End-of-year markets are always excellent for those of us who tend to leave gift purchasing until the last minute — and, thankfully, Etsy is bring its market back to Sydney in November. Etsy Made Local is a grassroots initiative that celebrates crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities, and provides them with the opportunity to sell their creations both online and in a physical space. So whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. Returning for the fourth year (and now open for applications if you're a crafty Etsy maker yourself), the market will take place at Centennial Park on Saturday, November 24 — and because it focuses on the best local talent, every year is filled with different stallholders and unique creations. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer Christmas gift is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your festive shopping done early, for once.
English art-rockers Everything Everything will be one of the most unpredictable Splendour sideshows you see this year, with their eclectic, off-the-wall repertoire and epic live set. The foursome has released three albums to date including Man Alive in 2010, Arc in 2013, and Get To Heaven in 2015, all of which have been met with riotous applause from critics and fans alike. Their latest single ‘Distant Past’ encapsulates everything you already know and love about the band; lead singer Jonathan Higgs’ vocals flying at breakneck speed to falsetto, paired with fast, fast percussion. Get your mates together, warm up those vocal chords and work on some tongue twisters if you plan on singing along, ‘Kemosabe’ and ‘Cough Cough’ beckon your assistance.
One of the most charismatic and unique openings of the year, The Hook, is a quirky, kitsch ode to the oyster bars of the US, complete with retro, nautical decor, live jazz piano performances and a yesteryear menu of cocktail classics. With an enticing blend of dive bar cool and shucking sophistication, this venue (from the team behind Piccolo Bar and Vermuteria) is now launching a bottomless bubbles and oysters offer, available every Saturday from 4—6pm. Kicking off on October 26, this deal delivers the ultimate opportunity to elevate your weekend plans with a cozzie-livs-defying night of bargain bivalves and free-flowing fizz. For $99 per head, punters can enjoy two hours of unlimited Chandon Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine, a dozen oysters per head plus olives and beer nuts. Those who really want to make a night of it should opt for the premium package. For $149 per head, you can up the ante with two hours of bottomless French champagne, a dozen oysters per head and a selection of top-quality cheeses, curated by the legendary Penny's Cheese Shop. Either enjoy your oysters au naturale, with a classic shallot mignonette, or (and trust us, you need to try it) dressed with a few drops of 10-year-aged Scotch whisky. You can also request some or all of your oysters grilled Kilpatrick style, with crispy hunks of bacon and a punch of tabasco. Images: Christopher Pearce
Spending quality time outdoors and with your pals after work is a solid way to improve your mental health. But achieving this and getting into bed at a reasonable hour can feel like an impossible task. We've found a solution. Head over to Petersham Bowling Club for a couple of rounds of after-work bowls followed by a couple of rounds of trivia. Make a night of it by hitting up the bistro, which serves some tasty bites (including a number of vegetarian options). You can be further satisfied by knowing that all seasonal produce is sourced from local sustainable vendors.
Opening a hotel restaurant in a CBD renowned for independent hotspots left right and centre has its ups and downs. For example, the backing of a 40-strong hotel chain is undoubtedly impressive, but unlike say New York, where three-Michelin-star chefs can be found hanging out at Trump International Towers, Sydney hasn't quite yet jumped on the bandwagon. Abode, the new addition to Park Royal down on the corner of Day and Bathurst Street, is at least a leg up in that direction. Street-facing and impressively decked out in apparently only a few weeks, Abode already deals with the whole hotel 'problem': any casual passer-by could easily be forgiven in thinking this restaurant/bar decked out in white woods, creams and greys is simply that, sans the attached accommodation. While it's no Jean-Georges, its size is impressive, and, with a sunken bar and lounge area, hidden-away games room and main dining room complete with cushioned banquettes, comfy and welcoming, Abode does live up to its name. According to restaurant and bar director Christian Rasmus, the main focus here is the food, whipped up by green-on-the-scene head chef Ryan Hong. We began with three selections from the raw bar, including salmon belly ($16), an oyster each ($4) and yellow fin tuna tartare ($18). Oyster lovers will like the accompanying cucumber and coriander for its freshness, while the wasabi gel and kewpie mayo alongside the salmon gave a delish sashimi kick. The best was probably the tuna but mainly because of the avocado puree. Love an avo puree. Breaking open a warm Bread and Butter Project roll ($3) with the most generous hunk of almost cheese-like butter, we moved onto 12-hour cooked lamb shoulder ($16) with Panko crumb, celeriac and apple jelly. Three words: move over pork. Apple with lamb is a hit. As was the juicy 9+ Wagyu flank ($40) that came after, cut into short fat chips, with a flavour-packed king mushroom and pumpkin puree. On the side we enjoyed some roasted carrots ($9) — it's great how something so simple can be so delicious — and not double but triple cooked fries ($9). Finally we finished with the corn-fed chicken (nice and juicy, $34) and the Tassie king salmon ($34), which while cooked well was sadly drowned by a small ocean of butter. With a strong wine list and seasonally changing cocktail menu, including an awfully wintery Spiced Blazer served in an espresso cup ($20), it's clear Abode's focus is in the right place. The best thing any hotel restaurant can do in a city unaccustomed to non-guest dining is remove the idea of a hotel altogether. Something this hospitable wannabe home in the CBD has done nicely.
One of the joys of exploring the inner west is stumbling upon niche speciality stores like Mineralism. Whether you identify as a gemstone person or not, this Glebe gem store is worth a visit. Opened in 2015, the shop is choc-a-block with precious stones, minerals, fossils and handmade jewellery gathered from all around the world. You'd be surprised just how excited the store's owners Jed Underwood and Jessa Lahoud can get when they talk about aquamarine, labradorite and larimar – and it's hard to not feel enthused about rocks yourself after a chat with the passionate owners. The business partners and couple have direct relationships with many miners and travel the world curating the in-store and online collection. It's a family affair, so expect to see Jessa's parents manning the till, whose knowledge as both jewellers and miners in Lightning Ridge help make Mineralism more than just another store. Images: Kitti Smallbone.
Byron Bay's Bluesfest has lost another name from its 2023 lineup, with acclaimed rapper Sampa the Great pulling out of this year's festival. Just over six weeks out from the Easter long-weekend fest, Bluesfest today announced its playing times for the five-day music program and a revised lineup, both of which were missing Sampa. A member from Sampa's team confirmed to Concrete Playground that Zambian hip hop trailblazer will not be performing at the festival. US supergroup The Soul Rebels & Friends with special guests Talib Kweli, GZA and Big Freedia also appears missing from the set times and revised lineup, however, there's been no confirmation of the group's removal from the lineup. Bluesfest was reached out to for comment on both Sampa and The Soul Rebels, but did not respond before publication. [caption id="attachment_811633" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sampa the Great, Lucian Coman[/caption] The lineup change follows Monday's announcement that King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard had also removed themselves from the program. The band's decision to withdraw from the festival was kept reasonably vague but, in a statement, the Melbourne psych-rock group cited the festival's decision to book content that conflicts with their values as the reason they won't be appearing. "As a band and as human beings, we stand against misogyny, racism, transphobia and violence," King Giz's statement reads. "Surprised and saddened to see Bluesfest commit to presenting content that is in complete opposition to these values." "Given this decision by the festival, we have decided to cancel our appearance at Bluesfest," continues the statement. "We are deeply disappointed to be in this position but sometimes you need to be willing to make sacrifices to stand up for your values. This is, unfortunately, one of those moments." Controversy began brewing around this year's Bluesfest after the unveiling of its sixth artist announcement which featured the band Sticky Fingers. The booking of Sticky Fingers received online backlash from others in the music industry including Jaguar Jonze and Camp Cope's Sarah Thompson. Dylan Frost, Sticky Fingers' frontman, has been the subject of serious allegations which include physically threatening First Nations singer Thelma Plum and harassing a transgender woman at a Sydney pub. Frost and bassist Paddy Cornwall were also caught in an alleged brawl with each other in 2019 which saw Cornwall charged with affray. Bluesfest previously faced controversy after festival director Peter Noble compared a Jewish woman to a Nazi for commenting on the gender imbalance present on the first announcement of the festival's 2018 lineup. The festival will continue without King Giz and Sampa the Great from Thursday, April 6 until Monday, April 10 with headliners including Gang of Youths, Paolo Nutini, Tash Sultana, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers and Beck. [caption id="attachment_876098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jason Galea[/caption] Bluesfest 2023 will run from Thursday, April 6–Monday, April 10 at Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah. For the most up-to-date lineup, head to the Bluesfest website. Top image: Jordan Munns.
There was a big, fat question mark hanging over the future of The Midnight Shift after its closure in 2017, but the beloved gay bar has been bought by Sydney group Universal Hotels and resurrected. Things are a little different, though. For one, the new venue is now called Universal, with the new owners leaving the name to rest in peace. "Universal [is] an evolution of the Midnight Shift, rather than a revolution," explained owner Jim Kospetas. He also confirmed that the group — which conducted an online survey to gauge what the community wanted them to do with the venue — plans to respect the "special role that it has played for the LGBTIQA+ community" and continue its long-held legacy of inclusivity. The venue launched with a huge three-day opening party, and is continuing to host late-night dance sessions every Friday and Saturday night. Running till 4am, the parties change weekly, with ones like FAB, featuring live performances, DJs and drag shows; Satori, with a healthy dose of creativity in all forms; and a disco-, funk- and house-filled Midnight Discotheque making regular appearances. The venue also partnered with Heaps Gay for its big launch party, so you may see them pop up a few more times in the future, too.
Finding greatness in Bong Joon-ho's Parasite isn't difficult. The perceptive class-clash and eat-the-rich story, the array of pitch-perfect performances, the acclaimed director's stunning mastery of tone, the insightful and revealing production design: they're all examples in this Oscar- and Cannes-winning South Korean masterpiece. Another instance comes courtesy of composer Jung Jae-il's score, which soundtracks the film with tunes both disquieting and baroque. It's no wonder that accolades came Jung's way, too, including from his homeland's Grand Bell Awards. Hearing Jung's contribution echoing as Parasite screens is the best way to appreciate it, of course — and watching him perform it live in Australia with Orchestra Victoria will dial what's already a spectacular experience up a few notches. For the first time, the composer is heading Down Under, all thanks to 2025's Melbourne International Film Festival. The event's commitment to honouring the art of screen composition via screenings that pair live tunes and movies is continuing, and two Parasite in Concert sessions are set to be among this year's fest highlights. At 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, August 23 at Hamer Hall in the Victorian capital, Jung will take to the keys. He'll also be conducting Orchestra Victoria as he plays. Seeing Parasite on a big screen is already a treat, no matter how many times you've watched it before; however, giving the picture the concert treatment is something extra special. It's only happening in Melbourne, if you're located elsewhere in Australia and needed more motivation — beyond the 26 films the fest has already announced for 2025 — to attend this year's MIFF. Jung isn't just known for Parasite. If you've felt the tension emanating from Squid Game's score across its two seasons so far — with the third arriving before June 2025 is out — then you've also appreciated the composer's efforts. Prior to Parasite, Jung collaborated with Bong on Okja, then did so again afterwards on this year's Mickey 17. The tunes in Hirokazu Kore-eda's Broker hail from him as well, as does the score for MIFF 2025 title Twinless. "Composing the score of Parasite for director Bong Joon Ho was a life-changing experience for me, and it's a work I'm incredibly proud of. I'm so excited to conduct and perform this original score live in concert for the first time in Australia with the talented Orchestra Victoria as part of Melbourne International Film Festival," said Jung about MIFF's Parasite in Concert events. "This isn't just a film with live music, it's something far more rare. To see Jung Jae-il perform and conduct his own score, live, brings an intimacy and immediacy you can't replicate," added Melbourne International Film Festival Artistic Director Al Cossar. "It's exactly the kind of experience that belongs on a festival stage. In collaboration with Orchestra Victoria, we're proud to present something that speaks directly to MIFF's mission to bring audiences the story of the world through unforgettable screen experiences," Cossar continued. Parasite in Concert joins two sessions of almost-100-year-old masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc with a new score by Julia Holter on the music-and-movies side of Melbourne International Film Festival's 2025 program so far. As for what else they'll have for company beyond the already-revealed titles, the fest's full lineup is unveiled on Thursday, July 10. Check out the trailer for Parasite below: Parasite Live in Concert takes place on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank — with tickets on sale from 11am on Thursday, June 12, 2025 via the venue website. The 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31. For further details, including the full program from Thursday, July 10, visit the MIFF website.
While Sydney boasts its fair share of bottomless brunches, it's always exciting when a longtime culinary favourite launches its own iteration of the time-honoured tradition. The latest Sydney spot to jump on the bandwagon is Parramatta's Lilymu — one of our 15 favourite restaurants in Sydney. And this Parramatta Square eatery is doing things a little differently with a unique selection of food and free-flowing drinks. For $99 per person, you and your fellow brunch revellers will be treated to 90 minutes of bottomless sake spritzes and espresso martinis, as well as prosecco, rosé and Asahi beer. Accompanying the drinks is a banquet of highlights from the Lilymu menu, including crispy fried quail, red curry rice bites, ricotta dumplings, banana leaf roasted barramundi and prawn fried rice. [caption id="attachment_787138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] If all of that still isn't enough, there's also a range of extras you can add on, including pacific oysters for $6 each and roasted duck with Laos sausages for $55. "As the Lilymu brand continues to grow and reach new heights, we wanted to give back to our guests by offering the best value bottomless lunch not only in the west but in Sydney," Co-Founder and Executive Director of Lilymu Ibby Moubadder said. Bookings are available from midday–2pm every Saturday and Sunday with a minimum group size of four people required to order the bottomless brunch. [caption id="attachment_893677" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jiwon Kim[/caption] Top image: Nicki To
The mercury is slowly rising again as summer nudges closer, Daylight Savings has kicked into gear and people's moods are altogether cheerier. Which means it's almost time for Sydney to get its noodle on once again. Yep, the Night Noodle Markets are gearing up for another season, whipping Hyde Park into a frenzy of sounds, smells and street food from October 11 to 18. The markets' 2019 edition is delivering a jam-packed culinary program that's as big as ever and with that comes an eye-watering array of choice. If you're feeling a bit daunted by all that decision-making and wondering how best to navigate the smorgasbord of eats, we've got your back. Avoid any bouts of indecisiveness and squeeze the best out of your Night Noodle Markets visit with our lineup of top food picks worth checking out. Get excited for attention-grabbing noodle dishes, szechuan-inspired fried chicken and inventive dessert creations that'll require both hands and a whole stack of napkins. EYE OF THE THAI-GER, GELATO MESSINA Seventeen years on and national sweetheart Gelato Messina continues to throw down inventive frozen treats left right and centre. The purveyors of weird and wonderful dessert concoctions will be showing off their latest designs at this year's Night Noodle Markets and each is a modern reworking of some classic Thai flavours. For a tasty frozen snack you can hold in one hand, try the Eye of the Thai-ger — which looks a bit like a fluffy dessert taco. It's a satisfyingly creamy fusion of Thai milk tea gelato and cheesecake mousse cradled in a layer of tea sponge. The dessert is then dunked in soft meringue and finished with a healthy dusting of coconut. We doubt you'll want to stop at just one. [caption id="attachment_745515" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] LECHE FLAN DOUGHNUT BURGER, DONUT PAPI Sydney's go-to for inventive, Asian-inspired doughnut creations, Donut Papi is returning to the Night Noodle Markets with a fresh haul of crafty desserts in tow. These guys sure aren't afraid to get a little creative, as you'll know from past ingenious doughnut iterations like peanut butter birthday cake, ube Oreo and even garlic bread. But the treat you need to sink your chompers into this month is the Leche Flan Donut Burger. A slab of lush, sticky Filipino-style crème caramel is stuffed between halves of a sugar-crusted doughnut bun, ready and waiting to ooze upon that first bite. BIG BOSS FLYING NOODLES, THE FLYING NOODLE Is it magic? Is it a feat of aerodynamics? No, it's simply the show-stopping signature dish from The Flying Noodle. Featuring a serve of chopsticked noodles suspended mysteriously in the air, this menu hit is designed to be devoured with your eyes, as well as your mouth. There are three gravity-defying variations on offer at this year's Night Noodle Markets, including The Big Boss, which teams those cascading egg noodles with seasonal veggies and marinated chicken in a rich red wine sauce. How do they do it? You'll just have to order one and find out. [caption id="attachment_745527" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] STICKY RICKY BURGER, JOHNNY BIRD Crows Nest's fried chicken maestro Johnny Bird is coming to the party, getting into the Night Noodle Market spirit with some Asian-inspired riffs on its usual chook-licious fare. Alongside menu favourites like chicken tenders and the classic Johnny Bird burger, you'll find the Sticky Ricky, available with or without the bun. This one features that OG crisp fried free-range chicken, teamed with lettuce, spring onion, sesame seeds and a gutsy lick of sticky szechuan sauce. Our tip? Best load up on napkins before going in for the kill. CHEESEBURGER PUFFLE, PUFFLE Everyone loves a quirky, cheesy food creation and this one's as fun to say as it is to eat. A return favourite from last year's markets, and a riff on the egg waffles you'll find at street stalls in Hong Kong, Puffle is a kind of savoury waffle cone made out of cheese and filled with various flavour combinations. This month, Puffle is out to win you over with two different decadent versions of its dish, including the cheeseburger — an assembly of chopped bulgogi-style beef and extra melted cheese, finished with lashings of sweet and spicy ketchup, mustard and Japanese mayo — and a KFC option with spicy Korean-style fried chicken. But, whichever filling you opt for, you're in for a crunchy, oozy and delightfully messy ride. Want more? The Sydney Night Noodle Markets are at Hyde Park from Friday, October 11, to Friday, October 18. Check out the full food lineup here. Top image: Bec Taylor
Adora Handmade Chocolates began in 1993, when two sisters who loved making chocolate so much at home decided to take their passion out into the world. Fast-forward to 2019 and there are four retail spaces across Sydney, including a very popular, very cosy, spot on George Street, Parramatta. Every creation here involves perfecting the balance of flavours – be it a melt-in-your-mouth butter truffle dusted with chocolate flakes, a mango lamington or a rich slab of chocolate fudge. Rest yourself on a stool, relax and indulge. There's good coffee to match your sweet picks. And be sure to take a bag of treats home with you. The love here should definitely be shared.
Bubbly 25-year-old Louella Mathews isn't exactly your stereotypical sommelier. The self-confessed wine nerd worked her way up through waitressing gigs at Orange's Lolli Redini and Racine restaurants before landing a coveted role in the elite team of sommeliers at Neil Perry's Rockpool. Concrete Playground caught up with Mathews to find out just how a person ends up getting to play with wine for a living, and what it takes to become that rare authority, the Master Sommelier. Being a sommelier seems like one of those fantasy jobs that people dream about but nobody expects could actually happen. Like being an astronaut. Or Beyonce. Tell us a bit about how you got here. I grew up in Orange refusing to eat anything but macaroni and cheese, so it was a bit ironic that I landed up working in hospitality. I started out as a food runner and eventually wound up managing a great restaurant in Orange called Racine, where there was no sommelier so I got to work on the wine list. Orange is a really tiny wine area, so a lot of the restaurants carry the same wines. I really wanted to do something more unique and had a lot of fun trying to track down interesting bottles that our customers mightn't yet have come across. But then customers would ask me questions I couldn't answer, or winemakers would talk to me in terms I didn't understand, and I realised I needed some actual training in order to do it properly. I enrolled myself in the Wine Spirits and Education Trust (WSET) program at Ryde TAFE and sent my resume to every three-hatted restaurant in Sydney. I started at Rockpool on George as a section waiter and when an opportunity came up to work as a sommelier, I jumped at it. You work in a field that has traditionally been quite male-dominated. Have you ever experienced reluctance from diners to accept the advice of a young female sommelier? I'm the only female sommelier at Rockpool and people often assume I'm a waitress. I'll go to a table to ask if they need help with the wine list and they'll say "yeah, sure, but could I please speak to the sommelier?" On the whole, though, I think that the element of surprise actually works to my advantage; it lets me be more casual and approachable. I guess I'm a bit less intimidating than your stereotypical sommelier and that can make people feel more comfortable asking me questions about the wine. Once, though, I did feel annoyed when a customer asked if I found that my female palate impaired my work as a sommelier. Right. Those girly hormones interfering with your tastebuds and all. Exactly. To be fair, I guess it's scientifically possible that men and women have different palates, I don't know. In any case, I'm guided less by my own taste and more by the customer, the reason they've chosen to dine with us, what they're eating, and their price range, and I use all of those elements to work out what wine they'll really enjoy rather than necessarily giving them what I would enjoy, which is what a lot of other sommeliers would do. On the topic of palate, were you born with yours or did you develop it through training? Oh, it's definitely something you develop over time. I'm really sceptical about this idea that you have to be born with a super-palate in order to do this job. At the beginning, whether you admit it or not, you'll start out thinking "this honestly just smells like wine". And then it's "okay, this smells like Riesling". And gradually you learn to expand on that — if it's a Riesling, you know to expect lemon citrus, you know there will be something floral there; I can always reliably say there's white acacia, for example, in a Riesling. As you become more experienced you can pick up all sorts of characteristics in the wine, but to begin with it's more about learning the vocabulary and knowing what to expect in any given varietal. What do you think lies ahead for you, career-wise? My ultimate goal is to be a Master Sommelier. There are only two hundred in the world. There have been three in Australia: Michael Engelmann from Rockpool Bar & Grill who just moved to New York, Franck Moreau from the Merivale Group and Sebastian Crowther from the China Group. So no women. You might be the first. That's the dream. What will you have to do to get there? There are four levels of exams. In May next year I'll do level two, then I'll fly to New York or London to complete level three which is the Advanced Sommelier course, and then level four is the Master Sommelier level. It's very self-driven learning. You spend a year studying and tasting wine and then you have a three-day exam where you blind taste six wines and you're expected to identify exactly what they are, including the vintage. There's also a written exam and a service component where you serve wine to a panel of judges and they throw a barrage of questions at you and you have to impress them with what you know. Are there any particular places you'd like to work along the way? I'd love to work at Quay, which was the first three-hatted restaurant I ever experienced, and Eleven Madison Park in New York. Honestly, if I could get a job at Eleven Madison Park just polishing cutlery, I would be happy. There's been an explosion in celebrity chefs over the past few years. Are we about to enter the age of the celebrity sommelier? I hope so. I'd love to be a celebrity sommelier. There's something really sexy about wine, so I think it would work quite well. Maybe I'll be the Nigella Lawson of wine. And finally, for the punters at home, what wine should we all be drinking right now? If I could only drink one wine for the rest of my life it would be an Austrian Grüner Veltliner. It's like Riesling, which I love, but it's got texture to it and much more depth. You get herbs, flowers, fruit and texture; it's the complete package.
Sydney WorldPride is bringing the party to town. Not only will it see our country's best gay clubs, bars and party spaces come to life but the celebrations will flow throughout galleries and art spaces, museums (hello Pride Shark!), boutiques, public parks, rainbow roads, and the sails of the Opera House. Our editors have picked their favourite Sydney WorldPride events but we've also enlisted a few locals to share some of the less obvious spots to celebrate. Enter Alex Greenwich. The Independent MP is a proud gay man and has used his public platform to push for equality and LGBTQIA+ rights throughout his career. For WorldPride, he's swapped his signature casual suit and shirt for a tuxedo exploding with green tulle in an installation hosted in the hallowed halls of the QVB. Alex is among a lineup of queer Australian legends currently being honoured for their contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community. The retail centre is temporarily changing up its name from the Queen Victoria Building to reflect each of these contemporary queens with a set of fabulous portraits befitting of any royalty on display shot by photographer Dream Syndicator. The queens in focus are trans icon and cabaret star Carlotta, queer activist Ken Davis (a member of the original Mardi Gras 78ers), Indigenous drag queen Felicia Foxx, and Alex along with Janine Middleton who, together, co-chaired Australian Equality and successfully fought for and helped achieve marriage equality in Australia. Who better than MP Greenwich — whose office is literally in the middle of Oxford Street — to give a few tips on where to go during Sydney WorldPride? And if you bump into him in a bar, he'll take a tequila and soda, thanks darl. What do you think about Sydney hosting WorldPride this year? "Sydney hosting WorldPride is such a great opportunity to showcase our city and diverse community to the whole world. During covid Sydney missed the world and the world missed Sydney and Sydney WorldPride is a nice way to welcome back the rest of the world. Sydney has the most beautiful and diverse welcoming LGBTQIA+ community and I'm grateful to be part of that community. I'm also grateful to have the opportunity to represent that community in parliament." If someone spies Alex Greenwich at a club or bar (and WorldPride is bringing to life some of the best), what drink should they buy you? (And what topic should they NEVER bring up?) "If I'm in a club, tequila and soda will probably be the drink of choice. I don't know about a topic that I wouldn't want some to bring up... I'll talk about any topic." What are the best queer venues in Sydney in your opinion? "I think there's such a great variety of queer venues in Sydney. I love Stonewall. The re-opening of ARQ is awesome. POOF DOOF at Kinsella's and smaller venues like Dulcies in the Cross." [caption id="attachment_679716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The iconic Stonewall on Oxford Street[/caption] What are some of the best spots where an international visitor should go on a first-date during Pride? "There's so many great spots in Sydney to choose from. What I would say is to go to a swimming hole like the new cove in Barangaroo, grab food from a mini deli like Darlinghurst Deli and stop by a bottle shop, and go for a picnic and a swim." Where do you like having a late-night dinner or snack? "Chinatown is always a great destination for a late night dinner." Which local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses do you like to support? The great thing with Sydney is there are so many LGBTQIA+ owned businesses to support. I try to support them all but Claire's Kitchen on Oxford Street is an iconic dinner destination. What events are you most excited about for Mardi Gras and WorldPride? And what are the events you would say are not-to-be-missed? "I'm most excited for the Pride March Harbour Bridge Crossing . It will be historic and an opportunity to send a strong message about supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. I'm also looking forward to the Mardi Gras parade and marching in it again, the First Nations Gala at the Opera House, and the Opening Ceremony." [caption id="attachment_892180" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miss First Nations perform at the First Nations Gala[/caption] Finally, Alex: how important is Kylie Minogue? "Kylie is obviously an icon of Australia and a strong supporter of the community and it's so wonderful that she is joining us for the celebration." For more inspiration for how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration head to our events guide on the best of Sydney WorldPride.
Every December, fans of sparkling sights are gifted a luminous feast for their eyes. No, we're not talking about Christmas lights. Regardless of whether you're bathing in a festive glow or hardly fond of all the merriment, 'tis the season for the Geminids meteor shower to soar through the sky — starting on Monday, December 4 and finishing for 2023 on Wednesday, December 20. Even better: Down Under, it's at its peak on the evening of Thursday, December 14 and the morning of Friday, December 15. If you have a telescope at hand, it's clearly a great time to put it to use. Eager to catch a glimpse, even from just your backyard or balcony? Here's everything you need to know. [caption id="attachment_754955" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A composite of 163 photos taken over 90 minutes during the Geminids by Jeff Smallwood for Flickr.[/caption] WHAT IS IT? Lighting up the end-of-year skies, the Geminids meteor shower is considered the most spectacular meteor shower of the year. Again, Christmas lights aren't the only spectacle worth peering at this month. The Geminids is caused by a stream of debris, left by an asteroid dubbed the 3200 Phaethon, burning up in Earth's atmosphere — and it was first observed in 1862. Some years, you can catch as many as 150 meteors every 60 minutes, so this definitely isn't just any old meteor shower. [caption id="attachment_699423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Jeff Dai.[/caption] WHEN TO SEE IT The 2023 shower kicks off on Monday, December 4, running through till Wednesday, December 20. As with every year, it's expected to be at its peak in Australia overnight mid-month — between Thursday, December 14–Friday, December 15, specifically. If you fancy a stint of stargazing, the best time to look up is on Thursday, December 14 from around 9pm in Brisbane, 10pm in Perth, 11pm in Sydney, 11.30pm in Adelaide and 12am in Melbourne. The best time to catch an eyeful will be after midnight, when the moon has set and its light will not interfere, but before sunrise. [caption id="attachment_882304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] ESO/G. Lombardi via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] HOW TO SEE IT For your best chances, it's worth getting as far away from bright lights as possible. This could be a good excuse to head out of the city to a clear-skied camping spot — and pray for no clouds. To see the meteors, you'll need to give your eyes around 15–30 minutes to adapt to the dark (so try to avoid checking your phone) and look to the northeast. The shower's name comes from the constellation from which they appear to come, Gemini. So that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. To locate Gemini, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also has a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Geminids. The Geminids meteor shower runs from Monday, December 4–Wednesday, December 20, and will be at its peak during the night on Thursday, December 14–Friday, December 15. For further details, head to Time and Date. Top image: A composite of 88 photos taken over 60 minutes during the Geminids by Paul Balfe via Flickr.
A wave of new omakase restaurants opening in Sydney is in full swing right now, with these set menu experiences now available at the likes of Sokyo, TOKO, Besuto, Bay Nine and Senpai Ramen, just to name a few. The latest outpost to arrive in Sydney with a 'leave it to the chef' mentality is Woo Wol, an omakase restaurant from the Jung Sung team that specialises in one cut of meat — wagyu beef. Lunch at Woo Wol consists of barbecue sets, bento boxes and a range of snacks ranging from fried dumplings to bibimbap. Come dinner, you can keep it simple with a barbecue platter featuring wagyu, pork, chicken, seafood and vegetables to enjoy in the main dining room or the al fresco area. These platters are available in a series of different sizes depending on how big your group is. There's also a $70 wagyu cake on the dinner menu, but if you want the full Woo Wol experience, you'll bypass all of this and head for the omakase kitchen. Here, you'll be treated to a 15-course set menu for $250. This lavish dining experience kicks off with spanner crab with egg custard, sea urchin and salmon roe. From there, just a few of the highlights include beef tartare with caviar, black truffle eel, an A5 wagyu cube roll and the sashimi of the day before you're given a lime cleanser and you move onto the centrepiece of your meal. Your omakase experience builds towards the chef performance barbecue where you'll be able to sample a variety of cuts of wagyu. This is accompanied by ban sang (small side dishes) which includes rice of the day, soup of the day and a variety of traditional sides. Whether you opt for barbecue or omakase, you can pair your meal with a glass of Floud of Suntory beer, Korean rice or raspberry wine, or your choice from the soju and spirits menu. These carefully curated selections include Jinro is Back retro soju if you're looking for something simple, grape or peach ChumChurum soju if you want to get sweet and fruity, or premium picks like the $55 JinMaek Wheat Soju and Han Chung Korean Cheongju sake. Woo Wol is located at Shop 7/6 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale. It's open for lunch Thursday–Sunday and dinner Monday–Sunday. Top image: Steven Woodburn
With the Year of the Ox almost upon us, The Rocks is turning its regular weekend markets into a Lunar New Year celebration. From Friday, February 12–Sunday, February 14 and Friday, February 19–Sunday, February 21, red and yellow lanterns, live music, performers, food stalls and a giant inflatable ox will be lining the cobblestones laneways. As is usually the case at The Rocks' regular Friday Foodie Market, there will be plenty of tasty treats to choose from, including an Ayam food truck serving up noodle favourites such as mee goreng, pad thai and char kway teow. Once you've had your fill of food, you can stop by The Rocks Square for free mahjong, zodiac readings and calligraphy (from 11am–2pm each day) or catch a DJ set from Mowgli May (4–9pm Fridays). When you're done, you can wander along Circular Quay to the Sydney Opera House and gaze at the 12 giant Lunar Lanterns. Images: Anna Kucera
Since being formed in 2001, Melbourne nine-piece The Bamboos have released more than five acclaimed albums, placed songs in TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Underbelly and worked on the soundtrack for a multi-platinum Nintendo game. But frontman and periodic electronic producer Lance Ferguson isn't one to let the band rest on its smooth, funk-born laurels. Over the years he's injected new flavours into the band by collaborating with other artists, fusing elements of hip hop and psych, and constantly shaking up the lineup. In 2012 The Bamboos joined up with Tim Rogers of You Am I for the Triple J-championed track 'I Got Burned'. An addictive combo of the band's rhythmic grooves and the singer's distinctive howl, the track featured on The Bamboos latest album Medicine Man — their biggest release to date. This year they're taking the alliance live with The Rock n Soul Medicine Show. We caught up with Lance before the tour to talk about collaborating, staying current and the frustrations of being pidgeonholed. You guys have been pretty busy over 2012 did you manage to get a break over Christmas? I did, I had a week in Lorne in January, which was really good. It feels like a distant memory now though. You did Falls Festival didn't you? That's right. So how did you come to team up with Tim Rogers for 'Burned'? I first met Tim when I was playing guitar in Washington and we were playing the BDO tour. It was a few years back now, and I met him backstage and we hit it off. Just musical nerd talk of old records and stuff. We seemed to connect on that level, and on a personal level as well, and even at that point we talked about collaborating together — way before anything actually happened. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hZEN_l4j6mY Is collaborating with other artists an important thing for you? You've also got Aloe Blacc and Daniel Merriweather on the album too. Yeah it definitely is, and The Bamboos have often had guests involved with different records. Most of the collaborations have stemmed from some kind of friendship and the whole collaboration evolved organically rather than me on the phone to my manager going, "get me this guy." Most of these things have happened in nice natural and sincere progression. I do prefer that, because getting complete strangers in the studio can be weird if you're trying to connect musically. It is such an intimate thing, writing a song with someone, for me, so I do prefer it to stem from some kind of friendship I guess. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_4G96KbQ4SI What about Syl Johnson? Yeah well we toured with him twice, pretty much as his backing band. Both times were incredibly valuable. The last time unfortunately he had a heart attack when we were playing with him in Brisbane, which was just a terrible turn of events. And then he spent some time in hospital, bounced back and did a show in Melbourne after that, which was incredible. So yeah, such a cool guy actually. Going back to the ARIAS and the recent popularity of acts like Saskwatch and Chet Faker, what do you think it is about soul music now that has people taking notice? Do you think the music has changed or are we just becoming more receptive? Well it's been such a battle with this music, from my perspective. I recently put out a compilation called The Soul Of Melbourne with a friend of mine Chris Gill — a compilation of soulful Melbourne acts — so it was great to put that together, and you can see how the scene has crystallised. But I think what's happened is that there's a younger generation of fans and music lovers who are maybe in their late teens or early twenties now, and who came up through their teens hearing Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones. I think that has created a sort of hotbed of people who know that music through being exposed to it. So now that they're at the age of going to gigs and going to festivals that music just seems sort of natural to them, like "oh it's a soul music band, we know what that is and we like it." So there's definitely the element of generational acceptance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=pxBnzQtdHdM You made the Triple J Hottest 100, which is a pretty big deal for a funk/soul-driven group. Yeah, I mean as much as that's a cool thing I do sort of battle with The Bamboos to not be such a genre-driven band. [Funk and soul] is definitely where we've come from and where we've started, and it's ostensibly what we do in terms of the sounds we create, but for me I just really don't think of The Bamboos as a band of any genre now. I just try to think of it as, "We're The Bamboos and we're just going to make some music." It could have some psych rock elements, it could be a blues tune, it could be anything — it could incorporate a whole bunch of influences now. So I definitely have tried to break the band out of just being like a soul/funk band. I'm not saying that to have a go at you, by the way! Well that's what's so unique about your music is that it incorporates so many unexpected sounds. Your electronic project, Lanu — do you think that influences The Bamboos music at all? I don't know if it influences but it's another avenue for me as a songwriter. I think anything I write separately from The Bamboos though, even if unconsciously, I reckon it must inform it. Whether it's just different forms or different ways of looking at putting a song together... So yeah, I reckon it does influence our music actually. What about other local acts — anyone in particular you been listening to heavily? My vocalist for The Bamboos, Ella Thompson, has a band called Axolotl, who do this sort of dreamy, electronic, indie stuff. I'm really into them, they supported us on our last national tour. There's another band Hiatus Kaiyote that defies genre labels, and is doing some amazing things internationally as well. They just won the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards for Break-Though Act, so they're really being flagged internationally. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Iae6LmWTXPw Obviously live performance is a massive part of The Bamboos appeal, and Melbourne has a very healthy live music scene. Do you think about that when making songs? I look at the studio thing and the live thing as two very separate entities, and we started out as a live act before we ever recorded anything. [The live show] has been something I've tried to improve on and tweak and be progressive with. Now we come out and basically play our songs, which sounds really obvious — but I think the lineup we've had the last year and a half is possibly the strongest, best and most solid lineup in the history of the band. For me it's an exciting time to play live. How do you see the band's sound developing over the next year or so? There were some thing in that album that were real bubblegum pop things, and I think with the next recording that things might become a little more muscular again. A bit darker. That's what I'm feeling at the moment. Is there anything else you want to say about the upcoming tour and what we can expect from it? Not really, just that it's The Bamboos and Tim Rogers rather than The Bamboos featuring Tim Rogers, so I'm really working with Tim on some new originals and we're picking out a bunch of whole new covers. There's going to be a whole new music for the band to play, which is always good for keeping us on our toes. Tim Rogers & The Bamboos Rock 'n' Soul Medicine Show: Saturday 23 Feb - Perth Festival, Perth, WA Thursday 28 Feb - QPAC, Brisbane, QLD Friday 1 March - Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne, VIC Saturday 2 March - Leongatha Memorial Hall, VIC Thursday 7 March - The HiFi, Sydney, NSW Friday 8 March - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, NSW Saturday 9 March - Uni Bar, Wollongong, NSW Sunday 10 March - Womadelaide, Adelaide, SA
When HBO managed to get the cast of Friends back on the same couch and chatting to camera about their time on the hit sitcom, the US cable network clearly found itself a new niche. That'd be big reunion specials that reteam the stars of beloved pop culture favourites to talk about their experiences — so it's going down the same route with the Harry Potter franchise. If you've been chanting "accio more Harry Potter" to yourself for the past decade since the eight-film series wrapped up, it seems that your wishes have finally come true. Like the Friends special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts won't feature anyone in-character — but, if you're a fan, spending more time with the movies' stars still promises to be magical. There'd be no point going ahead if Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson weren't all involved, so they're definitely on the lineup. So is filmmaker Chris Columbus, who directed the franchise's first two movies. Joining them is a huge list of other actors from across the movie series' history, including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman and Tom Felton, plus James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Ian Hart. You'll spot some missing names — Maggie Smith and Robert Pattinson, for instance, to name just two — but clearly there'll be a whole lot of HP cast members reminiscing about their time in the wizarding world. As the special's name makes plain, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is popping up to celebrate 20 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first reached cinemas back in 2001. That said, whether you're a muggle, a wannabe wizard and witch, or someone who spent far too much of their childhood reading the books and watching the flicks, you'll actually be checking out the new special in 2022. In the US, it'll stream on January 1 on HBO Max. Viewing options Down Under haven't yet been revealed, so there's something to start trying to summon sooner rather than later. Check out the teaser trailer for the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special below: HBO's Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special will be available to stream in the US on January 1, 2022 — we'll update you with viewing details Down Under when they're announced.
Tuesdays mean different things to different people. Another day closer to the weekend, almost hump day, the day you wish you could sleep through — they're all on the list. But, at The Bavarian each week, the day after Monday also means tucking into $9.95 schnitzels. It's one of the tastiest ways to celebrate any day, and to also save your pennies while doing so. There's no occasion, other than just because — but cheap schnitties for the sake of it is what any Schnitzel Tuesday should be about. For a bargain price, The Bavarian will serve you up a chicken schnitzel with fries and lemon, but you do have to also buy a full-priced drink to get the deal. Fancy another schnitty? That's completely fine — just get another drink. Available all day every Tuesday, this is some good schnitz. To get your fix, you can head to The Bavarian venues around town — there are 16 in New South Wales, including everywhere from Entertainment Quarter and Green Hills to York Street and Chatswood, so you've got options. You can also level-up your schnits for an extra $10, getting a 'Godfather' (a giant schnitzel, ham, cheese, kielbasa, napoli sauce and cheese) or a 'Matterhorn' (a schnitzel mountain, cheese spätzle, three layers of Alpen cheese and bacon).
Do you have a whole shrine filled with gin? A shelf? A decent section of your liquor cabinet? If so, it's likely that many of those bottles hail from Australia's own Four Pillars. And, thanks to the gin-making superstars' next two tipples, you might be about to add to them. The latest additions to the award-winning brand's range both play with its original gin — and one that has quite the following. So, if you've sipped Four Pillars' Rare Dry Gin, you'll want to try its new Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin. The first is made with yuzu, the second features bergamot, and obviously no one stretched themselves too much thinking of these gins' names. Still citrus-heavy like the OG tipple, Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin came about after the Four Pillars' team discovered some locally grown yellow yuzu and green bergamot — and then started tinkering. Where the Rare Dry Gin uses nine botanicals in the pot and oranges in the vapour basket that sits above the pot, these two newbies swap in their different types of citrus. That's it, that's the change. While Four Pillars still recommends that you drink the original in G&Ts, it's suggesting that these two newcomers also suit the cocktail — or you can add the Rarer Dry Gin to a gin and soda highball if you're after something different. Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin will be available from Saturday, September 11 from the distillery's website, costing $75 each per bottle. And, because Four Pillars likes to put the bi-products from the distillation process to good use, this time it has whipped up a Made from Gin Yuzu & Bergamot Shred Marmalade that'll be available for $12 for a 160-gram jar. For more information about Four Pillars' Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin, or to buy them from Saturday, September 11, head to the distillery's website.
When it comes to festivals, 2023 is gearing up to be a non-stop party all across the Sunshine State, right up to the year's end. We're looking at a jam-packed calendar of cultural events, from long-running festivals to exciting newcomers and immersive experiences. Whether you're into classical, country or blues, or folk and rock 'n' roll — or you simply want to discover the hottest emerging artists in the country — there's a good chance you'll find a fest that hits your chosen genre (or lets you delight in something new). And there's more than just tunes on offer. There's cultural spotlights and event programs highlighting fantastically unique communities, as well as activities bringing together artists and performers across different media forms for thought-provoking creative collabs. Plus, these festivals are in some pretty amazing locations, from the desert to the forest, seaside or sprawled across a vibrant city suburb — ideal for an adventure that mixes music with some travel. It's time to make space in the calendar, culture vultures — Queensland calls. [caption id="attachment_878012" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] CMC ROCKS QLD Now in its 16th year, CMC Rocks QLD is a pilgrimage for every country-lovin' cowpoke. From March 17–19, the biggest country acts (and fans) will descend on Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich — just a short drive from Brisbane — for a three-day hoedown. The lineup this year features some real heavy hitters, plus Zac Brown Band's only Australian show. There's big representation from US artists, including Kip Moore and Morgan Wallen, as well as a truly standout suite of homegrown talent. While the 2023 edition is sold out, this red-hot event is one to keep on your music bucket list. Hopefully you can mosey on up in the future for three days of tunes, local markets and fully stocked food stalls and bars. Go enjoy some good old country hospitality. CMC Rocks QLD, Friday, March 17 till Sunday, March 19, 2023 BLUES ON BROADBEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL From May 18–21, Broadbeach is taken over by one of the biggest free, all-ages music festivals in the country. Blues on Broadbeach is in its 22nd year, and this celebration of blues and blues-inspired sound has some true legends hitting the stage — including two-time Grammy nominated acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame-er Don Walker, and acclaimed act Emma Donovan and The Putbacks. There's blues straight outta Memphis as well as a solid contingent of all-Aussie performers dominating the impressive roll call. The sprawling festival boasts multiple stages and venues around Broadbeach, so you can easily check out the local bars and restaurants between gigs. Blues on Broadbeach, Thursday, May 18 till Sunday, May 21, 2023 BIRDSVILLE BIG RED BASH Run away from the cold this winter and hit the desert. Birdsville Big Red Bash has been going strong for a decade, drawing folks from all over out to the Simpson Desert. At 35km from Birdsville, it's the most remote music festival in the world. From Tuesday, July 4 till Thursday, July 6, this little patch of desert will become Bashville, the home of concerts, campsites and a festival community all beneath the Big Red Dune. The team have even got the nifty Bash App to help you navigate the massive site, epic lineup and vast array of food trucks and activities. This year's festival features headliners Icehouse, John Williamson, Hoodoo Gurus, Pete Murray and Kate Ceberano. As well as being an all-ages event, it's also dog-friendly and BYO friendly. Nice one. Birdsville Big Red Bash, Tuesday, July 4 till Thursday, July 6 AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC A festival for the classical connoisseurs, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a massive 10-day celebration of the genre — and it just so happens to take place in the gloriously idyllic tropics. From Friday, July 28 till Sunday, August 6, performers and composers from all over the world join Australia's finest chamber musicians in Townsville-Gurambilbarra. The celebration covers a broad range of chamber music — from full orchestras performing classic pieces to beachside acoustic sessions, solo singers, quartets, concert pianists and more. Stimulate your intellect and be stirred by old works, new commissions and collaborations, which explore many stories and themes, both modern and timeless. All that right by the beautiful northern beaches of Queensland? Perfect. Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Friday, July 28 till Sunday, August 6 GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER Penned as the "festival in the forest", this gathering has been going strong since 1982. And excitingly, after being on hold for 2020 and 2021, the Muster returned last year with a bang (and a hoot 'n' holler). This year, over four days and six venues, more than 100 artists, including country legends Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand and Troy Cassar-Daley, will perform in Amamoor State Forest on Kabi Kabi country. They're part of a huge lineup covering country, blues, folk and rock, which includes workshops and bush poetry too. This here is real country — proper bush — so bring your tent and your true-blue music passion and get in on this unmissable forest party. Gympie Music Muster, Thursday, August 24 till Sunday, August 27 [caption id="attachment_809942" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas, Kymie at BIGSOUND 2019[/caption] BIGSOUND Here it is: a mid-week music fest right in the heart of the big city. More than 180 exciting emerging artists will perform across 23 stages in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley from Tuesday, September 5 till Friday, September 8. Well-known up-and-comers like Budjerah, Mia Wray and Teenage Joans lead the way, but there are also so many fresh acts to discover across all genres. There's everything from indie pop, R&B, soul and electronic to heavy rock, country and an Auslan-incorporated performance from Alter Boy. There's a full First Nations program, with music, workshops, talks and gatherings, and a special After Midnight program of late night performances and parties. The festival runs alongside the BIGSOUND conference, which is the biggest music industry gathering in the southern hemisphere. Discover the future of Aussie music — the next big sound starts here. BIGSOUND, Tuesday, September 5 till Friday, September 8 [caption id="attachment_892555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cynthia Lee[/caption] CALOUNDRA MUSIC FESTIVAL A huge three days of "sun, surf and soul", the Caloundra Music Festival is a diverse showcase of the Aussie music industry that celebrates homegrown talent at the seaside Kings Beach Amphitheatre. Last year saw some of Australia's hottest acts, including Baker Boy and Client Liaison, and long-time faves Ben Lee and Missy Higgins, take to the stage, and this year's artists are sure to be just as impressive — keep your eyes peeled for the announcement. Both family friendly and not for profit, this festival has real heart, prioritising the support of all things local and welcoming excited festival-goers from all over Australia. Come for the music, stay to experience the unique Caloundra community and environment, from its natural beauty to its local vendors, makers and creative spirit. It's a one-of-a-kind weekend and well worth a visit. Caloundra Music Festival, Friday, September 29 till Sunday, October 1 [caption id="attachment_892225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Troy Cassar-Daley performing at Savannah in the Round[/caption] SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND From Friday, October 6 till Sunday, October 8, Savannah in the Round brings three days and nights of rootin' tootin' country music to tropical north Queensland's Mareeba, in the Cairns Hinterland. Although this is one of the newer festivals on the scene, it's already making its mark. In 2022, it brought in big names from overseas, including Brad Paisley, as well as local acts like Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins and The Waifs. The lineup for 2023 is yet to be announced, but promises to be packed with world-class country, rock and pop acts. What we can tell you is that music on the main stage kicks off late on Friday arvo, but the two support stages (Big Top Music Hall and Bull Bar) start in the morning and finish late. There's also plenty of art and cultural activities running over the long weekend. Expect a chockers First Nations-led cultural program complete with hands-on workshops, art installations, dance performances and storytelling. For your thrills, you can hit the fun fair's Ferris wheel and carnival games; and if you're a foodie, the paddock-to-plate experience will serve you the best of the region. Once you're there, you'll be just a moment from the gorgeous beaches and towering rainforests of the tropics — so it's well worth taking a few extra days to explore en route to the rodeo. Savannah in the Round, Friday, October 6 till Sunday, October 8 [caption id="attachment_891347" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bianca Holderness[/caption] GROUNDWATER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Throw on your cowboy hat and tropical shirt, you're goin' to where the country meets the sea for three days this October. Each year, this award-winning three-day event delivers free live music via an exceptional mix of performers from all over. Whether you prefer traditional country, rock or laid-back acoustic sessions, you'll find it on the beachside main stage or other venues around Broadbeach's stunning locale. This seaside hoedown has something for everybody, including markets, food stalls and fairground rides, with a big focus on celebrating the local community and spotlighting everything that makes it unique. Groundwater Country Music Festival, Friday, October 20 till Sunday, October 22 WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL This immersive, magical — and quite frankly, iconic — festival is the perfect way to close out the year. Over 25,000 people gather annually in the temporary village of Woodfordia, on regenerated native habitat, to experience music, art, culture, craft and convivial camping in an eco-friendly setting. It's a massive event, with more than 2000 performers from around Australia and abroad bringing high vibes — as well as writer's talks, circus arts, parades, an environmental program, a children's festival and workshops where you have the chance to flex your own creative muscles. Woodfordia itself becomes a thriving little community, complete with cafes and bars, with activities all day and into the night. Woodford Folk Festival, Wednesday, December 27, 2023 till Monday, January 1, 2024 To explore more arts and culture events taking over Queensland in 2023, head to the website. Top images: Andrew Rankin (third); Matt Williams (fourth); Jess Gleeson (fifth).
It's a great privilege to experience the homelands of Traditional Owners — and it's even more exceptional when you have a local to guide you along the way. Tropical North Queensland is blessed with many experiences that'll allow you the opportunity to connect and learn from Traditional Custodians as they generously share their art, food, dancing and customs. We've teamed up with Tropical North Queensland to share one-of-a-kind experiences to add to your hit list if you're passionate about travelling consciously. By supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses like those mentioned below, you're helping to preserve sacred practices that have been passed down for thousands of years. SEEK OUT SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL INDIGENOUS ART This year, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair will be held from July 6–10. This annual festival attracts thousands of local and international visitors to the city to celebrate Indigenous artists and their latest works. The program includes a visual feast of artwork and performances, alongside fashion shows, workshops and symposiums. While it honours Indigenous culture and traditions, the event also provides economic and personal development opportunities for the artists. Some artworks are acquired by private collectors, while others are purchased for display across the world. Previous years have seen impressive buyers representing the Harvard University Art Museum and the National Gallery of Canada. TAKE A THREE-DAY 4WD TOUR THROUGH THE REGION The team at Culture Connect prides itself on providing visitors with authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences from Cairns to Cooktown. The small tour group sizes allow for an intimate opportunity to explore the region, with local Aboriginal guides who are passionate about their homeland and history. Experiences range in length from half-day nature walks to a full-day scenic flight adventure. There's also a three-day 4WD tour on offer with meals and accommodation included. Guests have the opportunity to explore ancient rock art galleries, learn traditional coastal survival skills or or learn to paint from an acclaimed local Indigenous artist. [caption id="attachment_846219" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Island Stars Cultural Experience[/caption] EXPLORE THE REGION WITH THE HELP OF AN INDIGENOUS GUIDE Hundreds of islands make up the Torres Strait region and just 17 are currently inhabited. Touring this area without local knowledge is tricky, which is where Strait Experience steps in to help. This Torres Strait-owned business offers incredible opportunities to explore remote destinations such as Thursday Island and Horn Island. Strait Experience connects visitors with exclusive accommodation options, unique beachside activities and tours focusing on historical sites and ancient traditions on some of the islands in the Torres Strait. And, if you time it just right, you might even be lucky enough to observe turtles nesting on the beach. TAKE A BOAT TOUR TO A TRADITIONAL SMOKING CEREMONY The traditional lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinji People cover an impressive 10,000 hectares, which allowed ancient ancestors to develop an impressive range of survival and conservation skills. Just a short river cruise with Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours will transport you thousands of years back in time. Departing from Cairns Marlin Marina, a 15-minute boat journey will take you from Trinity Inlet to Hills Creek. Once arriving at the destination, guests are welcomed with a traditional cleansing smoking ceremony. Other tour options include eco walks, overnight camping expeditions and dance performances. The famous 'Deadly Dinners' give you the opportunity to sample delicious local ingredients such as kangaroo, crocodile and mud crab. [caption id="attachment_829657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] WANDER THROUGH THE WONDERS OF KUKU YALANJI COUNTRY Did you know that two World Heritage-listed sites meet in Tropical North Queensland? Yep, in Kuku Yalanji Country, you'll see where the epic Daintree Rainforest juts up against the iconic Great Barrier Reef. And you can explore all the wonders of this area on a half- or full-day tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. This 100-percent First Nations-owned and operated cultural tour company offers you the opportunity to learn about this unique environment and the foods and medicines that are produced here. You'll get to sample bush tucker, swim in freshwater streams and maybe even try spear and boomerang throwing. Your tour guide takes care of everything — all you need to do is wear comfy shoes. [caption id="attachment_830381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] PLUNGE INTO THE DEEP BLUE Experiencing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef is an irrefutable addition to any TNQ itinerary. But doing so with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel will leave you with an even greater understanding and appreciation of this natural beauty and the connection that local First Nations people have with it. Across a five-hour tour, you'll get to hear the creation story of the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel or dive in two outer reef sites, sample native bush food and be entertained by a traditional dance. The tours are run by First Nations sea rangers whose passion for reef preservation and sustainable tourism is evident. TAKE A DIP IN AN OUTBACK POOL Update: Talaroo Hot Springs 2022 season will run from April 1-October 31. It may take about 4.5 hours to drive from Cairns to this outback pool in the heart of Ewamian Country. But boy, oh, boy is it worth it. The hot springs here formed millions of years ago with the water seeping from underground and heated by granite rocks along the way. When it reaches the pools, it's a whopping 68 degrees celsius and cools as it flows across the rippled travertine terraces. You can't directly enter the natural hot springs, but you can take a dip in one of the site's private soaking pools which can be accessed via a timber boardwalk on a First Nations-led tour. Talaroo Hot Springs also has an outback caravan park and campground if you'd like to stay a little longer (and we wouldn't blame you if you did). [caption id="attachment_842421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OF THE TROPICS Located in Burketown, Yagurli Tours is a First Nations-owned and operated tour company. With local Gangalidda and Garawa guides, these experiences offer a unique opportunity to learn about Gulf Savannah country from the Traditional Custodians of the land. Yagurli Tours offer five different immersive adventures, like Yaliya's Stories (Stargazing) on Australia's largest salt pans and the Gambumanda Sunset Cruise with dinner and drinks. Also on offer is the Marrija 4WD Cultural Tour and Aloft Hot Air Balloon flights showcasing the Albert River, salts pans and the Arafura Sea in the Gulf of Carpentaria. [caption id="attachment_845212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] DISCOVER HISTORY THROUGH MAGNIFICENT ROCK ART Jarramali Rock Art Tours are perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds and experience an intimate and rugged adventure. This authentic Aboriginal cultural experience will commence with either a 4WD drive with a Traditional Owner or a scenic helicopter flight depending on if you want a day trip or would rather embark on an overnight stay. We suggest an overnight stay where you will camp in an exclusive location, only accessible to Jarramali guests. Discover the history of the Kuku Yalanji people through magnificent Quinkan Rock Art. Traditional Owners will guide you through the 20,000 year old art found among sandstone escarpments near Laura in North Queensland. You will gain a deeper understanding of Australia's Indigenous history while soaking in the beauty of the remote wilderness - making this definitely, a once in a lifetime experience. [caption id="attachment_844022" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] FLEX YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLES WITH AN INDIGENOUS PAINTING WORKSHOP Owned by renowned First Nations artist Brian 'Binna' Swindley, Janbal Gallery offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture through art and storytelling experiences. Binna is a local Kuku Yalanji man from Mossman and the gallery is lovingly named after his late mother. Binna hosts painting workshops on weekdays, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Choose from either a small boomerang or canvas to paint, with all paints and tools supplied. An impressive range of Aboriginal artwork is on display at the gallery, with items available for purchase, too. Ready to plan a trip to the tropics? For more information visit the Tropical North Queensland website.
Equal parts Campari, gin and vermouth, the simple-yet-outstanding tipple is the reigning champ of cocktails. And that's not hyperbole — it currently holding the title of the best-selling cocktail worldwide. In 2022, Negroni Week — the seven days of festivities in honour of the delicious red sip presented by Campari and Imbibe — is holding up a glass to ten big, aperitivo-loving years. Over the past decade, some of the best bars and restaurants across the planet have put negronis front and centre for one week and given back to charity at the same time. And from Monday, September 12 till Sunday, September 18, a swishy roll call of Sydney venues will be doing just that. (Plus, as a celebratory bonus, Campari is giving you the chance to sip your way to Italy.) Concrete Playground is home to more than a few negroni lovers, meaning the only difficult part of this where-to-go list was deciding on a top spot. But before we share our picks, a few notable mentions. If you head to Aalia, the 25 Martin Place fine diner, don't go past the Ancient Negroni. It adds arak and bitter cacao to a classic negroni, then levels it up further with a run through a cold-drip coffee filter. In Double Bay, Matteo is serving an Arancia Negroni with notes of smoky citrus, while CBD spot Door Knock has added rhubarb to the mix with its Rhude Boi, which delivers a tart edge to the sweet 'n' slick classic. Now, without further ado, here are the spots CP's editors are heading to get their fix this Negroni Week. [caption id="attachment_787138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] LILYMU: STRAWBERRY AND YUZU NEGRONI I really like negronis. So, Negroni Week is basically Christmas for me. This year, I'll be gathering my nearest and dearest and heading to Lilymu in Parramatta to sample its celebratory version of the beautifully bitter and citrusy bev. Combining Campari (of course) and strawberry-infused yuzu gin with yuzu sake and americano vermouth, this cocktail has everything I look for in a twisted classic — a bold step away from the original (via the strawberry and yuzu flavours) while maintaining the structural integrity of the drink's origins. Plus, with spring on the horizon, this drink is giving the flirty tits-out-at-the-beach energy that I am longing for after a cold, wet winter in Sydney. Perfect. Courtney Ammenhauser, Branded Content Manager IN SITU: NEGRONI SOUR There are few options that pair as harmoniously as a big bowl of cheesy pasta and a well-balanced negroni. Negroni Week is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all the creative riffs on the classic all around Sydney, like In Situ's tart and refreshing Negroni Sour. A cross between a whisky sour and the week's namesake cocktail, the classic negroni is given a slick, modern makeover with blood orange and a tall glass. Ellen Seah, National News and Features Editor TITUS JONES: LOVE NOTE TO MANDY One of life's true delights is finding a nook in a bustling cocktail bar and catching up with friends over a negroni. This Negroni Week, cocktail connoisseurs of the Inner West should head to Marrickville favourite Titus Jones, where they can nab a table and pair their cocktail of choice with Titus's beloved tacos. The friendly neighbourhood cocktail bar has whipped up two bitter red creations to celebrate. The first, Love Note to Mandy, plays it elegantly safe, adding the citrus notes of a mandarin-infused gin to Campari and Cinzano Rosso. Meanwhile the more extravagant Nero Negroni mixes things up with dashes of Lillet Blanc, Quiquiriqui Mezcal and blackened sesame oil. Ben Hansen, Junior Editor HICKSON HOUSE DISTILLERY: CONQUISTADOR I don't care what anyone says, a negroni isn't just a perfect drink to have before dinner — it's a damn fine way to end an evening, too. That's why I'll be heading to Hickson House Distillery for this year's edition of Negroni Week. The premium venue — under the shade of the Harbour Bridge — is offering three varieties of the classic cocktail, including one that sounds like a dreamy liquid dessert. The Conquistador combines equal parts Campari and the excellent Hickson Rd. Australian Dry Gin — which is made onsite — with a nip of Mr Black coffee liqueur and two dashes of chocolate bitters. This tipple, which is served in a Nick & Nora glass with a cheek of fresh orange, also features Pedro Ximenez for a sweet, slightly umami kick, making for a perfect nightcap. Nik Addams, Branded Content Manager DONNY'S BAR: WHITE RHUBARB NEGRONI Just a short stroll from the glistening waters of Manly Beach sits Donny's Bar, a dark and moody escape from the tropical-holiday vibe of the rest of the Northern Beaches 'burb. This Negroni Week, you'd be well placed to pick a seat — in the loft is my rec — and ask for a White Rhubarb Negroni. Acidic notes of the berry-hued fruity vegetable are delivered in the shot of gin and sealed off with Suze, Lillet and a spritz of orange bitters. The creative cocktail isn't as bitter as the original, but you're still in for a strong kick. Catch the ferry in and really make the most of the oceanic surrounds. Grace MacKenzie, Branded Content Producer Campari's Negroni Week takes over Sydney from Monday, September 12 till Sunday, September 18. Head to the website to find the full list of participating venues. Top image: Tim Levy
Star Wars fandom has taken over the galaxy, from concert screenings and battle parties to boozy cantinas and saucy burlesque shows. Loving the George Lucas-created space opera isn't just about heading out to see multiple interpretations of the hit franchise, however — you can also wear your affection thanks to BlackMilk Clothing's new Star Wars collection. Pop culture-themed apparel is far from new, of course, and neither is Star Wars clothing. BlackMilk first took inspiration from jedis, rebels, siths and wookiees back in 2012, as its very first licensed collection, to massive sell outs. Now it's doing it all over again, unleashing the range for the third time. But in this collection, everything from leggings to dresses to swimsuits draws upon both the film series' beloved classic characters and on newcomers such as Daisy Ridley's Rey. If you're keen on a R2-D2 one-piece just in time to hit the pool this summer, fancy a pair of cuffed pants filled with droits and sentients that you are actually looking for, or need to get comfy in a big t-shirt adorned with Chewie and a few porgs, you'll find them all here. In total, the range spans 22 pieces, and they all go on sale from 9am on Tuesday, September 18. Unsurprisingly, the clothing items are expected to be popular — this is the company that turned exercise into something magical with its Harry Potter activewear, after all. BlackMilk Clothing's new Star Wars range goes on sale at 9am on Tuesday, September 18. For more information, head to the brand's website.
In 2010's How To Train Your Dragon, the Vikings of Berk learned the virtues of embracing fears and looking beyond the surface when the plucky Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) made a friend out of one of their most fearsome foes. His fellow villagers eventually came to an accord with their fire-breathing enemies, refashioning their society to fly atop and frolic with the scaly organisms. Five years later, that lifestyle persists within the veritable dragon haven. Alas, now another challenge confronts the peaceful settlement, with not all inhabitants of the surrounding lands and territories embracing their newfound fondness for the pests turned pets. As a trapper, Eret (Kit Harington), hunts the benevolent beasts for an evil warmonger, Drago (Djimon Hounsou), and his army of controlled creatures, Hiccup is called upon to fight for their survival once again. Like its predecessor, How to Train Your Dragon 2 continues the page-to-screen journey of the 12-strong children's book series by Cressida Cowell; however, it uses its source material as little more than inspiration. Returning franchise writer/director Dean DeBlois goes it alone in bringing to life the second effort in a planned trilogy, not only in losing his co-helmers and scribes from the first feature, but also in shaping a story more indebted to family-friendly film formula than anything that happens to have the same name. Of course, the template here is obvious, with a tale of the bond between animals and humans simply expanded by medieval lore and fantastical embellishments. That doesn't make it any less affecting or endearing as Hiccup strives to save his best friend, tamed dragon Toothless — just overtly familiar. The insertion of family drama continues in the same vein, more so when competing dynamics come into play. Hiccup becomes sandwiched between his chief father (Gerard Butler), who wants to anoint him his successor, and the enigmatic Valka (Cate Blanchett), with whom he shares his against-the-odds kindness. From DreamWorks Animation, beautifully rendered visuals enliven all character interactions and their accompanying environment, but it is the sights of soaring the skies and following in Toothless's cute footsteps that fare best. Thankfully, How to Train Your Dragon 2 balances the spectacle and the intimacy, creating an effort as comfortable with its advanced action stakes as it is with its increased sweetness and sentiment. The diverse voice cast also creates just the right emotional moments, from the high-profile additions to the repeat supporting contributors of Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller and Kristen Wiig offering more of the same. That's How to Train Your Dragon 2 all over — the new overlaid upon the far from original with ample warmth and wit, creating an agreeable animated offering never remarkable but always affable. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tGFUmPhVhtU
As any Sydney seafood aficionado should know by now, The Morrison has a constant focus on the not-so-humble oyster. But when the month-long Oyster Festival takes over, that focus turns into an overwhelming obsession. From Thursday, October 1 through to Saturday, October 31, the Sydney bar will become a shucking shrine to the freshest oysters around. And one of the major drawcards is Oyster Hour. Between 6pm and 7pm every single day, you'll be able to eat as many oysters as you can handle at just $1.50 a pop. Throughout the month, Chef Sean Connolly will be conjuring up his favourite oyster dishes, including the Million Dollar Oyster topped with snow crab meat and caviar, fried chicken po' boys with oyster mayo and a oysters served with the likes of fermented chilli XO sauce and Tanqueray gin and tonic. Plus, there'll be oysters paired with bottomless bevs on weekends during the month. Rock up on Saturday and Sunday and you can down a dozen oysters with two hours of bottomless bubbles for just $55 a head. Or you can upgrade your bubbles to GH Mumm for $155 a pop. Bookings are recommended for this. Also on the menu at this year's slightly delayed festival (it's usually held in August, but COVID-19) is the oyster and wine flight option — with three oysters and three wines — for $25 a person.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2019 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on Friday, April 26 in South Australia and travel through Maitland, Canberra, Bendigo and Townsville before finishing up in Bunbury on Saturday, May 11. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning up-and-comers like Jack River, G Flip and Haiku Hands right through to recent Hottest 100 top tenner Billie Eilish, Aussie favourites Nick Murphy and Thelma Plum, Australian hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods and rockers Regurgitator. International talent like Coolio — who'll you'll most likely recognise from his hit track 'Gangsta's Paradise' — Danish pop singer MØ and American rapper A$AP Twelvyy will make their way to the Moo, too. After hosting Australia's first ever pill testing trial in Canberra last year, Groovin the Moo is moving its ACT festival to Exhibition Park for the first time. Pill testing is still a much-debated topic around the country with five people recently dying from suspected overdoses in as many months. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 LINEUP A$AP Twelvyy (USA) Angie McMahon Aurora (Nor) Billie Eilish Carmouflage Rose Coolio (USA) Crooked Colours DMA's Duckwrth Fisher Flosstradamus (USA) G Flip Haiku Hands Hermitude Hilltop Hoods Holy Holy Jack River Just a Gent MØ (Dnk) Nick Murphy Nicole Millar Regurgitator Rejjie Snow (Irl) Sofi Tukker Spinderella Thelma Plum TOKiMONSTA (USA) Trophy Eyes GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 DATES & VENUES Friday, April 26 — Wayville (SA) Saturday, April 27 – Maitland (NSW) Sunday, April 28 — Canberra (ACT) Saturday, May 4 — Bendigo (VIC) Sunday, May 5 – Townsville (QLD) Saturday, May 11 — Bunbury (WA) Tickets for GTM in Wayville, Maitland and Canberra will go on sale at 8am on Thursday, January 31, and Bendigo, Bunbury and Townsville will be released the day after at 8am on Friday, February 1. For more info, go to gtm.net.au. Images: Jack Toohey.
Australia's most prestigious portrait award is almost upon us for another year, with the paintings vying for the 2021 Archibald Prize just announced. Ahead of anointing the winner on Friday, June 4, 52 portraits have just been shortlisted for the coveted gong — and, for the first time in its now 100-year history, an equal number of male and female artists have made the cut. More of this year's portraits depict women than men, too, although that isn't a first. Among the highlights: Kirsty Neilson's Making Noise, a portrait of Grace Tame — and Oliver Watts' Dorian Gray (Eryn Jean Norville). Other finalists include Matthew Clarke's Del Kathryn Barton is a good listener; Rachel by Thea Anamara Perkins, which depicts the latter's aunt and Jasper Jones filmmaker Rachel Perkins; and Natasha Bieniek's image of actor Rachel Griffiths. Mirra Whale's Repose, which features fellow artist Ben Quilty, has been shortlisted as well — as has Jonathan Dalton's portrait of artist Ramesh Nithiyendran. Kathrin Longhurst's Kate is in the running, and has also taken out the coveted 2021 Archibald Packing Room Prize, which is chosen by the packing room team. The portrait depicts singer and songwriter Kate Ceberano. [caption id="attachment_813770" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2021 finalist. Kathrin Longhurst, 'Kate'. Oil on linen, 122 x 122 cm. © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Jenni Carte.[/caption] Also spanning Sally M Nangala Mulda's Two town camp stories, Eunice Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu's Me and my sisters, Peter Berner's Stop pouting, you've had your turn and Kim by Kim Leutwyler — all self-portraits — the 52 shortlisted works are all in contention for the Archibald's $100,000 prize. Speculation about who will be awarded the coveted prize — and, more often than not, the Archibald winner itself — usually causes much-heated debate. From 2018's five-time Archibald finalist Yvette Coppersmith's first win to Tony Costa's win with his painting of fellow artist Lindy Lee — the first portrait of an Asian Australian to pick up the prize — it's hard a win to pick. All that's really assured is that it'll be a portrait of a person by an Australian. In 2020, Vincent Namatjira's portrait of Adam Goodes did the honours, and also marked the first the award has gone to an Indigenous artist. [caption id="attachment_813771" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2021 finalist. Oliver Watts, 'Dorian Gray (Eryn Jean Norvill)'. Acrylic on canvas, 213.5 x 137.5 cm. © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Jenni Carte[/caption] Held at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW every year, the Archibald runs in conjunction with the Wynne and Sulman Prizes — recognising the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture, and the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project, respectively. This year, 2021's winning works and finalists will be on display from Saturday, June 4–Sunday, September 26. And if it feels like all of this just happened recently, that's because 2020's Archibald Prize happened later in the year due to the pandemic. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, September 1. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2021 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — June 4–September 26, 2021 Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale, Victoria — October 8–November 21, 2021 Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Art Centre, Gymea, NSW — December 3–January 16, 2022 Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland, NSW — January 23–March 6, 2022 Cowra Regional Art Gallery, Cowra, NSW — March 18–June 22, 2022 Manning Regional Art Gallery, Taree, NSW — July 8–August 21, 2022 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Top image: Archibald Prize 2021 finalist. Kirsty Neilson, 'Making noise'. Oil on linen, 50.1 x 60.1 cm, © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Felicity Jenkins
It's not just you and I that struggle through these hot summer days — particularly this week, during the heatwave — our pups get hot, too. Thankfully, there are a few places you can take them to cool down. And one of them is a new pool exclusively for very good dogs. Located at the southern end of Sydney Park, near City Farm, the dog-only pool is the perfect spot to visit at the end of a (slightly sweaty) summer walk. Sydney Park, which borders St Peters and Erskineville, is one of 44 off-leash parks in the City of Sydney — but it's the only one with a dedicated doggy pool. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsv6Q2zFYmu/ You might even spot Lord Mayor Clover Moore there with her two staffies, Bessie and Buster. If Sydney Park isn't a convenient stop off for you, you could also take your pet to one of Sydney's dog-friendly beaches — which include Sirius Cove in Mosman up north, and Horderns Beach in Bundeena down south — or to one of our favourite dog parks. Then, you can both head for a pint or two at these ten pubs and bars that cater for pups.
When there's all that vino to drink, no one really needs another reason to book in a holiday to the Barossa. Still, a towering new six-star hotel smack bang in the middle of the vineyard is certain to catapult the South Australian wine region to the top of your must-visit list. That's what's coming to the famed Seppeltsfield winery, as first announced back in 2020 — and the $50-million, 12-storey spot has just gotten the official tick of approval. Given that the Oscar Seppeltsfield has only just received that planning go-ahead after a period of community consultation, don't go backing your bags just yet — it isn't set to open until 2024. But it'll make one helluva impressive spot to visit when it does start welcoming in wine-loving guests, and also give the Barossa a new landmark. Named after winemaker Oscar Benno Seppelt, the hotel will be surrounded by century-old bush vines — and every room will feature a private balcony so that you can soak up that view. Speaking of spots to slumber, there'll be 71 rooms in total, including penthouses and suites. Also included: a fine-dining restaurant, private dining room, boardroom, fitness studio, day spa and infinity pool. And, to literally cap it all off, a top-floor viewing deck with 360-degree views over the region will sit on the highest level. Just think, after hitting up a bunch of cellar doors, sipping local vinos and eating lots of cheese, you can come back and have a dip in the pool, peer out over the vines from a great height, then sit down for more wine and a white-tablecloth dinner. If you're looking for indulgence, this is it. Designed by Adelaide-based firm Intro Architecture, the towering 12-storey design was inspired by wine barrels and is set to bring a modern edge to Seppeltstfield, which is one of Australia's oldest wineries and was lauded as one of the top 50 vineyards in the world in 2019. The new hotel also looks a lot like La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, also one of the world's most prestigious wine destinations. Construction on the Oscar is expected to start this year. And yes, it's destined to become a tourist attraction. It's anticipated that the hotel will bring in an extra $90 million in tourism dollars, and also drive an increase in both Aussie and international visitors, within the first five years of opening alone. "The Oscar Seppeltsfield will complete the grand vision of our tourism master plan — to be the most desirable epicurean destination for tourists worldwide. A national icon for South Australia, a Sydney Opera House for the Barossa," said Seppeltsfield proprietor and Executive Chairman Warren Randall. Oscar Seppeltsfield is slated to open at Seppeltsfield Winery's Great Terraced Vineyard, Barossa Valley, South Australia, in 2024. For more information, head to the winery's website.
On Wednesday, October 17, ten of Sydney's best bars will be transformed into classrooms for Raising the Bar. It's a global platform that gives city-dwellers access to great ideas in a fresh way — namely, with a drink in hand. The free event invites some of Sydney's brightest minds to share their smarts across a variety of categories — from art to political science to biology. One of those brilliant minds is artist Chris Fox, who will host For the Love of Art at The Sussex Hotel from 8pm. Fox is a senior lecturer in art processes and architecture, and his Interloop installation at Wynyard Station was recently awarded the 2018 National Trust Heritage Award for the Most Outstanding Project of the Year. During the talk, Fox will tell the story behind this installation — in which he upcycled Wynyard's demolished wooden escalator treads that were installed back in the 1930s. The exhibition nods to Sydney's past while looking toward the city's future. Fox will discuss the boundaries between art and architecture, as well as the impact that public art can have on a city's personality. The bar will be open for business, so grab a drink to sip on while absorbing all that artsy info that you'll impress others with later. Registration is a must, so head over here to nab your free ticket. Image: Josh Raymond.
A Tasmanian distiller by the name of John Hyslop has created a Willy Wonka version of the mighty whisky. The newly established Deviant Distillery has just released Anthology, a drop they claim tastes like a ten-year-old spirit, yet was made in just ten weeks. Hyslop achieved this wonder by studying what happens when you place whisky in a barrel for a decade. Then he created an environment in which this process was accelerated by manipulating physical elements governing oxidation, esterification and evaporation. The only catch is that, legally, the resulting product cannot be called whisky. It's hand-distilled in a copper pot still with the usual four ingredients — barley, water, yeast and oak — and without any additives, but the lack of conventional ageing process means that only the label "single malt spirit" can apply. "Other than the ageing process, everything about our spirits is what you would expect from an ultra-premium craft whisky — we just can't call it that," Hyslop says. "I explain it like this: instead of putting a supercharged engine into a car and racing it to the finish line, we just remove all the obstacles in its way and let it become what it wants to be." Hyslop sees two major advantages in speeding up whisky making. Firstly, it enables frequent experimentation with various flavour profiles. "With the traditional distilling model, what is bottled today was barrelled 10 years ago," he says. "But now, in theory, we can conduct several centuries' worth of flavour tests and arrive at an ultra-premium drink that no single generation ever could before." Secondly, he considers it greener. On average, when whisky ages, between 30 to 50 percent of the spirit evaporates. However, Hyslop loses only four percent to the air, meaning the distillery uses much less water and ingredients. In addition to this, the distillery produces minimal waste and is working towards carbon neutrality. Right now, the whole operation takes place in Hyslop's mum's garage in Somerset, where he produces about 120 bottles per month. He's hoping to move to bigger, commercial premises in Hobart by early 2018. While Hyslop claims the spirit tastes like an aged whiskey, we're keen to give it test it out ourselves. Anthology is available online for $86 from today and in selected bottle shops in Tassie.
A thrilling new production from an acclaimed theatre team has arrived at the Roslyn Packer Theatre. The team behind the Sydney Theatre Company's hit adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray have returned following the production's sold-out run, this time with a new take on another literary classic — Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Popping up for a four-week run, this version of Robert Louis Stevenson's gothic mystery is brought into a new age by Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director Kip Williams through cutting-edge theatre techniques — including the integration of live video into the show. This innovative use of live and pre-recorded video merged with live performance — a visionary technique that is establishing Williams as a bonafide auteur — is incredibly effective and, on occasion, even jaw-droppingly impressive. At one particular point in the production the kinetic screens configure to create the illusion of a macabre staircase running from stage to ceiling, a visual trick that will make you audibly gasp with appreciation. This intricate story unfurls on stage with a pair of tour de force performances from Matthew Backer (Cloud Nine, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Chimerica) and Ewen Leslie (Julius Caesar, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, The War of the Roses). Throughout the 110-minute performance, the duo take on all roles in the show between them, a dizzying feat involving constant vocal alterations, changes of wardrobe and wigs, and an unimaginably high degree of difficulty in blocking across the stage. Following August 8 and 9 previews of the show, the season is running from Thursday, August 11 until Saturday, September 3. Single tickets start from $65 for attendees under 30 booking Monday–Thursday. Full-priced tickets range from $117–129, with discounts available for season ticket holders. Images: Daniel Boud
Do you like doughnuts? Of course you do. And even though you think your love is peak right now, you're probably going to like them a whole lot more when you taste what Doughnut Time has to offer. That's right — one of Queensland's favourite sources of doughy deliciousness is heading down south. A Doughnut Time pop-up has just opened in Topshop in Sydney's Market Street, which is just the start of their interstate venture. New stores in Newtown, Bondi and Chippendale will soon be serving up the likes of the Cate Blanchett (with milk and dark chocolate glaze, Tim Tams and white chocolate curls) and the Wake Me Up Before You Vovo: a doughy with a light strawberry glaze, jam and coconut marshmallows. After that, a couple of Melbourne-based pop-ups and standalone shops in Fitzroy and Hawthorn will follow suit. So pretty. A photo posted by DOUGHNUT TIME (@doughnut_time) on Oct 29, 2015 at 4:01pm PDT Of course, the full rotating range of delectable iced, filled bites will be on offer, so prepare to devour the Melon Degeneres with watermelon and sour green glaze, the pretzel-topped George Costanza and the Fruit Loop-laden Cereal Killer, among others. Picking something based on its name alone is completely acceptable. Branching into New South Wales and Victoria caps off what has already been a massive year for Doughnut Time — they only started trading in Queensland earlier in 2015, after all. Since that first Fortitude Valley store opened its doors to lines down the street, three other Brisbane outlets have been added to the mix, plus two on the Gold Coast and a roving Doughnut Time van. Yes, it's a good time to love those damn fine orbs of pastry goodness. For the moment, you can find Doughnut Time's pop-up at Topshop at 45 Market Street, Sydney. For more information about their upcoming openings in Sydney and Melbourne, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page. Via Good Food.
Following a rainbow by foot, and celebrating Sydney's — and Australia's — LGBTIQA+ community in the process, isn't hard around the Harbour City, no matter whether you're a local or a visitor. Darlinghurst is famously home to a rainbow crossing. In Surry Hills, the City of Sydney implemented a lengthy path in Prince Alfred Park decked out in the same multicoloured stripes, too. And Coogee also has its own cheerfully hued monument, turning part of the suburb's beachfront into a rainbow walkway. Expect those vibrant colours to blaze brighter in 2023, however — and in more places. WorldPride is coming to Sydney from February 17–March 5, taking place in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time ever, and it has dazzling plans to shower the Greater Sydney region with as many rainbows as it can. Sydney WorldPride will already boast the return of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade to Oxford Street, Kylie Minogue headlining the opening concert, plus MUNA and G Flip doing the same at the closing gig — and now around 45 free public artworks spanning everywhere from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to the Scenic Skyway in Katoomba are also on the list. The full rundown of floral art and installations hasn't been unveiled, but the highlights so far are impressive. Even just the 50-metre-long floral rainbow wall made up of 18,000 bright plants is, naturally. That floral rainbow wall is coming to The Calyx inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and will be one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere. It'll display during current horticultural exhibition Love Your Nature, which, fittingly, is all about diversity in plants. Up in the Blue Mountains, Scenic Skyway will be transformed giant Progress Flag, too — adding colour to its already stunning setup against the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley's landscapes. And, back in Sydney, Coogee's rainbow walkway is expanding. Randwick Council will update the beachside path to feature the colours of the Progress Flag, to ensure that people of colour and the trans community are represented. This is a permanent feature, but will be unveiled in time for Sydney WorldPride. The 45 artworks will also include an evening rainbow mural that'll glow at the University of Sydney's Footbridge Gallery, at the Camperdown campus, during WorldPride. Designed by Dr Xavier Ho, it'll be comprised of rainbow LED lights, and will mark the 45th anniversary of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Around the city in general, the City of Sydney is set to put up floral installations, too, including planter boxes and a floral wall that'll be filled with plants and foliage in rainbow flag hues. To help Sydneysiders and folks in town for WorldPride to know what to see and where — the festival does span 17 days and 300-plus LGBTQIA+ festivities, after all, with more than 500,000 people expected to participate overall — a Rainbow City map will hit the streets in early February, plotting out where to catch this onslaught of celebratory colour. Sydney WorldPride is also open to hearing from public space holders interested in adding their own substantial artworks to the festival, as long as they're free to access and branding-free. Flowers, lights, water, sculptures, any interpretation of the rainbow: they're all welcome. [caption id="attachment_873469" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katherine Griffiths[/caption] Sydney WorldPride will run from February 17–March 5, 2023. For more information, head to the event's website. Thinking about Sydney WorldPride's big opening gig, Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, too? General admission tickets have sold out, with only Sydney WorldPride's affordability option left — but you can still head along thanks to Concrete Playground Trips. The Sydney WorldPride package includes tickets to the Domain Dance Party and Live and Proud: Opening Concert, plus three nights at the PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney.
Shiny new entrants in the electronic music scene, Safia are proving themselves a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from our super dull capital city (just kidding guys, Canberra is way exciting) these guys have already supported for the likes of Lorde, have over two million listens on Soundcloud and are building up a sizeable fanbase. Made up of Ben Woolner, Michael Bell and Harry Sayers, the trio has been playing together since they were in primary school. Adorable. In addition to Lorde, they've also casually supported Disclosure and Rudimental, toured with Rüfüs and joined Peking Duk at Splendour in the Grass and Groovin' The Moo. Big spots for relative newbies. Safia's nine day tour celebrates the release of their new single, 'You Are the One'. The Canberrans' tunes are energetic and ever-so-catchy, so this return-to-Oxford Art Factory gig promises to be one hell of a stage-shaking, generally jive-inducing gig. Get in early to be able to say you saw them before they became huge and expensive.
Any show of Henson’s works is always going to be worth a visit. He’s one of our most successful artists, and with good reason – dude takes a seriously good picture. Bill Henson: cloud landscapes is snack-sized but provides a pleasing survey of his body of work. What will strike you first is the current of sameness running throughout the show. Yes, the later works are perhaps slightly more refined and a little more painterly (fancy art speak for "it really looks like it was painted"), but the similarities among them all are startling. The same smoky palette of enveloping blacks, blues and faded neutrals; and the same meditative, melancholic tone emanates from each work. Such consistency is impressive. He recently made the shift to digital printing processes, but the change is indiscernible. Henson’s work can be filed pretty neatly into two categories: landscapes and figures. Both are characterised by a sense of deep reverie, and all his works are beautifully executed, but his ability to capture the human form is what he does best. There is a vim and vigour present in his bodies that seems to be somewhat absent in the landscapes. Unsurprisingly, the curators have neglected to include any of the works responsible for garnering the controversy of a few years back (Henson found himself in hot water over images he had taken of nude children but was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing). There is one picture featuring a young-ish boy, but he does look old enough to legally drink and made his own bad decisions. His work is synonymous with a masterful treatment of darkness and light. In a 2004 interview with art critic Sebastian Smee, Henson explained: ‘In some respects not even being able to see the whole structure is partly what the work is about — the way in which things go missing in the shadows. Shadows can animate the speculative capacity in the viewer in a way that highlights can’t. It’s often, to my way of thinking, what you don’t see in the photograph that has the greatest potential to transmit information’. Bill Henson: cloud landscapes is yet another reminder that Bill Henson is an artist working at the top of his game.
Next time you expand your wardrobe, you could also be helping the many adorable animals across New South Wales that need the RSPCA's assistance. Throughout March, the not-for-profit organisation is hosting a Clothing Collective Pop-Up, so you can drop by, scour the racks for new and secondhand threads, and do your part for the state's cute critters. You'll want to head to the Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville, which is where you'll find items donated Tommy Hilfiger, Shona Joy, Lululemon, Berlei, Realisation Par, Glassons, and Peter and Jain — just to name a few. Expect to nab a bargain, too, with prices starting from $5. All the funds raised will be put towards veterinary treatments, vaccinations, bedding, toys, treats and other items that'll make life better for the animals in the RSPCA's care — with tens of thousands of critters coming through their doors each year. The Clothing Collective Pop-Up runs across the month, from Thursday–Sunday each week. After launching on Thursday, March 4 between 6–9pm — with rescue dogs in attendance — it'll be open from 12–7pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9am–3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
If a photograph has ever been able to transcend the visual, been able to be heard, then Bill Henson’s current exhibition contains some serious contenders. In his characteristic sombre style, Henson’s images encompass the portrait and the landscape, combining fragile human studies (for which he has become renowned), epic vistas and enigmatic ruins. Shot in large-scale and installed without framing, ensuring an intimate view, Henson’s photographs totally transform the gallery and make a powerful statement, working two angles at once. A lone, rocky island is at once familiar and otherworldly, broken stories dripping from the recognisable ruins, while the portraits — in particular the one showing a girl in profile, her head held by another’s hands, affecting the movement of a baptism — are delicate yet potent. The image that really sings is the one of the waterfall; you can hear the water as it falls, almost feel the spray, and, in the masterly style that has made Henson one of Australia’s premier photographers, he captures the power of the gushing water without detracting from the diaphanous quality of the veil of water.
The hole in the ozone layer might be smaller than it used to be, but that doesn't mean we're winning the war. According to this 2017–18 report, the national plastics recycling rate is about 9.4 percent. We clearly still have a way to go and everyone needs to do their share — but, the good news is that it's never been easier. Awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, and doing your part at home really couldn't be more simple. Not sure where to start? Eager to build upon your environmentally friendly choices so far? We're here to help. We've teamed up with Glad and its new Glad to be Green range to outline a list of changes that we can all make to be more eco-conscious — and, together, to do our bit to make our world just that little bit greener. BREW YOUR OWN MORNING CUPPA WITH A SIMPLE COFFEE MAKER With Australians going through over a billion takeaway coffee cups a year, the need to switch to a more sustainable alternative is urgent. Many people now take their own reusable cups to their favourite cafe, but there are a range of easy-to-use coffee makers that can give you that sweet java hit in your own home (and save you some coin, too). The classic option: the french press. Or, you could add a V60 or Aeropress to your kitchen — the latter brewing method is so popular, it even has its own world championships. For added eco-friendly points, make sure to buy your beans from a vendor that ethically supports growers. Also, those old coffee grounds make for great fertiliser or even a body scrub. KEEP YOUR LEFTOVERS IN REUSABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS Whether intentionally or not, we all cook more food than we need to from time to time. So, when you do have leftovers for lunch tomorrow, you'll want to store them in an eco-friendly way. There are a raft of green alternatives that are better for the planet, including Glad to be Green's range includes snack and sandwich resealable bags, which are 50 percent plant-based; have a lower carbon footprint; and, if you rinse them out, can be reused. Lunchboxes and tupperware are obvious choices, too, but many are still made of plastic, so make the choice to hunt down metal, glass or long-lasting silicon substitutes. WHIP UP SOME COOKIES ON COMPOSTABLE BAKING PAPER Considering the shape that the environment is currently in, it's important to try to maximise your green efforts wherever possible — even in areas that may seem relatively harmless. Everyone has a roll of baking paper in their kitchen drawer, and chances are that after you rip some off and use it, it then gets thrown into the bin. Enter Glad to be Green's new baking paper, which is compostable. So, once you're done cooking your chicken nuggets, chips, cookies, banana bread or whatever else you're putting in the oven, the non-stick paper can then go straight into the compost. START COMPOSTING YOUR FOOD WASTE Speaking of compost, do you have a compost bin? Gone are the days when all of our household waste went straight into landfill, thankfully. You might've been recycling for a long time, but your green and compostable waste could also benefit the environment by providing plant life with nutrient-rich soil. Better yet, so you're not stuck cleaning decomposing organic matter off of the inside of your bin, you could make use of a Glad to Be Green Compostable Kitchen Caddy Liner. That way, there's no mess to clear up — and the entire contents of the bin, bag and all, can then happily go onto the compost heap. WASH YOUR DISHES WITH ECO-FRIENDLY DISH SOAP Traditional dish soaps can contain a number of nasties, from ingredients that can encourage algal bloom and pollute waterways to chemicals linked to skin irritation. In short, your dishes may be clean, but they ain't green. Luckily, a range of eco-friendly alternatives have hit the shelves in recent years. You'll have seen them in your local supermarket, no doubt, so it's not hard to browse the aisles to find the bottle that's best for you, and the world around you. If you want to go the full nine yards, you can even find instructions online to make your own sustainable dish soap at home. MAKE YOUR OWN FIZZY DRINKS WITH A SODASTREAM Good news: the ultimate wishlist item from your childhood is actually great for the environment. When you were a kid, you probably just wanted to drink free soda whenever you like — as it turns out, you were way ahead of your time. Instead of buying mass-produced drinks in single-use plastic bottles, having a Sodastream in your kitchen means there's no need for water to be carbonated on an industrial scale. Let's not forget the environmental impact of transporting a product that's largely tap water, too. On top of all that, the carbon dioxide canisters Sodastreams use can be exchanged when empty, then cleaned and refilled for the next happy customer. And yes, being able to whip up your own soft drinks — or cocktails — at the literal touch of a button is mighty handy. PACK YOUR SHOPPING INTO REUSABLE BAGS When it comes to single-use plastic bags, state and federal governments as well as large retailers, like Woolworths and Coles, have started to do their bit (although there is still a way to go). So, many of us have already made the shift to using reuseable bags for our weekly grocery run. And, it's a habit that's worth getting into. Single-use plastic bags aren't exactly the most eco-conscious option. So, pick a sturdy, tote bag with a fun design, head down to the organic market and wear your self-satisfaction with pride — you're doing your bit to save the planet. Go green and visit the Glad website for more tips and tricks.
Maybe you've experienced the gothic charm of QT Sydney. Perhaps you've enjoyed slumbering at the site of a former cinema at QT Melbourne. At QT Gold Coast, you could've slept in rooftop cabins. At QT Newcastle, you might've bunked down in a clock tower. QT Queenstown comes with alpine views, while QT Auckland heroes the harbour. They're just some of the hotel chain's experiences in Australia and New Zealand, the two countries that it operates in so far — until it launches in Asia in September. Meet QT Singapore, QT Hotels & Resorts' first hotel beyond Down Under, which will open its doors from Monday, September 16, 2024. When it starts welcoming in quests, you'll be able to check into one of 134 rooms in the city-state's Eastern Extension Telegraph building, which dates back to 1927. You'll also be in a prime position: right next to the Lau Pa Sat hawker centre. Behind the striking facade, which is staying the same, the building has undergone a complete interior revamp to deck it out in QT's aesthetic. The brand's look varies from hotel to hotel, but always stands out from other places to stay. Interior designer Nic Graham is doing the honours, with reflecting the city-state's climate and evolution — and the building's location and heritage — the main aim of his approach to the site's decor. Holidaymakers can also expect a signature bar and grill, plus rooftop bar Rooftop by QT, which will sit alongside a sky-high pool for sips and splashes with a view. If you're keen on having a shindig on your getaway, private dining will also be on offer. "We're excited by the liveliness QT will bring to Singapore's diverse tourism landscape and ever-evolving metropolis later this year," said EVT Hotels & Resorts Group General Manager Callum Kennedy. "QT Singapore will be championed by QT's luxurious playful personality, from design to signature service and exciting collaborations, bringing the QT energy and vibrancy guests love from the world to be discovered by locals and travellers in southeast Asia." Leading on the charge on the ground will be QT Singapore General Manager Doron Whaite, a veteran of QT Perth and QT Sydney, who comes fresh from a stint at QT Auckland. Find QT Singapore at 35 Robinson Road, Singapore, from Monday, September 16, 2024 — and head to the hotel's website for further details.
Armchair economists, let alone real ones, received something of a nasty surprise today, as the RBA announced inflation figures climbed in the September quarter, with consumer prices rising at an annual pace of 3.2 percent. Considering the June quarter was measured at 2.1 percent, it's safe to say that anyone holding out for another interest rate cut (or cheaper groceries) in the near future has had their hopes dashed. Yet one piece of positive news headed our way could be the price of coffee. While it has felt like the cost has gone up and up over the last year or two, procurement experts at Proxima are predicting that coffee prices will stabilise, or even fall, in 2026. According to Proxima, arabica coffee futures have jumped 55 percent year-on-year. At the same time, the average caffeine hit in Australia has increased 37 percent since pre-pandemic lows of $5.50. Yet the "perfect storm of supply chain disruptions" is expected to ease soon. With global coffee stocks falling to 20-year lows, soaring coffee prices were partly caused by extreme weather events that slashed exports from Brazil and Vietnam by 30 percent. As Australia imports 90 percent of its beans, it's no surprise the cost at your local cafe took off. Although cafes still face major hurdles — rising rents, wages, operational costs and more — at least getting the beans in the grinder might be a little more affordable. Sure, it won't fix the cost-of-living crisis, but ordering a flat white that won't break the bank is a small win worth celebrating. Looking for a cheap meal? Check out the Ten Best Places to Dine Out Under $20 Right Now.
Hurricane Bianca is coming to town — to nine cities Down Under to liven up our winter and spring, in fact. The fabulously quick-witted RuPaul's Drag Race season-six winner heads our way on her fifth global comedy tour, fittingly called Unsanitized!. The also supremely apt tagline: "she's vaxxed, she's waxed and she has more attitude than ever". If anyone can help us all make sense of the past couple of years — and look devastating and sling cutting barbs while doing so, naturally — it's the drag queen that became a worldwide favourite back in 2013. She had fierce competition during her season of RuPaul's Drag Race, including from Australia's own Courtney Act; however, Del Rio's devilish snark and timing are clearly impossible to beat. First hitting Brisbane's QPAC Concert Hall on Wednesday, August 31, Del Rio will sling her cutting insults — and her larger-than-life persona in general — across big theatre gigs in both Australia and New Zealand. Her next stops: Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, which'll take the Down Under leg of Unsanitized! through to mid-September. It's been a massive few years for the dimple-cheeked performer also known as Roy Haylock, with Unsanitized! following her last tour It's Jester Joke — which saw her become the first drag queen to headline Carnegie Hall and Wembley Arena. (Yes, she sold out both venues.) And, she hit the West End stage in the musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie, and also pops up in the film version as well. Watching that stage-to-screen flick, old Drag Race episodes, or 2016 comedy Hurricane Bianca and its 2018 sequel Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate is obviously fantastic preparation for Unsanitized! — but, as you'll know if you've seen her live before, there's nothing like seeing Del Rio in the flesh. BIANCA DEL RIO'S UNSANITIZED! TOUR 2022 DATES: Wednesday, August 31 — QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane Saturday, September 3 — State Theatre, Sydney Monday, September 5 — Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Wednesday, September 7 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne Friday, September 9 — Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Saturday, September 10 — Astor Theatre, Perth Tuesday, September 13 — James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Wednesday, September 14 — The Opera House, Wellington Friday, September 16 — Auckland Town Hall, Auckland Bianca Del Rio's Unsanitized! tour heads around Australia and New Zealand in August and September 2022. For more information or to buy tickets from Friday, May 6, head to the tour website.
Feel so passionate about your Friday night pizza delivery that you want to wear it? Now you can. New Zealand fashion label YOUKNOW has teamed up with Pizza Hut to create a range of clothing dedicated to that controversial call: putting pineapple on pizza. If you're staunchly in the "it belongs" camp, you'll want to take a squiz at this limited-edition capsule collection inspired by the chain's Hawaiian Deluxe pizza. There aren't many (if any) dine-in Pizza Hut restaurants left around Australasia so this range is giving us a heap of nostalgia, thanks to the illustrations of the chain's iconic red roof and Hawaiian palm trees. The colours are all inspired by delicious pizza toppings like streaky bacon, pineapple and aioli. And now we're hungry. Designed and made over the ditch, YOUKNOW'S capsule range includes t-shirts, tote bags, shorts and bucket hats. Buy the items individually or get the whole damn 'fit for your next summer festival — according to the website, the label ships to Australia via DHS. YOUKNOW founder Joe Webb says the collaboration with Pizza Hut marks a "significant milestone" in the brand's journey. "It's a really special moment for us. It's amazing to see how this milestone translates over to the garments that we're super stoked to produce here in Aotearoa." It's not the first time we've seen a clothing line inspired by a classic takeaway feed. Who can forget this Big Mac-inspired 'fit or last year's ugly KFC Christmas jumpers? If you like to choose your clothing based on your weekend drive-thru order, you'll want to add one of these items to the current lineup. YOUKNOW's range is available to buy online now, with prices starting at $25 NZD — not including international shipping costs. Check out the full range here.
One day, in the not-so-distant future, perhaps Sydneysiders will take their pet puppers with them everywhere. For now, we'll all just have to grab our four-legged best friends and head to an International Dog Day-themed photo shoot — and take part in other celebratory shenanigans. The occasion itself falls on Wednesday, August 26; however at Darling Harbour, the fun is running across the weekend of Saturday, August 22–Sunday, August 23 as well. And, there's more than a few elements on offer each day. First, there's the pics. Head to the new Hachi Dog Boutique and Spa from 11am–4pm and your woofer can get snapped for free. And, your furry four-legged bestie can even sip some dog wine (shardognay or pupnoir) while they're getting the glamorous treatment, with a glass costing $5. Unsurprisingly, bookings are recommended as the photo sessions are expected to be popular. While you're in the vicinity, you can also drop by Iiko Mazesoba, too, which is serving up more than its usual range of food for humans. Here, you can grab a dog bandana, which'll also cost you $5 — or you can get one for free if you spend more than $50. Hachi's International Dog Day celebrations take place from 11am–4pm on Saturday, August 22–Sunday, August 23, and again on Wednesday, August 26.
After initially revealing parts of its 2025 lineup in late 2024, Sydney Opera House's annual All About Women festival has unveiled the full program of events that'll focus on gender, equality and justice in March. Across two days, more than 50 speakers, including artists, thinkers and storytellers from both Australia and overseas, will participate in sessions that span women in sport and the influence of the Matildas, racism and sexism in the music industry, the impacts of skincare routines, and plenty more. For 13 years, marking International Women's Day with talks, panels, workshops and performances has been as easy as attending this highlight of the cultural calendar — a must-attend event not only in Sydney, but also nationally in recent years, thanks to the streaming of sessions online (which continues in 2025). For this year, Kate Berlant and Gina Chick joined the All About Women bill first, as did the return of the Feminist Roast. Kara Swisher, Rachel House, Jaguar Jonze and Grace Tame are now among the folks joining them come Saturday, March 8–Sunday, March 9. As revealed last year, Berlant is making her first trip Down Under, with the comedian and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Don't Worry Darling and A League of Their Own actor set to debut a new stand-up show. Alone Australia's first-season winner Chick is on the bill fresh from releasing her memoir We Are the Stars in October, and will chat about following your own path, grief and resourcefulness. Among the latest additions on a lineup overseen by the Sydney Opera House Talks & Ideas team — as led by Chip Rolley, alongside 10 News First's Narelda Jacobs and actor and writer Michelle Law — journalist and Burn Book: A Tech Love Story author Swisher will dig into the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter, while Heartbreak High star and The Mountain director House will chat through the importance of community and her Māori culture in her career. Jonze is on the panel discussing the present state of the music industry, as is Barkaa. And Tame is part of the Feminist Roast alongside Michelle Brasier, Nakkiah Lui, Lucinda 'Froomes' Price and Steph Tisdell. The Tillies join the roster via former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, plus Football Australia, the Matildas and the ParaMatildas Media Manager Ann Odong, with their session exploring the current situation for women in sport. Elsewhere, Dr Michelle Wong, Jessica DeFino and Yumi Stynes — plus Price again — will examine the impacts of beauty standards, especially upon younger generations. All About Women's 2025 program also spans sessions on the women who gave testimony at the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, the rise of domestic violence-related deaths in Australia, systems that are meant to protect First Nations children, perimenopause and how women's health is being commercialised, tradwives, grief, motherhood, the nation's declining birth rate, bodily autonomy and abortion, and being friends for life. "There is so much power in women and non-binary folks coming together to talk about the issues we are facing, whether that's in our workplaces and homes, throughout our country or the world," said Jacobs back in 2024, when the lineup's first details were announced. "The events I've co-curated are inspired by hot topics that dominate conversations with the women in my life — from the transformations women undergo at pivotal points in their lives, to the ways modern culture rejigs and repeats old stereotypes. We'll be having some cracker discussions that I'm sure will continue beyond the steps of the Opera House!" added Law. All About Women 2025 takes place on Saturday, March 8–Sunday, March 9 at the Sydney Opera House, and streams online, with pre-sale tickets for the full program available from 9am on Tuesday, January 14 and general sales from 9am on Thursday, January 16. Head to the event's website for more details. All About Women images: Jaimi Joy, Jacquie Manning and Prudence Upton.
Brisbane's Premiership win over Geelong didn't just light up the MCG — it also dominated Australian screens, drawing more than 6.1 million viewers across broadcast and streaming. According to figures released by the Seven Network, Saturday's Grand Final reached a national total TV audience of 4.08 million, up on last year's numbers, with a further 969,000 streaming the match on 7plus Sport — a 48 percent increase year-on-year. The post-match presentations pulled in 5.5 million viewers, while 3.9 million tuned in for the pre-game show. The result makes the AFL Grand Final 2025's most-watched program so far, surpassing the NRL's State of Origin decider, which reached 5.7 million Australians. Seven's Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O'Keeffe, said the numbers reinforced the sport's unrivalled pull. "We want to thank every viewer who has joined us across the season. From the opening bounce at the SCG, right through to the Grand Final post-match celebrations, Australians have embraced Seven and 7plus in record numbers," he said. Chris Jones, Seven's Director of Sport, called the audience record "a fitting end" to an incredible season. With an 81.1 percent share of commercial audiences on Saturday, plus 90.9 percent in live streaming and 86.7 percent in BVOD, the AFL Grand Final sets a high bar for Seven as it moves into a stacked summer schedule that includes the Bathurst 1000, Spring Racing Carnival, AFLW Finals and a home Ashes series. You can watch the 2025 AFL Grand Final back now via 7plus. Images: Getty Images
There is a clear marking of time in Penrith — BHSD (Before High Street Depot) and AHSD (After High Street Depot). When these guys set up shop it was a sign Penrith had reached maturity. Operated by husband-and-wife team Tim and Noreen Bryan, who met while working at Matt Moran's Aria, High Street Depot was the cafe we'd all been waiting for and desperately needed, serving up perfected classics like eggs benny and smashed avo, made a little more adult with a sprinkle of nuts and creamy feta. The food is as consistent as the service, which is excellent, and you'll never be disappointed with your Single Origin coffee.
