Music, as with any art form, can serve as a means to escape; therapeutic and magical, infectious and addictive. For Adit Gauchan of Horrorshow, making music is a labour of love — actually, it's his every waking moment. "I love and breathe music so heavily that it's all I can do," he says. Horrorshow is an Australian hip hop duo from Sydney's inner west. The band is made up of producer, Adit Gauchan, and Nick Bryant-Smith (or MC Solo) on vocals. The two met at high school and released their first album in 2008 through Sydney label, Elefant Traks. Adit explains, "we started out making music in our dad's houses. We'd write and record in our bedrooms and I guess that way of working has never really stopped for us". In partnership with Sonos, we've been delving into some of our favourite artist's home studios – here is where the Horrorshow magic happens. THE MAGIC HAPPENS IN A CONVERTED BEDROOM Three years ago, Adit moved in with Sarah Corry, his partner in life, love and music (she's one half of Sydney electronica duo, Left). They soon converted the second bedroom of their Newtown house into a studio space. "One of the best things about having a home studio is the creative people that come through regularly", he says. "Every couple of months we'll have a party, and what happens when you get a bunch of musicians in the same room, dancing and drinking? They want to record some demos in the studio". His second-bedroom home studio serves as a safe, creative space for many of the other musicians the pair work with (Left and the One Day project, to name just two). "This is where we write a lot of the music". 'Sleep', a song by Hau (the solo project of Hau Latukefu, formerly of Koolism) was worked out at one of Adit's parties. "Capturing that kind of energy, it's a real positive for me". Of course, music is played at parties and music gets heard at parties. If you create the right environment, music can be created at parties. He continues, "Luckily we have some very lovely neighbours who support us and don't mind the noise". THEIR HOUSE IS NEVER, EVER SILENT I ask him what's it's like living with another creative - after all, Sarah is a successful vocalist and musician herself. "It brings an interesting dynamic. Creatively, there's an understanding", he says. Music pulsates through their house almost constantly, through his Sonos speakers. Good sound is important to him. Especially, Adit says, when the pair (or anyone that happens to visit their house) are recording. Our conversation continues and he voices a well-humoured frustration with Bluetooth. "Like most people, I don't have the best relationship with Bluetooth. It's just so unreliable, which is why I'm so pumped that Sonos speakers connect with Wi-Fi". FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU AND RUN WITH IT After almost a decade, Horrorshow's method of writing and recording hasn't really changed. Adit's home studio functions as a writing space where he crafts and layers beats, usually on his own. Once he feels he's onto something good, Solo will come over and the two will jam out the direction the song will take. "We'll work on songs together, but Solo might go and chill in the back yard and work on raps and melodies for beats I've already laid down". Like many musicians, Horrorshow started out with home recording and stresses how important it is to figure out what works for you. "I would love to have a studio at my place of residence, but not necessarily inside the house. If one day, I had a bigger back yard and there was a bit more space, I'd love to house a recording space in a different building", he says. Everyone works differently and there are certainly challenges to working from home - concentration, motivation, loneliness. WORK EVERY DAY, UNTIL YOU LOSE YOUR FLOW. THEN GO TO THE BEACH There are few things more frustrating than a creative block, when the pace slows and your fingers are giving you nothing. For Adit, his creativity suffers when he loses momentum. "When I've been writing a lot, the ideas will flow. Shooting videos, going on tour - these things get in the way. I really find routine is the most important thing when it comes to creativity", he says. "Create a space that you want to spend time in and work on something everyday. That's how you'll make great stuff and get better". What about when the dreaded creative block hits? "Just stop. Go outside, have a meal, go to the beach, enjoy the sunshine". Yes, sir. SWITCH OFF, AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO When it comes to switching off, Adit doesn't struggle too much. "Being in the studio is never work to me. Sure, there is work relating to what I do — meetings, tour rehearsals, that sort of stuff — but when I'm in the studio, that's a whole different thing. It's important to have a space that encourages your creativity, that you're happy to use regularly". Naturally, when you spend every waking minute practicing your art, it can be difficult to switch off. "Even when I'm doing my tax, it's related to music in some way. Switching off can definitely be a problem, but it's not insurmountable. It doesn't make me want to change the way I do things, it's something I'm happy to put up with", Adit continues. "With music, it's fun and all that, but if you want to make a living out of it, you have to live and breathe it. But, if you love what you do, it's worth it right?" Get studio-level sound in your home with Sonos. Walk from one room to another and hear the same song in perfect quality – speakers are powered by wifi and tune automatically. Horrowshow are pumped for their thirteen date national tour. It's their first time on the road in nearly a year, and they're promising new tracks alongside old favourites.
Modern Australian restaurant Jensen's is where southern Sydneysiders go for a celebratory feed. The menu begins with entrees such as chicken and cabbage dumplings with 'Bang Bang' sauce and Sichuan oil; tuna sashimi with salt caramel and chilli aioli; BBQ king prawns with curry butter and fried curry leaves; or fried gnocchi with goats cheese cream and crispy basil. For something more substantial it offers a pork fillet with roast apple puree verjus and raisins; a crispy skin barramundi with roast chicken butter and rosemary dust; Jerusalem artichoke agnolotti with truffle cream emulsion; and a black Angus eye fillet 250g served with chips, roast tomato emulsion, tomato salt and jus. Restaurateur Carl Jensen also operates Summer Salt in Cronulla, and Jensen's is a return to a restaurant name he held 30 years ago. The restaurant space is light and airy, with casual seating arrangements. It takes bookings and, for those wanting to pop their own cork, Jensen's offers BYO wine and champagne on select days (Thursday to Sunday for lunch, while Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday for dinner), for not much per bottle. Images: Alexander Hoy
There's a relatively new doughnut queen in town, and she's doing things decidedly differently. After developing a gluten and dairy allergy back in 2017, Yu Ozone refused to give up on her love of food. Instead, she created Comeco, which is serving up gluten (and dairy) free sourdough doughnuts and vegan sushi to the Newtown masses. "One thing I could not give up was eating delicious food [with my husband]," Ozone told Concrete Playground. "We love eating, and we used to go out together to have delicious meals, or cook for ourselves...and we treasured these moments. However, since my allergy developed, we could not eat the same meals together. Since then, our life work became to cook delicious foods." And Comeco really does take gluten free and vegan eating to the next level. While many gluten free alternatives are packed with additives, Comeco's products are made using organic everything — and no processed or unpronounceable ingredients. Starting off in the market circuit, Comeco finally opened its brick-and-mortar storefront down the southside of King Street in July 2020. "King Street is also known as Vegan Street," says Ozone, who took a survey from her Instagram followers and found Newtown was the place to be. "There are many vegan stores but there is only one vegan dessert store, so we thought our doughnuts would be in demand." [caption id="attachment_791043" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] And boy, was she right. Since opening, Comeco has steadily garnered a cult following. All doughies are made using an organic brown rice sourdough starter, which gives the doughnuts a crisp exterior and a wonderfully chewy inside. Ozone's favourite is the sweet-and-sour passionfruit custard, drizzled with fresh passionfruit pulp. You'll see plenty of Japanese influence on the menu too, including flavours like red bean, black sesame custard (made with house-roasted seeds) and matcha custard, which uses high-grade organic matcha imported from Japan. The organic strawberry jam sourdough is our pick. Once the weekend rolls around, the cafe serves up platters of vegan sushi, with varieties including chilli shiitake tempura, seven-spice tofu and aburi eggplant teriyaki rolls — that last one convincingly replicates grilled eel sushi. Comeco is also slinging Single O coffees and Japanese specialties like organic matcha and black sesame lattes. While it's primarily a takeaway joint, there are seats for up to ten. Either way, be sure to have a look behind the open kitchen — a design choice which Ozone says was necessary to make sure the ingredients and cooking processes remain as transparent as possible. No need to wait in the inevitable queue, either — just order online and your doughies will be ready for pick up in 40 minutes. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Merivale is expanding faster than our belts can handle. On Good Friday, Justin Hemmes' heaving hospitality empire cut the red ribbon on the newest member of the Merivale family: the Newport Arms Hotel. Or rather, The Newport. A Northern move for the city-dominant group after opening J&M's whisky bar, the revamped Ivy Pool and The Paddington in the last few months, alongside renovations for the Queen Vic Hotel, Merivale's acquisition of the Pittwater hotel is a bold decision for Hemmes. A landmark property of the Northern Beaches since 1880, the Newport Arms has now officially reopened as The Newport. Design-wise, there's been some hectic landscaping that's been done on Australia's largest outdoor waterfront beer garden — all by landscaper Daniel Baffsky. According to Merivale, the grounds are "a sprawling estate that evokes a sense of nostalgia" with flowering shrubs, jacarandas, wild cacti, succulents, Chinese elms, plane trees, crape myrtles and date palms. The actual Newport building draws on influences from Montauk, The Hamptons and Mediterranean and has been designed by Kelvin Ho and Emilie Delalande (Akin Creative), stylist Amanda Talbot and Justin and Bettina Hemmes. In classic Merivale-style, there's multiple, eclectic, themed spaces to drink and dine in (and take in that view), with natural stone paving, locally-made furniture and plenty of marble. The Newport also features a 'vintage gymnasium' with badminton, exercise bikes that can charge mobile phones (!) ping pong tables, a giant magnetic scrabble board, outdoor petanque and concrete table tennis courts. Food-wise, expect a range of different unique noshing experiences, with executive chef Sebastien Lutaud behind the wheel. Lutaud has fried escargot alongside France's Oliver Elzer, prepared sashimi with Tetsuya Wakuda and headed up Felix Bar and Bistro. Now, he's bringing his 25 years of gun hospitality experience to Sydney's northern beaches. "From the minute The Newport was described to me, I thought it was going to be an amazing project," says Lutaud. "It's a one-of-a-kind in Sydney, if not Australia — an amazing venue in an amazing spot." The Newport has a strong focus on food. But don't expect a single service counter or a straightforward menu at this renovated pub. Instead, expect to feel a bit like you're walking through a permanent food festival. Lutaud designed the menu with input from some of Merivale's other key chefs, so you'll notice some familiar imports — and a similar stall-type layout to the Coogee Pavilion's foreshore fest. "There are little stalls and outlets, selling different types of food," says Lutaud. "So, for example, we've got Vinnie's [Merivale pizza guru Vincenzo Biondini] pizzas, from Coogee. We've got a burger shack, where we do six different burgers and five different salads." There's also a cafe filled with Australian meats like smoked brisket, barbeque chicken and hot-smoked salmon, seasonal salads, smoothies, gelato and coffee by Merivale's favourite Sydney roasters, Will & Co. Given The Newport's Pittwater location, there's also a spot dedicated to fish and chips. "But I wouldn't call it your classic fish and chips, where everything's deep-fried," says Lutaud. "We do have the classic version, but we've also dishes like grilled Clarence River octopus and pan-fried snapper with simple salad." If you're travelling with mates or family and want to share, you'll be heading to The Kiosk, for small and large platters. "We have a French rotisserie, where we're doing chicken and Rangers Valley brisket and hot-smoked whole salmon, which we'll serve with rolls, salads and nice sauces. There's also a seafood section, with fresh oysters, cooked prawns and a crab omelette, with Vietnamese herbs and dressing." As for ordering, you'll have two options. The first is the old-fashioned method of heading to the stall, putting in your request and grabbing a buzzer. The second is downloading an app and doing it all from the comfort of your bar stool. The only catch is that the app is still in development – at this stage, it's good for pizzas, and other stalls will be added with time. Live music is also a huge focus at The Newport, with an expansive alfresco deck custom built to showcase local talent, seven days a week. Sunday Sundown, Merivale's free live music series, will kick things off, with indie duo Gypsy & The Cat on April 3, Tasmanian singer songwriter Asta on April 10 and Sydney synth-pop trio Mansionair on April 17. The Newport is now open at 2 Kalinya Street, Newport. Find more information on Merivale's website. By Shannon Connellan and Jasmine Crittenden. Images: Bodhi Liggett.
Forget everything you thought you knew about a steakhouse, and go and try Chophouse in the Sydney CBD. Described as a tribute to the New York-style steakhouse, Chophouse removes itself from the regular gimmicks of steakhouses and instead exudes a level of class through its service, food and contemporary setting. Inside the Sydney restaurant, the lighting is fairly dim, projecting a calm ambience throughout. Wood is featured throughout the décor, with beautiful wooden tables, high ceilings and faded walls. Chophouse has a capacity of more than 200, with tables and booths spread across two levels, plus a bar area and outdoor seating. To start, the steak tartare with waffle chips was one of the highlights of the evening. The steak collapses under the fork and is a delight with the crunchy chips. There's a casual spin on decadence with the crab toast, served with crème fraîche and lemon, or the exceedingly rich bone marrow with cornichons, pickled eshallot and sourdough. Although there's plenty of variety on the menu, Chophouse prides itself on its 'meat and chops'. It's not so much for meat lovers, but more for those who appreciate quality produce. The MB7+ wagyu striploin is 300g of the finest beef from Rangers Valley, NSW. Chophouse's chefs have treated the cut, five on the marble score, with the upmost respect. If you're hankering for some meat but don't feel like beef, the pan-roasted John Dory filet with spinach and raisin burnt butter is a delicious alternative, while the cheeseburger is more than just a crowd pleaser, with pickles, chutney and mustard. Make it a double if you're feeling brave. With the desserts, give the rhubarb and custard brulee a go or a delicious pineapple fritter with rum caramel and coconut sorbet. Having heard about Chophouse as being a premier steakhouse in Sydney, it's really not just a one-trick pony. Impeccable service, the finest produce and meals you will keep coming back for. You'll never look at a steak the same way again. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Steaks in Sydney
Located on Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, Kingsleys specialises in classic Australian dining — using premium, locally sourced steak, seafood and wine. With a charcoal oven in the kitchen, dry-aged ribeye on the bone, WA octopus and MB9+ wagyu bavette are cooked faster, juicier and with a smoky charcoal flavour. The menu also champions seafood fresh from the market. There is mud crab and Moreton Bay bugs grilled with house chilli XO sauce, wood-fried rock lobster and Humpty Doo barramundi. Bibs are provided to keep you looking fresh. The banquet menu will get groups of ten or more dining on three courses, letting you sample entrees like locally caught fried calamari, a tasting board of steak, humpty doo barramundi, sides and a cheeky dessert—think dark chocolate custard and a duo of Australian cheese. The food is complemented by an extensive list of local and international wines, and a selection of signature cocktails. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Steak in Sydney
Mexican cuisine has been flourishing in the spotlight lately, with the likes of MAIZ, El Primo Sanchez and Ricos Tacos cementing their status as Sydney staples and new openings such as Gitano, The Happy Mexican and Cancun Boat Club fuelling further excitement. Joining the ranks of newbies slinging quality south-of-the-border fare is Comedor, Australia Street's new restaurant, which celebrates community through food. This modern diner in a converted warehouse spotlights modernised Mexican dishes, with Head Chef Alejandro Huerta (ex-El Primo Sanchez, Chica Bonita, No.92) and Venue Manager Kieran Took (ex-Tio's Cerveceria, Big Poppa's) at the helm. "I want to make sure Comedor is seen as a place where you go to have a great time and experience new flavours," Huerta explains. "I'm looking forward to being able to really show who I am and what I'm passionate about." [caption id="attachment_965179" align="alignnone" width="1920"] (L–R) Kieran Took and Alejandro Huerta[/caption] The 100-year-old building where the restaurant is housed is owned by Newtown local Walter Shellshear, who shares a mutual appreciation for the culture and food of Mexico with the duo behind the venue. The vision to create a sense of connection and community through food is one that's been realised by all three, whose collaborative efforts have created an inviting and relaxed dining space for guests to enjoy. "I love my culture and Mexican food, but I don't like doing the same thing everyone else is doing," said Huerta. Huerta's ethos shapes the menu, which showcases the modern techniques he picked up working at some of the very best restaurants in the world, Noma in Copenhagen and Pujol in Mexico City, blended with traditional elements that pay homage to his heritage and carry the comfort of a home-cooked meal. The share-focused set menu includes smaller plates like a kingfish tostada with nduja, pineapple and spring onion and scallops coated in a corn miso vinaigrette and notes of wattleseed and saltbush. For heftier options, you can dig into a mushroom-glazed steak served with enoki and XO sauce, Murray cod in a honey-infused fermented black bean sauce or a pipis-starring linguine finished with chilpachole butter and nasturtium. Rounding out the menu are desserts like a persimmon and manchego tart or chocoflan topped with dulce de leche. The dinner tasting menu will set you back a quite reasonable $79 — you can also add on an agave or wine pairing for an additional $65 — but lunch is just as good a deal, with a weekly-rotating three-course chef's choice for $35. For drinks, expect an agave-forward selection. Took takes charge of the beverage offering, with hopes to encourage guests to explore spirits such as tequila, mezcal, sotol and raicilla. The cocktail menu stars a fresh and fruity raicilla-spiked strawberry spritz, a Tommy's-style marg with a rose almond and cardamon twist and a mezcal colada with honeycomb, coconut and pineapple for a sweet sip. You'll also be able to pair curated cocktails with each dish if you're feeling adventurous, while non-alc options include house-made sodas in a range of flavours. As for the fitout, the airy, natural light-filled space encourages casual dining by day while summoning a more sophisticated feel by night. Welsh + Major have led the charge on Comedor's design, drawing on artist Josef Albers' Mexico-inspired works to create an ambient earth-toned venue awash with vibrant reds, buttery yellows and deep blues. You'll also spot a 16-foot stone bar, as well as timber banquette seating lining the walls and a huge communal dining table, perfect for a slice of community paired with overlapping conversations and thought-provoking cuisine. Images: Dexter Kim
Having run The Newport since March 2016, Merivale decided it was about time to add something new to the sprawling northern beaches venue. And so, in early 2018, it opened Bert's, a brasserie and bar brimming with oysters and lobster. As we've come to expect from Merivale, Bert's hasn't done anything by halves. Getting its inspiration from the 1930s — when hotel dining rooms were grand destinations — the restaurant is an extravaganza of colour and elaborate furnishings, with an open kitchen as its centrepiece. The menu aims to transport you to a fancy European seaside resort. Look out for a dedicated raw bar crowded with oysters, mud crab and brioche fingers, and a larder loaded with charcuterie and salads. Among the decadent mains are lobster (straight from the tank, mind you), a few steaks and delicious king prawns in brown butter and smoked chilli. [caption id="attachment_890315" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Walking in, you won't be able to miss the cellar of several hundred wines. Its contents include a selection of European drops, an array of rose, plenty of Aussie classics and a bunch of left-field bottles from creative labels. Meanwhile, the cocktail team is hard at work mixing new versions of old classics using seasonal produce. Needless to say, Bert's comes with gob-smacking views, of both The Newport's expansive outdoor area and stunning sparkling Pittwater.
Come summertime, there's no better way to see Australia's east coast than through the flaps in your tent. The 1600-kilometre drive between the sunny paradise of Byron Bay and the cosy bars and laneways of Melbourne is dotted with unspoiled beaches, spectacular headlands, national parks and hiking trails. Many of these places are home to campsites — from the fancy, drive-in grounds with hot showers and barbecues to the remote, walk-in pitches where you have entire stretches of sand to yourself. Except for your fellow kangaroos, that is. So grab your sleeping bag, stock up on tucker and get ready for a sun-drenched, star-speckled adventure. Here's our top ten camping spots along the way. REFLECTIONS HOLIDAYS, BYRON BAY Start (or end) your journey with a stay on the water's edge in Byron Bay. If you were in bricks-and-mortar you'd be paying hundreds of bucks a night for this stuff. But, at Reflections Holidays — Byron Bay, it's all yours for next to nothing. Byron's famously warm water and dolphins are just a stumble away, but should you feel the need for good coffee or a feast, you're close to town, too. Facilities are laid-on: you'll get toilets, showers, a camp kitchen, barbecues, a shop and free wifi. Does this even count as camping? PEBBLY BEACH CAMPGROUND, YURAYGIR NATIONAL PARK Getting to Pebbly Beach Campground is half the fun. Found about 50 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour, it's accessible by sand only. In other words, you have to drive over the beach, then cross a saltwater estuary to get there. To avoid sinking, be sure to travel at low tide. You'll be pitching just a few metres from the shore, surrounded by she-oaks and with loads of walking tails nearby. There are pitches for 60, but facilities consist of toilets only. If you're keen to light a fire, then head to the Station Creek turnoff where you'll find a stack of free firewood. Getting to Pebbly Beach is fun, but it's probably best left to the camping experts — if you have access to a decent 4wd and some genuine adventure skills (like the ability to let down your tyres and re-inflate when you get off the sand), you'll be sweet. TRIAL BAY GAOL CAMPGROUND, SOUTH WEST ROCKS Your tent gives you million dollar views when you sleep over at Trial Bay Gaol Campground, which is perched on the water at South West Rocks. End your day with a watery sunset and wake up to an immediate swim. If you're a keen diver, then you'll want to explore nearby Fish Rock Cave, considered one of the planet's best cave dives. The 116-pitch campsite gives you toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, barbecues, an onsite cafe and, just in case you have your boat with you, a launching ramp. All these bonuses mean that bookings are essential. THE RUINS, BOOTI BOOTI NATIONAL PARK This open, grassy area behind Seven Mile Beach is encircled with cabbage palms and has plenty of space for campers of all shapes and sizes. Find a secluded corner for your two-person tent or peg your party kingdom smack bang in the middle of the action. When you feel like a break from surf and sand, wander to Wallis Lake for a dip or paddle in still water, or conquer scenic Booti Hill track, which takes you to Elizabeth Beach via a couple of lookouts. Then there's the rest of Booti Booti National Park to explore, as well as cafes and shops in nearby Pacific Palms and Forster. The Ruins offers toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables and barbecues. Bookings aren't available — you get your pitch on a first come, first served basis. TALLOW BEACH, BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK, CENTRAL COAST You'll need a bit of strength and stamina for this one — it's a 1.2 kilometre walk from the car park. The effort is 100 per cent worth it, though. With just six pitches available, Tallow Beach is one of the most peaceful camping experiences on this list. If you're serious about Bear Grylls-ing it, then bring a fishing rod and catch your own dinner off the rocks. Otherwise, there's swimming, surfing and bush walking to do — try Box Head track for red gums or Flannel Flower track for coastal views. Facilities are minimal, consisting of toilets only, and there might or might not be mobile phone coverage depending on your carrier. While you're on the Central Coast, do some exploring with our local guide. NORTH ERA CAMPGROUND, ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Like Tallow Beach, North Era Campground is only accessible on foot, so pack light. In fact, if you're a keen hiker, then you can make it an overnight stop on the 26-kilometre long Coast Track. Otherwise, drive to Garie Beach Picnic Area and walk from there. Either way, you're in for a magical escape from urban life. Welcome to the bliss of the land beyond mobile phone coverage, mind-blowing ocean views and a maximum of 11 other tents in your vicinity. All this means that facilities are limited to toilets. Make a booking before you leave home. GREEN PATCH, JERVIS BAY This is your chance to park your tent within a few metres of Australia's deepest and, many would argue, most beautiful, bay. Located with Booderee National Park, Green Patch is dotted with trees and you can expect to meet 'roos, wallabies and possums. Spend your time relaxing on Jervis Bay's fine white sand, dolphin spotting, snorkelling, paddling or bush walking. There's a bunch more local tips in our weekender's guide. Campsite facilities include access to fresh water, hot showers, toilets and barbecues. It's important to book your pitch online in advance. ARAGUNNU, MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK Mimosa Rocks National Park — where the forest meets the sea for miles and miles — is dotted with stunning, pristine beaches. And one of the loveliest is 500-metre long Aragunnu, found half an hour's drive south of Bermagui. The campground is separated into four areas, so choose the environment that suits you best, be that right near the waves, in the shade of towering mahogany trees or up high, overlooking the beach. Leave yourself time for the Mimosa Rocks walk, which takes in an excellent lookout. The campground comes with toilets, barbecues and a car park, so you don't have to lug in your gear. However, bookings aren't possible — turn up and try your luck. WINGAN INLET, CROAJINGALONG NATIONAL PARK Croajingalong National Park hugs Victoria's eastern coastline for over 100 kilometres, protecting heathlands, rainforests and eucalypt forests. There's a bunch of tranquil camping grounds to choose from and Wingan Inlet is one of the prettiest. It's set in a tall bloodwood forest, 36 kilometres from the Princes Highway, on the inlet's western shore. There are several day walks to keep you busy, covering river rapids, a fresh water lake, windswept headlands and fur seal colonies representing both Australia and New Zealand. Take your pick of 23 pitches, but keep in mind facilities are quite basic, offering non-flush toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces. TIDAL RIVER, WILSONS PROMONTORY Any road trip between Byron Bay and Melbourne should include a diversion to Wilsons Promontory, the most southern point of the Australian mainland. Its 50,460 hectares encompass empty beaches, swathes of rainforest and rugged mountains. For access to both river and sea, take your tent to Tidal River Campground. The facilities are pretty posh, including toilets, hot showers, free gas barbecues, dishwashing stations, washing machines and device charging stations. So, if you can't bear the ol' digital detox, then you won't have to. There are 484 sites, including 20 powered ones, but bookings are essential.
This beautiful piece by Aboriginal playwright Nathan Maynard — his first full-length play— will move you to both tears and laughter. Performed by an all-Indigenous cast, the play takes us into the lives of the Duncan family on Dog Island in the Bass Strait. Set during the six-week muttonbird harvest season, the play deftly explores the enduring themes of family and belonging. The Season will be performed seven times at the Sydney Opera House, taking place from January 10 to 15. This is a world premiere show at Sydney Festival 2017. Check out more world firsts coming to the festival over here.
With the launch of a brand new Japanese-style menu, The Rook Rooftop is transforming into a cherry blossom garden for the season. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of hanami, which translates to 'seeing flowers,' The Rook has launched a dining experience that is aesthetically pleasing all around. As you walk through its doors, you'll be immersed in a world of pastel pink, artful cocktails and funky dishes — all while being surrounded by wonderful views of Sydney's CBD. Some must-try bites include its loaded gyoza, served with furikake, tonkatsu sauce, kewpie and bonito flakes ($17), and the fried chicken burger, which comes with golden curry mayo and lettuce ($22). The Rook is also offering a bottomless dumpling special on Saturdays from June 6. For $30 (or $59 with bottomless tap beers and wine), you can eat as many dumplings as your heart desires for two hours. Sittings are at 11.30am and 2pm on Saturday and 12pm and 2pm on Sunday. Images: Jasper Ave
Young Henrys is the household name of Sydney craft breweries, an impressive feat for the staunchly independent brew house that has been operating for over a decade. These guys went from being one of Sydney's first in craft to a nationally celebrated company — and they've somehow managed this feat without selling out. The YH brews aren't only well-represented across Sydney's craft brew pubs but are a regular facet of the beer scene across the country — including heaps of unassuming pubs that otherwise only have the likes of Tooheys and Carlton on draught. From launching their very own festival to their endless artistic collaborations to sponsoring events like NourishTalks, Young Henrys just seems to be everywhere these days. The story has worked out well for the Newtowners, who almost set up shop in Surry Hills. Luckily, the space in Newtown saved Young Henrys from the lockout laws and put them smack dab in the middle of an incredibly creative community. Part brewery, part gallery space, the tasting bar is a super laidback (but always busy) hangout where music blares and beer's a-flowing. Young Henrys' collaboration game also remains strong — think chef-inspired beers, restaurant collaborations, promoting band tours and community contests and events. A lot has changed over the years — from going solar-powered to successfully trying its hand at distilling. Young Henrys has now expanded to ten brewers and is launching a dedicated brewer's tank that will allow the team to try out their own recipes. The Newtonian masterminds haven't just limited themselves to beer — their cider and spirits game is strong as well, with their Noble Cut Gin awarded the Gold Medal from the World Spirit Awards. Now both brewery and distillery, YH plans to continue to develop in the spirits direction. Young Henrys has been a driving force across the craft beer scene and opened the gates for many of the newer guys. It may be local craft, but YH is a big player in the Australian beer industry as a whole and we can't wait to see what's next. Images: Marissa Ciampi. Appears in: The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023
How good at Pictionary would Grimes be? Would Mac Demarco's sketches found in an art gallery? How would Future Islands go in a life drawing class? Sydney's FBi Radio intended to find out, by inviting a list of over 30 musicians to try their hand at a handdrawn masterpiece. Bringing back their wildly successful 'Brush With Fame' art auction, FBi asked a serious banquet of bands, rappers, ARIA-nominees, folksters, singers and beatmakers to create drawings on canvas especially for the station, ready for auction from Thursday 10 March (9pm AEDT) until Sunday 20 March (9pm AEDT). All proceeds raise funds for the independent, not-for-profit, top notch station. Kudos to FBi for one of the best group show lineups around, y'ready? You (YOU) can own a handdrawn work by these guys. FULL ARTIST LIST: Alabama Shakes Albert Hammond Jr (The Strokes) Alison Wonderland Benjamin Booker Best Coast Cosmo’s Midnight Courtney Barnett DIIV Django Django Dune Rats Elliphant & MØ Future Islands Grimes Hot Chip The Internet Little Simz Mac Demarco Matt Huynh Metz Neneh Cherry Parquet Courts Perfect Pussy Perfume Genius Peter Bibby Purity Ring The Rubens Run The Jewels* Rustie Thundercat Total Giovanni TV On The Radio Tycho Vic Mensa * Two individual canvases by Killer Mike and El-P respectively, sold together All works are on display over here. The auction will run on eBay from Thursday 10 March (9pm AEDT) until Sunday 20 March (9pm AEDT). Each piece comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity from FBi. Here's a couple of our favourites in the bunch, that you'll have to furiously outbid us on.
We're accustomed to the idea that every slice of pizza worth its weight in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles requires decent lashings of mozzarella. Which is why the fact that famed Newtown pizzeria Gigi is vegan might come as a shock to Sydney pizza fans. According to owner Marco Matino, the tradition of the Neapolitan woodfired pizza "is an art form which will always be relevant no matter how times change". That said, they decided to kick their double smoked ham and stringy mozzarella to the curb years ago in favour of a new plant-based menu that is both sustainable and ethical, with fresh, locally grown produce and key ingredients imported from Italy. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] "Marinara pizzas [with just tomato, garlic and oil] were the first served in Naples for over forty years before the Margherita was introduced," says Marco. Though that may be the case, we can safely say that, ever since some genius put some cheese on one of those saucy bases, we've never looked back. The pizza pros at Gigi Pizzeria have maintained the integrity of their quality woodfired dough with its slightly crispy, slightly chewy bite. It's the perfect pizza base. Toppings are mostly simple — like the aforementioned Marinara pizza — but there are a few more creative options too. The Melanzane sports tomatoes with tree nut ricotta, frilled eggplant, basil salsa and olive oil while classic numbers like the Patate — with thinly sliced potato seasoned with garlic and rosemary — work really well, especially with the additional black truffle pate. Since becoming a vegan-only joint, Gigi's popularity has soared, and it's not uncommon to see a massive line snaking along King Street on a Friday or Saturday night. Top image: Destination NSW Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney for 2023
Sydney's first vegan fritterie and chai bar, its culinary spread will be familiar to fans of the subcontinent's cuisine, obviously. But the cafe's name and setup also nods to Delhi — specifically, to the city's street stalls dotted beneath underpasses. Flyover Fritterie & Chai Bar co-founder Gunjan Aylawadi grew up in Delhi, so you can expect authenticity, especially where its dishes are concerned. The tiny spot boasts a sizeable menu of vegan dishes, best washed down with some of the banging cocktails, beer and wine on offer. Traditional pakora fritters are the main attraction atFlyover Fritterie, not only made with a crunch — and available gluten-free — but served with homemade tamarind chutney using Aylawadi's grandmother's recipe. Just what vegetables are involved changes according to what's in season; however they're always combined with chickpea flour, spices and herbs, then placed in a cone. If you'd like your fritters in other dishes, you can tuck into an Indian lime daal khichri with lentils, basmati rive, quinoa, black chickpeas and optional peanut chutney or a aloo tikki burger with beetroot, mint and seasonal fritters. There's also a sweets menu with a cake of the week and a sea salt besan ladoo. Vegans are very well taken care of at this Sydney restaurant.
Were it not for a fearless, feisty adventurer by the name of Marie Byles, Bouddi National Park wouldn't exist. As a kid growing up in Palm Beach in the 1900s, she spent hours and hours gazing across the Hawkesbury River towards the Central Coast. As an adult, she ventured across the water whenever she could, to walk, camp, swim and write. By 1930 (shortly after becoming New South Wales's first practising female solicitor), she'd decided the area should belong to the public forever. And, after five years of fierce, relentless campaigning, she made it happen. Thanks to Byles, Bouddi looks pretty similar to us to the way it did to her. Its 3790 glorious acres still stretch along the Central Coast's southeast corner. Among them are more than 100 important Aboriginal sites, secret sandy beaches, dizzying cliffs, waterfalls, patches of rainforest, walks and mountain bike trails. At either end lie the ultra-relaxed, tree-filled villages of Copacabana in the north and Killcare in the south. SEE AND DO For a thorough exploration, slap on some sunscreen and take on the Bouddi Coastal Trail. This 8km hike runs the length of the park, sticking to the coast most of the time. You'll pass lookouts and beaches and, if you're not too raucous, meet wildlife of all kinds. Don't have the time — or inclination — for such an enormous journey? You can always squeeze in a briefer stroll. One of Bouddi's most popular short walks is the Maitland Bay Track, which begins at Maitland Bay Information Centre (cnr, Maitland Bay Drive and The Scenic Rd, Killcare Heights; (02) 4320 4200). It's a 1.5km wind through sandstone and rainforest to beautiful Maitland Bay. Take your snorkelling gear — Bouddi has a 300-hectare marine extension, so you'll catch plenty of underwater action — and if the tide's low, tiptoe around the PS Maitland, shipwrecked in 1898 in the bay's eastern corner. On your return journey, there's every chance you'll notice the trail seeming steeper than it did on your way down. If you're not in top form, travel slow or take the gentler, 3km route to Putty Beach — another excellent beach for swimming. Just don't forget to organise a ride back to your car. Some of Bouddi's indigenous history can be explored at Daley's Point. It's reached by an easy, 1.7km-long stroll along a ridge. The views over Brisbane Water are brilliant and inside Milligans — also known as Fish Hook Shelter — you'll find a series of ancient sandstone engravings. Alternatively, go day tripping with your mountain bike and conquer the Bouddi Ridge Explorer, a 10 km loop around the park's north-western section. Count on cracking views and keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and echidnas. Inexperienced riders might want to limit themselves to one or two easy sections, like the 5km Strom Loop. If you're keen to stay the night, there are three campgrounds in Bouddi National Park. The biggest is Putty Beach, with 20 spots, while Tallow Beach and Little Beach have six each. It's definitely a good idea to book in advance. EAT AND DRINK When you're ready to refuel between outdoor escapades, drop by Copacabana or Killcare. Copacabana is a 2,700-person settlement on mighty Allagai Bay. For breakfast or lunch right on the beach, there's Bar Copa. It's a casual kiosk operating out of the northern end of the Copacabana SLSC (220 Delmonte Place, Copacabana; Wed-Mon, 8am-3pm). The coffee comes from the Byron Bay Coffee Company and the menu specialises in tasty, wholesome, goodness, covering both classics and surprises, from salted caramel hot chocolate to vegan burgers filled with homemade patties, featuring exotic flavours like carrot and coconut. Just across the road, sheltered by a Norfolk Island pine, is Allagai Bay Cafe (2/204 Delmonte Place, Copacabana; Sun-Thu, 7am-3pm; Fri-Sat, 7am-3pm and from 6pm;(02) 4382 6120), serving up inventive dishes, which change according to the availability of quality produce. Current examples include scallops with chorizo and pea puree; salt and pepper soft shell crab; and deconstructed cheesecake with nutella, berries and marshmallow. Visit on a Sunday afternoon to score some live acoustic sessions with your meal. For beachside dining in Killcare, drop into Horizons, a cafe and tapas bar occupying the first floor of the SLSC. The focus is on simple, hearty fare done well. Lunch dishes are big on fresh seafood — think prawn risotto with tarragon, peas and parmesan; and grilled barramundi with French beans, crispy prosciutto, almonds, mint and lemon. If you're treating yourself to a fancy, schmancy day out, make a booking at Manfredi at Bells Restaurant (Fri-Sun, lunch and dinner; Mon-Thu, dinner only; 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights; (02) 4349 7000). Manfredi's hung onto its chef's hat since 2008, so you're pretty much guaranteed a top-shelf feast. Plus there's a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical farming: the 500-square metre kitchen garden supplies more than 15 percent of produce, roaming hens provide free-range eggs and there are hives onsite. And, if you're feeling worn out after a day's adventuring, this is the perfect place for a luxurious overnighter. GETTING THERE AND AWAY Copacabana and Bouddi National Park are both a 1.5-hour drive north of the Sydney CBD. You can also catch a ferry from Palm Beach to Wagstaffe (near the park's southern end), but your adventures will be limited to what you can cover comfortably on foot. Image: Dollar Photo Club, FotoSleuth (Flickr), Allagai Bay Cafe.
Designed by Sydney's Pattern Studio, Glebe's new two-storey wine bar — No. 92 — is so opulent you'd never realise the building had previously been a boot factory — and a bank, a tailor, a pizzeria, a grocer and a private investigator's office. No 92 Glebe Point Road has quite the history. For its latest costume change, the building has been decked out with banquettes, gorgeous marble-topped tables, plush lounges, works by Taiwanese Australian artist Angie Pai on the walls and elaborate pendant lights hanging from the ceiling. The wine list expertly curated with a range of cocktails on offer. The No. 92 menu, created by head chef Galia Valadez, is inspired by authentic Mexican flavours but expect the unexpected. Lighter snacks include tacos and tostadas, like kingfish with smoked shoyu mayo, fermented chilli and shiso. For heartier option, go for the Mexican fried chicken with habanero mayo and togarashi. Or there is some inventive pasta dishes on offer, like the spaghetti chitarra with roasted poblano sauce, asparagus and zucchini flower. [caption id="attachment_759744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] T Pakioufakis[/caption] Images: T Pakioufakis
After months of anticipation, the revival of Chippendale's Old Clare Hotel has at long last been completed. Spearheaded by Singapore-based hotel and restaurant entrepreneur Loh Lik Peng of Unlisted Collection, the revamped watering hole as boutique hotel on Kensington Street is finally open for business — and it's spectacular. Reborn from the (metaphorical) ashes of the historic (and dearly beloved) Clare Hotel and adjoining Carlton United Brewery Administrative Building, the newly-opened hotel boasts 62 rooms and suites featuring high ceilings, heritage timber panelling and exposed brick walls, furnished with PSLAB pendant lighting, vintage furniture and cushions 'inspired by Australian flora and fauna'. Further hotel amenities include a rooftop pool and bar, private gym and a heritage meeting space, as well as a day spa expected to launch early next year. Guests can also take advantage of custom-made bicycles to explore the surrounding neighbourhood, or simply relax at the indoor bar near reception and enjoy the honest-to-god bespoke scent created by local perfumed candlers Maison Balzac. That being said, the biggest drawcard might be The Old Clare's three new high-end restaurants. Automata, the first solo venture from Momofuku Seiobo sous chef Clayton Wells, opened earlier this week, with a rotating five-course menu laden with such extravagances as storm clam with rosemary dashi, cream and dulse, and partridge with witlof, burnt apple and caper. Noma alumnus Sam Miller, meanwhile, opened Silvereye on September 22, offering short and long seasonal tasting menus featuring young coconut and mud crab, pumpkin with pomello, leeks with pig feet and white beer, and a plum and coffee tart. Last but not least, there's the Kensington Street Social, by Michelin-starred globetrotter Jason Atherton. Based on the competition, we have to assume they'll be bringing their A-game.
As Sydney speakeasies go, Stitch Bar may have one of the most convincing decoy frontages in town — a small hole-in-the-wall tailor's shop on York Street. But once you venture past the vintage sewing machine by the front door and through some unassuming curtains, you'll find yourself at the top of a staircase descending into a basement saloon that feels a million miles away from any buttoned-up sartorial formality. The tailor's theme gets a slight nod via old sewing tables and sewing machines under the bar, but that's where the white-collar vibes end. This pint-sized drinking den, with comfy booths on one side and bistro tables on the other, is a laidback spot to unplug from the stress and hustle of the city above. This small bar is low-lit and has some serious booze on the list, not just in the spirits department. There are glasses of rosé or great Aussie whites, and then, of course, the cocktails. Try a classic like an old fashioned or a paloma — or one of Stitch's signature concoctions such as the Maple & Ash, a sweet yet smoky mingle that comes with a pork crackling snack on the side. There's also a broad whisky selection to sample if you're in the mood for a dram or two. Many may pretend they come to Stitch purely for the excellent drinking, but some are certainly here because it's a great excuse to have a hot dog. And there are some fancy franks to choose from: the Mac Ducky, made with duck, orange and foie gras, gets our shout. If you aren't keen on the dogs, there's also a wide array of smash-patty and fried chicken burgers on offer, as well a hearty ribeye steak alongside dive-bar bites like mac 'n' cheese balls, hot wings and loaded tacos.
Brasserie 1930, a lavish European-influenced brasserie swung open its doors in Sydney's CBD in early 2023, calling the luxury hotel Capella Sydney home. The acclaimed hospitality crew behind Bentley Restaurant and Bar, Monopole, Yellow and Cirrus have brought an elegant dining room, next-level eats and a meticulously curated wine program to the expansive inner-city hotel. Named after the year the Young Street section of the building was completed, Brasserie 1930 takes the idea of an elevated French diner and injects it with local Australian produce and Sydney-favourite dishes. Kick off your meal with Sydney rock or Tasmanian pacific oysters as well as prawns paired with fermented chilli mayonnaise. Highlights from the starters section of the menu include a seasonal veg tart, bluefin tuna with buttermilk and horseradish and spanner crab alla chitarra with sea urchin sauce. Then there's the mains. This portion of the offerings is full of no-holds-barred luxury. The seafood selections, for example, include raw snapper with blackberry, almond and oxalis, woodfired rainbow trout with trout roe and pepperberry, and crumbed swordfish with pistachio, brown butter and black olives. There are three steaks on offer, if that's what you're craving. Take your pick from the Black Opal rump cap, O'Connor's bone-in sirloin or Coppertree Farms 600-gram rib eye. And rounding out the mains is the whole-roasted duck, which you can order for the table. This shared dish comes accompanied by duck-neck sausage, baby beetroot, fennel and spinach. Bentley Restaurant Group's co-owner and sommelier, Nick Hildebrandt, has pulled together a massive wine list to complement the elegant menu. Hundreds of producers from across Australia and Europe are on show, with the by-the-glass menu set to evolve and change over time, spotlighting picks from the hospitality group's wine vault. All of this is housed within an equally grand dining space. Original architectural features of the nearly century-old building have been restored, then complemented with sleek modern furnishings and light fixtures. Brasserie 1930 joins the McRae Bar in the 192-room, eight-storey Capella Sydney hotel. The luxury accommodation is Australia's first Capella, offering guests an elevated inner-city stay featuring swimming and vitality pools, a fitness centre and a spa alongside the impressive dining options. Images: Kris Paulsen Appears in: Where to Find the Best Steaks in Sydney
Things sure are looking up for Sydney's northern beaches these days, especially when it comes to wining and dining. Merivale opened its hugely popular venue, The Newport, and it also renovated and relaunched The Collaroy. Then, Mona Vale got a slice of the gastropub pie, with the Mona Vale Hotel reworked as a food and entertainment hot-spot Park House Food & Liquor. The main attraction is Park House Food Merchants, a multi-faceted venue, complete with restaurant, cocktail lounge and all-weather courtyard. The menu draws inspiration from Southern California's food scene, for a vibrant, share-focused menu peppered with Mexican, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours. On it, you'll find dishes like harissa spiced chicken with a buttermilk cos salad, five hour braised lamb shank with grilled brocollini, and a roasted salmon fillet with pistachio and tahini yoghurt. Meanwhile, the bar's slinging an eclectic, well-traveled wine list, alongside a solid range of craft beers and barrel-aged cocktails There are weekly specials and events for big occasions at Park House, while every Friday and Saturday night there's acoustic music in the garden bar. There are plenty of event and private dining spaces here, with the sun room capable of fitting 80 for a cocktail party, while the garden bar can be booked out exclusively for groups up to 200. If you're looking for something intimate and private, the fireplace area can be booked out for meals for up to twenty.
With the world still reeling after losing one of its most iconic voices, two of Australia's best repertory cinemas are paying tribute to his legacy. In the wake of Prince's sudden passing, both The Astor in Melbourne and the Hayden Orpheum in Sydney have announced upcoming screenings of 1984's Purple Rain, giving fans the chance to see the artist weave his magic on the big screen once more. The Astor will hold two screenings — one on the afternoon of Saturday, April 30 and a second (added due to the first selling out in record time) a week later on Saturday, May 7. What's more, $1 from each ticket sold going to Edgar's Mission, a non-profit sanctuary that provides assistance to rescued farm animals. More than 2,000 people have already expressed their interest on Facebook, so anyone hoping to attend had better snap up tickets fast. The screening at Hayden Orpheum will take place a few weeks later, on the evening of Friday, May 13. The cinema previously payed tribute to rock legend David Bowie and recently departed actor Alan Rickman with a special screenings of Labyrinth and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 earlier in the year. Prince's death has sent shock waves through popular culture and inspired countless tributes, from Spike Lee's massive Brooklyn block party to landmarks lighting up purple in cities around the world. US President Barack Obama described him as a "creative icon." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuXK8ZbTmLk Find out more about Purple Rain at The Astor here and The Hayden Orpheum here. Updated: April 26, 2016.
Bunnings Warehouse is supercharging its usual sausage sizzle, to support a few Aussie communities that are doing it pretty tough. Next Friday, November 22, all of the hardware giant's stores will host a special pre-weekend edition of their legendary snag sessions, raising coin for those impacted by drought and the current bushfires. All of the day's sausage profits will go to to Givit, a national non-profit that works with charities and community groups to connect disadvantaged people with the things that they need. The organisation also works with local councils and state governments to assist communities during disasters and emergencies — of which there are several happening at the moment. Some areas of the country have been struggling with a years-long drought and, this week, bushfires have destroyed hundreds of homes, and displaced thousands of people, across NSW and Queensland. Dangerous fire conditions continue today and into the weekend, too, with out-of-control fires still burning in both states. For updates and advice on NSW bushfires, head to the RFS website. So, on Friday, grab a snag in bread and show those in need some love. The sausage sizzles will run from 9am–4pm across all Bunnings Warehouses in NSW.
If you think you’ve missed your chance to nab tickets to an epic New Years' music festival, think again. Jump across the Tasman and head to the unassuming vineyard city of Gisborne for three days of pumping beats and good vibes this December. Now in its 13th year, Rhythm and Vines has roped in some of the globe's best and brightest international and local artists to welcome in the first sunrise of 2016. From hip hop heavyweights to smooth electro sets, you’re guaranteed to be making at least one solid resolution after seeing this year's huge lineup. Heading up the bill on opening night, Pittsburgh-based rapper Mac Miller will be delivering tracks fresh from his latest record GO:OD AM after playing to sell-out crowds across the States earlier this year. Night two sees local rascals Sticky Fingers take the stage, along with iconic Canadian dupstep/house duo Zeds Dead. Throw in killer DJ sets by Grammy award-winning electro trio Nero and English producer Sub Focus and you'll be throwing shapes long into the night. Rounding off the festival, siblings Angus and Julia Stone will put their serenading skills to the test, before the ever-epic Pendulum kick things up a notch alongside NZ DJ Sir-Vere, plus many more legendary acts. Phew, it’s going to be a hell of a ride. If the thought of forking out the funds for an airfare is dampening your spirits, we’ve got some good news. Thanks to the crew at Air New Zealand, you and one lucky music-loving mate could be jetting off to Rhythm and Vines in A-class style. With return flights, a four-night stint at the Quality Hotel Emerald Gisborne and Vintage Club VIP access to the entire festival, you’ll be the envy of all your pals. Did we mention you’ll even score stageside access to Peking Duk’s opening night performance? Our Concrete Playground NZ team will host you on a backstage tour of the festival before getting side of stage to Peking's highly-anticipated set. Talk about a party to remember. To land a spot to this ripping NYE bash, click here to enter the Party with Peking competition. Image: Nick Gee/Paul Hoelen.
If there's one place in New South Wales — well, besides Sydney — that's embraced the state's newly liberated small bar culture, it's Wollongong. Like that of the harbour city, The Gong's night life used to be all about rowdy pubs and dance clubs. Now, we're not saying there's anything wrong with that — sometimes, there's no better way to end a working week than sinking a few and tutting like you're Taylor Swift in utter anonymity — but, like the great Latin writer Publilius Syrus quipped: "The most delightful pleasures cloy without variety". And during the past decade Wollongong, which you'll find just a 90-minute drive south of Sydney, has diversified. In the city's easily walkable centre, you'll stumble across a bluesy whiskey den, a laneway warehouse plastered with street art, a pocket-sized wine bar with a giant-sized wine list, a hatted hideaway serving French degustations and a waterfront pub championing microbrews. And that's just the start of it. Beyond the streetscape, there are beaches, mountains and woodlands galore. In one weekend, you can ride a horse through rainforest, picnic by a waterfall, cruise clifftops on the back of a Harley, loop de loop in a WW2 biplane and, needless to say, take your pick of beaches to swim at. Speaking of which, Wollongong's sandy coastline gives you two options, north and south of Flagstaff Point. On one side, there's the calm, swimmer-friendly North Beach, while on the other is the wild, 3.1-kilometre long City Beach. For more, skip town to visit the string of seaside villages that make up the outer northern suburbs, watched over by the spectacular, 400-metre high, sandstone Illawarra Escarpment. Here's your guide to eating, drinking and adventuring your way through a Wollongong sleepover. [caption id="attachment_569010" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sage Hotel via Wotif[/caption] STAY To wake up just a stumble away from a swim, check into the Sage. Once known as the Chifley and taken over by Silver Needle Hotels in 2015, this four star, 11-storey, 168 room hotel is across the road from City Beach. For fantasy novel-inspiring panoramas of a morning mist-enshrouded Mount Keira, ask for a north facing balcony room or suite. Wherever you are, you'll get invigorating ocean breezes, a super comfy bed, a 40-inch tele and cosy armchairs. When the surf's too rough for a dip, plunge into the spacious lap pool. Buffet brekkie — served on the hotel's Five Islands Terrace — comes with dazzling ocean views, while downstairs at Cold Water Creek Restaurant and Bar, you can slip into a red-cushioned booth anytime and build your own burger. [caption id="attachment_569278" align="alignnone" width="1280"] South Coast Bike Hire[/caption] DO To make zipping around town a cinch, rent a bicycle from South Coast Bike Hire, who'll deliver the bike to your doorstep. Stick to scooting from one bar to another or, if you're keen to counter your excesses with a workout, conquer the waterfront cycleway, which runs between Port Kembla and Thirroul, where you can cool off in a 1930s ocean pool, grab a coffee at Gidget's, browse local art or take a surfing lesson with Illawarra Surf Academy. All in all, Wollongong has 42 kilometres of shared paths. For more scenery (at a much faster speed) take a High Adrenaline Ride and Fly Tour. Just Cruisin' Tours' Steve Melchior will roll up at your hotel, pop you on the back of his Harley and lead you on a twisting, turning, coast-hugging journey along Grand Pacific Drive, which runs as far north as the Royal National Park. Hold on when you hit Sea Cliff Bridge, a dizzying series of curves suspended 665 metres above the ocean, backdropped by sheer cliffs. If you're travelling with a mate, book the Boom Trike. [caption id="attachment_569088" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Southern Biplanes[/caption] Afterwards — or perhaps before — Steve will transport you to Southern Biplane Adventures, where you'll jump aboard a fire truck-red biplane known as Lilly Warra. She's a bonafide World War Two veteran, built in 1943 to perform military aerobatics. Your pilot will strap you into the open-air cockpit and take you soaring hundreds of metres above the Illawarra coastline. Just how gnarly things get is up to you; settle in for a straightforward right-way-up joy flight or order as many tricks as you can handle, from a wingover (a steep climb followed by a sideways fall) to a loop de loop (a 360-degree, upside down turn). To see the Lilly Warra — and hundreds of other stunt planes — in action, head to Wollongong on the weekend of April 30 for the annual Wings Over Illawarra Air Show. And, for a journey through Australia's aviation history, swing by the nearby Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum, where you can sit in the cockpit of a Vietnam War fighter jet. [caption id="attachment_569102" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Otford Farm[/caption] Done with the adrenaline pumping? Make tracks to Otford Farm to explore at a gentler pace. This Lords of the Rings-esque property is home to 40 or so horses, who spend most of their time roaming freely across its 300 acres, but will cheerfully take you for a ride if you ask nicely. The three-hour Bald Hill Adventure trail ride is a magical journey through dense rainforest, alongside babbling creeks and across open woodlands. You'll stop at the hang gliding mecca of Bald Hill Lookout and the pretty Kellys Falls Picnic Area on the way. Short on time or not ready to commit to 180 minutes on horseback? Book a one- or two-hour stroll instead. [caption id="attachment_569091" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Caveau[/caption] EAT UK-born Peter Sheppard was just a kid when he decided to become a chef. Some years later, after training at Sydney's Banc, he moved to Wollongong, where he opened Caveau in 2004. In 2005, his French-inspired creations earned a Good Food and Travel Guide Chef Hat — and they've won one every single year since then. Any day of the week, plonk down on a turquoise polka dot chair in one of the hushed, dark dining rooms and work your way through a seven-course degustation. Like the furniture, the plates are splashed with bright colours, from brilliant purple baby beets to bright red heirloom tomatoes to vibrant warrigal greens. Sheppard sources local, organic produce and pursues a nose-to-tail philosophy, ensuring nothing is wasted. Vegetarians can expect to be treated with equal respect as carnivores; the meat-free degustation is not just an afterthought, but a masterpiece in itself. For a more casual chow down in an epic setting, there's Three Chimneys. Hidden down an alleyway and covered in street art, it's a former warehouse turned hospitality kingdom, incorporating not only a restaurant and bar, but also a coffee roastery, bakery and live music venue. Flop onto a corner couch and keep to yourself, get loud at a communal table or hit the dancefloor. The share plate menu is made up of tasty, tasty morsels in generous portions, from 12-hour braised lamb sliders to crumbed camembert with cranberry sauce. [caption id="attachment_569139" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Diggies[/caption] Several cafes serve up high quality breakfasts and lunches. To start your morning right — that is, overlooking North Beach — reserve a spot at Diggies. Local brothers Stan and Aaron Crinis have been feeding ravenous surfers in this airy, heritage-listed, former cottage for more than a decade. Dig into brioche toast with strawberry compote and mascarpone cheese or sweet corn fritters with a poached egg, sour cream, smoked salmon and a rocket and zucchini salad, and you'll be ready for anything the day throws at you. [caption id="attachment_569133" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Humber[/caption] At Humber, a three-level, triangular cafe-bar in an 80-year-old building, slide onto a jade banquette and tuck into a plate of slow-baked ocean trout with eggs, or a dish called Mushroom Thyme, which features five types of local mushies. At least 50 percent of all produce comes from within a 100-kilometre radius. On the third floor, there's a lovely, laidback rooftop bar serving cocktails and tapas by evening. Throughout April, the eatery will hold Humberfest, which will see a slew of special events, from yoga lessons to mixology classes to movie nights, come to life. [caption id="attachment_569143" align="alignnone" width="1280"] lee and me[/caption] Just down the road in an 1890s terrace house, you'll find lee and me, recognisable from the bicycle in the window. There's a cafe downstairs and a retail space called THE STORE upstairs. So, you can contemplate buying fresh flowers and cool furniture, in between nibbling away on a shredded chicken sub with pickled carrot, or a roast lamb toastie with baba ghanoush, onion jam and Gruyère. Owners Benny and Naomi Hudson have a second outpost in the form of laneway burger joint His Boy Elroy, which turns classics into fun new inventions. The Heisenburg-er, for example, is packed with southern fried chicken, iceberg lettuce, hot sauce and a secret blue sauce. Take the Grand Pacific Drive back to Sydney to stop in at Thirroul (we recommend Postmans Quarter in an old 19th century building that used to house a bank) and/or one of the most spectacularly-located pubs in Australia, The Scarborough Hotel. Passing by on a clear day? Bags a table on the top floor terrace, order a seafood plate and a bottle of sparkling, and don't make any plans to go anywhere else until sundown. Should you miss out on the terrace, a table in the vast, grassy beer garden is a happy second prize — and there are Pacific Island-style thatched huts for groups. [caption id="attachment_569136" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Throsby[/caption] DRINK For a pre-dinner wine or a quiet chat, slip into The Throsby, a 50-seater bar that's been keeping locals hydrated since December 2014. Owners Erick Zevallos and Maddie Sullivan have taken care of every detail, from the Scandi-style high stools to the hanging plants to the 53 variety-strong wine list showcasing small winemakers from all over the world. Later on, venture to dimly-lit Howlin' Wolf to sample the ever-changing 100+ whisky collection — and if you visit on Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, you'll be able to kick back to live music. [caption id="attachment_569137" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Illawarra Brewing Co.[/caption] Meanwhile, you'll get a view with your brew with a view at The Illawarra Brewery, just opposite City Beach (and not far from the Sage Hotel). Claim an outdoor seat and work your way through a tasting paddle, which covers a handful of offerings from the Illawarra Brewing Company brewhouse. In-house bistro Smoking Barrels dishes up a stack of exceptionally moreish American-style creations, including a salt and chilli-fried soft shell crab burger and sticky barbecue hot wings with smoked mayo. If you're wondering why the meat's so full of flavour, it's all slow-cooked in their custom made, Texan-style smoker. To find out more about the brewhouse, drop by its headquarters in North Wollongong, where you'll meet brewer Dave McGrath, watch the brewing process in motion and taste to your heart's content. Walking in, you'll notice a basketball hoop — manage three slam dunks and you'll be taking home a free growler, filled with your beer of choice. The Chuck Norris is very, very hard to go past. [caption id="attachment_569280" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jonathan Mueller via Flickr[/caption] LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS Wollongong is about 90 minutes south of Sydney. You can drive or take the South Coast Line train from Sydney's Central Station to Wollongong Station. Jasmine travelled as a guest of Destination NSW. Top image: Maksym Kozlenko via Wikimedia Commons.
For the past few decades, the line between news and comedy has become increasingly ill-defined. From The Daily Show to Jon Oliver's Last Week Tonight, programs that offer a tongue-in-cheek look at current events have proven increasingly popular with young audiences across the globe. Here at home, similar escapades like Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell, The Chaser, and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering work hard to cut through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle, packaging hard-to-digest news stories in funny, accessible ways that make viewers actually want to tune in. The coalescence of real news and satire will be the subject of a panel at Storyology, Sydney's four-day journalism and storytelling festival presented by The Walkley Foundation. Among the speakers tapped for this particular panel, dubbed 'News Meets Comedy', are two poles of this new era: journalist Jeanette Francis, host of SBS TV's The Feed, and satirist James Colley, creator of The Backburner and a writer on The Weekly with Charlie Pickering. Ahead of the event, Concrete Playground spoke to both about the line between comedy and journalism, and how a blend of the two can help engage the public with news they might otherwise try to ignore. [caption id="attachment_580286" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Feed.[/caption] IS IT FUNNY NEWS OR INFORMATIVE COMEDY? One of the big questions faced by programs like The Feed or The Weekly is what comes first: the news or the comedy? "I think we're still debating amongst ourselves," admits Francis. "Are we a news program that's funny or a comedy program that's kind of newsy?" Colley, for his part as a satirist (as opposed to a conventional journalist), sees The Weekly more as "a comedy program that uses news as its fodder," but also says that the aim should be to both entertain and inform. "If I can keep this funny, but also teach you something worthwhile, that's like the Golden Goose," he says. "You can't be spending your day watching and reading everything... and I don't blame people for not wanting to tune into the news. I don't want tune into the news a lot of the time, and I get paid to do it. But I think if what we can deliver is half an hour where you're laughing a lot and you're having a good time, and if we are so lucky as to also impart something worthwhile, then that's a dream position to be in." For Francis, it boils down to a pretty simple formula. "One, it's got to be factual, and two it's got to be funny," she says. "As long as you've got the facts in there and as long as it's funny, I feel like you can kind of do whatever you want." [caption id="attachment_580287" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Weekly with Charlie Pickering.[/caption] MAKE PEOPLE WANT TO PAY ATTENTION Of course finding the humour in a serious news story isn't always easy. "One of the first big stories I got to work on in the first season was about Indigenous incarceration," says Colley. "Frankly, not a barrel of laughs. But it's a topic of deep importance, and one that means a lot for me." "What you're trying to do is turn an eye towards something, and make it less scary," Colley continues. "I know I'm onto a good story if something is absolutely horrifying and I'm wondering, 'Why didn't I know about this?' And the answer is always because I didn't bother to engage with it. And if I didn't, chances are other people might not have either. So then it's your job to form that into something [people] would want to engage with." This idea of making the news more engaging is something that appeals to Francis as well. "I think satire and comedy is a great way of communicating anything, and news is not an exception to that," she says. "For me, the journalist in the monochrome dress or suit standing in front of wherever it is talking into a microphone with that very journalistic voice that everybody has to learn, I think it's a style of journalism that is becoming a little bit more transparent... I think when there's comedy and there's satire, it goes a little bit past the headline and past just lifting the information and the facts of what happened. And I think that appeals to people." IT PAYS TO AVOID THE EASY JOKE With the rise of figures like Donald Trump in the US, as well as the resurgence of Pauline Hanson here at home, you'd imagine that this is a pretty good time to be working in satirical news. "Pauline Hanson will say a lot of things, and a lot of them don't make any sense," says Francis. "Sometimes you don't really need to point the finger at her repeatedly to get the point across. She does a very good job herself. But it's always been the case that conservative politicians, or politicians with a bit of flair, have always made good fodder for satirists." On the other hand, you don't always want to be grabbing at low-hanging fruit. "What I've come to understand in the last couple of years, is that as much as you would think that chaos and absurdity and the absolute worst of these people is good for satire, it's actually the opposite," says Colley. "When you're trying to be substantive, and do in-depth looks at things, it doesn't help for someone to be blatantly wrong and awful. A good example would be a couple of years ago when Abbott bit into that onion. It doesn't take a satirist to work out that hey, that's weird and funny. It doesn't help you because it's too easy... no one wants to dunk on a child's hoop. "I like when people talk in substance, because I don't want to be a flag-bearer for a side," he adds. "I want to have a debate of ideas to improve our democracy. To put it as loftily as I can, when I realise what I'm writing is dick jokes." See Jeannette Francis and James Colley speak at Storyology from August 10-13. Find the whole program here. To sweeten the deal, the first 20 Concrete Playground readers to book tickets score 20 percent off, thanks to our partners at the Walkleys. Book here.
"It's a city vibe, full of grounded and hard-working people, full of diversity and incredibly artsy. The buzz you get in this part of Sydney is the closest buzz we get in the streets of Mexico. Opening up a street-food concept could only make sense in this environment." That's what Maiz Owner Juan Carlos Negrete told Concrete Playground when the restaurant opened in 2021. After two years in its historic Newtown digs, the beloved venue moved one street over, looking to broaden the ambitions that the team laid the foundation for on King Street. Under a neon-pink sign, you'll find the Maiz 2.0. Taking over the former home of Hartsyard on Enmore Road, the Sydney favourite has brought a sprinkling of fine-dining and a heap more fun to the sophomore edition of the restaurant. With pristine white walls and a sizeable bar, the atmosphere is a little different at the new outpost — designed with the help of GURU Projects, who have worked on other local stunners Longshore, Londres 126, Maydanoz, Shaffa and Ezra. But, the same city-best Mexican food is still here in spades, with an affordable set menu, playful drinks list, and enticing brunch (including the return of a former Maiz favourite) all adding a little something to the offerings. The dinner menu features some returning faves and some new additions. There's a greater focus on share plates this time around, meaning you can drop in for a drink from the expanded beverage menu and a snack before heading to a show at Enmore Theatre. Maiz has even teamed up with Yulli's to celebrate the opening with a special corn cerveza, available on tap. Kick off your night with slow-cooked beef tongue, a cheesy quesadilla frita, hibiscus flower al pastor, and totopos paired with guacamole and topped with grilled onions, charred jalapeños, chilli oil and optional crispy tripe crackling. Confit duck with your choice of mole and beef cheek barbacoa lead the mains, alongside a adobo-, Oaxaca cheese- and pineapple salsa-topped octopus tostada. Or, you can opt for the very reasonable $65 set menu, which will run you through a welcome shot of mezcal, flavour-packed sweet corn soup, totopos, market fish ceviche tostadas, your choice of main and a seasonal Mexican ice block for dessert. On Tuesdays, the regular menu is done away with, with a Tostada Tuesday menu taking its place. Each tostada will set you back $7–9, with five flavours on offer: pollo tinga, barbacoa, carnitas, ceviche and Jamaica al pastor. And, Mexican brunch is back and better than ever. Beloved during the first lockdown, Maiz's tortas have returned to the Saturday menu. The hefty Mexican sandwiches are packed onto a fresh bolillo roll, with fermented cabbage, chilli mayo and charred salsa, plus your choice of beef brisket barbacoa, veggie chorizo or marinated grilled skirt. Also on the brunch menu: a few faves from dinner and central Mexican brekkie treats like the tlacoyo divorciado — corn flatbread with black beans, eggs, salsa, cream, onion, queso fresco and chilli oil. And, if you want to make it boozy, there's a bottomless set menu available for $89 per person, which includes 90 minutes of free-flowing wine, beer and margaritas, plus a spritz on arrival and a brunch spread. It's the Maiz that you know and love — the one that landed on our best restaurants in Sydney list — in a space that has room for more creativity from Negrete and the team. "As a chef and as a creative, I'm definitely one to shake up things a little bit and play with new things," says Negrete. "We're really looking forward to staying here for five-plus years." Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney
A Chippendale mainstay, Ester pairs the best of Sydney's dining scene with the laidback energy of its Chippo surrounds. The space is simple and sparse — done in concrete tones and darkish wood. It's a (designer) vessel free of corny trends and all the tiring paraphernalia that comes with them, placing the food at the centre of your experience. Your first decision at Ester will be what wine to start your night with. The natural-leaning list presents a healthy array of white, sparkling, orange and red varieties available by the glass or carafe — alongside a range of sake and a selection of craft beers. If you're celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood to splurge, there are plenty of exciting and rare drops to be discovered from Ester's cellar ranging from $128–$649. The menu is driven (or fired) by a wood-burning oven which makes the house-made potato bread served with trout roe, dashi and kefir cream — a solid place to start. There are oysters aplenty on the menu as well, making them another must. Opt for a half dozen rock oysters with hot sauce and lemon, pearl oysters served with crudo and horseradish or roasted pacific oil brought to life with chicken fat butter. As you make your way down the menu at Ester, you'll make your next choice. There are four larger plates on offer — ricotta gnudi, Moreton Bay bug, ribeye steak and miso marinated Murray cod. Take your pick and pair your main with a smattering of sides from woodfired leek and button mushrooms to a classic Ester salad. Ester's dessert menu strays away from tradition, leaving chocolate behind in place of fresh creamy flavours. There's a bright mandarin sorbet for those looking to finish with a touch of zing, or denser options like bread and butter ice cream and crepe brulee if you still have room after your mains. If you're not one for decision-making, you can always put your trust in the chef and order the set menu which hits all of the Ester hallmarks for $125. Updated Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney
Snuggled between the dramatic Illawarra escarpment and the mighty Pacific Ocean, Thirroul is blissfully trapped. Where so many Aussie coastal villages must fight relentlessly against development, geography stops the sprawl in this tiny town. It lies just 70 kilometres south of Sydney and 13 kilometres north of Wollongong, but, with its vast beach and wild bush lands, feels more like a remote retreat than a satellite suburb. That's why D.H. Lawrence's images still hold true, though he came up with them 93 years ago. In 1922, he lived in Thirroul for ten weeks, writing his novel Kangaroo, in which he describes the "long green rollers" and "huge rhythmic Pacific" and rockpools, "full of brilliantly clear water and delicately-coloured shells and tiny, crimson anemones." What has changed is the number of human-made adventures to be had — from ocean pools and cycle paths to antique shops and cosy cafes. Here's your guide to day tripping Thirroul. Avoid tomato-fication by taking your sunnies, hat and sunscreen with you, Australia's UV rays will sneak up on you. SEE AND DO Sydney's beachgoers have been visiting Thirroul's one-kilometre strip of golden sand since the late 1880s. In 1909, 2000 people rocked up to cheer on the South Coast's first ever surf carnival. These days, the waves are still cracking, rolling in at 1-1.5 metres on most days. To show 'em what you're made of, hire a surf board at Illawarra Surf Academy for 30 bucks a day or enrol in surfing lessons, which cater to everyone, from beginners to semi-pros. Pack your rashie or rent a wetsuit, also available at the Academy. Swimmers can take a dip between the flags under the experienced eye of the Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club. Having saved lives since 1908, it's one of New South Wales's oldest SLSCs outside of Sydney. Alternatively, bob about in the free-to-enter, Olympic-sized ocean pool, carved into the rocks in the 1930s. Behind the beach, a huge, grassy park provides oodles of space for picnicking, throwing a Frisbee or kicking back in the shade. If you're keen to get active, whack on some sunscreen, grab a bike and take on the southbound cycle way, which hugs the waterfront pretty much all the way to Wollongong. The Council is hatching ambitious plans to extend the path south to Lake Illawarra and north to the southern edge of the Royal National Park. In the meantime, you can explore by car, travelling along the Grand Pacific Drive, which takes in the string of villages and epic scenery between Thirroul and Stanwell Park. If a more sedate adventure is on your agenda, wander a few hundred metres to reach the independent shops and cafes that make up Thirroul village. For a satisfying second-hand rummage, there's Retrowombat Recycle and Reuse Foundation (228 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4267 1322) and, for interior design, visit Nest Emporium (287 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4267 2122) and No Chintz (243 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4268 4962). Get arty at part-studio, part-gallery and part-record store Black Gold (shop 2/269 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, above Finbox; info@black-gold.co), Egg & Dart (shop 2/1-3 Raymond Road; (02) 4268 3885) and Martin Place Gallery (345 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4268 0666). You'll find D.H. Lawrence's one-time home, a red brick cottage named Wyewurk, at 3 Craig Street. However, it's now privately owned, so there's no going inside. What you can do is contemplate the views that inspired him in the mini-park at the end of the street, D.H. Lawrence Reserve. Lawrence's powerful depictions of Thirroul have since motivated other creative geniuses to visit. In the early '70s, Whiteley and painter Garry Shead briefly popped into Wyewurk and, on the verandah of the house next door, painted a diptych, Lawrence, Wyewurk and Thirroul (1975). 17 years later, Whiteley, aged 53, tragically died of a heroin overdose in Room Four of the Thirroul Beach Motel (then known as the Oral Eagle). EAT AND DRINK For a town of just 5620 people, Thirroul is home to a surprisingly large number of quality cafes. Campos addicts will find their fix at Honest Don's (2a McCauley St; (02) 4268 1881), which also does a mean iced rooibos tea with lemongrass and ginger, and a spectacular bacon and egg roll (just 10 bucks with coffee). Day tripping with your doggy companion? Treat him/her to Don's puppycino: frothy milk and liver treats f0r $4, $1 of which goes to Wollongong Animal Rescue. More premium coffee is brewing at Gidget's Café (Shop 303/303-307 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; 0400 226 148). The fresh, creative breakfast and lunch menu changes frequently, reflecting seasonal availability of produce. Examples of spring deliciousness include savoury French toast with bacon, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini spaghetti and spiced relish ($17); smoked salmon with kale poached eggs, avocado creme and noodle cake ($19); and pulled pork damper with fennel and radish mustard slaw and caramelised apple rings ($17). Should a good session in the surf leave you hankering for old-school fish and chips, make a beeline for Bergies Fish Café (216 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4268 6008). It's owned by Fishing Addiction's Mark Berg, whose grandfather opened one of Holland's first fish shops in the 1940s. All the seafood comes from Aussie or Kiwi waters, and for less fishy types, there are burgers and wraps and fajitas. Take your spoils back to the beach or hang out in the garden. In October, Bergies opened its own bar, with a menu offering summery cocktails like the lemon and lime breeze with vodka and fresh mint ($10). To get a bit posh with some fine dining, make a reservation at Samuels, where one dessert option is a box of chocolate cigars, accompanied by an edible ashtray. There's also The Postmans Quarter (258 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4268 5546), housed in Thirroul's former post office. It opened in September 2014 after a classic 1900s-inspired reno, complete with burgundy drapes, chevron oak parquetry flooring and pendant lighting. GETTING THERE AND AWAY Thirroul is an hour and fifteen minutes' drive south of Sydney CBD. Turn off the Princes Highway at Waterfall to arrive via the aforementioned Grand Pacific Drive or exit just after the Southern Gateway Centre and travel down the Bulli Pass. Alternatively, trains run directly from Central Station, taking about an hour-and-a-half. Images: Black Gold Records, Vanessa Pike-Russell (Flickr), Honest Don's, Bergie's Fish Cafe, Rod Kashubin (Flickr).
On September 25, 1981, Sydneysiders got their first look at the revolving restaurants inside Sydney Tower. Exactly 39 years later, the restaurants have reopened after a $12-million renovation, with new looks, A-plus cocktails and a star cast of Sydney hospitality elite. The tower's dining precinct is split into three levels: 70s-inspired Bar 83, opulent fine-diner Infinity and casual buffet restaurant Sky Feast. Each space has a unique design by Loopcreative, pulling inspiration from the likes of space odysseys, Aussie backyard pools and bygone Kings Cross bars. Part-retro, part-futuristic with circular red and white lounges, gold lights and striking mirrors, Bar 83 is officially Sydney's highest bar. Some have suggested the bar looks as if it was pulled straight from an episode of The Jetsons, but Loopcreative director Rod Faucheux says the design is a nod to the building's history and Sydney bars from the 70s and 80s, such as Baron's in the Cross. [caption id="attachment_786071" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Walsh[/caption] As the name suggests, it's towering above the city on level 83, with views across to the edges of the suburbs. While there's no denying the bar's main drawcard is the views, the cocktails are equally impressive. Award-winning bartender Jenna Hemsworth (Restaurant Hubert, The Baxter Inn) has stepped in as venue manager, and is stirring up outstanding cocktails including Pain Pleasure Principle (with cognac, cacao and lemon myrtle) and the Ignore All Rules (tequila, sherry, tomato and basil). Snacks don't push the boundaries too much (oysters, bread and olives, roasted nuts) but you're not here for the food — that's all happening on the levels below. That said, it'd be remiss not to order at least one of the lamb and harissa sausage rolls while you're there. Images: Robert Walsh
The grass is always greener on the other side, especially inside Aria chef Matt Moran's glasshouse-inspired Woollahra space — Chiswick. On one side, there's the artfully manicured gardens in front of the former Pruniers restaurant. Through the other windows, there's Moran's cute little kitchen garden. So it's up to diners whether they stare out at the beetroot, rhubarb and leeks that will adorn their plates, or at the French plantation-style interiors. Moran has enlisted the help of Head Chef Daniel Cooper to curate the Ocean Street restaurant's menu, maintaining its commitment to hyper-local produce and hearty meals. Begin your meal with the crispy zucchini served with monteforte and anchovy, or roasted carrots with black garlic and sea herbs. If you feel like splashing the cash, try the skillet prawns topped with fermented chilli. The Bannockburn chicken and the slow-roasted lamb shoulder are both must-try classics on the Chiswick menu — or if you're feeling adventurous, mix things up with spanner crab gnocchi. If you're headed to Chiswick with a group, the sharing menu is designed just for you. The banquet changes with the seasons but will always offer up a mix of highlights from the a la carte menu including a few of the restaurant's renowned mainstays. The desserts are simple but effective. If you're looking for a slight indulgence, the Chiswick lamington is a simple delight, while the seasonal fruit galette is the perfect way to bring a continual Sunday meal to a satisfying end. Makes Monday seem far away ... If you're booking a private event then the private dining room is a fantastic option. Separated from the main restaurant by frosted glass doors, you'll enjoy uninterrupted views of the manicured gardens. The room is able to accommodate up to forty, with event planners able to customise the room and menu to your liking. [caption id="attachment_806854" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption]
Two Chaps is one of the best things you'll find behind a garage roller door in Sydney. The Chapel Street cafe has a strong following among vegetarians and pastry lovers, and for good reason — everything on the menu is vego and the kitchen bakes all its own bread and pastries. Plus, almost everything can be done vegan or gluten-free. There are two menus on offer, the day menu and the Two Chaps night menu. The day menu features pastries, brioche burgers — such as the spiced pumpkin version with onion jam, mint coconut yogurt, and pickled beetroot — as well as a seasonal salad bowl and eggs on sourdough. For drinks, there are a range of coffees and teas to choose from and an array of cold drinks, including smoothies, cold brew and a fruity frappe, if you're feeling fancy. You can drop by and purchase the aforementioned baked goods each day — along with one of three daily sandwich options — or sit in for what is one of Sydney's best brunches. Keep in mind — the cafe kitchen closes at 2:30pm daily. Alternatively, the night menu features a set dinner menu, alongside vegan and gluten-free alterations. Think stracciatella with grilled radicchio; handmade polenta with porcini sauce and rosemary oil; and cauliflower gratin with confit leek and pangrattato. For dessert, the roast banana mille-feullie and the mandarin granita are the perfect way to end a satisfying meal. For vegan and gluten free alternatives the friendly staff will guide you through the ever changing options. The set menu requires reservations, so make sure to book either the 6pm or 8:15pm time slots. There is also a BYO policy with a small corkage fee. Images: Alana Dimou. Appears in: The Best Degustations Under $100 in Sydney The Best Cafes in Sydney Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
For the past 11 years, wife and husband duo Sam and Michael Kern have been dishing up decadent breakfasts and sumptuous lunches from Parc cafe in Randwick. Now, it's time for the local mainstay to turn over a new leaf. On Friday, Parc reopened its doors as Tucker, with a renewed focus on wholesome eats and more options for foodies on the go. "Over the last three or four years, takeaway has grown incredibly," says Sam. "So we've changed the style of service to suit that." Rather than going for a complete renovation, the Kerns have instead rejuvenated, extending on what they've already found so successful. "We do heaps and heaps of takeaway salads and meals," Sam says. "We've got a big fridge in the front of the cafe, but we've found that we can't keep up with production." Cue the installation of a new production kitchen that'll keep their signature salads stocked constantly in the shop, ready to service everyone from long-staying brunchers to tradies swinging through between jobs. The menu has tightened, too, with a whole slew of new burger and sandwich options making an appearance at lunch time. "We do really great sandwiches," Sam says of the cafe's staple. "We've still got all our salads that we change seasonally." After more than a decade as a leader in the cafe scene in the Eastern Suburbs, and with the possibility of expansion on the horizon, Sam says that the longevity they've enjoyed is due to sticking to what they do and doing it well. "We're not a cafe that tries to follow trends," she says. Instead, Tucker will follow the same rules that have made Parc so successful, those being dishing out good, clean, wholesome food with an emphasis on quality over quantity — and that sounds like good tucker to us. Find Tucker at 30 Clovelly Road, Randwick. Open Monday to Friday from 6am until 3pm, and Saturdays from 7am until 3pm. They'll be opening nights, too, in April. Images: Steven Woodburn.
A bookstore may have sadly departed the neighbourhood, but in its place is something equally as appreciated. Brewtown Newtown is keeping the literary mourners happy by serving up some quality food and drink. The handiwork is indebted to Charles Cameron and Simon Triggs, who met when working at Toby's Estate. Since then, they've had respective stints at Single Origin and Gnome Espresso, so it's no wonder Brewtown is shaping up to be a success. Fashioned from what used to be Berkelouw Books, the warehouse-type space is simplistic in its raw fit-out: industrialised green lamps hang from steel beams above and exposed brick walls run the length of the cafe. An extended counter showcases the baristas at work and there is ample space for wooden tables and chairs at which to sit. A sizeable staircase leads to a second level where pop-up shops showcase an eclectic mix of local designers and artisan goods. Downstairs, as the name suggests, coffee takes centrestage. The far end of the counter is home to the designated brew bar where the 'steampunk mod' replicates a variety of brewing methods — such as aeropress or pour over — via a computer. The fancy-looking gizmo effectively saves time without compromising on quality. Another impressive gadget set-up alongside is the cold-brew tap that pours out an invigorating cold-pressed coffee ($6). Steeped in cold water for 12 hours, it's the perfect caffeine hit for a summer's day. If none of these elaborate brews are your thing, the espresso machine to the right is pumping out a robust latte otherwise ($3.50). Food wise, the menu does not fail to impress. Designed around quality produce-driven dishes, breakfast includes sumptuous offerings such as a mini egg benedict brioche roll ($8.50); baked polenta with mushrooms, grilled asparagus, poached egg and parmesan ($15); or beetroot cured ocean trout with avocado smash on rye ($16.50) — all of which satisfy that rumbling morning stomach. If you've visited in-between meals, try something sweet to have with your coffee. Pastries are made in-house and we hear that Brewtown's cronuts are building quite the reputation. Lunch dishes are equally as notable, with sophisticated options at reasonable prices. Duck ravioli with porcini and wild mushroom ($16.50) appears to be a popular choice, so too does a poached chicken salad with quinoa ($14). But it's not all fancy-pants at Brewtown: sandwich lovers unite, the quintessential Reuben ($14) makes an appearance and ye' old chicken and mayo stops in for a visit too ($10). It might be a simplistic inclusion on the menu, but it's a smart strategy from this engaged team. And engaged they all are: the troops manning the floor are all incredibly with-it, and service is faultless, even on a busy Saturday morning. Newtown has a healthy storm brewing here and despite the upsetting departure of yet another bookstore, we're most pleased to have Brewtown in the 'hood.
For eight years, Pilu Kiosk — the cafe-shack at Freshwater attached to the eponymous double-hatted restaurant — was a Northern Beaches go-to for coffee and paninis. After closing down and being revamped, it reopened in March 2017 as Pilu Baretto. For avid food connoisseurs, this means Italian wines, cocktails and fresh Sardinian dishes within view of beautiful Freshwater Beach. Design-wise, the team kept the space's beach shack look and feel, with the addition of a copper-topped bar, timber surfaces, greenery and seating along the existent hedge overlooking the water. During the day, beach-goers can expect traditional cafe fare including muffins, toasties and paninis. As the sun goes down, Pilu Baretto's menu shifts to a sophisticated selection of Italian dishes — think cured meats, slow roasted pig with pumpkin, quince and buffalo fru, scallops with chickpea cream, chestnut mushrooms and Pilu bottarga, or squid ink spaghetti with mussels, cuttlefish, tomato and friarielli. Match your choices with Italian wines by the glass, craft beers and creative takes on classic cocktails. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Summer is close, and so is the summer festival season. Now is the time to sit down and have a long hard think about where you're going to allocate the festival money you've been saving up this year. We reccomend the ten below. Whether you're in Victoria over New Years Eve for Beyond the Valley, or taking a trip to Tasmania later in the summer to Party in the Paddock, these festivals tick all the boxes when it comes to camping facilities, scenery, amenities, crowds and of course, music. Just so you know, we're running a competition with Teva where you can win yourself a pair of their Arrowood boots, a tent, water bottle and a whole bunch of camping things that will make your life easier. Pack your tent and your 24-hour deodorant — it's summer festival season. LOST PARADISE December 29-31 Glenworth Valley, New South Wales Lost Paradise, held in the picturesque Glenworth Valley an hour from Sydney, has upheld an image as one of the more wholesome Australian music festivals. This is its third year, and it's set to be a banger. Lost Paradise is renowned for its food line-up, but it's well catered for in the camping department too, with the whole spectrum of outdoor living arrangements available — from super luxe glamping to renting a basic tent, with many stylish options in between. The holistic vibe appears in attractions like yoga, massages, sound baths, and kayaking. We're mostly loving the 2016 lineup though — Flight Facilities, Fat Freddy's Drop and Hot Chip are on it. Kapow. SOUTHBOUND January 8-10 Busselton, Western Australia Western Australia's Southbound is popular with people who like tents. You can bring your own esky and food (not booze unfortunately), you can camp with your car and there are have loads of amenities available to use over the three day event. The festival takes place a few hours drive outside of Perth, make a trip out of it and go wine tasting, surfing and sky-diving. This year's line up has Hermitude, Drapht and Boo Seeka, among many others. PARTY IN THE PADDOCK February 10-12 Burns Creek, Tasmania Party in the Paddock is yet another reason to love Tasmania. The festival takes place in White Hills, which is 25 minutes outside Launceston. The range of artists is huge — there's Sticky Fingers, Sampa the Great and The Bad Dad Orchestra, and then there's a huge number of spots reserved for new and upcoming acts. You'll likely find your new favourite band at PITP. It's known as one of the friendliest festivals going around, and there's free camping with a first in best dressed approach. See also: beer gardens, general stores, bathrooms, food and juice bars a plenty. MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL December 9-11 Meredith, Victoria Starting in 1991, Meredith Music Festival takes place in the country town of Meredith, Victoria. It's one of the longest standing festivals there is, and it is blissfully free of commercial intervention. It's finest feature is the fact that it's BYO. Yes, you may bring your own alcohol. Camping is free and self-allocating. Meredith is a nature-focused festival that marches to its own beat. Its extremely strict "no dickhead policy" should be instated at all festival across Australia. Right on. There are massages, Tai Chi and an 'Arch of Love' at Meredith, as well as an outdoor cinema. Also, Peaches is playing. We're in. BEYOND THE VALLEY December 28 - January 1 Lardner, Victoria Having an energy supply tent area is sure to make your festival popular with campers. Beyond the Valley has one, it's called Electric City, and it certainly makes it a popular place to spend New Years Eve. It's free to camp, and the area has a pretty lovely view of Lardner Park in Victoria. There's the basic camping option, the luxury option, and the bell tent option. This year's lineup is killer — it's got Ladyhawke, Jarryd James, The Delta Riggs and Emma Louise. [caption id="attachment_589321" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Zakarij Kaczmarek.[/caption] SECRET GARDEN February 24-25 Brownlow Hill Farm, New South Wales With a a big emphasis on fancy dress and high detail costumes, Secret Garden is a 48-hour forest disco, and it's one of the most popular festivals going around. For those who like a condensed party full of shiny, colourful characters covered in glitter that look like disco tree fairies — the Garden might be your festival camping pick. Camping is free, tent hire is available and an always joyous list of acts is only announced after the festival sells out. It sells every year. That's confidence. PARADISE MUSIC FESTIVAL November 25-27 Marysville, Victoria Rather than going for the big names, Paradise music festival focuses on getting the smaller acts, so it's one for the music connoisseurs. The three day event is held in Victoria, and has views over the Great Dividing Range. It's a pretty self-sufficient affair for campers — BYO pretty much everything, which is great news for those who like to do camping their own way. There's an emphasis on local and unsigned acts and a strong level of industry alliance at Paradise, it's not to be missed for devotees or those looking to discover their new favourite band. STRAWBERRY FIELDS November 17-20 Tocumwal, New South Wales A celebration of art, sounds and creative expression, Strawberry Fields is an all encompassing sensory experience. A few hours outside of Melbourne, stages, venues and pop ups are like the pirate ship above are design-focused and curated to showcase art and music. There are workshops, experimental sounds, emerging artists and decor displays — this is an artistic-muso-camper's dream. It's one of the few festivals that allow RVs, teepees, tents, and caravans inside. MOUNTAIN SOUNDS February 17-18 Mount Penang Parklands, NSW One of the more boutique music and cultural festivals near the Central Coast in NSW, Mountain Sounds scored RUFUS as headliners this year. Cars and camper vehicles are allowed on the grounds, and tents can be hired for the weekend as well. The amenities are basic, but abundant, and while it doesn't have some of the flashier conveniences of the others, it has a low-key and unpretentious vibe. FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL New Years Eve New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia The Avalanches are just one of the artists who have just been announced in the full 2016 lineup for Falls Festival this year, alongside Childish Gambino, London Grammar, Grouplove, Broods, Jamie T, Parquet Courts and heaps, heaps more. As always, Falls will be heading to Lorne in Victoria for four nights, and Marion Bay in Tassie and Byron Bay on the NSW coast for three nights over New Year's Eve. They'll also be setting up shop in Fremantle for the first time with Falls Downtown, a two-day city festival slated to take place over the weekend of January 7-8. We're giving away a whole heap of camping gear, in collaboration with Teva. A pair of hiking boots, a tent, water bottle and a whole bunch of extras will come in very handy this festival season. Head here to enter.
Sydney's ever-growing appreciation of fusion cuisine and experimentation has ushered in the arrival of Moku, a Japanese fusion restaurant and bar on Crown Street. Across two storeys the venue boasts Japanese dishes with a modern twist, creatively crafted cocktails, as well as the city's first-ever bottomless highball brunch offering. Moku's dining menu is led by celebrated Head Chef Ha Chuen Wai, alongside mixologist Charles Chang, who keeps a watchful eye over the restaurant's drinks menu and designs artisanal cocktails for thirsty guests. With Japanese inspiration at the forefront, it heroes Japanese flavours and cuisine paired with native Australian ingredients. When arriving at the venue, the first thing you do is take in the intimate dining atmosphere and attractive fit-out of textured brick walls, earthy tones and timber furniture, and the bar on each level where bartenders mix cocktails, bespoke highballs, and pour sake and the best Japanese whisky. When it comes to the dining experience, each day of the week looks slightly different at Moku. There's a daily dinner menu and lunch seating on Fridays and on Saturdays when Moku also does a bottomless highball brunch for $95 per person, which gives you 90 minutes of chef-selected dishes and free-flowing highballs. Settle in for dinner instead, and you'll find a variety of plates to choose from. The smaller plates include dishes like Sydney rock oysters, bacon katsu sandos, mini seared engawa don and sashimi. Larger plates include the likes of braised mushroom noodles with garlic miso, nori and onsen egg, hojicha smoked duck breast with heirloom carrot, hibiscus and plum dashi and chicken karaage with lemon myrtle salt and sriracha mayo. The dessert selection completes the fusion menu with cheesecake served with Davidson plum, mandarin curd, matcha tiramisu and ice cream mochi. For the indecisive or adventurous, you can taste your way through the banquet menu. For $95 per person, you'll be able to sample the venue's best, from tuna carpaccio with smoked cream cheese and bacon katsu sandos, through to the torched edamame and the dessert of the day. The omakase experience headed up by Chef Wai is an intimate culinary journey across a range of premium dishes focusing on fresh seafood. This option is available only on Wednesday and Thursday nights, so be sure to secure your spot in advance.
Even vegetarians and vegans need a filthy food option sometimes — and Lord of the Fries is one of few fast food joints that really gets this. Now, Australia's homegrown vegetarian chain is expanding their offering to include all-day vegan breakfast. The photos may look like Maccas knock-offs, but the brekkie options — like the rest of the Lord of the Fries menu — are 100 percent vegan. Think BLTs, sausage and hash brown muffins, and a fried chicken and waffle bun with bacon, butter and maple syrup. Plus, there's also an English muffin stuffed with the holy trinity of 'bacon', 'egg' and 'cheese'. All made without any animal products, of course. The idea of vegan eggs might make some people squirm, but the mere fact that vegan fast food breakfast options are readily available is roof-raising news for those who like to keep their hangover cures cruelty-free. The all-day breakfast is now available nationwide and in all stores. Check out the full menu here.
Remember how it rained all last winter? Well get set for another rainy season, folks: as I write this I'm looking out on to a rain-sodden Oxford Street. What with Sydney being all about beaches and carousing in the sun, we seem to cope less well with the wet and the cold. But there's so much this city has to offer, and in particular when it's miserable out and the nights get too cold to venture outdoors, one of the nicest things to do is hang out with a book. Or better yet, hang out in one of Sydney's lovely independent bookshops, which we should all be supporting. With this in mind, we present to you our pick of Sydney's ten best bookstores. 1. Gertrude & Alice Where: 46 Hall St, Bondi Beach Wall to wall books. Books from ceiling to floor, interspersed with communal tables. Gertrude & Alice is what Shakespeare's is to Paris, and provides a welcome haven amongst the surfers and backpackers of Bondi Beach. The food served is fresh and universally excellent, and it's one of the best places to go if you're feeling a bit lonesome, because the welcoming communal tables ensure that you'll always feel at home. Named after Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, the famous expat American couple who encouraged the careers of Hemingway and Henry Miller, amongst others, there's a lot of heart to this place, as well as lovely velvet sofas and delicious chai. They also boast a Hemingway room, quieter and lined with reference books and the perfect place to woo another attractive bookworm. 2. Better Read Than Dead Where: 265 King Street, Newtown I have spent a lot of money in this place. I only realised how many times I was in there over the summer when one of the sales girls said to me "You're in here all the time, and I've always wanted to say I really like your dresses." Which was lovely to hear, because the rest of my scanty budget goes towards dresses. Better Read Than Dead have one of the best staff recommendation systems around, and they'll often hook you up with things you'll love forever which you'd never find on your own. Everyone working there is incredibly helpful and chatty if you engage with them, but they'll otherwise leave you to your own devices. Close to Camperdown Memorial Park, one of the nicest things to do when it's sunny is to get yourself a book and find a tree to lie under and read. 3. Berkelouw Books Where: 19 Oxford Street, Paddington, 8 O'Connell Street, Newtown, 70 Norton Street Leichhardt and 708 New South Head Road, Rose Bay Berkelouw are kind of everywhere right now - seriously, there's one adjacent to a carpark in Cronulla. But each of them feels individual, and each of them are awesome. The better branches of Berkelouw are the older ones: Paddington and Leichhardt, as well as the newer, but adorable, Newtown branch. Berkelouw comes with a cafe and comfy leather couches for you to squish up in and read for hours, and there's also a separate second hand section which is always worth a look. I would personally recommend the Newtown Berkelouw, if only because of its close proximity to T2 and Guzman y Gomez, it's welcome student discount, and the fact that the first time I went in they were playing The Smiths. 4. Gould's Book Arcade Where: 37 King St, Newtown You cannot argue with this place. It is the undisputed king of second-hand books in Sydney. You could disappear into this place and never come out again. I would wager you could find a gateway to Narnia in Gould's. With a liberally relaxed policy when it comes to organisation, you'll find Marxist histories of industrial labour sitting side by side with a 1996 travel guide to Slovakia. But stick around for a couple of hours (and you can, it's open until midnight, after all) you'll find treasure for a pittance. At the centre of the store was, until his death in May of 2011, Bob Gould himself, the silvery-bearded stalwart of Sydney's sixties counter-culture who was once arrested for his anti-Vietnam and anti-establishment activities. 5. Kinokuniya Where: Level 2 The Galleries, 500 George Street, Sydney Kinokniuya is the only big chainstore included on the list, but this list would be nothing without it. The Japanese bookstore giant believes in promoting art and culture, not just hocking the best-selling pulp-literary tat to people, and has been one of the most welcome additions to the city in the past few years. Kinokuniya is awesome - it has everything, the stuff you can't find anywhere else, ever. You can spend hours hanging out in the light-filled building which overlooks the criss-crossing pedestrian traffic of the George and Park Street intersection. It boasts an entire Japanese section, the best range of graphic novels and manga and an incredible range of art and design books, as well as every kind of fiction under the sun. Kinokuniya also features an in-store gallery to showcase emerging artists. 6. Gleebooks Where: 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, 536 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill and 191 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (Antiquarian & Second-Hand) Gleebooks is a Sydney institution. The city's most reliable independent bookseller for many years, they stock an unbelievably vast range of books; fiction and non-fiction alike, and often play host to talks by international and national figures, including The Chaser boys. When they talk about independent booksellers being in peril, you know that Gleebooks will be the last to go. Its second-hand and children's sections are located further up Glebe Point Road, and are completely worth the walk up the hill. Also, a Dulwich Hill branch recently opened up which is a very welcome addition to an often neglected portion of the Inner West. 7. Ariel Books Where: 42 Oxford St, Paddington and 103 George Street, The Rocks Ariel have a fantastic selection of art, architecture and design books adorning their shelves. The shop's interior is open and clean, although there are some delightful lanterns which pretty up the place, and it has the benefit of being open until midnight. Mostly it's the awesome range of books and the atmosphere of the place which makes Ariel so nice, but you can also get yourself a Moleskine, some Mexican kitsch ornaments or some chocolate, if they take your fancy. A stone's throw away from the College of Fine Arts and on the edge of the city's hipster quarters, the place is filled with a mix of spaced-out locals, art school kids and some very attractive bookish types. 8. Sappho Books, Cafe & Wine Bar Where: 51 Glebe Point Road, Glebe Sappho's is a cafe and wine bar as well as a second-hand bookshop, and has the loyal custom of many of the local Sydney University students. The pokey little shop has a huge range of books on every subject matter and has been hosting regular poetry nights for the last couple of years. You're always certain to find what you're looking for, and often in really nice editions: some of the copies from the '50s and '60s you'll find are so nice you'll want to frame them. This is also the only place on this list where you can sit with a book and a glass of wine, or a jug of sangria, until the wee hours under the shade of the jasmine and banana trees. 9. Ampersand Cafe Bookstore Where: 78 Oxford St, Paddington So easy to miss amongst the tumultuous crowds on Oxford Street, Ampersand is bigger than it looks from the street and a haven away from the city and the crowds. With a good range of second-hand books tucked away across three floors and offering amazing, cheap first-edition copies of books like The Master & Margarita and The Human Stain, Ampersand also wins on the coffee front - it is truly excellent. Downstairs is a communal table if you feel like making some friends, or you're perfectly welcome to hang out on your own. 10. Journeys Bookstore & Cafe Where: 127 Trafalgar Street, Annandale Journeys is another very cute bookstore and cafe, housed in a converted terrace, where you're invited to flip through the pages of books while sipping some tea. The titles are all handpicked, and there'a seriously good travel section. Upstairs is the best bit, a bright airy room decked out with comfy couches, and surrounded by seven bookcases. Each case represents a region of the world, and you'll find travel guides, history, fiction and travel literature to match every country in that part of the world. If you wish you were elsewhere there's no better place to imagine it.
Survivor, but a fictional thriller. Fyre Festival, turned extra savage. The Hunger Games meets Lost. Any survival-of-the-fittest scenario ever seen on screen (and there have been plenty), relocated to kind of scenic place usually reserved for tropical holidays. Throw in a bit of Westworld and The Matrix as well, and all of these descriptions seem to apply to Netflix's upcoming series The I-Land. Here, ten people wake up on an island with no memory of how they got there, or even who they are, only to find themselves forced to work through psychological and physical challenges — or die. Releasing on the streaming platform this month, the limited series stars Kate Bosworth (Blue Crush), Natalie Martinez (Under the Dome), Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike) and Kyle Schmid (Being Human), and will unravel its twists and turns over seven episodes. It shouldn't come as a surprise that nothing will be as it seems on this mysterious island — that's the entire premise — with the stranded folks all grappling with their best and worst tendencies in their quest to survive. Based on the just-dropped trailer, the show may just continue a trend that seems to be getting stronger on Netflix, taking cues from a heap of other hugely successful movies and TV series, cobbling them together into one new package and endeavouring to attract the widest possible audience as possible. That's not just a cynical view, with the service's algorithm already designed to serve up suggestions based on your viewing habits — and it's obviously using that data to inform what kinds of programs to make next. Given the huge success of Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened when it released on Netflix earlier this year, transforming that concept into a thriller is a logical next step — as the show's first teaser toyed with. Check out the initial teaser online and the new trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxpwiwOdMHk The I-Land hits Netflix on September 12. Image: Courtesy of Netflix.
The initial event announced for RISING 2025, Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf was always going to be one of the Melbourne winter festival's big highlights for this year. Combining mini golf and art, exploring the feminist history of the short game, getting folks tap, tap, tapping across the entire upper level of Flinders Street Station, and boasting talents such as Kajillionaire filmmaker and All Fours writer Miranda July designing courses: what a combination. Accordingly, months after the fest wrapped up its later iteration, it should come as no surprise that its putt-putt experience has not only proven a hit, but is also sticking around even longer than planned. While RISING ran for 12 days from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 for 2025, Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf was locked in until Sunday, August 31 from the beginning. Now, that season has been extended. With a new closing date of Sunday, September 21, you've now got three more weeks to take to the greens. Expect company, as more than 25,000 people have headed by so far, resulting in soldout sessions. What do you get when you create an art exhibition that's also a mini-golf course? Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf answers that question with its playable setup. The piece's greens are designed by female-identifying and gender-diverse artists, resulting in surreal and mindbending creations in a work that also aims to get attendees thinking about the sport's beginnings. July's contribution, for instance, riffs on her latest book's name with an 'all fores' setup. Also helping to shape Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf: Soda Jerk switching from bringing TERROR NULLIUS and Hello Dankness to the big screen, plus Australian artists Kaylene Whiskey and Nabilah Nordin, Japan's Saeborg, the United Kingdom's Delaine Le Bas, Indonesia's Natasha Tontey, Atlanta rapper BKTHERULA and Hobart-based photographer Pat Brassington. "It's been fantastic seeing the diverse groups of people coming through the space, having fun, playing and learning about all of the beautiful, unusual artworks," said RISING's Grace Herbert, who curated the work. "So far, Swingers has hosted many families, friend groups and dates, and we've even had a proposal in the ballroom. I'm so glad that RISING is extending the season so that more people can enjoy this experience." As for the festival itself, it came, it celebrated, and it filled Melbourne with art, music and performances in June — with help from 100-plus events from 610 participating artists, including 16 brand-new commissions. Not only was Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf the first 2025 announcement, but it's the longest part of this year's program. And, while a few other events extended past RISING's official dates, this will also be the last to wrap up. Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf runs until Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Flinders Street Station, Flinders Street, Melbourne — head to the event's website for further information. Images: Remi Chauvin.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning 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, comedies, music documentaries, 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wnmC7uLTNQ THE DISSIDENT If you know even the slightest thing about the circumstances surrounding Jamal Khashoggi's death, it's impossible to watch The Dissident without feeling angry. That's most viewers' starting mood, given that the Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist's assassination has garnered ample media attention — and Oscar-winning director Brian Fogel (Icarus) is well aware of how much coverage the subject has received, and of how the world feels about the situation. Indeed, his thorough and exacting documentary both feeds upon and fuels that shock and ire. The mood is tense, the commentary is pointed and the prevailing sentiment is savage. Both rage and outrage permeate each frame, unsurprisingly so, as the film lays bare the brutal facts surrounding Khashoggi's murder, its lead-up and its aftermath. No other tone would be acceptable. Nothing other than dismay, abhorrence and anger would be either. When you're making a movie about a man who entered his nation's embassy to obtain paperwork so that he could get married, then left it in dismembered pieces while his bride-to-be waited outside, how could anything other than fury, horror and alarm eventuate? Although the details have already been well-documented since October 2, 2018, they're still reassembled in The Dissident. Accordingly, the doco tells of Khashoggi's visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul just over a year after fleeing his country, after which he was never seen alive again. He wanted to marry academic Hatice Cengiz, his Turkish fiancée. To do so, he needed a document certifying that he was no longer wed to his prior wife. He'd first sought that necessary certification from the embassy just a few days earlier, so they knew that he'd be returning — and once he stepped inside once more, he was ambushed, attacked and killed by a newly arrived team of Saudi agents. Cengiz contacted the authorities when the man she thought she'd be spending the rest of her life with didn't surface, but the Saudi government claimed that the exiled reporter had left via a back entrance. It didn't take long to ascertain the truth, as was suspected from the moment he failed to reemerge. The official story changed several times, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman denied any knowledge of a premeditated plot, but the fact remains that Khashoggi was slaughtered by operatives from his homeland. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGLmTd8q3Ec&t=7s THE UNITED STATES VS BILLIE HOLIDAY More than 80 years after it was first sung and heard, Billie Holiday's 'Strange Fruit' still isn't easily forgotten. Drawn from a poem penned to protest lynchings, it's meant to shock and haunt. It's designed to galvanise and mobilise, too, as drawing attention to the extrajudicial killings of Black Americans should. Indeed, so vivid is the song in its language — "Black bodies swingin' in the southern breeze" describes the third line — US authorities demanded that Holiday stop performing it. She refused repeatedly, so there were repercussions. Concerned that the track would spark change, inspire Holiday's fans to fight for civil rights and justice, and perhaps motivate riots against against oppression and discrimination as well, the US Treasury Department's Federal Bureau of Narcotics went after the musician for her drug use. If it couldn't get her to cease crooning the controversial tune via other means, such as overt warnings and a prominent police presence at her shows, it'd do whatever it could to keep her from reaching the stage night after night. With Andra Day (Marshall) turning in an intense, impassioned, career-defining portrayal as its eponymous figure (and in her first lead film role, too), so tells The United States vs Billie Holiday, the latest Oscar-nominated biopic to step through its namesake's life. Back in 1972, Lady Sings the Blues loosely adapted Holiday's autobiography of the same name, enlisting Diana Ross to play the singer — but, in taking inspiration instead from Johann Hari's non-fiction book Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, this latest big-screen vision of the music icon's story adopts its own angle. Holiday's troubled childhood and youth has its part in this tale, which is scripted for the screen by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. Her addiction, and the personal woes that she tried to blot out, clearly don't escape filmmaker Lee Daniels' (The Butler) attention, either. But The United States vs Billie Holiday also falls in alongside Seberg, MLK/FBI and Judas and the Black Messiah in interrogating bleak truths about mid-20th century America. In a film that manages to be both rousing and standard, that includes surveying the misplaced priorities of its government during multiple administrations, and the blatant determination shown by an array of agencies under various presidents to undermine, persecute and silence those considered a supposedly un-American threat to the status quo. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNE7ap2lOnU MORTAL KOMBAT No one enjoys watching someone else mash buttons. While it's a passable way to spend a few minutes, losing interest quickly simply comes with the territory. That's how viewing Mortal Kombat feels as well, except that watching your friends play any of the martial arts video game franchise's 22 different arcade and console titles since 1992 (or any game at all) would be far more entertaining. Shot in South Australia and marking the feature debut of filmmaker Simon McQuoid, the latest attempt to bring the popular series to the big screen — following a first try in 1995 and a sequel in 1997 — feels like watching cosplay, too. The movie's cast literally dresses up in the outfits needed to recreate the game's characters, of course, but the film shouldn't so overtly resemble fans donning costumes at a pop culture convention. And yet, Mortal Kombat evokes this situation from the moment its 17th century Japan-set prologue, which is also its best scene, comes to an end. After establishing a mythic and bloody backstory for the movie's narrative as a whole, the character that'll become an undead ninja ghost called Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada, Westworld) and his prophecised descendants, this B-grade flick is happy to, in fact. It's not just the violence that's cartoonish here; it's every glare exchanged and word uttered, with much of the script trading in cliches, dramatic pauses and catchphrases. Mortal Kombat's gaming fanbase may be eager to see their beloved characters given flesh and blood, face off against each other and spout lines that usually emanate from a much smaller screen, but that doesn't make a movie engaging. Nor can a flimsy screenplay by first-timer Greg Russo and Wonder Woman 1984's Dave Callaham, which follows the battle between Earthrealm and Outworld — one that'll be lost by the former if an MMA fighter named Cole Young (Lewis Tan, Wu Assassins), who bears a dragon birthmark, doesn't team up with the other figures with the same marking to stop humanity from losing for the tenth time. That's where the no-nonsense Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee, Black Water: Abyss) comes in, and also the grating, wisecracking Kano (Josh Lawson, Long Story Short). The villainous Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim, Warrior) might be threatening to freeze all of earth's champions so that Outworld's Shang Tsung (Chin Han, Skyscraper) can rig the tournament before it even happens, but Mortal Kombat still has time — and far too much of it — to spend pondering supernatural destinies and letting an over-acting, always grating Lawson mug for attempted laughs. The end result is intentionally ridiculous, and presumably unintentionally dull, all while setting up an unearned sequel. And although brutal enough amidst the silliness for an R rating, even the film's fight scenes merely go through the motions, especially given the heights that films like The Raid and John Wick have scaled in with their eye-popping action choreography over the past decade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YZuNQLSJlQ EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE In The Nightingale, Sam Claflin wasn't charming, kindly or gallant. He was worlds away from his roles in rom-com Love, Rosie, weepie drama Me Before You and the page-to-screen Hunger Games franchise — and, playing a supporting but still key part in the exceptional 2019 film, he was excellent. Alas, while he remains in darker territory with Every Breath You Take, this psychological thriller isn't a highlight on his or anyone's resume. The good news: it doesn't feature the 1983 single by The Police that shares the film's title. The not-so-great news: it is indeed about someone surveilling others, so it must've taken the production's entire reserves of restraint not to include that song. Little subtlety seems to be displayed elsewhere, including by Claflin, and little intelligence, either. In development for almost a decade, once set to be directed by Misery's Rob Reiner, and also slated to star Harrison Ford and Zac Efron over the years, the film focuses on the fallout from a psychologist's decision to talk to one of his patients about his own problems. Not long after gushing to a lecture hall filled with students about his successful new technique, however, he finds himself the target of a vindictive stalker who is intent on destroying his entire family's lives. Debut screenwriter David Murray has clearly seen Fatal Attraction, Unfaithful, Cape Fear and Fear, and The Silence of the Lambs as well, and he's not afraid to mash pieces of each together here. Looking pensive, grappling with family woes again but worlds away from his Oscar-winning performance in Manchester by the Sea, Casey Affleck (The Old Man and the Gun) plays Philip, the analyst in question. He crosses paths with James (Claflin, Enola Holmes) at the scene of a tragedy, then finds him knocking on his door — and soon his wife Grace (Michelle Monaghan, The Craft: Legacy) and teenage daughter Lucy (India Eisley, Dead Reckoning) are both bumping into the newcomer seemingly everywhere they go. In an already tense household thanks to an accident years earlier, James easily upsets the status quo. When Philip starts having professional problems as well, the trio's struggles only deepen. It's hard to guess what attracted this starry cast to such a routine film, but it definitely isn't the pulpy script or Vaughn Stein's (Inheritance) overboiled direction. Indeed, in a movie that somehow thinks that being as blatant as possible will ramp up the suspense — which, unsurprisingly, it doesn't — only the icy visuals by cinematographer Michael Merriman (another Inheritance alum) garner much attention. Well, that and the screechy score by Marlon Espino (also returning from Inheritance), although the latter does so with the same obviousness that characterises almost everything about the feature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COLOJaM3k_M SISTER More than once during Sister, An Ran (Zhang Zifeng, Detective Chinatown 3) is reminded that her status as a sibling — and as a woman — is burdened with strong expectations in China. With her much-younger brother An Ziheng (Kim Darren Yowon) earning pride of place in her parents' hearts, and in Chinese society's patriarchal hierarchy in general, she's meant to defer her dreams and desires in favour of her family's male heir. That's just what's done, and always has been. And, after the pair's mother and father are killed in a car accident, no one can quite understand why An Ran is determined to buck convention. But, after weathering a childhood coloured by her dad's disappointment about her gender, she has spent years trying to break free from her past. A nurse hoping to gain acceptance into medical school so that she can become a doctor, and so distanced from her parents and brother that she doesn't even know the latter, she doesn't just vehemently disagree with the idea that she should now devote her life to An Ziheng; she refuses to abide by it. Instead, An Ran wants to sell the family apartment, find adoptive parents for her sibling and continue working towards her own future. Neither director Yin Ruoxin (Farewell, My Lad) nor screenwriter You Xiaoying (Love Education) shies away from the harsh reality facing their protagonist in Sister, or from the fact that her plight is emblematic of the nation's women in a much broader sense. And, for most of its duration, their sensitive but clear-eyed drama firmly and unflinchingly tackles the ramifications of simply being born female in China. The continued pressure directed An Ran's way and the treatment she receives for not toeing the line aren't the film's only sources of conflict, with class differences and the way that power structures play out both domestically and professionally also playing their part in the movie's layered narrative. They're aided by Zhang's weighty performance, too — a portrayal that segues seamlessly back and forth from defiant and committed to exhausted and exasperated, and shows both the will to eschew norms and the weariness from the constant battle on multiple levels. The film's boldness is eventually undercut, though. Budding within its naturalistically lit imagery and its often roving and restless frames is an awareness that the bonds of blood will eventually pull at An Ran. The script ensures that her growing bond with her brother feels genuine; however, it's also a far more sentimental turn of events than Sister indulges otherwise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SodO2VN0iYY SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT Eddie Izzard takes inspiration from her home town of Bexhill-on-Sea in Six Minutes to Midnight, using its pre-World War II history as the basis for an intriguing but also muddled thriller. Before the conflict broke out, the coastal spot was home to the Augusta Victoria College, where the daughters of high-ranking Germans were sent to finish their education. In Izzard's hands as the film's star, executive producer and co-writer — the latter with Celyn Jones (The Vanishing) and director Andy Goddard (A Kind of Murder) — this real-life scenario gives rise to espionage antics. She plays Thomas Miller, the school's new teacher, and also a spy sent to keep tabs on the students' whereabouts for British intelligence. Headmistress Miss Rocholl (Judi Dench, Blithe Spirit) dotes on the girls, and naively sees only camaraderie in the college's existence, but Miller and his superiors are concerned that the institution's pupils could be smuggled out in secret. It doesn't help that Ilse Keller (Carla Juri, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit), the school's only German employee, hardly seems trustworthy. The pro-Nazi ideology infused into her lessons is hardly a promising sign, but soon it's Miller that is the object of suspicion, despite his efforts to uncover just who in English society has been pledging their allegiance abroad. No one can fault Izzard's interest in Augusta Victoria College, or her eagerness to bring its little-known place in Britain's past to the screen. But Six Minutes to Midnight is so caught up in being a spy film — and one that takes its cues from Alfred Hitchcock at that — that it serves up a paper-thin story that's on the verge of blowing over in the East Sussex breeze. Twists, double crosses, wavering loyalty, murder, chases, interrogations and clandestine plots all ensue, but with few surprises, and with exactly why the students' possible return to Germany would be so catastrophic never fully fleshed out. Handsome seaside scenery does abound, though, and so does a committed performance from Izzard. She spends much of her screen-time running, as she often does in reality — completing 43 marathons in 51 days in 2009, 27 in 27 days in 2016 and 32 in 31 days earlier this year — but her wit and charisma are always evident. Saddled with a one-note role, Dench is less convincing, but supporting players Jim Broadbent (King of Thieves) and James D'Arcy (Avengers: Endgame) make the most of their small parts as a kindly bus driver and a wily detective respectively. As for the young women, the fact that they're primarily regarded as a group, rather than given the time and space to convey their personalities, speaks volumes about their function as the feature's MacGuffin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xXFm78O6P8 MOON ROCK FOR MONDAY Kurt Martin, the first-time feature writer/director behind Moon Rock for Monday, must owe much of his film education to Australian cinema of the 90s. His road-trip drama — which is also a coming-of-age tale and a crime thriller, and happens to be set in the 90s, too — takes clearcut cues from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Two Hands. Here, though, a 12-year-old girl and an older teen sit at the centre of the narrative. Thankfully, while the nods towards other prominent homegrown movies are obvious, these sources of inspiration don't cast an overbearing shadow. There isn't much about Moon Rock for Monday that proves overtly novel, but it doesn't simply trudge in other films' footsteps, either. The importance of the feature's canny casting can't be understated, with fellow debutant Ashlyn Louden-Gamble a winsome presence as the titular pre-teen and George Pullar (Playing for Keeps) infusing his wayward but well-meaning jewellery store thief-turned-fugitive with more depth than might be expected. Indeed, their rapport as their characters first evade the police on Sydney's streets, then take to the highway towards the Northern Territory, gives this warm-hearted movie enough charm to do more than simply coast by. Named for the day she was born, Monday's (Louden-Gamble) entire life has revolved around an illness that requires frequent medical treatment. But, despite the lived-in weariness and worry perennially plastered across the face of her dad Bob (Aaron Jeffrey, The Flood), she handles the situation with a sunny disposition, an eagerness to see the world and an obsession with Uluru — or Moon Rock, as she calls it. Then, this father-daughter duo stumble into Tyler's (Pullar) orbit. Soon Monday is by the latter's side, indulging her thirst for adventure and tagging along as he hightails it out of town. Bob isn't the only one desperate to find them, with Detective Lionell (David Field, Mortal Kombat) also on their trail in the aftermath of Tyler's light-fingered ways. From the outset, even before Monday and Tyler start heading west, there's an episodic feel to Moon Rock for Monday; however, flitting from one narrative incident to the next suits the road-trip premise. When nothing but landscape surrounds its central pair, that dusty red expanse does plenty of heavy lifting — a scene outside of Coober Pedy is particularly striking, both visually and emotionally — but this is still a promising big-screen start for its director and leads alike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyopYXVJNmQ THIS LITTLE LOVE OF MINE Blatantly formulaic rom-coms are cinema's version of junk food, as Netflix has been trying to use to its advantage. Scroll through the platform's catalogue, especially around Christmas, and a wealth of straight-to-streaming movies that eagerly play up every trope and cliche await — but being easy to make and undemanding to consume isn't the same as being worth watching. This Little Love of Mine is debuting in cinemas; however, it'll feel at home when it does find its way into a streaming service's lineup. Its story is that predictable and its dialogue is that hoary. The setup: ambitious workaholic lawyer Laura (Saskia Hampele, The Heights) is certain that she'll finally make partner and be able to start doing worthwhile work helping small business owners if she convinces a building magnate's (Martin Portus, Home and Away) island-dwelling boat captain grandson Chip (Liam McIntyre, Them) to take over his billion-dollar development company. The catch: the island, Sapphire Cove, is where she grew up before she left for her high-powered, big-city life in San Francisco, and Chip is the childhood best friend she's thought of fondly over the years, but hasn't seen since she departed. Romantic comedies don't need to trade in surprises. When you're just aiming to bring two characters together so that they can presumably live happily ever after, twists aren't a necessary feature. But viewers should enjoy their time watching said central figures overcome the obligatory obstacles that come their way on the inevitable path to becoming a couple. They should get invested in their plights, be charmed by their personalities and care about their fates —and, even with the ultimate outcome remaining obvious to anyone and everyone, no one should feel as if they're just peering on as a movie works through a checklist. While Hampele and McIntyre do their best to liven up Georgia Harrison's (Rip Tide) rote script, they can't nudge This Little Love of Mine into engaging waters. The same applies to Lynn Gilmartin (How Do You Know Chris?) as Laura and Chip's fellow lifelong friend Gem, who proves the kind of dutiful sidekick-slash-trusty confidant character that could've strolled out of almost every rom-com ever made. Also unable to lift the material: the eye-catching Far North Queensland backdrop, which sets a suitably swoon-worthy scene; however, the repeated palm tree and beach shots peppered throughout the film by first-time director Christine Luby and cinematographer Simon Harding (Ruben Guthrie) begin to feel like filler quickly. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on January 1, January 7, January 14, January 21 and January 28; February 4, February 11, February 18 and February 25; March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25; and April 1 and April 8. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman, Summerland, Ammonite, The Dig, The White Tiger, Only the Animals, Malcolm & Marie, News of the World, High Ground, Earwig and the Witch, The Nest, Assassins, Synchronic, Another Round, Minari, Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, The Truffle Hunters, The Little Things, Chaos Walking, Raya and the Last Dragon, Max Richter's Sleep, Judas and the Black Messiah, Girls Can't Surf, French Exit, Saint Maud, Godzilla vs Kong, The Painter and the Thief, Nobody, The Father, Willy's Wonderland, Collective, Voyagers, Gunda and Supernova. Top image: Takashi Seida.
While nothing can quite compare to a trip over to Europe, there are a few places in Sydney that come close. So if you're keen to spend a few hours pretending you're on the other side of the world Circular Quay's Deux Frères should be at the top of your list. The restaurant has opened in the bustling Quay Quarter Lanes from the team behind Bouillon L'Entrecôte — one of our favourite French restaurants in Sydney — and brings the experience of a Basque pintxos bar to an inner-city alleyway. Located in a narrow ground-floor space on Loftus Lane, the busy seating arrangement keeps diners in close quarters and capture a lively, crowded energy. Colourful murals, a marble counter loaded with fresh produce and a menu of European favourites all combine to create an experience that feels authentically tied to the packed pintxo bars of Spain. The busy, compact space adds to the atmosphere — but if you're looking to stretch out, you can always nab a seat out in the laneway. As for what you'll be eating on a trip to Deux Frères, the best place to start is with a few toothpick-skewered pintxos and a glass of sangria. The brioche, foie gras and onion jam combo is a particularly indulgent start to the meal that you won't regret. The menu is kept simple, fitting on just one page. You can work your way through the selections of cheeses and croquettes or turn your attention to some of the impressive mains on offer. The chorizo is cooked on a hibachi grill and served atop a flaming pig-shaped terracotta pot, while the wagyu rump cap is paired with port wine glaze and confit shallot — both are must-tries. While you can shake things up with a coriander-infused negroni or a citrus gin and vanilla sour, vermouth is the star of the beverage list with nine red and four white varieties on offer. Round out your visit to Deux Frères with the blood orange sorbet. Served inside a frozen hollowed-out orange, the tangy dessert is as fresh as they come. Images: Jude Cohen
Australia has been welcoming a steady stream of stunning new hotel properties from local brands, from dog-friendly boutique stays to history-filled inner-city escapes. But that's not the case for our latest grand arrival, which officially opened today, Thursday, March 23, towering above Melbourne CBD's Lonsdale Street. After much hype, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has finally been unveiled in all its luxurious 80-storey glory. It marks the second Aussie property for the international Marriott-owned brand after an existing site in Perth, with the next slated to open on the Gold Coast by 2026. The new 257-room hotel is a high-end affair, with renowned Aussie architects Cottee Parker behind the build and BAR Studio to thank for the elegant interiors. Here, they've flipped the script on the usual hotel formula, placing the impressive Sky Lobby Reception way up on Level 80, where lofty ceilings and huge windows offer panoramic views to greet its guests. Rooms are kitted out with hand-made glass panels, dark timber and gold finishes, while artworks pay tribute to both the city location and the area's indigenous heritage. Splash out to stay in the enormous Ritz-Carlton Suite and you'll enjoy your own in-room sauna, walk-in wardrobe and private pantry. Last year, the hotel named Michael Greenlaw (London's Bibendum, Vue de Monde) as Executive Chef and Mark Best (Peninsula Bistro, Marque) in the role of Culinary Advisor, hinting at some buzz-worthy food and drink offerings to come. That looks set to be the case, with three onsite venues now unveiled — Atria is the innovative fine-diner celebrating hyper-seasonality, Cameo is the glam cocktail bar promising top-shelf sipping and the Lobby Lounge is the more casual counterpart that'll also play host to high-tea sessions. All of these sit at the top of the hotel, showcasing eye-popping views across the city. Of course, with all that luxury there had to be a standout wellness offering involved — and the Ritz-Carlton Spa promises not to disappoint. Here, you'll find six treatment rooms and a hefty menu of therapies, as well as a soaring infinity pool, yoga studio and fitness hub. The hotel is also home to no less than 2500 square metres of event space, including the expansive Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom, which boasts space to sit 550 guests. Find the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne at 650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The Darling Harbour outpost of global hotel chain Sofitel has just unveiled its lavish new two-storey spa, delivering a fresh dose of relaxation high among the Sydney skyline. Joining the Harbour City's existing impressive supply of luxe spa experiences, and pairing its relaxation experiences with sweeping water views, the Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour offers an array of facilities and wellness journeys — all housed within a "quintessentially Sydney" space. Soft timbers, sandstone and marble finishes welcome guests into the latest addition to Sydney's wellness scene, which boasts seven roomy treatment spaces. Also on offer: a bespoke standalone bathtub with harbour views, an infrared sauna, a meditation zone and a contemplation deck sitting on level four of the hotel. While traditional experiences like massages, facials, body wraps and exfoliation are all available, the flagship offerings from the spa are its package deals — or wellness journeys. Take the signature half-day journey, for example, and you'll combine exercise, nutrition, treatment and introspection, getting a holistic experience that's meant leave guests refreshed head-to-toe. Kicking things off is also the autumn wellness journey, named the Soin bien-être d'Automne, which guides patrons through a multi-faceted five-hour immersion featuring everything that the spa has to offer. For $850–900 (with the price varying depending on the day), you'll kick things off with your choice of a swim in the outdoor pool or a Peloton session, followed by a full-body aromatherapy massage, a body polish, a body wrap and an apple collagen facial. Rounding out the journey is a light lunch designed by Executive Chef Sam Moore and guided meditation, as well as a Sofitel SPA gift set. You'll also score valet parking so that you don't encounter any stress getting to and from the hotel. French beauty brand Biologique Recherche and fast-rising Australian company Waterlily have been enlisted to provide the spa with its cosmetic treatment products, each of which will be personalised to every guest's needs. Plus, the spa sits alongside the hotel's previously opened level-four infinity pool. The swimming spot is heated year-round and offers guests the ability to enjoy a dip while soaking in panoramic views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD skyline. Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour is now open 10am–6pm Monday–Sunday at 12 Darling Drive, Sydney. Images: Anna Kucera.
Ending the year as you mean to go on is the ultimate New Year's Eve mantra, and it seems that Australia's weather has taken the sentiment to heart. After the country clocked up its third-warmest year on record in 2018, it kicked off 2019 with toasty spells in both Sydney and Melbourne — and another country-wide spate of hot, hot heat is on its way. It is summer, of course; however the next run of warm weather will see the nation affected by a heatwave from Monday, January 14. According to AAP and The Guardian, every state and territory will feel the heat. The mercury will hit the 30s in every capital city, although the impact will differ around the country. And again, while sunny, sweaty days are part and parcel of this time of year, each capital will experience temps above its average maximum for January. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that Sydneysiders can expect at least a five-day stretch of 30-plus temperatures from Tuesday, while Brisbanites will swelter through the same temps for the whole week. In Melbourne, a maximum of 37 degrees is forecast on Monday, followed by 35 on Tuesday, before easing off down to 21 on Saturday. https://twitter.com/BOM_au/status/1084218154782478337 In what's proving to be a particularly hot start to 2019 in South Australia, Adelaide will reach 41 degrees on Tuesday and 40 on Wednesday — part of a southern spike that'll also see Hobart make it to 30 degrees on Tuesday and Canberra endure a four-day span of temperatures between 38–40 degrees. Perth will bake on Saturday, when a 37-degree day is expected, while Darwin will stay above 30 all week. Wherever you're spending the next seven days, air-conditioning, pools and the beach are your friends.
Before it all began, Poor Toms' Griffin Blumer and Jesse Kennedy knew a few things for sure — they had a shared hatred of fedoras, they didn't want to spend the best years of their lives working for the man and they loved drinking gin. Coming up to three years in the gin-making biz, the duo has created a well-loved, local business that's set to open its own bar by March — which we got the tiniest sneak peek of. We've teamed up with Squarespace to talk to Griffin and Jesse about why they started Poor Toms and how they've gotten to where they are today. TURNING DISILLUSIONMENT INTO INSPIRATION In 2015, the Canberran school friends lived in a sharehouse in Sydney's inner west. Jesse was working as a suit at Macquarie Bank, while Griffin was a budding actor trying to make ends meet. Both found their consumption of gin was proportional to their sense of disillusionment with spending the next 30 years living a predictable life. So, one evening over a few strong drinks, the two made the decision to kick their careers to the curb. "I was disillusioned by the idea of capitalism, and Jesse was disillusioned by the practice of it," says Griffin. Over breakfast in one of those aggressively twee converted warehouse cafes, the duo chatted about what they would do if they could get their mitts on an equally twee warehouse space. Griffin went highbrow saying he would open a performance space and put on plays with his pals, while Jesse just thought it would be pretty cool to have a place to hang out and make gin. Fast forward a few years and (fortunately for us) it was Jesse's idea that stuck. Together the two pooled their dimes and invested in a low-key warehouse space in the backstreets of Marrickville. WHAT'S IN A NAME? Despite not having any real professional chops when it came to the distilling process, Jesse and Griffin definitely had gumption and had sampled enough gins between them to have a clear idea of how they wanted their product to taste and how they wanted people to feel when they drank it. They admit, coming up with a name was a rough process."It's kind of like naming a baby, at first any name sounds bad but eventually people will accept it," says Griffin. They knew they wanted to include 'Tom' in their gin baby's name, as (adorably) it's both of their middle names. Serendipitously, Griffin was doing a reading of King Lear with Bell Shakespeare at the time, and, on the hunt for literally any 'Tom'-themed words, he came across the character Edgar, a kind of clueless aristocrat who — in a very small nutshell — was forced to cast off his riches and disguise himself as the charming philosophical vagrant Poor Tom in order to avoid being falsely accused of plotting to kill his father. The act of throwing off your fakery and pretension to reveal one's trueself became a guiding principle that informed Poor Toms creative direction and brand ethos, "most marketing advice is 'make something with broad appeal or something that is generically interesting to a lot people'" says Griffin, "but we decided to take the opposite approach by making something that appeals to us… and hoped other people would like it." HOW TO BECOME LEGIT Regardless of what you think of Mark Zuckerberg and his social network conglomerate, any business operating in this day and age needs to have some semblance of an internet presence. Before starting Poor Toms, both Jesse and Griffin used social media like any average millennial — "to look at people and not miss parties" — but, despite their shared hatred of photos of drinks on Instagram, they knew if they wanted Poor Toms to be successful they needed to up their online ante. "One of the hard parts was translating the very clear brand identity into an online voice...all of a sudden we had to have a social media presence and a website," says Griffin. "These days, having a website is like having a business card…you need one to be trusted." The two had been binge-listening StartUp, a podcast about starting a business, and as a result, were exposed to a world of audio ads from Squarespace. They elicited the help of a designer friend to whip up a schmick website using a Squarespace template, and started an Instagram account, which, according to Jesse, was "largely to demonstrate that they were normal enough that other people would take photos with them" and with that, Poor Toms became legit. THE MARKER OF SUCCESS IS NEVER FIXED As Poor Toms continues to grow as a business, the definition of success constantly evolves. There wasn't really an exact moment when the pair knew they made it, but they're now producing grade-A gin on a full-time basis, and don't even have to think about returning to those 9–5 jobs that they left behind. Though there's not a lot of time for them to pause and reflect, "you become addicted to the hustle," says Jesse. "There's so much hustle involved in stepping away from a consistent salary." They're busy working on a number of new projects and collaborations including opening a bar in their Marrickville distillery in Sydney, "we weren't ready to open a bar when we first started. We just weren't old enough," says Jesse. "It took six months to figure out how to make gin, and now we're finally ready to have people here." For Jesse and Griffin, starting Poor Toms was never about making bank; the pair is just happy to be working for themselves and producing something they're truly passionate about. "We created something new that people love," says Griffin. "We always wanted our gin to be loved — it's not about revenue or profit. We want to be Australia's most loved gin; we want people to be invested in our story." Discover more of the Poor Toms story here, and stay tuned for more news on the launch of their first bar. Looking to embark on an entirely new venture? You'll need to let people know about it. That's where Squarespace comes in. Kickstart your new biz with a website, and use the code CP for 10% off your first Squarespace purchase. Images: Kitti Smallbone
