This pokies-free Marrickville boozer received a good spit and polish back in 2013, turning it into a fabulous family-friendly pub and boutique bottle shop. The front bar retains a lot of the historic pub's old school charm — complete with a billiards table, dart board and teles showing rugby, footy and cricket matches year-round. In contrast to this somewhat rougher-around-the-edges space, the back dining room got a bit more of a glow up — showcasing the original art deco features. If you're looking for casual eats, get into some of the six burger options or share a few of the beloved roti tacos. Alternatively, have some finer gastropub fare by ordering the crispy skin barramundi, roast lamb shoulder or pumpkin and ricotta arancini served with a zesty green goddess sauce. This pub grub can also be enjoyed in the sun-soaked beer garden or ordered to take away. And if you're bringing the kids to the Henson Park Hotel, be sure to drop them off in the arcade room. Play some pinball on vintage machines, sit down and race cars or shoot some bad guys within this wing of the pub that would have previously been a pokies hot spot. At The Henson, You can also pop down to grab some booze on the go. The bottleshop is home to a huge selection of craft beers (local and international), a rotating list of minimal intervention wines and some jam jar cocktails. Plus, if you can't find your fave brew in the fridges, the team will happily sell you a jar of your favourite tap beer from the main bar. Images: Alana Dimou Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
A taste of the Northern Beaches' wholesome living comes to the inner east in the form of organic cafe COOH. A bigger sister to the original venue in Curl Curl, the larger space in Alexandria affords expansions in both the menu and trading hours. The venue is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with tasty, colourful ingredients a mainstay throughout. Vegans are well-catered for here with the tree nut vegan cheese board a popular lunch choice. In fact, most dietary requirements are carefully considered here — all menu items call out potentially problematic inclusions including egg, gluten and nuts. Even the coriander-averse diners are covered. Mediterranean flavours make appearances throughout each sitting, but none more so than dinner; moussaka croquettes, saganaki and prawns with a tomato ouzo sauce are some of the starters designed to share. Beverage-wise, expect quality coffee (roasted at the Curl Curl venue) and a selection of organic teas and smoothies for the breakfast service. Later in the day, the bar serves up Four Pines and Young Henrys and a strong selection of organic and boutique wines.
Descend into the basement at Dulcie's and you'll find yourself swept back into the 1930s, when poets, writers, artists, musicians and dancers ruled supreme over Kings Cross. The bar takes its name from one of the era's best-known figures: Mary Elizabeth Kathleen Dulcie Deamer. She was Australia's first female boxing reporter, the founder of the Australian Writers' Centre, a novelist and journo — and, side note, she attended the 1923 Artists' Ball wearing a leopard skin dress and a dog's tooth pendant. Dulcie's embraces the art deco history of its venue. Think fringed lamps, fancy mirrors, pre-Bridge photos of Sydney Harbour, newsboy caps and suspenders. There's a stage, too, which you should keep an eye on for theatre, cabaret, dance and who knows what else — especially after midnight. The drinks list is entirely Australian. Signature cocktails are definitely the heroes, each of which pays homage to one of Sydney's historical legends. Repin's Coffee pays homage to Ivan Repin – one of the city's first champions of good coffee – and is a take on the espresso martini, with Old Young's smoked vodka from Perth, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur from the Central Coast and T Totaler chai tea milk from Sydney. The Fifty-Fifty Club is a paean to a 1930s dance hall (and sly grog spot), made up of Prohibition Bathtub Cut Gin from SA with local vermouths Regal Rogue and Castagna, Marionette dry curacao from Melbourne and cocoa and macadamia bitters. Bar snacks like charcuterie boards are available too, and yum cha Sundays are set to be introduced soon. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
This guide to the best dog-friendly hotels in Australia is made for those fur parents out there who can't bare the thought of travelling without their pooch — and let's not to mention the pain of finding a dog-sitter. For you dog owners, the best holiday is one where both your two-legged and four-legged mates are there. There's no denying it. Luckily, there are heaps of accommodation options all over Australia where you don't need to choose between the two. Each spot catering to your pup in its own way — think special beds, treats, beaches and walks, all for your furry pal. Looking for a spot where your dog is welcomed as much as your human friends? These dog-friendly hotels and B&Bs in Australia are here for you. CRYSTALBROOK ALBION, NEW SOUTH WALES The Crystalbrook Albion (formerly, Little Albion) team believe that our little fur babies deserve to enjoy life's luxuries just as much as we do. That's why they've designed their Urban rooms (located down on the ground floor with direct access to outside) to be pet-friendly. They mostly cater to cats and dogs with their special beds and pet treats but are open to other creatures – just make sure to call them up and enquire. We're assuming it's a no to your pet snake…? How much? From $370 per night. YONDAH BEACH HOUSE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA At Yondah Beach House (a 3.5-hour drive from Adelaide), owners Michele Bain and Nick Cureton take the term 'pet-friendly' to a whole new level. They know animals are part of the family — so, they let your dog on every inch of the expansive 150-acre property, including inside the award-winning house, where a special gift will be awaiting your pooch. The beachside home is also fenced on three sides and is one-kilometre from the road, so it's safe for your pup to roam around the Yorke Peninsula coastline on your doorstep. The place isn't just for dogs, either; in the past, Yondah has also welcomed cats, birds and even a turtle. How much? From $490 per night. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES The Four Seasons is the latest addition to the growing group of dog-friendly hotels in Sydney. Their Pet Paw-fection package includes putting you and your pooch up in rooms made specifically for your needs. Each fur-tunate pup gets its own plush bedding, dog toys, bath amenities, outdoor water bowls and specialty treats — Bone Appetit. The concierge is also brimming with knowledge about Sydney's best dog-friendly places and activities. They'll direct your pooch and you all around the city. You can check out the best dog-friendly parks, cafes and bars with your four-legged friend or choose to leave them behind with the dog minding team. They haven't been doing this service for long, but they're already up the top of the list for Australia's best dog-friendly hotels. How much? From $495 per night. MT COTTON RETREAT, QUEENSLAND Mt Cotton Retreat's self contained cabins are located just 30-minutes from the Brisbane CBD, yet offer a real bush retreat for you and your pup. Choose from lakeside or treetop accommodation, with select cabins specifically reserved for pets (and prior approval needed). The property spans 20 hectares and is situated within a private nature refuge — expect to see koalas aplenty, along with wallabies, possums and goannas. And Venman National Park is just a short one-kilometre walk or drive away. So you and your fur baby can't possibly run out of things to do, and will have nice warm cabins to come back to. How much? From $260 per night. ELEMENT RICHMOND MELBOURNE, VICTORIA A great city escape for fur parents is Element Richmond. It's an eco-conscious accommodation option that welcomes guests of both the human and four-legged variety. The hotel expands over 168 suites and offers a contemporary design by award-winning local architects Rothelowman. Up to two pups can share your room, which comes equipped with extra comfy dog beds. Element Richmond also boasts a dog-friendly mini-bar that has featured treats like the Quarter Hounder (pan-fried steak served with green vegetables) and The Good Dog (market fish with steamed carrot). It's safe to say your dog won't want to leave this lap of luxury. How much? From $214 per night. SHAMBHALA BYRON BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES Set along a private stretch of Belongil Beach in Byron Bay, Shambhala is a true oasis for you and your pet. The cottages are located right on the sand, and also back onto stunning rainforest. Each offers sweeping ocean views, specifically across the Coral and Tasman seas. Some of the cottages also include a separate deck that comes complete with an outdoor barbecue and an eight-person dining table, and the resort features a giant steam room and a hot rock sauna. But your doggo isn't forgotten here, either. The hotel provides food and water bowls for your pooch, as well as offers a map of the off-lead and dog exercise areas within range. So, humans and animals alike can soak up all this luxury. How much? From $395 per night. BANNISTERS PORT STEPHENS, NEW SOUTH WALES Bannisters Port Stephens is an opulent dog-friendly hotel in Australia that welcomes your pooch with open arms. It has three dog-friendly rooms, including two ocean deck rooms and the ground floor luxury suite. All three rooms open out onto the garden and are walking distance to Wanda Beach where your pup can roam free. Doggos can also enjoy the Terrace Bar deck, where humans have the added benefit of an infinity pool (not for dogs, sorry). Your four-legged friend can also accompany you for a bite in the Cheeky Dog beer garden. These rooms understandably book out quickly, so be sure to plan in advance. How much? From $320 per night. OVOLO NISHI CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Bush and beach retreats aren't the only options for your dog-filled holiday, either. Heaps of Australian cities are now extending accommodation to doggos as well, including Canberra's Ovolo Nishi. The city centre hotel is dedicated to luxury, nature, sustainability — and your four-legged friend. Opt for the VIP Pooch Package, which takes care of dogs just as much as humans. For starters, it includes a special doggy bed, food mat and bowl. Plus, both you and your fur baby will get goodie bags on arrival — your dog's will include toys and treats exclusive to the hotel. And to take it to the next level, the pet-loving staff will also act as dog-sitters, ready to provide assistance as needed. For those looking to venture elsewhere, Ovolo's other hotels in Sydney and Brisbane have the VIP pooch deal, too. How much? VIP Pooch Packages start at $376 per night. LILIANFELS BLUE MOUNTAINS RESORT & SPA, NEW SOUTH WALES Located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the small town of Katoomba, Lilianfels offers luxury and pampering for you and your pup. Here, you can book a special BYO dog package, which includes a deluxe view room that comes equipped with a bed, bowl and treats just for your fur baby. The dog-friendly room overlooks the gorgeous surrounds, which also include a tennis court, a spa, two pools — one of which is a heated outdoor infinity pool — and a fine-diner. Plus there are heaps of easily accessible bushwalks to enjoy with your pooch. How much? From $350 per night. THE LANGHAM, VICTORIA AND NEW SOUTH WALES The Langham in Sydney and Melbourne both offer up one of the most luxurious dog-friendly hotel experiences in all of Australia. They're not holding back in any capacity. Four-legged loves staying here get a dedicated Pet Room Service Menu as well as plush beds, signature Langham bowls, gourmet goodies and a pet gift bag on arrival. Reckon you might need a break from your utterly indulged friend? No problem. Pet sitting and walking services are on-hand. They also offer breakfast in bed for both you and your cat or dog (their private dining pet menu is damn impressive). They won't get pampered like this anywhere else, making this a clear front runner for the very best dog-friendly hotels in Australia. How much? From $570 per night. BRIAR ROSE COTTAGES, QUEENSLAND All aboard a dog-friendly wine tour of the Granite Belt! Set up a luxe base camp at Briar Rose Cottages, just 1km outside of Stanthorpe (which happens to be one our favourite day trip destinations from Brisbane). These three darling little cottages are straight out of a picture book. Think, 'aspirational country chic'. Crackling wood-fire heating, white wicker chairs on the verandah and heritage elegance with a welcoming, homey feel. They're self-contained, for 2, 4 or 6 people, but as there's no fence on the property, you'll just have to keep the doggo on a leash when you're outside. When you've settled in, head out to one of the numerous dog-friendly wineries, including Ridgemill Estate, Robert Cannon Wines, Summit Estate and the trendy Symphony Hill Wines. A tasting for you, some head-pats for the pup, then return to your cosy country abode. How much? From $220 per night. QT, VARIOUS AUSTRALIAN LOCATIONS At all QT Hotels & Resorts across Australia and New Zealand, your dog can come for a luxurious sleepover with you. The chain's Pup Yeah! fur-friendly stays include a night's accommodation for you and your doggo, an in-room menu specifically made for woofers and a pooch-friendly mini bar offering and designer canine bedding. The doggy food range is overseen by the brand's head of treats, Nic Wood, and includes steak tartare with raw beef, mushrooms and egg yolk; bone marrow risotto with bone broth and crispy pigs ears; and chicken livers and pork necks on wholemeal toast with chicken gravy. Fancy a pupper dessert? There's also a bacon ice cream sandwich, made from bacon ice cream, dried liver and oat biscuits. The team will also help guide you to all the best pet-friendly cafes and bars in the local area. And this isn't just one of the best dog-friendly hotels in Australia, it's also one the best hotels in Melbourne, period. How much? From $350 per night. HAWLEY HOUSE, TASMANIA A self-proclaimed 'animal paradise', Hawley House is set on a 150-hectare homestead on the northern coast of Tasmania. Your four-legged friends are welcome free of charge — and that goes not only for dogs but also for ferrets, rabbits, horses and cats. At this dog-friendly accommodation, you are surrounded by Tasmanian wildlife, as well as kilometres of private bushwalking trails and a dog-friendly beach that's set just below the property's garden. Dogs are specifically allowed to stay in the Stables Spa Rooms and the Aquarius rooms, as they are ground floor and have easy access to the outdoors. But if you want to get away with all of your best human and furry mates, book out The Hill House — the four bedroom, two bathroom home sleeps up to ten guests and also includes an outdoor deck with barbecue. How much? From $380 per night. PIER ONE, NEW SOUTH WALES Pooches checking into Pier One won't be quite as ridiculously spoiled as those at The Langham, but nonetheless, they'll be greeted with their very own bed, bowl and toy ... not to mention all the harbour views. What's more, the hotel's staff are mad dog lovers, so be prepared for enthusiastic showers of attention. Don't go getting jealous, now. Pet-friendly hotel rooms come with direct access to the pier, so, when walk-time craziness hits, you'll merely have to open the door. The Rocks and Circular Quay are a waddle away, and, should energy levels reach exploding point, there's always nearby Barangaroo. THALIA HAVEN, TASMANIA Located just an hour from Hobart airport, Thalia Haven is set on a private 130-acre peninsula that's surrounded by the Great Oyster Bay. Tassie's wild east coast is at your doorstep, and there are a whopping five kilometres of secluded coastline, plus a private beach for your entire group to enjoy. The ancient stone cottage contains four bedrooms, so it's the best option for you and your entire crew of dog-loving mates. The place is also solar and wind powered and includes an outdoor bathtub, shower and wood-fired sauna. It's safe to say that this would be an incredibly fancy getaway for you and your pup. How much? From $1500 per night. Top image: QT Hotels 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.
Throughout the pandemic, the New South Wales Government has been providing the state's residents with multiple online maps that track COVID-19 cases, including by postcode and area. These handy resources have been updated every day throughout the state's response to the coronavirus, helpfully. Also now on offer on the NSW Government website, and also just as useful: a map that shows vaccination rates in each postcode. Covering the entire state, the nifty resource outlines jabs in two ways: first doses received by people who live in each postcode, and the number of folks who are fully vaxxed in each area. You just need to toggle between the two options, and then you can zoom in to check out the respective vaccination rates postcode by postcode. The map is colour-coded, and you can also hover over each postcode area for further details. In terms of hues, you'll see a yellow colour for under nine percent vaxxed, a light green for 10–29 percent, a darker green for 30–49 percent, then deeper aqua and blue tones through to navy at 50–59 percent, 60–70 percent and 80 percent. And, if you hover over a particular postcode, it'll tell you which suburbs it covers, the four-digit postcode, the eligible population and how many jabs have been administered. Also included: what percent has received a first dose, what percent has received both doses and an age split for vaccinations given — covering below 50, and then aged 50 and over. The postcodes are based on the location of a person's usual residence, as reported when they were vaxxed — and the map is refreshed each Tuesday and Friday. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has previously announced that some restrictions may ease once the state hits six million jabs — which it has just this week, with those changes in lockdown rules set to be revealed by Friday, August 27. NSW's path out of stay-at-home conditions in general is also tied to vaccination rates, with more restrictions set to relax when the state hits 70-percent and 80-percent double doses. These thresholds fall in line with Australia's new overall 'National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response' that was announced in July, too, which steps through how the country aims to move away from lockdowns, temper restrictions for fully vaxxed folks and handle COVID-19 cases moving forward. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW and have a look at the COVID-19 vaccination map, head to the NSW Government website. Images: The NSW Government COVID-19 vaccine map as at Wednesday, August 25.
We take travelling seriously at Concrete Playground. Whether you're planning luxury getaways abroad, interstate camping trips, weekend jaunts to a city or bathing beachside, our team of avid travellers and destination-obsessives like to think we've got all the necessary tips for where to eat, drink, stay and hang out to get your itineraries in the best possible shape. But it has come to our attention that we've lapsed in our advice when it comes to what to put in your luggage. So, what must-have travel essentials should you be bringing with you on your next trip to make packing for your holiday a simple and stress-free task? In partnership with the folks at Kmart, we're going to share our top tips for packing, depending on what kind of adventure you are about to embark on. Carry-on Connoisseurs If you are attempting to eschew those ever-increasing checked luggage bag fees but aren't quite keen on stuffing a pillowcase with all your belongings, it might be time to assess what you are actually packing. If you've committed to confining yourself to cabin baggage alone, pack items that can do multiple jobs. A simple button-up shirt can be casual with jeans and a tee, a throw-on layer over swimwear, or be dressed up by buttoning it up and tucking it into your pants. Dresses are the ultimate outfit saviour if you favour a single-item outfit. With a simple hairstyle or accessories, a dress can take you from chill brunch to a luxe wine-tasting or fine-dining experience. Don't put yourself out, and ensure you are always looking your best, whether you are sipping on sparkling next to the Riviera or exploring food markets in Japan. Luxury Lovers There's nothing more luxurious than having options for everyday activities on your five-star getaway. But with all your outfit choices, how can you keep tabs on your belongings? Easy, get yourself organised with luggage organisers. Packing cubes are excellent for all kinds of travellers, whether you're hiking the Great Dividing Range or booking yourself into a relaxing retreat. Keep your items organised, from your electronics to your toiletries, your swimwear to your evening wear. With the right travel accessories, you'll never have to worry about where your perfect evening outfit or super luxurious sunhat is. International Explorers If you're that person who is constantly returning from an overseas trip and planning the next one, you probably need new luggage. All that travelling plays havoc on your baggage. From the usual wear and tear of being pulled through the terminals to the stress of being chucked around on baggage chutes, bus racks, taxi boots and more. Before you start planning your next vacation, make sure your bags are in good nick for overseas travel. You don't want to have to be scouring local supermarkets for duct tape. Get yourself sorted with a stylish new set, and you're basically halfway ready for your next adventure. Weekend Warriors Do you keep your eyes peeled for budget-friendly interstate flights or car hire sales for your next weekend escapade? Much like the Carry-on Connoisseurs above, you're only going for the weekend, so make sure you pack lightly (so you can fill your car/suitcase with all the local goodies you can). Whether you're heading for the hills or journeying to a dense metropolis, walking shoes are a must. No matter if you are a guy planning a luxe trip to the south Pacific or a gal heading to the mountains, the ratty trainers you've been rocking to the gym simply won't do (and neither will that stylish new pair you're yet to break in). Get comfy, versatile walking sneakers or boots that match your fave 'fit for city exploring or countryside wandering and wear them on the way to your weekend destination. Adventure Seekers If you love spending your weekends exploring the bush or hiking up mountains, it's important to be prepared and get your camping gear in order. A sturdy shoe, head torch and waterproof pack can make or break a weekend — so be prepared for every kind of weather and dress for the elements to change. Remember: it's cold at night, even during an Aussie summer. If you're a keen camper, stock up on gas fuel for your stove and a first aid pack (with sunscreen and bug spray). It's the times that you need it that you don't have it. Don't put yourself in that position and get prepped for adventure. Foodie Fanatics Do you spend your holidays sampling wines, tasting local produce and snagging the best dinner reservations in town? Dress to impress and pack a skirt that can bring you from the market to the restaurant in an instant. Whether you're more of a mini, midi, or maxi skirt kind of person, a stylish skirt can elevate your outfit for the perfect look for embarking on your epicurean adventure. Discover more of your must-have travel essentials over on Kmart's website.
Originally built in 1893, but beautifully restored in 2005, the Marble Bar is a luxury basement bar with iconic marble archways, a frosted glass ceiling and a beautifully restored mahogany bar. Enjoy the Victorian Gothic vibes combined with speakeasy energy as you sip on a glass of sparkling or stunning cocktails at this heritage-listed underground bar and music venue. The bar was built in the former Adams Hotel in 1893 and was dismantled, transported and reassembled in the Hilton Sydney in 1973. The drinks and food bar harks back to the prohibition era with signature cocktails like the Autumn in New York (Olmeca Reposado Tequila, pomme vert, apple juice, agave, citrus), classic sidecar and the Charlie Chaplin (Plymouth Sloe Gin, apricot brandy and citrus). Pair with some lobster rolls, charcuterie platters or cheese boards for an epic night on the town. There are live music events Monday–Saturday featuring a mix of jazz, pop and R&B to keep the chill vibes going. But take note, this is a classy joint so you'll have to keep to a strict dress code — thongs, t-shirts, shorts and sneakers are no-gos in this underground bar. Images: Marble Bar
Want to hit up all the best wine bars in Sydney? Prepare to take your sweet time. Our wine-loving city is packed with fab spots to down a cheeky bottle of vino. A select few celebrate nothing but local tipples. Others focus on particular regions of Europe. And some have encyclopaedic volumes of wine that require a sommelier to decipher. Food is also big at these Sydney wine bars. Cheese and charcuterie boards abound, and a select few have kitchens that give the city's top restaurants a run for their money. So, whether you're after a cheeky pét-nat served with stuffed zucchini flowers or prefer tempranillo and tostadas, Sydney's best wine bars have you covered. Recommended reads: The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Pubs in Sydney The Best Boutique Bottle Shops in Sydney The Best Underground Bars in Sydney
We're off the see The Wizard again: in not one but two movies, the first arriving in cinemas in November 2024 and the second in 2025, the wonderful world of Oz is returning to screens. It took a mere two years for L Frank Baum's 1900-published book to reach the theatre, with the debut film version following almost four decades later. Now, 85 years have passed since The Wizard of Oz initially entranced cinemas. Its latest big-screen comeback owes debts to both the page and the stage, but beyond the novel that started it all. Wicked first enchanted in print in 1995, when author Gregory Maguire conjured up an alternative Oz-set tale. Since 2003, it has worked its magic as a Tony-winning Broadway musical, before it too makes the eagerly anticipated leap to picture palaces. The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the novel's subtitle, explains Wicked's focus. Whether reading the book, seeing the play or watching the upcoming two features, audiences are whisked into origin-story territory — not only for the green-skinned Elphaba but for Glinda. At the Land of Oz's Shiz University, the pair meet and, despite their differences, cement a friendship. Even before they cross paths with The Wizard, everyone who has ever seen Judy Garland follow the yellow brick road with the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man knows Elphaba and Glinda's destinies. Giving Wicked the movie treatment: a wide-ranging cast and crew led by director Jon M Chu, with the Crazy Rich Asians filmmaker making his second and third stage-to-screen musicals in succession following In the Heights. On-screen, he's enlisted Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo (Pinocchio) as the misunderstood Elphaba, Ariana Grande (Don't Look Up) as Glinda and none other than Jeff Goldblum (Kaos) as The Wizard, plus Michelle Yeoh (A Haunting in Venice), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and more. Off-screen, a six-time Oscar-nominee — five of them for Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) films — also couldn't be more pivotal. When Academy Award recognition comes your way for art direction on The Prestige and The Dark Knight, then for production design on Interstellar, Dunkirk and Tenet — and for Damien Chazelle's First Man as well — jumping to Oz on Wicked's two parts might seem like a massive change. But English production designer Nathan Crowley is interested in world-building first and foremost, and has been ever since his first screen credit on as a junior set designer on 1991's Hook. Also on his resume recently: The Greatest Showman and Wonka. And, he's a veteran of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Braveheart, Mission: Impossible II, Escape From LA, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight Rises, John Carter and the Westworld TV series as well. When you're taking a well-trodden path thanks to multiple books, the Wizard of Oz movie that's been beloved for generations, blockbuster stage musicals, and everything from The Wiz to Oz: The Great and Powerful, you're embarking on an enormous task. That isn't lost on Crowley, he tells Concrete Playground, although the full scope dawned on him slowly. Not only does he need to bring Oz to life beyond the painted backdrops of the Garland-starring film, but he has the job of creating Shiz University — not to mention a field filled with nine-million tulips as part of Munchkinland and a throne room featuring a mechanical version of Goldblum's head, plus various forms of transport, such as by rail, river and air. Ahead of the first Wicked film's release in cinemas — including premiering at Sydney's State Theatre on Sunday, November 3, with Erivo, Grande, Goldblum, Bailey, fellow stars Marissa Bode (a screen debutant) and Ethan Slater (The Marvellous Mrs Maisel), plus director Chu, all in attendance — we also chatted with Crowley about those nine-million flowers, the joy of practical effects, aiming to get audiences to fall into a fantastical world, what he makes of his career so far and more. On How Planting a Field of Nine-Million Tulips in Norfolk Is Symbolic of the Scale of the Task of Bringing Wicked to the Screen "It was the first major challenge for me. My thing is, I love doing things practically because there's a colossal joy to it. So one of the first challenges was: what do all the munchkins do? I need something for them to do in their village. Okay, they're flower farmers and they use the dyes to make colours, because they're colourful people. And so each house, that allowed me lots of scope with the colours of the buildings. So then it was like — and I think it must have been Jon — 'well, what if it's the colours of the rainbow?'. Which is a massive thing. So then what goes in strips of colour? Tulips? You grow tulips in strips of colour. So that's kind of where 'oh we need tulips'. And then it was like 'well, let's grow them'. It was myself and the location manager Adam [Richards, Wonka], who I've worked with many times before. It like 'where can we grow tulips? We can go up to Norfolk'. He found a tulip farmer and was like 'let's go up there and see if we can grow'. I'm going quickly, but there's lots of between. I planted 500 acres of corn in Interstellar in Canada. So I've been a farmer before and I knew if could find the right farmer — and with Adam's help, because ultimately it was crown property; I needed it to be without trees, because in Oz trees are circular. I needed it to be a perfectly large sky, a tulip sky. So we found Mark the farmer, who's just simply brilliant, and he got us our bulbs. Then I had to go back to the production and explain: 'we have a field, we have permission from crown properties to plant, you need to write a check for tulips. You've got to get them from Holland. And we've got to get them in the ground quickly before it freezes'. When you're a flower farmer, you've got to get the bulbs in the ground. And so there's a lot of umming and aahing, and it was difficult, but I think it set the pace of what we were trying to achieve. And Jon, and Donna Langley from Universal, was very into it. She was like 'I love it. Let's do it'. We planted them and we got to know the farmer. He was into it, and we got the colours — and it was just a great life experience. You need to step out of your department occasionally and get into the real world. So, practical filmmaking. So that started it off, and then of course, it snowballs. But they all grew, they all worked. It was brilliant." On Valuing Practical Effects in Age Where CGI Is Everywhere in Visual Effects — and Combining the Two "That [CGI] is very powerful tool now. But you have many tools. We have 120 years of filmmaking experience. My thing is if we can make it enough for real, and light it and get real photography, we can tell visual effects what it should look like and their job becomes symbiotic with ours — and we become one rather than working as a line. So I always feel the balance is essential and we can do it. I guess it's so obvious to me that you build as much as you can until you can't foe whatever reasons: landscape, weather, money, time. So you have to balance it — and then if you balance it, and this really goes back to the audience in the cinema, can you not make them not notice how you did it? Can you do a film, especially a fancy film, where they don't pay attention, they're into the film, they're not paying attention, nothing bounces them out, so you fall into the film? Ever since I was little, when I go to the cinema, I want to fall into the telling of the story. And so I believe that we almost have to go quietly — and to do that, I strongly believe you have to do it practically, because if you suddenly cut to visual effects, I think audiences know that. The emotion is taken away from the audience. It flattens it. So if you can make it seamless, I don't want the audience to notice. Because then you're just in it and you're into the emotion of it." On the Massive the Scope in Not Just Bringing One of the 21st Century's Biggest Stage Musicals to the Screen, But Reimagining Much That's Crucial to The Wizard of Oz "I guess I was a little naive about how big Wicked, the stage show, was. I had three daughters who had grown up and they were like 'what, oh my god!'. And The Wizard of Oz, to me, they sit side by side. What was brilliant is that Wicked is the alternative story to The Wizard of Oz — so together, what a piece of cinema. The realisation I had to recreate Oz kind of slowly dawned on me. And that was like 'oh'. It was like 'Jesus, we've got to remake, we've got to figure out Emerald City'. And Emerald City was just a painting on a backdrop, and everyone's childhood, everyone's reimagined what that is — it's very clever. Everyone's filled in all the blanks of what they didn't show you. So we're going to tread on people's nostalgia for Emerald City — and how do we do that? And then you've got the Wicked fans, there's little things that they want in the film, Shiz details, and it's very important. But luckily we had Marc Platt [the film's producer, and also the stage musical's], who's all things Wicked. So he was my constant guide to Wicked. And then Wizard of Oz was just making sure I didn't hurt and I enlarged people's opinion of what Oz is, rather than shrunk it. So, it was a massive challenge. The biggest challenges, the two films in my career that sit as giant design challenges: Wicked and Interstellar. And they both hurt your head. It's not a physical thing, it's like they hurt your design brain. On How the Wicked Set Became the Most Complex of Crowley's Career So Far "First of all, it was the design, because Shiz, there's so many versions of Shiz — the school, Hogwarts, Cambridge, there's all these perceived ideas. So, one, you have to find a design. And secondly, I realised that the first day of school when everyone comes in, we've got no horse and carriages because the animals aren't enslaved. We've got no trains because they belong to The Wizard, and we have to introduce them later. We can't come by airship, because the balloon belongs to The Wizard. There's no cars. So how do you get anywhere in Oz? And then it was like 'oh, we go by a river' — which is a tradition. Of course we go by river. But what that means is the set, we have to build a giant water tank for the set so we can row the boat into the Shiz courtyard. And of course I like everything practically, so it's like 'we've got to build a giant water tank that takes seven days to fill'. And that was a challenge because, if you know about practical filmmaking, there's never been a tank that didn't leak. So you have a servicing problem with it. Every tank always leaks. Then Shiz for me was about finding architecture. The Wizard of Oz is an American fairy tale, so I need Americana, so White City of Chicago, 1893 World's Exposition, those giant Burnham and Root arches. I need to put some Americana in it. I need to put the scale of America in it. But then I need the nostalgia of every great ancient educational facility. So I need you to, when you walk into to Shiz, you feel this sort of ancient learning vibe. I need to take architecture from all over the world and change the materials of it, and try to blend it — from onion domes to Venice staircases. So I was really trying to make it fantastical, but familiar. So when you watch it, you'll see something that's kind of familiar to you. And if you've been a tourist in in Italy, you'll feel it a bit — or if you've been to Spain, to the Alhambra, you'll feel it a bit. Or maybe a little bit of Melbourne. Not much Georgian architecture, I'm afraid. On the Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity of Building a Throne Room Around a Mechanical Version of Jeff Goldblum's Head "It was so exciting. Every film has influenced the last one. So back on The Prestige — and really Bram Stoker's Dracula, we did automatons and mechanics, and we had to puppeteer the head and get expressions. So the joy of realising we had, one, a phenomenal special effects scene. Who could do that? And puppeteer it? And then secondly, okay, we've got the head, and if we could come through the curtain and say 'I am Oz' and put an eye through it, that's exciting. But then you think, 'well, what about the curtain?'. And so we came up with all these string curtains, it's almost like an art installation. We sat there for a very long time with drapers and mechanical people. We'd sit there at the end of the day and try all different things. And we had Joss [Carter, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom], the puppeteer, who was just brilliant. It comes down to just trying something, developing it and and being with the right people. And it's people — you're with all these people, and they're all creative, and the fun out of it is remarkable." On What Crowley Makes of His Career Three-Decade-Plus Career in Cinema So Far — and What Gets Him Excited About a New Project "I think when I look back, I just think 'wow, I got a bit lucky with the people I met'. There's a huge part of luck in if you happen to bump into the right people when you're younger. It's just like if you turn left at a certain time. So I look back at it and wonder 'how did all that happen?'. And I just like to get excited. So what does that mean now? Still to this day, I remember walking on to the old MGM lot for my first day at Hook and there was a ship on stage 27. They built a water tank. There was a ship in it, the Hook ship. It was giant, and it was just like 'this is incredible'. [caption id="attachment_614251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Interstellar[/caption] So I'm really just looking to world-build. Films like Wonka and Wicked opened those doors — things I've not done before. I wouldn't have said, I couldn't have said to you that I would end up making lots of musicals. To me, that wasn't even in my mind when we were doing Interstellar. 'I do lots of musicals? You're going to do four musicals?' I couldn't imagine that, but they've been some of the most-interesting design jobs I've ever had. So definitely new experiences, new journeys. You've got to keep yourself interested, you especially as you get older." Wicked releases in Australian cinemas on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with limited previews on Wednesday, November 20 — and tickets for the latter on sale now.
Light the beacons: we've found Sydney's best potato wedges … on an industrial estate in Marrickville. If that strikes you as odd, don't worry. Once you cross the threshold of 20 Chapel — the pyro-powered, pigeonhole-defying neighbourhood bistro now occupying the former warehouse digs of Stix Cafe — you'll soon forget everything you thought you knew about how elite dining in Sydney should look and feel. At first glance, the well-lit 66-seat dining space looks normal enough – indeed, regulars at the cafe that preceded it will find the room uncannily familiar. Little has been done to update the existing decor, save for having the dining chairs powder-coated black (conveniently at a neighbouring warehouse) and the addition of a sprawling marble-topped bar along one wall, also sourced from around the corner — one of the advantages of opening a restaurant surrounded by builders' merchants. [caption id="attachment_968249" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 20 Chapel's potato wedges with Coppertree Farm creme fraiche and caramelised chilli[/caption] Linger longer, however, and the curiosities begin to mount. You'll notice a Sichuan-spiced duck with a smashed cucumber and sesame salad being carried to one table while a glossy bowl of pumpkin-stuffed agnolotti, topped by a glistening amber orb of almond-dusted yolk, is being ushered to another. A lick of flame from the open kitchen catches your eye as the scent of woodsmoke teases your nose. The waitstaff laugh and joke with their customers — no stoney service sentinels here. And is that a Poor Toms negroni being poured on tap? Chef Corey Costelloe, the former Culinary Director of Hunter Street Hospitality including Rockpool Bar and Grill, is the man behind this refreshingly different diner. To make his first independent venture a reality, Costelloe has assembled an all-star team, who also all happen to be close friends. The bricks and mortar come courtesy of David Allison, the chef and owner of Stix Farm, a much-lauded grower of organic produce located near the banks of the Hawkesbury just north of Sydney. In the kitchen, Costelloe's former protege from Rockpool, Owen Okada, joins him as Sous. And finally, managing front-of-house matters, there's Anthony Qalilawa, Rockpool's former maître d' and Costelloe's best mate since the age of 13. [caption id="attachment_968250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] (L-R) Owen Okada, David Allison, Corey Costelloe and Anthony Qalilawa[/caption] As skilled as this hospitality super group undoubtedly is, it isn't just the combination of their talents that has created such a uniquely winning energy here, but also the combination of their shared experiences. What 20 Chapel offers is not so much a menu as it is a collective memoir, told through stellar food and heart-warming service. Subtle storytelling is an ingredient you'll find in every dish and beverage, from personal winks such as the nostalgia of childhood pub visits that inspired an elevated take on wedges, to neighbourhood nods, like a bread course of crusty white banh mi-style baguettes as an homage to Marrickville's Vietnamese community. Even the kitchen's custom-built woodfired grill is a tribute to Costelloe's past working with Neil Perry at Rockpool. "We could cook on a regular gas burner, but you can't change that — there's no hot spot, no smouldering spot, no cooler spot, you've just got flat heat, nothing else," Costelloe shares. "You need to be able to work with the flame — we've got like ten zones on our grill, where you can get that smoke or that char or you can deal with steaks that are harder or softer. Without that flame, everything just tastes the same." [caption id="attachment_968252" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Corey Costelloe[/caption] But I digress — back to the wedges. After an overnight brining, each identically sized sliver of spud is parboiled, blast-chilled and then deep-fried in tallow rendered from offcuts of Blackmore wagyu steaks until the golden outsides are perfectly crisp and the creamy innards are pillow-soft. Each rich, beefy bite demands a generous scoop of Coppertree Farm creme fraiche mingled with house-made caramelised chilli, lofting the pub-grub classic of wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce into another dimension of texture and taste. The steaks donating their unwanted fat to these heavenly wedges are another star of the menu. Inspired by David Allison's low-impact practices at Stix Farm (where the bulk of the restaurant's fresh produce is sourced), little goes to waste from the beef carcasses processed on-premises, from the four butcher's cuts of 9+ marble score wagyu and the 17-day aged bresaola to the mince in the intriguing tomato-free cavatelli "white bolognese". And the low-waste principles don't stop with the meat. When possible, salvageable fruit and veg trimmings find a second purpose, such as the leftovers from a sticky quince tarte tatin used to flavour one of the signature cocktails. As I step out of the restaurant and back onto Chapel Street, it strikes me as apt that the name of this restaurant is simply its address. The vision behind it is so emotionally rich, so difficult to pin down, no pithy adjective or made-up moniker could possibly do it justice. The personality-led service, the unconventional location, the mercurial food, the laidback yet refined spirit – all of it confounds categorisation. But while the 'what' remains elusive, the 'why' is much easier to grasp. The inspirations behind the menu are not explicit, nor do you need to be aware of them to appreciate the finesse on your plate, but these intimate histories offer a through line that binds together what is otherwise a menu that refuses to colour within any clear culinary lines. It's an approach to creating a restaurant that feels in a league of its own, with friendship and memory rather than cuisine or convention calling the shots.
Sydney's beaches might be famous all over the world, but its rivers, though lesser known, are just as beautiful. And, if you're looking for a peaceful camping getaway, then the banks of a meandering waterway are hard to beat. You can spend all your time lazing about on grassy clearings and sandy beaches, wading through pretty swimming holes and trying to catch a fish or two. Or, get active and go exploring on a kayaking adventure or bushwalk. Within a stone's throw of Sydney's CBD, there are streams of all sorts: from rivers with rushing rapids framed by sheer sandstone cliffs to cute, babbling creeks that travel through ferny forests. Luckily, many are equipped with easily accessible campgrounds. So, pack your tent and plan your next escapade at one of these five. NEPEAN RIVER, BENTS BASIN STATE CONSERVATION AREA About an hour's drive west of Sydney is this idyllic spot on the shores of the mighty Nepean River, which starts at Robertson in the Southern Highlands and, just north of Penrith, becomes one with the Hawkesbury. At Bents Basin, the Nepean enters a gorge — one of the deepest swimming holes in New South Wales — so, it's a good spot for dipping in, paddling and fishing. There are rapids nearby too, so pack your lilo. Campground facilities include hot showers, barbecues and a camp kitchen. Hot tip: book in advance, especially during holidays. [caption id="attachment_645703" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Parks NSW.[/caption] LANE COVE RIVER, LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK To camp near a river without having to travel too far, pitch your tent on the banks of the Lane Cove River, a branch of the Parramatta River; the campground is just a 25-minute drive northwest of the CBD. Here, you'll find excellent views over Lane Cove Valley and you're highly likely to meet swamp wallabies, water dragons, kookaburras, lorikeets, bush turkeys and, if you're quiet and patient, echidnas. To explore the river more extensively, have a wander along the Riverside Walking Track. Facilities (which are pretty fancy) include a swimming pool, barbecues, showers, kiosk, wifi and power. [caption id="attachment_644586" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Parks NSW.[/caption] HAWKESBURY RIVER, CATTAI NATIONAL PARK Cattai Campground sits on a bend in the Hawkesbury River on the edge of Cattai National Park, about an hour's drive northwest of Sydney. Along with camping, the waterway also offers perfect conditions for fishing, boating and bushwalking. To add some history to your trip, visit the Cattai Homestead, a National Trust-listed dwelling built in the 1820s. The home is also attached to the ruins of a windmill which is believed to be the oldest industrial building in Australia. Campground facilities include showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic tables. Oh, and the occasional kangaroo and possum, too. [caption id="attachment_644592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Parks NSW.[/caption] KINGFISHER POOL, HEATHCOTE RIVER, HEATHCOTE NATIONAL PARK Kingfisher Pool Campground is a secluded oasis tucked deep within Heathcote National Park — 5.5 kilometres to be exact. After a leisurely walk in, you'll be rewarded with a serene, undisturbed vista. So, despite being just 40 kilometres southwest of the Sydney CBD, the campground feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. The pool is a magical swimming hole along the Heathcote River, with rock platforms to lounge on and pretty cascades. Facilities are rustic, being limited to toilets and picnic tables, so don't forget to pack all the water you'll need. [caption id="attachment_644676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Parks NSW.[/caption] MARRAMARRA CREEK CAMPGROUND, MARRAMARRA NATIONAL PARK Like Kingfisher Pool, Marramarra Creek Campground is walk-in only, so there's a similar sense of escape and solitude. In this case, it's a 3.5-kilometre trek from Marramarra Ridge Trail management gate (directions are over here), which is about an hour's drive northwest of Sydney. If you're keen to catch your own dinner, throwing a line in could prove worthwhile. On top of that, there are kayaking journeys to be had through mangroves, century-old orange orchards to wander among and the 13-kilometre Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ride walk to conquer. Facilities consist of barbecues, toilets and picnic tables. For more inspiration to get outside and explore, visit National Parks NSW and check out their Instagram @nswnationalparks.
In 1999–2001 TV series Spaced, one of Nick Frost's first-ever roles — also, before Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End, his initial screen collaboration with Simon Pegg (Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning) and Edgar Wright (Last Night in Soho) — he played a character who was obsessed with weapons and the military. A quarter of a century later, he's portraying someone that's training dragon fighters and forging armaments as a blacksmith. "I'm just trying to see now if there's a connection between Mike and Gobber," Frost jokes with Concrete Playground. "I mean, I think Mike would be a great Gobber. Maybe Berk is actually where Mike ended up. Maybe there was some awful apocalypse in Spaced that we never saw and he eventually became Gobber." If you'd like to embrace that theory about one of Spaced's key figures, you can. You heard it from Frost, after all. Regardless, the English talent is now one of the stars of How to Train Your Dragon in its latest iteration as a live-action film. British author Cressida Cowell started the all-ages-friendly Viking tale on the page in 2003, sparking a book saga that's spanned 12 novels. In 2010, filmmakers Chris Sanders (The Wild Robot) and Dean DeBlois (the OG Lilo & Stitch) brought her tales to cinemas in animation. The latter also wrote and directed 2014's How to Train Your Dragon 2 and 2019's How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, and now does the same on the newest big-screen visit to Berk. How to Train Your Dragon fans know the story, then, but they haven't seen it unfurled with actors literally stepping into the shoes of its isle setting's inhabitants. Before Mason Thames (Monster Summer) returns to the world of The Black Phone in that horror hit's sequel later in 2025, he's Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the reluctant fledgling dragon fighter who befriends one of the most-feared types of the winged creatures — not that you'd know it from Toothless' appearance and demeanour — and champions living in harmony with rather than waging war against them. Gerard Butler (Den of Thieves: Pantera) voiced Hiccup's chieftain father Stoick the Vast in the animated movies, and now reprises the part in How to Train Your Dragon's present leap. As first given voice by Craig Ferguson (The Hustler) in the previous pictures, Frost's Gobber is Stoick's friend and Hiccup's mentor, plus a source of support for a young man who is struggling with living up to his dad's expectations. The dragons themselves still required visual effects to animate into existence, with life-sized puppets used during shooting for the actors to work against. Everywhere that it can, however, How to Train Your Dragon circa 2025 is immersed in a tangible Viking-inspired realm. For Frost, as Gobber is charged with imparting dragon-battling skills not just to Hiccup but to other young warriors — the determined Astrid (Nico Parker, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy), plus a group of Berk's fellow next generation spanning Snotlout (Gabriel Howell, Nightsleeper), Fishlegs (Julian Dennison, Y2K), and twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut (Mickey 17's Bronwyn James and The Acolyte's Harry Trevaldwyn) — that meant ample days in the film's training-arena set. This part also saw him continue to build upon father figure-type roles that've been joining his resume of late. "It's because I'm getting old," he jests. A jovial "get stuffed!" is Frost's first comment when the passage of time since Spaced and Shaun of the Dead comes up. He's spent that quarter-century-plus since the former kicked off and more than 20 years since the later arrived cementing himself as a beloved actor with a diverse resume. On his filmography, The Boat That Rocked sits side by side with US-set alien comedy Paul — which Frost and Pegg wrote — and also with Attack the Block, voice work alongside Pegg again on The Adventures of Tintin, two Snow White and the Huntsman films, leading rom-com Cuban Fury, TV's Mr Sloane, wrestling flick Fighting with My Family, the Pegg co-starring Truth Seekers and loaning his tones to Skeleton Crew's SM 33. There's more, of course, such as Ice Age, The Boxtrolls and Trollhunters; 2024 horror efforts Krazy House, Get Away and Black Cab; and, in his latest significant news, playing Hagrid in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series. Frost is responsible for decades of folks asking if their friends want a beer in quite the colourful way, repeating perhaps his best-known Shaun of the Dead line. With that film's Peter Serafinowicz (Wolf King) by his side as How to Train Your Dragon's Spitelout, he's currently in completely different terrain. What appealed to Frost about joining the franchise, and also juggling the family-friendly and definitely not child-appropriate sides of his resume, was equally a topic of conversation in our chat — alongside a range of other subjects, such as adding his own stamp on Gobber, his personal connection to using humour as a shield, that massive training arena, the importance of DeBlois returning as director and Frost never wanting to be an actor. On Taking on the Role of How to Train Your Dragon's Dragon-Fighter Trainer "First of all, it's a massive film. It's part of a really well-loved — I hate the phrase 'franchise', but that's what it is. And apart from maybe Snow White and the Huntsman and stuff like that, I hadn't really done anything perhaps this massive before. And I think being a filmmaker and a writer and an actor, it's like 'let's do this, let's try this — this is different, let's have a go'. I think part of me was aware that obviously Craig Ferguson was Gobber in the past. And people love what Craig did. And I was aware that I didn't want to ruin what he did — I was aware that there was a responsibility on me to make Gobber what people felt watching Craig's Gobber. And I think having a conversation with Dean before I got the job, he was like 'what do you want to do?' — I think once you realise that you have a certain amount of creative freedom, that's really attractive, I think, for me. And to collaborate, that's always a joy. And to know that you have a voice on set and you can say 'hey, is this all right? Can we try this?' or 'do you think this is funny', it's always a lovely compliment to be allowed to do that." On Bringing a New Guise to a Part That's Already Well-Established in the Animated Films "Honestly, I didn't, after the initial few days of getting the job and speaking to Dean, I just left it at the door and then came in completely without that. I didn't want to feel like that was on me for the whole thing, and that I couldn't try anything new or be different because it wasn't what had gone before. I just wanted to try and, as I say, respect what that was, but then let's move on and try to give a different kind of Gobber for a new generation of audiences — but also, I guess, leaving something of what Craig did so people who love the animated ones will enjoy it, too. I think, personally, if I'm going into this with the expectations of what people will think, I think you'd probably just be crushed. You just have to unburden yourself from all of that and just do what you think is right, do what Dean wants, and be respectful of that process and the process of the other actors in the film with you." On What Interests Frost About the Variety of Projects Across His Career, Including Both Family-Friendly Fare and Horror Films Aplenty of Late "I just don't see them as any different, really. It's still all work. I think I'm probably very lucky and grateful that I haven't been pigeonholed in 'oh, well he just does that'. I think that is possible and that does happen. And I'm very pleased that the people who cast things like Harry Potter and this don't think 'oh god, he was cutting someone's head off in a film that he wrote like two years ago. Is that going to be a problem?'. I love the fact that I can do both. I can get away with it all." On Portraying Someone Who Uses Humour as a Shield to Deal with an Uncertain World "I think that's me. That was me for a long time. I think where Gobber and I differ, he just uses it — I think if you live in a society like Berk and where the Vikings are from, I think probably the sense of humour is very dark, because essentially you could be taken and killed in at any moment, day or night. So I think using comedy and laughter as a shield is par for that kind of society. I think where it becomes not so useful is when you hide behind it and not work out what's behind that." [caption id="attachment_1009286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tyler Curtis/ABImages[/caption] On Stepping Into Paternal-Type and Mentorship-Style Roles "I just think I'm a dad, I've got three children, so I just get it more. I guess when before I had children and if you're going to be a kind of father figure, you're just — as a lot of actors do — you're just imagining what it would be like. And you're drawing on your own father or your grandfather or stepfather. But once you have your own, I think as I act, I always try to get better. Every job I do, every role I play, I just want to be better and better and better. And I think an actor's ageing gives you that opportunity. Every time you do something else, you're slightly older. You've seen a tiny bit more. And what I think, what I'd say about this film, is I know people are saying potentially 'oh, he's quite paternal' — but I actually think Gobber's more maternal in this film. I think he's stepped in to be Hiccup's mum." On the Impact That Immersive Sets Have, Especially How to Train Your Dragon's Training Arena "That was the first thing we shot, and it was really nerve-wracking, because it's massive. It's honestly the size of a small soccer stadium. And there are 200 crew, and there are 500 extras and they're all dressed as dragons. And they all know you, they're looking at you, and you have to give them a little wave. And it's frightening. I think what 25 years in this has given me is you have to shrug that off, and it just becomes about my relationship with the camera and Dean and whoever I'm acting with, and Bill Pope [Unfrosted] the DoP. 'What can I give to you? How can I help you? Should we have a run through our lines?' And I think what helps is making something that massive that small, it helps me cope with it more emotionally, more effectively — because if I were to look around and think 'all these fucking people', it becomes unmanageable emotionally for me." On How Dean DeBlois Continuing as How to Train Your Dragon's Director From the Animated Films Assisted the Cast "Dean, he absolutely loves it. He loves How to Train Your Dragon. He loves Hiccup. He loves Stoick and Gobber and the gang. And he's just passionate about it, and I find being around someone who's so passionate about something, it's really attractive. It makes me love it, too. And I wanted Dean to like me. I wanted him to like Gobber. And I wanted him to, when you're working with someone like Dean, when he just comes up behind you and gives you a little pat, it's like 'oh dad, dad likes it', you know — 'he loves it'. It's nice to be around that kind of passion. It's conducive. It makes me want to be around it, too." On Frost's Journey Over the 25 Years Since Spaced and Two Decades Since Shaun of the Dead "It's not lost on me. It's amazing. I never wanted to be an actor. I never wanted to act. I never knew what I wanted to do. Even, I was like 30 when we did Shaun of the Dead, and that was the first film I ever did. So I just — and this is going to sound like, I don't want to say actor-y bullshit, but I'm just terribly grateful, I'm amazed, and I just love it. I'm so lucky that I found something that I — there's not one day I've ever been on a set in 25 years where I haven't loved it in some way, shape or form. And to get a chance to do that, and then to start getting bigger and bigger things, it feels like a dream to me, really. Like when I got How to Train Your Dragon and you realise the kind of people who have to say 'yes' before you get the role — that was terribly flattering for me that someone, somewhere, had to say 'yeah, he's the guy. We'll have him'. It's not lost on me how lucky I am every single day. I'm sitting here, someone brings me a coffee‚ it's like 'this is amazing'. It's amazing to me. And I love it. I love making films." How to Train Your Dragon opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
If you love sashimi, you really love sashimi. And if you love sashimi and live in Sydney, chances are you've had a piece or two from Zushi at some point. In addition to restaurants in Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, they've also opened at Barangaroo with a striking fit-out courtesy of the acclaimed Koichi Takada Architects. The waterfront space boasts a semi-open kitchen, a dedicated sushi bar and a stunning, all-weather outdoor dining area with room for 106 people — it's bound to be red-hot property over the summer months. There's also a walk-up bar space, where Zushi's resident sake expert can hook you up with a few drops from the extensive range while you're waiting for that table. In true Zushi style, the modern Japanese fare here strikes a balance between innovation and authenticity, with this menu a mix of favourites, specials, and seasonal dishes unique to the Barangaroo restaurant. You'll find specialty sushi and sashimi, alongside an assortment of Izakaya-inspired share plates. Backing it up, there's that hefty range of sake, some clever sake cocktails, and a NSW-led wine list, which has plenty of love for biodynamic and organic labels. Zushi joins a slew of other eateries that at Barangaroo, including Belles Hot Chicken, Lotus, Cirrus and The Rabbit Hole.
Backing up a new album with a tour worked well for G Flip in 2023. In fact, they won an ARIA Award for Best Australian Live Act for their efforts. For 2025's new record Dream Ride, the drummer, singer and songwriter is doing the same in 2026 — kicking off their next run of homegrown dates eight years to the month since Georgia Flipo first uploaded 'About You' to Triple J Unearthed and sparked a helluva career so far. In Sydney, G Flip is playing Hordern Pavilion on Tuesday, March 3. The last time that the ARIA Award-winning drummer, singer and songwriter took a solo tour around the country, it was to sellout crowds. [caption id="attachment_1013156" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Jelonek/Getty Images[/caption] For company in 2026, G Flip will have Toronto's The Beaches and Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon in support at all gigs. Dream Ride, the album, features singles 'Disco Cowgirl', 'Big Ol' Hammer' and 'In Another Life' — and an 80s-inspired sound, as well as G Flip playing almost every instrument on the record. [caption id="attachment_1013154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Sophie Bine[/caption] Top image: Amy Martin Photography via Wikimedia Commons.
Back in 2015, when word arrived that the Flinders Street Station Ballroom would be brought back to life after three decades of sitting dormant, no one could've imagined the wonders that it has gone on to hold. Skywhale artist Patricia Piccinini filled it with twisted flowers and otherworldly creatures. Street-art legend Rone decked it out with a new immersive artwork. For RISING 2025, now an art exhibition that's also a nine-hole mini-golf course is temporarily moving in. When it takes over Melbourne each winter, RISING is always all about giving the Victorian capital — and Australia — brand-new experiences. As popular as putt putt is around the country, Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf is definitely a unique addition to the major annual arts festival's 2025 lineup. The event has enlisted female-identifying and gender-diverse artists to design mini-golf holes at the Flinders Street Station Ballroom, and is inviting RISING attendees — plus anyone in Melbourne for a couple of months after the festival — to get swinging at the three-month-long pop-up. While RISING itself will run from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 in 2025, Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf will kick off on the fest's opening day but keep letting folks get putting until Sunday, August 31. When you're tap, tap, tapping, you'll be navigating greens designed by Kajillionaire filmmaker and All Fours writer Miranda July, Australian artists Kaylene Whiskey and Nabilah Nordin, Japan's Saeborg, the United Kingdom's Delaine Le Bas, and Indonesia's Natasha Tontey. Expect surreal, mindbending creations — whether July is riffing on her latest book's name with an 'all fores' setup, Whiskey is merging pop culture and Anangu traditions, latex creatures are a feature courtesy of Saeborg or Le Bas is working in embroidery, to name just a few of the details set to star. Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf is RISING 2025's first program announcement — and if you're keen to find out what else is in store, the full roster arrives in March. For this certain highlight of the fest, as well as a mini golf-meets-art mashup, there'll also be a Swingers Clubhouse, aka a pop-up Archie Rose Distilling Co bar, for when you're done swinging. As for what inspired the piece, "the history of mini golf is surprisingly subversive and sits at the heart of this project," explains RISING Senior Curator Grace Herbert, who developed Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf. "It's been incredible to see how each artist has taken this on. Alongside playing mini golf and experiencing the artworks, you might have your fortune told, travel to desert country, become a human-animal hybrid or even find yourself singing along to Dolly Parton." "RISING is about creating collective experiences and Swingers continues that tradition. Bringing such unique artistic minds into the creation of a nine-hole course is a literal game-changer. I can't wait to see audiences step up and take their shot," added RISING Co-Artistic Directors Hannah Fox and Gideon Obarzanek. RISING 2025 runs from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 across Melbourne — and Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf will run from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, August 31, extending past the festival. Head to the event's website for further information. Images: Eugene Hyland.
Ever find yourself standing in the supermarket frozen in confusion as you stare at a wall of olive oil and wonder which one? What's the difference? Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil (FEVOO) Harvest Festival 2013 can help you answer this mind-boggling dilemma as they bring together those passionate about oil to talk, explain and enlighten us on why it is so essential to life. This is Australia's first festival dedicated to extra virgin olive oil and it will be showcasing the new-season oils at the Mint. Stephanie Alexander is headlining, with all proceeds of an oil auction going to her Kitchen Garden Foundation. An all-things-olive-oil menu will be designed by Lyndey Milan as you learn about the difference in oils and just why Australian olive oils are among the best in the world. Entry gains you a glass of wine, nibbles, tastings, a masterclass and an invitation to watch the panel discussion. So go along and sip, slurp and spit some of the best olive oils in Australia.
Although our arteries may be crying foul, we in Sydney have become well and truly besotted with American food. From the nostalgia of 1950s milkbars to the soul-steeling heartiness of Southern cuisine, there's a certain homey, convivial charm we can't resist. And though we may be over establishments that borrow a little too directly from their US counterparts, there are others that continue to surprise and impress us. The best places, the ones on this list, have risen above imitation and novelty, and they delve deeper into American food than mere burgers. Enjoy one tonight and celebrate America's Fourth of July. Just remember: cookies (deep-fried and dolloped with spicy mayo) are a sometimes food. 1. Hartsyard There is no denying Hartsyard's heritage; it is palpably American in taste, substance and style. As soon as you push open the glass door, the smell of hickory smoked pork greets you with open arms. You'd be forgiven for thinking you had mistakenly stumbled across a classic American backyard cook-out, but that's what’s beautiful about this Newtown newcomer. You never know what to expect. Start with the poutine ($23) for a no-holds-barred introduction to American cuisine that borrows generously from the Bible Belt, French Canada and the friction between urban and rural dining. 2. Soda Factory What you're looking for is a kitschy neon sign reading 'Bobby’s Boss Dogs'. Bobby’s draws the comparison to New York's Crif Dogs, the entrance to clandestine East Village cocktail lounge PDT. Pull on the handle of the Coke Machine and you're inside The Soda Factory — a dimly lit industrial expanse lined with inviting booths and comfy mid-century sofas. For just $9, the Johnny Drama (beef sausage topped with bacon, sour cream, avocado and tomato salsa) straddles the line between gourmet and good old-fashioned grub. 3. Marly Kitchen Chicken and waffles are a classic southern American breakfast combination that makes no sense to us Australians. Deep-fried chicken? Served with waffles? Drizzled in gravy? It just doesn't compute. And it's great that the Marly Kitchen in the hotel's new Garden Bar is doing it, because the risk, complexity and creativity is a foil to the many safe options around town where American equals burger. Choose from crispy buttermilk deep-fried chicken, smoked pulled pork, cheesy BBQ sirloin or Mexican lentil toppings ($8) for the waffles, or try something from the constantly changing special board, featuring more sophisticated options such as crispy skin roasted kingfish with tender confit kipfler potatoes and a finger-licking bushpepper aioli ($26). 4. Eathouse Diner One of the originals, and still one of the best. The red vinyl stools around a curved bar and crimson walls with a chalkboard menu on the wall conjure 1950s Americana, but there's no schtick here. The menu features Southern classics that aren't too heavy, such as fried okra in corn maize batter with spicy chipotle and tomato sauce and the delicious spicy Creole gumbo, as well as dishes with a more English or Australian heritage. The fun atmosphere and seriously good food means that, years in, this place is still full most nights of the week. 5. Miss Peaches Soul Food Kitchen Step off Missenden Road in Newtown and be transported to a pseudo-Louisiana where Miss Peaches and her Soul Food Kitchen are waiting. The spacious brick bar has old-school Southern charm with plenty of comfy booths, a balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of King Street below, plus a blues-infused vinyl collection to get any feet dancing. The menu is the antithesis of all diets and not for the faint of heart. Think cornbread sliders filled with deep-fried mac and cheese, chicken or beef short rib (3 for $18), crispy tater tots with maple bacon ketchup ($8) or flaky crawfish pies ($12). The blackened fish ($15) is spiced up nice and jerky and a real standout of the menu. 6. Santa Barbara With its Californian atmosphere (at the Coke sign junction of King's Cross, it even feels like a highway) and lengthy menu of American/Asian/Tex-Mex/Pacific fusion, Santa Barbara is a bit of a diversion from the American norm. From the BBQ, the Coke Can Chicken ($18) is enough to feed a small army, and goes well with some jerk prawn and papaya salad ($14). 7. The Dip Founder Andrew Levins' love of food apparently began on a family holiday to Memphis. He's road tested and experimented with his recipes at legendary barbeques for family and friends, and now both family and friends are involved on the floor. There couldn't be a better fit for the stucco booths and jukebox tunes of the Goodgod's front room. The menu is heavily themed and, thankfully, priced to reflect the diner vibe. You want to get the Lev's Dawg, a kosher hotdog topped with chipotle mayo, fresh tomato salsa, grilled yellow peppers and American mustard and definitely, definitely follow up with an ice-cream sandwich. Now closed 8. Hinky Dinks Step off Darlinghurst Road and into the 1950s. The boy's hair is quaffed, the floor is black-and-white chequered, and creamy, frozen drinks come in tall, frosted sundae glasses. Except it's like an American adult milk bar because here, those drinks have (a lot of) bourbon in them. It is indeed a very specific theme here. Every detail has been considered, from the uniforms and cherry-red bar stools to the original 1950s Crosley fridge that took four people to move. But the best part about Hinky Dinks, and the part that prevents it from falling into the Disney theme category, is the staff. They are passionate bartenders and in such a small space they really make it a warm and fun experience. 9. The Bourbon Louisiana Creole food is a mishmash of different cultures, like the population of New Orleans. French, Spanish, African, Italian and Portuguese are thrown into the mix, with jambalaya the signature dish. From the oyster bar, the theme continues with grilled jumbo shrimp ($24) in creole butter and spiced salt. A gumbo with a thick, spicy duck broth and smoked sausage ($18) and clam and corn chowder ($22) pop out from the soup menu. It's interesting, amid the glittery surroundings, to eat this food that has come from simple origins. But then New Orleans does have a thriving drinking scene amongst strip joints and red light shops, so perhaps this is the ideal location. 10. Jazz City Milk Bar To end with? Dessert, of course. Try the banana cream pie, one of our favourite pies in Sydney, combining a foolproof balance between generous servings of banana, sweet caramel and cream. Part of the philosophy of the milk bar is for people to visit with their friends to enjoy American sweet delicacies like pies, cookies, cotton candy and ice cream sandwiches. However, they've also included dinner specialities like gourmet burgers and hot dogs as well as more adventurous dishes like a New Orleans BBQ Shrimp ($28) and A&W Root Beer Braised Chuck Steak ($24). Now closed. By the Concrete Playground team.
UPDATE: MAY 13, 2020 — Carbón is reopening for dine-in service from Friday, May 15. It's taking bookings of up to ten people per 1.5-hour sitting, available from 5pm, 6.45pm and 8.50pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, it's also offering bottomless tacos and margaritas for $79 per person, with sittings at 12pm, 1.45pm and 3.30pm. To book, call (02) 9365 6092, email info@carbonmexican.com.au or direct message via Instagram. It is currently offering Mexican food and cocktails for pick up or delivery, too. You can order online here. The owners of cosy Mexican joint Taqiza have expanded their Bondi offering. They've taken over the old Rum Diaries space along Bondi Road and have opened Carbón — a new hacienda-inspired Mexican restaurant that focuses on all things woodfired. Chefs and owners Pablo Galindo Vargas and Liber Osorio know a thing or two about Mexican cooking, having been born and raised in Mexico City. "At Carbón, we wanted to rescue the indigenous culinary elements of our backgrounds, going back to our roots to create a menu full of flavours, colours and textures while maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the produce," says Vargas. The venue complements Bondi's laid-back vibes with a beachy fitout that is meant to be reminiscent of a Caribbean hacienda. While Taqiza is an intimate venue, Carbón boasts a large open space with a full kitchen that centres around their brand new, woodfire grill — which is fitting considering the restaurant's name translates to 'charcoal' in Spanish. The dishes pay homage to traditional Latin American parrilla (barbecuing) techniques, with the open charcoal fire used for cooking tortillas, heating underground ovens and boiling soups or sauces. Carbón also focuses on fresh produce that can be enriched with the use of charcoal. The interactive share menu centres on make-your-own tacos, with options including Hampshire suckling pig with achiote adobo and Seville oranges, as well as roasted lamb shoulder with chipotle citrus yoghurt. Regular specials will be on offer, too, like the charcoal sealed tuna sashimi with finger lime, tiger's milk (aka citrusy ceviche marinade), sweet potato chips and salmon caviar. At the bar, the drinks menu is — unsurprisingly — focused on tequila and mezcal. Cocktails like the Bondi Sunset (mezcal, elderflower liquor, lime juice and mandarin) and the Oaxacan Pink Lad (mezcal, brandy, lemon juice, agave syrup and aquafaba) are just the start.
It was in 2017 that Paddo Inn reopened alongside other Oxford Street greats like The Unicorn, The Paddington and The Light Brigade. The Paddo mainstay received a new lick of paint and a new lease on life. Ownership now rests in the hands of Sydney venue group Solotel, the company behind venues like North Bondi Fish, Aria and The Sheaf. The old front bar of the Paddo Inn was renovated into a bar and casual dining spot, with a more formal eatery out the back. But we're here for the full shebang, so we head down into the lovely dining room designed by George Livissianis, who is also responsible for the redesign of The Dolphin in Surry Hills and Matt Moran's Aria. Visually, it's exactly what you want from a contemporary pub bistro — high ceilings, painted brick, wood and marble textures with a casual elegance. The open kitchen looks fresh and well-appointed, and the menu too is instantly appealing, with a good number of dishes and interesting flavour combinations. The room is packed with upwardly mobile locals and industry folk, a crowd that gets busy even on quieter weeknights. The food matches that contemporary design flavour with a selection of Italian dishes from Il Baretto, which operates out of the back of the venue. Starters are light in style but heavy on the seafood with the likes of insalate di polpo (octopus salad with butter beans and salsa verde) and yellowfin tuna carpaccio with broad bean dressing and sugar snap peas. The mains are straightforward, with a Caesar salad, chicken schnitzel and sirloin steak on offer — things get more diverse when you inspect the seven choices of pasta. Shoutouts have to go to the wine list, which is compact, thoughtful and food-friendly, with a great selection of red, white, sparkling, rosé, natural and low-to-no options. And cocktails are, of course, an option, with all the classics plus signatures like the pesto smash (Hendrick's Gin, almond, lime, basil) and vanilla and fennel Cuban (Bacardi Spiced Rum, pickled fennel, lime). Images: Byron Martin for PADDO(Collective)
Exceptions exist, but Adelaide sadly remains something of a flyover city when it comes to touring artists. Yet things are looking up for a summer of Australian live music, as brand-new festival — A Day in the Gully — has revealed a stellar debut lineup. Taking over Civic Park in Modbury on Saturday, February 28, 2026, expect the good vibes to flow freely, whether you're getting up to groove or hanging with mates in the grass. Open to all ages, this one-day festival features chart-topping Aussie touring artists and emerging indie bands. Drawing thousands to the sprawling green space, much-loved headliners like Chet Faker, Ball Park Music, The Living End, Pete Murray and Mallrat bring serious credentials to the stage, having sold millions of records and toured the globe. "This new music festival is all about bringing people together. It will be a great chance to celebrate Australian live music and have some fun — right in our own backyard. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone at Civic Park having an amazing time", says City of Tea Tree Gully Mayor Marijka Ryan. For those who love to get the inside word on the next big thing before they blow up, A Day in the Gully is inviting these acts too, with fast-rising bands like Teenage Joans and The Tullamarines delivering boundless live energy. Meanwhile, the festival is heightening the community spirit beneath the gum trees by making sure some of the region's food and wine purveyors get a spot to showcase their wares. Best of all, locals get a special treat, with City of Tea Tree Gully residents welcome to access an exclusive pre-sale, offering tickets at a $50 discount. For everyone else, first release tickets go on sale at 7am on Monday, November 17. "Our vision is to create an unforgettable experience that showcases amazing Australian artists, local food and wine, and the relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes this region so special", says Danielle Jones, Managing Director and Co-Owner of SRO Events. A Day in the Gully is happening on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Civic Park, Modbury. Head to the website for tickets and more information.
The Woolpack Hotel, founded way back in 1796, is a stalwart pub in the Parramatta area — though it's been given an impressive facelift. Its many spaces make it ideal for a wide range of tastes. The main bar offers lounges and ottomans alongside a detailed wine list and cocktail menu. If you're looking for a rowdy time instead, head over to the sports bar. It boasts both indoor and outdoor plasma TVs, pool tables and a courtyard to boot. And the venue isn't offering up your standard pub food either. Instead, expect Thai favourites from in-house restaurant M&J to grace your plate. Plus, the bar is open until 4am on Saturdays and is a close walk both from Bankwest Stadium and to the train station.
There's no shortage of Aussies trying to become global social media stars. If that's your goal too, a first-of-its-kind experience will give your influencing career a significant boost, as Australia's first TikTok content house launches in Adelaide. Known as The Party Games House, this $10 million beachfront mansion in Moana is officially on the lookout for five more influencers keen to live, create and party for free for a minimum of seven days up to two months. The brainchild of Adelaide-based entrepreneur Shane Yeend, a self-made multimillionaire who made his fortune in party games, this extravagant property already has its first tenant, Frida Khalife, a 23-year-old real estate and hospitality worker from Adelaide. With the decision still to be made on who else will be moving into this luxe home, there's still time for influencers of all stripes to submit their applications. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime," says Yeend. "We are looking for Australia's next social superstars. Huge global names like Alex Warren and Addison Rae began in content houses just like this one, and now they have billions of views, brand deals, and are selling out arenas. We believe we will find the next generation of stars right here in Australia." It's not Yeend's first venture into viral escapades. He got his start in 2001 — before most even understood the concept — by creating the official Big Brother Board Game. Becoming an overnight hit, pallets of board games were craned over the Big Brother house wall for housemates to autograph. Now Yeend is returning to the world of virality, this time targeting the Gen Z wave of influencers. "In 2026, anyone with a social media presence should be able to make $1 million a year from social commerce. There's no better time or place to get started than the Games House this summer," says Yeend. Set against the backdrop of Moana Beach, the lucky few who call The Party Games House home will have access to a private chef, a massive pool and a dedicated production team, ensuring each TikTok post does massive numbers. Best of all, influencers living in the house retain full ownership of their channels and commercial activity, with any deals made during their stay theirs to keep. Applications to live in The Party Games House are now open. Head to the website for more information. Images: Benjamin Liew.
If, like us, you're trying your best to ditch single-use plastic, then we have good news — this new company aims to help you do just that. Returnr is a new line of reusable takeaway food packaging that's partnering with restaurants, cafes and Deliveroo locations across Australia. And it wants to help put an end to disposable packing altogether. Created by KeepCup co-founder Jamie Forsyth, the stainless-steel bowls and cups are marketed towards takeaway cafes and restaurants and food delivery services. They are 100-percent recyclable and designed to be regularly reused. And it looks like Forsyth's push toward sustainable food service practices is already working — since launching on a trial basis in Melbourne during late-2018, over 85,000 single-use plastic bowls have purportedly been saved from landfill. Here's how it works: order from a participating restaurant (either in-person or via Deliveroo) and pay a $6 deposit fee for a Returnr bowl or cup. Return the container to a partner venue within the network, and you'll get your deposit back. While Returnr is still in early stages, the product has big plans for the coming months, with a national expansion on the docket and more products launching soon, too. At the moment, there are three participating venues in Sydney (Belles Hot Chicken Barangaroo, Regiment and Lize + Bath), one in Hobart and a whopping 28 in Melbourne (including Hanoi Hannah Elsternwick and Windsor, Belles Hot Chicken CBD and Tokyo Tina) — eight of which are also partnered with Deliveroo. Keep an eye on this space, as we reckon you'll be seeing Returnr in many more CBD locations by the end of 2019. Find Returnr at 34 partner venues across Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart. Keep an eye out for new ones launching soon.
Finding a wedding venue is no easy task. There's the toss-up between a city and country celebration, a luxe location versus staying in your hometown. Plus, the allure of the destination wedding is enough to make your bank account quiver in a corner. When you find the one, though, everything else about the wedding can fall into place. If you're looking for a destination that offers a Euro-summer event without needing to charter a 24-hour flight, you're in luck. St Siandra is Sydney's sun-soaked waterfront restaurant that can host intimate beachfront weddings, large receptions and even corporate events. It's set on a private beach in Middle Harbour and brings a little dose of Italian shores to Mosman. Here's what to expect when booking an event at St Siandra. [caption id="attachment_895511" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Unbeatable Views The Mediterranean-inspired venue offers panoramic Sydney Harbour views. Located just a short drive from the CBD, your Sydney guests won't need to worry about booking accommodation or hiring a car to get to an outer-city venue. St Siandra is situated in Sydney's quiet harbourside suburbs, so local guests can spend more time focusing on your day rather than the logistics of a destination wedding. If anyone is coming from out of town, they can admire the breathtaking Sydney views and experience an Amalfi-style event by the water. St Siandra has an indoor-outdoor layout, making it ideal for a relaxed yet luxe event. The interiors feature Mediterranean-inspired styling with a coastal heritage, anchoring the venue to Sydney. Outside, the private beach offers you the chance to share your nuptials on the sand. [caption id="attachment_1036463" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Your Wedding, Your Way Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner experience, a 40-person celebration or a full-scale party of 150, St Siandra offers bespoke packages that cater to different needs. The venue features a dedicated events team that provides hands-on guidance to help you plan your wedding. There's a range of curated packages and transparent pricing available as well, so the wedding budget won't be surprised after you've set your heart on a vendor or service. [caption id="attachment_1036462" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] St Siandra features two space options. If you're looking for a venue that comfortably seats up to 50 guests or 85 people cocktail-style, the Bluebird Room is your best bet. It's a light-filled space featuring 180-degree water views and exclusive access to a private bar and beach views. From intimate sit-down meals to a luxe cocktail party, the Bluebird room and deck can be tailored to suit your wedding dreams. Is your guest list a little larger? The restaurant and deck at St Siandra can seat up to 110 guests and accommodate 160 people in a cocktail-style setting. This option features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views and makes it easy to say "I do" and party the night away without needing to ferry guests from the church or gardens post-ceremony. [caption id="attachment_1014188" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Memorable Food and Drink Experiences While everyone's at your wedding to celebrate your love, one of the most essential parts is (undoubtedly) the food and drinks. At St Siandra, the seasonal menus have a Mediterranean focus on local produce. Head Chef Sam McCallum has crafted the menus to feature mouth-watering flavours, decadent canapés and sit-down meals to share with loved ones (no matter their dietary requirements). To complement your food selection, there's a range of beverage packages that can be tailored to suit your party. Featuring creative cocktails, wines, spirits, craft beers and mocktails, every detail is considered. [caption id="attachment_1033893" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] More Than Weddings It's not just weddings that can be held at St Siandra. Birthdays, baby showers, bridal parties, and corporate functions can all be planned and held at the Mosman restaurant. So, whether you're looking for an Amafli-inspired wedding (without the long haul travel) or are after an intimate dining event to celebrate with your friends and family, St Siandra delivers refined dining, breathtaking beachfront views and a relaxed elegance—all without leaving the city. Learn more about hosting your wedding or event at St Siandra here.
Halloween's just around the corner and if you're anything like us you're busy collecting classic horror films to scare your weak-willed friends and family. For those not inclined to dress up as zombies from The Walking Dead and make trouble all over the city, the scary movie marathon is naturally the go-to plan. But it wasn't always that way. Every good horror fan got their start somewhere a little more tame. And, if you were young or shameless enough in the early 1990s, that start was through the work of R.L. Stine. The legendary Goosebumps writer responsible for a ridiculous number of YA hits, R.L. Stine was a God in every primary school. In the popularity pecking order, your coolness was inevitably judged by how many of his books you had read and everyone would have a copy handy to retreat into during reading time. It was the closest thing we could get to the blood and gore our parents wouldn't let us watch on screen. But, what if all that hysteria and literary mystery never had to end? Some bona fide genius on Tumblr has solved all the problems we never knew we had — they've re-imagined our favourite horror flicks as Goosebumps books for adults (or very inappropriate reads for children). Covering classics like Friday the 13th, The Shining, Carrie and Psycho, If It Were Stine looks at all the hardcore stories through the gloriously pulpy lens of Stine. Of course, if these were available in our childhood we would have grown up with serious problems. Paranoia, sleep problems and anxiety to say the least. When I was eight, my dad let me watch The Candyman with him because I thought it was about Willy Wonka. Who knows how I would have turned out had that been avoided. But, on the plus side, these books would make bestsellers for adults. Let's bring it back; make it cool again. Copyright, be damned. Someone should launch a Kickstarter campaign to make this a reality ASAP. Via AV Club. All images via If It Were Stine.
The gardening bug is a hard one to shake. What might start off with growing some Woolies parsley in the windowsill above the sink can quickly evolve into obsessively spraying Seasol on your asters and getting elbow-deep in dirt to dig up this month's potato harvest. Our green thumbs seem to have only gotten greener ever since we were stuck at home during the pandemic — when local pant stores were assisting our green-thumbed obsessions with click-and-collect and delivery options throughout the city. And for many of us, this love for taking care of plant babies continued well beyond such stuck-at-home times. So, whether you're wanting some tips on affordable places to get a start on your own patch of green, or you're eager to know where you can find the best variety of natives and endangered plants, here are the top places to buy and order plants in Sydney.
If you're ever in the Chippendale/Ultimo stretch of Sydney and are craving a quick and delicious feed, one of your best options is Hongdae Pocha — the new KBBQ joint from the Vuza Hospitality team, who are the same team behind South Korean bakery and cafe Buttered. Housed in a heritage-listed former brewery, exposed brick, concrete walls, steel supports and plaques reflect the history of the space, which boasts enough seating for 172 diners on any day. The menu, crafted by Head Chef Haeseung Choi (Firedoor, Jueun), champions the informal and social dining experience of pocha, offering a mix of street-style South Korean eats designed to be shared. "Pocha is a big part of Korean nightlife — it's where food and drink come together in a relaxed, social setting. It's not formal dining, it's about unwinding with drinks and enjoying bold flavours with good company. With Hongdae Pocha, we wanted to capture that same energy for Sydney — approachable, vibrant, and true to the way we eat and socialise back home," said Choi. Highlights on the menu include the umami-laden yukhoe, a Korean beef tartare mixed in chilli paste and served atop a crispy hash brown, and the yetnal tongdak, a whole chicken deep fried and topped half-and-half — one half with a mustard soy glaze and green onion, and the other with a spicy sweet-and-sour blend. The rest of the food menu is filled with street food classics, plates of grill-it-yourself pork and beef with toppings aplenty, seafood pancakes, and ice cream topped with a mix of treats we dare not spoil. Images: Trent Van Der Jagt for Stanley House Studios
Bringing a contemporary touch to the historic Finger Wharf, Bellevue Woolloomooloo presents forward-thinking French cuisine with a delicate Japanese influence. Guided by the team behind Glebe's Bellevue Cottage, with Executive Chef and co-owner Antoine Moscovitz at the helm, this latest venture sees the restaurateurs combine exceptional food with warm hospitality and inspired storytelling. Paris-born Moscovitz is no stranger to top-notch dining experiences. Having cooked under Alain Ducasse — one of only two chefs to hold 21 or more Michelin stars — he's also served as the private chef to the House of Roederer and honed his skills at Salt with Luke Mangan and Bathers' Pavilion with Serge Dansereau. Now, Moscovitz and his crew, including Executive Chef Keith Murray, are heading up Bellevue Woolloomooloo, bringing an outstanding resume to this innovative concept. "We always dreamt of having a space on the wharf," says Moscovitz. "It's surreal to be back where I once stood dreaming as a young chef, and now, we're here serving our own vision of modern French dining, made lighter and brighter through a Japanese lens." Shaped by Moscovitz and Murray, Bellevue Woolloomooloo's menu features an array of high-end dishes where time-tested French techniques are elevated with Japanese culinary sophistication. Standout small plates include spanner crab with dark miso bouillabaisse and shaved foie gras, and the Bellevue-Kyoto tartar, featuring Angus fillet, daikon, pickled mustard, and coriander shallot dressing. For mains, the Canon of Lamb sees the headline ingredient grilled then confit, served alongside glazed green beans and shallots. Then, for dessert, highlights include a fresh take on a crème brûlée, with pure Tahitian vanilla bean and acidic pomegranate, and the Paris caramelised pear open cheesecake, adorned with sesame cream. Refined but relaxed in ambience, the venue offers the ideal spot to explore these cohesive fusions. Likewise, the design is a meeting of cultures, with Astoria Design Co's Gabriela Mastroianni merging classic French elegance with chic Japanese minimalism. Opening onto the wharf, a distinct wine bar adds another dimension to the restaurant. Created in collaboration with Champagne Pommery, a show-stopping wine cellar makes this space perfect for a pre-dinner or casual drink overlooking the waterfront. Bellevue Woolloomooloo is now open Wednesday–Sunday from 11.30am–11pm at Unit 2/6F Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo. Head to the website for more information.
Coming up with Christmas gifts for the entire family isn't always easy, but there are a few things most people can agree on, like a good cup of coffee. That's why a gift like ST. ALi's annual Christmas coffee blend is a godsend when you're stuck for ideas. Back again for another festive season, this year's limited-edition and in-demand blend is the Nutcracker. Primed for going under the tree or straight in the grinder, expect a flavour profile that's delightfully on the nose when it comes to evoking holiday spirit. Jam-packed with notes of stollen and fruit cake, you'll also encounter warm toffee undertones alongside dark chocolate, roasted chestnut and candied orange. Effectively Christmas in a cup, the beans (whole or pre-ground) are also thoughtfully packaged, making them the ideal stocking stuffer for that coffee-obsessed relative who'll appreciate a festive brew. But if that's more of a you thing, trust that your December caffeine needs are covered. Drawing inspiration from the unapologetic spirit of the namesake old-world tale, the strictly limited Nutcracker blend is proud to be more than a little bold and dramatic. Load up on this Christmas coffee before it's gone and avoid snapping like a doll if you, or your relatives, don't get their morning brew. ST ALi's limited edition Nutcracker blend is available now. Head to the website for more information.
Hurrah, Bannisters has opened its much-anticipated third NSW hotel in Port Stephens. With two already in Mollymook, the chain's latest outpost is perched on absolute beachfront in Soldiers Point. The brand spanking new luxury digs includes 50 rooms with stunning views (78 in total), four super-luxe suites and, for very special occasions, a penthouse. Depending on where you choose to stay, you'll be looking out at either the tranquil waters of Nelson Bay or dense forest – or both. Wherever you sleep, you can look forward to light-filled spaces, Hamptons-inspired whites, king-sized beds and decadent touches. Among the common facilities is an infinity pool — looking out across the river — and the Terrace Bar, where you can enjoy ocean vista while feasting on light bites, such as steamed bao, fish tacos and an Archie Rose gin and tonic cheesecake. If you're keen to indulge, be sure to book a table at Rick Stein at Bannisters, also on the water. Stein, together with head chef Mitchell Turner, has come up with a menu big on premium seafood – from local king prawns and Sydney rock oysters to sand whiting and snapper. Tuck into the fruits de mer platter, oysters Charentaise or the legendary fish pie. Stein and his wife Sarah have also collaborated with Brokenwood winemaker Iain Riggs AM to create an exclusive wine for the restaurant. Sarah also worked with designer Romy Alwill on the restaurant, whose earthy yet breezy interior is splashed with terracotta, brass, timber, Japanese water colour and Pacific blue. Bannisters Port Stephens is now open at 147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point, NSW. Standard rooms start at $290 (and the penthouse starts at $740).
One of the best things about shopping at a family-run joint is seeing that passion that the folks have for their trade. Their knowledge about the products is second to none — and they're more than happy to share it with you. This is certainly the case at eastern suburbs grocer, Patricks on Bellevue. This is a family affair — Joseph runs the store with his uncles Sam, Frank and Tony. At the Bellevue Road store, you'll find fresh produce alongside bread, deli goods and a fresh juice and yoghurt bar, if you need to grab something to go. Not only are the team dedicated to sourcing the best seasonal produce for their customers every day, but they also want to ensure you make the most of it. The store's website is a treasure trove of easy written recipes and video tutorials that'll help you transform your fruit and veggies into tasty, seasonally appropriate meals. Images: Yaya Stempler
The Love Tilly Group has been championing small bars for years now via the tiny Love, Tilly Devine, which is hidden in a Darlinghurst back street; the CBD's Ragazzi, a haven for pasta and wine; and Redfern's Spanish vermouth and snack bar La Salut. The accomplished hospitality crew has won over Harbour City hearts with its intimate and singular venues— including several spots on our lists of Sydney's best bars and restaurants. But, the group has outgrown the cosy settings of its previous ventures with its most ambitious space yet: the 120-seat Palazzo Salato on Clarence Street. This inner-city spot for all things pasta and wine is located in the heritage-listed former Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe building and pulls inspiration from New York's Gramercy Tavern and the trattorias of Rome. Food-wise, handmade pasta is at the core of the menu, as also proved the case with previous Love Tilly openings like Ragazzi and Fabbrica. Potato-stuffed scarpinocc, spanner crab mafaldine, and bottarga and egg yolk spaghetti alla chitarra each grace the menu alongside other less carb-focused highlights like blue-eye trevalla with pipis, flat-iron steak topped with salato butter, and raw black and white garlic tri-tip. An impressive 600-bottle wine list has been curated to complement the classic Ragazzi-style pasta menu, pulling together drops from across the world. Expect a wide span of varieties and blends, ranging from the expected through to vintage 60s and 70s amari, plus rare Italian wines, with 30-plus drops available by the glass at any one time. Inside, the heritage-listed space has been transformed with brass pendants, leather banquettes and luxe velvet backrests. Framed artwork and silk prints add a burst of colour, while the branding featuring otherworldly characters injects a playful touch to the restaurant. The team has worked with an all-star team of designers and tastemakers to bring Palazzo Salato's lavish interior to life with illuminated signs, ceramic tiles, wine maps guiding you through what you're drinking and a Louis Wayling mural at the bar. All of this combines into the logical next step for the award-winning venue group as it continues to expand without losing its charm. Images: Nikki To. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Summer in Australia must've treated Kesha well at the beginning of 2025, because she has just confirmed a return visit in 2026. In January, the pop star ventured Down Under for two gigs, playing a House of Kesha show in Sydney and also the Australian Open's music lineup in Melbourne. Next year, she'll be taking to the stage at a series of headline concerts around the country, with stops in four cities confirmed so far. Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth are on the two-time Grammy-nominee's itinerary when she brings The Tits Out tour this way. The gigs are part of the biggest headline run of Kesha's career so far, which kicked off in July 2025 in the US and also has European shows locked in for March 2026. In Australia, Riverstage in the Queensland capital is the singer's first destination, hitting up the venue on Thursday, February 19. She'll also play Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on Sunday, February 22; Adelaide's AEC Arena on Tuesday, February 24; and Perth HPC on Thursday, February 26. At the time of writing, there's no Sydney gig on the agenda to date — but if you want to start speculating about a Harbour City stop, it's worth noting that Kesha will be in the country during 2026's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. It's taking place from Friday, February 13–Sunday, March 1, with the parade on Saturday, February 28. No lineup details have been announced as yet. [caption id="attachment_975223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendan Walter[/caption] With ten top-ten singles across her career so far, plus six albums under her belt — 2023's Gag Order and 2025's Period among them — Kesha has no shortage of tunes to draw upon live. 'JOYRIDE', 'TiK ToK', 'Only Love Can Save Us Now', 'Your Love Is My Drug', 'Take It Off' and 'We R Who We R' are among the tracks on her current setlist. Kesha is making the trip Down Under in what's already a big month for tours, with February 2026 also welcoming Lorde's Australian shows and seeing G Flip kick off their next national run of gigs. Kesha The Tits Out 2026 Australian Tour Dates Thursday, February 19 — Riverstage, Brisbane Sunday, February 22 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Tuesday, February 24 — AEC Arena, Adelaide Thursday, February 26 — Perth HPC, Perth Kesha is touring Australia in February 2026, with ticket presales from 10am on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 and general sales from 10am on Friday, August 8, 2025 — head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Ryan Bakerink/FilmMagic.
In the heart of Sydney city, you'll find the bright and bustling Haymarket: the epicentre of Asian culture and cuisine. The streets are alive with colour, movement and smells beckoning you from one restaurant to the next. Clusters of caligraphy-covered shops compete for space along the packed streets illuminated by glowing lanterns and neon lights. The smell of garlic frying and meats grilling wafts through the air, as dumpling carts emit a steamy haze. It's all very Blade Runner-esque — and just like that complex sci-fi it can, at first, be a little difficult to navigate. To one side, you'll see Paddy's Markets heaving with bargain hunters; the other, Dixon Street, full to the brim with cuisines from across Asia. But where should you start? Don't stress. Last year, we partnered with City of Sydney and spoke to chef Mori Higashida of tip-top ramen joint Gumshara about his favourite spots around the area. And now, we've teamed up with City of Sydney again to pull out ten essential spots for you to hit next time you're wandering around Haymarket. Read on, take note and make tracks to this inner-city culinary wonderland.
Krinklewood Estate, the Hunter Valley's idyllic, French-inspired biodynamic winery and cellar door, has unveiled the first stage of its transformation into a design-led eco-retreat. Cézan — the breezy new Mediterranean eatery and bar nestled among the estate's vineyards and olive trees — is now open for relaxed daytime dining in a stunning cellar door setting, with a seasonal, produce-led menu designed to pair with Krinklewood's acclaimed organic and biodynamic wines. "Cézan really came from a simple need — where could I find a great, casual lunch in Broke?" says Oscar Martin, owner of Krinklewood Estate. "We imagined a cellar door you'd want to visit a few times a week for incredible food and wine, surrounded by nature, without any of the fuss." That fuss-free menu — curated by Hunter Valley hospo company Fennel & Co. and French chef Marine Faverais (ex-Tetsuya's, Sketch London) — leans into rustic, share-plate dining. Designed for relaxed grazing, the produce-forward menu will change with the seasons, and feature the likes of kingfish crudo, creamy hummus, stracciatella with roasted tomatoes, white anchovies dressed with olive oil and lemon, and flatbreads warm from the oven. Dishes are elevated with produce grown on the estate — plus, you can pair your selection with wines poured in four sizes, from a tasting pour to a full bottle. Cézan is the result of a long-time friendship between Krinklewood owner Oscar Martin and the team behind Fennel & Co., whose thoughtful approach to catering made them a favourite for weddings on the estate (and, from 2026, the ties will deepen further still with Cézan appointed as the exclusive catering partner for all weddings and private events on the estate). It's all part of a broader transformation of Krinklewood under Martin's vision, anchored by a Peter Stutchbury-designed masterplan that includes a 22-room boutique motel, event centre, mineral bathhouse and performance stage, which will sit alongside Cézan and the estate's cellar door. [caption id="attachment_1006274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Griffen Photography[/caption] Cézan also offers in-room dining for the expanding accommodation, which will include a series of eco-cabins by Dimensions X, a housing start-up co-founded by Martin and Stutchbury. The in-room dining experience will see seasonal menus delivered straight to your door, as well as curated mini bar selections in each room and the opportunity to partake in exclusive chef and sommelier experiences. With its blend of wine, food, design and sustainability, Krinklewood is aiming to be much more than another stop on a weekend winery tour, with plans underway for a broader cultural program encompassing artist residencies, exhibitions and performances. [caption id="attachment_1006276" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Griffen Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1006277" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Griffen Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1006278" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Griffen Photography[/caption] Cézan is now open for brunch through to late lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It's located at Krinklewood Estate, 712 Wollombi Road, Broke. For more information, head to the restaurant's website. Top image: David Griffen Photography.
Though there is certainly no lack of Yum Cha options in Sydney, few reach the towering proportions achieved by Haymarket's The Eight. Experience a modern fusion of Cantonese cuisine on the top floor of the Market City complex in this cavernous restaurant that can seat 750. And don't worry, the quality of restaurant's cuisine is just as great. Its name originates from the combination of eight schools of traditional Chinese cuisine used at the restaurant. Founder Henry Tang embraces a contemporary take on Cantonese dining while still keeping the heart and principles of his Hong Kong roots. Presented by the Zilver group, The Eight celebrated its ten-year anniversary last year and has truly come of age. If Zilver sounds familiar to you, it was the name of a similar restaurant owned by the group of the same name, which closed after three decades along with a long string of other Chinese restaurants within Sydney, including legends like Golden Century and Marigold. For those who were able to visit Zilver before its closure, The Eight could be described as its polished, less traditional cousin. The stylish dining area is lined with LED lights and plush furniture, and complete with a wall made up of entirely screens. The venue can be converted for large events, and any of the five private dining rooms offers a space for more intimate gatherings. Don't let the grandeur distract you from the cuisine. The extensive list of traditional fare is well worth its affordable price, and the live seafood standout. Whether you choose banquet style or a la carte, anything off of The Eight's lacquered menu will impress. Choose from live Lobster, King Crab, or Mud Crab (market price) served with whichever sauces you prefer for a must-try dining experience. However, their Yum Cha is the undisputed start of the show, offering the classics you expect and love at a reasonable price. With over sixty choices from their menu and a wide range of desserts, choose from classics like prawn or scallop dumplings and BBQ pork buns. While you're there, don't forget to order their renowned roast duck, and top it off with delectable mango pancakes.
Sydney's about to score a world-first. Launching Thursday, October 30, Solaré is a 150-foot classic superyacht reimagined as a full-service restaurant, cocktail bar and Mediterranean-style beach club — a floating escape where long lunches, sunset spritzes and daybed lounging all live on the same vessel. "Solaré is about reimagining what's possible on Sydney Harbour," said Founder Scott Robertson. "We've created a world-first, a restaurant, cocktail bar, and beach club onboard a 150-foot superyacht designed entirely around leisure." The yacht unfolds across three distinct levels. The Dining Room is a refined, sit-down restaurant built for leisurely progressions; the Terrace Deck lifts the tempo with share plates and cocktails; and the open-air Sun Deck nails the beach-club brief with custom daybeds, a panoramic bar and uninterrupted skyline views. Designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley (AZB Creative) leans into 70s-tinged Mediterranean glamour — think sunflower yellows, burnt oranges, teak and green marble. "Every detail is designed to evoke a glamorous, sun-soaked escape," says Zabotto-Bentley. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas (Totti's Bondi; two-hatted Ortiga in Brisbane) teams up with Head Chef Nick Mathieson (Compa, Bistecca, Otto) on a coastal Italian menu with a seafood focus. The Dining Room runs as a set journey — begin with oscietra caviar over house potato crisps and cultured cream, then roll into snacks like a vinegar-and-bottarga-dusted potato scallop with chives and caviar, plus deep-sea royal red prawns with finger lime and bisque mayo. Bigger moments include reginette with Moreton Bay bug, crustacean butter and chilli, and market fish with clams, saffron butter, fregola and spring veg. Tables can add a Bistecca alla Fiorentina as a supplement. Upstairs, the Terrace and Sun Deck are made for graze-and-gather afternoons. Expect Queensland spanner crab tartlets crowned with herbs and salmon roe, a Moreton Bay bug sando with crisp iceberg and cocktail sauce, and spaghettini tossed with spanner crab, tomato, chilli, garlic and salmon roe. Desserts keep the coastal mood: lemon and mascarpone sorbetto served in a carved lemon, or fior di latte ice cream finished with an indulgent spoon of oscietra caviar. Venue Manager Mikey Hamilton (Bistecca, The Gidley, Banksii) steers service, bringing big-league polish to the harbour. Drinks are led by Ed Loveday, who builds a harbour-ready list of crisp Mediterranean wines, lively rosés and seasonal cocktails. Expect aperitivo-leaning spritzes, martinis, margaritas, daiquiris and champagne numbers — plus a Martini Trolley in the Dining Room for bespoke, tableside ice-cold pours. Art threads through the space, too, with commissioned works by Daimon Downey, Jeremy Kay and Tiarna Herczeg adding sculptural colour and texture between decks. Solaré will operate Thursday to Sunday with two cruises daily. Book a Dining Room reservation ($185 per person), reserve VIP Tables on the Terrace Deck, secure Booths or Daybeds on the Sun Deck, or opt for a Cruise Pass ($50 per person, with access to the Terrace Deck, Dining Room Bar and Harbour Platform). Bookings are now open via the Solaré website. Images: Jonny Valiant | Jason Loucas
With over six decades under its belt, Surry Hills' The Forresters has quite the watering hole history. While the Foveaux Street site has housed a pub since the 1950s, in recent years you'd be more familiar with its $10 steak nights, value-packed happy hour deals and laidback hangs in those plaid-upholstered booths. Following an extensive $1.5-million renovation, this Surry Hills stalwart — now officially called Forrester's — has entered a whole new phase of its life under new owners. You'll probably recognise Applejack Hospitality as the group behind CBD newcomer Hester's, though Applejack is also responsible for popular venues including Neutral Bay's SoCal, bar and restaurant Bopp & Tone and Endeavour Tap Rooms in The Rocks. The latest Surry Hills takeover will mark the group's eighth venue. Forrester's now houses three distinct dining spaces: Phylli's restaurant, a public bar and an upstairs entertainment venue. Unlike the kitschy fit-out of old, Phylli's gives off luxe vibes aplenty. Think heaps of greenery and natural light paired with fresh timber finishes and a botanical mural by Sydney artist Mielo. The public bar, on the other hand, maintains a bit of that old-time pub feel, with the exposed beams, hardwood floors and tri-folding timber sash windows all kept in tact. Head upstairs and you'll find a third bar and dining space sitting alongside separate booth seating. This area is primed for the venue's weekly trivia and comedy nights. [caption id="attachment_788402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yasmin Mund[/caption] For eats, patrons can enjoy a menu of snacks and share plates across all three venues. But it's not the classic Aussie pub fare you're used to — apart from that $10 steak special, which will return every Monday night. Instead, Head Chef Jon Barrios and Executive Chef Jason Roberson have created a menu that focuses on flavours from North, Central and South America. Think beef cheek empanadas (422), fried crab cakes ($24) with Creole-style tartare, crispy chicken wings ($18) doused in Louisiana hot sauce and pork belly cubano sandwiches ($24). In Phylli's, a succinct menu of larger plates is also on offer, and those include the grilled barramundi ($29) topped with a pumpkin mole and the slow-cooked lamb barbacoa ($69) served with freshly made corn tortillas. A few fancy steaks make the menu too, including a $39 wagyu rump and a $34 chargrilled sirloin. Phylli's also boasts its own dedicated spritz menu (all $18) that will change seasonally. At the moment, varieties include ginger, mandarin, blood orange and mixed berry. Otherwise, the three venues share a menu of classic cocktails with a twist, like the spiced grapefruit margaritas ($18), coconut espresso martinis ($18) and cold brew manhattans ($22). The public bar also focuses on Aussie craft beer, with local legends Grifter, Sauce Brewing Co and Willie The Boatman all up for grabs. Images: Yasmin Mudn
Keen to spend the game in some sports-loving company? Pull up a bar stool at the London — if they're not all already taken. Despite having scored a snazzy reno in recent years, this pub hasn't lost its down-to-earth character. In other words, you won't be the only fan shamelessly yelling at the big screen in between beers. The London broadcasts all Super Rugby, Wallabies and NRL matches live. On the menu is an array of hearty feeds — from share plates loaded with salmon and crab cakes ($21) to peking duck pizza ($24). Images: Katje Ford.
New Year's Eve means different things to different people — but if celebrating it in the biggest way possible is your approach each year, then you've likely either made a date with Beyond The Valley before or wanted to. Need some motivation to head to the festival at Barunah Plains in Victoria to celebrate 2025 turning into 2026? Dom Dolla, Addison Rae, Kid Cudi and Turnstile should be plenty. That's who is headlining across the Sunday, December 28, 2025–Thursday, January 1, 2026 event — and yes, if you fancy spending the New Year's Eve countdown with Dom Dolla, you can. This lineup is also a helluva way for Beyond The Valley to mark a milestone, given that it's the fest's tenth anniversary. [caption id="attachment_1005091" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shevindphoto[/caption] Dom Dolla will cap off a year that's already spanned soldout Madison Square Garden gigs, plus stints at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, EDC Las Vegas and Ultra Miami — and will see him play his biggest-ever Aussie headline show at Allianz Stadium in Sydney in December. For Addison Rae, this is her Australian festival debut. Kid Cudi heads Down Under for the first time in a decade, too. The lineup also spans Spacey Jane, I Hate Models, KETTAMA, Chris Stussy, Ben Böhmer, The Temper Trap and Luude, plus JoJo doing an Australian-exclusive show, as well as 070 Shake, DJ HEARTSTRING, VTSS, SWIM, Pegassi, Channel Tres, Balu Brigada, Fcukers, Jane Remover, Miss Kaninna and a heap more. New for 2025 is The Lounge Room, with Kat Sasso hosting podcasters and other folks getting chatting — such as Undiagnosed Anthony; AFL footballer Tom Mitchell with the Ball Magnets podcast; more Aussie Rules stars thanks to Sam Draper, Nick Butler and Charlie Comben; Dr Esmé Louise James; Sez; Ash McGregor; and David The Medium. Plus, stage-wise, the Valley Stage is getting a new look and the Dance Dome is scoring a revamp. You'll also be able to enjoy a wellness program featuring meditation, saunas and cold plunges, for relaxing between sets. Beyond the Valley 2025 Lineup Dom Dolla Addison Rae Kid Cudi Turnstile Spacey Jane I Hate Models KETTAMA Chris Stussy Ben Böhmer The Temper Trap Luude JoJo 070 Shake DJ HEARTSTRING VTSS Patrick Mason SWIM Prospa Josh Baker NOTION Pegassi Cassian Channel Tres Mallrat Balu Brigada Fcukers glaive Jazzy ZULAN sim0ne TEED Bad Boombox b2b mischluft Clouds bullet tooth KILIMANJARO Narciss not without friends Juicy Romance Ollie Lishman Chromeo (DJ set) RONA. Bella Claxton DICE Jane Remover Julia Wolf Young Franco Kaiit Miss Kaninna 49th & Main Dombresky BL3SS Torren Foot B2B Airwolf Paradise ATRIP Linska CYRIL HoneyLuv Larissa Lambert Inside Kru Tyson O'Brien SYREETA TV Rock Willo Sex Mask BOY SODA The Tullamarines EGOISM Chloe Parché Brent Honey Emma Moon Morphena MAD.DAY Mell Hall Tina Disco Séarlait House Mum B2B Haus of Ralph Loosie Grind Afrodisiac B2B Baby G Cooper Smith Mon Franco Bertie Shanti The Lounge Room hosted by Kat Sasso 200 Plus Ash McGregor Ball Magnets Club Elevate David The Medium Esmé Louise James Sez Undiagnosed Anthony Teach Us Consent Beyond The Valley runs from Sunday, December 28, 2025–Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Barunah Plains, Wentworths Road, Hesse, Victoria. Ticket presale registrations are open now, with festival presales from 11am on Thursday, August 28, 2025. General sales kick off at 12pm AEST on Friday, August 29, 2o25. For more information, head to the fest's website. Beyond The Valley images: Lady Drewniak, Ashlea Caygill, Kelsey Zafiridies.
The Newtown General Store packs plenty into its single shopfront on the northern stretch of King Street. Shelves are lined with a curated edit of pantry staples, ceramics and low-intervention wines, while the counter turns out hefty, flavour-packed sandwiches that draw a steady local crowd. It's a decidedly casual and quality-driven operation, with Estrella Damm on tap, an all-Aussie wine list — with most available by the glass — and a $3 oyster happy hour from 4–6pm Tuesday through Saturday, and all day Sunday (until sold out). There's also a selection of stacked deli sandwiches on offer — including rotating specials by guest chefs from other Inner West venues — as well as tapas-style small plates and a selection of cheese and charcuterie. But that's only half the story. Slip past those shelves and you'll discover Huelo, a speakeasy‑style cocktail bar hidden upstairs (and, when the weather permits, in the courtyard out back). This intimate but lively watering hole takes its name from the Tongan word for 'sun rays', which is reflected in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the space. The venue serves punchy, fruit-forward cocktails alongside a tight menu of Mediterranean-inspired bar snacks — and a late-night sandwich service running until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a top-tier spot to refuel after a gig, shift or spontaneous night out. Open late and walk-in only, this neighbourhood double-act is built for spontaneity — the kind of place you swing by for a snack and end up staying at well past sunset.
Crown Street's centrally located hotel is out to ditch the crusty old pub stigma and make its well-designed mark on the Sydney bar scene with new owner Solotel. Food-wise, expect some of the best pub feeds Surry Hills has to offer. Forget any tacky surf 'n' turf here, your feed has a French twist at The Clock. It's certainly proof that you don't need a dapper French waiter serving you a warm baguette for it to taste damn fine. This isn't specialty French, it's pub food with a French twist. Instead of chicken parmi, you'll find a crumbed chicken cordon bleu with ham, gruyere and pomme fries. Fancy a fish and chips? Opt for crispy skin barramundi with baby potatoes, green beans and wholegrain mustard. You get the idea; it stretches from starters like tuna tartare with parsley, caper vinaigrette and crispy wonton skin to desserts like blueberry cheesecake with confit orange and blueberry compote. Regarding cocktails, you'll find three menus available in three different areas. The street bar offers classics like espresso martinis and passionfruit margaritas, while the balcony and whisky room offer different menus with unique blends — made with spirits of every colour and taste. The Clock is more than just a dining room, though. Several spaces throughout the venue are available for patrons and group bookings alike. Just inside the entrance, there's space for mingling with a bev in hand, plus booths that can comfortably fit a small group to sit and enjoy your meal. If the air is pleasant and the vibes are right, by all means, grab a drink and a spare stool to enjoy the Crown Street ambience from the balcony. Want something else? Venture indoors again, and you'll notice several comfortable lounge areas. The Crown Street banquette and the Collins Street corner are available for event bookings, as is the intimate Whisky Room (high ceilings, private bar and an open deck, ooh la la). The biggest space is on the second floor: the pendulum lounge, ideal for a large celebration.
When the Sydney Film Festival last happened in-person back in 2019, it awarded its annual prize to the movie that everyone had been talking about since its Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or win a few weeks earlier: Bong Joon-ho's Parasite. Returning to Sydney's cinemas after a year's gap — longer, actually, after a few delays this year — SFF 2021 has declared another international festival favourite its latest Official Competition winner: Iranian drama There Is No Evil, which also nabbed Berlinale's Golden Bear in 2020. Receiving SFF's annual $60,000 award, the anthology film explores capital punishment and its impacts, with writer/director Mohammad Rasoulof examining the ripples that state-sanctioned killing has upon Iranian society. Pondering the threats and freedoms of life under an oppressive regime, it steps through the stories of a stressed husband and father (Ehsan Mirhosseini), a conscript (Kaveh Ahangar) who can't fathom ending someone's life, a soldier (Mohammad Valizadegan) whose compliance causes personal issues and a physician (Mohammad Seddighimehr) unable to practise his trade. Headed by Animal Kingdom, The Rover and The King filmmaker David Michôd, and also including actor Simon Baker (High Ground), NITV Head of Commissioning and Programming Kyas Hepworth, director and producer Maya Newell (Gayby Baby, In My Blood It Runs) and filmmaker Clara Law (Floating Life), the 2021 SFF Official Competition jury selected There Is No Evil "for its moving, multi-angled exploration of a singular theme, about the ways in which an entire culture can carry the burden of institutional cruelty." "Picking a winner from a collection of films as diverse as this one is never easy," said Michôd in a statement. "It's a movie adventurous with form and genre, beautifully performed and realised with a deft touch for simple, elegant filmmaking craft." Rasoulof has actually been banned from filmmaking in Iran, all for examining the reality of his homeland — and, after 2013's Manuscripts Don't Burn and 2017's A Man of Integrity, There Is No Evil continues the trend. "I want to thank the jury. I am really happy there is something more than a simple appreciation in this prize," the filmmaker said, accepting the award virtually from Tehran. "Being heard and understood is what keeps hope alive." In winning the Sydney Film Prize, Rasoulof's film follows in the footsteps of not only Parasite, but of other past winners The Heiresses (2018), On Body and Soul (2017), Aquarius (2016), Arabian Nights (2015), Two Days, One Night (2014), Only God Forgives (2013), Alps (2012), A Separation (2011), Heartbeats (2010), Bronson (2009) and Hunger (2008). SFF announced There Is No Evil's win at its closing night ceremony, as well as a Special Mention to fellow Official Competition title Limbo — and a number of other awards spanning the rest of the 2021 program. The $10,000 Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Australian Documentary went to I'm Wanita, a portrait of the self-described 'Australian queen of honky tonk', while producer and director Karina Holden received the $10,000 Sydney-UNESCO City of Film Award. In the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films, Sophie Somerville's Peeps won the Dendy Live Action Short Award, Taylor Ferguson received the Rouben Mamoulian Award for Best Director for tough and Olivia Martin-McGuire's Freedom Swimmer nabbed the Yoram Gross Animation Award. As previously announced before and during the festival, filmmaker Darlene Johnson received the 2021 Deutsche Bank Fellowship for First Nations Film Creatives, while Australian documentary Burning, directed by Eva Orner, scored the first-ever Sustainable Future Award. The 2021 Sydney Film Festival ran in-person from November 3–14, with the festival's online program SFF On Demand now streaming until November 21.
When the National Gallery of Victoria dedicates its blockbuster summer or winter exhibitions to big fashion names, one word usually applies no matter which designer is in the spotlight: stunning. It was true back in 2022 when the Melbourne venue turned its focus to Alexander McQueen, for instance, and also in 2021 when it did the same with Gabrielle Chanel. Expect the same across the summer of 2025–26, when it's Vivienne Westwood's time to shine, plus Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons' moment as well. Heading to NGV International across Sunday, December 7, 2025–Sunday, April 19, 2026, Westwood | Kawakubo is both an Australian and a world first, pairing pieces by both the British talent and the Japanese designer in one massive showcase. No matter which of the duo's works you're looking at, you'll be revelling in rule-breaking, status quo-subverting threads. Some helped define the fashion of the punk movement in the 70s. Others have earned the world's attention at the Met Gala. In-between, items donned by supermodels, seen in films and from collections worn by plenty of well-known names will feature. [caption id="attachment_1011675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivienne Westwood, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer). Outfits from the Portrait collection, autumn–winter 1990–91 (detail). 116 Pall Mall, London, March 1990. Photo © John van Hasselt / Sygma via Getty Images. Models: Susie Bick & Denice D. Lewis.[/caption] In total, more than 140 designs are set to display at the NGV. To assemble such a wide range, the gallery has sourced pieces from New York's Metropolitan Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Palais Galliera and the Vivienne Westwood archive, plus its own collection. Over 40 works are new gifts to the gallery from Comme des Garçons especially for Westwood | Kawakubo, as chosen by Kawakubo. Among the full lineup of items: punk ensembles made famous by The Sex Pistols and Siousie Sioux, the wedding gown that Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) wore in Sex and the City: The Movie and the tartan dress that Kate Moss stepped into in Westwood's Anglomania collection in the mid 90s — and also a version of Rihanna's petal-heavy 2017 Met Gala outfit, plus pieces from collections that Lady Gaga and Tracee Ellis Ross (Black Mirror) have sported. [caption id="attachment_1011671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rhianna wearing Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (fashion house), Rei Kawakubo (designer) at The Met Gala, 2017. Photo © Francois Durand via Getty Images.[/caption] Westwood | Kawakubo will span from taffeta to tweed, vinyl and leather to silk, and corsetry to ruffles and knitwear, then — and much beyond. The exhibition is designed to step through Westwood and Kawakubo's careers across five thematic strands, including the former's punk-era work and the influence of the movement on the latter, their shared needs to rebel against the norm, how the two women have looked either forward or back in their pieces, eschewing objectification and using fashion to make a statement. "This exhibition celebrates two leading female fashion designers from different cultural backgrounds, who both had strong creative spirits and pushed boundaries," explained NGV Director Tony Ellwood, announcing the showcase. "Through more than 140 designs from the NGV Collection and key international loans, Westwood | Kawakubo invites audiences to reflect on the enduring legacies of these groundbreaking designers and contemplate the ways in which fashion can be a vehicle for self-expression and freedom." [caption id="attachment_1011673" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivienne Westwood, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer) Look 49, from the Anglomania collection, autumn–winter 1993–94. Le Cercle Républicain, Paris, March 1993. Photo © firstVIEW. Model: Kate Moss.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1011677" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (fashion house), Rei Kawakubo (designer) Look 9, from the 2 Dimensions collection, autumn–winter 2012. Paris, 3 March 2012. Image © Comme des Garçons. Model: Henna Lintukangas.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1011676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a Vivienne Westwood wedding gown on the set of Sex and the City: The Movie, New York City, 12 October 2007. Photo © James Devaney / WireImage via Getty Images.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1011678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (fashion house), Rei Kawakubo (designer) Look 1, from the Blue Witch collection, spring–summer 2016. Paris, 3 October 2015. Image © Comme des Garçons. Model: Maja Brodin.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1011674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] World's End, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer), Malcolm McLaren (designer) Outfit from the Savage collection, spring–summer 1982. Pillar Hall, Olympia, London, 22 October 1981. Photo © Robyn Beeche.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1011679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (fashion house), Rei Kawakubo (designer) Look 13, from the Uncertain Future collection, spring–summer 2025. Paris, 28 September 2024. Image © Comme des Garçons. Model: Astrid Wagemakers.[/caption] Westwood | Kawakubo displays from Sunday, December 7, 2025–Sunday, April 19, 2026 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Head to the gallery website for tickets and more details. Top image: excerpt of Rhianna wearing Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (fashion house), Rei Kawakubo (designer) at The Met Gala, 2017. Photo © Francois Durand via Getty Images.
Do you pick the wine when you're out at dinner? Do your friends turn to you, hoping you'll indulge in a little "wine waffle" with the sommelier? Or do you avoid eye contact the moment the wine list lands, because dry, oaky, sweet, and buttery are the only words in your wine vocab? Wine can be divisive, and there's a lot to learn. But who said getting into it has to be intimidating? You never know which bottle might become your new go-to. One hot contender? Chablis. Yes, Chablis is a Chardonnay — but it's a far cry from the daggy 90s cask wines many of us grew up avoiding. In fact, it's one of the purest expressions of the grape. Grown exclusively in the cool-climate region of Bourgogne, France, Chablis is lean, mineral-driven and famously crisp. It skips the heavy oak and creamy texture many people associate with Chardonnay, delivering instead bright acidity, flinty character, and elegant freshness. [caption id="attachment_1013072" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Olivier Truyman for BIVB[/caption] Produced across several appellations — Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru — each style is shaped by ancient Kimmeridgian or Portlandian limestone soils and a cool climate that gives the wine its signature structure and finesse. To help you get acquainted, the Bourgogne Wine Board has partnered with Merivale to launch Chablis Week this spring. From Monday, September, 29 - Monday, October, 13, a curated lineup of Merivale's top Sydney restaurants — including mimi's in Coogee and Bert's in Newport — will be serving special Chablis and oyster pairings designed to show off just how well this French classic plays with Australia's best coastal produce. Here's where to sip, slurp and celebrate this spring. Bert's Bar and Brasserie, Newport Drawing inspiration from the opulent 1930s, Bert's Bar and Brasserie in Newport is the perfect place to celebrate that special milestone or simply indulge in some of Sydney's finest seaside dining. Awash with coral pink, resort-style rattan, and jade green, it's an idyllic setting to treat yourself to the freshest seafood. Celebrate seaside at Bert's with three Chablis picks: Petit Chablis, William FEVRE ($95), Chablis, Famille GROSSOT ($110), or Chablis Premier Cru Vau de Vey, Julien BROCARD served with oysters ($190). [caption id="attachment_757979" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] mimi's, Coogee Renowned for its caviar bumps and impressive Chablis selection, mimi's is one of those Sydney institutions you need to dine in at least once. Blurring the lines between inside and out with grand arch windows and sweeping coastal views, it's a sophisticated slice of Sydney serving meticulously prepared Mediterranean plates. Mimi's is pouring three standout Chablis options this spring—from Petit Chablis to Chablis Premier Cru Vau de Vey, Julien BROCARD—each perfectly paired with oysters (from $95). Fred's, Paddington Hatted rustic farm-to-table restaurant, Fred's, needs no introduction. Bringing the charm of a Tuscan country homestead to Paddington, you can dine in the glorious open kitchen and watch on as the team lovingly prepare a seasonal, sustainably-driven menu. At Fred's, enjoy a bottle of Petit Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($95), Chablis, William FEVRE ($110), or Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($190) — each served with oysters. Mr. Wong, Sydney CBD Dim moody lighting and cosy nooks bring an intimacy to this expansive, 1930s Shanghai-inspired establishment. Revered for his fresh and inventive take on authentic Cantonese dining, executive chef Dan Hong delivers a larger-than-life, gourmet affair that's vibrant and spicy. Mr. Wong is pouring the same elegant trio as Fred's: Petit Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($95), Chablis, William FEVRE ($110), and Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($190), paired with oysters. sushi e, Sydney CBD A jewel in Sydney's Japanese fine-dining crown, it's no wonder sushi e has stood the test of time since launching over two decades ago in 2000. Pull up a chair at the sleek marble bar and treat yourself to the front-row view of the blowtorch-wielding chefs. Pair your sashimi with Petit Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($95), Chablis, William FEVRE ($110), or Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($190), each served with oysters. MuMu, Sydney CBD The brainchild of Sydney's culinary treasure Dan Hong, MuMu is the cheeky younger sibling to Ms G's — and it brings a riotous flavour to the city's late-night dining scene. Loud, irreverent and wild, MuMu turns Asian fusion on its head with punchy, street food-style plates inspired by the hawker stalls of southeast Asia. It's the ultimate pit stop before the party kicks off, or on your way home from one. At MuMu, enjoy a bottle of Petit Chablis, PRIEURÉ SAINT-CÔME with oysters for $90, or Chablis, Famille GROSSOT for $110. Ash St. Cellar, Sydney CBD Looking for a low-key post-work bite with modern European flair? Ash St. Cellar is a fail-proof spot. Tucked away in a laneway behind The Ivy, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere with intimate bistrot seating, moreish tapas, and a sophisticated European wine selection. Ash St. Cellar is offering Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) or Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110), both paired with oysters. The Newport, Newport An epicurean destination in itself, The Newport is an expansive, multilevel waterfront eatery where you and your family can choose your own culinary adventure. From classic schnitzels and burgers from the Kiosk and cheesy, woodfired pizza from Vinnie's to fresh seafood platters from the Seafood Market, there's so much to explore in this Northern Beaches favourite. This spring, enjoy a bottle of Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) or Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110), served with oysters at The Newport. The Paddington, Paddington Equal parts pub, restaurant and bar, The Paddington is a trusted favourite among locals, ready to match any vibe you and your crew might be seeking on a night out. Dedicated to custom-made rotisserie-style meats and modern Australian share plates, it promises a delightfully relaxed yet delicious feast and boasts a flavoursome late-night menu that kicks off at 10pm. The Paddington is serving Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) and Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110), paired with oysters. Queen Chow, Enmore Inspired by the street food of Hong Kong, Queen Chow in Enmore, is revered for its fresh and fun approach to Cantonese dining. Queen Chow is an Inner West establishment that has been kicking for nearly a decade and is a go-to for dumplings and the classic Cantonese dishes you crave. Think saucy barbecue duck and crispy salt and pepper squid. At Queen Chow, you can sip Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) or Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110) with half a dozen oysters. The Surf Deck, Collaroy No matter the time of year, it always feels like summer at The Surf Deck. Located smack-bang on Collaroy Beach, you can savour a casual seafood-driven menu post swim while soaking up unobstructed, sparkling views of the sets rolling in across the peninsula. The Surf Deck's spring Chablis pairing includes Petit Chablis, Domaine du COLOMBIER ($90) and Chablis, Domaine Antoine et Laura ROBIN ($110), both with oysters. Whether you're new to Chablis or looking to refine your palate with one of the most delicious pairings wine can offer, Chablis Week is an ideal way to learn while enjoying one of France's most elegant white wines. From Coogee to Newport, click here for the best restaurants to raise a glass this spring.
Sydneysiders are constantly searching for things to do that include more than just sitting around and drinking — we've seen that in the popularity of Newtown's Holey Moley and the growing amount of kidult activities available around town. And now, from the creators of the aforementioned mini golf bar, comes a new funhouse-slash-cocktail joint: Archie Brothers Electric Circus. The place is crammed with activities. The Alexandria warehouse features everything your inner child could possibly desire. Old-school dodgem cars? Check. Bowling lanes? Check. Arcade games? Check. A 3D interactive theatre ride? We don't even know what that is, but check. The space is anchored around a tricked-out cocktail bar with a 'carnival' aesthetic — you might find yourself sitting in a repurposed saucer seat or on an old carousel horse. That's where punters will find a selection of boozy beverages including an array of extravagant spiked shakes. The diner will also be serving food like burgers, hot dogs and fries. It's all very much a novelty, but with the promise of arcade games and cocktails, is sure to pique the interest of punters. Games are priced pretty affordably — a game of bowling is $10, a go on the dodgem cars is $4 and you can top-up a card to play arcade games for $20, $50 or $70. Images: Letícia Almeida.
Run by couple Carla Soriano and Ben Mora, Paper Plane whisks you away from Parramatta's busy city streets into a cosy farmhouse, dotted with fresh flowers and warm timber. Back in 2013, the two quit their fast-paced corporate jobs and spent a year travelling overseas, before deciding to devote themselves to cafe life. Slide into your morning with a cup of Picasso Blend, a buttery brew with sweet caramel notes, created by Beaconsfield's Numero Uno Coffee Roasters. When it comes to ordering food, chances are, you'll be eyeing off everyone else's plates, loaded with piles of bright, colourful deliciousness, before making your decision. If you're ravenous, go for the Big Breakfast, a mountain of eggs, bacon, chorizo, hash brown, mushrooms and tomatoes on sourdough. For lighter eaters, there's a bunch of delightful morsels to choose from, including the Monte Cristo – a toastie filled with turkey, ham, Swiss cheese and cranberry sauce – and a fun take on French Toast, with custard, rhubarb, strawberries, pistachio and cinnamon. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
When the National Gallery of Victoria dedicates its blockbuster summer or winter exhibitions to big fashion names, one word usually applies no matter which designer is in the spotlight: stunning. It was true back in 2022 when the Melbourne venue turned its focus to Alexander McQueen, for instance, and also in 2021 when it did the same with Gabrielle Chanel. Expect the same across the summer of 2025–26 — it's Vivienne Westwood's time to shine, plus Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons' moment as well. Displaying at NGV International across Sunday, December 7, 2025–Sunday, April 19, 2026, Westwood | Kawakubo is both an Australian and a world first, pairing pieces by both the British talent and the Japanese designer in one massive showcase. No matter which of the duo's works you're looking at, you'll be revelling in rule-breaking, status quo-subverting threads. Some helped define the fashion of the punk movement in the 70s. Others have earned the world's attention at the Met Gala. In-between, items donned by supermodels, seen in films and from collections worn by plenty of well-known names feature. [caption id="attachment_1011671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rhianna wearing Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (fashion house), Rei Kawakubo (designer) at The Met Gala, 2017. Photo © Francois Durand via Getty Images.[/caption] In total, more than 140 designs are gracing the NGV. To assemble such a wide range, the gallery has sourced pieces from New York's Metropolitan Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Palais Galliera and the Vivienne Westwood archive, plus its own collection. Over 40 works are new gifts to the gallery from Comme des Garçons especially for Westwood | Kawakubo, as chosen by Kawakubo. Among the full lineup of items: punk ensembles made famous by The Sex Pistols and Siousie Sioux, the wedding gown that Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) wore in Sex and the City: The Movie and the tartan dress that Kate Moss stepped into in Westwood's Anglomania collection in the mid 90s — and also a version of Rihanna's petal-heavy 2017 Met Gala outfit, plus pieces from collections that Lady Gaga and Tracee Ellis Ross (Black Mirror) have sported. Westwood | Kawakubo spans from taffeta to tweed, vinyl and leather to silk, and corsetry to ruffles and knitwear, then — and much beyond. The exhibition is designed to step through Westwood and Kawakubo's careers across five thematic strands, including the former's punk-era work and the influence of the movement on the latter, their shared needs to rebel against the norm, how the two women have looked either forward or back in their pieces, eschewing objectification and using fashion to make a statement. [caption id="attachment_1011673" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivienne Westwood, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer) Look 49, from the Anglomania collection, autumn–winter 1993–94. Le Cercle Républicain, Paris, March 1993. Photo © firstVIEW. Model: Kate Moss.[/caption] Top image: excerpt of Vivienne Westwood, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer) Look 49, from the Anglomania collection, autumn–winter 1993–94. Le Cercle Républicain, Paris, March 1993. Photo © firstVIEW. Model: Kate Moss.
Summer is here and with it the holy trinity of sun, sand and surf — and conveniently long days to enjoy them. But before you book your annual leave and leg it to the beach, plan your suncation. Now is the time to invest in sun safe essentials so you don't come out the other side of summer looking like a shrivelled raisin. And one of the most overlooked sun-safe accessories is a beach tent. "A beach tent?" you shriek. "Good grief, I'm not 85!" Well, hold up now. Yes, beach tents may have started as a gaudy, fluorescent nightmare dotting the shore but the logic behind them is sound. And they've evolved way past the beach tents we remember as kids and they're the best way to keep the sun off. We've found some super cute ones that won't ruin your beach cred while you avoid the UV. BYRON BAY BEACH LIFE As if those gorgeous, vintage tropical prints weren't sweet enough, these tents by Byron Bay Beachlife have clearly been designed by someone who spends a lot of time on the beach. How can we tell? They're designed to cast shade but also give you a clear, 360-degree view of the beach so you can stay out of the sun but keep track of any fire hotties that wander past. And isn't that the whole point of lazing on the beach? They've been designed to be assembled in a few different ways too, so you can customise your set-up. GINGER AND GILLIGAN If you're looking to spend big bucks on your beach swag (we're talking $249 each) and be voted 'Most Opulent Beach Goer 2016', look no further than Ginger and Gilligan. We recommend their tie-dyed beach tipi because it's just so damn pretty. It's also a bit more contained than most beach tents, giving you some privacy while ocean-side, just in case you need to change. Each tent is hand-dyed so you can guarantee no one else on the beach will have a tent like yours. LOVIN' SUMMER Minimalist beach tents look incredible. You can rig your beach set-up to look like it's straight out of a photoshoot. But how do minimalist beach tents hold up against the elements? Pretty well apparently. The gorgeous tents from Lovin' Summer are only minimalist in look. They block out 99 percent of UV protection and come with specially-made pegs that anchor deep in the sand. They've also been designed to be easily assembled by a solo beachgoer, making them genuinely 'pop-up'. SOMBRILLA BY HOLLIE AND HARRIE The Sombrilla tent by Hollie and Harrie, similar to the Byron Bay Beach Life design, lets you gaze over the whole beach while staying in the shade. They come in a variety of pop colours and designs, bringing to mind the famous beach boxes of Brighton Beach. And best of all, they're versatile — you can put it up in the standard symmetrical formation for shade coverage or set it up more like a windbreaker for when the sun dips low. They also sell windbreakers, for those days when you just can't have the wind up in your business. SUNNY JIM When we say Sunny Jim tents are designed to make #beachlife easy, we really mean it. They've thought of everything you could possibly need to execute the perfect beach tent seamlessly. The cute tents fold away into an easy yoga bag and/or handbag and they come with a mallet. A mallet! Useful not only for banging in pegs but also for passing official judgements on your friends. Best of all, the shade material is made from UPF50+, the highest shade rating available. The Sunny Jim really isn't messing around here. CANCER COUNCIL The range of tents available from the Cancer Council might be a bit more in line with your original ideas about beach tents. They're the classic beach pod, closed in on three sides (no sunlight getting in here, no sir) in bright blues and yellows. They each boast the highest UPF rating (50+) and very high nostalgia factor. We'd also like to give an honourable mention to the 'Sunshade Chair', a fully shaded chair, with a drink holder included. Now that's how you stay sun safe with raditude. SPORTBRELLA Now, here us out on this one. The Sportbrella might look a bit whack, being a Frankenstein combo of beach tent and beach umbrella, but it's actually pretty useful. It's rocking that UPF 50+ rating, so you know no UV is getting in. The Sportbrella (but feel free to use it for leisure) combines the sturdiness of the umbrella staked into the sand with the privacy of an enclosed beach tent. Plus they're huge, at 2.45 metres wide and perfect for big groups. Stay tuned for our wrap-up of the summer's best beach umbrellas, coming soon.
