In May of 2022, the long-awaited Quay Quarter Lanes arrived in Circular Quay. Arriving with a dozen new hospitality retailers, the new precinct announced itself as one of Sydney's top spots to eat, whether you're looking for a cheap and cheerful lunch spot at Marrickville Pork Roll or an extravagant 18-course omakase feast at Besuto. Another highlight of the precinct is Londres 126, a Mexican restaurant set in a stunning wood-panelled dining room from the team behind popular Mexican eateries Sonora and Carbon. There are a lot of things to like about the venue, but the most striking is its design. The restaurant is adorned with rich wooden tones, blue upholstered booths and an array of art that calls back to 1940s Mexican salons. The entire fit-out is inspired by Frida Kahlo and the fiestas she used to throw. Behind the sleek bar, the venue boasts a huge collection of Mezcal and bottles of natural wine — all curated to accompany an eclectic and seafood-heavy take on Mexican cuisine. The menu is to the point, with just a handful of top-notch options available. You can ease into the meal with oysters or pickles escabeche or dive directly into the heftier stuff. There's dishes like mussel tostadas, swordfish al pastor, Yamba prawns in garlic butter and chipotle lamb albondigas.
The Manly Sea Eagles might represent Sydney's Northern Beaches in the NRL, but there's a new form of the sport that's about to make waves in the locale — literally. This is no ordinary rugby match, it is Aqua Rugby. Coming to Manly this November, Aqua Rugby is a three-day take on the classic Aussie pastime that takes the game from the pitch and onto the water. [caption id="attachment_902829" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Aqua Rugby Festival held at Manly, Sydney Australia - 5th March 2022 © Karen Watson for Aqua Rugby Australia[/caption] Instead of just getting it across the line, players score tries by making it across and then diving off a pitch floating in Manly Cove. Of course, they can fall off the pitch for many other reasons. That's the whole point. Pros and amateurs alike are encouraged to enter, but be warned, former league players have participated in the past, so you might be in for a challenge. For spectators, you can watch from the shoreline for free. Food trucks and other activities will dot the pavement, or you can get amongst ticketed events, including VIP spectating from a yacht or mingling with the players. Aqua Rugby will take place in Manly Cove on Friday, November 10 2022. For more information, visit the website. Images: Karen Watson
If you've been craving a show that can actually captivate you in 2026, then the horror mystery series FROM is just what your attention span needs. But don't just take our word for it — there are millions of viewers of the show globally (which is still releasing on Stan), consistently racking their brains for answers in this mystery world, especially as we dive into the fourth season of the psychologically testing show. Created by John Griffin (Magic: The Gathering, Crater), FROM is MGM's most-watched original series in the network's history, has a 96 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and consistently trends in Stan's Top Ten. The addictive series is a perfect blend of horror and mystery, centring around a town that traps all those who enter it. While that feels mind-boggling enough, residents must also dodge creatures that surface to torment (and kill) them at night, and they're equal parts terrifying and confusing. Led by Harold Perrineau (Romeo + Juliet, Lost, Matrix Reloaded) as Sheriff Boyd Stevens, the residents must figure out why they have seemingly been chosen for this nightmare postcode, why these monsters torture them every night, and how the hell they can escape this geographical prison before it ultimately kills them. It's a mystery that feels unexplainable, but what's special about FROM is that with every episode, viewers are drip-fed more information, which leads them closer to finding out the answers they desperately crave. If you were a fan of Lost in the early 2000s, it has the same mystery-box DNA and even comes from the same producers, Jack Bender and Jeff Pinkner. And with 10 episodes per season, the addictive nature of the show means it's not uncommon for fans to bang out an entire season in one weekend (or, for those having a particularly horizontal day, one sitting). Once you watch it, theorising reasons for the town's suffering becomes second nature. There are several fan forums surrounding FROM on Reddit, with the more popular of the bunch boasting over 150,000 followers. With Season four available on Stan from April 20 and dropping weekly, Subreddits are expected to surge, and the traditional viewing experience (where you watch episodes at the same time the rest of the world does) will bring the "Fromily" — both new and existing — together for every revelation. The "Fromily" fandom name was born early on in the show's run, blending "From" and "Family" together as the series had tongues wagging almost instantly on X and Reddit. Considering the show centres around a group of strangers coming together as one makeshift family in order to survive, it's a fitting portmanteau which further solidifies as seasons go on. While the bonkers storyline is what pulls you in — that confronting first episode really does a number on everyone who presses play — the diverse casting is so brilliant, that the curiosity around their personal journeys, and the friction between the residents keeps viewers hooked on an emotional level. Once you dive into the series, you're in for the long haul. While the Matthews family — father Jim (Eion Bailey), mother Tabitha (Catalina Sandino Moreno), daughter Julie (Hannah Cheramy) and son Ethan (Simon Webster) — kick off the show as the newest residents, we meet more people as the show goes on, and gradually understand more about those who are already trapped there. From the town's longest-surviving resident, Victor (Scott McCord), who has been there since he was a child, to arrogant tech billionaire Jade (David Alpay), who arrives on the same day as the Matthews, the conflict between old and new neighbours is consistently at the forefront of both drama and survival on FROM. So, if you're looking for something to get stuck into, something you can watch in real time with a fandom serious about finding answers, FROM is the cultural phenomenon that will reactivate that twisty TV-induced brainwork we've been missing. Seasons 1-3 are already available only on Stan, and Season four is dropping weekly now, ready for you to become part of the global obsession. The brand new season of 'FROM' is streaming now, only on Stan. Image credit: Supplied
On the nights when the couch is calling and getting dressed up is an unthinkable task, treating yourself to takeout is a wise solution. Luckily for you, some of the best restaurants across Sydney also offer takeaway options — so you can have a dining experience in the comfort of your slacks. As resident eating aficionados, we've tasted our way through much of Sydney's takeaway scene and have found the takeout picks that have proved their worthiness time and time again. So next time you're looking for a takeaway option that will make it all the way back home sog-free and piping hot, check out our favourite picks across Sydney. Sydney's current restrictions including stay-at-home orders are set to run until Friday, July 16. Hospitality is open for takeaway and delivery. Please stay safe, make sure you are socially distancing and wear a mask whenever you leave the home. For a full list of restrictions and exposure sites, visit NSW Health. SUZ TUCKER: Editorial Director, can fit into a cello case An elite takeaway experience is as much about context as it is execution. For example, if I've pushed the boat out on booze consumption the night before, a Guzman y Gomez burrito is a tube of meat for which I would publicly embarrass myself. However, this year my takeout peak was an act of pure spontaneity. Pre-lockdown, after a post-work haircut in Marrickville I was heading home with the intention of making dinner when, on a whim, I turned into Eat Fuh, picked up a beef pho and found a park bench. My hair looked good, the soup was incredible, and I was eating alone in public. All of Eat Fuh's locations are open for takeaway through lockdown, or if you'd prefer to stay at home the full menu is available on UberEats. [caption id="attachment_772483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chaco ramen, Alana Dimou[/caption] MELANIE COLWELL: Branded Content Editor, dog mum to a one-year-old Schnoodle named Rizzo Lockdown has allowed me to finally cook recipes I've had saved for ages, but there is one dish I'm not game to try: ramen. I'm happy to leave that to the masters. And by masters, I mean, of course, Chaco Ramen. Since Sydney's first lockdown, the Darlo eatery has been selling frozen ramen kits — they're available for takeaway, delivery via Sakenet and select supermarkets. All the hard work is done for you. Just boil the noodles, bring the frozen broth to the boil, add the toppings and boom: a steaming bowl of restaurant-quality ramen from the comfort of your couch. Hot tip: if, like me, you believe ramen is incomplete without ajitama (a marinated boiled egg), the restaurant's popped a tutorial on Instagram. Chaco Ramen is open for fresh takeaway in Darlinghurst seven days a week if you live locally, from 11.30am–2.30pm and 5.30pm-8pm. Or, you can order DIY ramen kits via Sakenet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yang Guo Fu Mala Tang (@yangguofu.sg) ELLEN SEAH: National News & Features Editor, doesn't understand the meaning of 'social sport' No matter what I do, I keep coming back to Yang Guo Fu Ma La Tang in Kingsford. When I say that this is a gloriously messy choice for takeout, I mean it — don't wear white unless you're willing to let it go as a noble sacrifice to your home dining endeavours. The Yang Guo Fu team are also in the CBD, but the experience of ordering takeaway here requires a little instruction if you're new to the DIY hot pot game. Grab a plastic bowl, tongs, and fill it up with whatever tickles your fancy from the giant open fridges stuffed with fresh ingredients. You'll find everything you need including thinly sliced meats, fresh mushrooms, tofu, seafood, dumplings and noodles — plus if you're feeling more adventurous, add in options like tripe, tendon and pig's ear. Pick your broth, I recommend the traditional spicy soup or laksa, then grab the whole steaming bowl to-go once it's ready. The dream. Yang Guo Fu Ma La Tang is open for takeaway through lockdown at their Kingsford and CBD branches. [caption id="attachment_817101" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maiz by Debbie Gallulo[/caption] BEN HANSEN: Staff Writer, DJ name is DJ Disappointment My favourite takeout I've had this lockdown is the new King Street Mexican spot Maiz. The torta was overflowing with flavour and the beef sope was melt-in-your-mouth good. Plus at the moment, you can also grab Mexican beers, wines or boozy aguas frescas to take home. For the best takeaway in the city, however, you can't go past a curry with all the trimmings from Lankan Filling Station. Maiz is serving up its full menu 11am–3pm and 5–8pm for takeaway and delivery via UberEats and Doordash during Sydney's lockdown. Lankan Filling Station is open for takeaway from Wednesday to Saturday, 5-9pm via the website, Bopple app or call the restaurant directly. CORDELIA WILLIAMSON: Branded Content Manager, has a Yulli's Brews beer named after her Best takeaway has to be Dimitri's. This Darlinghurst darling got me through the dark days of Sydney's first lockdown last year. No, this is not an overstatement — for a while there I got it every week. And, like any true comfort food, it is calling my name again. If you haven't been to its cosy Oxford Street digs to eat god-like cheesy slices and drink far too much natty wine to keep a judge sober, I highly encourage you to do so once hospo's back, baby. But, while we're all glued to our couches, watching Sex/Life on Netflix (come on, it can't just be me), picking up a few pies and, for the hell of it, a bottle of pét-nat is a surefire way to spice up your at-home life. My one advice: Get the Cream of Korn with oh-hot-mama 'nduja. Dimitri's is open for takeaway through lockdown from Thursday to Sunday from 5-8.30pm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Delevski (@the_burek_guy) NIK ADDAMS: Branded Content Manager, Nik Addams is not his real name Moving back to Australia after a decade of living overseas allowed me the perfect opportunity to rediscover the flavours I'd missed from home. And my favourite find was probably my most unexpected. I was stationed on the Northern Beaches for the back half of last year, and was a regular at a hole-in-the-wall burek counter on the breezy streets of Dee Why. Set inside a family-run Balkan grocery store, The Burek Guy gets pies delivered fresh daily (except Mondays) from Liverpool pastry kings Supreme Bakery. I think I ate my bodyweight in the buttery, flaky pastry, which is cooked to golden perfection and interspersed with a perfectly balanced mix of spinach, feta and ricotta. It's probably the best version of southern European pie I've tried outside my yiayia's house — and this is not something any ethnic says flippantly. The Burek Guy is open Tuesday to Sunday for takeaway. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nawaz Flavour Of India (@nawazflavourofindia) COURTNEY AMMENHAUSER: Branded Content Producer, resident radio host on FBi Radio When it comes to takeaway food, I'm a creature of habit. You see, if I've reached the point where I can't possibly cook a meal, there's simply not enough juice left in my popper to even look at a menu — let alone a new one. Thus, scrolling food delivery apps is an absolute no-no for me. Instead, I give an old faithful a call — much to the horror of my housemates — and pretend it's the early 00s and mum has left me in charge of ordering the fish and chips. A go-to on my takeout list is Nawaz Flavour of India in Glebe. And, on a chilly night in lockdown, its saag paneer, malai kofta and pilaf rice is the only thing that I want to be wrapped up in. Nawaz Flavour of India is open for takeaway and delivery everyday from 12pm-10.30pm. You can order via their website or phone them direct on 02 9692 0662. Top image: Dimitri's
If you're looking for a hearty, hearty feast with Turkish flair, you can't go past Rustic Pearl. Sitting on Crown Street opposite the Clock Hotel, the Pearl was started by two Turkish friends who decided to put the delights of their homeland alongside Balkan and Mediterranean cuisines into a snuggly Sydney cafe. Turkish classics like gozleme get a modern update with smoked wagyu, spinach, mixed mushrooms with pecorino and chargrilled Japanese scallops — this isn't your regular food stall gozleme. Friday and Saturday nights are dedicated to Meyhane, a Turkish version of Spanish tapas but with more yoghurt. There's big lunches like chargrilled Mediterranean lamb, Hungarian beef goulash and kipfler potato and lentil salad. Plus, if you're a fan of stuffed vegetables like eggplant and tomato, the team do specials heaving with the likes of spiced lamb and veal mince, or herb rice and garlic yogurt. But alongside their infamous and addictive savoury treats, Rustic Pearl do a mean hot chocolate — Callebaut hot chocolate (it's one of our favourite hot choccies in Sydney). Served in either a cup ($5) or a bowl ($6), their citrus and orange blossom creation is one deliciously fragrant indulgence, and they do a rosewater version too. Combine this with a hearty breakfast of poached eggs with Brickfields toast, Australian clotted cream and organic honeycomb and you're starting your day off pretty damn well.
Aptly given its title, new Apple TV+ sitcom Loot doesn't look cheap — or sound it. It's partly filmed in one of America's biggest private homes, an enormous mansion with 21 bedrooms, five pools, a bowling alley and a cinema. It's filled with well-known needle drops that come quickly and often, with one episode featuring three Daft Punk tracks alone. It couldn't scream louder or drip harder with excess; the series is about a mega-rich tech whiz's wife who gets $87 billion in their public and messy breakup, after all. And, it is inescapably made by a company that's a big technology behemoth itself, and has been splashing stacks of cash to build its streaming roster (see: The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, Severance, Physical, Prehistoric Planet, Foundation, The Shrink Next Door, Shining Girls, Slow Horses, Lisey's Story and more). Loot is also clearly a satire. Across its ten-episode first season — with the first three episodes dropping on Friday, June 24, and the rest following weekly — it parodies all that wealth, the people who have it and the lives lived in bubbles due to it. It also lampoons the idea that the lavishness that money can and does buy for the one percent can be balanced by giving a fraction of it to worthy causes. Yes, Loot is the latest entry in the eat-the-rich genre, alongside The White Lotus, Succession, Squid Game and Killing It of late. Hailing from creators Alan Yang and Matt Hubbard, both former Parks and Recreation writers, it also spins an immensely entertaining workplace sitcom around its pointed premise. The setup: amid being gifted a mega yacht for her birthday, then jumping to a party in that aforementioned sprawling home, Molly Novak (Maya Rudolph, Big Mouth) discovers that her husband John (Adam Scott, Severance) is cheating on her. Post-divorce, after that huge settlement and a stint of partying around the globe with her assistant Nicholas (Joel Kim Booster, Fire Island), she gets a call from Sofia Salinas (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Pose), the head of the foundation she's forgotten bears her name (and even exists). With Molly's drunken decadence all over the news, the charity is finding it difficult to do its work. So, the organisation's namesake decides to ditch the revelry — and her married moniker, becoming Molly Wells — and put all that dough to better use. She also commits to playing an active role in how her funds can truly help people. As workplaces in workplace comedies always do — Yang also has The Good Place on his resume, which became a workplace comedy in its own way; Hubbard has written for 30 Rock and Superstore as well — Molly's foundation is staffed by a motley crew. Sofia is tough and wholly dedicated to making people's lives better. Following Molly over to the new gig, Nicholas is cutting in his comments and cut about the change in his lifestyle. Then there's Howard (Ron Funches, AP Bio), the sweet and supportive cousin that Molly barely remembers at first; mild-mannered divorced dad and accountant Arthur (Nat Faxon, Our Flag Means Death), who starts to hope his boss will become something more; and Ainsley (Stephanie Styles, Bombshell) and Rhonda (Meagen Fay, Dopesick), the requisite TV office oddballs. Re-entering the working world after two decades is quite the culture shock for Molly, unsurprisingly, and so is being part of a team again. Loot is always the show it instantly seems it will be: a workplace sitcom with a clear target in its sights, and a comedy with as much warmth as humour. It directs its scathing digs towards moneyed indulgence and ridiculousness — in Molly's life and the attitudes that come with it, there's obviously plenty to poke fun of — and its heart towards her coworkers and their efforts. It tries to swing both ways with Molly herself, pointing out that the life she's become accustomed to is patently absurd, but also endeavouring to demonstrate how she's trying to learn and grow. Here, a running gag has David Chang playing himself as Molly's overworked personal chef, for instance. Also, when Rudolph breaks out her Beyonce impression again, it's when Molly couldn't be in a more inappropriate, tone-deaf and cringe-inducing setting. But Loot's protagonist is also never one-note; that she keeps swinging between cashed-up extravagance and genuinely attempting to do better makes her a far more fleshed-out character. Molly is also a showcase part for the always-wonderful Rudolph, who really should've had a sitcom like this on her resume by now. She's featured in a few in her post-Saturday Night Live career, but in supporting parts, including stealing every scene she's in in both The Good Place and Up All Night. She's also glorious in the exceptional Forever, the 2018 existential comedy that similarly stems from Yang and Hubbard, yet sadly only lasted one season. But while Amy Poehler had Parks and Recreation, and Tina Fey had 30 Rock, this kind of series has eluded Rudolph. TV has been worse for it — and Loot wouldn't have worked for a second without her. It already navigates such a delicate tightrope, satirising the ultra rich while embracing Molly's quest to be more than just an affluent caricature. Indeed, it takes Rudolph's adaptability, her willingness to play the joke and also unpack it, her presence, and her charm to anchor the show's parody and empathy in tandem. If this entertaining must-see returns for a second season, it might be a different program, though. That's also a great thing. Loot's initial batch of episodes is a little like a Rorschach test: some viewers will see what it's trying to savage while still being a warmhearted workplace comedy, others will mostly notice that it doesn't chomp down as hard as Succession and its wealth-eviscerating brethren. The show is happy to sit in the first category for now but, still with its upbeat vibe, it makes bigger moves towards the other camp by the time its debut run wraps up. Seeing how it builds is one of Loot's thrills — alongside the tour de force that is Rudolph, including in Molly's Hot Ones appearance; Booster and Funches repeatedly proving a joy, playing to their strengths separately and together; Scott at his smug best among a well-rounded ensemble; and the series' deeper skewering and throwaway gags alike, of course. Check out the trailer for Loot below: Loot is available to stream via Apple TV+.
If you cast your mind back far enough, you might be able to remember a time when Tazos, Gameboys and the temperamental Tamagotchi reigned supreme, when a sherbet bomb or a Spice Girls playing card was the most respected form of social currency, the term 'apple' still referred to a fruit, bucket hats were cool in a non-ironic way and, most importantly, reading was exciting. It was an illicit and novel (mind the pun) activity, best carried out with the aid of a night light or torch after 8.30pm on a school night. It seemed the most pressing matter in the world was knowing what happened The Day My Bum Went Psycho and Andy Griffiths was the only one with the power to tell you, one five-page, giant-font-sized chapter at a time. No Mum, this could not wait until tomorrow morning. When the lunch orders, political games of four square and designated readers of primary school gave way to the cafeteria, MSN and condom-on-banana era of high school, English class filled the book-shaped void of childhood for many. If, like me, you were lucky enough to be graced by a literature teacher with an uncanny physical and temperamental resemblance to Miss Honey (if you don't get that reference, you’re reading the wrong article), a lifelong love of books was at this point cemented, as definitive as carefully scripted calligraphy on paper, preferably penned with the aid of a feather and pot of ink. As an adult sans parents, you are free to stay up as late as you want, poring over Hemingway, Bronte, Austen and… E.L. James. The only problem is, beyond a questionable internet forum of Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts who like to discuss Mr Darcy via webcam whilst simultaneously coiling their hair in rags to get into character (this is a very real phenomenon), it is difficult to find likeminded individuals with whom you can debate and pick apart the bitter lows and dizzying heights of your favourite protagonists before assigning each fictional character to a member of your friendship group and yourself. (Duh, of course you're Jane Eyre, except way prettier.) Enter the book club — not half as cringe worthy as a knitting group, less tragic than ballet classes for grown ups and offering similar potential for romance as speed dating, minus the unmistakeable whiff of desperation, they might just be the next big nostalgic hipster trend. You heard it here first. Courtesy of Laneway Learning's Book Club for Beginners class, led by self-confessed book nut Nicola (this woman once faked the death of a book club before reforming it, sans underperforming members, read: book clubs are her crack), here are the most important things to remember when starting, or attending, the intellectual's equivalent of the discotheque. Read the book — this one seems obvious, but in the excitement of choosing which spectacles to wear and what snack to bring in order to show everyone else up, it is often overlooked. Sparknotes don’t count. You’re only cheating yourself. Don't talk too much, nor too little. Just like Goldilocks, it's important to find the right balance between assuming the role of annoying know it all, unnecessarily referencing vaguely relevant high-literature to assert your intellect and the dreaded mute, offering nothing but unrelated everyday banter that has no place in book club. Which is a more serious offence, I cannot decide. If you're organising the book club, now is the time assume dictator-like authority. Book club is not a democracy — the instigator has the final word on location, reading list, members and snacks. The only thing up for discussion is the actual text and if you choose the right books, that should be more than enough to handle. Nicola regaled us with her one recorded observation of a book to the face — choose your members wisely, preferably without a history of violent paper-related assault, or it might not be the last. To theme or not to theme? This really is the eternal question. Opting to do so allows one to narrow down membership based on shared interest, whilst opening up the reading list to eclectic liquorice all-sorts exponentially increases the chance of discovering untapped passions, in the kind of magical way that can only take place from the comfort of one's lounge room, cup of Milo and paperback in hand. If you do decide to theme, examples include 'Dystopian' (1984 by George Orwell, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and, The Passage by Justin Cronin), a theme which lends itself well to aluminium foil costumes and space cakes for afters, or my personal favourite, 'Mad Women' (The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys). That one's best served with a side of your head in the oven. The last and most important rule of book club? You don't talk about book club. Because, well, they'll never understand. Image via hotgirlsreadingbooks.tumblr.com
Since 1989, Sweden's Icehotel has given travellers a decidedly cool place to stay each winter. December hits, and the site reveals its new frosty rooms — the kind that are carved out of ice and only around for a short time, as they'll melt once the weather gets warmer. They're not just any old slabs of ice and snow in the village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, however. As part of their annual tradition, the accommodation provider calls for designers and artists to unleash their chilly ideas — then unveils their wondrous creations to travellers. In the 2018–19 crop? A candy-inspired world made out of cold, cold substances, a forest campsite complete with an icy kombi van you can sleep in, a bed guarded by icy animals and another that resembles a journey into the ocean's depths. Or, perhaps you'd like to climb into a dome-shaped room that looks like a polar cave — or a geometric-heavy abode that's not only inspired by cracking ice, but adds more cracks the more you move through the suite. Now open until April 2019, the fresh blend of ice and creativity features 35 one-of-a-kind rooms in total, as crafted by 34 artists from 13 different countries. They're made from more than 30,000 cubic metres of snice — that's a mix of snow and ice — from the local Torne River. As well as places to sleep, the new iteration also includes an ice bar, ice ceremony hall and ice gallery. If you're a fan of the kind of coldness the southern hemisphere doesn't see at this time of the year, but you can't make it to Icehotel's cold climes during the northern winter, don't worry — in addition to their annual slate of artistic suites, Icehotel has been open all year round for the past year. It includes 20 permanent suites, an ice bar, plus private saunas and spas for an added touch of warmth in such cold surroundings. For more information about Icehotel, visit www.icehotel.com. Images: Asaf Kliger.
Situated between Wollongong and the Blue Mountains, Wollondilly is our latest discovery for a day-long out-of-the-city getaway. In fact, "there's something for everyone," in this expansive region — that takes in a number of small towns including Picton, Thirlmere, The Oaks, Appin and Wilton — an hour's drive from Sydney. So, in partnership with Visit Wollondilly, we've handpicked the best nine things to help you plan a perfect day trip to the Dilly. EAT CLASSIC COUNTRY BAKERIES Did you even road trip if you didn't stop for a handmade sausage roll? Wollondilly is home to a number of nostalgic country bakeries that focus on specialised, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to give your classic vanilla slices, Vegemite scrolls and meat pies an artisan edge. Our picks are the Appin Bakery, which does a mean chocolate eclair, DeliciousLeigh Cakes in Thirlmere for the rotating cupcake selection and Picton's La Crema Cafe, where you can tuck into a more substantial meal like a fresh sandwich with a side of salad. OLD-SCHOOL PUB FARE (AND A PINT TO GO ALONGSIDE IT) Extend your embrace of all things classic Aussie road trip by checking out one of Wollondilly's many great pubs. Pull up for a schnitty at George IV Inn, one of Australia's oldest pubs, check out the retro Camden Valley Inn, an 80-year-old former milkbar turned venue centre whose recently renovated rooms deliver breathtaking valley views, or make a booking at the Bargo Sports Club for a spot of barefoot bowls. SOMETHING MORE SOPHISTICATED Lest you think that a trip to Wollondilly is limited to all things old-world, an emerging number of hospitality hotshots have set up shop around town and are showing off some seriously impressive skills. Like Picton's The Bowling Pheasant, where Sydney restaurant royalty (including former Rockpool executive chef Khan Danis) delivers a menu of honest, humble fare that celebrates the region's incredible local produce. Alternatively, keep it super simple by stocking up on a ready to go platter from local, fresh-food wholesaler, Pheasant's Nest Produce. The Dilly is also home to a number of impressive brunch spots. Stop by Picton Social for a hearty all-day breakfast and breakkie cocktail in front of its vibrant Instagram-approved mural, or nab an al fresco spot at vibey all-day spot Moses Barnes for a plate from its seasonally rotating menu that puts local ingredients front and centre. SEE COME TO CATARACT DAM Warragamba Dam is Dilly's most well-known and well worth a visit. This engineering masterpiece is Sydney's main source of drinkable h2o, but serves a purpose beyond the practical — namely some very impressive views of Lake Burragorang. However, our recommendation is to also pop past picturesque Cataract Dam. At the time of its construction Cataract Dam was one of the biggest engineering projects in Australia and remains popular today for its beautiful castle-like architecture. Commit to the 247-metre walk from one side of the dam to the other and you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the lake and Keele Island on one side, and the deep Cataract Gorge on the other. We highly suggest you stop half way to snap a shot of the charming Tudor-style valve house with slate-hipped roof and parapet gables in the centre of the dam. Other unmissable photo opportunities include a set of lovely cottages built at the time of the dam's construction, the remnants of ornamental gardens, grottos, and ferneries from the 1920s and 30s, and (if you're lucky), the outlets at the bottom of the dam wall 56 metres below which release giant plumes of water into the gorge below when open for a truly incredible sight. SIG-NATURE DILLY Wollondilly is packed with natural wonders just waiting to be discovered by urban dwellers seeking to escape the big smoke. These include the Picton Botanic Gardens (with a name that should naturally entice you to pack a basket of your favourite foods to be enjoyed under the sun!). However, if you're not about the picnic life, the Gardens also offer visitors the opportunity to cycle along bike paths or stroll through verdant walking tracks. As do Thirlmere Lakes National Park and Nattai National Park, with both green spaces featuring well-marked hiking trails to cater to all fitness levels. HISTORIC HOTSPOTS A trip to the Dilly delivers a masterclass in regional Australian history. Sure, there's a fascinating backstory to some of Wollondilly's oldest sites — like Picton's heritage-listed Stonequarry Creek Railway Viaduct — but the best bit for non-academic types is that they simultaneously offer the opportunity to snap a couple of shots that look really good on the 'gram. If modern history is more your style, then you'll be pleased to hear that the region is also home to contemporary public artworks and street murals that are sure to feature in the Dilly's history books somewhere in the future. Check them out at the Paint the Town Festival and make the effort to track down Animal Arches by Jimmy Dvate and the Floral Mural by Scott Marsh, both in Picton. DO EMBRACE YOUR INNER ADRENALINE JUNKIE The open spaces that surround the Dilly make it the perfect destination to bring all your adventure-seeking dreams to life. If you're an aerial enthusiast, book a spot with Balloon Aloft Camden Valley for morning views over the mountains or Sydney Skydivers for a heart-raising afternoon. Alternatively, get your thrills a little closer to the ground at Picton Karting or Ultimate Paintball, Sydney's largest paintball park that boasts 14 themed battlefields over its 120 acres. SHOP TIL YOU DROP The Dilly, is definitely the place to discover a unique range of stores that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Like The Elephant Emporium, a fairtade retailer packed with homewares and eclectic Asian-inspired accessories; Ruuska, a boutique brimming with books, bags and everything in between; and Hippy Luxe, where you can stock up on beautiful bohemian jewellery, clothing and bric-a-brac from across the globe. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL While it might not make sense to drive 90 minutes just to twiddle your thumbs, we do recommend basing a day trip to the Dilly around a range of relaxed, rejuvenating, no-effort-required itineraries. Like a visit to low-key Palms Springs-inspired wellness spa retreat The Bathhouse in Douglas Park. Other options include a massage, facial or mani/pedi at Enlightened Beauty, or a chilled-out gals (or guys) day at sweating it out in one of City Cave Float & Wellness Centre's signature saunas. To find out more about Wollondilly and discover more ways to experience this scenic destination, head to the website.
UPDATE, March 15, 2021: Skate Kitchen is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Skate Kitchen begins with a board, a banged-up pelvis and blood gushing down a leg. But stacking it once isn't going to keep Camille (Rachelle Vinberg) from shredding, grinding and nosesliding. Nor are stitches in her nether regions, or her mother's (Elizabeth Rodriguez) insistence that she give up her hobby. Instead, the film takes Camille gliding from the parks and pavements of Long Island to the streets of Manhattan, where a gang of girls skate like the city is their playground. They're the Skate Kitchen of Skate Kitchen. An all-female collective, they air, ollie and amble around town. They hang out, smoke joints, and shoot the breeze about anything and everything. They snap and record their tricks and kickflips, immortalising their antics on Instagram. And when they welcome Camille into the fold, it changes everything for the reserved, quiet 18-year-old. Early in what proves a laidback but layered movie, filmmaker Crystal Moselle captures Skate Kitchen's leisurely vibe and the effect it has on her picture's teenage protagonist. The irrepressibly catchy beats of Junior Senior's 'Move Your Feet' take over the soundtrack as the girls walk, dance and skate their way through New York City, and Camille couldn't look happier. As well as sending the film's frames freewheeling along with the group, cinematographer Shabier Kirchner cloaks his images in a warm glow — the kind that exists in your mind when you're simply content, regardless of what your eyes actually see. It's an ethereal sequence, and yet it's also grounded in naturalism. Sunny, carefree, comforting, vibrant: that's just how being part of Skate Kitchen feels. That's how watching Skate Kitchen feels as well, although Moselle's isn't a rosy coming-of-age portrait devoid of drama. Narrative-wise, the movie charts the push-and-pull that characterises Camille's life — first between the freedom of skating and the scolding of her overprotective mum, then between friends and family, and later between her new buddies and the wannabe photographer Devon (a flame-haired Jaden Smith) who they try to warn her away from. And, while the film marks Moselle's first fictional movie, Skate Kitchen itself is real. The endlessly fascinating Vinberg is one of its crew members. So is the scene-stealing Nina Moran, who plays the joker of the gang, as well as the affectionate Ardelia Lovelace, who becomes Camille's closest friend. Here, art both imitates life and does its utmost best to represent it accurately — even when sometimes packaged with a visual sheen that'd do Sofia Coppola proud. It's unmistakably rare to see a film featuring such authentic and candid conversations between teen girls. Such a diverse yet nuanced female group, spanning different races, sexualities and personalities, is hardly regular screen fodder either. And that's before noting the obvious: that depicting young women as skateboarders, letting them carve out a place in a male-dominated domain, and spending time with them just kicking around is so uncommon that it's almost revolutionary. Indeed, that's exactly why the movie's dreamy aesthetic is such a fitting choice. Until now, a film set in this world — that's intent on fighting back against gendered expectations, and that seems so achingly real — was basically a dream. Moselle knows a thing or two about stepping into an overlooked or undiscovered realm and revealing it to the masses. In 2015, her documentary The Wolfpack was a festival circuit hit, centring on seven home-schooled New York siblings — six boys and their sister — who were virtually forbidden to leave the house by their strict father. To experience the outside world, the factual flick's subjects escaped into movies, which they not only devoured on DVD but re-enacted and re-staged in an elaborate fashion. Skate Kitchen is The Wolfpack's fictionalised female-focused counterpart in many ways, and it also sees Moselle take her doco's core idea to the next level. There, cinema helped a sheltered family feel like they existed. Here, skateboarding does just that for a lonely soul, while the overall film will provide the same sensation for anyone who has ever been a teenage girl. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VTFLvLtdYw
Video games and drinking have long been buddies. Drinking and art have a healthy relationship. Now, thanks to Sydney based pop-up art gallery, fiftyone, these three tasty aspects of culture can now buy a house in the 'burbs, raise kids and happily grow old together. Bring on GAME OVER. Taking place at Cremorne's art-loving Bread and Butter cafe on June 12, GAME OVER is one night of video game-themed fun, with art and drinks thrown in for good measure. Local artists Robby Williams (no relation, but will indeed entertain you), Phil Marsden and Rohan Cain will be exhibiting and selling their latest pieces and prints. Then there’s the epic Mario Kart tournament on the big screen, bound to separate the Bowsers from the Toads. The whole idea behind fiftyone is to provide young artists a platform to exhibit, as well as bringing art to the after-hours crowd. Proudly continuing the philosophy, GAME OVER promises to do just that. With free entry, live music, art, booze and video games all thrown under one roof, it’ll be nothing short of a KO. Nothing left but to finish him.
Malibu is the stuff of legends. And if you're not already familiar, allow us to introduce you to Sydney sandwich lore. The pint-sized Surry Hills hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop has kept its prices low despite inflation, delivering enormous loaded sambos on Foster Street at what feels like 2010 prices. No sandwich here is over $14, with the majority sitting around the $11 mark. The fan favourite is the chicken schnitzel, which combines a crispy breaded chicken breast with herb mayo and lettuce on soft slabs of fresh bread, for just $12.50. If you're more of a ham sambo kind of person, Malibu takes this humble sandwich up a notch with the addition of bocconcini, basil and tomatoes, and will require elbow room on approach. If you'd prefer to go breadless for your lunch, you can also opt for a salad. The standard option throws in a heap of veggies including rocket, tomatoes, beetroot and pumpkin — and can be dialled up with the addition of tuna, salami or chicken schnitzel. It's a simple little shop, specialising in just a few things — big sandwiches and loaded salads that won't break the budget.
Hip-hop star, painter, unabating philanthropist and 2010's 75th most influential person of the 21st century M.I.A. has announced a one-off Sydney headline show. Performing on the back of the Summadayze and Summafieldayze festivals in January, M.I.A will hit The Enmore on January 4th armed with jangly new single "Bad Girls" and a slew of other electronica/hip-hop/world/pop fusions. Somehow managing to be both irresistibly catchy and outlandishly different, M.I.A. is one of the defining artists of the last ten years. One of the ten defining artist of the last ten years according to Rolling Stone. She's also been nominated for an Academy Award for the track "O… Saya" (that you'll probably know from Slumdog Millionaire), and has two Grammy awards to her name thanks to "Paper Planes" and "Swagga Like Us". Just in case you feel like feeling old, the original non-T.I. version of those two tracks was released almost six years ago. Have your clicking finger at the ready when tickets go on sale through Ticketek on Tuesday 27th. This really is a show not to be missed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3Yuqxl284cg
In almost everything else, if the smell of something is so repugnant you immediately head for the opposite direction and reach for a peg (or heave). Example one: The Stinking Bishop, a washed-rind semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk in the south-west of England that yields a distinctive odour — so rank it puts a football team's steamy change room to shame. Yet, the Stinking Bishops — a boutique cheese bar and shop — is proving that cheese is one of few foods where an overwhelmingly onerous stench is considered a virtue and, in fact, 'rancid and offensive' equals 'that would be perfect with some crackers and quince paste, I'll take 250g of the Irish Cashel Blue please'. Inspired by similar concepts throughout Europe, owners Jamie Nimmo and Kieran Day combined the cheese shop idea with a dine-in aspect and are winning noses in the foodie hotspot of Newtown. And by 'winning noses' we'd like to stress that this Stinking Bishop is stench-free, unlike its counterpart from Gloucestershire. Furthermore, the polished fit-out shows no signs of an orange rind or yellowy centre. Instead, white tiled walls are contrasted with a black ceiling and sylish globes hang low, creating a very sleek space indeed. Diners are urged to either perch up at the benches or take a seat at the various wooden tables. The wall of glory behind the counter invites visitors to gawk at the variety of Australian and imported cheeses and cured meats available. A large blackboard to the side outlines them in more detail; and for even more information and suggestions, the delightful team on board will offer their sage advice — without a hint of cheese snobbery, which is very refreshing. The dine-in menu has apparently undergone 'rigorous taste testing processes', and we're happy to oblige in continuing these savouring practices. Again, the staff take time to recommend varieties of cheese and charcuterie plates — which combine two, three or four types of cheese each (from $17). Another perk is the liquor licence and opening hours till 10pm on Thursday to Saturday. Who doesn't enjoy a glass of matching local wine, beer or whiskey with a creamy, soft Bert 3 Latte from Italy? Other menu items should you decide to relish the opportunity to dine-in with said beverage include fresh salads, an English pork pie ($18) and 'Mr Crispy' toasted sandwiches that, of course, are oozing with cheesy goodness. The Wagyu smoked beef, gruyere and pickles ($12.50) is set to get tongues wagging. The Stinking Bishop might be among the world's most pungent cheese, but we've got a nose for a good place, and our nostrils are leading us to Newtown.
On your next trip to the Blueys, be sure to call into Bilpin. The rural town is well-known among foodies for being home to a farm belonging to Sean Moran (of Sean's Panaroma on Bondi Beach), as well as for its delicious apples. For the latter, stop in at Hillbilly Cider, run by third-generation farmer Shane McLaughlin and his partner Tessa. Founded back in 2007, the company uses local fruit — and local fruit only — to produce a range of all-natural ciders, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Head to the Cider Shed, prop yourself up at the bar or grab a chair overlooking the orchard and run through a tasting, beginning with the too-easy-to-drink apple cider, which won bronze at the 2015 International Cider Challenge, and finishing with Sweet Julie, the only cider on the planet made from the Julie apple, a variety discovered on the property. Hillbilly also serves up some woodfired pizzas, should you need to line the stomach. The shed is open for bookings and walk-ins. Images: Destination NSW
Hospitality hubs are all the rage in Sydney right now — throw a stone in any direction and you're likely to hit one of these drinking and dining one-stop-shops. However, while they may be plentiful, few of this new wave of mega venues can hold a candle to the polish and vision of The Bristol — the five-level nightlife hotspot that has taken over what was formerly The Bristol Arms Hotel on Sussex Street. The Oscars Group has sparred no expense renovating the interiors of the 126-year-old building, creating six distinct spaces. These include a Greek restaurant helmed by celebrated chef Peter Conistis (ex-Alpha), a pub-esque casual bar, a state-of-the-art sports bar, a nightclub (complete with 200 disco balls), an opulent cocktail lounge and The Rooftop, a Mediterranean-coded bar with three outdoor terraces, marble-clad DJ podium and a street eats-style bar menu also created by Conistis. Whether you're wistfully reminiscing about this year's jaunt to the northern hemisphere or you've been enviously scrolling through your globe-trotting friends' Insta-feeds, a trip to The Rooftop delivers the Euro-summer vibes you've been craving. The pretty pastel decor, featuring a sunny pallete of creams, corals, blushing pinks and accents of chartreuse, wouldn't look out of place on the Amalfi Coast or perched on the shores of Saint Tropez. While the interiors set the tone, it's the three outdoor terraces that steal the show. Flanking the main bar is a slender balcony offering leafy views towards Darling Harbour and a smaller al fresco area for smokers. Leading off The Rooftop's rear is a more expansive terrace, decked out with built-in seating, wicker sculptures and a striped awning offering ample shade for those blistering Sydney summer days. While the view is urban, the vibe leans beach, with macrame umbrellas and lush planters further selling a seaside aesthetic. Behind the bar there are more than 20 wines available by the glass as well as a small but considered menu of refreshing signature and classic cocktails that make for the ideal afterwork sundowners or hot-weather thirst-quenchers. For those who favour a sip that isn't too serious, the perky and playful Cherry Bomb is a fruity riff on a martini starring gin and cherry liqueur, topped with a vegan-friendly aquafaba sour cherry foam. Alternatively, you can turn up the heat with a Tommy's Tropicana, a margarita variant mingling jalapeño-infused tequila, guava, pineapple and lime. A mix of easy-to-like skewers and souvlaki-style wraps make up a bar menu that supplies tasty sidekick snacks for the pekish and heartier informal feeds for those with a bigger appetite. The excellent service team nimbly navigate the bar with both cocktail-laden trays and food orders, ensuring that even when there's a packed house, guests can enjoy the convenience of having their order brought directly to them. Images: Steven Woodburn
It's easy to fall into the same old routine when it comes to date night. Once you find a formula that works, you tend to stick to it. If your dating game is in serious need of a revamp, Sydney is filled with great date experiences to share together and keep that romantic spark alive. From expanding your culinary skills to undertaking an outdoor adventure, there are so many ways to impress any partner in your life. Whether you are looking to impress a Hinge match on a first date or you're getting a bit too comfortable with your nightly TV ritual with a longtime flame, here are six ideas for every type of couple to get out of their comfort zone. [caption id="attachment_842043" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Zotti[/caption] IF YOU LIVE OFF UBEREATS: SIGN UP TO A COOKING CLASS A cheeky takeout is never a bad thing, but after the fifth day in a row it can start to lose its appeal. And while we're not all pros in the kitchen, Sydney Seafood School is back in full swing to bring you a range of summer classes at Sydney Fish Market so you can step up the usual date night dinner with a lively, hands-on cooking experience. The classes are suitable for people of all experiences and tastes. You have a range of cuisines to choose from, including Italian, Malaysian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Australian, Spanish and Singaporean. You'll learn a thing or two about how to prepare amazing local seafood from some of Australia's leading chefs, like Sean Connolly (Adelaide's Sean's Kitchen) and Alessandro Pavoni (Ormeggio at The Spit). After you create your delicious seafood feast, you can enjoy it together in the dining room for the ultimate romantic experience. [caption id="attachment_786072" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Walsh[/caption] IF YOU LIKE TO KEEP THINGS CHEAP 'N' CHEERFUL: VISIT THIS SKY-HIGH BAR Just because you and your person are in saving mode doesn't mean you can't enjoy a whole lot of luxury. Bar 83, Sydney's highest bar in the iconic Sydney Tower, will transport you to another world with striking decor, serving glam retro-futurism and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the city. And the best part is, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy it. The minimum spend is only $30 per person with cocktails ranging from $19-23 and a huge range of wine and spirits also on offer. So, ditch your local pub for a night to have a drink in the sky. You'll likely score some major brownie points with your boo. [caption id="attachment_833589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mim Stirling[/caption] IF YOU'RE CONSTANTLY SHARING MEMES: APPRECIATE A FINER ART FORM If you and your partner's love language is sharing crude memes and Tiktoks (we aren't judging), then it might be nice to spend a day away from the screens and appreciate some beautiful art. The Art Gallery of NSW is currently hosting a Sydney-exclusive Matisse exhibition, giving you an opportunity to explore the vibrant and brilliant work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Matisse: Life & Spirit is showcasing the artist's masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou in Paris, giving you an insight into his life and career with work spanning six decades. Exhibition tickets are $30 per person and you can reserve them here. After your immersive artistic journey, finish off with coffee and lunch at the beautiful Gallery Cafe and Restaurant. IF THE RELO IS STILL NEW: CHECK OUT THIS NON-ALCOHOLIC BAR There's a reason so many couples opt to go to a bar for their first (few) dates. After all, that getting-to-know-you game can be pretty awkward. But if you and your new friend are up for the challenge of staying sober — or if you just want to steer clear of that dreaded morning hangover — try this on for size. Head to the northern beaches to Seadrift Distillery, home to Australia's first non-alcoholic distillery and Sydney's only dedicated non-alcoholic bar. Here, you can enjoy a delicious range of cocktails, wine and beers, all sans alcohol. Be sure to try the Seadrift classic spirit infused with fresh coastal and sea botanicals. So-Bar also has live music nights and cocktail making classes so there'll be some distractions if those awkward silences do happen. Bonus: you can skip the Uber fee and drive straight home. IF YOU'VE FALLEN INTO A COUCH POTATO GROOVE: GET ACTIVE Feeling like you and your SO are getting a little too comfortable binge-watching TV on the couch? Spend a day in the great outdoors instead. Sure, cosying up in front of your favourite series is great but discovering beautiful nature together can be incredibly romantic. If you are looking to switch things up then check out our list of waterfalls worth visiting near Sydney, then take your date on an adventure and finish up with a spectacular swim in fresh cascading water. Or, if La Niña strikes again, check out Sydney's indoor bouldering scene at 9 Degrees in Waterloo. The bouldering gym has nine levels of difficulty, so it's perfect for beginners and pros alike. Who knows? You might discover a new favourite hobby to enjoy together. IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN ON A TRIP TOGETHER: GO CAMPING IN THE INNER CITY For those new lovebirds still testing the waters, there's no better place for a little getaway than Cockatoo Island. The island feels miles away from city life while still having the luxury of hot showers and a toilet. Plus, it's just a quick ferry ride from Circular Quay. You and your date can book the Deluxe Package from $135 per night which includes a pre-furnished tent and luxury toiletries for the perfect romantic getaway. There are also two cafes and kitchen facilities so you won't exactly be eating canned food. This will be the perfect test to see if your new flame is one to keep around. And don't worry, if they fail then you can always call a water-taxi to get you back home in a flash. Level up your next date by booking into one of Sydney Seafood School's cooking classes. For more information, visit the website.
The moment we heard that marine scientists had 'undiscovered' the Pacific isle known as Sandy Island late last year, our trust in cartography was violently undone. Now, any inch of soil we had not personally traversed was suspect. "But if we can't trust Google Maps," we cried, "who can we trust?" It was at this point that we realised something powerful. Something profound. Something relevant to the headline of this article. The art of map-making, for all its shortcomings, shapes our worldviews and communities. Which is why we're excited to hear about the eco-cartographical vision of Grow It Local. The sustainability gurus (famous for the success of Garage Sale Trail) are teaming up with the folks at City of Sydney to, quite literally, put homegrown produce on the map. Throughout the month of April, they are inviting growers across Sydney to jump onto the Grow It Local website and register a garden space on Australia's first crowdsourced e-atlas of urban farms. The campaign is all about harvesting the Sydney community that has grown around the explosion of local food production across the world. "With a lot of people getting involved in growing food, there's a little bit of a barrier in 'I couldn't do that, I don't know what I'm doing'" says Grow It Local co-founder Andrew Valder. "One of the things that creating the Grow It Local community does is welcome someone who doesn't feel confident about what they're doing to give it a crack." Fresh food lovers can update their patch with pictures and share growing tips with green gardeners. Plus, Grow It Local members will be invited to attend exclusive foodie events where local produce will be shared through intimate meals like this one. Seven hundred and fifteen gardens have already been registered on the website (with over 50 of those in the City of Sydney area), covering a total cultivation area of 6890 square metres, and the Grow It Local gang anticipate that Sydney's CBD will increase its involvement tenfold. But what does this mean for your average urban gardener? Beyond giving people easy access to their closest urban farms, Redfern resident Kevin Bathman says that this mapping project could give Sydney growers the sense of community that they've been craving for years. "Most times, you need to know that you're not alone in this," stresses Kevin, "[because] that's what I thought for the longest time, "Am I the only gardening nerd? ... When you see more and more of your neighbours getting involved, it is the fastest way to start a 'real food' movement." Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore is an ongoing advocate for the transformation of balconies, courtyards and windowsills into flourishing green spaces. "Most food travels huge distances to reach our dinner plates. Growing your own simply makes sense and means you can enjoy healthy food and save money," she said in a press release. For Andrew, the whole enterprise can be enjoyed for simpler reasons. "Growing your own food, no matter how big or small, is a big step toward sustainable living," he remarks, "[but] the serious stuff aside, it's fun and makes you feel good." Hero image: Rooftop garden at Signature Apartments, Redfern. Image courtesy of Signature Pallets. Second image: Courtesy of Richard Payne Photography and City of Sydney
With Australia's borders firmly shut, international travel has been relegated to the realm of dreams. And it looks like it'll be staying there for a good long while. But, at least, in those dreams you can be living it up in Business Class, channeling your best high-flying, jet-setting self. It's all thanks to Aussie airline Qantas, which is now delivering its pyjamas, amenity sets and other in-flight goodies straight to your door. With flights suspended and many of the group's planes grounded, the airline company has an oversupply of all those fancy business class items, including branded threads, premium plane snacks and toiletry packs stocked with Aspar skin products. We're talking printed eye masks, T2 tea bags, shea butter hand cream and sweet orange lip balm for days. And instead of going to town on all those extra smoked almonds and Tim Tams, Qantas has gathered the surplus and created a bunch of upscale care packages, available for shipping Australia-wide. Clocking in at $25 (delivery included), the limited-edition packs are an easy way to cheer up a glum mate in lockdown or that relative who's battling serious travel withdrawals. Or hey, just nab one for yourself, don those pjs and infuse your next couch session with some swanky business class vibes. You can send up to ten of the care packages to addresses anywhere in Australia, by heading to the website. You'll need to be a Frequent Flyer club member first, but Qantas is currently offering free sign-ups. And, if you want to save your dollars, packs can also be purchased using 4350 Qantas points a pop. After all, it's not like you'll be spending them on overseas flights anytime in the near future. You can buy Qantas' Care Packs online, using cash or points.
The Unicorn, a revered Paddo pub of pubs is a collective effort from Mary's guys Kenny Graham and Jake Smyth, plus Porteno's Elvis Abrahanowicz and Young Henrys Oscar McMahon. Proudly dishing up Aussie pub classics, including steak and chips, roast chook, meat pies and a bloody good pav if you choose dessert over another beer. Despite the historically swanky Paddington location, you won't find leather banquettes or fancy dangly lights decking out The Unicorn. Instead, there's a dartboard, a pool table, an old piano for drunken sing-alongs, cold beer and good food. To start, you can order Jatz with house-made French onion dip — the ultimate 70s-style party starter. From the main menu, it's pretty hard to go past the Mary's burger, but with Elvis in charge there are still plenty of other dishes to instil food envy. The Unicorn's Bannockburn chicken schnitzel uses both the breast and wing, which are fried to a golden crust. It's served with creamy mash and a pool of pan gravy. There are also a few steaks on offer, although you won't find the usual porterhouse, scotch fillet and rib eye on the list. Here it's 'the daily steak' or 'the fancy steak' — expertly cooked with two choices of sides, ranging from cauliflower cheese, crinkle-cut chips, peas, mash or honey carrots. Then there's 'the big and fancy steak' which is served medium rare with smoked eschallot butter and four sides of your choice. The cherry atop The Unicorn is the old-fashioned dessert list, which includes a pav with banana cream or a chocolate fondant with baked fruit and malt ice cream. Young Henrys is well represented on tap — however, it would be pretty un-Australian to neglect the VB, Resch's and Carlton, which feature alongside. For the plonk, the wine list is all-Australian, featuring top drops by small local producers, listed by state. All in all, an unpretentious Aussie pub with good food and good vibes. Images: Byron Martin for PADDO(Collective), Bodhi Liggett
If your home needs a captivating piece to spruce up the interior design or you're on the hunt for a specific collectable, merchandise or record, you should check out the Antique and Collectors Fair at Wentworth Park Greyhounds Function Centre from 9am to 3pm on every third Sunday every second month. Hosted by The Collector's Mark, this market has 180+ vendors, great food options, and coffee to keep you fuelled for perusing the thousands of items on offer. Tickets are $8 each, but if you're keen to get the first pick of the offerings, you can take advantage of early bird entry from 8–9am for $12. The 2024 fair dates are February 18, April 21, June 16, August 18, October 20 and December 15. The venue is close to light rail stations and bike paths and has ample street and off-street parking.
As the weather begins to cool down, it's easy to turn your mind to autumn travel plans. With Aperol Spritzes behind us and cosy, quiet weekends ahead, planning a city escape can be tempting. But where to go? Just two hours from both Canberra and Sydney lies the South Coast region of Shoalhaven. From the white sands of Jervis Bay to the misty rivers surrounding Kangaroo Valley, Shoalhaven is built for weekends dedicated to rest, retreat and renewal. If you're looking to swap city stress for ocean air and indulge in long lunches and restorative experiences, here's how to spend a wellness-focused weekend in the region. Rest Your restorative getaway is only as good as your accommodation choice, and Shoalhaven has no shortage of quiet and restful retreats. Bay and Bush Jervis Bay is designed for switching off in nature. The boutique eco-retreat offers self-contained cottages and safari glamping tents on acres of lush Australian bushland. Wellness is woven into your stay at The Nest, the on-site studio featuring yoga and soundbath sessions. There's also an on-site day spa featuring massages and treatments, and a brand new cafe that's open to the public. With Jervis Bay just a short drive away, as well as bushwalking, whale watching, breweries, and galleries all nearby, Bay and Bush Jervis Bay has everything you could need for a restful weekend retreat. [caption id="attachment_1083654" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Motel Molly, Mollybrook[/caption] Motel Molly in Mollymook is a luxe update on the beach motel of many Australian summer road trips. The oceanside motel has recently been revamped with a Mediterranean-inspired look and features handmade ceramics, mosaic tiles, and sunken bathtubs. It also offers a pool, sauna and massages to help you lean into relaxation and renewal. Rooms range from one-bedroom king suites to three-bedroom apartments for larger groups. Alongside its wellness offerings, Motel Molly is a great spot to get out into nature by hiring a bike or surfboard and soaking up the surrounding beaches. [caption id="attachment_1081431" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Appleye Silver, Berry[/caption] Outside of accommodation options, Shoalhaven urges you to rest through creativity. Get off your screens and use your hands in local workshops such as Appleye Silver silversmithing, or meet (and paint) some Highland Cows at Abergail Farm with their Coos & Colour art experience. If you prefer to soak up the art rather than make your own, head to Bundanon Art Museum, gallery and homestead for world-class contemporary art set amongst a stunning South Coast landscape. Retreat [caption id="attachment_1081432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Valley Outdoors[/caption] One of the best parts of a city escape is retreating into nature. Paddle the region's calm waterways in canoes with Valley Outdoors. If you really want to feel the serenity, book in for a half-day guided tour with Valley Outdoors Mindful Canoeing Nature Experience. You'll enjoy a mindful reset as your guides help you to connect with Shoalhaven's beautiful nature, including the Shoalhaven Gorge's pristine waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Your tour will involve a moderate level of activity while paddling, but there'll be ample time to pause and enjoy the moment throughout. Another outdoor activity is Shoalhaven's horse riding school. Saddle up for a scenic trail ride through bushland with Regal Riding School, where you can trot along a stretch of shoreline that's waiting to be discovered. In the evening, book a magical Jervis Bay Stargazing experience and lie under vast starry skies. Here, astronomers share stories of the cosmos as you pause and reconnect with nature. [caption id="attachment_1081433" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jervis Bay Stargazing[/caption] When it comes to local restorative spaces, Worrowing Estate's new wellness pavilion, Melaleuca, will help your mind to slow down through flowing movement. Here, you can practice yoga, pilates, sound healing, reiki and breathwork, all in a peaceful studio that overlooks farmland, bush and curious kangaroos. [caption id="attachment_1081434" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Life Centre, Bewong[/caption] If you're after something more indulgent for your Shoalhaven retreat, make a trip to Berry and visit Sol Organic Facialist. Focusing on Australian-made organic and natural products, facialist Alexandra has over 20 years of experience in her field and offers restorative luxe facials and treatments that include Reiki. In Bewong, Life Centre is your chance to switch off through hot and cold therapy. With saunas, ice baths, floatation tanks and breathwork sessions, you'll feel rejuvenated as soon as you set foot in the wellness space. If you're after something a bit more rigorous, Bowline Remedial Massage and Recovery combines evidence-based remedial massage with recovery-focused treatments to prevent injury, support rehabilitation, and your overall wellbeing. Renewal Renewing in Shoalhaven means connecting more deeply with place. There are First Nations–led experiences across the region that offer opportunities to learn directly from local Indigenous custodians. At Mirritya Mundya in Culburra Beach, guests can experience Indigenous food culture through native ingredients and storytelling. Dishes connect directly to Country for a dining experience built on thousands of years of knowledge. [caption id="attachment_1081437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mirritya Mundya[/caption] In nearby Nowra, Blak Cede Gunyah is a First Nations, women-led cafe and social enterprise that showcases bush foods and produce from the Kareela Ngura community garden. The menu highlights ingredients and knowledge passed down through generations, offering a meaningful way to experience local culture through food. Across the region, produce-driven experiences continue the theme. There are several fresh farmers' markets throughout Shoalhaven that showcase the area's strong connection between land, sea and plate. Enjoy fresh seafood from local producers like Jervis Bay Mussels and Jim Wild Oysters. For fruits, vegetables and artisan produce, make a trip to Milton Village Showground Market, visit the weekly Berry Farmer's Market, or enjoy the monthly Kangaroo Valley Farmer's Market that's located in the heart of town. No matter where you stay, you'll most likely be able to find a local farmers' market. Whether you're looking for an offline luxury bush retreat or a road trip through country towns and beaches, Shoalhaven is a destination designed for switching off. Build your Shoalhaven wellness itinerary here.
Tucked away just over the Anzac Bridge, you'll find one of the inner west's most tranquil spots: Balmain. The peninsula suburb is a leafy oasis with historic shopfronts, old trees and lots of couples with kids and pups. But, this area is anything but sleepy suburbia. Inside Balmain Village's renovated Victorian terraces you'll find a thriving community of local businesses who've won the hearts of residents and visitors alike. These are the kind of spots where you'll be greeted with a smile and chat, places to linger and browse at leisure without any frantic crowds. So whether you're looking for that very specific book or the perfect gift for a mate, Balmain is where you should make a beeline for. To help make your shopping adventure successful, we've teamed up with American Express to put together this list of local Balmain favourites. All of them are delightful in their own way — and you can shop small with on Darling Street with your Amex Card.
If any sandwich were to receive an Order of Australia medal, it would be the bacon and egg roll. Artfully combining everyone’s favourite breakfast combo (bacon and eggs) with everyone’s favourite carbohydrate vehicle (bread), this humble sandwich attracts widespread adoration. You can get one for a few coins at a barbecue outside your local Bunnings or for the hefty fee of $16 at Bronte’s chef-hatted cafe Three Blue Ducks. Recently, the B&E has undergone several makeovers, acting as the battleground for cafe chefs to flex their breakfast sandwich muscle. During this road test we discovered rolls flirting with cafe foods of the moment like slaw, aioli, brioche and, of course, the vegetable steadily taking over the planet one green-smoothie-obsessed-young-professional at a time: kale. But no trendy food fad can fool The Bacon and Egg Roll Project. The blog — run by Concrete Playground reviewer Kara Jensen-Mackinnon and her colleague at The Roast Evan Williams — is dedicated to rigorous B&E taste testing in order to ultimately crown one bacon and egg roll to rule them all. Here’s a smorgasbord of their most telling B&E experiences so far. Three Blue Ducks The B&E at Three Blues Ducks is so goddamn delicious, I wouldn’t have cared if I walked away from that eating experience pregnant. The egg was glorious, with a yolk as runny as yolk can be without it being raw and gross. This B&E was packing two condiments: a pimento relish, which provided a satisfyingly saccharine note to combo alongside an herbed hollandaise. Said hollandaise coated the toasted bun with its herby goodness, and it’s slight lemon tang made it easier to forget I was fundamentally coating my bacon fat in liquid fat. My only beef, aside from the obscene price, was that the bacon was a little too thick. I’m not particularly fond of a thick slice of bacon, especially when it crosses into ham steak territory. At no point during my breakfast eating do I like being reminded that I’m eating the cooked muscle of a dead animal, and when a slice of bacon is too thick, that’s all I can think about it. In my opinion, bacon should never be thicker than an ant standing on all six legs. Rating: 7/10. Price: $16 143 Macpherson Street, Bronte Urban Bites Outside Newtown's Urban Bites cafe is a sign advertising a B&E special for just $5. “$5? I haven’t seen a B&E priced that low since a Saturday morning sports barbecue in the '90s,” I’ve thought many times when walking past the sign. After having this thought for perhaps the 15th time, I decided it may be worth forking out the fiver. Now, I don’t mind eating a cheap, basic bacon and egg roll. There’s no prerequisite for enjoyment that B&Es contain ‘housemade relish’ or be served on wooden boards. But there is one prerequisite for enjoyment: that the B&E is at least substantially bigger than my Macquarie University student card. As you can see by the side-by-side photo, the Urban Bites B&E failed this test. Also, if that photo doesn’t tell enough of a story, you should know that I consumed the entire B&E in just four bites. (Those were normal-size bites, not hot dog eating contest bites.) On the plus side, the bacon and the roll were passable. If size isn’t a factor, and you like your B&E’s with a pile of rocket next to them, then perhaps it’s worth a try? For the rest of you, not recommended. Rating: 3/10 Price: $5 72 King Street, Newtown Three Williams Three Williams in Redfern, with its polished wood, exposed copper pipes and expensive lighting fixtures, is everything you want your future adult loft apartment to be and more. This particular B&E is comprised of bacon, chilli egg and the curious additions of pickled slaw and ranch dressing, served on a toasted brioche bun. Now, the slaw was a major curve ball, there was a load of it on the roll, so the whole salt/sweet flavour balance of the B&E was off. I guess the real issue here is, I just don’t get slaw. I mean, it’s coleslaw right? At what point did we decide to universally drop the cole and start calling it slaw? Rating: 6/10 Price: $13 613a Elizabeth Street, Redfern The Pig & Pastry When a co-founder of the Bacon and Egg Roll Project visits a cafe that has ‘pig’ in its name, there’s going to be some high expectations. I had already placed an enormous burden on staff at Petersham’s The Pig & Pastry: this bacon better be the best goddam bacon to ever cross paths with my taste buds, or I’m writing a letter to the local council formally requesting your cafe remove ‘pig’ from its name. Fortunately, I won’t be sending that letter, as this bacon is indeed the best bacon to cross paths with my taste buds. To articulate the beauty of this cured meat through the limited form of human language is an unenviable task. It’s crispy to a fault, yet sufficiently succulent; it’s not overly fatty or oily, but neither is it immaculate and prissy. Essentially, this bacon is like a female CEO who is also successfully raising a family: it somehow manages to have it all. The rest of the package ain’t too shabby neither. A soft bap, grilled tomato and housemade tomato sauce all impress. The Pig & Pastry’s B&E is a triumph of the highest order. Merely reflecting on their bacon while writing this has sent me into a transcendent state I previously believed could only be achieved through years of strict Buddhist meditation. Rating: 9.5/10 Price: $9 1 Station Street, Petersham The Boathouse Balmoral The upside to the B&E at the Boathouse in Balmoral is that it’s served on a plank of polished wood outside in the sunshine on a deck suspended over the ocean. The downside is that you have to wait half an hour just for a table. I suggest heading to the Boathouse at least 40 minutes before you feel like you’re about to be hungry, otherwise you’ll risk causing a scene when you take bite out of someone’s face like that creepy dude who did all that bath salt. This B&E comes with a severe amount of B in varying degrees of crispiness coated with a sweet tomato relish encased in a toasted, perfectly chewy roll. My only real issue was the E. You see, my particular egg was overcooked and the yoke was too firm; jealousy washed over me as I noted at neighbouring tables, golden yokes were cascading over unsuspecting eater’s chins without eliciting so much as a grin. Rating: 8/10 Price: $12 2 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach The Wedge Espresso Wedge Espresso’s B&E breaks many bacon and egg roll rules. There’s ham instead of bacon, a panini instead of a roll, cheese and avocado, and, I’m told by the menu, an egg which has been “smashed”. Let’s start with the ham. To be fair, this isn’t the first time I’ve caught a cafe trying this. I’ve seen Cornersmith in Marrickville and Raglands in Redfern also attempt the ham-bacon switcheroo. When you’re achin’ for some bacon — as I so often am — it’s hard to consider it anything other than straight-up fraud. A ham scam, if you will. But on this occasion, I must admit I don’t feel swindled. Maybe that’s because there are a lot of extras packed into this B&E. The aioli, avocado, cheese, tomato and rocket remind me a lot of Bill Murray and Wes Anderson: together, they achieve greatness. And salt and pepper flakes and a dash of olive oil on top of the panini are a nice touch also. Sure, Wedge Espresso break some B&E rules, but they’re the rebellious student with so much darn charm you can accept the ham scams and egg smashing. Rating: 7/10 Price: $13 53/55 Glebe Point Road, Glebe Gather on the Green I’ll let you in on a secret; I used to think relish was weird. While out at breakfast I’d openly say things like, “So it’s like a sauce jam hybrid? No thanks.” Gather on the Green in Camperdown was where I had my very first bacon and egg roll with relish experience, and it’s a moment I won’t soon forget. Which is why I consider the Gather on the Green bacon and egg roll with relish one of the best B&Es in the inner west. It boasts perfectly runny egg, super satisfying bacon and the perfect chewy roll. And not only that, this B&E taught me three valuable lessons: to try new things, that a sauce jam hybrid isn’t so weird, and that relish far surpasses any other sauce option on a bacon and egg roll, because (1) It makes you feel like a baller, and (2) It brings necessary sweet tang to the B&E combo. Rating: 9/10 Price: $6.50 15 Fowler Street, Camperdown Runcible Spoon There’s lots of things in life I’m not sure about: android operating systems, jazz-fusion, Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York. But occasionally, there is something in life I’m sure about, and at the moment I’m sure that Runcible Spoon’s bacon and egg roll is one of the best in Sydney. With seriously charred bacon, a perfectly runny egg and sourdough of that not-too-soft, not-too-chewy, just-right-consistency, the RS B&E is kicking goals all over the park. The only bone I can pick is that it’s not exactly structurally sound. Throughout consumption I could practically hear the B&E screaming, “it’s not going to hold!” as its delicious contents began spilling outside of the confines of the roll. So be prepared, by brekkie’s end, your plate is going to be scattered with various bacon and egg rubble. But good news, there’s another thing in life I’m sure about: bacon and egg rubble is the best kind of rubble to have to clean up. Rating: 8.5/10 Price: $8 27 Barr Street, Camperdown The Butchers Cafe Any place that shares a common wall with a bacon depository is a place where I want to eat bacon. The Butchers cafe is located a pork chop’s throw away from an actual butcher packed with meats so glorious that I can only imagine they are a constant feature in local dogs’ wet dreams. Now, this B&E is wonderfully old fashioned; there are no brioche buns in sight, just the most basic of ingredients cooked to perfection. The bacon, sourced next door, is impossibly thin, and as I’ve established in previous posts, I run on a platform of thin rashers. How glorious it would be to live in a world where all bacon rashers were so thin they were semi-transparent? As for the other B&E components: the egg was perfectly cooked and runny and the roll had superior chew factor, the only downside was the complete lack of sauce. Rating: 8/10 Price: $6.60 152 Sydney Road, Fairlight In the Annex "Kale and Egg Roll $8.50 + Bacon: $2.50", reads In the Annex’s menu. My mouth becomes dry; cold sweats begin to surface. Kale as the main ingredient and bacon as an extra? That’s the equivalent of Hoyts showing the movie 'Robin' and making people pay extra if they want it to include Batman. But, as I eat this Forest Lodge cafe’s B&E (or K&B&E), I find I’m very quickly also eating my words. The kale, which I assumed would be awkwardly hanging around outside the bacon and egg friend circle, actually fits in and gets along with everyone. And the bacon, being a particularly crispy number, is easily worth the extra coin. The glue holding the whole thing together is a combination of two condiments: aioli and chilli relish. When mixed during consumption, they create an intriguing lava-esque colour. Each bite feels a bit like a volcanic eruption, and my fingers decide to make like Pompeii circa 79 AD and get deliciously buried in the stuff. I leave In the Annex stunned. Two miracles took place: I enjoyed kale, and wasn’t annoyed about having to pay extra for bacon. It won’t be long till I’m back eating this B&E — and my words — again. Rating: 7.5/10 Price: $11 35 Ross Street, Forest Lodge By Kara Jensen-Mackinnon and Evan Williams.
Whether you're a lifelong Queenslander or heading north to escape the oncoming cooler months, Mooloolaba has a soon-to-open new address that might encourage you to soak up the Sunshine Coast sooner rather than later. Opening the doors in May 2026, the Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is one of the most anticipated new arrivals to hit the beachfront. In large part, that's because it's the first full-service internationally branded hotel to launch regionally in more than four decades. So, if you're keen to experience what might be the most contemporary hotel on the coast — it will certainly have the freshest coat of paint — you're invited to make a booking ahead of the official opening date on Monday, May 11. Bringing an up-to-date appeal to Mooloolaba's stunning shores, the new property rises to 12 storeys, making for some impressive views from its position at the intersection of the ocean and the esplanade. All told, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel will feature 180 rooms and suites, with each designed to reflect the region's coastal character. Don't stress — you won't find any tired seashell decor. Instead, the newly revealed rooms are light-filled and layered with urbane textures and materials that still capture that evocative coastal palette. Ranging from 27 to 45 square metres, there are interconnected options for families and group stays, so you can organise that annual holiday knowing there's space for everyone. What's more, the dining amenities are no second thought, featuring a selection of sophisticated options. The standout, Sully's Rooftop, offers a soaring perch for dining, with a focus on modern Australian cuisine that combines seasonal produce and local seafood to celebrate the Sunshine Coast's makers, producers and growers. Also on the 12th floor, a rooftop pool offers 180-degree views, spanning Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright and the coastline beyond. No doubt the spot to spend a lazy afternoon on your next getaway. Meanwhile, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel will also include a street-level lobby bar primed for morning coffee and evening cocktails, as well as a fitness studio and in-room wellbeing programming. Then, following the launch, guests can expect First Avenue Cellar & Bar to open, rounding out a brand-new way to experience the Mooloolaba coastline. Bookings are now open for Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, which is expected to launch on Monday, May 11. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
This pokies-free Marrickville boozer received a good spit and polish back in 2013, turning it into a fabulous family-friendly pub and boutique bottle shop. The front bar retains a lot of the historic pub's old school charm — complete with a billiards table, dart board and teles showing rugby, footy and cricket matches year-round. In contrast to this somewhat rougher-around-the-edges space, the back dining room got a bit more of a glow up — showcasing the original art deco features. If you're looking for casual eats, get into some of the six burger options or share a few of the beloved roti tacos. Alternatively, have some finer gastropub fare by ordering the crispy skin barramundi, roast lamb shoulder or pumpkin and ricotta arancini served with a zesty green goddess sauce. This pub grub can also be enjoyed in the sun-soaked beer garden or ordered to take away. And if you're bringing the kids to the Henson Park Hotel, be sure to drop them off in the arcade room. Play some pinball on vintage machines, sit down and race cars or shoot some bad guys within this wing of the pub that would have previously been a pokies hot spot. At The Henson, You can also pop down to grab some booze on the go. The bottleshop is home to a huge selection of craft beers (local and international), a rotating list of minimal intervention wines and some jam jar cocktails. Plus, if you can't find your fave brew in the fridges, the team will happily sell you a jar of your favourite tap beer from the main bar. Images: Alana Dimou Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
As a kid, your idea of the perfect getaway probably would have included only a few simple things, like proximity to the closest milk bar and easy access to the nearest beach or lake. But as you've matured, so have your tastes and expectations. Now you want only the best, don't you? Luckily, Australia has no shortage of lavish retreats to discover in every corner of the country. From safari-style glamping along Western Australia's vibrant Ningaloo Reef to a rugged private island off the Tasmanian coast, there are ways you can seriously treat yourself — and see some of Australia's most stunning scenes at the same time. With that in mind, we've hunted down seven luxury locations that will have you refreshed and rejuvenated. Everyone deserves a little five-star escape every now and then. [caption id="attachment_720489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] SAL SALIS NINGALOO REEF SAFARI CAMP, WA Hidden between sand dunes in the Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis is a beachside eco safari camp like no other. The 15 luxury wilderness tents take glamping to a whole new level, with breezy openair bathrooms, handmade timber beds and absolutely unbeatable views of the Indian Ocean, which is conveniently located only a few steps away from your sleeping quarters. There are outdoor activities aplenty, though swimming with whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins would certainly be at the top of our list. The main lodge also offers the perfect place to unwind with fantastic regional wines, WA seafood, and a rustic wooden outdoor deck that offers the ultimate vantage point to see the Milky Way in all its glory. Ningaloo Reef is one of our top places to visit in Australia in 2023, and Sal Salis would have to be the greatest place to stay in the region. THE CAPE AT WATEGOS, BYRON BAY If you're after a laidback luxury stay with uninterrupted sea views, then these Byron Bay lodges should more than do the trick. The Cape at Wategos sits above the area's much-loved Wategos Beach (backed by a national park) and is super close to a bunch of great restaurants and bars. It has the ideal blend of feeling totally remote but still close to Byron Bay's fun stuff. Choose from one of the two-bedroom suites — each with massive private decks overlooking the beach — or go for the large Residence that sleeps up to six guests. Expect stark white interiors, Hampton-style furnishings, spacious kitchens and living areas, an infinity swimming pool and comfy king-sized beds. Either spend all your days up at the lodges or take a short walk down for afternoons of swimming and surfing with mates. LONGITUDE 131, YULARA, NT No matter where you're standing, the mammoth form of Uluru is always an incredible sight to behold. But some vantage points are better than others — and if we had to pick, we'd say Longitude 131 has the best. Luxury tents (if you can even call them that) sprawl across the red desert in the shadow of the ancient Kata Tjuṯa. Every one comes with indulgent elements like floor-to-ceiling windows, a soft daybed, a rain shower and a coffee machine — not to mention the free-standing tub in the sprawling Dune Pavilion that we would definitely try to take home with us if it was remotely possible. The best part? There are no televisions and no radios, so you'll be in complete quiet and solitude. It is clear to see why it's one of the best glamping spots in all of Australia. [caption id="attachment_557208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elise Hassey[/caption] SATELLITE ISLAND, TASMANIA If you've ever read Journey to the End of the Earth and thought 'that sounds like fun' then you're going to love Satellite Island. Lined with rugged cliffs that dip into clear blue waters and teeming with native wildlife, the 34-hectare landmass is located along the southeastern coast of Tasmania in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and is only accessible by private boat. Whether you're catching your own fish off of the island's single jetty, foraging for ingredients in the veggie patch or learning how to shuck your own oysters, you'll probably try to set up a makeshift cabin so you never have to leave this tranquil paradise. PS EMMYLOU, MURRAY RIVER According to the PS Emmylou team, this is the world's only accommodated woodfire paddle steamer. You'll slowly float along the Murray River in this newly kitted-out boat, stopping off at small towns and natural sites to do some light exploring. Grab one of the eight luxe cabins, dine on the back of the boat (with food and drinks included in the ticket price) and take part in a series of tours around the Murray River region. This will include leisurely hikes, winery tours and special dinners on the banks of the river. But the best thing to do is simply grab a seat on your balcony — if you get the luxury suite — and spend the day reading and drinking in the sunshine. It has to be the best way to see this marvellous part of Australia. JACKALOPE, MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VICTORIA Situated in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula wine region, Jackalope Hotel has raised the bar for luxury retreats in the area. The first thing that greets you on arrival is a grandiose seven-metre-tall sculpture of a jackalope — the mythical horned rabbit after which the surrealist hotel is named — and things only get more extravagant from there. From the 30-metre-long infinity pool with lush vineyard views to the hotel's extensive art collection, opulent spa and two top-quality restaurants, you won't have to leave the grounds if you don't want to. [caption id="attachment_720481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Aitchison and Baille Lodge via Destination NSW[/caption] CAPELLA LODGE, LORD HOWE ISLAND Operating for over a decade now, Capella Lodge is one of Australia's most well-known hotels — and, thanks to a cheeky $4 million makeover a few years ago, it's also one of the country's most lavish. Visitors are treated to inspiring views of the island's twin peaks, Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, as well as the world's southernmost coral reef in the Pacific Ocean. The beach is only a stone's throw away when you feel like a swim, though the plunge pool is just as refreshing. Plus, you can do this epic hike and then head straight to the spa for a hot stone massage that'll have you feeling stress-free for weeks. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top image: Longitude 131.
We're off the see The Wizard again: in not one but two movies, the first arriving in cinemas in November 2024 and the second in 2025, the wonderful world of Oz is returning to screens. It took a mere two years for L Frank Baum's 1900-published book to reach the theatre, with the debut film version following almost four decades later. Now, 85 years have passed since The Wizard of Oz initially entranced cinemas. Its latest big-screen comeback owes debts to both the page and the stage, but beyond the novel that started it all. Wicked first enchanted in print in 1995, when author Gregory Maguire conjured up an alternative Oz-set tale. Since 2003, it has worked its magic as a Tony-winning Broadway musical, before it too makes the eagerly anticipated leap to picture palaces. The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the novel's subtitle, explains Wicked's focus. Whether reading the book, seeing the play or watching the upcoming two features, audiences are whisked into origin-story territory — not only for the green-skinned Elphaba but for Glinda. At the Land of Oz's Shiz University, the pair meet and, despite their differences, cement a friendship. Even before they cross paths with The Wizard, everyone who has ever seen Judy Garland follow the yellow brick road with the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man knows Elphaba and Glinda's destinies. Giving Wicked the movie treatment: a wide-ranging cast and crew led by director Jon M Chu, with the Crazy Rich Asians filmmaker making his second and third stage-to-screen musicals in succession following In the Heights. On-screen, he's enlisted Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo (Pinocchio) as the misunderstood Elphaba, Ariana Grande (Don't Look Up) as Glinda and none other than Jeff Goldblum (Kaos) as The Wizard, plus Michelle Yeoh (A Haunting in Venice), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and more. Off-screen, a six-time Oscar-nominee — five of them for Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) films — also couldn't be more pivotal. When Academy Award recognition comes your way for art direction on The Prestige and The Dark Knight, then for production design on Interstellar, Dunkirk and Tenet — and for Damien Chazelle's First Man as well — jumping to Oz on Wicked's two parts might seem like a massive change. But English production designer Nathan Crowley is interested in world-building first and foremost, and has been ever since his first screen credit on as a junior set designer on 1991's Hook. Also on his resume recently: The Greatest Showman and Wonka. And, he's a veteran of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Braveheart, Mission: Impossible II, Escape From LA, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight Rises, John Carter and the Westworld TV series as well. When you're taking a well-trodden path thanks to multiple books, the Wizard of Oz movie that's been beloved for generations, blockbuster stage musicals, and everything from The Wiz to Oz: The Great and Powerful, you're embarking on an enormous task. That isn't lost on Crowley, he tells Concrete Playground, although the full scope dawned on him slowly. Not only does he need to bring Oz to life beyond the painted backdrops of the Garland-starring film, but he has the job of creating Shiz University — not to mention a field filled with nine-million tulips as part of Munchkinland and a throne room featuring a mechanical version of Goldblum's head, plus various forms of transport, such as by rail, river and air. Ahead of the first Wicked film's release in cinemas — including premiering at Sydney's State Theatre on Sunday, November 3, with Erivo, Grande, Goldblum, Bailey, fellow stars Marissa Bode (a screen debutant) and Ethan Slater (The Marvellous Mrs Maisel), plus director Chu, all in attendance — we also chatted with Crowley about those nine-million flowers, the joy of practical effects, aiming to get audiences to fall into a fantastical world, what he makes of his career so far and more. On How Planting a Field of Nine-Million Tulips in Norfolk Is Symbolic of the Scale of the Task of Bringing Wicked to the Screen "It was the first major challenge for me. My thing is, I love doing things practically because there's a colossal joy to it. So one of the first challenges was: what do all the munchkins do? I need something for them to do in their village. Okay, they're flower farmers and they use the dyes to make colours, because they're colourful people. And so each house, that allowed me lots of scope with the colours of the buildings. So then it was like — and I think it must have been Jon — 'well, what if it's the colours of the rainbow?'. Which is a massive thing. So then what goes in strips of colour? Tulips? You grow tulips in strips of colour. So that's kind of where 'oh we need tulips'. And then it was like 'well, let's grow them'. It was myself and the location manager Adam [Richards, Wonka], who I've worked with many times before. It like 'where can we grow tulips? We can go up to Norfolk'. He found a tulip farmer and was like 'let's go up there and see if we can grow'. I'm going quickly, but there's lots of between. I planted 500 acres of corn in Interstellar in Canada. So I've been a farmer before and I knew if could find the right farmer — and with Adam's help, because ultimately it was crown property; I needed it to be without trees, because in Oz trees are circular. I needed it to be a perfectly large sky, a tulip sky. So we found Mark the farmer, who's just simply brilliant, and he got us our bulbs. Then I had to go back to the production and explain: 'we have a field, we have permission from crown properties to plant, you need to write a check for tulips. You've got to get them from Holland. And we've got to get them in the ground quickly before it freezes'. When you're a flower farmer, you've got to get the bulbs in the ground. And so there's a lot of umming and aahing, and it was difficult, but I think it set the pace of what we were trying to achieve. And Jon, and Donna Langley from Universal, was very into it. She was like 'I love it. Let's do it'. We planted them and we got to know the farmer. He was into it, and we got the colours — and it was just a great life experience. You need to step out of your department occasionally and get into the real world. So, practical filmmaking. So that started it off, and then of course, it snowballs. But they all grew, they all worked. It was brilliant." On Valuing Practical Effects in Age Where CGI Is Everywhere in Visual Effects — and Combining the Two "That [CGI] is very powerful tool now. But you have many tools. We have 120 years of filmmaking experience. My thing is if we can make it enough for real, and light it and get real photography, we can tell visual effects what it should look like and their job becomes symbiotic with ours — and we become one rather than working as a line. So I always feel the balance is essential and we can do it. I guess it's so obvious to me that you build as much as you can until you can't foe whatever reasons: landscape, weather, money, time. So you have to balance it — and then if you balance it, and this really goes back to the audience in the cinema, can you not make them not notice how you did it? Can you do a film, especially a fancy film, where they don't pay attention, they're into the film, they're not paying attention, nothing bounces them out, so you fall into the film? Ever since I was little, when I go to the cinema, I want to fall into the telling of the story. And so I believe that we almost have to go quietly — and to do that, I strongly believe you have to do it practically, because if you suddenly cut to visual effects, I think audiences know that. The emotion is taken away from the audience. It flattens it. So if you can make it seamless, I don't want the audience to notice. Because then you're just in it and you're into the emotion of it." On the Massive the Scope in Not Just Bringing One of the 21st Century's Biggest Stage Musicals to the Screen, But Reimagining Much That's Crucial to The Wizard of Oz "I guess I was a little naive about how big Wicked, the stage show, was. I had three daughters who had grown up and they were like 'what, oh my god!'. And The Wizard of Oz, to me, they sit side by side. What was brilliant is that Wicked is the alternative story to The Wizard of Oz — so together, what a piece of cinema. The realisation I had to recreate Oz kind of slowly dawned on me. And that was like 'oh'. It was like 'Jesus, we've got to remake, we've got to figure out Emerald City'. And Emerald City was just a painting on a backdrop, and everyone's childhood, everyone's reimagined what that is — it's very clever. Everyone's filled in all the blanks of what they didn't show you. So we're going to tread on people's nostalgia for Emerald City — and how do we do that? And then you've got the Wicked fans, there's little things that they want in the film, Shiz details, and it's very important. But luckily we had Marc Platt [the film's producer, and also the stage musical's], who's all things Wicked. So he was my constant guide to Wicked. And then Wizard of Oz was just making sure I didn't hurt and I enlarged people's opinion of what Oz is, rather than shrunk it. So, it was a massive challenge. The biggest challenges, the two films in my career that sit as giant design challenges: Wicked and Interstellar. And they both hurt your head. It's not a physical thing, it's like they hurt your design brain. On How the Wicked Set Became the Most Complex of Crowley's Career So Far "First of all, it was the design, because Shiz, there's so many versions of Shiz — the school, Hogwarts, Cambridge, there's all these perceived ideas. So, one, you have to find a design. And secondly, I realised that the first day of school when everyone comes in, we've got no horse and carriages because the animals aren't enslaved. We've got no trains because they belong to The Wizard, and we have to introduce them later. We can't come by airship, because the balloon belongs to The Wizard. There's no cars. So how do you get anywhere in Oz? And then it was like 'oh, we go by a river' — which is a tradition. Of course we go by river. But what that means is the set, we have to build a giant water tank for the set so we can row the boat into the Shiz courtyard. And of course I like everything practically, so it's like 'we've got to build a giant water tank that takes seven days to fill'. And that was a challenge because, if you know about practical filmmaking, there's never been a tank that didn't leak. So you have a servicing problem with it. Every tank always leaks. Then Shiz for me was about finding architecture. The Wizard of Oz is an American fairy tale, so I need Americana, so White City of Chicago, 1893 World's Exposition, those giant Burnham and Root arches. I need to put some Americana in it. I need to put the scale of America in it. But then I need the nostalgia of every great ancient educational facility. So I need you to, when you walk into to Shiz, you feel this sort of ancient learning vibe. I need to take architecture from all over the world and change the materials of it, and try to blend it — from onion domes to Venice staircases. So I was really trying to make it fantastical, but familiar. So when you watch it, you'll see something that's kind of familiar to you. And if you've been a tourist in in Italy, you'll feel it a bit — or if you've been to Spain, to the Alhambra, you'll feel it a bit. Or maybe a little bit of Melbourne. Not much Georgian architecture, I'm afraid. On the Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity of Building a Throne Room Around a Mechanical Version of Jeff Goldblum's Head "It was so exciting. Every film has influenced the last one. So back on The Prestige — and really Bram Stoker's Dracula, we did automatons and mechanics, and we had to puppeteer the head and get expressions. So the joy of realising we had, one, a phenomenal special effects scene. Who could do that? And puppeteer it? And then secondly, okay, we've got the head, and if we could come through the curtain and say 'I am Oz' and put an eye through it, that's exciting. But then you think, 'well, what about the curtain?'. And so we came up with all these string curtains, it's almost like an art installation. We sat there for a very long time with drapers and mechanical people. We'd sit there at the end of the day and try all different things. And we had Joss [Carter, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom], the puppeteer, who was just brilliant. It comes down to just trying something, developing it and and being with the right people. And it's people — you're with all these people, and they're all creative, and the fun out of it is remarkable." On What Crowley Makes of His Career Three-Decade-Plus Career in Cinema So Far — and What Gets Him Excited About a New Project "I think when I look back, I just think 'wow, I got a bit lucky with the people I met'. There's a huge part of luck in if you happen to bump into the right people when you're younger. It's just like if you turn left at a certain time. So I look back at it and wonder 'how did all that happen?'. And I just like to get excited. So what does that mean now? Still to this day, I remember walking on to the old MGM lot for my first day at Hook and there was a ship on stage 27. They built a water tank. There was a ship in it, the Hook ship. It was giant, and it was just like 'this is incredible'. [caption id="attachment_614251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Interstellar[/caption] So I'm really just looking to world-build. Films like Wonka and Wicked opened those doors — things I've not done before. I wouldn't have said, I couldn't have said to you that I would end up making lots of musicals. To me, that wasn't even in my mind when we were doing Interstellar. 'I do lots of musicals? You're going to do four musicals?' I couldn't imagine that, but they've been some of the most-interesting design jobs I've ever had. So definitely new experiences, new journeys. You've got to keep yourself interested, you especially as you get older." Wicked releases in Australian cinemas on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with limited previews on Wednesday, November 20 — and tickets for the latter on sale now.
Australia may be out of the World Cup, but that doesn't mean you need to be. Futbol gives way to foosball over at The Rocks between now and September 20. As part of a live art installation titled Arena Calcetto (which means 'arena for little football'), six 10m-high towers will each encase a publicly accessible foosball table. Created by non-profit Sydney collective Archrival, the work is the result of collaboration between more than 100 designers from ten countries around the world. Every member of every foosball team is a unique, custom-made creation, while the wooden towers are inspired by Venetian sailing boats. Originally made for the Australian Pavilion at the 13th Venice International Architecture Biennale, the work had a stint at Paddington's Reservoir Gardens during last year's Art & About. But with the World Cup on, this seems like the installation's true time to shine. “With its laneways and historic buildings, The Rocks is a great setting for Arena Calcetto's extraordinary timber towers and their hidden foosball tables,” Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority CEO Catherine Gallagher said. "This fantastic installation will transform observers into contestants as they discover the custom-made tables hidden within the sculptures."
Following a two-year hiatus including a devastating last-minute cancellation in 2021, Vivid Sydney is finally back with all of its music, lights, talks and parties from Friday, May 27. To celebrate the return of the festival, beloved Sydney dumpling chain Din Tai Fung is bringing the vibrant colours of Vivid and incorporating them into their eats, with a set of rainbow dumplings (or 'rainbao'). Visitors to Din Tai Fung can enjoy a set of five colourful dumplings, with each colour signifying a different filling. The five flavours set to be wrapped in red, orange, yellow, purple and green casings include sichuan mala, black truffle, crab meat with pork, chicken and vegetable. Each Din Tai Fung dumpling is made with precisely 4.8-5.2 grams of pastry, before they're filled and wrapped with exactly 18 folds. You can nab these vibrant dumplings at the Pitt Street, Martin Place or World Square locations before heading out to explore Vivid, but they'll also be available at all of Din Tai Fung's Sydney stores, as well as via home delivery.
If your love language is a perfectly textured flat white, clear your calendar. The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) is back in 2026, and it's brewing up its biggest year yet. From Thursday, March 26, until Saturday, March 28, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will transform into a caffeinated haven. As the Asia Pacific's largest dedicated coffee event, MICE draws over 11,000 attendees from around the world, bringing together cafe owners, roasters, coffee innovators, and everyday caffeine devotees under one roof. This year, MILKLAB (AKA, the milk used by baristas) is a Platinum Sponsor. The brand is offering attendees a high-energy program that's packed with competitions, bean tastings, and daily DJ sets to keep you going. Here's what's happening at MICE this year. The Roaster Royale Finals Kicking off on Thursday, March 26 from 2–4pm, the MILKLAB Roaster Royale Finals will crown Australia's best blend, but with a twist. Aussie roasters have been tasked with developing the ultimate coffee blend using supplied green beans from InterAmerican Coffee, to pair with MILKLAB's Oat milk. The top contenders will go head-to-head at MICE, where a champion and runner-up will be announced. Attendees can also sample the top five blends and cast their vote for the MICE Favourite, giving coffee lovers a direct say in who takes home bragging rights and $1,000. National Barista Battle On Friday, March 27, from 2–4pm, the stakes rise with the MILKLAB National Barista Battle. Australia's best baristas will compete for the 2026 title in a high-stakes battle of the pour. Then on Saturday, March 28, from 2–4pm, the newly crowned national champion will return to the stage for the MILKLAB International Barista Battle, facing off against leading baristas from around the world. Attendees can expect high-pressure pours, technical precision, and some serious latte art theatre as global talent battles it out in front of a live MICE crowd. It's your chance to witness world-class coffee techniques up close and personal and take home a little art inspiration. Sensations Booth Beyond the competitions, the MILKLAB Sensations booth will be serving its signature drinks to attendees throughout the expo. Each year, MILKLAB curates a season-defining drop of drinks designed to satisfy your tastebuds (and Instagram story aesthetics). This year's range has been developed with specialty coffee roasters Golden Brown Coffee and includes a Glazed Doughnut Iced Latte and a Mango Matcha, among other delicious coffee creations. Swing by the booth at MICE to sample the signature drinks and see why MILKLAB has cemented its place as a premium favourite among baristas and specialty cafes nationwide. DJs to Keep the Energy High MICE may be an industry-focused event, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. A live DJ will be spinning daily sets at the MILKLAB booth to soundtrack your coffee-sipping and barista-battles throughout the weekend. Across the wider expo floor, attendees can explore cutting-edge equipment, discover emerging coffee roasters, and gain insights from industry leaders who are shaping the future of specialty coffee in Australia and beyond. All in Australia's favourite coffee city, Melbourne. Whether you're in the trade or are just chasing your next favourite cup, MICE 2026 promises three days of competition, collaboration, and of course, seriously good coffee. Purchase your tickets to MICE now. Image credit: Supplied
This aptly-named small bar is brimming with more than its fair share of goodness. It's not just one busy room, but is cleverly composed of an assortment of nooks. A private table at the front, stools along the wall, hidden under the stairs, the upstairs 'lounge' room or in the upstairs courtyard: take your pick. The cocktails (all $16) have continued to be the main draw card here since opening back in 2011. For a refreshing drop, go for the Funky Cold Medina (white rum, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, mint and lime juice). Or, if you're looking for something with a kick, it has to be the Mezcal and Smoked Maple Old Fashioned (tequila, LP's smoked maple, mezcal, bitters and dried chilli). The best part is you can get any on the list for a tenner during happy hour Monday through Thursday 5–7pm. And this is a happy hour we frequent. For the peckish, the share food menu has plenty on offer, including crispy polenta bites ($12) and a dip platter ($14) for smalls, plus pizzas ($10) and burgers ($12) for the hangry — with both veg and meat options. If you're the indecisive sort, the Corridor board ($22) comes with a little bit of everything, including arancini, Mediterranean meatballs, grilled halloumi and garlic bread. Order at the bar and grab a much coveted rooftop spot before the tables fills up. If you're too slow, we're pretty sure you'll decide to get stuck in downstairs anyway. Corridor is too good to miss out on. Images: Trent van der Jagt
The year feels like it's flying by, with the Easter holidays already upon us. While you might have plans for the long weekend, you could also lock in an adventure a little further away, with Scoot's latest sale helping you escape the oncoming cold months Running from Tuesday, March 31–Sunday, April 5, Gotta Scoot Tuesday is stacked with highlights. And with the price of fuel seemingly going up and up, it might just be cheaper to head to the airport rather than getting in the car anytime soon. If Thailand is calling your name, there are discount fares to help you reach your destination. Flying from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, you can head to Phuket via Singapore for $178–$245. However, you might swap the Andaman Sea for the Gulf of Thailand, with flights to Koh Samui via Singapore departing Perth, Melbourne and Sydney for $250, $300 and $315, respectively. Here, island hopping is made easy, especially with nearby hotspots like Koh Tao. If Vietnam still needs to be checked off your travel bucket list — or if another visit is overdue — Scoot is departing from Perth for Ho Chi Minh City via Singapore for $182, from Sydney for $230 and from Melbourne for $240. Although there are hundreds more flights to explore, one last highlight is Denpasar via Singapore. Whether you're Bali-bound or headed to one of 17,000 or so other Indonesian islands, departures from Melbourne start at $245, while Sydney flights start from $250. Travel dates span various periods from April 13, 2026–March 26, 2027, with the sale ending on Sunday, April 5 at 11.59pm. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Sydney and Brisbane have a new player in the boutique hotel scene with the launch of Ode Hotels — a curated collection of unique properties created by EVT Hotels & Resorts in collaboration with Invictus Developments. The new brand includes three iconic hotels: the stylish, pooch-friendly The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale, Sydney, cityside mainstay Harbour Rocks Hotel in The Rocks, Sydney and the singularly chic The Inchcolm in Spring Hill, Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_975684" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old Clare Hotel[/caption] Each of these heritage-rich properties has been thoughtfully designed to blend history with contemporary luxury, reflecting Ode Hotels' ethos of authenticity and charm. The Old Clare Hotel, a former brewery turned cultural hotspot, offers a distinct architectural experience in the heart of industrial suburb Chippendale — and boasts numerous eateries and bars, including Longshore, TOCH bar, Clare Bar and The Rooftop pool bar. The Harbour Rocks Hotel brings a modern twist to Sydney's historical district of The Rocks while also showcasing an international bend with its on-site restaurants and bar, including Tayim, Creperie Suzette and Eric's Bar and Garden Terrace. The Inchcolm in Brisbane showcases neo-Georgian design, with thoughtful nods to its past as a physician's residence sprinkled throughout the hotel and its dark academia-designed on-site bar and restaurant. [caption id="attachment_975681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Inchcolm Hotel[/caption] "Ode Hotels brings together three exquisite properties, each with its own unique character, under a brand that celebrates authenticity and individuality," said Callum Kennedy, Group General Manager of EVT Hotels & Resorts. "These hotels are some of Australia's finest, and we're excited to share the Ode brand with travellers seeking something beyond the ordinary." The concept behind Ode Hotels is to elevate the boutique hotel experience in Australia, offering spaces rich in history while delivering modern, personalised hospitality. Plans don't stop with these three hotels, as the group has designs to expand its offerings in the coming years. [caption id="attachment_975678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harbour Rocks Hotel[/caption] For more information on Ode Hotels, head to the group's website or social media pages. Top Image: The Inchcolm
Theatres are already having a tough go of it in 2026, but this news twists the knife a little bit for Sydney's theatregoing community. Palace Cinemas has announced that after two decades of managing Paddington's historic Chauvel Cinema, the lease has concluded and the cinema will close for long-term renovations on Tuesday, January 27, as many predicted would both be inevitable and necessary. Said renovations, undertaken by the City of Sydney, are for the building as a whole, not just the cinema space, and while Sydney's inner east is losing a gem, the Palace team insists that this is a good thing. "The Chauvel has always been a meeting place for ideas, culture and community," said Palace Cinemas CEO Benjamin Zeccola. "While the lease conclusion and upcoming redevelopment of Paddington Town Hall mean we must say goodbye to this space, we do so with enormous pride in what the Chauvel represented and gratitude to the audiences who gave it life." Chauvel Cinema first opened in 1977, and Palace took over ownership of the space in 2006, one of three cinemas the independent chain owned and operated on Oxford Street. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the cinema was beginning to deteriorate to the point of swaying public opinions, which led to poor box office returns. Pair that with an ever-increasing cost of renovations (renovations that were first proposed back in 2015) and the building's fate was sealed. Palace may have left its Oxford Street territory behind, but Zeccola insists this isn't the end to their commitment to arthouse cinema in Sydney. "This is a farewell to a venue not to an ethos. Over the years, we put forward numerous proposals to address the ageing condition of the Chauvel and Paddington Town Hall and to invest in its future, but the constraints of leasing a public building meant that vision could not obtain council approval." "Nonetheless, the spirit of the Chauvel, its love of international cinema, festivals, and curating places for communities to share incredible experiences will continue at Palace Moore Park, and our other Sydney venues, Palace Central and Palace Norton Street." [caption id="attachment_1063750" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Palace Moore Park[/caption] Since opening in 2024, Palace Cinemas' Moore Park location has become the brand's flagship venue, combining cinema with the packed food and drink offering of the Entertainment Quarter. "Palace Moore Park allows us to honour the Chauvel's legacy while offering audiences a more accessible and comfortable experience," Zeccola said. "With four screens it gives us a place to celebrate cinema and share it with more people, the space to present more festivals, immersive events, and a broader range of films, all while maintaining the careful curation and hospitality our patrons expect." Chauvel Cinema Paddington will close on Tuesday, January 27. For more information on Palace Cinemas and its other locations in Sydney, visit the website. Images courtesy of Palace Cinemas
Australians love of big, ridiculous eyesores is well documented. We don't know whether it's something to do with our sense of humour or our love of the absurd, but somehow an oversized fibreglass banana made its way into our national iconography. People genuinely go there to stand in awe. (Disclaimer: I've been three times, but couldn't tell you why). Now, this trend is in danger of reaching tipping point. Is the humble, oily dim sim really worthy of a pedestal? Will it even be from South Melbourne Market? The suggestion to build a giant dim sim statue has been brought to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle this week by a group of RMIT students calling themselves The Dim Sim Salute. In their campaign material, they claim the dim sim is the "ultimate symbol of acceptance [because it's] developed by the Chinese, embraced by Australian's [sic] and manufactured by the Greeks." Here's the full confusing spiel (watch out for about halfway through when they infer people are unknowingly eating cats): Mr Doyle's response to the campaign has been underwhelming to say the least. "I respect the passion of these people but I really can't see this one going anywhere," he said before posting this kind of, weirdly, nearly discriminatory pro-meat pie sentiment on Twitter. I am a traditionalist: the meat pie trumps the dim sim in this town. And rightly has a monument. @RossAndJohn pic.twitter.com/qdFtfv2Q0l — Robert Doyle (@LordMayorMelb) September 2, 2014 The group are circulating a Change.org petition that currently has 99 of the necessary 2,000 supporters, but the outlook doesn't look great. Organisers are not even sure whether the commemorative dim sim should be steamed or fried. These are the tough questions, people. Do your civic duty and get involved. Via The Age. Photo credit: avlxyz via photopin cc.
SXSW returns to Sydney this October, with another stacked lineup of keynote speakers, thought leaders and visionary innovators ready to explore the bleeding edge of technology, cinema and music. So, with so much to see and do, you'll need a few handy spots where you can catch your breath between thrilling gaming exhibits, debrief about fascinating conference speakers and rest your feet before the next round of live music acts. SXSW will take over various venues around Chippendale, Ultimo, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, the CBD and Surry Hills for film screenings, conferences, gaming events, gigs and expos from Monday, October 14 to Sunday, October 20. There's no shortage of incredible diners in the SXSW precinct where you can refuel and recharge. So to help you navigate your options, we've put together this list of top places to eat for every budget, from cheap bites to baller blowouts.
This Potts Point florist has changed hands over the years, but it's never lost touch with its local customers — and that's because the team here keeps things simple, elegant and exquisitely wrapped. The store's signature blue wrapping paper means if you're receiving a surprise gift, you often know where your flowers have come from before you've read the label. Dropping into the art deco Macleay Street store is a sensory overload — there are masses of colourful tulips, roses and potted orchids, as well as a selection of scented candles and botanical soaps from Ayu and Church Farm respectively. [caption id="attachment_776133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] For those shy of the experience of ordering a bouquet in person, Poho's online store guides you through tonal suggestions and variable pricing, depending on how much you're looking to impress. Whether you opt for natives, a sculptural arrangement or a specific colour palette, you'll see the price vary from $85 for a small bunch to $320 for something lavish. When you're not limited by budget, there are add-ons like handmade chocolates from Kakawa and bottles of Bollinger. Whatever you choose, Ed West and his team will provide the highest quality service they've become known for since taking it over in 2015. Images: Cassandra Hannagan.
For the 29th time, the Mardi Gras Film Festival is back — and just like in 2021, that's great news for more than just cinema-going Sydneysiders. If you feel more comfortable watching from home during the current Omicron outbreak, attending a film festival isn't always accessible to you for health or work reasons or you're a fan of LGBTQIA+ movies located elsewhere in Australia, you'll also be able to enjoy this year's MGFF digitally as well. Yes, that means if you're in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or elsewhere across the country, you now have a feast of queer cinema coming your way. More titles are available at the fest's in-person event compared to its digital lineup, but more than half of the program will be screening online for those playing along at home and interstate. You'll want to watch from Thursday, February 17–Thursday, March 3, and highlights include horror film The Retreat, which combines a cabin-in-the-woods setup with planning a queer wedding; Cannes-selected Taiwanese drama Moneyboys; the relationship-focused Ma Belle, My Beauty, about a long-term couple living in a scenic villa in the south of France; and Estonia's Firebird, which charts a romance against the backdrop of the Cold War. There's also documentary Coming to You, following two mothers fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Korea; and As We Like It, an all-female version of Shakespeare's comedy As You Like It.
Melbourne has proved its love for fried chook will probably never die, with new chicken joints opening up all over town. But there's a new kid on the block you're going to want to take notice of and its name is Pelicana Chicken. A fresh face for Australia, but by no means a youngster, the brand is one of the original masters of Korean-style fried chicken, having launched in the country back in 1982. Currently, there are over 2000 Pelicana stores across South Korea, with another 1000 iterations taking the rest of the world by storm. And, now, the famed brand has landed Down Under, opening its flagship Aussie restaurant on Franklin Street in the CBD. Bringing some bold new flavours to the game, Pelicana's dishing up 11 different fried chicken varieties, from a wasabi and honey butter dusting to the signature sweet, savoury and spicy combination, called 'Pelicana Marinated'. All the chicken is marinated for 24 hours before it's cooked. You can grab a half or full chicken, in either boneless or bone-in pieces, slathered in your choice of coating. Adventurous diners might even be tempted to leave it all to fate, with the 'mystery sauce' option. Other menu favourites include fried chicken wraps, burgers, and a marinated chicken, chips and salad combo dubbed The Aussie Chop. A fiery kimchi soup and tteok-bokki — stir-fried Korean rice cakes — lean a little more traditional. Hold tight for Pelicana's booze list to launch (hopefully) in April and you'll be able to calm those spicier sauces with something a little stronger than kombucha and coconut grape juice. Think, buckets of imported Cass beer, Mountain Goat and Asahi on tap — and a tidy range of Korean soju, too. Find Pelicana Australia's flagship store at 163 Franklin Street, Melbourne. It's open from 11am–11pm daily.
Remember all those angry op-eds about postmodernism and curriculum reform that had people shouting about how the children were going to read cereal boxes? "But there is such a person as the author!" they would cry, and do that ironic thing where anyone trying to explain why they thought it was a good idea to have cultural literacies that embraced interpretation of day-to-day systems of meaning was super-pretentious. Anyway, sucks to be them right now because the State Library of NSW has just launched a show that is all about commerce and commercial communication. There is advertising and packaging, there are pictures of stores and examples of the things you could buy in them. Curator Margot Riley has designed On Sale! as an immersive experience, recreating shopping in Sydney from its early days to the present. Tracing goods from the docks to postage delivery, and shopping experiences from market stall to department store to luxury boutiques, this is an historical survey that gives visitors an insight into the technologies and economy of the periods it covers, as well as an understanding of fashions and values through time. It's like peeking into the grocery basket of the person in front of you, except educational! (And not rude.)
While the Mardi Gras Film Festival is returning with 166 LGBTQIA+-focused flicks for its blockbuster 30th edition, there's another film fest coming to Sydney as part of WorldPride. SWARM is a one-day fest showcasing queer filmmakers inspired by radical Black cinema. Pulling together a lineup of independent films to be shown under the stars, SWARM is taking over the Skyline Drive-In in Blacktown on Thursday, February 23. Head to Cricketers Arms Road from 7pm to catch what the festival describes as "a once-in-a-lifetime-immaculate-corpse-of-throat-grabbing-films". Among the filmmakers featured at the festival are trailblazing American director Cheryl Dunye (The Watermelon Woman), the Karrabing Film Collective, Tracey Moffatt (BeDevil) and local electronic musician e fishpool. The night at the drive-in will be accompanied by a screening and panel discussion at the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW). The free follow-up event will be popping up at the gallery on Sunday, February 26 and will feature three screenings as well as a discussion moderated by Jen and André of FBi Radio's Movies, Movies, Movies. You can book free tickets to the AGNSW event via the gallery's website. As for SWARM, tickets are $35 per car, $20 per car for anyone part of the queer community, free admission for First Nations attendees and $15 per person if you want to head along without a car and pull up a seat outside.
As Sydney's Little India, Harris Park in Parramatta is the city's go-to for truly authentic Indian fare. However, in recent years, the CBD's satellite suburbs have produced some of the most innovative Indian diners in town — the likes of Foreign Return and Don't Tell Aunty in Surry Hills, and the superb but sadly recently closed Raja in Potts Point. Among these pioneering contemporary curry houses is Madam Ji in Darlinghurst, which has taken over the storied spot on Burton Street once occupied by Pocket Bar — one of the original vanguard of small bars that flourished after NSW's licencing laws were amended in 2017. Offering a menu that mixes tried-and-true favourites alongside radical fusions, this colourful addition to Darlo's thriving dining scene is ready to welcome those in search of classics like butter chicken and biryani, as well as epicurean adventurers hungry for something surprising. Somewhat ironically, among those unexpected dishes are riffs on two of the most predictable starters you can find on countless menus across Sydney and beyond. Creamy burrata and its faithful sidekick, tomato, are enlivened by a fiery house-made tadka — a mix of fresh and dried chillies — while a ceviche of kingfish balances its citrus edge with the earthy spice of curry leaf oil. The restaurant's co-owners, who are also lifelong friends, were both born in India, but cut their teeth in the hospitality industry in top Sydney venues and hotels. While Executive Chef Rakshit Sondhi commands the kitchen, Maninder Singh, who studied at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Sydney before taking on senior roles with the Hilton group, looks after front-of-house operations. Adorning the walls of the dining room are portraits of Indian women wearing vibrant saris. Sondhi and Singh wanted their new venture to be "a celebration of empowerment and individuality, inspired by the resilience and freedom of women in Indian culture". Beyond these artworks, the restaurant's fitout — much like its menu — is a mix of traditional cues, such as dark-stained wood panelling and mosaic floors, and modern touches, most notably the bar's eye-popping pink neon sign. In addition to its evening dinner service, Madam Ji also offers a tasty addition to Sydney's increasingly diverse array of bottomless brunches. On Saturdays and Sundays from midday, guests can enjoy free-flowing house wines for $79 or bottomless cocktails for $99 per person for two hours. Soaking up those drinks is a multi-course feast with sides, including a starter of papadams served with signature dips and chutneys; the aforementioned tadka-spiked burrata; buttery, flakey parotta drizzled with chilli oil; and ribs of bhutta (a variant of white corn popular on the Indian subcontinent) served with sigdi chicken tikka. The main course stars Madam Ji's signature butter chicken with all the trimmings, including the all-important naan bread. Images: Katje Ford
Sydney has its fair share of karaoke spots, from the slew of neon-lit bars in the CBD to more off-the-beaten-track spots like The Pickled Possum in Neutral Bay and Sizzling Fillo in Lidcombe. One Sydney venue throwing its hat in the ring to host all of your sing-along dreams is The Little Guy in Glebe which has opened a tiny karaoke room out the back of the bar. Named Poppie's Karaoke, the room is the only spot in Glebe facilitating karaoke right now and can accommodate up to 15 patrons. The Little Guy is calling it Sydney's "littlest" karaoke bar, playing on the venue's name (although it's hard to compete with some of the truly tiny spots throughout the city like El Primo Sanchez's two-person room). [caption id="attachment_653352" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Little Guy, Kitti Smallbone[/caption] One thing that sets these sing-alongs apart from pretty much any other microphone-wielding Sydney joint is that you can enjoy the beloved bar's drinks list while you're rocking out. In place of the vodka sunrises and Heinekens of a classic karaoke bar, you'll find everything from craft beers, martinis and Doom Juice natty wines through to guava Cruisers and Moet. There's also a special Poppie's Punch available on the menu, bringing real house party energy to the room, as well as free popcorn to snack on between ballads, LED lighting, a laser machine and all of the classic tracks you could want. "We've got good tunes, a beautiful beer garden right on our doorstep, a pool room upstairs, great drinks and free popcorn. What else can you add to that? Karaoke. That's what you can add to that," says Dynn Szmulewicz, owner of The Little Guy, Sunshine Inn and Enmore Country Club. The room can be booked from 3–11pm Tuesday–Saturday and 3–10pm on Sundays and costs $10 per person for 50 minutes of karaoke. You can book online or if you're heading into The Little Guy for a drink, you can try your luck nabbing the room without a reservation. There's also an option to book the room for an entire night (seven hours) if you've got a birthday or function. Poppie's Karaoke is now open at The Little Guy, 87 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. For more information head over to the Poppie's Karaoke Instagram. Images: Angus Bell Young
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. ETERNALS It's the only Marvel movie by an Oscar-winning director. Focusing on a superhero squad isn't new, even if everyone here is a Marvel Cinematic Universe newcomer, but it's the lone instalment in the franchise that's about a team led by women of colour. It's home to the MCU's only caped crusader who is deaf, and its first openly gay superhero — and it doesn't just mention his sexuality, but also shows his relationship. It happens to be the first Marvel flick with a sex scene, too. Eternals is also the only film in the hefty saga with a title describing how long the series will probably continue. And, it's the sole MCU entry that features two ex-Game of Thrones stars — Kit Harington and Richard Madden, two of the show's Winterfell-dwelling brothers — and tasks them both with loving a woman called Sersi. (The name isn't spelled the same way, but it'll still recalls Westeros.) When you're 26 movies into a franchise, as the MCU now is, each new film is a case of spotting differences. All the above traits aid Eternals in standing out, especially the empathetic, naturalistic touch that Chloé Zhao brings to her first blockbuster (and first film since Nomadland and its historic Academy Award wins). There's a sense of beauty and weight rippling through almost every frame, as well as an appreciation for life's struggles. Its namesakes are immortal aliens sent to earth 7000 years ago to battle intergalactic beasts, and yet Eternals shows more affinity for everyday folks who don't don spandex or have superpowers than any Marvel flick yet. It's also largely gorgeous, due to its use of location shoots rather than constantly stacking CGI on CGI. But everything that sets the film apart from the rest of Marvel's saga remains perched atop a familiar formula. Perhaps that's fitting; thematically, Eternals spends much of its lengthy 157 minutes contemplating set roles and expectations, and whether anyone can ever truly break free of either. Spying an overt statement in these parallels — between the movie's general adherence to the MCU template and the ideas bubbling within it — might be a little generous, though. Of late, Marvel likes giving its new instalments their own packaging, while keeping many of the same gears whirring inside. That's part of the comic book company-turned-filmmaking behemoth's current pattern, in fact. Still, even after Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals finds its own niche. It both intrigues and entertains, and it's ambitious — and it's often more than the sum of all those MCU firsts and onlys it's claimed. As opening text explains, Eternals' central group were dispatched by a Celestial — a space god, really — called Arishem. With the monstrous Deviants, another alien race, wreaking havoc, the Eternals were tasked with fighting the good fight — and were forbidden to interfere otherwise, which is why they've been absent in the last 25 movies. But now, a new Deviant attacks Sersi (Gemma Chan, Raya and the Last Dragon), her human boyfriend Dane Whitman (Harington) and fellow Eternal Sprite (Lia McHugh, The Lodge). That gets the gang back together swiftly, including the flying, laser-eyed Ikaris (Madden), the maternal Ajak (Salma Hayek, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard), Bollywood star Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani, The Lovebirds), the super-strong Gilgamesh (Don Lee, Ashfall), warrior Thena (Angelia Jolie, Those Who Wish Me Dead), the super-speedy Makkari (Lauren Ridloff, Sound of Metal), tech wiz Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry, Godzilla vs Kong) and the mind-manipulating Druig (Barry Keoghan, The Green Knight). Read our full review. THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK So much about The Many Saints of Newark is a matter of when, not if: when familiar characters will show up looking younger, when well-known New Jersey locations will be sighted and when someone will eat ziti. This all occurs because it must; it wouldn't be a prequel to The Sopranos otherwise. Servicing fans is a key reason the movie exists, and it's far more resonant if you've already spent 86 episodes with Tony Soprano and his mafia and blood families while watching one of the best TV shows ever made. This is a film with a potent air of inevitability, clearly. Thankfully, that feeling reaches beyond all the obligatory nods and winks. That some things are unavoidable — that giving people what they want doesn't always turn out as planned, and that constantly seeking more will never fix all of life's woes, too — pulsates through this origin story like a thumping bass line. And yes, on that topic, Alabama 3's 'Woke Up This Morning' obviously gets a spin. Penned by The Sopranos' creator David Chase and series alum Lawrence Konner, and helmed by veteran show director Alan Taylor, The Many Saints of Newark doesn't merely preach to existing devotees, even if they're the film's main audience. Marking the last of the big three 00s-era prestige US cable dramas to earn a movie spinoff — following El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie and Deadwood: The Movie — the feature is aware of its own genesis and of gangster genre staples in tandem. Casting Ray Liotta, who'll forever be associated with Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, was always going to show that. Travelling back to the 70s, when The Godfather franchise electrified cinema, does also. Indeed, The Many Saints of Newark plays like a hybrid of pop culture's three most influential and essential mob stories. A bold move, it also explains what works and what falters in a film that's powerful and engaging but firmly baked in a well-used oven. The first detail that Sopranos fans should've picked up when this flick first got a title: in Italian, many saints translates as moltisanti. While The Many Saints of Newark spends time with young Tony as a pre-teen in the late 60s (played by feature first-timer William Ludwig) and a teen in the early 70s (when The Deuce's Michael Gandolfini, son of the late, great James Gandolfini, steps into the character's shoes), its protagonist is Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola, The Art of Self-Defense). He's seen as an uncle and mentor by Tony, who'll eventually hold the same roles for Dickie's son. The Sopranos mainstay Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli, One Night in Miami) turns narrator here, in fact, offering knowing voiceover that occasionally channels the show's dark humour — calling out Christopher's death at Tony's hands, for instance. Dickie was recalled with reverence in the series, yet threw a shadow over Tony's middle-aged mob-boss malaise — as seen in his duck obsession, panic attacks and reluctant chats with a psychiatrist. Here, Dickie falls into a similar pattern with his dad 'Hollywood' Dick (Liotta, No Sudden Move), who returns from Italy to subject his new, much-younger bride Giuseppina (Michela De Rossi, The Rats) to domestic violence. One of The Many Saints of Newark's finest traits is its layering, honing in on cycles that keep echoing through generations as it examines Dickie's role in turning Tony into the man viewers watched from 1999–2007. Its greatest stroke of casting plays with the same notion as well, and the younger Gandolfini is a soulful yet primal revelation. To call his performance lived-in is the epitome of an understatement, and it's never a gimmick. Read our full review. JULIA Call it the SNL effect: in two of their past three films, Julie Cohen and Betsy West have celebrated pioneering women who've been parodied on Saturday Night Live. They've referenced those famous skits in RBG and now Julia, in fact, including their subjects' reactions; Ruth Bader Ginsburg was seen howling with laughter when she first saw Kate McKinnon slip into her robes, and Julia Child reportedly played Dan Aykroyd's blood-soaked 1978 impersonation to friends at parties. Cohen and West clearly aren't basing their documentaries on their own sketch-comedy viewing, though. Instead, they've been eagerly unpacking exactly why a US Supreme Court Justice and a French cuisine-loving TV chef made such a strong impact, and not only in their own fields. Julia makes an exceptional companion piece with the Oscar-nominated RBG, unsurprisingly; call it a great doco double helping. Julia arrives nearly two decades after its namesake's passing, and 12 years since Meryl Streep earned an Oscar nomination for mimicking Julia in Julie & Julia. If you've seen the latter but still wondered why Julie Powell (played by The Woman in the Window's Amy Adams) was so determined to work her way through Julia's most famous cookbook — first published in 1961, Mastering the Art of French Cooking completely changed America's perception of printed recipe collections — let this easy-to-consume doco fill in the gaps when it comes to the culinary wiz's mastery and achievements. Let it spark two instinctual, inescapable and overwhelming reactions, too: hunger, due to all the clips of Julia cooking and other lingering shots of food; and inspiration, because wanting to whip up the same dishes afterwards is equally understandable. In their second film of 2021 — after My Name Is Pauli Murray, another portrait of a woman thoroughly deserving the spotlight — Cohen and West take a chronological approach to Julia's life. The two filmmakers like borrowing cues from their subjects, so here they go with a classic recipe that's been given slight tweaks, but always appreciates that magic can be made if you pair a tried-and-tested formula with outstanding technique. Julia's entire cooking career, including her leap to television in her 50s, stirred up the same idea. Her take on French dining was all about making delectable meals by sticking to the right steps, even while using supermarket-variety ingredients, after all. Julia boasts a delightful serving of archival footage, as well as lingering new food porn-esque sequences that double as how-tos (as deliciously lensed by cinematographer and fellow RBG alum Claudia Raschke), but it still embodies the same ethos. Born to a well-off Pasadena family in 1912, Julia's early relationship with food is painted as functional: the household's cooks prepared the meals, and wanting to step into the kitchen herself was hardly a dream. In pre-World War II America, the expectation was that she'd simply marry and become a housewife, however, but a hunger for more out of life first took her to the Office of Strategic Services — the US organisation that gave way to the CIA — and overseas postings. While stationed in the Far East, she met State Department official Paul Child. After a berth in China, he was sent to France, where the acclaimed Cordon Bleu culinary school eventually beckoned for Julia. From there, she started her own cooking classes in Paris, co-penned the book that made her famous, turned a TV interview into a pitch for her own show and became an icon. Read our full review. RED NOTICE When Interpol hunts down the world's most wanted international criminals, it issues red notices — and for anyone who isn't already aware of that fact, Red Notice starts by spelling out the details. If the film world circulated the same kinds of warnings about bland, cliched, charmless and tedious movies, this Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot-starring supposed action-comedy would earn several. That it bears far too much in common at times with two of its stars' most recent features — Johnson's likeable-enough Jungle Cruise and Reynolds' excruciatingly terrible The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard — says plenty about this by-the-numbers affair. If only they were the sole instances that it conjured up other movies; Reynolds does a Borat impression, whistles the Indiana Jones tune and verbally references Jurassic Park, and it's all as dated as it sounds. Also tired and trying: Reynolds' performance in general, which is permanently stuck on the same kind of schtick at the heart of both Deadpool and Free Guy. This time, however, he's playing the globe's second-best art thief — and his character, Nolan Booth, desperately wants the top spot. But a couple of people stand in his way, which is where Red Notice's other big names come in. Firstly, FBI profiler John Hartley (Johnson) interrupts Booth's latest heist, which involves tracking down three golden eggs that were once owned by Cleopatra (the third of which has never been found before). Secondly, the planet's number one art thief, The Bishop (Gadot, Wonder Woman 1984), is on the same hunt for the same $30 million payday. She's also constantly one step ahead of not just her professional competitor, but also the man pursuing both criminals. Red Notice plays like the result of watching 80s and 90s hits, its three leads' filmographies and the National Treasure flicks, then throwing their basic ideas into a blender and pouring the jumbled mess onto the screen. It's Netflix's most expensive movie yet, and it's also shiny-coated garbage. That its opening scene involves a decoy egg doused in Coca-Cola to reveal an empty shell inside is far more telling than it's meant to be. Also landing with a thud: a dance between Hartley and The Bishop at an Eyes Wide Shut-styled party that's supposed to herald this as the next True Lies, but just makes viewers wish they were watching that instead. That's the thing with shovelling in reference after reference instead of penning a decent and coherent script, even when around half of those winks are done with writer/director Rawson Marshall Thurber's (Central Intelligence, Skyscraper) tongue firmly in his cheek: constantly calling attention to better movies but failing to live up to them is like punching yourself the face. They're three of the highest-profile names in blockbuster cinema, but Johnson, Reynolds and Gadot all sleepwalk through their parts here — not that the screenplay asks much more. Not a single gag lands, either, and neither does any tension, chemistry, timing or reason to care about its lead trio, their characters' globe-hopping quest and all the chaos they leave in their wake. Of course Nazis are involved, even though it's now 2021 and not 1981 when Raiders of the Lost Ark did the exact same thing. Of course the whole film looks like the dullest kind of CGI onslaught, with green screens standing in for Rome, Russia, London, Egypt and more. Of course it also plays like something an algorithm would spit out — and one that thinks Ed Sheeran is the height of stunt cameo casting after Game of Thrones already proved that idea oh-so wrong four years ago. Red Notice screens in select Australian cinemas from Thursday, November 4, and streams via Netflix from Friday, November 12. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on June 10, June 17 and June 24; July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29; August 5, August 12, August 19 and August 26; September 2, September 9, September 16, September 23 and September 30; and October 7, October 14, October 21 and October 28. For Sydney specifically, you can take a look at out our rundown of new films that released in Sydney cinemas when they reopened on October 11, and what opened on October 14, October 21 and October 28 as well. And for Melbourne, you can check out our top picks from when outdoor cinemas reopened on October 22 — and from when indoor cinemas did the same on October 29. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Herself, Little Joe, Black Widow, The Sparks Brothers, Nine Days, Gunpowder Milkshake, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Old, Jungle Cruise, The Suicide Squad, Free Guy, Respect, The Night House, Candyman, Annette, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Streamline, Coming Home in the Dark, Pig, Big Deal, The Killing of Two Lovers, Nitram, Riders of Justice, The Alpinist, A Fire Inside, Lamb, The Last Duel, Malignant, The Harder They Fall, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, Halloween Kills and Passing. Top image: Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
A trip to the cinema can brighten up the bleakest of days — and while it's a safe (and often enjoyable) choice to flock to the flicks you know have mass rave reviews, sometimes it's nice to get stuck into a film that hasn't garnered loud critical acclaim. Superheroes, franchises, sequels and remakes are all well and good, but there's a wealth of features gracing screens near you that don't always fall into those categories. They're the under-seen and often under-sung gems, and they're some of 2016's most rewarding, entertaining and engaging viewing. To help you catch up on a year's worth of great cinema, we're put together rundown of the ten 2016 best movies that box office figures tell us you probably missed. Have a few to catch up on? Don't worry — you can't spend all year purely watching films. Besides, that's what summer holidays are for. GREEN ROOM If you only see one movie featuring Patrick Stewart as a fascist heavy metal club owner, make it Jeremy Saulnier's follow-up to the criminally under-seen Blue Ruin. The actor also known as Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Xavier will send chills down your spine — but there's a just as impressive bunch of actors trying to fend him off. As the title suggests, much of Green Room takes place backstage, where Anton Yelchin, Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat and their band stumble across something they shouldn't have. Prepare to feel uneasy as you watch this violent, claustrophobic thriller. And prepare to appreciate Yelchin's many talents for one of the last times. SING STREET Lightning strikes not just twice but thrice for Irish filmmaker John Carney; with Once and Begin Again also on his resume, he's clearly on a roll. Sing Street is another music-focused outing, this time following a teenage band in the 1980s — and adolescent hopes and dreams have rarely been so charming. From the original songs you'll immediately have stuck in your head, to the loveable cast of Irish newcomers, Carney doesn't make a wrong move. We predict that, in years to come, this will join all the usual actual '80s efforts on your repeat-viewing list. TUNNEL Zombie effort Train to Busan wasn't the only ace action-oriented film South Korea gifted audiences this year. Tunnel might've received much less attention, but if you like watching tense disaster efforts, people trying to claw their way out a crumbled structure and/or bureaucratic bungling, then this is the movie for you. Sure, you probably think you've seen it all before — but thanks to A Hard Day director Kim Seong-hun, prepare yourself for one of the most well-rounded examples of the genre to grace cinema screens. Indeed, Tunnel succeeds on three fronts: making its life-or-death scenario feel urgent and immediate, fleshing out its characters and garnering a genuine emotional impact. MAGGIE'S PLAN Maggie's Plan isn't a sequel to Frances Ha by any means, but it is the next best thing. Writer/director Rebecca Miller guides Greta Gerwig through another idiosyncratic existence, this time as a single woman keen to jump into motherhood — and not at all concerned that she's not in a relationship. Gerwig once again shines in the kind of role she's made her own, with excellent support from Ethan Hawke, Julianne Moore, Maya Rudolph and Bill Hader. What makes the film truly stand out though, is its acceptance of life's ups and downs. You'll laugh, you'll smile, and you'll nod in agreement many, many times while watching. THE FITS Among its many, many merits, The Fits proves that bigger isn't always better. In fact, in her first fiction feature, writer/director Anna Rose Holmer makes the most of every one of the film's 72 minutes. Within such a brief running time, she packs in a beguiling narrative set in the world of drill dance, as 11-year-old Toni (first-timer Royalty Hightower, who puts in an astonishing performance) joins a local squad just as her teammates start mysteriously fainting. Both forms of movement are integral in the way Holmer tells her tale — in fact, The Fits is one of the best examples of blending style and story in recent years. CHASING ASYLUM Even when you're an Oscar and Emmy Award-winning producer, making a documentary about Australia's treatment of asylum seekers isn't easy. There's a sense of danger that just doesn't dissipate in Eva Orner's Chasing Asylum, whether you're getting a glimpse of the conditions experienced by refugees detained in offshore facilities, or following the efforts of staff to secretly capture the film's footage. And while Orner's viewpoint is never in doubt, it's supported by an illuminating array of interviews and context-providing background information. Still, the on-the-ground material speaks for itself, and makes Chasing Asylum must-see viewing. SHIN GODZILLA He's big, scaly and has been wreaking havoc on Japan since the 1950s — and now he's back. Yes, he's none other than Godzilla, and his latest big screen venture provides him with a welcome return to the monster movie fold. Forget the terrible 1998 effort starring Matthew Broderick, and the better but still less-than-stellar 2014 film, because this is how a modern Godzilla flick should be made. Nodding to the past and finding a new way forward, Shin Godzilla is a kaiju flick that knows how to balance size and spectacle with societal commentary and human drama. LOOKING FOR GRACE There's a fine line between ordinary and odd in Looking for Grace, but that applies to the situation its characters find themselves in, rather than the film. Indeed, in trying to explore that very idea, writer/director Sue Brooks offers up an offbeat but insightful take on dramatic family antics, as told across non-linear chapters. And, she has enlisted a fantastic cast to help relate the efforts of a runaway teenage girl, her distraught parents and the retired cop called in to assist. The Daughter's Odessa Young once again proves a star in the making, Richard Roxburgh is a delight and Radha Mitchell shows off her comic timing. HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS After watching Hello, My Name Is Doris, wanting to grow up to become Sally Field's eponymous character is completely understandable. She might only be finding her way in the world at an advanced age and after the death of her mother, but Doris has something most people can only dream of: a genuine willingness to step outside of her comfort zone and try new things. That's why, as the film that bears her name charts her new affection for a much, much younger colleague (Max Greenfield), it never feels less than sweet and sensitive. Writer/director Michael Showalter also penned and starred in Wet Hot American Summer, which should give you an idea of the movie's slightly offbeat vibe. TRUMAN Reunited friends, an encroaching separation, a cute pet pooch that needs a new home — as far as tear-jerking clichés go, Truman appears to hit the jackpot. Of course, appearances can be deceiving, as proves the case here. One of the greatest skills in filmmaking and storytelling is making seemingly well-worn tales and components explore new depths, traverse different territory and earn their emotional response. In a quiet, gentle fashion, Cesc Gay's modest but moving musing on life and love, along with Ricardo Darín and Javier Cámara's finessed performances, manages to do just that.
The best restaurants in Sydney's CBD are hard to nail down. For one, we have so many outstanding places to eat in the city centre. They range from cheap eats haunts and old-school dining institutions to more contemporary fine diners with views for days — all pumping out some of the best food in the city. The Sydney CBD is also a difficult area to draw a line around. But for the purpose of this list, we've decided not to include Haymarket or Quay Quarter Lanes, for they deserve their own individual praises. Also, this list of the best Sydney CBD restaurants is long enough as it is. So, if you do find yourself wandering around the city centre in need of a good feed, read on and find the best places to eat and drink the day away. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Pubs in Sydney
Hall Street really has it all. The bustling Bondi Street adds to its string of recent new openings, with Henrietta, the beloved Middle Eastern charcoal chicken chain, setting up shop just in time for the summer. Henrietta has already won over hearts in Surry Hills and Parramatta with its smoky flavours and fresh ingredients, and with its healthy food and feel-good energy, it's sure to be an easy fit for Bondi. Ibrahim Moubadder, Co-founder of ESCA Group, says, "Bondi has always been a natural fit for Henrietta; we've just been waiting for the right location. Now we've found it, right in the heart of Hall Street. Henrietta is approachable and the menu is vibrant, fresh and delicious; perfect for the Bondi lifestyle. We can't wait to bring a taste of Henrietta beachside." Henrietta's hero is its charcoal chicken, which has been amped up with a new secret 24-hour marinade, that Executive Chef Ibrahim Kasif says, "really celebrates the flavour of the charcoal. It's all about honouring simplicity and elevating it with craft." Alongside the charry chicken, Kasif showcases Lebanese cuisine with Aussie flair, with an array of mezze, salads, bowls, sides, wraps and burgers. Start with their renowned hummus, smoky baba ganoush, and fresh cucumber labneh, all mopped up with Lebanese bread. Snack on eggplant fatteh, kibbe nayyeh, crisp falafel, fattoush salad and barbecued corn with Aleppo butter and shanklish cheese. For mains, alongside the mandatory charcoal chicken, there's also lamb kofta, and lamb or chicken shish skewers, accompanied by cous cous with za'atar roast beetroot, cauliflower with tahini, lentil Mujadara rice and plenty of other salads and vegetables. You can also get your chicken in a wrap, or try it fried in a burger with slaw and chilli sauce. Suited for the Bondi audience, Kasif has introduced a paleo bowl, with chicken breast, kale, spinach, sweet potato, broccoli, pickled zucchini and cranberries. He says, "Our new range of salads are vibrant and healthy, designed to balance the richness of the charcoal and make the table feel abundant; they might even steal the show!" Images: Supplied.
