Pulling off a blockbuster retrospective of one of Australia's most loved landscape painters is ambitious in any year, but in 2020 it's a huge achievement. "It's the largest Streeton retrospective since 1931 — and I did try to compete with that exhibition," says the Art Gallery of New South Wales' head curator of Australian art, Wayne Tunnicliffe. The new exhibition Streeton features more than 150 works by the Australian impressionist painter (only 20 shy of the one held by the Gallery 89 years ago), and its works come from public and private collections from around the country, including ones from Victoria, coordinated during lockdown. The Gallery's exhibition follows Streeton's career from his early drawings to his latter years when the artist became a vocal environmentalist. "Streeton had a lifelong practice, but most galleries show his earlier works," says Tunnicliffe. In Streeton, you'll walk room to room seeing the progression from the revolutionary moment when Streeton and his contemporaries invent Australian impressionism to his journeys to London, Cairo, Venice and back to Australia. In partnership with Destination NSW, we asked Tunnicliffe to pick out five paintings that tell us more about the talented painter's passions, and how they retain relevance today. [caption id="attachment_789415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'Still glides the stream, and shall for ever glide' (1890), oil on canvas, later mounted on hardboard, 82.6x153 cm, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, purchased 1890. Photo: Jenni Carter, AGNSW[/caption] 'STILL GLIDES THE STREAM AND SHALL FOR EVER GLIDE' (1890) The Victorian artist was only 22 years old when he painted 'Still glides the stream, and shall for ever glide', and the Art Gallery of New South Wales buys it the year it was painted — transforming Streeton's career. "It's his first acquisition by a public art gallery, and that financial support means he's able to come to Sydney and live, and paint those extraordinary Sydney harbour scenes," says Tunnicliffe. "[The acquisition] is saying Australian impressionism is important and that we need to take it seriously." The painting has been on public display ever since, and the curator tells us it was Streeton's way of implying nature's persistence. "Nature is here forever. Streeton tries to encompass this in the painting, and it suggests that we will endure with it, and by extension, the creative act of this painting will endure as well." Streeton and his Heidelberg School contemporaries were inspired by the French movement of painting en plein air (outside), and they were making it their own, here in Australia. As Tunnicliffe tells us, the Gallery's forward-looking trustees of the time were keen to support and validate this new style of painting. [caption id="attachment_789412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'Circular Quay' (1892), oil on wood, 19.3x47.6cm, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased 1959. Photo: Jenni Carter, AGNSW[/caption] 'CIRCULAR QUAY' (1892) After Streeton's cash injection, he comes to Sydney and falls in love with its beaches and harbour. In Streeton, you'll find scenes of bathers at Coogee Beach, ferries picking up passengers at McMahons Point and the rocky harbour around Sirius Cove. "He paints the life around him, as impressionists do around the world," says Tunnicliffe. "When he comes to Sydney, he's transfixed by the harbour and the beaches, but the working harbour is what he gets really interested in. This bustling, modern, growing, booming city." "In this painting, 'Circular Quay', you can see the Quay at work: people strolling, ferries puffing, boats arriving on a bright, hot day. And, of course, we can see that scene now. It looks different, but we can be in that spot where Streeton is and experience that." [caption id="attachment_789414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'The purple noon's transparent might' (1896), oil on canvas, 123x123 cm, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, purchased 1896. Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne[/caption] 'THE PURPLE NOON'S TRANSPARENT MIGHT' (1896) Sydney alone is not enough for Streeton. He actively travels to the Blue Mountains, Gloucester and across regional New South Wales to capture the Australian landscape. In 1896, he travels to Richmond, buys a cheap horse called Pawnbroker, and rides out to a raised area above the Hawkesbury River to paint 'The purple noon's transparent might'. "It's 44 degrees when he paints this. It's a heatwave and he's out there literally suffering for his art," says Tunnicliffe. "What he captures is the extraordinary intensity of Australian light and colour on this hot, hot day." It's an example of Streeton's tenacity, his commitment to recording what he finds before him, and Tunnicliffe says he thinks it's "one of the great landscape paintings in Australian art." "What's remarkable about this work is that it's never been varnished. It's matte paint, as Streeton painted it in 1896. It's been conserved over several months, so it looks now like it did when it left Streeton's studio. You can see the really visible brushstrokes — the way he's pushing that paint around to get that effect. But also, that shifting, shimmering light." [caption id="attachment_789413" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'The Grand Canal' (1908) oil on canvas, 93x169cm, Collection of Susan Clarke, Victoria. Photo: Glen Watson[/caption] 'THE GRAND CANAL' (1908) Fast forward to the 20th century. Streeton's lauded as one of Australia's greatest landscape painters all before he turns 30, and he's looking to prove himself overseas. "Streeton leaves Australia in 1897 because he feels he's done as much as he can at that point in his life. He wants to challenge himself; he goes to London and he struggles. But, going to Venice in 1908 on his honeymoon, and painting over 80 views on two visits in that year, he exhibits these in London and that's when he gets recognition. Because he takes a real risk." Venice is one of the most painted scenes by some of the most famous artists in the 19th and early 20th century, explains Tunnicliffe. "He pits himself against them and he's very well reviewed. This particular painting is one of two he did on this scale, with this ambition." This aerial view was painted from high up on the palazzo looking up the Grand Canal. Interestingly, both his large-scale Grand Canal paintings have been missing for decades. "This one was recently rediscovered in a private collection in regional Victoria," says Tunnicliffe. "And so, this is the first time it's been shown publicly for many decades. It's in completely original, untouched, unconserved, condition — this is what a painting looks like after 100 years." [caption id="attachment_789411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'The vanishing forest' (1934), oil on canvas, 122.5x122.5cm, on loan to the Art Gallery of Ballarat from the Estate of Margery Pierce[/caption] 'THE VANISHING FOREST' (1934) By the 1920s, Streeton was an established artist, and somewhat of a celebrity. He's returned to Australia, painting pastoral landscapes, and living in the house he's built in the Dandenong Ranges with his wife Nora. And it's during this time that the artist uses his prestige to actively campaign to save the environment. "He was deeply concerned when he came back to Australia in the 1920s, seeing much-loved landscapes being cut down." In 'The vanishing forest', Streeton is making a statement. It's a large-scale painting, intentionally similar in size to his most famous works, and, as Tunnicliffe tells us, he's asking Australians to take the destruction seriously. "He paints mature trees that have been ring-barked, a tree that has been bulldozed and is soon to be cut up. He really wants us to think hard about this, and about what we're doing to our environment, and that message is still so important." Tickets to 'Streeton' cost $22 and you can buy timed-entry tickets online. If you've already purchased untimed and undated tickets for 'Streeton', they will be honoured for any date and time until February 14, 2021. For $35, you can upgrade to a Gallery Pass, which gives you access to 'Streeton' and the 'Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2020'. Top images: installation views of 'Streeton' at Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Photos: Jenni Carter, AGNSW
An afternoon spent in a big Sydney beer garden with your mates is most definitely an afternoon well spent. There will be laughs, possibly a few jugs or bottles emptied, some good food and (hopefully) plenty of sunshine. But the most important thing is spending time with your buddies — ALL of your buddies. You wouldn't leave Dave at home would you? Or Sarah? Think how devastated they'd be if they found out you hadn't invited them. Your best friend — aka (hu)man's best friend — would also get seriously hurt feelings if left at home, so the trick is to choose a venue where Rover is welcome, grab him a dish of water and sneak him a couple of bites of nachos under the table. The bars mentioned here are happy to have canine guests as long as they don't make too much noise or mess (so it's just like the deal they have with you and your mate Dave really...).
The best breakfasts in Sydney are as diverse as the city they're served in. Sure, you'll find Vegemite on toast and every conceivable iteration of smashed avocado on the menu at these Sydney breakfast spots, but with this list we've endeavoured to look beyond the obvious and expand your culinary horizons for The Most Important Meal Of The Day. After a breakfast burrito? We have you covered. Japanese-style brunches? They're well represented here. Hungover and desperate for bacon and bloody Marys? Let us take care of you in your hour of need. We even have a few healthy options where the sugar and fat might be left out, but flavour and fun still reign supreme. And the best breakfast in Sydney isn't necessarily found in a cafe — although many are. You'll also uncover some of the best early-morning treats in bakeries, bagel shops and delis. We have all bases covered in this guide. Read on to see where you'll next be fuelling up before work or relaxing during a long, lazy Sunday morning with mates. Without further ado: here are our picks of the best breakfasts in Sydney. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Weekday Breakfast Spots in Sydney's CBD The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Bottomless Brunches in Sydney
How many ways can Melbourne go dotty for Yayoi Kusama? Everyone is about to find out. The National Gallery of Victoria's big summer 2024–25 exhibition is dedicated to the Japanese artist, complete with a five-metre-tall dot-covered Dancing Pumpkin sculpture in NGV International's Federation Court, plus a world record-breaking number of infinity rooms and other immersive installations, many featuring spots. There'll be polka dots inside and out around the venue, including on the plane trees on St Kilda Road. On Wednesday, November 27, 2024 — in the lead up to the exhibition's run from Sunday, December 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025 — the NGV has unveiled the beginnings of Kusama's latest artwork. A version of Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees is being staged in Melbourne, with more than 60 trees outside the gallery having their trunks covered in pink-and-white polka-dotted material. The first row has been completed, which anyone in the vicinity can now check out — and by early in the week commencing Monday, December 2, 2024, all four lanes of St Kilda Road in front of the NGV will be brightly wrapped. With over 180 works set to feature, in what'll be the largest Kusama retrospective that Australia has ever seen — as well as one of the most-comprehensive retrospectives devoted to the artist to be staged globally, not to mention the closest that you'll get to experiencing her Tokyo museum without leaving the country — stepping foot inside the NGV will still be mandatory for art lovers. But Kusama is also livening up the road for everyone to enjoy all day and all night long. In the past, including when Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees debuted at the Kirishima Open Air Museum in Japan in 2002, a red-and-white colour scheme has been used; however, Melbourne has scored its own bold-pink iteration. Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees is obviously free to view, joining several other artworks that won't cost anyone a cent to see during the exhibition. The aforementioned Dancing Pumpkin is already on display. NGV International's glass waterwall is also going pink, but with black rather than white dots. Kusama's new version of Narcissus Garden, which dates back to 1966 and will feature 1400 30-centimetre-diameter silver balls this time around, is set sit in front of the waterwall and in parts of Federation Court. Plus, the yellow-and-black spheres of Dots Obsession will hang over the Great Hall. Then there's the artist's sticker-fuelled, all-ages-friendly The Obliteration Room, where audiences young and old pop coloured dots everywhere — 'obliterating', as Kusama calls it — to cover an apartment interior that's completely white otherwise. Overall, Yayoi Kusama will step through the 95-year-old artist's eight decades of making art via a thematic chronology. Some pieces hail from her childhood. Some are recent. Her output in her hometown of Matsumoto from the late 30s–50s; the results of relocating to America in 1957; archival materials covering her performances and activities in her studios, especially with a political charge, in the 60s and 70s; plenty from the past four decades: they'll all appear. [caption id="attachment_950480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama, 2022 © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] Yayoi Kusama displays at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Sunday, December 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Images: Yayoi Kusama's Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees, 2002/2024, on display along St Kilda Road, Melbourne for the National Gallery of Victoria's Yayoi Kusama exhibition until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA. Photo: Tobias Titz.
For actress and model Sarah Stephens, fashion has never been about following the rules. Instead, it's about experimentation, performance, and storytelling. Between her auditions, acting roles, modelling and events, the multi-hyphenated Australian often switches between characters and identities. Whether she's on set or scouring stores, Sarah sees style as an extension of her identity and career — a way to experiment. "Clothes are costumes to me. My everyday look is quite classic and feminine, but I'm not tied to one particular look. I like to experiment depending on my mood, event or character." Sarah's fluid approach to fashion mirrors her layered career. After winning the Girlfriend Magazine model search competition in 2006, the young girl from Sydney jetted to the glamorous world of fashion and modelling. "I sort of stumbled into modelling without a clear direction for my life, and soon found myself completely immersed in the fashion industry," Sarah tells Concrete Playground. [caption id="attachment_1028485" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image by Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] From walking 14 shows at her debut New York Fashion Week to being photographed by famed German photographer Ellen Von Unwerth for Italian and Russian Vogue, Sarah hit dizzying international success early on in her career. In Europe, she was the face of Lacoste's Love of Pink campaign, and just a few months after her 18th birthday, the model walked a coveted international runway show. Reaching these milestones so quickly came at a cost, though. "It was all too much too soon. I burnt out. I couldn't cope with the loneliness and pressure," she reflects. "As a shy and conscientious kid thrown into a ruthless, cutthroat industry, you often find yourself vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse," says Sarah. "I often didn't question what photographers, agents or clients asked of me because I didn't want to seem rude or ungrateful." A young Sarah had to make a decision. Continue down the modelling route or head home and regroup. "I was struggling both physically and emotionally. Being far from home left me feeling incredibly lonely, and the constant pressure to maintain a certain size took a serious toll on my mental health." [caption id="attachment_1028486" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image by Declan May[/caption] Sarah decided to head home to Australia and "reconnect with reality". It was during this time that Sarah stumbled upon another passion — acting. "I attended a summer course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and discovered a deep passion for acting. It felt therapeutic, and the structure kept me engaged, challenged, and energised." Sarah's acting break came in the form of A24 movie The Witch, directed by Robert Eggers. Her proudest acting achievement, however, was playing Mary in The Flood, a four-person play that ran Off-Broadway in New York and at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. Now, as the actress reaches her mid-thirties and returns to the acting industry post-COVID and U.S. writers' strike shutdowns, Sarah is leaning into her self-expression. She's just finished shooting an independent film in which she portrays an ASIO detective and is currently working on a short film with a friend. "I love how acting lets me step into entirely different lives. I have a deep passion for storytelling and the immersive nature of film." When it comes to styling herself, Sarah believes that having an everyday uniform is overrated. For the actress and model, a wardrobe full of vintage blazers, polkadots, Mary Janes, and puffy-sleeved blouses means she can transform into whichever character she's tapping into (both on and off screen). "Every outfit I put on that day dictates the role I play. It could be bold and cinematic, or it could be soft and intimate and feminine." But, it's statement pieces, she says, that make you feel the most powerful. When we met with Sarah while she was sourcing clothes from For Artists Only, UTURN Bondi and Ekoluv for an upcoming event, the actress shared how technology is instrumental for her day-to-day life, schedule and also style exploration. "For someone like me who plays with identity and storytelling, technology has become this amazing bridge between imagination and reality," Sarah says of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7. Powered by Google Gemini*, it's a handy tool for the on-the-go person with multiple passions. As for what's going into the model and actress' schedule next, the acting world's Sarah's oyster. "Hopefully something in a period drama or maybe even a supervillain. Time will tell, and that's exactly what makes this career so exciting," Sarah shares. Explore more at Samsung. *Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Available on select devices and select countries, languages, and to users 18+. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Requires internet connection and Google Account login. Works on compatible apps. Features may differ depending on subscription. Set up may be required for certain functions or apps. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Results may vary per video depending on how sounds present in the video. Accuracy is not guaranteed. If you or anyone you know is experiencing emotional distress, please contact Lifeline (131 114) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for help and support.
For the first time ever, the Art Gallery of New South Wales brings to Sydney masterpieces from the golden age of Dutch painting — a culturally confident, powerful era when the art of painting flourished. It was during this time that artists including Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer produced vivid works depicting the world around them, with subjects ranging from intense portraits and dramatic seascapes to tranquil scenes of domestic life and careful studies of fruit and flowers. Exclusive to Sydney, the exhibition features 76 artworks sourced from Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, including seven pivotal paintings and 16 etchings by Rembrandt presented in a room dedicated solely to the celebrated artist. The exhibition also brings a rare and celebrated piece by Vermeer, Woman reading a letter (1663). Jacob van Ruisdael, recognised as one of the most important landscapists of the era, and Jan Davidsz de Heem, the revered flower painter, also take their place among many other masters of this golden age. Meticulously painted, these artworks remain as vital and fresh as they were 400 years ago. What's more, to celebrate the launch of the exhibition — and help reduce the strain the return of summer puts on your wallet — we're giving away ten double passes to the exhibition so you can enter the world of rich paintings and celebrated works for yourself. To enter, see details below. [competition]641676[/competition]
Sydney hospitality giant Merivale has unveiled the first phase of its 'Ivy 2.0' project, which will see four new venues open in the Sydney CBD this year. First up is Little Felix: a 60-seat cocktail bar and little sister to Ash Street's hatted French bistro Felix on George Street. The space itself — by lauded design firm Acme and stylist Amanda Talbot — is opulent and designed to transport guests back to 1920s Paris — or at least to the set of Midnight in Paris. Think Zelda and F Scott Fitzgerald parties at their grandest. In terms of drinks, Group Bar Manager Sam Egerton has created a succinct cocktail list featuring eight old-world classics made with premium French ingredients and liqueurs. Instead of a straightforward French 75 (gin, citrus and champagne), Little Felix serves up the Paris Meridian, which uses Chandon blanc de blancs and Farigoule de Forcalquier (a French thyme liqueur). Then there's the Le Ricain (the bar's take on a Sidecar), made with Hennessy VS, Cointreau and Armagnac. The wine list is impressive in its own right, too, curated by Merivale's Master Sommelier Franck Moreau and Head Sommelier Jean-Charles Mahe. Expect by-the-glass wines and champagnes to be poured from magnums — 1.5-litre bottles — and a custom-built wine fridge behind the bar. Guests can also order back vintages from the (impressively large) wine list next door at Felix. To eat, Head Chef Nathan Johnson has created a dedicated menu of simple French dishes for Little Felix, with the focus on charcuterie, cheese and tartines (temptingly spread out on the bar). Order a plate of jambon and melon, creamy duck liver parfait or one of the nine different cheeses. Also joining the group's Ivy Precinct this year is a casual Middle Eastern eatery by ex-Rockpool Chef Simon Zalloua, a sister to Bondi's Italian restaurant Totti's and a new Mexican joint. The precinct is already home to Bar Topa, Felix, Palings, Ash St Cellar, The Royal George and Ivy Pool Club, Den and Lounge. The openings coincide with the big Light Rail reveal and the soon-to-launch George Street pedestrian zone that comes along with it, as well as City of Sydney's newly approved late-night trading plan. This phase of Merivale's 'Ivy 2.0' project is the first step toward entirely redeveloping the site, but that won't come into play for many years to come. We'll keep you in the loop as we learn more about all of the new Merivale happenings. Images: Nikki To.
Anything can happen at Dark Mofo. One of two massive arts festivals run by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, the winter event has always prided itself on being a fest where the dark, sinister, confronting and boundary-pushing come together, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. So, for its first program announcement for 2023, a wild dance theatre performance inspired by Dante's The Divine Comedy sounds completely in the event's wheelhouse. That production is A Divine Comedy, hailing from Austrian choreographer and performance artist Florentina Holzinger, and hitting Dark Mofo as both an Australian premiere and an Aussie exclusive. Playing for three days throughout the festival's Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 dates for 2023, it dives into the hell, purgatory and paradise of Dante's classic work, all to explore how humans negotiate life and death. "We are thrilled to present Florentina Holzinger's A Divine Comedy for Dark Mofo 2023. She is a super-talented artist who is brazenly contemporary and culturally relevant," Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said, announcing the news. "This is the most incredibly wild theatre performance that we have presented in the history of Dark Mofo. Its scale is unprecedented and bold, a fitting highlight for our tenth festival. We can safely say the audience will be anything but bored." Holzinger is known for making challenging and provocative theatre, and for exploring gender relations — including how women's bodies are represented in art and media. For A Divine Comedy, she's staging the whole show as a giant autopsy room, in fact, then unleashing choreography that dances with existence, mortality, the end that awaits us all, and our struggle to cope with what that all means. Dark Mofo attendees will watch a cast of all-female-identifying performers spanning all ages, as well as a variety of physical, musical and athletic disciplines, take to the stage for the work. And, they'll see nude performers, slapstick acts, bodily substances and references to slasher movies as well — plus a jam-packed selection of nods to art and dance's respective histories. A Divine Comedy will play Dark Mofo from Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18, with the rest of the fest's program set to be revealed this autumn. Whatever else joins the bill to help the event officially hit ten years, it'll be part of Carmichael's last at the helm. He'll step down after Dark Mofo 2023, making way for a new Artistic Director from 2024 onwards. [caption id="attachment_846523" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2021, Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford, 2021. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Wondering what else might be in store? Previous years' lineups have seen a fantastical combination of musical performances, performance art and large-scale installations come together. In 2019, the program featured the likes of artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, American musician Sharon Van Etten and one of the world's largest glockenspiels, for instance. In 2022, patrons were treated to performances by The Kid LAROI, and the sounds of Chernobyl and Candyman — plus rainbow installations, and signature festivities such as the Nude Solstice Swim, the City of Hobart Winter Feast, Night Mass: Transcendence in the In The Hanging Garden precinct and the Reclamation Walk. Already keen to get booking? Fancy a Tasmania trip in the interim? Our Concrete Playground Trips Hobart getaway might also be of interest. [caption id="attachment_800592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lusy Productions[/caption] Dark Mofo 2023 will run from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. The 2023 program will be announced in autumn — check back here for further details. A Divine Comedy will play Dark Mofo from Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18. A ticket ballot for the show is open until 12pm AEST on Friday, February 10. A Divine Comedy images: Nicole Marianna Wytyczak. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Fratelli Fresh has long been a favourite among Sydney diners since Barry McDonald started the chain many, many years ago, and the newest instalment of the franchise is due to open its doors in Crows Nest in early December. The classic Italian eatery will take the place of the existing Bavarian Bier Café on the humming Willoughby Road dining strip, and aims to continue the legacy of providing traditional, artisanal products for a reasonable sum of dollarydoos that McDonald has consistently delivered for the past few decades. The new restaurant comes on the back of the franchise being sold to hospitality giants Urban Purveyor Group earlier this year, and UPG's recent merge with Neil Perry's Rockpool Group to create the super-entity, the Rockpool Dining Group. With nearly 50 venues owned by one of the biggest restaurant conglomerates, Fratelli's latest incarnation is the next step in an aggressive expansion campaign that looks to take the culinary experience offered by restaurants like Rockpool Bar and Grill, Burger Project and Spice Temple all across the country. They've just opened their first Fratelli outpost in Melbourne, and the first two of many (we're talking 100 over the next five years) Fratelli Famous food court pizza spinoffs. They plan to open another four to six Fratellis in 2017. It's almost a scientific fact that the Emerald City of Oz has a deep adoration for the Fratelli empire, and it'll be interesting to see how Sydneysiders will take to the new management. Initially, McDonald's daughter Nina Gravelis stayed on as brand general manager after UPG's takeover, but she has recently stepped aside to open her own restaurant, Exchange Restaurant and Bar on Oxford Street. The menu at the Crows Nest joint will focus on seasonal products, and will include classics and favourites like hand-crafted pizzas, zucchini flowers, calamari fritti, delicious salumi plates, and house-made gelato, all delivered with a price point you wouldn't shake a stick at. It's clear the new owners of the group are looking to shake the concept up, but, according to Rockpool Dining Group CEO Thomas Pash, they're aiming to maintaining the standard of products and service that loyal customers have grown to expect from the franchise. Pash told us that the group aims to bring the "Fratelli magic" to a wider audience. "We have always been mindful of not diluting that magic — only enhancing where we can," Pash says. The history of Fratelli Fresh under Barry McDonald has been written in stone, but the future of the franchise under its new management has still yet to be seen. Will we love the new incarnation of the brand as much as the old one? Only time will tell. But until then, we will still be scoffing banoffee pie in the corner. Fratelli Fresh Crows News is set to open on Thursday, December 8 at 118 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest. For more info, head to fratellifresh.com.au.
In just a few years time, the Academy Awards will notch up a century of celebrating the best movies to grace the silver screen each year. How will the acclaimed accolades build up to that point? In 2024, at the 96th ceremony, probably with a whole lot of love sent Oppenheimer's way. The J Robert Oppenheimer biopic earned the most nominations of any film from the past year. Don't be surprised if it takes home the most trophies as well, including for Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. We won't be come Monday, March 11, Down Under time. While winning an Oscar — or a swag of them — over other flicks doesn't mean that there aren't masterpieces among the fellow nominees, or among pictures that didn't even make the cut as well, Oppenheimer is a worthy favourite in a range of 2024 Oscar fields. What will it collect? What will it nab that another film should instead? Who else might win, and what? Can't they just give both Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone Best Actress Oscars? That's all part of our predictions. As we did in 2022 and 2023, we've watched everything — many of which you can too in both Australia and New Zealand right now — and done some assessing and prognosticating. Here are the results, aka the movies and folks likely to shortly be able to add "Oscar-winner" to their posters and resumes in 15 key categories. Best Motion Picture The nominees: American Fiction Anatomy of a Fall Barbie The Holdovers Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Oppenheimer Past Lives Poor Things The Zone of Interest Should win: Poor Things Could win: Poor Things Will win: Oppenheimer Barbenheimer was a phenomenon before either Oppenheimer or Barbie even reached cinemas in 2023, with both arriving on the same day to create a memorable pop-culture moment. They shared a release date, and the same wave of attention — but only one can win Best Motion Picture at the Oscars. That one: Oppenheimer. Christopher Nolan's biopic of J Robert Oppenheimer is a mind-blower, and one of 2023's absolute best films. It has some stunning company in this category, however, most of which would also make excellent picks for the Academy's big gong: Anatomy of a Fall, Killers of the Flower Moon, Past Lives and The Zone of Interest, for instance. Then there's Poor Things, which is pure jaw-on-the-floor viewing, and its own unique creation at every turn. It deserves to win. It could achieve the feat. Even if it misses out to Oppenheimer, it'll still be the standout feature of the past 12 months. Best Director The nominees: Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest Should win: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Could win: Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Will win: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Despite his stunning resume, Christopher Nolan has only been nominated for the Best Director Oscar once before, for Dunkirk. If Greta Gerwig had secured a nod for Barbie, they would've faced off again; the first time, Guillermo del Toro deservedly won for The Shape of Water. Everyone knows that the Academy completely overlooked Gerwig this year — but this is Nolan's year anyway. Don't discount Yorgos Lanthimos for Poor Things, though. This is also his second nomination, after The Favourite — and again (see: Best Motion Picture above), there's nothing like his riff on Frankenstein. Nolan and Lanthimos' fellow nominees are equally at the top of their games with their latest work, so there's no bad choice here if Justine Triet becomes just the fourth woman to win this category, Martin Scorsese collects just his second directing Oscar or Jonathan Glazer nabs his first. Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role The nominees: Annette Bening, Nyad Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall Carey Mulligan, Maestro Emma Stone, Poor Things Should win: Emma Stone, Poor Things Could win: Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Will win: Emma Stone, Poor Things Give Emma Stone an Oscar for her line reading of "I must go punch that baby!" alone. Of course, that's not the only reason that she should win the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role category for a second time — the first was for La La Land — but it's emblematic of the commitment that she gives her work in Poor Things. Her delivery, her physicality, her constant ability to surprise: now that's a performance. If only two actors could share this field, though. With heartbreaking subtlety as well as searing defiance, Lily Gladstone is exquisite in Killers of the Flower Moon — and if she wins, which she may well, it'll be wonderful. Her speech will also be the highlight of the night. She's also already the first Native American woman to receive a nomination in this field, and will keep making history if she ends up with a statuette in her hands. Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role The nominees: Bradley Cooper, Maestro Colman Domingo, Rustin Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction Should win: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer Could win: NA — Cillian Murphy will win for Oppenheimer Will win: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer "Dearest Cillian. Finally a chance to see you lead... Love, Chris." That's how Cillian Murphy's script for Oppenheimer came — and although this isn't the Irish talent's first-ever leading part, Christopher Nolan pushing him to the fore of his latest film will garner him an Oscar. It's remarkable casting, even given that Murphy is never less than excellent in anything that he's in, back to and preceding when 28 Days Later first thrust him to broader attention. If anyone else has their name read out, it'll be a massive shock. That's not criticism of Murphy's fellow nominees, though. Bradley Cooper directs himself to a career-best portrayal in Maestro, while none of Rustin, The Holdovers or American Fiction would be the movies they are without Colman Domingo, Paul Giamatti and Jeffrey Wright, respectively. Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role The nominees: Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple America Ferrera, Barbie Jodie Foster, Nyad Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers Should win: Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers Could win: NA — Da'Vine Joy Randolph will win for The Holdovers Will win: Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers Not all award-winners keep their accolades on a mantle; however, Da'Vine Joy Randolph's must be getting crowded — or wherever else she puts the trophies that she's been collecting for her soulful turn in The Holdovers. She won at the BAFTAs, Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, Satellite Awards, Film Independent Spirit Awards, National Board of Review and Screen Actors Guild, plus thanks to an extremely hefty list of other critics' associations. She won't leave the Oscars empty-handed. As with Best Actor, this is a category where there's no shortage of deserving nominees, but still one certain winner. If someone else does cause an upset, Jodie Foster being rewarded for her efforts in Nyad would see her win for just her second nomination in this field — she's received the Best Actress prize twice for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs — a whopping 47 years after her first for Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver. Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role The nominees: Sterling K Brown, American Fiction Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer Ryan Gosling, Barbie Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things Should win: Ryan Gosling, Barbie Could win: Ryan Gosling, Barbie Will win: Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer There's no walking out of Oppenheimer without thinking that Robert Downey Jr is going to win an Oscar for playing AEC commissioner Lewis Strauss. And no, he won't just emerge victorious because he's not playing Iron Man, although it's such a treat to see him in such a weighty part (and outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) again. That said, if you did the Barbenheimer double on the same day (Barbie then Oppenheimer is the best order), then you would've walked out of Barbie thinking that Ryan Gosling should get the Best Supporting Actor prize, too. Winning for comedy is significantly difficult at the Oscars, but his Ken almost stole Barbie from Margot Robbie. Whatever the outcome, Gosling will sing 'I'm Just Ken' at the ceremony, so he'll be up on stage at least once. Best Original Screenplay The nominees: Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet and Arthur Harari The Holdovers, David Hemingson Maestro, Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer May December, Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik Past Lives, Celine Song Should win: Past Lives, Celine Song Could win: Past Lives, Celine Song Will win: Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet and Arthur Harari That Celine Song's Past Lives only received two Oscar nominations is near unfathomable. That it might go home without any awards is as well. Song missed out in the Best Director field, but the Academy does like to use its screenwriting awards to redress wrongs elsewhere — Quentin Tarantino and Jordan Peele both have wins here, for instance. It's for the same reason that Justine Triet and Arthur Harari will likely win for Anatomy of a Fall, especially given that France didn't put the film forward for Best International Feature, so it couldn't have been nominated and obviously can't win there. It's worth noting that May December's sole Oscar recognition is in this category, and that that's a ridiculous oversight, so an award for it would also be stellar. Best Adapted Screenplay The nominees: American Fiction, Cord Jefferson Barbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan Poor Things, Tony McNamara The Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer Should win: Poor Things, Tony McNamara Could win: Barbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Will win: Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan As noted in the Best Original Screenplay category, winners for putting pen to paper — or fingers to the keyboard — often let the Academy throw some love towards movies largely ignored elsewhere. Consequently, if Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach score victory for Barbie, that trend just might hold up again (although Barbie is particularly in with a great chance in Best Costume Design and Best Production Design). If Barbie loses, expect Oppenheimer to top it — again. Anything could succeed in this field, though, because Poor Things, The Zone of Interest and American Fiction all also boast cracking scripts. Poor Things isn't just a marvel; it's as bold as any movie could ever dream of. Australian screenwriter Tony McNamara did get nominated for The Favourite, too. Best International Feature The nominees: Io Capitano, Italy Perfect Days, Japan Society of the Snow, Spain The Teachers' Lounge, Germany The Zone of Interest, United Kingdom Should win: Perfect Days, Japan Could win: Society of the Snow, Spain Will win: The Zone of Interest, United Kingdom Finding a viewing experience that's more sublime, soulful and thoughtful than Perfect Days — not just among the nominees for Best International Feature, but in general — is a near-impossible task. Watching the Tokyo-set Japanese contender about a toilet cleaner, which is directed by German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Submergence), is as life-changing as cinema gets. A British film set in Germany and told in German, The Zone of Interest is unforgettable in a completely different way given that it is set during the Holocaust among a family living next door to Auschwitz. It's also exceptional — and an worthy recipient of this award. Indeed, there's no wrong pick, which means that Society of the Snow could sneak in for also telling a harrowing real-life tale. Best Animated Feature The nominees: The Boy and the Heron Elemental Nimona Robot Dreams Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Should win: The Boy and the Heron Could win: The Boy and the Heron Will win: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse won an Academy Award in this very category. Among the American films that've made it to the final five in 2024, sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the pick of the bunch — and another spectacular achievement for the medium of animation. Twice now, watching the Spider-Verse movies means realising how live-action takes on superheroes will never be able to relay the full story. If Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse wins, that'll be an ace outcome. Going past Hayao Miyazaki's comeback The Boy and the Heron would be downright audacious at the same time, however. With his first film since 2013's The Wind Rises, the master Studio Ghibli co-founder adds one of his best movies yet to his resume. It's imaginative, heartfelt, smart, breathtaking and awe-inspiring — and that's just the beginning. Best Documentary Feature The nominees: Bobi Wine: The People's President The Eternal Memory Four Daughters To Kill a Tiger 20 Days in Mariupol Should win: 20 Days in Mariupol Could win: NA — 20 Days in Mariupol will win Will win: 20 Days in Mariupol For two years in a row, the Best Documentary Feature field will likely offer a damning indictment of Russia with its winner. Navalny did just that in 2023, with the film must-see viewing then and even more so since Vladimir Putin opponent Alexei Navalny's recent death in incarceration. With 20 Days in Mariupol, the invasion of Ukraine is in the spotlight. This is a movie that can't be unseen, nor forgotten. An on-the-ground exploration of the first 20 days of the war in the titular city, including in hospitals where victims of bombings and shellings are sent, this is as essential as documentary filmmaking gets. Fighting for freedom is also at the heart of Bobi Wine: The People's President, which could earn some love — and battling for justice similarly drives the also-excellent To Kill a Tiger. Best Original Score The nominees: American Fiction, Laura Karpman Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, John Williams Killers of the Flower Moon, Robbie Robertson Oppenheimer, Ludwig Göransson Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix Should win: Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix Could win: Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix Will win: Oppenheimer, Ludwig Göransson Ludwig Göransson knows what it's like to win an Oscar thanks to Black Panther. Soon, the Swedish composer will probably know what it's like to win two. As the greatest scores do, his work on Oppenheimer turns it into the film that it needs to be but wouldn't without such influentual music — which, seeing how astounding everything else is about the movie, isn't a minor achievement. Jerskin Fendrix's tunes for Poor Things do all of that with such distinctiveness, while also feeling so deeply perfect for the feature, that it would come as a surprise to no one if he was somehow composing from within its frames. Giving this award to Robbie Robertson, who does wondrous work for Killers of the Flower Moon, would also be a touching posthumous tribute to The Band musician and regular Martin Scorsese collaborator. Best Original Song The nominees: 'The Fire Inside', Flamin' Hot, Diane Warren 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt 'It Never Went Away', American Symphony, Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson 'Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)', Killers of the Flower Moon, Scott George 'What Was I Made For?', Barbie, Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell Should win: 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt Could win: 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt Will win: 'What Was I Made For?', Barbie, Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell First, the obvious observation: Best Original Song is Barbie's to lose. Bringing the eponymous doll to the screen notched up two of the five nominees in this category, and is almost certain to win for one of them — after they're both performed live, with Ryan Gosling singing 'I'm Just Ken', of course, and Billie Eilish belting out 'What Was I Made For?'. Expect Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell to take home the trophy, which'll be the pair's second Oscar thanks to 'No Time to Die' from, yes, No Time to Die. Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt's catchy dive into Ken's soul keeps getting stuck in the world's heads due to more than just its melody, though. And if there's a non-Barbie upset, it might come from Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson's 'It Never Went Away' from American Symphony. Best Cinematography The nominees: El Conde, Edward Lachman Killers of the Flower Moon, Rodrigo Prieto Maestro, Matthew Libatique Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema Poor Things, Robbie Ryan Should win: Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema Could win: Poor Things, Robbie Ryan Will win: Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema Again and again throughout 2024's Oscar contenders, the fields often come down to two prime candidates: Oppenheimer and Poor Things. Either winning in most categories is a magnificent outcome; when movies this superb are competing against each other, there's no such thing as a losing flick — just one that gets the trophy and one that doesn't. Hoyte van Hoytema and Robbie Ryan's lensing for this pair of pictures is exquisite in different ways; stark and precise for the former, dreamy and inventive for the latter. Oppenheimer emerged with the prize at this year's American Society of Cinematographers Awards, though, which can be a reliable guide. Don't discount Rodrigo Prieto for Killers of the Flower Moon, even if he should've been nominated for Barbie as well. Best Film Editing The nominees: Anatomy of a Fall, Laurent Sénéchal The Holdovers, Kevin Tent Killers of the Flower Moon, Thelma Schoonmaker Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame Poor Things, Yorgos Mavropsaridis Should win: Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame Could win: Poor Things, Yorgos Mavropsaridis Will win: Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame It's happening again: Oppenheimer and Poor Things leading the pack, that is — and likely Oppenheimer winning. Just as with Best Cinematography, there's form for Christopher Nolan's film getting the nod over Yorgos Lanthimos' flick thanks to other accolades. Oppenheimer's Jennifer Lame won at the American Cinema Editors Eddie Awards, for instance. Thelma Schoonmaker is an editing icon, however; this is her eighth Oscar nomination for a Martin Scorsese movie, a run that spans wins for The Aviator and The Departed. And editing is so pivotal to Anatomy of a Fall in telling its story — over every other contender in this field, actually — that Laurent Sénéchal's chances can't be ruled out. The 2024 Oscars will be announced on Monday, March 11, Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website. Wondering where to watch this year's Oscar contenders? We've put together a rundown for both Australia and New Zealand.
Sydney's cookie titans have done it again. ButterBoy conquered Manly, Chatswood, Broadway and Brookvale with flagship stores, spread their oven-baked goodness across the city with stockist selections, dished out free mystery boxes and even pollinated Melbourne with a pop-up earlier this year. Now they're expanding their offering again for a limited time only. This time, Pitt Street is playing the lucky host, with a pop-up store in Westfield Pitt Street that's open now until Sunday, October 19. The pop-up will be slinging the usual mix of cookie flavours, sold individually or in boxes of six, alongside the more bite-sized collections of serves inside cookie tins. For refreshments, an evolution of cookies' natural pairing, cookie milk. This isn't your typical ice-cold glass of the good stuff, this is ButterBoy cookies blasted into fine crumbs, then soaked and strained into a creamy glass of milk that tastes like it came out of the oven with the cookies themselves. As well as the usual selection of flavours, the pop-up will also debut two exclusive flavours — as is tradition for ButterBoy, where every store has a signature you can't find elsewhere. This time, the exclusive flavours are Matcha & White Chocolate, perfectly paired with your matcha run for the day, and Blueberry & Lemon for those who like something a little fruitier. ButterBoy can be found on Level 2 of Westfield Pitt Street, open 9.30-7am Monday to Wednesday, 9.30am-9pm Thursday, 9.30am-7pm Friday and Saturday and 10am-7pm on Sunday. Find ButterBoy on Instagram for more information.
Buddy's in Newtown is the suburb's first-ever self-service bar, taking over the site formerly occupied by Lentil As Anything. The King Street spot will have your beer-pulling skills on display, with each beverage you consume — whether that's a hoppy craft brew or a sweet and sour cocktail — coming from one of the 30+ self-serve taps around the venue. This two-storey boozery is the brainchild of co-owners Jimmy Roe and Duncan McGeoch, who've kept the fit-out relatively simple with ample seating, polished brick, and a heap of natural light, as well as playful custom artwork by Newtown artist Paul Tooth. The considerable drinks lineup comes from a carefully curated selection of local craft beer, natural wine, house-made cocktails and non-alcoholic options, all of which are stored in kegs. And the storage choice is purposeful. Roe and McGeoch are committed to reducing their environmental impact, ensuring that lowering waste and minimising the business's carbon footprint is top of mind and steers their business practices. Roe told Concrete Playground: "We want to offer an experience without the wastage that can be traditionally generated at hospitality venues." If you're wondering how exactly the self-serve system works (and how it isn't an RSA minefield), here's the general gist. You start by procuring a Buddy's venue card upon entrance and pre-load it with your desired amount to spend. From there, you head to the beverage wall where you grab a glass and select your booze of choice, tap your card to activate the tap and pour to your heart's content. The system tracks volume limits and is responsible for card reactivation, so you'll be kept in check. It's not all booze, though. If you're feeling peckish, Buddy's has partnered with the local crew from Rub-A-Dub seasoning and has a snack-heavy sharing menu on offer. You'll find a bunch of beer-friendly options like nachos, flatbread Italian pizzas and Rub-A-Dub's famous chicken ribs, alongside Aussie classics like fairy bread. And if you're catering to a larger group — or just up for an insane personal challenge — opt for the one-metre long bruschetta.
North Sydney's culinary star has been on the rise for a while, thanks to an influx of excellent venues such as up-market steakhouse Poetica, pretty-in-pink Italian diner Bar Lettera and leafy rooftop retreat Rafi. But if there was any question as to the virtues of heading north of the Bridge in search of a fine feed, the arrival of Walker Street precinct is sure to silence any doubts. Four slick new venues created by Etymon Projects and located on Walker Street — just a few minutes walk from the upcoming Victoria Cross metro station — are set to make North Sydney a must-visit for any self-respecting foodie, with all four venues opening their doors from Tuesday, July 9. [caption id="attachment_964036" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sol Bread + Wine[/caption] You can start the day at Sol Bread + Wine, a bakery and cafe by day and intimate wine bar by night that channels a Mediterranean spirit with design cues from Italy and Spain. A palette of earth tones is accented with geometric tiles and warm timber furniture, creating a space that effortlessly transitions from breakfast bakery to a laidback cicchetteria serving top drops and sophisticated snacks. [caption id="attachment_964037" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Soluna[/caption] A striking presence in Sol Bread + Wine, a bold red spiral staircase delivers diners to the first-floor sister venue, Soluna. Open from lunch through to dinner, this 110-seat restaurant — as well as the attached 60-seat bar and 30-seat, armchair-filled lounge — is another flexible concept that is as much a place for intimate catch-ups with friends over a glass of wine as it is a go-to for larger parties celebrating a major occasion. The room is dominated by a green terrazzo bar, mirroring the verdant planting dotted throughout the space. [caption id="attachment_964038" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Genzo[/caption] At first glance, contemporary Japanese diner and sake bar Genzo is a playful space complete with vivid overhead LED lighting, anime influences and an eye-popping colour scheme. But don't let that fool you — this restaurant takes its offering very seriously. A temperature-controlled sake room, a selection of expertly balanced, Japanese-inspired cocktails and a menu focused on raw dishes and kushiyaki prepared over a traditional robata grill combine for a contemporary izakaya experience that will rival Sydney's best. [caption id="attachment_964039" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Una[/caption] Finally, new priovidore Una, will stock gourmet produce, artisanal goods and pantry essentials as well as house-made pastas and other take-home meals. A considered edit of local and imported ingredients, from cheeses and charcuterie to boutique wines and spirits, will make this luxury grocer a boon for any North Sydney gastronomes hoping to wow at their next dinner party. Executive Chef Rhys Connell, formerly of The Grantry and Sepia, will oversee all four venues of the new Walker Street precinct. "I realise [this is] an opportunity I've been working towards my whole career," Connell said. "The past couple of months have been a creative blur of menus, scribbling ideas down in the middle of the night and tastings for each venue, and we're now in such a great place with it all I just can't wait to open the doors." [caption id="attachment_964041" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rhys Connell[/caption] Find the Walker Street Precinct at 168 Walker Street, North Sydney, open from Tuesday, July 9. Sol Bread + Wine will open daily, 7am–10pm. Head to the venue's website for details. Soluna will open daily, 11.30am–late. Head to the venue's website for details. Genzo will open Tuesday – Sunday, 12–3pm and 5–10pm. Head to the venue's website for more details. Una will open Sunday–Wednesday, 10am–6pm, and Thursday–Saturday, 10am–10pm. Head to the venue's website for details. Images: Steven Woodburn
The holiday festive season may have passed, but if you think there's nothing on for the first few weeks of January, you're wrong. Loosen your belts and get some sunscreen ready, because Sydney's biggest Greek Orthodox Festival is returning to Carss Bush Park this Sunday. Epiphany Greek Festival, held annually to coincide with the global celebrations of the Greek Orthodox Epiphany, is expected to bring upwards of 40,000 visitors to Sydney's south, making the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia-organised event one of the largest Greek cultural festivals in the country — with food, music, dance and celebrations held by the Georges River for one day only. Starting at 11am and running until 9pm, the festival will see over 80 stalls set up in the park, serving souvlaki, loukomades and other traditional Greek treats. You'll be able to browse a mix of Greek-made goods as well, edible and otherwise, while a busy cultural program takes care of the entertainment. For the families, you'll find a ferris wheel, amusement rides, face painting, children's entertainment — plus plenty of spots to sit down and catch your breath. On the cultural front, there'll be live performances from DJs, musicians and local dance groups, Greek Orthodox celebrations, including the Great Blessing of the Waters, and a fireworks display to close out the day.
A beloved Redfern Street hideout for half a decade, Ron's Upstairs turned its fairy lights off for the last time in May 2022. Ron's called the space home for five years. When one door closes, however, another opens, and in place of Ron's is Fontana, an Italian diner that has revitalised the space above Itacate. The vibrant new venue arrived just two months after the closure of Ron's, bringing the warm hospitality of its predecessors. Gone are the playful plastic vines and colourful wallpaper, while the red carpet and parquetry flooring from Ron's remains. New leather-clad booths are complimented by warm mahogany tones and just the right level of mood lighting. And, most importantly, the charm and homeliness of the space's previous occupant are still here in spades. Fontana is the latest opening from Daniel Johnston, Harry Levy and Ivery Wawn, who have all worked together across Don Peppino's, Wilmer and Alfios. In the few years since Don Peppino's has closed, the trio were busy. Johnston and Wawn honed their craft at Alberto's and Cafe Paci respectively. Levy opened Porcine above P&V Paddington with Nick Hill and Matt Fitzgerald. While Fontana's menu is ever-changing, expect to choose from a selection of share plates, a few choice pasta dishes and a couple of mains. Possible highlights include prosciutto e pesca, the ricotta della casa and the pasta alla norma. Another win comes in the form of Fontana's delicately flavoured pappardelle osso buco. Accompanying food is the drinks menu that has been led by Wawn. There are a handful of classic cocktails and a range of interesting and eclectic wines showcasing organic and biodynamic farming principles, rounding out the trio of musts for a topnotch Italian diner — good wine, good pasta and good service. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Air guitar enthusiasts will be treated to a garment that makes it even easier to live out their rock star fantasies. Old Navy have collaborated with ThinkGeek to create a shirt that not only features an image of a guitar, but also sounds like one when a button is pressed on the guitar neck and the hand is moved in a strumming motion. Sound is projected through a small guitar amp which can clip to your belt, with adjustable volume depending on how hard you're shredding. But make sure you detach all electronic parts before you throw this bad boy in the wash. Importantly, the design of the shirt also features flames to let everybody know that you're the real deal. See how far you can get into a Jimi Hendrix song on one of these. Wear this under a button-up to work, and only unleash it when you're ready to rock. [via PSFK]
Gyuniku has been making waves in Sydney since opening in 2024, attracting table after table of hungry diners seeking its premium Japanese barbecue cuisine and unlimited self-serve sushi buffet. If that's not enough, there's also Korean street food specialties and even a DIY froyo station ripe for bottomless dessert. Yet the Haymarket rising star isn't done adding to its expansive all-you-can-eat dining offering. Now the team is ready to unveil a stellar addition — gyukatsu. Renowned as a high-class Japanese dish, beef cutlets are breaded and deep-fried to perfection, offering a tender texture with a satisfying crunch. With this prized dish not easy to find in Sydney, Gyuniku is bound to become a go-to destination for those seeking standout gyukatsu. Think top-quality wagyu sirloin dipped in crispy panko crumbs, fried to golden, then sliced for you to finish on your table's grill. Best of all, it's available as part of the buffet, so you don't even have to wait for your order. Slotting into Gyuniku's sumptuous meat offering, diners are spoilt for choice when it comes to grilling up a premium cut. Once you've filled up on gyukatsu, your tabletop stove is prime position for cooking meats hand-picked from the buffet, like wagyu brisket, oyster blade and marbled karubi. Plus, there are super fresh prawns, scallops, squid and more. Meanwhile, the restaurant's unlimited sushi buffet is a certified hit, with a massive selection of nori rolls, nigiri and delicately presented sashimi, such as kingfish, tuna and salmon. Then, if you've managed to save space for a treat, the dessert corner is stacked with frozen yoghurt flavours alongside classics like tiramisu. Centred entirely around a self-service model, just pay one price and then proceed to stuff yourself silly with Japanese cuisine and more over the next 90 minutes. Situated amid all the action in Haymarket, the chance to feast on non-stop gyukatsu is the perfect excuse to round up your pals for an all-in, all-you-can-eat session. Gyuniku is now serving gyukatsu as part of its all-you-can-eat buffet at 34/1 Dixon St, Haymarket. Head to the website for more information.
UK singer-songwriter Olivia Dean will make her ARIA Awards debut in Sydney this November, performing live just one day before a special headline show. ARIA confirmed the news today, announcing that Dean will take the stage at the Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, November 19. The London-born artist will stick around for a one-off Sydney gig the following evening, before returning in 2026 for a full arena tour. "I love Australia and I'm so excited to perform at the 2025 ARIA Awards," Dean said in a statement. "This will be my first time at the awards ceremony, it's going to be lots of fun!" The announcement follows the release of Dean's sophomore album The Art of Loving, which dropped last week and is already climbing the ARIA charts. Its third single, 'Man I Need,' is sitting at #2 on the Singles chart and is tipped to go Platinum within a fortnight. This year's ARIA Awards are shaping up to be a big one, with Ninajirachi, Dom Dolla and RÜFÜS DU SOL among the top nominees. The ceremony will stream live on Paramount+ and air on Channel 10. Check out the full list of ARIA Award nominees. Images: Getty
Tucked along the coast close to the Victorian-South Australian border, and just beyond the westernmost end of the Great Ocean Road, Nelson is a charming country town brimming with incredible outdoor adventures. With its tight-knit local community and hardy surrounding wilderness, this is one spot to put on your list if you're looking for top-notch hiking, surfing, fishing and more. Nelson might not be considered the end of the earth, but its veritable collection of stunning landscapes means you and your pals will struggle to find a place with better access to nature. Whether you get your kicks from underground walkways, remote inland hikes or riding rugged waves, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to present a collection of experiences in this thriving border town where unforgettable memories are guaranteed. [caption id="attachment_841188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] EXPLORE THE DRAMATIC PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE CAVE Situated along the banks of the Glenelg River, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave sees daring travellers descend into a subterranean cavern where calcite formations have ebbed and flowed over the last 700,000 years. Opened in 1940 as one of Australia's first show caves, the limestone lair is one of Nelson's standout destinations. Make the most of your time underground with a guided tour, during which you'll have 45 minutes to wander illuminated walkways flanked by crystalline stalagmites and stalactites that have expanded to over six metres in length. If you can't get enough of your surrounds, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave is located next to a picturesque campground, where you can find close encounters with native wildlife among a eucalypt forest. [caption id="attachment_841190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TACKLE THE GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK AND SPEND A NIGHT BENEATH THE STARS A staggering amount of rewarding hikes are located along the Great Ocean Road's 243 kilometres, but few are as impressive as the Great South West Walk. While the total distance of this epic journey through Victoria's western coast takes around 12 days to complete — the whole trail is longer than the Great Ocean Road itself — choosing a section or two to tackle is a far more realistic prospect for most. Across full-day hikes and laidback loops, the path meanders from the coastal edge inland through Cobboboonee National Park and side-by-side with the Glenelg River, meaning you'll see both lush forests and idyllic seaside villages. If you're looking to really connect with nature, pack a tent and set yourself up at one of the 14 well-maintained campsites along the way, which provide fitting amenities for an overnight stay. [caption id="attachment_843921" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] SEE WHERE THE RIVER MEETS THE OCEAN AT DISCOVERY BAY ESTUARY BEACH Exploring scenic beaches is one of the main reasons to cruise Victoria's western fringe. Discovery Bay Estuary Beach is a particularly beautiful highlight, as the meeting point of the Glenelg River and the rugged Southern Ocean. And whether you want to take it easy on the river side or test your mettle on the ocean side, the two kilometres of sandy shoreline means that the swimming and surfing potential is virtually endless. Fair warning: the beach isn't patrolled by lifesavers so be sure you know what you're doing before you set off. Situated about a five-minute drive from the centre of Nelson, this beach is also beloved for its fishing, with local anglers heading out by boat or seeing what they can catch in the shallows. Plus, the surrounding wetlands and sand dunes provide critical ecosystems for hundreds of rare waterbirds and plant species, ensuring you feel that enchanting connection with nature. [caption id="attachment_841194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] SURF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN AT DISCOVERY BAY COASTAL PARK For even more surfing possibilities, heading further south to the Discovery Bay Coastal Park leaves you totally spoilt for choice. Spanning nearly 26,000 acres from Cape Nelson to the South Australian border, this spectacular national park welcomes you to soak up the diverse landscape from end to end. While you might feel the urge to dive in anywhere, several top-quality breaks present the best waves. Crumpet Beach and Blacknose Point are ideal for newbies, while Descartes is where more experienced surfers test their skills. Meanwhile, Discovery Bay Marine National Park offers outstanding underwater ecosystems, so be sure to pack your snorkelling gear. There's plenty happening inland, too, thanks to soaring coastal cliffs, impressive sand dunes and idyllic freshwater lakes and swamps. Feel free to take your time here — there are several vantage points within the park where you can catch one of the best sunsets in Victoria. [caption id="attachment_841197" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] HEAD TO CAPE BRIDGEWATER FOR OTHERWORLDLY ROCK FORMATIONS Set in an ancient volcanic crater, Cape Bridgewater's otherworldly landscape is perfect for road trippers seeking a unique adventure. Its jagged coastline is home to some of Victoria's highest clifftops, and the countryside beyond overflows with freshwater lakes that are excellent for fishing and water skiing. However, the coast remains the main attraction, with the Bridgewater Blowholes helping travellers get up close to rock formations forged in the basalt and scoria rock over millions of years. The cape is also well-known for its population of fur seals, with a dedicated viewing platform providing a glimpse of this year-round colony situated on the ocean edge. [caption id="attachment_843922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] FISH AND PADDLE ALONG THE GLENELG RIVER Spanning 350 kilometres from Nelson's Discovery Bay to the lofty Southern Grampians, the Glenelg River boasts a thriving biosphere that makes for a captivating day on the water. With the waterway considered one of the state's top fishing destinations, you can cast a line for flathead, morwong and silver sweep throughout the year. If you decide to explore the inland reaches of the Glenelg River, Dartmoor is great for a pitstop. Here, Paestan Canoe Hire provides everything you need for a peaceful paddle beneath the shaded banks. For something a little different, tee off for a round at Dartmoor Golf Club or feast on classic pub grub at the Dartmoor Hotel Motel. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Visit Victoria
A new Paddington venture has just opened from Phil Wood, the ex-executive Chef of Rockpool for eight years and previous culinary director of Mornington Peninsula's much-loved Pt. Leo Estate. Initially announced back in May, Wood's first independent restaurant Ursula's is named after one of his family members who lived in the suburb. The bistro showcases Wood's exciting approach to dining while centring staples of modern Australian cuisine. Highlights from the menu include snapper, dressed with a Keen's Curry vinaigrette ($44) and margra lamb rump with brussels sprouts and mint sauce ($49) and fried Aphrodite halloumi ($30). The beef carpaccio is another must-try on the menu ($29). The dish, served with makrut lime and parmesan, is a tribute to a beloved menu item from Darcy's, the famed Italian restaurant that occupied the site of Ursula's for nearly 40 years. Sydney rock oysters ($6-8) and LP's smoked mortadella with crispy potato ($25) will easy you into the meal, while sweet selections like the strawberry and coconut flummery ($18) and golden syrup dumplings, served alongside a rum, raisin and malt cream ($20) light up the desserts menu. The venue looks to honour Australian dining and the storied history of the building Ursula's occupies. 92 Hargrave Street has housed several other chefs throughout its lifetime. Originally built in the late 19th century as a house and shop, in its first half-century, it was run as a pub and a grocer. D'Arcy Glover was the first restaurateur to take up residency with a Swiss eatery in 1968 before Attilio Marinangeli and Aldo Zuzza took over in 1975 with the opening of Darcy's Restaurant. The most recent restaurant to occupy the corner building was Guillaume Brahimi's flagship Sydney restaurant Guillaume. Brahimi made the dramatic move to Paddington in 2013 after running Guillaume out of the Sydney Opera House for over a decade. While the restaurant didn't last on Hargrave Street, Brahimi went on to take over fellow Paddington venue Four in the Hand and opened a Guillaume in the CBD. "It is an honour to be opening in a building with such a strong dining history that goes back over 50 years. These corner sites dotted throughout Paddington are so special and part of what makes the suburb a vibrant part of Sydney's story," Wood said when the venue was first announced. The restaurant is the work of Wood and his wife Lis Davies, and they'll soon be joined by John Laureti (Pt. Leo Estate, Rockpool) and Luke Cawsey (Saint Peter, Rockpool) in the kitchen, and restaurant manager Emily Towson (Fred's, Kepos & Co, Sixpenny). Inside the building, you'll find a classically fitted and welcoming dining space created in collaboration with Melbourne-based designer Brahman Perera. "Lis and I are absolutely thrilled to finally share our little restaurant with our neighbours and Sydney," said Wood. "We can't wait to see people enjoying long lunches in the beautiful dining room, and families and friends celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and just the joy of once again being together." Images: Nikki To
Up until now, fancy-schmancy apartments have been surprisingly hard to find at Bondi Beach. But, with QT's latest hotel having opened in the former Swiss Grand Hotel site — now known as a Pacific Bondi Beach — that's a first world problem of the past. As promised, QT Bondi delivers the kind of glamour that the Eastern Suburbs prides itself on. There are no fewer than 69 super-sized apartments and studios, all dreamed up by Australian design extraordinaire Nic Graham (celebrated for his work on the QT family and in-house dining spots like Gowings and Parlour Lane Roasters). At the poshest end, there are the Gould Suites, which come with one bedroom, city views, kitchenettes, balconies, specially-designed furniture, complimentary wifi and movies. The starter rooms are also rather lush, featuring king-sized beds, as well as views, kitchenettes and balconies. Meanwhile, the lobby is dotted with commissioned paintings created by Aussie-born, London-based artist Shaun Gladwell. Unfamiliar with the location? Well, we can assure you it's prime real estate, just across the road from the main beach — you can dash to the sand without shoes. And QT Bondi is just one element in the precinct: visitors (whether they're staying at the hotel or not) can also explore a bunch of eating, drinking and shopping adventures, from Anita Gelato to Scoop Wholefoods to Saturdays NYC. This listing was included as part of our partnership with QT and is not a review.
"A woman. A dog. A campervan. And 4,500km of wide open road." That isn't the tagline for the latest homegrown drama series to hit streaming services. It's the description for the newest production showing at Wyoming's Laycock Street Community Theatre, Highway of Lost Hearts. The show is one night only, taking place on Saturday, May 18. In it, Mot, the protagonist, awakes one day to find she's lost her heart — literally. This revelation takes her on a trip across the outback and invites us to ask questions about what we'd do in her situation, as well as ponder whether we, as a country, have also lost our hearts. Written by award-winning Darwin playwright Mary Anne Butler, Highway of Lost Hearts is presented in collaboration with Bathurst's interdisciplinary arts organisation, Lingua Franca and Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre's Local Stages program. It promises 70 minutes of thought-provoking entertainment, includes music from Central West artists Smith & Jones and is led by seasoned theatre star Kate Smith.
Romance. Kidnapping. A farm girl called Buttercup. A scheming prince. A swashbuckling saviour. A giant. When William Goldman threw them all together, The Princess Bride was the end result — first in his 1973 novel, and then in the 1987 film that the late, great writer also penned. For three and a half decades, viewers have watched Fred Savage (The Afterparty) hear the world's best bedtime story, Robin Wright (Land) and Cary Elwes (Black Christmas) frolic in fields, and Andre the Giant tower over everyone around, with The Princess Bride one of those beloved 80s flicks that never gets old. That said, if you've ever found yourself enjoying all of the above and dreaming that its soundtrack could fill the room around you while being played live by an orchestra, then you're about to be in luck. Despite what outlaw boss Vizzini (Wallace Shawn, The Good Fight) might exclaim, The Princess Bride in Concert definitely isn't inconceivable. Instead, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Opera House are channelling another famous The Princess Bride line: as you wish. This delightful movie-and-music combo will hit the famed venue's Concert Hall on Friday, March 24–Saturday, March 25, playing three shows across the two dates (at 7pm on both days, and 2pm on the Saturday as well). General ticket sales start at 10am on Monday, November 14 — and if you need a refresher on all things The Princess Bride, the comedy-romance-adventure flick follows farmhand Westley (Elwes) on a rescue mission to save his true love Princess Buttercup (Wright) — and also features Mandy Patinkin (Wonder), Billy Crystal (Here Today) and Christopher Guest (Mascots). SSO will perform the entire score live, as written by Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler and adapted for a full orchestra by Mark Graham, with Nicholas Buc as by guest conductor.
Chocolate is one of those wonderful, universally indulgent things that is difficult to beat for comfort or a treat. 2019 has seen the creation of the epic Meltdown Artisan, the brainchild of Jen Lo, formerly of north shore dessert haven Bakedown Cakery. With her new space dedicated entirely to experimenting with chocolate, Lo runs chocolate making workshops alongside a shop floor stacked with sugary goodies. You'll find indulgent and creative interpretations of cocoa-based goodies — think saffron barberry, yuzu ginger apple and wakame sea salt. The chocolates, which come both in block form or creative shapes (think koalas, robots or snowmen) are great for gifts — even if they're for yourself. The interestingly titled face bark, a white chocolate slab designed for customers to print images of their choice upon, is a standout. Vegan and dairy-free options are also available in a wide variety of interesting and tasty flavours, meaning there's something for everyone at this sweet new Darlinghurst hangout.
The Boathouse Palm Beach may have shuttered its windows, but a new Italian-inspired venue has popped up for the summer in its homewares store: CASA by The Boathouse. With classic brunch fare, best enjoyed in a rustic setting within spitting distance of the water, CASA joins Boathouse Group's other beachfront venues, including Balmoral, Shelly Beach and Manly Pavilion. Unlike its predecessor, CASA is also offering up an all-day Italian-inspired menu and drinks — with cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Montenegroni (classic negroni with Amaro Montenegro) and Boathouse Margarita (with pineapple and jalapeño-infused olmeca altos tequila) as well as a beer and wine list. Choose between classic Italian antipasto, including arancini al formaggio and calamari fritti with chilli and aioli, pizzas and side dishes. If you can't snag a seat, the menu is also available to takeaway so you can enjoy some Italian eats at home. If you're in Palm Beach to catch some morning waves, you can enjoy breakfast and Single O coffee out the back daily from 7am until 3pm. Breakfast options include fruit salad, classic avo on toast and bircher muesli, and Italian panini.
With a swag of popular ACT cafes under its belt, and a long, award-filled history to boot, Canberra's largest specialty coffee roaster Ona has finally taken on Sydney, opening a cafe in Marrickville. The acclaimed coffee brand's baristas and brews are often recognised as some of the best at the annual Melbourne International Coffee Expo. It also has a passion for top-quality, sustainably sourced coffee and it's eager to share the love. Step inside the Sydney cafe and you'll notice a huge central coffee bar, where you can engage with the baristas and letting you watch your cuppa being made. The bright, minimalist cafe space is a coffee-lover's heaven, offering espresso, filter and milk-based options, with a rotation of blends and single origins to choose from. [caption id="attachment_779137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] True coffee nerds will be all about the Marrickville store's special reserve coffee menu, offering dosed coffee beans that have been frozen and vacuum-sealed at their optimum freshness, effectively hitting pause on the ageing process. Those in the mood for food will find a simple, approachable lineup of cafe-style fare, including creations like the tomato stracciatella with grapes, olive, basil oil and rye, and a kingfish smørrebrød topped with lemon aioli, capers and pickles. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Luck, be a lady tonight: when Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's famed floating stage returns for 2025, Guys and Dolls will be sweeping audiences off to 50s-era Manhattan from the city's — and the country's — most-stunning performance venue. As one production does each year, the hit five-time Tony-winning musical will unleash its showgirls and gangsters, as well as its incredibly catchy tunes, against a helluva backdrop. Guys and Dolls will play the unique waterfront opera venue at Mrs Macquaries Point from Friday, March 21–Sunday, April 20, following in the footsteps of West Side Story in 2024, Madama Butterfly in 2023, The Phantom of the Opera in 2022 and La Traviata in 2021 — to name just a few shows that've gotten the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour treatment over the years. This time, expect a new version of a musical that first premiered on Broadway in 1950, then on West End in 1953, and has enjoyed many a revival in the seven decades since. [caption id="attachment_968000" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2016 — Turandot, Hamilton Lund.[/caption] The story, as also conveyed in the 1955 Marlon Brando- and Frank Sinatra-starring film — which was nominated for four Oscars — follows Sky Masterson as he endeavours to win big, then crosses paths with missionary Sister Sarah Brown. Also weaved into the narrative: the tale of Nathan and Adelaide, with the former also immersed in gambling and the latter his fiancé. Tunes such as 'Luck Be a Lady', also 'Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat', 'Adelaide's Lament' and 'I've Never Been in Love Before' will echo across the harbour in the latest take on Guys and Dolls, as directed by Opera Australia's Artistic Director Jo Davies. "Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is so magical, just the walk through the venue to reach your seat creates such a sense of anticipation. I'm thrilled to be bringing a beloved musical like Guys and Dolls, with its wild ensemble dance numbers and brilliantly sharp comedy, to this incredible stage," said Davies. [caption id="attachment_968002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2021 — La Traviata, Hamilton Lund.[/caption] Helping make the season even more of a spectacle is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour veteran set designer Brian Thomson, who also demonstrated his talents on La Traviata, Carmen and West Side Story. As always, also included in this Guys and Dolls experience is not just the show on the overwater stage, but also fireworks each evening, dazzling Sydney skyline views and hitting up pop-up dining spots that are constructed onsite each year. [caption id="attachment_968003" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2022 — The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton Lund.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_968006" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2024 — West Side Story, Richard Milnes, Alamy Stock Photo.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_968004" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2019 — West Side Story, Hamilton Lund.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_968001" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2017 — Carmen, Hamilton Lund.[/caption] Guys and Dolls at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will run from Friday, March 21–Sunday, April 20, 2025 — with tickets via Opera Australia subscription packages available and general tickets on offer from Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Top image: Opera Australia's Performance of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour 2019, Hamilton Lund.
There's no need to feel the cold this winter. Whether you have a date with skis or you'll be trying to get as cosy as possible going about your usual routine, Aldi's snow gear sale is back to keep you warm. Making a beeline to the middle aisle to rug up has become an Australian tradition, and this year marks the first time that the supermarket chain has held two of the sales in consecutive years since before the pandemic. In budget-friendly news, too, nothing will set you back more than $100. Winter is coming, as the country is just beginning to feel — and this batch of bargains, spanning everything from gloves to thermoboots, is on its way as well. Ski trips, snowboarding sessions, building snowmen: there's attire for all of the above, plus just not shivering at home. Mark Saturday, May 18 in your diary, then make a date with your nearest Aldi supermarket. Also, prepare to have ample company. Every time that this sale happens, it draws quite a crowd — and 2024's run again includes more than 70 products, with prices starting from $4.99. Available at stores across the nation, and made to withstand extreme weather conditions, the latest range of gear includes ski jackets from $59.99, both ski pants and hoodies from $49.99, and fleece jackets from $39.99. Or, there's also balaclavas from $9.99, snowboard and ski gloves from $14.99, touchscreen gloves for $9.99, ski socks for $8.99, and scarves and beanies for $6.99. Ski goggles cost $17.99, ski helmets come in at $29.99 and thermoboots are $34.99. Need a heavy-duty boot, shoe and glove dryer? Decided that you do now that you've just read that sentence? They're also on the list, for $79.99. Because layers are pivotal, Aldi's Merino thermal underwear range is also back, with items such as adult tanks and camisoles for $19.99. Kids clothing is part of the deal, too, if you'll be travelling with younger skiers — including being able to dress a children for the snow from top to toe for under $100. 2024's Aldi Snow Gear Special Buys range is available from Aldi stores nationally from Saturday, May 18.
Now, before you get us all wrong, this is a guide to hotels where you can swing back and forth on actual swings and hammocks. It's not for the other kind of swingers. These hotels have swings on the beach, by the pool, at the bar and in the rooms — on which you can gleefully rock back and forth and take in spectacular views in total comfort. Read on to find our favouriting swinging spots. Recommended reads: The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Hotels in Melbourne The Best Hotels in Brisbane The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Australia SHINTA MANI, CAMBODIA You'll rethink your kitchen chairs after a stay at Shinta Mani, where the streetside Kroya restaurant boasts dreamy swings on a breezy terrace. The idea of swings and food might sound messy, but you'll soon get the hang of things in no time. Plus, these swings are huge — you really shouldn't be falling off them. The excellent Cambodian dining options available will also make practice a pleasure rather than a chore (perhaps only the steady-handed should order crab bouillabaisse). American architect and interiors whizz Bill Bensley styled the hotel and added in all the swinging details. NALADHU PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT, MALDIVES Why doesn't every hotel have beach hammocks and in-room swing chairs? Naladhu Private Island Resort, set between a lagoon and the sea, boasts both. That's not all it has, either: each of the 19 intimate beach houses comes with its own private pool and romantic semi-outdoor glass-sided bath and shower. With all this in your villa, don't be surprised if you never reach the main pool, flanked by inviting sun loungers and overlooking the lagoon. When you want to have both feet planted firmly on the ground, head to the Living Room, a thatched-roof restaurant with an openair hardwood deck, to feast on local seafood as the sun sets over the water. COQUI COQUI COBA, MEXICO This luxury Mexican resort is a swinger's paradise. Within the Coqui Coqui Coba suites and villas, you'll find hammocks hanging in the centre of rooms, wooden swings in the bathrooms and hammocks simply used as decorations on the walls. You can even head down to the pool located by the lagoon and surrounded by Mayan-inspired towers to swing about on one of the outdoor hammocks all day long. Order some food and cocktails from its restaurant and swing here while watching the sun set over the mountains. THE GRAY, ITALY The swinging scene at Milan's The Gray revolves around the lobby, where a giant fuchsia-upholstered swing with lipstick-red cords drops from the ceiling: a memorable first impression, regardless of whether you're bold enough to go and sit on it. If you take the swing as a promise of the unexpected, you won't be let down. The rooms have ivory-silk curtains that whoosh open at the touch of a button; there are Jacuzzis in bathrooms; the restaurant has black-velvet chairs, grass-topped tables and spoons and forks suspended from light fittings. It's all over the top and we love it. SAL SALIS, AUSTRALIA A little closer to home, this swingers accommodation is set right on the Ningaloo Reef, where the desert meets the sea — an extraordinary and unique part of Australia that should be on all travel bucket lists. The 16 off-grid wilderness tents are located right on the beach, surrounded by little else but untamed nature. Swing in your hammock all day long, gazing into your stupid-beautiful views with an ice-cold beer at hand, or get out on a sea kayak to explore the nearby reefs full of colourful sea life. Not only is this one of the best accommodations for swingers, it's also one of the best glamping spots in Australia. COMO COCOA ISLAND, MALDIVES COMO Cocoa Island is your quintessential luxury Maldives resort that's home to villas hovering on stilts above clear blue waters. It's the kind of place you see in honeymoon brochures and would expect to be the next location of The White Lotus. It is pure luxury. It's also where swingers can hop from beachside hammock to beachside hammock throughout a long sunny day. When you grow tired of your own private pool and the waters full of turtles and dolphins, you can hit up some of the swings dotted about the island. Bring a good book and a few beers with you and spend your holiday swinging by the sea. RUSCHMEYER'S, UNITED STATES This grown-up, summer camp-style boutique hotel in the Hamptons is home to 19 detached rooms surrounding a large swath of grass that provides a back-to-basics luxury — with swings, a tepee and lawn chairs aplenty. Swingers will even find hammocks in some of the Ruchmeyer's bedrooms. And come night-time, the lawns host summer parties and outdoor cinemas. This means you can swing here all day and all night long. GAYANA MARINE RESORT, MALAYSIA At Gayana Eco Resort, you can take swinging to whole new heights: this eco-luxe hideaway has jungle paths with a canopy walk and zip line, so you can whoosh through the trees like an over-caffeinated monkey. For calmer moments, there's also an excellent spa with horizon-view rooms and a selection of massages, scrubs, facials and beauty treatments. There's even an on-site marine research centre: a hub devoted to giant-clam breeding and coral restoration programmes, where guests can feed man-sized groupers in floating pens, plant coral, or scoop up starfish and squishy sea cucumbers in the touch tanks. WALDORF ASTORIA LOS CABOS This Los Cabos resort is huge and opulent. The 115 individually decorated guestrooms feature fireplaces, private plunge pools and balconies overlooking the private beach. Swingers won't find any swings in their rooms, but there are plenty dotted about the resort. On the beach, stacks of hammocks line the shores, while the beach bar has swapped out the stools, preferring guess to sip cocktails while sitting on wooden swings. These may get a little dangerous once you've had a few bevs, so you best head to the beachside hammocks or one of the four Waldorf Astoria restaurants soon after. THE KOROWAI, INDONESIA Each of Korowai's wood-framed rooms are carved into the limestone cliff overlooking Bali's famous Impossible Beach (known for surfing, not partying). Marvel at the ridiculous uninterrupted 180-degree views across the ocean from the privacy of your own little balcony adorned with traditional Balinese décor — including many hammocks and crochet nets. It's one of the most romantic places to stay in Bali. The glitz and glam of other Uluwatu resorts doesn't exist here. Instead, you and your partner will feel as if you've found your own hidden oasis. But, when or if you do want to get into town, the hospitable resort staff will rent you a scooter or organise a taxi ride. Plus, there are a few walkable restaurants nearby if you somehow get tired of dining at their restaurant overlooking the beach. Top images: Naladhu Private Island Resort Feeling inspired to book a swinging getaway? Book your next dream holiday with Concrete Playground Trips — with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations around the world.
After years of international border closures, and also the shutting down of overseas travel from Australia except for specific approved purposes, seeing the world open back up to tourism country by country is a far more pleasing trend. And, with that in mind, you can now add another destination to your next overseas holiday — yes, that one you've probably spent two years dreaming about now thanks to the pandemic. That location: Bali, which will start welcoming back Australian tourists from Friday, February 4. The Indonesian island will reopen to all international travellers, coinciding with a move to shorten the quarantine period for vaccinated visitors from seven to five days upon arrival. So, if you're now raring for a getaway, you'll still need to factor a stay in isolation into your travels — which likely means spending that time in a bubble hotel. Discussing the reopening, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that Bali's quarantine options for international traveler include "bubble quarantine at five hotels for now with a total of 447 rooms, and on live-on-board ships". The move follows an earlier reopening, back in mid-October, but just to some countries — with opening Bali to all tourists now happening to help boost the holiday hotspot's economy. Late in 2021, Virgin started selling flights from Australia to Bali for travel from late March, while Qantas signalled an April date to restart its Bali routes. Australians will obviously need to factor in the various state rules around international travel, too — some helpful, such as Queensland's recent scrapping of quarantine for double-vaccinated international travellers, and some that'll still delay your plans, like Western Australia's decision to indefinitely delay its border reopening. For more information about Bali's reopening plan, head to the Indonesian Government's website.
Come the really raw bits of winter, our gut instinct generally tells us to bunker down in our own homes with blanket forts and hot comforting stews. Nothing says 'let's stay home in our pyjamas tonight' like frosty air and something trashy on TV. But don't fret — mini-holidays are still achievable (even in winter) and in Melbourne weekends away are at your fingertips. All you have to do is jump into your car and go for a little spin. Cold places can make for beaut weekends away, and Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges are a very valid option. Only 35 kilometres east of the CBD, The Hills, as they're affectionately known, will make you feel like you're in a tiny European village at the best of times, or lost in the forest at the worst (hint: take a map with you). Stretching from the southern ranges to Belgrave, the foothills and hilltop villages like Sassafrass and Mount Dandenong, here are some tips for a weekend away in the area filled with woodfires, ferns and a plethora of dessert options. [caption id="attachment_581918" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hideaway Cottage[/caption] STAY Heading up to stay a few nights? Feeling cosy in Airbnb cottages are what it's all about up there, so have yourself a gander at this one. Hideaway Cottage is right up the top of the mountain in the area actually called — fittingly enough — Mount Dandenong, and it's a sweet little stone cottage house embodying all things quaint. There's a loft bedroom up a spiral staircase, a fireplace for those wintry times and even a veranda as an added bonus. You'll be sitting out the front wrapped in your blanket cocoon saying things like "this is what life is all about" before you know it — not even minding that your toes have gone a bit numb. If you want to step it up a notch and go full forest, head up to the Linden Rainforest Retreat; it's also in Mount Dandenong, but a whole level above when it comes to indulgence. You can choose from one of four 'designer suite' retreats, there's room service, and you can even pre-order a cheese platter and/or rose petals to be strewn about your bed before you arrive. It's prime fare for a couple celebrating something special, or just for a single really going for it in the treat yo'self stakes. 100 points for you. Alternatively, just go bush and camp somewhere in the basically enormous expanse of green camping possibility that the Dandenong Ranges are. There are a bunch of well-equipped camping grounds dotted around the ranges — here's a list to start you off. But a warning to you, the Dandenongs do tend to hover a few degrees lower than the mainland down below at all times, so nights outdoors in winter will be frosty indeed. [caption id="attachment_581920" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ripe Sassafrass[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Contrary to popular opinion, it's not all about scones up here. Okay, it is a little bit. A hot tip is avoiding the over-touristy and over-priced Miss Marple's Tearoom in Sassafras and heading a few doors down to Ripe. The café has a produce store attached, a heated deck so you can sit amongst the ferns, and a Devonshire tea that includes a hot drink in the price (unlike Miss Marple's). For those who aren't all about lashings of cream and jam, Ripe also does a solid baguette menu — and it almost goes without saying that the prosciutto, quince paste and brie is the winner over here. [caption id="attachment_581922" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Cafe de Beaumarchais[/caption] If you've done a fair whack of walking around the mountainous surroundings, it could be high time for some sweet treats. Café de Beaumarchais (also in Sassafras) has you sorted with a fairly hectic cake display and great coffee, and a general vibe making you feel like you're in a tiny village in France. For heavier fare head to Woods Sherbrooke — the Sri Lankan chef and owner's contemporary Asian menu will warm your belly on a cold winter's night. Drinking holes are a little harder to come by in the hills, so our first suggestion would be to make a big vat of your own mulled wine and drink it by the fireplace in your cottage. If you're very keen to venture on out, Belgrave is probably the place to go. Sooki Lounge on Burwood Highway isn't the hallmark that the bar it replaced, the famous Ruby's Lounge, once was, but it still does live music and organic tapas. Oscar's Alehouse, also just down the road, is a bit of Brunswick in Belgrave — there's a heap of different craft beers and you can even BYO pizza in. [caption id="attachment_581933" align="alignnone" width="1280"] RJ Hamer Aboretum, Matthew Paul Argall via Flickr[/caption] SEE AND DO Getting around in the Dandenongs can be slow-going — thanks to the one-lane Mount Dandenong Tourist Road starting at Tremont and running all the way up to Montrose — so don those old runners, flex your feet and set off on foot. It's like the hills are urging you to go a-hikin' through them, and there's plentiful walks to be done. A tip is avoiding the tourist-saturated 1000 Steps Walk on a weekend because it ends up being more of a shuffle/whoops-avoid-the-family-of-five-plus-their-dog type affair. Instead, head to the huge RJ Hamer Arboretum in Olinda. Here stand over 150 different types of trees and, when the leaves start to fall in cold weather, it has a real resemblance to Narnia. The National Rhododendron Gardens nearby are also beautiful, covered in colour, and quite hilly so you can get a bit of cardio in at the same time. [caption id="attachment_581935" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ashim D'Sliva[/caption] Rainier days might see you heading into Belgrave's Cameo Cinemas, an eight-screen effort showing arthouse and cult hits as well as blockbusters, with an outdoor cinema in the warmer months. But if you want some more R&R (that is, if watching the new Tarzan isn't relaxing enough for you), the Japanese Mountain Retreat in Montrose has more mineral springs and massage therapies than you could have time for over a single weekend. Shopping-wise, Sassafras has options that range from homey and fragrant (Tea Leaves) to tasty pantry things (Cream), to kooky wooden puppets (Geppetto's), if that's your jam. Or, if you're up there between November and April, take home some edible souvenirs from Blue Hills Berries & Cherries by picking your own strawberries, raspberries, or cherries as fresh as they come. [caption id="attachment_548957" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sherbrooke Falls Trail[/caption] ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS Public transport is sparse, but you can jump on a train and take the Belgrave line out to Upper Ferntree Gully Station, then wait for the 688 bus (every half hour or so), which runs along the Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road up the mountain. The drive is quicker — about 50 minutes from the CBD. The Burwood Highway and Mount Dandenong will take you up there pretty swiftly. Top image: Adrian Mohedano via Flickr.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, you can't go on a holiday (locally or overseas). But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. Among all of the dream jobs that everyone wishes they had, picking the globe's top stretches of sun, surf and sand sits up there with taste-testing new gins and trying out every bar and eatery in Tokyo. That particularly proves true whenever a new list of the world's best beaches is revealed — although, Australians can always pretend by heading to one of the high-ranking spots on our own shores. In FlightNetwork's just-announced 2018 lineup of the planet's best beaches, which ranks 50 idyllic locations, six Aussie spots made the cut. And, in news that will come as no surprise to anyone, the Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach came in at number two. It's the latest accolade for the picturesque Queensland favourite, which also came in second last year. Blinky Beach on Lord Howe Island also made the list, coming in at number 30, while Hyams Beach in New South Wales' Jervis Bay placed at number 33. Western Australia was responsible for two more of the country's top spots — with Lucky Bay at 35th and Cable Beach at 34th — and Tasmania's Wine Glass Bay rounded out the Aussie offerings at 44. If you're wondering which coastal oasis beat them all to first place, that'd be Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos. On a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, the picturesque spot has a shipwrecked boat on its sands, crystal clear waters and sunny weather approximately 275 days of the year. Alongside the World's Best Beaches, FlightNetwork released a list of the World's Top 50 Untouched Beaches — featuring Tasmania's Wine Glass Bay at fourth and Binalong Bay at 19th — and the World's Top 50 City Beaches, where Sydney's Bondi Beach got top gong, Surfers Paradise Beach came in at 11 and NSW's Manly Beach at 12. The picks were made by more than 1200 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies, aka folks who work in the travel and beach trade, and therefore know their stuff. Thinking about taking your own trip to Whitehaven Beach? Check out our Outside Guide to the Whitsundays. Image: Damien Dempsey via Wikicommons.
The Sydney Comedy Festival has always been an event that could be considered huge, with comedians from across the country and the world flocking to venues all over the city to dial the laughter up to 11. Well, the just-released program for the 2026 run is taking the "huge" part literally — in fact, it's going to be the festival's biggest run yet. First are the celebrity guests. At the top of the bill are Emmy and Grammy-winning US comedian Tiffany Haddish, and the creator and star of Netflix's runaway hit of the 2024 watercooler chat, Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd. Haddish will appear at the State Theatre and Enmore Theatre on April 25 and 26, respectively, while Gadd will host a one-night-only in-conversation special at the Opera House on Monday, May 11. On the events program, a newcomer will join the festival in 2026 in the form of the Sydney Harbour Comedy Cruise, while the returning comedy crawl will expand into six separate crawl events in Manly, The Rocks, Rozelle and Oxford Street. Also confirmed on the returning bill this year is the popular whodunnit play, "CLUEDO," the Theatresports Allstars, Aboriginal Comedy All Stars, and the Sydney Comedy Festival Gala. And the other comedians? The stacked lineup includes the likes of Zachary Ruane, Dave Hughes, Geraldine Hickey, Felicity Ward, Neel Kolkhatar, Blake Pavey, Guy Williams, Josh Thomas, Mandy Scotney, Nick White, Jimmy Rees, Wankernomics, The Umbilical Brothers and many, many more. "With almost 400 shows over five massive weeks of comedy, we are pleased to welcome you to the biggest Sydney Comedy festival program ever," Sydney Comedy Festival General Manager, James Declase, said, "Get ready to laugh, Sydney, we have many surprises in store for you!" Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper added: "The Sydney Comedy Festival is celebrating its 21st birthday this year and is bringing big laughs to the party. It's their biggest program yet with global comedy superstars, Australian legends and the best emerging standups, all showcasing why Sydney is the nation's premier destination for world-class cultural experiences and hilariously fun times. With more than 850 performances across Sydney, this year's festival will energise the city's venues and entertainment precincts like never before." For the full program or to buy tickets, visit the Sydney Comedy Festival website. Images: supplied This article first appeared on Variety Australia.
Searching for the best Sydney hair salon or barbershop is a harrowing journey. We've all had bad haircuts. Some of us have even tried (and likely failed) to do it ourselves. But once you find the perfect fit, you're life is forever changed. And you'll likely hold onto them for many years to come. But how many bad haircuts or beard shaping mishaps must we go through before we find the one? To make sure that time comes sooner rather than later, we have created this definitive list of the best places to get a haircut in Sydney. These local barbers and hair salons are staffed by total pros — no students learning to cut real human hair for the first time. So, read on to find your future hairdresser or barber who will help you look as fabulous as you feel.
Dearest reader, Melbourne has officially entered its Regency era. To celebrate the fourth season of Netflix's Bridgerton, the CBD was transformed into a real-life masquerade fantasy over the weekend, complete with colour-matching, mask reveals and promenading ton folk. For two days only, a floral-drenched door on Melbourne's Little Collins Street led fans back in time to a Regency-inspired retreat. Fair maidens greeted guests at the door and offered cucumber sandwiches, tarts, champagne and cups of tea as refreshments. Inside the parlour, guests were encouraged to get ready for a Bridgerton-worthy ball (and photo shoot op, of course). Multiple stalls were dotted around the parlour, each offering a Regency-era makeover. Guests began by getting colour-matched and were guided on which makeup and jewellery colours would best bring out their features. Next, hair coiffure accessories and a collection of vintage gloves were offered to emulate a swoon-worthy Bridgerton-esque look, regardless of whether guests arrived in traditional dress or jeans and a t-shirt. The mask maker was a real highlight, asking guests a set of questions to determine their ultimate Bridgerton archetype. Guests were then bestowed a ball mask depending on their answers. Options included the Muse, the Bohemian, the Writer, the Intellectual and more, each based on Bridgerton's beloved characters. Once guests headed upstairs, their personalised masks were ready and waiting for their masquerade ball photo shoot. Attendees stepped into the spotlight for their portrait amongst the rich tapestry, gilded details, and Regency-era oil paintings. "It's honestly unreal," said attendee Unice Wani. "I love that we get to enter an era we've always loved and seen." Unice's highlight? The colour matching. "I loved getting to test out what colour match shades I am because usually I'm gold and I just got told I'm silver! But it's been fun to try out different jewellery and masks – unreal." "The detail is incredible," said fellow attendee, Jasmine TXO, "I loved the masquerade stall and getting one that suits your personality. It's a personalised experience which is great." The masquerade makeover was the perfect way for Melburnians to get hyped for the brand new season of Bridgerton, the first part of which hit our screens on Thursday, January 29, with the second part dropping on Thursday, February 26. This season sees rising Australian star Yerin Ha take the lead as Sophie Baek, a masked Lady in Silver who captures the attention of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). As always, scandal, romance, and exquisite fashion abound. The Bridgerton Mask Parlour proved that the allure of the beloved series lies not just in the corsets and ballrooms, but in its invitation to indulge and escape into another world (even if you're in the middle of the Melbourne CBD). Watch Bridgerton only on Netflix.
As far as food and drink matches go, the combination of messy Buffalo wings and an ice cold can of beer is one for the ages. And yet, only now has this classic duo spawned a Sydney restaurant of its own, with best mates Anthony MacFarlane and Alfredo Perez opening Darlinghurst joint, Wings and Tins. To make up for lost time, the boys are going hard on the concept — an assortment of wing varieties decked out with house-made sauces, seven styles of fries, and an enormous lineup of tinnies ranging from local craft brews to foreign favourites. As the kitchen flexes its creative muscles, there'll be new wings specials unleashed each week, but currently the menu has with nine types of wings including this beauty: a double fried, bacon-wrapped wing, served on a waffle with hot sauce, maple syrup and lime aioli. Regular offerings run the gamut from smoky chipotle barbecue wings, to a blackberry and brown sugar version. And, if you fancy playing with fire, there's the T-bone's Doom Juice wings, doused in a sauce made from Carolina Reaper chillies. Down a whole serve to get your mug on the wall of fame, or order the Russian Roulette, where one of these mouth-burners is secretly stashed amongst a basket of regular wings. As for the space, Perez and MacFarlane have taken over the former digs of Darlinghurst's No Name, decking it out with a series of cosy booths, each one complete with a can-crusher and its own theme. Spend the evening chowing down on wings and slamming cans, in a seat styled like a vintage Swedish ski cabin.
Sydneysiders are constantly searching for things to do that include more than just sitting around and drinking — we've seen that in the popularity of Newtown's Holey Moley and the growing amount of kidult activities available around town. And now, from the creators of the aforementioned mini golf bar, comes a new funhouse-slash-cocktail joint: Archie Brothers Electric Circus. The place is crammed with activities. The Alexandria warehouse features everything your inner child could possibly desire. Old-school dodgem cars? Check. Bowling lanes? Check. Arcade games? Check. A 3D interactive theatre ride? We don't even know what that is, but check. The space is anchored around a tricked-out cocktail bar with a 'carnival' aesthetic — you might find yourself sitting in a repurposed saucer seat or on an old carousel horse. That's where punters will find a selection of boozy beverages including an array of extravagant spiked shakes. The diner will also be serving food like burgers, hot dogs and fries. It's all very much a novelty, but with the promise of arcade games and cocktails, is sure to pique the interest of punters. Games are priced pretty affordably — a game of bowling is $10, a go on the dodgem cars is $4 and you can top-up a card to play arcade games for $20, $50 or $70. Images: Letícia Almeida.
Pirates of Australia: prepare to panic and startle the parrot perched on your rough, sea dog shoulder. The Pirate Bay, the worst enabler of petty criminality in Australia (probably), will be blocked in the next 15 days. According to ABC News, in a case before the Federal Court of Australia, Foxtel and Village Roadshow have asked for five major torrent sites, including The Pirate Bay, to be blocked by major internet service providers. Other sites include Torrentz, TorrentHound, IsoHunt and SolarMovie. It'll be up to the ISPs to decide how to do the blocking. In what is presumably favourable news for piraters, the ISPs haven't been granted a rolling injunction, which means new sites can't be added to the block list as they spring up. This means mirroring can (and most probably will) spring up, making the whole legal exercise a little redundant. One commenter on the ABC post offered their experience of similar legal orders in the UK. What the lack of rolling injunction means is that if a site like TorrentHound (which doesn't actually exist anymore), closes down and restarts under a different name, they will have to go back to court to shut it down. It's been noted (again and again, mind you) that VPNs are an easy and cheap way around the blocks, but Graham Burke — co-chief executive of Village Roadshow, who, as well as being one of the copyright-holding applicants, have also proposed a plan to fine illegal downloaders — told the ABC he doesn't think they are a significant issue. "The experience overseas is not many people use VPNs because they cost money as well," he told ABC News. Sure thing. While the outcome of this court case doesn't worry most people — and there's nothing in the act that mentions any fines or penalties for people who try to access the blocked sites — the precedent has been set, so it'll be easier in future to litigate. In a live Facebook video chat, ABC journalists Will Ockenden and Jake Sturmer note that piracy rates have dropped since sites like Presto, Netflix and Stan have become widely available in Australia, so it's possible a solution is out there. What did they expect, though? Australia was colonised by a steady stream of low-key crims from the start. If they could have downloaded bread in the 1700s, you know the convicts would have been racing home every Monday to download the latest tastiest loaf from HBO. Via ABC News.
CBD business lunch stalwart de Vine was an outmoded Market Street spot that you could easily walk by without ever noticing its presence. Then in 2023, in its 21st year of trade, the wine bar and restaurant underwent a million-dollar renovation and an overhaul thanks to restaurateur brother duo, Anthony and Julian Izzillo. The swanky interior, divided up between front bar seating and moody restaurant out back, features exposed brick, a curving granite bar, champagne-tinted mirrors and green velvet banquette seating. The look is very 'big city style', but the warm, personable hospitality is akin to a small neighbourhood restaurant. Anthony is usually front of house, while Julian leads the drinks program — which includes a showstopping selection of Amaro all on show a brass wall display. The wine offering is equally impressive with some 500 bottles available from the cellar, with a focus on artisan wines primarily from the wine regions of Italy, with a more tightly curated edit from the rest of the world. Head Chef Timothy Fisher *previously of Michelin-starred Osteria Lucio in Dublin) has created a reassuring menu of classical Italian dishes executed without fault (vitello tonnato, polpette and zucchini flowers), excellent house made pastas including a signature risotto with king prawn and Balmain bug, and stand-out mains like pork cotoletta. Then, once the plates have been cleared, if amaro is your pleasure, just sit back and let Julian pick a match for your palate or treat yourself to a tasting flight. If you've still got room, the tiramisu is worth your attention.
'Luxury' and 'butchers' aren't two words that often go hand in hand, but this luxury butcher — known and loved by many in Woollahra and beyond — is the epitome of this nomenclature. Established in 1876, Victor Churchill has grown from a horse-and-cart family business to a boutique institution with a cutting-edge interior design, mobile app and meat more desired than this season's must-haves from inside its Queen Street neighbours. Image: Daniel Boud / Destination NSW.
Unique accommodations are available in abundance on Airbnb. So what makes Aussie Host Quentin Dempster's Table Cape home, which was recently named Australia's Best Unique Airbnb Stay, the most innovative of all? Affectionately named The Winged House, this extraordinary Tasmania property boasts a long list of features that has seen it recognised as one of Australia's best stays. It starts with its ability to stand out — literally — with architecture that sees it cantilevered over a cliff to deliver dramatic 180-degree views of the seascape that surrounds it. Designed by Australian artist Richard Goodwin (and engineered by Harry Partridge), Dempster's abode is a liveable art installation, inspired by the appearance of the wings of an aircraft stretching over a cliff. Guests who drive into the property have also noted its resemblance to a bird poised to take off. However, not content to simply serve breathtaking vistas of waves breaking on rocks to the east and Rocky Cape National Park to the west, changing cloud formations, eagles and even an occasional seal, Dempster's commitment to offering guests an unforgettable experience extends to every room of his house. The bathroom features a traditional Japanese soaking tub, the living room shelves are stocked with best-selling books, the gourmet kitchen is fully equipped and the pantry is packed with premium condiments — including extra virgin olive oil produced by Dempster himself. In addition to complimentary bottles of local wine on arrival, Dempster also offers a unique "call-in" service, where guests can dial-a-massage or dial-a-chef, connecting with the best local suppliers and service providers. Impressed with Dempster's understanding that "it's the hospitality that truly makes all the difference when it comes to helping guests feel like they are living in a place, not just travelling to it," we caught up with him to talk about his Airbnb hosting journey, as well as what he believes makes for a truly unique Airbnb stay. What made you decide to become an Airbnb Host? My wife and I use Airbnb when we travel. We've enjoyed it from a guest perspective so I joined up as a Host and things developed from there. We've attracted people from all over the world. What do you think Hosts can do to make an Airbnb listing outstanding? We provide a stocked larder, breakfast victuals, a complimentary bottle of Josef Chromy chardonnay or Tasmanian pinot noir as well as our own extra virgin olive oil. In addition to the dramatic views, we have found this warm welcome and generosity makes all the difference to the guest experience. What do you love about sharing your unique property? The sense of a special place and guests who love to share it with us. We chat happily with guests from all over the world and give advice on local things to do. What's something you wish you knew when you started hosting? The importance of taking the edge off guest stress about cancellations. During the early stages of the COVID pandemic we quickly adopted a lenient booking policy, one which gave a full refund to people who had to cancel because of lockdowns. Or offered them a credit voucher against a future stay so they were not out of pocket. What are some of the benefits of hosting? The income derived through hosting has allowed us to pay for a cleaner, manager, suppliers and tradies, which all helps to contribute to the local economy. We also pay Tassie land tax which returns some revenue to the Tasmanian taxpayer. So it's a win-win. Want to begin your own hosting journey with Airbnb? If you're feeling inspired, head to the website to find out how to get started. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Bec Baxter
Many will tell you that the long-established local restaurants that people call 'institutions' are never particularly good, but Sushi on Stanley heartily disproves that theory. A Japanese gem nestled in between a swarm of Italian joints, Sushi on Stanley offers fresh, delicious sushi and sashimi, as well as other Japanese classics like teriyaki, udon and much more. The best part is it's renowned for its low prices, apparently never having upped them to meet Sydney's heartbreakingly expensive standards. The only catch is that Sushi on Stanley often has a crowd out front and little in the way of seating, so you've got to be exceptionally lucky or get there remarkably early. Image: Trent Van der Jagt.
Bondi already boasts a fantastic array of restaurants and takeaway spots, and it can now add viral sensation Tommy Panini to its selection of sensational venues. Following the success of their Brookvale store, the owners of Tommy Panini have transported their concept from the Northern Beaches to Bondi Beach, but with a special addition. Come evening, the lunchtime sandwich shop will transform into Pizza Laundry, a pizza and wine bar housed in a New York-esque laundromat. You've likely seen (and salivated over) these viral sandwiches on your FYP. Tommy Panini claims to be "Not another sandwich shop", which is owing primarily to the signature, woodfired, charry and fluffy panini bread, folded straight from the pizza oven and stuffed with your filling of choice. The chicken cotoletta with spicy vodka sauce, pesto, torched provolone, and pickled chillis found fame on TikTok, as did the mortadella with pistachio praline, rocket, parmigiano and ricotta. To celebrate the opening of the Bondi store, the new beef and pickles panini was unveiled. It has layers of slow-cooked beef, sauerkraut, dill pickles, torched Swiss cheese and a sauce so good it's known as Marry Me Sauce. Owner Tom Morrison (who famously worked for Mariah Carey) says they wanted to "create sandwiches that feel indulgent but approachable…with a bit of fun and flair." While Tommy Panini will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm, Pizza Laundry will take its place from 5 to 9pm. Co-owner Kyle D'adam (former bar manager at Mr Wong and Old Mates) says the evening venue is "about creating something compelling and thought-provoking, pizza that's thin, crisp and light, paired with a space that's casual, fun and uniquely Bondi." Designers CoffeyHallett have created a playful space with a sense of nostalgia, but a coastal, Bondi feel at its core. With outdoor dining and the option to BYO, Pizza Laundry is set to become a summer hot spot. Images: Supplied.
With a big question mark looming over the future of international travel, it is only natural that we're craving a cultural escape. Luckily for Japan enthusiasts, Sydney is home to world-class Japanese cuisine and cultural experiences, so you have ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun in the meantime. To help point you in the right direction, we've teamed up with The Japan Foundation, Sydney in celebration of its current exhibition Steam Dreams: The Japanese Public Bath. So, whether you're looking to take your taste buds down memory lane with a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, relive the electric nightlife of Shinjuku or explore the history of Japan's bathhouse culture, these eight experiences are sure to curb your wanderlust — and you won't even have to fork out for the flight. [caption id="attachment_796391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kotaro Imada, Koto-ku Tokiwayu, 2009. ©️ the artist[/caption] CATCH 'STEAM DREAMS: THE JAPANESE PUBLIC BATH' Steam Dreams: The Japanese Public Bath is The Japan Foundation,Sydney's exploration into all things sentō (Japanese communal bathhouse). The Australia-first exhibition celebrates the history — and future — of Japanese bathhouse culture and is running till Saturday, May 22. Expect to see historical artefacts, mural paintings and photography, all documenting more than 150 years of Japanese communal bathing. Examining everything from the distinct bathing practices of the Meiji and Shōwa periods and changes to design features, gender divisions and the importance of the activity to the country, it's a unique and insightful show not to be missed. And did we mention entry is free? [caption id="attachment_760782" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gogyo, Julia Sansone[/caption] SLURP DOWN A BOWL OF STEAMING-HOT NOODLES As winter draws closer, the call for hot noodle soups grows stronger. Thankfully, there are plenty of top-notch ramen joints around Sydney where you can get your fix. Those looking for a no-frills bowl of ramen should head to Ippudo. The international chain's Sydney location is where you can slurp down a silky tonkotsu broth paired with signature pork chashu. If you're looking for something a bit left-of-field, opt for Chaco Ramen's yuzu scallop ramen with wontons, or head to Gogyo for kogashi ramen, which is burnt fresh to order and made by cooking lard at over 300 degrees till the substance turns black and bursts into flames. Keen for noodles in the AM? Then make tracks to Newtown's Rising Sun Workshop for its breakfast ramen of buttered toast bone broth topped with bacon, egg and tomato. [caption id="attachment_803431" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan, Destination NSW[/caption] GET FRESH-AS SEAFOOD AT SYDNEY FISH MARKET If there's a delicacy that Japan is renowned for, it's seafood. And Tokyo's Toyosu Market, replacing the famed Tsukiji Fish Market, is the largest in the world. However, right here in Sydney, we have the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere. Sydney Fish Market sells everything from bluefin tuna and prawns to lobster and eel. Keen to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making sushi for an at-home feast? Head to the Pyrmont-based market early in the morning to nab the day's freshest catch. Or, if you'd rather leave it to the experts, venture there around lunchtime and take your pick of sashimi, sushi, grilled eel and more at one of the on-site diners. [caption id="attachment_803326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Provider Store[/caption] PICK UP JAPANESE WARES Anyone who has visited Japan before will know of its rich and beautiful history of ceramic production. Fortunately, you don't have to venture overseas to get your hands on such wares — or stress about the potential breakage from lugging it through an international flight. You can head to Simply Native's showroom or Provider Store, both located in Surry Hills, to pick up beautiful, one-of-a kind pieces for your home. These stores are filled with carefully curated homewares like candles and bowls that are both sustainable and ethically produced, as well as skilfully produced by artisans. If you're more of a book lover, check out CBD bookstore Kinokuniya, which boasts an entire Japanese section, a great range of graphic novels and manga and an incredible range of art and design books, as well as every kind of fiction under the sun. SING YOUR HEART OUT AT GOROS Wander down the rabbit hole and enter the weird and wacky world that is Goros. The inner city izakaya and karaoke house is sure to transport you out of Sydney and into the neon-lit, anime-clad streets of Tokyo as soon as you walk through the doors. After indulging in some karaage chicken, gyoza and maple miso pork belly — and sipping sake and whisky highballs for courage — head to one of Goros' free karaoke rooms and get ready to belt out a banger. Whether you're in the mood for ABBA, Bon Jovi, INXS, Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston, you're sure to find your go-to tune on the extensive song list. [caption id="attachment_789327" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brett Broadman[/caption] LEARN THE LANGUAGE AT THE JAPAN FOUNDATION, SYDNEY Anyone that's tried to learn a language overseas will know that the hardest thing to do is retain it when you get back home. For Japanese language enthusiasts keen to commit the language to memory, The Japan Foundation, Sydney's language classes are a good place to start. Catering for all skill levels, the language school offers plenty of options, from beginner classes to ten-week courses and ones for advanced students. Currently, classes are online due to COVID-19, but in-person classes are slated to resume later in the year. So, if you're hoping to master basic greetings and directions to prepare for when borders open, or your one goal is to finish an untranslated Murakami novel (which FYI you can borrow from the Foundation's public library), these classes have you covered. [caption id="attachment_776236" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kuro, Kitti Gould[/caption] HAVE A FINE DINING FEAST As much as we love the convenience of grabbing a hand roll, there's nothing quite like treating yourself to a Japanese fine dining feast. Impeccable service, fresh produce, exquisite drinks menus and a big focus on presentation are what make this experience truly stand out. And in Sydney we're fortunate enough to be spoiled for choice. If you're wanting to try the new kid on the block, Kuro in the CBD offers both a la carte and set menus. Though if it's A-class cuisine you're after, you'll want to book in at the on-site, eight-seat restaurant Kuro's Kitchen, which offers a chef's table experience at certain times throughout the year. Otherwise, you can't go past Tetsuya's for a high-flying feed. From the low-lit dining rooms overlooking a Japanese-style rock garden to the eclectic artworks, the heritage-listed building and its dishes, the Sydney institution is white tablecloth dining to a tee. Or, you can head to Sokyo at The Star for some of the finest sashimi, tempura and chargrilled meats our city has to offer. HEAD TO TRANQUIL HAVEN RYOKAN GOJYUAN Given we can't visit Japan, we may as well make tracks to the next best thing: Ryokan Gojyuan. Located in Balmain, this traditional Japanese-style hotel has just two guest rooms — a deliberate decision to offer guests the 'hospitality and service that is customary in Japan'. Here, guests are surrounded by traditional decor — tokonoma (alcove), oshiire (futon cupboard) and shoji screens opening onto a verandah overlooking a tranquil garden. Of course, with just two rooms it's difficult to get a booking. Fortunately, though, Ryokan Gojyuan also offers a heap of cultural workshops and experiences for day visitors. So, book yourself into a calligraphy or origami class, sit down to a tea ceremony and have a soak in the purpose-built hinoki bath. The Japan Foundation, Sydney's 'Steam Dreams: The Japanese Public Bath' exhibition runs till Saturday, May 22 and is free to enter. Head here for more details. Top image: Goros
Having built loyal followings at their Darlinghurst and St Leonards locations, brothers Josh and Jamesray Khoury have brought their signature brand of brunch with bite to the Inner West with The Rusty Rabbit Concord. The sunny 100-square-metre corner spot delivers everything rusted-on fans know about the brand — playful personality, hearty brunch fare and warm service — plus a few new tricks. Out the back, a pop-up space hosts rotating collaborations with local brands and small businesses, adding to the sense of community the brothers have built at each of their cafes. You'll also spot the familiar rabbit motif throughout the venue, including the cafe's merch line. The menu takes a similar crowd-pleasing approach. It's a broad selection that spans everything from pancake stacks, two-hander brekkie burgers and even steak and eggs to house-pressed juices and the inevitable açai bowl. Middle Eastern flavours are cleverly threaded throughout — the Lamb Eggs feature labneh, ground lamb kafta, mint, pomegranate and za'atar-poached eggs on sourdough, the Champ Bowl is a colourful combination of harissa hummus with avocado, poached eggs, grilled chicken, kale, cherry tomatoes, dukkah and pickled cabbage, while the smoked salmon and avo on toast is rounded out with a wasabi labneh. The brothers' Concord opening is personal. In 2017, they opened a Rusty Rabbit in Burwood, but closed it quietly during the pandemic before it could truly take off. "Concord is our second shot," says Josh. "It's a redemption story and a homecoming all in one." With its village-like feel, well-executed fare and just the right amount of bustle, Concord reminds the Khourys of Darlinghurst in the early days. Only now, they've got a decade's worth of experience to make this one a success — and plenty of energy to keep it going.
Sydney lost a long-time legend of the Kings Cross nightclub scene when Hugos closed its doors back in 2015. But when locals banded together to revitalise the area's nightlife, the space was reborn as Flamingo Lounge, courtesy of the team behind Double Bay's now-closed Casablanca Bar and Restaurant. And yes, Sneaky Sundays are back. Flashing a brand new Miami-inspired fit-out along with a 3am license and late-night pizza offering, the venue was initially intended to be a pop-up. But the team — who closed Casablanca earlier this month — has decided to go full steam ahead and make it permanent. "We knew we'd have to close Casablanca [due to commercial development] and this was the best venue to buy because of its position and history in Kings Cross," managing partner Poata Okeroa told Concrete Playground back in June. "The space is a progression from Casablanca for us." The new digs are decidedly different from Hugos, going for a 1980s vibe that combines Miami glamour with art. Think pink neon lights, a retractable DJ stage, plush lounges and mixed-media wall collages. "The artwork and ceiling details pays homage to the art walls of downtown Miami," explained designer Josh Clapp. "The lighting has a bit of Las Vegas and Caribbean flare, but we're moving away from that 'New York speakeasy' vibe you see everywhere." The space has been designed to be much moodier and darker than Hugos, with deep shades of burgundy acting as the main colour scheme. The entire venue has also been expertly soundproofed to make the internal sound quality top-notch — plus it has the added benefit of keeping the peace with neighbours. As a small homage to the venue's past, the leather from the existing lounges of Hugos has been repurposed as ceiling and wall panels. While the main club is meant to focus on the DJ booth, the adjoining terrace bar offers a more sophisticated cocktail lounge with table service and secluded booth. In all, the Flamingo Lounge will house four bars, and host three distinct nightly offerings. Flamingo Fridays will be lead by former Backroom and House of Luis Tans owner Raul Gonzales, and feature house music inspired by 1980s classic Miami disco glamour. Flamingo Saturdays will take their cues from Casablanca, with a bottle service-driven offering accompanied by hip hop and R&B. Finally, Sneaky Sundays — complete with Connie Mitchell and Black Angus — will make a triumphant return to Bayswater Road on the last night of the week, from 8pm till late. This will launch on October 1, which is on the Labour Day weekend. "We are extremely excited to be the ones pioneering the area post lockouts," said co-owner Sid Pierucci on the eve of Flamingo Lounge's launch. "Potts Point has always been a hotspot — arguably the epicentre — of Sydney's nightlife. Since the lockouts back in February 2014 the area's overall demographic has significantly altered the character of the area which is now needy of an upper class late night venue. We ultimately hope to add vibrancy to a city that currently needs it." Flamingo Lounge will soon be joined by Chula, a new Mexican restaurant from the Barrio Chino team, that will open next door before the end of the year. Words: Marissa Ciampi and Tom Clift. Images: Letícia Almeida.
In 2026, Flickerfest Short Film Festival will celebrate its 35th year as a highlight in the cultural calendar. The curated programme, which takes place from Friday, January 23 until Sunday, February 1, showcases around 200 short films, including 42 world premieres and 41 Australian premieres, giving Sydney audiences a first look at the industry's creative talents. Alongside Flickerfest's outstanding lineup, the festival has also partnered with Specsavers for the third year running to support emerging filmmakers. The competition invites filmmakers to create a 30-second short film in the spirit of the brand's recognisable "Should've Gone To Specsavers" ad, which has been gracing Australian screens for over 15 years. "The partnership is about getting people to think creatively and giving opportunities for emerging filmmakers," says Flickerfest director, Bronwyn Kidd. "It has evolved from a script competition to people producing their own 30-second ideas. It encourages people to get a team together and make something." From all of the entries, five finalists have now been selected, with each short film set to be showcased at Flickerfest and awarded $20k in prize money. One entrant, however, will win a major prize — $50k cash to help launch and support their creative career. While the finalists have been handpicked by a judging panel, the winner will be chosen by the general public. Voters are also in with a chance at some prize money. Voters are also in with a chance at some prize money. Tell us, in 25 words or less, why your favourite 30-second short film deserves to win. You'll then go in the draw to score a $1000 Digital Visa Gift Card. Perhaps the winner will be Edvard Christie's wine blunder with The Expert? Hannah Dougherty's hilarious crime mystery, Sketch Artist? Or the unique animated short, Garbologist? Justin Villar's The Chase makes for a thrilling TVC, while Muraya Moore's Fishtank nails the creative brief. Watch and vote for the five Flickerfest finalists at the Specsavers hub and go into the running to win $1000 — all while supporting the Australian film industry. See the full Flickerfest programme and find more information here. Lead image credit: Flickerfest
Boasting boutique accommodation, a poolside bar and an all-day bistro, Paddington's Oxford House added Bubsy's Wine and Record Bar to its offerings in 2023. It landed on Oxford Street with a P&V-curated wine list, Maybe Sammy leading the charge with the cocktails, Automata's Clayton Wells in charge of the food and a rotating list of special guests taking charge of the soundtrack. Soft lamp-lit ambience and velvety red carpets set the mood at the Paddington haunt, acting as a counterpoint to the venue's upbeat next-door neighbours, the bustling El Primo Sanchez, as well as the summer-ready Oxford House pool bar. With an intimate atmosphere and exciting drinks list, we're predicting Busby's will be an ongoing hit on Valentine's Day. Known for making eccentric drops more approachable, P&V's Mike Bennie has helped create an expansive wine list spanning bottles from Australia, France and Italy. [caption id="attachment_924013" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Maybe Sammy's Paolo Maffietti has similarly ensured the cocktail list isn't too intimidating, sticking to just five signature drinks that are designed to complement the minimal-intervention vino. Sip on an Abbey Road — a combination of citrus gin, vermouth blanco, Davidson plum and champagne — or opt for the tequila, grappa and ginger wine mix of the Megatone. Public Hospitality's Group Creative Culinary Director Clayton Wells rounds out the offerings at Busby's with a snack menu you'll find difficult to turn down. Sydney rock oysters are topped with blackberry vinegar and roasted kelp oil, while the chicken liver parfait is partnered with spiced pineapple and liquorice. Then, there's the other key component of this wine and record bar: the music. Inspired by tuned-filled haunts around the world, Busby's is known to host residencies from beloved figures of Sydney's music scene. Go there with high expectations and be delighted to have them met. [caption id="attachment_924014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Images: Parker Blain and Jonny Valiant.
