Don't quite have enough dosh to afford a tropical island getaway this summer? Do not fear, for you no longer need to travel far for your secluded island experience. Dubbed a "Papua New Guinean dancehall", The Cliff Dive is the tiki bar with a difference, with distinctive flavours from East Timor and PNG complete with authentic, hand-turned wooden artefacts, novelty cocktails and a sunken dance floor. It was conceived by Jeremy Blackmore and Alex Dowd (of Tio's fame), two fellas who can't seem to help but get it oh so right. This time they have built the bar up with their bare hands. And the result is certainly worth their efforts. Pass by kitsch neon graphics and down the darkened stairwell to reach what is a tropical oasis: a hub of beats, beards and novelty-sized tiki mugs. Previous home of The Gaff, Cliff Dive is Oxford Street's new kid on the block, within spitting distance of most of Sydney's bar scene, as well as just about every other happening Sydney scene. And the vibe is electric. DJs are scheduled most nights of the week and the dance floor begs for inappropriate, early morning grinding. Although at first glance the drinks menu may appear somewhat basic (and perhaps a little exxy for those on a tighter budget), there really is something for everyone on offer at the two functioning Dive bars. Cocktails, starting from $10, are unique tiki concoctions with a very serious rum focus. For $10 there's a Mojito, but more interesting is the Pandang – a sweet hit of rum, fresh apple juice and pandan syrup, which lingers long after each sip. Probably the most notable Cliff Dive bev is the Supa Colada ($17 for rum, coconut cream, coconut sugar syrup and pineapple juice). It's a few dollars extra, which becomes ever more acceptable as the night kicks on. For the tinnie lover comes an impressive range of beers — affordable options like Tiger ($8) and SP Lager ($6) from PNG to fit the theme, as well as pricier imports, such as Yo Ho Black Porter from Japan ($12). There's food too (as if things could get any better). Bite-size barbeque pork buns (two for $8) come from the pan-Asian kitchen behind the main bar and run all night long (cue Lionel Richie sporting a lei). With the only real drawback being its already epic popularity (seriously, come on a Friday or Saturday night and expect a line curling right around Oxford Square) the only danger in this dive is how much fun you're going to have. And perhaps the size of your hangover the next day. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
The Australian Open is a marathon, not a sprint. Anyone who's wandered through Melbourne Park on a January afternoon, sun blazing, sunscreen melting, knows that by the time the night sessions roll around, you can easily be running on fumes. Whether it's your first time at the tournament or you're trying to perfect your route, here's how to do the Australian Open like a pro. Preparation Is Key The Australian Open blends the tennis tournament with fashion activations, street-style snaps, and many chill-out zones to relax with friends. While you may be tempted to don your most stylish outfit, preparation and comfort are key to feeling fresh enough to witness tennis history. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Australian Open (@australianopen) Wear comfortable shoes that can help you get from one end of the grounds to the other. Dress in breathable linens or cottons, and don't forget to pack your sunscreen and hat (sunscreen is also available to the public around the venue). Packing a light overshirt in case you suddenly find your courtside seat directly in the sun's glow is also an expert tip. If you have tickets for afternoon and evening games, you'll want to feel as comfortable as possible, so preparing your outfit and bag beforehand will ensure you're not caught out (and sun-stroked) by the final late-night game. The Midday Reset If you do have an AO day out planned, look for pop-ups that can help you to reset. There are loads around the grounds that specialise in makeup touchups, fashion outlets (if you need a change of shirt), and grooming booths to keep you feeling fresh. On Saturday, January 24, the OneBlade Barbershop will set up at the Southbank Spillway for walk-ins, with two barbers on hand to provide a free trim, edge, or close facial hair shave using the Philips OneBlade. Looking sharp is Philips' shout this Australian Open. Choose hairstyle inspiration from the icons board featuring sporting stars, including Nick Kyrgios and the Honeybadger. You don't need to make a booking in between matches. Just rock up, scan the QR code and secure your spot from 9am–4pm. You can also spin the prize wheel to score giveaways like the Philips Nose Trimmer NT1000, the Philips OneBlade Original Blade, exclusive merch, mini fans and more. A DJ will be playing next to the Philips barbershop throughout the event as well to keep the AO energy high. The pop-up is designed to keep you feeling fresh and on-trend, all while soaking up the stylish atmosphere of the Australian Open. Pace Your Rally Between the AO's heat and party-like energy, it's easy to forget to pace yourself. Whilst sipping your Aperol Spritzes and sampling the many food stalls, don't forget to drink water. It'll be hard to stay awake for the final showdown at 11pm if you're dehydrated. Looking for some food and beverage recommendations to keep the energy up? Several crowd favourites are back in 2026, including the famous Peach Melbourne peach and vanilla soft serve. The Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail also returns, available freshly mixed or ready-to-drink from the revamped Courtside Bar. You can sip on Canadian Clubs in their lounge area or check out the much-loved AO Frappe. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hector's Deli (@hectors_deli) Beyond the Courtside Bar, Melbourne Park transforms into a food festival with the likes of Japanese-inspired favourite Suupaa serving konbini classics like onigiri, katsu sandos, noodle bowls and its cult Suupaachiki fried chicken. Over in Garden Square, Melbourne institutions take centre stage, with Hector's Deli making its AO debut and Entrecôte serving French-inspired classics. By staying hydrated, taking a moment to reset at the activations, and snacking your way around the tournament, you can keep cool and soak up Melbourne at its best. Good luck. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Concrete Playground Melbourne (@concreteplaygroundmelbourne) Image credit: Supplied
Named after Evelyn Mulwray — the enigmatic femme fatale at the centre of Roman Polanski's 1974 classic Chinatown — this 50-seat Paddington bar draws on its cinematic namesake to set the tone: moody, intimate and refined. Set within the former Grand Pacific Blue Room — an it-nightclub of Y2K-era Sydney — The Mulwray joins sibling venues The Palomar and Jacob the Angel in London hospo crew Studio Paskin's stable at 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia. A neon silhouette of Mulwray herself at the entrance gives way to a room anchored in dark leather, rich velvet and heritage brick, with soft honeyed lighting that makes everything — and everyone — look a little more glamorous. Subtle brass floor inlays, menus handwritten on mirrors and warm, atmospheric lighting give the space its cinematic edge while still feeling intimate and lived-in. Behind the bar, Head of Beverage Roean Patawaran — whose CV includes Oncore by Clare Smyth, Firedoor and Woodcut — steers a cocktail program built on precision and restraint. Classics are the stars here, from martinis to french 75s, with just enough modern flair (see: the jalapeño-spiked Picante Margarita) to keep things interesting. Wine shares top billing with the cocktails. The ever-evolving 100-bin list by Head Sommelier Eleonore Wulf (Aalia, Nour, Joji) celebrates biodynamic, organic and sustainable producers, spotlighting lesser-known grapes and methods without drifting into esoterica. Food comes courtesy of Mitch Orr, who brings his big-swinging, flavour-forward approach to a sharp list of snacks. Expect fried zucchini flowers with green chilli yoghurt, Westholme wagyu tartare on toast and a scene-stealing fish finger sandwich. Service is unobtrusive and deeply knowledgeable — more dinner party at your stylish friend's house than stuffy hotel bar. It's an atmosphere that honours its namesake: enigmatic, elegant and designed to draw you in slowly. [caption id="attachment_1046056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Justin Nicholas[/caption]
At nearly 70-years-old, Kings Cross institution Piccolo Bar has been revived as a licensed aperitivo spot under the guidance of Bartender Magazine founder, Dave Spanton. Located just off the Kings Cross main strip on Roslyn Street, Piccolo Bar served as a late-night cafe and nightlife spot from 1952. But, following years of difficult conditions for Sydney's hospitality industry, the Kings Cross institution closed its doors. Rising from the ashes of lockdowns and lockouts, the inner-city stalwart is being leased by Spanton from long-time owner Vittorio Bainchi and has been given a makeover that stays true to the heritage of the bar while freshening it up. The writer and entrepreneur has also secured the venue's first-ever liquor license. Sitting at a small but mighty 20 square metres, the bar holds 12 seats indoors and eight outdoors. Come 10pm, the outdoor seating will be packed away making Piccolo Bar one of Sydney's smallest drinking holes. The food menu is reserved but a lot of fun. You'll find hot dogs made with LP's Quality Meats dogs, goat's curd and piquillo pepper toasties and a range of canned treats like spicy Italian sardines or Spanish mussels, served with crackers and pickles. Alternatively, the drinks menu stretches across eight pages, overwhelming visitors with choice. While a wide array of wine and spirits are on offer, the cocktails, aperitifs and aromatised wines are the star of the show here. Take your pick from the selection of vermouths or order a classic Americano made with Campari, house-blended vermouth and soda. Head to the bar between 4–6pm for $12 cocktails. For Spanton, it was a no-brainer when he saw the beloved venue was up for lease. "My accountant thinks it's a crazy idea," he jokes. "But there's more to life than money, and I just couldn't stand to see this place disappear." Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney
With a history that trips back almost a century, the heritage-listed Balmoral Bathers' Pavilion is pretty hallowed turf. So, it's only fitting the historic waterside venue has an impressive cast of Sydney hospitality and design gurus overseeing its next phase of life. The art deco beauty reopened in October 2019 after an extensive ten-week makeover, with some new and old hospitality elite at the helm. The beachside venue now sports a fancy fit-out by award-winning design studio Luchetti Krelle, whose works you'll have spied at the likes of Manly Greenhouse, Verandah Bar, Banksii and the Sydney Opera House lobby. Expect lots of white tablecloths, sea-toned stripes, plants and lots of light from the venue's epic floor-to-ceiling windows. Bathers' gives you a few options: the bistro, the bar, the kiosk and the fine dining restaurant. The Bathers' Bistro is your more casual option, and it's open for brekkie, lunch and dinner. But, prices still aren't exactly cheap — smashed avo is $22, and mains like grilled Yamba prawns and fish pie will set you back around $35–45. For something a bit more special, you'll want to make a reservation in the venue's fine dining offering, The Good Room. The menu changes daily, but expect lots of seafood and cuts of duck breast and lamp rump. It's a set menu deal here, with two courses for $90 and three for $110. You'll also have 350 wines to choose from and an ocean view from wherever you sit. For snacks, you can grab a seat in the adjoining bar, and, on Sunday afternoons, the terrace becomes a champagne bar, so you can indulge in Louis Roederer, prawns and steak frites alongside panoramic views of the ocean. If you're just after a post-swim feed, there's also the option to grab a hamper or fish and chips from the downstairs kiosk. A visit to the upstairs gallery is also an option. Front-of-house star Cam Fairbairn has jumped on board to head up the service side of things, filling a void we've all been feeling since the closure of Rushcutters Bay favourite Acme earlier this year. In the kitchen, four years on from a previous stint at Bathers' Pavilion, Cameron Johnston (St Claude's, Jonah's) makes his return, stepping into the role of co-head chef of the venue's fine dining restaurant, alongside Peter Gong (Catalina). Kumiko Endo, with stints at Attica, Tetsuya, Fujisaki under his belt, joins the gang as head pastry chef, while Jess Mead (Acme, Kingdom of Rice) takes on the task of restaurant manager. Owner-Chef Serge Dansereau has overseen the Bathers' Pavilion site for the past 20 years and confirmed earlier this year that he's been granted a new lease for the next two decades. So you can expect to have more than a few Sunday sessions here. Images: Nikki To.
In disappointing news for Sydneysiders, Luke Nguyen's Red Lantern will close its doors for a final time this November. After a remarkable 23 years influencing Vietnamese dining not only in Sydney but around the world, owners Luke Nguyen, Pauline Nguyen, and Mark Jensen have made the tough decision not to renew the lease. Red Lantern, one of the most awarded Vietnamese restaurants in the world, will continue service until November 22. Over the coming months, there will be special events and chef collaborations to celebrate the legacy of the beloved venue. The crew behind Red Lantern pioneered a new appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine in Sydney as something much more than cheap takeout. With premium produce, impeccable service and a refined menu, Red Lantern helped shape the way Australians think about Southeast Asian cuisine. Menu favourites include turmeric corn cakes with tea-smoked salmon, crispy pork belly with oyster and coriander seed marinade, and crab fried rice. Regulars returned often for Red Lantern's famous chilli salted squid with lemon and pepper dipping sauce, the roast duck salad with banana blossom and pickled vegetables and the chargrilled chicken with curry paste and green chilli chutney. The closure of such a prominent restaurant is indicative of the challenges facing the hospitality industry across the country. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the owners cited a number of reasons behind the decision not to renew the lease, including declining diner numbers, persistent rain during a harsh winter, the current state of the economy and the cost of living crisis, and a trend of diners being preoccupied with trying new restaurants. Pauline Nguyen says, "If there's one thing I'm really proud of, between the three of us we've built a real ecosystem that will continue", as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. Red Lantern will continue service until November, so you still have a few months to go and support the team and enjoy your favourite dishes one last time. Images: Leigh Griffiths. Red Lantern will close its doors on November 22, 2025. Over its final two months of service, the restaurant will run special events with chef collaborations, so follow @redlanterngroup on Instagram to find out whats on.
Low and Lofty's doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: a destination for down and dirty good times. This no-nonsense spot is a riot of colour, music and kitschy Americana which is reflected in the food and drinks menu. The name of the game here is fried Texan-style finger food — think popcorn shrimp, hot wings, smoked BBQ ribs and poutine potato gems (deep-fried, bite-sized potato bites lathered in melted cheese, pulled beef brisket and gravy). There are a couple of salads on the menu, but then you'd be missing the point. The drinks inspiration shifts to the Caribbean, with rum the star of the drinks menu. Expect bottles from all over the Caribbean as well as more unusual selections from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Italy and France. The fun travels through to the cocktail menu, where the approach to ingredients is 'more is more'. Grab a cup and start your weekend off on a bright note. Images: JSR Visuals
Family feuds are a deadly business in Bad Sisters, Apple TV+'s latest must-see. Just don't believe the first word in its title for a second. Starring, co-written and co-developed by Sharon Horgan, as Catastrophe was before it, this ten-part streaming series focuses on the Garvey girls, a quintet of Irish siblings who became bonded by more than blood when they were orphaned years earlier. Horgan's Eva took on the matriarch role and has doted on her siblings Grace (Anne-Marie Duff, Sex Education), Ursula (Eva Birthistle, The Last Kingdom), Bibi (Sarah Greene, Normal People) and Becka (Eve Hewson, Behind Her Eyes) ever since, even now that they range from their late twenties through to their forties. Used to doing whatever they must for each other, there's nothing bad about their sisterly devotion — but it just might include killing Grace's husband. A pitch-black comedy, a murder-mystery and a family drama all in one — an Irish riff on Big Little Lies, too, although it's actually adapted from Belgian TV's Clan from back in 2012 — Bad Sisters ponders two questions. Firstly, it wonders what lengths loyal siblings would truly go to to protect one of their own. Secondly, it contemplates what comeuppance women pushed to their limits will exact upon the source of their misery. Indeed, it's a darkly funny revenge fantasy as well, and a puzzle to compulsively sleuth along with. Do the Garveys get their wish? How will they try to make their dream a reality? Will their various murder plots work? What'll go wrong next? These queries also keep coming, and unfurling the answers makes for equally riveting, entertaining, empathetic and amusing viewing. Bad Sisters begins on the day of a funeral, farewelling John Paul Williams (Claes Bang, The Northman) after Grace makes sure that his erection won't be noticed first. Her dead husband has long been nicknamed 'The Prick' anyway, with his four sisters-in-law all thoroughly unimpressed, to say the least, about the toxic way he openly treated his dutiful wife. They're all sick of the underhanded abuse he also directed towards each of them, as well as anyone he didn't like, and the unearned air of superiority that always came with it. Calling him manipulative, callous, misogynistic, racist, narcissistic, spiteful, vicious, pitiless, ruthless, flat-out intolerable — they all fit. When a guest offers condolences at JP's wake, Eva's response is: "I'm just glad the suffering's over". When she's then asked if he was ill, she replies with a blunt and loaded "no". Relief lingers during JP's sendoff, but so does tension. Eva, Ursula, Bibi and Becka long wanted The Prick dead and, as flashbacks show, had been planning to bring about that very end. Complicating matters: two insurance agents, aka half-brothers Thomas (Brian Gleeson, Death of a Ladies' Man) and Matthew Claffin (Daryl McCormack, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande), who start nosing around as John Paul is being laid to rest. Their family-run outfit is meant to pay out on his life insurance policy, but it's a hefty amount of cash and will bankrupt the firm. And with Thomas' wife Theresa (Seána Kerslake, My Salinger Year) heavily pregnant and on bed rest, the Claffins already have their own share of family stresses. As brought to Apple TV+ by Horgan with United States of Tara, New Girl and 30 Rock's Brett Baer and Dave Finkel, Bad Sisters uses that insurance investigation to justify its jumps backwards — and it's a savvy tactic. In its weekly instalments, the series works through JP's awfulness and the Garveys' campaign of vengeance in two directions, contrasting the sisters' motivations in the months leading up to their brother-in-law's death with the aftermath. That said, exactly how Grace ends up a widow, who's responsible and which of the siblings knows what all drive the show's whodunnit angle, sharply and entertainingly so. Bad Sisters teases out the precise reasons that Eva, Ursula, Bibi and Becka can't stand JP, too, because The Prick's abysmal behaviour made enemies out of everyone around him over and over. Boasting a devilish setup is just one of Bad Sisters' drawcards. What a premise it is, though. The whole 'offing your arsehole brother-in-law' idea may seem obvious at the outset, but this is a series with both bite and warmth as it unpacks what happens when women don't have any other options but potentially breaking bad — and sticking together. The pervasive feeling: wish fulfilment and catharsis, as Grace's siblings attempt to make everyone's lives better, even if it requires one of the most drastic moves there is. Just as Horgan inhabits her part with fierce affection, as characters played by the This Way Up star tend to sport, the entire ten-episode run bubbles with unfailing determination. It's dedicated to seeing the horrors of coercive control and the harrowing ordeal that is life with someone like JP, but it's as devoted to maintaining hope in the Garveys' sense of sorority. Bad Sisters is also unflinching about perfecting the right balance between twisted, heartfelt, weighty, amusing, sincere and audacious — as resolute as it is about filling its frames with scenic Irish sights. The show's roster of writers and directors, which includes Dearbhla Walsh (Tales From the Loop), Rebecca Gatward (The Spanish Princess) and Josephine Bornebusch (Love Me) behind the lens, ensure four outcomes: lapping up every twist and turn; wishing you're a Garvey yourself; planning a getaway to Ireland; and feeling seen if you've ever been treated terribly by someone you love or even someone you know, be it a relative, friend, neighbour, boss, colleague or acquaintance of an acquaintance. There's no doubting the impact of Bad Sisters' on-screen talents in making it such an instantly addictive Irish delight, however. It isn't merely the central murder-mystery that lures viewers in — and the comic way the series cycles through the Garveys' schemes — but also the show's wonderful leading ladies. From Horgan through to Hewson, the eponymous sisters are exceptionally well-cast, with all five actors conveying the clan's strengths, flaws, differences, fights and camaraderie, including at an individual level and together. Duff is especially heartbreaking as the spouse who has convinced herself that her husband's exploitation and cruelty is normal, while the Bang ensures that the potently odious, easily despised JP is abhorrent on every level but never cartoonish. They're all ably supported by the charmingly bumbling Gleeson and just charmingly charming McCormack, who help reinforce that every family has its ups and downs — including when no one is contemplating homicide. Check out the trailer for Bad Sisters below: Bad Sisters streams via Apple TV+.
Starting out as a delicatessen, Paddington Alimentari quickly grew into a busy Italian cafe for locals and lucky out-of-towners to visit. With its dark grey shop front, you might not notice this popular spot on William Street, but it's definitely worth sniffing out. The glass counter is filled with freshly baked fare — from fluffy quiches to croissants and stuffed baguettes. If you have time to sit down, order a bowl of pasta or a fresh salad and dine outside. And just like any good Italian delicatessen, it also has display case filled to the brim with cheese, ham and a range of olives — so you can make your very own charcuterie board at home.
Forget grey. Come October-November, the Northern Rivers of New South Wales will be covered in 50 shades of purple when the historic town of Grafton gives off big main character energy through its annual showcase of violet-hued blooms. With roots as the oldest floral festival in the country, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival really knows what it takes to celebrate one of Australia's most-loved flowers. And, for one week between Friday, 27 October and Sunday, 5 November, visitors and locals alike will line the main street of Grafton to watch the annual float parade, settle in for a round of drag queen bingo (complete with lavender eyeshadow), enjoy a lazy long lunch underneath a floral lilac canopy or watch the beautiful trees of See Park illuminated as the sun goes down. While the fest will feature a mix of ticketed and free activities, if there's one event which we recommend committing to, it's Jacaranda Thursday. On this day Grafton's main street will close down as people meander throughout the CBD, soak up the atmosphere and simply stop and smell the jacarandas. The Grafton Jacaranda Festival will run from Friday, 27 October and Sunday, 5 November 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
To say 2021 was a massive year is a bit of an understatement. But with the the new year in full swing, it's officially time to let go of the trials that last year brought and start afresh with a relaxing holiday. If you, like us, are keen to extend your summer this year, consider locking in a trip to Tropical North Queensland to enjoy some much-needed time in this balmy paradise. From private island retreats wreathed in the Great Barrier Reef to secluded treehouses poised in World Heritage-listed rainforest, we've uncovered ten luxury stays to check out. These spots are not only champions of ecotourism, with initiatives like water recycling and single-use plastic and amenities bans evident across most properties, but will also tick the box if you want to wake up immersed in nature. [caption id="attachment_827699" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] BEDARRA ISLAND If you're looking for somewhere to truly disappear to, put Bedarra Island at the top of your list. The secluded tropical haven is part of the Family Islands National Park, approximately two hours drive south of Cairns. To get to the island, you can take a helicopter transfer from Cairns Airport or a 30-minute boat ride across the Coral Sea from the idyllic coastal village, Mission Beach. With just 11 private villas on the island (all with ocean views), Bedarra is ideal for travellers looking for secluded, laidback luxury. The island is totally off-grid and uses solar power for energy. The best part? It's an all-inclusive experience. Here, you'll have unlimited access to snorkelling gear, sea kayaks, motorised dinghies, stand-up paddleboards, tennis equipment and stunning rainforest walks. Plus, all your meals, snacks, cocktails and celebratory champagne will be organised for you. Want to take a gourmet picnic on your personal dinghy to a deserted island? How about enjoying a candlelit dinner on your private deck? At Bedarra, you can have both. [caption id="attachment_828271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SILKY OAKS LODGE If you've ever wondered what it's like to live in a treehouse, just like Brendan Fraser in George of the Jungle, Silky Oaks Lodge in Mossman is the place to bring that foliage fantasy to life. Wedged between the breathtaking Daintree Rainforest and peaceful Mossman River, Silky Oaks Lodge has six treehouse-inspired stays to choose from so you can sleep among the treetops of the tropics. Each accomodation option has been designed to embrace the property's natural surrounds and will indulge your senses in the lush rainforest when it comes alive in autumn. If you want to wash off under an outdoor shower, wake up to floor-to-ceiling rainforest views and relax in a bath on your very own private deck while overlooking a cascading river, look sharp to Silky Oaks Lodge. THE REEF HOUSE BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND SPA If spending your holiday lazing opposite a palm tree-lined beach sounds like something you have to go overseas to do, guess again. The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa is an award-winning luxury beachfront stay in Palm Cove where you can experience that balmy (and palmy) escape without needing to dig out your now dusty passport. Your stay here includes a drink on arrival, complimentary twilight refreshments, poolside cocktail service and access to the fully stocked Honesty Bar where you can help yourself to your favourite drinks. The adults-only retreat also offers cocktail classes, wine tasting, beachfront yoga, a tranquility pool, jacuzzi, day spa, unlimited bicycle use and a library to keep you occupied in case you get tired of oscillating between the pool and the impressive Reef House Restaurant. [caption id="attachment_827698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] THE CANOPY TREEHOUSES If you're planning a tropical holiday with a group, look no further than The Canopy Treehouses. Set on a lush 100-acre property, this place is ideal if you want to steer clear of other holidaymakers as you venture — quite literally — off the beaten track. The two-bedroom Riverfront Treehouses sleep six guests and, as the name suggests, are built on the banks of the river surrounded by ancient rainforest. Or, if you're after something a little larger, the three-bedroom Bower House can accommodate up to eight guests and overlooks the rollings hills of the Atherton Tablelands. Both are fully self-contained and come equipped with barbecue facilities, spa baths and, most importantly, rainforest views. [caption id="attachment_827697" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] LIZARD ISLAND RESORT If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef without spending hours on a boat, Lizard Island Resort is the ideal place to base yourself. This luxury lodge is quite literally surrounded by the reef meaning you can roll out of bed and right into one of the world's natural wonders in minutes. But it's not just its proximity to the reef that lures people to the island. The all-inclusive accomodation helps take the guesswork out of holiday planning with meals, drinks, snorkelling gear, paddleboards, sea kayaks and more included in your stay. The toughest choice you'll make during your trip will be deciding which of the opulent day spa treatments will make you feel the most relaxed. If you do want to explore a little further, the resort has an on-site naturalist that hosts guided walks to share the island's cultural heritage, particularly that of the Traditional Land Owners, Jiogurru of the Dingaal Aboriginal people. [caption id="attachment_827693" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] CRYSTALBROOK RILEY If you want floor-to-ceiling ocean views at a centrally located hotel, Crystalbrook Riley is for you. This five-star luxury resort is perched on the Cairns Esplanade, placing you within walking distance of many of the tour operators, restaurants and bars that Cairns has to offer. For a picturesque waterfront wake up, check in to a Panoramic Sea room or Riley's Suite and you'll awaken to uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea and beyond. There's a lush pool that wraps around the entire resort, a day spa to destress at and two in-house restaurants to try — Paper Crane and rooftop bar Rocco. The resort makes an effort to reduce food miles by sourcing 80 percent of ingredients from within a 3.5-hour radius of Cairns, including all of its beef products which come from Crystalbrook's own 85,000-acre cattle station. [caption id="attachment_828717" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wilson Archer[/caption] MT MULLIGAN LODGE When you think of Tropical North Queensland, the outback probably doesn't come to mind. But if you drive 160 kilometres northwest of Cairns to Mt Mulligan Lodge, that's exactly what you'll find. As the name suggests, this boutique accomodation overlooks the immense tabletop mountain that is Mount Mulligan. Here, you can experience an all-inclusive luxury outback stay featuring hikes, all-terrain vehicle adventures, barramundi fishing, stargazing and more. The sprawling 28,000-hectare property ensures all 20 guests it can accommodate have ample privacy during their stay. Plus, each guest room gets a buggy to buzz around the property on, so you can get from your bed to sunset drinks at the bar with ease. Mt Mulligan Lodge has lots of worthy initiatives in place, too, from a waste minimisation program to a partnership with Ganbina to help local Indigenous students secure employment after school. NIRAMAYA VILLAS AND SPA Port Douglas is a favourite for folks travelling to Tropical North Queensland. If you want to find out what all the fuss is about, take a scenic one-hour drive north of Cairns and stay at Niramaya Villas and Spa to experience the laidback coastal town for yourself. This luxury accommodation features a number of rooms that vary in size from couple-friendly one-bedroom villas to much larger options that can cater to groups of ten. Regardless of the size you need, the soaring ceilings will make you feel like rainforest royalty. Throughout the property, you'll have access to a fully equipped gym, day spa, tennis court, bike hire, saunas, pools and a restaurant and bar to keep you refreshed. [caption id="attachment_828743" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liam Brennan, Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] DAINTREE ECOLODGE Situated in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, about 90 minutes north of Cairns, is Daintree Ecolodge — boutique accommodation with just 15 bayans (treehouses) perched beneath lush tropical canopies. For the adventurous traveller, this secluded rainforest retreat has its own dedicated walks and a private waterfall to explore. And for those needing something more relaxing, the on-site bar, swimming pool, wellness spa and rainforest restaurant overlooking the lagoon will provide ample opportunity to unwind and disconnect. If you want to discover more about the First Nations people in the area — the Kuku Yalanji people — book into the Culturally Curious package which includes your accommodation, a full-day Walkabout Cultural Tour, a Daintree River cruise and more. The property also assists in the reforestation of the area through a partnership with Rainforest Rescue. [caption id="attachment_828745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Philip Waring, Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] MT QUINCAN CRATER RETREAT If you're seeking somewhere romantic for your next holiday, check out the couples-only luxury accommodation on offer at Mt Quincan Crater Retreat. Elevated 2500 feet above sea level on the edge of an extinct volcano in the Atherton Tablelands, this award-winning escape boasts breathtaking views that look over the volcanic crater and beyond. Each treehouse has its own private spa that captures these vistas. and some even have an al fresco shower for you to enjoy under the stars. Plus, there are in-room dining options available for fuss-free cook ups and tailored packages to help you celebrate special occasions. Ready to book your tropical escape? For more information and to discover more about extending your summer in Tropical North Queensland, visit the website. Image: Lizard Island, Tourism Tropical North Queensland
"We were just saying, we love an Aussie." When you're My Old Ass writer/director Megan Park and Australia's own Margot Robbie has produced your latest film, it's easy to understand why. Gleaning why she greets Concrete Playground that way isn't hard, either. "We do," adds Maisy Stella, the movie's star. "Yeah, we really, really do," Park chimes back in. Robbie's production company LuckyChap Entertainment, which has I, Tonya, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and Barbie to its name as well — and, among flicks that don't boast its co-founder on-screen, Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, too — is also onboard for Park's next release after this marvel of a coming-of-age tale. Viewers of My Old Ass have more from Park to look forward to, then. Right now, though, they already have a must-see to enjoy courtesy of her second feature as a filmmaker. Actually, that also applies to her debut. An actor herself, Park initially jumped behind the lens on 2021's excellent Jenna Ortega (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)-led The Fallout, which plunged into the aftermath of a school tragedy. Now, the former The Secret Life of the American Teenager star has penned and helmed a picture set as its protagonist gets ready to leave her small-town home behind for college. [caption id="attachment_974458" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex J. Berliner/ABImages[/caption] For her second movie about teens making sense of their world, too, Park embraces a high-concept setup — and one that heads down a universal path that resonates with viewers of all ages. Have you ever wanted to get life advice from your future self? Or, conversely, to give your younger self some words of wisdom, whether about what not to worry about or who to avoid? Focusing on Nashville's Stella as the just-turned-18 Elliott — and featuring Parks and Recreation, The White Lotus and Agatha All Along favourite Aubrey Plaza as the older version — that's My Old Ass' storyline. If you're wondering how the two Elliotts come to meet, the film uses a mushroom trip to head into magical-realism territory. When they come face to face, Plaza's 39-year-old Elliott has a specific piece of advice for the girl that she once was: stay away from Chad (Wednesday's Percy Hynes White). We all know what happens when you tell someone not to do something, especially a carefree teenager, so of course Stella's Elliott doesn't heed that warning. This is a film, however, that understands the urge to want to send your former self in a certain direction, because it understands what it's like to live with the ups and downs that life takes us on just as firmly. It equally appreciates that it's those ebbs and flows — and joys and hurts as well, so our course for better and for worse — that make us who we are. [caption id="attachment_974462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marion Curtis / Starpix for Amazon MGM Studios[/caption] What would Stella do if the Sundance Film Festival-premiering movie's premise became an IRL possibility for her? It depends on which way the advice was flowing. Park is of the same opinion. They'd each be keen to talk to their younger selves, but not their older guises. "I've decided that I reject it. I really reject it. I've been asked this and every time I try to think of something, and I think the reason that I don't have anything is because I would not take the opportunity. I would take the opportunity to meet younger self. But the older, it just feels a little scary to me," Stella tells us. "It gets dicey. See, it goes dark quick. I mean, it really takes a turn," she continues. "Yeah, it's a it's a scary one," agrees Park. "I think I'm going to hard pass on it too, probably. I'd want to go back and meet my younger self." Thinking about these questions is unavoidable after watching My Old Ass, no matter whether you decide that you'd seize or shirk the chance that Elliott is given. Also part of the viewing experience: wishing that Plaza could pop up in your life either way. We also chatted with Park and Stella about where the idea for the film sprang from, what Park was interested in exploring with it, Stella's excitement about playing Elliott, how she approached the character, and working with both Plaza and Robbie. On What Inspired My Old Ass, and What Park Was Interested in Exploring Megan: "I think the themes that I really wanted to explore were grief and time passing, and nostalgia — and motherhood, truthfully, was a big one that I wanted. I was a new mum when I wrote this script, so it was those feelings that were really the entry point into this idea that's so universal, I think, of wanting to talk to your older or younger self. Or regrets. Regret is another big one. I think I'm such an emotionally driven writer that I'm not thinking about necessarily the structure of the story, and what's going to happen and what are people going to take from the movie — I'm just driven from that emotional place, at least I have been so far in the two movies I've written. It's all I really know how to do it. So those were the themes I wanted to explore. And then as I didn't know where it was going, as soon as Elliott came to me, and older Elliott, I just followed that lead and figured out the story as I went." On Stella's Initial Reaction to the Script, and What She Thought That She Could Bring to the Younger Elliott Maisy: "My first reaction to it was just beaming with excitement. It was funny, because I had been auditioning for so long and I really enjoy auditioning, and I really enjoy reading scripts and I read a lot of scripts at that time, and it was just my favourite thing I'd read in forever. And I was immediately met with anxiety. The second I started reading it, the thought of it being taken from me, I was like 'no!'. And it wasn't even mine at all. But the thought of not getting to be a part of this amazing project was so scary to me. So yeah, my initial reaction to it was deeply, deeply moved; really excited and inspired by it; and would have just been so grateful and lucky to have been a part of it. And it worked out for me. I'm very grateful and lucky." [caption id="attachment_974461" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marion Curtis / Starpix for Amazon MGM Studios[/caption] On the Journey to Realising That Aubrey Plaza Was the Ideal Older Elliott Megan: "Truthfully, I'd written the role for somebody to be much older, like in their late 40s, early 50s. And we cast the film around Maisy, and so we were really stuck on who looks the most like her, who's in that age range and who's available to come to Canada to film the movie. And there just was never anybody that came up that was the right match for the tone of the movie, for energetically with Maisy, for the comedy. It wasn't until there was a list of names that somebody had suggested, and Aubrey was on there. It was like 'wait a second, I'm such a fan of hers' — and I knew Maisy was a fan of hers. She was not even 40 and doesn't look anything like Maisy really, but we were like 'wait a second', and for some reason the energy and the chemistry was just such a connection. And it just made the whole movie make sense in a whole new way for me. I'm close to age to Aubrey and I thought 'wow, I've actually never felt older than hanging out with all the 18 year olds'. And there was something so funny to me about this idea that she thinks she's so old and she's not even 40. And even the title became funnier when it was Aubrey." Maisy: "Yes!" Megan: "So then, luckily we sent it to her, and only her, and she read it and loved it and wanted to be a part of it. So once we got it to her, the stars really aligned quickly, but it was kind of me getting out of my own way and being like 'wait, instead of worrying about who looks the most like Maisy, who fits into the movie?'." Maisy: "Instead of worrying about who's blonde?" Megan: "Yeah, exactly." On Collaboration When You're Playing the Younger Version of a Character While Sharing Scenes with the Older Version Maisy: "It was quick. What happened, I was filming for like two weeks when Aubrey was officially attached. So my younger Elliott was already kind of established. On anything else, if this was any other situation, I would have been meeting Aubrey — and she kind of had to meet me because I was filming. So it was a quick thing, she came for like a week and we just went for it." [caption id="attachment_974460" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marion Curtis / Starpix for Amazon MGM Studios[/caption] Megan: "She'd been watching dailies and studying Maisy a bit before." Maisy: "And then when we met, I felt Aubrey staring and filming me with her eyes, and getting the mannerisms and physicality. I think that was probably more what we focused on. And also just creating a friendship and a nice connection was probably the most important part, rather than mimicking each other. It felt more enjoyable." Megan: "I remember Aubrey asking me 'do you want me to mimic her? How deep do you want me to go with this?' And I was like 'I feel like that's not the most important part of it. I'd rather we just build the chemistry and the rapport'. And that was totally what I think was the main thing. We just spent the weekend together, talked through stuff." Maisy: "100 percent." Megan: "And it was just about building that chemistry — which, they're both genius actors, they can build chemistry so quickly. That's a skill that I think the best actors can do. And the two of them together were just able to connect so quickly." [caption id="attachment_974459" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex J. Berliner/ABImages[/caption] On Having Margot Robbie as a Producer, and How That Helped Shape the Film Megan: "As we were saying, we love an Aussie. Our other producer, Bronte Payne at LuckyChap, is also Australian. It happened really organically. I had a general meeting with the company, with Bronte, who had seen The Fallout — and she really loved the film, and she just wanted to sit and chat. And she was the one, honestly, who was like 'do you have any other ideas?'. And I was like 'I mean, there's this one thing I'm thinking about'. And she was like 'we'd love to hear more about that. We think that's a great idea'. Then she introduced me to the rest of people at the company, Tom [Ackerley, also one of LuckyChap's founders] and Margot and Josey [McNamara, another LuckyChap founder]. And they are just so — it's really hard to find good people in this industry who are really honest and smart and hardworking, and treat everybody, no matter if it's the star of the movie or the PA, they're just so consistent. And they're so grounded and down to earth, and there's a reason why they get so much repeat business with their directors. It's because it's genuine, and they're obviously very smart. So they were incredibly helpful, not only helping me build the script, but every step of the way — they've just been so invaluable and so easygoing. And just lovely, lovely human beings. I'm doing my next film with them, and I hope to work with them over and over again. They're incredible." On Balancing Playing a Carefree 18-Year-Old with Their Whole Life Ahead of Them with Elliott Getting to Take Stock of Her Existence Decades Before Anyone Usually Expects To Maisy: "Preparing-wise, I honestly read the script so many times. That was really my prep, just reading it. I didn't do too much, I didn't practice the deliveries." Megan: "We just talked through the scenes." Maisy: "We'd just talk it through. And on my own time, I had months before I went to film — but after I booked it, I enjoyed reading it so I would obsessively just read it and think about it a lot. I really lived with the concept and with the message. I thought about it a lot. I think was my preparation." [caption id="attachment_974457" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex J. Berliner/ABImages[/caption] Megan: "And you believed in it." Maisy: "And I believed in it and I meant it. I really meant it. Everything that Elliott says, I ended up meaning on the day. Even if I was learning from her and trying to mean it, I did end up meaning it." Megan: "Yeah." Maisy: "And with an indie, with the director like you [talks to Megan], where you really like things to feel like you press record and you're just like watching people exist, there's only so much you can do for prep to keep it feeling natural and real and sparky." My Old Ass opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, September 26, 2024. My Old Ass images: Marni Grossman © Amazon Content Services LLC.
Cheese toasties, chicken tenders and cheesy bolognese aren't dishes you'd normally expect to encounter in a buzzy, neon-lit, Tokyo-inspired CBD restaurant. But when that cheese toastie is layered with Kewpie and furikake, those golden chicken tenders are crowned with caviar, and that cheesy bolognese envelopes plump Tajima wagyu gyoza, you realise KODA isn't here to play by anyone else's rules. It's said that to break the rules, you first have to know them — and that's exactly the case at this Japanese-influenced spot by hospo veteran Matt Yazbeck (Toko). When we broke the news about KODA in October, Yazbeck promised a "no-attitude, fun-times destination" in the sun-washed corner space once home to Monopole. Judging by the opening energy — and the menu — he hasn't missed. [caption id="attachment_1052649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saidie Creative[/caption] At the centre of it all (and beyond those attention-grabbing snacks, which also include crumbed salmon maki, lobster-topped ramen and crinkle-cut fries with Java curry) is a glowing robata grill framed by an ice-filled display of market seafood and premium cuts. Diners point to whatever catches their eye — ponzu-glazed snapper, whole Moreton Bay bugs finished with lemon, Kurobata pork ribs with chilli miso, Tajima 9+ wagyu — and the kitchen cooks, seasons and serves it on long wooden Japanese boat paddles. Veggies get the same treatment, from yuzu kosho butter-brushed greens and a soy-dashi mushroom hot pot to teriyaki-buttered jacket potato topped with tofu sour cream. Drinks also come with a nod and a wink. Expect matcha highballs, Oreo-topped cocktails and Kylie Minogue rosé alongside a solid selection of sake, Japanese beers and Australian wines. The space itself has also been reimagine. Gone are Monopole's understated neutral tones and linen-topped tables — in their place: draped cherry blossoms, carved timber and plush velvet banquettes, all backed by a high-vibes soundtrack that swings between rock and house. [caption id="attachment_1052657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saidie Creative[/caption] Images: Saidie Creative.
It wasn't so long ago that most Australians only knew Wendy's for its insanely viral social media posts. However, since 2022, the American chain has begun to establish a significant presence on our shores. First launching in Surfers Paradise (unless you're counting a series of stores closed in the 1980s), the brand aims to open over 200 locations around Australia by 2034. Well, they've ticked another off the list, with a flagship Wendy's Brisbane restaurant touching down in the heart of the CBD. Serving as a major milestone in the company's national rollout, delivered in partnership with Flynn Group, this two-level themed location provides an extra special nod to the restaurant's bold design, nicknamed Haus of Wendy. Featuring more than enough space for 130 diners, an openair ground floor leads into an expansive lower level, with both decked out in contrasting bright red and blue decor that resonates with fun-loving energy and personality. Going beyond just a splash of paint, red celebrates Wendy's sass and spice, with the in-store experience seeing hand-painted murals set against bespoke wall panelling inspired by Wendy's famed braids. Meanwhile, blue speaks to Wendy's iconic Frosty, with this level featuring a bow wall crafted by local artist Rachel Burke and made from upcycled materials. Here, you'll also encounter a Frosty-inspired lounge area, complete with a photo booth. "This flagship represents everything the Wendy's brand stands for — fresh food and bold personality," said Corina Black, Chief Marketing Officer, Wendy's ANZ. "Brisbane's vibrant energy is a natural fit for Wendy, and we're proud to contribute to the city's reputation as a destination for food, culture and creativity." With the spread of Wendy's across the country just getting underway, this brand-new location remains one of the few spots in Australia where you can dine on the brand's signature dishes. Think classic doubles, Baconmators and spicy chicken sandwiches alongside Wendy's Frosty in chocolate or vanilla. Plus, super crunchy double hand-breaded chicken tenders and sea-salted fries with loaded options hit the mark for an on-the-go snack. "Wendy's has built its reputation on doing things differently, and this flagship takes that spirit to a new level," said Lauren Leahy, Chief Transformation Officer, Flynn Group. "We've taken Wendy's much-loved global brand and reimagined it for Australia. The new store brings that to life in a way that's both unmistakably Wendy's and uniquely Australian." Wendy's Brisbane launches on Wednesday, October 29, at 245 Albert Street, Brisbane, open daily from 9am–10pm. Head to the website for more information.
Located at Angel Place, the City Recital Hall is an eclectic arts space that hosts — and also often creates — a range of performances, events and lectures, with some featuring famous faces like Matthew McConaughey and Nigella Lawson. The company behind the hall has pledged to produce and facilitate a vibrant, diverse and inclusive program. Seating more than 1000 patrons, the purpose-built theatre is home to everything from spoken word performances to classical concerts, live contemporary gigs, cabaret hows, opera productions and musicals. There is also an on-site refreshments bar, with a small menu, should you grow peckish, otherwise check out the plethora of dining options on the surrounding laneways for a pre- or post-theatre feed. Images: Destination NSW
Rozelle has landed a big and bold new space that is part viennoiserie, part cafe, and part bakery, drawing locals and visitors alike with the smell of fresh-baked goods. Lode has expanded its already loved viennoiserie to now include a 60-seat cafe and bakery. While Lode has existing shopfronts in Surry Hills, North Sydney and Circular Quay, this flagship store in Rozelle is set to deliver a whole new experience. Founder Federico Zanellato will showcase his signature craft at the Rozelle outpost, where you can now even enjoy a daytime brunch offering. Of course, Federico will be serving his beloved pies, and an all-new bread program will see blistered loaves and specialised sourdough flying off the shelves. The all-star lineup of pastries and breads includes the likes of pistachio croissants, lemon meringue bombolone, roasted tomato and olive fougasse and a passionfruit yuzu chiffon cake. More substantial offerings include a chicken jalapeño egg sandwich and a Lode burger. "The Rozelle flagship is the next step for us," says Federico. "We've always cared about the details, and now we get to show that across everything we bake, from our pies to breads, viennoiserie, and morning plates. It's a chance to bring the full LoDe experience to Sydney." Images: Supplied.
Dog owners have to roll the dice one too many times when it comes to property. What if your furry companion doesn't take to the space? Is it pet-friendly by design or by legal requirement? It makes a big difference, and our pets deserve to be just as comfortable at home as we are. It's an ethos at the heart of HOME Parramatta — Sydney's first renter and pet-friendly apartments that are so dog-friendly, they can even come to the inspections. In Parramatta, 42 percent of households own a dog, but only one in six Sydney rental properties allow pets. This Parramatta property is HOME's first in NSW, but with 2500 residents and 300-plus pets in Victoria's Docklands, Southbank and Richmond developments, the brand is looking to bring its blend of comfort, wellness and elevated amenities to two and four-legged residents in Sydney's second CBD. [caption id="attachment_1054116" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Hugo Agency[/caption] The Doggy HOME Tours are the first taste of that, inviting prospective residents to explore the built-to-rent property with their dog in tow (or the other way around, if the dog is really enjoying it). Accompanying pooches will also get to visit the rooftop lawn, enjoy some pampering at the on-site pet spa, pick their own pet perfume, and sample some of the finest treats for the best boys and girls — joint supplement chews from Dog Years. HOME Parramatta is a 1932 square metre property, built of 435 residences, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. You might have seen the 48-storey tower when passing through, and residents inside can see as far as the city to the east and the Blue Mountains in the west. Human amenities (because you're living there too) include an indoor pool, gym, spa, coworking space, and a landscaped lawn with an outdoor projector screen. [caption id="attachment_1054117" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Hugo Agency[/caption] Should you choose to join the community, there'll be more special offers to come for you and your dog. In FY25, HOME hosted over 250 events for residents, many of which were pet-friendly, along with a dedicated program of pet events — including pet obedience tips, a pet cartoonist, meet-ups at local parks, and pet treat sampling opportunities. HOME Parramatta is located at 116 Macquarie Street, Parramatta. For more information or to book a tour, visit the website.
Newtown's 28-seat no fuss cafe One Another has garnered quite the following since opening in March 2019. Its casual 'non-trendy' vibes are matched by an accessible menu that locals can't seem to get enough of — the place is packed most weekends. "We want it to be a place with quality food where everyone can find something to eat, but without slavishly following trends," says co-owner and chef Louis Spangaro-McAllan, who jokes he's cooked at over 40 cafes in Sydney. He's joined by Mitchell Antman, who has made the rounds through some of the best cafes in the city, including Fleetwood Macchiato, Cornersmith and Sample Coffee — which now supplies the coffee for One Another. The duo has been through the ringer trying to open this joint, having first shown interest in the building back in early 2016. Both owners live nearby, and saw this as an opportunity to open a quiet neighbourhood spot on the back streets of Newtown, tucked away from bustling King Street. Though the cafe's '$20-and-under' menu has received much press, it is by no means a mantra at One Another. "We're lucky enough to have Mr. Shane Roberts as our veg merchant, which allows us to get away with serving a vegetable-heavy menu without compromising quality, and this has kept the price point below $20 so far," says Spangaro-McAllan. "But this is by no means our mission statement and I'm sure at some point there will be dishes over $20." At the moment, that menu includes regularly changing weekend specials. Take the wild asparagus — it's pan-roasted in miso butter and tarragon oil, paired with crispy potatoes and a poached egg, then sprinkled with pretty purple chive flowers. Other specialties include the burrata with cavolo nero salsa and chickpea pangritata, and the lamb sausage with roasted dutch carrots, black barley and a poached egg. The cafe's signature hot-smoked ocean trout can become a protein accompaniment to any dish — the gents recommend adding it to the potato croquettes with charred brussels sprouts, capers and anchovy dressing. Staples that have stood the test of the cafe's (short) time include bacon and egg rolls, silken tofu rolls and smashed avo on toast, topped with granny smith apples, pickled ginger and coriander. Simple comfort dishes like the cheese and pickle sandwich also makes the cut. One Another's version is stuffed with melted maffra cheddar and swiss cheese, piled high with bread and butter pickles and schmeared in house mustard. The attractive tables, chairs and stools have been lovingly made from recycled Australian hardwood, sourced from old warehouses down the coast. Images: Kimberley Low.
Heading to an outdoor music festival normally means hoping for fine and sunny outdoor weather. At Snow Machine, you'll be praying for one thing: yes, snow. Because spending a day or several dancing to tunes in the open air isn't solely synonymous with summer, this event embraces its wintry setup, combining live music with a ski trip — as Japan first experienced in 2020, and New Zealand has been enjoying since 2022. The Japanese fest takes place for 2025 in March, but you'll want to mark September in your calendar if you're keen on the Aotearoa event. The hottest festival for the colder months is unleashing its avalanche of music and adventure at two mountain-topping NZ ski resorts between Tuesday, September 9–Sunday, September 14 this year. The snow-filled attraction has also just dropped its impressive lineup. On the Thursday night, Claptone and Hot Dub Time Machine will be headlining. On the Friday, Amyl and The Sniffers are playing an exclusive New Zealand show, with Mallrat also on the bill. Come Saturday, Netsky and Luude are doing the honours. Also helping to give Snow Machine's NZ winter wonderland a thumping soundtrack across the fest: Argonaut, Baby J, Ben Silver, Beverly Kills, Body Ocean, Boogs, Brian Fantana and Casey Leaver — plus Dannika Peach, Jimi The Kween, Lenni Vibe, Mell Hall, Montel2099, Odd Mob. And, then there's Bribera, Savage, Spacey Space, T-Rek and What So Not. As the hefty roster of talent demonstrates, attendees are in for a helluva few days, including hitting the slopes and partying at après ski events on both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. How much dancing, skiing and sipping you want to do is up to you — as is how many other adventurous activities you'd like to add to your itinerary, such as heli-skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, canyon swinging and skydiving. Snow Machine's official welcome party is also on the agenda again, taking place at AJ Hackett Bungy Kawarau Bridge. So is another annual highlight: the Polar Bare, which endeavours to set a world record for the most amount of people heading down the slopes their swimwear. Alongside the wintry backdrop and the fun that comes with it, one of the things that sets Snow Machine apart from other music fests is being able to book your entire getaway with your ticket. Packages span both five and seven nights of accommodation, and include a four-day festival ticket, plus multi-day ski pass. If you'd rather make your own way or pass on the skiing, there are ticket-only options — and VIP packages if you really want to do it in style. Snow Machine 2025 Lineup Amyl and The Sniffers Argonaut Baby J Ben Silver Beverly Kills Body Ocean Boogs Brian Fantana Casey Leaver Claptone Dannika Peach Hot Dub Time Machine Jimi The Kween Lenni Vibe Luude Mallrat Mell Hall Montel2099 Netsky Odd Mob Bribera Savage Spacey Space T-Rek What So Not Plus stage takeovers from: Poof Doof Ski Club Thicks as Thieves Revolver Sundays Electric Rush Snow Machine 2025 takes place from Tuesday, September 9–Sunday, September 14 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Presale tickets go on sale on from 1pm AEDT / 12pm AEST / 3pm NZDT on Monday, February 24, 2025, with general tickets available from 1pm AEDT / 12pm AEST / 3pm NZDT on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. For more information, visit the festival's website. Images: Han Lowther / Amee Freeman / Luke O'Keefe.
The best glamping sites in New Zealand are made for travellers who want to explore and stay amid the country's spectacular natural landscapes without having to rough it. Either hit a few of these as you road trip through the North and South Islands or find a location you love then stock up and stay for a good few days. Whether you're after seaside glamping or a mountain escape, with fantastic lodgings scattered across the countryside, Aotearoa's best assets are on full display at these glamping destinations that get you closer to nature than any hotel (although there's no shortage of great hotels in New Zealand). Recommended reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in Australia The Most Romantic Places to Stay in Bali The Best Spas in Auckland The Best Spas in Wellington Glam Camping, Queenstown At Glam Camping, you'll find a collection of geometric dome tents perched along a hillside looking down on the green valley and lake just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. During the day, take the 90-minute walk around Moke Lake or go horse riding. You can even join a morning yoga class or organise a wine tasting tour around one or many of Queenstown's famous vineyards. But we are particularly excited about the Glam Camping's food and drink offerings. You can opt to cook your own food (with all the produce provided by the hosts) or let a private chef treat you and your travel buddies to a three-course feast on the property. [caption id="attachment_880413" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SJL Photography[/caption] Kawakawa Station, South Wairapa This sprawling farming property spans across rolling grassy hills by the South Wairarapa coastline. And until the end of April 2023, the Kawakawa Station team invites guests to stay in a series of large tents hidden within the pastures. But, unlike other bell tents, these have clear ceilings so guests can stargaze from the comfort of their own bed. It also has a fully equipped kitchen on the property, so you can prep your meals without needing to bring a heap of gear. You can easily spend a few days at this New Zealand glamping site, hanging out among the sheep and strolling around the property. But, if you're after a proper adventure, Kawakawa Station also offers an epic hiking experience. The three-day hike along the Station Walk takes you through forests, along creeks and right down to the coast. The team will put you up in a bunch of different accommodations along the way, too. Coromandel Luxury Escapes, Coromandel It's in the name but still deserves being repeated — Coromandel Luxury Escapes is a truly luxurious glamping site in New Zealand. It is all powered and comes with a mini fridge, oil heater, large king bed as well as a private free-standing outdoor bath. A massive deck with a BBQ is also there for you when you want to cook up some locally caught fish. Apart from the site, one of the biggest selling points is the location. It's close to some of New Zealand's best beaches, including the picturesque New Chums Beach. And, if you're up for a 50-minute drive, you've got to visit Hot Water Beach. Here, you can dig a hole in the sand to find naturally hot water bubbling up to the surface — just be careful when digging, as this water can reach temperatures beyond 100 degrees Celsius. Use Coromandel Luxury Escapes as your base when exploring the Coromandel region which is just a two-hour ferry ride from Auckland. Lavericks Bay, Christchurch The Lavericks Bay glamping spot has two tents making up this wonderfully bucolic site. Seclusion is almost totally guaranteed. Apart from the property's wandering sheep. You'll feel as if you have the entire bay and rolling countryside to yourselves — for exploring or just sitting back and taking in the views. During the day, head to the beach for some leisurely swimming at the property's private beach to check out the resident dolphins and seals that tend to float past. And, at night, you can't say no to a dip in the large wooden hot tub in which you can do some proper stargazing. There's no light pollution here, so you'll be guaranteed a stunning night sky. Waitomo Hilltop, Waitomo The Waitomo Hilltop glamping site feels like it's pulled from a fairytale. Atop a hill, in the green Waitomo countryside lies this luxury tent that's been kitted out with everything you could need. Cook up fresh pizzas in its woodfired oven, rug up by the fire pit watching movies via projector or take a dip in one of the outdoor baths overlooking the countryside. There used to be just one glamping tent available, but Waitomo recently finished creating another equally luxurious site. The new campsite has two tents joined together with a glass walkway — including three separate bedrooms, a lounge area and a massive kitchen and dining room. It is technically a tent, but looks far more like a bricks and mortar home. The Black Yurt, Oakura This one is for the keen surfers out there. You're a short walk away from Oakura's surfing beach which is known for having some fairly reliable swell. The Black Yurt is also close to town — walking distance from plenty of boutique stores, restaurants and bars. It may be one of the least remote New Zealand glamping spots on this list but it still feels miles away from crowds. The large yurt is surrounded by palms and native bushland, offering up some well-needed privacy. The interiors of the yurt are also extra cushy. There's a king bed, a queen futon mattress as well as some schmick bathroom facilities. And, if the weather is good, you can open the dome and windows to let the outside in. [caption id="attachment_879080" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Sun Photography[/caption] Tawanui Farm, Cheviot It doesn't take long to find jaw-dropping vistas outside of New Zealand's main cities. Just an hour-long drive from Christchurch lies Tawanui Farm, a working sheep, cow and deer farm. Here, the Loughnan family have set up two geodesic domes, a central camp kitchen (with couches and cooking gear all provided) and a large hot tub looking out over the pastures. It's easily one of the best New Zealand glamping sites out there. Each dome sleeps up to four people, and no matter how many guests you book for, you'll get the entire site — that makes Tawanui Farm great for larger groups. Either laze around playing boardgames and drinking in the hot tub or use it as a base to explore the rest of the region. You can fish at the local Hurunui River, swim and surf at Gore Bay or take an ATV farm tour to learn a little more about Tawanui Farm. Dealer's choice. Kanuka, Rotorua This is just about as remote as it gets. A single Kanuka glamping tent is hidden up in the bush, right next to Lake Tarawera, and can only be reached by a boat ride or hike. The campsite comes with a large tent and queen-sized bed, a bush kitchen with everything you need to cook up some grub, a dining area as well as a separate bathroom. The essentials are sorted. And, once you're all settled in, what you choose to do around here is totally up to you. The Kanuka team can provide a kayak for exploring the lake, there's a sandy beach less than 50 metres away and you can hike along a number of trails (with one leading to a natural hot pool in the bush). Ah, you've got to love New Zealand and all its thermal hot springs. [caption id="attachment_880412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Kerins[/caption] Camp Kekerengu, Kaikoura Coast If you're travelling with a bunch of mates or a big family, Camp Kekerengu is perfect. Here, you will find three large tents, a group kitchen and a covered lounge area — all with uninterrupted sea views. But, be prepared for living it a little rougher than you might like. The entire glamping site is off grid. This will force you to fully unplug and enjoy nature. You're a short walk from the beach, close to several walking trails and simply surrounded by wide open plains and rolling mountains. It's stunning. And is the perfect example of why people love to go glamping in New Zealand. Here, you get the best bits of Aotearoa's natural landscape all in one location. Feeling inspired to book a getaway unlike anything else out there? Only through Concrete Playground Trips, our new travel booking platform, can you now purchase holidays specially curated by our writers and editors. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips at destinations all over the world. Top images: Waitomo Hilltop
Anyone who takes their alcohol semi-seriously or are discontent with cookie-cutter commercial bottle shops can seek solace in The Oak Barrel. The team takes alcohol even more seriously than you do. A family-run business since 1956, and one of the city's oldest independent bottle shops, The Oak Barrel is a purveyor of the finest beer, wine and whisky available. Organic and natural wines are having a bit of a moment right now, but The Oak Barrel have long been specialists in this realm. It stocks wines from all over the world and the staff's encyclopaedic knowledge will help steer you in the right direction. Craft beer fans will geek out in The Oak Barrel's cave which holds an extensive range of local and global (mostly Belgium, US and NZ) brews that grows quite literally on a weekly basis. If you're after the harder stuff, its spirit range is equally impressive. Whisky is the main drawcard holding everything from Tasmanian single cask to private collection scotch and Kentucky rye. The shop plays host to a number of events and also runs regular tasting nights with tickets usually sitting at the $35 mark. Ranging from sake to natural wines to sour beers, these appreciation events are guided by experts who discuss the history and nuances of the drinks - basically, it's a fancy excuse to drink lots of quality booze.
Palace Cinemas is known for delivering a boutique film-going experience, as well as screening independent films that you won't find in the big-name movie theatres. The offering spans new releases and arthouse cinema (both local and international), along with exclusive events and film festivals. The Central Park location is one of the newest Palace Cinema venues and features a light-filled foyer that overlooks the cityscape. Pre-or-post film, patrons can pull up a seat at the prosecco bar or beer hall and enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of Chippendale Green with a drink in hand — all while lounging on cushy chairs and plush couches.
*This event is not officially associated with Laneway Festival, and the competition prize does not include tickets to Laneway Festival. Ages 18-plus only. Drink responsibly. Summer is nearly here, which means one thing: festival season. On Sunday, February 8, artists including Chappell Roan, PinkPantheress, Malcolm Todd, Role Model, Wet Leg and more of your 2025 Spotify Wrapped favourites will be heading to Sydney's Centennial Park for Laneway Festival. Before you dive headfirst into the mosh, we're giving you the chance to warm up in style. We've teamed up with the weird and wonderful wine brand Old Fat Unicorn to throw the ultimate exclusive pre-party brunch*. And you're invited. You and three mates could be in with a chance to win a festival pre-party at Since I Left You, located in Kent Street's YCK Laneway. Your free tickets include a delicious brunch in the courtyard (you've got to get your energy up, after all), a glitter station to complete your festival outfit, DJs spinning tunes and a drag queen host to bring the energy. Of course, there'll also be complimentary drinks thanks to Old Fat Unicorn. You'll be able to sip (responsibly) on the delicious Citrus Sorbet spritz, try the crisp prosecco, enjoy the light-bodied pinot gris, as well as Old Fat Unicorn's peachy moscato. How to Enter To be in with a chance to win, all you have to do is tell us in 25 words or less why you and your friends deserve to attend this brunch party. There are only 100 tickets to give away, so make sure you and your friends get in quick. Drinks on Us: We're Giving Away 100 Tickets to an Exclusive Pre-Festival Party in a Laneway Lead image: Getty Images
"Do you guys ever think about dying?" When life in plastic is fantastic, that's not a line anyone that would expect to come out of Barbie's (Margot Robbie, Babylon) mouth. And, amid giant blowout parties with planned choreography with all her pals, and the constant devotion of her beau Ken (Ryan Gosling, The Gray Man), such existential musings do come as a shock. When she can no longer float off of her rooftop and her usually arched feet become flat, the Barbie movie's main namesake heads to the real world for answers. That's the plot for Greta Gerwig's film, which marks the actor-turned-director's third solo stint behind the camera after Lady Bird and Little Women, and has been teasing its extremely pink on-screen worlds in not one but two trailers prior to the just-dropped full sneak peek. Even dolls living in a dreamland struggle with life's big questions, it seems — and, when the film's key Barbie and Ken drive through Barbie Land's gates to discover what's on the other side, they struggle with Los Angeles as well. With mugshots to prove it, they even get arrested. Splashing as much humour as pastel hues throughout its frames, Barbie is scripted by Gerwig and fellow filmmaker Noah Baumbach — her helmer on Greenberg, Frances Ha, Mistress America and White Noise, and real-life partner — and boasts a cast that's a gleaming toy chest of talent. Indeed, it might just be the most anticipated toy-to-film release ever. There's that pedigree, of course. There's also the picture's patently playful vibe, which started with parodying the one and only 2001: A Space Odyssey and has kept beaming brightly from there. All those on-screen stars help fill the feature with Barbies, including Issa Rae (Insecure) as president Barbie, Dua Lipa (making her movie debut) as a mermaid Barbie, Emma Mackey (Emily) as a Nobel Prize-winning physicist Barbie, Alexandra Schipp (tick, tick... BOOM!) as an author Barbie and Ana Cruz Kayne (Jerry and Marge Go Large) as a supreme court justice Barbie — plus Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) as diplomat Barbie, Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live) as a Barbie who is always doing the splits, Hari Nef (Meet Cute) as doctor Barbie, Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) as a Pulitzer-winning Barbie and Sharon Rooney (Jerk) as lawyer Barbie. There's also a whole heap of Kens, including Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami), Ncuti Gatwa (the incoming Doctor Who) and Scott Evans (Grace and Frankie). And, Michael Cera (Arrested Development) plays Alan, Emerald Fennell (The Crown) plays Midge, Helen Mirren (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) is the narrator, America Ferrera (Superstore) and Ariana Greenblatt (65) are humans, Jamie Demetriou (Catherine Called Birdy) is a suit, Will Ferrell (Spirited) wears a suit as Mattel's CEO and Connor Swindells (also Sex Education) is an intern. Will this be the best figurine-to-film adaptation yet in a mixed field that also includes the Transformers series, Trolls, The Lego Movie and its sequel, Battleship and the GI Joe films? The answer will be pulled out of the toy box in cinemas on July 20 Down Under. And yes, Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' finally (finally!) gets a spin in this trailer, although you likely already had it stuck in your head just thinking about this movie anyway. Check out the full trailer for Barbie below: Barbie releases in cinemas Down Under on July 20, 2023.
Presenting Wilhelmina's Liquid + Larder: Starring the food talents of recent MasterChef finalist Jamie Fleming, it’s the third instalment from James Bradey and Warren Burns, the producers who brought you cosmopolitan kitsch at Grandma's Bar and Irish folk fun at The Wild Rover. At Wilhelmina's, there’s no theme or gimmick to get you in the door; it’s just local, fresh, seasonal and sensational. Located on Balmain’s Darling Street, Wilhelmina’s celebrates the local community through food, drink and design. Recycled materials from the timber yard make up the back bar and walls, local pottery hangs from the ceiling, and then there’s the vibrant mural by local artist Anya Brock. While bar menus are typically crowd-pleasing and cholesterol-inducing, Wilhelmina’s opts for fresh and thoughtful selections that change with the daily market offerings. Today, there’s a plate of kingfish ceviche ($14), where twirls of raw kingfish sit with piles of crumbed pistachio and pickled cucumber, garnished with translucent slivers of radish. There’s little resemblance to the traditional Peruvian version — will these fusion flavours spell disaster for Jamie? The music is tense and we cut to an ad break where George Calombaris spruiks Swisse Vitamins. Fortunately, the flavours are inventive, intelligent and it “packs a punch”. Jamie is safe for this round. Cue uplifting music. So there's that. But for a more substantial evening meal, the Newcastle pippies ($23) are a mariner’s paradise. These butterflied beauties swim in a buttery white wine broth, served with a great hunk of sourdough sourced from Sydney's Bread and Butter project. If it's a beer-friendly bar snack you need, don't go past the Berkshire pork cheek croquettes ($8) or a cup of Wilhelmina’s spiced nuts ($5). If you’re sceptical about beetroot’s place on a dessert menu, you’ll be left red-faced after trying the delicious lemon posset ($9.50). It balances with precision a tangy lemon curd with a sweet beetroot gel and it’s finished off with an almond crumb topping for textual crunch. Wilhelmina’s doesn't drop the ball in the drinks department either. There’s an extensive list of local boutique wines, craft beers and inventive cocktails to ponder over. The Thyme Me Up cocktail ($16) mixes rum, banana, apple and thyme into a marvellously herbaceous creation. As this episode draws to a close, it’s time to hold up our scorecards. Wilhelmina's is a winner, and what's more, Balmain’s masterful new bar is sure to score high ratings with the locals.
Going to an AFL game on a Saturday afternoon is about much more than those two hours of on-field action — and it all starts with having a drink and a feed beforehand. After all, you're going to need all the energy you can muster to cheer on your team. So, we've teamed up with the Sydney Swans to round up a bunch of venues near the team's home ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground, that are perfect for a schooner and spot of dinner before a night game. All of these pubs and restaurants are within a few minutes of the SCG so you can round up the troops and get to the game with a full belly and ready to cheer on your favourite players in red and white.
If you love mezcal and Mexican fare, you need to add the high-end Oaxacan restaurant and artisanal mezcal bar Santa Catarina to your list. At this laneway locale, lit by soft lamps and natural light through its large streetside window, you'll find an outrageous collection of mezcal — with some expressions so rare you'd even struggle to find them in Mexico. The cosy booths feature tiling that evokes traditional Oaxacan interior design and velvety seats. Traditional woven plates adorn the walls to give the chic eatery a more relaxed feel. This is elevated further with live music every Saturday night. For $49 per person for a starter, main and side, the Fixe Lunch Menu includes guacamole, crispy squid, roasted chicken breast with coloradito mole and black angus flank steak with chimichurri. Dinner time offers more deliciousness with the extensive a la carte menu. There's a raw bar offering ceviche and fresh oysters, five types of taco, four iterations of traditional moles and a range of share plates, including lamb shoulder barbacoa, smoked duck breast and charred prawns. There are also two set menus if you want to avoid making decisions and instead focus on making your way through the six margarita styles.
The Northern Rivers' food scene has got a new kid on the block, and it's bringing more than a little of the Big Apple with it. Tucked inside a newly renovated community business precinct in Byron Bay, Baloney's is a New York-Italian-style deli and cafe that's serving up nostalgia, deli meats and loaded sambos — no baloney. It's been brought to life by founder George McFarlane as a passion project that puts a breezy Byron spin on Italian-American food culture. And while the two-hander sandwiches might be the initial drawcard, the space itself — designed by Northern Rivers studio Happy Hour — is full of character. Inside, you'll find black-and-white checkerboard tiles, a standing espresso bar and a restored vintage church bench that serves as a nod to old-school delis, while outside, a sun-soaked, 40-person deck sets the stage for relaxed al fresco hangs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baloney's Deli (@baloneys_deli) If you reckon the name sounds playful, that's exactly the point. Inspired by the Americanisation of mortadella — a meat banned by the US government during the Italian migration waves of the late 19th and early 20th centuries — 'baloney' became both a regulation-friendly substitute and, in time, slang for 'nonsense'. And McFarlane is actively leaning into the word's double meaning, too: "I am not Italian or American, however I am passionate about Italian and American food so I'm a phoney baloney," he tells Concrete Playground. As for the menu? Expect stacked sandwiches with a personal twist. Each one is named after someone close to McFarlane — like the Spicy Gabita, a tribute to his partner — who, according to McFarlane, is "a little bit spicy" — that sees eggplant, mozzarella, rocket, fermented chilli and balsamic layered on fluffy focaccia. You'll also find other creative combinations like the Alt Tayo, which features lemon-spiked cannellini beans, roast capsicum and vegan basil pesto, alongside the likes of a classic Reuben and, of course, a loaded mortadella, stracciatella and green olive number. If that's not enough to get you road tripping, there's also java juice by Coffee Supreme, artisan deli goods and a rotating selection of sandwich specials. Baloney's also carries the influence of McFarlane's time cutting his proverbial teeth at Mortadeli in Torquay, Victoria, and Byron's much-loved Pixie Food & Wine. Baloney's is another feather in the cap for the burgeoning Byron food scene, which continues to evolve far beyond açai bowls and organic smoothies. Baloney's is located at 10-12 Shirley Street, Byron Bay. It's open Tuesday–Sunday, 8am–2.30pm. For more info, head to the venue's Instagram page.
Each autumn, Australian movie lovers score a super-sized French treat: a feast of flicks hitting the big screen in cinemas around the country, all thanks to the Alliance Française French Film Festival. In 2025, the fest marks its 36th year. On the lineup: 42 pictures that span the breadth and depth of Gallic filmmaking. So, when you're not enjoying the latest version of the The Count of Monte Cristo, you'll be diving into France's newest black comedies, then plunging into French drama and seeing a restored masterpiece. AFFFF revealed eight of 2025's films late in 2024; now, however, arrives the full 42-title program. To venture to Paris and beyond from your cinema seat, you'll be heading along in March and April around Australia. Kicking off the fest: opening night's Tahar Rahim (Madame Web)-starring Monsieur Aznavour, about singer-songwriter Charles Aznavour — which has been doing big business in France, selling 1.8-million-plus tickets. If you're in Sydney, the fun starts on Tuesday, March 4. Melbourne's season launches the following day, then Brisbane and Canberra the day after that — and Byron Bay the day following. Perth's stint arrives the next week, while Adelaide gets into the action the week afterwards and the Gold Coast joins in another week later. There's more locations on the roster, too. Already the largest celebration of French cinema outside of France itself, AFFFF is even bigger in 2025, hitting up 18 cities — and adding five new locations, in Darwin, Ballina, Ballarat, Warriewood and Warrawong, to its slate. Across its full run, the festival is set to host 5500-plus screenings. After Monsieur Aznavour gets the 2025 event started, the highlights keep coming, right through to closing night's rom-com In the Sub for Love. The aforementioned The Count of Monte Cristo features Pierre Niney (The Book of Solutions) in the lead and takes AFFFF's centrepiece slot, while Jean-Pierre Melville's 1969 great Army of Shadows arrives in 4K Down Under after premiering its restored version at Cannes 2024. Or, catch a 50-years-later remake of Emmanuelle, this time starring Noémie Merlant (Lee) and Naomi Watts (Feud), with Audrey Diwan (Happening) directing — or see Mélanie Laurent (Freedom) and Guillaume Canet (All-Time High) portraying Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI in their final days in The Deluge. Plus, Meet the Leroys is a road-trip dramedy that marks Charlotte Gainsbourg's (Alphonse) latest film, while Prodigies delivers a tale of sibling rivalry with Emily in Paris' Camille Razat. Viewers can also look forward to The Divine Sarah Bernhardt, with Sandrine Kiberlain (Meet the Barbarians) as the eponymous actor; All Stirred Up, a comedy focusing on a customs officer on the border between Quebec and the United States, plus her daughter's attempts to win a cooking contest; and Riviera Revenge, where an affair almost four decade prior sparks a quest for vengeance in the French Riviera. Elsewhere, How to Make a Killing features regular AFFFF face and Call My Agent favourite Laure Calamy (The Origin of Evil), as does My Everything; Louis Garrel and Vincent Cassel (co-stars in the 2024 festival's The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan and The Three Musketeers: Milady) team up in Saint-Ex, about Argentinian pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; When Fall Is Coming is the latest from acclaimed director François Ozon (The Crime Is Mine); and nonagenarian filmmaker Costa-Gavras (Adults in the Room) delivers the personal Before What Comes After. Or, get excited Beating Hearts, which is helmed by Gilles Lellouche (Sink or Swim), stars Adèle Exarchopoulos (Inside Out 2) and François Civil (The Three Musketeers), and played at Cannes International Film Festival 2024 — as did the music-loving My Brother's Band from The Big Hit writer/director Emmanuel Courcol. Also in the Cannes contingent are a range of movies exploring the stories of a courier facing a interview to obtain residency, plus artist Niki de Saint-Phalle, a midlife crisis, pastoral France and being a teenager amid Corsican gang politics, aka The Story of Souleymane, Niki, This Life of Mine, Holy Cow and The Kingdom. The lineup goes on — and so do your reasons to lock in more than a few French movie dates. Alliance Française French Film Festival 2025 Dates Tuesday, March 4–Wednesday, April 9 — Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Moore Park, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne, Roseville Cinemas, Warriewood, Sydney Wednesday, March 5–Wednesday, April 9 — Palace Cinema Como, The Kino, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, Pentridge Cinema,The Astor Theatre, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Regent Ballarat, Melbourne Thursday, March 6–Tuesday, April 8 — Palace Cinema James Street, Palace Cinema Barracks, Brisbane Thursday, March 6–Wednesday, April 9 — Palace Electric Cinemas, Canberra Friday, March 7–Wednesday, April 2 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay Thursday, March 13–Wednesday, April 16 — Palace Raine Square, Luna on SX, Luna Leedeerville, Windsor Cinema, Perth Wednesday, March 19–Wednesday, April 23 — Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Adelaide Tuesday, March 25–Tuesday, April 15 — Dendy Southport, Gold Coast The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia in March and April 2025. For more information and tickets, visit the AFFFF website.
Now that the Sydney Opera House is back in action after 2020's COVID-19 shutdown, the iconic site has filled its 2021 program with musicals, operas, comedy gigs, circus shows, family-friendly fare and more. Keen to head along, but watching your budget? The venue has just announced the perfect special for anyone who loves a bargain: $21 tickets to select performances until the end of March. Here's how it works: at midday each and every day, $21 tickets will go on sale for a performance, event or experience that's on the following day. You just need to hop onto the venue's website when 12pm hits to nab your tickets. It's a first-come, first-served affair, with tickets available until sold out. You can grab four in one transaction, and you won't pay any booking fees with your purchase. If you haven't already booked yourself in to see Rent, this could be your chance. If you'd like to giggle at Sam Simmons or Lano and Woodley, or catch Circa's Peepshow, cross your fingers they're on the cheap tickets list, too. Cabaret The Choir of Man and operas Tosca and Bluebeard's Castle are also on the bill over the next three months, so keep your eyes peeled for them among the specials. [caption id="attachment_788316" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Top image: Hamilton Lund
New South Wales is dotted with seemingly endless country towns and weekend destinations. Among the best of these is Kangaroo Valley, named for the Kangaroo River along which the tiny village is situated. The town is only two hours south of Sydney but packs all of the charm that we love about rural NSW — breathtaking mountain and valley views, bushwalks aplenty and wineries galore. Kangaroo Valley is a cabin retreat that will feel decades away from the city hustle and bustle, but is still close enough for a quick weekender. Here's how to make the most of it. [caption id="attachment_581967" align="alignnone" width="1280"] @she_eats[/caption] EAT/DRINK Kangaroo Valley may not be the most talked about wine region, but it sure is a quiet contender. The region is distinguished by its rich volcanic soil which is ideal for viticulture — aka growing grapes. The winding pathway to the remote Yarrawa Estate is not an easy one to follow, but you'll be pleasantly surprised as the path opens to this lakeside vineyard. If the golden retrievers and frolicking children remind you of a visit to the family country home you either have or dream about, well, it should — the cellar door is quite literally set in the Foster family dining room, where strangers momentarily become relatives. Apart from the incredible wine, they also offer a range of nuts, jams and pickles made from homegrown produce. Be sure to taste their homemade walnut liquor wine, a combination of both passions. Possibly the best known among the region's wineries is Silos Estate. The cellar door is run by friendly, knowledgeable locals and set among the estate's sloping Shiraz vineyards. Order a local producer's cheese plate at the cellar bar while you enjoy your free wine tasting or peruse the collection of locally-made smallgoods for sale. If you're hankering for something more substantial, head over to the Silos restaurant which is set in a 100-year-old hay shed and has a relatively reasonable tasting menu ($29.95 for lunch, $95 for dinner). Head chef Nick Gardner (Tetsuya's, Quay, The French Laundry) focuses on native Australian ingredients and local produce, like the decadent red snapper topped with warrigal greens, smoked oyster cream and citrus caviar sauce. The open fireplace keeps you cosy in the winter months while outdoor seating is perfect for warm weather days. Once you're out by Silos, might as well stop over at The Famous Berry Donut Van for their notorious cinnamon-sugar doughnuts. You deserve a second dessert — you're on holiday after all. [caption id="attachment_575084" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Southern Pies.[/caption] If wineries aren't your thing, Kangaroo Valley holds plenty of small town eateries to explore. If you're looking for a quick, road trip snack, check out Southern Pies — the cheeseburger pie or the curry beef are standouts, and vegetarians will love the award-winning lentil and chickpea dhal pie or the honey-roast pumpkin and spinach. The only pub in town, The Friendly Inn, has been around since 1892 and is one of the oldest in the region. Though it's pretty standard pub fare, the real draw is the expansive beer garden which overlooks the rolling valleys and mountains beyond. On the drive down from Sydney, or on the way back home, have a stopover at Berrima's Bendooley Estate, which houses the original Berkelouw Book Barn. The architecturally-designed winery is situated within a gorgeous backdrop, while the produce-driven restaurant sits within the bookshop itself. Check out our Foodie's Guide to Kangaroo Valley for more eating destinations. [caption id="attachment_581969" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Angus L.[/caption] DO As the town lies along the Kangaroo River, one of the best ways to see the valley is via kayak or canoe. Two companies in town, Kangaroo Valley Safaris and Kangaroo Valley Kayaks are comparable in price and both offer pick-up service at the end of the five-kilometre, self-guided journey. The gentle rapids and overall calm river is easy to navigate and includes spectacular scenery and plenty of wildlife to sight. A pro tip is to go on an overcast or drizzly day when the tourist count will be at its lowest and the river will be as peaceful as ever. If bushwalks are more your speed, Mortan National Park and Kangaroo Valley Nature Reserve seem to have an endless number of hiking trails to explore. Within the park is the Fitzroy Falls walking track, which offers both forest and cliff-side views, as well as a good chance to see platypus and lyrebird in their natural habitat. The full West Rim walking track, a moderate 3.5 kilometre trip, will take you through eucalypt and lush rainforest, remarkable gorges and waterfalls before finishing at Twin Falls. Beach lovers should go for the Seven Mile Beach track, which includes stunning ocean views and beach side picnic areas. [caption id="attachment_581975" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Maarten Danial.[/caption] Once the great outdoors has you good and tired, it's time to check out the many antique shops around town. While Kangaroo Valley town itself is loaded with boutiques and craft shops, our favourite is the out-of-towner, Grandpa's Shed. Located down the road from Fitzroy Falls, this warehouse has every antique imaginable, from hand-axes and old farming equipment to antique jewellery and comic books. The shop is connected to an old-school, working gas station, which will offer a much needed cold drink if you're visiting after a trek. [caption id="attachment_581976" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Heavens.[/caption] STAY Kangaroo Valley is ideal for a cabin getaway weekend and there are plenty of options to that end, from The Heavens to Kookaburra Hill. Twin Falls Bush Cottages is by far our favourite — family-owned and operated, the five one- or two-bedroom cottages are nicely spaced for privacy from the neighbours and include a fireplace, full kitchen and outdoor barbecue. The expansive property is set right in the bush, with private hikes and mountain bike trails, as well as a communal tennis court, pool and fire pit to boot. The location is also perfectly situated for both for Twin Falls and Fitzroy Falls treks and the remote location is a true removal from city living. If you're looking to stay closer to town, the Tall Trees Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located just one kilometre from the town centre and is walkable for those without a car. You can either choose a traditional B&B or a self contained unit here. Another, more upscale option is the villas at Kangaroo Valley Golf and Country Club, only a four-minute drive from town and offering sweeping valley views. [caption id="attachment_581974" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] LET'S DO THIS, HOW DO I GET THERE? By car: Kangaroo Valley is two hours drive south of Sydney along Hume Highway. This is the suggested route, as it makes it much easier to travel around the valley for hikes and wineries. By public transport: Catch the Southern NSW train line from Central Station to Moss Vale Station, then transfer to the 810 bus toward Nowra, which stops in the heart of Kangaroo Valley. Top image: Rodney Campbell.
Sydney's two-hatted restaurant Ormeggio at the Spit has given birth to a new venue, Chiosco. Located side by side on a Mosman jetty, Ormeggio and Chiosco are mere metres from the water's edge, with spectacular 300 degree views of luxury yachts and sparkling sea. While Ormeggio (which is Italian for 'berth' or 'moor') is a fine-dining affair, Chiosco (which is Italian for 'kiosk') has adopted a casual approach, serving Italian street food and takeaway with a 'barefoot and BYO' ethos. With cheaper prices and executive chef Alessandro Pavoni at the helm, it's a good excuse to go a little overboard. Chiosco has been smartly decked out with nautical nuances, including blue-and-white striped cushions, shade sails and slatted timber benches. A deliberate effort has been made to appear casual, but with everything still so new and polished, I wouldn't recommend taking your shoes off just yet. On the menu, you won't find any entrees or main courses; instead there's a selection of plates designed to share. Choose from deli items such as bresaola and burrata, house-made pastas, or a range of meats and freshly caught seafood cooked on the charcoal grill. The first thing to hit the table is the pane, a plate of warm sliced organic sourdough, with just a sprinkling of salt and extra virgin olive oil. It's worth the drive alone. For a glimpse of Pavoni's genius, try the yellowfin tuna crudo with blood orange emulsion, citrus segments, chervil. Genuine Italian flavours are present in the homemade pastas; a potato gnocchi is served with Italian sausage, Japanese pumpkin puree, Taleggio cheese and fried sage, or try the rigatoni with porcini and cultivated mushroom and stracchino cheese. The flavours are truly dreamy. Bring a bottle of champagne or a six pack of golden ales with you — Chiosco by Ormeggio is that rare treat among accomplished eateries, BYO. Alternatively, if you're out boating for the day, Chiosco can also pack you a hamper, or they offer a takeaway menu of paninis, burgers and fish and chips.
From New York's Rachel Comey to London's You Must Create, Denmark's Henrik Vibskov to Greece's Esiot and Paris's Cuisse de Grenouille, The Standard Store is the place to find international brands in Sydney. Its carefully curated and constantly evolving selection of high-end clothes, shoes, accessories and homewares is always a pleasure to browse — if only to get a good idea of what's happening in fashion and design around the world. Run by Sydney-based Nicola and Orlando Reindorf, the store also hosts small pop-up events from time to time, so it's worth keeping an eye on its Facebook page for workshops and talks. [caption id="attachment_779690" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Images: Cassandra Hannagan.
Beau was afraid. In Ari Aster's third feature — another excellent and unforgettable film after Hereditary and Midsommar — Beau was anxious and unsettled and agitated and knocked off-kilter, too. Sheriff Joe Cross is all of these things also, with Joaquin Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux) again taking on a key role for a writer/director responsible for some of the best movies, and viewing experiences, of the 21st century. Along with the filmmaker's initial two pictures, Beau Is Afraid earns that description, as does Eddington, Aster and Phoenix's mid-2020-set, COVID-era-probing, brilliant and chilling and equally very amusing latest collaboration. Its focus: a small New Mexico spot struggling when normality as everyone knew it just months prior has vanished and seems as if it might never return. The Sevilla County official at Eddington's centre is as much a man interrupted, as his community is — but the Cross way of coping is to flout and defy anything that doesn't match his preferred status quo. His dislike of incumbent Mayor Ted Garcia's (Pedro Pascal, The Fantastic Four: First Steps) way of handling the pandemic, aka respecting social-distancing restrictions and mask mandates, inspires the Sheriff to take action, entering the race to lead the town (population: 2345) himself. Eddington is a western, as well as being an unnerving thriller and a hilarious dark comedy; Aster has Cross and Garcia headed for showdowns and standoffs more than once. With a Best Actor Oscar for Joker to prove it, Phoenix has been enjoying a recent stint of playing characters who are fixated, obsessed, unyieldingly determined and driven to act of late — since before the outstanding You Were Never Really Here, but that's firmly a recent example prior to his time as Arthur Fleck and now Joe Cross. He hasn't necessarily noticed that trend, he tells Concrete Playground, or recognised that anything particularly draws him in that direction. "I've never thought of it that way, but you say that and I go 'I don't even know what the last two movies I made are'," Phoenix advises. "But maybe you're right. I don't know why. I think I'm always just — it is an instinct. I either react to something that I'm reading it or I don't. And I don't really analyse why." Eddington is easy to spot trends and parallels in and around. Given that it peers into very recent history, to a period forever seared and scarred into memories — and has the era's paranoia and polarisation in its sights, spotting how neither have subsided since — that's by design. Another piece of mirroring comes via Aster's filmography. Chatting with Concrete Playground in 2018 when Hereditary released, he described his debut as "a family tragedy that curdles into a nightmare". Grief over a mother and grandmother begets worse in the feature that won Toni Collette (Mickey 17) a deserved Best Actress Gotham Award — in a movie, too, that cemented itself as an instant horror great. That "curdling into a nightmare" idea resides in each of his features, Eddington included. "I think that could be one way of describing this film," Aster tells us. "I would say that this is a film about a bunch of people who are all very paranoid, and who have very clear but kind of oppositional ideas of what is happening. And everybody's picture of the world is pretty sinister. Then, by the end of the film, the film itself becomes gripped by this paranoia — and so the movie too becomes paranoid." He continues: "and in that way, the film goes off the rails in a way that I like. It's got a long, sustained climax, which I like, especially in a genre film. It's easy to make this film, in an interview like this, sound like eating your vegetables — but it's supposed to be fun, even though what it's talking about is no laughing matter. But the film is about the circus of America, and the tilt-a-whirl goes faster and faster until the teacups start flying off." Cross' blatant and inescapable acrimony for Garcia, Joe's depressed wife Louise (Emma Stone, Kinds of Kindness) embracing online conspiracy theorists and becoming particularly enthralled by the charismatic Vernon Jefferson Peak (Austin Butler, The Bikeriders), local teens staging Black Lives Matter rallies to share their anger over the death of George Floyd, tech company SolidGoldMagikarp's plans to build a data centre on Eddington's outskirts, doomscrolling feeding the pervasive sense of distance between townsfolk: these all help that rotating ride spin. As the whirring of conflicting attitudes and opinions that's unbalancing its setting gains speed, Aster's film digs into America's contradictions, patently, as well as conservative-versus-liberal clashes. Internet hokum's easy spread, our immensely tech-reliant lives and AI earn attention; giving up power to the powerful without realising it, too. Anti-fascist activism, performative bandwagon-jumping, ignoring health-protection rules when folks are dying, not knowing how to cope with this chaos: they're also among the swirl. Aster doesn't see it as a horror movie; however, Eddington is as perceptive a portrait of 2020 and the times since as had reached screens so far, and as disquieting yet clear-eyed. The path to the feature started with an old idea predating the pandemic, which also came up while talking to the director, as did piecing the narrative together, living in a world where no one agrees on what's true anymore, reteaming with Phoenix and more — alongside chatting with Phoenix about that repeat collaboration and reuniting with filmmakers of late, interrogating fear and anxiety with Aster, what he recognised in the script, and bringing humanity and humour to Cross. On How Aster Following His Instincts in the Early Days of the Pandemic, and Picking Up an Old New Mexico-Set Idea, Lead to Eddington Ari: "Well, I feel like we're living in a very, very weird time. And the human capacity for adaptation is amazing, and everything becomes normal very quickly, and things that might be obvious become less so once they become ambient. And I just found that I wanted to pull back as far as I could, and try to describe this new reality that we're living in as well as I could — which is that everybody is living in a different version of reality, and we totally distrust anybody and anything that falls outside of our little bubble of certainty. And we've become unreachable to each other. So I wanted to make a film about that. And I'm from New Mexico — and that's really what the project was that had already been there waiting for me, which is that I have just been wanting to make my New Mexico movie. And I wanted to make a western. And it felt like the right framework for this." On Whether Returning Collaborations with Directors, Such as Ari Aster Here, Todd Phillips on Joker: Folie à Deux and Ridley Scott on Napoleon, Help Phoenix Challenge and Extend Himself as an Actor Joaquin: "I think that's what you would hope for, right, because it's almost like a long relationship, just the value of growing with somebody and changing — and somebody that learns to read you better after time. We all put our best foot forward when we first meet people and are working with them, and I think after some time we start really showing ourselves and there's real value in mining that. With Ari, it's weird, because I had one of those experiences where when I first met him, when I first just talked to him on the phone, I instantly knew that he was — I don't know, a friend just doesn't even sound like it's enough. I just knew that we were going to be working together closely, and I knew that he was somebody that I loved the way that he talked. And I understood him, like I felt like I really understood. And I think he understood me. And so there's real value in that — and I hope, I think, that he did and does challenge me in ways that are really beneficial to me and helpful." On When Aster Realised That He Wanted to Reteam with Phoenix on Eddington Ari: "After working with Joaquin on Beau Is Afraid, I really wanted to work with him again. Before Beau, he was one of my favourite actors and somebody that I very seriously wanted to work with. But when I was writing Eddington, at least the first pass of it, I hadn't worked with Joaquin yet, didn't know him yet, and so I didn't really have anybody in mind. But after we shot Beau, then I rewrote Eddington and spent a lot of time in New Mexico, travelling around, going to different small towns and meeting different people, public officials, Sheriffs of different counties, police chiefs, Mayors — went to different pueblos — and tried to get as broad a picture of the political climate of New Mexico as possible. And then once I had incorporated all of that and I had a script, it was clear to me that I wanted to at least try Joaquin again and see if he was interested. And happily he was, and I really think he does something really special with this character, Joe Cross, the sheriff of Eddington — or the sheriff of Sevilla County. Eddington is a town in Sevilla County. These are made-up places. But I think what he does here is really wonderful. He brings so much humour and humanity to this character. And I think part of the trick of the film — or I don't know if it's a trick, or if it's just something that is important to the film working — is that you have to kind of like this guy, whether you have his politics or not. There's something winning about him. And then, of course, as the film goes on that should get more complicated — our relationship to him should change." On Whether There's Something Unique to Digging Into Fear and Anxiety with Aster Joaquin: "I don't think he's exploring these traits because they're good for a character, for a movie, but it feels like it's a genuine curiosity for him. And maybe it's part of his experience, or maybe it's the experience of people that he knows. I don't know why he has that curiosity — or I don't know if it's an obsession — but definitely it's a curiosity to explore those feelings, and I don't know where it comes from. I've never asked him 'is that your personal experience, or ... ?'. I think oftentimes writers obviously observe things in others and become fascinated by it. So there's definitely a real drive and curiosity. And so I think when you're — there's not a standard way of playing that for Ari, right? It always has to be something very detailed and specific. And I'm struggling with trying to come up with an example, probably because there's so many and they're all running together. But I wish we could come up with an example of a scene. Like even in the scene where I'm — it's such a brief moment, you may not even remember — but I go back to the police station and somebody that was in the police station that was locked up is no longer there. It was really this very quick scene that's in the midst of the most-manic moment. And it was a long process for us that went throughout the day, as we discussed all the possibilities of what would be going through the character's mind and then how that is translated to somebody else as he speaks or whatever actions he takes. And so I think with Ari, it always feels that we are trying to find something that feels very specific and unique to that character in that moment — versus a blanket approach to anxiety or fear." On the Crucial Elements to Create a Film About Living in a World Where No One Can Agree on What's Real Anymore Ari: "For me, the most-important thing was to pull back as far as I could, because what I wanted to talk about was the environment, right — and I feel like we've become so atomised, and things have become so complicated and so intensely partisan, that it felt very important to move back and just try to get a picture of the landscape. And to see just how many of those particles were floating around not actually meeting each other. And then it's a genre film, and so it's built on conflict. And so the question then became 'well, what happens when these atoms start bumping up against each other? What comes out of that?'. And the answer is almost always violence, because there's nothing in the ether to hold anybody together anymore. And so that was, I guess, the challenge, but also the thing that felt necessary." On Phoenix Seeing Himself and Reality in Eddington When Aster First Sent the Script His Way Joaquin: "My first reaction was 'I recognise so much of myself and my family and my friends and my neighbours in all of these characters, and that makes me uncomfortable at times. But I'm laughing and I can't stop laughing'. That was my first reaction. And then I think I was like 'oh yeah, it's us'. And as ridiculous as we were, we were scared. Like, everyone was scared. Whether they should have been scared or whether we overreacted, it doesn't really matter. In that moment, it was kind of like waking up from a nightmare and they're like 'yeah, in the moment, it really felt like that monster was going to get me and I was scared. And all the things I did in that that moment, it was just how I reacted. I couldn't help it.' And I think in some ways, it made me just have a lot of forgiveness and understanding for how we behaved." On Putting the Pieces of Eddington Together — Including the Societal Landscape, America and Western Society's Pervasive Polarisation, and COVID-19 — in a Western-Meets-Thriller That's Also Darkly Humorous Ari: "First of all, the film is set in 2020. It's a period piece, set in June 2020, and so it helps to have something as specific as that, right, because then you're asking 'okay, what is happening right now? Who are the players here?'. And of course, I would have liked to have included far more characters, but I jammed as many people as I could into the film without sacrificing coherence or narrative clarity. But it all felt pretty intuitive that we begin with the arguments of the day, the most popular ones, which had a lot to do with masking and personal freedom versus public safety and health. And from there, things start unraveling and spinning out. And then you have these more fringe figures coming in. And I think what's interesting about this moment, even right now in 2025, is that this counterculture had been building up in America for a long time that the prevailing culture at the moment wasn't aware of. And that counterculture meanwhile was being fed and agitated, and was growing. And now that counterculture has kind of taken over. And it's all become very, very distorted and strange. It's so interesting that the right kind of adopted the language of 1960s–70s radicalism. Everything has become — I want to use the word farcical, but none of this is any laughing matter. It's feels pretty catastrophic, what's happening. And it's also why the western felt right, because it is about the building of America and forging new societies. And it feels like right now we're living through the collapse of something — we're on the cusp of something, something new. And I think everybody's feeling it and there's a lot of anxiety and a lot of fear. And for some people, a lot of excitement. I wrote this film in a state of anxiety and fear." On Whether Trying to Convey the Humanity of Joe and Also Bringing Humour to the Part Helped in Stepping Into His Shoes Joaquin: "Nothing ever feels easy. You just feel that — yeah, it doesn't feel easy, but it seemed like very much from the beginning, I could not create any separation between me and Joe. Like, that if I at any point stood above him in judgment, I would lose it, I would lose him. And so it just felt important to humanise him as much as possible. I wanted to surprise anybody that might have a preconceived idea of what conservative Sheriff in a small town might be like, and so that definitely felt like my directive. But what helped me, probably most of all, was meeting with real Sheriffs. Ari and I went on a trip together in New Mexico and spent some time, and there were a few people that I met that I really connected with that seemed like great examples of who Joe could be. So it felt to me that as much as there's something very humorous and absurd about so much of this film, I wanted to make sure that Joe was really grounded and that he was recognisable to people that actually know a Sheriff like Joe." On Whether Aster Considers Eddington to Be a Horror Film — and What's at the Heart of the Film That Scares Him, Be It Humanity's Embrace of Existential Risks, Including Not Just Health But Also AI, or Stopping Questioning the Powerful Ari: "No, I don't consider it a horror film. No. But, I do think it's talking about something that scares me. There's a lot that scares me. I'm scared that the people who are leading us don't seem to believe in the future. You mentioned AI, and I would say if you asked me to say in one sentence what this film was about, I might tell you it's about a data centre being built. And that's happening on the periphery of the film, but it's really pretty central. And all these stories are really just data for this giant wooden wheel — to churn into what? What is coming? The film is about people navigating a crisis, but all the while, there's this other crisis that's incubating in a lab over here. And who knows, the utopian dream of what this thing could bring might be true. It might come to pass. But we really don't know what's coming. And yeah, I think that what's happening all over the world — and it's happening in the United States, but it's happening everywhere — it's something that's already happened to us, which is that we've been fortressed off. And I think that's very scary that we're completely unable to reach each other, and we're living out an experiment that has already failed badly. And it doesn't seem like anybody at the levers has any interest in slowing this thing down. It feels like, on the contrary, it's only accelerating." Eddington released in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Every two years, Sydney turns into one big art trail as the Biennale of Sydney rolls out exhibitions at major museums across the city, tied together by a thoughtful theme. Heading into its 25th edition, the 2026 biennale will spotlight the stories that have slipped through the cracks — either erased, overlooked or untold. In the 2024 edition, the biennale turned its gaze to the sun for the Ten Thousand Suns program. For its 2026 run, it's taken inspiration from a literary idol: in Toni Morrison's novel Beloved, the idea of 'rememory' describes how the past persists to be experienced again and again. The program will explore what it means to remember – and what it means when certain stories are forgotten— by bringing marginalised and diasporic narratives to the surface. [caption id="attachment_1049218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Barbara Moore, CEO of the Biennale of Sydney, says, "The Biennale of Sydney is a platform for art and ideas that inspire, challenge and connect us. In this moment, more than ever, we need opportunities that invite us to step beyond our own perspectives [and] encounter experiences different from our own, to reflect on what binds us together, and to celebrate what makes us human." International names on the lineup include Nikesha Breeze, Dread Scott, Nahom Teklehaimanot, Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn, Joe Namy and Sandra Monterroso. Closer to home, the program features local talent such as Abdul Abdullah, Dennis Golding, Helen Grace, Wendy Hubert, Richard Bell, Merilyn Fairskye and Michiel Dolk. [caption id="attachment_1053037" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Daniel Boud[/caption] The biennale has also partnered with Cartier's Paris-based art arm, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain. The foundation has commissioned 15 First Nations artists to create new works of art in collaboration with its First Nations Curatorial Fellow Bruce Johnson McLean, who is also a Wierdi person of the Birri Gubba Nation. Indigenous artists globally have hopped onto the initiative, including: Native American interdisciplinary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger; sculptor Rose B. Simpson from the Santa Clara Pueblo tribe in New Mexico; acclaimed Yolngu artist Gunybi Ganambarr; and Tongan artist Benjamin Work, who is slated to present a sculptural tribute to the fusion of traditional Tongan dress with Western clothing. Exhibitions will dominate five arts institutions around Sydney, spanning the Arts Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Penrith Regional Gallery, Chau Chak Wing Museum, and White Bay Power Station (the once-sleepy industrial site that was turned into an arts hub by the 2024 Biennale of Sydney). Space out your art crawls with a jam-packed public program of evening gigs, crafty workshops and talks. We've compiled a handy guide of exhibitions and events to help you plan your route through the Biennale of Sydney 2026. White Bay Power Station [caption id="attachment_996125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] The biennale kicks off on March 13 with an opening party at White Bay Power Station, soundtracked to beats from local DJ INBRAZA Baile, First Nations-fronted Hand to Earth and Baltimore-born Nourished by Time. Keep an eye out for the car blasting music — it's part of 'Automobile', an elaborate sound installation by Lebanese artist and musician Joe Namy where he gathers local cars outfitted with tricked-out stereo systems that double up as instruments. Two landmark exhibitions will span the venue. One is Nikesha Breeza's 'Living Histories', an archive of stories from enslaved African Americans in the Antebellum South, set in a maze of floor-to-ceiling fabric columns that mimic the African Baobab tree. Another is a striking mural by Garrwa-Yanyuwa painter Nancy Yukuwal McDinny, capturing the post-colonial voices of the traditional custodians of the Gulf of Carpentaria. [caption id="attachment_1049220" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] On Friday evenings, White Bay Power Station lights up with Arts After Dark. Three music lineups are locked in so far: March 20 brings ethereal melodies from celebrated Japanese experimental pop artist and composer Tujiko Noriko and a viola-meets-electronic-music set by Sydney-based composer Mara Schwerdtfeger; an electronic commentary by Kashmiri sound artist Ruhail Qaisar and local genre-defying musician Marcus Whale on March 27; and a strings-leaning night with Gomeroi guitarist Liam Keenan and Yorta Yorta bassist Allara Briggs-Pattison on April 3. The heritage-listed site will host a slate of Inner West Council events during the biennale. Attend talks curated by local storyteller Lillian Ahenkan, known by her stage name FlexMami, on March 28. Then on 11 and 12 April, a collection of six performance artworks by Amrita Hepi, Charlotte Farrell, Emma Maye Gibson, Jacqui O'Reilly, Lauren Brincat, Lulu Barkell, Theodore Carroll and Red Rey will take the venue by storm. Redfern [caption id="attachment_638226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Redfern locals are in for something special. The Block has long been the beating heart of Indigenous communities in Sydney, and artist Dennis Golding will translate his memories of growing up there into a mini festival. Expect a beaded jewellery making workshop on May 10, where some of the beads are 3D printed from the bricks of the iconic Aboriginal Flag mural that once stood over The Block. Then, on April 9, enter a First Nations-led bingo night inspired by community games that used to be held regularly in one of the vacant Eveleigh Street terraces. Plus, there will be three monthly strolls around Redfern with long-time resident Aunty Donna Ingram, who will dive into the area's Aboriginal history. Art Gallery of New South Wales [caption id="attachment_1049224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Iwan Baan[/caption] Known for his collage-style canvases, internationally reowned Eritrean artist Nahom Teklehaimanot presents a trio of new large-scale canvases at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Encapsulated by its title, This is My Silence You Name the Sound, the collection reflects on the complexities of refugees' lives. The 15-year-old Kulata Tjuta Project is also making a stop at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Kulata Tjuta means 'many spears', a literal nod to the thousands of hand-carved spears (and counting) that make up the contemporary work. Anangu artist Frank Young started the project within the Amata community in the remote regions of South Australia in 2010 — it's since expanded to involve over 100 Aṉangu men spanning over three generations of spear-makers. Penrith Regional Gallery [caption id="attachment_1049221" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Lyndal Irons[/caption] Just an hour from the city, Penrith Regional Gallery is an intimate homestead with a charming heritage garden. Settle in for a yarn on the grounds, now a sprawling native plant sanctuary nurtured by Yindjibarndi Elder Wendy Hubert. The living showcase of ancestral knowledge features native plants that are used for food, healing, and ceremony. Inside the home-studio-turned-gallery, Monica Rani-Rudhar draws on her lineage to stage a poignant multi-channel video installation that explores how two traces of colonialism — trauma and resistance — are inherited through generations. Campbelltown Arts Centre [caption id="attachment_1049223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Nikki To[/caption] Located in the creative hub of Campbelltown, the Campbelltown Arts Centre is shaping up to be an unmissable stop for film lovers during the Sydney Biennale. When riots erupt in youth detention centres, it's officially labelled a Code Black/Riot. It's also the name of a large-scale collaborative project that aims to amplify the voices of incarcerated Indigenous youths, spearheaded by documentary filmmaker Hoda Afshar. The collective bagged the 2025 National Photographic Prize, and is now making an appearance at the Biennale of Sydney 2026, with Behrouz Boochani, Hoda Afshar and Vernon Ah Kee presenting a multi-channel video exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Another highlight is the multimedia work of Lebanese filmmakers Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, which follows a circle of friends who are setting off to Christmas Island. Their journey unfolds alongside the annual red crab migration, where a mass of crabs swarm from the forest to the ocean. The result? An immersive installation that interlaces movement, migration and imagined utopias. Chau Chak Wing Museum [caption id="attachment_1049222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by David James[/caption] The much-loved museum at the University of Sydney will be home to two contrasting sculptures. One of them hails from Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, where artist Benjamin Work has created a celebratory tribute to the endurance of Indigenous culture, sparked by the 19th century fusion of Western influence with traditional Tongan attire. The other takes a critical approach, examining how Australian arts institutions have preserved Indigenous cultural material. Visit the Biennale of Sydney website for more information.
When the weather turns even just a few degrees warmer and the sun's out, you best believe Australians are congregating around the closest body of water — beach, lake, blow-up pool you name it. And while that urge to swim and watch waves lap against the sand takes up a lot of our time, it's not all of it. And let's be honest, there's only so many times we can shake water out of our ears, or sand out of our grundies. So for those times, when we need our hands to de-prune or maybe just aren't feeling it, we've lined up a bunch of great events and happenings that are taking place this summer. From award-winning broadway musicals to Christmas markets, music festivals and, the eagerly awaited return of the KFC Big Bash League. There are lots on this summer in Sydney, so, have a read below.
Sydney is doing the time warp again. The latest blast from the past is a 70s-inspired enoteca from the folks behind Restaurant Hubert, Frankie's and Shady Pines Saloon. Called Alberto Lounge, the retro eatery has moved into Berta's old pad, and naturally, he's done a little renovating. Celebrating the shades of the 70s — brown, brown and brown — the venue has been given a groovy new fit-out, which includes teak shelving, chocolate-coloured carpet and buff stucco walls hung with framed poster art. Design crimes they may be, but somehow the space manages to feel warm, funky and fun. While the decor may be unashamedly old school, don't expect to find foil-wrapped garlic bread on the menu or curly parsley garnishes on your spag bol. Leading the charge on the food front is the gran maestro himself, Dan Pepperell (Restaurant Hubert, 10 William Street, Attica), who has created an Italo-Australian menu that takes classic cookery and makes it cool again. Forget watery table wine, Alberto takes its vino seriously, as you can probably guess from the wine menu-slash-manuscript, which has been painstakingly arranged by colour and weight. The list also includes a bright yellow section in the middle for nebbiolo, simply because "nebbiolo is awesome" explains our waiter. He's not wrong, Alberto's nebbiolo is awesome. As is its food, hell, even its decor. Alberto is certainly one hip joint. Images: Kitti Gould. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
In the former premises of The Sunshine Inn on Redfern Road, an awesome foursome of Bentley and Love Tilly alumni has managed to find some uncharted territory in Sydney's already-saturated Italian cuisine offering. A buzzy, Euro-leaning, "Italian-ish" pseudo-osteria, ATTENZIONE! Food and Wine is the passion project of Felix Colman, the part-owner and operator of Ragazzi and Fabbrica; former Yellow manager Toby Davis; Toby Stansfield of Lola's in Bondi; and Dexter Kim, an ex-Buffet Digital videographer. Before you jump to conclusions, the choice of name has nothing to do with online memes or pickpockets. It's actually a reference to an in-joke between the four partners regarding an Italian friend's mother, who, while visiting her daughter in Sydney, would cry out "Attenzione!" whenever a handsome—and potentially eligible—fella strolled past. Since then, shouting "Attenzione!" has become a go-to callback between the friends, so it quickly emerged as the obvious name for their first venture together. Italian pastas star on the menu, but the food offering is more of a broad-brush homage to the dining cultures of Continental Europe — with a few Asian riffs thrown in for good measure. "We've had some pretty memorable food and drink experiences in Europe," Colman says of the restaurant's melting pot of influences. "Tiny enotecas in Alba that spill out onto cobblestoned streets, noisy backstreet bistros in Paris and too many sunny aperitivos along the Med coast to count. ATTENZIONE! was created to be the buzz and vibe of all those experiences combined." While the menu will be dynamic and shuffle regularly, there will be a few tried-and-true staples fated to be house favourites, such as the pico XL: "an almost obscenely oversized version of pico pasta", according to Stansfield. These fat, juicy strands will be the vehicle for a range of classic sauces, including cacio e pepe and nduja crema with Kinkawooka mussels. Summoning the flavours of a French brasserie, dry-aged dairy cow steaks, courtesy of Emilio's Butcher in Rozelle, will be served with a house-made chopped green onion condiment, while charcoal-roasted free-range chicken with chicory and horseradish channels a more Teutonic energy. And because dessert should never be taken too seriously (sorry grand patissiers), there will be playful, dig-your-spoon-in, crowd-pleasing sweets to finish such as an apple baked in pastry and served with a rich tonka custard, and a pineapple, espresso cookie and whipped ganache sundae. Snacks will also be a specialty at ATTENZIONE!, with a similarly pan-European mingle of influences, such as locally smoked trout pate served with a chicken-skin crisp and a full loaf of fougasse flatbread spread with wildflower butter. Not to be outdone, the wine offering is as loud and wide-ranging as the food. Colman and Davis have compiled a 150-bottle cellar with plenty of homegrown drops but also an emphasis on the team's favourite Italian varietals, Nebbiolo, as well as pours from Barolo, Barbaresco and Piemonte. Expect a substantial by the glass selection, digestifs including grappas, armagnacs and amaros, a streamlined list of classic cocktails and even some funkier natural drops for those who enjoy low-intervention bottles. "Many of the producers we've chosen for our list have really inspired us over our years of enjoying and working in wine," Colman explains. "We're really proud to hero these great people and their incredible wines, they care for the land and the providence of their craft, looking to leave the earth better than when they found it which is very important to us." The fitout, by new Sydney-based interiors studio Coffeyhallet, boasts a vibrant mustard and aniseed palette as well as tactile leather banquettes, dark-stained Bentwood chairs and large mirrors to create a sense of space. The restaurant's decor is intended to be an extension of the lively, relaxed, welcoming vibes that the four owners hope ATTENZIONE! will be known for.
A Sydney institution has closed its doors. While Redfern Continental (and its cocktail bar GDR) are no more, we're happy to announce that a new venue has already taken its place, with Golden Gully owners Daniel McBride and Dynn Smulewicz opening a sister venue to their Leichhardt small bar last week. The new venue, like it's predecessor, is split in two. Out the front, you'll find casual restaurant The Sunshine Inn and, out the back in the old GDR space, is a degustation-only dining room dubbed DD's. Gully's Executive Chef Emma Evans (Alibi) is in the kitchen serving up elevated gastropub eats up front and a three-to-five course degustation menu out back — all of which is vegetarian and focused on locally sourced produce. While the front bar is bright and airy with a minimalist fit-out — think white walls with navy accents and natural timber furnishings — the back restaurant is dark and moody. The intimate space hosts two dinner sittings per night (with bookings essential), then turns into a cocktail lounge once the kitchen is done. It's looking to be one of Sydney's best priced degustation menus, too, ranging from a very reasonable $39–59 (for three-to-five courses, respectively). [caption id="attachment_784833" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Expect more refined fare here that's reminiscent of Gully's set menu. It will change regularly, but some of the dishes you're likely to find on the opening menu include turnip ravioli with strawberry gum, corn-crusted fennel served atop smoked chat potatoes and a decadent Ferrero Rocher pie. Also similar to the one at Gully, the cocktail menu focuses on Aussie spirits and native flavours — but The Sunshine Inn's list will include international booze, too. The 16-strong cocktail list includes The Cure All (a tequila and mezcal take on the penicillin, made with jalapeño and ginger syrup), an amaro spritz (made using Poor Toms' Imbroglio, strawberry gum syrup and prosecco) and the Aussie Amari Sour (all $18), which McBride described as "a grown-up version of an amaretto sour". The wine list takes cues from the Gully as well, focusing almost exclusively on Aussie drops while balancing the natural with the accessible. Local winemakers Eloquesta, La Violetta and Yetti and the Kokonut all represent, and brews from Sydney's Wildflower, Akasha and Grifter are pouring as well. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Sydney comes alive in summer — long lunches segue into golden-hour drinks, warm evenings spill into the streets and the city buzzes with new exhibitions and openair experiences. Whether you're browsing a waterside market or diving into a boundary-pushing gallery show, this season is built for discovery. Instead of dipping in for a single exhibition or market visit, treat each outing as the start of its own mini escape. In the spirit of making the most of every sunny moment, we've paired five must-see summer events with nearby neighbourhood gems that showcase the breadth of Sydney's food, culture and creativity. The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition Why it's unmissable Set beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition brings together local makers showcasing their wares for three festive weekends of openair browsing. Add woodfired pizza, gozleme and crepes into the mix — along with furoshiki gift-wrapping workshops — and you've got one of summer's most charming holiday pit stops. Find out more here. Make a day of it Once you've filled your tote, wander a few steps to Hooked and Harvest, The Rocks' sunny new fish and chippery serving market-fresh fish, freshly shucked oysters and flavour-packed salads. If you're after something with a deeper sense of place, Midden by Mark Olive heroes native Australian ingredients via refined dishes like kutjera-braised beef cheek, blue gum-smoked miso eggplant and Olive's signature Bush Pavlova topped with a native fruit coulis and wattleseed cream, all from a breezy spot under the sails of the Sydney Opera House. [caption id="attachment_921470" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Wind down nearby As the sun starts to slip, take the lift up to Martinez, Circular Quay's breezy rooftop bar with Mediterranean coastal vibes, panoramic views and a bright drinks list made for golden hour. Extend your stay Make a weekend of it at The Russell Boutique Hotel, the charming new stay in the heart of The Rocks (and set right above Sydney's oldest pub). With its warm, character-filled rooms — some of which have direct courtyard access — and unbeatable proximity to some of Sydney's most iconic spots, it's an ideal base for an urban summer escape. [caption id="attachment_918689" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] RELICS: A New World Rises Why it's unmissable This immersive new exhibition at the Australian Museum transforms discarded objects into intricate LEGO® civilisations, from a grandfather clock reverse-engineered into a time machine to a cryogenics facility inside a vintage freezer. Part art installation, part nostalgic playground, it's a summer experience for kids and adults alike — and a reminder that creativity and curiosity have no age limits. Find out more here. Make a day of it Kick things off with coffee and a pastry — or an inventive breakfast plate like avo and kale bagel with peanut chilli sauce, or soft scrambled eggs swimming in chicken broth and served with garlic-buttered baguette — in the charming sandstone-framed courtyard of A.P Bread & Wine in Darlinghurst. Post-exhibition, stroll down to Woolloomooloo for a late lunch at Akti, the breezy, coastal-Greek diner serving moussaka croquettes, lamb shoulder with chimichurri and summer-ready cocktails overlooking the Finger Wharf. Wind down nearby Round out your day at Monica, Paddington's new sun-drenched rooftop bar overlooking the bustle of Oxford Street. Head up to take in sweeping skyline views, playful cocktail — like a rhubarb and grapefruit paloma on tap — in hand as the city lights flicker on. Extend your stay Not ready to go home? You don't have to — Monica sits on the roof of the new 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, a design-forward Paddington boutique set in a heritage-listed former cinema. Its prime location offers easy access to some of Sydney's most vibrant neighbourhoods, with hire bikes available if you're keen to explore more. [caption id="attachment_1045265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emmaline Zanelli, 'Magic Cave', 2024-2025, installation view, image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia © the artist, photograph by Hamish McIntosh[/caption] MCA double-header: Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists and A Conversation with the Sun (Afterimage): Apichatpong Weerasethakul Why it's unmissable While we're never short of reasons to visit Australia's home of contemporary art, this summer, the MCA is giving us two more. Running until early March, Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists continues the annual exhibition's nearly four-decade legacy of providing a platform to Australia's next generation of artistic and curatorial talent. This year's works invite visitors to consider what it means to continue making art in a digital and post-industrial world. Find out more here. Also on show: Palme d'Or-winning filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's new cinematic site-specific installation for the MCA. The large-scale work — on display in the MCA Macgregor Gallery until early February — features video diaries projected onto floating fabric, creating a dream-like experience inspired by pondering the sun while walking in nature. Find out more here. Make a day of it Take a leisurely stroll around Circular Quay and drop anchor at Flaminia, the refined yet laidback venue by acclaimed chef Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater) plating up Italian coastal classics alongside sweeping harbour views. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and arrive at Felons Seafood for towering seafood platters, salt and vinegar martinis and a tap pouring Australia's coldest beer. Take a seat in the spacious outdoor terrace to soak up the sun, or nab a seat by the window for uninterrupted views across Manly Cove and Sydney Harbour. [caption id="attachment_1011783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Wind down nearby Next door to its namesake restaurant, Felons Manly brings the award-winning Brisbane brewhouse's beers to an expansive, sun-washed space, with regular events and live music keeping things lively throughout the evening. Or, follow the boardwalk around the shoreline to settle in at The Espy Manly, an alfresco bar serving up spritzes and sunshine in equal measure. If the mood is less wind down and more turn up, venture to neighbouring Freshwater and settle in at Bombies, a late-night bar and live music lounge that brings 1970s beach house energy to the rooftop of the historic Harbord Hotel. Extend your stay If there's a better way to start your day than at the beach, we're yet to find it. And at Manly Pacific Hotel, you'll wake up mere steps from the sand. And whether you choose to start your day with espresso on your sunlit balcony overlooking Manly Beach or you're popping across the road for a pre-breakfast surf, your morning will feel like its own little holiday. The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market Why it's unmissable If you're hunting for holiday gifts with personality, this market at Rozelle's White Bay Cruise Terminal ticks every box: you'll find over 140 stalls selling Australian-made homewares, slow-fashion pieces and artisan treats in a bright, harbour-framed warehouse setting. Add drop-in workshops, kids' zones and free parking, and you've got all the ingredients for some feel-good festive shopping. Find out more here. Make a day of it Start the day with a hearty Middle Eastern-inspired brunch at The Rusty Rabbit, a light-filled corner spot in leafy Concord. If it's views you're after, it's hard to beat The Fenwick. This restaurant and art gallery on the edge of the East Balmain waterfront, set in an 1880s former tugboat store, plates up Italian-inspired fare and postcard-perfect views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. [caption id="attachment_706208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old Clare Rooftop[/caption] Wind down nearby Swap the Inner West waterfront for its indie bar scene. Start with the Inner West Distillery Trail, where small-batch gin, whisky and new-world spirits are poured straight from the source in tasting rooms across Rozelle, Marrickville and surrounds. The Inner West is also home to some of Sydney's best breweries, and the Inner West Ale Trail links a string of top-tier taprooms within a few easy kilometres. From hazy IPAs in sunny beer gardens to crisp lagers and barrel-aged sours in cavernous converted warehouses, it's a relaxed way to dig a little deeper into one of Sydney's most creative neighbourhoods. Extend your stay Make it a full weekend escape at The Old Clare Hotel, which blends luxe contemporary comforts with the character of a historic Chippendale building. By day, bask by the rooftop pool and bar, soaking up the city skyline with a drink in hand; then, wander into the laneways of Chippendale's buzzy food and bar scene to make a night of it. Ready to feel the Sydney side of summer? Discover the full calendar of what's on across the city at sydney.com.
Endeavour Vintage Beer Co. finally has a place to call home in The Rocks. The Endeavour Tap Rooms opened at the tail-end of 2016 (and then reopened after a spell in 2020) and, oddly enough, is more bar than a brewery. The beer itself plays second fiddle to the restaurant and main bar, which not only contains eight brew taps but also has four additional taps for rotating cider, wine and house cocktails. The tiny, 600-litre brewhouse is squeezed into a small side room and looks more like a display brewery than a functioning one. The two-storey, three-bar venue itself is nicely done, which isn't too surprising considering the partnership from Applejack Hospitality, the minds behind Bondi Hardware, Della Hyde and Circular Quay's Hacienda. They've necessarily maintained that heritage building fit-out with its stained glass windows, vintage wallpaper and chic chandeliers, giving the space a living room vibe. We're very much into the all-Australian, seasonally harvested ingredients they're using. We'd recommend the bar snacks. Think dishes like dressed oysters on a half shell, raw hiramasa kingfish tostadas and crispy, succulent pork hock nibbles that lend themselves nicely to the needs of the after-work crowd the venue seems geared towards.
One part glam, one part retro and one part mixologist's fantasy, The Roosevelt is an irresistible mix that has long made it one of the eastern suburb's most in-demand cocktail destinations. From the acclaimed team behind Eau de Vie, this buzzy Macleay Street cocktail bar is at once classic and an homage to cocktail culture from the 30s and 40s, and at the same time thoroughly modern with a cocktail menu as cutting edge as they come. Glass cabinets filled with antique cocktail-making accoutrement line the room, swing is the soundtrack and the cocktail menu files its drinks into sections, so you can peruse a range of 'Refreshing', 'Fruity', 'Boozy' or 'After Dinner'. This first category includes the 'Re-Fashioned #4.2' made with Altos Reposado, jalapeño-infused mezcal, Italicus, late harvest wine, cucumber verdita and a white chocolate ice sphere, while the second, third and fourth are home to the Calamity Jane, Moon River and Roosevelt Blazer, respectively. Not content to simply cook up some of Sydney's finest and most imaginative cocktails, The Roosevelt's kitchen also turns out food well worth a look-in. Flavours of all intensity get a starring role here, with bar snacks of smokey chorizo and parmesan croquettes alongside prawn toast with signature Roosevelt sauce and Granny Smith apples. For a bigger bite, tuck in to steak diane, half a kilogram of mussels or potato dumplings. Save room for dessert, too. Specifically, the whisky-caramelised apple tart. The Roosevelt is a glam throwback bar experience that is just as good for the start of your evening as it is for the final nightcap.
Need a special spot for a cute catch-up? Eternity Cafe is bound to impress. First up, the cafe's setting beneath Sydney Town Hall deserves an obvious mention. Here, you and your pals will encounter a soaring indoor waterfall, which serves as the perfect backdrop for the year-round culinary delights set to arrive at your table. This might include the Waterfall High Tea, featuring three tiers of tantalising creations for $56 per person. Alongside sweet treats like mini almond croissants and tiramisu, savoury bites such as slow-cooked chicken sliders make for a sumptuous feast. Plus, each table gets a pot of English breakfast tea or a refreshing jug of sparkling orange, ginger and hibiscus iced tea. Meanwhile, another special menu item certain to make your day memorable comes in the form of an edible garden. While this dessert might look too beautiful to nibble on, the decadent combination of chocolate mascarpone, glazed almonds, fresh fruit and crumbly Oreo 'soil' topped with edible flowers will be too good to resist. What's more, there's no need to book this unique feast.
They say home is where the heart is — that might explain the location of Ben and Emily Calabro's latest venture. The brother-sister duo grew up in Gladesville on the Lower North Shore, giving their new neighbourhood cafe, District Eatery, a sentimental edge. Serving elevated takes on Aussie-inspired favourites from breakfast to lunch, enticing dishes and warm details tie this spot to the local community. Now 14 years into their journey, the duo first established their reputation with the quality breakfast game at Pyrmont's Quick Brown Fox. Most recently, the Calabros turned their attention to Rosa, a nonna-approved pasta bar inspired by the Amalfi coastline. Now, the pair is ready to rival the city's top brunch spots with District Eatery. "There's something very special about returning back to Gladesville and bringing a concept that we wished we had growing up. Every detail of District Eatery has been carefully considered to create a comfortable space for locals to enjoy and spend time together," says co-owner Ben Calabro. Working closely with JSLJ Architecture, District Eatery's interiors balance the natural and industrial. Think floor-to-ceiling windows that invite loads of light, custom timber joinery and neutral ceramics set against a handmade concrete bar, along with terrazzo-speckled floors and high-gloss burgundy tiles. Bold but welcoming, quick takeaways or extended catch-ups are equally suited to the space. As for the menu, there's a steady hand in charge. Head Chef Daniel Grey brings years of experience from working in renowned kitchens like AALIA and The Apollo, offering fresh takes on brekkie and brunch staples. The ultimate bacon and egg roll is served as a pressed croissant, with fontina and Kasundi ketchup. Meanwhile, the hotcakes are stacked with roasted rhubarb and strawberry almond crumble, finished with strawberry syrup and house-made vanilla bean ice cream. Recalling the local community, the Calabros' connection to Gladesville isn't a tenuous one. The pair attended nearby schools and played soccer at Monash Park, just a short stroll from District Eatery's corner location. Plus, the duo's hospitality journey began a few streets away at their first coffee shop in Top Ryde City Shopping Centre. Says Ben: "To open this venue in our home suburb, for the community we grew up in, means the world to us."
The industrial grid-like backstreets of Brookvale are best known for their breweries, but among the tanks and taps, one spot is trading pale ales and parmies for garam masala negronis and slow-cooked goat curry. Bazaar & Bar reimagines the wine bar through an Indian lens, plating up bold, spice-driven dishes alongside natural wines and cleverly layered cocktails — and proving there's more to this patch of the Northern Beaches than just beer. The venue has been brought to life by experienced operator Kabir Arora (the brains behind Manly mainstay Sketch) and Head Chef Adwait Jagtap (Raja, Kolkata Social), whose produce-forward menu draws on personal memories and regional recipes. True to the wine bar template, there's a menu of small plates and share-style dishes — but instead of focaccia, you'll find pillowy naan, and kingfish crudo is swapped for a semolina-crusted kingfish collar with fiery recheado spice rub. The usual hanger steak gets a hearty upgrade in the form of champaran mutton, which replaces lamb for goat that's slow-cooked on the bone and dressed with a fragrant mix of smoky garlic and spice. It's confident stuff, but remains familiar and approachable. "We're not trying to reinvent Indian food — we're showcasing it in a setting people might not expect," says Arora. The cocktail list picks up where the food menu leaves off, showcasing classics with a distinctly Indian twist — think curry leaf gimlet, smoked jaggery old fashioned and a garam masala-infused negroni. A tight, accessible wine list champions Australian producers, with a handful of internationals also in the mix. It takes place in an inviting space that mirrors this blend of tradition and modernity, with design elements drawn from the vivid colours and textures of Indian bazaars. To that end, the venue's name isn't just a case of clever alliteration — a small spice bazaar shelf near the bar is lined with house-made pickles, chutneys and sauces available for purchase.
There are plenty of obvious contenders for a spot on a Sydney bucket list — a visit to the Opera Bar, a climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or a stroll along the golden sands of Bondi Beach, to name only a handful. For newcomers to this glorious city, these must-do activities are a great introduction, but if you're a seasoned Sydneysider who's already ticked off these quintessential experiences, you may feel like there's not much left to discover about the place you call home. But don't be so sure. This list of 20 under-the-radar attractions and lesser-known outings — including unique tours, one-of-a-kind diners and secret nature retreats — reveals a whole new side to Sydney. All you need to decide now is which one to tick off first. Recommended reads: The Best Secret Beaches in Sydney The Best Walks Around Sydney The Best Waterfalls Near Sydney QVB History Tour When it opened in 1898, architect George McRae's grand sandstone masterpiece on George Street was an indoor marketplace, but for the past four decades, following extensive renovations in the 1980s, retail of a more high-end type has been the QVB's niche. The Queen Victoria Building remains one of Sydney's most popular shopping destinations, but it's also one of the city's greatest architectural gems. A guided history tour reveals the building's rich heritage as well as granting access to areas not usually open to the public, including the building's grand central dome. Along the way, visitors can learn stories from Sydney's past, such as the building's connection to Queen Victoria herself and its role in the city's evolution over the past 130 years. The Footpath of Fame [caption id="attachment_978581" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maxim Boon[/caption] One of Hollywood's most famous attractions is the Walk of Fame — a series of handprints and signatures from cinema's greatest luminaries, etched in cement and laid into the sidewalk in front of the iconic Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Believe it or not, Sydney had a crack at creating a similar celebrity monument back in 1983. Dubbed The Footpath of Fame, it features a collection of cement slabs inscribed by entertainers, artists, sportspeople and politicians – the likes of Broken Hill artist Pro Hart, deceased racehorse Gunsynd, F1 racer Jack Barbham and Aussie Olympian Betty Cuthbert among them. Even some make-believe characters, such as Sesame Street's Big Bird and Santa Clause, also left their mark. Unlike its LA cousin, this starry street doesn't attract many tourists. Located behind the Pier One Hotel in the Rocks, just beyond its outdoor dining terrace, this curious time capsule of 1980s zeitgeist goes largely unnoticed. The Manly Wormhole [caption id="attachment_978573" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] At first glance, you might assume this rocky passageway is the work of mother nature, but in fact, the 40-metre tunnel, affectionately known as a Manly Wormhole, was the work of industrious fishermen, who chiseled their way between the headland separating Queenscliff and Freshwater beaches more than a century ago. While you can now make your way between these two popular beaches by cutting through suburban streets, a minor scramble over the rocks north of Manly beach is well worth the effort to retrace the steps of the sailors who once relied upon this thoroughfare in decades past. Provided the weather is dry (rains and high winds can make the journey to the wormhole dangerously slippery), the best time to visit is early in the morning, as the sun's first rays are peeking over the Pacific horizon. A Sydney By Kayak Dawn Harbour Tour [caption id="attachment_978633" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Perishan Tan[/caption] By day, Sydney Harbour is constantly crisscrossed by commuter-packed ferries, giant cruise ships and private pleasure craft out for a salty spin. However, before the sun rises, these usually busy waters are as calm as a mill pond. A Sydney By Kayak dawn tour grants you rare perspective on the big blue heart of the city, as well as the masterful feat of engineering that spans it as you paddle beneath the Harbour Bridge. Husband-and-wife team Laura and Ben Stone run these daily dawn tours which depart from Lavender Bay just before sun-up. After coffees have been distributed, it's time to paddle around Luna Park and into prime position in the middle of the harbour to witness the day's first rays gleaming off the sails of the Sydney Opera House. Q Station Ghost Tour Are you brave enough to enter Australia's most haunted bathroom? Visitors and paranormal investigators alike have experienced sinister and inexplicable events while visiting the infamous Grave Digger's Cottage at Q Station, the nation's oldest quarantine facility, perched on the rocky cliffs of North Head. Established in 1833, the site was once used to isolate incoming immigrants, many of whom were afflicted by contagious diseases, including the Spanish flu — the disease that led to the last major global pandemic between 1918 and 1921. As well as the petrifying plumbing of the aforementioned cottage, the bone-chilling after-dark tour takes visitors through the eerie, preserved buildings and grounds, where paranormal activity is said to be rife. Guides share chilling stories of their own ghostly encounters and mysterious occurrences, as well as the darker histories of the station, which operated until 1984 before becoming a heritage-protected site. Luke's Table at the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout Luke's Table, nestled within the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon, offers a dining experience with a difference. Located in the pylon lookout in the southeast tower of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, overlooking the Sydney Opera House, this unique restaurant combines the rich history of one of nation's most recognisable monuments with modern Australian cuisine. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while savouring a menu inspired by local ingredients by Luke Mangan, one of Australia's most revered chefs. The panoramic views of the harbour waters and city skyline provide an unforgettable backdrop for a one-of-a-kind feed. The hidden meditation chamber at Sydney Modern Known as The Spirit House, this tranquil, immersive space serves as a cultural sanctuary, tucked quietly away through a leafy garden just outside the Sydney Modern Project building at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Designed by artist Lee Mingwei, this permanent installation blends art and spirituality, inviting visitors to pause and reflect. The space is a round, sandstone chamber with a simple bench and a Buddha statue, creating a meditative environment that highlights the ways contemporary creation and historical storytelling can intertwine. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Wildflower Garden Located in Sydney's northern suburbs, this vibrant natural haven is a floral wonderland. The reserve is renowned for its spectacular wildflower displays, particularly in spring when native species like wattles, banksias and grevilleas bloom, creating dynamic ecosystems for animals, insects and birds. Spanning over 15,000 hectares, the wider national park is popular with hikers, nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, offering scenic walking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding bushland and waterways. The Wildflower Garden plays a vital role in preserving Sydney's diverse plant life and providing an accessible escape into nature just a short drive from the city. Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour Of course you've seen the world's most famous building and you may have even ventured inside for a show or concert. However, learning the masterful feats of engineering that brought this iconic structure into being can totally transform your appreciation for the national treasure that is the Sydney Opera House. This behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most recognisible cultural landmarks takes in hidden spaces, typically off-limits to the public, while an expert guide explains the intricacies of running a multi-venue site. The tour reveals the inner workings including the dressing rooms, green rooms and rehearsal spaces where performers prepare for shows. The tour culminates with spectacular views of the illuminated Opera House sails and the waters of Sydney harbour beyond. Taste Cultural Food Tours [caption id="attachment_978701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Sydney[/caption] Taste Cultural Food Tours offer a unique culinary journey through the city's vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods. These guided tours provide an immersive experience, allowing participants to sample a diverse array of dishes from local eateries, markets and hidden gems. From the rich flavors of Asian cuisine in Haymarket to Mediterranean delicacies in Leichhardt, each tour highlights the influence of different diasporas on Sydney's food scene. While you taste your way around the city, your guide will share the history and traditions behind the dishes, making it an educational and delicious adventure. Taste Cultural Food Tours offer a rich and authentic way to explore the city's diverse and delicious heritage. The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo This is a five-star stay like no other. This eco-luxury experience allows visitors to stay overnight within the zoo's serene natural surroundings. This plush hotel combines conservation with comfort, offering unique accommodation overlooking a private habitat filled with native wildlife, including trees where koalas snooze right outside the window of each suite. The experience includes guided tours and a looks behind-the-scenes before the zoo opens to the public. If your budget can't stretch to a night a night at the Wildlife Retreat, the popular Roar and Snore glamping experience also offers visitors the chance to sleep within the ground of the zoo for a lower price tag. Auburn Botanic Gardens [caption id="attachment_978721" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] This peaceful 9.2-hectare oasis offers a stunning variety of landscapes and plant collections to explore. The garden features diverse themed areas, including a Japanese Garden, featuring koi ponds and traditional pagodas, a tropical rainforest, and a rose garden. The tranquil setting is perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or birdwatching, with native and exotic plants thriving throughout the year. The gardens are also home to wildlife, including waterfowl and colorful parrots. Lilypad Palm Beach One more the most unusual and luxurious stays in Sydney can be found bobbing gently on tranquil waves of Pittwater overlooking the Palm Beach peninsula. This floating villa offers the ultimate retreat, far from the noise of the city. The original Lilypad tragically burned down in 2018, but the owners quickly rebuilt, adding additional features on the way including an infrared sauna and outdoor shower. The villa sleeps two guests overnight or can be hired out for a fancy function. Camping on Cockatoo Island [caption id="attachment_884665" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Located just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, this harbour island combines a rich and checkered history with natural beauty. Visitors can camp under the stars on the island's waterfront or in the sheltered camping area, surrounded by old dock cranes and buildings that speak to the island's past as a convict prison and industrial site. The campsite provides basic amenities and visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, cycling and stargazing, as well as guided tours. A Sydney Seaplanes Aerial Tour [caption id="attachment_800090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Discover a thrilling and unique way to see the city's stunning landmarks from above. Taking off from Rose Bay, passengers enjoy birds-eye views of Sydney's iconic sights, including the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. The tour provides an unforgettable perspective of the city's beaches, lush parks, and sparkling waters. Expert pilots offer commentary, sharing fascinating insights about the city's past as well as the history of aviation in Sydney. O Bar Australia Square The revolving restaurant at Sydney Tower, Infinity, is well known to Sydneysiders. However, there is another revolving venue in the CBD that is often overlooked. Perched on floor 47 of the Harry Siedler-designed tower at Australia Square, O Bar rotates 360 degrees over the course of an hour, allowing diners to enjoy ever-changing vistas of landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Visitors can either stop in for a drink — order the martini and enjoy the spectacle of having your glass chilled with liquid nitrogen tableside — or a sit-down meal, featuring modern Australian cuisine. The Library Bar at the State Library of NSW This rooftop bar at the State Library of New South Wales offers a stylish and relaxed setting with sweeping views of Sydney's skyline and historic Macquarie Street. Located atop the library, the bar is part of the library's modern renovations, providing a unique blend of culture and leisure. Patrons can enjoy a curated selection of drinks, including cocktails, local wines, and craft beers, while taking in stunning vistas of nearby landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. Boat Harbour at Kurnell Boat Harbour at Kurnell, located in Sydney's southern suburbs, is a picturesque and peaceful coastal spot offering stunning views of Botany Bay. This serene beach is popular for its calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. The surrounding area features sandy shores, rocky outcrops, and lush greenery, perfect for relaxing or enjoying nature walks. Boat Harbour holds historical significance as part of the site where Captain Cook first landed in 1770. The nearby Kurnell National Park adds to the area's natural charm, offering visitors a tranquil escape within easy reach of Sydney's bustling city center. The Tiger Encounter at Sydney Zoo Feeding the tigers at Sydney Zoo near Blacktown in Sydney's far west is an exciting and educational experience that allows visitors to get up close with these magnificent predators. During the Tiger Encounter, participants have the rare opportunity to feed the zoo's Sumatran tigers, under the guidance of experienced zookeepers. As the tigers demonstrate their hunting instincts, guests learn about their behaviour, conservation efforts and the threats they face in the wild. The encounter offers a unmatched way to connect with these endangered animals while supporting the zoo's important conservation work. Phoenix Central Park This stunning cultural and architectural hotspot is located in the heart of Chippendale. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the building blends art, design, and sustainability, with a striking combination of modern apartments, art spaces, and a public park. The centerpiece of Phoenix Central Park is the beautifully landscaped rooftop garden, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline. What also stands Phoenix Central Park apart from other entertainment venues in Sydney is its ticket prices: every performance staged here is free. Prospective concertgoers need to apply for a seat via a lottery system, which during these time of soaring living costs, is music to our ears.
For animal-lovers, one silver lining of the pandemic-era cloud was all the adorable live-streams that made their way into our feeds. Watching cute critters all day, everyday, became a favourite pastime, thanks to various zoos and aquariums around Australia and beyond. After all, what better way to brighten your mood than to lose a few minutes, hours or days to some adorable creatures on screen? Fast-forward to now and Melburnians — or anyone interested in the city's birdlife, really — again have something special to watch. This live-stream isn't actually new, but it's particularly relevant at this time of year. Thanks to a camera on 367 Collins Street in the CBD, you can train your peepers on two rare peregrine falcons nesting on a high-up ledge outside the building. You're able to give them a squizz any time you like, but from August onwards each year (aka now) is when you'll see them lay and hatch their chicks. At the moment, the eggs are already there, so you'll spy a whole lot of sitting atop them as the feathered couple waits for their progeny to hatch into the world. Once they've arrived, you'll also see vision of the parents bringing food back to the nest for their little ones to eat. For a peek at all the action, head to the Mirvac building's website. For those visiting the high-rise itself, the CCTV footage of the falcons is also on display in the foyer. This particular nest comes with quite the history, too, as peregrine falcons have been nesting at 367 Collins Street since way back in 1991. This is actually the only known peregrine falcon nesting site within the Melbourne CBD, which obviously makes it extra special. Check out the live-stream below: For more information about 367 Collins Street's peregrine falcons and their nest, head to the 367 Collins website and the 367 Collins Falcon Watchers Facebook page.
After decades of revolving buffet and dining experiences that catered more to tourists than Sydneysiders, Sydney Tower (or Centrepoint Tower, for those with longer memories) has unveiled a bold new culinary direction for its 81st-floor dining room. Infinity by Mark Best is the new sky-high fine diner overlooking the city, bringing one of Australia's most celebrated chefs to one of Sydney's most iconic locations. Infinity marks a return to the kitchen for Best, whose internationally acclaimed Surry Hills fine diner Marque shuttered in 2016. At Infinity, he'll lead the kitchen daily, overseeing a menu of exclusively Australian produce. Best's opening menu is a showcase of the creativity and precision that are synonymous with his name — snacks and starters include South Coast sea urchin crumpets, potato and duck liver fritters and Abrolhos Island scallops with parmesan gnocchi and a zingy hot and sour sauce. Mains are just as inventive — grilled trout from the Snowy River is served with cultured cream and horseradish, while the gentle marbling of roast Margra lamb neck is given an earthy, umami edge with new potatoes, wakame and pickled radish. "Infinity by Mark Best is an opportunity to define what Australian dining can truly be: delicious, contemporary, culturally resonant, and grounded in ingredients and identity," says Best. "I want to tell a story of place, memory and innovation — to express who I am, and who we are — on a plate. I want to explore the evolving story of Australian cuisine, drawing on memory, transforming the familiar, and crafting a dining experience that connects land, culture and imagination in a setting unlike any other, 81 floors above the city that shaped me." The chef has also had a hand in curating the wine list alongside sommelier Polly Mackarel — and this, too, is an all-Australian affair, with picks spanning legacy vineyards and new-wave producers, as well as a generous selection of pours by the glass. Cocktails also have an Australian accent, from the Karu gin-backed martini garnished with olives from Toolunka Estate, to a sweet and smoky margarita featuring Act of Treason blanco agave, wild honey from the Blue Mountains, Geraldton wax and finger lime. The fitout is deliberately restrained — after all, the view does much of the heavy lifting here. The 90-seat dining room is anchored by subdued navy, charcoal and timber notes, accented with polished brass and soft amber glass. It's all designed to let the food — and that view — take centre stage. And with one of the country's most acclaimed chefs at the helm, there's no doubt that the dining room at the top of the town is now firmly back in the spotlight.
