Sonoma sourdough may be a staple on breakfast menus throughout the city, but if you want to try its signature miche loaf, slow fermented baguettes or flaky pastries you'll need to head straight to the source. Of the nine outposts in the Sonoma family (and five market stalls), the Alexandria one remains the most impressive. Set within a converted warehouse, the shopfront boasts high, slanted ceilings and a sleek monochrome fit-out, with shelves stocked with loaves like a gallery for gluten. If you need more than just a loaf of bread, Sonoma also offers up a range of pies which have earned a reputation right across the state. The beer braised chicken leak and potato pie is perfectly spiced while the chunky beef pie is exactly the classic pie you're after and goes well drenched in tomato sauce. For vegetarians there's an eggplant parmi pie or a verde quiche, and if you're just after a humble sausage roll its pork option is everything you could ask for and more.
You wouldn't expect to find a cocktail bar and dining haven hidden away between a supermarket and a library, but that's exactly where you'll find Little Jean. From the elegant, ever-changing fresh flower arrangements on entry to the denim-overall-apron sporting waitstaff, this Double Bay hot spot excels in both design and service. Book in for leisurely lunch and dine on wagyu skirt steak with smoked truffle butter; or snapper belly with bacon dashi, pearl barley and a soft egg. Afterwards, order a chocolate fondant, or go for a peppy liquid dessert, and order a Little Jean Salted Caramel Espresso Martini.
Delivery service apps like UberEats continue to rise in Australia and New Zealand, claiming exclusivity deals with everything from major grocery stores to hardware giants. Yep, hardware, you read it right. The latest Australian megastore to join the order-to-your-door offer posed by Uber Eats is the home of things home and garden — Bunnings. Following a successful Victorian pilot program in January, the nationwide rollout will begin in 15 locations across Australia, with plans to expand further and over to New Zealand throughout the year. The partnership will give eligible customers access to 60-minute guaranteed deliveries of over 30,000 items from the Bunnings catalogue — including lawn mowers, power washers, pet food, gardening equipment, DIY products, nuts, bolts and packing boxes. Bunnings COO, Ryan Baker, told 9Honey that the partnership will "offer customers another convenient way to shop a wide range of products from Bunnings, delivered directly to their home or worksite via the Uber Eats app. While many customers enjoy visiting our stores to browse and get advice in person, we know there are times when convenience and speed are the priority." [caption id="attachment_1076390" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ceri Breeze via iStock[/caption] "This partnership complements our existing delivery options and helps us better understand how customers want to shop with Bunnings," Baker added. Lucas Groeneveld, General Manager of Uber Eats APAC, said in a press release, "From last-minute DIY fixes and garden projects, to preparing for a BBQ or keeping a work site moving, this partnership makes it easier than ever for customers to get what they need, delivered on demand, whatever the occasion." Bunnings joins a mix of other non-edible delivery partners on Uber Eats, including Pet Barn, Officeworks and EB Games. If you're wondering, though, Bunnings snags are not included in the delivery service — you'll still have to get those yourself. Check to see if your local Bunnings delivers via UberEats here, more stores are expected to roll out later in 2026. Images: iStock
There aren't many things that Sydney likes more than a rooftop bar. Sipping an ice-cold cocktail high above the city on a sunny day — does it get much better? Luckily, we've got plenty of top-notch options, and another is set to launch on Thursday, November 2 with CBD hotel Kimpton Margot opening Harper Rooftop Bar. The lavish boutique-meets-luxury accommodation already boasts plenty of top-notch dining spots including Luke Mangan's Luke's Kitchen and lobby cocktail haven The Wilmot Bar. Now, Harper is joining in on the fun with a summer-ready drinks list, a colourful fitout, a sky-high pool and more Mangan snacks. "We've created a delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu full of small, share-style plates using fresh, local produce and plenty of amazing seafood — the perfect combo to celebrate the warm summer days," says Mangan. As for the drinks menu, it's been injected with a whole lot of fun. Alongside classic cocktails and a robust wine selection, there are boozy slushies on offer ready to cool you down on a warm December day. And, if you feel like frosé is so 2019, Harper Rooftop Bar is mixing things up with frozen riesling (or friesling). Kimpton claims that this is Sydney CBD's biggest rooftop bar, with the expansive L-shaped space set up to accommodate everything from intimate after-work drinks to large group events. Surrounded by Sydney's mass of inner-city high-rises, the new seventh-floor venue boasts plenty of greenery, bright pod seating and long group dining tables. You'll also find the hotel's swimming pool perched above the bar, calling out for hotel guests to enjoy a poolside martini during their stay. As the silly season kicks off, keep an eye on the bar's Instagram, with the rooftop expected to host plenty of crowd-pleasing events throughout spring and summer. Harper Rooftop Bar will open on the seventh floor of Kimpton Margot Sydney, 339 Pitt Street, Sydney on Thursday, November 2. Images: Dexter Kim.
Sometimes, we all need a break from the traffic, hustle and breakneck pace of the city. So it's a good thing that in Sydney, you don't need to go far to find a peaceful retreat in nature. We've picked out nine of our favourite strolls in and around the city where you can unplug from the office, detach from your screen and indulge in an afternoon of blissful calm this season. Recommended reads: The Best Coastal Walks in Sydney The Best Bike Rides in and Around Sydney The Best Mountain Walks Near Sydney [caption id="attachment_650370" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NSW Parks[/caption] For Northern Strolls: Barrenjoey Lighthouse This dreamy, water-encircled walk takes you to Sydney's northernmost point: Palm Beach's Barrenjoey Lighthouse, built in 1881. There are two walking trails that will get you there. Most people choose the easy route: a gentle, one-kilometre climb called the Access Trail. However, a few adventurous types tackle the Smugglers Track: a shorter, steeper scramble, following a trail built in 1850 to keep an eye out for waterborne smugglers. Perched 91 metres above sea level, the lighthouse has 360-degree views of the Central Coast, Broken Bay and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Extend your walk by strolling down to Palm Beach and finish off with a refreshing dip. [caption id="attachment_790749" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Malabar Headland; Chad Weston via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] For Views of Botany Bay: Maroubra to Malabar The Western Escarpment Walking Track in the Malabar Headland National Park is a one-kilometre walkway that connects Pioneers Park in Malabar with Arthur Byrne Reserve in South Maroubra. The Sydney walking track cuts through bushland and, at its highest point, affords some stunning views across the beach, the headland and Botany Bay. It runs along the western edge of the Malabar Headland Rifle Range — but outside it, rather than within it. So, you don't have to worry about shooting days spoiling your fun, and you can go sauntering seven days a week, 365 days a year. [caption id="attachment_790746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John-Yurasek via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] For Echidnas and Secret Beaches: North Head The historical, ten-kilometre North Head walk may contain a driving path, but the true beauty of this trail is seen through the dirt road bushwalk. Beginning at North Head Sanctuary, walk through the former North Head Army Barracks before heading out into the bush. Echidnas and bandicoots lurk in the burnt orange and yellow brush before the wild path opens suddenly to a mix of coastal views. The best views are located at the Third Quarantine Station Cemetery, which looks across to Middle Head and Manly, and the Fairfax Walk, which offers an expansive lookout point across the Tasman Sea. From here, it's easy to end your afternoon at Manly Beach, stopping at Collins Flat Beach and Little Manly Beach along the way. [caption id="attachment_781775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] For a Walk Through History: Middle Head While the multiple World War II batteries located at Middle Head certainly set this walk apart, it's the expansive views of the eastern suburbs, Middle Harbour and Manly that really make this trek worthwhile. The two-kilometre circuit is bordered by the North and South Heads, and set along sheer cliffs. Climbing through underground tunnels and gun pits on the edge of the coast is a big part of the thrill here. You'll find these ruins throughout the Middle Head Fortification, and the surrounding cliffs give the remnants an eerie and significant impact. After your walk, head to nearby Cobblers Beach to unwind. Following a six-year project, work was finally completed on extending the track to meet the Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk in March 2025. Now, you'll find even better harbour views and improved access to the region's historic military structures. [caption id="attachment_781773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] For Harbour Views: Spit Bridge to Manly When it comes to the best Sydney walks, this ten-kilometre coastal walk is a favourite with tourists. Begin at Mosman's Spit Bridge, where you'll follow the Middle and North Harbour shoreline paths along Fisher Bay to Clontarf Beach. From here, you'll enter the Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock, and later hit Grotto Point, where you can view Indigenous rock engravings. Gorgeous views at Arabanoo Lookout and plenty of beachside walks are also on the docket. Finish off with a dip at Manly Beach before taking that picturesque ferry ride back to Circular Quay. If ten kilometres isn't enough for you, the track continues down to Chowder Bay and can be linked up with the Bradleys Head track too. [caption id="attachment_790748" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Yurasek via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] For a Little Bit of Everything: Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head An odyssey of a walk, Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head gives you everything our coastline has to offer. For 18 glorious kilometres (one way), the trail weaves through the secret beaches, harbour pools, rocky headlands and spectacular viewing points of the Eastern Suburbs. On the way, you'll catch unmatched views of the Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Nielsen Park, Double Bay and Vaucluse House. Finish with a clothes-free dip at Lady Bay Beach — which became perhaps Sydney's first nudist beach in 1976 — and a sunset picnic next to South Head's red-and-white striped Hornby Lighthouse. [caption id="attachment_781767" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund via Destination NSW[/caption] For the Classic Sydney Stroll: Bondi to Coogee The Bondi to Coogee walk is easily Sydney's most iconic walking trail. This six-kilometre trek gives tourists and locals alike a true sense of Sydney's coastal beauty. The hike's steep gradients are well spaced and hit each of the city's most-loved beaches along the way, making this trip part-workout, part-beach bum afternoon. Apart from the namesake beaches, the Sydney walking trail also hits Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly. While the walk can be completed in as little as two hours, it is best enjoyed with long breaks by the ocean. Keep an eye out for the announcement of the next instalment of the trail's popular Sculpture by the Sea — the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world. [caption id="attachment_749647" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] For an Out-of-Town Adventure: Kiama Coast Make a proper escape from the city on the Kiama Coast Walk. This 2o kilometres of unspoilt South Coastal brilliance stretches between the Minnamurra River mouth in the north and the cute town of Gerringong in the south. On this stunning Sydney walk, you'll visit wild surf beaches, rock formations, wetlands and, of course, the famous Kiama blowhole. Then there's the volcanic formations at Cathedral Rocks, the basalt columns at the Bombo Headland and the stunning Werri Beach to look forward to. There are train stations at both ends too, so it's easy to get to and from the city. [caption id="attachment_781778" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory via Destination NSW[/caption] For Picnics With a View: Balls Head Reserve Set on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, Balls Head Reserve affords exceptional views of the Harbour Bridge from the north, along with unbeatable picnic views overlooking the CBD. The reserve offers several bushwalking tracks (including one with wheelchair access), and highlights include an Indigenous waterhole and foreshore caves cut by squatters in the 1930s. Once you're done exploring, head to the secluded park where public barbecues are at the ready. When you've finished grilling up your snags, hop back over to the rocky area and enjoy your picnic while watching the harbour boats mosey by. Top image: Destination NSW.
Based in Blacktown, Gursha has been offering authentic Ethiopian cuisine favourites to patrons since 2017. The wot (curry) delivers on your spicy cravings. It's a complex curry simmered with traditional spices and herbs, usually served with chicken drumsticks, tender lean beef or red lentils. You'll devour it with moreish injera, a spongy, sour fermented flatbread that is a staple with all Ethiopian meals. You can also try the injera in ferfere, where it's chopped up and tossed through a fried beef stew. If you're after something spicier, be sure to order the special kitfo. It consists of raw lean beef, tossed in a spiced butter that's laden with cardamom, fenugreek, berbere spice mix and kalonji (nigella seeds), and mitmita (spicy chillies). It's served with sides of kale and cottage cheese to take the edge off. In Ethiopia, kitfo is often enjoyed for special occasions. Here, you can order it any night of the week. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
In 2019, just one Australian bar made it into the World's 50 Best Bars list: Maybe Sammy. This year, not only has the innovative bar in The Rocks made the list again, it has jumped 32 places to number 11 — and it's joined by two more Sydney spots. Laneway mezcal bar — and one of Concrete Playground's favourite openings of 2019 — Cantina OK! came in at number 28, while Bulletin Place, which has made the list many times during its eight-year life, came in 39. If you've been looking for an excuse to spend a night drinking cocktails in the city, this is it. With many Sydneysiders WFH during the pandemic, CBD bars have done it tough, with some venues reporting drops in revenue of 40 percent and more. Now, it's more important than ever to go out and support them (in a COVID-safe way, of course). For those yet to be acquainted with Maybe Sammy, its luxurious styling nods to old-school Vegas glamour, all blush pink velvet banquettes and lush indoor greenery, while the list of theatrical signature drinks pays homage to the classics. Cocktails are served with the likes of scent-filled pillows, hand cream and rosemary bubbles. The latter, comes atop the much-Instagrammed Dunes cocktail, pictured below, which is a delicate balance of gin, fino sherry, watermelon and agave. [caption id="attachment_788842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dunes cocktail at Maybe Sammy by DS Oficina[/caption] While Sydney cleaned up in the top 50, only Melbourne venues (from Australia) featured in the 51–100 list, which was announced late last week. Fitzroy bar The Everleigh snagged the 73 spot, while newer CBD haunt Byrdi came in at 80. Petite Collingwood bar Above Board followed not too far behind at number 84 and the long-running Black Pearl — which has scooped a spot in the Top 50 list numerous times throughout the award's 12-year history — was voted in at 98. The annual World's 50 Best Bars awards are voted on by over 540 bar industry experts from around the world, including bartenders, consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists. You can check out the full lineup of the World's 50 Best Bars 2020 here, and see 51–100 here. Top image: Cantina OK! by Kimberley Low
Wyong's ninth annual Love Lanes Festival is back next month, celebrating love, community, and local talent. Located in the heart of Wyong, the town centre will come alive with romance and enchantment on Saturday, February 7, from 4pm, helping you warm up ahead of Valentine's Day one week later. The event includes four love-themed lanes and five stages featuring market stalls, live global music, dance performances, roving entertainers, and aerial circus acts. The vibrant local laneways will come alive with culture and festivities for this one-night-only event. What's on? Whether you make it a date with your partner or take the whole family, you can expect Wyong's secret gardens to be transformed into a magical dreamscape, featuring lantern-lit pathways, lush greenery, hidden surprises, immersive art installations, and captivating local performances. Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) is taking over the Whimsical Garden at Love Lanes with street dance, DJ and freestyle workshops as well as karaoke and open mic sessions. Receive a free flower tattoo and garden-themed art therapy at this community-driven pop-up. On the Bendigo Bank main stage, after a Welcome to Country, Central Coast singer Alana Suzanne kicks off the live music for the evening. Alana is followed by pop artists, Theeth at 4.50pm, Ama at 5.55pm, Wollongong band, Cheeky Leash at 7pm and Māori artist Kira Puru will close out the main stage from 8pm. More live music comes in the form of Brazilian Drumming Jam Party with Marina Da Silva. Drums will be available for you to join in and jam along with, a live saxophone and DJ Charlotiina keeping everyone dancing. If you're feeling the love from all of the romance in the air, Yes Lane, presented by Optus, encourages you to step up to the Yes Chapel to renew your wedding vows or celebrate a cherished friendship. A fun, non-denominational officiant will lead a short ceremony (complete with a bell ring) to celebrate your love story. Take home a keepsake at the photo booth — complete with your personalised vows on the back. Encouraging a bit of community love, Finding Love In All The Wyong Places at McKinnon Hall features art pieces created by Central Coast artists expressing what they love about their local area. You can purchase artworks from the artists themselves, as well as have the opportunity to make your own piece of community-love self-expression. From 7pm the beloved love-themed poetry slam will be going down so get ready to feel all the warm and fuzzies. The afternoon will also feature talented Central Coast makers, such as artist Tomoko Oka's live calligraphy performance, as well as mouth-watering global cuisines, refreshing drinks, and market stalls. Getting to the event Given its central location, visitors are advised to use public transport to reach the festival. It's just 300 metres away from Wyong's central train station so you can make the most of your time at Love Lanes Festival and spend less time trying to find a car park. With all venues and events just a short stroll away from each other, this local love festival is one to add to your February calendar. Find out more information at Love Lanes Festival. Image credit: Supplied
Nestled at the south end of Darling Harbour is Tumablong Park. The five-hectare, waterside park offers a pocket of serenity, despite being right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city. Brimming with water features, sprawling play areas and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Tumbalong is frequented by families, culture seekers and tourists alike. In summer, you can cool off at one of the water features or sit under the shade on a deck chair. If you're looking for fun, head to the huge playground or to the communal (free) ping pong tables. There's an old-school carousel within the park, too. For something more tranquil, stroll through the Chinese Garden. There, you'll find waterfalls, sculptures, lakes and local wildlife, such as koi swimming in the ponds, water dragons and lots of colourful birds. While the rest of the park is free, entry to the Chinese Garden of Friendship ranges between $3–6. Tumbalong Park is right by Sydney's International Convention Centre and is surrounded by a bunch of cafes and restaurants. Plus, it's easily accessed by bus, ferry, light rail or train (less than a ten-minute walk from Town Hall Station).
When it comes to eating out, we're spoilt for choice at every turn. Choosing where to eat is a difficult choice relegated to only the most decisive of friends. But, even so, sometimes you want to cook something at home. With that in mind, we annoyed the Porteño team to give us a recipe. So they relented and told us how make their insanely good, crispy brussels sprouts. You can make 'em too! PORTEÑO'S CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS Serves eight 2kg brussels sprouts, cut in half 150g lentils 1 bunch of mint 1 bunch of continental parsley river salt flakes cottonseed oil (for deep frying) For dressing 2 tbls hot English mustard 100ml vincotto 200ml EVOO salt and pepper to taste Cook lentils in simmering water until tender, drain and set aside. Whisk all ingredients for dressing together. Trim ends and remove outer leaves of Brussels sprouts then cut in half lengthways. Heat cottonseed oil to 180˚ in a heavy based saucepan. Deep fry brussels sprouts in batches until golden and crispy. When done, drain on paper towel then place in a large bowl. Season with river salt flakes, add dressing, mint, parsley and lentils and toss to coat. Updated: December 24, 2017. This article was originally published in the lead-up to Taste of Sydney 2016.
When it's hot and humid you'll find us hurling ourselves into the nearest water source to take the heat off. And after the past couple of years we've all had, we're pretty keen to cool off somewhere extra special in 2022. One place that is overflowing with waterfalls and crystal clear freshwater swimming holes is Tropical North Queensland. Autumn is the perfect time to see the rainforest and its waterfalls truly thrive thanks to higher rainfall. From natural rock waterslides to rope swings in the Daintree, there's no shortage of incredible ways to make a splash and extend your summer in the north this year. Just make sure you always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and steer clear of out of bounds zones, flooded waters or dangerous areas so you're always swimming safely. [caption id="attachment_830046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SLIDE DOWN A NATURAL WATERSLIDE AT JOSEPHINE FALLS When you drive 75 kilometres south of Cairns to Josephine Falls, you'll quickly realise why this picturesque playground is so popular among locals and tourists. Located in Wooroonooran National Park, which is home to the Noongyanbudda Ngadjon people, this incredible waterfall cascades through World Heritage-listed rainforest near Queensland's highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere. From the carpark, you'll wander 600 metres through lush rainforest before reaching the viewing decks that overlook the falls. Here, you can take a few snaps of the incredible view before making your way down to the water peppered with smooth boulders for you to perch on — then it's time to get wet. If you're feeling adventurous, have a crack at the natural waterslide in the main pool. Or, if you like to take your swimming at a slower pace, there's plenty of space to float about in the rejuvenating water fresh from the mountain. [caption id="attachment_830048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] HIKE THROUGH AN INCREDIBLE NATIONAL PARK TO CLAMSHELL FALLS If you want to get properly warmed up before jumping into fresh rainforest water, take the track through Behana Gorge to discover the impressive swimming spot that is Clamshell Falls. Situated 30 minutes drive south of Cairns, the track winds its way alongside a babbling creek for 3.5 kilometres before opening up to a dreamy dip destination. The waterfall itself acts as an active backdrop to the gentler swimming hole that sits below. The incline of the walk can be challenging in parts which means it's likely there won't be too many people around. Just make sure you take all your essential items with you as there are no amenities when you're this deep into the jungle. [caption id="attachment_830044" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET UNDERNEATH THRIVING FALLS IN THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS If seeing one waterfall in a day isn't enough, head to the highlands to experience the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit. With a bunch of tumbling waterfalls and vast crater lakes to explore, the trip up the mountain range to these rainforest delights is essential Tropical North Queensland travel. Take the Gillies Highway from Cairns to Crater Lakes National Park to dive into Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham. Unlike their explosive origins, these water-filled volcanic craters are ideal for a serene morning float. Next, drive to the nearby town of Millaa Millaa to find out why its eponymously named falls are one of the most photographed cascades in the country. Have a soak in the swimming hole at the base of Millaa Millaa Falls or get underneath its 18-metre drop to have your very own rainforest shower. And, if more waterfall action is what your heart desires, visit nearby Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls to round out the circuit. [caption id="attachment_830047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SWING INTO THE PRISTINE WATERS OF THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST Willing to head off the beaten track to find a quality swimming hole? Then head a couple of hours north of Cairns to beat the heat at Emmagen Creek. You'll bounce down an unsealed road to reach this picturesque pool located five kilometres north of Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park. From the carpark, head toward the Emmagen Creek road crossing and take the track on the left-hand side to the swimming section of the creek located a few hundred metres upstream. If the water is high, consider plonking yourself in the clear rainforest water via the rope swing. Or, clamber down the twisting tree roots to enter the freshwater swimming hole slowly and try to spot a cassowary from the creek. [caption id="attachment_830054" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] BE SPOILED FOR CHOICE AT CRYSTAL CASCADES When you want to get wet on a whim in Tropical North Queensland, head to Crystal Cascades. This stunning swimming spot is a popular place for locals to plunge and it's located only a 20-minute drive from the Cairns CBD. Crystal Cascades boasts a series of swimming holes and waterfalls that tumble down the mountain in a section of Freshwater Creek. If you don't feel like walking far, cool off in one of the cascade's lower pools. Or, if you're keen for a longer stroll, head to the top to take a dip at the larger waterfall at the track's end. The arching rainforest canopy provides for shady swimming and the granite boulder-filled creek helps to keep the pools cool year-round. There are picnic tables and barbecue facilities available too, so pack yourself some seasonal tropical fruit to refuel after all your waterfall exploration. [caption id="attachment_830049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SPEND THE NIGHT CAMPING AT DAVIES CREEK Drifting off to sleep to the sound of falling water doesn't have to be created through a mindfulness app and your imagination when you're in Tropical North Queensland. If you head to Davies Creek National Park and Dinden National Park, you can listen to the sounds of an actual babbling creek situated right next to your campsite. To get there, drive an hour west of Cairns and then pitch a tent at either the Lower Davies Creek or Upper Davies Creek campsites. Then, spend a couple of days exploring the hikes, mountain bike trails and waterfalls throughout the neighbouring parks. Just make sure you book your campsite in advance as there are only eight spots available at each campground. [caption id="attachment_832593" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] EXPLORE THE JUNGLE AT STONEY CREEK In the rainforest at the back of Cairns, you'll find locals cooling off at much-loved swimming hole Stoney Creek. Whether you want a quick dip not too far from town or to hike your way to a waterfall further afield, this series of private swimming holes has all your swim cravings covered. It's just a short walk from the carpark in Barron Gorge National Park to the first pool perched underneath a small footbridge. Swim here or continue down the left side of the creek adjacent track past a series of swimming spots before reaching the spilling waters at Old Weir Falls. If you're keen for even more mountain action, head back to the footbridge after a swim at the falls and take the right side track up to Glacier Rock. [caption id="attachment_832594" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] DIVE INTO THE MAGIC OF FAIRY FALLS If you make your way to Crystal Cascades, it's worth checking out its little sister swimming spot located close by, too. Tucked away in the dense rainforest next door to the cascades, you'll soon realise what's so magical about Fairy Falls. Take the track to the left of the carpark at Crystal Cascades to make your way to the mystical falls a 15-minute walk away. The narrow waterfall shoots into a clear blue swimming hole and the log wedged in the centre of its stream makes it easy to imagine fairies frolicking in this picture-perfect rainforest pool. Just make sure you follow the path along the creek when you're trying to find this veiled treasure — the alternative track at the fork won't lead you to the magical place you're seeking. [caption id="attachment_832597" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raging Thunder Adventures[/caption] FLOAT DOWN THE TULLY RIVER TO PONYTAIL FALLS A couple of hours south of Cairns is where you'll find the spectacular sights of Tully Gorge National Park. The Tully River churns its way down the mountain creating rapids and world-class white water rafting throughout this stunning gorge. But it's not all rough and tumble in at every turn along this river. You have two options to find Ponytail Falls — by car or by raft with Raging Thunder Adventures. For drivers, follow signs to Cardstone Weir until you spot the number 11 painted on the road. Then, take a short stroll through the rainforest to uncover the hair-like spout that spills into pale blue water below. Or, if you want to see the falls from a raft, sign up to a white water rafting adventure and a guide will take you there via wet and wild rapids. Ready to extend your summer by soaking up waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes in Tropical North Queensland? For more information and to book your holiday in the tropics, visit the website. Top images: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Jed Kurzel boasts one of the most-enviable recent resumes in Australia's film industry. It was back in 2011 that the founding member of The Mess Hall added a haunting layer to Snowtown, the first feature directed by his elder brother Justin, via its score. The pair have worked together on every one of Justin's films since. But Jed doesn't just have the sounds of stunning Shakespeare adaptation Macbeth, game-to-screen flick Assassin's Creed, the dark-but-playful True History of the Kelly Gang, the complicated Nitram and the upcoming The Order to his name. Jennifer Kent's The Babadook and The Nightingale, Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant, Dev Patel's feature directorial debut Monkey Man: he has scored them all as well. With a filmography that also hops from The Turning, All This Mayhem and Slow West to Overlord, Seberg and Encounter — plus Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities on the small screen — it might seem an impossible task to pick favourites. Even whittling down what to talk about at Kurzel's Screen Commentary session at SXSW Sydney 2024, where he's chatting through his work, might sound difficult. But ask him which of his projects stand out, as Concrete Playground did, and he has answers, even if he notes that his responses differ over time. "There's a few. But then they start to change as I go on, because I guess you learn more things, and some films follow a particular style that you might have gotten onto, or a particular thing that I've discovered and I will push that through a few films," he explains. "Snowtown for me is the one that that really stands out, I think because it's the first one and I still get offered films today that have put Snowtown in their temp music, which is the music they put in while they're editing — it's kind of crazy that's it's still being used. So that one particularly, it still pops up. Macbeth as well, I think just because it was the first real string score I've done, orchestral score, and I did it all over in the UK, so I met a lot of people that I'm still collaborating with then and I felt like we were all jumping into this thing together," Kurzel advises. "I think those two stand out for me, and The Babadook." His fruitful career composing for the screen might've come about as one could expect when your brother is a filmmaker — Justin asked him to have a go at scoring Snowtown — but working together and taking this path wasn't a long-held childhood plan. "Never. No, I don't think that we have ever spoken about it. It was just how it worked out," Kurzel notes. "We'd been working together before that, in that he'd been doing the video clips for us and all that kind of stuff. We were always doing things together. So it wasn't like it felt like an 'oh, here we go' kind of thing. It was really just one of those things where we're always a part of what the other was doing." Viewers can be thankful for sibling bonds and the route it has taken Jed down. As brilliant as everything they each splash across the screen is, Snowtown, Macbeth, Nitram, The Babadook, The Nightingale and more wouldn't be the films they are without Kurzel's scores. Ahead of his session at SXSW Sydney, we also chatted to the composer about what sparked his contributions to some of the above films, how collaborating with Justin is different to working with other filmmakers, ensuring that his music isn't commenting on the content of the movies, the influence of genre, challenges he'd like to take on and plenty more. On How Kurzel Began Composing for the Screen "I was touring around with The Mess Hall and I had some time at home. Then Justin, my brother, was doing his first film Snowtown, and he asked me if I'd like to have a go at scoring it because, outside of the things I was doing with the band, I was always messing around with stuff at home. I guess it was more in the film soundtrack kind of land, but I was just doing it for my own enjoyment. And he said 'oh, you know, some of that stuff could work well, all that kind of thing could work well'. And I said 'I've never done that before, so'. And he said 'look, it's fine if it doesn't work, I'll get someone else. But you have a go with it'. So I did and then that was kind of it, it just it snowballed from there. It wasn't something that I had set out to do really. At that point, I was really happy playing music — and playing, actually. But I was missing just being in the room and making music. We were out playing a lot, and it's very hard to make music when you're doing that. So I was missing that at that time — so it came at a perfect time, I think." On Collaborating with Justin on All of His Features So Far — and How It's Different to Working with Other Filmmakers "It is different now, because I think we've developed — I mean, we always had a shorthand, but it feels like it's become even shorter now. We almost hardly ever discuss it while we're doing it. It just happens, in a way, now. We used to take a long time. I'd start really early on his films and it would be this drawn-out process, and sometimes the process could get quite difficult as the edit changed and things like that. I think just through experience, we've started to work out an efficient way to work that is still as creatively rewarding. And the last couple of things I've done with him, like The Order, it was all very free-flowing and it came quite quickly, and it wasn't something that we laboured over. I think we've discovered that the more we labour over things, it doesn't help anything." On What Sparked the Score for a Film as Complicated as Snowtown "With that one, we always talked about that hitting the bullseye was a very slim chance in some ways, because we found that with most music that we put on it, it felt like it was commenting on it. So immediately it was like 'well, we don't want to do that' because that just wasn't what the film was doing — and it didn't want it anyway. So it became a really instinctive thing about what it wanted, and there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing of changing the edits to suit where we were taking it. So a lot of back and forth between us. And then, I always feel like if you just listen to the film, it'll eventually tell you what it wants. You throw things on it and just sort of shrug it off, and then there'll be something that starts to stick. And as soon as it starts sticking, you're on your way." On Whether Working on Films Like Snowtown, Nitram and The Nightingale Brings a Sense of Responsibility Given the Historical Details They're Diving Into — and How to Avoid a Score That Comments "I think so. But, I mean, I think with those projects, you're well-aware of that before you've even started them. There is a certain responsibility, I think, not to — I guess what it is musically, I'm always aware of not commenting, and that you're adding. I feel like you're just adding another layer and energy to the film, rather than going 'this character comes on and they've got a theme' or anything like that. It's just different, it's adding a feeling. It's what the film wants — and if you start commenting with some of these films, it just doesn't work. It just feels wrong. But on other films, you can go into those areas and the film absolutely wants to have that. I think it just depends on what you're working on. I always love to look at the film itself, and how it feels and what it looks like, and where it's set and those kind of things, because I think with music, you can actually add to that even more so. Even cinematography, I think, is really a big one for music, too, that maybe gets overlooked a little bit, because we are responding to images, so that's the first thing you're looking at." On Adding Playfulness to a Score That's Also Quite Dark, Such as True History of the Kelly Gang "That one, I'm glad you said that, because actually that's what I wanted to achieve with that score — that there was a playful quality to it. I always really loved the Sidney Nolan paintings, and I was sort of taking a cue from that. And also I love the old Hanna-Barbera cartoons and things like that. So for me, they were the influences that I was grabbing. I guess if you've got a concept or an idea that you want to launch things off of, that's always helpful." On How to Find the Score for a Shakespearean Adaptation Like Macbeth When There's So Many Past Big-Screen Versions —Including Initially Skewing Electronic "I remember doing that and both of us [Jed and Justin] feeling a lot of pressure because it's been done. There's not many times when you do a film that's like 'well, this has been actually been done before word for word'. When films are made, I think there's some directors who've got it all in their head and then they go out and make it, and what happens in the edit is the film just wants to be something else — and if you fight against that, usually you'll end up with something that's probably nowhere near your vision, and that frustrates you. Whereas if you follow what the film wants and then listen to it, and just go with where it wants rather than trying to hold onto your initial idea, then I think you can end up in really interesting places. In that case, yeah, it started out as an electronic score, that's what we wanted to do, but the film just, again, didn't want it. So we had to change tact a little bit, and we got something completely different, but I think it's the same sort of idea that we started out with. We had an initial idea, and then we just followed our gut while we were doing the edit." On How Working on Something Smaller, or More Character- or Mood-Driven, Differs From a Big-Budget Sci-Fi Sequel Like Alien: Covenant "I think there's similar pressures with both. On a smaller film, even though it's a smaller budget, there's almost more at stake because a lot of the times that might be someone's first film that they've directed. So they're kind of like someone's baby. Whereas the big-budget films, there's so many people involved, and they keep changing and they tend to have a lot more time to sit with things. The smaller budgets, the smaller films, they don't, they have to finish by a particular time because they don't have the money to keep editing or keep doing things. So I think there's different pressures with both. But in terms of scoring them, I just I think they just different hills to climb." On the Way That Genre Has an Impact on How Kurzel Approaches Scoring a Movie "We all grow up watching films, so we've all got that language. So whether you like it or not, you're aware of genres, and what those genres are and what's come before you, which I think is great because it can set benchmarks for you. If you're looking at something and going 'I want to do a horror film' and 'what are the films that I really like in this sort of genre?', you can go back and have a look, and just see the way they've been approached — which may make you go 'well, I don't want to approach it like that, I want to approach it like this'." On What Drives an Unnerving Score Such as The Babadook "That's a good question because that score, the inspiration for that — I think I wrote this in the sleeve of the vinyl — when I was scoring that, I was living in Erskineville and there was a possum on my roof or in the tree above me. And it was knocking things down through the night, and it would jump off the tree onto the roof. So I was always listening to what sounded like people throwing bodies on my roof. On top of that, it would make these strange noises, or there'd be strange noises outside. So a lot of the time, I was keeping the door open and making music, and just letting those sounds come in as well — and going 'okay, that's interesting. I could kind of do something'. So I think what I'm listening for is what's unnerving me — and particularly late at night, if I'm doing something, you can hear things. The world really is making music all the time. So the environment's always really great, if you've got your ear out, you can always hear really interesting stuff. But in terms of horror, I like to be unnerved. I'm not that much into the jump scares and things like that. I like an eerie, unnerving kind of feeling." On the Response to The Babadook — Then and Now "Even internationally, you mention it and everyone knows it, and the characters. It's pretty amazing. I'm really proud of the work we all did on that and how much Jen stuck to her guns with the film. I think it's just been re-released on screens in the US, it's doing a tour of America at the moment, which is amazing. And that was a film that if you told us that's what was happening, and most of the things that happened with that film, we would have laughed at the time because it just was not on anyone's radar. Even when it was released here, it had such a tiny release, I don't think anyone even knew it'd come out." On Being in Action Mode with Monkey Man, But Using the Score to Build an Emotional World "That was really different, because Dev already had, for a lot of the action scenes, there was already a lot of source music placed in there as music that already existed. And he had a definite thing for me, which was 'I want the film to be the emotional underground of the character'. So a lot of it, we talked a lot about memory, and the music was representing his memory of his mother. And so it was really strange, I was doing an action film but I wasn't really doing the action side. There's a few chase scenes and things like that. But in terms of that being the focus, it really wasn't, it was this whole other world that Dev was after which I found really appealing and exciting when we first spoke about the film." On the Most-Important Task for a Film Score to Achieve "I always feel like I'm there to add a layer that's almost not even music — it's another layer to the film that wasn't previously there, that if you took out, you would really notice it. A lot of people talk about watching films and not noticing the music. But I feel the other way. I want to notice it. And I want it to give me another layer on there that I know wouldn't exist otherwise — the performances wouldn't get it, the editing, it's adding something that's unique and almost impossible to describe, which is what to me that music is. It feels like some sort of magical language." On the Ultimate Challenge in Composing for the Screen That Kurzel Hasn't Taken on Yet — But Would Like To "I really don't know, because I find everything that I do, there's a new challenge and it usually rears its head pretty quickly. You get into something and you think 'oh yeah, I know how to do this' — and suddenly the film, like I said, the film starts to move into a direction and that tilts everything. Being aware of those things, I think that's the exciting part about it. If you're living in the moment and scoring things for the moment, listening out for really happy mistakes — which I call those things that you kind of go 'ohh, I'm going to try this' but something else happens that was a mistake, and you think 'that's actually better than what I was going to do. I'm going to go down that path for a while'. They're the things that I love about composing. In terms of feeling like there's something I haven't done yet, I haven't really done any romantic comedies. But I just, for some reason, I don't think I'm the go-to guy for those." [caption id="attachment_875685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Netflix © 2022[/caption] Concrete Playground: "I chatted with Justin about Snowtown and he told me at the time that the next film he had in mind was a tennis rom-com." Jed: "Yeah, yeah, yeah." Concrete Playground: "So maybe if he does end up doing one, you'll get one." Jed: "I keep saying to him, because he's very funny, so I keep saying 'you need to do a comedy. That has to be your next one'." Screen Commentary: Jed Kurzel takes place at SXSW Sydney from 11am–12pm AEDT on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Fortress Sydney. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for more details.
Sandstone in Sydney indicates either history or brand-new builds. Most, if not all of Sydney's heritage buildings are predominantly sandstone, but so are newer constructions like much of the recently-opened Sydney Metro line. In some cases, it can be indicative of both, or at least that's the case for Pitt Street's self-acclaimed 'dine bar' Ennui. This wine bar-restaurant hybrid (hence, dine bar) is housed in the unassuming sandstone building on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets, across the intersection from Belmore Park. The digs hark back to 1864, but Ennui is the latest (and possibly greatest) in its long line of residents, headed up by three close mates and alumni of Love, Tilly Devine. Having opened in 2024 you'd be forgiven for being unfamiliar, but anyone with a love of fine French food and wine should absolutely amend this oversight. The food menu treads heavy and light in equal parts, ranging from dainty starters like Sydney rock oysters with lemon pepper beurre blanc or polenta with chermoula mayo to hefty house specials like the duck Ennui with bone sauce, beets and strawberry or wagyu MB5+ sirloin. You've got two spaces to enjoy your meal in, with the cosier downstairs space resembling an inner-city wine bar while the first floor feels more like a classic dining room. While French, Australian, Italian and German wine is the house specialty when it comes to the drinks, it's by no means your only option. There's a selection of beer and a whisky list penned by co-owner and enthusiast Peter Chan. On the cocktails front, a range of house specials and classics are on offer. Try the Ennui Old Fashioned with duck-fat washed bourbon, honey and five spice, or the Milk Punch with cognac, Amaretto, Biscoff, cacao and whey. If those sound too adventurous, we wouldn't blame you for opting for a simpler negroni or Toki Whisky highball.
The recently hatted Nour sits on a leafy stretch of Crown Street that's forever buzzing with stylistic Sydney wanderers and those enjoying long brunches on tables and chairs covering the footpath. The expertly fitted-out blush-pink restaurant welcomes diners in for a spread of contemporary Middle Eastern dishes from executive chef Paul Farag and head chef Gianluca Lonati. The wide-reaching a la carte menu sees a mezze list that takes you from simple oceanic delights like freshly shucked oysters ($6) and single Tasmanian scallops with a spoonful of xo ($9), all the way through to the simply special. Housemade areesheh cheese backdrops a vibrant pistachio ezme ready to top a perfectly crisp and flaky malawach ($24); and a creamy beef nayeh is underscored by the nuttiness of macadamia toum, to be scooped up via a floatily light rice cracker sprinkled with dukkah ($28). Perfected for sharing, the post-mezze menu splits into 'from the coal grill' and 'from the garden' — and will cater for all. Dry-aged steaks and glazed lamb shoulders are transformed with ingredients like black lime and barberries, caramelised tahini and fresh chermoula. The tang of fattoush salad (which should be a non-negotiable for your table) can be offset with a plate of fried cauliflower that brings woodfired grapes and a sprinkling of smoky almonds too. Ensure you've left room for your selection from the dessert menu, and take all the stress of what to order out of the equation by opting for either of the generous banquet options ($89pp or $119pp). Although you're spoilt for choice in this part of Surry Hills, the eating and drinking on offer at Nour is standout. It's fine dining plates, which don't lose any points on flavour, in a refined casual setting ready to host you solo, duo or in groups. Looking to celebrate? Looking to lean into a lush long lunch? Simply after an exceptional meal where the menu spoils you for choice? Head to Nour. Top image: Jason Loucas
Catching a blockbuster or indie flick beneath the stars is already pretty special. Yet part of the reason so many people love Moonlight Cinema is that you can bring your dog along for the ride. Good luck finding a conventional cinema with that perk — unless Yarraville's Sun Theatre and their doggy day sessions are within reach. Now the experience for your pooch is getting even better, as Moonlight Cinemas across the country (except Perth) are adding exclusive Lyka doggie bag meals to the menu for the first time. So, when it's time to hit up the kitchen and bar for your movie night snacks, pet parents can also grab some dog-friendly goodies to keep their pup occupied. While you get stuck into the popcorn and perhaps a wine or two, your dog could be munching on a tasty kangaroo meal. Served as part of a goodie bag for $17, it comes with a handy DOG by Dr Lisa Lick Mat and a Turkey Dental Jerky Treat, perfect for times when your dog grows a little restless. And with everything handed over inside a convenient Lyka cooler bag, it's easy to keep the doggy snacks chilled on a warm evening. Ready for a night out with the fam — pets and all? Moonlight Cinema's 30th season kicks off on Friday, November 21, in Sydney, with Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne soon to follow.
Taking over the New Canterbury Road digs formerly home to the Sausage Factory, Lazy Thinking is a jack-of-all-trades bar, restaurant, record store and live music venue. The bustling Inner West spot is the passion project of Jim Flanagan, one of the former owners of the space's previous residing brewery. Flanagan places the spotlight on all things local here. The beer is from Sydney craft brewers, the records are exclusively from independent Australian musicians, and the food is built on local produce. Each Sunday, Lazy Thinking Live spotlights exciting artists coming out of the Sydney underground — bringing intricate folk singers or ranging punk bands to Dulwich Hill. "Independent musicians and the arts community more broadly were priced out of Newtown and Enmore a long time ago," says Flanagan. "They go out there, do shows there because of the large number of venues, but they don't live there. I love Newtown and Enmore and also go out there all the time. It's just not where the music and arts community lives anymore." "[The Dulwich Hill area should] be full of small venues constantly showcasing the work of its myriad residents. That's what we're looking to start with Lazy Thinking Live." At all times, you can indulge in some bar snacks riffing on lesser-known street foods, including syrup-glazed anchovies, elevated sausage sangas and raw milk cheese with kimchi and blood orange. But if you want to settle in for a full meal at Lazy Thinking, head in on the weekend when you'll be treated to a set menu. The mini banquet runs through sourdough, olives, anchovies and mirin-dressed zucchini flowers, as well as heftier menu items like skinless pork sausage, Tasmanian scallops and lamb arrosticini. The drinks list is just as fun to flick through as the records here, with a far-reaching slate of craft beers available on tap, a selection of solely minimal-intervention wines and a handful of playful cocktails. On the weekends, you can opt for the boozy drinks package, which gives you access to the full suite of tap beers and wines by the glass. The result is an exciting addition to New Canterbury Road, which is focused on fostering community. Lazy Thinking offers Sydneysiders a new space where you can drop in for a catch-up over an interesting wine and some olives, settle into a boozy weekend lunch, or discover your new favourite independent Australian band.
Literally massive news, movie lovers: IMAX is bringing its big-screen experience to Queensland. Australia's number of giant spots to catch a film is expanding to three, with the Gold Coast joining Sydney and Melbourne. Cinephiles will be able to check out the new screen before 2024 is out, with the country's latest IMAX set to open before Christmas and Boxing Day. The Sunshine State has been in this situation before, however. South Bank's Cineplex in Brisbane was previously an IMAX but, while it still has the towering screen in operation, the picture palace hasn't shown the format for more than a decade. Accordingly, Brisbanites are set for a trip down the highway — and tourists to the Gold Coast who are keen on catching a flick during their stay have somewhere huge to hit up. The movie haven to head to: Event Cinemas Pacific Fair in Broadbeach, with an existing auditorium transforming for IMAX, which is being custom-built in. Expect a 1.1:9 aspect ratio screen, with images flickering across it thanks to IMAX 4K laser projection. There's no word yet if, like its counterparts down south, the Gold Coast's IMAX will be one of the biggest cinema screens in the world. IMAX Corporation and hospitality company EVT are aiming for a Thursday, December 19 launch, which means opening with Mufasa: The Lion King — and then showing 2024's Boxing Day slate. On an ongoing basis, film fans can expect to see not just blockbusters, but also concert films, documentaries and live events make the most of IMAX. The Gold Coast will now boast two sizeable ways to get a movie fix, with surround-screen viewing experience ScreenX making its Australian debut at Event Cinemas Robina back in 2023. Three walls, three screens, a 270-degree field of view: that's the maths behind that concept, which uses multi-projection across a screen area measuring 67.7 metres. Also in 2023, after IMAX Sydney reopened at Darling Harbour following a seven-year period where it was demolished and then rebuilt, it was revealed that another IMAX was on its way to Sydney. While it's planned for an existing Event Cinemas location as well, it hasn't come to fruition as yet. "At EVT, our vision has always been to provide experiences that escape the ordinary, and IMAX embodies that ethos. Queenslanders have long desired an IMAX cinema, and we are thrilled to bring this incredible cinematic experience to the Gold Coast," said Daniel McCabe, EVT's General Manager, Cinema Operations Australia. "Australia boasts an exceptionally passionate moviegoing audience and 2024 has already become the highest-grossing year for IMAX in the country since 2016. With audience demand at an all-time high, we couldn't be more excited to bring The IMAX Experience to the Gold Coast," added IMAX Chief Sales Officer Giovanni Dolci. IMAX will open at Event Cinemas Pacific Fair, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Level 1/1571 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach, in the lead up to Christmas 2024 — expected on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Head to the cinema's website for more details. Images: IMAX Queensgate NZ and IMAX Sydney.
Hunters Hill's beloved local has entered a new era. After more than a century serving the community, the Hunters Hill Hotel — which first opened as the Fig Tree Hotel in the 1880s before adopting its current moniker in 1940 — has unveiled a top-to-bottom transformation that introduces bright, airy new spaces behind the familiar exterior. The extensive restoration, led by Squillace Architects, preserves the hotel's original art deco bones while adding warmer, more textured interiors and contemporary extensions. On the ground floor, you'll find a light-filled bistro and beer garden serving elevated pub fare, from reworked classics like steaks, parmies and pizzas to new favourites straight from the parilla lava rock grill — think whole lemon sole and whole roast chook. A sprawling sports bar sits beside the dining areas, featuring an eight-metre LED screen and plenty of beers on tap for match days. [caption id="attachment_1042303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Onecut Studios[/caption] Upstairs, a new cocktail lounge adds a touch of sophistication, while an expansive weatherproof indoor-outdoor terrace — complete with retractable roof — is built for everything from long lunches to relaxed sundowners with views over the treetops. Behind the redevelopment is the Gallagher family, which has owned and operated the hotel for the past decade and lived in Hunters Hill for much longer. As locals themselves, they've reimagined the pub with the community at the front of mind, blending its heritage with smart contemporary updates to create a space that feels new without losing its familiar warmth. [caption id="attachment_1042305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Onecut Studios[/caption] Images: Steven Woodburn/Onecut Studios.
Since the area's gentrification in the 80s, it's no secret Surry Hills is a little bit cool. So when the old KB Hotel closed its doors on Foveaux Street in 2014, locals were wondering, just what will emerge? The answer: Keg & Brew, a "Southern American haven of bourbon, beer and bites" bringing back an old-school pub vibe and filling your schooner with something a little bit different and a little bit delicious. While the South American thing isn't new, this pub's had a fun revamp. Previous frequenters of the KB (as well as sports lovers) will be pleased to know there's still a huge TV hanging on the wall, but we can forgive this blaring eyesore for two reasons: One, Keg & Brew stays true to its theme elsewhere: the large central bar is clad with furry cowhide and the back wall houses two gigantic stuffed animal heads with the odd portrait of Dolly Parton thrown in for good measure. And two, as we're assured by licensee Simon 'Wombat' Kraegen (ex-Dove & Olive), these guys don't want to drive away the original crowd. It's their goal not to be "wanky", especially when it comes to their booze collection, and to be honest we could all do with a little bit less wank in our lives. With 33 individual taps of Aussie beer and cider, it's an extensive and exciting collection. Calling himself more a "beer lover", Wombat (identifiable by his ginormous beard of hip-storic proportions) knows a thing or two about the drops on offer, and not just because upon requesting something refreshing and delicious, our glass of new-on-the-market, Sydney-based Angstrom Voltaic Pale Ale was indeed both, but because when two evident beer enthusiasts came knocking 10 minutes after our arrival, they were genuinely pleased with the offerings and knowledge on display. Other standouts to get down your neck include the three hand-pumped craft beers, but if you're looking for something simple, classics like Resch's, Carlton and, of course, VB, haven't been overlooked. Bourbon drinkers have 30 different concoctions to enjoy, as well as three signature house bourbon cocktails: a sour, an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan (all $15). The Rittenhouse straight rye whisky used in the Manhattan was a good choice, making the three maraschino cherries a divine little end to a powerful pre-dinner tipple. Speaking of, some of the food here, provided by head chef Devendra Sherchan (also Dove & Olive) is ridiculous, in a so-good-but-bad-for-you kinda way. Bites like deep-fried Monterey Jack cheese sticks (think giant Wotsits but more cheese and zero corn puff, $10) and deep fried bacon (aka Big Tex Bacon Bites, also $10) are just a little bit addictive. For a more substantial feed, we tore apart the BBQ ribs ($25) and Kentucky Bourbon Black Angus Rump ($18), served with french fries (and the former with 'slaw), and they were just what the doctor ordered, beer-in-hand on a Wednesday evening. The more health conscious will enjoy the fact the quinoa salad ($14) is actually quite flavoursome, plus vegans aren't forgotten, with a maple glazed polenta cake ($15) on the menu. There are also deep-fried Twinkies with melted chocolate and sprinkles ($10) for dessert. See what we mean about ridiculous? Potential cholesterol problems aside, whether you're coming to eat, drink or both, we reckon an evening at Keg & Brew should be finished with a Slow & Low Rock and Rye whisky on the rocks and a side of good chat at the bar. And if that isn't a sign of a true-blue, no-nonsense but still pretty fabulous pub suited to its Surry Hills location, we don't know what is.
A Smart Dollar shop on Marrickville Road has been reimagined as a retro pub by a team of hospitality veterans. The Marrickville Hotel boasts an old-school Aussie pub vibe, and was created by some of the people behind Arcadia Liquors, Redfern Continental, GDR and Ron's Upstairs — namely Pascale Crouche-McDonald, John Archinal, Kim Fasher and David Jank — all of whom live in Marrickville. It's a pub by locals, for locals. The pub's fit-out is laid-back and a little eclectic — exactly what you'd expect from a classic Aussie pub. There's space for big groups, casual dates or solo drinks at the bar, and the outdoor courtyard is ready to go for the summer. It even features a shiny new disco ball for upcoming party nights. Elsewhere, you'll spot a large photo of a young Anthony Albanese, now Leader of the Opposition, knick-knacks and fairy lights behind the bar, and a painted slogan proclaiming "Marrickville — The Greatest Country on Earth!". The space also has a noticeable industrial feel, which is thanks to its history. "After we started the build, we found out it used to be an industrial paint shop [before it was a Smart Dollar shop]," says Crouche-McDonald. "And we were able to utilise some of the existing elements to revive its industrial feel." Old paint samples adorn the ceiling in the main bar, and the atrium showcases the building's original support beams. Behind the bar, expect Aussie mainstays VB and Reschs, as well as Marrickville's own Grifter on tap at all times. The remaining taps will rotate regularly and feature local talent — at the moment, that includes Batch's milk stout on nitro and 4 Pines kolsch. For wine lovers, the drops are mostly minimal intervention Australian labels, along with some international numbers. A classic cocktail list is best enjoyed during one of the daily specials, which include $10 margaritas all-night on Monday, $10 spritzes until 6pm on Saturday and $10 bloody marys until 6pm on Sunday. For spring, the bar is serving up a special Poor Toms spritz, too. The simple food offering is reminiscent of Arcadia Liquors and includes antipasto and cheese boards, along with a regularly changing menu of toasties. For more substantial eats, the team has partnered with neighbouring Vietnamese shop Pho Phd to offer the likes of salt and pepper eggplant and a range of vermicelli salads. Venue images: Kimberley Low. Food images: Kitti Gould.
Ever since 2025's Sydney Film Festival first started revealing its program back in March, the event was on track for a huge year. How big? By the numbers, the fest screened 242 films, and put on 448 screenings and events. Among that massive lineup of sessions, more than 150 sold out. So, it should come as no surprise that this year's SFF also made history thanks to its 150,000-plus attendees. That hefty number of folks who spent some or all of the festival's 12-day run from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 in a Sydney cinema is an 11-percent increase on 2024's attendance figure. It also makes SFF 2205 the highest-selling festival in its history. As Sydney Film Festival CEO Frances Wallace described it, "this year has been extraordinary". "It's amazing that after 72 years, the Sydney Film Festival is stronger than ever. It's a tribute to the organisers and the tens of thousands of film fans who've turned out. This festival, its fans and its filmmakers have once again created an absolute highlight in Sydney's events calendar," said New South Wales Minister for the Arts John Graham about the fest's 2025 achievement. "As the curtain falls on another unforgettable Sydney Film Festival, we look back on and celebrate the bold storytelling, diverse voices and shared cinematic journeys that lit up our screens and sparked our imaginations," added Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. "I look forward to our continued partnership with the Sydney Film Festival and all that it brings to our fine city." The fest came to an end for 2025 with a closing-night gala that gave relationship comedy Splitsville its Australian premiere — and first screening anywhere beyond its Cannes debut — and announced this year's prizewinners. Receiving the $60,000 Sydney Film Prize for the most "audacious, cutting edge and courageous" movie in the fest's Official Competition: Jafar Panahi's It Was Just an Accident, fresh from taking home the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, too, and with the iconic Iranian filmmaker himself in attendance in the Harbour City. That said, the event that opened with body-horror Together, gave Ari Aster's Eddington its Aussie premiere and boasted DEATH STRANDING's Hideo Kojima among its guests isn't actually quite done for 2025 so far. The official festival itself has said goodbye until 2026, but it's also screening Back By Popular Demand encore sessions between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20 at Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas. Sydney Film Festival 2025 ran from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. The fest is screening four days of encores via Sydney Film Festival's 2025 Back By Popular Demand bonus screenings at Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas Randwick between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website. Jafar Panahi images: Tim Levy.
The heritage-listed, iconic Bathers' Pavilion (parked up just next to one of the best beaches in New South Wales) has announced today that it's playing host to an exclusive residency from across the Pacific later this year. From Tuesday, July 28 to Sunday, August 23, Bathers will be hosting the flavours and recipes of SingleThread — regarded as one of the best, if not the best, restaurants on the US West Coast. Hailing from Sonoma wine country in Healdsburg, California, SingleThread is a three-star Michelin restaurant owned and operated by husband and wife duo Kyle and Katina Connaughton. Set on a 24-acres of farmland alongside greenhouses, heirloom orchards, beehives and an extensive floral program, SingleThread is defined by its surroundings. Before establishing the restaurant, Kyle Connaughton cut his teeth in kitchens across Los Angeles, Japan and the UK alongside culinary legends like Heston Blumenthal and Michel Bras. Taking those teachings into his own project, Connaughton has cultivated a strictly guest-first ethos, believing every detail of a restaurant exists in service of the diner. Across their four-week residency at Bathers', the SingleThread team will present a ten-course tasting menu that begins with their signature Hassun, a seasonal introductory dish inspired by Japan's traditional Kaiseki diners — up to ten individual, delicate bites that are typically harvested that very morning and presented on a bed of florals to set the tone for the courses to come. It's set to be an intimate experience, with each sitting hosting just 80 guests for $690 per guest (the same price charged back home in Healdsburg), served across lunch and dinner service from Tuesday to Sunday during the four-week residency. Bathers' last residency with L'Enclume in 2023 and 2025 saw waitlists climb into the thousands, and Bather's Managing Director, Jessica Shirvington, is proud to welcome such talent to Balmoral, saying, "To have the world's joint No.1 restaurant choose Balmoral for a four-week collaboration is something we are immensely proud of. We've demonstrated that we can deliver international residencies at a scale and standard not seen elsewhere in Australia." Bathers is already preparing the goods, with Executive Chef Aaron Ward beginning to grow vegetables and botanicals at Bathers' farm in the Southern Highlands, before travelling to Sonoma in April to develop the menu alongside the SingleThread team. And since its coming from Californian wine country, expect a wine menu that pairs Californian and Australian classics — plus some surprises from the restaurant's Japanese influences in the form of world-class sake. Kyle Connaughton spoke on the residency, saying, "SingleThread is about the dialogue between farm, kitchen and guest. Coming to Sydney allows us to explore that philosophy through Australia's extraordinary produce while maintaining the integrity of what defines us. We're excited to collaborate with Aaron Ward and the Bathers' team and create something that feels both true to Sonoma County and unique to Balmoral." Bookings for the SingleThread residency open on Thursday, March 12, at 10am AEST via the Bathers' website or by phone (02 9969 5050). An exclusive presale will be available for Bathers' subscribers.
Part pub, part wine bar and part romantic diner, The Waratah is a jack-of-all-trades venue that's taken over a classic two-storey hotel in Darlinghurst. Led by hospitality heavyweights Evan Stroeve (ex-Re, Bulletin Place and Swillhouse), Alex Prichard (Bondi Icebergs) and business partner Cynthia Litster, the impressive spot is located on the corner of Liverpool and Victoria Streets, just a few doors down from Shadow Bakery. The Waratah offers a couple of different zones that you can occupy. Downstairs, you'll find the walk-in-only public bar — an easy-going spot with approachable eats. Upstairs things are a little more serious, with a moody dining room equipped with a semi-al fresco area and breezy outdoor tables on the balcony. There's earthy tones, warm lighting and touches of local flora throughout the venue, setting a tone apt of the playful menu. The Waratah menu folds in a strong dose of Australian nostalgia with all of the sensibilities of modern Sydney favourites. The ideal way to kick things off is with a double serve of scallops — crispy brown potato scallops topped with raw scallops and served with tartare sauce. If you're in the mood for more of a snack-for-one, the lobster roll is here to help. Otherwise the menu lends itself to sharing. Must-orders include the butterflied king prawns, the brick chicken swimming in a honey gravy and the barbecued eggplant topped with oyster mushrooms and Davidson plum. For dessert, choose between the nostalgic and the indulgent. Those who want something a little fun can go a fairybread ice cream sandwich, while real dessert lovers should look no further than the Daintree vanilla flan accompanied by amaro and a poor man's orange caramel. Pair this with the house blend of vermouth and you're in heaven. The wine menu has something to satisfy any palette, but if you're after something a little stronger, turn your attention to the cocktail list titled 'Drinking Australia'. Highlights include a cocoa and cherry negroni that uses gin, local cherries and wine made with Daintree cacao; the Mango and Cream, which combines rum, spiced mango, caramelised cream, coconut and lime; and the signature Waratah Spritz. There's much to love about The Waratah. Images: Jason Loucas
Every year since 2021, The Big Yorkie at Forrester's in Surry Hills has been one of Sydney's most popular winter dishes. The key to its success is simple yet ingenious: everyone knows that Yorkshire pudding is everyone's favourite part of the roast, so Head Chef Patrick Friesen made it the main event. That's right, The Big Yorkie — as the name suggests — is a massive Yorkshire pudding. And it's filled to the brim with roasted meat, crispy spuds, seasonal veggies and loads of gravy. "I've always loved Yorkshire pudding, but it always feels like there's never enough pudding to soak up the gravy," said Friesen. "This was kind of the perfect solution to that." In even better news, you don't have to wait until Sunday to try it. The Big Yorkie is on the menu every single day from midday until it sells out. And sell out it does, so you'd be smart to lunch early. Bookings are available online.
So the saying goes, life imitates art. But in times of political and economic upheaval, perhaps the art we turn to isn't a mirror — it's a doorway. In 2025, Australians aren't just listening to music that reflects the world around them, but the worlds they'd rather escape to. Dance floors have become places of release, bass drops a kind of collective exhale, and the 2025 ARIA Award nominations tell the story: we're craving movement, connection and joy. According to Spotify editor Marty Doyle, this year's ARIA nominees capture that cultural shift — one that's driven not just by hooks and beat drops, but by a distinctly Australian sense of optimism. Dance and electronic music now dominate both the charts and the cultural conversation, with acts like Dom Dolla, RÜFÜS DU SOL and record-breaking nominee Ninajirachi leading the charge. Together, they represent a generation of artists who have turned isolation into innovation, transforming post-pandemic energy into something deeply communal — and distinctly global. [caption id="attachment_1005091" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dom Dolla performing on his recent tour.[/caption] "The dominance of Australian dance music is undeniable and a true testament to the amazing work our artists are doing," Doyle says. "There were one billion export streams of Australian dance music in March 2025 alone, which is an amazing result." Those billion streams aren't just happening at home. Australian artists are setting the global tempo, taking sweaty club tracks and festival anthems far beyond local shores. "Artists like Fisher, RÜFÜS DU SOL and Dom Dolla are some of our biggest exports," Doyle says, "and they're helping pave new roads for more Australian artists to come behind them." That international reach now extends to Ninajirachi, whose eight nominations — the most ever for a female electronic artist — mark a new benchmark for women in dance music. "It's incredibly exciting to see Ninajirachi lead the charge," Doyle adds. "It's an achievement that should be celebrated." [caption id="attachment_1035191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DJ Nina Wilson performs as Ninajirachi during Lollapalooza 2023.[/caption] The Sound of Escapism If dance and electronic music are thriving, it's not just about BPMs — it's about emotion. In uncertain times, Australians are finding joy, connection and escape on the dance floor. "It's impossible to pinpoint one reason," Doyle says of the genre's surge. "But COVID definitely accelerated our appetite for dance music." When lockdowns shut clubs, cancelled festivals and erased social connection, music filled the gap. "The idea of dancing in a sweaty club together or even being outside at a festival became one of our biggest aspirations," Doyle says. "When we were finally able to get outside again, there was an explosion of enthusiasm. People were partying like it was their last night on earth." That post-pandemic energy, Doyle argues, hasn't faded — it's evolved. "Amidst an unsettling and shifting geopolitical world, Aussie artists have managed to not only address complex issues within their music, but they've also found solace in making it fun," he says. "It's a testament to our resilience, optimism, sense of humour and shared values as Australians." In other words: when the world feels heavy, Australians dance. [caption id="attachment_913128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Home-grown EDM favourites RÜFÜS DU SOL performing live.[/caption] From Lockdown Loops to Global Stages The pandemic didn't just reignite audiences' desire to dance — it reshaped how artists created. "COVID provided a chance for artists to retreat into their home studios and create some of their most profound work," Doyle says. Fred again.. is perhaps the most famous example, but the ripple effect was global — and local. Aussie duo Shouse turned their track 'Love Tonight' into an international anthem of resistance during lockdowns, soundtracking balcony singalongs across Europe. "There are so many stories like this that have contributed to the acceleration of dance music over the last few years," Doyle says. That creative spark continues. Spotify's data shows that dance and electronic streaming in Australia now spans every part of the day — from morning workouts to study playlists and nights out. "Electronic music is made up of various sub-genres, and new ones are constantly being invented and mashed together," Doyle explains. "It's fertile ground for innovation and discovery." And increasingly, that experimentation is paying off on the charts. "We're seeing electronic music cross over into mainstream and end up on the ARIA Charts," Doyle adds. "That curiosity among Australian listeners is helping drive the rise of the genre." [caption id="attachment_1035190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marty Doyle— Editorial Lead, Spotify AU/NZ[/caption] Beyond the Beat While electronic and dance dominate the conversation, other genres are thriving too. "Indie and guitar-based music is also booming," Doyle says. "Australia has always punched above its weight in this space." Spotify data backs it up: Australian indie exports have surged 94 percent since 2021, while indie pop isn't far behind, up 86 percent in the same period. It's evidence that our music scene isn't defined by one sound — it's an ecosystem of artists pushing boundaries across styles. Looking ahead, Spotify's editors don't expect the momentum to slow. "There's no evidence to suggest this growth will drastically change," Doyle says. "But we're also seeing exciting early signs in local country and post-punk." [caption id="attachment_1014087" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne's Electronic and EDM A3 Festival, returning later this year.[/caption] A New Era of Australian Sound If there's one takeaway from the 2025 ARIA nominations, it's that Australian music is entering a new era — one powered by diversity, innovation and fearless experimentation. "While you'll see some familiar names among the nominees," Doyle says, "it's amazing to see a record-breaking number of first-time and independent artists in the mix too. It proves there's a never-ending pipeline of incredible new talent that Australian audiences are embracing." From massive export numbers to global festival stages, Australian artists and producers aren't just making people move — they're exporting a feeling. And right now, that feeling sounds a lot like hope. Find out more about 2025's Aria Award nominees and cast your votes now. Images: Supplied | Getty Images
High-concept cocktails, leather booths and a distinctly horny vibe are the modus operandi at play in Pleasure Club. You'll find the bar-meets-live music venue and performance space down a long flight of stairs on Wilson Street in Newtown. The vibe of Pleasure Club is an anything-can-happen horny hedonism. A glowing purple eye greets you at the street-level entrance, hinting at the layers of violet hues contained within. Otherworldly decor and stage design are tone-setters for the entertainment program, which is be a true mixed bag of live music, performance art and audience interaction (including what the venue refers to as Dark Service around the 11pm mark). But this is a bar first and foremost and the drinks list is pretty unreal. For the venue's launch, Creative Beverage Lead Sam Kirk collaborated with booze whisperer Matt Whiley (of Re) on a cocktail series dubbed 'Nostalgia Machine' which included a number called the 'Cheese TV' a Coco Pops-infused version of an old fashioned that throws you back to your days of watching morning cartoons. Other more radical creations on the menu include the Chicken Parm, a real one-of-a-kind experience made with vodka, comte cheese, bacon, tomato and chicken salt. We liken it to a chilled alcohol-laced cheese and chicken soup. Do with that information what you will. The drinks are accompanied by a simple menu of good hot dogs that pair surprisingly well with the cocktails. Sydney has jumped on the 'dog train, taking inspiration from other sausage-loving cities like Copenhagen and Berlin. Loaded dogs have been popping up at increasingly cool and high end locations whether it's Love, Tilly Devine's Scandi snacks or Rockpool's happy hour chorizo dog. Pleasure Club's late-night snacks are just as impressive, loading up LP's franks on potato buns with fries, mustard and sauerkraut. But it's generally just a standout spot to grab a drink and hang out. While the signature cocktails may be a little out of your comfort zone, there's a huge wall of spirits and a team of bartenders more than happy to whip up a perfect negroni or amaretto sour. And, there's a pool table in the corner so you can hit the felt with an impressive bev in hand. Sydney could definitely do with more cocktail bars with pool tables.
Waterfront dining venues aren't hard to come by in Port Stephens, but The Poyer's takes this notion one step further by jutting out right over the water. This family owned business, with chef Ludovic Poyer at the helm, is a hidden gem in the sleepy town of Lemon Tree Passage. While it's open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, we suggest heading there for brekkie or a leisurely long lunch (from Wednesday to Sunday) to take full advantage of the view across the bay. The kitchen utilises local produce and presents it with a European flair — think roasted quail with pain d'épice (a French-style spiced bread), snail risotto with red wine butter and duck confit. There's also a share-style tapas menu, though it's currently not available due to COVID-19 restrictions. After lunch, check out the nearby Koala Reserve, which marks the start of a boardwalk to Nyrang Park through lush mangrove vegetation.
Melbourne's cultural tapestry weaves some of its most dynamic colours in South Melbourne where the pulse of the city's south beats with a rhythm that promises something truly stunning for every hour. About 12,000 people call South Melbourne home and lucky them, they get to experience the joys of an Albert Park lake stroll and a South Melbourne dim sim every day. But as for the rest of us, we'll have to settle for just visiting. But what if you only had one day? How would you make the most of your time? Well, let's find out. MORNING If the early bird gets the worm and the second mouse gets the cheese, the South Melbourne visitor needn't worry about any of that, because chances are if you're reading this, you're a human. However, no matter your species, it is recommended to rise just before the sun so you can be at Albert Park Lake as that giant fireball in the sky says good morning to the planet. Yes, waking that early sucks, but if you can do it, the reward will be immense. The lake and its surrounds are stunning at all times of day but with a dynamic pastel backdrop of orange sky and brightening light it is particularly special. Next, we need coffee. A morning is only as good as the coffee that accompanies it — cue The Kettle Black, where baristas craft seriously decent coffee. Stick around for a while and take in the vibe, the airy sun-drenched space is worth lingering over. [caption id="attachment_925199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oven-fresh croissants at Chez Dre[/caption] Next, head to the Austro Bakery and nab yourself a giant pretzel, loaf of sourdough or anything else your heart desires. You really can't go wrong here as the bakery effortlessly blends tradition of centuries-old European baking inspiration with a modern twist. Speaking of baked goods, you might also want to swing by Chez Dre, a French-inspired cafe serving cakes and brunch that will transport you to Paris with every flaky bite of its chocolate croissants. Finally, round off the morning with a visit to See Yup Temple, built originally in 1856 then rebuilt and expanded a decade later. The oldest Chinese temple in Australia is a real historical treat right here in Melbourne and the perfect place to take a quiet moment before things start ramping up for the rest of the day. AFTERNOON By afternoon, South Melbourne Market beckons with the siren call of a South Melbourne dim sim — it would be a crime and an affront to all things good and holy not to. This is a sacred place for dim sim lovers the world over, a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. To taste the South Melbourne dim sim is to experience a little piece of delicious Australian history. So go on, grab one, or grab a few, and let's get going. Next up? Get in loser, we're going shopping. Check out Clarendon, Coventry, Cecil and Park streets for a little bit of retail therapy at some of Melbourne's coolest boutiques. If you're into good design, cute homewares and anything even remotely fashion-related, this is your time to shine as you hunt for a hidden gem in South Melbourne's leafy shopping streets. To keep the artisanal vibe going, pop into the Australian Tapestry Workshop on Park Street. It's been spinning some of Australia's most stunning tapestries since 1976 and is the only one of its kind in Australia, as well as among just a handful around the world. Guests can check out its two galleries, which showcase exhibitions of tapestries and modern art on a rotating basis. It also runs tapestry classes and workshops regularly. And finally, for a laidback interlude, pop into Westside Ale Works — a cosy laneway brewpub hidden on Alfred Street just begging you to stay for a while and enjoy a nice afternoon pint (or several). EVENING As the sun dips and evening colours the sky, a stroll along Port Melbourne Beach offers the perfect canvas for a sunset walk — bonus points if you're with that special someone, this is seriously romantic. And if you don't have that special someone, you'll find someone one day, or maybe you won't! Either way, a sunset stroll on the beach is lovely. Next, follow the scent of a woodfired grill to Half Acre, a once dilapidated mill that's been transformed into a fine spot to enjoy a hearty feast of great, simple food with Middle Eastern and Euro influences amid an instantly warm atmosphere that feels like elevated dining at a friend's place. Afterwards, head to Bellota Wine Bar and enjoy a glass of red, or white, or orange — given it is home to literally thousands of wine bottles. Whether you're sitting at the bar, the tables, or in the courtyard, the vibe is sure to be immaculate. LATE-NIGHT FUN The night is still young; it's only natural we go bar hopping. Head to gorgeous Hatted bistro James for a European wine bar feeling with hints of Japanese inspiration on its fantastic degustation menu. Or for something more casual venture up to The Albion Rooftop to enjoy the spectacular cityscape vista, or pop by The Montague in the leafy backstreets for a nice cocktail in the inviting outdoor seating. Obviously, we suggest all three, as well as any more you might encounter on your journey. South Melbourne is your oyster, and all its bars lead to a good time. And now for the best part of the night. Head to Dessertopia for some of the most visually pleasing desserts you'll ever see. Seriously, they look so good you'll almost feel bad eating them (almost). Don't take our word for it, check out its Insta. Yes, that's right, glow-in-the-dark cupcakes. What a time to be alive. Enjoy and bask in the sweet glow, you had the ultimate day (and night) in South Melbourne. Now go get some rest, you must be exhausted. Looking to make the most of your next city break? Explore more of your city this summer with the City of Port Phillip.
If you want to catch public transport in Sydney, the Opal card has been the main way to pay for your trip for a while now. But that's all changed. After rolling out card payments on light rail and ferries back in March last year, and on trains in November, Transport for NSW has announced that contactless card payments has now been rolled out across all Sydney buses. Which means, you can now travel the entire Opal network, without an Opal card. Yep, you can leave your Opal in your wallet/on your desk/down the side of the couch — with this new technology, you can just tap your card or phone (Visa, Mastercard and American Express are all accepted in credit or debit) right onto the regular Opal scanners. Doing this will charge you for an Adult Opal single trip ticket, and if you use the same card each time you travel, the daily, weekly and Sunday caps will automatically be applied to your fare. Other Adult Opal fare discounts are available on contactless payments, too. Which means if you transfer between services, travel off-peak, usually qualify for the Weekly Travel Reward (where, after eight trips in a week, you get half-price fares) you'll get those discounts on your credit card across the train, light rail, ferry and bus network. Moving away from dedicated transport cards — or adding other payment options — will make things easier for tourists and travellers (and people who, god forbid, leave their Opal at home), who shouldn't have to buy a new piece of plastic just to catch a bus or train (or pay extra for a paper ticket if they don't) when they're visiting. However, if we're moving towards a contactless future, ensuring the new system remains accessible for anyone that doesn't have a smartphone, smartwatch or bank card remains a concern. Contactless and credit card payments are now available on Sydney bus, train, light rail, ferry and Metro services.
In what was once a bit of a no-go zone for serious foodies, in the cross-section between Alexandria, Redfern and Erksineville, now stands a cafe that is worth the venture. Meet Gerard is born from the experience of Mariella Traina (formerly of Petersham eatery The Counter) and Sarah MacWilliam (who previously ran the kitchen at West Juliett). Here the duo is exploring a fresh take on local cafe culture. The menu might have a few familiar mentions — scrambled eggs, smashed avo and French toast — but on closer inspection, these aren't standard dishes you know. The scrambled eggs are topped with broccolini, sumac and goat's curd. The french toast is jazzed up with baked apple, salted caramel, ricotta and a spice crumble. It isn't the biggest space so it fills up quick. If you can't stick around, it is still worth grabbing a cuppa — made with a special blend from local brewers Coffee Alchemy — and a house-made sweet treat before you head on your merry way.
A toastie-themed takeaway joint has just opened on the lower north shore, and it's offering up ten Korean-style sangas — all made fresh to order by a team of Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs. Toastiesmith Chatswood is Sydney's answer to Isaac Toast, a Korean chain with more than 700 stores that slices and serves this popular street eat. Like in Korea, each toastie is made using thick-cut brioche and comes topped with a fluffy omelette. If you're new to this style of toastie, start with the signature Eggsmith ($7.95) — it's stuffed with scrambled eggs and cheese and topped with sesame slaw, spicy tomato relish and chipotle sauce. [caption id="attachment_782079" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kera Wong[/caption] Other fillings include shichimi-spiced chicken with smashed avo and pineapple; fried barramundi with tartare sauce and pickled cucumbers; a garlic mushroom number; and one stuffed with wagyu beef, truffle mayo and seaweed. Keeping it all cheap and cheerful, toastie prices range from a reasonable $7.95–$12.95 here. To accompany the eats, diners can grab a coffee ($3.95–4.50), smoothie ($5.95) or house-made soda ($5.95), with refreshing flavours including rose lychee and cucumber mint. For those that live south of the bridge, a second Toastiesmith outpost is slated to open in Darling Square's Maker Dozen on Wednesday, September 16. Images: Kera Wong
In the never-ending saga of rideshare versus taxi, it's the public that will pay, starting today. From Thursday, February 1, all rideshare, car hire and taxi providers are required by the NSW Government to pay a temporary $1 levy tax for each trip taken. Most providers, including Uber, Taxify and regular taxis, have decided to pass this tax on to the customer, which means you will pay an additional fee of $1.10 each time you ride (that's $1 plus GST). This 'temporary' tax will be in effect for up to five years and has been put in place to help fund the NSW Government's 'industry adjustment assistance package' of up to $250 million — which is meant to help taxi and hire car licence holders adjust to the industry changes brought about by the share economy. The compensation package was announced way back in 2015 when Uber was legalised in NSW. This levy was included in the scheme back then, but the tax is only now being introduced over two years later. On its website the NSW Government views this tax as a way to create a "level playing field across industry when it comes to accounting for the levy in business planning". While the government isn't actually taxing the public directly, each company can choose whether to front the cost or pass it on to customers. Uber, Taxify and the NSW Taxi Council have all announced that they will pass the fee onto riders, not drivers. Uber, however, has lashed out, calling the necessity of the tax into question. In an email sent on Tuesday evening to its customers, Uber encouraged any of its users who think the tax is unfair to contact the NSW Transport Minister and 'make their voice heard'. An Uber Australia spokesperson also told The Sydney Morning Herald that the NSW Government was "still taxing the travelling public to give the taxi industry a bailout that the data shows they don't need", going on to say that "the [point-to-point] reforms have grown the pie for the whole industry and demand for taxis has remained stable and licence values have rebounded". According to SMH, the transfer price for a taxi licence plate — which is a huge investment for taxi drivers — is still at $184,000 as of October, though it has fallen from $225,000 after ridesharing was legalised in 2015. The money accrued from this levy will go towards compensating taxi drivers for the loss in value of their plates. NSW isn't the first to pay this tax either, with a similar levy fee already existing in Victoria. This fee is also passed on to the rider and has dropped from $2 when Uber became legal state-wide in 2016 down to $1 in June 2017. For now though, you'll pay more for your ride home. But with more rideshare operators arriving in Sydney — including Taxify, which launched in December and is still offering 25 percent off rides, and Indian company Ola, which will arrive soon — fares are only set to get more competitive. Via The Sydney Morning Herald. Image: Jason Thien via Flickr.
The Strand Hotel, a Darlinghurst favourite that's often in pursuit of its next great culinary idea, has switched up its offering yet again (last renovating its space and menus in 2023) with a facelift for the Public Bar and gourmet burgers. A corner bar that always has patrons spilling onto the sidewalk, The Strand has upped its appeal for anyone in the area in need of a post-work pint. That's thanks to Toby Wilson (executive chef at Rico's Tacos and The Norfolk) and Solotel's Executive Chef Hamish Ingram. Together, they've crafted a main menu of six burgers, and you can give them a try for five sweet days of discounts, starting Wednesday, August 20. Samples from said menu include hero burgers like the Smashed Burger with American cheese, bacon, burger sauce and pickles, the Hot Bird burger with fried chicken, black pepper, hot honey and iceberg and chive slaw, and the Fresh Fish burger with crumbed ling and house tartare — all of which are $5 for the first five days. Toby Wilson said "We've looked at what everyone else is doing and realised what the neighbourhood was missing — a seriously good burger. Between Hamish and I we've come up with six cracking burgers that cater to a few tastes." "We're celebrating the new menu launch [Wednesday, August 20] with $5 burgers for five days only - our way of inviting the neighbours, regulars, and anyone passing through to come in and road test the lot - the perfect excuse to grab a mate and work your way through the menu without breaking the bank." It's not just the menu that saw a revamp. The cocktail list now stars four signature sips, including the punchy-sounding Bulls on Parade, with pisco, macadamia, passionflower, lime and paprika oil. Strand regulars will also notice jazzy new interiors — no more carpets, it's back to the original marble flooring, with a fresh new fireplace for cold nights and a sprinkling of art deco throughout the entire space. Images: Take Studios
Set within an enchanting Balmain terrace, the Cottage is the kind of place every home entertainer dreams of showing off to their guests. Perhaps you'd begin the evening with some balmy summer drinks in the front courtyard, enjoying the cool breeze as it rustles gently through the trees and basking in the glow of the shimmering fairy lights. Or, on a cooler night, you might invite your friends to nestle into a cosy nook of the living or dining room, whetting their appetites with the scent of freshly baking bread from the nearby kitchen. The dream is a reality at the Cottage, only instead of doing the dishes afterwards, you can lounge back and indulge in another luscious cocktail: perhaps a Ron Pedro ($18), which makes old mates of Ron Zacapa and Pedro Ximenez and adds a little cottage-style charm with fresh strawberries and lemon juice. The dinner-party atmosphere has been captured flawlessly in the new autumn menu, which features creative sharing plates that will satiate appetites and stimulate conversations. Fleshy portobello mushrooms burst with barley, dried cranberries, fresh herbs and creamy chevre ($14), while the seared scallops ($18) are so uniquely plump and sweet that their source is carefully guarded by the kitchen team as a trade secret. Each dish on the menu boasts an attractive combination of rustic charm and modern finesse; roast chicken, for example, is served in careful slices over a pistachio-topped streak of yoghurt and accompanied by an elegant rice pilaf ($22). The drinks list is intriguing and international. Consider kicking things off with an organic Krinklewood Semillon ($10/$44) before moving onto an earthy Italian Nebbiolo, or familiarise yourself with the generous selection of interesting craft beers and ciders on offer. It's when it comes to dessert that the Cottage really starts to show off. The circus comes to town with the fairground plate ($16): whether you're munching away on maple-candied popcorn, tearing off pieces of rose-scented fairy floss or biting into a teeny-tiny toffee apple, you can't help but giggle with the nostalgia and share a tale about that time you ran away to the fair. Like all good dinner parties, you'll leave the Cottage well fed, pleasantly tipsy and still chuckling about something that was said four conversations ago. And the best part? At the drop of a hat, the charismatic Cottage team will be ready to welcome you back in and do it all again.
Much like the great parma or parmi debate of the 21st century (it's parma, by the way), books can be a great divider. You've either not opened a novel since it's become a voluntary activity post-high school, or you have a delicately balanced pile of reading stacked on your bedside table at all times. If your reading has fallen to the wayside lately, this is the perfect time to treat yourself to some new literary feeds. Whether you're looking to top up your Jenga pile of books or looking for a treat to reignite your love of lit — here are some of the best books, novels and non-fiction to keep you company, according to our writers. MELANIE COLWELL: Branded Content Editor, published her first book in Year One which was available for loan from the school library Recommends: The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird. You could call me crazy for recommending a book that follows a worldwide pandemic right now. Read the room, right? But in a sort of twisted way, it makes you realise that even though things have been pretty shit over the past 18 months, they could be a lot worse. Like, wiping out half of the world's population worse. In this tale, the fast-acting virus infects 90 percent of the male population — yes, even newborns and children — and it's 97-percent lethal. It's told through a series of all-female, first person narratives, from the doctor who first diagnosed the virus but was dismissed and labelled "hysterical" to the scientists desperately racing to develop a vaccine and the governments trying rebuild society when, thanks to the ol' patriarchy, the majority of the workforce is gone. This unsettling novel forces you to face a very loaded conundrum: what would life really be like without men? ELLEN SEAH: National News & Features Editor, hates pineapple on literally anything Recommends: The Lost Man by Jane Harper, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I'm the type of person that has anywhere between three to five books simultaneously on the go. My housemate thinks it's moderately unhinged, but each to their own, right? The Lost Man is written by the same author as The Dry, which was recently released in cinemas starring the gorgeous Eric Bana. Out of her written works, I find that The Lost Man has a much more enthralling setting and character nuance compared to The Dry. It's still set in outback Australia and revolves around brothers Nathan and Bub Bright who meet for the first time in months after their middle brother is found dead. Promise that's not a spoiler. I also always come back to All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2015. It centres around a blind French girl in occupied France during World War II. Finally, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is not a quick, or an easy read. But, it is one of the few novels I've inhaled — haggling away hours usually dedicated to sleep — in order to finish it. It's a 720-page commitment, based on a deceptively simple premise: it follows the lives of four friends and their relationships through and after college. SARAH WARD: Associate Editor, has been on both Japanese and German television Recommends: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino. Every time he adds a new project to his resume, Quentin Tarantino takes something he loves — usually a genre of film, or several — and serves up his own distinctive version. The inimitable filmmaker clearly adores novelisations, so that's where he's branched out next. He obviously has a heap of affection for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, too, so he's turned his last movie into his first-ever book. On the page, the novel doesn't merely stick to the script, however. It changes details, takes detours and adds in plenty of film history. It shifts its focus and delivers commentary on the feature's storyline, too. In its style, it sounds and flows exactly as you'd expect of a QT book; his way with words, and with dialogue especially, easily translates to the page. Reading the novel feels a bit like spending time with the director, in fact, while also getting a big dose of nostalgia — as anyone who spent too long as a kid reading novelisations of their favourite movies will completely understand. CORDELIA WILLIAMSON: Branded Content Manager, has a killer collection of OTT sunglasses Recommends: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko. I'm not an audiobook fan. But, boy, when you're on a camping trip in woeful weather and your partner's taste in music doesn't cut the mustard — and Matthew McConaughey's reading to you — well, then, it's pretty damn good. The actor's debut book stunned me. More than just variations of his almighty catchcry 'Alright, alright, alright', Greenlights is a memoir, with a bit of self-help peppered throughout. Sure, it's navel-gazing, but it makes for one helluva read. From tales about his violence-fuelled (but loving) childhood and cutting his teeth in Hollywood to his time spent Down Under and wrestling matches in West African sandpits, raucous stories are what propel this book — so much so you question whether it is all real. Greenlights is, though, honest; offering pearls of unconventional wisdom alongside hilarious anecdotes. And, save your pennies and get the audiobook, rather than a hard copy. This man is worth his salt, and this book his voice. If you're the kind of person who has multiple reads on your nightstand at any one time, I cannot recommend Melissa Lucashenko's Too Much Lip enough. Gritty, hilarious and gut-wrenching, this 2019 Miles Franklin Award-winning novel is as much about familial bonds as it is a love letter to the Australian landscape. NIK ADDAMS: Branded Content Manager, dreams of one day becoming Poirot's sidekick Recommends: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. While I was swept up in the romance of Isabel Allende's historical epic A Long Petal of the Sea and rode every wave in Meg Mason's stunning Sorrow and Bliss, I have long been of the belief that a good mystery novel is hard to beat when it comes to pure enjoyment. British writer Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders was one of the more impressive whodunnits I've read in a long time. It's as meta as it gets — it's told from the perspective of a book editor — and its primary plot device of a book within a book is one of the more ingenious approaches to the tried-and-true formula I've encountered in quite some time. Horowitz is a master of the genre, and Magpie Murders sees him at the top of his game. If you're looking for pure escapism, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. [caption id="attachment_730412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sun Bookshop[/caption] COURTNEY AMMENHAUSER: Branded Content Producer, has successfully survived a cassowary chase Recommends: Glimpses of Utopia by Jess Scully. Last year the City of Sydney's Deputy Lord Mayor, Jess Scully, released a book that gave me hope in a pretty dark time. Glimpses of Utopia will take you around the world to look at how other countries have implemented future-thinking systems to help create fairer and more sustainable standards of living for its citizens. Ever heard of The Care Economy? Want to know more about a people-powered digital democracy? Been thinking about how your banking habits are contributing to climate change? If so, read this book, reflect on your choices and reimagine what the future can look like. Top image: Readings Carlton, Victoria.
Sometimes, Guillermo del Toro dallies with vampires. Sometimes, he saunters into haunted houses, creepy carnivals and eerie orphanages instead. Encounters with kaiju and romances with amphibious creatures also dot his filmography, as do untraditional superheroes and twisted fairytale realms. With all of the above, across a career spanning three decades now, the director has thoroughly proven himself an avid collector. You don't amass a resume like his without actively endeavouring to curate an on-screen compendium — with his movies stuffed full of ideas, themes, motifs and images that just keep fascinating the acclaimed filmmaker. So far, the proof has beamed into cinemas for movie-goers to revel in, starting with Cronos and most recently gifting the world Nightmare Alley. From film to film, del Toro delves into gothic horror staples. He splashes around haunting tales over and over, and works through his obsession with horror's — and life's — go-to contrasts (think: light and dark, pleasure and pain, and the macabre and the magical). He has an Oscar or his troubles for directing The Shape of Water, and he isn't done adding big-screen features to sit beside two Hellboy flicks, Mimic, Blade II, The Devil's Backbone, Pan's Labyrinth, Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak yet. But, now streaming via Netflix, new TV horror anthology Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities is a natural fit for someone so eager to collect and dissect the unsettling, unnerving, mysterious and curious. The first season of the series starts as other iconic anthologies have: with its central figure offering a mood-setting introduction to the stories to come. Alfred Hitchcock did it in the 50s and 60s. Rod Serling and Jordan Peele have done the same with different versions of The Twilight Zone. Now, it's del Toro's turn. His addition to the fold shares its name with his own 2013 book, which collates notes on and sketches for his films till then, details about unfinished projects, and observations by peers such as James Cameron and Neil Gaiman — and, fittingly, sports an introduction entitled "the world as cabinet". With this show, though, del Toro assembles anew rather than surveys his past. Also, he has filmmakers such as The Babadook and The Nightingale's Jennifer Kent, Mandy's Panos Cosmatos, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night and Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon's Ana Lily Amirpour, and Cube's Vincenzo Natali on hand, with eight directors helming an episode apiece in this must-see collection. Sometimes, Cabinet of Curiosities gets grim and cautionary. At other times, it's stomach-churningly gory and grotesque, particularly if you're not fond of rats, guts or pondering your own mortality. It can sport soulful restraint, unleash a stunning display of phantasmagoria and delight in being off-kilter. No matter what mode it's in, it always heads back to the past, giving the show's eight-episode initial run a timeworn feel. That vibe also flows through in del Toro's intros, where he announces each instalment beside the titular structure. Given wooden form and resembling a multi-level mansion, it's always matched with a corresponding handcrafted piece that represents the episode to come. There he is, collecting again — and inviting his audience to collect these lovingly assembled narratives, and their thrills and chills, along with him. Cabinet of Curiosities' debut chapter hails from the only director without their own past horror flick to their name. As a cinematographer, however, Guillermo Navarro has lensed six of del Toro's features, plus the likes of From Dusk Till Dawn, Jackie Brown, two Night at the Museum movies and two Twilight films, too. Navarro gets the series off to a promising start with Lot 36, about a right wing-sympathising veteran (Tim Blake Nelson, Nightmare Alley) who purchases storage units to hawk their contents when their owners default on payment. His latest acquisition comes from someone with a shady past, bringing nerve-rattling repercussions. In the process, this stylishly shot 90s-set affair ruminates on xenophobia, and the world views that find comfort — and power — in being horrific and discriminatory. Next, the show's two most grisly episodes follow: Natali's Graveyard Rats and David Prior's (The Empty Man) The Autopsy. The first adapts Henry Kuttner's 1936 short story, follows a cemetery caretaker (David Hewlett, Clarice) who robs coffins as a side hustle, and has him fighting rodents in an underground labyrinth for his spoils — and the result is stressful and squirmy. The second also springs from the page, from Michael Shea in 1987, and plunges deep into viscera and entrails. Mythic Quest and Moon Knight's F Murray Abraham is the coroner doing the splicing, but what he discovers among the victims of a mine explosion spans well beyond squishy internal organs. There are no disappointing drawers in Cabinet of Curiosities; the tone varies, but del Toro and his colleagues are committed to contemplating what scares us and why. So, while Amirpour's The Outside is noticeably lighter than its counterparts, squeezing out a satirical, The Stuff-esque, Christmas-set satire on consumerism, conformity and beauty, the Kate Micucci (Clerks III), Martin Starr (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and Dan Stevens (I'm Your Man)-starring chapter is as sinister and disquieting as the rest of the series. Cabinet of Curiosities next gets Lovecraftian with two takes on the author's stories: Pickman's Model and Dreams in the Witch House. One sees The Vigil and Firestarter's Keith Thomas explore art's function as a mirror, the other has original Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke spirit Harry Potter's Rupert Grint into a dance with ghosts, and they both drip with unease in their respective ways. Cabinet of Curiosities does save two of its shiniest treasures until last, however — and what gleaming treasures they are. Wishing that both had graced the silver screen and stretched out to feature length is an instant reaction. No one is currently making movies like either the aforementioned Cosmatos or Kent, who go to completely opposite extremes with their stellar anthology instalments. The former's The Viewing, focusing on four 70s-era celebrities summoned by a rich eccentric (RoboCop's Peter Weller) for a night of drugs, conversation and staring at a secret discovery, is a wild, dazzling, synth-scored trip in the best possible way. As for The Murmuring by Australia's own Kent, it reunites her with The Babadook's Essie Davis for another stirring and striking haunted-house tale about grief and motherhood, this time working with a story by del Toro himself. Check out the trailer for Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities below: Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities is available to stream via Netflix.
Reward yourself for making it to the end of another working week by stuffing yourself silly at Cairo Takeaway in Enmore. This unassuming Egyptian delight is not your average kebab shop; the ingredients are fresh, food is made to order and the menu is a truly authentic one. The standout here are the falafels — theirs are made with fava beans — that are then lovingly stuffed into a sesame-crusted warm pita and topped with an array of pickled veg. Even better? Their beer hails from Inner West craft beer barons Wayward Brewing and Young Henrys. You can also BYO your favourite vino if beer's not your thing. Round out the night by laughing away the week's stresses with some comedy at Factory Theatre. Presented by Laugh-Masters Academy, the Night Shift show is guaranteed to get you chortling away courtesy of Sydney's best up-and-coming improv and comedy talent.
Huge news: Darlinghurst is set to become home to Soho House Sydney, Australia's first outpost for the ultra-exclusive membership club. The much-hyped global brand already has locations across the world from Berlin to Miami, and is now in the process of transforming a building on the corner of Crown and Foley Street above Shady Pines Saloon, with ambitious plans in the works to completely reshape the space. The five-storey development is currently subject to City of Sydney approval, but is set to feature a variety of spaces both indoor and outdoor that are designed to facilitate social gatherings, including multiple restaurants and bars across the various levels. Plans submitted to the city council also show a proposed gym, cabaret facilities, and a rooftop terrace and pool. The plans also reveal anticipated changes to the facade, replacing the building's fairly rundown exterior with a simple, sleek and modern cream and brown design in line with other Soho Houses around the world. Soho House is working with Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (The Old Clare Hotel, Bondi Pavilion) in creating the proposed design. "It's possibly one of the worst-kept secrets, but we're so excited to confirm that we will be opening a Soho House in Sydney in the future," says Soho House Membership Director Dominique Bellas. [caption id="attachment_900975" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tonkin Zulaikha Greer architects[/caption] "While we don't have more details to share at this time, we continue to grow our Cities Without Houses community in Australia and are looking forward to bringing our members a week-long Soho House experience for Sydney's first South by Southwest." As Bellas stated, the Soho House Sydney announcement comes as the internationally renowned brand hits Australia for SXSW Sydney — taking over The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale. The dreamy accommodation, pub and rooftop bar is being treated to a Soho House transformation for the eight-day festival. Soho House and Cities Without Houses members — whether they be travelling Down Under for the festival, or local jetsetters and creatives — will be treated to daily programming and events designed to be reminiscent of what you'd experience at Soho Houses around the world. Included in the events will be a performance curated by Secret Sounds, a one-night-only dinner from British chef Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks, Rocker), an art installation from Paul Davies and an industry event with the not-for-profit Women In Music Australia. If you want to join the Soho House community in preparation for the inaugural Australian outpost to open, you can apply for a Cities Without Houses membership, which will grant you access to the brand's SXSW Sydney takeover of The Old Clare. [caption id="attachment_706208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old Clare Rooftop[/caption] Australia's first-ever Soho House was originally set to open on Domain Road in Melbourne's South Yarra, but developers were forced to ditch plans at the direction of VCAT after strong opposition from local councils and a residents' group. The Darlinghurst building earmarked for Soho House Sydney has a storied history, taking many forms over the years including Bolot's Embassy Dancing Academy between 1924–30, the Playbox Theatre and Stanley Twig's auction house in the 1930s and, most recently, housing several retail tenants throughout the 2000s including an espresso bar, convenience store and a nail salon. Now boasting over 40 houses across the globe, Soho House first opened in London in 1995 as a private members club for clientele in the creative sphere. It has since spread throughout Europe and North America, opening restaurants, cinemas, workspaces, spas and bedrooms alongside the traditional clubs. From New York to Istanbul, exclusivity is a common global denominator. [caption id="attachment_613704" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darren Robertson and Cameron Northway[/caption] Soho House Sydney is set to open at 256 Crown Street, Darlinghurst — we'll update you with an opening date when one is announced. Top image: Soho House Sydney render by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Seligman (Stellan Skarsgård) comes across Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg), lying broken and beaten in the street. She refuses an ambulance, so he takes her back to his house, where she tells him the story of lifelong obsession with sex. Nymphomaniac is, in many territories around the world, released in two separate parts. In Australia, we are getting the whole thing in one massive four-hour go, albeit with some of the more extreme material cut. Although it's hard to imagine they cut much, given what's left in. There's a good chance that Nymphomaniac will confirm your preconceived notions of director Lars von Trier. To his fans, it is a bold, funny, challenging film that dives headlong into a difficult subject. To his detractors, it is further evidence that von Trier's idea of provocative cinema is a rote combination of mental illnesses and genital close-ups. I should confess at this point that I am traditionally a von Trier detractor, but one who claimed his previous work, Melancholia, to be one of 2011's best films. Nymphomaniac, however, is a litany of his worst tendencies. He seems terrified of sincerity; every moment that comes dangerously close to a human emotion is immediately undercut with a cynical aside as we cut jarringly back to the 'present -day' story. What should be a clever framing device becomes a get-out-of-jail free card for von Trier. Joe and Seligman fall over themselves to acknowledge the extraordinary coincidences in Joe's story, as if von Trier thinks this makes up for lazy writing. Or is winking at us to show us the lazy writing is deliberate. Either way, he seems to believe a veil of self-aware cynicism insulates him against potential criticism. It does not. Now, it must be acknowledged that making fun of Shia LaBeouf these days is like shooting fish in a barrel, and must only be attempted when the situation absolutely calls for it. This is one such situation. Casting LaBeouf as one of the 'English' characters feels like von Trier's biggest prank, and LaBeouf enters each scene as if he was asked to try some sort of Britishy accent moments before 'action!' was called. I'm not saying it's bad; I'm saying nobody's allowed to make fun of Dick Van Dyke ever again. There's an adage in filmmaking that if you have a great ending, audiences will forgive any trespasses. And Nymphomaniac, I must confess, has a great ending. It went out on such an impressive note, it almost made me forget my problems with the proceeding four hours. Almost. Ardent fans of von Trier will find much to enjoy in this film, as he continues exploring the themes and styles of works such as Breaking the Waves, Dogville and Dancer in the Dark. If you do not count yourself as a fan, then I suggest you stay well away. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Gdxzno5Xp2Y
Long gone are the days where 007's "shaken not stirred" will cut it. Cocktails — they're far from just sweet concoctions for amateurs seeking out a tipple-induced buzz sans the bitter sting of alcohol. Sydney's love for them has grown steadily over the past few years and that can, in part, be attributed to our fondness of the small bar setting where an Old Fashioned seems the only thing appropriate. And where to find some of the best? Well, fear not, because Concrete Playground is here to play guide. Let us present to you our ten best cocktail bars in Sydney to help you along your merry little way. 1. Eau de Vie While not technically a speakeasy, Eau-De-Vie is about as close as you can get to the guilty pleasures of Boardwalk Empire. This Prohibition-style bar is tucked away at the back of the Kirketon Hotel. True to the form, it's well hidden: there's no signage, but the concierge will direct you through the black door at the back, past the restrooms and into this cosy chamber. And the cocktails? Try the Noble Experiment ($20), whereby you concoct your own Martini as a salute to Prohibition's end, and don't think you can go past the Ladies' Leg Cosmo ($25 per person), which is offered to ladies only and served in a seductive leg. 229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst; www.eaudevie.com.au/sydney 2. The Roosevelt One part glam, one part retro and one part mixologist's fantasy, The Roosevelt is an irresistible mix that has almost immediately become one of Sydney's best cocktail destinations. Glass cabinets filled with antique cocktail making equipment line the room, swing is the soundtrack and the cocktail menu files its drinks into sections like 'Sexy, Ladylike and Seductive' or 'Cocktails on Wheels'. This second category includes the 'Nitro Colada' and the 'Blazer', prepared with much theatre and plenty of nitrogen smoke by waist-coated hosts in the centre of the room. Shared cocktails include further showmanship and trickery, including a playful Hamptons Summer Cup, served in a trophy cup, and a punch bowl which is set alight at the table. 32 Orwell Street, Potts Point; www.theroosevelt.com.au 3. Bulletin Place Bulletin Place is a prodigious example of in-the-know barman strutting their stuff. And let's be honest, it's really Philips' cocktail expertise that makes this place stand out. Scribbled across a sheet of butcher's paper that hangs behind the bar will be any given evening's cocktail selection, inspired by whatever produce is freshest at the time. First floor, 10 - 14 Bulletin Place, Circular Quay; www.bulletinplace.com/ 4. Grasshopper Cocktails are the real drawcard at Grasshopper. All the drinks are numbered instead of having names, and they're just about all served in jars. The No.19, which features orange liqueur, cranberry juice, passionfruit and vanilla vodka, tastes like the sort of gelato you would find at Messina or Pompeii's. The No.14 - comprising blackberry juice and Fanta - is also a Buttermenthol-tasting highlight. 389-391 George St, Sydney; www.thegrasshopper.com.au 5. The Hazy Rose Hazy Rose offers a damn fine cocktail list. The Fernet Julep ($15) is an unusual take on this classic, with Fernet Branca replacing the usual sticky syrup. The Whisky Sour ($15-$25) is closer to what you'd expect, with your choice of whisky served over a block of ice. If you're feeling brave, opt for the Hamish ($18): a mix of Espolon Reposada, Taliskee, sweet vermouth and bitters. My favourite of the night, this had a wonderful smoky aftertaste. A good choice if you're after something a little more gentle is the Stanley Sidecar ($16), which treats you to the house's own apricot brandy along with Cointreau and fresh lemon juice. 83 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst; www.thehazyrose.com.au 6. Assembly The drinks from mixologist/general manager Ben Taouss make this out-of-the-way cocktail haven one of Sydney's best. Our pick is the Lavender Hill Cappuccino ($17), a martini with Pop Rocks and an apple foam. There's also the Rasp'n'Co ($16), a 'vodka raspberry' with white chocolate or, for more serious drinkers, the Brooklyn ($18), a prohibition-style concoction of rye whisky, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, a dash of Amer Picon and a cherry on top. 488 Kent Street, Sydney; www.assemblybar.com.au 7. Grandma's There's no place like home. Except Grandma's. Grandma gives you a big hug, sits you down in her best, chintz-covered chair and gives you a treat. The "grandchildren" are a helpful and friendly lot, and shake their cocktails with wide-eyed glee. Start off with one of Grandma's favourite tipples — the Pink Pepper Martini, a mix of strawberries and a wink of gin, was truly delightful. But the drinks list is seemingly endless, with ingredients including Greek yoghurt, chocolate bitters and elderflower cordial. Basement 275 Clarence Street, Sydney; www.grandmasbarsydney.com.au 8. Gilt Lounge Tucked away between Topshop and Sydney's iconic State Theatre is Gilt Lounge. As QT Hotel's sultry grown up cocktail lounge, Gilt takes things to a whole new mixology level. Shakers will be tossed in the air and drinks finished with a flourish. A must-try is the Applewood Bacon Old Fashioned ($19), a wild combination of Applewood bacon-infused buffalo trace bourbon, black peppercorn-infused demerara sugar, creole bitters chocolate covered bacon and flamed orange. Yes, you read right. Chocolate. Covered. Bacon. It's a flavour fusion gamble that definitely pays off. 49 Market Street, Sydney; www.qtsydney.com.au 9. Different Drummer Since ages past, the Drummer has been serving scintillating cocktails with a happy-go-lucky list of patrons who don't hesitate to share their thoughts on why the Agwacello (agwa coco leaf liquor, limoncello & cloudy apple) is the best cocktail on the menu. Settle in downstairs amongst the bordello-like luxury for your birthday or girls-night, or take a date up to the roof for a breeze and a good view. And lest we forget to mention the daily two-for-one cocktails. Damn right. 185 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe; www.differentdrummer.com.au 10. Button Bar Button Bar is the third offering from the creators behind Stitch and Pocket bars. And it's time to batten down the hatches because with a seasoned crew on board, it sure is a ship not to be missed. The three page cocktail menu offers a diverse selection of tipples. The Lucky Charm made with below vodka, fresh strawberries and honey with prosseco ($16.50) is fresh as is the Pleasure Vessel, a combination of Appleton dark rum, Grand Marnier, orange marmalade, fresh grapefruit, fresh lemon juice and orange blossom water ($17). 65 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills; www.button-bar.com.au By the Concrete Playground team.
First came Bar Nina, the laidback Italian joint on the corner of Stanley Street and Crown with a relaxed vibe and a winning formula. Seamlessly morphing from a bright and breezy brunch spot by day into a buzzy neighbourhood diner and bar in the evening, Bar Nina remains proof positive that some venues can be all things to all people. Duplicating this strategy, the sister duo behind that Darlinghurst success are hoping a similar duel identity will be just as popular up the road in Potts Point. Rosie O'Shea and her sister Rebecca, who was formerly the Director of the Rockpool Dining Group, have taken over the grand mansion Dean's Lounge once called home to launch Arms Length, another day-to-night venue offering breakfast classics from 8am before transitioning into a chic yet relaxed cocktail lounge and late-night eatery after dark. At the helm in the kitchen is Head Chef Keno Perlas, who boasts stints at Bentley Group's Monopole and Neil Perry's Margaret on his resumé, alongside Executive Chef Jeffrey Sue, formerly of Rockpool, Ormeggio and China Doll. This seasoned pair has created an Italian-leaning, crowd-pleasing menu that is not unlike Arms Length's sister venue in Darlinghurst. Both the breakfast and evening offerings have been cleverly conceived, marrying broad appeal with affordability. In the morning, easy-to-like options include brekkie buns and french toast loaded with mascarpone and drizzled with a tart berry compote. Upping the ante is one of the most affordable bottomless brunch offers in town: 90 minutes of free-flowing cocktails, including espresso martinis, bloody marys, mimosas or the house speciality, garibaldis made with Australian-made aperitif Rhubi, for just an additional $29 on top of your food order. In the evening, the menu offers a mixture of cocktail sidekicks — think dressed oysters, anchovy brioche, chicken liver parfait — and a considered selection of mains, including steak frites, beef ragu rigatoni, casarecce with Skull Island prawns and an ever-faithful tiramisu for dessert. Evening diners can also enjoy a steal of a deal: the Supper Soirée. This candlelit dinner package includes a cocktail on arrival and a set menu of chef's favourites paired with wines for just $95. One of the most distinctive items on the evening menu pays homage to the heritage of Arms Length's Kellet Street address. Jaffles were a fixture of both Dean's Lounge and its forbear, Dean's Cafe, so it's fitting that late night revellers will still be able to enjoy the ooey-gooey delights of these cheese toastie triangles at the venue's latest incarnation. Available from 8am until late (through to 2am on Fridays and Saturday), you can get them filled with ham and mozzarella, four cheeses, or beef brisket and caramelised onions. To wash them down, Nick Tesar — 2022 Australian Bartender of the Year, Diageo World Class competition — has curated a seasonal signature cocktail list. For those drinking on a shoestring, the Arms Length bar has a cozzie-livs-friendly happy hour, during which house red and white wines will set you back just $8 a glass while select cocktails are a bargain at just $12. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night bites, Arms Length is a good bet — for you, and your wallet — no matter what time of day you visit.
Sydney's love affair with escape rooms continues, with Expedition launching its latest concept in Redfern. The room, titled The Forgotten Son, will lead players on a dangerous trek through the Australian outback. The Expedition brand has expanded to Sydney from Canberra, where it launched in 2015. After snatching up the Cope Street digs back in March, the team spent eight months building The Forgotten Son, which launched in December. The room's historic 'high country'-theme follows a distinguished character from Australian folklore. Could it be the swagman from 'Waltzing Matilda'? Ned Kelly? Goorialla, the rainbow serpent? Whoever (or whatever) it is, the escape room promises to transport players from the inner city straight back in time to the door of an old tin shack — through which the eerie sound of a sobbing child can be heard. And that's just the beginning. While the description doesn't give too much away, it's certainly enough to pique our intrigue. As with most escape rooms, players will have up to one hour to follow clues and complete the course, with a maximum of six players allowed in at once. Two more rooms — dubbed The Nuclear Decision and Return of the King (it'll be medieval themed) — will open in Expedition soon, too, so keep an eye on this space. Expedition Escape Rooms Sydney is now open at 11A Cope Street, Redfern. Prices range from $42–48 per person, depending on the size of your group. To book, head here.
There are plenty of reasons to explore Sydney's CBD. From the cobbled laneways of The Rocks to the swish foreshore playground that is Barangaroo, our city streets are recognisable to — and frequented by — tourists and locals alike. And when it comes to shopping, the CBD delivers something for everyone (and every budget). But navigating past the hotspots to undercover the hidden gems isn't as easy as it might seem. Alongside the city's sparkling facade is a thriving community of independent makers, creators and providers championing offbeat designs and small-scale goods. To help you venture off the beaten track, we've curated your go-to guide for the best stores to shop small in the CBD and surrounds. Find the perfect memorable gift, nab a great bottle of vino and sharpen your look at these ten must-see Sydney shops.
Dinner and a movie now has an entire cinema dedicated to it: FoMo Cinemas. The brand's name isn't about fearing missing out; instead, it refers to its blend of food and movies. Every one of the six screens in the new Melbourne picture palace is all about watching a film while having a meal. You'll pick between blockbuster, arthouse and retro flicks on the program, plus pizzas, burgers and deli sandwiches on the chef-designed menu. Before you take your seat, you'll also hit up the neon-lit Blade Runner-inspired bar. First announced in 2023, the 392-seat dine-in FoMo Cinemas opens its doors on Thursday, January 18 at East Brunswick Village — and adds something new not just to Melbourne's but to Australia's cinema scene. Co-owners Natalie Miller AO and Barry Peak, who co-founded Carlton's Cinema Nova, have taken their cues from two famed names in the global business: the Alamo Drafthouse chain across the US, plus Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn. "Barry and I have been partners in the Nova for 32 years, and Barry's always looking for new ideas and new ventures. And he was very anxious to do a cinema with food and movies based on the Nighthawk and the Alamo in America. So he went out on a survey over there and come back with all the ideas," Miller, who also spent 17 years running South Yarra's old Longford Cinema, tells Concrete Playground. "What very much appeals is the fact that people are time-poor and we are trying to encourage people to come 20 minutes earlier, sit down, they can order their food off an app and then the movie will start. Or if they want to, they can do it during the film. But the idea is to let people have their meal and their film together," Miller continues. "It's not a totally new concept because there's gold class and platinum and all those other cinemas, but ours are at standard ticket prices. So you can come at a standard ticket price and order your meal accordingly." As designed by Head Chef Darren Collier, food choices also include cheese and antipasto platters, as well as desserts — and, when it comes time to deliver your bites and drinks as the movie plays, the focus is on discreet service that doesn't disrupt the viewing experience. As is a drawcard at Alamo Drafthouse, all films are preceded by a pre-show presentation. Expect trivia, interactive quizzes and clips celebrating classic movie moments — and trailers, but no ads. The idea is that you peruse the menu while the pre-show plays, and that it's all part of the experience. And the films? Although Cinema Nova is known for its arthouse selections — and Miller is behind film distributor Sharmill Films, which has brought movies such as Triangle of Sadness and Compartment No. 6 to Australian screens in recent years — FoMo is combining those kinds of flicks with broader fare. So, in its opening weeks, you can see the Mean Girls musical, Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, Michael Mann's Ferrari, Golden Globe-winner The Holdovers, wrestling biopic The Iron Claw and Jason Statham in The Beekeeper. Among repertory titles, both Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 will have a date with the venue, as will Chef — all befitting the picture palace's look and focus. Specs-wise, two of FoMo's cinemas have a 3D setup, and the 114-seat biggest theatre with a screen that ten-metres-plus wide boasts 4K resolution. While the newly opened East Brunswick Village is the site of the first-ever FoMo, it won't be the last if the debut location proves a success. "If you ask Barry Peak that question, he'd say absolutely yes," Miller advises about the possibility of expanding the chain across Melbourne and even nationally. "We'll test it out and we'll see how it works. We feel that Brunswick's such a growing area with such a young population and student population, and probably a cross-section of the community. And we'll see how it works, and then take it from there." Find FoMo Cinemas at East Brunswick Village, 133 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick from Thursday, January 18.
Crown Sydney is heating things up in a seriously opulent style with a one-night-only rooftop party on Thursday, November 27 — and it's bound to be one of the most exclusive events of the season. Set on the level five rooftop pool deck, the evening will unfold against the beautiful scenery of the harbour, flowing cocktails, world-class dining, and live entertainment. Presented by Patrón Tequila and Fashion House Missoni, the party brings together some of Crown's biggest culinary names — including Nobu, a'Mare, Icebergs Harbour Bar, Woodcut and Golden Century, each serving signature dishes from live food stations. Expect unlimited sashimi, tequila pasta tossed to order, and roaming yum cha bites, alongside crafted Patrón cocktails. Headlining the event is electronic duo Peking Duck, with support from Touch Sensitive, elevating the night. Tickets are $525 per person and include an unforgettable night of food, beverages, and entertainment. This is Crown at its most luxurious, an immersive, all-inclusive summer celebration designed for those ready to start the season with a splash. Tickets are $525 per person and include an unforgettable night of food, beverages, and entertainment. This is Crown at its most luxurious, an immersive, all-inclusive summer celebration designed for those ready to start the season with a splash.
From 12.01am on Monday, August 16, residents of Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will only be permitted to travel within a five-kilometre radius of their homes. These regions are already under lockdown, and will remain that way until at least 12.01am on Saturday, August 28; however, stricter travel limits are now being brought in. Since the end of July — more than a month into Greater Sydney's now seven-week-long lockdown — people in the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions have only been able to travel ten kilometres from their homes to go shopping. That distance requirement has applied to exercising for this entire lockdown, too; however, it'll now be reduced to five kilometres across the board if you're heading outside of your own Local Government Area to shop or exercise. If that sounds familiar, that's because that shorter radius is already in effect in 12 parts of the city deemed LGAs of concern. Those areas must still stick to a strict five-kilometre zone, even within their LGA. While you're probably quite familiar with the patch of land surrounding your home thanks to the last seven weeks of lockdown, there are a few easy ways to check out your household's government-approved five-kilometre travel radius. But, none have proved quite as popular as KM From Home — a website that originally launched in Ireland back in March, when that country introduced its own travel restrictions — and was first jumped on by Melburnians back in August 2020. The online map is free and easy to use — simply centre it to your address, select a five-kilometre radius and you'll see a big red or blue bubble encompassing the zone you're free to travel in under the NSW Government's new rules. You'll find other radius apps out there as well, including the likes of Map Developers. Alternatively, if you've got a Garmin watch, you can download this range warning and it'll alert you when you're closing in on a certain distance from your run's starting point. Want to check a specific park or shopping centre to see if it falls in your five-kilometre zone? There's a function on the Google Maps app that allows you to measure a distance as the crow flies. On desktop, simply right click on a location on the map, select 'measure distance' and then click anywhere else on the map and it'll show you exactly how far the address is from your starting point. Under the current rules, you can only exercise in groups of two, or with your household members — and only one person from your household can leave home once a day to collect essential supplies. Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will remain in lockdown until at least 12.01am on Saturday, August 28. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. Top image: Km From Home.
