, rosehip iced teas and its own handcrafted hot chocolates to take away, but if you want to level up the alfresco party with a little booze, we suggest making a Grey Goose Lychee Breeze (vodka, passionfruit syrup, lime juice, lychee puree and soda) at home for your friends. [caption id="attachment_640891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] CAMPERDOWN MEMORIAL REST PARK Get snacks from: Continental Deli or Black Star Pastry There is no park in Sydney quite like Camperdown Memorial Rest Park — pouch-friendly, lots of open space, and it's a popular place for Sunday picnics (you can drink there between 9am–9pm). Given its proximity to Newtown, we suggest stopping off at Continental Deli to stock up; mortadella is $10 from the shop and you have your pick of cheese from Bay of Fires cheddar to a French Brillat-Savarin. Or go the whole hog with a cheese and charcuterie board for $50. For dessert, head to Black Star Pastry for Japanese forest cake with matcha moss, it's great for the 'gram and the gothic vibe matches the park. Pair your goods with a classic cocktail; make your group a Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz and watch the sunsetting on an inner west pastime. DUNBAR PARK Get snacks from: La Banette Set high over Avalon Beach, Dunbar Park is one of the Northern Beaches' prime seaside picnic spots, full of monstrous pines to keep you cool with easy access to the beach and the bohemian Avalon village. To really fit in, bring your own gourmet Grey Goose Rosé Spritz and grab some universally loved pastries from La Banette. It's tempting to reach for any number of sweet treats here, and if you can beat the hordes of locals for a Danish then power to you, but La Banette's unsung glory is its daily selection of mini quiches. [caption id="attachment_751503" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] ASHFIELD PARK Get snacks from: Outfield Ashfield Park is a picture-perfect example of Aussie outdoor culture; the park has centuries-old trees, there's a strong community that tends to the park's veggie garden, and there's a thriving bowlo. The best part is the old palm trees that give the inner west suburb a taste of the tropics, providing heaps of shade for you to nurse a couple of Grey Goose Coconut Coolers and absolutely stuff your face with pumpkin loaf and whipped ricotta, a specialty sweet-savoury snack from the close-by (and newly opened) cafe Outfield. Though you're permitted to drink booze in Ashfield Park in the day, make sure you're all packed up by 9pm. [caption id="attachment_677689" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] BICENTENNIAL PARK Get snacks from: Tramsheds Bicentennial Park is less a stretch of grass and more like its own utopian village of greenery. It's the best place to seek refuge from the claustrophobia of urban living without having to trek too far — plus, there are harbour views towards the Anzac Bridge and the city. Set around a serene lake, with winding paths and vast, open fields, Bicentennial is the kind of place you could spend a whole day, so stop off at Forest Lodge's Tramsheds for a good haul before you set up. For us, this has to include some spicy chicken sambos from Belles Hot Chicken, throw in a few Grey Goose Spiked Ice Teas for that southern barbecue feel and your picnic party is complete. Bicentennial Park is a timed alcohol prohibited zone, so you can drink here between 10am–10pm. [caption id="attachment_753658" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Centennial Parklands/Flickr[/caption] CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS Get snacks from: Simon Johnson Providore or Maloney's Opened in 1888 by Sir Henry Parkes, Centennial Park is the largest public green space in the city and though millions of people visit the park each year you can easily find a patch of green that feels private. To make it a truly delectable affair, splurge on the Perfect Picnic hamper from Simon Johnson Providore in Woollahra before you head to the park, or pick up some of the best bagels in the eastern suburbs from Woollahra's or Surry Hills' Maloney's organic bakery. For a French spin on a Spanish classic, make a batch of Grey Goose French Sangria cocktails to take with you. You can drink alcohol in Centennial Parklands, but be a good citizen and take your bottles home for recycling – and don't drink in any prohibited zones. Upgrade your summer picnic by choosing premium vodka Grey Goose. Each bottle is distilled in France, and the high quality vodka has a 100-percent traceable production process, from crop to cork.
It may no longer be a functioning substation but the vibe here is electric. Gone are Alexandria's dining days of takeaway joints and vending machines, the industrial 'burb is now enjoying sprightly new spots for food and flat whites. But with workers and residents aplenty and an espresso-lacking strip in McEvoy Street, Sub-Station Cafe is a welcome and indeed wanted addition. Housed in an old electric substation, the cleverly designed space is abuzz with happy people, and for good reason: here is a lovely, light-filled spot for recharging one's batteries. A big pumpkin at the front door signifies Sub-Station out of the grey lines of warehouses and smash repairs, and is a cute indication of the sense of humour inside. Lightbulbs hang from bedsprings in makeshift chandeliers and vintage advertisements of Coles and David Jones are framed resplendently. The narrow coffee bar – clad with old-world tiles and laden with freshly baked bread – opens up to an outside courtyard. It's green, private, quiet: a rarity in this truck-heavy part of town. Single-origin coffee (from $3) is rich and respectably creamy, and would go down a treat with one of Sub-Station's freshly baked goodies: think homemade brownies and lemon tarts. The breakfast offerings hit the mark with a balance of savoury, sweet and simple. The highlight has to be the Morning Dream breakfast roll ($16): a house-baked bread roll with egg, bacon, avocado, spinach, tomato and a chutney-like homemade sauce. The bacon is crackly crisp, American-style, which bacon-enthusiasts will attest can be hard to source. The just-baked station granola ($12) is a delight and baked at the spot itself. Grassroots fare is clearly a Sub-Station priority; with free-range eggs and organic honey in the kitchen and potted spinach growing outside. There are homespun touches throughout, like the wooden spoon–fashioned table numbers and wall-hung chopping boards. A hidey-hole haven in Alexandria, this substation is deliciously delivering energy and good vibes to Sydneysiders.
Organic and sustainable ingredients are carefully curated to create a Scandinavian-inspired menu at Funkis Köket, which mirrors the calming rustic yet minimalist aesthetic of this Paddington haunt. Straddling the line between cafe and garden, this eatery offers a wide range of tasty, nutritious items. Grab Skagen-inspired salmon consisting of creme fraiche, smoked salmon, dill, and mayo — all whipped together — alongside lemon-soaked zucchini slices and freshly toasted sourdough bread. We also love to add a cheeky poached egg to this affair to make that extra bit brunchy. Seasonal granola, avocado on toast and simple eggs on toast are also featured on the short but sweet breakfast menu at Funkis. And if you're in a rush, look no further than its freshly baked cardamom buns. They're some of the best in Sydney. Love all the plates and bowls your breakfast is served in, too? Check out its adjoining homewares store to take some home with you. Here, you'll also find women's clothing, handmade kitchen utensils, and plenty of textiles, accessories and books. It's all very well curated and worth a browse after hitting up the Funkis cafe — or while you wait for your coffee. Images: Cassandra Hannagan Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
There's a lot to love about Websters — the laidback Newtown local is the perfect place for a few sunset pints, and its whiskey list is enough to make a Scotsman weep into his Bruichladdich. But the thing that keeps us coming back to this iconic venue is the wings. Here, they're done in a classic American style: thickly coated in a mix of Frank's hot sauce, butter and a touch of honey, then served with blue cheese sauce and celery sticks. In other words, they're spicy, savoury and incredibly moreish. Stop in and line your stomach on the bar's rooftop before a big night out in Newtown.
Right in the middle of Oxford Street, the Paddington Berkelouw bookstore reigns supreme as a drawcard for booklovers of all types. There are three storeys of new, secondhand and rare books ready for you to lose yourself in — and the best part is there's a cafe and wine bar upstairs, so that you can settle in for a hot chocolate and cosy up with a new book for hours on end. Aside from the latest Max Porter or Oyinkan Braithwaite fiction, the store has an extensive kids' book section when you're in need of a smart gift for new parents, plus there's a cabinet of curious face masks, body lotions and candles for last-minute self care or that rushed birthday gift. There's also a wall of locally crafted cards, a counter of indie magazines and every recent hardback you'd expect from a leading bookstore. Images: Destination NSW.
The northern beaches has a bit of a reputation for being an area of Sydney that people never leave. But spend some time exploring this picturesque coastal strip, and you'll understand the appeal of the bubble. Avalon is the gem in the centre of Sydney's northside crown, filled with great local shops and a heartwarming community feel. A wander through these shops makes for the perfect end to a day on the beach, particularly when you have everyone guessing where you bought your new linen set or woven basket. Whether you are a local or a visitor, be sure to pack your swimmers and a towel, arm yourself with your American Express Card, and spend the afternoon exploring the unique clothing boutiques, handmade homewares stores, and artisanal food shops. In partnership with American Express, we've curated a selection of great local businesses to help you get the most out of a day of shopping small in this northern beaches suburb.
Marrickville might already be home to some of the best pubs in Sydney, but Illawarra Road newcomer The Montague is doing things a little differently. The two-level hangout — formerly The Ritz — brings together the best of both pub culture and late-night bar life, with a nod to Sydney's ever-growing love affair with multi-venue hospitality precincts. The venue comes from Public House Management Group (also behind Paddington's The Royal Hotel and The Toxteth in Glebe), with interiors by Venari Projects and a focus on delivering two distinct but connected experiences. Downstairs, The Monty is a smart take on the modern Aussie pub — think local beers, elevated comfort food and space for everyone from footy fans to families. Upstairs is Harriet's, a velvet-draped cocktail lounge that swings from sultry midweek date nights to bottomless brunches, DJs and disco balls on weekends. [caption id="attachment_1016126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ethan Smart[/caption] There's a focus on food across both levels, and Executive Chef Scott Greve (Hatch) and Head Chef William Lesmana (ex-Hatch, 6HEAD) have crafted menus that reflect each venue's personality. At The Monty, you'll find pub classics — parmies, dry-aged steaks and nostalgic desserts — alongside more creative takes like charred prawns with salsa verde and chilli butter, fried cauliflower lifted with korma sauce, and a chargrilled pork chop with caper butter and smashed potato salad. It's still very much a pub at heart, though, with a host of weekly specials like $20 steak frites and free pool on Mondays, wings by the kilo and live sport on Thursdays, and a Sunday roast platter for two to round out the weekend. Things get a little fancier — but no less inventive — at Harriet's, with a snacks-smalls-and-shares menu that's just as suited to a low-key date night as it is to a lingering Sunday session. Here, you'll find the likes of wagyu beef tartare with pani puri, black garlic aioli and fermented green chilli; an 800g pork tomahawk with burnt apple, fennel and fermented herb salsa; and wagyu skewers with sous vide pineapple. It's confident yet eminently approachable, with pub trivia on Wednesdays, long-lunch specials on Fridays and bottomless brunch — with dishes like crab benedict, and fig and ricotta hotcakes — on weekends. The volume gets turned up on Saturday nights when the space becomes BAD Harriet's, which sees a rotating lineup of DJs spinning everything from soul and disco to big-room house from 9pm until midnight. [caption id="attachment_1016124" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katje Ford[/caption] The drinks are just as considered for each venue. The Monty keeps things classic with rotating taps, a tight wine list and crowd-pleasing cocktails, while Harriet's brings the drama with tipples such as the Watermelon Sugar High, a mix of vodka, lime, watermelon syrup and pineapple juice that's as bright as the song it's named for, or the brooding After Hours, which layers Hennessy, cab merlot and dark chocolate with citrus and spice. If you're planning your visit around a drink or two, you're in luck. Weekday punters can take advantage of happy hour from 4–6pm, with $6.50 house schooners and vinos on offer. Swing by from 9–11pm on a Friday or Saturday night for two-for-$20 Hugo, limoncello or Aperol spritzes to cap off (or even kickstart) your evening. [caption id="attachment_1016120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ethan Smart[/caption] Images: Ethan Smart, Katje Ford.
When a bookstore doubles as a cafe, it really is the best of both worlds. Reading material to peruse with your coffee? A spot of shopping pre- or post-brekkie, brunch or lunch? The kind of atmosphere that can only come from stacks on stacks on stacks of books? You'll find all of the above at Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore. A Paddington mainstay for over a decade, the Oxford Street is as quaint as the world outside is busy — although, with more than 30,000 books sprawling across three levels, plus a cute little laneway area for flicking through pages in the sun, it's usually a hive of activity here. The cafe likes to think of itself as a library with food, and it has the packed shelves, cosy reading nooks, welcoming armchairs and sizeable menu to back up that claim. And yes, you really can just grab a novel, enjoy its contents while you sip your coffee and then put it back again. Ampersand's culinary spread has just had a revamp, with chef Tom Walton doing the honours. On offer: coconut, berry and chai-spiced sticky rice with caramelised banana; Turkish-inspired labne eggs with pepper, tomato and a heap of spice; and French toast with poached pear, whipped ricotta, rhubarb compote and almond crumble — and that's just breakfast. Lunch brings slow-cooked beef cheek pappardelle, as well as other pastas and salads. Drinks-wise, Little Marionette takes care of the coffee, Lindt's hot chocolates will warm up your insides, and beer, wine and cider are also available.
Birthdays come around so fast, don't they? It is incredibly tough to try to figure what to do every single year. Dinner? Old as the tale of time. Drinks at a bar? Done to death. So, what else does your city have to offer in the way of birthday celebrations? Turns out there are loads of ways to have a whale of a time on your special day, from the luxurious and creative to the thrill-seeking and downright spooky. Plus, with Suncorp's Platinum Credit Card*, you can earn extra points for every dollar you spend on the celebration of your existence — from the decadent birthday cake (you deserve it) to the candles on top. Read on to discover some of the absolute best group activities you can plan in Sydney (and beyond) and bookmark this for when your next trip around the sun rolls around. Planning your next birthday — sans the stock standard dinner or drinks — will be a total breeze. [caption id="attachment_715194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paesanella Cheese.[/caption] TAKE A CHEESY ROAD TRIP If you and your best mates are ready and raring to go on a classic long weekend road trip, you might want to consider the fabulously tailored Great Aussie Cheese Trail. Created by agri-tourism gurus McIntosh & Bowman, this trip (conveniently preset in Google Maps) will lead you on heavenly car trip throughout New South Wales from cheese farm to cheese farm. You'll get to try the stunning buffalo mozzarella at Paesanella in Marrickville, the mouthwatering goats cheese varieties at Jannei in Lidsdale and all sorts of cow milk yoghurt, kefir and mountain cheese at Marrook Farm in Elands. Be warned, this trip isn't for the casual cheese fan. If you follow the full route, you'll be visiting 15 different dairy farms and clock just under 18 hours of driving — so make sure you only invite your most cultured, cheese fanatical friends. HEAD UPWARDS ON A CLIMBING ADVENTURE If you're more into adrenaline-inducing, action-filled group activities, Skypeak Adventures is a great choice for your birthday bash. Between the treetop swings, barrel runs and bungee leaps, hanging out (literally) with your mates while clipped to an aerial adventure park will definitely get your blood pumping. You get to pick the aerial crossings you want to do, so you can choose a challenging route — which features monkey bars, slacklines, and balance beams — or the 'just for fun' option, which is much more relaxed. Skypeak also has party packages so you don't have to worry about anything — the crew will provide the food and drink for a 'suspended picnic' and they'll also let you choose the playlist while you all clamber around high up in the air. [caption id="attachment_732583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GO GLAMPING ON COCKATOO ISLAND Spending a night or two in a luxurious tent with your nearest and dearest and waking up to gorgeous harbour views sounds just like an activity you'd want to save for a special occasion. On Cockatoo Island, you can book yourself (and your crew) into a huge lush tent right on the waterfront, so you can take in the beautiful views of Sydney from dusk 'til dawn. The deluxe package includes all amenities, including a pre-erected tent and bedding, plus deck lounges for sunset gazing. All you need to bring is the goods for an opulent island birthday picnic or a good ol' fashioned barbie — and don't forget to throw in some marshmallows to toast over the fire pit. Cockatoo Island has a bunch of interesting tours to go on while you're there, too. If you're amped for a night of being spooked, we recommend checking out the 90-minute haunted history night tour. [caption id="attachment_652785" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] LEARN A WEIRD NEW SKILL AT WORK-SHOP If you'd prefer to spend your birthday learning something new rather than deleting brain cells with booze, then Work-Shop is definitely for you. This innovative space is all about community, craft and learning some niche new skills — like how to make your own natural skincare, perfume, cheese or sourdough bread. You could also become an expert in serial killers, tantric sex or Japanese shibori dyeing, or learn the basics of hula hooping, indoor plants or taxidermy. There are endless options, so have a browse through its list of available classes and book you and your friends in. You'll have a fun and unique birthday and take some new knowledge home with you. Win, win. HAVE A STARGAZING BUSH SLEEPOVER IN A BUBBLE Less than three hours drive from Sydney is one of the most incredible getaway spots our sunburned country has to offer — camping in a see-through bubble tent, overlooking the second biggest canyon in the world. Bubbletent Australia is the way to go if you'd like to spend your birthday with your partner or best friend, stargazing and soaking in the beautiful scenery of the gorgeous Capertee Valley. This is not the camping you experienced as a kid — this is the OTT bush experience of your dreams. The bubble tents each feature a lush queen-size bed and a separate bathroom, plus they're stocked with lavish amenities including a fridge, wireless speakers, iPad and a gas burner, so you can cook up an evening feast while staring blissfully at the brilliant night sky. REVISIT YOUR CHILDHOOD AT AN ARCADE Remember the kid at school that always had the best birthday parties? Well at Archie Bros Cirque Electriq, that kid can now be you. Yep, you can have the childhood party of your dreams, complete with dodgem cars, arcade games, bowling, laser tag, cinematic gaming and virtual reality experiences. Archie Bros even has birthday packages, so you can invite a huge group of friends and enjoy everything this crazy arcade has to offer, complete with food and drink packages so you can keep your energy up to fit in even more activities. The menu here is exactly what you craved on your childhood birthdays too — sugary, colourful and way OTT (including the cocktails). CHANNEL YOUR INNER VIKING AND THROW SOME AXES For those who enjoy the added element of an adrenaline rush on their birthday, look no further than this: axe throwing. Maniax offers group sessions so you and your mates can receive one-on-one coaching and target practice to get your axe-wielding skills up to scratch. Then, the games begin. You'll all take part in a wild tournament to see who among you is the king or queen of the mighty axe. This is a bonding exercise like no other, so be prepared for you and your mates to get really competitive, but also wildly supportive when you eventually hit your first bullseye. Seize the day, make your everyday moments count and get rewarded all the while with Suncorp. *Issued by Citigroup Pty Limited ABN 88 004 325 080 AFSL No. 238098 Australian credit licence 238098. Top Image: Cole Bennets.
Back in 1988, when John Waters wrote and directed Hairspray, he couldn't have known what'd follow. The cult filmmaker's flick was a modest hit to begin with, but really became a sensation on home video in the early 90s. The film's star Ricki Lake, who made her big-screen debut playing 60s teen Tracy Turnblad, also became one of the decade's big talkshow hosts. That's a wild path for any movie to take, but Hairspray's story doesn't end there. A theatre adaptation followed in 2002, as did eight Tony Awards. Then came a new 2007 movie based on that stage musical. Yes, Hairspray has lived many lives — and in its latest, it's coming to Sydney. In its on-stage, all-singing, all-dancing guise, it'll spin the dance-loving Turnblad's tale of teen dreams and making a difference at Sydney Lyric from late summer, kicking off on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Turnblad has one specific fantasy, actually: to dance on The Corny Collins Show. And when she makes it, it changes her life — but she has more change to fight for, too. The story unfolds in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, where racial discrimination is an everyday part of life. So, Turnblad uses her newfound fame to advocate for a different future for everyone. Hairspray's Sydney run is a local staging of the original Broadway production, and with director Jack O'Brien (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) guiding the show. Appearing on-stage in the new Aussie version, which comes to Sydney after premiering in Melbourne: Shane Jacobson, swapping Kenny's overalls, his numerous TV hosting gigs and appearing in seemingly every Australian movie made over the past decade for the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother (which was played by the inimitable Divine in Waters' movie, Harvey Fierstein on Broadway and John Travolta in the 2007 film). He's joined by Carmel Rodrigues as Tracy, Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad, Rhonda Burchmore as the villainous Velma Von Tussle and Rob Mills as Corny Collins. Hairspray will open at the Sydney Lyric, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, from Sunday, February 5, 2023. You can join the show's ticket waitlist by heading to its website. Images: Jeff Busby.
Push open the door at Bart Jr and the first thing you'll notice is the welcoming hum of banter. It only takes a quick glance around the room to see that this is a place that lends itself to a long session of good conversations over shared meals, a couple of glasses of wine, or a cocktail or two. Bart Jr — the second Redfern venue from the Scout's Honour crew — has kept it simple when it comes to the wine list. There's one of everything, all served by the glass, and, for the most part, they're all locally grown and often biodynamic. If you're looking for a red or white to bookend a long day, the Vinteloper Watervale Riesling from the Clare Valley ($11) and the Lethbridge Ménage a Noir Pinot Noir from Geelong ($12) are excellent wines to start with. There's also a number of local craft breweries on rotation on tap and in the fridge. You may be sat right alongside other diners or even perched next to them on a communal table, but this isn't a boisterous all-in drinking session — while being inclusive, everyone is engrossed in their own worlds. In this way, Bart Jr epitomises the friendly local, right down to the Redfern-focused photography series by a local artist. This friendliness of sorts even extends to the bar's namesake, which refers to a local and notoriously loose cat named Bart who roams the neighbourhood leaving a trail of lovers behind him. Given that he's inspired genuinely friendly service and food that's made with affection, Bart, we support your lifestyle — and we recommend you down a Dirty Aperol in his honour. Like most of the cocktails on their list, this one takes a classic and adds a Bart Jr twist — in this case, the addition of olive brine brings together the spritz and the martini, giving a new kick to the summer staple. As we've said, the food here is designed to be shared. Adding some glamour to the light and casual vibe, you'll be using a gold knife and fork to tuck into a plate of sheeps' milk haloumi generously topped with burnt honey, rosemary, currants and hazelnuts ($18). And while this may seem decadent, Bart Jr's menu strikes the balance between being rich and flavourful, but not overpowering. Take the gorgonzola dolce on toasted sourdough ($18) — topped with an abundance of greens, radishes, caramelised onion and fennel, this dish has strong creamy flavours while still keeping it fresh. A must-order. We recommend chasing your hit of dairy with the beef carpaccio with anchovy cream, pickled onion, fried capers, chives and pine nuts ($22) and the charred brassica in miso and egg yolk ($16), which, rather than just being a veggie side, is a dish unto itself. It's this next-level bar food, casual seating and dedication to good drinks, that makes Bart Jr a no-brainer for catch-ups with mates. Images: Katje Ford.
Wunderlich Lane. Shell House. The International. Hinchcliff House. Prefecture 48. Steadily, slowly, multi-venue dining precincts have become the talk of Sydney's dining scene. And on Friday, April 11, Hunter Street Hospitality — the same crew behind the legendary Rockpool Bar & Grill — will be adding to the mix with the opening of The Collective. Located in The Rocks, The Collective will be home to three sophisticated new restaurants alongside the group's existing venues — namely Saké and The Cut Bar & Grill — in this historic precinct. All up, The Collective spans a 1,800 square metres, with each venue offering a distinct experience for just about any occasion. Step into an elegant steak and seafood restaurant, chill out in a sun-soaked courtyard or indulge your inner bon vivant at a moody cocktail bar. With its quiet sense of drama, The Dining Room is the most debonair of the new arrivals. The two-level restaurant, set in a restored 1881 wool store, sees the space's original sandstone walls and heritage pillars contrast with a glamorous seafood bar that anchors the restaurant's rear. Guided by Hunter Street Hospitality trio of executive chefs — Santiago Aristizabal, Andy Evans and Shimpei Hatanaka — working alongside The Dining Room's executive chef Mike Flood, the menu is punctuated with top-shelf produce from land and sea, from Moreton Bay bug and Eastern Rock Lobster, to Berkshire pork chop and Margra lamb. As one might expect from a venue that seats 225, The Dining Room's wine cellar is expansive — it's home to over 1000 labels, including rare champagnes, international classics and show-stopping local vintages. Cocktails are also a focus, and continue the restaurant's ingredient-forward focus with creations like a multilayered strawberry-infused negroni and a Roku Gin, Haku Vodka and lychee sake number. Upstairs, The Bar is a standalone cocktail bar open to all comers from 4pm, featuring a lounge-style setting that offers the ideal space to transition from dinner to drinks (or the other way around, should you wish). On weekday evenings and from 1pm on weekends, DJs will spin tunes from a 'floating' booth, while you can take your pick from a dedicated list of 10 signature drinks, including three martinis. Also upstairs you'll find The Lounge, a versatile private space primed for cocktail parties and special events boasting its own DJ booth and a 100-guest standing-room capacity. Moving outdoors, The Garden is an alfresco oasis framed by heritage-listed buildings. Though casual in intent, this all-day dining spot still brings plenty of modern elegance. Set amongst handsome olive trees and perennials, cosy dining nooks provide a stylish retreat for breakfast and lunch — think: Blue Swimmer crab omelette served with lemon burnt butter sauce, steak and eggs featuring grass-fed scotch fillet and caramelised onion jam, and fritto misto adorned with zucchini flowers and served with Calabrian chilli oil. As the sun begins to dip, this open-air setting will steadily grow in atmosphere, as curated cocktails like the Rosella — mixing rosella-infused tequila with agave syrup and fresh lime juice — flow beneath the starry skies. Rounding out The Collective is Tailor Room, an intimate 20-seat cocktail bar that clocks in at just 24 square metres. However, the adage of less being more undoubtedly rings true here, as this smartly designed space sees deep green velvet banquettes set against an opulent red marble counter, providing front-row seating to the technically precise drinks being made behind the bar. Inspired by its heritage surrounds, the venue's first menu, Textures, features 10 signature drinks influenced by luxurious fabrics like the gin-based Silk, which combines coconut and rose geranium with notes of sandalwood to achieve a sleek and subtle effervescence. Polished from top to bottom, The Collective is a striking addition to The Rocks' cobblestoned streets. "Hospitality precincts aed having a moment in Sydney, and their appeal is only growing," says Hunter Street Hospitality CEO Frank Tucker. "With The Collective, we saw the chance to do something special — breathing new life into heritage spaces that deserve to be experienced, not just admired. There's a lot to uncover once you step inside." The Collective is located at 12–18 Argyle Street, The Rocks, and is open from Friday, April 11. Head to the venue's website for more information. Images: Steven Woodburn
It's official: Pad Thai has replaced pizza as Sydneysiders go-to dish of choice. As our culinary tastes reorient to the East, Concrete Playground explores some of Sydney's best Thai eateries, from the stalwarts to the style-setters and everything in between. 1. Senyai Regent Place has just given birth to its very own lan-caar bo-rancor (old Thai shop), Senyai. A laneway eatery resembling what one might expect to find in Bangkok's steamy back streets. Inside, the walls are scattered with colourful decorative plates, framed Thai pop stars and royal family, and cabinets full of vintage Thai paraphernalia. In the faux outside area you'll find a metal fence strewn with graffiti and posters. Yep, it feels just like the real deal. Start with a serve of miang kham ($6) — betel leaves topped with diced lime, red chilli, dehydrated prawns, nuts, red onion, and coconut sauce. Next try the po pia jaan ($12) — crispy prawn pancakes covered in layers of super-fine deep-fried rice paper, with an almost spongy inner texture. Let your Thai eating journey begin ... 486 Kent St, Regent Place; 02 9283 8686; www.senyai.com.au 2. Chat Thai Chat Thai is the worst kept secret amongst us Thai people living in Sydney. With a focus on Thai street food and dishes that are meant to be for Thai palates only, Chat Thai was meant to be a Thai person's Thai restaurant. But when you do the mainstay favorites pretty well, and at very, very reasonable prices, it's inevitable that the cat will get out of the bag. Located across from the Capitol Theatre, the open desert kitchen welcomes you in, with the bare brick walls covered with crayon artwork by a famous Thai comedian. If you’ve arrived during the dinner rush hour expect to be waiting at least 45 minutes or longer for a table; try and get in early and they might be able to offer you dishes still made from the lunch menu as well. 20 Campbell St, Haymarket; 02 9211 1808; www.chatthai.com.au 3. Spice I Am Spice I Am? It almost sounds like a challenge, or at least a state of mind. If there's anything to assist you reaching that state, it's red-hot Thai food. Where are you going to find it? At Spice I Am in Darlinghurst. And it's not just the food that's hot. This place is all style: exposed brick walls, another wall of expertly arranged clay pots, and a black and gold leaf bar. Drawing from north-eastern Thai cuisine, head chef Sujet Saenkham has concocted dishes away from the stir-fry stereotype. 296-300 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst; 02 9332 2445; www.spiceiam.com 4. Thai Pothong A Newtown institution since the '90s, Thai Pothong has gone from a cosy diner to a cavernous 350-seater restaurant with a quirky gift shop attached (anyone fancy a miniature model of the Predator?). Now offering dedicated gluten free and vegan menus, this inner-west stalwart only goes from strength to strength and continues to impress with its speedy service, group dining and authentic Thai cuisine. 294 King Street, Newtown; 02 9550 6277; www.thaipothong.com.au 5. Tapioca It's a far cry from the sandstone walls of Sailors Thai Canteen in the Rocks and the inner-city buzz of Sailors Thai Potts Point, but chefs Pacharin Jantrakool and Krongthong Akkachitto are still weaving their magic. Only this time they're doing it north of the bridge in Cremorne. On any given night Tapioca's smart, airy diner is filled with families, couples and canoodlers all clamouring for northern Thai favourites like the miang kum (betel leaves with smoked trout and roasted coconut). 318A Military Rd, Cremorne; 02 9908 1588; www.tapioca.net.au 6. Sailors Thai The doyenne of the Thai dining scene, Sailors Thai ushered in a wave of stylish Thai diners the likes of which Sydney hadn't seen prior and spawned a generation of talented chefs. Go back to where Sydney's love affair with classy Thai dining started at this heritage listed building in The Rocks where Thai favourites like Gang ped yang (red duck curry) continue to delight the palate. Want something casual? You'll find Sailors Canteen downstairs, renowned amongst other things for making communal dining de rigueur. 106 George Street, The Rocks; 02 9251 2466; www.sailorsthai.com.au 7. @Bangkok Stumble into @Bangkok late on a Friday or Saturday night and you might mistake it for a karaoke bar. You wouldn't be entirely wrong either. Late in the week this Capitol Square restaurant, launched six years ago to cater for the city's growing Thai community, doubles as a karaoke bar and pays homage to Thailand's favourite pastime. Sweet, sour, salty and spicy, you'll find your favourite Thai dishes alongside some lesser known but equally delectable offerings. Shop G 11, Capitol Square, 730-742 George Street, Sydney; 02 9211 5232; www.atbangkok.com.au 8. Longrain If Sailors Thai brought style to Thai dining, Longrain made it achingly hip. Set in a 100 year old converted warehouse with a sleek basement bar, the vibe is contemporary and upmarket. Head chef Martin Boetz has created a modern menu which reflects Longrain's inner city locale to a tee. Cocktails are sharp and zesty, like the lemongrass martini, whilst dishes like the crisp caramelised pork hock with chilli vinegar once sampled, are rarely forgotten. 85 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills; 02 9280 2888; www.longrain.com.au 9. Alphabet Street The folks who brought Thai fusion diner Rambutan to the Oxford Street strip — Oriana De Luca and Joe Natale — have headed south to work their charms on The Shire. Just like Rambutan, at Alphabet Street offer gorgeous cocktails like the spicy, kaffir lime-flavoured Thai Bloody Mary and a menu that straddles the staples and fusion dishes with ease. All set in a white-washed, industrial-chic venue with Cronulla Beach crowing distance away. 5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla; 02 9544 0756; www.alphabetst.net Photo credit: he needs food. 10. House You can't go past a north-eastern Thai diner that promises a dessert called Better than Sex, can you? A slice of a fried bread covered in sugar and caramel and covered with coconut ice cream, we're not sure how Better than Sex fits into House's Isaan-style cuisine but it definitely offsets the spicy heat of the menu. With the culinary backing of Spice I Am's head chef and co-owner, Sujet Saenkhan, this is one Thai experience not to be missed. 202 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills; 02 9280 0364; www.spiceiam.com/house-surry-hills
The Lodge Bar is an intimate cocktail and wine bar on Darling Street, Balmain that has been welcoming patrons for more than a decade. Its wine list constantly evolves but promises stunning drops from Aussie producers alongside Italian, French and Spanish vino. If you're more of a cocktail connoisseur, the bartenders can serve up all the classics, as well as The Lodge Bar signatures like an applewood-smoked Manhattan (made with bourbon, red vermouth and angostura bitters housed in an applewood-smoked dome) and tropical-leaning Caribbean Fizz (made with Bacardi, Licor 43, Cointreau, pineapple, passionfruit, lemon and a touch of sugar). The Lodge Bar's food menu is brimming with sharing plates from cheeseboards to churros. Feeling like something a little indulgent? How about the sardine rillettes with cream cheese, onion and chilli paste? What about NY-style waffle fries sprinkled with spicy paprika salt and served with burger sauce? Or chunky pork and fennel meatballs with sugo and crusty sourdough bread? Make it an event with two shots of frozen Belvedere vodka. Open from Wednesdays to Saturdays, The Lodge is host to a happy hour on each of those days, with deals on cocktails, wine and beer.
Surry Hills' handsome French brasserie Armorica is easing the pain of returning to reality with some very good news for meat lovers: its cult-favourite bottomless steak frites is now available Monday to Friday — but only for a strictly limited time. Usually a Monday-only affair, the much-loved special is now available every weekday until Friday, January 16. On the menu: unlimited servings of premium steak, endless golden fries and free-flowing French sauces. That means you can now indulge in as many rounds of béarnaise-dipped steak and shatteringly crispy chips as you like, five days a week, with Armorica's house sauces — including peppercorn and Café de Paris butter — flowing just as freely as the post-holiday chat. The $65-per-person deal has already proven wildly popular among Sydneysiders thanks to the city's long-running love affair with anything bottomless — and this is easily one of the more indulgent versions on offer. If you're looking to level things up even further, you can tack on starters like Sydney rock oysters or desserts like the show-stopping signature Chocolate Bar — an explosion of Valrhona chocolate mousse, salted caramel and choc chip cookie encased in a dark chocolate hard shell that resembles a jewel box. You can also pair your meal with a selection from Armorica's seriously impressive French wine list, which spans more than 400 bottles. Set within a grand, mood-lit space on Crown Street — think timber-detailed ceilings, European oak joinery and brass gantries — it's exactly the kind of weekday treat that makes easing back into the working year feel a little more manageable. Armorica's bottomless steak frites is available weekdays until Friday, January 16, for $65 per person. For more information, head to the venue's website.
If you live in Pyrmont or Glebe, you might have more water cruises in your future because the area is set to score its own on-demand ferry service. The NSW Government has announced that it will launch a six-month ferry trial to more directly link the Bays Precinct to the city. The new green ferry will be a 43-seat 12-metre-long MiniCat dubbed Me-Mel, the Gadigal name for 'eye' (and also the local indigenous name for Goat Island). While it will only be available on-demand, it will still follow a route, which will run from Barangaroo Wharf to Pyrmont's Pirrama Park, the Fish Markets and the Glebe side of Blackwattle Bay. While ferries already run between Barangaroo and Pyrmont Bay wharves, this ferry will provide another public transport option and a more direct route to Glebe — at the moment, commuters need to take one or two buses (or walk or catch a cab) to get home. View this post on Instagram This looks really promising. After years of campaigning for more public transport options by Glebe and Pyrmont residents, the NSW Government has announced a trial of on-demand ferries from Blackwattle Bay through to Barangaroo. We'll be watching the trial closely and if it proves successful, I'll advocate for the service to be expanded to other areas it could work, such as Woolloomooloo and Rushcutters Bay. When the trial begins, let me know what you think. A post shared by Clover Moore (@clovermoore) on Sep 27, 2019 at 5:30pm PDT Me-Mel will be run by Sydney Ferries operator Transdev, and will be available to order between 7am and 10pm on weekdays, and 8.30am and 7.30pm on the weekend. To book, you just need to download the Tranzer smartphone app. Alternatively, you can give them a call or visit one of the kiosks located at the wharves. And in good news — a ride on the ferry will work out the same as your standard Opal ferry fare — a single trip clocks in at $7.60 for adults and $3.80 for concession card holders. Which makes it a viable swap for your regular Uber ride home. Last December, Captain Cook Cruises launched its own private on-demand ferry to service the inner-east wharves — however, it has since stopped operation. The ferry is set to start running sometime in October. We'll let you know when services kick off.
The waterside suburb of Wareemba welcomes a winning new, aesthetically pleasing bakery, Martha's. The bakery offers sweet and savoury pastries created with an ode to Mediterranean flavours, fresh sandwiches and a specialty blend barista menu. Paris Nassif, the owner of the new spot, says, "Our menu is about staying true to our roots and identity, but also having fun with the classics that people know and love. With the bakery, we wanted to create a place where people could slow down, savour something, and feel that sense of renewal — a place to rise again each morning." In keeping with the trends of two-tone drinks and creative coffee on tap, Martha's showcases rotating signature drinks. You might be lucky enough to try a blackberry matcha, a nutmeg and citrus or peach and apricot cold brew, or a maple brown butter iced oat latte. When they enter the shop, customers are greeted by generous racks of laminated pastries. The usual suspects, such as crisp croissants, cinnamon scrolls and custard tarts, sit alongside Nassif's more distinct creations. There is a twice-baked almond croissant with cardamom and rose water, a za'atar knot with tahini dipping sauce, and a satisfyingly savoury eggplant and nduja pastry. There are more substantial options available for lunch, such as a spiced lamb, tzatziki, and caponata roll, a roast chicken sourdough sandwich with tomato and smashed avocado, and a focaccia number stuffed to the limit with salami, mortadella, pesto, straciatella and basil oil. Martha's eye-catching deep red awning and shining tiles have drawn crowds in from day one, and with an inviting space, quality pastries and enticing drinks, it's fast becoming a neighbourhood go-to. Images: Supplied.
Over the last decade, Sydney's Mexican restaurant scene has had a huge renaissance. Gone are the days of only finding sour cream-laden Tex-Mex offerings and fishbowl margaritas. Now, Mexican food in Sydney is significantly more refined and reflects the dining culture of Mexico itself, rather than the cheese-filled US version. We have stacks of fine-dining Mexican eateries, mezcal and tequila bars, and small neighbourhood grocers slinging some of the greatest house-made tacos and tamales in Australia. To help you find these haunts, we've compiled this guide to the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney. Read on to find where you'll next be woofing down trays of tacos while sipping on fine tequilas and mezcals. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney The Best Indian Restaurants in Sydney The Best Bars in Sydney
Dining out with kids isn't easy, especially when all you want is a nice, relaxing meal and perhaps a lovely view to go along with it. In reality, children don't really do nice or relaxing. Every parent has gotten two bites into that parma they've been dreaming of only to have to pack up and leave with a screaming child in tow. Luckily, Sydney's many restaurants, pubs and cafes hear your plight, and they want you to know that you shouldn't have to book a babysitter to enjoy a day (or night) out on the town. We've teamed up with American Express to show Sydney parents that you can enjoy a family meal out where everyone will be happy (and well-fed). You won't need to dumb down your palate, either. These spots offer some top eats, all while catering to your little ones with special menus, games rooms and beachside play areas. Need to get out of the house with the kiddies? These venues are here for you. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival, one of Australasia's largest one-day dance music festivals, is returning on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The grass parklands of the Pukekawa Auckland Domain will transform into a high-energy open-air dance floor, backed by the power of a full and live orchestra. Known for pushing the boundaries of live performance, SYNTHONY blends global dance anthems and New Zealand's rich culture with the power of a live orchestra, DJs, vocalists, and immersive visuals. As the sun sets over the Pukekawa Auckland Domain, the energy builds into a night designed for music lovers seeking something bigger and bolder than a standard concert, and it serves as the perfect catalyst for a New Zealand holiday. This year's lineup brings serious weight. SYNTHONY No.7 returns with a brand new set list while UK electronic music act, Faithless, is headlining the night. Other DJs and musicians on the lineup include Peking Duk, Shapeshifter, Hot Dub Time Machine, Kaylee Bell, Made You Look, The Black Seeds, and The Exponents. Taking place across two stages, the festival also features food and beverage villages, entertainment activations, and rides. The festival kicks off from 3.00pm NZDT for a celebration of live music, New Zealand culture, dancing and festivities. What to do in Auckland The Pukekawa Auckland Domain is located just minutes from the CBD, making SYNTHONY the perfect reason to book a weekend escape in the New Zealand city. Nearby accommodation options include Cordis Hotel, Auckland, a comfortable city base with an easy run to and from the Pukekawa Auckland Domain. If you're looking for a group accommodation option, Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments is a luxury 5-star hotel located close to Albert Park and the city centre, helping you to see the most of Auckland. Beyond the festival, Pukekawa Auckland Domain's central location gives you plenty of daytime options to explore the city. Auckland War Memorial Museum sits within the same parkland, making it an easy post-festival activity. The nearby Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki also offers a creative, city-centre cultural stop that balances the high-energy night with something distinctly Auckland before you head home. Use the Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival as your excuse to head to New Zealand and explore all that Auckland has to offer. Buy SYNTHONY tickets here. Discover Auckland Image credit: Supplied
It's no secret we love a swimming hole. From Sydney to Melbourne to Brisbane and even over to Perth, we spend our spare January days driving in search of a swimmable body of water, and the other seasons eagerly awaiting the ripeness of summer. And the best part is that this country is full of swimming spots unique to our sunburnt landscape, both on rugged coast and hidden inland among bush and desert rocks. Caroline Clements and Dillion Seitchick-Reardon visited a whole heap of them as 'research' for their book, Places We Swim. While the book collates handy information about 60 pools, lakes, beaches and gorges across the country, here, they detail five of the stunning spots that you should most definitely plan a road trip around before summer ends. Recommended reads: The Best Australian Beaches The Best Australian Islands to Visit Anytime of the Year The Best Glamping Spots in Australia The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Australia Clarence Dam, Blue Mountains, NSW Dressed in native gumtrees, the landscape here feels like true blue Australiana. Around Christmas time, the tea tree near the waterline turns white, like it's somehow snow-covered in the middle of summer. The reserve is home to two disused railway dams (that feel like lakes) built to supply water for steam engines, and is still bordered at the north side by a functioning western railway corridor. But the Crown Land area is now used mostly for public recreation such as bushwalking, rock climbing, canyoning and swimming. Swimmers are in for a treat. Huge pieces of ironstone protrude out of the water in soft shapes of all sizes, like artful, abstract sculptures. It's not the water that makes this swimming hole great, it's the rock. Some have an architectural quality, which starts to make a lot of sense when we remember we were brought here by an architect. The water is cool and deep, and we swim from a low entry point over to a large ten-metre-high wall. The drop is sheer; it's also a rite of passage for local teenagers. We're about 20 years older than most, but we take the deep plunge into the cool freshwater below, slapping the water with our feet first. In other sections there are rope swings tied to tree branches at different heights, but this is no amateur set-up. There are various jumps that range from your standard rope swing to full-on carnival trapeze, none of which should be taken lightly. If jumping isn't your thing, floating down the river in an inflatable ring might be. How far? The dam is located in the Blue Mountains, close to Lithgow — about a two-hour drive from Sydney. Little Blue Lake, Mount Gambier, South Australia The pool sits in an unassuming paddock about 15 kilometres south of Mount Gambier, looking a little lonely and out of place. It makes more sense when you learn that Baby Blue is a sinkhole, formed by the gradual collapse of an underground cave. The pool has an average depth of about 35 metres and it isn't unusual (but it is a little creepy) to see the odd diver suddenly emerge from below. In fact, this area is one of the best inland diving destinations in the world, with a Swiss-cheese network of 500 underground caves and 50 sinkholes to explore. For our purposes, however, surface swimming is just about the right speed. Sheer 10-metre limestone walls make this an iconic South Australian jump and a rite of passage among locals. Like many places, signs forbid jumping here and there are murmurs of council-enforced fines, though nobody seems too concerned. Jump at your own discretion. Alternatively, take the steps down from the carpark side of the pool to a shiny new pontoon. This makes for a more gentle entry and is an easy introduction to the cool water. A few natural terraces extend back towards the road, providing a great vantage to sit and watch, like a swimming amphitheatre. How far? The lake is located just south of Mount Gambier — about a five-hour drive from both Melbourne and Adelaide. Josephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park, Queensland It could only be described as lust when we laid eyes on this series of tiered granite rock pools and waterfalls just south of Cairns in Wooroonooran National Park. This lush mountainous land, right on the coast, covers 75,000 hectares of the Bellenden Ker Range and forms part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. The range includes Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland's highest mountain (1622 metres). Josephine Falls sits at the base, with a constant flow from streams that cascade down the mountain, creating some of the cleanest waterways in the world. There are three spots to stop along this boardwalk. The first is where you get in to swim. We find people sitting and chatting in crystal clear shallow pools, while others laze on big boulders in the dappled light. The biggest rock pool has a sandy bottom and is bordered by a giant piece of slippery granite that people are queueing up at to slide down, some wearing inflatable iced strawberry doughnuts. Scrambling further up takes you to more rocky slides into smaller pools, and families splashing about and fishing for yabbies. The second stop is a deck that looks over the rock pools onto swimmers below. Continuing along the rainforest walk takes you to the third stop, a large viewing platform looking up to a flowing waterfall with a deep plunge pool. It's probably the most impressive of them all but, unfortunately, is not open to public swimming. How far? The falls are located in Tropical North Queensland — about an hour south of Cairns. Bushrangers Bay, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria This basalt coastline is quite unlike anywhere else in the area, or even the state. Volcanic black rocks emerge from clear blue water. Deep pools are filled at high tide and slowly warm throughout the day. It has a distinct look and feel, so you can imagine how our eyes popped out of our heads when we saw this secret spot featured in the 2009 film adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are. Indeed, it seems like a natural place for a wild rumpus, and you will see lots of kangaroos if you arrive early in the morning. Don't be surprised to see waves exploding onto the beach, as it is exposed to a constant barrage of swells from the south. We prefer the safety and beauty of the nearby tidal rock pools. Follow the beach east towards the rocky headlands. The most prominent feature is Elephant Rock and the best pools are distributed around its base, on the left-hand side. Water is always clear here and often a few degrees warmer than the ocean – Victoria's version of a spa bath. Remember, this is a low-tide-only spot, so take a moment to make sure that rogue waves aren't crashing into the pools before jumping in. Otherwise you may suddenly find yourself inside a washing machine or heading out to sea. How far? The bay is located on the Mornington Peninsula — about an hour and a half from Melbourne. Emma Gorge, The Kimberley, Western Australia The dramatic Emma Gorge falls pour over a 65-metre-high cliff into a large plunge pool, punctuating the end of the 1.6-kilometre hike in. The track begins at Emma Gorge Resort, and winds past the deep Turquoise Pool (also a great spot to swim, which we take note of for later) before arriving at the falls. The water is refreshingly cool, shaded by the looming cliffs for most of the day. Tourists dribble in and out, dropping piles of clothes on rocks as they stare up at the falls in awe before shocking their hot, sweaty bodies with the water's cool, pristine touch. The plunge pool is deep and wide with a rocky bottom, but the water is so clear and fresh, you could drink it. We bliss out for a few hours before making out way back along the track past Turquoise Pool, where we take another plunge. The surface water here is lit up by the sun, giving it the turquoise colours it's named for, while people gather at the fringes to cool off. A rock jump begs us to plunge from a height rather than scramble over a slippery entry. Emma Gorge is one of the most incredible places we've been, even late in the season when the water isn't flowing at its best. How far? The gorge is located just west of Kununurra — about halfway between Broome and Darwin. This is an edited extract from Places We Swim by Caroline Clements and Dillion Seitchick-Reardon, published by Hardie Grant Travel. Images: Dillon Seitchick-Reardon.
This breezy, often boisterous Surry Hills establishment is another example of a previously overlooked drinking hole which has been revitalised around craft beer. It's a modern space with well-presented pub grub, but it's in their expertly curated beer offerings where the Dove & Olive really shines. Grab a beer paddle and select from a range of unusual tipples on tap. If you're here for a nosh, the D&O also features four-course dinners where each stage of the meal is matched to a beer, while their Craft Beer Fight Club — where brewers 'fight to the death' for the chance to get their brew on tap for a month — is quickly becoming the stuff of legend. Plus, the trivia here is some Sydney's best and most boisterous.
Hands up if you're guilty of repurchasing that same wine or six-pack every time you head to the bottle-o. The bigger chain stores are pretty reliable for restocking our old favourites, but if you're keen to branch out and discover some new drops by local producers, you may need to look a little further. So, we've created this Sydney bottle shop and boutique cellar guide to shine a light on some of the city's more specialised liquor stores — the ones that are passionate about new and innovative production methods, ingredients and flavours. Whether you're heading to a friend's place for dinner, joining a house party or eating out at one of your favourite BYO-friendly restaurants, these bottle shops are packed to the brim with excellent natural wines, quirky craft beers and specialty liquors. From family-owned and decades-old joints to new up-and-comers, these Sydney booze retailers will help you impress your mates on a night out (or in).
The Norton Street stalwart and true icon of Sydney's Little Italy, Bar Italia, has been a tried-and-true spot for a feast since 1952. Whether you sit within the trattoria's nostalgia-laden dining room or in the courtyard out back, come on your lonesome or with a group of ten, the buzzing spot overflows with low-key, good-time vibes. There's a boundless menu, $1 corkage and strict rules — 'No skim, no soy, cash only' — accompanying efficient service, generous servings and a bright roll call of housemade gelatos. The optimal way to feast? Take your pick of the pasta menu — our rec is the penne melanzane or spaghetti cozze — with a Bar Italia salad and spinach arancini alongside. Deliziosa! Pizza highlights at Sydney's bar Italia include the Etna with pepperoni, bacon, Spanish onions, capsicum, garlic and chilli, or the vegetarian plus with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, capsicum, olives, Spanish onions, eggplants and garlic. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
On Sydney's current form, it is no great surprise to see the Mexican bar revolution spread to an increasingly cosmopolitan Balmain. Enter Cantina Bar, Darling Street's version of the latin cuisine that has the harbour city at its mercy. Admittedly, this punter entered Tiger territory with a degree of intrigue, caution perhaps. Two hours later all hesitations had been put to bed. This bar is a cracker. Cantina Bar is owned and run by the Singer brothers and judging on their other project, Rozelle's Corner Bar, the boys have a bit of hospitality nouse about them. The bar ticks all the boxes you'd want for a lazy post-work beer or squeamish first date; simple things that we want but won't likely find in the pokie tainted mega pubs of, say, Balmain. The bar is, expectedly, a shop-width across and tastefully decked out in a polished-industrial spirit. The walls are adorned with day of the dead motifs, fake flowers and … a film that outdates any of the bar staff being projected onto a side wall. The crowd, a pleasant mix of suits and skateboarders, park around the bar or sit at the front tables; here, standing ain't really an option. After copping a gorgeous sunset through the front doors, the lighting is perfect and a few salsa tunes later and we're itching to consume. Cocktails are the first order of the day. A 'pc'' fizz (gin, chamomile and grapefruit) and jalapeno margarita (both $16) take the edge off. The bar stocks a range of imported Mexican and Spanish beers ($8.50-$12) and boasts a decent wine list. The organic shiraz ($8.50 glass) comes with an ethical stamp of approval and is a delightful drop. Cantina makes the grade as a watering hole alone, but some casual dining certainly amps up the experience. The lovely bar staff recommend the pulled pork sliders ($16), and they don't disappoint. These tasty suckers are culmination of explosive flavours in a bun-sized package that go beyond generic Tex-Mex. The build-it-yourself mini fish tacos ($16) are a nice little innovation and the cactus salad ($12) a buzzy way to say you've eaten cactus. And to cap off the night, the warm churros with chilli chocolate dipping sauce ($10) are more than worth the guilt. Mexican bars may have usurped Irish pubs for the themed drinking throne, but it's a hard formula to complain about when well executed. Cantina Bar is certainly a welcome addition to the cartel and will deservedly pack out with Balmain locals and tourists after a few drinks and a mean feed.
Many of us head to Adelaide for its world-class wineries. While its vineyards are a true highlight of South Australia, you also can't miss the vibrant city centre. With chic wine bars and award-winning restaurants, Adelaide's CBD makes for a perfect weekend getaway. Situated in the middle of the city's block (that's surrounded by lush parkland), you'll find Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets. The boutique accommodation is inspired by the city's festival influence, with colourful wall art and posters as interior decorations. Locally influenced decor is celebrated in the tessellated tile patterns and copper fixtures, which pay homage to the state's rich copper mining history. Filled with nods to the neighbourhood, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets is a central base to everything you could need to make the most of the city. Here's how to spend a weekend eating and drinking your way through Adelaide's CBD. [caption id="attachment_934956" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Adelaide Central Market[/caption] To Market, To Market The Adelaide Central Market is a gem of the city. Established in 1869, it's a hub of food and culture (and one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere) where you can lose hours wandering the stalls and chatting with local producers. Don't miss Lucia's, the authentic Italian deli that has been a part of the market since 1957. [caption id="attachment_915248" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Osteria Oggi[/caption] Foodie's Paradise Don't think you have to be in the vineyards to experience Adelaide's food scene. Just a stone's throw from Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, you'll find several restaurants that rival the larger cities. Osteria Oggi on Pirie Street serves fresh, handmade pasta daily and offers a modern twist on the Italian you love. Long, communal tables are encouraged, and plates can be shared easily for an Italian-style feast. Right next door to Osteria Oggi is Soi 38. In 2014, the restaurant began serving street food snacks and dishes not found on other Adelaide Thai menus. Now, Soi 38 is an unrivalled dining experience that's serving regional dishes in the heart of the city. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soi.38 Adelaide (@soi.38) Nearby, restaurant and bar Fino Vino offers a curated menu inspired by regional South Australia. Named a top ten restaurant in 2024 by Gourmet Traveller, Fino Vino is one to add to your must-try list when visiting the neighbourhood. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@finovino_adelaide) Soak In the Neighbourhood Famous for its vino, sitting and sipping in the city's wine bars is a necessity when in town. When staying in the CBD, take a trip to Leigh Street. Located in the heart of the city, the cobbled street is full of character and heritage buildings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leigh Street Wine Room (@leighstreetwineroom) There are a number of small bars dotted down the street, but be sure to drop by Leigh Street Wine Room. The cosy bar serves over 400 drops and dishes up small plates to snack on while wine-tasting. On the same character-filled street, you'll find cocktail bar, Leigh Street Luggage, while award-winning cocktail bar, Maybe Mae, is located one street over. Really, you could spend all weekend flitting between Leigh Street haunts. Get Some Air After exploring the side streets of the city centre, find your bearings on its rooftop bars. Merrymaker is situated at the top of Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets. Located 16 floors above the city streets, Merrymaker is Adelaide's tallest rooftop bar and serves a select menu of cocktails, aperitifs, and snacks. With a limited selection of seating available, it's recommended that you book a table at the award-winning Merrymaker in advance (even as a hotel guest) to avoid missing out on the breathtaking city views. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Merrymaker Rooftop Bar Adelaide (@merrymaker_rooftopbar) 2KW Bar and Restaurant is another rooftop bar in Adelaide with spectacular views of the Adelaide Oval, Festival Theatre and Government House. On the weekends, you'll find DJs spinning tunes as the sun sets over Adelaide. [caption id="attachment_1038261" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets[/caption] Rest Up in Style With its stylish streets and reputation as a foodie hub, Adelaide's CBD is a vibrant neighbourhood that inspires. At the Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, you can continue the energy of the city in its colourful boutique rooms. On the ground floor, you'll find modern Italian restaurant and bar, Market & Meander, as well as its famous pink booths. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Market & Meander was recently named a top ten hotel breakfast in Australia. You can also rest and recover in the hotel's luxe pool and gym. Situated in the heart of the action, the boutique accommodation makes for the perfect base to continue to explore South Australia's capital. Want to stay in the thick of it? Find out more about Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets here. Lead image: Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets
Nestled in one of Sydney's most historic spots is the latest venture by St Peters' Aslan Coffee Roasters. Bringing a slice of the inner west to the CBD, this cafe provides The Rocks with its best coffee — amd we're mighty glad to see good brews finally make their way to this part of the city. On the bar, you'll find everything from a house blend to on-tap nitro coffee and single origin drops, all sourced from Indonesia. Once you've hit your caffeine quota, grab a bite to eat from the Indonesian-inspired menu. Try the pork satay grilled over charcoal with roti paratha, slaw, spiced gherkin and sriracha mayo.
Whether you're currently in lockdown or not, a lot of the world's most exciting and wondrous attractions are off limits right now. Thankfully — in these self-isolating, social distancing, closed borders times — many of the globe's top museums, galleries and landmarks offer virtual tours. Want to ogle the National Gallery of Victoria's collections? See the Smithsonian's dinosaur fossils? Check out the Sistine Chapel? That's all as easy clicking a few buttons. Whether you're eager to experience Japan's luminous digital art museum or peer at cute critters in a zoo, you can spend a night — or day — at a museum, gallery or other culturally significant spot from the comfort of your couch. Here are ten highlights to get you started — and if you're keen on others, Google Arts and Culture will point you in the direction of even more. THE LOUVRE Nothing really compares to visiting The Louvre and standing in front of the Mona Lisa yourself, your eyes roving across the Leonardo da Vinci-painted artwork's enigmatic smile. Now, for the first time, the Parisian venue is allowing you to experience it virtually with a Mona Lisa VR experience. If you are equipped with a next-level VR setup, you can explore a bunch of the gallery's exhibitions online. Via its virtual options, wander through exhibitions exploring the relationship between art and political power, Renaissance artworks and myths told through art. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRDEmb5Eo_Y&t=7s VAN GOGH MUSEUM If you missed out on Van Gogh Alive's first run of Australian shows, Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum is home to the largest collection of the artist's work in the world, including more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 750 letters. That's a hefty array, which you can peer at yourself via Google Arts & Culture's virtual tour. Yes, Sunflowers is one of them, although there's plenty of inimitable artistry also on display in his other still life pieces, landscapes and other painted scenes. Rove around at your own pace, then zoom in to see the detail and read the accompanying descriptive plaques. And if you're eager for an overview first, you can check out the museum's YouTube tour as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmVeh4fS2HQ&t=14s TEAMLAB BORDERLESS DIGITAL ART MUSEUM The word 'immersive' gets thrown around much too often these days, but if anywhere deserves the term, it's TeamLab's Borderless Digital Art Museum. Sprawled across a Tokyo warehouse, this eye-catching venue fills every available surface with moving, changing and interactive artworks — so you can watch flowers bloom across the floor, wall and ceiling; then sit and stare at the ocean's waves crashing through a room; then roam through lit-up lily pads. Or, thanks to its hefty array of YouTube videos, you can get a taste of its vibrant installations from home. TeamLab's online archive also includes materials from its many other exhibitions beyond its Tokyo base's borders and, while they're each only a minute or two long, there's plenty to choose from. Make sure you have your sound on, too. THE SMITHSONIAN As you live through a historic global event, why not spend some time exploring the planet's natural history? That's what The Smithsonian is all about, with more than 145 million specimens and artifacts in its collections. And while you can't see them all in its online tour, you can virtually mosey through its current, previous and permanent displays. That means dinosaurs, of course. Peering at a stegosaurus' spikes or a tyrannosaurus rex's face is still just as impressive when you're doing it via your phone or computer. It also means everything from butterflies and bones to gems and humanity's origins — and, if it isn't too grim for you at present, there's also an exhibition dedicated to outbreaks, epidemics and the spread of diseases. NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA Maybe you're a Melburnian who has been keen to visit the National Gallery of Victoria's current big exhibitions. Perhaps you live elsewhere, but had a trip to the Victorian capital in your future — including to the NGV. With the gallery currently closed, that's obviously off the cards; however you can still take a gander at last year's blockbuster Triennial, the Tiwi Islands off the coast of Darwin and Japanese Modernism. Just head to the new NGV Channel, where curator-led tours are being added to the online library on an ongoing basis. A whopping 75,000 pieces from the NGV Collection are also available as well, so you'll really feel like you're actually there. [caption id="attachment_765593" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sturm via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] MUSEU DE ARTE DE SAO PAULO Think you know what all museums and art galleries look like in broad, general, overall terms? Think again. Museu de Arte de São Paulo, or MASP, doesn't simply put its many artworks on its walls. Instead, it places them on crystal sheets anchored by concrete blocks, in a design that's meant to emulate an artist's easel — and then spreads them through large, cavernous rooms. That makes looking at the site's paintings, sculptures, photographs and other objects a completely different experience, even when you're doing so online. If you take the tour via the Google Arts and Culture app for iOS or Android, you can also explore a virtual reality component to really make you feel like you're there. [caption id="attachment_765594" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jean-Christophe Benoist via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] THE SISTINE CHAPEL The Sistine Chapel boasts as much stunning artwork as any other gallery or museum. More than some, in fact. And, via the Vatican's online tour, you can scope it for as long as you like — and take in the immense detail on Michelangelo's wall-to-wall frescoes, of course — without crowds or time limits. These pieces have glistened for more than five centuries and, as absolutely everyone knows, they comprise quite the sight. After you're done perusing, scrolling around and zooming in, you can also explore other museums, wings and chapels in the Vatican thanks to the rest of its virtual offerings. If you're keen not just on art and sculpture, but on architecture, prepare to be in your element. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hunddVoMjo SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE When it comes to visiting the Sydney Opera House without physically visiting it, you have multiple online viewing options. Take the 360-degree tour, and you can jump around Australia's most iconic landmark at your own pace — and check out a number of online exhibits, too. You can watch the YouTube video tour accompanied by a the soundtrack that usually echoes through the opera houses' halls, or steam a range of gigs and talks on its new streaming service. No matter how you explore, you'll see the venue as you've never seen it before, which is one of the joys of going virtual. You mightn't peer into every nook and cranny while you're actually there but, via remote means, who's going to stop you? BLARNEY CASTLE Who doesn't wish they were holed up in a castle right about now? Dating back to 1210 originally and 1446 in its current form, Ireland's Blarney Castle is up there with the best of them — and, as its name gives away, it's home to a very famous attraction. Located at the top of its tower, the Blarney Stone is supposed to bestow anyone who kisses it with the gift of eloquence. You can't lock lips with it virtually, of course, but perhaps staring at the site in general will do the same thing? On the castle's online tour, you'll also explore its stony interiors and sprawling gardens (and likely feel like you've stumbled into an episode of Game of Thrones). SAN DIEGO ZOO Sometimes, you just need to watch adorable animals go about their business. Actually, as the internet's never-ending stream of cat and dog videos firmly shows, there's never a bad time to lock your peepers on a cute critter. Absolutely everyone feels this way, because of course they do — which is where San Diego Zoo's live webcams, which peer into several animal enclosures all day long, come in. Check out majestic elephants as they swing their trunks, watch African penguins scamper around and see polar bears snoozing happily. You can also catch apes and baboons for your monkey fix, see condors fly about, and get a dose of big cats in the tiger enclosure. Oh, and if you want to spend some time staring at an Australian animal, there's also a koala cam as well.
Taylor Swift, Tyler, The Creator and Creed walk into a bar. No, it's not the start of a terrible dad joke, but it could be your soundtrack to an evening at Enmore listening bar Deadwax. Taking over the former Enmore Country Club space, Deadwax is the brainchild of Dan Teh (OTiS, Glebe's The Little Guy) and Conor O'Brien (OTiS, Tio's), who've tapped Daff Blacksmith (Riley St Garage, NOLA Smokehouse and Bar) and Kate Howlett (Bar Planet) to oversee the kitchen and bar, respectively. The late-night spot joins the growing ranks of Sydney venues that put music front and centre, and the soundtrack at Deadwax is as eclectic as they come. The team has partnered with Leichhardt record store and listening room Crosstalk Records to curate a sprawling collection of vinyls that spans decades and genres — the playlist will feature everything from soul, funk and disco to bangers from the nineties and naughties and more recent releases and, yes, even a nostalgic hit of Creed from time to time, all piped through speakers from Marrickville's Translate Sound. There'll be DJs on weekends, request nights during the week and, opening soon out the back, Enmore's only karaoke room. The bar menu is just as diverse as the playlist — expect signatures like a ponzu old fashioned, a silky smooth sesame oil martini and a throwback Midori-backed melon colada, alongside a fridge lined with tins of -196. Food is by no means an afterthought, with the kitchen dishing up the likes of wagyu pastrami sandos, roe-topped snacks and jazzed-up instant noodles until last call (1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays). The red-tinged space reflects the same mix of playfulness and attention to detail. The bar top is made from 70 layers of individually resin-dipped denim, while the wavy ceiling was designed with sound treatment in mind, allowing you to chat comfortably even with the music pumping.
Wildflower Brewing and Blending brings things back to basics, creating barrel-aged, blended wild beers that focus on balance, approachability and natural ingredients. Owner Topher Boehm has an innate fascination with crafting and learning — his previous preoccupations include book binding, bespoke shoe-making and brewing at Batch Brewing Company. In this naturalist vein, Boehm cultivates wild yeast found in New South Wales and uses Australian malts and hops where possible. Though barrel ageing, especially with wild yeast, can add a tart characteristic to the brews, Wildflower is not a sour beer facility. On the contrary, Boehm is focused on producing balanced, easy-drinking beers that are closer to farmhouse or saison-style ales than sours. Blending newly brewed beer with existing barrel-aged beer is what gives this balance between fresh and funky. In a Marrickville warehouse that's rumoured to have once acted as a rivet factory for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Wildflower Brewing & Blending's space is very bare bones. It is clearly all about the French oak barrels, fifty of which currently line one wall. Boehm sourced these ex-wine barrels from Orange, working with heavyweight wineries like De Salis, Ross Hill and Canobolas~Smith. The beer is initially contract brewed at Batch and then transported to the Wildflower barrels for blending. Wildflower's core range includes a Table Beer, the Gold Blend and the Amber Blend. The Table Beer was inspired by the brewing culture Boehm experienced in France. He is specifically fond of beers you can pair with food, and describes his gold and amber ales as white wine versus red wine for this purpose. Images: Cassandra Hannagan Appears in: The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023
Not content with creating four of Sydney's favourite venues in Bar Planet, Cantina OK!, Tio's and The Cliff Dive — plus the beloved OK! sparkling margarita seltzer — Mucho hospitality group kicked off 2024 by serving up an absolute home run with its new hidden underground cocktail lair Centro 86. Described as an "old, fancy Mexican cantina on shrooms", the tequila-focused bar in the Sydney CBD opening takes the magic of Bar Planet, as well as Cantina OK!'s love of margaritas, and applies it to an expansive 110-seat space. But before you settle in for a few fanciful cocktails, you've got to find the bar first. Wander down Pitt Street until you find the Centro 86 sign. At this point, you'll have to take a right-hand turn and venture around to the unassuming Hoskings Place, where you'll find a fire escape and luminous Centro 86 sign. Follow the sign which will lead you down two flights of stairs to the moody subterranean watering hole. Mucho has kept things local, working with a collection of Australian artists to transform the space. David Humphries, the mind behind Bar Planet's psychedelic countertops, is back to inject big splashes of colour into the one-of-a-kind bar top, while local stained-glass artists, ceramicists, furniture makers and visual artists were enlisted to bring the venue's vibe and aesthetic to life. Margaritas are the name of the game at Centro 86, with five varieties on the menu, including the sensational and ultra-unique parsley-topped Verde — a must-try. Adding to that something special is a set of three old-school ice shavers, bringing a dose of theatrics and a melt-in-your-mouth touch to the drinks. The inventive cocktails don't stop with the margs, with sherry-forward mixes and a fresh take on Bar Planet's Scorpino gracing the menu, alongside a refined wine and beer list featuring a few minimal-intervention drops and Wildflower Brewing's beloved table beer. There's also an expansive tequila collection featuring spirits available from $13–180. You'll find varieties that the Mucho team has aged themselves, ultra-rare options, plus Australia's first agave spirit that's distilled up in Bowen in Queensland. And it wouldn't be a Mucho venue without a bag of popcorn on your table — this time with a new secret spice mix that's promised to rival the fan-favourites of the group's other venues. Images: Dexter Kim
When Restaurant Hubert arrived in Sydney in 2016, it marked the first full-service restaurant from the Swillhouse Group and another successful venue in the hospo group's streak of beloved Sydney drinking dens including The Baxter Inn, the dearly departed Frankie's and Shady Pines Saloon. In the years since, Hubert has built a reputation as a true gem of the Sydney restaurant landscape. From the moment you open the door, this Bligh Street spot will hurtle you headfirst into a C.S. Lewis-style adventure, taking you from dreary city streets to the resplendent old-world opulence of post-war Paris. It's like an adult's version of Narnia, only this time there's steak and wine. Once you reach the bottom of their winding stairwell, you'll be presented with a series of doorways. If you take a left, you'll end up in the dining room — a ruby-hued, wood-panelled hall, where ruffled curtains and a baby grand piano take centre stage. One long, expansive bar dominates the left-hand side of the room and, behind it, a two-storey wine library, where waiters scuttle up and down, in search of the right burgundy. Such a beautifully dressed venue will immediately have you looking down and regretting the decision to wear Birkenstocks. These venues are few and far between in Sydney, so take the opportunity to suit up. Air out your dinner jacket, buy a backless dress and give the old monocle a Windex. Having made a booking long in advance, you'll be escorted to a romantic, candle-lit table for two. Be prepared for some serious mood lighting and daily live jazz. This won't be a problem if you're here to celebrate six months since your first Tinder date; you might want to think again if you plan on having the "it's not you, it's me" conversation. [caption id="attachment_673758" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] The beautifully-designed food menu reveals classic French brasserie dishes. The selections progress from lighter, entree-style dishes — like XO escargots and prime beef tartare — to heavy cream-laden mains, like the Angus sirloin with bone marrow butter and the whole chicken with green garlic. Ease into your meal with charcuterie. The Hubert Baguette is the perfect place to start — just make sure you don't fill up on bread — alongside a duck neck sausage or the duck parfait. From there take your pick from the larger share dishes including the whole Australian rock lobster with green garlic butter and chives. The dessert menu has just six options. There's a gateau au chocolate made with rich chocolate mouse, hazelnut crumb and almond biscuit, along with a passionfruit souffle, and a crème caramel made with a bitter, burnt caramel to balance out the sweet egg custard. Then there's the huge selection of beverages; you could take the hefty leather-bound wine menu to an airport lounge and still miss your plane. The selection is largely French and can be ordered by the glass, half bottle, bottle and magnum. Cocktails come classic — think martinis, negronis and whiskey sours — and a range of premium cocktails with some seriously high-end spirits involved (and prices to match). While Hubert is drenched in lavish luxury, it knows how to have a little fun. Head down every day between 5-6pm, and you can treat yourself to the restaurant's famous cheeseburger for cheap, and keep an eye out for its Mangums and Movies sessions where diners are treated to a French feast and a screening of a classic film in the venue's in-house theatre. [caption id="attachment_661174" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Images: Bodhi Liggett. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney Where to Find the Best Burgers in Sydney for 2023 Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023 Where to Find the Best Steak in Sydney
If there's one wine palate you can trust, it's Sophie Otton's — owner of She Loves You. Having over 20 years in the wine industry, her resume boasts wine director at Sydney's Rockpool Bar and Grill and, as of 2016, sommelier at Billy Kwong. Plus, she has been a wine consultant, writer and judge, too. And, even she'll admit she has a pretty good palate. "Wine knowledge can fade over time and it's easy to forget, but my weapon is my palate," says Otton. "I've come to learn I'm good at selecting delicious wines...that's my strength." Otton brings all that expertise to the inner west, with She Loves You — Newtown's ever-evolving wine bar focusing on minimal intervention and quality drops at affordable prices. The venture is a collaboration between Otton and her partner Stephen Smooker, along with Martin Corcoran (owner of Adelaide's Peel Street). The team took over the old Doris and Beryl's Bridge Club & Teahouse digs back in August 2017 and have been gradually converting the 30-seat small bar into She Loves You since. "It's been a slow transformation as it took a while for us to get know the venue and understand what we had," says Otton. "Eventually we started to replace the shadow box on the wall with our own items, mainly old vintage glass bottles that have the whole shipwrecked and washed up feel. It ties in really nicely with the wine and what we're trying to do here." Otton's specialty is alternative varieties that showcase the winemakers' strengths. Think wines that are handpicked with no additives, preservatives or filtration. Oh, and there's no wine list at She Loves You, either. "I've done so many wine lists in my lifetime, I really wanted to eliminate the need for one in my own bar," says Otton. "Instead, it's constantly evolving and I suppose the end goal will be to just open, taste and pour wines as we find them instead of having a set menu. To fit the right wines for the right people depending on how we feel and who's there at the time. It'll be free-style, really." This 'not-a-wine-list' will focus on Australian producers with a "smattering" of European influence — all with a focus on high quality and at an accessible price point that doesn't "drag you down financially". This minimal intervention ethos extends to the bar at She Loves You, which still remains largely unchanged. "We're working on developing the bar's character and offerings rather than its logistics for now, though interior changes will come later on," says Otton. "It's quite a personal, intimate space, and with table service we have a lot of interaction with the guests. We are really looking for the bar to be an extension of your lounge room." Expect an intimate experience with no menu in sight, the team will serve you up something perfect based on your taste. You might see some light snacks but drinks definitely take centre stage here. Images: Katia Monte and Jun Chen
A quintessentially Aussie summer day can be built on a few key ingredients: sun, beer, food, live music and some form of physical activity. Rocks Brewing Co can achieve four of the five, weather permitting. And for the latter, you can just pop around the corner to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Founded in 2008, and after spending its first five years as a 'gyspy brewer', Rocks Brewing Co finally set down roots in this Alexandria industrial estate in 2014. The digs features an exposed wood bar, spacious indoor and outdoor seating and excellent views of the stainless steel tanks. The core range of brews includes an American pale ale, a pilsner lager, a mid-strength pale, a west coast IPA and an award winner porter. If you're keen to secure a seat, Rocks Brewing Co is open for lunch and dinner, with the menu featuring share plates such as crispy pork and prawn wontons, nachos supreme and pork quesadillas. Mains feature fish & chips, sirloin steaks, schnitzels and a range of burgers. It's not reinventing the wheel when it comes to Sydney brewpubs, but it's doing all the right things mighty well. Image: Kitti Gould.
Beaches and swimming holes aren't the only way to cool off during the warmer months. It's easy to forget that Sydney is also surrounded by loads of staggeringly beautiful waterfalls — many of them hidden within national parks and wilderness areas. While some are built for swimming under, others are made just for marvelling at (and furiously Instagramming). Here are ten of the most road trip-inspiring falls you'll find near Sydney. FITZROY FALLS, MORTON NATIONAL PARK Fitzroy Falls plunge from a height of 81 metres over a sandstone cliff face in the Morton National Park, about 90 minutes' drive south-southwest of Sydney. An accessible boardwalk takes you right to the top. To explore further, choose one of the longer, circuit walks, which range from 1.6 to 5 kilometres in length. The onsite Visitors Centre provides coffee, snacks and plenty of info about local history. BELMORE FALLS, MORTON NATIONAL PARK Just a few kilometres away from Fitzroy Falls are Belmore Falls, which tumble over the Illawarra escarpment into Kangaroo Valley. Cascading through three tiers, they're anywhere between 77 and 130 metres high, depending on where you're measuring from. For the best views, stop in the Hindmarsh Lookout carpark and follow the 750-metre walking trail, which takes in several gob-smacking vistas of the valley before showing you the falls. CARRINGTON FALLS, BUDDEROO NATIONAL PARK Carrington Falls aren't just falls — they're part of a wild, watery playground, dotted with swimming holes, rainforest, walking tracks, rockpools and cascades. For a laidback picnic, visit Carrington Falls picnic area, where you can kick back and relax or choose from several short walks. But if swimming's on the agenda, make tracks for nearby Nellie's Glen, to take a dip under cascades and maybe meet a satin bower bird. Or a hobbit. MINNAMURRA FALLS, BUDDEROO NATIONAL PARK What makes Minnamurra Falls particularly spectacular is their pretty, pretty surrounds. Ensconced in the Budderoo National Park, these falls are encircled by a patch of lush rainforest, complete with bright green mossy boulders, singing streams, magical fern gardens, fluttering butterflies and lyrebirds. To visit, take the 1.3-kilometre The Falls walk, which starts at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, just west of Jamberoo. WENTWORTH FALLS, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Falling over three drops, Wentworth Falls are 187 metres high. You can choose your own adventure — whether you'd prefer to laze about in the picnic area or commit to a hike. For an easy stroll, there's the Charles Darwin walk, which follows the path taken by the world's most naturalist back in 1836. Alternatively, try a tougher route with the Overcliff-Undercliff track, which rewards you with dramatic cliffs, rocky overhangs and, in summer, scores of wildflowers. KATOOMBA FALLS, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK The most famous set of falls on this list, Katoomba Falls can be experienced in a variety of ways. For an adrenaline hit and a bird's eye view, catch the glass-bottomed Scenic Skyway, suspended 270 metres above the Jamison Valley. Not a fan of heights? Explore on foot instead — the 3.1-kilometre Echo Point to Katoomba Falls track and the 1.5-kilometre Katoomba Falls Circuit are both beauties. To see Katoomba Falls floodlit, drop by after dark. GOVETTS LEAP (BRIDAL VEIL) FALLS, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Govetts Leap Falls are most easily seen from Govetts Leap Lookout, where their 180-metre drop forms a dazzling element in panoramas of the Grose Wilderness. To get a closer look, tackle the Govetts Leap descent, a steep, 1.2-kilometre trek that transports you to a picnic area at the base of the falls. Along the way, expect to meet king parrots and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. KANANGRA FALLS, KANANGRA-BOYD NATIONAL PARK Surging over two tiers and totalling 225 metres in height, Kanangra Falls is a favourite with abseilers and canyoners. Not the intrepid type? Stick to the cliff top while still getting cracking views, thanks to the accessible lookout walk, affording views of not only the falls, but Kanangra Creek's gorges, Mt Cloudmaker and, beyond, the Blue Mountains escarpment. KALANG FALLS, KANANGRA-BOYD NATIONAL PARK At the end of the Kanangra Falls lookout walk, another trail, known as Waterfall Walk, descends to Kalang Falls. On the way, you'll pass extraordinary vistas of Kanangra Deep, Kanangra Walls and Thurat Spires. Kalang Falls are found in an enchanting gully, where they splash into a deep pool. Look out for Australia red cedars and flame robins. Want to swim under a waterfall near Sydney? Check out these five. Images: Tony Heyward, Bjenks (WC), Phil Whitehouse (WC), OzIcedog (Wikipedia), profernity (WC), Diliff (WC), Terry Clinton (Flickr), National Parks NSW, Leigh Blackall (Flickr), Vern (Flickr), Sardaka.
Each winter, inside a brick-walled suburban garage, hundreds of families brave the cold for the start of the salami season. All hands young and old, are on deck to clean and clear space, so that hundreds of kilos of meat, can be turned into neatly packed parcels of pork. For Frank Bressi, co-owner of North Melbourne's Saluministi, this is bigger than tradition. Salumi making is an art form — an epicurean labour of love. And as anyone who grew up in and around these garages would know, these recipes have origins deeply rooted in necessity. As Frank explains, the difference between a homemade and store-bought salami is starter culture. "All commercially made salami needs a starter culture," he says. "It's illegal to sell without it." But it's this starter culture that increases the acidity in the meat, causing it to change flavour and sometimes become tangy. Alternatively, the people making it without the culture have had to show that their process is equal, if not more effective than what a commercial starter culture might be able to do. This process is reliant on moisture instead of acidity, and depending on the variety, homemade salami may have to reduce in weight by half before it’s safe to eat. The result is a salami with a much more complex and delicate flavour profile. These days, homemade salami isn't an activity just for Italian families; with companies such as Home Make It selling specialist equipment to those new to the process, there's clearly a new wave of salami makers looking to try their hand at the homemade stuff. And this weekend's Melbourne Salami Festa (now in its fourth year), will be showcasing just how good homemade salami can be. The amateur salumi-making competition sees a wide range of entrants vying for the title of best salami maker — and with team Saluministi having placed in the top three two years running, we caught up with Frank to learn more about why people are so passionate about homemade salumi, and to get some tips on making your own. BREAKING DOWN THE PIG In the old days, a salami would’ve never been made in isolation. A whole pig would be broken down into its different parts and used to make prosciutto, porchetta and a range of other cuts. "Everything else, all the other bits of meat and fat, were chopped up, ground and turned into salami," says Frank. There are eight main cuts of pork used in the Italian school of curing, and each has a traditional purpose. A salami is ground meat, so it can come from any part of the pig — but female pork is a must. Male pigs will produce a 'boar' taste, which is undesirable in cured meat. "Once you get a cut of meat, it can be hard to tell whether it's male or female," he says. "But a female pig should smell perfectly clean." If you're not game enough to tackle an entire pig, find a butcher that you trust and go from there. According to Frank it's the shoulder, due to its sweetness and good, lean meat-to-fat ratio, that's the cut of choice for many. However, it all comes down to what you like. "Everyone has ideas about what part of the pig produces the best salami," Frank says. "But ultimately, as long as the meat is fresh, it's personal preference after that." THE EQUIPMENT For the best chance of getting your salami working, Frank recommends a good mincer. But if you can't afford one, there are definitely ways around it. Mincing by hand is still an option. It's also a good idea to sterilise and wash your tools, then stick them in the freezer before you use them. That means your bowls, knives and anything else that will come into contact with the meat. They should be so cold you shouldn’t be able to touch them. You'll need gloves. Good temperature control is what stops your salami from going bad. If you're mincing by hand, try to work quickly to limit the time the meat is out of the fridge. Although Frank has a trick: "Stack a steel bowl on top another bowl filled with ice," he says. "That way, whatever goes in is always going to stay cold until you can get it back in the fridge." If you're serious about your salami and want to buy some proper equipment, Home Make It is a good place to start. THE RECIPE The main ingredient in salami is salt. In fact, in the old days, salt and pepper would be nearly all you'd use. As both an ingredient, and as a core part of the curing process, it's important to use a good-quality (non-iodised) salt. You'll need to use 3% of the total weight of meat, but no more, as the salami begins to become too salty. With very fresh meat and a very clean process, lower dosages may work — but anything closer to 2.5% starts to become risky, and may not be salty enough for the salami to cure. Popular additions include chilli flakes, paprika and red wine. Fennel is the traditional ingredient of northern Italians, while pepper sauce (a wet, capsicum-based sauce), is more popular among southerners. But that’s not to say there aren’t younger salumi makers breaking trends and blurring lines. THE CASINGS While the sausage casing you choose won't impart much in flavour, your choice will have an impact on the process. There are both natural casings, which come from the hog, and artificial casings, which are made of a natural collagen. If you're hoping to make a very large-sized salami, you may have no choice but to choose an artificial casing, as hog casings lose up to anywhere between 30-50% of the weight in the curing process. Plus, artificial casings come pre-formed and pre-tied on one end — a real convenience if you're hanging several hundred kilograms of meat at a time. But if you're looking to let in more of the outside world — such as smoke or an aromatic profile from your curing room — the natural casing will absorb this better. Otherwise, stick to using them for your smaller sized salamis. DRYING TIMES Drying times will depend on your meat-to-fat ratio. For a homemade salami with a fat ratio of 20-30%, you will need to lose 30% of the total weight before it should be safe to eat. It's also dependant on the diameter of the salami, as it will take much longer for a thicker salami to cure. So how do you keep track of the shrinking? "If you have two or three different sizes to hang: take one of each, weigh them and start a diary," Frank says. From there, monitor their progress regularly — and once your salami has reached that 30% weight loss goal, it should be safe to eat. For a firmer salami, continue drying until it's reached a 40-50% reduction in weight. On the opposite end of the scale, 'nduja, which is a spreadable fermented sausage, only needs to lose 15-20% of its weight. Due to its 50-60% fat ratio, it requires little drying time and is normally cured in two weeks. As a rough guide, a small, cacciatore-sized salami may take three to four weeks, while a larger salami may take six to eight. If you're still curious, book yourself into one of the salami making courses at the festival. They're being held in a pop-up garage, with DIY salami specialists Home Make It, whose Team BGS were crowned the winners of the first Salami Festa (pictured above). STORING YOUR SALAMI If stored in the right environment, a salami can last indefinitely. Frank admits that the right conditions are hard to come by, so "unless you’ve got that, or a cave in the middle of the sea, the best way around it is to vacuum pack them." Vacuum sealing machines are relatively common and pretty affordable. By vacuum packing your salami, it can easily last for a year in the refrigerator. Unless, of course, you eat it. For those who seek instant gratification, this year's Salami Festa will also play host to a Salumi Market and a range of pop-up food stalls. You may fill your baskets with a range of cured meats from around the country, and fill your bellies with the best of D.O.C., Ombra Salumi Bar and Frank's own baby, Saluministi. Espresso will be served by none other than St. Ali, and sweet treats will be courtesy of Gelato Messina. View the full program at the Salami Festa website. Top and third images: Dollar Photo Club. Second and fourth images: Home Make It. Final image: Saluministi.
