Any exhibition boasting art by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Camille Pissarro and Berthe Morisot is always a must-see. When French Impressionism displayed at NGV International back in 2021, then, the Victorian venue should've had a blockbuster on its hands. But in a time of pandemic lockdowns, this feast of masterpieces on loan from Boston's renowned Museum of Fine Arts was plagued with a briefer-than-planned run. Bringing it back for a proper season might've taken a few years, but this showcase is just as huge in 2025 as it was aiming to be four years ago. When it comes to art exhibitions, second chances aren't common, of course. While a big-name showcase may display at several places around the world, it doesn't often hit the same venue twice. Between Friday, June 6–Sunday, October 5, 2025, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne is flouting the norm, then — an understandable move when there's 100-plus works from French impressionism's best-known talents to share with art lovers. This is one of the largest collections of the eponymous art movement to ever make its way to Australia, complete with works that've never been seen here before. As it was in 2021, it's again part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition series. One must-see: the presentation of 16 Monet canvases in one gallery, all in a curved display to close out the showcase — and focusing on his scenes of nature in Argenteuil, the Normandy coast and the Mediterranean coast, as well as his Giverny garden. In total, there's 19 Monet works in French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts' collection (Water Lilies among them), which still leaves the US gallery that's the source of the NGV's exhibition almost as many to display in Boston. Another section in Melbourne digs into early works by Monet and his predecessors, such as Eugène Boudin — and Renoir and Pissarro's careers also get the in-depth treatment. In addition, as the exhibition charts French impressionism's path across the late-19th century, visitors can enjoy three never-before-seen-in-Australia pieces, with Victorine Meurent's Self-portrait one of them. Ten-plus Degas works, as well as two pieces that were part of the very first exhibition of French Impressionism that took place in 1874, also feature. If you made it along to the showcase's first trip Down Under, you will notice changes, with the exhibition design reimagined for its latest presentation. That, too, is meant to take you back to Renoir and company's time, with interiors in Europe and across America's east coast in the era an influence. "More than 150 years after the first exhibition of French impressionist paintings were presented in Paris, the movement remains a beloved and powerful drawcard for audiences worldwide," said NGV Director Tony Ellwood, launching the exhibition for 2025. "French Impressionism From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston offers Australians a rare opportunity to view 100 timeless masterpieces in person, and experience firsthand the bold brushwork and vivid colours synonymous with these artists." French Impressionism displays at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne, from Friday, June 6–Sunday, October 5, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Images: Visitors in French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on display from 6 June to 5 October, at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Dan Castano. // Installation view of French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on display from 6 June to 5 October, at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy.
Sandstone in Sydney indicates either history or brand-new builds. Most, if not all of Sydney's heritage buildings are predominantly sandstone, but so are newer constructions like much of the recently-opened Sydney Metro line. In some cases, it can be indicative of both, or at least that's the case for Pitt Street's self-acclaimed 'dine bar' Ennui. This wine bar-restaurant hybrid (hence, dine bar) is housed in the unassuming sandstone building on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets, across the intersection from Belmore Park. The digs hark back to 1864, but Ennui is the latest (and possibly greatest) in its long line of residents, headed up by three close mates and alumni of Love, Tilly Devine. Having opened in 2024 you'd be forgiven for being unfamiliar, but anyone with a love of fine French food and wine should absolutely amend this oversight. The food menu treads heavy and light in equal parts, ranging from dainty starters like Sydney rock oysters with lemon pepper beurre blanc or polenta with chermoula mayo to hefty house specials like the duck Ennui with bone sauce, beets and strawberry or wagyu MB5+ sirloin. You've got two spaces to enjoy your meal in, with the cosier downstairs space resembling an inner-city wine bar while the first floor feels more like a classic dining room. While French, Australian, Italian and German wine is the house specialty when it comes to the drinks, it's by no means your only option. There's a selection of beer and a whisky list penned by co-owner and enthusiast Peter Chan. On the cocktails front, a range of house specials and classics are on offer. Try the Ennui Old Fashioned with duck-fat washed bourbon, honey and five spice, or the Milk Punch with cognac, Amaretto, Biscoff, cacao and whey. If those sound too adventurous, we wouldn't blame you for opting for a simpler negroni or Toki Whisky highball.
Sometimes old is better than new. If there are any people that know this to be true, it is the vendors at Lunatiques warehouse in Alexandria. The space describes itself as a 'collective' that houses pre-loved goods aplenty from furniture and homewares to art. Just about every design style is covered off here: art deco, industrial, retro and antique. If you're browsing for smaller goods, Green Square station is right outside. If you have your eye on something bigger, there is parking available on-site or delivery can be arranged. Images: Kitti Gould
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this month's latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest through to old and recent favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from December's haul. BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH FROM START TO FINISH NOW CAROL & THE END OF THE WORLD Mental health professionals counsel against catastrophising; however, that advice clearly doesn't apply to the film and TV industry. Assuming that the worst is on its way is such a go-to that it's always doomsday somewhere on-screen. In 2023 alone, The Last of Us, Good Omens, Silo, No One Will Save You, Leave the World Behind and animated series Carol & the End of the World are among the examples, but that doesn't mean that every instance — and the list goes on — serves up more of the same. Grappling with the fact that life is finite inspires a wide array of responses, which is one of the ideas at the heart of The Onion writer and Rick and Morty producer Dan Guterman's dance with the apocalypse. Few musings on existence being snuffed out are as meditative, surreal and thoughtful as his ten-part effort, though, which finds beauty in the mundanity and monotony of being human while facing mortality head on. If your days and the entire planet's were numbered, how would you react? What would you spend your final months, weeks, hours, minutes and seconds doing? Who would you want to be with? What would matter? So also asks Carol & the End of the World, while embracing routine — so, embracing everyday reality. The eponymous 42-year-old (Martha Kelly, Sitting in Bars with Cake) is well-aware that everything she's ever known, herself included, will soon be extinct when Carol & the End of the World kicks off. There's only seven months and 13 days left until a planet called Keppler crashes into earth — an event that cannot be avoided, nor is anyone trying to thwart it (this isn't Armageddon, Deep Impact or Don't Look Up). Most folks attempt to cope by indulging their wildest dreams. Carol's daredevil sister Elena (Bridget Everett, Somebody Somewhere) sends videos from her adventurous travels around the globe. Their parents Pauline (Beth Grant, Amsterdam) and Bernard (Lawrence Pressman, Reboot) have ditched clothes and become a throuple with the latter's carer Michael (Delbert Hunt, Monster High). But Carol isn't sure what to do until she discovers The Distraction, aka an accounting office where others — such as mum-of-five Donna (Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Craig of the Creek) and first-time employee Luis (Mel Rodriguez, Made for Love) — find solace in the patterns and repetitions of the nine-to-five grind. As anyone who saw Melancholia and These Final Hours will understand, it's the connections between people that linger when the end is tangible. And as anyone who watched Baskets will instantly recognise, Kelly is perfectly cast as the woman facing the apocalypse with matter-of-fact malaise. Carol & the End of the World streams via Netflix. EVERYONE ELSE BURNS End Times are here again in Everyone Else Burns — except to David Lewis' (Simon Bird, Sandylands) disappointment, they haven't quite arrived just yet. The dutiful Order of the Divine Rod member starts this British sitcom's six-episode first season by ushering his wife Fiona (Kate O'Flynn, Landscapers), high-schooler daughter Rachel (Amy James-Kelly, Gentleman Jack) and pre-teen son Aaron (debutant Harry Connor) out of bed in the middle of the night, grabbing their go bags, and hightailing it to high ground as he shouts about the apocalypse descending and the rapture beginning. It's just a drill, however, with Aaron devastated but Fiona and Rachel relieved. David is certain that being prepared for doomsday will help him become one his cult-like church's elders. A parcel-sorting courier company worker by day and dedicated to his family's piety always, he's desperate for the approval of their chapter's leader Samson (Arsher Ali, Funny Woman), plus the congregation as a whole. Such strict devotion isn't quite the path to family harmony that he thinks it is, though — especially when Fiona is struggling with being the compliant homemaker, as aided by newly divorced neighbour Melissa (Morgana Robinson, Stuck), while Rachel wants to study medicine at university and finds a new friend in expelled Order member Joshua (Ali Khan, A Haunting in Venice). It's been almost a decade since Bird was last The Inbetweeners' stuffy suburban teenager Will McKenzie (the fellow TV comedy ran from 2008–10, with movies in 2011 and 2014). Now, he's the stodgy dad in another comic quartet — and, sporting a bowl cut made with an actual bowl, he's equally suited to the part. Bird's casting is just one stroke of mastery by Everyone Else Burns creators and writers Dillon Mapletoft (BBC3 Quickies) and Oliver Taylor (a small-screen first-timer). Skewering patriarchal religion's extremes, evangelical sects, power dynamics, mindless obedience in the name of faith and the conflicts of all of the above with 21st-century existence within a family sitcom is a divine concept, as it keeps proving across the show's initial run. The series' witty scripts deliver a flurry of jokes and pitch-perfect one-liners in every episode, but this is also a sitcom with heart and excellent performances across the board. See: Fiona's quest for fulfilment, Rachel's yearning to be herself, plus the portrayals — with O'Flynn a deadpan delight and James-Kelly expertly relatable — that bring both to life. Everyone Else Burns streams via SBS On Demand. SQUARING THE CIRCLE (THE STORY OF HIPGNOSIS) Art design can change the world, and Hipgnosis has the story to prove it. Five decades back, the English studio created the most-famous album cover ever — an image that is still as well-known now as it was then, becoming shorthand for the psychedelic and experimental both in music and life in general in the process. Everyone knows The Dark Side of the Moon's artwork. When it comes to triangular prisms, only the Great Pyramids of Giza top the black-hued illustration with a three-sided shape at its centre, a single beam of light hitting its left side and a rainbow of disbursed hues filtering out its right surface. How it came to be, and Hipgnosis' tale as well, is the focus of the Colin Firth (Empire of Light)-produced Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis). While that's a fascinating tale anyway, with Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Paul McCartney and Noel Gallagher among the talking-head interviewees — plus Hipgnosis' Aubrey Powell chatting to camera, and his fellow co-founder Storm Thorgerson featured via archival discussions — it benefits from having Anton Corbijn as the documentary's director. In two of Corbijn's best features, music and imagery receive his attention. The Dutch director made the leap from music videos for Depeche Mode, Nirvana, U2, Nick Cave, Roxette, Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers to cinema with the Joy Division-centric Control, one of the finest music biopics there is. After thrillers The American and A Most Wanted Man, he then honed in on the friendship between James Dean and American photographer Dennis Stock in Life. Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) is his first doco and, as well as proving an outstanding fit for his career and interests, it's as rich and detailed as the filmmaker's work always is. Come for some of the foremost examples of album art — Wings' Band on the Run, Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy and 10cc's Look Hear? are also featured, on a lengthy list — and stay for the insider accounts behind capturing those visuals, and the folks who made them happen, as well as a reminder that masterpieces don't just hang on gallery walls, and of the importance of album art to begin with. Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) streams via Docplay. DR DEATH Late in the second season of Dr Death, the concept of trust in healthcare fuels a rousing speech. In a plea for a hospital to make the right choice about the titular practitioner, the importance of doctors doing their utmost to earn, deserve and uphold the faith that patients put in them — and that the entire medical industry is based on — is stressed like it's the most important aspect of being in the healing business. It is, of course. That anyone with an ailment or illness can have confidence that they're being given the best advice and treatment, and that whether they live or die matters to the doc caring for them, is the most fundamental tenet of medicine. It's also why this anthology series keeps proving shiver-inducing nightmare fuel, initially in its debut season in 2021 and now in its Édgar Ramírez (Florida Man)- and Mandy Moore (This Is Us)-starring eight-episode follow-up. Season two of Dr Death again explores the actions of a surgeon who threatens to shatter humanity's shared belief in doctors. The first time around, Texas neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch was sparking terror. Now, the series tells of Paolo Macchiarini, whose tale hops across the 2010s, and between Sweden, the US and Russia. Where Duntsch specialised in operating on spinal and neck injuries, often with heartbreakingly grim results, Macchiarini was dubbed 'Miracle Man' for his pioneering research into synthetic organs and regenerative medicine. In 2008, he was among the team that undertook the world's first-ever windpipe transplant aided by using the patient's own stem cells — a procedure that he hailed as a ground-breaking step forward, then kept building upon. Even without knowing the specifics of Macchiarini's life and career when sitting down to binge Dr Death's can't-look-away second season, it's obvious that everything that the Swiss surgeon claims can't be true. If it was, he wouldn't have been the subject of the third season of the Wondery podcast that originated the Dr Death moniker, or of this TV adaptation. Hospital horrors are one strand of true-crime's trusty go-tos. Another: romantic scandals. So, when the audio network that's also behind Dirty John learned of Macchiarini, it must've felt like it had hit the jackpot. With devastating results that are chilling to watch, his patients did when he offered them hope, too, as did investigative journalist Benita Alexander when she made him the focus of a gushing report, then fell in love. Dr Death streams via Stan. Read our full review. NYAD When most sports films bring real-life exploits to the screen, they piece together the steps it took for a person or a team to achieve the ultimate in their field, or come as close as possible while trying their hardest. Nyad is no different, but it's also a deeply absorbing character study of two people: its namesake Diana Nyad and her best friend Bonnie Stoll. The first is the long-distance swimmer whose feats the movie tracks, especially her quest to swim from Cuba to Florida in the 2010s. The second is the former professional racquetball player who became Nyad's coach when she set her sights on making history as a sexagenarian — and reattempting a gruelling leg she'd tried and failed when she was in her late 20s. It helps that Annette Bening (Death on the Nile) plays the swimmer and Jodie Foster (The Mauritanian) her offsider, with both giving exceptional performances that unpack not only the demands of chasing such a dream, but of complicated friendships. Also assisting: that Nyad is helmed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, directors making their feature debut beyond documentaries after The Rescue, Meru and winning an Oscar for charting Alex Honnold's El Capitan climb in Free Solo. Extraordinary efforts are this filmmaking pair's wheelhouse, clearly. Nyad and Stoll fit that description easily, as do Bening and Foster. With the latter, who brings shades of Michael J Fox (Still: A Michael J Fox Movie) to her portrayal, Nyad also provides a reminder of how phenomenal the Taxi Driver, The Silence of the Lambs and Panic Room star is on-screen, how charismatic as well, and how missed she's been while featuring in just four films in the past decade (from January 2024, the fourth season of True Detective thankfully places Foster at its centre). Understandably, the movie's main actors have been earning awards attention. The picture around them never stops plunging into what makes both Nyad and Stoll tick — and keep shooting for such an immense goal, even as setback after setback comes their way — with Chin and Vasarhelyi experts in conveying minutiae. Whether or not you know the outcome, Nyad is rousing and compelling viewing, floating on excellent work by its four key creative talents. Nyad streams via Netflix. MY NAME IS ALFRED HITCHCOCK Documentarian Mark Cousins knows how to delight cinephiles: turn his attention to a chapter of movie history, or the whole subject itself, then talk his way through it over a deftly spliced-together compilation of clips. So unspooled the mammoth 915-minute The Story of Film: An Odyssey in 2011, plus 2013's A Story of Children and Film and 2021's The Story of Film: A New Generation since. With 2018's Women Make Film: A New Road Movie Through Cinema, he took the same path but with the likes of Jane Fonda (Book Club: The Next Chapter), Thandiwe Newton (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget) and Tilda Swinton (The Killer) on narration duties. His current focus is one of the greatest filmmakers to ever tell tales using a camera — who, 43 years after dying, chats through his life's work. That said, My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock obviously hasn't enlisted the real Master of Suspense from beyond the grave. Rather, it gets mimic Alistair McGowan (Creation Stories) pretending. That approach is a gimmick; however, after it worked well-enough for Cousins' also-2018 effort The Eyes of Orson Welles (with The English's Jack Klaff doing the voicing), it does again in the latest in a long line of his informative and passionate filmic explorations. If you've ever wanted a Hitchcock director's commentary track spanning his entire career, My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock is as close as you're ever going to get. Cousins has his faux Hitch dig into his work via six themes, examining how escape, desire, loneliness, time, fulfilment and height ripple through everything from silents such as The Pleasure Garden and The Ring, plus his British talkies like The 39 Steps and Young and Innocent, through to Rebecca, Spellbound, Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho, The Birds, Marnie, Torn Curtain and Family Plot. Finishing the two-hour doco with a massive Hitchcock to-watch or to-revisit list goes with the territory. So does taking a close, shrewd and playful look at recurring ideas, motifs and obsessions in the famed filmmaker's fare, with meticulously examples and evidence to illustrate every point. Accordingly, it's classic Cousins, then — as once again filled with snippets of classic cinema. Indeed, My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock is so engrossing in its clips and insights that it didn't need to cheekily pretend that Hitchcock is voicing them. My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock streams via Binge. RICK AND MORTY Long before Rick and Morty's seventh season arrived — 11 months before it wrapped up its ten-instalment run in mid-December, in fact — the beloved animated series with one of pop culture's most-intense fandoms had everyone talking about its latest instalments. When Adult Swim dropped co-creator Justin Roiland due to domestic violence charges in January 2023, it cut ties with the voice of Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty Smith. New vocals would be deployed, of course. Still, how the necessary change would impact the sci-fi sitcom lingered over the show's return. Solar Opposites, which Roiland was also behind and loaned his tones to, opted to work the swap into its storyline — and enlisted Dan Stevens (The Boy and the Heron) to do the new honours. The answer for Rick and Morty? With the largely unknown Ian Cardoni (Dead of Night) and Harry Belden (Christmas… Again?) providing sound-alike replacements as Rick and Morty's titular madcap scientist and high-schooler offsider, the switch in actors couldn't be more inconsequential. That's exactly how it should be; the series might've made Roiland a household name, and not only for his on-screen efforts, but blending the gleefully silly with the astutely insightful — and finding endless riffs on its Back to the Future-esque premise on the time-, universe- and galaxy-hopping journey — has always been its biggest drawcard. New voices, same tune: that's Rick and Morty season seven, then. Now 71 episodes in, the show isn't non-stop perfection, but that isn't a new development. Also, its best instalments remain must-see gems. So, while an entire 20-minute stretch based around warring factions of letters and numbers falls flat, even with Ice-T (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) as a T-shaped letter called Water-T, that underwhelming effort is surrounded by anarchic, absurd, creative and contemplative delights. Rick's ongoing search for the source of his misery fuels two of Rick and Morty's finest-ever episodes, in fact — and hilarious surprises still abound second by second, scene by scene, in the whip-smart dialogue and hidden in almost every pixel of every frame. Rick and Morty streams via Netflix. BUMP Four festive seasons, four Bump seasons: whenever the end of one year and beginning of the next has rolled around since 2020 became 2021, this Australian dramedy has arrived with it. Not just starring Aussie national treasure Claudia Karvan, but co-created by the Love My Way, The Secret Life of Us and The Clearing actor (with Scrublands writer Kelsey Munro), it has now become a December-January tradition. Also a constant: within its frames, the Davis-Chalmers-Hernández family remains its focus. Everyday ups and downs both big and small keeps fuelling its storylines, too. And, no matter which bumps are faced by matriarch Angie (Karvan), her ex-husband Dom (Angus Sampson, Insidious: The Red Door), their daughter Oly (Nathalie Morris, Petrol), the latter's partner Santi (Carlos Sanson Jr, Sweet As), and Oly and Santi's own daughter Jacinda (TV first-timer Ava Cannon) — back when the show began, an unexpected teen pregnancy that only announced its existence when Oly went into labour at school was the first — this is one of the best-cast and most-heartfelt local productions in recent years. Bump's fourth go-around has a favourite recurring theme in its sights: the constant struggle for balance. Never one to back away from her ambitions, Oly has a dream job in politics, but for demanding boss Shauna (Steph Tisdell, Total Control), who thinks nothing of expecting her to front up to a meeting on a Saturday mere hours after getting off the plane from a week-long conference overseas. At work, Oly is even lying about Jacinda's existence. At home, Santi is frustrated with the changed status quo's impact on the couple's relationship and his attempts to chase his artistic dreams. As for Angie, she's decamped to a protest site to save trees that Shauna wants to bulldoze to build social housing, which helps distract her from her own romantic situation. In its first ten-episode season and its returns since, Bump has always felt like a sibling to Heartbreak High. Initially debuting before that beloved favourite made a 2022 comeback, it explores the out-of-hours chaos surrounding a teacher's family — with Karvan as an educator again after The Heartbreak Kid, the movie that sparked the OG Heartbreak High in the first place. That isn't a fresh insight but it keeps proving true, including in a new run of Bump that adds Dylan Alcott (Scarygirl) to the mix. Bump streams via Stan. CHICKEN RUN: DAWN OF THE NUGGET In 2023, the factory that made the modelling clay that film and television viewers have seen shaped into inventors, dogs, chickens, sheep, pirates and more closed down. With it came reports that Britain's Aardman Animation might not be able to keep fashioning its beloved claymation movies after 2024, when its next Wallace and Gromit feature is due. The studio nixed those claims, thankfully, amid delivering its first flick in four years: Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. A return to the clucking world of its first-ever full-length release, this 23-years-later sequel still boasts much of Aardman's usual magic. It's a caper with cute creatures, contraptions, heists and puns, and it has clearly — and literally — been crafted with the utmost care. The one unavoidable struggle if you've also seen the big screen's Migration, with both films arriving in the same month: demonstrating how formula has become far too prevalent among family-friendly animation, given that that duck-focused picture from Minions creators Illumination and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget follow almost the exact same storyline. This chook version reteams with the poultry that escaped from Mr and Mrs Tweedy's farm back in 2000's Chicken Run, albeit with changed voices. Instead of Julia Sawalha (Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie), Thandiwe Newton (Westworld) now lends her vocals to Ginger, the British bird that masterminds the flock's breakouts — and, in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, break-ins — while Zachary Levi (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) does the same for her American husband Rocky, not Mel Gibson (The Continental: From the World of John Wick). The pair are now parents to Molly (Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us), who they've brought up on an island away from humans, but the 11-year-old wants to know more about the world. Enter a chicken processing factory on the mainland, with ads that pique Molly's curiosity because she knows nothing of the food chain's horrors. Even when the writing isn't as smart as previous Aardman movies — or the sight gags up to Shaun the Sheep Movie and A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon's standards — this is a likeable escapade from one of the best in the animation business. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget streams via Netflix. A NEW TV SHOW TO START THE FAMOUS FIVE What do Enid Blyton and the filmmaker behind the Pusher trilogy, Bronson, Drive, Only God Forgives and The Neon Demon have in common? The answer is one of the wildest swings in pop-culture history, plus a move on Nicolas Winding Refn's part that absolutely no one could've anticipated. At home making small-screen fare in the seven years since his last film, the Danish director hops from the overtly Winding Refn-esque Too Old to Die Young and Copenhagen Cowboy to a new TV adaptation of The Famous Five. Yes, that The Famous Five. Yes, he's created a series based on the children's novels about four kids and their dog Timmy, which rank alongside Noddy and The Secret Seven franchise as one of English author Blyton's best-known creations. Yes, it instantly seems an unlikely fit, and makes getting nostalgic with the first of three movie-length episodes set to result across 2023–24 a must-watch. In debut instalment The Curse of Kirrin Island — with chapters two and three due in 2024 — Game of Thrones' Jack Gleeson also adds another rare post-Joffrey role to his resume after season four of Sex Education. Still present, as readers will remember from the page: a 1940s time period, spirited tomboy George (Diaana Babnicova, Don't Breathe 2) at the centre of the action, plus her cousins Julian (Elliott Rose, The Northman) Dick (Kit Rakusen, Foundation) and Anne (newcomer Flora Jacoby Richardson) helping her solve mysteries. Among the thoroughly Winding Refn touches, even though he isn't doing the helming (The Pentaverate, Brockmire and Fleabag alum Tim Kirkby directs The Curse of Kirrin Island): neon and candy-coloured hues over both the opening and closing credits, plus a synth-heavy score any show or movie would love to have. This is no bloody reimagining, however. The man behind The Famous Five's new guise isn't killing anyone's darlings — or, not that he's ever belonged in such company or ever will, going all Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey on a childhood staple. Rather, as co-created with Matthew Read (The Pursuit of Love), co-starring Ted Lasso's James Lance and Moon Knight's Ann Akinjirin as George's parents, he's crafted a lushly shot new take on a favourite that starts with an Indiana Jones-style caper involving a dusty goblet and the Knights Templar. The Famous Five streams via Stan. STANDOUT MOVIES FROM THE LAST FEW YEARS THAT YOU NEED TO CATCH UP WITH ASAP SOMETHING IN THE DIRT The pandemic's stay-at-home era gave rise to Bo Burnham's Inside, Zoom horror effort Host and Steven Soderbergh thriller Kimi, three ace examples of creatively adapting to and exploring unexpected circumstances. Add Something in the Dirt to the list, which Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead direct, star in and produce — as well as co-edit with their regular collaborator Michael Felker, while Benson wrote the script and Moorhead lensed the entire picture. Made during lockdown, it was also shot in Benson's own Los Angeles apartment. In their latest mind-twister, there's no missing the Resolution, Spring, The Endless and Synchronic filmmakers' fingerprints all over every millimetre of this movie. It's another unnerving sci-fi-tinged puzzle, too, as they've also pursued via the small screen's Archive 81, The Twilight Zone, Moon Knight and Loki. In other words, Something in the Dirt is exactly what Benson and Moorhead fans should expect from two of the most-interesting cinematic forces today riffing on being stuck in one location, virtually in isolation, while everything feels eerie, unsettling and otherworldly. Moorhead's John Daniels and Benson's Levi Danube both live in the same Hollywood Hills apartment complex, but bond over a series of unusual and seemingly linked paranormal occurrences. Their swift response to strange symbols, crystals, lights and levitating objects is to team up on a documentary, hoping that Netflix might snap it up — and down the rabbit hole the duo eagerly tumble. Paranoia, alienation, coincidences and conspiracy theories all swirl, plus uncertainty about how much they can actually trust each other. As the feature flits between interviews and experts, proving a film within a film, whether Something in the Dirt's viewers can trust what they're being told also swells. Benson and Moorhead dedicate the picture "to making movies with your friends", but could've also shouted out humanity's easy willingness to clutch onto anything and everything to attempt to make sense of chaos. This is a movie about where the brain spirals and, as it parodies and puzzles, it's another standout from its inventive filmmaking pair. It'd also slip nicely into two stellar triple bills, either with Under the Silver Lake and Mulholland Drive, or Pi and Eraserhead. Something in the Dirt streams via Shudder and AMC+. ANNETTE Dreamy and dazzling from its first moments, rock opera Annette bursts onto the screen with a question: "so may we start?". "Please do", fans of Holy Motors director Leos Carax should think to themselves, and devotees of Ron and Russell Mael as well — and yes the later, aka art-pop duo Sparks, have clearly been having a moment since 2021 (see: documentary The Sparks Brothers, their 2023 album The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte and their first tour Down Under in two decades). Carax and the Maels all appear on-screen in Annette's opening, joined by Adam Driver (65), Marion Cotillard (We'll End Up Together) and Simon Helberg (Poker Face). In a glorious, song-fuelled, sing-and-walk scene, no one is playing a character yet, but they're all still playing a part. They're setting the vibe in a sensational way, and the tune is pure Sparks, with the pair both composing the movie's music and writing the feature itself with Carax. The tone bubbles with the duo's avant-garde sensibilities, too, and the whole song echoes with the promise of remarkable things to come. In 2012, Carax gave the world a once-in-a-lifetime gem. Annette is a different film to Holy Motors, obviously, but it gleams just as brightly and with the same beguiling, inimitable, all-encompassing allure. There's an ethereal, otherworldly quality to Carax's work — of heightening reality to truly understand how people feel and act, and of experimenting with artforms to interrogate them — and that sensation seeps through every second of his gleefully melodramatic musical, which deservedly won him the Cannes Film Festival's Best Director award. Everything about Annette has been turned up several notches on every setting, from its lush and lavish imagery to its cascade of toe-tapping, sung-through tunes that keep propelling the narrative forward. Every detail of that story has been amplified, too, as this tragic fairy tale follows standup comedian Henry McHenry (Driver), opera star Ann Defrasnoux (Cotillard), their mismatched but passionate and all-consuming love, and their titular daughter — with the latter played by a marionette. Annette streams via SBS On Demand. Read our full review and our interview with Sparks. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November this year. You can also check out our running list of standout must-stream shows from this year as well — and our best 15 new shows of 2023, 15 newcomers you might've missed, top 15 returning shows of the year, 15 best films, 15 top movies you likely didn't see, 15 best straight-to-streaming flicks and 30 movies worth catching up on over the summer.
Something delightful is happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are starting to reopen — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney and Brisbane (and, until the newly reinstated stay-at-home orders, Melbourne as well). During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made over the past three months, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIZS6AT98FI LA BELLE ÉPOQUE Amelie wasn't the first whimsical and nostalgic French romantic-comedy to grace the silver screen, but its success and enduring presence in pop culture has inspired a plethora of light, quirky Gallic fare over the past two decades. And, on paper at least, La Belle Époque initially seems to be one of them. Starring veteran actor Daniel Auteuil (Hidden, The Closet) as sixty-something illustrator Vincent Drumond — whose career is crumbling, and marriage to the feisty Marianne (Fanny Ardant) looks close to ending, too — this Nicolas Bedos-written and -directed film bets big on an offbeat premise. Here, thanks to a company called Time Travellers, anyone can pay to pretend that they're living in their chosen time and place for a night or longer. Think of it like Westworld, but with each elaborately engineered experience created afresh each time, specifically tailored to the customer, boasting no limits on the kind of setting that participants can choose and using actors rather than robots. Vincent doesn't own a mobile phone, yearns for bookshops and record stores long gone, and is generally averse to technology and change, so he's not usually someone who'd jump at the Time Travellers experience. But when he's given access to the service as a gift just as Marianne kicks him out, he not only embraces the concept, but asks to recreate the fateful 1974 day at Lyon's La Belle Époque cafe when the pair first met. A family friend, the company's owner Antoine (We'll End Up Together filmmaker Guillaume Canet) spares no effort, even enlisting his on-again, off-again girlfriend Margot (Doria Tillier) to play the young Marianne. For Vincent, everything that follows provides a chance to not only linger in happier memories, or realise why he fell in love in the first place, but learn how he wants to move forward. For viewers, a charming, gorgeously staged high-concept rom-com also eventuates. Bedos crafts this thoughtful and effervescent movie as meticulously and vividly as Time Travellers does its intricate blasts from the past, and with just as much appreciation for the way that some moments in life leave an imprint. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRvHl1dThlg PENINSULA If, prior to 2016, you'd ever wondered what might happen should zombies overtake South Korea, Train to Busan and Seoul Station arrived to answer that question. The first was a live-action thriller that tasked a locomotive full of living, breathing humans with battling the shuffling undead in one of the genre's best and most action-packed outings, while the second served up an animated prequel that detailed the start of the epidemic in another city. Now lands Peninsula, in case if you've since spent the past four years pondering what could occur next. Once again directed by Yeon Sang-ho, as all films in the franchise have been, it leaps forward to the present day to explore the plight of the apocalypse's survivors — including those initially lucky enough to flee via boat to Hong Kong, such as army Captain Jung-seok (Gang Dong-won) and his brother-in-law Chul-min (Kim Do-yoon); and folks like mother Min-jung (Lee Jung-hyun) and her daughters Joon (Lee Re) and Yu-jin (Lee Ye-won), who weren't as fortunate. All of the aforementioned characters cross paths when Jung-seok and Chul-min are recruited by Hong Kong heavies to head back to the abandoned and quarantined Incheon, where a truck filled with cash awaits. Zombies don't care about money, of course, so the city's valuables are there for he taking. But Incheon isn't completely empty, with Min-jung and her children spending years evading flesh-munchers and escaping a brutal rogue militia group that call themselves Unit 631. If Train to Busan took a Snakes on a Plane-esque idea, changed it to zombies on a train and made a top-notch movie in the process, Peninsula opts for decidedly dystopian Mad Max-meets-Fast and Furious-meets-World War Z heist flick setup — and, while it doesn't quiet reach its predecessor's heights or add anything new to the heaving undead genre, it is thoroughly entertaining. Cuts to an English-language talk show that explains what's going on are both needlessly exposition-heavy and cringe-inducing, but the film's grounded performances, ample array of fantastic setpieces and swift editing by Parasite Oscar-nominee Yang Jin-mo are always riveting. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2RqzDC6gF4 MADE IN ITALY In Made in Italy, Liam Neeson and his real-life son Micheál Richardson (Vox Lux, Cold Pursuit) recreate their relationship on-screen. In another case of art imitating life, they also play a parent-offspring pair still struggling to cope with the loss of the former's wife and the latter's mother after a tragic accident — with Neeson's partner and Richardson's mum, aka actor Natasha Richardson, passing away following a skiing incident in 2009. But, while this romantic drama's stars might've enjoyed a leisurely trip abroad to relive a situation that's close to their hearts in an immensely scenic location, and get paid for it, Made in Italy isn't a personal or even a sensitive and moving film. If only it was. The feature directorial debut of actor-turned-filmmaker James D'Arcy (Dunkirk, The Snowman), if only it offered anything other than a bland, by-the-numbers tale about two men blighted by grief, forced to confront their issues and pain, and eventually learning how to move on. Neeson plays Robert, a famous artist who is barely a part of his curator son Jack's (Richardson) life. They're brought together out of necessity, after Jack's soon-to-be ex-wife threatens to sell the gallery he has devoted his career to, leaving him in need of cash — and fast. His solution: to fix up and sell the Italian villa that he inherited from his mum, although his dad also owns half of the property. Cue family dysfunction unfurling in gorgeous surroundings, a stock-standard romance between Jack and a local chef (Valeria Bilello), and a very forgettable appearance by the great Lindsay Duncan (The Leftovers, Sherlock, Le Week-End) as a matter-of-fact real estate agent. As nice as it is to see Neeson apply his very particular set of skills to something other than the routine action flicks that he's been adding to his resume of late (see: not only the Taken franchise, obviously, but also Non-Stop, Run All Night, A Walk Among the Tombstones and The Commuter), here he's in bland and limp as well as unengagingly generic territory. The Italian countryside does look mighty spectacular, naturally, but that really shouldn't be the movie's main and most substantial drawcard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSO1uGvgFeQ FORCE OF NATURE Rarely has a movie ever been in need of killer crocodiles or alligators — or snapping sharks swept up into the air by a tornado, for that matter — than Force of Nature. Either would've vastly improved a film that thinks it's a grim, suspenseful action-thriller, instead skews oh-so-cheesy and ludicrous, and is never self-aware enough to make fun of or even acknowledge its preposterousness. The concept: as a Category 5 storm bears down on Puerto Rico, ex-New York detective Cardillo (Emile Hirsch) and his new partner Jess (Stephanie Cayo) are trying to escort the stubborn residents of one of the island's apartment blocks to safety, all as a merciless killer and art thief (David Zayas) storms the building with his armed henchmen looking to pilfer already-stolen paintings worth hundreds of millions of dollars. If that's not enough, one of the tower's remaining inhabitants (Lovecraft Country's William Catlett) owns a very hungry and savage big cat, while gruff but ailing former cop Ray (Mel Gibson) is simply refusing to leave his flat, despite his doctor daughter Troy's (Kate Bosworth) pleas. You could excise several plot elements from Cory M Miller's convoluted debut feature script, and Force of Nature would've still been over-the-top, such is the over-stuffed and frequently plain silly storyline. But director Michael Polish (Big Sur, The Astronaut Farmer) lets the ridiculousness pile up, and without presenting a single part of it with winks and nudges. Again, an attacking jungle beast is involved. So are the Holocaust and art dating back to World War II, a tragic backstory for the now world-wearied and even suicidal Cardillo, and a fledgling romance with Troy. Not that they're given much chance to bring their A-game or utter anything but wince-worthy dialogue, but the cast deliver tension-free performances, and the movie's many shootouts and fist-fights prove dully shot and formulaic. That the tone-deaf film also pits its supposedly heroic white characters against villainous people of colour — and places a Nazi German in the middle, because of course it does — speaks plenty about this terrible mess of a feature. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas, check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30 and August 6 — and our full reviews of The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves, The King of Staten Island, Babyteeth and Deerskin.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the multi-award-winning Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania's East Coast. We've also teamed up with Saffire Freycinet to offer an unforgettable two-night stay in one of its Luxury Suites. The exclusive deal includes three meals at the private restaurants, complimentary lounge and minibar beverages and a $100 voucher to use on the hotel's spa treatments and signature experiences. This is peak treat-yourself stuff. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This Tassie hotel is like no other — from the panoramic views across the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay to the hyper-personalised service, sleek design of the rooms and the long list of bespoke travel experiences. You'll pay handsomely to stay here, but it is totally worth it. Earmark Saffire Freycinet for the next time you're looking to spoil yourself silly. THE ROOMS This vast property has just 20 suites. Plus, the restaurant, bar and luxe spa are only accessible to hotel guests, so it often feels like you have the whole place to yourself. Each of the rooms looks out over the surrounding bay and mountains — seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks. Design-wise, the large suites are made up of an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary fittings, with locally made timber pieces sitting alongside mid-century classics such as chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames and Herman Miller. Super king beds (yes, they've super-sized the beds), double walk-in showers and deep baths, extensive complimentary mini-bars, bluetooth music systems, retractable LCD TVs, private courtyards and fast wifi are also on the menu at each accommodation. FOOD AND DRINK All things local are celebrated at Saffire Freycinet's two dining rooms. Palate Restaurant is home to an elegant degustation menu that changes every day depending on what's coming out of the nearby paddocks and waters. You always have the option to pair each course with a sustainably made Tassie wine, too. The Lounge is a little more laidback, offering up a space to chill with a book or quietly hang with your travel buddies. During the day, you can enjoy fresh local produce from the barbeque and outside terrace. And at night, the lounge livens up a little as guests mingle with evening canapes and pre-dinner drinks in hand. It's serving The White Lotus realness. THE LOCAL AREA This lavish hotel is set within Tasmania's Freycinet National Park, home to stunning vistas and a thriving local ecosystem — think koalas, roos and colourful birds rummaging around lush green forests. It is also home to some of the state's most famous beaches, mostly notably Wineglass Bay. The Saffire Freycinet team will help organise scenic flights over the area, guided hikes to some of the greatest vistas and boat trips for those wanting to sneak in some snorkelling and boat-side swimming. You can arrive at the hotel by air or via the Great Eastern Drive. During this road trip, you'll pass by several wineries with cellar doors and eateries such as Devil's Corner, Spring Vale, Craigie Knowe, Milton, and the famous Kate's Berry Farm in Swansea. Hobart is also just a 2.5-hour drive away, so you can easily stop by the city for a couple of days before or after your stay. THE EXTRAS Saffire Freycinet has won award after award for its extensive list of luxury travel experiences — easily added to any stay. Each of the 14 unique activities focuses on connecting guests to place through nature, culture and produce. You can do some beekeeping on the property, taste fresh oysters at its own oyster farm (with sparkling wine in hand, of course), join one of the small group (or private) cruises of the area, quad bike around the mountains with a guide and learn how to fly-fish in the Currawong Lakes. Follow these food, culture and adventure tours with a late afternoon spa sesh. Get a massage, scrub or facial before soaking in a bath overlooking the natural surroundings. This is an unbelievably dreamy place. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world.
When you think of barbecuing, big backyard gatherings around the pool might spring to mind. But you no longer need lots of space to get the barbecue firing, thanks to the Weber Lumin. The compact, multi-functional barbecue is fully electric, so you can set it up in any space with a power outlet, including smaller balconies. Now that you can cook up a storm from the comfort of your apartment, you'll need some tips and tried-and-tested recipes from a pro. We've got you covered — we chatted to Weber Grill Master Laura Romeo about where her love of barbecuing started, what makes barbecuing different to other methods of cooking, her summer barbecue essentials and her advice for experimenting with recipes. [caption id="attachment_982415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trezise[/caption] Laura's Recommended Recipes for Summer Get the festivities started with a smoky and spicy caramelised pine lime margaritas, which can be easily prepared with just pineapple, tequila, lime and a sprinkle of Tajin on the rim of the glass. Grilling the pineapple enhances the sweetness and flavour of the fruit, and also adds a touch of flair to the cocktail. Once that has your guests fired up, you can fire up the barbecue. Stay on theme with simple but fiery chorizo, prawn and lime skewers, made by preparing the skewers and then grilling it all together on the barbecue for 4–6 minutes. [caption id="attachment_982408" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trezise[/caption] For the main course, start with a grilled zucchini, mint, labneh and pine nut salad. The labneh can be prepared an hour ahead (or even overnight), so all you'll have to do is grill the zucchini slices, caramelise the lemon and toast the pine nuts. [caption id="attachment_982406" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trezise[/caption] To accompany the salad, prepare and shape some lamb koftas ahead of time, grill them for about ten minutes, and then serve on top of hummus with mint leaves and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. [caption id="attachment_982404" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trezise[/caption] Where did your passion for food start, and how did you get into barbecuing specifically? My love for food started early on, right in my grandma's kitchen. Growing up, we'd often bake cookies and slices — I even perfected the pavlova by the age of ten. That continued over the years and turned into cooking for family gatherings. As I got older, I realised there was something truly unique and satisfying about cooking over a live flame. The boldness, the smokiness — it's a sensory experience that's both dynamic and personal. Barbecuing offered the perfect way to elevate my passion, combining my love of food with the art of fire and technique. What do you like most about barbecuing? There's something magical about barbecuing that goes beyond the food itself. I love how barbecuing brings people together. It's social and interactive — a time where friends and family gather outdoors, unwind and enjoy amazing food. It's versatile too. I love that you can sear, roast, bake, smoke or slow-cook to get a variety of tastes and textures, all from the same barbecue. Plus, it's addictive, because barbecuing enhances flavours in a way that other methods can't. [caption id="attachment_982402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trezise[/caption] Why would you say it's worth getting a barbecue? How is it different from cooking on a stovetop, oven or air-fryer? A barbecue opens up a world of flavour that's hard to replicate on a stovetop or oven. The high heat and flame create that beautiful sear on steaks or crispy skin on chicken, with a smoky depth that can only come from the barbecue. Plus, barbecuing is an experience — it encourages you to be hands-on, you can disconnect from the world and allow yourself to connect with your food in a way that indoor cooking doesn't. Barbecuing can be just as convenient as a stove, oven or air-fryer, with the bonus that the flavours are deeper, more savoury, smoky, deliciously caramelised and honestly, unforgettable. What are some of your barbecuing tips for novices? For anyone new to barbecuing, I recommend starting simple. Don't overwhelm yourself with too many dishes at once. Begin with burgers or veggies, which are quick and easy to get the hang of. Also, don't skip preheating the barbecue, as it's essential for proper cooking, ensures you get that perfect sear, eliminates the food sticking and of course, encourages instant flavour. My biggest secret weapon is a meat thermometer to check for doneness, until you're comfortable with knowing the barbecue by sight and feel. If your barbecue has a lid, like most Weber barbecues, cook with it down! You get the best flavour when the lid is closed — trapping in the barbecue smoke cooks the food in a cloud of flavour, plus cooks the food quicker, too. [caption id="attachment_982416" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trezise[/caption] What are some of your summer barbecue essentials? I never head to the barbecue without my basics: a great pair of tongs, a sturdy spatula and a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time. Salt and pepper is an easy go-to, but I do love mixing up flavours, so I also keep seasoning and rubs handy for added flavour. For the barbecue itself, I always have my Weber grill brush to give the grill a quick brush after it's preheated. Clean grills mean better-tasting food, prettier sear marks and longer-lasting equipment. Any tips for coming up with your own barbecue recipes? Start with perfecting the protein first. Just keep the seasoning simple: olive oil, salt and pepper. Once you have nailed it, then start experimenting with the flavours you love. Think about your favourite spices, herbs or marinades and consider how they might pair with different proteins or veggies. Don't be afraid to mix things up — try a new marinade or add a unique twist to a classic recipe by using seasonal ingredients. Remember, barbecue is as much about creativity as it is technique, so trust your palate and enjoy the process! What are some of your favourite features on the Lumin Barbecue? The Lumin Barbecue combines the ease of an electric barbecue with the quality Weber is known for. I love its versatility — it can smoke, sear and even steam, so you can cook a wide range of barbecue meals in a compact space. It also heats up quickly, which is perfect for those last-minute barbecue sessions. And, of course, the Lumin is an ideal option for apartment living, where gas or solid fuel barbecues are not permitted. What makes Weber products stand out? Weber is truly unmatched in durability and innovation. From the materials to the design of the cooking system, everything is built with the barbecuer's experience in mind. If you've tasted food off a Weber barbecue, you'll know that unmistakable Weber flavour. You'll find even heat distribution on every Weber barbecue, which allows you to focus more on your food rather than fussing with the flames. Plus, Weber's commitment to quality means these barbecues are an investment that last through years of family barbecues and outdoor events. Find out more about the Lumin at the Weber website.
It's true every time the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras arrives: whether you're keen on the parade action, browsing stalls, partying in pools, hitting the dance floor, catching drag performances or plenty more, there's no shortage of options at the Harbour City's celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and culture. For 2026, the lineup spans the return of Fair Day, the festival's usual beloved splash-filled soirees, as well as performance, talks, cinema and community gatherings — and that's just the beginning. In total, more than 80 LBGTQIA+ events will be taking place throughout Sydney between Friday, February 13 and Sunday, March 1, 2026. The overarching theme of Mardi Gras' 48th year is ECSTATICA, which celebrates joy as power, protest and connection — and feels especially vital in our current climate. The program once again kicks off with the Progress Pride Flag Raising at Sydney Town Hall on Friday, February 13, and sets the scene for a big opening weekend. That evening sees the return of Ultra Violet at City Recital Hall — a femme-driven, multi-sensory celebration from Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill — while the following night, Black Cherry spotlights trans and gender-diverse artistry at the National Art School's historic Cell Block Theatre. Fair Day returns to Victoria Park on Sunday, February 15, filling the park with stalls, picnic rugs, performances, a doggy parade, the always lively Drag King Games, the Queer Fashion Runway and a full day of community connection under the summer sun. Other returning favourites include Kaftana Pool Party at Ivy Pool Club (Wednesday, February 18), Laugh Out Proud at the Enmore Theatre (Friday, February 20), Queer Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW (Wedmesday, February 25), and the 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival by Queer Screen, running in cinemas across the city (February 12–26). Among the new events for 2026 is Mardi Gala — a couture-meets-culinary spectacle at the Ivy Ballroom on Tuesday, February 24 — plus fresh theatrical additions including Perfect Arrangement at New Theatre and Sydney Theatre Company's revival of The Normal Heart at the Sydney Opera House. As always, the action culminates in the 48th Annual Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 28, when Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade transform into the beating heart of LGBTQIA+ pride. Expect thousands of marchers, floats awash with colour, and that unmistakably pulsating parade energy. And as ever, the party doesn't stop after the parade — that night brings the return of PARTY, reimagined for 2026, while the beloved Laneway returns to take over The Beresford and Hill Street on Sunday, March 1, to close the festival with a bang. Rounding out the program is Mardi Gras+, the open-access stream championing queer artists, storytellers and communities across Sydney — from Rainbow Beaches activations to cabaret, comedy, walking tours, markets and more. Images: Jordan Munns, Joseph Mayers, Ann-Marie Calilhanna, Ken Leanfore, Lexi Laphor, Jess Gleeson, Ash Penin,
Film festival hubs, Robert Pattinson, writers fests, Spike Lee, Bridgerton-inspired balls, the Iron Throne: these are just some of the things — and people — that've popped up at Sydney Town Hall in recent years. But filling the inner-city venue with 26 tonnes of sand is solely the domain of Sydney Festival 2023, all thanks to acclaimed Lithuanian opera Sun & Sea. Where there's both rays of golden natural light beaming down from above and the ocean, there's usually sand, of course. This award-winning show, which was written and created by Lithuanian artists Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė, Vaiva Grainytė and Lina Lapelytė, uses so much of the granular substance that it turns Sydney Town Hall into a temporary indoor beach. That's the opera's setting as the durational performance runs on a 60-minute loop, following holidaymakers sunbathing and exploring the climate emergency in the process. Attendees can expect to hear the show's beachgoers singing elegies, too, about their lives and the changes they see in their natural surroundings. In this production, that world is ending as its characters spend a lazy afternoon by the shore. Expect to see swimwear, towels, hats and umbrellas aplenty, too, plus beach balls, nets to hit them over and people enjoying all of the above. While Sun & Sea won the Venice Biennale's Golden Lion in 2019, its Australian premiere — and exclusive — presentation doesn't just repeat the same thing that worked overseas. This local run has enlisted Sydney clubs and choirs to make the performance as specific to the city, and to its IRL beaches, as possible. From the imagery alone, the end result is a sight to behold — which opera attendees can in the round, looking down from the balcony above, across the show's three-day run from Friday, January 6–Sunday, January 8. That said, if you're keen to see what a famed Sydney building looks like as a beach, and just to enjoy everything that Sun & Sea has to offer, you'll need to already have a ticket. At the time of writing, the production's full Sydney Festival run is sold out. One of Sydney Festival's big drawcards, Sun & Sea sits on a lineup curated for the second time by Artistic Director Olivia Ansell, and boasting 748 performances across 54 venues. That includes more than 100 unique events, 26 of which won't cost attendees a thing. And, there's 18 world premieres and 14 Australian exclusives — aka shows that you'll need to travel to Sydney to see if you don't live there, because they won't pop up elsewhere, such as the also visually spectacular Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon multi-sensory art experience. Sun & Sea runs from Friday, January 6–Sunday, January 8 at Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney. Sydney Festival 2023 runs from Thursday, January 5–Sunday, January 29 at venues across the city. For further details and to buy tickets, visit the Sydney Festival website. Looking for other Sydney Festival highlights? We've rounded up nine standout events under $50. Images: Wendell Teodoro.
Over the last couple of years while getting your morning cup of joe at cafes around Sydney, you may have spotted a bag of beans emboldened with bright red text behind the counter. Originating in New Zealand, Coffee Supreme's beans and instant coffee are available in locations across the country and are used in Sydney favourites including Paramount Recreation Club and Deus Ex Machina. While you can find Supreme beans in dozens of cafes across Australia and New Zealand, the coffee brewer also has its own cafes and roasteries, with five in New Zealand, one in Brisbane, one in Melbourne, one in Tokyo and now, one in Sydney. Sydney's first Coffee Supreme opened in early 2022 in the northern beaches. Located on Mitchell Road in the industrial area of Brookvale, the venue has converted a warehouse into a bustling cafe, decorated with touches of forest green and Coffee Supreme's signature red. Alongside the cafe is a 12-kilogram Probat roaster, making coffee on-site to be delivered to cafes and homes around the city. "We don't like to favour one city over the other, but the growing coffee culture in Sydney is really exciting, so the search to grow our presence here has been on for a few months now," Coffee Supreme's Sydney and Canberra Sales and Customer Development Manager Jen Le says. "When we visited 11 Mitchell Rd, we knew it was the site for us — heaps of natural light, sufficient space for a roaster and most importantly, a strong sense of community; a key pillar at Coffee Supreme." At the heart of the venue is, of course, the coffee. The baristas are taking Coffee Supreme beans and turning them into espresso, batch brew and cold filter. Alongside the classic beans on offer, there will also be seasonal blends that pop-up as they become available. Food-wise, there's an all-day breakfast menu available until the cafe closes at 2pm. Avocado on toast, bagels and bacon and egg rolls are all here. For lunch, you can also nab an array of burgers and sandwiches. If you're looking to tuck into something heartier, turn your attention to the bolognese toastie. Images: Jessica Nash Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney
While the city may be famous for its beach and wellness lifestyle, the Gold Coast also has a thriving cultural scene. One that's filled with local makers, independent boutiques and art spaces. From gallery exhibitions and circus performers to Indigenous tours and food markets, Get Up and Gold Coast and discover the city's cultural side with this insider guide. [caption id="attachment_1072421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] La Clique[/caption] HOTA, Home of the Arts The first stop on a cultural tour has to be HOTA, Home of the Arts. It's a precinct that brings together galleries, live performance, cinema and dining all under one roof. On now is the free exhibition A Bigger View, which spans artists, decades and continents to showcase large-scale artworks and masterpieces from the National Gallery of Australia and major works from HOTA. Among other talented artists, the exhibition also includes two pieces by Henri Matisse and one by Pintupi artist Long Tom Tjapanangka. Alongside art and exhibitions, HOTA also hosts theatre, including international productions such as the high-energy circus cabaret La Clique, which returns in March after its sold-out debut in 2025. The show blends daring acrobatics and stunts with burlesque and comedy to create a captivating night out. Also in March, for one weekend only, comes Duck Pond, an "exuberant take" on the famous Swan Lake ballet in circus form. If you want to elevate your cultural day out, head to Palette, HOTA's flagship restaurant. It's the Gold Coast's only three-hatted restaurant, with a menu that is inspired by the gallery's exhibitions. [caption id="attachment_1067580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre[/caption] Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre A huge part of the Gold Coast's culture is its Indigenous history. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, located at Burleigh Headland, offers locals and visitors the opportunity of guided walks, exhibitions and storytelling experiences to showcase the Yugambeh language and Country. Learn about the land's history and its First Nations people to gain an even deeper sense of its cultural heritage. To inspire you to Get Up and Gold Coast, Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is offering two weekday walkabout tours for the price of one. Bring a friend or family member along for free and discover ancient stories and Burleigh's vibrant culture. [caption id="attachment_1067581" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Swell Sculpture Festival[/caption] Gold Coast Festivals Many art festivals choose the Gold Coast as their home base. First on the calendar in July is the Surface Miami Street Art Festival, which features large-scale murals and live painting in the Gold Coast suburb of Miami. In September, the Swell Sculpture Festival transforms Currumbin Beach into an openair gallery for Queensland's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition. BLEACH* Festival is an annual citywide celebration of performance, visual art and music that takes over the Gold Coast's laneways and theatres. In 2026, BLEACH* will take place in October, so keep an eye out throughout the year as the program is unveiled. Between these festivals and many others, you've got a cultural calendar that rivals other Australian cities. [caption id="attachment_1067583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mint Art House[/caption] Independent Boutiques If you're looking for local creators and small businesses to support when in the Gold Coast, head to James Street's boutique stores in Burleigh. Located mere steps from the ocean, the independent shops and designers offer thoughtful curation and pieces that will remind you of your trip to the Gold Coast. For something even more unique, Mint Art House in Burleigh Heads is an artists' collective that's also a gallery, studio and events space selling unique ceramics and souvenirs for you to take home. [caption id="attachment_1067586" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miami Marketta[/caption] Food Culture Looking to experience some of the Gold Coast's food culture? There are an abundance of markets and cafes that focus on community and creatives. Miami Marketta is a hub of creativity, good food, and live music. Described as the first creative precinct on the Gold Coast, different spaces and events are run side by side, and night markets and street food reign supreme. At HOTA Farmer and Artisan Markets, local designers, artists and artisans host stalls every Sunday morning, offering the best in farm-fresh produce, delicious food, handcrafted wears and more. For a Gold Coast-style brunch, Stable at Cornerstone in Currumbin is a sun-filled space where seasonal produce and specialty coffee take precedence, while Sun Devil (located in Strange Days vintage clothing store) proves that some of the Gold Coast's best cafes are where you least expect them. This is just a snippet of the cultural events, festivals and activities happening on the Gold Coast. Because while we love the city for its theme parks and beaches, it's also a growing cultural haven. Image credit: Supplied Lead Image: Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Phones and laptops are hardly the best screens for watching movies. At the cinemas, there's big screens, however, and then there's IMAX. The large-format system has been around for more than half a century, but it's a huge time for it in Australia right now. In 2023, Sydney's IMAX reopened, after it closed down back in 2016 to be rebuilt. In 2024, both the Gold Coast and Canberra scored their own IMAX screens. A second Melbourne venue has been confirmed as well, launching by the end of 2025, and now four more sites around the country are also on their way. Indeed, news that Village Cinemas Fountain Gate will give the Victorian capital another IMAX is still fresh, but that hasn't stopped an additional quartet of hefty screens from being announced. These four will hail from EVT, the hospitality company behind Event Cinemas. Three will welcome in movie lovers in 2026, with the fourth arriving before 2027 is out. EVT is also responsible for IMAX Sydney and IMAX Event Cinemas Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast, so it's no stranger to the world of giant picture palace screens. It also has IMAX venues up and running in New Zealand and Germany. All four of its new Australian sites will feature state-of-the-art IMAX with Laser systems, meaning that viewers can expect 4k laser-projection, bright images, a wide range of colours, deeper contrast and increased resolution. If you're wondering where Down Under these IMAXs are opening, that is yet to be revealed — but they're part of a lineup of seven new IMAX sites that EVT is opening worldwide. Also not known so far is whether these new Aussie IMAX sites will follow in Pacific Fair's footsteps, converting a screen within an existing cinema. Whichever eventuates — and wherever in Australia nabs IMAX screens, including whether IMAX is headed to cities that already boast one of its setups or is venturing further afield — this is the largest-ever deal for new Aussie IMAX locations. It does seem that at least some of these four screens are destined for new areas, however. "Moviegoer demand for IMAX significantly eclipses our current footprint in Australia and EVT continues to be very proactive and strategic in filling that gap, with IMAX locations set for new areas across the country," said IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond. "EVT and IMAX share a passion and keen focus on delivering the best possible cinematic experience, and we look forward to adding even more locations in one of our most productive markets worldwide," continued Gelfond. "A key element of the EVT entertainment strategy is to target investment into 'fewer and better' locations," said EVT CEO Jane Hastings. "Our customers love the IMAX format and when you pair that with our broad range of premium seating options, we continue to deliver world class moviegoing experiences." Three of EVT's four new IMAX locations will open in 2026, and the fourth is set to arrive in 2027. We'll update you when further information is revealed — keep an eye on the brand's website for more details in the interim. IMAX images: IMAX Sydney, IMAX Pacific Fair and IMAX Queensgate NZ.
South Western Sydney has long been home to some of the city's most exciting and diverse eats — from longstanding Vietnamese institutions to generational Lebanese bakeries and thriving suburban restaurants, the region's culinary landscape has been defined by everyday generosity. But big-ticket fine-dining builds have traditionally sat closer to the CBD. MAGMA by Dany Karam — now open inside the all-new Cabravale Club Resort — aims to shift that balance, bringing a polished and theatrical dining experience to the south west. For Karam, a proud Western Sydney local, MAGMA is both the first chapter in a three-part, long-awaited follow-up to his acclaimed stint at The Star (though he's hardly been on holiday since stepping down as Executive Chef in 2022) and a deeply personal project. Four years in the making, the restaurant is inspired by the charcoal-fired Sunday family lunches of Karam's childhood, layered with flavours influenced by his travels through Turkey, Lebanon, Japan and Vietnam. Fire is very much the star here. An open charcoal grill is at the heart of the open kitchen, flanked by a glass-fronted dry-age room — dubbed 'Dany's Butchery' — where premium meats and seafood hang to peak flavour before hitting the pass, with availability changing daily. Karam has worked with longtime collaborators Ben and David Blackmore to secure whole-carcass deliveries of their sought-after Rhone wagyu, forming the backbone of a heavyweight steak program that also includes cuts from Hereford and Speckle Park. There's even a 600-gram Wagyu Trio designed for comparing different feeding styles side by side. Beyond the woodfired grill, the menu puts thoughtful twists on steakhouse classics. Highlights of the ingredient-driven one-page selection include Queensland spanner crab tossed with olive oil, dashi cream, coriander and finger lime with fluffy brioche; charcoal-kissed Condabilla murray cod with broccolini and a smoky mussel and ginger beurre blanc; and pillowy semolina gnocchi with exotic mushrooms, brown butter and crisp sage leaves. Drinks are similarly considered. The cocktail program by Charlotte Belvisotti (Mimi's, King Clarence, Amorica, Palmer & Co) moves from playful signatures like the açai sour — hibiscus vodka, sudachi and marshmallow foam — to the silky, umami-forward Magma Martini with vodka, olive oil, seaweed, sake and house pickles. Meanwhile, a 500-bottle, floor-to-ceiling wine cabinet is designed to encourage discovery across global varietals. The dining room makes a statement of its own: a dramatic six-metre-high space clad in black marble, dark copper and faux-fur panel accents that feel both luxurious and intimate. A striking produce display and sleek marble bar at the entrance give way to a 140-seat dining area, complete with a 16-person private room. Set within the new Cabravale Club Resort precinct — also home to a Novotel, event centre and sun-washed pool lounge — MAGMA is a defining new arrival for Sydney's south west. And, for Karam, it's not a moment too soon for this kind of destination dining. "What used to be a CBD-only experience is now here for our community," he says. "Western Sydney deserves a restaurant that's both elevated and welcoming. That's Magma."
If you're a garlic girlie, then you should make your way to the fresh eatery located in the foyer of the recently opened Novotel City Centre on York Street: Birdie Bar and Brasserie. The new spot boasts a fusion of British and modern Australian fare on its menu that champions local produce and celebrates Aussie fauna of the feathered variety. The charming space has an avian theme throughout, from its colourful wallpaper and nest lampshades to its cocktail list. British Head Chef John Lyons is at the helm of the kitchen. Lyons cut his teeth working in Michelin-starred and AA Rosettes-earning establishments back in the UK, and now he's here to put his own stamp on Sydney's hospo scene with a menu best described as playful with plenty of British elements, and with local suppliers and producers championed throughout. "We are proud to embrace and showcase many local artisan suppliers on Birdie's menu, from the local ingredients Lon's creatively combines on our plates to the breweries and distilleries we partner with," says the venue's Director of Food and Beverage, Ben Nicholls. [caption id="attachment_941003" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Duck[/caption] Some menu items that exemplify this philosophy are the Fremantle octopus with koji sourced from Keiko Ikeda in Bondi, and the black sesame dessert, which is a take on a classic British sponge cake and includes the rare citrus fruit poorman's orange, which has been resurrected by Peter Dryden in Gordon. And it wouldn't be a British spot without Sunday roast with all the trimmings, including the mandatory Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy. "Birdie tells a tale of time through food, which we have proudly brought to life with spices and herbs sourced from Birdie's travels around the world. I can't wait for people to dine in this alluring atmosphere and try our dishes, especially those where we've had some fun to create something truly unique," says Lyons. [caption id="attachment_941009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Head Chef John Lyons[/caption] You can tell Lyons and his team are having a lot of fun with this menu, with entrées like The Duck — duck liver parfait shaped into two little duckies — and the cheeky The Bird — bumps of caviar Paris with shots of Grey Goose vodka in wooden shot cups and a polaroid snap of you and your dining guest. Don't leave without trying the garlic bread that does not skimp on the butter, garlic or bread — lots of texture and plenty of garlic flavour. The mains don't skimp on flavour either, with options like the equally garlic-forward allium risotto with comte and chervil, the massive one-kilogram t-bone steak with a side of house-made mustard (of course), and smoked ocean trout with cucumber and horseradish. The fun continues on the dessert menu, with the not-so-appetisingly named Dogs Dinner, which literally comes plated in a dog's bowl and features chocolate "kibble", mini biscuits, moose and nuts with an oat biscuit in the shape of a bone. [caption id="attachment_941001" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Freemantle Octopus[/caption] If you can't decide on your mains, there is a chef's choice menu called Canary in a Coal Mine — a minimum of four people required — that features eight plates to share from the mains, sides and desserts. The portions are big, so you definitely won't be going hungry for days. You can level up this chef's choice with a pairing for four drinks for $30 per person. The drinks menu takes the venue's theme to a new level with each inspired by a Aussie native bird. There's the Sulpher-Crested Cockatoo, with gin lemon, meringue foam, and shortbread crumble; the Satin Bowerbird, with Irish whiskey, lemon, blackberry and hibiscus; and the Galah, with strawberry gin, guava liqueur and sparkling rosé. Each cocktail comes with a cute description of the beverage, with the bird theme extending into these stories. The wine list includes drops from across Australia, Europe and South America, while the beers include Birdie's very own lager and bevs from local breweries Young Henrys, Atomic Brewery and Lord Nelson. [caption id="attachment_941007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cocktail[/caption] [caption id="attachment_941002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sunday Roast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_941010" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Birdie Bar and Brasserie Interior[/caption] You'll find Birdie Bar and Brasserie open from 12–10pm Sunday–Thursday and 12–11pm Friday–Saturday at the foyer of Novotel City Centre, 7–9 York Street, Sydney. Head to the restaurant's website for more information and to make a booking.
First, Reservation Dogs came to an end after three exceptional seasons. Then the TV spinoff of What We Do in the Shadows announced that it will be wrapping up after its upcoming sixth season. Now, Our Flag Means Death is joining them in saying farewell. In fact, it has already walked the plank, with the series cancelled after two seasons. That makes it three for three in television comedies that Taika Waititi had a hand in. All three were excellent. All three are now finishing. David Jenkins (People of Earth), who created Our Flag Means Death, advised on social media that the show "won't be returning for a third season". "We've sailed at the pleasure of the fine people at Max, and it brought them no joy to see this journey come to a premature end," he continued. "They allowed us to make something authentically weird and heartfelt, cheering us on the entire way." "I'm very sad I won't set foot on the Revenge again with my friends, some of whom have become close to family. But I couldn't be more grateful for being allowed to captain the damn thing in the first place." When Our Flag Means Death arrived in 2022, earned itself a spot among the best new TV arrivals of the year and charmed everyone who watched it, it left viewers thinking the same thing: all television comedies should be pirate romances starring Waititi (Next Goal Wins) and Rhys Darby (Uproar). Only this show earned that feat, however, and it turned out wonderfully — for audiences, that is, with chaos surrounding the seafaring characters played by two of New Zealand's best-known comic names. Darby stepped into Stede Bonnet's shoes, while Waititi was Edward Teach aka Blackbeard. In just one of their many collaborations — see also: Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, Wellington Paranormal, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Next Goal Wins — the show satirised the buccaneering times of the 18th century. As its first season unfurled and second season embraced even more heartily, Our Flag Means Death also proved to be a sweet and warmhearted love story. Stede is a self-styled 'gentleman pirate', a great approximation of Flight of the Conchords' Murray if he'd existed centuries earlier, and a man determined to bring a bit of kindness and elegancy to the whole swashbuckling game. He's based on an IRL figure, who abandoned his cosy life for a seafaring existence. The show is a loose adaptation of Bonnet's tale, though. As for Waititi, he dons leather, dark hues aplenty, an air of bloodthirsty melancholy and a head of greying hair as Blackbeard. While the famed pirate seems like Stede's exact opposite, disproving that is a big part of the show's narrative. Also featured among Our Flag Means Death's cast: Samson Kayo (Bloods), Vico Ortiz (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Ewen Bremner (Creation Stories), Joel Fry (Bank of Dave), Matthew Maher (Hello Tomorrow!), Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Con O'Neill (The Batman), David Fane (The Messenger), Samba Schutte (Forspoken), Nat Faxon (Loot) and Leslie Jones (BMF). In season two, they were joined by a heap of new recurring guest stars in Ruibo Qian (Servant), Madeleine Sami (Deadloch), Anapela Polataivao (The Justice of Bunny King) and Erroll Shand (The Clearing), plus Minnie Driver (Chevalier) and Bronson Pinchot (The Mysterious Benedict Society) as guest stars. Check out the trailer for Our Flag Means Death season two below: Our Flag Means Death's first and second seasons stream in Australia via Binge and New Zealand via Neon. Read our reviews of season one and season two. Images: Nicola Dove/ HBO Max.
UPDATE: November 23, 2023 — We've arranged an exclusive package to help you make the most of Mona Foma 2024. Book with Concrete Playground Trips and you'll have accommodation, ferry transfers, festival tickets and more all sorted, from just AUD$600 per person. There is only a limited number of packages available, though, so secure your booking here ASAP. Dark Mofo might be taking a breather in 2024, except for a few beloved events, but Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will still be embracing summer at Mona Foma. The sunny counterpart to the Apple Isle's moody winter fest has locked in its return from Thursday, February 15–Sunday, February 25, 2024 in Hobart, and from Thursday, February 29–Sunday, March 3, 2024 in Launceston. It has also dropped one helluva getaway-worthy lineup. Back in October, Queens of the Stone Age announced an Australia tour for 2024, and were also revealed as the first act on Mona Foma's program for the year. At the latter, they'll have no shortage of company. Also on the music bill: Courtney Barnett, TISM, Paul Kelly, Mogwai, Shonen Knife, and Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, for starters. [caption id="attachment_923480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pooneh Ghana.[/caption] Making a Tassie stop on her latest tour, Barnett's show features two sets. To begin with, she'll work through album End of the Day — aka the score to the Barnett-focused documentary Anonymous Club — with Stella Mozgawa. After that, she'll dive into the rest of her catalogue of tunes. Now that TISM are back playing live together — something that only started happening again in 2022 after 19 years without gigs — the Australian legends will bust out 'Greg! The Stop Sign!', 'Whatareya' and 'Ol' Man River' at Cataract Gorge. The Ron Hitler-Barassi-led band are part of a free one-day event at the stunning site during Mona Foma's Launceston weekend, as are Cash Savage and The Last Drinks. Head along and you'll also enjoy morning meditations to start the day, and hear from Mulga Bore Hard Rock and FFLORA + Grace Chia. [caption id="attachment_926549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moshcam[/caption] Still on tunes, Kelly will be focusing on his 2022 compilation Time, while Mogwai and Shonen Knife are part of the returning lawn-set Mona Sessions — as are fellow overseas talents Holy Fuck, Wednesday, Michael Rother and Friends (playing Neu! songs), and Lonnie Holley with Moor Mother and Irreversible Entanglements. Clearly, there'll be no shortage of musicians to listen to. Darren Hanlon, Bree van Reyk and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra are teaming up; Isaac et Nora, the 14- and 11-year-old French-Korean siblings, will perform Latin-American songs they've learned by ear; and producer Filastine and singer Nova, one based in Barcelona and the other hailing from Indonesia, will provide live tunes on a 70-tonne sailing ship's deck to muse on the climate crisis as part of Arka Kinari. DJs will get spinning beneath James Turrell's Armana at Mona as well, and Mona Foma artists will be hitting up the Frying Pan Studios to jam and record. [caption id="attachment_926554" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wei-Tsan Liu.[/caption] Emeka Ogboh's contribution to the program is also a big highlight, coming via exhibition Boats. Here, the Nigerian artist ponders migration as part of an experience that boasts its own gin — as made with native Tasmanian and West African botanicals — plus snacks, conversation and a sound installation. Also set to impress: Taiwanese artist Yahon Chang getting painting on a 20-metre-by-15-metre canvas at Princes Wharf 1, including using a brush that's human-sized, in a performance that'll blend calligraphy, art, meditation, kung fu and tai chi. [caption id="attachment_926552" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amy Brown, image courtesy of Street Eats @ Franko Hobart and Mona Foma.[/caption] Other Mona Foma 2024 standouts include the world-premiere of Anito, a solo performance by Justin Shoulder that takes its cues from queer club culture, plus everything from theatre and dance to visual arts and installations; Dancenorth's latest production Wayfinder, which includes Hiromi Tango on design duties and music from Hiatus Kaiyote; party venue Faux Mo returning, but in a new home at The Granada Tavern; and a Street Eats night food and drink market pop-up. "Mona Foma wrangles over 500 performers and artists from places as far flung as Nigeria, Taiwan, Rajasthan and Launceston into a veritable orgy of creativity. If you can't find something to do, then you're dead — but then you wouldn't be reading this," said Mona Foma Artistic Director Brian Ritchie, announcing the 2024 lineup. "So, buy tickets, except for TISM, which is free. One of the most reclusive bands (only three gigs in twenty years) for free in amongst the most unique water feature of any urban environment, qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Carpe diem." [caption id="attachment_923130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andreas Neumann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ivan trigo Miras[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick McKinlay[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Naomi Beveridge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926547" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Businovski[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Akira Shibata[/caption] Mona Foma will take place from Thursday, February 15–Sunday, February 25, 2024 in Hobart, and from Thursday, February 29–Sunday, March 3, 2024 in Launceston. Tickets go on sale at 10am AEDT on Tuesday, November 21 — head to the festival website for further details. Top image: Steve Cook. All images courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Tio's is unabashedly fun. Head inside this laidback tequila-filled drinking den to find a huge selection of margaritas, ice cold tinnies with fresh lime and salt on the rim as well as a free bag of popcorn every time you order a drink — "Scientifically matched to the flavour of Old El Paso taco seasoning, circa 1999". Or so they say. Consider yourself a tequila and mezcal connoisseur? Then make your way through some of those on offer — choose from hundreds of varieties of these agave-based tipples. We bet you'll find stacks you've never tried before. The owners, Jeremy Blackmore and Alex Dowd, are big tequila fans and have spent many years curating this list — with some also featuring on the menu of their other Sydney bar, Cantina OK! [caption id="attachment_834813" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Or if margaritas are more your jam, be sure to try some of their cheap as chips $10 margs — the flavour of which changes each week. Past creations have combined pandan with coconut and blueberries with hibiscus. But the purists out there can also expect the classic varieties too. Tio's also has stacks of beer options. Expect a few local Aussie brews, but you come to this bar — a somewhat drunken love letter to Mexican culture — to drink some Mexican bevs. Try the Tecate, Negra Modelo, Carona or Tio's own Loco Lager on tap. [caption id="attachment_761744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] And if the bottomless bags of spicy popcorn aren't enough for you, fill up on some super loaded nachos. These cheesy treats come with either chorizo, roasted pork or refried pinto beans (vegan cheese is also available). Enjoy all of this within some sensory-overloaded surrounds. The inside of Tio's is adorned in religious iconography — think Virgin Mary statues, melted church candles and a few Jesus' on the cross. Fairy lights and colourful paper lanterns are strung up all over, too. More is more at Tio's. And we can't get enough of it. [caption id="attachment_834811" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] You'll find Tio's at 4-14 Forest Street, Surrey Hills — open from Tuesday to Sunday. Top images: Letícia Almeida and Nikki To
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. DON'T WORRY DARLING Conformity rarely bodes well in cinema. Whenever everyone's dressing the same, little boxes litter the landscape or identical white-picket fences stretch as far as the eye can see, that perception of perfection tends to possess a dark underbelly. The Stepford Wives demonstrated that. Pleasantville, Blue Velvet and Vivarium all did as well. Yes, there's a touch of conformity in movies about the evils of and heralded by conformity; of course there is. That remains true when Florence Pugh (Black Widow) and Harry Styles (Eternals) navigate an ostensibly idyllic vision of retro suburbia in a desert-encased enclave — one that was always going to unravel when the movie they're in is called Don't Worry Darling. Don't go thinking that this handsome and intriguing film doesn't know all of this, though. Don't go thinking that it's worried about the similarities with other flicks, including after its secrets are spilled, either. It'd be revealing too much to mention a couple of other movies that Don't Worry Darling blatantly recalls, so here's a spoiler-free version: this is a fascinating female-focused take on a pair of highlights from two decades-plus back that are still loved, watched and discussed now. That's never all that Olivia Wilde's second feature as a filmmaker after 2019's Booksmart is, but it feels fitting that when it conforms in a new direction, it finds a way to make that space its own. That's actually what Pugh's Alice thinks she wants when Don't Worry Darling begins. The film's idealised 1950s-style setting comes with old-fashioned gender roles firmly in place, cocktails in hand as soon Styles' Jack walks in the door come quittin' time and elaborate multi-course dinners cooked up each night, with its protagonist going along with it all. But she's also far from keen on having a baby, the done thing in the company town that is Victory. It'd curtail the noisy sex that gets the neighbours talking, for starters. Immaculately clothed and coiffed women happily playing dutiful housewives in a cosy sitcom-esque dream of America generations ago: that's Wilde and screenwriter Katie Silberman's (also Booksmart) entry point; however, they waste zero time in showing how rebelling in her own child-free way isn't enough to quell Alice's nagging and growing doubts about utopia. There's much to get her querying, such as the earth-shaking sounds that rumble when Victory's men are at work, doing top-secret business on "progressive materials" out in the sandy expanse. There's the reflections in the mirror that briefly take on a life of their own, too — starting in a ballet class that's about retaining control, coveting symmetry and never upsetting the status quo far more than dancing. And, there's the pushed-aside Margaret (KiKi Layne, The Old Guard) after she disrupts a company barbecue. All the rules enforced to keep Victory's women in their places, and the cult-like wisdom that town and company founder Frank (Chris Pine, All the Old Knives) constantly spouts, are also inescapable. So is the force with which asking questions or daring to be different is publicly nixed, as Alice quickly discovers. And, it's impossible to avoid how the men band together when anything or anyone causes a bump, even their own other halves. Swiftly, Alice's days scrubbing and vacuuming her Palm Springs-inspired bungalow, then sipping cocktails poolside or while window shopping with fellow Victory spouses like Bunny (Wilde, Ghostbusters: Afterlife) and Peg (Kate Berlant, A League of Their Own), fall under a shadow — not literally in such sunnily postcard-perfect surroundings, but with shade still lingering over every part of her routine. Speaking up just gets dismissed, and Frank and his underlings (including a doctor played by Timothy Simmons, aka Veep's Jonah Ryan, who is instantly unnerving thanks to that stroke of casting) have too-precise answers to her concerns. Read our full review. THE STRANGER No emotion or sensation ripples through two or more people in the exact same way, and never will. The Stranger has much to convey, but it expresses that truth with piercing precision. The crime-thriller is the sophomore feature from actor-turned-filmmaker Thomas M Wright — following 2018's stunning Adam Cullen biopic Acute Misfortune, another movie that shook everyone who watched it and proved hard to shake — and it's as deep, disquieting and resonant a dance with intensity as its genre can deliver. To look into Joel Edgerton's (Thirteen Lives) eyes as Mark, an undercover cop with a traumatic but pivotal assignment, is to spy torment and duty colliding. To peer at Sean Harris (Spencer) as the slippery Henry Teague is to see a cold, chilling and complex brand of shiftiness. Sitting behind these two performances in screentime but not impact is Jada Alberts' (Mystery Road) efforts as dedicated, determined and drained detective Kate Rylett — and it may be the portrayal that sums up The Stranger best. Writing as well as directing, Wright has made a film that is indeed dedicated, determined and draining. At every moment, including in sweeping yet shadowy imagery and an on-edge score, those feelings radiate from the screen as they do from Alberts. Sharing the latter's emotional exhaustion comes with the territory; sharing their sense of purpose does as well. In the quest to capture a man who abducted and murdered a child, Rylett can't escape the case's horrors — and, although the specific details aren't used, there's been no evading the reality driving this feature. The Stranger doesn't depict the crime that sparked Kate Kyriacou's non-fiction book The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer, or any violence. It doesn't use the Queensland schoolboy's name, or have actors portray him or his family. This was always going to be an inherently discomforting and distressing movie, though, but it's also an unwaveringly intelligent and impressive examination of trauma. There's no other word to describe what Mark and Rylett experience — and, especially as it delves into Mark's psychological state as he juggles his job with being a single father, The Stranger is a film about tolls. What echoes do investigating and seeking justice for an atrocious act leave? Here, the portrait is understandably bleak and anguished. What imprint do such incidences have upon society more broadly? That also falls into the movie's examination. Mark, along with a sizeable group of fellow officers, is trying to get a confession and make an arrest. Back east, Rylett is one of the police who won't and can't let the situation go. Doling out its narrative in a structurally ambitious way, The Stranger doesn't directly address the human need for resolution, or to restore a semblance of order and security after something so heinously shocking, but that's always baked into its frames anyway. Travelling across the country, Henry first meets a stranger on a bus, getting chatting to Paul (Steve Mouzakis, Clickbait) en route. It's the possibility of work that hooks the ex-con and drifter — perhaps more so knowing that his potential new gig will be highly illicit, and that evading the authorities is implicit. Soon he meets Mark, then seizes the opportunity to reinvent himself in a criminal organisation, not knowing that he's actually palling around with the cops. It's an immense sting, fictionalised but drawn from actuality, with The Stranger also playing as a procedural. The connecting the dots-style moves remain with Rylett, but Wright's decision to hone in on the police operation still means detailing how to catch a killer, astutely laying out the minutiae via action rather than chatting through the bulk of the ins and outs. Read our full review. AMSTERDAM There's only one Wes Anderson, but there's a litany of wannabes. Why can't David O Russell be among them? Take the first filmmaker's The Grand Budapest Hotel, mix in the second's American Hustle and that's as good a way as any to start describing Amsterdam, Russell's return to the big screen after a seven-year gap following 2015's Joy — and a starry period comedy, crime caper and history lesson all in one. Swap pastels for earthier hues, still with a love of detail, and there's the unmistakably Anderson-esque look of the film. Amsterdam is a murder-mystery, too, set largely in the 1930s against a backdrop of increasing fascism, and filled with more famous faces than most movies can dream of. The American Hustle of it all springs from the "a lot of this actually happened" plot, this time drawing upon a political conspiracy called the White House/Wall Street Putsch, and again unfurling a wild true tale. A Russell returnee sits at the centre, too: Christian Bale (Thor: Love and Thunder) in his third film for the writer/director. The former did help guide the latter to an Oscar for The Fighter, then a nomination for American Hustle — but while Bale is welcomely and entertainingly loose and freewheeling, and given ample opportunity to show his comic chops in his expressive face and physicality alone, Amsterdam is unlikely to complete the trifecta of Academy Awards recognition. The lively movie's cast is its strongest asset, though, including the convincing camaraderie between Bale, John David Washington (Malcolm & Marie) and Margot Robbie (The Suicide Squad). They play pals forged in friendship during World War I, then thanks to a stint in the titular Dutch city. A doctor, a lawyer and a nurse — at least at some point in the narrative — they revel in love and art during their uninhabited stay, then get caught in chaos 15 years later. Amsterdam begins in the later period, with Burt Berendsen (Bale) tending to veterans — helping those with war injuries and lingering pain, as he himself has — without a medical license. He once had a Park Avenue practice, but his military enlistment and his fall from the well-heeled set afterwards all stems from his snobbish wife Beatrice (Andrea Riseborough, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain) and her social-climbing (and prejudiced) parents. As he did in the war, however, Burt aids who he can where he can, including with fellow ex-soldier Harold Woodman (Washington). That's how he ends up lending a hand (well, a scalpel) to the well-to-do Liz Meekins (Taylor Swift, Cats) after the unexpected death of her father and their old Army general (Ed Begley Jr, Better Call Saul). The bereaved daughter suspects foul play and Burt and Harold find it, but with fingers pointing their way when there's suddenly another body. Two police detectives (The Old Guard's Matthias Schoenaerts and The Many Saints of Newark's Alessandro Nivola), both veterans themselves, come a-snooping — and Burt and Harold now have two tasks. Clearing their names and figuring out what's going on are intertwined, of course, and also just the start of a story that isn't short on developments and twists (plus early flashes back to 1918 to set up the core trio, their bond, their heady bliss and a pact that they'll keep looking out for each other). There's a shagginess to both the tale and the telling, because busy and rambling is the vibe, especially with so much stuffed into the plot. One of Amsterdam's worst traits is its overloaded and convoluted feel, seeing that there's the IRL past to explore, a message about history repeating itself to deliver along with it, and enough mayhem to fuel several romps to spill out around it. The pacing doesn't help, flitting between zipping and dragging — and usually busting out the wrong one for each scene. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 28; August 4, August 11, August 18 and August 25; and September 1, September 8, September 15, September 22 and September 29. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Thor: Love and Thunder, Compartment No. 6, Sundown, The Gray Man, The Phantom of the Open, The Black Phone, Where the Crawdads Sing, Official Competition, The Forgiven, Full Time, Murder Party, Bullet Train, Nope, The Princess, 6 Festivals, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Crimes of the Future, Bosch & Rockit, Fire of Love, Beast, Blaze, Hit the Road, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Orphan: First Kill, The Quiet Girl, Flux Gourmet, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Clean, You Won't Be Alone, See How They Run, Smile, On the Count of Three and The Humans.
Sophomore albums can be notoriously tricky. They often arrive with built-in expectations: was the original a one-off, or has the talent evolved? Can the follow-up still command attention when the landscape has — inevitably — shifted, and new stars are vying for the spotlight? These questions loom even larger when the sequel lands more than two decades after a debut that's still considered a classic. Flaminia, the new harbourside restaurant from Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini, answers these questions with quiet confidence. Perched above Circular Quay in the Pullman Quay Grand, it feels less like an attempt to outdo the pair's much-loved Pilu at Freshwater and more like a considered companion piece — a continuation of the same story rather than reinvention for its own sake. It also completes a trio of new venues from Accor's new in-house hospitality arm, Table For, following the launch of Bar Allora with The Maybe Group on Bond Street and, just upstairs from Flaminia, Acapulco El Vista, where The Maybe Group handles the drinks and Pilu oversees the food. [caption id="attachment_1051732" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] With a name taken from the ship that brought the Pilu family from Italy to Sydney in 1959, Flaminia is anchored in personal history and a sense of passage between shores. That idea carries through to the menu, which charts its way across Italy's great port cities as it presents start-to-finish culinary journeys through Caligari, Naples, Venice, Genoa and Palermo. It's a playful — and refreshingly transparent — structure that also puts local produce front and centre: the crudo selection, for example, features Spencer Gulf kingfish and Bermagui yellowfin, while mains include a Venitian-style murray cod, gently cooked with spinach, lemon and white wine, and an order-ahead maialetto arrosto— a slow-roasted Western Plains half suckling pig served with roast potatoes for groups of up to five. Drinks follow the same shoreline sensibility, tracing Italy's coast from Liguria down to Sicily with a focus on Sardinian varieties and the occasional antipodean label in the mix. Cocktails — like a lavender and Cynar spritz, a pesto-spiked bloody mary and a Mirto Rosso sour — are built for long lunches and sun-soaked aperitivo sessions. [caption id="attachment_1051756" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] It all takes place in a cleverly designed dining room by Studio Gram, where soft timber, textured stone and sculptural curves subtly reference a ship's interior without ever lapsing into theme, and creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed but polished. There's an ease to it all — the kind that comes from a team no longer trying to prove anything. If Pilu at Freshwater was the breakout debut, Flaminia feels like the confident follow-up. [caption id="attachment_1051728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Images: Nikki To.
Think of the Gold Coast and your mind probably jumps straight to its picturesque beaches, beloved theme parks and the lively strip of Surfer's Paradise. While these can all make for a brilliant getaway, the Gold Coast has a number of year-round events that give the holiday destination a cultural edge. From world-class sporting spectacles to exciting festivals, Get Up and Gold Coast in 2026, and plan a trip around these exciting events. AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 This March, the Gold Coast is hosting one of the premier sporting events of the year: the AFC Women's Asia Cup 2026. Alongside Sydney and Perth, the Gold Coast will become a bucket list destination for football fans. The Gold Coast Stadium will host four group matches from Monday, March 2, until Sunday, March 8. This includes the Matildas' second group match, followed by two rounds of play-offs on Thursday, March 19. Whether you're a sports fan or not, there's no denying the buzz and atmosphere that comes from a major sporting event like this. There are still tickets available, so be sure to nab yours and book in a Gold Coast escape. Australian WPGA Championship The Australian Women's Professional Golfers' Association Championship brings the world's best female golfers to the Gold Coast. Players will compete for the Karrie Webb Cup (and $600,000 in prize money) at the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club and the Palms Golf Course from Thursday, March 19, until Sunday, March 22. Outside of the championship, the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village is your destination for sport and entertainment with food and beverage options, music, pop-up bars, dedicated fan zones, interactive golf challenges, chill-out areas and shopping. At WPGA, witness the best in golf while enjoying the Gold Coast's picturesque weather and scenery. WSL Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro In May, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro (part of the World Surf League Championship Tour event) will be held on the Gold Coast's golden beaches from Friday, May 1, until Monday, May 11. This year, the event is taking place in Snapper Rocks and is set to deliver world-class surfing. Past winners include Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina, so you know that it'll be worth the journey to see this year's talent on show. The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro is free to enter, so you and the family can witness the best surfers in the world compete up close and personal. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show One of the Southern Hemisphere's largest boat shows, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is an annual showcase of superyachts, sailboats, marine tech and waterfront appreciation. The event takes place over four action-packed days from Thursday, May 21, to Sunday, May 24. See superyachts up close and personal and revel in the luxurious waterfront lifestyle that the Gold Coast delivers in droves. Blues on Broadbeach Every May, the Gold Coast suburb of Broadbeach transforms into one of Australia's largest music festivals, Blues on Broadbeach. Across multiple indoor and outdoor stages, the four-day (and night) event is a celebration of soul, rhythm and blues music. It kicks off on Thursday, May 14, with a non-ticketed lineup that includes Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Robert Finley, The Lachy Doley Trio, and many more. While most of the festival is free, the Sunday Ticket offers exclusive access to a stellar lineup. On Sunday, May 17, ARIA Award-winning The Teskey Brothers and special guests Judith Hill and Ash Grunwald will perform to the crowd as the sun sets over Broadbeach. Alongside live performances, you can wander between beachfront parks, bars and pop-ups, making it the ultimate chilled Gold Coast experience for music lovers. Cooly Rocks On Coolangatta puts on its retro filter the first weekend in June with Cooly Rocks On. The nostalgia-fuelled street party is a celebration of the motors, music and lifestyle of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s with classic car displays, a pin-up pageant, live gigs and vintage beachfront markets, all free to explore. From Wednesday, June 3, until Sunday, June 7, you can browse through a selection of retro treasures and memorabilia and listen to some of the finest rock 'n' roll, swing, rockabilly and tribute artists from around the world. There's also a preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Contest taking place. Cooly Rocks On is one of three festivals in the country to host this round, and the winner will secure a spot at Elvis Week in Memphis. Rock on. Pacific Airshow The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast transforms the city's famous beachfront into an open-air runway. From Friday, August 14, until Sunday, August 16, fighter jets, aerobatic teams and precision solo flyers will take to the skies for a weekend of high-octane airshows. Enjoy general admission, or take it up a notch with hospitality experiences at the Garden Bar or Beach Club. Ticket holders can enjoy a curated menu of food and drinks, a patio area with seating and shade, private restrooms, and live airshow commentary. It's a Gold Coast-style winter escape. Bleach* It's not just Melbourne and Sydney hosting the country's premier cultural events. Bleach* Festival is a contemporary arts festival running from Thursday, October 1, until Sunday, October 11. The spring festival brings dance, art, music, exhibitions, and panels across three vibrant festival hubs: Kurrawa Park, Emerald Lakes, and the Gold Coast's Home Of The Arts (HOTA). There's a range of free and ticketed events to choose from, with the full lineup released later in the year. Keep your eyes peeled and book in some cultural experiences. Groundwater Country Music Festival Is country music more your scene? Groundwater Country Music Festival is the Gold Coast's destination for all things boots, banjos and beachside twang. Taking over the streets of Broadbeach from Friday, October 16, until Sunday, October 18, the free three-day festival brings a stacked lineup of Australian and international acts. While the 2026 lineup is yet to be announced, the October festival is a must-do for music lovers on the Gold Coast. Expect line-dancing sessions, street food, pop-up bars and a laidback coastal atmosphere complete with cowboy hats. Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 The Gold Coast 500 turns Surfers Paradise into a high-speed street circuit, bringing Supercars racing right into the heart of the city. For one adrenaline-fuelled weekend from Friday, October 23 until Sunday, October 25, the sound of engines echoes between skyscrapers as drivers battle it out just metres from the beach. Whether you're a die-hard motorsport fan or simply keen for a high-energy weekend by the beach, the event blends sun, speed and spectacle. Explore more events and accommodation options, and be ready to Get Up and Gold Coast. Image credit: Supplied
Randwick has a new kid on the block. Taking its name from the opening lines of Hunter S. Thompson's cult classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Bat Country adds a touch of cool to The Spot's bustling hub of tapas and Thai restaurants. Opposite the beloved, golden-age Ritz Cinema, this sharp new drinking hole brands itself as a local's bar, aiming to create an atmosphere that bridges the gap between restaurant and watering hole. Or, as owner Collin Perillo puts it, "the kind of place where Raoul Duke would go to write copy." The decor of the raw brick interior reeks of Beat Generation swagger. Wander through and you'll find a cluster of cosy booths and a sweet little nook by the kitchen that feels just like hanging out in your grandma's living room. There's also a spread of '60s Americana paraphernalia and some kickass antler chandeliers. The overall effect is a stylishly outdated but authentic atmosphere. It's also refreshing not to be overpowered by the music. Looping through the likes of Johnny Cash and the Rolling Stones (testament to a committed theme), this small bar has achieved the perfect balance of tunes and chatter. Bat Country offers a tight cocktail list of innovative concoctions, served by very competent bartenders in Hawaiian shirts (if you're lucky). From the happy-go-lucky Junkie George Fizz (Wild Turkey Bourbon, honey, orange and mint, $16) to the slightly formidable-sounding God's Own Prototype (Havana 7 year rum, Chartreuse, Maraschino, lemon, Angostura, $16), there's a bright array of sweet and sour that will tickle your tastebuds well into the night. Also, The Best Drink in the World (Flor de Cana Extra Dry Rum, lime, sugar, $18) is bound to strike your attention. Whether it is or not is disputable, though it's darn refreshing. Onto beer. There's a steady flow of Young Henrys on tap, a handful of craft brews from Western Australia, and a hearty Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA ($11), which is probably kingpin of the beer list. Bat Country also caters a luscious range of tasty share plates, such as the Bloody Chunk'a Rump ($15), served strictly medium rare. Or, if you're hankering for a seafood fix, Kitchen Chef Tim's Salt and Pepper Squid with wasabi mayo and dressed greens ($16.50) is sure to sort you out. This nifty addition offers a friendly and relaxed vibe. It's a much-needed diversification of The Spot's dining scene, and it's already a buzzing success. Swing by around 8pm on a Friday or Saturday, and you'll struggle to get a seat. It is a touch pricey, which may not fly with the student demographic, but you get what you pay for. On the whole, Bat Country is bound to make you feel like a local. Here's hoping it's the leader in a burgeoning Randwick bar scene.
The results of the 36th edition of the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition have just been announced, revealing the best pies, sausage rolls and pasties across Australia. The competition, which ran over four days at the Fine Food Event at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, welcomed over 1500 entries from more than 200 bakeries. This year's winners, across 15 categories, came from far and wide. Paradise Bakehouse in Bundaberg, Queensland, won the award for the best plain meat pie. Banana Boogie in Belair, South Australia, took out the award for the best plain sausage roll. The best gourmet pie was a beef bourguignon version from Mount Barker Country Bakery in Western Australia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daisy (@australia.food.drink) There is a wide range of categories judged, including everything from the best gourmet seafood pie to the best slow-cooked barbecue pie and the best brekkie pie. The best vegetarian pie was a roasted cauliflower pie with black truffle and provolone cheese sauce. An apple and raspberry pie from Miami Bakehouse Greenfield in Western Australia took out the dessert pie category. Victoria took out the best manufacturing sausage roll, the best gourmet game pie, and the best gluten-free pie awards. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miami Bakehouse (@miamibakehouse) Over $50,000 in prize money and products were on the table, but the real prize of the competition in the past has been the remarkable boost in sales for winning bakeries. Previous winning bakeries have attracted customers from hours away, with lines out the door, to try their award-winning goods. Images: Supplied. For the full list of winners, check out the official website. If all this talk of pies and pastries has made you hungry, check out the best bakeries in Melbourne.
Literally massive news, movie lovers: IMAX is bringing its big-screen experience to Queensland. Australia's number of giant spots to catch a film is expanding to three, with the Gold Coast joining Sydney and Melbourne. Cinephiles will be able to check out the new screen before 2024 is out, with the country's latest IMAX set to open before Christmas and Boxing Day. The Sunshine State has been in this situation before, however. South Bank's Cineplex in Brisbane was previously an IMAX but, while it still has the towering screen in operation, the picture palace hasn't shown the format for more than a decade. Accordingly, Brisbanites are set for a trip down the highway — and tourists to the Gold Coast who are keen on catching a flick during their stay have somewhere huge to hit up. The movie haven to head to: Event Cinemas Pacific Fair in Broadbeach, with an existing auditorium transforming for IMAX, which is being custom-built in. Expect a 1.1:9 aspect ratio screen, with images flickering across it thanks to IMAX 4K laser projection. There's no word yet if, like its counterparts down south, the Gold Coast's IMAX will be one of the biggest cinema screens in the world. IMAX Corporation and hospitality company EVT are aiming for a Thursday, December 19 launch, which means opening with Mufasa: The Lion King — and then showing 2024's Boxing Day slate. On an ongoing basis, film fans can expect to see not just blockbusters, but also concert films, documentaries and live events make the most of IMAX. The Gold Coast will now boast two sizeable ways to get a movie fix, with surround-screen viewing experience ScreenX making its Australian debut at Event Cinemas Robina back in 2023. Three walls, three screens, a 270-degree field of view: that's the maths behind that concept, which uses multi-projection across a screen area measuring 67.7 metres. Also in 2023, after IMAX Sydney reopened at Darling Harbour following a seven-year period where it was demolished and then rebuilt, it was revealed that another IMAX was on its way to Sydney. While it's planned for an existing Event Cinemas location as well, it hasn't come to fruition as yet. "At EVT, our vision has always been to provide experiences that escape the ordinary, and IMAX embodies that ethos. Queenslanders have long desired an IMAX cinema, and we are thrilled to bring this incredible cinematic experience to the Gold Coast," said Daniel McCabe, EVT's General Manager, Cinema Operations Australia. "Australia boasts an exceptionally passionate moviegoing audience and 2024 has already become the highest-grossing year for IMAX in the country since 2016. With audience demand at an all-time high, we couldn't be more excited to bring The IMAX Experience to the Gold Coast," added IMAX Chief Sales Officer Giovanni Dolci. IMAX will open at Event Cinemas Pacific Fair, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Level 1/1571 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach, in the lead up to Christmas 2024 — expected on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Head to the cinema's website for more details. Images: IMAX Queensgate NZ and IMAX Sydney.
Melbourne's cultural tapestry weaves some of its most dynamic colours in South Melbourne where the pulse of the city's south beats with a rhythm that promises something truly stunning for every hour. About 12,000 people call South Melbourne home and lucky them, they get to experience the joys of an Albert Park lake stroll and a South Melbourne dim sim every day. But as for the rest of us, we'll have to settle for just visiting. But what if you only had one day? How would you make the most of your time? Well, let's find out. MORNING If the early bird gets the worm and the second mouse gets the cheese, the South Melbourne visitor needn't worry about any of that, because chances are if you're reading this, you're a human. However, no matter your species, it is recommended to rise just before the sun so you can be at Albert Park Lake as that giant fireball in the sky says good morning to the planet. Yes, waking that early sucks, but if you can do it, the reward will be immense. The lake and its surrounds are stunning at all times of day but with a dynamic pastel backdrop of orange sky and brightening light it is particularly special. Next, we need coffee. A morning is only as good as the coffee that accompanies it — cue The Kettle Black, where baristas craft seriously decent coffee. Stick around for a while and take in the vibe, the airy sun-drenched space is worth lingering over. [caption id="attachment_925199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oven-fresh croissants at Chez Dre[/caption] Next, head to the Austro Bakery and nab yourself a giant pretzel, loaf of sourdough or anything else your heart desires. You really can't go wrong here as the bakery effortlessly blends tradition of centuries-old European baking inspiration with a modern twist. Speaking of baked goods, you might also want to swing by Chez Dre, a French-inspired cafe serving cakes and brunch that will transport you to Paris with every flaky bite of its chocolate croissants. Finally, round off the morning with a visit to See Yup Temple, built originally in 1856 then rebuilt and expanded a decade later. The oldest Chinese temple in Australia is a real historical treat right here in Melbourne and the perfect place to take a quiet moment before things start ramping up for the rest of the day. AFTERNOON By afternoon, South Melbourne Market beckons with the siren call of a South Melbourne dim sim — it would be a crime and an affront to all things good and holy not to. This is a sacred place for dim sim lovers the world over, a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. To taste the South Melbourne dim sim is to experience a little piece of delicious Australian history. So go on, grab one, or grab a few, and let's get going. Next up? Get in loser, we're going shopping. Check out Clarendon, Coventry, Cecil and Park streets for a little bit of retail therapy at some of Melbourne's coolest boutiques. If you're into good design, cute homewares and anything even remotely fashion-related, this is your time to shine as you hunt for a hidden gem in South Melbourne's leafy shopping streets. To keep the artisanal vibe going, pop into the Australian Tapestry Workshop on Park Street. It's been spinning some of Australia's most stunning tapestries since 1976 and is the only one of its kind in Australia, as well as among just a handful around the world. Guests can check out its two galleries, which showcase exhibitions of tapestries and modern art on a rotating basis. It also runs tapestry classes and workshops regularly. And finally, for a laidback interlude, pop into Westside Ale Works — a cosy laneway brewpub hidden on Alfred Street just begging you to stay for a while and enjoy a nice afternoon pint (or several). EVENING As the sun dips and evening colours the sky, a stroll along Port Melbourne Beach offers the perfect canvas for a sunset walk — bonus points if you're with that special someone, this is seriously romantic. And if you don't have that special someone, you'll find someone one day, or maybe you won't! Either way, a sunset stroll on the beach is lovely. Next, follow the scent of a woodfired grill to Half Acre, a once dilapidated mill that's been transformed into a fine spot to enjoy a hearty feast of great, simple food with Middle Eastern and Euro influences amid an instantly warm atmosphere that feels like elevated dining at a friend's place. Afterwards, head to Bellota Wine Bar and enjoy a glass of red, or white, or orange — given it is home to literally thousands of wine bottles. Whether you're sitting at the bar, the tables, or in the courtyard, the vibe is sure to be immaculate. LATE-NIGHT FUN The night is still young; it's only natural we go bar hopping. Head to gorgeous Hatted bistro James for a European wine bar feeling with hints of Japanese inspiration on its fantastic degustation menu. Or for something more casual venture up to The Albion Rooftop to enjoy the spectacular cityscape vista, or pop by The Montague in the leafy backstreets for a nice cocktail in the inviting outdoor seating. Obviously, we suggest all three, as well as any more you might encounter on your journey. South Melbourne is your oyster, and all its bars lead to a good time. And now for the best part of the night. Head to Dessertopia for some of the most visually pleasing desserts you'll ever see. Seriously, they look so good you'll almost feel bad eating them (almost). Don't take our word for it, check out its Insta. Yes, that's right, glow-in-the-dark cupcakes. What a time to be alive. Enjoy and bask in the sweet glow, you had the ultimate day (and night) in South Melbourne. Now go get some rest, you must be exhausted. Looking to make the most of your next city break? Explore more of your city this summer with the City of Port Phillip.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. NO TIME TO DIE James Bond might famously prefer his martinis shaken, not stirred, but No Time to Die doesn't quite take that advice. While the enterprising spy hasn't changed his drink order, the latest film he's in — the 25th official feature in the franchise across six decades, and the fifth and last that'll star Daniel Craig — gives its regular ingredients both a mix and a jiggle. The action is dazzlingly choreographed, a menacing criminal has an evil scheme and the world is in peril, naturally. Still, there's more weight in Craig's performance, more emotion all round, and a greater willingness to contemplate the stakes and repercussions that come with Bond's globe-trotting, bed-hopping, villain-dispensing existence. There's also an eagerness to shake up parts of the character and Bond template that rarely get a nudge. Together, even following a 19-month pandemic delay, it all makes for a satisfying blockbuster cocktail. For Craig, the actor who first gave Bond a 21st-century flavour back in 2006's Casino Royale (something Pierce Brosnan couldn't manage in 2002's Die Another Day), No Time to Die also provides a fulfilling swansong. That wasn't assured; as much as he's made the tuxedo, gadgets and espionage intrigue his own, the Knives Out and Logan Lucky actor's tenure has charted a seesawing trajectory. His first stint in the role was stellar and franchise-redefining, but 2008's Quantum of Solace made it look like a one-off. Then Skyfall triumphed spectacularly in 2012, before Spectre proved all too standard in 2015. Ups and downs have long been part of this franchise, depending on who's in the suit, who's behind the lens, the era and how far the tone skews towards comedy — but at its best, Craig's run has felt like it's building new levels rather than traipsing through the same old framework. In No Time to Die, Bond does need to look backwards, though — to loves lost, choices made and lingering enemies. Before Billie Eilish's theme song echoes over eye-catching opening credits, the film fills its first scenes with the past, starting with returning psychiatrist Madeleine Swan's (Léa Seydoux, Kursk) links to new mask-wearing villain Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek, The Little Things). There's patience and visual poetry to these early minutes amid Norway's snowy climes, even while littered with violence. No Time to Die is a lengthy yet never slow feature, and Bond first-timer Cary Joji Fukunaga doesn't begin with the pace he means to continue; however, the director behind True Detective's stunning first season establishes a sense of meticulousness, an eye for detail and an inclination to let moments last — and a striking look — that serves him exceptionally moving forward. Back in post-Spectre times, Bond and Swan enjoy an Italian holiday that's cut short by bomb blasts, bridge shootouts and other attempts on 007's life — and Fukunaga is quickly two for two in the action camp. No Time to Die segues commandingly from slow-building and foreboding to fast, frenetic and breathtaking in its two big opening sequences, setting itself a high bar. At this point, the narrative hasn't even properly kicked into gear yet. That happens five years later, when Bond is alone and retired in Jamaica (in a nice nod to where author Ian Fleming wrote his Bond stories). His old CIA pal Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright, Westworld) comes knocking, new politically appointed offsider Logan Ash (Billy Magnussen, The Many Saints of Newark) in tow, asking for the now ex-MI6 agent's help to foil the latest nefarious plan — involving a DNA-targeting virus fuelled by nanobots, of course — that's been hatched by terrorist organisation Spectre. Read our full review. THE POWER OF THE DOG Don't call it a comeback: Jane Campion's films have been absent from cinemas for 12 years but, due to miniseries Top of the Lake, she hasn't been biding her time in that gap. And don't call it simply returning to familiar territory, even if the New Zealand director's new movie features an ivory-tinkling woman caught between cruel and sensitive men, as her Cannes Palme d'Or-winner The Piano did three decades ago. Campion isn't rallying after a dip, just as she isn't repeating herself. She's never helmed anything less than stellar, and she's immensely capable of unearthing rich new pastures in well-ploughed terrain. With The Power of the Dog, Campion is at the height of her skills trotting into her latest mesmerising musing on strength, desire and isolation — this time via a venomous western that's as perilously bewitching as its mountainous backdrop. That setting is Montana, circa 1925. Campion's homeland stands in for America nearly a century ago, making a magnificent sight — with cinematographer Ari Wegner (Zola, True History of the Kelly Gang) perceptively spying danger in its craggy peaks and dusty plains even before the film introduces Rose and Peter Gordon (On Becoming a God in Central Florida's Kirsten Dunst and 2067's Kodi Smit-McPhee). When the widowed innkeeper and her teenage son serve rancher brothers Phil and George Burbank (The Courier's Benedict Cumberbatch and Antlers' Jesse Plemons) during a cattle-run stop, the encounter seesaws from callousness to kindness, a dynamic that continues after Rose marries George and decamps to the Burbank mansion against that stunning backdrop. Brutal to the lanky, lisping Peter from the outset, Phil responds to the nuptials with malice. He isn't fond of change, and won't accommodate anything that fails his bristling definition of masculinity and power, either. In a career-best, awards-worthy, downright phenomenal turn by Cumberbatch, Phil is all hawkish menace and bravado; he viciously calls his brother 'Fatso', his initial taunting of Peter over paper flowers and effete mannerisms is all the more ferocious for its dinner-table audience, and he's effusive in his admiration for Bronco Henry, the man's man who taught him everything he knows. Indeed, Phil's hyper-masculine air, complete with threatening and mocking banjo-plucking, soon drives Rose to drink. He'd rather still be bunking in with George, as they have for the quarter-century they've run their inherited ranch. He'd rather scare everyone away by failing to bathe, unless he's stealing off to a secret water hole — and by mixing his Yale classics degree into his sneering, too. The key to Cumberbatch's commanding performance isn't softening Phil or playing up his charisma, but conveying the battle of repression and self-resentment raging within; the cattleman has long tanned his own public persona, but he's as complex as rawhide. Adapting Thomas Savage's 1967 novel of the same name, Campion gives Phil's chomping misery ample company: in the sauced Rose, in the intimidating attitude that rolls around the ranch like a stubborn tumbleweed, and in Peter when he returns from his medical studies for the summer. The Power of the Dog lets this unhappy stew fester, adding grit to its brew with each passing scene and deepening its rich character studies in the process. The film's only misstep is pushing George aside, although the fact that his passivity — his main trait alongside tenderness — earns him less attention is an incisive touch. Rose becomes a supporting player as Phil and Peter's initially antagonistic relationship finds deeper dimensions but, in Dunst's hands, this is still an intense portrait of a woman heartbreakingly accustomed to being at others' whims. As a raw-boned young man who proves exacting and steely inside, Smit-McPhee isn't just similarly exceptional — he's revelatory. Read our full review. TICK, TICK... BOOM! "Try writing what you know." That's age-old advice, dispensed to many a scribe who hasn't earned the success or even the reaction they'd hoped, and it's given to aspiring theatre composer Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield, Under the Silver Lake) in Tick, Tick… Boom!. The real-life figure would go on to write Rent but here, in New York City in January 1990, he's working on his debut musical Superbia. It's a futuristic satire inspired by George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, and it's making him anxious about three things. Firstly, he hasn't yet come up with a pivotal second-act song that he keeps being told he needs. Next, he's staging a workshop for his debut production to gauge interest before the week is out — and this just has to be his big break. Finally, he's also turning 30 in days, and his idol Stephen Sondheim made his Broadway debut in his 20s. Tick, Tick… Boom! charts the path to those well-worn words of wisdom about drawing from the familiar, including Larson's path to the autobiographical one-man-show of the same name before Rent. And, it manages to achieve that feat while showing why such a sentiment isn't merely a cliche in this situation. That said, the key statement about mining your own experience also echoes throughout this affectionate movie musical in another unmissable way. Lin-Manuel Miranda didn't write Tick, Tick… Boom!'s screenplay; however, he does turn it into his filmmaking directorial debut — and what could be more fitting for that task from the acclaimed In the Heights and Hamilton talent than a loving ode (albeit an inescapably overexcited one) to the hard work put in by a game-changing theatre wunderkind? If this was a case of telling viewers that this is Miranda's movie without telling them, the concept would obviously do the trick. So would a few notable cameos in a standout song-and-dance number that's best discovered by watching. There's plenty in Tick, Tick… Boom! that was already layered with musical theatre history before it became a film, too; in the source material, Larson even wrote in a homage to Sondheim's own musical Sunday in the Park with George. That's the level of insider knowledge that's a foundation here, and the film frequently reverberates in an insular, theatre-obsessive, spot-the-references register. As great as it is if you stan the same productions and people, it also makes Tick, Tick… Boom! less accessible and resonant. It's as if Miranda can't choose between indulging his own adoration or truly sharing that love with his audience. (Tick, Tick… Boom! also became a three-person stage musical in 2001, and Miranda played its lead in a 2014 revival opposite Hamilton's Leslie Odom Jr and In the Heights' Karen Olivo.) Garfield's sing-to-the-rafters version of Larson is first seen in faux home-video footage, performing the rock monologue iteration of Tick, Tick… Boom!, his bouncy hair waving about as he croons and plays piano. Miranda and screenwriter Steven Levenson (Dear Evan Hansen) then segue between the lively presentation and the tale it also tells about Superbia, the looming workshop and the impending birthday. In the latter scenes, Larson can't come up with the missing song, earn enough as a composer to keep the power on, or juggle his pursuit of his dream with the complexities of his personal life. The alternative: opting for a safe career, which his ex-actor ex-roommate Michael (Robin de Jesus, The Boys in the Band) has done in advertising, and his dancer girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp, X-Men: Dark Phoenix) is contemplating with teaching. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29; August 5, August 12, August 19 and August 26; September 2, September 9, September 16, September 23 and September 30; October 7, October 14, October 21 and October 28; and November 4. For Sydney specifically, you can take a look at out our rundown of new films that released in Sydney cinemas when they reopened on October 11, and what opened on October 14, October 21 and October 28 as well. And for Melbourne, you can check out our top picks from when outdoor cinemas reopened on October 22 — and from when indoor cinemas did the same on October 29. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Herself, Little Joe, Black Widow, The Sparks Brothers, Nine Days, Gunpowder Milkshake, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Old, Jungle Cruise, The Suicide Squad, Free Guy, Respect, The Night House, Candyman, Annette, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Streamline, Coming Home in the Dark, Pig, Big Deal, The Killing of Two Lovers, Nitram, Riders of Justice, The Alpinist, A Fire Inside, Lamb, The Last Duel, Malignant, The Harder They Fall, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, Halloween Kills, Passing, Eternals, The Many Saints of Newark and Julia.
Before the pandemic, when a new-release movie started playing in cinemas, audiences couldn't watch it on streaming, video on demand, DVD or blu-ray for a few months. But with the past few years forcing film industry to make quite a few changes — widespread movie theatre closures will do that, and so will plenty of people staying home because they aren't well — that's no longer always the case. Maybe you haven't had time to make it to your local cinema lately. Perhaps you've been under the weather. Given the hefty amount of titles now releasing each week, maybe you simply missed something. Film distributors have been fast-tracking some of their new releases from cinemas to streaming recently — movies that might still be playing in theatres in some parts of the country, too. In preparation for your next couch session, here are 12 that you can watch right now at home. ASTEROID CITY In 1954, one of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest thrillers peeked through a rear window. In Wes Anderson's highly stylised, symmetrical and colour-saturated vision of 1955 in Asteroid City, a romance springs almost solely through two fellow holes in the wall. Sitting behind one is actor Midge Campbell (Scarlett Johansson, Black Widow), who visibly recalls Marilyn Monroe. Peering through the opposing space is newly widowed war photographer Augie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), who takes more than a few cues from James Dean. The time isn't just 1955 in the filmmaker's latest stellar masterpiece, but September that year, a month that would end with Dean's death in a car crash. Racing through the movie's eponymous setting — an 87-person slice of post-war midwest Americana with a landscape straight out of a western, the genre that was enjoying its golden age at the time — are cops and robbers speeding and careening in their vehicles. Meticulousness layered upon meticulousness has gleamed like the sun across Anderson's repertoire since 1996's Bottle Rocket launched the writer/director's distinctive aesthetic flair; "Anderson-esque" has long become a term. Helming his 11th feature with Asteroid City, he's as fastidious and methodical in his details upon details as ever — more so, given that each successive movie keeps feeling like Anderson at his most Anderson — but all of those 50s pop-culture shoutouts aren't merely film-loving, winking-and-nodding quirks. Within this picture's world, as based on a story conjured up with Roman Coppola (The French Dispatch), Asteroid City isn't actually a picture. "It is an imaginary drama created expressly for the purposes of this broadcast. The characters are fictional, the text hypothetical, the events an apocryphal fabrication," a Playhouse 90-style host (Bryan Cranston, Better Call Saul) informs. So, it's a fake play turned into a play for a TV presentation, behind-the-scenes glimpses and all. There Anderson is, being his usual ornate and intricate self, and finding multiple manners to explore art, authenticity, and the emotions found in and processed through works of creativity. Asteroid City is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE — DEAD RECKONING PART ONE Pick your poison, action-franchise edition circa 2023: balletically choreographed carnage; cars, kin and Coronas; or Tom Cruise (Top Gun: Maverick) constantly one-upping himself in the megastar stunts stakes. Hollywood loves them all. Screens keep welcoming them all. So, after John Wick: Chapter 4 and Fast X comes Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One to deliver the kind of movie spectacle that always looks best on the biggest and brightest of viewing formats. And, as its lead actor's gleaming teeth do, the seventh instalment in the TV-to-film spy series shines. Like Cruise himself, it's committed to giving audiences what they want to see, but never merely exactly what they've already seen. This saga hasn't always chosen to accept that mission, but it's been having a better time of it since 2011's Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, including when writer/director Christopher McQuarrie jumped behind the lens with 2015's Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Rubber masks so realistic that anyone on-screen could rip off their face to reveal Cruise's Ethan Hunt? Of course they're present and accounted for. Espionage antics that involve saving the world while traversing much of it? Tick that off ASAP. The saga's main Impossible Missions Force operative doing whatever it takes, including sprinting everywhere and relentlessly exasperating his higher-ups? Check. A trusty crew faithfully aiding the always-maverick Hunt, plus slippery adversaries to endeavour to outsmart? Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One gives them a hefty thumbs up as well. Shady forces with globe-destroying aims, being able to trust oh-so-few folks, wreaking slickly staged havoc, those jaw-dropping stunts, top-notch actors: Cruise and McQuarrie, the latter co-writing with Erik Jendresen (Ithaca), feel the need to feed it all into the flick, too. They're also rather fond of nodding to and reworking the franchise's greatest hits. Happily playing with recognisable pieces while eagerly, cleverly and satisfyingly building upon them isn't the easiest of skills, but it's firmly in this team's arsenal. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. BLUE BEETLE Buzzing at the heart of Blue Beetle are two contrasting notions: fitting in and standing out. Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña, Cobra Kai) wants to feel at home not just in his own slice of El Paso-esque Texan spot Palmera City, but beyond his neighbourhood. When he assists his sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo, Hocus Pocus 2) working at the well-to-do's houses, he searches for opportunities, especially given that he's in need of a steady job to help his family save their home as gentrification swoops in. Thanks to a run-in with Kord Industries, its warmongering CEO Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon, Maybe I Do) and an ancient artefact known as the scarab, however, the recent Gotham Law University graduate will soon be his hometown's most distinctive resident. Getting covered in blue armour, being able to fly — wings and other bug appendages come with the suit — and hearing a robotic voice (Becky G, Power Rangers) chatting in your head will do that, as will having a multinational company try to swat you down because it wants to deploy the technology RoboCop-style. So scampers the latest entry in the DC Extended Universe — a movie that grapples with the same concepts as the ever-earnest Jaime beyond its storyline. It slots into its franchise while providing something new 14 entries in, before the DCEU comes to an end with the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (under fresh DC leadership, a different silver-screen saga is coming, which might still link in with Blue Beetle). Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings), this is the superhero genre's first live-action flick with a Latino lead, be it from DC or Marvel. It's a family drama as much a caped-crusader affair. It's a story about immigrants striving to thrive and retain their own culture. And, it revels in an 80s sheen and sound. Blue Beetle battles enthusiastically to claim its own space, then, as almost constantly seen and felt. Alas, that doesn't stop it from getting generic as well, as much save-the-world fare is. Blue Beetle is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. BLACKBERRY There's rarely a still moment in BlackBerry. Someone is almost always moving, usually in a hurry and while trying to make their dreams come true everywhere and anywhere. Those folks include Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel, FUBAR) and Douglas Fregin (Matt Johnson, who also directs and writes as he did with The Dirties and Operation Avalanche). The pair created the game-changing smartphone that shares this movie's name. Also always frenetic: Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), the executive they pitch to, get knocked back by, then hire as co-CEO. That near non-stop go-go-go look and feel — cinematography that's constantly roving and zooming to match, too — isn't just a stylistic, screenwriting or performance choice. It's a case of art imitating the impact that the BlackBerry handsets and their tiny QWERTY keyboards had on late-90s and early-00s life. Before the iPhone and its fellow touchscreen competitors took over, it was the key device for anyone with a work mobile. The big selling point? Letting people do their jobs — well, receive and send emails — on the move, and everywhere and anywhere. Should you blame Research in Motion, the Canadian technology company that Lazaridis and Fregin founded, for shattering work-life balance? Dubbed "crackberries", their phones played a significant part in extending the office's reach. Is anyone being inundated with after-hours emails on a BlackBerry today? Unless they have an old handset in their button-pressing hands, it isn't likely — and BlackBerry the film explains why. Spinning on-screen product origin stories is one of 2023's favourites trend, as Tetris, Air and Flamin' Hot have demonstrated; however, history already dictates that the latest addition to that group doesn't have a happy ending. Instead, this immersive and gripping picture tells of two friends with big plans who achieved everything they ever wanted, but at a cost that saw the BlackBerry become everything, then nothing. Like its fellow object-to-screen flicks, it follows a big leap that went soaring; this one just crashed spectacularly afterwards. BlackBerry is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. CHEVALIER "He is the most accomplished man in Europe in riding, running, shooting, fencing, dancing, music." Writing in his diary in 1779 about Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, American Founding Father and future second US President John Adams didn't hold back with his praise. But the world has barely taken his cue in the nearly two-and-a-half centuries since, letting the tale of this gifted French Creole violinist, conductor and composer slip from wider attention. Within a sumptuous period drama that's charmingly, confidently and commandingly led by Kelvin Harrison Jr — with the Waves, The High Note, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Cyrano star full of mesmerising swagger, and also endlessly compelling as a talent forced to struggle as a person of colour in a white aristocratic world — Chevalier endeavours to redress this failing of history. Veteran television director Stephen Williams (Watchmen, Westworld, Lost) and screenwriter Stefani Robinson (Atlanta, What We Do in the Shadows) begin their Bologne biopic boldly, playfully and with a front-on confrontation of the "Black Mozart" label that's surrounded their subject when he has been remembered — even if they also commence Chevalier with likely fiction. In pre-revolution Paris in the late 18th century, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Joseph Prowen, Father Brown) has an enraptured crowd in his thrall as he both plays and conducts. He pauses, then prompts his audience for requests. The response comes as a surprise: Bologne striding down the aisle, asking if he too can pick up a violin, then getting duelling with the musical instrument against the acclaimed maestro. Williams and Robinson start their film with a statement, announcing that they're celebrating a life that's been left not only ignored and erased — especially in a realm that's so often considered old, stuffy and definitely not culturally diverse — but also been stuck lingering in someone else's shadow. Chevalier is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. SANCTUARY Succession with BDSM. A reminder that love can sear. A slinky two-hander that's sometimes about only having one free hand. Sanctuary is all of the above, plus a psychosexual battle and a romp of a twisty erotic thriller-meets-romantic comedy — and also a reminder that there's something about Christopher Abbott in chic hotel rooms being teased out of his comfort zone by blonde sex workers (see also: Piercing). There's something about the actor in confined settings in general (see there: Possessor, The Forgiven and Black Bear), but only this supremely confident affair about a significantly complicated affair pairs him with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood breakout Margaret Qualley. As they verbally tussle and sometimes physically tumble, unpacking class, control, chemistry, intimacy and authority along the way, they're a chamber-piece dream. Sanctuary's chamber: a sleekly appointed suite decked out in saturated colours and ornate patterns at one of the 112 hotels that share Hal Porterfield's (Abbott, The Crowded Room) surname. And the piece's point? The thorny, horny relationship between the born-to-privilege heir and Rebecca (Qualley, Stars at Noon), who enters his room with a sharp knock, a no-nonsense stare, business attire and a briefcase filled with paperwork. Hal's father has just passed away, and he's now Kendall Roy awaiting the anointing that he's been promised since birth. His companion runs through background-check questions, veering into the highly personal. Soon, after drinks, dismay and a snappy debate, he's on his hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom while she watches on. Now he's Roman Roy, complete with dirty-talk banter, but in a film directed by sophomore helmer Zachary Wigon (The Heart Machine) and penned by Micah Bloomberg (Homecoming). Sanctuary is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. BIOSPHERE If an apocalypse ever brings humanity so close to extinction that there might only be two people left, one thing is certain: if that duo is together and can communicate, they'll spend most of their time nattering about nothing. They'll talk. They'll argue. They'll fill the days, months and years by talking and arguing. They'll still be human, in other words, doing what humans do. Biosphere sets up house within this very scenario, and in that exact truth. Here, lifelong pals Billy (Mark Duplass, Language Lessons) and Ray (Sterling K Brown, This Is Us) are the only folks left after the planet has met a catastrophic fate — one that, because he was the US President when things went dystopian, Billy likely had a hand in — and they're now confined to the movie's titular structure. So, they talk. Sometimes, they argue. When first-time feature-length filmmaker Mel Eslyn plunges the audience into this situation, her characters have been talking and arguing, then arguing and talking, for so long that it's just what they do. Working with a script that she co-penned with Duplass, Eslyn introduces Biosphere's viewers to a self-contained ecosystem of discussing and disagreeing. In the abode designed and built by Ray, a scientist and Billy's former advisor, this pair has no other choice. "Self-contained" perfectly sums up the sensation when the film begins flickering, too — as Ray and Billy go for their daily jog around the sphere, talking and arguing as they trot, their dynamic and their routine is conveyed with such efficiency that it feels like you've been watching for longer than you have. Biosphere doesn't drag, though. Rather, it's excellent at constructing a lived-in world with Billy and Ray as they live through what could be the end of the world. It's ace at storytelling as well, but the talking, the arguing, and the immersive and relatable air all smartly say plenty about a movie that recognises from the outset how adaptable people are. Biosphere is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. EGO: THE MICHAEL GUDINSKI STORY Post-viewing soundtrack, sorted: to watch Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story is to take a trip down memory lane with the Australian music industry and hear homegrown standouts from the past five decades along the way. Unsurprisingly, this documentary already has an album to go with it, a stacked release which'd instantly do its eponymous figure proud. His tick of approval wouldn't just stem from the artists surveyed, but because Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story's accompanying tunes comprise a three-disc number like Mushroom Records' first-ever drop, a 1973 Sunbury Festival live LP. To tell the tale of Gudinski, the record executive and promoter who became a household name, is to tell of Skyhooks, Split Enz, Hunters & Collectors, Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Kylie Minogue, Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi, Bliss n Esso, The Temper Trap, Gordi and Vance Joy, too — and to listen to them. Need this on-screen tribute to give you some kind of sign that the Gudinski and Mushroom story spans a heap of genres? Both the film and the album alike include Peter Andre. Any journey through Michael Gudinski's life and career, from his childhood entrepreneurship selling car parks on his family's vacant lot to his years and years getting Aussie music to the masses — and, on the touring side, bringing massively popular overseas artists to Aussies — needs to also be an ode to the industry that he adored. The man and scene are inseparable. But perhaps Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story plays as such an overt love letter to Australian music because it's an unashamed hagiography of Gudinski. Although the movie doesn't deliver wall-to-wall praise, it comes close. When it begins to hint at any traces of arrogance, moodiness or ruthlessness, it quickly does the doco equivalent of skipping to the next track. Australian Rules and Suburban Mayhem director Paul Goldman, a seasoned hand at music videos as well, has called his feature Ego and there's no doubting his subject had one; however, the takeaway in this highly authorised biography is that anything that doesn't gleam was simply part of his natural mischievousness and eager push for success. Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. DRACULA: VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER In the Bram Stoker vampire novel that's inspired almost all other vampire novels, Dracula is undead. In popular culture since and forever, the fictional Transylvanian bloodsucker will never die. Regardless of his fate on the page back in 1897, the most-portrayed character in horror movies ever keeps baring his fangs on-screen, rising again and again like the sun that this creature of the night can never bask in. 2023 brings two new Dracula films, which isn't overly notable, but this crop of Stoker-influenced flicks doesn't simply retell the usual 126-year-old tale. Leaning into comedy and action, Renfield sunk its teeth in by giving the vampire's long-suffering familiar some love. Now the dread-dripping Dracula: Voyage of the Demeter hones in on one chapter of the book that started it all, detailing the captain's log from the neck-munching fiend's journey to London via ship. Starring for Trollhunter, The Autopsy of Jane Doe and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark director André Øvredal: Corey Hawkins (In the Heights) as physician Clemens, Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale) as stowaway Anna and Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) as Captain Eliot. The former hops onto the latter's ship in Eastern Europe, where a promised job falls through due to his race, forcing a pivot onto the Demeter's crew to return to England. Clemens isn't the only new boarding, with the vessel also welcoming 50 unmarked crates from the Carpathian Mountains. Given that the film is named Dracula: Voyage of the Demeter Down Under — elsewhere, it's known as just The Last Voyage of the Demeter — there's no surprises about what's among the cargo. So, as initially told in Dracula's seventh chapter, in the epistolary format of letters, journals and clippings that Stoker's tome deployed across the entire novel, the key contents of those mysterious wooden chests soon begins offing fellow seafarers. Dracula: Voyage of the Demeter is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. GRAN TURISMO: BASED ON A TRUE STORY Speeding onto screens with instant brand awareness is 2023's big trend. Air, Tetris, The Super Mario Bros Movie, Flamin' Hot and Barbie: they've all been there and done that already. Now it's Gran Turismo's turn, albeit with a film that isn't quite based on the video game of the same name. Directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium, Chappie), and penned by Jason Hall (American Sniper) and Zach Baylin (King Richard), it also doesn't tell the racing simulator's origin story. Rather, this pedal-to-the-metal flick focuses on the real-life Nissan PlayStation GT Academy initiative from 2008–16, and the tale of British racer Jann Mardenborough specifically. The overall program endeavoured to turn the world's top Gran Turismo players into IRL motorsports drivers — and the Cardiff-raised Mardenborough is one of its big success stories. The ins and outs of GT Academy receives hefty attention in Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, plus Mardenborough's (Archie Madekwe, Beau Is Afraid) life-changing experience along with it; however, much is also made of a massive marketing push. Here, Nissan executive Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom, Carnival Row) wants to attract new customers, ideally those leaping from mashing buttons to hitting the road. Accordingly, he conjures up the console-to-racetrack idea to help make that sales boost happen, even if racing veteran Jack Salter (David Harbour, Violent Night) is skeptical when asked to come onboard as a trainer. You don't see it in Gran Turismo the feature, but surely taking the whole situation into cinemas if the underlying concept proved a hit was part of that initial plan as well. Amid the ample product placement anywhere and everywhere that the film can slide it in, that certainty thrums constantly. Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. STRAYS Canines are so beloved in cinema that the Cannes Film Festival even gives them a gong: the Palm Dog, which has been awarded to a performing pooch (sometimes several) annually since 2001. Among the past winners sit pups in Marie Antoinette, Up, The Artist, Paterson, Dogman and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — most real, one animated, some anointed posthumously and none scoring their prize for a quest to bite off someone's penis. That genitals-chomping journey belongs to the four-legged stars of Strays alone. They're played by actual animals, with CGI assisting with moving lips and particularly raucous turns, and they're unlikely to win any accolades for this raunchy lost-dog tale. The pooches impress. They're always cute. Also, they're capable of digging up laughs. But Strays is a one-bark idea that's tossed around as repetitively as throwing a tennis ball to your fluffy pal: take a flick about adorable dogs, and talking ones at that, then make it crude and rude. Games of fetch do pop up in Strays, but via a version that no loving pet owner would ever want to play. This one is called "fetch and fuck", with stoner and constant masturbator Doug (Will Forte, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson) doing the pitching. He isn't a kindly human companion to Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell, Barbie). He's cruel and resentful — and constantly drives Reggie to various distant spots, sends him running and ditches the pooch. With unwavering affection, plus the naivety to only see the good in his chosen person, Reggie thinks that it's all meant to be fun until he's abandoned in a city hours away. There, he meets Boston terrier Bug (Jamie Foxx, They Cloned Tyrone), Australian shepherd Maggie (Isla Fisher, Wolf Like Me) and great dane Hunter (Randall Park, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania). Realising the truth about his relationship with Doug, he's sent by Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar director Josh Greenbaum and American Vandal creator/writer Dan Perrault on a canines-gone-wild revenge mission with his new dog squad trotting along to help. Strays is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. HAUNTED MANSION There's almost nothing that's bold about Haunted Mansion, but making the Disney family-friendly horror-comedy about moving on from the past is downright audacious. What the film preaches, the company behind it isn't practising — with this specific movie or in general. This flick isn't the first that's based on the Mouse House's The Haunted Mansion theme-park attraction, thanks to a 2003 Eddie Murphy (You People)-starring feature. In 2021, the entertainment behemoth also combined the Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland highlight with The Muppets in streaming special Muppets Haunted Mansion. And, no matter how Haunted Mansion circa 2023 fares at the box office, there's no doubting that the idea will get another spin down the line. Nearly everything Disney does; this is the corporation that keeps remaking its animated hits as live-action pictures (see: The Little Mermaid), revelling in sequels even decades later (see: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), and getting franchises sprawling as films and TV shows alike (see: Marvel and Star Wars). When Dear White People and Bad Hair filmmaker Justin Simien begins his Haunted Mansion, it's with backstory that explains why astrophysicist Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield, Atlanta) is himself so unwilling to embrace the future. He meets Alyssa (Charity Jordan, They Cloned Tyrone), falls in love, then understandably falls apart when he's suddenly a widower — and, once he's consumed by mourning he's committed to staying that way. Then priest and exorcist Father Kent (Owen Wilson, Loki) ropes him into a gig at the movie's central abode, enlisting not just his help but the use of his specially developed camera that photographs dark matter and, ideally, spectres. The gadget was a labour of love for Alyssa, who worked as a ghost tour guide around New Orleans, a job that Ben has swapped science and the lab for after her passing. Now, he needs his invention to assist Gabbie (Rosario Dawson, Ahsoka), a doctor who has just relocated with her son Travis (Chase W Dillon, The Harder They Fall) — while calling in psychic Harriet (Tiffany Haddish, The Afterparty) and college historian Bruce Davis (Danny DeVito, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) to also lend a hand. Haunted Mansion is available to stream via Disney+, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Looking for more at-home viewing options? Take a look at our monthly streaming recommendations across new straight-to-digital films and TV shows — and fast-tracked highlights from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August and September, too. You can also peruse our best new films, new TV shows, returning TV shows and straight-to-streaming movies of 2023 so far
There's always something going on in Sydney's nightlife labyrinth, YCK Laneways. This September, the buzzing venues around York, Clarence and Kent streets are painting the town negroni red. To mark Negroni Week's 13th global celebration, the CBD precinct is teaming up with Italian aperitif, Campari, to bring Sydneysiders a month-long negroni festival. Across the month, participating venues throughout YCK Laneways will be slinging three creative spins on the world's best-selling classic cocktail, including a signature negroni, a non-alc take, and the bartender's choice. Wondering which bar to head to first? At PS40, they're known for unexpected cocktail concoctions that include their own house-made sodas. Around the corner at Since I Left You, hang out under the fairy lights in the bar's atmospheric courtyard, while soaking up live music on the Garden Stage. Or at Jolene's, you can enjoy a Nashville-style take on a bar, with live country and western gigs throughout the week. While you're exploring the bars and sipping your way through each cocktail variation, you'll also stumble across live jazz music, roving performers, a a chance to win prizes with every negroni purchase. Plus, the laneways will be lit up with Lightstream, a new public lighting artwork that transforms the area into an immersive playgrounds. It all leads up to the official Negroni Week — running Monday, September 22 to Sunday, September 28 — which raises proceeds for Campari's charity partner, the Slow Food Negroni Week Fund. This fund supports a range of scholarships, awards and grants, so you'll know every sip goes towards something greater. We've all seen the Italian aperitif on cocktail menus. But did you know the negroni — made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, stirred over ice and served with an orange slice — dates back to 1919? The cocktail was named after Count Camillo Negroni, who asked a bartender to strengthen his Americano by swapping soda water for gin. Over a century later, the negroni remains a global favourite, loved for its bitter, sweet and botanical flavours. So, if you're going to raise a glass this spring, make sure it's red — because there's no Negroni without Campari. YCK Laneways' Negroni Month runs throughout September 2025 at Burrow Bar, Cash Only Diner, Esteban, Kahii Kissaten, Button Bar, Kuro, Next Door, Papa Gedes, Roast Republic, Since I Left You, Stitch Bar, The Barber Shop, The Duke of Clarence, Vinabar, Jolene's, Little National Hotel, PS40, Uncle Ming's. Head to the website for venue maps and drink menus. Please remember to drinkwise.
Arriving in the Blue Mountains village of Leura, the town's soundtrack normally consists of lorikeets and perhaps the distant trickle of cool-climate cascades. But with the opening of Little Sista, this historic commune and its picture-perfect shopping strip has scored a different kind of groove. Opened by Andrew and Dora Tsaroumis, this focaccia-first cafe is bringing plenty of flavour to the scene, with the family's Greek heritage informing its considered menu. Yet it goes deeper, too, drawing on the Hellenic philosophy of filoxenia — meaning "friend to strangers" — where every guest is embraced as part of the family. Besides this welcoming ideal, what gives Little Sista its edge is its love of vinyl tunes. Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, daily-made focaccia takes centre stage, while the cafe setup you'd normally expect feels a little more like a 60s lounge room. Linger with your sanga, bopping your head to the rhythm of the day. Don't assume the vinyl setup plays second fiddle. Built into custom cabinetry, a curated record collection is proudly displayed, while a Rega Planar 6 record player, Wharfedale Linton speakers and a Marantz Model 40n amplifier deliver the warm and uncompromising sounds of wax. As for the food menu, the Med-leaning options satisfy from the first bite. Take the crowd favourite — the 'Everything She Wants' — featuring prosciutto, mortadella, sopressa and more, served with mozzarella, pesto and sundried tomatoes. Meanwhile, Little Sista builds on everyday cafe staples, serving up iced lattes and matcha alongside fresh juices, traditional tiramisu and playful stone-fruit cheesecake served in cans, ready for a windy cruise through the Blue Mountains. "Everything centres around the focaccia, made fresh and served the way we love to eat it — simple, generous and made to be shared," says Andrew Tsaroumis, a Leura hospitality veteran for over 20 years. "It's fresh, it's fun and it still feels like home." Little Sista is open daily from 8am–4pm at 4/130-138 Megalong St, Leura. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Taking prime position on Kent Street, The James is bringing classic British dining rituals to Millers Point. Set within a charming space that makes you forget the world outside, The James is delivering elevated food and quality service. The latest venture from SRG Hospitality, the group behind venues such as Sails Lavender Bay, Akti and The Neilsen, draws on British heritage and old-world glamour to deliver a dining room that gives 'elevated grandma chic'. It's been designed by Perry Drakopoulos to reflect a modern interpretation of classic English dining rooms and hotel lounges with layered patterns, pink ruched curtains, bespoke ceramic lights and mosaic tile inlays. Head Chef Sam Tuchband's menu honours British icons, grounded in French technique and heroing quality ingredients. "I'm excited to welcome Sydneysiders, as well as guests from across Australia and beyond, to The James. I want people to experience my love for British cuisine. We have designed a menu where guests can visit time and time again and discover something new with each visit," says Tuchband. You might begin with Sydney Rockefeller Oysters, Welsh Rarebit Pain Perdue, or a luxe Lobster Arnold Bennett. Try Bubble & Squeak Lancashire Hotpot, a Blue Mackerel Nicoise, or the signature James Steak Tartare. Classic mains have a creative edge, such as beef short rib with Kampot pepper, Heritage lamb with leek and anchovy, and a spanner crab Waldorf. Or be adventurous and sample the likes of pigeon and venison. Tableside Beef Wellington brings a sense of theatre to the evening, as do showstopping desserts such as sticky toffee soufflé, fig tarte tatin, and rhubarb and custard millefeuille. Drakopoulos, Director at SRG, says, "The James takes something familiar and gives it fresh energy. Food, design, and atmosphere come together naturally. It's relaxed but considered, full of warmth and personality, and works just as well for a long lunch as it does late into the evening." Images: Zi Chen. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Stripping back the Big Macs, McDonalds is set to reveal its latest campaign in Paris — with no staged food styling in sight. Developed by TBWA Paris as a 'Pictogram' campaign, McDonalds' new billboards see paired down classics like chicken nuggets, fries and Big Macs (which all look undeniably stylin'). One of the world's most easily identifiable brands, McDonalds' minimalist campaign exposes how ingrained their products are in consumer consciousness. Creative director Jean-François Goize, copywriter Frank Marinus, and art director/illustrator Michael Mikiels are capitalising on your nomming muscle memory to fill in the gaps. TBWA London paved the way with this type of advertising campaign with their No Logo strategy for FCUK, with Lego picking up the logo-less brand identification technique for their 2012 ads. Imagination is the key. Business Insider pointed out that "most men, women, and children in the world know the Mickey D's staples like they know their own names." ABC found that kids were learning to identify logos before their alphabet. Check out the campaign below, alongside TBWA's Azealia Banks-fuelled ad, full of highly attractive, youthful 'street artists'. https://youtube.com/watch?v=OFu4cN7Df-8 Via Business Insider.
A magical-realist coming-of-age tale, a clear-eyed family drama, a twisty crime and detective thriller, a time capsule of Brisbane in the 80s: since first hitting the page in 2018, Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe has worn its happy flitting between different genres and tones, and constant seesawing from hope to heartbreak and back again, as confidently as readers have long envisaged Eli Bell's wide grin. That hopping and jumping, that refusal to be just one type of story and stick to a single mood, has always made sense on the page — and in the excellent seven-part Netflix adaptation that now brings Australia's fastest-selling debut novel ever to the screen from Thursday, January 11, it also couldn't feel more perfect. As played by the charmingly talented Felix Cameron (Penguin Bloom), Eli's smile is indeed big. As scripted by screenwriter John Collee (Hotel Mumbai), directed by Bharat Nalluri (The Man Who Invented Christmas) with Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) and Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket), and with Dalton and Joel Edgerton (The Stranger) among the executive producers, the miniseries version of Boy Swallows Universe embraces its multitudes wholeheartedly. Like style, like substance: a semi-autobiographical novel penned by a writer and journalist who lived variations of plenty that he depicts, learned and accepted early that everyone has flaws, and patently has the imagination of someone who coped with life's hardships as a child by escaping into dreams of an existence more fanciful, Dalton's tome and every iteration that it inspires has to be many things in one bustling package. Its characters are, after all. Seeing people in general, parts of a city usually overlooked, and folks with complicated histories or who've made questionable choices — those forced in particular directions out of financial necessity, too — in more than just one fashion flutters at the centre of Boy Swallows Universe. In the Australian Book Industry Awards' 2019 Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year, and now on streaming, Eli's nearest and dearest demand it. So does the enterprising Darra-dwelling 12-year-old boy who knows how to spy the best in those he loves, but remains well-aware of their struggles. His older brother Gus (Lee Tiger Halley, The Heights) hasn't spoken since they were younger, instead drawing messages in the sky with his finger, but is as fiercely protective as elder siblings get. Doting and dedicated mum Frankie (Phoebe Tonkin, Babylon) is a recovering heroin addict with a drug dealer for a partner. And Lyle Orlik (Travis Fimmel, Black Snow), that mullet-wearing stepfather, cares deeply about Eli and Gus — including when Eli convinces him to let him join his deliveries. Slim Halliday (Bryan Brown, Anyone But You), the boys' sometimes babysitter and frequent source of wisdom, endured a lengthy stretch in the infamous Boggo Road Gaol for a murder that he's adamant he didn't commit. He's at peace with doing that time, but he also broke out (and he's based on an IRL person, name and all). Eli and Gus' biological father Robert (Simon Baker, Limbo) is an alcoholic and agoraphobic bookworm more comfortable with novels than people, initially estranged from his sons when Boy Swallows Universe begins, yet devoted to them in his affections. And Eli himself is all precocious charisma and keen curiosity mixed with unflinching nerve, whether being picked on at school, standing up to criminal thugs, breaking into a prison or talking his way into a job. Unsurprisingly, that's a combination that lands him in as many jams as it gets him out of. In all takes so far (the stage in 2021 among them), Boy Swallows Universe follows Eli as Lyle's illicit profession has consequences, Frankie is incarcerated and Robert re-enters his sons' lives. There's a bouncy air to the TV series as it works through its plot, with Eli doing everything that he can to make sure his mum is okay and get to the bottom of a disappearance, as continues when the show jumps forward to find him as a 17-year-old (then played by Totally Completely Fine's Zac Burgess). Again, the approach and atmosphere apes Boy Swallows Universe's protagonist, who can rarely be anywhere fast enough. This is a tale of darkness and violence — of addiction, murder, bullies, trauma, drugs, lopped-off limbs, loss, domestic assault, gang wars, jail, PTSD and fiendish plans — while also a story about working towards the best even in what seems to be the most dire of circumstances. Of course Eli keeps leaping towards brighter possibilities, then being pulled back into the shit (sometimes literally). A simple journey towards better days, this isn't, however. As its irrepressible central figure kicks around his neighbourhood, tags along with Lyle, writes letters to his prison penpal (Briggs, Get Krack!n), goes to school with a wannabe drug lord (Zachary Wan, Never Too Late) and endeavours to befriend The Courier-Mail's young star crime reporter (Sophie Wilde, Talk to Me), there's no shying away from the harsh realities surrounding Eli and almost everyone that he knows. Boy Swallows Universe doesn't revel in despair, though, but commits to seeing things as they are with no judgement — and zero traces of fatalistic certainty that nothing more will ever spring. That type of candour is as rare as spotting the areas of Brisbane that the narrative is set in on-screen. For locals, there's no mistaking that this is the River City, especially when there's no trace of Boggo Road, the Story Bridge or Brisbane City Hall in sight. Even as flying cars, red phones with mysterious voices on the line, eerie predictions and secret lairs factor into the plot, every second looks and feels lived in, turning an ace Brisbane book into an ace Brisbane-shot series. Tenderness and diligence linger in Collee's handling of Dalton's tale, and in Nalluri, Moorhouse and Mordaunt's attentiveness as directors. That said, if their efforts weren't matched by stellar casting, Boy Swallows Universe could've started to unravel the moment that it kicks off with Lyle being dragged away by nefarious heavies. The main adult cast members are superb, specifically in delivering unvarnished explorations of complex characters with a plethora of clashing — and realistic, and relatable — traits. Fimmel conveys Lyle's relentless attempts to take care of his family with both love and wildness in his every move. Tonkin is as resolute as she is adoring, while never sanding away the knocks she keeps taking. Baker turns in his second exceptional performance in the space of the year, and Brown perfects the role of a no-nonsense yet supportive mentor that it instantly seems he was born to play. Boy Swallows Universe's younger stars are equally as impressive. Expressive in their own ways — one in energy and movement, the other via quiet glances — Cameron and Halley know that they're the heart and soul of the show, and more than live up to the task. The former is missed when Eli ages up, but Burgess brings a deep-seated yearning to the part as someone who has spent his years approaching adulthood striving for so much that's constantly out of his grasp, despite still appreciating what he has. As with almost every detail seen and heard, that sense of absence when Eli gets older couldn't be more apt. This account of coping with day-to-day life at its most brutal and most fantastical doesn't only refuse to be just one thing, or stay with just one version of Eli, but wouldn't contemplate giving its audience anything other than the full emotional universe. Check out the full trailer for Boy Swallows Universe below: Boy Swallows Universe streams via Netflix from Thursday, January 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Netflix © 2023.
In 1999, two new releases posed the same question: what would happen if a member of the mafia went to see a psychiatrist about his many woes? The first, The Sopranos, changed TV forever. Indeed, it's the show that many people instantly think of whenever they see HBO's famed logo sequence on the small screen. And it also ensured the comedy movie with the same premise, aka Analyse This, would always be seen as the lesser of the two projects. Focusing on New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), and spanning both his professional and personal lives, The Sopranos is the gangster series that all subsequent gangster series want to be — and the weighty, nuanced, compelling and thoughtful drama that paved the way for everything from Six Feet Under and The Shield to Mad Men. The now-late Gandolfini is an absolute powerhouse in the lead role, imbuing Tony with both volatility and vulnerability, as he's paired perfectly with Edie Falco as his wife Carmela
This article is part of our series on the diverse highlights of NZ's Canterbury region, from city to snow. To book your snow trip, visit the 100% Pure New Zealand website. As someone with little-to-no coordination and balance, the prospect of skiing for the first time in my life was pretty terrifying. I honestly couldn't think of a sport that’s scarier for beginners — and I tried, multiple times — or a situation where I wouldn't be hurtling down a vertical run into a tree and/or small child. That's why I’ve always thought it lucky that, for me and every other Adult Who Can't Ski, snow sports are generally pretty easy to avoid. But with the ski season ramping up — and snow weekends already being floated by my seasoned snow bunny friends — I thought it was time to see if I would sink or swim on snow. With myself as sacrifice, and some words of wisdom from Mt Hutt's media coordinator and resident snowboarder Georgie Boyd, we headed across to one of New Zealand's most renowned ski areas (and, as it turns out, biggest mountains) to find out how to slide down a slope without losing a limb — or your dignity. Don't forget your gloves Preparation is key when it comes to skiing, mostly because it involves a lot of stuff. This is no spontaneous sport. If you don't own any snow clothes and can't borrow any from a similarly sized friend (your boyfriend's oversized pants probably won’t make things any easier, just saying), you should look at hiring proper, waterproof clothing. Mt Hutt hire out snow pants and jackets as well as boots and helmets — all of which you'll probably need as a beginner. What they don't have, though, are gloves and goggles, so make sure you you've got that covered before you get up on the mountain. Freezing fingertips don’t make for fun times. Image thanks to arquera via photopin The things you think are the easiest are actually the hardest Here's the thing: no one tells you that walking in ski boots will feel like your shin is snapping in half (which it isn't, but I still have the bruises to say that it came pretty close). Those things are painful, but they say it gets better. Apparently getting on and off the lift gets less terrifying too, but maybe that comes later. And think you can sling your skis over your shoulder like they do in the movies? Think again, noob. There's a particular trick to carrying your skis out to the snow that involves sliding them together and holding onto one of the brakes, but I'll let the ski staff show you that one. Image thanks to Paxson Woelber via photopin Don't think you don't need a lesson Sure, head up to the top of the slope with your friends and be left side-stepping up the mountain while they pass you as they go up and down the run. It's enough to ruin friendships, so heed this: experienced skiers and beginners don't match. Don't underestimate the power of getting a lesson. "The action of skiing and snowboarding isn't always common sense," says Georgie. "Taking a lesson gets you on the right track straight away and will speed up the zero-to-hero process." Contrary to popular misconception, there are plenty of functioning adults who also don't know how to ski — you'll be in a class with them, not four-year-olds (who can probably ski better than you, anyway). Image thanks to Nick J Webb via photopin It's actually not that scary Only after you've strapped on your skis and are successfully standing on a flat lay of snow will you start to feel like maybe this skiing thing isn't so terrifying. Like Georgie says, the most intimidating part for learners is the fear of going too fast and the chairlifts. Once you've mastered slowing down in a lesson (it doesn't matter how long your lesson is, even an hour or two makes a difference), then you can tackle the chairlift. "There are always lifties at the top of the lift to ensure that everyone is getting off the lift safely,” Georgie says. And to make things even easier, Mt Hutt's beginner’s area even has a conveyor belt 'magic carpet', which is the pre-chairlift training to the real deal. Image thanks to Mt Hutt, NZSki Ltd. and Patrick Fallon. It's all about pizza Not the pizza pie kind (well, maybe it can be afterwards — hell, you will have deserved two pizzas by then), but the pizza slice made by the shape of your skis. That's how you stop. For snowboarders, Georgie recommends digging in your heel-side edge will slow you down and safely control an exit off a ski lift. Best you get that one down before you take off down the slopes. Image thanks to FredrikF via photopin What not to do Whatever you do, don't look down. Even though you'll want to look down and make sure your skis are doing what you want them to, it's important that you look at what’s in front of you. There are a lot of obstacles — they're called people. On the subject of people, don't use them as props. Seriously, you grab someone on the way down and no one will look at you the same again. Image thanks to radloff via photopin Any time's a good time The best thing about being a beginner is that you don’t need a lot of snow to have a good time. While all the pros are complaining about lack of snowfall, you'll have all the snow you need. So basically, any time's a good time to start skiing, so just do it already. Image thanks to laszlo-photo via photopin Remember, there is hot chocolate and/or a good story waiting at the end of it Like this one. Image thanks to PunkJr via photopin. Feature image courtesy of Mt Hutt, NZSki Ltd. and Miles Holden.
While she's been a leader in Australia's creative scene for over a decade, Yasmin Suteja is currently pivoting to a new era of her career. In 2013, the photographer, director, and content creator founded Culture Machine, a creative services and talent agency that focused on collaboration. She worked on Culture Machine alongside the likes of Kath Ebbs, Mimi Elashiry and her brother, Kai Suteja, just as the content creation and influencer era was kicking off. In the years since, Yasmin has become one of Australia's most in-demand creatives, partnering with global brands including adidas, JD Sport, THE ICONIC, Bumble, and many more. [caption id="attachment_84094" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Declan May[/caption] While the photographer and director was seen as a mentor for Culture Machine's talent for years (despite only being in her twenties herself), Yasmin knew it was time to get her hands dirty and be the least experienced person in the room for the first time in a decade. This drive pushed her to cold email Heartbreak High director Gracie Otto "about twenty times" to get onto a film set. "It was an amazing opportunity. I got to see how TV is made, and how a Netflix show happens—how many people are involved, and what the role of a director is in that capacity." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Second Life Markets Australia (@secondlifemarkets) Alongside her experience assisting on Heartbreak High, in 2023, Yasmin's debut documentary, Dying To Succeed, won the 2023 Fresh Cuts initiative at the Australian International Documentary Conference. Moving to Melbourne from Sydney has been another "game-changing" catalyst in her new career chapter. What began as a three-month contract with a production company has resulted in a fresh perspective and new collaborators. "Melbourne's opened me up to the most incredible creatives. Everyone's so excited to volunteer their time to what I'm trying to do. They really believe in me," she says. As a director, fashion naturally weaves into the stories Yasmin is trying to tell. "The medium of fashion means expression to me," says Yasmin. "I think it's the way that I kind of get to find my people in a lot of ways." [caption id="attachment_84096" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] While Yasmin's creative energy is often used to art direct other projects, how does personal style influence her expression? "When it comes to my personal style, [I like] blending being comfortable but also having a statement piece where you feel fashionable and put together." "At the same time," she says, "I need to be able to run around, be on set and do my job." Yasmin's experience in shooting for a multitude of fashion clients means that often her creative inspiration connects back to that world. "Fashion comes into my work and craft because it's predominantly what I shoot. My work is known for being tapped [into] fashion and [having] an appreciation for style." [caption id="attachment_1028569" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] When it comes to her new city, Yasmin credits Melbourne's fashion scene as a big source of inspiration. While searching for more pieces for her photoshoot at the vintage store, Retro Star, Yasmin notes Melbourne's love for unique (and often second-hand) pieces. "Melbourne has inspired me a lot in terms of fashion and style," says Yasmin. "There's a real appreciation for archive designer quality pieces — pieces that have lasted the test of time." As she enters a new era of her creative career, Yasmin also credits the rapid development in technology as something that excites her. "I think [technology] is making way for the next generation." One tool that is helping Yasmin's creativity is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7. Yasming uses the phone to snap inspiration, navigate a new city, and log her favourite fashion stores. The phone is supercharged by Google Gemini, making it even easier to discover, capture and share your style. While it's easy to stay in your lane and stick to what you know, Yasmin proves that the first decade is only just the beginning in a creative career. From moving cities to gaining television director credits and finding new creative collaborators, it seems Yasmin's next chapter is going to be a good one. Explore more at Samsung. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Available on select devices and select countries, languages, and to users 18+. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Flex Mode supported at angles between 75°and 115°. Some apps may not be supported in Flex Mode. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Results may vary depending on lighting conditions.
Balmain locals are spoiled for choice for harbourside parks in this suburb, with waterfront views of the world-famous Sydney Harbour. Whether you're with your family wanting to advantage of a playground — check out Gladstone Park or Punch Park — or with a group of friends searching for a fantastic picnic location — which you could find in Elkington Park overlooking Iron Cove (and a post-picnic swim in Dawn Fraser Pool) — or even on the hunt for open spaces and sports facilities centrally located in Balmain, like Thorton Park, you'll definitely find what you are looking for in Balmain. Enjoy stunning waterfront views and lush greenery, and take a break from city life in the serene harbourside parks. [caption id="attachment_948522" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dawn Fraser Pool[/caption] Top Image: Getty Images via Canva
The Coachella lineup has landed. Over the course of two autumnal weekends — April 11-13 and 18-20 — California's music-loving valley will welcome some of the world's most original, inventive and popular acts into the fold. There's a major headliner scheduled for each day — the long-rumoured and at last reunited Outkast on Friday; England's rebellious, alt-rockers Muse on Saturday; and Canada's indie favourites Arcade Fire on Sunday. While Muse just finished up an Aussie tour, Arcade Fire will soon be packing their suncream and surfboards —l they’ll be headlining Big Day Out on January 19. We Antipodeans are getting quite a look-in at Coachella, too. As you might've guessed, New Zealand teenager and singing, songwriting phenomenon Lorde is on the program. She'll be joined by fellow Kiwis The Naked and Famous. Australia has abundant representation in the form of electro duo Empire of the Sun; Sydney rockers The Preatures; multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ Flume; psychedelic specialists Jagwar Ma; dance music trailblazer Anna Lunoe; and indie DJs Flight Facilities. As for the rest of the planet, the list includes The Replacements, Broken Bells, Queens of the Stone Age, The Knife, Pharrell Williams, Beck, Lana del Rey, Motorhead, Skrillex and Sleigh Bells. Tix go on sale this Friday at 10am (California time) at www.coachella.com/festival-passes
Hidden behind the main facade of the Kensington Street precinct at Central Park, Kopi-Tiam Spice Alley is so much more than a food court. It's a pretty little corner of the world, decorated with lantern installations, but more importantly, there's a handful of damn fine food outlets in the space: Alex Lee Kitchen, Bang Luck and Hong Kong Diner. Spice Alley is entirely cash-free — you can only pay with card or a special rechargeable Kopi-Tiam card — so let's load up and try the grub. Run by one of Sydney's most celebrated Singaporean chefs, Alex Lee Kitchen is your go-to for authentic Singapore dishes with a unique twist from the ex-head chef at Ginger and Spice in Neutral Bay. Next is Bang Luck, a hub of Thai and Vietnamese street food run by young gun Asian-Australian chef Tiw Rakarin (ex-Mama's Buoi, Surry Hills). Then we've got Hong Kong Diner, managed by the team at Chef's Gallery and brimming with HK comfort food like dumplings and other yum cha morsels. Take note, Spice Alley is BYO and has no corkage, so pay a visit to the neighbouring Red Bottle in Central Park to snag some wine or a beer from their growing collection of craft brews. Images: Bodhi Liggett and Lauren Commens.
Get ready to embark on a tantalising culinary journey that will transport you straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Amalfi Coast — all without leaving Aussie soil. Together with Aperol, we've scoured every corner of this vast land to curate a guide to the bars and restaurants that capture the essence of coastal Italy's gastronomic wonders. From echoing laidback osterias to swanky harbourside bars exuding Riviera-style opulence, our roundup is a tribute to the vibrancy of Italian culture infused with an Australian twist. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an unforgettable expedition. Your table overlooking the azure seas awaits — no boarding pass required.
When April 1 rolls around, it's always best to approach the day's news with a sense of humour, but one of this year's best gags isn't just a joke. For April Fool's Day, Google Maps transformed into a giant online game of Where's Waldo? — and it's available to play all week. After the company's Mario Kart caper a few weeks back, and their Pac-Man April Fool's Day update a few years back as well, it's now another iconic character's turn to roam through Maps. As anyone who has leafed through the books will know — aka everyone — good ol' red-and-white jumper-wearing Waldo likes to hide in plain sight, which means that it's up to you to find him. https://twitter.com/googlemaps/status/980203086512869376 Anyone keen to play along simply needs to update their Maps app or visit the desktop version, where Waldo is waiting to be spotted. You'll first find him waving to you from the side of the screen, and then you'll work your way through the game's five levels to find him in various places around the world. If that's not enough addictive fun, you can also try to locate his friends Wenda, Woof, Wizard Whitebeard and Odlaw. Chilean snowfields, the beach at Australia's own Surfers Paradise and South Korea's Olympic Stadium are just a few of the stops on Waldo's world tour. And yes, even when he's in countries other than the US and Canada, the game still refers to him as Waldo, rather than Wally. It'll always be Where's Wally? to us, though. Via Google Maps.
With its first season, Yellowjackets instantly became one of 2021's best new series. Its second season is due in March, which already makes it one of the most-anticipated shows of 2023. Expect that excitement to continue in 2024 or beyond as well, with the hit thriller about the fallout from plane crash just locked in for a third season. While it couldn't be a more perfect theme tune to play over the show's opening credits, Craig Wedren and Anna Waronker's 90s-esque track 'No Return' doesn't apply to Yellowjackets' fate on our screens, clearly. US cable network Showtime has already renewed the series ahead of its season-two premiere — three months ahead, in fact, with the show's second batch of episodes due late March (streaming from Friday, March 24, 2023 via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand). The woods have a way of calling you back. #Yellowjackets is renewed for Season 3. pic.twitter.com/7e3LPzlBle — Yellowjackets on SHOWTIME (@yellowjackets96) December 15, 2022 If you're new to Yellowjackets, it's filled with eeriness, chills, 90s threads and survival skills, as a series about a New Jersey high school's girls soccer team after they crash in the forest and possibly turn to cannibalism should be. The show deepens its mysteries across two timelines: that tragedy and its immediate aftermath, and the ripples still being felt 25 years later. Not everyone seen in the former makes it to the latter, as the first season made plain. In their high-school prime, Shauna (Don't Look Up's Melanie Lynskey as an adult, and also The Kid Detective's Sophie Nélisse as a teenager), Natalie (Welcome to Chippendales' Juliette Lewis, plus The Book of Boba Fett's Sophie Thatcher) and Taissa (Billions' Tawny Cypress, and also Scream's Jasmin Savoy Brown) were key players on the titular high-achieving squad, while Misty (Wednesday's Christina Ricci, as well as Shameless' Samantha Hanratty) was the squad's frequently bullied student manager. Then, en route to a big match in Seattle on a private plane in 1996, they entered Lost territory. That accident saw everyone who walked away from the accident stranded in the wilderness — and those who then made it through that ordeal stuck out there for 19 months, living their worst Alive-meets-Lord of the Flies lives. Season two will pick up after plenty of chaos in both timeframes, and with new faces among the cast. Introducing more of the team in their adult guise is very much on the agenda, including Simone Kessell (Muru) playing the older Lottie and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) as the older Van. In their younger years, both characters are played by Australian actors, with Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) as Lottie and and Liv Hewson (Santa Clarita Diet) as Van. Also joining the show: Elijah Wood, who is no stranger to leafy surroundings thanks to his time in the Lord of the Rings franchise. He'll play Walter, a citizen detective who is set to challenge Misty — the adult version, presumably. It's obviously too early for a sneak peek at season three, but you can check out Yellowjackets' first teaser for season two below: Season three of Yellowjackets doesn't yet have a release date. Season two will start streaming from Friday, March 24, 2023 via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one.
Got a greasy pizza box that you can't recycle? Hold on to it, as you'll soon have a chance to put it to good use. That's because Pizza Hut is hosting its first-ever nationwide free pizza exchange, taking over stores across the country from 4–7pm on Friday, November 21, and celebrating the launch of their garlic and cheddar golden stuffed crust. Representing the latest evolution in Pizza Hut's ever-popular crust upgrade, this brand-new offering features a generous blend of cheddar cheese combined with signature hot dust garlic seasoning. Making for a golden, crispy finish that adds a whole new element to your slice, expect serious cheese pulls with every bite. With the prospect of free pizza almost impossible to resist, this fun-loving exchange will be up and running in four states. In NSW, head to Pizza Hut Surry Hills and Pizza Hut Waterloo, whereas QLD fans can visit Pizza Hut Forest Lake and Pizza Hut Runaway Bay. Meanwhile, Victorians can visit Pizza Hut South Melbourne, as those in WA are invited to complete the swap at Pizza Hut Morley. "Pizza Hut has always been about fun, flavour and innovation, and we wanted to give Aussies a reason to fall back in love with our crusts," says Pizza Hut Australia's Chief Marketing Officer, Wendy Leung. "The new Golden Stuffed Crust delivers on all three." If you decide to swing by your nearest exchange, the equation is simple. Just hand over a pizza box from any rival brand and walk out with a steaming hot Pizza Hut Golden Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. Why a rival? Well, the idea is that Pizza Hut is the only place to get the real deal when it comes to stuffed crust pizza that never misses the mark. Says Leung: "The Get Stuffed Free Pizza Exchange brings that spirit to life by giving people the chance to trade in their pizza frustrations for something they'll actually love." The Pizza Hut Get Stuffed Free Pizza Exchange is happening at various store locations around Australia from 4–7pm on Friday, November 21. Head to the website for more information. Images: supplied
Lower north shore residents won't have to head into the city for Sydney's latest opening. Brand new, modern Scandinavian-style, Mediterranean-menued bar and restaurant The Public has opened its doors in Cammeray. Joining the local foodie strip of Miller Street in the space where Belgian Beer Cafe sat for 15 years, The Public is a big, breezy, modern space made for long lazy brunches and intimate catch-ups alike. Think marine-grade plywood, aquas, blues, whites, and 3D installation art. The brainchild of North shore brothers James and Will Christopher, The Public is nothing short of a labour of love. Not their first time at the Sydney hospitality rodeo, this new bar marks the third venue for the Christopher brothers, following their long-loved local cafe The Laneway and their Spanish tapas joint Ms Miller (right next door). They've also launched start-ups, cheffed here and there and Will feeds the entire team at the celebrated Secret Garden Festival every year — production team meals you have to taste to believe. Seriously. Next level. Aiming to give Cammeray a foodie identity of its own and steal some limelight from burgeoning eastern suburbs like Double Bay or western hubs like Marrickville, the Christopher brothers teamed up with business manager and superyacht seller (actual thing) Damian Barrow to swing the spotlight to the lower north shore. Alright, alright, now we know who's behind the joint, what can we expect to chow down on? The Christopher brothers have brought over Ms Miller head chef James Featherstone to create pub classic-meets-Euro-style dishes for The Public. Think Greek and Mediterranean food with housemade olive butter, taramasolata and hummus, with family-style platters of lamb kleftiko and barbecued chicken. Then there are the burgers, like the double beef, double bacon, double cheese wagyu beef burger. With all this hummus and barbecued chicken afoot, we're going to need some bevs here. Drinks-wise, you can expect an Australian, New Zealand, Italian and French-focused wine list, and ten beers on tap including Young Henry's, Two Birds, Rocks Brewing, Endeavour and Mountain Goat. The Public's set to become a Cammeray staple if it plays its cards right. And with monthly markets and beer and wine events planned for the future, it looks like this by-locals-for-locals newbie holds all the aces.
While the literal translation of yum cha is 'drink tea', most tend to associate it with copious amounts of steaming dishes being pushed around a restaurant on trolleys. The dining experience is delightfully theatrical and often results in you enthusiastically selecting too many dishes and falling into a food coma soon after. But when the dishes are as tasty as what Sky Phoenix offers, you won't mind. Situated on level six of Westfield Sydney, the restaurant's lunchtime yum cha service is a slick operation featuring fried prawn dumplings, steamed greens, mango pancakes and, of course, jasmine tea. By night, the menu switches to a la carte featuring classic Chinese fare such as peking duck and emperor's chicken. Banquets and private dining rooms are also available for larger groups.
Australia's got plenty of top-notch bubble tea spots. Now your home is about to be one of them. Boba Barista's new DIY boba kits let you get the authentic bubble tea experience at your place and the only parts you need to supply are hot water, ice and a large boba-worthy drinking vessel. Boba Barista's kits come with milk or fruit tea depending on what kind of boba enthusiast you are. Each kit includes teabags of your choice, flavoured syrup and fructose. Add some toppings to your cart and you're ready to go. All of Boba Barista's bubble tea ingredients are sourced from Taiwan and provide your pick of 15 flavours including brown sugar, matcha, taro and jasmine milk teas, or mango, peach, passionfruit and grape fruit teas. When it comes to toppings, you can pick from all your usual in-store favourites like tapioca, lychee and mango pearls, or coconut, mango or grape jelly. If you're after a true bubble tea experience, you can also buy tea cups, tea shaker sets and bamboo straws so it feels like you've just picked up your drink from your local Gong Cha. The need-to-know details: Boba Barista offers free shipping across Australia on all orders over $69 and free shipping to New Zealand for orders over $149. Bubble tea kits start at just $19.95 per kit and can cost as little as $1.60 per drink. Boba Barista is offering a special discount right now, with $10 off your first offer if you use the code LOCKDOWN10. You can browse its full range at the website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
There are times to be sensible, and there are times to treat yourself. If you fancy the latter right now, you're in luck — Sydney is blessed with heaps of dreamy destinations within a stone's throw. As long as you have the credit card to back it up, of course. We've rounded up 15 of the best luxury hotels, resorts, villas and stays in New South Wales — from architectural masterpieces and luxe vineyard escapes to next-level beach houses and seven-bedroom dream homes that'll fit all of your mates. But be prepared to splash some cash, these retreats are in a class (and price point) of their own. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Spas in Sydney The Best Glamping Sites Near Sydney SPICERS SANGOMA RETREAT, BLUE MOUNTAINS Spicers Sangoma Retreat is comprised of five luxury suites that are perched on the eastern edges of the Blue Mountain ranges overlooking the Nepean River delta below. Each of the accommodations is surrounded by nature and decked out with all the top luxury fittings. Find king-size beds, fireplaces, private heated plunge pools, under floor heating, outdoor decks, kitchenettes, baths with views and heaps of space to relax within. You can even dine on the property at the hatted Restaurant Amara, where degustations are the name of the game — forever changing depending on what local and seasonal produce is available to the chefs. THE CAPE AT WATEGOS, BYRON BAY If you're after a laidback luxury stay with uninterrupted sea views, then these Byron Bay lodges should more than do the trick. The Cape at Wategos sits above the area's much-loved Wategos Beach (backed by a national park) and is super close to a bunch of great restaurants and bars. It has the ideal blend of feeling totally remote but still close to Byron Bay's fun stuff. Choose from one of the two-bedroom suites — each with massive private decks overlooking the beach — or go for the large Residence that sleeps up to six guests. Expect stark white interiors, Hampton-style furnishings, spacious kitchens and living areas, an infinity swimming pool and comfy king-sized beds. Either spend all your days up at the lodges or take a short walk down for afternoons of swimming and surfing with mates. [caption id="attachment_778161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] EMIRATES ONE & ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY, BLUE MOUNTAINS This eco‐friendly resort is surrounded by all of the things you know and love about the Blue Mountains: endless greenery, wilderness and misty mountaintops. And you can take it all in while experiencing the utmost luxury that Emirates One&Only's 7000 acres have to offer. The resort's villas each offer a private swimming pool, veranda and fireplace. The property's grounds also include a communal swimming pool, a tennis court, spa, sauna, steam room and an array of outdoor experiences. If that isn't enough, there's a restaurant boasting seasonal menus, a wine cellar and a bar — pouring 1832 Wolgan Gin, which is distilled locally. [caption id="attachment_720481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Aitchison and Baille Lodge, courtesy of Destination NSW.[/caption] CAPELLA LODGE, LORD HOWE ISLAND If you're taking the trip to Lord Howe, why not stay in the island's most opulent resort? At Capella Lodge, you don't need to choose between mountain, lush rainforest or striking ocean views — this super-luxe hotel offers all three. The boutique accommodation has been operating for over a decade and has become an Australian icon, especially after its $4 million facelift a few years ago. Views include the island's twin peaks, Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, along with pristine Pacific Ocean coral reef. In summer months, cool off in the onsite pool, or take a short walk down to the nearby beach. You can also enjoy one of the many long hikes in the region, followed by a relaxing treatment at the hotel's spa. SEIDLER HOUSE, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Seidler House is one of Australia's great architectural masterpieces — thanks to famed architect Harry Seidler. But did you know that you (and all of your closest friends) can actually book a stay here? The four-bedroom, futuristic-looking home is dramatically built into the cliff's sandstone rock formation and offers unobstructed views across the Southern Highlands. Expect sweeping vistas of the Wingecarribee River gorge, with plenty of balconies, patios and viewing decks to enjoy those views. Other key features include an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue and wood fireplace. Plus 150 acres of private gardens and two kilometres of river frontage to explore. And it's located a short 90-minute drive from Sydney, so is great for a weekend away with your fanciest mates. LASCALA HOLIDAY HOUSE, WOY WOY This seven-bedroom home is made for big groups of mates or a couple of families who are looking for a glam getaway on the Central Coast. You can squeeze up to 22 people on beds. And it still doesn't feel cramped. That's thanks to the large rooms, plenty of common areas and the stunning pool that overlooks the water. The Lascala Holiday House even has its own bar, billiards room, squash court and tennis court. This is the kind of place you'll remember staying at forever. [caption id="attachment_778158" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart for DNSW[/caption] PRETTY BEACH HOUSE, BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK Located within the gorgeous surrounds of the Bouddi National Park, the Pretty Beach House is not your average waterfront stay. As the name suggests, the resort is set above the escarpment of Pretty Beach and is located just 90 minutes north of Sydney. The exclusive retreat is home to just four villas, which include bayview split-level pavilions and treetop penthouses — each of which features separate king-sized bedrooms, log fireplaces and sandstone flooring. Then there's the main house, which offers guests unfettered access to an open bar, wine cellar, outdoor infinity pool and poolside pizza oven. Indoors, there is an open-plan kitchen, an expansive dining room, a huge sandstone fireplace and a library, all of which are yours to enjoy to the fullest. [caption id="attachment_718055" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] MONA FARM, BRAIDWOOD Mona Farm's luxurious yet homely farm is the perfect excuse for an out-of-town holiday. Located a three-hour drive south of Sydney in the town of Braidwood, the property is part luxury farm stay, part nature retreat and part art gallery. The country estate offers six historic farmhouses that have been luxuriously revamped by Australian architecture heavyweights. Beyond the accommodation, over 20 Australian and international sculptors have installed works throughout the gardens and grounds, giving the natural surrounds a modern appeal. And it really is a working farm, with Scottish Highland cattle, English Wiltshire Horn sheep, Wessex Saddleback pigs and Clydesdale horses all sharing the land — and platypuses, long-necked turtles and rainbow trout sharing the lake. BEACHCOMBER HOTEL & RESORT, TOUKLEY The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort is an iconic waterfront destination located in the heart of the Central Coast, Toukley. With sweeping waterfront views, Hamptons-inspired ambience, boutique-style accommodation, an exclusive pool club and multiple eateries and bars, it's a damn good place to switch into holiday mode. Be sure to also check out its list of weekly events for live gigs, DJ sets and food and drink deals — taco and tequila Tuesdays are not to be missed. [caption id="attachment_774383" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BANNISTERS, PORT STEPHENS Bannisters Port Stephens is one opulent escape. The resort overlooks the Soldiers Point beachfront and offers 80 Hamptons-inspired suites — four of which are super-luxe one-bedroom suites with expansive ocean-view balconies and one of which is the over-the-top penthouse. A few of the rooms are also dog-friendly, with easy access to outdoors and walking distance to Wanda Beach. Other onsite indulgences include a seafood-heavy restaurant by an acclaimed Chef Rick Stein, a terrace bar with an infinity pool and a beer garden. These rooms understandably book out quickly, so be sure to plan in advance. [caption id="attachment_812064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BENDOOLEY ESTATE, BERRIMA The 200-acre property that makes up Bendooley Estate doesn't just offer a cellar door — it's also home to a luxe restaurant, an alfresco cafe, an outpost of the much-loved Berkelouw bookshop and an extravagant cottage stay. Located in gorgeous surrounds just 90 minutes outside of Sydney, the estate's cottages are perfect for a quick escape out of the city. Choose from up to three-bedroom layouts, each of which offers lakeside, valley or stunning vineyard views, which brings us to the added benefit of being able to fully enjoy the cellar door's wines without having to drive home. The winery serves up some of the best drops in the Southern Highlands, and also boasts a large fire and daily lunch service. BLACKBIRD, BYRON HINTERLAND Blackbird takes bed-and-breakfast to a new level, with its three high-end pavilions, views across the Pacific Ocean and tropical landscape. Each one-bedroom villa accommodates two guests and offers a large verandah, a Moroccan-tiled ensuite with a freestanding bathtub, a king-sized bed with Egyptian cotton linen, a fireplace and an outdoor barbecue. There's also a ten-metre magnesium mineral pool on site, and you'll receive complimentary champagne and local produce on arrival, plus breakfast each morning. Set on acres of rainforest in the Byron Hinterland, this is a retreat for nature-lovers. Heaps of outdoor activities are within easy access of your doorstep, including kayaking, mountain-biking and bushwalks, and the secluded spot is great for star gazing. Grab a few mates and book out the entire resort for a truly special getaway. ANCHORAGE PORT STEPHENS, PORT STEPHENS Anchorage Port Stephens is as waterfront as it gets. Many suites come with their own north-facing balcony or terrace, giving you dreamy views of the bay, foregrounded by the Anchorage Marina and backdropped by Corrie Island. The spacious interiors take inspiration from The Hamptons — think crisp, white linen and pale timber furnishings, splashed with blues and oranges. There's a variety of rooms on offer, from one- and two-bedroom loft suites to self-contained villas. This luxe resort also boasts a pool, day spa and two onsite restaurants, making it a true escape from your day-to-day. WHITEVALE ESTATE, HUNTER VALLEY A rather extravagant country retreat, Whitevale Estate will show you a whole new side of Hunter Valley. Drive down a tree-lined driveway to reach this expansive home, which fits you and up to 17 of your nearest and dearest. The open plan space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with native bushland views, a vaulted lounge area with wood fireplace, galley kitchen, large leather sofas and a separate games room with a custom pool table, bar fridge and tele. Then there's the outdoor kitchen, which comes complete with another huge concrete table, a five-burner barbecue, a built-in esky and an adjoining in-ground pool. The seven bedrooms and six bathrooms include a master suite that features a herringbone-tiled hydro spa bath, marble walk-in rain shower, double vanity and expansive walk-in dressing room. It's safe to say you'll be fighting over this room. [caption id="attachment_812116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nat Hallyer[/caption] SUNDARA BEACH HOUSE, SOUTH COAST Just steps from Werri Beach, Sundara Beach House is a two-storey retreat that is as luxurious as it gets. Its seven bedrooms sleep 14 people and feature stunning ocean, farmland views. The house is decked out with top-notch facilities including the ten-metre heated saltwater pool with a spa and adjacent Weber barbecue, a detached games room with a pool table and bar, and two lounges — one of which includes a fireplace and large windows that offer regular dolphin and whale sightings. For things to do when you're not in the lap of luxury, check out the nearby Gerringong town centre, which boasts award-winning restaurants, cafes and wineries. The oceanfront property is also five minutes from the Kiama Coast Walk. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top image: Pretty Beach by Anson Smart for DNSW.
Replenish your wardrobe one kilo at a time as the Kilo Sale returns to Sydney with a truckload more secondhand and vintage clothing. Kicking off with an exclusive afternoon event at 29 Smith Street, Marrickville from 3pm on Friday, November 21, there's no need to rummage through the price tags when weighing up your budget. Instead, there's just one price to remember — a kilo will cost you $50 whether you're holding shirts, dresses or jackets. Plus, there's no minimum weight to worry about, meaning you can walk away with a refreshed wardrobe for a stellar price. Meanwhile, the Kilo Sale continues from 9am–1pm on Saturday, November 22. With the entire event featuring seven tonnes of continuously replenished stock, finding more than a few unique pieces that fit your style is almost guaranteed. In a Kilo Sale first, entry during both timeslots will be completely free, giving you all the more reason to come by. With Australia leading the world in textile consumption per capita at 56 new pieces per year, the Kilo Sale is on a mission to highlight secondhand and vintage shopping as the sustainable choice.
We've been preaching about it a lot, but Kensington Street Precinct continues to up its game — even after the main physical part of the renovation was completed last year. Gone are the run-down facades; blitzed with a bit o' glam and restored to their former glory, they're now home to some of the hottest eateries in Sydney, including Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social, Automata and The Old Clare. Casual eats are hidden in the precinct's buzzing Asian foodie spot, Spice Alley, with hawker-style nosh from Alex Lee Kitchen, Bang Luck Thai Street Food, Old Jim Kee's and Hong Kong Diner, bookended by residents KYO-TO and Mekong. This more casual environment has been flanked with newer neighbours Bar Chinois, an Asian-French fusion bar housed in an old terrace, international chef Frederic Colin French brasserie Bistrot Gavroche, next-level dessert gallery Koi, and, most recently, private dining option The Private Kitchen and inner city cellar door Handpicked Wines. And it ain't done yet.
The recently hatted Nour sits on a leafy stretch of Crown Street that's forever buzzing with stylistic Sydney wanderers and those enjoying long brunches on tables and chairs covering the footpath. The expertly fitted-out blush-pink restaurant welcomes diners in for a spread of contemporary Middle Eastern dishes from executive chef Paul Farag and head chef Gianluca Lonati. The wide-reaching a la carte menu sees a mezze list that takes you from simple oceanic delights like freshly shucked oysters ($6) and single Tasmanian scallops with a spoonful of xo ($9), all the way through to the simply special. Housemade areesheh cheese backdrops a vibrant pistachio ezme ready to top a perfectly crisp and flaky malawach ($24); and a creamy beef nayeh is underscored by the nuttiness of macadamia toum, to be scooped up via a floatily light rice cracker sprinkled with dukkah ($28). Perfected for sharing, the post-mezze menu splits into 'from the coal grill' and 'from the garden' — and will cater for all. Dry-aged steaks and glazed lamb shoulders are transformed with ingredients like black lime and barberries, caramelised tahini and fresh chermoula. The tang of fattoush salad (which should be a non-negotiable for your table) can be offset with a plate of fried cauliflower that brings woodfired grapes and a sprinkling of smoky almonds too. Ensure you've left room for your selection from the dessert menu, and take all the stress of what to order out of the equation by opting for either of the generous banquet options ($89pp or $119pp). Although you're spoilt for choice in this part of Surry Hills, the eating and drinking on offer at Nour is standout. It's fine dining plates, which don't lose any points on flavour, in a refined casual setting ready to host you solo, duo or in groups. Looking to celebrate? Looking to lean into a lush long lunch? Simply after an exceptional meal where the menu spoils you for choice? Head to Nour. Top image: Jason Loucas
These days Twitter is known as two things: a medium on which to stalk Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, and a platform for #QandA Twitterati to descend into madness. With all the white noise out there it's easy to forget its true function — Twitter is a place for discussion. Thankfully this is a notion not lost on those fine folks at The Wheeler Centre. In their most recent project #discuss they're dragging Twitter philosophy into the real world, printing it on our city walls and starting important conversations nationwide. Thankfully it goes a lot deeper than catty #QandA tweets about Christopher Pyne's lizard face. The week-long project — which comes to an end tomorrow — has been launched in an effort to reignite a quality public discussion. From June 2, participants on Twitter were urged to put forward opinions or interesting thoughts on whatever topic they please. Paired with the hashtag #discuss, the initial thought was then open for exploration, disagreement, or extrapolation from the wider Twitter community. The best ten thoughts from each day have been printed on plaques and placed in fitting locations around Melbourne's CBD and inner suburbs. Right now Estelle Tang's culturally-weighted declaration that "Australians don't know how lucky they really are" lies knowingly outside Crown Casino. In what must be another blow for employees at The Age, a bleak assertion from writer Clementine Ford is currently plastered right out front of their city offices: "The old guard can fight as much as they like, but they can't stop the youth from one day taking over." Within a week of opening, Chris Lucas' latest venture Kong has already been hit with some Twitter truth: "Thanks to social media, place-dropping has become worse than name-dropping." It's a powerful concept, and one which gives abstract notions or debates an all-important physical weight. Arguments about boat people are no longer throwaway comments in cyberspace; they're staring you in the face on your way past the Immigration Department. An unsettling philosophical statement gives you some mind fodder on your way into Coles. Once again, this valued cultural institution is proving its intellectual importance. Disagree? Discuss! The project ends Sunday, June 8 so there's still a chance to get your words plastered on a city street. Even if you miss the deadline, don't worry, the discussion never really stops. @waouwwaouw at Crown Casino, Southbank. @clementine_ford at The Age offices on Spencer Street. @mattfitzy at Chris Lucas' new restaurant Kong on Church Street, Richmond. @uptosquat at Hosier Lane. @SophieMcAulay at Hungry Jacks on Russell Street. @MIFFofficial at The Classic Cinema in Elsternwick. @hamlwat at the Immigration Department. @Melbfoodandwine at Cumulus Inc. @tesslawley at Coles Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. @AsherTreleaven at The Melbourne Club. Lead photo: @elissebaitz at Northside Records. All photos via The Wheeler Centre.
When one bar closes, hopefully another one opens — and, thankfully, that's proving the case at the former Hazy Rose site on Sydney's iconic Stanley Street. Adding a dash of film noir moodiness to Darlinghurst, The Long Goodbye is the kind of joint even Humphrey Bogart would approve of. Think old-school charm to match the Raymond Chandler novel and subsequent movie it's named after, plus classic cocktails, and live jazz and blues on Thursdays. Old-fashioned service and taking inspiration from old flicks might be in order here, but not everything harks back to years gone by. In a thoroughly modern move, bar manager and owner Flynn McLennan, of Zeta Bar, has brought along an in-house chemist to develop his range of house-made liqueurs. The mixologist has used an ultrasonic machine to create a host of unique flavours, including a duck fat washed apricot brandy, strawberry balsamic shrub and chilli bitters. And to help bring home the DIY feel, you'll find their beverage list hand-typed on a vintage typewriter. Thanks to elaborate homages to the post-World War II era, the new hangout will make you feel like you're in classic noirs from the '40s (when Chandler's big hit The Big Sleep reached screens) through to the '70s (when Robert Altman's movie adaptation of The Long Goodbye made it to cinemas) in no time, lending cocktail-lovers a dark, brooding atmosphere. Candelabras, antique artworks, leather chesterfield lounges and ornate chairs help The Long Goodbye look the part, with McLennan and co-owner Dennis Jen finding the bar's furniture and glassware from local markets and Newtown's Chris On King vintage shop.
