Sydney's streetwear scene is about to take part in a massive celebration, as Supply Store and Nike team up to host SURPLUS — a three-day party stacked with 50-plus mostly free events spanning 21 Darlinghurst venues. Showcasing food, design, music, art and movement, expect much-loved homegrown and international names to guide the fashionable festivities from Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19. Taking over Burton Street from 10am–6pm on Saturday, October 18, Marketplace is an openair destination for clothing vendors, independent publishers and renowned food pop-ups. Grab yourself a cult-followed slice from NYC's Scarr's Pizza or delve into California's Uncle Paulie's Deli for an American-style sandwich with streetwear credentials. Meanwhile, big-time Canadian Chef Matty Matheson's own Matty's Patty's will be making an Aussie appearance. Yet this event goes far beyond mere food. NYC-born BMX pro Nigel Sylvester will host a community swap shop, while other Marketplace highlights include express manis from Mannequin Hands, tooth gems from Niche Pleasures and Y2K-inspired merch from Extra Silky hair salon. Plus, visitors can expect street art exhibits from Sydney's Sly Morikawa, Melbourne's Mim Libro and Seattle's CHITO, featuring his acclaimed graffiti-meets-fashion work. On the live music front, SURPLUS welcomes London-based rapper, YT, to Oxford Art Factory, as Newcastle's own techno label Steel City Dance Discs — home to Kettama, Loods and Tommy Holohan — presents a one-off tape workshop. Of course, Nike is getting involved, serving up limited-edition Air Max drops across the weekend, ensuring you score a fresh pair of the sneakerhead classic that helped shape the entire streetwear scene. "SURPLUS connects and engages our local scene by bringing the online offline," says Supply Store Founder, Shawn Yates. "We want SURPLUS to be an opportunity to participate and tap into the world that Supply Store has built over the last two decades."
Earlier this year, the Ambarvale Hotel reopened with its own on-site microbrewery after a massive 12-month renovation. Since then, it has begun pumping out its own Pete's pacific ale and Woodhouse lager — and, to celebrate, it's hosting its first-ever beer festival. Dubbed South West Beer Fest, it'll see 13 of the best breweries from around the country (and beyond) descend on the pub for one afternoon. Panhead Brewery, Six Strings, Stone & Wood, Feral, Willie the Boatman, Stockade, Hop Nation and Akasha are just some of the labels that'll be on site slinging their wares on Sunday, August 18. While entry is free, you will need to purchase some (very reasonably priced) drink tokens. You can pre-purchase eight for $25, or snag eight on the day for $30. As well as many, many beers, the pub will be serving up eats from Goodtime Burgers, El Topo Cantina and its own smoker, and there'll be live music from the Sweet Jelly Rolls from 2–5pm, followed by a DJ. South West Beer Fest runs from midday–6pm.
Run by the same folks at Sydney Park Hotel in Newtown, The White Cockatoo is a beloved pokies-free pub and accommodation in Sydney's Petersham. On the ground floor, you'll find the public bar and dining room as well as a vine-covered beer garden that's simply made for summer drinking seshes. Grab a parmy, some cheesy poutine chips, burgers and some craft beers or go a little fancier. Taste your way through some of The White Cockatoo's impressive selection of wines, pairing the drops with a great cut of steak or some crispy skin barramundi. [caption id="attachment_904456" align="alignnone" width="1920"] KW Photography[/caption] Alternatively, make all your decisions based on the daily pub deals. Mondays are for 'pint parties' when all schooners are automatically supersized to pints. Tuesdays are all about cheap tinnies. Trivia is hosted here every Wednesday. On Thursday nights, pub members go in the draw to win a cash prize. And Fridays see the locals pack in for the free meat raffle. You can even live at The White Cockatoo. Not behind the bar, but in one of the 20 recently renovated pub-style rooms — each kitted out with a queen bed, flat-screen TV, wardrobe and lounge. Plus, they have access to a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and shared facilities. Call this top-notch neighbourhood pub home for the night, or even a couple of weeks. It's one of our personal favourites for a reason. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
Not only a destination to soak in crystal-clear waters during the warmer months and explore undeveloped islands, New Zealand's Far North has a food culture worthy of shouting from the rooftops. With a big focus on seasonal produce, menus are ever-changing and no two visits to the Bay of Islands will taste the same. Thanks to its handy placement on the fringe of the world's largest ocean, you can expect to lap up an abundance of seafood plus locally made cheese, chocolates and wine all year round. This is your guide to eating and drinking in the Bay of Islands. Before even setting off on your island adventure, the outskirts of Kerikeri has a number of eateries worth swinging into. The Rusty Tractor is a good place to get a feel for the community and refuel with generous portions. The family-friendly cafe is the kind where everyone knows everyone. On this visit the barista could be found hopping between the coffee machine and working in the gardens, while another local was spotted making himself at home behind the counter for a chat. The menu offers a contemporary (and hefty) take on breakfast classics, including mince on toast with poached eggs and onion rings, mushrooms in a cobb loaf with pea and feta salsa verde, and cinnamon sugared doughnuts. If you're in the business of caffeine, the cafe uses first-rate Supreme beans and has the option of a four-shot coffee bucket. If you have an afternoon to wile away, Marsden Estate is a short trip from the airport. At the winery you can enjoy an educational wine tasting before settling on your preferred varietal. We also suggest grabbing the antipasto platter of local cheeses, handmade terrine, dips and spreads and perching under the vines in the courtyard. Afterwards, take a stroll around the subtropical vineyard gardens with another glass of vino in hand. [caption id="attachment_986518" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old Packhouse Market[/caption] For something on the run (especially if you're around on a weekend), head to The Old Packhouse Market. Found in Kerikeri, literally in an old packhouse, the weekly gathering of more than 100 vendors is the perfect spot to load up on supplies before heading off on a road trip. Expect to pick up everything from homemade pies to raw milk, deep-fried oyster po' boys and fruit and vegetables from producers that reside just around the corner. Enjoy your finds while listening to live music, receiving a palm reading or getting a reflexology massage. Across the road is another must-visit attraction. As soon as you enter Makana Confections the smell from the adjoining factory will be tugging on your heartstrings. The best part is that free samples are handed out upon arrival in the gift shop so you can try before you buy — you'll also see staff crafting the exact same thing through the window, so you know it's fresh. The cafe offers a lineup of gelato, chocolate truffles, cakes and slices for dine-in or takeaway. While you're in Kerikeri, head to Cafe Jerusalem for authentic Israeli cuisine that encapsulates the flavours of the Levant. En route to Russell, you'll pass through Paihia. Here you'll have the option of quick bites spanning kebabs, pizza and ribs. On the other side of the one-way bridge from the township lies the official birthplace of New Zealand, Waitangi. As part of the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds you can enhance your visitor experience by witnessing the unveiling of a traditional hāngi — a Māori method of cooking in the earth with hot stones. Hāngi chefs will introduce the cooking process before you tuck into the feast. [caption id="attachment_986502" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paroa Bay Winery[/caption] Once off the car ferry en route to Russell, make a short detour for Paroa Bay Winery, a family-owned property set against the rolling hills and overlooking Paroa Bay. The boutique vineyard has a big focus on sustainability, using techniques of dry-grown vines across chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, syrah, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and merlot. Go for a tasting flight and stay for the Mediterranean and European-inspired menu at onsite restaurant, Sage. With its award-winning restaurant set right on the water, The Duke of Marlborough is a pristine destination to stop in Russell for a bite to eat. The property was erected in 1827 and later became the first licensed hotel in New Zealand. The property still retains its vintage appeal; the rooms are grand with high ceilings, the walls are covered with marine memorabilia and the solid furniture certainly has a story to tell. The restaurant is all about showcasing local seasonal produce and modern interpretations of classic favourites. You can expect to sample local oysters or oven-roasted fish that was caught directly in front of the hotel. The beverage list is extensive with over 100 wines and 30 beers from the Bay of Islands to Burgundy. The wine tasting rack is a good option for indecisive diners, offering three generous samples to sip back as the sun drops over the inlet. [caption id="attachment_986497" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gables[/caption] Just down the main strip from The Duke is The Gables, the oldest licensed restaurant in the country. The building was originally built by an immigrant shoemaker who purchased the land from a Māori chief. It's now owned by Robert and Jenny Loosley, who have retained the old world charm and a collection of documents — including the original deed of sale. The kitchen aims to showcase classic New Zealand flavours, with fresh local seafood and grass-fed meat big players on the menu. Elsewhere is Hone's Garden in the warmer months offers wood-fired pizza, fresh beer and friendly community vibes; and Hell Hole is a great option to start your day with loaded bagels and fresh coffee. GETTING THERE Kerikeri Airport is the region's main port of call. From Auckland Airport it's a breezy 50-minute flight to the sleepy terminal. Alternatively, it will take you just over three hours to drive from Auckland to Paihia and Russell. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here.
Yes, that’s right: we said coffice. And by coffice we mean 'coffee shop office'. Long gone are the days when all you required from your favourite café was a skilled barista and a selection of tabloids. Nowadays we expect a whole lot more — Wi-Fi, powerpoints, and ample table surface area, for starters. We want to help you meet that deadline, avoid that frustrating colleague, or master the art of procrastination. So, for those of you seeking out attractive alternatives to working at home, uni or your partitioned space, let us present to you the cafés that best accommodate working folk in Sydney. 1. Berkelouw Café Bookstore, Newtown Just off King Street is Berkelouw Café Bookstore, Newtown’s converted warehouse favourite. We’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy the workspace – sprawl your stuff out over one of the chesterfields or set up shop at one of the large communal tables perched on the second floor. You’ll find organic fair trade coffee and freshly baked goods; a winning recipe for an enchanting meeting between boho locals and coffice fanatics. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8pm; 6-8 O’Connell Street, Newtown; 02 9557 1777; www.berkelouw.com.au 2. Café Otto, Glebe Otto’s back! After burning down in 2010, Glebe’s institutional Cafe Otto has returned in good form. Owner Neil Mirani is offering up a hearty café tucker menu and extensive beverage list in a relaxed coffice setting. With padded bench seating, joinable tables, open fire, Wi-Fi, and $12 specials for everyday of the week, Otto’s a Sydney uni kid’s escapist haven and our pick for coffice comfort. Mon–Sun 10am–Late; 79 Glebe Point Road, Glebe; 02 9556 1519. 3. The Fern, Redfern Residing in an old terrace house, The Fern could almost be code for, “working from home”. The three things that make this place a real gem? The Melburnian blend Gravity, the good form retro interior, and the fact that you can get a seven course degustation for $49 (save this for the ‘rewarding of self’ once coffice duties are complete). Bunk down in one of the slouchy armchairs and enjoy the café’s Wi-Fi. Redfern’s cosiest coffice. Tue–Sun 8am–3pm, Thu–Sat 6–10pm; 4 Pitt Street, Redfern; 02 8399 0070; www.thefern.com.au 4. Gertrude and Alice, Bondi Beach Guzzle down on a honey infused chair and sink into one of the snug sofas. With over 25,000 books at your disposal Gertrude and Alice is the unchallenged coffice for workers with research heavy projects, people addicted to the smell of ancient books or those seeking solace from the cold pinch of traditional libraries. A coffice for readers. Mon–Fri 9.30am–11pm, Sat–Sun 8.30am–Late; 46 Hall Street, Bondi Beach; 02 9130 5155; www.gertrudeandalice.com.au 5. MCA Café, The Rocks Located on level four of the new Mordant Wing, this place boasts the view across the quay, free Wi-Fi and is top of our list for the coffice shmooze. Get in early to knock over some work in the indoor ‘canteen’ then liaise with clients or coffice mates over a glass or two on the terrace. They’re open 24 hours on Thursdays (kitchen open until 9pm), too. Score! Mon–Sun 10am–5pm, Thu 24 hrs; Level 4, 180 George Street, The Rocks; 02 9250 8443; www.mca.com.au 6. The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria New kid on the block, the Grounds of Alexandria, is for coffice goers who enjoy the outdoors and have a tolerance for the little humans. Yes, there will be both queues and prams, but don’t let this put you off – order from the takeaway counter then kick back in the garden. Enjoyment of the chicken run, pebbled paths, and rustic shared tables is best left to cofficers looking for creative inspiration and/or those on a quest to nail the whole kitchen garden thing. Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm; Building 7A/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria; 02 9699 2225; www.groundsroasters.com 7. Gallery Café, Annandale The pioneer of Booth Street café culture. With a wide selection of hearty breakfasts, lunches, and snacks served amongst canvas-covered walls, this coffice is best for ample desk space. Seating over 100, the open space willingly hosts large groups but also welcomes lingerers in its quiet corners. Mon–Sat 7am–5pm, Sun 8am–5pm; 43 Booth Street, Annandale; 02 9692 8449; www.gallerycafe.com.au 8. BangBang Espresso Bar and Cafe, Surry Hills So what do ex-Ministry of Sound DJs do when they call it quits? Apparently they run hipster cafes in the tree-lined streets of Surry Hills. BangBang Espresso Bar and Café is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle – the laidback coffice for those needing to catch up on a few things. Casual and accommodating for quiet coffice folk. Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat–Sun 8am–3pm; 113 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills; 02 9281 0018. 9. Broadway Lounge, Chippendale Students rejoice, because Broadway Lounge was made for you. With free Wi-Fi, 10% student discounts and space aplenty, Broadway Lounge is a welcome relief to on-campus cram sessions. And don’t forget the karaoke night on Wednesdays – the best form of stress-relief out there if you ask us. Mon–Sat 8am–Late, Sun 8am–10pm; 166-170 Broadway, Chippendale; 02 9212 2007; www.broadwaylounge.com.au 10. Café Hernandez, Potts Point Say goodbye to those grease-ball kebabs and hello to tasty churros. Café Hernandez is Kings X’s 24 hour haunt – the perfect late night coffice (of a weeknight, that is). Hernandez is an excellent solution for tight deadlines and middle of the night internet-gone-down fiascos. With an enviable selection of roasts and a famous hot chocolate, this place is fully equipped to give you that kick into action no matter what time of day or night. The coffice most suited to coffee fiends and night owls. Mon–Sun 24 hours; 60 Kings Cross Road, Potts Point; 02 9331 2343; www.cafehernandez.com.au Main image via mrlancerichardson on Flickr
For the people who care deeply about beautiful things — the ones who know their glassware silhouettes, have opinions on timber grains or can spot a well-cut bag from across a room — design-forward gifts always land best. This year's edit brings together thoughtful pieces from Australian makers and independent studios, spanning sculptural homewares, tactile accessories, sustainable fashion and objects that balance form with function. Whether they're curating their space piece by piece or simply appreciate good design in the everyday, these polished picks offer style, utility and a little artistic flair. Shopping for someone who prefers edible design? Explore our guide to the best small-batch foodie gifts. Balance Vase, Fazeek A sculptural glass vase that plays with symmetry and scale, this two-tone design turns a simple stem into a full display moment. Shop now. The Baguette Bag, Fred Home A bag made purely for carrying a baguette? Equal parts outrageous and totally gorgeous. Shop now. Incense Holder Bundle, Gentle Habits A ceramic holder paired with the brand's signature coastal-inspired incense blends. Shop now. Merino Alpaca Throw in Cobalt, Hommey A luxe throw woven from merino wool and alpaca, in a punchy cobalt tone to instantly elevates any space. Shop now. Ulna Ring (Emerald), Kto Made in Castlemaine, this cuttlefish-cast silver ring is a sculptural addition to any design lover's collection. Shop now. Roman Pool Towel, Baina A premium organic cotton towel featuring Baina's signature checkerboard pattern. Shop now. Sculptural Lobster Candle, Milligram A candle shaped like a lobster — do we need to say more? Witty, sculptural and very giftable. Shop now. Pin Drop Vessel, Leisa Wharington A playful hand-blown glass vessel with mix-and-match stoppers. Make it a bottle, a vase, or simply an objet d'art. Shop now. The Bronzing Duet, Fluff Fluff's unmistakable silver pebble compact, paired with a matching kabuki brush and a refillable bronzing powder. Shop now. Plaid Bag, Pan After A durable, handmade statement bag in bold woven plaid — made from 100 percent recycled nylon. Shop now. MECCA x E Nolan SPF + Lip Balm Beauty Bag Set, MECCA Cosmetica A fashion-meets-beauty collab pairing everyday essentials with a limited-edition scrunchie and pouch. Shop now. Long Stone Servers, Dinosaur Designs Hand-poured in Australia, these resin servers showcase Dinosaur Designs' signature organic forms and rich marbled colour. Shop now. Sakura Outdoor Mat, Sunnup Made from around 100 recycled polypropylene bottles, this picnic mat is as durable as it is chic. Shop now. Organica Day Bag, Brie Leon Spacious enough for daily essentials but refined enough for after-dark plans — and crafted from buttery vegan leather. Shop now. Mother of Pearl Oyster Plate, Jardan Crafted in Melbourne and slipcast to highlight natural texture, this Nattier oyster plate offers a fun take on functional serveware. Shop now. Organic Cotton Bedding in Watson Stripe, Sheet Society Soft, stonewashed organic cotton and quiet ruched detailing give this percale bedding set a refined, lived-in feel. Shop now. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence our recommendations, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The sun is dying, and only a mission to space can potentially save life on earth and all of humanity. Sound familiar? If you've watched Sunshine from 28 Years Later duo Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, then it should. This one should ring a bell, too, if you caught The Martian: an everyman character gets stranded solo well beyond the third rock from the sun. Combine elements of two excellent sci-fi films from years gone by and you have Project Hail Mary — at least based on the just-dropped first trailer for the 2026 release. It isn't by accident that The Martian pops to mind, either. American novelist Andy Weir wrote the book that 2015 feature was based on. A decade later, the same applies, this time telling a tale about a science teacher who becomes an astronaut — and the planet's only hope. Ryan Gosling (The Fall Guy) plays Ryland Grace, who usually teaches the sixth grade. In parts of the Project Hail Mary's debut sneak peek, he stresses that he's putting the "not" in "astronaut" — and he's both sceptical and reluctant about the task being asked of him. In other moments in the film's first trailer, he's 11.9 light years from home, all alone, and uncertain why after waking up with no memory about what he's doing in space. Also included: attempting to discover why the sun is dying, using his science skills in a manner far beyond what he'd ever expected and making friends while soaring through the heavens. Audiences Down Under can make a date with the end result in March 2026 — and watch Gosling tackle space again after portraying Neil Armstrong in 2018's First Man, as part of a cast that spans Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall), Lionel Boyce (The Bear), Ken Leung (Industry) and Milana Vayntrub (Going Dutch), too. Project Hail Mary also marks the first picture directed by filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller in more than a decade, when the pair had both The Lego Movie and 22 Jump Street in cinemas in 2014. In the years since, they've been busy, however — such as initially being slated to helm Solo: A Star Wars Story, then getting replaced by Ron Howard (Jim Henson Idea Man), and producing everything from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its sequel to the very different Brigsby Bear and Cocaine Bear. Check out the first trailer for Project Hail Mary below: Project Hail Mary opens in Australian cinemas in March 2026.
When award-winning baristas get together to start their own cafe, you can bet that the coffee will be pretty damn good. Normcore Coffee Roasters, operated by Nate Lee and Chanho Hong, is just that. With a name taken from the anti-fashion trend, Normcore (a fusion of 'normal' and 'hardcore') serves up 'hardcore' blends for its lineup of single-origin black coffee and Normcore blends for customers who prefer their cuppa on the milkier side. Open Monday to Friday from 7am, the tiny cafe on Castlereagh Street is a perfect pitstop for a summery cold brew or warming espresso made from seasonal house-blended coffee. Plus, you can get stuck into a breakfast menu of smashed avo, toasties, and egg and bacon rolls. In addition to brunch favourites, there's a small lineup of soba salads and chicken and ham sandos to satisfy hungrier customers. With an industrial aesthetic and champion beans, the boutique roaster offers something for coffee experts and brunch lovers alike.
Hump day: when your memories of the weekend past have well and truly faded away and you can do nothing but visualise Friday arvo. The solution? Gather your fellow long-suffering colleagues and head out for a mid-week lunch. In fact, getting out of the office for an hour or two can cure chronic workitis. We promise. To help you do just that, we've teamed up with our mates at Heineken to bring you six of the best lunch spots to hit this hump day. And, because you'll be needed back in the office, a Heineken 3 is the ideal accompaniment. From the depths of the CBD to sunny harbourside spots, our picks will give you the bounce you need to make it through to the weekend.
Merivale's Mr. Wong further dispels the myth concerning Sydney's lack of serious post-midnight dining options and in epic proportions. With room for over 200 guests, Mr. Wong could very well put an end to the kebab-eating rituals of CBD drunkards by offering them a class act alternative. And an alternative that, thanks to the business' signature design team, is exceptionally pretty to look at. Head chef Dan Hong (Ms. G's, MuMu) serves up authentic Cantonese fare in plush 1930s Shanghai-inspired surrounds. Contributing to the reawakening of laneways across Sydney's centre, Mr. Wong's guests enter via Bridge Lane; an exemplar laneway vouching for our city's fondness of pocketed, back alley dining. Guests are seated over two levels – on the upper level if they're walk-ins or on the lower level if they've booked in advance – and with atmospheric buzz aplenty, are likely to experience more than just a few things sizzling hot. Service included. The steamed dim sum platter including scallop shumai, jade seafood dumpling, har gau and Chinese mushroom dumpling is a solid option to start as is the yellowfin tuna served with kohlrabi, sweet wasabi, soy and ginger dressing. Both standouts on Mr. Wong's large Cantonese repertoire, the dishes reflect the intricate technical skill required by the maestros behind it. Tail this with a half serve (8 pancakes) of the peking duck pancakes and the braised asparagus, broccoli and sugar snap peas with garlic and rice wine and you'll quite openly celebrate the fact that you've over eaten. It was for a good, and indulgently flavoursome cause. For dessert try Mr. Wong's deep fried ice cream served with butterscotch sauce, vanilla or chocolate or the green apple ice, osmanthus jelly, water chestnuts and coconut sorbet Expect an entertaining contrast in textures from the former and a refined delicacy from the latter. And with an accomplished wine list by Merivale's Group Master Sommelier, Franck Moreau, Mr. Wong ticks the tipple box, too. As a serious addition to hospitality tycoon Justin Hemmes' dining empire, Mr. Wong will stride forward with might. Whether you're there for the dim sum or a more involved eating experience, this place guarantees one thing: satisfaction.
If you're thinking of heading to Tassie for Dark Mofo this year, this could be the clincher. MONA is hosting its next big exhibition, Zero — a celebration of Germany's radical artists of the 1950s and 60s. The show gets its name from the term the artists used, collectively, to describe themselves. They didn't identify as belonging to a movement, style or group, but instead felt connected by a "vision of the things", as explained by Otto Piene, one of the founders. The show will feature artworks by original Zero artists, as well as those that have since absorbed their influence. These include Heinz Mack, Otto Piene, Günther Uecker and Adolf Luther from Germany; Lucio Fontana, Nanda Vigo, Grazia Varisco, Enrico Castellani and Gianni Colombo from Italy; with Marcel Duchamp, Yves Klein and François Morellet from France; Henk Peeters from The Netherlands; Christian Megert from Switzerland; Jesús Soto from Venezuela; and Yayoi Kusama from Japan. Given that these artworks were often ephemeral, many will be reconstructions. Expect sound effects, music, optical illusions, moving parts, shifting lights and reflective materials. There'll be a particular focus on vibration, which Mack described in 1958 as "resting restlessness…the expression of continuous movement, which we call 'vibration'…Its harmony stirs our souls, as the life and breath of the work." Taking care of curation is Mattijs Visser, founding director of the international Zero Foundation. "Zero is one of the most significant, yet largely forgotten, art movements since the Second World War...Zero needs to be discovered now, while several of their speakers are still with us," he says.
First things first: don't come to Claret Club if you're in the mood for a cocktail. "Sydney has so many fantastic cocktail venues — we're happy to leave those to the experts," says Bridget Raffal (pictured below), co-owner of the intimate Darlinghurst newcomer. "Wine is what we love, and that's where we choose to put our energy." The other half of that 'we' is Raffal's business and life partner, Harry Hunter. Both are excellently credentialled: Hunter is a former sommelier at Rockpool, Bentley Group and Dinner by Heston, while fellow somm Raffal is herself an alum of Sixpenny and co-owner of Marrickville wine bar Where's Nick. Together, they've opened a deliberately wine-first bar and restaurant in Darlinghurst, doing away with gatekeeping — and, yes, cocktails — while putting great bottles and approachability front and centre. [caption id="attachment_1065648" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isabella Wild[/caption] Claret Club occupies a two-storey terrace on Stanley Street, with a walk-in wine bar downstairs and a European-inspired dining room upstairs. Wine is the undisputed star of the show, with a rotating selection of 30 drops available by the glass, and a by-the-bottle list set to expand to around 800 labels over time. Many of the bottles are pulled directly from Raffal and Hunter's personal cellar — expect everything from benchmark Bordeaux and Burgundy Grands Crus to standout Australian expressions from regions like the Yarra Valley, Coonawarra and Margaret River. While the name nods to historically exclusive members-only wine societies, this is very much a modern, inclusive take. "We're excited to open up our personal collections," says Raffal. "A lot of sommeliers keep secret 'reserve' lists for those in the know, where guests are deemed worthy of ordering certain bottles, but that's just not our style." At Claret Club, if a wine is in its drinking window, it'll be on the list for anyone to enjoy. Upstairs, Head Chef Andy Buchanan (The Dry Dock) oversees a wine-friendly menu inspired by classic European bistros and unfussy, flavour-first cooking. The à la carte selection includes pig's head croquettes with salsa verde, gnocco fritto with anchovy and sage, market fish with sauce vierge and roast duck with summer cherries and bitter leaves. There's also a $100 Carte Blanche option, where the kitchen matches five courses to guests' wine selection. Cocktails, meanwhile, are conspicuously absent. There's a tight selection of aperitifs, digestifs and select spirits, but nothing shaken or mixed, ensuring the focus remains on what's in the glass. For Raffal, that focus is both practical and philosophical: "Can you imagine missing out on a conversation about a truly beautiful bottle of wine because you were stuck behind the bar making cocktails? Nightmare material!" Images: Isabella Wild.
If you haven't already, now is about the time to lock down your Italian summer plans. While exploring heaving cities like Rome, Florence and Milan should be high on your agenda, there's another way to experience the country. Founded in 2018, Tiny Away invites globetrotters to slow down their travels, focusing on eco-friendly tiny homes situated in stunning regional locations. Rather than spending more than a few nights in a cramped hostel, your Euro adventure could be a lot more restful tucked into one of these stays. Now offering five new tiny homes across Italy, these small yet smartly designed spaces offer a nature-led alternative to an everyday trip, providing a chance for travellers to trade the city for a picturesque regional stay. So, what's now available? Set in the charming commune of Mompeo, Olivo Nomade sees guests stay amid an organic farm dotted with over 400 olive trees. Located high on a hillside overlooking the surrounding valley and the distant peak of Mount Terminillo, it's only about 80 kilometres to Rome, meaning you can relish the outdoors and still hit up the city's storied streets. To the south, an hour from Naples and easily within reach of the Amalfi, Monteleone is another peaceful farm stay, featuring sweeping views towards Capri and the chance to soak up rural life without sacrificing creature comforts. Even further south, Casa della Montagna places guests on Lake Arvo's doorstep, alongside historic castles and forested hiking trails. Tucked into the heel of Italy, Il Nostro Sogno Madonna is ready to provide you with a peaceful base for experiencing traditional Italian life. Flanked by wild prickly pear trees and an ancient olive grove, this tiny home is also close to the Adriatic's idyllic beaches at 15 kilometres from the whitewashed town of Ostuni. Plus, you have access to the host's pool when you don't feel like moving more than a couple of metres. Rounding out this collection of new tiny houses is Dolce Casa — a serene stay perched on the outskirts of Arezzo in Tuscany. Think rolling hills, lush vineyards and access to storied villages like Rigutino. Equipped with everything you need for a picture-perfect stay, you'll be sipping local wines in total serenity as the sun sets on one of Italy's most beautiful regions. For more information, head to the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
It's not taken long for Heaps Normal to feel at home in Australian drinking culture. The Sydney-based non-alcoholic brewer only debuted six years ago, but it's quickly cemented itself as one of the most popular brands for inclusive drinking. It's also not the sort of brand to rest on its laurels, as its latest innovation of non-alc beer that's tap-compatible proves. To celebrate this new frontier, Heaps Normal is partnering with over 30 pubs across the country to pour the new brew for free this Friday, March 27. Now, a tap-compatible beer may not sound like an innovation, but it is for the non-alcoholic kind. To summarise, beer taps are kept at a frosty temperature (because nobody likes a warm beer), but the lower density and sugar content of non-alcoholic beers typically causes them to freeze in these conditions. Heaps Normal has cracked the code for its brand-new draught, utilising a preservative-free approach of naturally derived fibre and the 100 percent malt body of the beer to prevent freezing inside the lines and protect the liquid from contamination. "A lot of non-alcs are thin and watery by necessity," said Heaps Normal's co-founder and chief product officer Ben Holdstock. "We've always brewed with body and balance in mind, and it turns out that approach was the key to making draught work." The revolution comes just in time for a broader shift in Aussie drinking culture, indicated by a 2024 study that revealed non-alcoholic beer popularity had risen to 10 percent of total beer sales in Australia, and that the global non-alcoholic beer market is due to hit $43 billion USD in value by next year. "Jumping from the fridge to the tap, and really nailing the most traditional of Aussie swill formats, is symbolic of how far the non-alc category has matured and developed. For knock-offs, mid-week sessions and everything in between, it's a new normal for the bar," says Heaps Normal co-founder and CEO Andy Miller. Now, after testing the beer at select pubs in Sydney and Melbourne, Heaps Normal's National Bar Shout will get pubs and bars pouring 3500 schooners of the good stuff for free, you just need to visit a participating venue between 5 and 7pm this Friday, March 27. See the full list of participating venues in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and ACT on the Heaps Normal website. Images: supplied Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Named for the Creedence Clearwater Revival song, Fortunate Son is the small bar you never thought you needed but will be glad you've found across the road from the Enmore Theatre. It's full of juxtapositions: it's styled like an American dive bar but serves champagne, a premium spirits list and a vast menu of cocktails, including a whole page of martini options. There are also toy tab cars on the counter. Most of the space is taken up by the bar itself, with locals enjoying original cocktails and local brews like Young Henrys. On the cocktail front, there are two menus. One is the Fortunate Ones, full of classic cocktails like a smoked chilli margarita, mint julep or old fashioned. The second is dubbed Fortunate Son's and stars house specials like the champagne daiquiri made with Moet syrup, The Insomnia — a next-level espresso martini with blanco tequila — and the aptly named Smoke and a Pancake, made with Gentleman Jack bourbon and peaty Ardbeg scotch with banana liqueur, maple syrup and cocktail bitters. For something even more special, ask the bartender for the Ramos Gin Fizz. This not-so-secret tipple isn't on the menu but is one of the venue's signature drinks. The Ramos is made with gin, egg whites, cream, simple syrup, lemon and lime juice. It is shaken initially with ice and then without ice in the shaker for a whopping 15 minutes to create a thick, luscious foam. It's then poured into a chilled glass with soda and sprinkled with hundreds and thousands.
Proving they know their audience, the newly revamped Buena Vista in Mosman is a little bit fancy. And while it's a pub at heart, the marble-topped bar — adorned with a veritable high-end selection of gins and whiskies — is the first sign that The Buena (as it's now named) is not your average pub. You'll still find sports on the TV and a crowd of people knocking back an after-work beer (along with the usual suspects, they have Young Henrys on tap) but you're also just as likely to see a group polishing off a casual bottle of Billecart-Salmon champagne ($125 a bottle). Upstairs in the Vista Bar it's no different. While the setting is casual and homely, reminiscent of a chic outdoor (but actually indoor) entertaining area, complete with a deck, ferns and a lounge area, the gastropub menu takes it up a notch. They do offer pub classics like chicken schnitzel with chips and slaw ($24), rump ($28) or eye fillet steak, and a wagyu burger topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, pickles and a smoked tomato aioli ($22), but, as you would expect from a menu that Guillaume Brahimi has had a hand in, there's so much more. The Vista Bar's menu gives you the option to fly solo or share. If you're all for the latter, start with yellowfin tuna poke with sesame and squid ink crackers — which take six hours to make and an instant to eat — or order a few crab sliders ($7 each) or barramundi tacos ($6 each) between you. And with the option to have any of their wood-fired pizzas made on a gluten free base, sharing with a big group is easy. Sticking to their penchant for the finer things, you can expect to choose from toppings such as truffles as opposed to ham and pineapple. Healthy options are available too, and The Buena won't leave you feeling like you're paying your penance. The smoked trout, warm potato, spinach and dill salad with a seeded mustard dressing ($21) is far from boring and has enough substance to keep any food envy at bay. If this all sounds great but you're not one to share, the miso salmon with broad beans, pickled cucumber and green tea noodles ($29) is something you won't find at most locals. It's one of the details that make The Buena a great option for a not-so casual night with mates on the lower north shore. UPDATE 10 JULY 2017: If you're looking for a cheap mid-week dinner, The Buena does $4 tacos and $10 margaritas in the Vista Bar on Thursdays. Hop to it.
In a world of convenient but unremarkable chain bottleshops, community-centric retailers like P&V Merchants are a welcome change of pace. The Paddington outpost of this small business opened in 2017, bringing a new face to Oxford Street that is one part bottleshop and one part community bar. Unlike your average bottleshop, P&V focuses on unique and less-recognised brews and bottles from producers around Australia and the world. From unusual wines to hoppy craft beers and spiced spirits, there are no boring drinks on these shelves. There's also a fair share of tinned, jarred, pickled and preserved food to be purchased, plus bits and bobs to be used and worn. Another unique offering of P&V is that you can enjoy your purchase in-store, simply take your purchase to the back courtyard and enjoy, or skip the decision-making first and enjoy some pre-determined by-the-glass options. There are some bar snacks to be enjoyed in the courtyard, but most of the food can be found upstairs in the independently-run Porcine bistro. Keep an eye on the P&V channels, as when Porcine isn't using the space, you can expect tastings, masterclasses and more. Images: Byron Martin for PADDO(Collective)
Feeling hemmed into the daily grind without much respite? It's time to break free from our own four walls in favour of spectacular scenery. If you have your sights set on a New South Wales getaway, we've found eight other-worldly spots that'll leave you spellbound — from extraterrestrial-esque terrains to luminous caves, jewel-coloured oceans and prehistoric forests. Here are some must-visit sites for your next NSW holiday that'll have you falling back in love with your own backyard. Due to extreme weather events, some places mentioned may be closed or operating differently. Check websites before making plans to visit. [caption id="attachment_802265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] DISCOVER THE MARS-LIKE LANDSCAPES OF MUNGO NATIONAL PARK You'll feel like you're on a space expedition wandering around the wind-sculpted sand dunes and millenia-old rock formations of this World Heritage-listed site. It's home to the 40,000-to-42,000-year-old Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, some of the oldest modern human remains discovered outside of Africa. Dive into the park's history at the Mungo Visitor Centre and learn about the cultural heritage of the area, which is shared by the region's Indigenous landowners, the Paakantji, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi people. Choose a walking, biking or driving route to explore the blazing red earth landscapes and vast, dry lakebed. Visitors can stay in the park's two campgrounds or the historic Mungo Shearers' Quarters, but numbers are limited. Or, find more accommodation in the nearby towns of Mildura and Balranald. It's quite the drive from Sydney — a solid ten or so hours — so, if you'd rather cut the highway drive, consider flying to Mildura or Griffith. [caption id="attachment_802263" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SWIM IN THE SAPPHIRE SEAS OF MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK Pack your camp gear, fishing rods and multiple sets of swimmers and visit this Sapphire Coast gem. You'll find idyllic inlets like Nelson Beach or Moon Bay, perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing. Picnickers and those prepared to paddle with a canoe or kayak should head to Nelson Lagoon. Or, if it's sea life you seek, stroll along the walking track to Wajurda Point lookout and spy whales and dolphins among the endless blue. Park your pack at the campgrounds at Gillards, Picnic Point or Middle Beach for a canvas room with an ocean view. Or, you can book the historic Myer House by Lake Wapengo for up to 12 people. The nearby towns of Bermagui and Merimbula are good spots to stay for the less intrepid, too — and you can even fly straight into the latter if you're short on time. [caption id="attachment_802357" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CHECK OUT A JAW-DROPPING CANYON AT CAPERTEE VALLEY Regular Blue Mountains visitors and new explorers alike will be awestruck by the Capertee Valley, the second-largest canyon in the world. The mighty sandstone escarpment drops into a deep chasm of bush and grasslands that's a hiker's haven. If you're not so keen on climbing, easily accessible vantage points such as Pearsons Lookout let you gaze upon magnificent formations like Pantoneys Crown – a flat-topped monolith structure — without all the work. Campers can set up at the main grounds by the Capertee River, or you can find charming private accommodation around the valley, including three bubble tents with 360-degree views and outdoor woodfired baths. [caption id="attachment_802277" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SNORKEL WITH SEALS AT WILDLIFE HAVEN BARUNGUBA (MONTAGUE ISLAND) Another jewel in the Sapphire Coast's crown is Barunguba, aka Montague Island, nine kilometres off the coast of Narooma. The nature reserve is home to a colony of fur seals, thousands of little penguins, more than 90 bird species and regular whale and dolphin visitors. This tiny island offers plenty of activities, from snorkelling and scuba diving to touring the lighthouse, fishing for tuna and marlin or wildlife spotting on the island walking track. The island can only be reached on a guided tour or if you book accommodation on the island, and all visitors must be over the age of five. The Montague Island Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage sleeps up to twelve people while the Lighthouse Assistant Keeper's Cottage sleeps seven. Either way, you'll more or less have the island to yourself. [caption id="attachment_802275" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] WANDER THROUGH ENCHANTED GARDENS AT DISTILLERY BOTANICA Get to know the botanicals that make a G&T really pop at this distillery hidden within three acres of lush gardens on the Central Coast. Take a turn around the leafy grounds where owner and herbalist Philip Moore grows ingredients for Distillery Botanica's range of gins, liqueurs and vodkas. Then, settle in for a tasting session at the distillery door, followed by a garden-inspired meal at the on-site eatery, Bar Botanica. Once you're done, bottle up the day and take it with you by purchasing your favourite spirits. Sure, you could just visit on a day trip but, with the Central Coast offering up pristine beaches, national parks and next-level food and drink options, it'd be remiss not to extend your stay. [caption id="attachment_802543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] TIME TRAVEL WITH SERIOUS GONDWANA VIBES AT DORRIGO NATIONAL PARK The climbing vines and giant rainforest ferns of Dorrigo National Park are Jurassic Park-level. Drive an hour inland from Coffs Harbour and you'll feel like you're walking with dinosaurs as you hike past 600-year-old trees or brave the suspension bridge to feel the spray at Crystal Shower Falls. Well-kept boardwalks lead to uninterrupted views across the rainforest canopy and provide perfect birdwatching platforms. If a cool-down dip is in order, head to Dangar Falls where a crater within undulating farmland has produced a 30-metre waterfall cascading into a pristine swimming hole. If you're coming from the city, it's about a six-hour car ride, or you can fly into Coffs Harbour. Where to stay? The quaint, colourful town of Bellingen is just 30 minutes from the park and has plenty of accommodation — from campgrounds to luxe farmstays. [caption id="attachment_790432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Tran via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] HEAD ON LUMINOUS ADVENTURES THROUGH GLOW WORM TUNNEL The creeping ferns shrouding the entrance to the Blue Mountains' Glow Worm Tunnel provide a mystical air to this historic site reclaimed by nature. Speak in whispers and keep the lights low once you enter, and an army of glow worms will create a constellation of blue light along the surface of the 400-metre tunnel. This dreamy experience in Wollemi National Park is an easy one-kilometre walk from the car park at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road. If you'd prefer a guided tour, Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours offers one-hour expeditions for $65. Beyond the transformed railway tunnel, you can explore the park's lush rainforests and stunning rock formations, all within an hour's drive from Lithgow. [caption id="attachment_802550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wollongong Botanic Garden[/caption] TRAIPSE THE TRANQUIL GROUNDS OF WOLLONGONG BOTANIC GARDEN Just over an hour's drive south of Sydney, Wollongong thrums with an element of city bustle. But all that drains away once you enter the grounds of the Wollongong Botanic Garden. The peaceful rainforest-like oasis has semi-arid succulents and delicate rose gardens that have been carefully cultivated for 50 years. Horticultural enthusiasts can spend hours exploring the flora — some local to the Illawarra and many more from as far as Japan, Africa and North America. It all sits at the foot of the escarpment under the watchful gaze of Mount Keira. You can head to the summit lookout for views across the city and Wollongong's glistening coastline, too. If you are looking for more places to feel free in New South Wales, head to visitnsw.com. Top image: Dorrigo National Park, Destination NSW
British photographer Adrian Boot has seen a lot more than your Average Joe. Starting his incredible career photographing for some of Britain's most popular publications (NME, The Times and The Guardian to name a few), he's made a name for himself as one of the UK's best-known music photographers. His work has varied from working with Nelson Mandela and Bob Marley, to documenting the efforts of Greenpeace in the Soviet Union. He also taught physics in Jamaica for a period in the 1970's, because you know, why the hell not? Come April, 62 of his photographs documenting the notorious punk music revolution are gracing the walls of SunStudios, Alexandria. Taking a behind-the-scenes look at punk music, the exhibition lays bare the culture and attitudes that incited the punk music revolution in Britain and all over the world. Boot's camera lens has focused on some of the greats that stormed into the '70s music scene and left an imprint on music to come, from The Sex Pistols to Ramones to Blondie — all held together with safety pins, pointy mohawks and stovepipes.
Since March 2020, Australians haven't been able to take an overseas getaway, with the country's borders closed and international travel banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In just a few weeks, however, that'll change — with the long-discussed trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand launching at 11.59pm on Sunday, April 18. Today, Tuesday, April 6, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the country has agreed upon conditions for opening up quarantine-free travel with Australia. Yes, that means that Aussies will soon be able to venture further than our own shores. Yes, that word you're looking for is 'finally'. And yes, the quarantine-free travel applies to New Zealanders returning from Australia, too. If this idea sounds familiar, that's because a one-way arrangement has actually been in effect since mid-October 2020, with New Zealanders currently able to visit some Australian states. While the bubble has been paused a few times due to COVID-19 case numbers in NZ, it has remained broadly in place for the past six months. But, despite a reciprocal plan being floated and discussed plenty of times over the past year, Aussies haven't been able to head to NZ in return so far. In mid-March, Prime Minister Ardern advised that the NZ Government was progressing towards a decision on the trans-Tasman bubble. After that revelation, a date of Tuesday, April 6 was given for the official announcement. So now, after all that talk and planning, Aussies now know that they can start genuinely planning NZ getaways — and when they're able to head off — while New Zealanders know when they can take an Aussie holiday, then return without quarantining. Announcing the news, Prime Minister Ardern said that the trans-Tasman bubble is "an important step forward" in the country's COVID response "and represents an arrangement I do not believe we have seen in any other part of the world". Heading to NZ won't quite be the same as it was pre-COVID-19, though, as Prime Minister Ardern also outlined today. "While we absolutely wish to encourage family and friends to reunite and visitors to come and enjoy the hospitality New Zealand is ready and waiting to offer, those undertaking travel on either side of the ditch will do so under the guidance of 'flyer beware'," Prime Minister Ardern said. "People will need to plan for the possibility of travel being disrupted if there is an outbreak," she continued. If you're wondering what that could mean, the NZ Government is implementing a framework for responding to outbreaks in Australia. It will treat Australia as its own region when making decisions on restrictions, "albeit one with the complication of multiple internal borders" Prime Minister Ardern said. So, if an outbreak arises in an Aussie state, there'll be three options. Firstly, if the case is clearly linked to a border worker in a quarantine facility and is well contained, travel will likely continue. If a case isn't linked to the border and the relevant state went into lockdown, NZ would probably pause flights from that state. And, if there are multiple cases of unknown origin in a state, NZ will likely suspend flights for a set period of time. With those three possibilities in mind, travellers from Australia have been told to expect two things. You'll need to follow NZ's guidelines on the ground while you're in the country — and, if an outbreak arises in Australia before you depart, you might have to monitor for symptoms, take a test before departing or isolate upon arrival. Going into managed isolation for up to 14 days might be required "possibly, in some situations," Prime Minister Ardern said. Folks heading from Australia to NZ will be travelling on 'green zone flights', which will only carry passengers who have been in Australia for the last 14 days. The crew on those flights won't have flown on any high-risk routes for a set period of time, too. Among the other requirements, passengers won't be able to travel if they have cold or flu symptoms, will have to wear a mask on the flight and will be asked to download and use the NZ COVID Tracer app while in NZ. You'll also need to provide NZ authorities with comprehensive information on how you can be contacted while in the country — and there'll be random temperature checks upon arrival. Australia's international border still remains shut to most global travel, although a similar travel bubble with Singapore is currently under discussion for a potential July start. If you're keen to start planning your NZ jaunt, we've rounded up some of our favourite glamping sites, wineries, sights and restaurants in NZ over here. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
This May, genre-bending US artist Beck is returning to Australia for three unforgettable performances with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Taking place at the Sydney Opera House, the shows will dive into Beck's three-decade-spanning catalogue, reimagining some of his most beloved songs through sweeping orchestral arrangements. From the multi-platinum 1996 album, Odelay, to the Grammy Album of the Year winner Morning Phase, Beck will take audiences on a journey through his work — all reimagined with a live orchestra. The performances will be arranged and conducted by Australian composer and conductor Nicholas Buc, who will lead the orchestra through new interpretations designed specifically for the concert hall setting. The result promises to be something different from a typical Beck show. Think lush strings, cinematic swells and orchestral textures layered beneath the artist's unmistakable vocals and lyricism. Alongside orchestral versions of fan favourites, audiences can also expect a few surprises. These concerts will reportedly feature rare covers and unexpected moments woven into the setlist. The limited run of performances will take place across three nights: Thursday, May 7, Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, offering fans a rare chance to hear Beck's expansive catalogue in a completely new light. If you've ever wanted to hear songs like Loser, Where It's At or Devils Haircut backed by a full orchestra inside one of the world's most iconic concert halls, this is your moment. Tickets are on sale now, so be sure not to miss out on this unforgettable concert experience. Book your tickets now. Image Credit: Supplied
The wickedly weird and wild Dark Mofo lineup has been announced for 2023, and culture lovers all over Australia are poised to fight over tickets on Wednesday, April 5. But the most popular events and accommodations in Hobart are expected to book out ASAP — most local hotels tend to be fully booked even before tickets are released. That's why we've gone ahead and reserved a stack of rooms for those who book our totally unique Dark Mofo travel package, only available through Concrete Playground Trips. We'll put guests up in Hobart for two nights — with brekkie included — while throwing in a bunch of tickets to events. [caption id="attachment_895365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo/Rosie Hastie, 2021. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] First off, you'll get access to the Winter Feast — a food-, art- and music-filled winter solstice celebration. Gather around the fire pits and long communal tables, grabbing drinks and food from local vendors while checking out live music, art installations and roaming theatrical performances. We've also organised your tickets to one of Dark Mofo's late-night parties, better known as Night Mass. While just about anything can happen here, you can expect debaucherous art experiences and an epic lineup of musical performances and DJ sets that'll keep you dancing into the wee hours. These infamous parties sell out really quickly, so thank us later for your entry being sorted already. [caption id="attachment_854707" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo's In the Hanging Garden[/caption] And to keep you busy during one of the afternoons, we have organised your entry to Mona itself. Arrive in style, via the ferry's Posh Pit and explore the gallery's eccentric exhibitions. This package hits most of the best bits of Dark Mofo, giving you the ultimate Hobart getaway without the need to do heaps of planning and separate bookings. It's also a bargain, coming in at just under $600 per person. [caption id="attachment_895370" align="alignnone" width="1921"] Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2022. Photo credit: Rémi Chauvin, 2022[/caption] Head to Concrete Playground Trips to book one of the exclusive (and strictly limited) Dark Mofo travel packages. Top image: Jesse Hunniford (Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2021)
With big food precincts the norm in Sydney these days (see: Tramsheds and Maker's Dozen), the Porteño crew decided to start its own. Owners and hospo legends Elvis Abrahanowicz, Ben Milgate and Joseph Valore (Bodega X Wyno, Bodega 1904) have opened two neighbouring venues along Holt Street. Bastardo trattoria and Humble Bakery are the newcomers to the 'Porteño precinct'. With five of the team's sister venues now side-by-side, Surry Hills has become a true food-filled haven. At Bastardo, expect a menu of homey dishes that change daily and focus on seasonal produce. For the venue, the team bought an old-school pasta extruder to make as many different shapes and sizes of pasta as possible. The menu is vego-heavy, similar to the way the gents eat at home. Think dishes like the gem lettuce salad with Gorgonzola, pecans, pear and quince dressing, the burrata with broccoli, garlic, chilli, lemon and pangrattato, or the eggplant parmigiana. For pescatarians and carnivores, there's kingfish crudo with mandarin and lemon oil or the casarecce with braised duck and porcini mushrooms. [caption id="attachment_809278" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Caroline McCredie[/caption] "The concept [behind Bastardo] is in the name — it's a bastardisation of Italian food," says Abrahanowicz. "[Ben, Joe and I] are all mongrel Italians in one way or another, and the restaurant will be a reflection of that. It's pretty much how we eat on the weekends. It's not going to be traditional Italian cooking or from a specific region, it'll be our interpretation of Italian food." While the menu is simple comfort food at its best, the fit-out is quite loud. Think a 60s Italian vibe with green terrazzo tables and colourful paintings by artist Mikey Freedom — plus a standing aperitif bar with a foosball table that's been resurrected from the Gardel's Bar days. Images: Caroline McCredie Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Somehow, it's already Easter, which only means one thing – the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show is here. This year, from Friday, April 11 to Tuesday, April 22, Australia's largest agricultural event will be hosting an exciting array of entertainment and world-class competitions at the Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park, ready and waiting for the whole family to enjoy. We've narrowed down our top recommendations for things to do and see while you're there to help you out. Live Entertainment Nightly Evening Entertainment Head to the Main Arena from 7.00pm each day for hours of after-dark fun. Standouts include the 'Disco Fever Street Parade', the 'K9 Superwall Challenge' where city and country dogs compete in a test of strength, agility and determination and off-road buggy races. But the proverbial iceberg of entertainment runs deep, and there'll be epic fireworks displays to round it all up. Grand Parade Get up close and personal with the very best in Australian agriculture as prize-winning animals are paraded through the main arena. One of the most long-standing events – taking place every year since 1907 – this iconic tradition of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, one true to its core, isn't one to be missed. Bluey Bonanza Bluey has well and truly taken over the world as Australia's most beloved export, and this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show is putting the beloved Heeler family front and centre. Keep the kids happy by treating them to Bluey and Bingo's live interactive spectacular, which will see the duo play their favourite games of Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone, Keepy Uppy and more. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show New to the Sydney Royal Easter Show for 2025, the lumberjack shows bring high-energy action and crowd-pleasing, log-chopping entertainment to the show. Watch on as lumberjacks saw, chop, axe, and log roll across the pond with daily shows including two-man cross-cut sawing, chainsaw vs cross-cut races, axe throwing, underhand and standing block chopping, quick chainsaw carving, log rolling and log run. Who knew logs could provide so much fun? Wrangler Federation Rodeo Challenge Not for the faint-hearted, but an agricultural classic: watch as Aussie riders take on bull riding, bareback, saddle bronc and female breakaway roping with the biggest and brawniest cattle you've ever seen in the Main Arena. Animal acts ADVANCE™ Sydney Royal Cat and Dog shows Taking place for more than 150 years, the cat and dog shows are not to be missed. If your a dog person, witness more than two hundred breeds battle it out in categories including obedience, rally, agility, jumping, scent work and trick dog. Or, if you're more of a cat person, head to the Pat a Cat interactive experience. Sydney Royal Aviary Bird Show If you're in your bird-watching era, then this one's for you. Featuring judging of breeds, including Finches, Budgerigars, African Lovebirds, Canaries, and Parrots, the Sydney Royal Aviary Bird Show is a celebration of aviculture in Australia, with some of the prettiest domestic birds you're likely to ever see on display. The Animal Walk Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is home to over 13,000 animals representing over 400 different breeds and over 6,000 agricultural exhibitors. And when you come and visit, you can see them up close, organised by species, along The Animal Walk – you'll feel like you're on a country farm despite being in the city. See sheep, pigs, goats, horses, alpacas and plenty more, and get your steps way up on the way. Jamison Station Get down and dirty with a 2025 addition: the new 'working farm' precinct, which will host hands-on animal experiences as well as live milking and blacksmithing demonstrations. And yes, you can try your hand at milking a cow. Food Woolworths Fresh Food Dome Another iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show offering, the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome, is where you get to see and taste everything under the sun. From fresh fruit, rich charcuterie, boutique sauces, baked goods and quite literally everything in between, it's easy to get lost in this culinary wonderland for hours, so come hungry. Live judging: Aquaculture edition While you're at the Dome, head to Aquaculture to watch oyster judging live. Taking place on Wednesday, April 16. You might think you know your oysters, or at least your fresh from your Kilpatrick, but here, foodies can watch on as judges assess the precise uniformity of shape, presentation, texture, colour, freshness, and the all-important taste of these oceanic morsels. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the action with tickets for the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show on sale now. Images: Supplied.
Newtown is home to plenty of institutions, be it the Dendy Cinema, Marly Bar or Dean's Diner, and up there with the best is Thai Pothong — a destination restaurant that's been drawing in couples on dates, groups of mates sharing a banquet and boisterous twenty-firsts and fortieths for over two decades. Heaps of Thai restaurants line Newtown's streets, but Thai Pothong rises above them all. The expansive dining room offers authentic Thai food in an ever-bustling atmosphere and the service is top notch. It's almost fine dining but it's casual and cool enough to skip that moniker. Instead it's a force of nature in the busy Newtown food scene and one not to be missed. This King Street stalwart serves up all of the usual curries, stir fries and noodle dishes alongside heaps of chef's specialities, like barramundi curry, banana blossom salad and fried rice with crab meat. Popular dishes include the steamed chilli scallops with ginger in spicy sauce, and the BBQ baby octopus which is perfectly charred and tender. For vegetarians there is the papaya salad which offers a light start of fresh papaya and carrot with tomatoes, lemon juice and peanuts, while a more filling offering is the crispy salt and pepper tofu with chilli, garlic and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper. Thai Pothong Restaurant also offers several banquet menus, and puts on regular monthly special, too. The drink list is extensive and includes classic Thai beers, while downstair is a "secret" bar to enjoy a cocktail before or after your meal. Come here fThai Pothong Restaurant or a celebration or sit by the window with your partner and watch the parade of King Street pass on by. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Every season, a new cocktail trend rolls into town. Often brightly coloured and served in a frou-frou glass, the excitement of a new-to-you cocktail is enough to whip any of us into a frenzy. But among the cocktails that come and go is one classic that never goes out of style: the highball. The classic whisky-based cocktail is one that everyone should have in their repertoire, and not just because of its simplicity. So, we've partnered with popular premium mixer brand Fever-Tree to give you a a proper rundown on the simple-yet-versatile drink. Better yet, to celebrate Fever-Tree's A-class dry ginger ale, we're spicing things up with a ginger highball recipe, too, so you can whip up one at home, then get reading. [caption id="attachment_743897" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HIGHBALL The exact origin of the highball is hotly contested. However, what we do know is that during the late-19th century, there was a phylloxera (a common insect pest of grapevines) epidemic that wiped out vineyards in Europe. So, wine and spirits like brandy and cognac became less readily available than they had been. This lead the wealthier classes, who used to mix brandy and cognac with carbonated water, to opt for blended scotch whisky with soda instead. And so, most would argue, the highball was born — although the name was yet to come. So, from where does the term 'highball' stem? One story goes that English actor EJ Ratcliffe brought the concept to America in 1894, where a bartender at the Adams House in Boston dubbed it a highball, due to the vessel in which it was served. Others have sworn the name is a throwback to an old American railroad signal. It is also thought that the name's origin could be Irish or British, with the term 'ball' being common for a glass of the amber liquor in Ireland and, more specifically, it served in a tall glass in English golf clubs throughout the late-19th century. As we said, this tasty tipple's history is anything but linear. [caption id="attachment_743100" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] FUN FACTS TO IMPRESS YOUR MATES WITH Two versions of the highball appeared in an American cocktail book called The Mixicologist in 1895. One under the name Splificator, which calls for whisky and naturally sparkling water in a 'medium thin glass'. According to lauded drinks writer David Wondrich, 'splificated' was Irish slang for drunk. The other drink was dubbed the High Ball, made with whisky or brandy and carbonated water. But over the years, the name highball stuck — and the rules for making one vary as much as the story of its invention. To make a highball, some say the whisky and ice needs to be stirred 13.5 times and soda water poured down the arm of the spoon. Others tell you to keep that spoon the hell away from it. Whisky highballs are so popular in Japan that it's become a top choice for punters. It's hardly surprising since Japan is known for its top-shelf whiskies. Plus, the drink's popularity is thought to be due to many Japanese people enjoying a drink with their meal, and sipping straight whisky doesn't have the same appeal as an ice-cold mixed bevvy. HOW TO MAKE A FEVER-TREE GINGER HIGHBALL Half the fun of mixing cocktails is putting your own spin on them. If you'd like to make your highball a bit more zingy, swap soda for ginger ale, which has become a common mixer for the tipple. By doing so you not only complement the whisky, but also add a more refreshing flavour into the mix. You can also look to shake things up by making yourself one of the many riffs on the ginger highball, such as the Whisky Buck and Mamie Taylor — both of which add lime juice into the equation. Whatever you decide, there are two ingredients that remain constant: whisky and ginger ale. Fever-Tree believes if three-quarters of your drink is mixer, you should only use the best. So, this recipe calls for one-part whisky to three-parts Fever-Tree Dry Ginger Ale. However, if you like your firewater more front-of-palate, simply use less mixer. Want to get even more creative? You can trial different garnishes, which means more taste-testing opportunities. INGREDIENTS 45ml Starward Two-Fold Double Grain Whisky (or the whisky of your choosing) 135ml Fever-Tree Dry Ginger Ale Plenty of ice Slice of grapefruit METHOD Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour in whisky, then slowly pour in Fever-Tree Dry Ginger Ale. With a bar spoon (or any long-handled spoon), gently stir the concoction. For a bit of extra zing, garnish with a fresh slice of grapefruit. Want to hear top Aussie whisky producers talk about their secrets to mixing up a good tipple? See Fever-Tree's video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itnMTytOJmM Keen to whip up a highball at home? Purchase Fever-Tree Dry Ginger Ale via the Woolworths website and get mixing. Top image: Trent van der Jagt
Kazzi Beach Greek is taking over Sydney's Greek coastal fare, offering one suburb at a time. First was Balmoral, followed by Manly — now the generous plates of Hellenic-style delights have crossed the bridge to land in Bondi Beach. Bondi makes for an appropriate setting for the restaurant, with its whitewashed walls and ever-staring mati, it's transportive from the Eastern Suburbs all the way to the island that inspires it all: Kastellorizo. There's plenty on the menu that any diners of the other two establishments can attest to as excellent, especially considering it covers the bases of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Early morning visits are met with fruit bowls, breakfast wraps, omelettes, toast and Greek pastries. Visit in the afternoon hours and the offering explodes into a huge mix of flavours. The standout entry is the chargrilled octopus — flavoursome and tender — but you could opt for something simpler like a takeaway-only souvlaki wrap to go and eat on the sand. Eat in and you can tear into a mezze plate of breads, dips and grilled seafood; maybe a generous serve of spit roast meat and salad. Large groups will be well catered f0r too, with platters and banquet menus for big headcounts and big appetites.
Massive screen, massive occasion, massive movies: that's the equation when IMAX Sydney reopens its doors after a seven-year absence. How do you relaunch one of the biggest cinema screens in the world, which measures 692 square metres and will start shimmering before film lovers' eyes again from Wednesday, October 11? With Avatar: The Way of Water, Barbenheimer and Taylor Swift's Eras concert tour flick. Trips to the pictures in Sydney are getting huge again, with the Darling Harbour venue reopening in its newly rebuilt form after closing down back in 2016. The entire building was demolished, and was originally meant to get its projectors running again in 2019, then in 2021; however, that clearly didn't happen. Giant things come to cinemagoers who wait, it seems. That screen really is large. It's not quite as big as IMAX Melbourne, which is the world's largest, but it's still mammoth. And, it sports a 1.43 picture ratio, which means giving viewers up to 40-percent more image. Cue more need for speed when Top Gun: Maverick graces the screen during the venue's opening week, more of Barbie's pink hues and Oppenheimer's tension (including in perfectly timed Barbenheimer doubles), more humans battling AI in The Creator, and more of one of the world's biggest pop stars onstage for Swifties to enjoy. The new IMAX Sydney's setup is also IMAX's most-advanced theatre experience so far, spanning 4K laser projection using a system with a new optical engine and custom-designed lenses. Thanks to a range of proprietary technology, viewers can expect the images to be brighter, too, with increased resolution, deeper contrast and the widest range of colours that IMAX has seen. As for the sound, that's being piped through a 12-channel setup. At a site run by EVT — the hospitality company behind Event Cinemas, Moonlight Cinema, the Skyline Drive-In and the State Theatre; the arrival of surround-screen viewing Down Under; a heap of bars and restaurants; QT Hotels, Rydges and other hotel chains; plus IMAX venues in Auckland and Queensgate in New Zealand, as well as IMAX Karlsruhe in Germany — moviegoers have four choices when it comes to seating. In addition to standard seats, you can get comfortable in a full recliner, cosy up with your plus one in a couples' recliner or go with a private box for up to four people. The latter is perched on an elevated platform, and comes with exclusive food and beverage options There's 430 seats in total, on par with the old venue. And, the range of bites and drinks overall has scored a revamp courtesy of a marketplace experience. Before your movie starts, you can kick back in the lounge — and, of course, IMAX Sydney sports a full-service bar. "The opening of IMAX Sydney showcases EVT's commitment to bringing world class entertainment experiences to Australia. With Laser by IMAX, our new seating options, and our food and beverage offering, we are setting a new benchmark for immersive cinema entertainment that captivates the senses," said EVT CEO Jane Hastings. "We are very excited to partner with EVT for our long-awaited opening of IMAX Sydney in Darling Harbour, which is historically one of our best performing locations globally and a cultural centre of this beautiful city," added IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond. "IMAX Sydney immediately joins the ranks of our flagship locations and, with its state-of-the-art IMAX technology, breathtaking design and Event Cinemas renowned cinema expertise, is a shining example of what the theatrical experience should aspire to." Future flicks set to hit IMAX Sydney's enormous screen include Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, Marvel Cinematic Universe entry The Marvels, The Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Napoleon, Wonka and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. And if you live outside of Sydney but are the kind of cinephile that can't pass up a trip to the movies when you're in a different city, IMAX Sydney is a new film-loving tourist destination, too. IMAX Sydney will reopen at Darling Harbour, 1/35 Wheat Road, Sydney, from Wednesday, October 11 — head to the cinema's website for tickets and further information.
The art world's love affair with Andy Warhol has lasted far longer than 15 minutes. Australia's fondness for the iconic artist definitely hasn't been fleeting, either. In 2023 alone, not one, not two, but three different exhibitions Down Under have celebrated his work; however, only Instant Warhol is solely dedicated to his skills with a polaroid camera. On the Gold Coast in autumn, Pop Masters highlighted Warhol's pieces alongside works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. In Adelaide around the same period, Andy Warhol & Photography: A Social Media honed in on the artist as a shutterbug. Obviously, Instant Warhol has the same idea as the latter, but it will only be filled with polaroid portraits — 59 of them. This time, Warhol's work is headed to Ballarat, displaying from Saturday, August 26–Sunday, October 22 at the Art Gallery of Ballarat during the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. The regional Victorian photography festival is never short on things to see, but Instant Warhol is quite the drawcard for the biannual event. [caption id="attachment_906816" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andy Warhol self-portrait in drag, 1980. © Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Artists Rights Society [ARS]/Copyright Agency, 2023.[/caption]The original snaps that Warhol himself took — when he wasn't painting Campbell's soup cans and images of Marilyn Monroe, of course — will be on display. Even if you haven't seen them before, some should be familiar. One of the reasons that the artist captured polaroids, other than loving them, was to turn some of the famous faces he snapped into his screen prints. Drawn from the thousands of photographs he took with the instant cameras between 1958–87, this selection of pictures will also feature images of Warhol himself. They're all coming to Australia thanks to The Brant Foundation, with founder Peter M Brant one of Warhol's early patrons, then a friend, and also the the producer of Warhol's films L'Amour and Bad. [caption id="attachment_906817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Top image: Andy Warhol, Sylvester Stallone, 1980. © Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Artists Rights Society [ARS]/Copyright Agency, 2023.[/caption]Top image: Photograph of Andy Warhol taking a polaroid picture while sitting with Jack Ford and Bianca Jagger on the Truman Balcony, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library via Wikimedia Commons.
Worimi National Park is one of the biggest drawcards to the Port Stephens region, particularly for thrillseekers. Most of the credit is given to Stockton Beach, and deservedly so. It's the longest beach in New South Wales at 32 kilometres, and the enormous mobile sand dunes are primed for quad biking and sandboarding adventures. But the journey to get there is well worth some attention, too. Worimi Forest Walk begins at the car park on the Fern Bay Access Trail. From here, it's an easy 1.4-kilometre stroll (one way) through the Worimi Conservation Lands — a forest of native greenery, including coastal sand apple blackbutt trees, swamp mahogany paperbark trees and old man banksias. Eventually, you'll pop out at the southern end of Stockton Beach, an area rich with Aboriginal history, including campsites and burial sites. Image: Destination NSW
Hidden in Bulletin Place is Bar 1880, a bar you need to know about and intentionally seek out in order to find. This is a cocktail bar in the purest sense. By which we mean that it's not just a bar that serves cocktails, but a drinking establishment where carefully conceived and expertly executed drinks are the focal point of the entire operation. The name takes its inspiration from the building's heritage as the former location where sensational current affairs publication Bulletin Magazine was pressed in the late 1800s. References to that unique history are pulled through in the Press Room, upstairs, where you could disappear for a couple of hours, depending on your proclivity for very good drinks. The drinks in question include a menu of mixes inspired by the classical drinks from decades prior. The 'Indian Summer' is a house favourite with a combination of vodka, saffron, allspice, fresh pineapple and lime juice. While one of the highlights of the list, the 'Bitter Sweet Symphony', marries gin, sweet vermouth, Campari and balsamic glaze. The crew, led by French duo Didier Nahum and Alex Raclet, are as keen to chat and engagingly educate patrons on their order as they are to mix you something delicious you might never have experienced before. Bar 1880 is best selected as an option for pre-theatre refreshments or a night of cocktails and conversation, but there's a tight food menu of share platters with cured meats, cheeses and a selection of high-quality canned sardines if you need a salt-laced accompaniment.
When long-running live jazz spot The Basement announced it was closing in March last year, a wave of sadness rippled through the Sydney live music community. It seemed the Circular Quay venue was set to be another empty space. But then Mary's hospo duo Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham (also responsible for resurrecting The Lansdowne and The Unicorn) stepped in, announcing they would take over space and reopen it as Mary's Underground. It's probably not what you expected from the Mary's crew. There are no burgers on the menu (though you can find them upstairs at Mary's CBD) and it's more of an eat-with-cutlery situation. Smyth and Graham have diverted slightly down the bistro route for Mary's Underground — making it a place where you can do dinner and a show as well as just a drop-in drink on a rowdy night out. As promised back in February, the venue will keep The Basement's commitment to live music going, with gigs running every night except Sunday (when the bar is closed). So far, programming has included a six-piece Afro-Cuban band, a ten-piece South London jazz performance and a New Orleans-inspired house brass band. But apart from the focus on live music, the venue isn't going for a theme other than "Sydney 2019". According to Smyth, he and his team — which consists of award-winning sommelier Caitlyn Rees (ex-Fred's), bar manager Karl Coombe and head chef Joel Wootten (both ex-Rockpool) — "aren't trying to recreate another time or another feeling", wanting the venue to instead "scream 'now'". Still, the menu has a distinct French vibe that's hard to ignore (and similar to that of Restaurant Hubert around the corner). Think caviar, oysters, lobster and a $300 seafood tower. Unlike at Mary's, you won't be able to get a meal for less than 20 bucks here. But if money is no object, the gents suggest trying the a serve of the Tasmanian sea urchin, the rock lobster potato salad and the Spanish tortilla (with the addition of blue swimmer crab, naturally). For mains, the French-style breaded whiting and the rotisserie duck with persimmon and star anise ($70 half, $140 whole) are Smyth's go-to. He also suggests ordering all of the seven sides — which include hasselback carrots and a parsnip and macadamia gratin — and finishing off with rhubarb and rosella mille-feuille for dessert. Yeah, you'll need to bring a few mates along if you're planning to follow in these footsteps. If you're just after some seafood, find a spot at The Clam Bar, a 30-seat wine and oyster bar down the back. This has a dedicated chef shucking, slicing and plating fresh market seafood before your eyes. If you'd rather something quick and casual — or vegan — you can always pop up to Mary's Circular Quay upstairs. As well its cult fave beef burgs, the bar also serves Mary's first ever completely plant-based burger. On the wine side of things, Rees — whose accolades include the 2018 Gourmet Traveller Sommelier of the Year — has designed an extensive eight-page wine booklet (which includes a whopping 37 bottles of chardonnay) and every bit of it is organic or biodynamic. She's working towards keeping the list at half-Australian and half-international producers, the latter being mainly Italian and French varietals. Offsetting the enormous wine list is a succinct list of six cocktails — three specialty and three lesser known classics — that will change monthly. The list, according to bar manager Coombe, will showcase the bar team's tastes, as well as classics that it feels have "been overlooked or underrated by the hospitality community". Those include the Rum Uppercut (a mix of smoked rum and Plantation overproof rum with amaro, spiced pineapple syrup, bitters and Young Henrys cloudy cider) and Coombe's version of a Lychburg Lemonade (Jack Daniel's No. 7, Cointreau, lemon and soda). A regular classic is set to be the Filth and Fury, which is the venue's signature dirty martini. It infuses Poor Toms gin with Adelaide Hills Distillery dry vermouth, Australian bush tomato and edible seaweed. While certainly a more grown-up venture than the group's previous venues, the usual party vibes of the OG Mary's prevail, making it a great addition to the CBD bar scene. Images: James Adams. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
I can still hear the rousing tune that plays to William Kentridge's video installation, "I am not me, the horse is not mine." Such is the infectious effect of this seven-screen artwork. One of the highlights of the 2008 Biennale of Sydney, Kentridge's work has been granted its encore, and will show for another nine months in its fantastically fitting location. Nearby is the sentimental and haunting exhibit, A Ringing Glass (Rilke) by Australian artist Ken Unsworth. If you enter through the ballroom you are sick with the sense of discovering a relic, and the chill deepens as you move through the multi-roomed artwork past deconstructed instruments, suspended baby pianos, and antique children's beds. On an Island, the exhibition of National Art School students drawings, is shown in the wonderfully light Mould Loft on the Upper Island. Don't miss the metal drawing installation by Skye Wagner near the Unsworth installation. The ferry timetable to Cockatoo Island is available here. Image: Ken Unsworth, A Ringing Glass (Rilke), exhibition shot.
Every year during our wintertime, so many lucky folks jet off to Europe and other parts of the northern hemisphere seeking sin-filled holidays, but there are still stacks of Aussie destinations that are warm and summery throughout the year. If you're seeking a coastal vacay, there's no need to get on a long-haul flight — especially with the likes of Byron Bay being a short trip away. In northern NSW, this dream destination boasts sun, sand and rainforest in abundance. Plus, it's full of romantic studio spaces and quaint coastal bungalows, ideal for unwinding with your significant other or favourite travel buddy. We've done the hard work for you and rounded up 20 of Byron Bay's greatest couples' escapes. Book a favourite, pack your bags and prepare for that well-deserved beach retreat. Recommended reads: The Best NSW Glamping Spots The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Beach Camping Sites in NSW The Best Luxury Stays Near Sydney WOLF BEACH RETREAT, BYRON BAY A sleek, modern take on the classic beach shack, complete with open-plan living and secluded backyard. Cocktails on the deck are a must. How much? From $295 a night, sleeps two. THE STUDIO, BYRON BAY Decked out in soothing whites and natural finishes, this serene hideaway is primed for maximum relaxation. Check in and recharge in style. How much? From $263 a night, sleeps two. THE BUNGALOW, BYRON BAY It's hard not to embrace the Byron lifestyle at this relaxed coastal retreat, featuring modern boho styling throughout and a tropical garden out back. How much? From $427 a night, sleeps four. BEST LOCATION IN BYRON, BYRON BAY This stylishly minimalist studio space is the epitome of a calming getaway. It's filled with natural light and located just a quick stroll from the beach. How much? From $271 a night, sleeps two. LUXURY LOFT, BYRON BAY New York loft meets tropical bungalow for this breezy Byron hideaway. Get set for daily soaks in the outdoor tub, surrounded by nature. How much? From $395 a night, sleeps three. HILLSCAPES STUDIO, BYRON BAY Escape the hustle at this serene studio space, among the trees. A fireplace promises cosy nights and the deck boasts panoramic views. How much? From $242 a night, sleeps two. CACTUS ROSE VILLA, BYRON BAY With chic white interiors, a palm-fringed pool and a romantic loft-style bedroom, this private villa will have you living the holiday dream. How much? From $548 a night, sleeps two. PACIFIC EDGE, BYRON BAY Want to wake to the sound of the waves? This self-contained couples' escape is newly built and perched just minutes from the beach. How much? From $220 a night, sleeps two. BYRON BAY STUDIO, BYRON BAY A designer retreat for two, complete with glass-walled bathroom, secluded terrace and roomy outdoor tub. All just a quick hop from the beach. How much? From $379 a night, sleeps two. BAM STUDIO, BYRON BAY The luxurious self-contained hideaway you'll never want to check out of. Destress with the help of a private leafy garden and sun-dappled deck. How much? From $292 a night, sleeps two. EAST COAST ESCAPES STUDIO 105, BYRON BAY A contemporary coastal abode boasting a sun-drenched deck and beachy white colour palette, this one's handily located between the shops and the sand. How much? From $262 a night, sleeps two. JADE STUDIO, BYRON BAY Swap city life for some time spent recharging at this bright, breezy studio. It's got a sunny courtyard, outdoor shower and cracking location close to the shoreline. How much? From $297 a night, sleeps two. THE LOFT, BYRON BAY This beautifully restored cottage has cruisy coastal vibes on tap, just a ten-minute walk from Byron's Main Beach. The ultimate couples' hideout. How much? From $633 a night, sleeps two. THE APOLLO STUDIO, BYRON BAY Your own Mediterranean-inspired paradise, in the heart of town. With luxe fixtures and a leafy courtyard, this self-contained bungalow is a true holiday gem. How much? From $252 a night, sleeps two. THE TREEHOUSE, BYRON BAY A light-filled hilltop escape, with sweeping views across the trees. This designer space boasts a leafy terrace and ten acres of lush green backyard. How much? From $283 a night, sleeps two. SCANDINAVIAN SIMPLICITY, BYRON BAY Filled with luxe touches and boasting its own sunny green courtyard, this Scandi-inspired studio has holiday charms aplenty. An ideal escape for two. How much? From $180 a night, sleeps two. BASK & STOW SEA, BYRON BAY A cheery splash of Palm Springs style, by the beaches of Byron. This whitewashed villa features resort-worthy interiors and a sparkling plunge pool. How much? From $448 a night, sleeps two. PARADISO PROPERTY, BYRON BAY Embrace beachside living with a stay at this quaint bungalow for two. It's a breezy, open-plan situation, flanked by two grassy, sun-drenched courtyards. How much? From $339 a night, sleeps two. BOUTIQUE RETREAT, BYRON BAY A cheery self-contained apartment that's sure to win you over with its plush linens, palm-filled courtyard and pink stone outdoor tub. How much? From $275 a night, sleeps two.. ARTFUL WAREHOUSE CONVERSION, BYRON BAY Swap the beach shacks and bungalows for a stay at this lofty converted warehouse, featuring mod-industrial styling and some primo mountain views. How much? From $344 a night, sleeps two. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Australia Street, Newtown, is home to Joe's Tavern, an intimate 30-seater paying homage to the timeless craft of hospitality. The latest venture from Paisano & Daughters (Continental Deli, Mister Grotto), the New York–inspired tavern is named after the hospo group's founding partner, Joe Valore, serving as both a tribute to his years of quiet generosity and mentorship and a celebration of classic food and drink. The considered one-page menu from Elvis Abrahanowicz (Porteño, Becasse) and Måns Engberg (Saint Peter, Au Passage, Paris) has no truck with trends. Instead, it champions dishes that never go out of style — think: prawn cocktail, devilled eggs and hearty steaks, plus sides like onion rings and béarnaise-topped asparagus. There's a focus on nose-to-tail cooking in both a dedicated offal selection and a section dubbed Parts & Labour, where whole animals are broken down in-house and transformed into large-format dishes that showcase time-honoured techniques. Elsewhere, Joe's 50/50 Burger blends lamb and beef in what Valore calls "the perfect ratio", while desserts by the group's acclaimed pastry chef Lauren Eldridge — including a PB&J ice cream sandwich and a standout Knickerbocker Glory — go all-in on nostalgia. This pared-back approach carries through to the cocktail program by Michael Nicolian (Continental Deli, London's award-winning Milk & Honey). It's a concise selection of classics (mint julep, anyone?) that spotlights gin and rum, executed with a quiet confidence and minimal fuss — the hallmarks of a true tavern. Despite its modest footprint, the venue packs plenty of personality. Portraits of culinary mentors and legends line the walls, a quiet nod to the figures who shaped the team's ethos — and a fitting reminder that in an age of fast openings and fleeting trends, the classics never go out of style. Images: Supplied.
Just like that, we're halfway through the year, and the winter school holidays are here. Wondering how you'll keep the minis busy while you're still working, cooking, shopping and the rest? We've come to your rescue — with eleven irresistible activities happening in and around Sydney in July. Head to Macquarie Centre to lead the kids through a Coachella-inspired wonderland featuring magic shows and bubble-canopied dance floors. Then, make tracks to Taronga Zoo to meet several cute new arrivals. Plus, there are workshops galore for kids who like to learn — covering art, craft, public speaking, sport and more. Your house is now officially a whine-free zone. FOR THE KID WHO LIKES A LITTLE MAGIC: MACQTOPIA These holidays, Macquarie Centre is taking inspiration from Coachella and transforming into a dreamscape for children. Treat them to a live gig by The Vegetable Plot, then head to a show with fantastical magicians Magic of Petar or Adam Mada. That'll give them inspiration to create a little magic of their own — be it a terrarium fairy garden or a kaleidoscope. Got a budding creative on your hands? Book a session at Paint 'n' Slurp or take them for a dance under a canopy of bubbles. Macqtopia is taking over Macquarie Centre at Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, daily from Saturday, July 5–Saturday, July 19. [caption id="attachment_1011302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul McMillan[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO GETS HANDS-ON: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR LITTLE MOBS PROGRAM On the first weekend of the school holidays — Saturday, July 5–Sunday, July 6 — the National Indigenous Art Fair will take over the Overseas Passenger Terminal with artworks, jewellery, homewares, live performances, bush food, panel discussions and a communal weaving circle. While you check them out, the kids can get busy with the Little Mobs Program. Activities includes workshops in gum nut jewellery making, ochre painting and shell work. For kids who like to move, there are dance workshops with Buuja Buuja Butterfly, while green thumbs and budding chefs should join the native plants and bush food sessions with Indigigrow. Check out the whole schedule on the Art Fair website. FOR THE KID WHO'S PRETTY CRAFTY: WINTER WORKSHOPS AT DARLING SQUARE Are your little ones the types that need to keep their hands busy? Send them to Darling Square these school holidays. It's hosting a bunch of crafty, winter-inspired workshops for creative kids. From 11am–2pm on Friday, July 11, and Friday, July 18, snow globe making is on the agenda. For snowflake painting, head along from 11am–2pm on Thursday, July 10; Thursday, July 17; Saturday, July 19; or Sunday, July 20. To get your kids into the seasonal spirit, treat them to a free face painting session, where they'll get to choose their favourite wintry design — be it snowmen or snowflakes. You'll find the face painting station in front of The Exchange on Friday, July 11; Friday, July 18; Saturday, July 19; and Sunday, July 20, from 11am–2pm FOR THE KID WHO'S ALL ABOUT FUN: MINI-GOLF, BOWLING AND CHALLENGE ROOMS AT FUNLAB If your house is full of fun-lovers, then here's your school holiday solution. Funlab — which runs Holey Moley, Strike Bowling, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq and Hijinx Hotel — is offering a bunch of family-friendly discounts and deals this July. Pay just $14 per kid for a game of mini-golf, a round of bowling, or a session in a challenge room. Double your dollars at Archie Brothers — spend $35 on game cards for $70 credit, or spend $100 and get $200 in value. Plus, there's a $20 food and drink bundle at all venues, which buys you a potato tornado, a panda keep cup and unlimited soft drinks. FOR THE KID WHO GOES WILD: NEW ARRIVALS, SHOWS AND SLEEPOVERS AT TARONGA ZOO If you haven't met Taronga Zoo's youngest residents yet, these school holidays could be the perfect time. They include Bair, an endangered sea lion pup; Eve, a long-nosed fur seal pup; and three koala joeys named Eugene, Busta and Yanada. Swing by anytime to watch them learning to swim, climb, and enjoy the sea, sun and sky. Meanwhile, for kids obsessed with things that slide and slither, there's the Crawly Critters Alive Show, which is on twice daily at 11.45am and 2.30pm. Or, to learn more about Australia's native creatures, follow the No Place Like Home Trail. Is one day not enough? You and the kids can always spend the night in a safari-style tent at Roar and Snore, or in even more comfort at the Wildlife Retreat. [caption id="attachment_858445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maja Baska (NIDA)[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO LOVES THE SPOTLIGHT: NIDA HOLIDAY CLASSES Kids as young as five and as old as eighteen can get involved in NIDA's massive school holiday program this winter. Classes for both primary and high schoolers take place at various spots across Sydney, from Kensington to Chatswood, and cover a range of skills. Send your budding singer to a workshop for mini pop stars, or your future film star to a screen acting session for heroes, villains and spies. Then, for kids with a deeper commitment, there are five-day drama school courses or five-day musical theatre courses for those who aspire to act, sing and dance. Whichever they choose, your stage-loving cubs will explore the limits of their creativity and imagination in a fun and supportive environment. FOR THE KID WITH A COMPETITIVE STREAK: SPORTS SESSIONS AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK Got kids who are keen to stay active these school holidays? Make a beeline to Sydney Olympic Park, which will host an array of sporty activities from Monday, July 7–Saturday, July 18. Whether your mini wants to run, kick, bounce, swim, or even shoot a bow and arrow, there's an activity with their name on it. Throw them into the deep end at an intensive swimming program, train their hand-eye coordination at a sharp shooters session, or give them a chance to try it all at a day-long multi-sports camp. Classes are led by professional instructors and cater to all levels of experience — whether your little one is looking for something new or hoping to develop existing skills. [caption id="attachment_858493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Penrith Regional Gallery[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO'S A DAYDREAMER: ART WORKSHOPS If this world is but a canvas, it is better that the canvas is an actual canvas rather than, say, your walls. If the kids are channelling their creativity these holidays, sign them up for an art workshop. At Bankstown Arts Centre, they can take their pick of activities — from building a ceramic bear to getting an introduction to Chinese calligraphy or making a traditional Indonesian mask. Penrith Regional Gallery has an equally impressive program. Keep them busy making shadow puppets, sculpting animals from clay, putting together their own artist book or, for three- to five-year-olds, learning the basics of art. Closer to the city, head to the Art Gallery of NSW for creative cityscape workshops, pet portrait sessions and native bee classes. FOR THE KID WHO CAN TALK THEIR WAY OUT OF ANYTHING: COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOPS Give your little one the gift of life skills these school holidays by enrolling them in an interactive communications workshop with Speaks Craft Australia. The two-day, four-in-one sessions cover public speaking, debating, creative writing and drama, and are held all over Sydney, as well as online. Kids of all grades — from kindergarten to year 9 — can attend. In years one and two, the focus is on building confidence through games and storytelling, while the year three to five sessions aim to develop skills in persuasive speaking and writing. For years six to nine, the workshops cover debating, impromptu speaking and leadership. FOR THE KID WHO'S ALWAYS ASKING QUESTIONS: PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS AND TOURS AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE A host of experiences awaits at the Sydney Opera House this winter. Roald Dahl's much-loved The Twits is a big part of the school holiday lineup for yet another year, with a fun and chaotic production by Shake & Stir Theatre Co. Also on the bill is The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee), presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. It tells the unknown story of why the princess was out on a stormy night in the first place, soundtracked by live classical music. Another headliner is the timely BullyBully, which pits two world leaders against one another in no man's land. Through laughter, dance and movement, the duo fights it out for their spot as top dog. Meanwhile, at City of Wonder, children aged four and above can use creativity, problem-solving and collaborative skills to help build an urbanscape for the future. FOR THE KID WHO'S ALREADY A FILM BUFF: THE CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Does your ankle-biter wander around the house quoting Finding Nemo? Or maybe sharing their opinion of Paddington in Peru like a mini David or Margaret? Fuel their future as a film buff these school holidays at the Children's International Film Festival. Having started in early June, it'll keep rolling until Sunday, July 20. The massive program includes the Australian premieres of A Tooth Fairy Tale (US), Bartali's Bicycle (Italy) and Norbert (Spain) — among many others. Plus, there are special screenings of Smurfs (with Funday Natural Sweets included with every ticket), and Friday, July 11, has been declared pyjama day.
It's been more than two decades since the Peninsula Hot Springs became one of Victoria's must-visit spots, especially if you enjoy getaways of the pampering, wellness-oriented and relaxing kind. Since then, the Fingal venue and its geothermal pools have become synonymous with blissful jaunts beyond the city. But in the coming years, it might become just one stop on a whole trail filled bathing spots — all thanks to the proposed Great Victorian Bathing Trail. First floated back in 2019, and set to gain its next new location mid-2022 when Metung Hot Springs opens its doors in East Gippsland — also stemming from the team behind Peninsula Hot Springs — the Great Victorian Bathing Trail is exactly what it sounds like. It'll span more than 900 kilometres along the Victorian coast, and have one big aim: linking the state's hot springs and other bathing spots into one must-trek route for folks fond of soaking away their woes. Also slated to join the trail: Phillip Island Hot Springs and Saltwater Hot Springs on Phillip Island, Nunduk Spa Retreat in the Lake Wellington part of Gippsland, 12 Apostles Hot Springs on the Great Ocean Road, Geelong Mineral Spa and the Eden project in Anglesea. The soon-to-launch Alba Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula is joining the lineup, too. Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon will also feature, for fans of splashing around in a regular community pool, and so will Warrnambool's existing Deep Blue Hot Springs. [caption id="attachment_845455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peninsula Hot Springs, Visit Victoria[/caption] In other words, if you're keen to escape the big smoke and kick back in a body of water — steamy or cool alike — the Great Victorian Bathing Trail will help you connect the dots. The plan will see the route stretch from Portland in the state's southwest over to East Gippsland, and also include beaches along the way. The idea: to give Victoria a calming tourist attraction to rival hot springs and spa hotspots such as Beppu and Kurokawa in Japan, Guangdong in China, and the Nordic region's many go-tos — including in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark's Copenhagen harbour bath trail. [caption id="attachment_845443" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peninsula Hot Springs[/caption] The numbers for Peninsula Hot Springs certainly give the concept plenty of hope, given that about 500,000 annual visitors make the visit to the spot. 2030 has been outlined as the ideal launch date — but, given that was the plan pre-pandemic, that timing could easily change. The good news is the Mornington Peninsula's new Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, which forms part of the trail, will launch in September and is already taking bookings. And while an exact date for Metung's midyear opening hasn't yet been revealed, hot springs fans can look forward to a multi-faceted attraction and wellness precinct with steamy thermal pools and sauna options. It'll encompass various hot springs bathing facilities at the main King Cove site, and also a spa relaxation centre and further hot springs constructed at the nearby King Cove Golf Club, all-around 3.5 hours out of Melbourne. And, there's set to be a glamping site as well. For more information about the Great Victorian Bathing Trail, head to the project's Facebook page. Top image: Peninsula Hot Springs, Visit Victoria.
Year after year, creatives, storytellers, thinkers, and inspirational figures from around the world descend upon Sydney for one very special event. The Sydney Writers' Festival, a short but very sweet celebration of the best and brightest minds and the words they've created. It's on its way back for 2026, and now we know exactly what we can expect from the five-day program of over 200 events and 250+ participating guests. This year's theme, Show Me the Truth, is a dive into truth and trust in written and spoken media amid overwhelming uncertainty. As Sydney Writers' Festival Artistic Director Ann Mossop explains, "Writers bring the truth to life in many different ways, whether it is in a novel that transports us to another time and place or in rigorous journalism that reflects the current moment." [caption id="attachment_1081033" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] "We'll explore important questions about the future of democracy and the impact of AI on the arts and culture, but we'll also celebrate a major anniversary for one of Australia's favourite cookbooks and the joys of Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants. The SWF program opens up a space for writers and readers to explore books, ideas and storytelling in all of their variety and richness," Mossop adds. Headlining this year's festival are a number of notable voices. International bestsellers like R.F. Kuang (Katabasis), Mick Herron (Slow Horses) and Patrick Radden Keefe (London Falling) will unpack their latest works, while global voices of change and truth like former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales will examine their lives and legacies live on stage. [caption id="attachment_1081031" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Booker Prize-winning and shortlisted authors such as David Szalay (Flesh), Susan Choi (Flashlight), Yann Martel (Life of Pi), Roddy Doyle (The Women Behind the Door), Amitav Ghosh (The Nutmeg's Curse), Tayari Jones (Kin) and S.A. Cosby (King of Ashes) will all discuss the inspirations of and truths within their latest works. On the events front, the creator of an Australian classic, Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants, Dog Man) will draw his characters live on stage in a live and antics-filled event. Journalists Lorena Allam, Avani Dias, Lyse Doucet, Anton Enus, Kate McClymont and Patrick Radden Keefe gather for The Story That Changed My Life to discuss the stories that changed their careers forever, while Brave Conversations: When Words Offend will unite journalists and storytellers for a panel on the role of disagreements in democracy. [caption id="attachment_1081034" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] After Bondi will see four writers and host Michaela Kalowski reflect on grief, solidarity and resilience after the Bondi terrorist attack. Big Histories will bring together Amitav Ghosh, Luke Kemp and Clare Wright to re-examine the fundamental grand narratives of human history. Great Adaptations will offer an insight into how stories move from page to screen, and The Future of Truth will pair Barbara Demick, A.C. Grayling, Jimmy Wales and Toby Walsh in a discussion on how trust can be rebuilt in the age of misinformation, AI and information overload. The full program goes on and on, from returning favourite events like the SWF Great Debate and the opening gala to Australia-wide and international authors and celebrations of First Nations and queer voices in the writing world. You can visit the SWF website to browse every event and plan your perfect festival run, with over 55 free events making it as accessible as it is insightful. [caption id="attachment_1081032" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Sydney Writers' Festival will take place at venues across the city from Sunday, May 17–May 24, tickets go on sale at 10am on Saturday, March 14. For the full program or more information, visit the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Some see the arrival of children in their lives as the time they transition into maturity. This is not the article for those people. Jumping on trampolines, climbing obstacle courses, patting baby animals, learning new facts about Egyptian mummies — these are some of our favourite things to do, so it's fortunate that the kids enjoy them as well. With that in mind, there's no reason why the next family outing shouldn't be to someplace that delights your entire multigenerational crew — mums, dads and sprogs included. We've teamed up with Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove, to help you find those excursions in Sydney. From treetop swings to cafe petting zoos, these are the destinations where you'll come together to make memories, make Instagram Stories, make a fool of yourself (in a good way) — and all while making your kids' day. SKY ZONE Ever been stuck indoors on a wet weekend, and the kids bouncing off the walls in boredom drove you mad? Take them to Sky Zone's indoor trampoline park and you can bounce off the walls together — literally. With over 100 interconnected trampolines, a new indoor climbing centre with mad obstacles and free-fall jumps, and a Little Leapers program for under fives, there's anti-gravity fun to be had for every member of the family. Want to up the ante? Grab your troupe and square off in a dodgeball game that will see you flexing your competitive muscles as you hurtle through the air. Sydney Corporate Park, Building 3, 160 Bourke Road, Alexandria SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM Go on and indulge your inner Jacques Cousteau at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, where you can wander the underwater depths and try to find Nemo or 12,000 of his aquatic buddies, including sharks, dugongs and stingrays. And the fun isn't limited to what's under the sea. Last year the aquarium added the ride-through Penguin Expedition; its rafts take you into a rugged sub-Antarctic environment (maintained to a chilled but comfortable 6°C), right into the heart of a colony of king and gentoo penguins. Meanwhile, old-school favourites like the Discovery rock pool let kids big and small get hands on with sea stars, crustaceans and shark eggs. 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney WET'N'WILD Remember the joy of rushing down an overheated plastic slide at your local council pool? Well water slides have come a loooong way since then, and Wet'n'Wild's 40 slides — one featuring a 12-metre almost-vertical drop followed by two 360-degree loops — are an adrenaline-junkie's best friend on a hot summer's day. Ten kid-friendly water slides (ie ones that won't drop your littlies down a vertical chute) and a splash zone mean a dedicated adult (say, gran) can watch them as you indulge your inner thrill seeker. The park opens at 9.30am, so arrive early to snag a sun-lounger or patch of lawn (both disappear quickly), or splurge on cabana hire if you're feeling indulgent. 427 Reservoir Road, Prospect [caption id="attachment_648143" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] by Rick Stevens[/caption] TARONGA ZOO Snuggle up to a koala, feed a cheeky penguin or go on a tiger tree — or step aside and let your little sprog get in on the action. There's way too much kidult fun to be had at Sydney's favourite zoo, and after a day traipsing through bird sanctuaries and lemur forests, The View a la carte restaurant is the perfect spot for a well-earned vino or beer. If playing Attenborough for a day wasn't enough, the new sky-high adventure, Wild Ropes, means you (or your little one) can burn off any extra energy on flying foxes and aerial challenges set to the picture perfect background of Sydney Harbour. Bradley's Head Road, Mosman AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM If the Australian Museum is every hip parent's day-out crush, the 200 Treasures exhibition in the restored Westpac Long Gallery exhibit makes it even easier to bring your offspring along for the date. The 350 curated objects on display — including a 2000-year-old Theban mummy coffin, a Tasmanian tiger pup and a cape given to Captain James Cook in Hawaii — are nothing if not Very Good For Their Education. If your little one isn't taken with them, there's always the dinosaur exhibition and gallery of spiders. Want to experience your own night at the museum? DinoSnore is perfect for inquisitive mites who aren't afraid of the dark and love a sleepover. 1 William Street, Sydney SKYPEAK ADVENTURES Thrill-seeking parents and their offspring have a new place to get their adrenaline fix: Sydney's newest aerial park, Skypeak Adventures. Play tug-of-war or ride a bike across a balance beam four storeys in the air. Or climb your way through a series of obstacle courses and challenges, all suspended high in the sky. Think bridge walks, barrel runs, rope climbs, chasm jumps or trapeze swings, 22 metres above ground. Your little one not a daredevil? The free Skypeak Tree Tourist Walk and Kids Course also cater to little adventurers who prefer to be closer to terra firma. 243 Forrester Road, St Marys LUNA PARK What school holiday as a kid was complete without a train ride over the bridge or a ferry trip under it to Luna Park? If your ankle-biters have gone too high-tech, introduce them to old-school but Insta-worthy faves like the 40-metre Ferris wheel, and the mazes and mayhem of Coney Island. For anyone older and wilder, start with the rattling Wild Mouse roller coaster and work your way to the Hair Raiser and its 50-metre, high-speed drop. Got a big crew? Go on a cheap Monday during the school term and save your dollars for sugarific treats or sideshow games. Laughing Clowns anyone? 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point NEW LEAF NURSERY Pink chickens foraging for food, a cool cafe serving barista-made coffee, and a nursery where you can live out your River Cafe sustainability dreams — what isn't there to love about this quirky gem tucked away in the northern beaches? For little ones, New Leaf Nursery has a petting zoo with guinea pigs and a junkyard-style playground; think repurposed tyres, shabby chic chairs, teepees and old pianos. Kidults with green thumbs can go wild in the nursery, which stocks everything from edible plants to native bush tucker and raised garden beds. Fancy a backyard pet? New Leaf specialises in chooks and ducks, so indulge your homestead dreams and bring home a bantam brown or silkie chicken. 224 Powderworks Road, Ingleside Drive your family on adventures in and outside of town in the Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove. Find out more on the Holden website.
There's no shortage of Aussies trying to become global social media stars. If that's your goal too, a first-of-its-kind experience will give your influencing career a significant boost, as Australia's first TikTok content house launches in Adelaide. Known as The Party Games House, this $10 million beachfront mansion in Moana is officially on the lookout for five more influencers keen to live, create and party for free for a minimum of seven days up to two months. The brainchild of Adelaide-based entrepreneur Shane Yeend, a self-made multimillionaire who made his fortune in party games, this extravagant property already has its first tenant, Frida Khalife, a 23-year-old real estate and hospitality worker from Adelaide. With the decision still to be made on who else will be moving into this luxe home, there's still time for influencers of all stripes to submit their applications. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime," says Yeend. "We are looking for Australia's next social superstars. Huge global names like Alex Warren and Addison Rae began in content houses just like this one, and now they have billions of views, brand deals, and are selling out arenas. We believe we will find the next generation of stars right here in Australia." It's not Yeend's first venture into viral escapades. He got his start in 2001 — before most even understood the concept — by creating the official Big Brother Board Game. Becoming an overnight hit, pallets of board games were craned over the Big Brother house wall for housemates to autograph. Now Yeend is returning to the world of virality, this time targeting the Gen Z wave of influencers. "In 2026, anyone with a social media presence should be able to make $1 million a year from social commerce. There's no better time or place to get started than the Games House this summer," says Yeend. Set against the backdrop of Moana Beach, the lucky few who call The Party Games House home will have access to a private chef, a massive pool and a dedicated production team, ensuring each TikTok post does massive numbers. Best of all, influencers living in the house retain full ownership of their channels and commercial activity, with any deals made during their stay theirs to keep. Applications to live in The Party Games House are now open. Head to the website for more information. Images: Benjamin Liew.
One of the best things about shopping at a family-run joint is seeing that passion that the folks have for their trade. Their knowledge about the products is second to none — and they're more than happy to share it with you. This is certainly the case at eastern suburbs grocer, Patricks on Bellevue. This is a family affair — Joseph runs the store with his uncles Sam, Frank and Tony. At the Bellevue Road store, you'll find fresh produce alongside bread, deli goods and a fresh juice and yoghurt bar, if you need to grab something to go. Not only are the team dedicated to sourcing the best seasonal produce for their customers every day, but they also want to ensure you make the most of it. The store's website is a treasure trove of easy written recipes and video tutorials that'll help you transform your fruit and veggies into tasty, seasonally appropriate meals. Images: Yaya Stempler
With its heritage-listed sandstone cottage building, melt-in-your-mouth duck dish, and connection to local farmers, Ennui in Haymarket has stood out from Sydney's food scene. Three hospitality friends, Thomas Bromwich, Peter Chan and Samuel Woods, originally envisioned Ennui as an intimate bar. It's now a two-storey restaurant with space to seat 100 guests and just celebrated its first birthday. [caption id="attachment_1026040" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "Bringing Ennui to life was no small task," says director and cook Samuel Woods. "Three years of heritage approvals, landlord negotiations, and months of construction tested our patience and resolve. Yet the effort has been worth it." Located on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets, opposite the Capitol Theatre, Ennui shares its interpretation of French cuisine in one of Sydney's most historic settings. In partnership with the business solution experts at Square, we spoke with Samuel to learn more about how they created a hospitality business that stands out from the crowd. From little things Samuel shares that Ennui began with a simple idea. "[We imagined] a small wine bar with food that spoke to our cultural backgrounds and connections with local farmers," Samuel tells Concrete Playground. "But when we were introduced to the Manse building, we knew this was something bigger." The cottage was built in 1846 and is one of the few buildings of its kind still standing in Sydney. Its historic, sandstone outer layer means the modern yet warm interiors stand out even more. [caption id="attachment_1026041" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] Keep it simple For Samuel, Peter and Thomas, their guiding principle to growing into one of Sydney's most popular new restaurants is simple: the guest comes first. "We want people to feel looked after, and we're always willing to be flexible in how we offer our service to make sure everyone feels welcome. That belief has shaped everything we do at Ennui." Restaurants and brands often focus on viral 'must-try' tactics to stand out in a crowded, algorithm-driven market. However, Samuel believes that the chase for uniqueness can undermine core values. [caption id="attachment_1026042" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "For us, consistency is more important than chasing uniqueness. Guests should feel confident that the dish they saw online, or the one a friend recommended, will arrive at the table exactly as expected." "We want people to come back weeks later and relive the same great experience. That dependability is what builds trust and ultimately, lasting relationships with our guests," Samuel shares. Signature dishes One tenet of Ennui's success was knowing they wanted a dish that defined the restaurant. For Samuel, Thomas and Peter, this was always duck. Focusing on a signature dish (done exquisitely) has helped the restaurant stand out from other French-inspired restaurants across the city. [caption id="attachment_1026043" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "I still remember dining at Monopole in Potts Point about ten years ago. The duck was unforgettable, and it stayed with me. From those early plans on paper to opening night, the idea of serving our own duck has been at the heart of the restaurant." Samuel credits this and word-of-mouth recommendations with helping to grow Ennui more than intentional marketing, proving that if you create an experience that people want to keep coming back to, they will. "It is one of the most important things in hospitality, to be hospitable." Learning and growing If you're new to the hospitality business, Samuel doesn't sugarcoat it — you're going to feel the heat. However, having a team of people in your corner can help to keep the dream alive. "We have been very lucky to have such a talented team of people around us, always pushing for new ways to drive business." He also credits Square's payment system as making the business side of the restaurant run more smoothly. "It's one less thing to worry about because I've got Square by my side." Samuel shares that muddling through and (sometimes) missing the mark can ultimately lead to business satisfaction."Some things have worked really well, and sometimes you try, but you miss the mark. Either way, we're happy with where we are now." From a history-rich building to collaboration and growth, it's clear that Ennui stands out from the Sydney food scene and keeps customers coming back for more. "What began as a dream between three friends who had worked together for years has grown into a restaurant that feels like home." Square empowers local businesses to thrive by making it easier to run, manage, and grow their operations. Find out how Square can help your business grow. Lead image: Ennui
If, for you, warmer weather brings with it a craving for fruity gelato and a nostalgic longing for that tell-tale sound of 'Greensleeves' playing through your neighbourhood, say no more. The Mr. Mercedes Ice Cream Truck has got you — it might not be summer yet, but the wheels are already a-rollin' on this particular mobile candy dream machine. But, beware, this is no ordinary ice cream mobile. The truck will be handing out cones to mark the launch of Foxtel's new thriller series Mr. Mercedes. The show stars Brendan Gleeson as a retired police detective being taunted by a serial killer who masquerades as the local ice cream man. The story is based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, which should be a dead giveaway of the creepiness you can expect from this pop-up. We don't want to completely scare you off, though, so here's the good news: the cones are free and you've even got a shot at winning $1000 in cash. And, there'll be no actual cold-blooded killers present — just cold soft serve and cold hard cash. The truck will be in Chatswood, opposite The Concourse on the corner of Spring and Victoria streets, between 9am–1pm and 3–8pm, and the Foxtel offices in Macquarie Park between 2–2.45pm. Head over for flavours including chocolate eclair, Whistle Pop and Berry Good Bar. Stream season one of Mr. Mercedes on Foxtel On Demand or screen on showcase Mondays at 9:30pm. Image: courtesy of Sony Pictures Television.
Technology has made many of the household items we once relied upon redundant. The Yellow Pages, CD players, and shopping lists are all rapidly becoming relics of a pre-smart phone, pre-digital era. And if designer and inventor, Andrey Kokorin has anything to do with it, the kitchens of the future will also replace knives with electromagnetic lasers. The 'Innovative Laser Device For Cutting Of Foodstuff' uses a series of rotating rings fitted with electromagnets and controlled by an internal microprocessor to slice food into whatever shape your appetite desires. Simply place the food in the spherical pod, customise the shape and size of your slice (with anything from spirals to smily-faces available) and press 'Go'. This groundbreaking, and ecologically friendly, creation was submitted by Kokorin for the James Dyson Award, an internationally renowned competition for young innovators to come up with problem-solving inventions. For Kokorin the inspiration came from a study of kitchen knives and discovering that they can be a hotbed for infectious disease. Peer into your kitchen of the future with this video of the pod in action.
Circular Quay is looking a little more stylish, as wharf-side icon Cruise Bar & Restaurant has reopened following an extensive renovation. Decked out with a fresh look and innovative menus, this well-known celebrity haunt invites budding socialites to indulge in its unmatched Sydney Opera House views and brand-new rooftop bar. Who knows, maybe you'll catch past guests like Kylie Minogue, Fleetwood Mac or Justin Bieber relishing the vistas. Transformed by award-winning design firm Luchetti Krelle, the space is now effortlessly breezy, with beachy hues and floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of Cruise's stunning vantage point. However, the most attention-grabbing change is the addition of Melba's Rooftop, a chic haven with panoramic harbour views named after iconic opera singer and jet-setter Dame Nellie Melba — perhaps Australia's first global celebrity. "Sydney has changed a lot in the past decade, but there's always been a place for a venue like Cruise," says Cruise Bar General Manager John Harvey. "It's got history, it's got views that stop you in your tracks, and now it's got an elevated experience to match." The menu has received a sizeable makeover too, with Head Chef Han Chen (a'Mare, Felix) shaping modern Australian cuisine informed by the country's native larder. Inspired by diverse landscapes, some of the most eye-catching dishes include bush tomato butter mussels, pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi with macadamia cream, and confit duck risotto with butternut squash and crispy saltbush. The cocktail menu strikes a similar theme, as barman Tom Bulmer (Margaret, O Bar, Jane) pushes native botanicals in fun and engaging directions. For instance, the Lily Flower combines raspberry, lilly pilly, Casamigos tequila and hibiscus, while the Afternoon Fashion reinvents a classic old fashioned with croissant-washed whisky and toasted wattleseed. Meanwhile, the Berry in Sight goes bold with a blend of mulberry, bush apple, blended whisky and desert lime shrub. "We've carefully curated an offering that reflects Sydney's evolving food and drink culture. From the menu to the design, every detail has been considered to create an experience that feels fresh, exciting, and uniquely Cruise. This isn't just a comeback — it's a statement, and we can't wait to welcome Sydney back," said Harvey. Cruise Bar & Restaurant has reopened Sunday–Thursday from 11.30am–12am, Friday from 11.30am–1am, and Saturday from 11.30am–3am at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay. Head to the website for more information.
What do Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night and Sunflowers, Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa and Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa all have in common? Yes, they're all masterpieces. Yes, they all hail from iconic talents. And yes, they're all works that art lovers need to see in-person with their own eyes. Here's something else that they each share: they've all received the Lego treatment, letting you build them yourself, then hang them on your own wall. Lego has announced that Sunflowers is the latest great work to get turned into plastic bricks — and the latest reason that your own home can hold its own with the world's greatest galleries. The company's art range not only lets you display stunning art in your own house, but gets you recreating these masterpieces, too. To construct van Gogh's rendering of golden flowers, you'll be using 2615 blocks. Releasing on Saturday, March 1, 2025, but available to preorder already (for AU$299.99 and NZ$349.99), the new kit is a collaboration between Lego and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Together, they've designed a set that reimagines Sunflowers with 3D bricks, using the blocks to help convey brushstrokes, plus light and shade — and they've also fashioned a Lego creation that isn't small. The finished piece measures 54 centimetres in height and 41 centimetres in width, so you really will want to find the right space to display it. As you construct Sunflowers, you'll be putting together the painting's 16 sunflowers, all with adjustable petals, as well as a removable frame. The kit comes with a hanger, too, alongside a tile with the artist's signature. Lego and the Van Gogh Museum are also dropping a podcast via LEGO.com, YouTube and Spotify on Saturday, March 1, which'll chat through both the artwork's history and the Lego set's design — and is recommended listening while you build. "Working on one of the world's most-famous paintings can be quite daunting, but recreating Sunflowers has been a dream come true. We collaborated closely with the Van Gogh Museum and its experts, delving into the details to meticulously craft a 3D version of the original artwork," said LEGO Designer Stijn Oom. " One of the most challenging yet crucial aspects was translating the impasto effect into Lego bricks while preserving the painting's asymmetrical yet balanced composition. We are incredibly proud of the result and hope our fans enjoy building it as much as we enjoyed bringing Van Gogh's masterpiece to life." For more information about Lego's new Sunflowers kit, which goes on sale on Down Under on Saturday, March 1, 2025 — but is available to preorder already — head to the company's website.
