UPDATE, August 23, 2022: Elton John has added extra shows in Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne due to demand. This news story has been updated accordingly. Some farewell tours seem to last forever — and, thanks to the pandemic, Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour is one of them. Since September 2018, the music star has been saying goodbye all around the globe, including making the trip Down Under already. But what was meant to be his final trip our way resulted in some rescheduled gigs, so he's coming back again. And, because he'll be here anyway, John has added a few extra shows to his schedule. It's been a big few years for the singer, not only with the huge tour — which spans more than 300 concerts across five continents — but with his life story hitting the big screen in biopic Rocketman. He had a massive first round of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Australasia, too, with over 705,000 tickets sold to gigs a three-month period that spanned 34 Australian and six New Zealand dates from November 2019. Missed out then? Keen to go again? Mark January 2023 in your diary. In New Zealand, John will play his two rescheduled gigs at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium, as well as a newly announced show at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch. In Australia, he's adding encore gigs in Newcastle, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Fans can expect to feel the love through all of his hits, including 'Rocket Man', 'Tiny Dancer' 'Bennie and the Jets', 'Crocodile Rock', 'I'm Still Standing' and 'Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting' — especially the latter, you'd expect, on his Saturday shows in Brisbane and Auckland. The concerts will also feature never-before-seen images and videos show from John's 50-year career — well, never seen before the tour — which'll be displayed throughout the show. When the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour comes to an end, John will retire from touring after five decades on the road. If that all sounds rather massive, that's John's career in a nutshell. He's played more than 4000 shows across his career, sold more than 300 million records worldwide and holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time thanks to the 1997 version of 'Candle in the Wind'. In Australia, he'll wrap up his time onstage in Brisbane, playing his 36th-ever Queensland gig — and 233rd in Australia, which comes third to only the UK and US in hosting the most-ever John concerts. In NZ, he's bowing out in Auckland — with remaining tickets to the city's shows on-sale now, and tickets to the encore gigs in Christchurch, as well as in Australia, up for grabs on Monday, August 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtVBCG6ThDk ELTON JOHN 'FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD' 2023 TOUR DATES: Sunday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 10 — McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14 — AAMI Park, Melbourne Tuesday, January 17 and Wednesday, January 18 — Allianz Stadium, Sydney Saturday, January 21 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Tuesday, January 24 — Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch Friday, January 27 andSaturday, January 28 — Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour returns to Australia and New Zealand in January 2023. Remaining tickets for the Auckland shows are on-sale now, with tickets to the encore gigs in Newcastle, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane up for grabs on Monday, August 1. There are also pre-sales from Tuesday, July 26. Fore more information, head to the tour website. Images: Ben Gibson.
A mega-venue has opened in the heart of Sydney's Circular Quay, adding four unique venues to the harbourside CBD suburb. The new Hinchcliff House has overtaken the heritage Hinchcliff Wool Store, a huge sandstone structure dating back to the 1860's that has been restored and revived as part of the ever-evolving Quay Quarter. Two of the Hinchcliff House's four venues are now open to the public, with the other two set to follow suit in May. Grana, located on the ground floor of the former wool store, is an all-day Italian restaurant and bakery, while Apollonia is a low-light cocktail bar in the venue's lower ground. Head to Grana early for a taste of its breakfast treats. Think blue swimmer crab omelette ($23) or a classic bacon and egg roll on schiacciata with chilli mayo and a hash brown ($18), alongside a selection of breakfast cocktails. All of Grana's bread is made at its onsite mill, providing fresh morning pastries, or ideal starters come dinner. Once breakfast is finished, turn your attention to Grana's standard menu. On the bread and dairy section, sourdough is served alongside a rich macadamia butter ($4 per person) and cheese is wrapped in thin and flaky house-made focaccia ($16). While it would be easy to fill up on bread, make sure you leave room for the cauliflower cotoletta ($24) or market fish tartar with trout roe ($26). Of course, a healthy selection of pasta is available including ricotta and pumpkin occhi, swimming in a lemon balm and served with pickled pumpkin ($25), or a seaweed gigli paired with Moreton Bay bug ($34). All four of the venues at Hinchcliff House are the creation of prolific New Zealand restauranteur Scott Brown (Amano) alongside the team at House Made Hospitality. Brown has been running restaurants across the Tasman for over a decade, founding Auckland's Hipgroup in 2004, responsible for venues like seasonal Spanish restaurant Alma. Images: Jiwon Kim
Saturday Night is a film of nerves. It's a movie filled with laughs, of course, as any big-screen step behind the scenes of iconic TV sketch series Saturday Night Live should be — but it's equally as tense as it is amusing as it charts the 90 minutes leading into the 90 minutes that forever changed television history. Fresh off also revisiting the comedic past with latest Ghostbusters instalments Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, writer/director Jason Reitman and his co-scribe Gil Kenan chart the chaos before SNL's first-ever episode beamed into homes. Everything that could be dysfunctional is dysfunctional, all as an unproven cast and crew attempted to add something unique to American entertainment. Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtain, Gilda Radner, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Chevy Chase, Andy Kaufman, Jim Henson, George Carlin: they're all featured in Saturday Night, with Dylan O'Brien (Caddo Lake), Matt Wood (Instinct), Kim Matula (NCIS), Ella Hunt (Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1), Lamorne Morris (Fargo), Emily Fairn (The Responder), Cory Michael Smith (May December), Nicholas Braun (Dream Scenario) and Matthew Rhys (IF) bringing them to the screen. (Succession alum Braun does double duty as both Kaufman and Henson). Also among the wide-ranging ensemble: Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things), Rachel Sennott (Bottoms), Kaia Gerber (Palm Royale), JK Simmons (The Union), Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) and Willem Dafoe (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice). At the centre of it all is Lorne Michaels, the writer and producer that's been at the heart of Saturday Night Live since that debut airing on Saturday, October 11, 1975, as well as the driving force behind the show coming to fruition to begin with at all — and remains at the helm now that SNL is in its 50th season. Gabriel LaBelle steps into his shoes, scoring a role that naturally inspires some nerves. "I wanted to get it right for the people who did know him. And I felt he's influenced so many brilliant people who've inspired me that I wanted to make it right for them," he tells Concrete Playground. But he's also returning to familiar territory, in a fashion: in his first two major movie parts, the Canadian actor has played two major names. When Steven Spielberg (West Side Story) decided to turn his adolescence and first years as a filmmaker into a movie, the semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans was the end result. His on-screen alter ego: the fictional Sammy Fabelman, portrayed as a teenager onwards by LaBelle. The cast's Oscar nominations might've went to Michelle Williams (Showing Up) as matriarch Mitzi Fabelman and Judd Hirsch (The Goldbergs) as Sammy's granduncle Boris; however, LaBelle was no less impressive, picking up the National Board of Review's Breakthrough Performance award for his efforts. He was a huge Spielberg fan going in. He was also a massive SNL devotee before picking up his next dream role. LaBelle's first acting credit arrived in 2013 via an episode of TV series Motive, with fellow small-screen fare iZombie, Brand New Cherry Flavor and American Gigolo also on his resume, plus movies Max 2: White House Hero, Dead Shack, The Predator and Snack Shack. He initially caught the bug away from the cameras, though, at summer camp. Asked about if he could've ever imagined back then, when he was appearing in musical productions of Footloose, Shrek and Aladdin, how things have turned out for him so far, he comments about how strange it is to have that information out in the world. "It's so weird to meet you just now and for you to already know that," LaBelle laughs. [caption id="attachment_978078" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eric Charbonneau/Sony Pictures via Getty Images[/caption] If LaBelle was ever to earn a film about him somewhere down the track, those early summer-camp stints are the kind of details that someone playing him would undoubtedly revel in during their preparation phase. For the actor when he was approaching taking on Michaels, he tackled the mountain of books available about SNL or that just mention the IRL figure, he advises — someone that he only became aware of during the pandemic, he also tells us, because growing up as a Saturday Night Live lover as a kid means obsessing over on-screen talent and their sketches rather than the off-screen folks making the show happen. We chatted with LaBelle about that lifelong affection for SNL, whether it's easier to play someone who is best-known to many as a name rather than a personality, his research process, the sense of responsibility that comes with taking on such well-known figures on-screen, and balancing the film's laughs and tension, too — plus Paul Rudd (Only Murders in the Building) crashing his first day on set. On Growing Up Watching SNL — and, If He Ever Gets the Chance to Host, If LaBelle Would Join the List of Stars Saying That It Was a Dream Come True in Their Opening Monologue "I would say the same thing. I was obsessed. I grew up on the best of Will Ferrell and Chris Farley, and the best of the commercials, on VHS tapes. I rehearsed and performed the Spartan cheerleaders at recess in elementary school. I grew up on the National Lampoon films, and Bill Murray and Aykroyd and Belushi. And I watched SNL every Saturday. So it was really important to me, and so many of my favourite films and actors and comedians come from there. I've always been very aware of it, and it is really surreal to be a part of something like this. So if I'm ever granted the gift of hosting, I would say the exact same thing." On First Becoming Aware of Lorne Michaels Before Saturday Night Came LaBelle's Way "I became aware of Lorne, I think, sometime in the pandemic. It must have been when I just had all this time on my hands and I watched interviews and listened to podcasts about my favourite actors and comedians. And I kept hearing 'Lorne, Lorne, Lorne, Lorne' from all the SNL people. I didn't do any actual research into him until this film. I knew of him, but not a lot." On Whether It's Easier to Portray Someone Who Is Perhaps Best-Known to Most as a Name Rather Than a Personality "No, because I wanted to get it right for the people who did know him. And I felt he's influenced so many brilliant people who've inspired me that I wanted to make it right for them. So my initial fear was 'oh man, I have to get it even more right, and there's less out there'. But Jason [Reitman] was really great at getting everybody to not be so focused on being them, and as long as I just felt like him or sprinkled things in here and there, and didn't become too rigid in my mimicry of him — not even mimicry, but certain mannerisms that you wanted to get down. I felt an even bigger pressure, to answer your question." On the Research That Goes Into Playing Someone with 50 Seasons of an Iconic TV Show to His Name — and So Much That's Sprung From There "There are a lot of great books about how SNL started. Like a lot of them, actually. And there's one that was just so brilliant where — I don't even know the names of the books, I just looked up 'books on Saturday Night Live' and then ordered them on Amazon and they'd show up, so forgive me whoever wrote it — but I'm pretty sure it's just called The Oral History of Saturday Night Live. It is essentially just transcripts of people talking about how it came to be in the first year, the first five years, and then proceeding into the generations later, but I only focused on the first couple of chapters on how it got started. There's so much, whether it's Dick Ebersol's book, where he talks about Lorne Michaels, or Alan Zweibel's book, where he might even say a few things. There was a lot out there — and about his personality and his decisions, and how he started, how he met everybody, what the relationships were like between him and the cast and the writers. And that was super helpful to just give context on how to communicate and how to play each scene, because Lorne is interacting with so many people, so it really gives you a backbone to the story. And there was also an old interview with Lorne on The Tomorrow Show where he's introducing the cast to NBC — it's right before the first episode, and he introduces everybody and it was so brilliant. I got a lot from that. I played that thousands of times leading up to production just to get his voice down, his accent, certain vocal stuff. Then, what was so good about working with Jason is he was so brilliant of breaking that all down and allowing you to play, and allowing you to forget a lot of it and not be so rigid with it." On Taking on IRL Entertainment Icons in Two of LaBelle's First Major Film Roles "It's weird, because I was so influenced by Spielberg films. I was so influenced by SNL. And so it weirdly feels like I'm welcomed inside of those things, like I'm weirdly a part of it. Which is weird. I don't quite know how to articulate it, but it's a true honour is what it is, because of how important they've been to my life, and then also recognising the cultural significance that they've had in the world. It's fulfilling, I'll tell you that." On Whether a Sense of Responsibility Comes with Stepping Into Michaels and Spielberg's Shoes "Oh my god, yes. You don't want to mess it up because they're not just important to me, they're important to a billion people on the planet. A lot of people really care, and you don't want to let people down. You don't want to let the filmmakers down, the audience down and the people you're portraying down — the people around them, you don't want the people who knew them thinking like 'aaaah, he fucked up'." On Balancing Saturday Night's Tension and Stress with Its Humour — and What It Was Like First Stepping Onto the Set "The first day on set is always crippling, regardless. And it doesn't help that our first two days were night shoots in New York at 30 Rock. I remember the first day on set — actually, Paul Rudd was there, because Janine [Thompson, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire] our head of hair, is his personal hairstylist on films. And so he was just there to get a haircut, and then he hung out and watched. We were shooting with Finn [Wolfhard] that day, too, and they know each other, they made Ghostbusters. He's just hanging out with Finn watching. And first of all, he's probably the most-handsome person I've ever seen in real life, where you see him and you're like 'fuck, oh my god'. And he's super charming, super funny. Obviously I want to talk and hang out with Paul Rudd, but this is my first day and I have to get it right. So it just added an extra layer of 'don't get distracted', which is hilarious. Definitely, you want to do a good job. Jason, throughout the filming, just harvested such a beautiful environment that everyone's calm and everyone's getting along, and the whole cast and crew is grateful to be there, and there's no contention and everyone just really was all in it together. So it made filming this beautiful, relaxed, safe, funny — oh my god, everyone's so funny! — environment, so that the chaos you see on-screen was choreographed and set, but then everything else, everyone was just having a ball." Saturday Night opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, October 31, 2024 and releases in New Zealand cinemas on Thursday, November 7, 2025.
WOMADelaide is returning to Adelaide's Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla from Friday, March 6 to Monday, March 9, 2026 — and the festival's first lineup announcement has landed, featuring 49 artists from around the globe. Headlining the 29th edition are Yothu Yindi, Obongjayar and Marlon Williams, with a program that will span from Bhutan to the Kimberleys, Cuba to Ukraine, and far beyond. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WOMADelaide (@womadelaide) Yothu Yindi will celebrate 35 years of Tribal Voice, while London-based Nigerian artist Obongjayar — known for his feature on Fred again..'s hit 'adore u' — will bring his blend of Afro-funk to Adelaide. Marlon Williams will perform alongside Kapa Haka group Ngā Mātai Pūrua, and Indian-American artist Ganavya will showcase her fusion of spiritual jazz and South Asian classical music. Other highlights include 82-year-old First Nations gospel singer Kankawa Nagarra, Cuban Grammy-nominee and Buena Vista Social Club alumnus Roberto Fonseca, Palestinian DJ Sama' Abdulhadi (returning after seven years), and soul sensation Jalen Ngonda, fresh from his Glastonbury debut. The festival will also feature Australian exclusives, including Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker's groundbreaking Rosas danst Rosas, Ukrainian-Canadian project Daughters of Donbas, French electronic act Orange Blossom, and Bhutan's first-ever representatives, the Bhutan Balladeers. They join previously announced acts including Yolngu rapper and dancer Baker Boy, US singer-songwriter Iron & Wine, Irish folk group Beoga and Pacific Break winner Mantis from Vanuatu. Since its debut in 1992, WOMADelaide has become one of Australia's most beloved festivals, celebrating music, arts and dance from across the world. The 2026 event will also see the return of Taste the World, WoMarkets, KidZone, Planet Talks and The Sanctuary Restaurant, alongside Around the Park performances scattered throughout the site. "Few festivals in the world are able to showcase the breadth and diversity of music, arts and dance on such a large scale while appealing to all ages and tastes," says WOMADelaide Director Ian Scobie. "It's a glorious opportunity to discover new sounds and embrace artists you love." WOMADelaide 2026 will run from Friday, March 6 to Monday, March 9 at Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla in Adelaide. Head to the WOMADelaide website for tickets and the full lineup. Images: Supplied
One thing is certain: the Affordable Art Fair is one of the best opportunities to refresh your home with a little more colour and flair. And with the Sydney edition headed to Carriageworks for the first time from Thursday, November 6–Sunday, November 9, getting to know the program ensures you not only discover great pieces from leading galleries, but also catch all the unskippable live events, kid-friendly encounters and foodie endeavours. Joining over 65 galleries in attendance, Surry Hills' N Smith Gallery is bringing its artist roster to the event for the first time, including Sulman Prize winners Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, as well as award-winning First Nations artist Sally Scales. Plus, other Sydney galleries making their hometown debut are Paddington's Art2Muse Gallery, Pyrmont's Audrey Fine Art and Woolloomooloo's Frances Keevil Gallery. "Our new venue allows the event to grow its footprint and impact, while staying true to its mission of making art accessible, affordable and exciting for all," says Australian Fair Director Georgia Huestis, estimating that 14,000 art-lovers will roam the venue across its four jam-packed days. The Artist in Action live demonstrations return once more, featuring renowned creatives like Brad Turner, Joanna Davies, Wendi Leigh and the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative. Melbourne-based artist Jackie Case's Art ATM will also reappear, with visitors inserting a drawing idea only to have it emerge from the machine shortly after. Meanwhile, Jason Parker will debut his large-scale suspended rotating floral mural, in addition to completing a six-metre work he began on-site at the Melbourne event. As you browse the huge collections on display — priced from $100 and $10,000, as always — sip back a glass of sparkling from the new Bird in Hand Wine Bar. Families should also make tracks for a newly unveiled Children's Art Studio, curated by artist Tenyka Jay. Here, kids of all ages can explore an underwater wonderland filled with sea life and submarines, from a seven-metre hand-painted mural to watercolour whales and free face painting. "Affordable Art Fair is hands-down the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore and buy art, whether you're hunting for your first piece or your fiftieth," says Huestis. "Everything is from a living artist, prices are clearly listed and you can take your new artwork home on the day. What's not to love?" Affordable Art Fair Sydney is happening Thursday, November 6–Sunday, November 9, at Carriageworks. Head to the website for more information.
Parramatta, or Burramatta, is a Darug word meaning 'place of eels' and anyone who's taken a stroll along Parramatta River will have seen images etched into the pathway of this western Sydney suburb's history from its first people through to the communities who live here today. It's western Sydney's main hub, and the high-rise developments and new apartments show how much investment there's been into bringing international brands to this area — so it's not easy to know where to spend your time (and money) when you're shopping on Church and George Streets. The trick is knowing where to go. Take a walk down one of Parramatta's laneways and you'll find western Sydney's last remaining indie record shop, a craft brewery with water views, and a florist that's been bringing cheer to locals for more than three decades. With the help of American Express, we've picked out the independent shops, eateries and producers that are well worth a visit. Here's where to shop small in Parramatta with your Amex Card.
With the onset of autumn, Sydney's warm and cosy cinemas beckon more than ever, particularly the city's independent and boutique ones. Once you get away from the multiplexes with overpriced tickets and sticky floors, Sydney has some amazing cinemas screening the best new release indie, arthouse and classic films in atmospheric theatres with excellent beer and fancy ice cream. Unfortunately, independent cinemas are, like live music venues, facing tough times of late, and the city has lost some of its loveliest to financial struggles and renovation. That's why it's more important than ever that we support the amazing independent venues that we have left. Here we present our pick of Sydney's best boutique cinemas, from the velvet-upholstered art deco kind to the sleek and modern, and all are set to please any ardent cinephile or those just looking for an easy date option. Whatever you're keen on, Sydney's boutique and independent cinemas are some of the best around and well worth checking out. THE CHAUVEL The Chauvel has been operating in the old ballroom of Paddington Town Hall since 1977. With a fully sprung dance floor beneath its comfy seats, the Chauvel has by far the most tightly curated selection of current release and vintage films as well as old-timey ambience and the convenience of being in Paddington. Around five years ago, its future looked mighty grim, and like it could go the way of Glebe's Valhalla or the nearby Academy Twin. But a campaign to save the Chauvel saw it rescued by Palace. Now fighting strong, the Chauvel is a destination in and of itself, with a cafe and bar on the second floor of the beautiful old building. The Chauvel is also home to the city's only dedicated film club, the Chauvel Cinematheque, a curated program of arthouse classics for seasoned cinephiles and their friends for a very reasonable price indeed. Cnr Oxford St and Oatley Rd, Paddington 2. Hayden Orpheum The Orpheum is a heritage art deco cinema which has been around since your grandparents day, a claim very few cinemas left in Sydney can still make. Housing six theatres, a Wurlitzer pipe-organ played at selected sessions and a foyer pianist, the Orpheum is the kind of place where you could catch a Vera Lynn tribute or swing band sessions on a given night. The selection of films is strictly along independent lines - arthouse and foreign films are the only ones you'll find on the program, but the glass light fittings, velvet curtains and seats, terrazo floors and fresh flowers make the decor alone worth the trip. While it was left to fall apart during the middle of the twentieth century, restorations got under way in 1986 to restore the Orpheum to its former glory; the kind of place that makes you feel as though you should be wearing furs with a cigarette holder dangling languidly between your fingers. Address: 380 Military Rd, Cremorne 3. The Randwick Ritz The Ritz is, alongside the Orpheum, the only original art deco cinema left in Sydney, and one of the few remaining independent cinemas. Built in 1937, the cinema is still family-owned and runs your typical selection of current-release arthouse films. The Ritz also boasts the cheapest tickets around: $13 for an adult. With an extra five auditoriums added over the last fifteen years, the Randwick Ritz has cemented itself into the heart of Sydney film culture and regularly plays hosts to events like the Australian Film Festival and one-off nights like The Big Lebowski Bash and infamous Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings. A traditional candy bar, red velvet upholstery and bright lights gilding the cinema's exterior all make the Ritz one of the best experiences of old-timey nostalgia you can get in Sydney. Address: 45 St Paul's St, Randwick 4. Palace Verona The Palace Verona is a stone's throw away from the Chauvel on Oxford Street, and is a sleek and modern cinematic alternative hidden amongst the leafy trees and bookshops of lower Paddington. With an excellent cafe and bar serving wine, beer, Lavazza coffee, popcorn cooked in olive oil and fancy ice creams, the Verona does its best to bring arthouse food to the arthouse films it screens. Renovated a couple of years ago when its neighbour the Academy Twin was shut down, the Verona has expanded its screens and taken up the slack in the wake of the Academy's demise, kicking up its selection of quality and edgy films from around the world. Address: 17 Oxford St, Paddington 5. Dendy Newtown Possibly the best art house cinema in the inner-West, the Dendy lies at the heart of the King Street hub and is popular with the night-owl crowd. With an impeccable selection of current release art house cinema, the Dendy is also in easy browsing distance of Fish Records and Better Read Than Dead, as well as a merry walk away from good coffee, food and plentiful alcohol. The Dendy also regularly hosts special events like the Hola Mexico Film Festival, Queerscreen and one-off film nights. Given its proximity to all things fun, the Dendy Newtown is a perfect way to start or finish a night out on the town. Address: 261-263 King St, Newtown 6. Govinda's Restaurant and Cinema Govinda's is a bit of an odd one, yet a true Sydney institution. Govinda's is actually a vegetarian restaurant in Darlinghurst, which is at once a boutique cinema and a quiet space dedicated to yoga, chanting and 'uplifting the consciousness'. Open every day but Monday, a proper evening at Govinda's is a culinary as well as cinematic experience. The gourmet buffet was named best vegetarian restuarant in Sydney in 2011, and at $29.80 for dinner and a movie it's one of the most whimsical and cost-effective date options on offer. The movie room is upstairs, and patrons are invited to kick off their shoes and recline on floor cushions, couches or tub chairs. There are generally three films to choose from each night, all at different times, and generally cover the current release art house range pretty solidly. Address: 112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst 7. Bondi OpenAir Cinema Bondi OpenAir Cinema is seasonal, from late January to early March, and our pick as Sydney's best outdoor cinema. Even though it's a summertime-specific event, Bondi OpenAir is a cinema experience unequalled anywhere in Sydney. Located on the Dolphin Lawns beside the Bondi Pavilion, the program is a fairly eclectic mix of retro classics, art house and Australian new releases. Patrons can chill out on a bean bag with a drink, gourmet treats from the likes of Sonoma and Ben & Jerry's, and check out some of the best acts emerging on Sydney's live music scene all before the film even starts. Address: 1 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi 8. Dendy Opera Quays Situated along the promenade from Circular Quay to the Opera House, the Dendy Opera Quays cinema is the best art house cinema in the city, and probably the most scenic. With an impeccable range of current release art house films alongside some middlebrow fare, the cinema is also home to classic film screenings, Met Opera and Ballet screenings and special events like the Sydney Film Festival. With reasonably priced ticketing, a luxurious fit-out and boutique wine, beer and snacks available, the Opera Quays makes movie-going very pleasant indeed. Address: 9/2 East Circular Quay, Sydney 9. Mount Vic Flicks Mount Victoria is a bit tricky to get to at the best of times, but if you make the trip to the top of the Blue Mountains you'll find a whimsical high-altitude answer to art house cinema. Run by couple Ron and Diane Bayley, Mount Vic Flicks is advertised as 'cinema, the way it used to be'. All films are carefully selected - generally a mix of indie and classic stuff - with Ron managing the technical side of things while Diane ensures the candy bar is stocked with a variety of delicious handmade cakes and scones. Housed in the former local community hall, Mount Vic Flicks has an intimate community vibe to it, with a foyer barely big enough for two people and tea and coffee served in mugs. While it's a little out of the way, Mount Vic is worth it if you want to re-experience the old world ritual of going to the pictures. Address: Harley Ave, Mount Victoria 10. Palace Norton Street The Norton Street Palace is smack bang in the middle of the Leichhardt restaurant strip, conveniently close to the best pasta and gelato Sydney has to offer. Not only does the Norton Street Palace screen an excellent range of new-release art house cinema, and house a fully licensed bar and cafe, but it also plays host to Sydney's French, Greek, German, Brazilian, Spanish and Italian film festivals, making it perhaps the most international of Sydney's cinemas. Address: 99 Norton St, Leichhardt
When they're done well, focus on good recipes and great conversation, and actually step you through the culinary process, cooking shows remain one of the best factual TV genres there is. Fancy all of the above, plus celebrities? That's Netflix's new series, The Chef Show. Just launched on the streaming platform, the show stars actor/director Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi, who first worked together on the aptly titled film Chef. This time around, they're forgoing fiction for reality, taking viewers through their favourite dishes and techniques, and celebrating their shared love of food. Each episode features a different theme — in one, the duo smoke brisket in Texas with pitmaster Aaron Franklin; in another, they pay tribute to the late Los Angeles food critic Jonathan Gold. Given Favreau's career both on-screen and off, and his connection with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the series' high-profile guests are also a significant drawcard. On the guest list: Robert Downey Jr, Tom Holland, Gwyneth Paltrow, MCU producer Kevin Feige and Avengers' directors the Russo brothers. Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez doesn't have a Marvel connection, but he also pops up. The mood is relaxed but informative — like sitting down for a leisurely dinner chat, which also happens on-screen. A word of warning: if you watch the series on an empty stomach, prepare to feel rather hungry. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPtPs22gtOA The eight-episode first season of The Chef Show is now available to stream on Netflix.
Over the past two years, we've already spent too much time burning through our streaming queues, so simply settling in for a stint of TV has lost a bit of its lustre. And, there's also the fact that our day-to-days are pretty well dominated by screens anyway. From waking up and checking the weather/news/Instagram to then packing our days with staring at a computer at our nine-to-fives, sitting on the loo watching TikToks and cooking the recipes we view on iPads, it's no wonder we've got screen fatigue. So, put that remote down and treat yourself to another way to kill time: a jigsaw puzzle. Yep, it's time to get analogue. For many of us, 2020 was the year of hobbies and home activities. So, no doubt you already have a jigsaw or two lying around — which means you're in need of fresh puzzle talent. Or, you might've resisted the recent trend, only to now realise that you missed out on some wholesome, puzzle-piecing times. Either way, we're here to help. Here are our eight puzzle picks for when boredom next hits like a tonne of bricks — whether you just have a few spare hours, you're spending time in isolation or you feel like you've watched every streaming series there is to watch. AUSTRALIA UNSEEN Bring the beach to your living room with these serene coastal scenes in puzzle form. Australia Unseen's Vincent Rommelaere takes photos of Australian beaches and rock pools, and usually sells them as prints on his website. But in 2020, as iso-life became the new normal, Rommelaere began transforming some of his snaps into jigsaw puzzles. At the moment, he offers seven different puzzles available as 1000-piece ($49) jigsaws. If you're into ocean pools, you can keep your fingers busy with a puzzle of Bondi's famed Icebergs. Otherwise, there's shots of the Coogee Beach rainbow path, the Bronte Baths and people sunbathing at Bondi. Or, if you'd prefer to look at Melbourne, you can opt for one of the city's CBD skyline. Delivery within Australia is $10 and international shipping is also available, with cost and delivery time dependent on region. All jigsaw puzzles in stock are shipped from Sydney and you'll score free shipping on orders over $100. Buy via Australia Unseen's website. OKAY LADY Chances are at least one of your housemates developed a penchant for puzzles over the past two years and, if that's the case, a pressie from online jigsaw puzzle company Okay Lady will be a winner. Think of it as the perfect 'thanks for putting up with me' gift that you benefit from, too. Okay Lady puzzles champion Aussie women illustrators and come in environmentally friendly packaging — no plastic in sight. The artists also receive royalties from every single sale, which we love to see. If you happen to live with your bestie, there's a super-cute 400-piece jigsaw by Queensland artist Sophie Beer that features two besties and some adorable pups. Or, nab the Night Dancer puzzle, designed by artist Alice Lindstrom, for a truly vibrant work of puzzle art. All Okay Lady jigsaws are $59 and each 400-piece design is aimed to be more of a mindful activity than a super challenging, days-long process. Shipping is free across Australia with orders shipped from the Melbourne office every weekday, so expect about five–seven business days for your package to arrive. Can't wait? Opt for express delivery for $15. Buy via Okay Lady's website. SMOOCHY POOCHEY Ever wanted to piece together a portrait of your adorable pooch? Of course you have — which is why Queensland-based company Smoochy Poochey exists. While the company allows you to pick whichever kind of personalised puzzle you like, getting a jigsaw puzzle emblazoned with your pet's cute little face is a clear winner. Think of it this way: you've already spent so long gazing at them because they're just so adorable, and you've well and truly committed their face to your memory in the process, so this should be the easiest jigsaw you've ever done. And if you'd like to provide more than one photo for a single puzzle — as uploaded via the company's website — you can. Just simply upload multiple pics of of Fido, Fluffy, Polly or Nemo and create a collage. A number of sizes are available, ranging from a simple, kid-friendly 30-piece jigsaw to challenging 1000-piece ones for when you have hours upon hours to kill. Prices range from $28.25 for the smallest puzzle and up to $59.95 for the largest. Delivery is via Australia Post, with a standard $12.95 flat rate across Australia, or you can opt for express delivery for $16. Buy via the Smoochy Poochey website. PUZZLE POST You've done it: you've reached peak puzzle madness. You can't get enough of the brain-tickling activity and you want a regular rotation of jigsaws landing on your doorstep. Enter: Puzzle Post — Australia's first jigsaw puzzle subscription. Puzzle Post delivers a new jigsaw to your doorstep every month, and factors in your tastes. Now that's a service. From the same minds behind book subscription service Bookabuy, the idea for this new venture spawned after owners Chris and Mel Tantchev noticed something of a jigsaw puzzle resurgence. Look around these pandemic days and you'll notice those little cardboard pieces have made quite the comeback. There are a bunch of themes from over 20 categories — including cats, nostalgia, flowers, Disney and food — ranging from easy (500 pieces) to harder, 1000-plus piece puzzles. By answering a few quick questions at checkout, you'll end up with a jigsaw haul personalised just for you. You can opt for a one-off puzzle delivery ($29) or organise a three-, six- or 12-month subscription, which'll set you back between $87–348 up front (or $29 per month). If every month is too frequent, you can choose to get a new puzzle delivered in two- or three- month intervals, too. Subscribe via the Puzzle Post website. JOURNEY OF SOMETHING Journey of Something is a female-founded and Australian-owned company dedicated to combining art with activities (read: beautiful puzzles, art kits and games). But, you're here for puzzles — not the other stuff — so we'll get right to it. It stocks a bunch of jigsaws, ranging from mini puzzles to 1000-piece beasts, which are all designed by local artists. Order yourself a puzzle decorated with iconic women such as Dolly Parton, Frida Khalo and Malala Yousafzai — or, there's a cute mini puzzle that'll have you doing your daily affirmations in no time. Puzzles range from $20–64, and Journey of Something also offers some duo packs and a 12-month subscription. Shipping costs depend on how much you're buying — starting at $10 for one puzzle. Buy via Journey of Something's website. [caption id="attachment_708992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rone[/caption] RONE If you're bored of putting together rainforest scenes or that 500-piece Monet puzzle was just too easy, Melbourne street artist Rone has come up with the goods, releasing three of his large-scale artworks (Home Wrecker, The Dining Room and The Study) as jigsaw puzzles. For those not in the know, Rone normally creates large-scale artworks on the sides of nine-story buildings or in abandoned spaces throughout Melbourne. He's particularly known for his massive portraits that combine elements of beauty and ruin, alongside concepts of new and old. Since bursting onto the local scene in the early 2000s, his work has been shown in London, New York, San Francisco, Miami and Hong Kong. So, he's kind of a big deal — and you can now build a piece of his art in your living room. Rone's puzzles are priced at a reasonable $64, considering his art prints are selling upwards of $400. Each art-cum-puzzle is comprised of 1000 pieces and includes enough detail for a challenging afternoon of puzzling. Shipping to locations across Melbourne costs $10.95, while it's $14.89 for the rest of Australia. Hot tip: buy two puzzles and you save yourself the delivery fee, thanks to Rone offering free shipping on orders over $100. Buy via Rone's website. SALTY GALLERY Similar to the popular Australian Unseen puzzles, photographer Dharma Bendersky and his gallery Salty Gallery have turned his stunning shots of Sydney beaches into 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles. So, if you're missing sunny afternoons at the beach and simply can't get enough of creating intricate cardboard artworks, then add these beauties to your cart. There are currently four idyllic puzzles on offer, featuring a selection of spots. If you're more a fan of concrete-covered bays, Bedersky also plans to unveil more designs. Each puzzle is $59, includes free shipping Australia-wide, can be delivered internationally, and are shipped in eco-friendly compostable bags. Buy via the Salty Gallery website. [caption id="attachment_822202" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Charles Conder, 'Rainy Day', 1888. Art Gallery of NSW's online art puzzles range.[/caption] ONLINE ART PUZZLES We know, we know — we told you to lay off the screens. But these digital jigsaws come in handy if you're an absolute puzzle fiend who can't wait till your next one arrives in the post, or you're a try-before-you-buy kinda person. Either way, these art-filled gems are sure to fill many hours (and save you some cash). First up, the Art Gallery of NSW has some killer online puzzles — seven to be exact — so you can digitally put together masterpieces such as E Phillips Fox's Nasturtiums and Paul Cézanne's Banks of the Marne. Melbourne Museum also has digital jigsaws on its website, including ones of fur seals, the Royal Exhibition Building and Phar Lap. Or, check out the National Library of Australia website to complete puzzles using its collection, with everything from art by Ellis Rowan to Australian birds. Head to the AGNSW, Melbourne Museum and National Library of Australia websites for some free — and wait-free — puzzling adventures. Top image: Australia Unseen
Doughnuts and coffee have done a stellar job over the past few years of shaking off a reputation as just the staple diet of police-folk. Or in the case of those neon-hued, sprinkled concoctions from the local bread shop, a classic after-school treat. A collection of specialty vendors are responsible for the shift in getting the broader population nuts about doughnuts again and Shortstop is one of them. After reaching cult-like status in Melbourne, Shortstop opened the doors of its Sydney outpost in Barangaroo in early 2016 to much fanfare. The coffee is sourced from specialty roasters, and all sweet treats are made fresh on-site using high-quality ingredients. The success can be boiled down to its unique flavour combos like Earl Grey tea and rose, triple matcha and honey and sea salt. Each flavour goes through rigorous testing before hitting (and then swiftly disappearing from) shelves, And they've all been pleasing tastebuds and Instagram feeds ever since. This Sydney store, similar in style to the Melbourne Shortstop original with light timber finishes, has limited seating. It is much more a grab-and-go affair, perhaps to hit the sweet spot after a luxurious long lunch at one of the neighbouring Barangaroo restaurants. If you're really short on time or have your heart set on a specific flavour, avoid the inevitable lineup and potential disappointment by pre-ordering online.
It's absolutely no secret we're obsessed with food. But while we're often chasing down some of the finest dining experiences to share with you, we're still suckers for a big plate of old-fashioned wings washed down with cold beer. There's something about a plate of juicy wings covered with buffalo sauce that makes the ultimate comfort food — or just the perfect snack alongside a few well-earned bevs at the end of the week. As you can probably tell, the research for this one was tough, but we've managed to compile a list of the top five places to eat buffalo wings in Sydney.
In the heart of Sydney city, you'll find the bright and bustling Haymarket: the epicentre of Asian culture and cuisine. The streets are alive with colour, movement and smells beckoning you from one restaurant to the next. Clusters of caligraphy-covered shops compete for space along the packed streets illuminated by glowing lanterns and neon lights. The smell of garlic frying and meats grilling wafts through the air, as dumpling carts emit a steamy haze. It's all very Blade Runner-esque — and just like that complex sci-fi it can, at first, be a little difficult to navigate. To one side, you'll see Paddy's Markets heaving with bargain hunters; the other, Dixon Street, full to the brim with cuisines from across Asia. But where should you start? Don't stress. Last year, we partnered with City of Sydney and spoke to chef Mori Higashida of tip-top ramen joint Gumshara about his favourite spots around the area. And now, we've teamed up with City of Sydney again to pull out ten essential spots for you to hit next time you're wandering around Haymarket. Read on, take note and make tracks to this inner-city culinary wonderland.
Good things not only come to those who wait, but great and downright excellent things do, too — at least where Harvest Rock's 2025 lineup is concerned. Unveiled two days later than initially planned, the full rundown of acts slated to play the two-day Adelaide music festival is a list to get excited about. There's no "someday" about when The Strokes will next be in Australia now: headlining Harvest Rock and doing an Aussie-exclusive show, they're the main event on Saturday, October 25. Harvest Rock has been teasing The Strokes' spot on the bill since it pushed back its lineup announcement. Now, Julian Casablancas, Nick Valensi, Fabrizio Moretti, Nikolai Fraiture and Albert Hammond Jr are indeed locked in. Also taking to the stage on the fest's first 2025 day are The War on Drugs, also doing an Australian-exclusive gig. Vance Joy, M.I.A., Lime Cordiale and Genesis Owusu will be wowing Saturday crowds as well, as will The Presets, The Jungle Giants, Cloud Control, Bag Raiders and more. If you're a fan of Wolfmother's self-titled debut album, you're also in luck: the Australian band will play it in full. Harvest Rock's Sunday, October 26 lineup boasts Jelly Roll as its headliner, followed by Royel Otis, Groove Armada doing a DJ set, Shaboozey, PNAU, Lauren Spencer Smith, Ruel and Sneaky Sound System — and others. The fest's second day is also scoring the Ministry of Sound Classical treatment, aka dance music hits played live by an orchestra. Before August arrived, no one was likely expecting to attend Harvest Rock this year. The travelworthy festival made its debut in 2022 and returned in 2023 for a second spin, but sat out 2024. Then came the welcome news that the event is back on the agenda for 2025, a comeback that not every fest that presses pause for a year manages (see: Splendour in the Grass, which announced its 2024 dates and lineup, then ditched its plans and didn't return in 2025 — and also Groovin the Moo going through the same cycle of reveals and cancellations, and also missing 2025). The venue for Harvest Rock: still Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina. When the event was first born, hailing from the Secret Sounds crew — who were also behind Splendour in the Grass — it not only aimed to get everyone dancing in a park in Adelaide each spring, but also delivered a weekend-long blend of music, food and wine. That's once more the setup. Accordingly, the festival also spans Adelaide's top restaurants and eateries serving up dishes, a culinary-focused stage and wine tastings. In 2025, the Amuse-Bouche Stage is part of the lineup, for instance, bringing together culinary figures, podcasters and comedians — with Ben Harvey and Belle Jackson, Nat's What I Reckon, the Marmalade trio and folks from the music bill also featuring. For a bite and a sip, Wildwoods & Cellar Door by Duncan Welgemoed & Nick Stock, Denny Bradden's Dirty Doris Diner, Regent Thai, Africola Canteen, Anchovy Bandit and Gang Gang are among your options. And, label-wise from the vino selection, so are Ochota Barrels, Yangarra, Basket Range Wines, Murdoch Hill, Grant Nash, Sherrah, S.C.Pannell / Protero, Shaw + Smith / Other Wine Co, Henschke, Les Fruits / Parley, Bloomfield, Stoke Wines, Worlds Apart, Koerner, First Drop, Torbreck, Adelina and Champagne Taittinger. [caption id="attachment_1017207" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jimmy Fontaine[/caption] Harvest Rock 2025 Lineup Saturday, October 25: The Strokes The War on Drugs Vance Joy M.I.A. Lime Cordiale Wolfmother The Presets Skream & Benga Genesis Owusu The Jungle Giants Cloud Control Vacations Bag Raiders (live) Teenage Joans Divebar Youth Sunsick Daisy Oscar The Wild Any Young Mechanic Sunday, October 26: Jelly Roll Royel Otis Ministry of Sound Classical Groove Armada (DJ set) Shaboozey PNAU Lauren Spencer Smith Ruel Sneaky Sound System The Dreggs Drew Baldridge Julia Cole Folk Bitch Trio Mild Minds Anna Lunoe Velvet Trip Towns Coldwave Colter Apollo Amuse-Bouche Stage lineup: Hosted By Ben & Belle Nat's What I Reckon Marmalade Artist Appearances and more to be announced Food: Dirty Doris Diner Regent Thai Africola Canteen Anchovy Bandit Gang Gang & Many More Wine: Adelina Basket Range Bloomfield First Drop Grant Nash Henschke Koerner Les Fruits / Parley Murdoch Hill Ochota Barrels S.C.Pannell / Protero Shaw + Smith / The Other Wine Co Sherrah Stoke Wines Taittinger Torbreck Worlds Apart Yangarra Harvest Rock 2025 is set to take place across Saturday, October 25–Sunday, October 26 at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide. Head to the festival's website for further details — with presale tickets available from Tuesday, August 19 and general sales from Wednesday, August 20. The Strokes top image: Jim Bennett/Getty Images. Harvest Rock images: Ian Laidlaw / Mitch Lowe / Zennieshia Butts.
Though there is certainly no lack of Yum Cha options in Sydney, few reach the towering proportions achieved by Haymarket's The Eight. Experience a modern fusion of Cantonese cuisine on the top floor of the Market City complex in this cavernous restaurant that can seat 750. And don't worry, the quality of restaurant's cuisine is just as great. Its name originates from the combination of eight schools of traditional Chinese cuisine used at the restaurant. Founder Henry Tang embraces a contemporary take on Cantonese dining while still keeping the heart and principles of his Hong Kong roots. Presented by the Zilver group, The Eight celebrated its ten-year anniversary last year and has truly come of age. If Zilver sounds familiar to you, it was the name of a similar restaurant owned by the group of the same name, which closed after three decades along with a long string of other Chinese restaurants within Sydney, including legends like Golden Century and Marigold. For those who were able to visit Zilver before its closure, The Eight could be described as its polished, less traditional cousin. The stylish dining area is lined with LED lights and plush furniture, and complete with a wall made up of entirely screens. The venue can be converted for large events, and any of the five private dining rooms offers a space for more intimate gatherings. Don't let the grandeur distract you from the cuisine. The extensive list of traditional fare is well worth its affordable price, and the live seafood standout. Whether you choose banquet style or a la carte, anything off of The Eight's lacquered menu will impress. Choose from live Lobster, King Crab, or Mud Crab (market price) served with whichever sauces you prefer for a must-try dining experience. However, their Yum Cha is the undisputed start of the show, offering the classics you expect and love at a reasonable price. With over sixty choices from their menu and a wide range of desserts, choose from classics like prawn or scallop dumplings and BBQ pork buns. While you're there, don't forget to order their renowned roast duck, and top it off with delectable mango pancakes.
A familiar sight to backpackers galivanting across Europe, catching a bright-green FlixBus is one of the cheapest, most convenient and comfortable ways to get across the continent. Now, the long-distance coach company is preparing to launch in Australia, revealing its first two routes hitting the road on Thursday, November 20. Kicking operations off down under, passengers can soon commute from Melbourne–Sydney and Canberra–Sydney. And to encourage people to climb abroad, prices across the network start at just $9.99 until the end of November. While cheap, the FlixBus experience isn't as no-frills as you might imagine. Featuring free Wi-Fi, power outlets to keep charged, plenty of legroom and toilets, passing the time on the journey between capital cities can be surprisingly comfortable. "We're confident that Flix will resonate with Australians by setting a new benchmark for convenient, affordable and sustainable travel powered by technology," says Flix Founder and CEO, André Schwämmlein. For the Melbourne–Sydney route, stops take place in Albury, Canberra, Sydney International Airport, Sydney Domestic Airport and Sydney Central Station. Then, for those making the shorter journey from Canberra–Sydney, expect 12 daily departures hitting the same strategic stops on the way to the Harbour City. "As in every market we enter, we are committed to a long-term presence as a trusted and reliable partner in the travel sector, and we are taking the first steps by opening sales on Australia's busiest travel corridor," says Schwämmlein. Besides the cost benefits, FlixBus says hitching a ride on a coach from Melbourne to Sydney also reduces an individual's carbon footprint by approximately 90 percent. "These new routes embody our commitment to making sustainable travel affordable to everyone travelling in Australia," describes Senior Managing Director of FlixBus Australia, Yvan Lefranc-Morin. FlixBus routes from Melbourne–Sydney and Canberra–Sydney commence on Thursday, November 20. Head to the website for more information.
You know those wildly decadent Tella Ball milkshakes from Foodcraft Espresso and Bakery everyone lost their minds about last year? The ones with the spherical doughnut oozing with Nutella, sat proudly atop a Nutella milkshake? These ones. Well, if you'll recall the hoo-ha that happened last year, and the fact that Sydney now has it's own Tella Ball Nutella dessert bar, you'd better clear your schedule. Because no one can get enough of the hazelnut and chocolate combo we all know and love — particularly when combined with doughnuts — there's now another eatery dedicated to this heavenly pairing. Yep, the Tella Balls Dessert Bar has expanded, setting up a second shop in Entertainment Quarter. And, to celebrate, they're giving everyone exactly what they want: free Tella Balls for everyone who visits the store between 11am and 2pm on October 15. Be warned, there is a limit of one per person. As always, the general aim is to direct every scrap of Nutella in the known universe into our bodies, via all manner of indulgent treats. The Nutella-fuelled menu structures meals just the way we like it. Mains: coffee. Desserts: Nutella cruffin, Nutella cheesecake, Nutella crepes, Nutella waffles, Nutella pancakes, Nutella pizza, Nutella ice cream, Tella Ball Milkshakes (of course) and no doubt many more Nutella creations as yet unimagined by mankind. Tella Balls Dessert Bar is now open at Shop 210-G4, Entertainment Quarter, Fox Studio, 210 Lang Rd, Moore Park. Check their Facebook page for more information. Text: Imogen Baker and Sarah Ward.
Crown Street's centrally located hotel is out to ditch the crusty old pub stigma and make its well-designed mark on the Sydney bar scene with new owner Solotel. Food-wise, expect some of the best pub feeds Surry Hills has to offer. Forget any tacky surf 'n' turf here, your feed has a French twist at The Clock. It's certainly proof that you don't need a dapper French waiter serving you a warm baguette for it to taste damn fine. This isn't specialty French, it's pub food with a French twist. Instead of chicken parmi, you'll find a crumbed chicken cordon bleu with ham, gruyere and pomme fries. Fancy a fish and chips? Opt for crispy skin barramundi with baby potatoes, green beans and wholegrain mustard. You get the idea; it stretches from starters like tuna tartare with parsley, caper vinaigrette and crispy wonton skin to desserts like blueberry cheesecake with confit orange and blueberry compote. Regarding cocktails, you'll find three menus available in three different areas. The street bar offers classics like espresso martinis and passionfruit margaritas, while the balcony and whisky room offer different menus with unique blends — made with spirits of every colour and taste. The Clock is more than just a dining room, though. Several spaces throughout the venue are available for patrons and group bookings alike. Just inside the entrance, there's space for mingling with a bev in hand, plus booths that can comfortably fit a small group to sit and enjoy your meal. If the air is pleasant and the vibes are right, by all means, grab a drink and a spare stool to enjoy the Crown Street ambience from the balcony. Want something else? Venture indoors again, and you'll notice several comfortable lounge areas. The Crown Street banquette and the Collins Street corner are available for event bookings, as is the intimate Whisky Room (high ceilings, private bar and an open deck, ooh la la). The biggest space is on the second floor: the pendulum lounge, ideal for a large celebration.
Did you know there are more pets in Australia than there are people? And yet, when you think of road trips, you might not immediately think of dogs — that's not very fair. How would you feel if you always got left behind while all your bipedal mates grabbed their cars and drove away to have the time of their lives without you? It's time to change that, it's time to start bringing more dogs on road trips. So grab your car and your furry pal, and strap in for one of this country's most popular road trips: Sydney to Brisbane. And no stress if you don't have a car, because SIXT offers stress-free pet-friendly car rentals from a bunch of locations across Sydney and Brisbane — so you can worry less about logistics and focus on making memories. NEW MATES AT NEWCASTLE The journey begins in Newcastle, where the golden sands and rolling waves of Horseshoe Beach make the perfect first pit stop for some off-leash fun. The beach is a mecca for local dogs and dogs passing through alike — it's the only dog beach in central Newcastle, so your little pal can expect to make a lot of mates during this visit. You'll find it tucked beneath Nobby's Breakwall. Other off-leash areas worth exploring are Carrington Foreshore along Throsby Creek, and King Edward Park, which offers stunning views of Newcastle. Islington Dog Park is also worth a visit while you're near Throsby Creek, but it's not the only dog park in town — Acacia Avenue Reserve offers a massive 1.5-hectares of grassy paradise for dogs to run around in. It is also the first enclosed dog park in the Hunter to offer separate areas for big and small dogs, which is pretty neat if your little pal feels anxious around bigger ones. Once you and your pup are sufficiently adventured out, head to Cafe Inu — 'Inu' means dog in Japanese, so to say this cafe is dog-friendly would be an understatement. Fill up on craft coffee and Japanese fast food fare while your furry pal has their choice of puppychinos, puppy ice cream or puppy treats (or all three), which are all on the menu. Yep, there's a dedicated dog section — how cute. [caption id="attachment_913208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Samantha Zoratto[/caption] FIND PEACE AT CROWDY HEAD As you continue north towards Port Macquarie, make a quick (or not so quick) stop at Crowdy Head. This quiet coastal spot is anything but crowded. In fact, it's kind of a hidden gem — so keep this between us, capisce? While you're around, check out the cute lighthouse that overlooks Harrington Beach. Your dog will love it — dogs love lighthouses, didn't you know? You'll also get a kick out of it too, given it's been fully operational since 1878. If waves aren't your little mate's thing, Harrington Lagoon offers all the fun of water and sand, sans the surf — for this reason, it's a popular spot for families with kids and little furry pals alike. [caption id="attachment_831355" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindsay Moller Productions[/caption] DON'T WORRY AT PORT MACQUARIE Port Macquarie offers an array of dog-friendly activities. Explore the natural wonders of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park or enjoy a splash at the dog-friendly Nobbys Beach. Other dog-friendly beaches include Rocky Beach and Oxley Beach — though keep in mind dogs need to be on leash at Oxley. Feeling hungry? Little Fish Cafe and Cassegrain Wines are both dog-friendly, with the latter welcoming dogs on the deck of the restaurant. Little Shack is also a great dog-friendly option for all times of day, from morning coffee to lunch by the water to a cheeky evening cocktail. Once you're ready to retire, check out NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, a dog-friendly holiday park with powered and unpowered sites. [caption id="attachment_913209" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Samantha Zoratto[/caption] CATCH WORLD-CLASS WAVES AT CRESCENT HEAD Known for its consistent waves and stunning coastline, Crescent Head is a paradise for surfers and their furry mates as the beach is dog friendly. It even has a dog swimming area if your dog wants to brush up on its dog paddle while you perfect your… human paddle? [caption id="attachment_913218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bailey Rytenskild via Unsplash[/caption] ENDLESS ADVENTURE AT EVANS HEAD Nestled between river and sea, Evans Head offers a mix of river adventures and oceanic exploration. Enjoy the calm waters of the Evans River with your dog or take a beach walk — or run if you really wanna stretch those legs. Or why not take advantage of the off-leash area and play some fetch, or have a beach 4WD adventure detour? FIND YOURSELVES IN BYRON BAY Ahh, Byron Bay — the ultimate destination for every dog that aspires to be spiritually awakened. Embark on the iconic lighthouse walk, where you and your furry mate can both ponder the meaning of life while marvelling at the vast expanse of stunning ocean, tourist selfies, and crystals as far as the eye can see. Belongil Beach, Tallow Beach, Seven Mile Beach, and Brunswick Heads Beach are all dog-friendly, so you'll have plenty to do in the surf and sun while you're in town. Byron also offers a plethora of dog parks to explore if you prefer more inland adventure. After all that frolicking, treat yourself at Stone & Wood, Pickled Pig, or Byron Bay breweries, all of which welcome dogs with open arms. GOLD COAST (GO ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO) Forget surfers, the Goldy (we're sorry) truly is a pet's paradise. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the esplanade, visit the absolutely stunning and vast off-leash area at The Spit, or explore the dog-friendly parks the city has to offer — Tallebudgera Offleash Dog Beach, Cabana Offleash Dog Area, and Pizzey Offleash Dog Area are particularly nice. If you happen to be around on a Sunday, head to one of the many dog-friendly markets which pop up every weekend all around the Gold Coast, with Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, and Paradise Point markets being particularly pet-friendly. If you're after a caffeine hit, Elk Espresso, Daymaker Espresso, BSKT Cafe, and Daark Espresso are all dog lovers. Or, you could also head to Wild Flower Gin in Varsity Lakes for dog-friendly dining and relaxation, and if you're lucky you might even meet Ghost, the resident Great Dane cross Bull Arab. Once it's time to rest, check out the lovely NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort, which has a number of pet-friendly options including powered and unpowered camp and caravan sites, as well as dog-friendly cabins. BEAUTIFUL BRISSIE Congrats, you made it. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs at the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, where you'll find the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Loop — a fun inner-city adventure for humans and canines alike. Or if you're up for more of a challenge, head to the Kokoda Track Loop for a ten-kilometre heart-pumper, located just 20 kilometres out of Brisbane. Once you're ready to relax, check out the various dog-friendly cafes, bars, and restaurants. Also, it's been a long journey, so you've earned a treat. Stay at The Ovolo in Fortitude Valley, which is more than happy to welcome your pooch in its pet-friendly rooms. Lastly, if you're wanting to do this road trip in reverse, there are some excellent dog-friendly bars, restaurants and cafes just waiting for your tired legs to perch up. And when it's time to pack up for the night, you'll be spoilt for choice as Sydney is arguably Australia's best spot for dog-friendly hotels. Looking for a pet-friendly rental to take you and your best furry mate on the road trip of a lifetime (or looking for a bigger car to fit your furry mate)? Check out SIXT, which welcomes customers to bring their family and furmily along for the ride, so no one gets left behind. Auto club members including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RACT, RAC and AANT will receive 15% off SIXT's daily rates. Click here to book now
If you love sashimi, you really love sashimi. And if you love sashimi and live in Sydney, chances are you've had a piece or two from Zushi at some point. In addition to restaurants in Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, they've also opened at Barangaroo with a striking fit-out courtesy of the acclaimed Koichi Takada Architects. The waterfront space boasts a semi-open kitchen, a dedicated sushi bar and a stunning, all-weather outdoor dining area with room for 106 people — it's bound to be red-hot property over the summer months. There's also a walk-up bar space, where Zushi's resident sake expert can hook you up with a few drops from the extensive range while you're waiting for that table. In true Zushi style, the modern Japanese fare here strikes a balance between innovation and authenticity, with this menu a mix of favourites, specials, and seasonal dishes unique to the Barangaroo restaurant. You'll find specialty sushi and sashimi, alongside an assortment of Izakaya-inspired share plates. Backing it up, there's that hefty range of sake, some clever sake cocktails, and a NSW-led wine list, which has plenty of love for biodynamic and organic labels. Zushi joins a slew of other eateries that at Barangaroo, including Belles Hot Chicken, Lotus, Cirrus and The Rabbit Hole.
Two hefty names in 80s and 90s music. One massive visit to Australia and New Zealand. Pearl Jam have finally announced new Down Under gigs, as a leg on their Dark Matter tour to support their next album, and they'll have huge company thanks to Pixies. Eddie Vedder and Black Francis taking to the same stage? That'll make you feel alive and ask "where is my mind?". The Seattle-born Pearl Jam are the headliners, and about time; this is the band's first visit Australia and Aotearoa since 2014, on a tour that included the final-ever Big Day Out. They've been dropping clues for a while that they were heading this way again, complete with hints at Bondi Beach since the past weekend. Now, they've locked shows in Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney and on the Gold Coast. [caption id="attachment_940844" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Cinch[/caption] Dark Matter, the band's 12th album, will release in April — which gives fans plenty of time to know it by heart before the group play Go Media, Heritage Bank, Marvel and Giants stadiums in November. The record's title track is a brand-new tune, just dropping on Tuesday, February 12. Live, that song and others from Dark Matter will feature on a setlist that's sure to span past hits 'Alive', 'Black', 'Jeremy', 'Better Man', 'Last Kiss' and 'Daughter' from previous albums such as the iconic Ten, Vs and Vitalogy from the early 90s, plus No Code, Yield and more since. [caption id="attachment_940849" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wp72 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Pixies, who were last Down Under in 2022, are responsible for a helluva one-two punch with their first two albums: 1988's Surfer Rosa and 1989's Doolittle. The first gave the world the track that's been linked with Tyler Durden courtesy of David Fincher's Fight Club since 1999, aka 'Where Is My Mind?', as well as 'Gigantic' and 'Cactus'. The second is home to 'Here Comes Your Man', 'Monkey Gone to Heaven', 'Debaser' and 'Wave of Mutilation'. Foo Fighters, blink-182, Queens of the Stone Age, Tenacious D, now Pearl Jam and Pixies: it's been a great time of late for big rock tours in this neck of the woods. Pearl Jam Dark Matter World Tour 2024 with with Special Guests Pixies — Australia and New Zealand Dates Friday, November 8 – Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland Wednesday, November 13 — Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast Saturday, November 16 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Thursday, November 21 — Giants Stadium, Sydney Pearl Jam and Pixies are touring Australia and New Zealand in November 2024, with ticket registrations from Wednesday, February 14–Sunday, February 18 and ticket sales from Friday, February 23 — head to the Pearl Jam website for further details. Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Finding a wedding venue is no easy task. There's the toss-up between a city and country celebration, a luxe location versus staying in your hometown. Plus, the allure of the destination wedding is enough to make your bank account quiver in a corner. When you find the one, though, everything else about the wedding can fall into place. If you're looking for a destination that offers a Euro-summer event without needing to charter a 24-hour flight, you're in luck. St Siandra is Sydney's sun-soaked waterfront restaurant that can host intimate beachfront weddings, large receptions and even corporate events. It's set on a private beach in Middle Harbour and brings a little dose of Italian shores to Mosman. Here's what to expect when booking an event at St Siandra. [caption id="attachment_895511" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Unbeatable Views The Mediterranean-inspired venue offers panoramic Sydney Harbour views. Located just a short drive from the CBD, your Sydney guests won't need to worry about booking accommodation or hiring a car to get to an outer-city venue. St Siandra is situated in Sydney's quiet harbourside suburbs, so local guests can spend more time focusing on your day rather than the logistics of a destination wedding. If anyone is coming from out of town, they can admire the breathtaking Sydney views and experience an Amalfi-style event by the water. St Siandra has an indoor-outdoor layout, making it ideal for a relaxed yet luxe event. The interiors feature Mediterranean-inspired styling with a coastal heritage, anchoring the venue to Sydney. Outside, the private beach offers you the chance to share your nuptials on the sand. [caption id="attachment_1036463" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Your Wedding, Your Way Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner experience, a 40-person celebration or a full-scale party of 150, St Siandra offers bespoke packages that cater to different needs. The venue features a dedicated events team that provides hands-on guidance to help you plan your wedding. There's a range of curated packages and transparent pricing available as well, so the wedding budget won't be surprised after you've set your heart on a vendor or service. [caption id="attachment_1036462" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] St Siandra features two space options. If you're looking for a venue that comfortably seats up to 50 guests or 85 people cocktail-style, the Bluebird Room is your best bet. It's a light-filled space featuring 180-degree water views and exclusive access to a private bar and beach views. From intimate sit-down meals to a luxe cocktail party, the Bluebird room and deck can be tailored to suit your wedding dreams. Is your guest list a little larger? The restaurant and deck at St Siandra can seat up to 110 guests and accommodate 160 people in a cocktail-style setting. This option features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views and makes it easy to say "I do" and party the night away without needing to ferry guests from the church or gardens post-ceremony. [caption id="attachment_1014188" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Memorable Food and Drink Experiences While everyone's at your wedding to celebrate your love, one of the most essential parts is (undoubtedly) the food and drinks. At St Siandra, the seasonal menus have a Mediterranean focus on local produce. Head Chef Sam McCallum has crafted the menus to feature mouth-watering flavours, decadent canapés and sit-down meals to share with loved ones (no matter their dietary requirements). To complement your food selection, there's a range of beverage packages that can be tailored to suit your party. Featuring creative cocktails, wines, spirits, craft beers and mocktails, every detail is considered. [caption id="attachment_1033893" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] More Than Weddings It's not just weddings that can be held at St Siandra. Birthdays, baby showers, bridal parties, and corporate functions can all be planned and held at the Mosman restaurant. So, whether you're looking for an Amafli-inspired wedding (without the long haul travel) or are after an intimate dining event to celebrate with your friends and family, St Siandra delivers refined dining, breathtaking beachfront views and a relaxed elegance—all without leaving the city. Learn more about hosting your wedding or event at St Siandra here.
There are so many reasons to head to Phillip Island for a seaside escape. You might be drawn there for the famous penguin parade, the unbeatable surf, the delicious locavore delights or for a hike into the coastal wilds. Maybe you're looking for a spa day — or maybe you're more of the adrenaline-pumping motorsports persuasion. Wherever the adventure takes you, you'll need somewhere to rest your head at the end of the day. We've rounded up the best spots to stay on your next island break — everything from surfside stays on a budget to full island resort luxury. Your getaway awaits. HIDE OUT AT A LUXURY COASTAL ESCAPE Want to enjoy the splendour of nature without roughing it? You won't sacrifice any creature comforts at Five Acres. This trio of luxury cabins ten minutes from Cowes is situated on a working, sustainable micro-farm, complete with orchards and livestock. Each one-bed one-bath cabin (charmingly named Barley, Clover and Rye) are sleek, stylish and open-plan, with top-quality linens, crackling log fires and views over Western Port Bay. Your deluxe sanctum is just a stone's throw from the island's nature parks, but you can enjoy some casual wildlife watching through the wide, full-length cabin windows — or from the steamy embrace of your handcrafted concrete outdoor bath. A STUNNING CLIFFTOP HOME WITH PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS Waikiki Beachfront is smack bang on the clifftop above Smiths Beach, with easy access to the surf and sweeping coastline. It's channelling Hamptons vibes — all sleek timber and bright white interiors. This expansive six-bed holiday house can hold up to 15 guests, making it perfect for multi-family getaways. You won't feel cramped with multiple airy living spaces, generously sized bedrooms and a big open kitchen with all the modern conveniences — including a damn fine view from the breakfast bar. The property also boasts a games room, play equipment and even hammocks, plus two sea-view sundecks and a third for the barbecue. Wander, surf, build sandcastles and explore nature all day, then return to watch the sunset from your private deck. A BOUTIQUE BEACHSIDE BED AND BREAKFAST Old-world charm meets modern comfort and convenience at this award-winning country house. Glen Isla House at Cowes is just a short walk from the beach, situated in idyllic private gardens complete with shady oak trees from the original 1870s homestead era. It's also an easy 15-minute drive to the Phillip Island Nature Parks if you're seeking inland adventures. If you like your accommodation to come with character, you'll love the classic country estate decor, antique-style furnishings and a cosy living room fireplace here — not to mention the scenic garden views. Book in on the right days for inclusive breakfast in the dining room, or wander to one of the nearby cafes. A HOLIDAY PARK SITUATED CLOSE TO TOWN Right on the sandy surf beaches of Cowes, this holiday park is perfect for happy campers or holidaymakers looking for good old-fashioned family fun. Stay in one- or two-bed cabins with kitchen-diner, TV and your own verandah (and pet-friendly options) or set up at a caravan spot on the expansive grounds. Want to be so close to the sea that you can smell it? Pitch your tent on the grass and wake up to the sounds of the waves. There's a playground at the park — but on Phillip Island, all of nature is your playground. Pack the fishing rods and surfboards, drive out early for a full day of parks and coastal adventures, then come back for a barbecue dinner. Don't worry if you don't catch anything — the shops and cafes of Cowes are right on your doorstep. PUB ACCOMMODATION A STONE'S THROW FROM THE SEA The North Pier Hotel above Western Port Bay has a place for every solo traveller and exploring troupe to bed down, beachside. There's everything from backpacker-style dorm rooms to simple guest suites, spacious family rooms, luxe stays with bay views and self-contained flats and townhouses. There's also an outdoor pool — but you're so close to the beach, you may as well head to the sea. If you're in one of the accommodation options with a kitchen, take advantage of the excellent local produce and vineyards for your cosy night in. Otherwise, the bar and bistro is open seven days a week, lunch through dinner. They've got the classics like fish and chips, pizza, steak and parmas, as well as fun twists like miso-corn cob, duck spring rolls and a spicy shark burger. Kids can amuse themselves in the play area while you grab a beer with a beach view. A LUXURY BED AND BREAKFAST WITH STUNNING RURAL VIEWS To really get away from it all, go rural. Just five minutes' drive from Cowes, Grey Goose sits on ten secluded green acres. It's your home away from home, with good old-fashioned country comfort and hospitality. And you won't have to share this peace and quiet with many people — there are only two charming guest suites and a shared lounge, plus a self-contained one-bed loft apartment. And that loft apartment is spacious, with an open-plan living space and huge sliding doors leading to the verandah. Take in the views of farm life and wildlife out over the peaceful rolling hills, and down towards the sweeping sands of Smiths Beach. A FAMILY-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE RESORT In the hills above San Remo, Silverwater Resort offers four-and-a-half-star family-friendly accommodation. Whether you're looking for a comfortable hotel suite or a self-catered apartment, this modern, spacious accommodation is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Phillip Island and Bass Coast. On-site leisure activities include pools, a spa, a full gym, a kids' playground, basketball and tennis courts, plus an arcade room. The Watermark restaurant showcases the finest produce from around the region. Start the day with a gourmet breakfast and an enviable view of the sparkling sea, and finish with a hearty meal of pizza, pasta and bistro classics, or stop in at the Lounge Bar for cocktails and nibbles. LUXE HILLTOP APARTMENTS AMONG A RAMBLING HILLTOP GARDEN Looking to treat yourselves to a romantic getaway? Head to this luxe little spot in the scenic fishing village of Rhyll, overlooking Western Port Bay and Bass Coast on the eastern side of Phillip Island. This hilltop accommodation is set amidst a garden and orchard — you might stay in the Mangrove or Sandbar apartments with fully equipped kitchens, or the Black Swan and Pelican lofts. Rhyll Haven Cottage itself is for lovers of extra luxury, where you can enjoy designer interiors and spa bathrooms with all the trimmings. On cool days you can cosy up to the gas log fire, and when the sun emerges, laze on the verandah and cook up a storm on the barbecue. Breakfast is also provided, with options including fresh bread, free-range eggs, juice and muesli. Once you're fuelled, take an easy stroll to the pier and do a coastal walk, or head to the nearby Rhyll Inlet to spot black swans and pelicans. Keen to explore Phillip Island? For more information and to start planning your trip, visit the website.
Western Sydney has scored a massive new destination for secondhand shopping, with the opening of a brand-new Savers superstore in Auburn. This new site, which opened on Thursday, May 15, is the third New South Wales outpost the global thrift giant has unveiled in just a year, joining the existing Hoxton Park and Oxford Street locations. You'll find the new store smack bang in the thick of Auburn's retail hub on Parramatta Road, a stylish new addition that sits alongside major retailers, shopping centres and homemaker precincts. As with other Savers stores, it's stocked with thousands of new-to-you items arriving daily across clothing, accessories, homewares and more — with most pieces clocking in at under $10. "We've seen an incredible response to our Hoxton Park and Oxford Street stores, and Auburn is the perfect next step in our expansion," says Michael Fisher, Managing Director at Savers Australia. "The store will offer a one-of-a-kind thrift shopping experience, giving Western Sydney shoppers access to quality secondhand goods at affordable prices – all while making a positive impact on the planet." That's not just lip service — as always, sustainability and community remain a core part of the Savers mission. The Auburn store will contribute to the millions of kilos of textile waste diverted from landfill through Savers' Australian operations just last year alone — plus, shopping secondhand has been shown to conserve water, reduce pollution and minimise energy consumption, so you can feel good about doing your bit for the environment as well. On the community side, the retailer's not-for-profit donation partnerships are also expanding —the opening of the new Auburn store sees Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation (DIIF) join the Savers charity network, which already includes Red Nose Australia, Diabetes Victoria and Wounds Australia. As with the brand's other stores, Savers Auburn will accept donations on behalf of its non-profit partners to help them fund local community initiatives. Of course, you don't just have to shop to make an impact. Savers has set up a Community Donation Centre within its new Auburn store, where you can drop off quality clothing and household items. Each time you donate, Savers will pay DIIF for your goods, both giving them a second life while contributing to community charity efforts — a proper win-win situation for all sides. Savers Auburn is now open at 315 Parramatta Road, Auburn. For more info, head to the Savers Australia website.
"Try this," I'm told. It's a tiny, purple garlic flower and it tastes like a more gentle, sweeter version of garlic. "These are amazing, too. They're wild spinach leaves that we serve with the goat dish you'll eat tonight." Welcome to Sixpenny, the only reason to visit Stanmore on a Thursday night. We're in the backyard, in a garden, where chef and owners James Parry and Daniel Puskas pick herbs, flowers, and leaves to cook for your dinner inside. From Sixpenny's backyard and their farm in Bowral, the pair grow the majority of their produce and have a very particular point of view about food. "We want to do fine dining, because we like to think about things a bit more," says Parry. What this translates to is a tiny seven-table restaurant in the culinary ghost town of Stanmore with degustation-only dining (Small menu: $115 per person with matching wines $65; Large menu $135 per person with matching wines $75). The chefs also bring you each dish themselves. Yep, Sixpenny ain't your local bistro. A lovely touch is the parade of snacks that greets you, a fabulously fancy take on some unfashionable but delicious guilty pleasures. Thinly sliced salt and vinegar chips with herbed yoghurt, tiny handmade English muffins with cured pork (yes, like a bacon muffin on crack) and miniature potato scallops. A perfectly light-hearted (and incredibly tasty) note to start the evening. Matched beautifully with a hand crafted South Australian apple cider, I think I am going to like this place. Since opening almost a year ago, January 2013 is the first time Parry and Puskas have changed the menu, along with the wine list. The restaurant is in a new league as a result. Only one dish remains the same, one that was breathlessly raved about by food-types everywhere: the crab, silky macadamia, and camomile. While it remains on the menu, it has been refined to a more cohesive textural experience with shavings of rich, buttery macadamia nut, perfectly married to sweet crab meat and soft notes of aromatic camomile. Now let's talk about Sebastian Crowther. He is the new sommelier breathing international life into the previously NSW-only wine list. It's a major step forward for the restaurant. As admirable as the local wine philosophy was, food of this calibre really needs a broader wine list to play with, and now it has one. I'd really recommend getting the wine matches with your degustation; sharing a sommelier like Crowther with only six other tables is something you should take advantage of. One such match vouching for Sixpenny's enriched understanding of the relationship between food and wine? The Philippe Balivet Gamay Bugey Cerdon, Savoie, France — a floral, aromatic sparkling — served with an incredible shaved strawberry granita with sour cream and fennel seeds (my pick for best new dessert in Sydney). Perfect play of texture, sweetness, and savoury notes. Or the Bloodwood Malbec from Orange, which is brilliantly rich and complex with the slightly sweet gamey goat meat, served with onions, sprouts, and wild spinach. Technically brilliant at every step, I could gush for another 200 words on the cooking technique, excellent wines, the warm service, the new confidence coming from the kitchen, and the thoughtful philosophy of Sixpenny. But really the word that comes to mind, and the one I want to say a little too loudly into the open kitchen is "congratulations".
Netflix's algorithm has clearly figured out one of the most obvious facts about humankind: we all really love dogs. With the streaming platform's latest documentary series, it has dedicated six episodes to different canines from around the globe — and the two-legged folks who care for, groom, dress and even fish with them. Of course, the barking balls of fluff are the real drawcards. Called Dogs, the thoroughly feel-good show follows puppers in Syria, Japan, Costa Rica, Italy and the US, each with their own stories to tell. One episode explores life in a dog sanctuary in the Costa Rican rainforest, another relays the tale of a Siberian Husky trapped in Syria after his owner was able to flee to German, and yet another jumps into Japan's love of cute pooches — dog strollers are a common sight on the streets of Tokyo, after all. The show is described by the streamer as "an inspirational journey exploring the remarkable, perhaps even magical qualities that have given these animals such a special place in all of our hearts", and it's clearly designed to tug at your heartstrings — but if you can't get enough when it comes to adorable canines, you won't be complaining. Given that Netflix announced earlier in the year that pets make the best binge partners, all based on a study that it commissioned, the show is hardly a surprising addition to its lineup. All-too-easy to watch in one sitting (yes, Netflix, we are still watching), Dogs also boasts an impressive pedigree, with Academy Award-nominated documentarian Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil) both executive producing the series and directing two of its episodes. Other filmmakers involved include Life Animated's Roger Ross Williams, The Jinx's Richard Hankin, and Undefeated's T.J. Martin and Daniel Lindsay. Before diving into the full series, go barking mad for the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pLCmLgjiJ8 Dogs is now available on Netflix. Images: Netflix.
Take me with you, indeed: whether you're a Prince fan, a Purple Rain obsessive or both, you can now follow in the musician and the film's footsteps by sleeping in the house from the iconic movie. This is the actual abode from the inimitable flick, newly restored and decked out in purple aplenty. You'll slumber in The Kid's bedroom, hear rare Prince tracks, and go crazy with love for the picture and the late, great artist behind it, of course. Back in May, Airbnb announced that it was doing things a little differently in 2024 when it comes to its pop culture-themed stays. The accommodation platform is no stranger to giving travellers once-in-a-lifetime vacation options — see: Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Hobbiton, to name just a few — which it previously announced at random, with no advance warning. Now, however, it has created the Airbnb Icons category, grouping them all together. The company also revealed at the time that Prince's Purple Rain mansion was one of the many spots on the way. As a result, you might've heard about this Minneapolis listing before — but it's only about to become available now. Will you find out what it sounds like when doves cry if you nab a one-night stay here? You'll need to try to score a reservation between 11pm AEST on Wednesday, October 2–4.59pm AEST on Monday, October 7, 2024 for a stay between Saturday, October 26–Saturday, December 14, 2024. There's 25 stays on offer, each for up to four guest at a time. The booking isn't free, but only costs $7 per person because that was Prince's favourite number. That price only covers the stay itself. To get there and back, you'll be paying separately and organising your travel yourself. And your hosts, because Airbnb always gets someone pivotal involved? For this listing, it's Wendy and Lisa — aka of Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman — who were part of Prince's band The Revolution. "We were lucky enough to be a part of the music scene in Minneapolis during such a pivotal era for rock music, playing with Prince in one of the most successful bands of our generation and starring alongside him in the Purple Rain film," said Wendy and Lisa. "The Purple Rain house stands as a tribute to our dear friend Prince, the timeless character he brought to life and the lasting impact he continues to have. We hope the space gives fans a glimpse into the eclectic world Prince created, and visitors walk away feeling a little bit closer to him as an artist and person." This is what it looks like: guests can get excited about staying in a spot with purple velvet wallpaper; a spa with a claw-foot bath and stained-glass windows (and purple robes, naturally) that's decorated to resemble the 'When Doves Cry' music video; and a music lounge with a piano, drums and guitar, plus instructions on how to play the chorus to 'Purple Rain' with pre-recorded vocals from The Kid. There's also a closet filled with Prince outfits, all behind glass — and more 80s-inspired threads, not worn by the man himself, that you can pop on. When it's time for bed, you will indeed feel like you've stepped into Purple Rain (although the personal tape collection with one of Prince's demo recordings mixes the movie with reality). Still on tunes, there's a vintage 80s stereo downstairs featuring songs that inspired The Kid — and you can listen to a personal commentary by scanning QR codes. You can also consider this a Prince scavenger hunt, in a way, thanks to a secret space that you need to find. It's filled with treasures — and you'll want to be paying attention to the fake vinyl album. In the past, Airbnb has also featured the Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and a Christina Aguilera-hosted two-night Las Vegas stay. Its Airbnb Icons has also made sleeping at the Up house, Inside Out 2's headquarters, the X-Mansion from X-Men '97 and the Ferrari Museum a reality, as well as stays hosted by Doja Cat, Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor and Kevin Hart. For more information about the Purple Rain house on Airbnb, or to book from 11pm AEST on Wednesday, October 2–4.59pm AEST on Monday, October 7, 2024 for a stay between Saturday, October 26–Saturday, December 14, 2024, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Eric Ogden. 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.
Last time I went down to Wollongong the driver announced that the last carriage of the train would be a quiet zone. No loud conversations, no chatting on the phone, no music without headphones. This was followed by a loud, automated announcement saying the same thing again, but louder. While a quiet carriage would have to be pretty appealing for the weary reader struggling to beat Game of Thrones to the end of voluminous original A Storm of Swords, you also have to wonder what else you could mandate the end of a train carriage be used for, if only the power was at your command. In places like India and Japan, there are women-only carriages (and there were some calls for that here not long ago) and in Sydney, a group is already taking this idea into its own hands with on-train, flash mob-style music sessions. In the Czech Republic, though, they’re putting space aside for flirting. According to the ABC, commuters in Prague will soon have the option of riding in a dedicated singles carriage. Flirting on the subway in Prague is nothing new — the Prague Frommers guide even has a dedicated guide to the best lines for kissing on — but a dedicated hooking-up space still makes for a first. The planned carriage is part of a drive to convince more locals to abandon their cars for public transport. People whose hooking up is already done won't be asked to leave, nor forced do sit-ups, but it does raise the prospect of Ashley Madison-ing some already committed commuters. Or maybe making for some really awkward rides with home with colleagues during those crowded peak hours. Via ABC / Reuters. Image by Brad Hammonds.
For the past 13 years, Qantas cabin crew have been dressed in Martin Grant's creations — French navy wool suits with a ruby-red vent, bold striped dresses and statement trilby hats — at airports worldwide. Now, Ballarat-born designer Rebecca Vallance is preparing to give Australia's flagship carrier a fresh look. Best known for her luxury cocktail pieces, Vallance started her namesake label in 2011 and debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2014. Since then, her collections have expanded to include categories like workwear and denim. This isn't Vallance's first collaboration with Qantas either — she's designed the business-class pyjamas for Qantas' recently-launched Project Sunrise direct flights to New York, a jersey-style navy set incorporating the airline's iconic kangaroo logo, a geometric heart motif and flight numbers QF3 and QF4. As the eponymous label grows globally — it's set to launch a modest clothing capsule in December with the Middle East market in mind — outfitting Qantas' 17,500-plus employees is just the lift-off it needs. The airline's employees are part of the design process, too. In January, it conducted a company-wide survey on the wearability of the current uniform, and the feedback will inform the redesign's fabric choices, fit and more. The project will also mark Vallance's first foray into menswear, and she's approaching it with practicality in mind. "I've been deep-diving into the staff — how they move, what they need. It's not like designing a normal collection. These garments have to withstand bending, lifting bags, and long flights," Vallance says in an interview with Vogue Australia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Qantas (@qantas) Line up all ten of Qantas' past uniforms and you'd have a museum-worthy exhibition, with designs from fashion luminaries including Yves Saint Laurent and Emilio Pucci. Vallance hopes to carry on that legacy, this time with an emphasis on sustainability. She's exploring low-impact materials and ways to repurpose the uniforms when they reach their end of life. "Martin Grant did such a fantastic job with the current uniform, and I want to build on that. There have been incredible designers before me, who made iconic uniforms for their time period, so I hope to do the same thing, and that my uniform will last just as long when it's done, for the next 10 to 15 years, at least," she tells Vogue Australia. The new Qantas uniforms will be rolled out in 2027. Images: Qantas
Father's Day is just around the corner, and — considering it's been one helluva year so far — you may be thinking about getting your dad something a little special. Melbourne travel brand July wants to help you go the extra mile this year and is throwing in a bunch of extras. July offers up premium luggage, backpacks, suitcases and overnight bags — and you'll nab a whole heap of freebies when you order your dad a gift through the online shop this year. First up, you'll be able to add custom-printed, personalised lettering to your luggage of choice — for free. Your gift will also come with a complimentary Orbitkey leather key organiser (worth $45). All shipping to Australia and New Zealand is absolutely free, too, which is especially useful if you don't live near dad. Simply shop the Father's Day gift edit to get started. On the list are the Carry All backpack and weekender bags, along with Carry On and Checked wheeled luggage. All of the travel bags are custom embroidered too. And each one comes in heaps of colours, including black, blue, green and beige. July luggage comes with a lifetime warranty (plus five-year warranties for all travel bags) to boot. While dad might not be going on any overseas jaunts just yet, we're sure he's planning a road trip, beachside escape or mountainous adventure in Australia for sometime in the near future. And a fresh set of luggage will be just the ticket when he finally gets to jet off. To shop the Father's Day gift edit, head to the July website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
A good breakfast always goes down better in a good location, and a literal stone's throw from the water in Warners Bay is bloody good as far as locations go. That's where you'll find Hippo Espresso, once a hidden destination known and loved solely by locals until those locals showered it with votes during the 2024 run of the Toby's Estate Local Legends competition. Now Hippo Espresso proudly stands as one of the most loved cafes in the entire state of NSW and owner Aaryn Algie, a hospo veteran of two decades, couldn't be prouder. So what landed Hippo Espresso in the top spot? It could be something in the menu. With a breakfast and lunch offering seven days a week, the menu highlights have to be the breakfast wraps with scrambled egg, hash browns, bacon, spinach and tomato relish; the beloved acai bowl with unlimited toppings; or the sizeable omelette that's described as an egg pizza with the lot by Algie. Come lunchtime, you can get a mix of Aussie and Asian-fusion treats ranging from steak sandwiches and bacon and mushroom carbonara to sticky pork belly bites and pork and prawn nasi goreng. Wash that down with coffee, smoothies, or frappes (that you can order as alcoholic if you're dining in). With variety like that, a top-notch spot by the water and a clientele that includes the likes of local Matildas players, no matter how you shake it, you're set for a good time at Hippo Espresso.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 — Avi's Kantini is open for takeaway throughout lockdown. Check out the menu here. Nestled inside The Bank alongside craft beer bar Uncle Hops, the Middle Eastern-inspired menu can be ordered anywhere in the three storey venue. Highlights include an oozy baked saganaki with honey, pistachio and rose, as well as housemade dips ($12), stuffed pides served with pickles and onion salads ($19-21) and meze plates. "Newtown has always been a popular spot for Middle Eastern and Turkish food," CEO of Solotel Group Elliot Solomon said in a statement. "With Avi's Kantini, we wanted to build on that legacy and love with a contemporary, psychedelic twist." Cocktails are curated by Ed Loveday (ex-Bar Brosé and ex-ACME), featuring ingredients like arak (an unsweetened distilled spirit), sumac, pomegranate, saffron and bergamot (a type of citrus). Taste through a refreshing Karpuz (meaning 'melon' in Turkish) with Espolon Blanco tequila, watermelon, rosewater and lime or try Avi's take on an espresso martini with spiced rum, coffee, date and black walnut. If you want to spend less time ordering, and more time dancing, we wouldn't blame you. The $45 banquet menu is a steal with plant-based and carnivorous options including chickpea falafels, lamb shish and chicken wings in a sticky fig glaze. The revamped courtyard champions custom art murals by Wollongong-based artist El Oso Negro, while 12-seater cushioned booths, seating nooks and plenty of greenery gives guests heaps of options when it comes to space.
The Royal has been kicking around in some capacity since 1907, but now it's entering into a new phase of life — the Bondi pub was acquired by Merivale late last year and has reopened with a few alterations. It's now pouring a hefty range of booze for just about every palate and budget. Swing by for a summery daiquiri post-dip, an espresso martini on tap, an interesting bottle of natural wine, or even something bubbly, celebratory and French. The Royal's attached retail offering The Bottle Shop has also reopened, and the pub's restaurant and courtyard will be back in action by summer, playing host to an exciting yet-to-be-announced food pop-up for the sunny season.
Empty streets. Long lines of cars at COVID-19 testing sites. Six-foot buffers between people. Doomscrolling. Rampant online misinformation about the pandemic. Five years ago, these were all a reality — and that's when Ari Aster has set his fourth feature. Eddington is also the acclaimed writer/director's fourth film in seven years, following Hereditary in 2018, Midsommar in 2019 and Beau Is Afraid in 2023. Two years after stressing out Joaquin Phoenix in the latter flick, the filmmaker has more tension and chaos in store for the Oscar-winning actor, all in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eddington ventures into a New Mexico town of the same name, and into the locale's attempts to cope with the abrupt change to life as its citizens know it. Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux) portrays the spot's sheriff Joe Cross, who decides to run for mayor against incumbent Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us). Both the first teaser trailer earlier in 2025 and the just-dropped full sneak peek at the A24 release — which premiered at Cannes in May — paints an unsettling picture, not just for the feuding Joe and Ted, but also for Joe's wife Louise (Emma Stone, Kinds of Kindness). Offering a calmer vibe is Vernon Jefferson Peak (Austin Butler, The Bikeriders), whether he's meeting Joe or popping up preaching on the internet. The storyline: putting Joe and the mayor on a collision course that leads to arguments and slaps in the new trailer. Their conflict unsurprisingly causes ripples throughout Eddington, in a tale that's set to see townsfolk clash in a period that we all know couldn't have been more heightened and stressful. Aster is back cultivating unease, then, as he did so expertly in his initial three features. Alongside Phoenix, Butler, Stone and Pascal, the filmmaker has enlisted Luke Grimes (Yellowstone), Deirdre O'Connell (The Penguin) and Micheal Ward (Empire of Light) to help among his cast. Eddington releases Down Under on Thursday, August 21, 2025. If you're in Sydney or heading to the Harbour City for the 2025 Sydney Film Festival, it's also screening there until Sunday, June 15, as well as at the fest's SFF 2025 Back By Popular Demand sessions until Friday, June 20. Check out the full trailer for Eddington below: Eddington releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 21, 2025 — and is also screening at the 2025 Sydney Film Festival until Sunday, June 15, and at its SFF 2025 Back By Popular Demand sessions until Friday, June 20.
With over six decades under its belt, Surry Hills' The Forresters has quite the watering hole history. While the Foveaux Street site has housed a pub since the 1950s, in recent years you'd be more familiar with its $10 steak nights, value-packed happy hour deals and laidback hangs in those plaid-upholstered booths. Following an extensive $1.5-million renovation, this Surry Hills stalwart — now officially called Forrester's — has entered a whole new phase of its life under new owners. You'll probably recognise Applejack Hospitality as the group behind CBD newcomer Hester's, though Applejack is also responsible for popular venues including Neutral Bay's SoCal, bar and restaurant Bopp & Tone and Endeavour Tap Rooms in The Rocks. The latest Surry Hills takeover will mark the group's eighth venue. Forrester's now houses three distinct dining spaces: Phylli's restaurant, a public bar and an upstairs entertainment venue. Unlike the kitschy fit-out of old, Phylli's gives off luxe vibes aplenty. Think heaps of greenery and natural light paired with fresh timber finishes and a botanical mural by Sydney artist Mielo. The public bar, on the other hand, maintains a bit of that old-time pub feel, with the exposed beams, hardwood floors and tri-folding timber sash windows all kept in tact. Head upstairs and you'll find a third bar and dining space sitting alongside separate booth seating. This area is primed for the venue's weekly trivia and comedy nights. [caption id="attachment_788402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yasmin Mund[/caption] For eats, patrons can enjoy a menu of snacks and share plates across all three venues. But it's not the classic Aussie pub fare you're used to — apart from that $10 steak special, which will return every Monday night. Instead, Head Chef Jon Barrios and Executive Chef Jason Roberson have created a menu that focuses on flavours from North, Central and South America. Think beef cheek empanadas (422), fried crab cakes ($24) with Creole-style tartare, crispy chicken wings ($18) doused in Louisiana hot sauce and pork belly cubano sandwiches ($24). In Phylli's, a succinct menu of larger plates is also on offer, and those include the grilled barramundi ($29) topped with a pumpkin mole and the slow-cooked lamb barbacoa ($69) served with freshly made corn tortillas. A few fancy steaks make the menu too, including a $39 wagyu rump and a $34 chargrilled sirloin. Phylli's also boasts its own dedicated spritz menu (all $18) that will change seasonally. At the moment, varieties include ginger, mandarin, blood orange and mixed berry. Otherwise, the three venues share a menu of classic cocktails with a twist, like the spiced grapefruit margaritas ($18), coconut espresso martinis ($18) and cold brew manhattans ($22). The public bar also focuses on Aussie craft beer, with local legends Grifter, Sauce Brewing Co and Willie The Boatman all up for grabs. Images: Yasmin Mudn
A stunning new dining experience has arrived in Sydney's inner west, courtesy of restaurateur Bill Drakopoulos (Ormeggio at The Spit, LuMi Dining, Ripples Chowder Bay, Chiosco by Ormeggio and Jardin St James). The Fenwick, a heritage-listed waterfront building, has reopened as a cafe and gallery. It boasts sweeping harbour views, seasonal fare and exhibitions by local and international artists. The tiny sandstone space was built in the 1880s and was originally used as a tugboat store. Heaps of private development proposals were rejected before the building was finally acquired by the former Leichhardt Council in 2003 (now part of the Inner West Council), thanks to a campaign by local Balmain East residents. After a restoration that cost millions, The Fenwick is now finally open to the public. To us, the space better resembles a chapel — think a pitched roof, exposed timber beams and large barn doors that open out to views across Barangaroo, the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park. At the simple yet sleek cafe, co-owner and executive chef Davide Rebeccato (Aqua Dining) is serving up modern Australian eats with a focus on seasonal dishes. For breakfast, expect scrambled eggs served on French toast and topped with prawns and eggplant; pulled pork breakfast burgers with fried egg and cabbage slaw; and poached eggs on sourdough with haloumi, mushrooms, avocado and kale. Apart from all those eggs, you can tuck into homemade granola with fresh fruit and berry compote pancakes with banana, coconut and pistachio crumble. More refined fare is on offer for lunch, including pickled sardines, burrata with prosciutto and figs, and jalapeño kingfish with tiger milk. Larger plates feature snapper tail served in a lemon and garlic butter sauce; fish stew with fregola, olives and capers; and wild mushroom and black truffle gnocchi. For the morning, the cafe is slinging Little Marionette coffee and cold pressed juices. Once the arvo hits, a specialty cocktail list will accompany lunch — it includes the Chamomile Kicker (chamomile-infused gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and egg), the Lavender Martini (gin, Amaro Nonino, lavender syrup and lime) and the Dark Chocolate Negroni (gin, Campari, Regal Rouge vermouth and dark chocolate bitters). Jugs of Pimm's Cup and rosé spritzes are also up for grabs, as are heaps of local and international wine by the glass and bottle. Level two houses the public gallery, which will be open daily and offers regular exhibitions featuring local and international artists. Creative events held in partnership with other local galleries and community groups are also on the docket. Keep an eye on this space for upcoming exhibitions and events.
Beginning in Narrabeen and finishing up at Queenscliff Beach (or vice versa) the Bicentennial Coastal Walk is a 10km trek encompassing the northern beaches' awe-inspiring views of sweeping beaches, lagoons, headlands and rock pools. The well-formed track also includes steps and some sections of beach walking. Highlights along the coastal walk include the Collaroy War Memorial, Long Reef Wildlife Protection Area, Dee Why Headland and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and Memorial Park in Freshwater — the place where Duke first introduced surfing to Australia back in 1914. A perfect half-day walk, the Bicentennial Coastal Walk will take you about five hours one way — or twice as long if you plan to return on foot. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
Sydney's about to score a world-first. Launching Thursday, October 30, Solaré is a 150-foot classic superyacht reimagined as a full-service restaurant, cocktail bar and Mediterranean-style beach club — a floating escape where long lunches, sunset spritzes and daybed lounging all live on the same vessel. "Solaré is about reimagining what's possible on Sydney Harbour," said Founder Scott Robertson. "We've created a world-first, a restaurant, cocktail bar, and beach club onboard a 150-foot superyacht designed entirely around leisure." The yacht unfolds across three distinct levels. The Dining Room is a refined, sit-down restaurant built for leisurely progressions; the Terrace Deck lifts the tempo with share plates and cocktails; and the open-air Sun Deck nails the beach-club brief with custom daybeds, a panoramic bar and uninterrupted skyline views. Designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley (AZB Creative) leans into 70s-tinged Mediterranean glamour — think sunflower yellows, burnt oranges, teak and green marble. "Every detail is designed to evoke a glamorous, sun-soaked escape," says Zabotto-Bentley. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas (Totti's Bondi; two-hatted Ortiga in Brisbane) teams up with Head Chef Nick Mathieson (Compa, Bistecca, Otto) on a coastal Italian menu with a seafood focus. The Dining Room runs as a set journey — begin with oscietra caviar over house potato crisps and cultured cream, then roll into snacks like a vinegar-and-bottarga-dusted potato scallop with chives and caviar, plus deep-sea royal red prawns with finger lime and bisque mayo. Bigger moments include reginette with Moreton Bay bug, crustacean butter and chilli, and market fish with clams, saffron butter, fregola and spring veg. Tables can add a Bistecca alla Fiorentina as a supplement. Upstairs, the Terrace and Sun Deck are made for graze-and-gather afternoons. Expect Queensland spanner crab tartlets crowned with herbs and salmon roe, a Moreton Bay bug sando with crisp iceberg and cocktail sauce, and spaghettini tossed with spanner crab, tomato, chilli, garlic and salmon roe. Desserts keep the coastal mood: lemon and mascarpone sorbetto served in a carved lemon, or fior di latte ice cream finished with an indulgent spoon of oscietra caviar. Venue Manager Mikey Hamilton (Bistecca, The Gidley, Banksii) steers service, bringing big-league polish to the harbour. Drinks are led by Ed Loveday, who builds a harbour-ready list of crisp Mediterranean wines, lively rosés and seasonal cocktails. Expect aperitivo-leaning spritzes, martinis, margaritas, daiquiris and champagne numbers — plus a Martini Trolley in the Dining Room for bespoke, tableside ice-cold pours. Art threads through the space, too, with commissioned works by Daimon Downey, Jeremy Kay and Tiarna Herczeg adding sculptural colour and texture between decks. Solaré will operate Thursday to Sunday with two cruises daily. Book a Dining Room reservation ($185 per person), reserve VIP Tables on the Terrace Deck, secure Booths or Daybeds on the Sun Deck, or opt for a Cruise Pass ($50 per person, with access to the Terrace Deck, Dining Room Bar and Harbour Platform). Bookings are now open via the Solaré website. Images: Jonny Valiant | Jason Loucas
If your idea of trifle is Aeroplane Jelly, Madeira cake from the nearest supermarket, tinned peaches and cheap rum, think again. Pastry chef and owner of Enmore's Saga and Darling Square's Saga Lyte Andy Bowdy — whose peanut butter and banana sundaes (once served at Hartsyard) are the stuff of legend — has reinvented the dessert, especially for Christmas. His festive trifles made their debut in 2017 and, thankfully, they've become something of a tradition. In Bowdy's words, "I know a trifle can be a little controversial, but lets face it — a trifle is basically a cake in a bowl." If you've ever sampled his cakes, you'll take that as good tidings. Exceptionally good tidings. These trifles are not just cakes, but OTT masterpieces, loaded with all kinds of goodies, like peach and raspberry compote, brown sugar pecans, coconut macaroon and boozy ginger beer jelly. On the Christmas trifle menu this year are four options. First up, is the Pasan, named for Bowdy's mate and hospo neighbour Pasan Wijesena (Earl's Juke Joint, Jacoby's Tiki Bar). Christmas vibes abound in the Pasan, which has layers of panettone, ginger beer jelly, booze-soaked Christmas fruit, spiced brandy custard, orange curd, caramelised almonds, vanilla chantilly, and fresh plums and blueberries, all topped with a spiced crumble. It's a mouthful. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3yZuZsl3ya/ For those after something a on the (slightly) lighter side, the Eliza is named after Bowdy's sister — he's taken her love of mangoes and run with it. It's got mango pudding, Nan's sponge, vanilla chantilly, fresh mango and passionfruit salad, salted coconut cream, jelly, and the crunch of both coconut macaroons and coconut wafers. Returning for another year, is Bowdy's modern take on the traditional trifle, the Philly. Think layers of vanilla sponge, maple custard, vanilla chantilly and peach and rosemary compote, spiked with peach and bourbon jelly, and topped with brown sugar pecans, Anzac crumbs and fresh peaches and raspberries. Then, for Italophiles, there's the Tiramisu. Each cake is $195, feeds 18–22 people, and comes in a lovely glass trifle bowl that is yours to keep, so you can endeavour to recreate the magic throughout the year. Andy Bowdy's Christmas trifles can be ordered online now and collected from Saga, Enmore, from November 1 through to December 24.
It's been three years since Koi Dessert Bar opened its doors and in that time it has become a go-to for incredibly lavish, almost too decadent looking desserts that we can't stop eating. Reynold Poernomo has gone far since being eliminated from MasterChef in 2015, and his wildly popular treats have earned him the rightful title of dessert king in these parts. As we've come to find out from Koi, Poernomo is part of a talented family. Brothers Arnold (former judge on Indonesian MasterChef) and Ronald (restaurant manager) have helped make the venue the dining destination it now is. In addition to the desserts' fame, the restaurant's lesser-known savoury dishes deserve their time in the spotlight, too. Sure, you've frequented the downstairs dessert bar, but if you haven't yet ventured upstairs for the set menu, we can decidedly say it's worth a gander. This is especially the case since this month's menu overhaul, which has seen fifteen new menu items — both savoury and sweet — added to the Koi offering. The degustation has been completely reimagined with a greater focus on native Indonesian flavours. Think starters of buttery bone marrow topped with spicy sambal and served with mini brioche buns, or king prawns with caramelised coconut and finger lime. For mains, they're serving up crisp-skinned barramundi with onion dashi and white fungus, as well as barbecue ribs with pumpkin puree and sweet tamari. The set menu desserts lean on Asian flavours as well, with oh-so-pretty options like a black sesame, chocolate and mandarin dessert bowl or the pineapple and coconut logs with mango puree. To complement the new menu, there are locally produced wines, iced green tea and black sesame lattes, plus Asian-inspired cocktails like a Geisha with umeshu, yuzu and strawberry, and the Green Sake — with pandan infused sake, apricot brandy, basil and egg whites. The set menu now comes with flexibility, too. Diners can choose between a three- or five-course menu ($60 and $90, respectively), along with which dishes they want to try, from entrees through to dessert. If you just can't get past the desserts, they get you, and they're also offering up a set dessert menu for $65 per person, which includes all four new desserts. "It's amazing to see the faces of people who dine upstairs, to see how shocked they are at the quality and creativity we plate up," says Reynold. "Our new menu is a testament to that and we want everyone to continue to be impressed." This menu revamp follows a successful three-month stint down in Melbourne's new HWKR Food Centre, where the trio ran a pop-up kitchen with sister venue Monkey's Corner. There is scattered talk of an interstate expansion, but for now, the brothers are focusing on perfecting their Kensington Street offering. The new Koi set menus are now available in the upstairs dining room for dinner from Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm to 9.30pm.
They've recently reopened after a major refurb, and if you were a local here before, you won't recognise it. Come here to escape the usual Surry Hills crowd and eat an awesome vegetarian pizza and a cider on the large wooden deck. Old songs playing on the TV screens will have you reminiscing if conversation dries out. The Strawberry Hills Hotel is one of our top ten rooftop bars in Sydney. See our other picks here. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Sometimes, he's played by an over-the-top Robert Downey Jr. As TV fans know, sometimes a curmudgeonly Benedict Cumberbatch does the honours. Ian McKellen has even taken the job, as has Will Ferrell. In fact, on the big and small screens for over a century, a lengthy list of actors have stepped into Sherlock Holmes' shoes and worn his deerstalker cap. But Netflix's new film isn't really about the famed sleuth — instead, it's about his sister. As brought to the screen by Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown, Enola Holmes is the family's youngest sibling. Naturally, she has a mystery to solve — she is a Holmes, after all. When her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) goes missing on the morning of Enola's 16th birthday, it's up to the teenager to find out where she has gone and why. Her brothers, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin), aren't too pleased, though. They're not very happy with her demeanour either, and would rather send her to a finishing school to learn how to become a 'proper' young lady. As the just-dropped full trailer for Enola Holmes shows, yes, Enola does say "the game is afoot". She also becomes caught up in quite the adventure, as based on Nancy Springer's young adult book series. This is a period-set version of the Holmes story, too, not a modernised one — so expect to see Enola flit around 1880s England when the movie hits Netflix on September 23. In addition to Brown, The Crown's Bonham Carter, The Witcher's Cavill and The Nightingale's Claflin, the film also stars Medici's Louis Partridge as a young runaway Lord who crosses Enola's path. Behind the camera, Fleabag and Ramy's Harry Bradbeer directs — with the filmmaker earning an Emmy in 2019 for the former. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d0Zf9sXlHk Enola Holmes hits Netflix on September 23. Image: Alex Bailey.
Underground CBD favourite Burrow Bar moved from its original home in De Mestre Place to 96 Clarence Street with big plans to expand into two levels and open a restaurant above the bar. Those plans became a reality with the opening of Cash Only Diner, a Vietnamese eatery serving up dishes with roots in owner Chau Tran's family heritage and the dishes of Hue, Vietnam. Tran has taken dishes she learned from her mother — a classically trained chef who studied at a French finishing school in Hue — and, with the help of co-owner Bryce McDonough and the Burrow Bar team, has put together a menu that bursts with flavour and showcases the cuisine of the coastal Vietnamese city. The venue embraces seasonality and so the menu changes day to day. Some dishes you could enjoy include the cá kho tộ, caramelised and braised salmon served in a clay pot and dripping in marinade; the giò thủ, a pork and mushroom terrine; and C.O spring rolls filled with prawn and minced pork. Every Tuesday, aka Tuesday Noodz-day, where the venue runs a new noodle special with limited bowls that showcase regional noodles and unique dishes, not many people have heard of or get to try outside of Vietnam. Cash Only Diner sits above Burrow Bar, meaning you can bet the drinks are as exciting as the food. Pair your Vietnamese feast with a selection from the cocktail menu, like the green mango negroni, a pineapple and gin creation called Napoleon's 2nd Vice, and a boozy Vietnamese iced coffee, a creative twist on the espresso martini.
As far as unnerving settings go, The Third Day's couldn't be better, with the HBO miniseries unfurling its story on Osea Island. The real-life locale boasts an intriguing history, including its purchase in 1903 by brewing company heir Frederick Nicholas Charrington, his passionate efforts to turn it into a treatment centre for addicts and alcoholics, and the fact that he was once apparently suspected of being Jack the Ripper. Osea also spans just 1.5 square kilometres, sits within an estuary along England's east coast and is connected to the mainland via a Roman-built causeway, which can only be accessed during low tide. Both within the show and in reality, that means that cars are limited to making the journey during two four-hour windows each day. At all other times, travellers can only get to and from the island by boat. So, if you venture over but don't time your return drive just right, you'll end up stuck there until the tide next subsides — whether you like it or not. That's exactly what happens to Sam (Jude Law, The Nest) and Helen (Naomie Harris, Spectre). The Third Day tells its main tale via two separate halves, with its three 'summer' episodes focusing on Sam and its trio of 'winter' segments switching to Helen. Their experiences have unmistakable parallels, but start out differently. Sam doesn't intend to visit the island, only making the trip after he rescues a teenage girl nearby. Helen books a holiday rental with her daughters Ellie (Nico Parker, Dumbo) and Talulah (debutant Charlotte Gairdner-Mihell), but those plans don't pan out. Accordingly, both Sam and Helen are forced to adjust to a sudden change in circumstance, and miss their initial windows to leave Osea in the process. The longer they stay — and the more they interact with the island's residents, such as pub proprietors Mr and Mrs Martin (The Outsider's Paddy Considine and Chernobyl's Emily Watson) — the harder it becomes to head home. Each of The Third Day's halves takes place over three days, as per the show's title. Each day proves even more chaotic than the last, too. And, each altercation that Sam and Helen has with Osea's inhabitants only plunges them both deeper into the small island's many big mysteries. Here, Osea is a place of distinctive traditions, beliefs and rituals. The locals are not only fighting among themselves to retain their way of life, but will do whatever it takes to preserve the customs they proudly claim date back to ancient times. So, when Sam notices that a bathroom floor is covered in salt, and Helen and her daughters keep spotting the same symbol graffitied on the island's buildings, that's just the start of their strange journeys. Both groups keep seeing dead animals, too — and they're hardly greeted warmly by the insular community, including those who do and don't wear masks. If you're already thinking about Midsommar, you won't stop while you're watching. As horror's creepy cabin subgenre has shown, good things rarely happen when someone finds themselves in a secluded spot on-screen. That idea proves just as true in tales of island trips gone awry — including shows that ran for too long such as Lost, terrible horror remakes of decades-old TV series like Fantasy Island and now The Third Day. The details vary (no one in Lost intended to end up on a beach, for instance), but the underlying concept is simple. Take a picturesque setting, fill it with folks eager to escape their troubles, then use those gorgeous surroundings and that bliss-seeking mentality to augment their underlying woes. When done well, however, the notion is far from straightforward. And, thanks to the exceptional work of its main screenwriter and co-creator Dennis Kelly (Utopia) and his colleague Felix Barrett (director of Britain's Punchdrunk theatre company), The Third Day takes to the idea in an instantly engaging and involving way. Plenty about the miniseries' storyline feels familiar at first, by design. An unsettling tone radiates from The Third Day's opening moments, though, working hard to push everyone out of their comfort zone. For Sam and then Helen, that happens easily as their trips to Osea just get weirder and weirder. For the show's viewers, the efforts of directors Mark Munden (The Secret Garden) and Philippa Lowthorpe (Misbehaviour) and their cinematographers Benjamin Kracun (Promising Young Woman) and David Chizallet (Mustang) couldn't be more crucial. The Third Day is a striking piece of folk-horror TV all round, but what often proves most staggering is its constant ability to immerse its audience so firmly in its characters' headspace. Roving visuals that feel cast adrift, toying with focus and perspective, placing the camera unnaturally close to Law's face, letting Harris's stare bore through the screen, colouring the island's forest with almost-otherworldly hues — they're all deployed here, and they all work a treat. Also excellent are Law and Harris, with the former turning Sam's swift unravelling into riveting viewing, and the latter as steely as she has ever been on-screen. The Third Day's entire supporting cast is terrific, too, which includes Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) as an American visitor obsessed with the island's history and the imposing John Dagleish (Farming) as a local who doesn't take kindly to strangers. It isn't streaming in Australia along with the show's six main parts, but The Third Day also boasts a third section. 'Autumn' screened overseas as a twelve-hour live event, and is set during the big festival that Osea's residents are preparing for during Sam's half of the story. You don't need to have seen it to get the full tale, but even just knowing it exists paints a picture — because this is a series that dives headfirst into its sea of eeriness. Check out the trailer for The Third Day below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T43V6z9wYyE The Third Day is available to stream via Binge. Images: Liam Daniel/HBO.
Nostalgia alert: The Wiggles are coming to your streaming queue and you won't need to tune into children's programming to watch along. As announced in 2022, the famous Australian entertainers, skivvy fans, Hottest 100 winners, Big Red Car drivers, and Mardi Gras and Falls Festival performers are getting the documentary treatment. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles arrives on Prime Video in October — and it now has a trailer. This behind-the-scenes look at the globally famous group will tell exactly the tale you think it will, following The Wiggles' career over more than three decades, including the new levels of fame and popularity that 2022 sent their way. Sure, Dorothy the Dinosaur mightn't need an origin story, but OG Wiggles Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt are getting one, with Sally Aitken (Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks, David Stratton: A Cinematic Life) directing. How did four friends become one of the biggest names in Aussie music and TV? This is the tale that Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles tells. First, they met while studying early childhood teaching. Then, they turned their learnings there into a one-off album in the early 90s. After that, they made blue-, red-, yellow- and purple-wearing history, but not without getting rejections aplenty first. Also covered, including via lively to-camera chats as teased in the film's sneak peeks: the decisions and the reactions when four of the original group decided that it was time to wear clothing with looser-fitting necks and step away from being Wiggles. And, the doco covers Page's onstage cardiac arrest — with a crowd of adult fans watching — as well as The Wiggles' evolution over the decades, including now delighting both the young and the young at heart. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles will arrive on Prime Video on Tuesday, October 24; however, that isn't the film's first stop. Before that, it'll enjoy its world premiere at the first-ever SXSW Sydney, showing as part of the event's Screen Festival. At the fest, The Wiggles in attendance for this trip down memory lane — their own, and everyone in Australia's as well — including for Q&As and performances. Check out the trailer for Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles below. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles will stream via Prime Video from Tuesday, October 24.
Not that you need any extra incentive to do your bit for the environment, but here's a fun one anyway: your mates at Victoria Bitter have just started a new program that lets Aussies swap their excess solar energy for beer. Under the VB Solar Exchange initiative, locals can turn the power bill credit earned by their home's solar panels into a few icy cold brews, rather than simply selling it back to the grid. Specifically, VB is offering participants in its program a slab of beer for every $30 worth of energy credits they rack up. And, those brews will be delivered straight to your door, too. Of course, not just any old beer lover can get involved — and there are a few tight eligibility requirements to meet. First, you'll need to already have solar panels and be connected to the grid as a residential customer in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria or South Australia. You'll also have to switch over to VB's chosen energy retailer, Diamond Energy. And you'll obviously need to be over the age of 18, so you can properly enjoy the spoils of your solar swapping. If you do tick all the boxes, you can register your interest over at the website and then sit back and wait to hear if you've been accepted into the program. Once in, you'll earn yourself a VB for every $1.25 of credit generated — and a slab once you've clocked up enough for 24 beers. Participants can track their progress as they go, with beers delivered to your door quarterly. That said, VB's producer CUB is only accepting 500 people into the program. It's also only handing out a maximum of 30 slabs per person each year, with debit cards sent out to cover the remaining credits. So if you're keen, don't wait too long to sign up. CUB is set to reinvest the solar credits back into the Solar Exchange program, as well as using a portion to hit the company's broader sustainability targets. The program is the latest in a suite of initiatives by CUB's parent company Asahi Beverages, as part of an ambitious sustainability program. It's committed to being powered by 100 percent renewable electricity by 2025. Registrations for the VB Solar Exchange are open now. Head to the website to check if you're eligible and to sign up.
