For the second year in a row, one of Australia's filmmaking icons has joined the Sydney Film Festival's program: George Miller, the director responsible for all things Mad Max and Furiosa. In 2024, he hit the Harbour City festival to chat about his work, including the dystopian saga that he has gifted Aussie cinema, but his 2025 discussion will span further. Not only is Miller taking to the stage, but he'll be joined by Hideo Kojima. One is the man responsible not just for a big Australian movie franchise, but for the big Australian movie franchise. He's also followed a pig in the city, made penguins dance, gotten witchy and granted wishes, too. The other is the creator of both the DEATH STRANDING and Metal Gear Solid video-game series, and heads to Sydney just before DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH releases at the end of June. This is a world-exclusive in-conversation session, taking place on Saturday, June 14 at Sydney Town Hall's Centennial Hall — so consider it one of the ace ways to help see out this year's cinema celebration, which runs from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15. Miller and Kojima will not only dig into how they each approach their fields, plus their respective visionary approaches, but also explore how movies and video games overlap, alongside cinematic storytelling in gaming. Greats in their own rights, the duo are also recent collaborators — Miller portrays himself in the Australia-set DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH. "This is a rare and exciting meeting of two creative minds who have reshaped their respective industries. Kojima and Miller's shared love of cinema and storytelling will make for an unforgettable conversation at this year's festival," said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley, announcing the fest's latest addition. On the fest's guest list, Miller and Kojima are joined by Free Solo filmmaker Jimmy Chin, Together director Michael Shanks, music icon Warren Ellis and plenty more — so along with putting 201 movies on your must-watch list, it's adding a heap of must-see talents to your June as well. The George Miller and Hideo Kojima in-conversation session is happening on Saturday, June 14 at Sydney Town Hall. Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website. Read our interview with George Miller, Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth about Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,.
As Sydney's Little India, Harris Park in Parramatta is the city's go-to for truly authentic Indian fare. However, in recent years, the CBD's satellite suburbs have produced some of the most innovative Indian diners in town — the likes of Foreign Return and Don't Tell Aunty in Surry Hills, and the superb but sadly recently closed Raja in Potts Point. Among these pioneering contemporary curry houses is Madam Ji in Darlinghurst, which has taken over the storied spot on Burton Street once occupied by Pocket Bar — one of the original vanguard of small bars that flourished after NSW's licencing laws were amended in 2017. Offering a menu that mixes tried-and-true favourites alongside radical fusions, this colourful addition to Darlo's thriving dining scene is ready to welcome those in search of classics like butter chicken and biryani, as well as epicurean adventurers hungry for something surprising. Somewhat ironically, among those unexpected dishes are riffs on two of the most predictable starters you can find on countless menus across Sydney and beyond. Creamy burrata and its faithful sidekick, tomato, are enlivened by a fiery house-made tadka — a mix of fresh and dried chillies — while a ceviche of kingfish balances its citrus edge with the earthy spice of curry leaf oil. The restaurant's co-owners, who are also lifelong friends, were both born in India, but cut their teeth in the hospitality industry in top Sydney venues and hotels. While Executive Chef Rakshit Sondhi commands the kitchen, Maninder Singh, who studied at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Sydney before taking on senior roles with the Hilton group, looks after front-of-house operations. Adorning the walls of the dining room are portraits of Indian women wearing vibrant saris. Sondhi and Singh wanted their new venture to be "a celebration of empowerment and individuality, inspired by the resilience and freedom of women in Indian culture". Beyond these artworks, the restaurant's fitout — much like its menu — is a mix of traditional cues, such as dark-stained wood panelling and mosaic floors, and modern touches, most notably the bar's eye-popping pink neon sign. In addition to its evening dinner service, Madam Ji also offers a tasty addition to Sydney's increasingly diverse array of bottomless brunches. On Saturdays and Sundays from midday, guests can enjoy free-flowing house wines for $79 or bottomless cocktails for $99 per person for two hours. Soaking up those drinks is a multi-course feast with sides, including a starter of papadams served with signature dips and chutneys; the aforementioned tadka-spiked burrata; buttery, flakey parotta drizzled with chilli oil; and ribs of bhutta (a variant of white corn popular on the Indian subcontinent) served with sigdi chicken tikka. The main course stars Madam Ji's signature butter chicken with all the trimmings, including the all-important naan bread. Images: Katje Ford
Welcome to Vinabar, an intimate new bar tucked away in the laneways of Kent Street in Sydney's CBD. Seating just 32 imbibers, the small-format drinking establishment has taken inspiration from the nightlife and bar culture of Vietnam. Co-owners Reymark Tesalona and Ashwin Arumugam conceived the micro bar as a tribute to their shared experiences travelling together throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Both owners are of Southeast Asian background — and the influence comes through at every element, from the bespoke interior to the cocktail ingredients. The bar is hidden behind a facade designed to resemble a banh mi street cart. Make your way through the steel door and you'll find a cluster of luminous silk lanterns (imported especially from Hoi An) descending from the ceiling, sleek black marble table tops, and bar shelving made from a replica design of the Golden Hand Bridge from central Vietnam coastal city Da Nang. [caption id="attachment_934459" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Vinabar owners Reymark Tesalona and Ashwin Arumugam[/caption] Clever interior detail aside, at Vinabar the cocktail list is the real star. The signature 'Vinagroni' is the bar's unique take on the classic negroni, topped with a dehydrated starfruit as the garnish so the drink resembles the Vietnamese flag. Another stand out is a cocktail featuring cognac, pineapple, coconut and a mint and pandan foam created with a whipped cream charger, aptly titled 'Da Nang'. As you might have gathered, the entire concept is very much rooted in storytelling. Tesalona explains, "Being able to cater to such a diverse audience in a confined space allows us to translate our lived experiences into something tangible and memorable. Our cocktails transcend all barriers, be it cultural, age, ethnicity, gender – giving us a medium to tell a story by using all our human senses, not just taste." Oh and Vinabar is open seven days a week until 2am so add it to your list of bars for late night capers. Vinabar is now open at Shop 1, 332 Kent Street, Sydney. Visit the venue's website to stay up to date.
Here's some news you won't read in Lady Whistledown's latest pamphlet — and a reason to frock up like you're in Regency-era London, too. This September, for one day and night only, Sydney Town Hall is playing host to party that'll whisk you back in time: the wholly unofficial but still appropriately themed Bridgerton Ball. If you're keen to be the talk of the ton, mark Saturday, September 3 in your diary — and prepare for the social soiree of the season. If you've binged your way through two seasons of the Netflix hit already and you're excited about more (and a Queen Charlotte prequel), consider this your chance to pretend you've stepped right into the series. On the agenda: dancing to tunes played by a string quartet, tucking into four hours of food and booze, playing games of chance, doing some life drawing and (probably) gossiping in corners while looking fabulous. Sydneysiders will have two chances to do just that, with sessions taking place from 12–4pm and 7–11pm, and tickets costing $209 per person. The ball is the latest pop culture-themed shindig from the folks behind A Wizardry High Tea, the Harry Potter-inspired excuse to eat bite-sized snacks, sip butterbeer and cocktails, and take potions classes — because why just throw a party when you can throw a pop culture-theme party? The best way to prepare: watching Bridgerton, of course. Although, surely the Bridgerton Ball won't involve powerful families trying to marry off their children and scandal sheets getting everyone a-tutting. It will let you party like you're a duke or duchess, though. Check out the trailer for Bridgerton season two below: The Bridgerton Ball takes place at Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney, from 12–4pm and 7–11pm on Saturday, September 3. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the event website. To watch Bridgerton in the interim, head to Netflix. Images: Liam Daniel / Netflix.
In the mood for something a little different this Sunday? Pack a picnic and your swimmers, and take a trip out to Sydney Airport for a few hours of plane spotting. While there are heaps of places to get your plane spotting on, many of the city's aviation enthusiasts flock to 'The Beach' for the especially epic views. Located to the east of the airport, near the old control tower, planes pass mere metres from the fence here — so close you could almost touch them. Extra points for being able to take a dip in the water between taxis and takeoffs. Image: Tomi Joo via Plane Images.
No one makes social satires like Boots Riley. Late in I'm a Virgo, when a character proclaims that "all art is propaganda", these words may as well be coming from The Coup frontman-turned-filmmaker's very own lips. In only his second screen project after the equally impassioned, intelligent, energetic, anarchic and exceptional 2018 film Sorry to Bother You, Riley doesn't have his latest struggling and striving hero utter this sentiment, however. Rather, it springs from the billionaire technology mogul also known as The Hero (Walton Goggins, George & Tammy), who's gleefully made himself the nemesis of 13-foot-tall series protagonist Cootie (Jharrel Jerome, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse). Played with intensity by the inimitable Goggins, this head of "a modern computational instruments fortune" also publishes comic books about The Hero. In character, he dons a helicopter backpack to roam the skies and scour the streets for lawbreakers. He's also reminiscent of both Iron Man and Batman, and makes a target out of Cootie, his biggest fan, from the moment that the shy Black teen takes his first steps in the broader world at the age of 19. And, as he chats about creativity and its choices always being commentary, The Hero helps Riley stress a pivotal point. Knowing that all stories make a statement isn't just the domain of activists fighting for better futures for the masses, like himself, and he wants to ensure that his audience knows it. Streaming via Prime Video from Friday, June 23, with all seven episodes dropping at once, I'm a Virgo is a show with something to say, and forcefully. On the big screen, Sorry to Bother You was the same. They both share more than just a creator, purpose and stunning outcome, which Riley also wants viewers to notice. Again, he sets his scene in a science fiction-infused alternate version of Oakland. Once more, he takes aim at capitalism — and savagely — alongside the prevailing status quo around race, class and wealth. Crying out for justice and equality, he remains concerned about the way that corporations and their ultra-rich overseers wield their power, influence and fortunes to control everyday lives. Riley is angry again, too, and wants everyone giving him their time to be bothered — and he still isn't sorry for a second. With Jerome as well-cast a lead as Atlanta's Lakeith Stanfield was, I'm a Virgo also hinges upon a surreal central detail: instead of a Black telemarketer discovering the impact of his "white voice", it hones in on the oversized Cootie. When it comes to assimilation, consider this series Sorry to Bother You's flipside, because there's no way that a young Black man that's more than double the tallest average height is passing for anyone but himself. Riley knows that Black men are too often seen as threats and targets regardless of their stature anyway. He's read the research showing that white folks can perceive Black boys as older and less innocent. There isn't a single aspect of I'm a Virgo that doesn't convey Riley's ire at the state of the world — that doesn't virtually scream about it, actually — with this series going big and bold over and over. How does someone so towering exist for nearly two decades without attracting attention? Via a massive effort by his cautious uncle Martisse (Mike Epps, You People) and aunt LaFrancine (Carmen Ejogo, Your Honor). They've brought Cootie up in secrecy, promising that he can venture out when he turns 21, and endeavouring to instil a wariness about how the world will treat him because he's black and preternaturally lofty. "People are always afraid, and you are a 13-foot-tall Black man," says LaFrancine. "People are gonna try to figure out how to use you and, when they can't use you no more, they're gonna try to get rid of you," Martisse warns. But, like anyone that's only ever experienced life beyond their own four walls and canopy-hidden backyard through windows and television, Cootie is curious and sick of being cooped up. Thanks to TV ads, he also desperately wants a Bing-Bang burger. The first time he sneaks out, he's nicknamed "twamp monster" and goes viral. Next, he finds pals by reaching over the fence for a joint: the car-worshipping Felix (Brett Gray, Star Trek: Prodigy), laidback Scat (Allius Barnes, Cruel Summer) and fierce activist Jones (Kara Young, The Staircase). When Cootie finally tastes one of those coveted burgs, he swoons over Flora (Olivia Washington, Breaking), who works behind the counter and stands out with The Flash-esque super speed. Friends, fast food, falling in love: that's the coming-of-age path that I'm a Virgo charts, with the horoscope-abiding Cootie chasing adventure and attempting to work out who he is. Of course, most tales about teenagers discovering themselves don't also span giants, vigilantes, cults, streetwear modelling campaigns, shrunk-down people, stoner cartoons that incite existential malaise, odes to bass and rebellions for fair treatment, all while tearing into myths by spinning one, but Riley couldn't tell most tales even if he wanted to. What Riley can and does craft is potent, probing, playful and piercing — a wild and wonderful series that has everything on its mind, too, and is determined to be unlike anything else that's streaming. This may be another story about heroes and villains, aka popular culture's prevailing type of narrative at present. And, it might sit on the same platform as The Boys. And yet, it couldn't be further from the onslaught of caped-crusader universes that frequently fill screens. As it contemplates and agitates, I'm a Virgo eschews slickness for authenticity visually as well. Practical effects are everywhere, with forced perspective getting a heavy workout and sets boasting a handmade feel. Puppetry, miniatures, animation that'd look at home on Adult Swim: they're also part of the series' experience. Imagination reigns supreme in every image, and the lack of dull CGI is a genuine sight for sore eyes. Advocating for thinking and seeing differently is a task that I'm a Virgo adopts with the utmost seriousness, clearly, even as it constantly proves eagerly eccentric and sharply amusing. In other words, Riley is back doing what he does impeccably, but no one could ever accuse him of repeating himself. From racism and conformity to social hierarchies and capitalist domination, the parts of life that he's challenging demand continual scrutiny. Including exploited workers, violent policing and America's money-driven healthcare system that seems to regard living as a right only afforded those who can afford it, the distressing art-apes-life elements of I'm a Virgo's dystopian realm need interrogating in as many ways as possible. This won't be the last time that the filmmaker brings them to the screen, or champions a different way forward. Here's hoping that everything that follows — be it a second season of this or whatever Riley plies his talents on next — is as glorious and essential. Check out the trailer for I'm a Virgo below: I'm a Virgo streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 23.
Sydney's streetwear scene is about to take part in a massive celebration, as Supply Store and Nike team up to host SURPLUS — a three-day party stacked with 50-plus mostly free events spanning 21 Darlinghurst venues. Showcasing food, design, music, art and movement, expect much-loved homegrown and international names to guide the fashionable festivities from Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19. Taking over Burton Street from 10am–6pm on Saturday, October 18, Marketplace is an openair destination for clothing vendors, independent publishers and renowned food pop-ups. Grab yourself a cult-followed slice from NYC's Scarr's Pizza or delve into California's Uncle Paulie's Deli for an American-style sandwich with streetwear credentials. Meanwhile, big-time Canadian Chef Matty Matheson's own Matty's Patty's will be making an Aussie appearance. Yet this event goes far beyond mere food. NYC-born BMX pro Nigel Sylvester will host a community swap shop, while other Marketplace highlights include express manis from Mannequin Hands, tooth gems from Niche Pleasures and Y2K-inspired merch from Extra Silky hair salon. Plus, visitors can expect street art exhibits from Sydney's Sly Morikawa, Melbourne's Mim Libro and Seattle's CHITO, featuring his acclaimed graffiti-meets-fashion work. On the live music front, SURPLUS welcomes London-based rapper, YT, to Oxford Art Factory, as Newcastle's own techno label Steel City Dance Discs — home to Kettama, Loods and Tommy Holohan — presents a one-off tape workshop. Of course, Nike is getting involved, serving up limited-edition Air Max drops across the weekend, ensuring you score a fresh pair of the sneakerhead classic that helped shape the entire streetwear scene. "SURPLUS connects and engages our local scene by bringing the online offline," says Supply Store Founder, Shawn Yates. "We want SURPLUS to be an opportunity to participate and tap into the world that Supply Store has built over the last two decades."
Compared to its fellows in the world of Japanese izakaya joints, Itō holds nothing back. That much is clear from when you pass it on the street. While most izakaya joints are tucked into hole-in-the-wall or single-story establishments, this Crown Street restaurant stands proud across two stories and hides nothing of the inner workings behind its glass-and-wood façade. On the inside, though, it still manages to keep some surprises up its sleeve. This isn't a run-of-the-mill izakaya menu; chef Erik Ortolani has added a heavy dash of Western inspiration. Ortolani has spent time surrounded by a mix of Italian and Japanese cuisine in previous tenures at Nobu in Milan and Cho Cho San here in Sydney. "Whilst my heritage is Italian, my passion is Japanese cooking," says Ortolani. "It feels natural to me to use a combination of the two as a vehicle for creating a really unique menu that is still very signature Japanese, and that's exactly what we've done with Itō. Fresh seasonal produce, smart cooking, bright flavours." The result is à la carte and banquet menus that are no strangers to culinary hybridisation. Take the Sydney rock oysters with tomato vinegar and wasabi, Moreton Bay bug with pumpkin chawanmushi, or prawn and scallop ravioli with hotaru ika and tobiko. From starters to desserts, every dish takes a bit from both worlds to create something that you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. On the drinks front, a strong saké offering stands out for any sommeliers out there, with four delicious saké flights offering a guided tour through the earthy, floral, stark and sweet flavours of Japan's signature spirit. On the cocktails front, house specials include the punchy Yuzu Penicillin, a citrus-laden Karai Margarita or a simple yet oh-so satisfying Toki Highball.
Get your napkins pressed and your hand sanitiser primed because the mother of all finger food chains is at long last arriving in Australia. Wingstop has been running a US-based operation since the early 1990s, so it's been a long time coming to our neck of the woods, but this news will no doubt get mouths watering at the prospect of trying its titular wings on home turf. From little things, big things grow, so Wingstop is starting small with a single Sydney outpost. However, they won't stay small for long, with over 100 stores planned to open Australia-wide. If you can't wait to get your hands on it in your hometown, the inaugural opening is coming to Sydney's Kings Cross, with a special opening event pencilled in for Saturday, May 17. What's on the cards? Doors swing open at 11am and the first 500 diners to visit will get five free wings. Should you miss out on the initial offer, there will also be DJs keeping the energy high throughout the day, along with interactive experiences, games and giveaways. If you were lusting after the viral Maccas, ALDI or KFC merchandise drops that took over social media in 2023 and 2024, not to worry — Wingstop will be running its own merch giveaways on the day, the first of its kind in the country, so you can shove it into the faces of those who were lucky enough to get those aforementioned bucket hats and sweaters. At the end of the day, though, we're all here for the wings, so what's actually going to be on the menu? It's poultry aplenty, with classic and boneless wings and tenders available in packs ranging from three to 50. They're tossed with one of twelve sauces: Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Louisiana Rub, Spicy Korean Q, Mild, Hot Honey Rub, Cajun, OG, Mango Habanero and Atomic. Get them with a side of signature seasoned fries (with seven choices of seasoning), house-made cheese or ranch dips, or cajun-spiced corn. Add on a cold drink or even a chocolate brownie to help the wings go down. If you don't make it on the day, keep your eyes peeled for future in-store events or for where the next location will open. Wingstop's first Australian store will open on Saturday, May 17 at 1/111 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. Visit the website for more information or to make an order.
For the person who's always between flights, cities or Airbnb check-ins, the best gifts are the ones that make travelling smoother, smarter and a little more stylish. This edit rounds up the essentials they'll actually use — sleek luggage upgrades, smart tech organisers, compact beauty kits and design-minded accessories that hold up to life on the move. Whether they're a habitual weekender or the friend who treats their home like a pit stop, these thoughtful picks blend function with good looks — and won't add unnecessary bulk to their suitcase. Shopping for someone who lives for movies, marathons and home cinema setups? Explore our guide to the best gifts for screen addicts. LED Light Therapy Face Mask, Nanoleaf A travel-friendly LED mask designed for in-flight skincare and on-the-go routines, Nanoleaf's model delivers stronger and more even coverage than others in its price range thanks to triple the LEDs. With multiple clinically backed light modes — from wrinkle-reducing red to inflammation-calming yellow — it's a compact wellness upgrade for frequent travellers. Shop now. Meridian Tote Bag, State of Escape A lightweight and structured fabric tote with rope handles and a detachable shoulder strap. It's the perfect balance between style and function — roomy enough for all the travel essentials and polished enough to match any outfit. Shop now. Heartbreaker Jewellery Case, Status Anxiety A portable pebble leather system to keep precious pieces organised and safe, perfect for jet-setters who never leave the house without their accessories. Shop now. Handheld Steamer, Philips A sleek 1400W steamer that smooths wrinkles on cotton, linen or other delicate fabrics that don't travel well. This bad boy fires up within 35 seconds — ideal for a quick outfit refresh. Shop now. Fujifilm X-T30 III, Fujifilm An uber compact yet powerful camera that comes with 20 film-like colour profiles. Our editor's verdict: it just might replace your digicam. Shop now. Avedon Dark Havana Sunglasses, P. Johnson An artsy tortoiseshell frame, handmade in Italy. Essential for brooding mysteriously at the airport. Shop now. Tech Kit, Bellroy A recycled ripstop pouch where all your wires, chargers and tech bits can live neatly — so nothing gets tangled or lost in a jam-packed carry. Shop now. LM Workroom Hat, Lee Matthews A soft, structured cotton bucket hat that takes up minimal packing room. Ideal for the loved one who disappears to warmer shores during winter. Shop now. Isla Round Luggage Tag, The Daily Edited A luggage tag for the frequent flyer might be on the nose, but a monogrammed leather one can be a luxe surprise. Shop now. Expandable Checked Bag, July If your mate's luggage is on its last legs, upgrade them with something that's built to last. This one's got a compression system and a built-in laundry bag that makes packing feel a little less chaotic. Shop now. The Watch Roll, Maison De Sabre A must-have for those who are serious about wristwear: a full-grain leather case that keeps timepieces scratch-free on the road. Shop now. Airbnb Gift Cards, Airbnb An Airbnb gift card is basically a ticket to anywhere. Perfect for the friend who always "need a break", whether they're dreaming of a beachside villa, city loft or countryside cabin. Shop now. Ceramic Reusable Bottle, Frank Green Any water bottle from Frank Green beats overpriced, single-use water bottles from the airport, but this design's triple insulation and ceramic lining help water stay cool and fresh. Shop now. Rio Passport Holder, Wolff Studios Three card slots, two passport pockets and a boarding pass sleeve – all in one buttery soft, RFID-secure leather piece. Shop now. Universal Strap, Rikka Save a pal the 'where's my phone?!' panic with this candy-coloured phone strap that attaches to any phone. Shop now. The Signature Pouch, Ouvert A plush cherry pouch that holds every serum, cream and lippie you need – with waterproof lining to keep mishaps contained. Shop now. The Christmas Ginger Shampoo Gift Bundle, Cooki Housed in travel-friendly metal tins and tucked into a chic woven bag of natural fibres, this ginger-infused haircare duo offers stylish, zero-waste hair washes on the go. Shop now. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Recent visitors to Glebe's waterfront will have noticed a behemoth emerging from Blackwattle Bay. The superstructure of the new Sydney Fish Market is fast approaching completion, with the innovative undulating timber beams for the wave-like roof now taking shape. While the opening of the new dining hotspot is still several months away (the original opening date of late 2024 has been pushed back to early next year), newly released renders have revealed a glimpse of how this architectural marvel will look when it's finally finished. A new foreshore boardwalk connecting with Bridge Road will offer a shady stroll to visitors as they make their way towards to new Fish Market complex, while a new urban park will create a new harbourside green space for locals and visitors to enjoy. Inside the market, there will be multiple levels of restaurants, retail outlets and produce stores, while overhead, the distinctive scoop of the timbre lattice roof lets in plenty of natural light. When it opens, an estimated six million visitors will flock to Glebe annually to visit the new markets, and with good reason if the latest announcement is anything to go by. Working with Sydney Fish Market, Placemaking NSW — the future operator of the new market site — has released news of the food and beverage offering visitors can expect to find alongside the popular local seafood traders. The biggest get for the Fish Market is a new Southeast Asian diner by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, which will be operated by Dolton Hospitality Group. A title for the new venue or details of its menu are yet to be announced, but with such a well-known name at the helm, it's set to be a major drawcard. A new outlet from the award-winning and multi-hatted Malaysian hawker restaurant Ho Jiak is another big win for the Fish Market. Diners can expect the tasty street food favourites that have made the chain such a popular Harbour City mainstay. Po Boys, operated by Trippas White Group has been inspired by the cuisine of the Southern USA and the laidback vibes of the East Coast of Australia. The menu will star lobster, burgers, craft beers and of course, the house speciality, po boys, the infamous hot sandwiches from Louisiana. Speaking of sandwiches, Banh Mi & Phin, the debut venue by seasoned hospo professionals Hailey Nghiem and Charlie Dinh, will offer Vietnamese street food with a focus on fresh salads, rice paper rolls and of course, traditional filled baguettes. Asian cuisine will be well represented at the Fish Market. Nanjing Dumplings will feature both traditional and specialty dumplings. It will also be one of the only places in Sydney where diners can sample Nanjing-style xiao long bao — the doughier, slightly sweeter cousin of Shanghai's famous soup dumplings. Meanwhile, the Japanese Collective will serve classic izakaya fare including ramen, donburi and seafood BBQ. It will also boast a dedicated sake bar. There will be plenty to quench the thirst of visitors, including a new outlet for Glebe Point Road favourite Dirty Red, which will serve an extensive bar and cocktail menu and a variety of shared plates; Taiwanese boba bar Gotcha Fresh Tea, which farms its own tea at Taiwan's Mount Ali, and brews each beverage to order; and Aussie company Top Juice, which uses exclusively homegrown produce in its juices and smoothies. The talented baristas of Stitch Coffee will also be on hand to deliver that all-important caffeine fix to any early-morning fish-seekers shopping for the freshest catch of the day. Award-winning family-run artisan gelato company Cow & The Moon rounds out the hospitality offering at the new Sydney Fish Market, so expect to be strolling the new Blackwattle boardwalk with a cone in hand early next year. Images: NSW Government
Massive screen, massive occasion, massive movies: that's the equation when IMAX Sydney reopens its doors after a seven-year absence. How do you relaunch one of the biggest cinema screens in the world, which measures 692 square metres and will start shimmering before film lovers' eyes again from Wednesday, October 11? With Avatar: The Way of Water, Barbenheimer and Taylor Swift's Eras concert tour flick. Trips to the pictures in Sydney are getting huge again, with the Darling Harbour venue reopening in its newly rebuilt form after closing down back in 2016. The entire building was demolished, and was originally meant to get its projectors running again in 2019, then in 2021; however, that clearly didn't happen. Giant things come to cinemagoers who wait, it seems. That screen really is large. It's not quite as big as IMAX Melbourne, which is the world's largest, but it's still mammoth. And, it sports a 1.43 picture ratio, which means giving viewers up to 40-percent more image. Cue more need for speed when Top Gun: Maverick graces the screen during the venue's opening week, more of Barbie's pink hues and Oppenheimer's tension (including in perfectly timed Barbenheimer doubles), more humans battling AI in The Creator, and more of one of the world's biggest pop stars onstage for Swifties to enjoy. The new IMAX Sydney's setup is also IMAX's most-advanced theatre experience so far, spanning 4K laser projection using a system with a new optical engine and custom-designed lenses. Thanks to a range of proprietary technology, viewers can expect the images to be brighter, too, with increased resolution, deeper contrast and the widest range of colours that IMAX has seen. As for the sound, that's being piped through a 12-channel setup. At a site run by EVT — the hospitality company behind Event Cinemas, Moonlight Cinema, the Skyline Drive-In and the State Theatre; the arrival of surround-screen viewing Down Under; a heap of bars and restaurants; QT Hotels, Rydges and other hotel chains; plus IMAX venues in Auckland and Queensgate in New Zealand, as well as IMAX Karlsruhe in Germany — moviegoers have four choices when it comes to seating. In addition to standard seats, you can get comfortable in a full recliner, cosy up with your plus one in a couples' recliner or go with a private box for up to four people. The latter is perched on an elevated platform, and comes with exclusive food and beverage options There's 430 seats in total, on par with the old venue. And, the range of bites and drinks overall has scored a revamp courtesy of a marketplace experience. Before your movie starts, you can kick back in the lounge — and, of course, IMAX Sydney sports a full-service bar. "The opening of IMAX Sydney showcases EVT's commitment to bringing world class entertainment experiences to Australia. With Laser by IMAX, our new seating options, and our food and beverage offering, we are setting a new benchmark for immersive cinema entertainment that captivates the senses," said EVT CEO Jane Hastings. "We are very excited to partner with EVT for our long-awaited opening of IMAX Sydney in Darling Harbour, which is historically one of our best performing locations globally and a cultural centre of this beautiful city," added IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond. "IMAX Sydney immediately joins the ranks of our flagship locations and, with its state-of-the-art IMAX technology, breathtaking design and Event Cinemas renowned cinema expertise, is a shining example of what the theatrical experience should aspire to." Future flicks set to hit IMAX Sydney's enormous screen include Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, Marvel Cinematic Universe entry The Marvels, The Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Napoleon, Wonka and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. And if you live outside of Sydney but are the kind of cinephile that can't pass up a trip to the movies when you're in a different city, IMAX Sydney is a new film-loving tourist destination, too. IMAX Sydney will reopen at Darling Harbour, 1/35 Wheat Road, Sydney, from Wednesday, October 11 — head to the cinema's website for tickets and further information.
Some takeaway fads come and go before you even get to try them, but one fast-casual essential that remains a staple of suburban strips everywhere is the humble charcoal chicken joint. Yet as a sign of its renewed popularity, numerous big-time chains have entered the scene, to varying results. Yet one spot looking to keep standards high is Char'd, a Lebanese-style upstart that doesn't believe in taking shortcuts or making compromises when it comes to quality. Founded by James Estephan in September 2023, the 29-year-old has since launched two locations: Eastern Creek and St Clair. Like many, he got his start as a teenager whipping up burgers and fries at McDonald's before moving into digital marketing at Red Rooster. Having gained the inside word on the good and bad of the takeaway industry, Estephan stepped out on his own to show that attention to detail and genuine pride in the product can go a long way. Rising above many of its competitors, Char'd's menu is familiar but goes the extra mile. Headlined by 48-hour marinated chicken slow-cooked over real charcoal, chooks are never held for more than 15 minutes. Naturally, this dedicated approach results in fresher and juicier meals that leave a lasting impression. Built around an expansive menu that spans burgers, wraps, loaded fries and more, Char'd's tenders and fried chicken are another highlight. Marinated for 12 hours and cooked fresh to order, expect a serious crunch. Bringing a considered touch to the game, Char'd is building upon this storied takeaway tradition while adding its own bite. Char'd is open daily from 10am–9pm at locations in Eastern Creek and St Clair. Head to the website for more information. Images: Trent Van Der Jagt.
For most people, a trip to Noosa means soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, hiking through verdant rainforests and shopping on Hastings Street. But there's so much more on offer throughout the region, from beachfront dining and kayaking through the Everglades to chasing dolphins and meeting local artists. Together with Visit Noosa, we've put together a guide on some lesser-known experiences around Noosa so you can discover something new on your next adventure to the Sunshine Coast. Whether you're after an adrenaline fix or want to sample some oysters by the beach, all you need to do is book your flight, check into one of our suggested accommodation options, and start exploring. Play Kick off your Noosa trip in style as soon as you touch down. Book a Tesla Transfer service to pick you up from the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane airports and take you straight from the terminal to your accommodation in Noosa. There are a range of Tesla sedans and SUVs to choose from, with complimentary child seats available. Noosa is famed for its tranquil beaches and lush hinterland, but if you're keen to inject some excitement into your visit, join the Adventure Tribe for one of its many outdoor experiences. The team hosts tours and expeditions around Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, from rock climbing and abseiling to kayaking the Noosa Everglades and hiking the Cooloola Great Walk. The experiences range from two hours to multi-day trips, with private tours also available. For more thrills, spend a day at Aussie World, which features over 30 rides, attractions and games like mini-golf, a haunted maze and a trippy 'illusionarium', as well as eateries and a beer garden. There is a range of rides to suit the whole family, from the cruisy ferris wheel and carousel for smaller tots to the unmissable Dingo Racer rollercoaster and SX360 pendulum — the latter of which reaches speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour as it completes full revolutions 32 metres up in the air. There's no better way to explore the coast than from the water so book in for one of Noosa Wave's four maritime adventures to meet Queensland locals of a different kind, including whales, dolphins, turtles and tropical fish. Embark on a whale-watching tour or an exhilarating dolphin-spotting boat ride, or get up close and personal with a snorkelling or swimming-with-whales experience. But Noosa doesn't have to be all about chasing thrills and outdoor expeditions — culture vultures can get their fix at Noosa Open Studios, which hosts a free annual Art Trail. For 10 days, visitors are invited to explore the workshops and studios of 100-plus local artists around Noosa to meet the creatives, discover their processes and purchase artworks. Eat There's nothing quite like cracking open a cold one after a day spent outdoors, so hit up the Heads of Noosa Brewing Co taproom for an icy bev. Pair one of its crisp lagers with share plates such as fried brussels sprouts with lime mayo, tempura king prawns with golden curry mayo, Thai satay chicken roti, or beef cheeks braised in Heads Black Lager with mashed potato and honey carrots. For an intimate dining experience, visit Humble on Duke in Sunshine Beach. The cosy, 14-seater restaurant is run by sole chef Stacey Conner and partner Jade Tareha and offers a seasonally changing set menu inspired by modern Australian and Middle Eastern flavours. Expect snacks such as Lebanese fried dumplings with spiced lamb and house-made Turkish bread with baba ganoush, followed by larger dishes like spiced wagyu flank with salsa verde or line-caught Pearl Perch with carrot sauce and barbecue fennel. Sides, desserts and wines are available to add on as you wish. You can't leave Noosa without dining by the beach, and Bistro C is the ideal spot to wrap up your Sunshine Coast holiday. Situated right on the boardwalk, the airy restaurant looks out onto Laguna Bay. For dinner, start with Coffin Bay oysters and calamari before moving onto bigger plates such as pork and prawn tortellini with XO butter, caramelised pork belly with toffee pear and crackling, or a spatchcock pie with pickled blueberries and a sticky jus. Finish off with a Mars Bar-inspired caramel chocolate delice, sticky date and ginger pudding with pear ice cream or coconut kaffir tapioca pudding with lychee and pineapple salsa. Start planning your Noosa getaway and find out more at the Visit Noosa website. Images: Tourism Noosa
Sydney is world renowned for its beauty, which can be easy to overlook when you live and commute in the city every day. And, our city skyline also makes for the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous burnt-orange Australian sunset. So, why not combine the two and enjoy the simple pleasures of seeing out the day with good company, great food and free flowing cocktails? We've partnered with Captain Cook Cruises to bring you a reminder of some of the places in Sydney where you can enjoy stunning sunset views with a decent drink in hand.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon.
A huge 1908 entries were submitted for the the 2022 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes. From that hefty number, 52 works were shortlisted for the Archibald, 34 for the Wynne and 29 for the Sulman. But only one artwork in each category can be named the winner of these three prestigious Australian art awards each year — and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the prizes' hosts, has just unveiled the 2022 recipients today, Friday, May 13. All three decisions were unanimous, and they provide an impressive snapshot of the Aussie art scene right now. Taking the big gong, the Archibald Prize — which is Australia's most prestigious portrait award, has now reached its 101st year and hands out $100,000 to its annual winner — is Blak Douglas' Moby Dickens. The painting depicts Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, who lives on Bundjalung Country in Lismore, and is designed as a metaphor for northern NSW town's floods earlier in 2022. And yes, the title references Moby Dick. Douglas — a Sydney-based artist with Dhungatti heritage, who was born Adam Hill — made history, too, as the first New South Wales First Nations artist to win with a painting of a New South Wales First Nations artist. "I'm elated," he said, accepting the award. "It's a major historic win." Douglas has been an Archibald Prize finalist in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, all with portraits of Aboriginal sitters. "I'm making up for lost ground in the failure to memorialise First Nations people," he said, accepting the 2022 award. 'In the past I've considered each entry to the Archibald Prize a memorial to that individual and that's why I only paint First Nations people." Measuring three metres by two metres, Moby Dickens stands out in another way, too: it's the largest Archibald painting in this year's exhibition. [caption id="attachment_853908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.[/caption] Also picking up some love from the Archibald's judges: Jude Rae, who was highly commended for The big switch, a portrait of scientist, engineer and inventor Dr Saul Griffith. For the Sir John Sulman Prize, 491 works were submitted, with Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro winning for Raiko and Shuten-dōji. The first collaborative duo to do so to win the award — which is presented to the best mural, subject or genre painting — they nabbed the prize for their rendering of the battle between the warrior and the demon that gives the colourful piece its title. [caption id="attachment_853910" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Sulman Prize 2022, Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro. Raiko and Shuten-dōji, acrylic gouache, jute and tape on helicopter shell, 159.5 x 120 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] With the Wynne Prize — which recognises the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture — Nicholas Harding emerged victorious from 601 entries with painting Eora. The artist has a long history with the awards, being shortlisted for the Wynne nine times, and also for the Archibald 19 times, including winning the latter in 2001. Two artists were highly commended among the Wynne Prize finalists, too: Lucy Culliton for painting Mooresprings, a good season, and Juz Kitson for sculpture An unwavering truth. She walks in beauty, of the night and all that's best of dark and bright. In memory of the wildfires. And, the Roberts Family Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Prize — an annual prize of $10,000 awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist who is a finalist in the Wynne Prize — went to Sally Scales for Wati Tjakura. [caption id="attachment_853909" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Wynne Prize 2022, Nicholas Harding. Eora, oil on linen, 196.5 x 374.8 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] Also a winner, but announced last week, on Thursday, May 5: Sydney-based artist Claus Stangl, who picked up this year's Packing Room Prize. He won for a portrait of the one and only Taika Waititi, because there really is nothing that the Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok filmmaker can't do. The winning portraits and finalists will now be on display at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW from Saturday, May 14, up until Sunday, August 28. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, July 27. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2022 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — May 14–August 28, 2022 Bunjil Place, Melbourne, Victoria — September 2–October 16, 2022 Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, NSW — October 22—December 4, 2022 Grafton Regional Gallery, NSW — 17 December, 2022–29 January, 2023 Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, NSW — 10 February–26 March, 2023 Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, NSW — 8 April–21 May, 2023 Western Plains Cultural Centre, NSW — 3 June–30 July, 2023 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: Excerpt of winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.
The State Theatre has an illustrious history. Originally opening in the 1930s as a magnificent setting for live shows and the best movies in town, it went on to become the home to the epic Sydney Film Festival in the 1970s. Then, in the 90s, live performances started to take centre stage once again. Today? The State Theatre is a grand, art deco space that hosts a varied program of live music and theatre performances under its glittering chandeliers, from enchanting ballets to musicals and even the exhilarating tunes of the best tribute artists around. Oh, and it still plays host to some Sydney Film Festival screenings, too. Basically, expect this grandeur theatre to level up any event that takes within its walls. Image: Flickr
Come lunch — or straight after work — get away from your sitting habit with a run around the Sydney Opera House and Mrs Macquarie's Chair. This is, quite possibly, one of the most scenic city running routes on the planet. To conquer the entire thing, start under the Harbour Bridge (on the southern side), pass along Circular Quay, dash across the Opera House forecourt and spring into the Royal Botanic Gardens to follow the foreshore to Mrs Macquarie's Chair. This isn't a chair, exactly, but a bench carved from sandstone — the handiwork of convicts in 1810 — to provide Governor Lachlan Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth, with an outdoor seat overlooking the water. Image: @alamogordo333 via Instagram.
For two decades now, ever since Batman Begins proved such a smash back in 2025, the release of a new Christopher Nolan film has been a big occasion. Indeed, 'big' applies to much about the acclaimed director's approach. His movies are made for the big screen. The response is always huge. With The Odyssey, which releases in 2026, he's also making the first feature entirely shot on IMAX cameras. If you already have Thursday, July 16, 2026 marked on your calendar, then you're clearly keen for the filmmaker's first picture since 2023's Oppenheimer, which won him the Best Director Oscar. Here's another date of importance: Thursday, July 17, 2025. Tickets for The Odyssey at IMAX Melbourne have already gone on sale a year out from the movie's release, and they're already likely to sell out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Odyssey Movie (@theodysseymovie) IMAX Melbourne is no stranger to showing Nolan's films, or for packing out its cinema while doing so. For The Odyssey, it will also be the only venue in Australia screening the movie on IMAX 1570 film and in the expanded 1.43 aspect ratio. If you haven't been keeping up with news about Nolan's 13th feature, the Memento, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk and Tenet director is adapting Homer's epic ancient poem about Odysseus' ten-year journey home to Ithaca after the also ten-year Trojan War. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Odyssey Movie (@theodysseymovie) Matt Damon (The Instigators) is playing Odysseus, Tom Holland (The Crowded Room) is his son Telemachus, and the rest of the cast also includes Zendaya (Challengers), Anne Hathaway (The Idea of You), Lupita Nyong'o (The Wild Robot), Robert Pattinson (Mickey 17), Charlize Theron (The Old Guard 2), Jon Bernthal (The Bear) and plenty more. IMAX Melbourne is one of a handful of IMAX cinemas around the world with tickets for its 70-millimetre sessions now on sale, and the only one in Australia. The Odyssey opens in Australian cinemas, including at IMAX Melbourne, on Thursday, July 16, 2026 — head to the IMAX Melbourne website for tickets.
If ever there was a quintessential basement speakeasy, it's surely Burrow Bar. Its thick limestone walls, low-slung ceilings and compact dimensions paired with crimson, tufted leather banquettes, candle-lit bistro tables and charismatic bartenders are a Prohibition-era dream; a secret party bunker just beyond the vice squad's reach. Not that it's a crime to enjoy one of Burrow Bar's innovative signature cocktails, although the dad puns they use to name their cleverly crafted drinks — such as the Make Amaro Great Again or the Can't Believe It's Not Bitter — ought to be illegal. Then again, a tongue-in-cheek spirit is very much part of this small bar's big personality — owners Chau Tran and Bruce McDonough are passionate exponents of mixology as entertainment, so expect to see some theatrics (and even occasional pyrotechnics) from the team as they assemble your beverage. Alongside the cocktail offering, you'll find a considered yet streamlined selection of wines and a showcase of Australian beers, including brews from Marrickville's Wildflower, the Mornington Peninsula Brewery in Melbourne and Queensland's Bacchus Brewing Co. Located one floor above the bar, modern Vietnamese joint Cash Only Diner provides the surprisingly substantial menu of bar eats. These range from quick and tasty snacks, such as Vietnamese pâté and house-made pickles, to more substantial plates like a green apple and mango salad with tiger prawns, or seared duck breast served with traditional fermented bean curd sauce and pops of fragrant finger lime. We'd also venture to claim that it's the only cocktail bar in Sydney where you can order a bowl of bún bò huế to your table. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
It's not often I finish work, throw down my tools, loosen my tie and think to myself, "god I'd really kill for some lobster". We're not a lobster-obsessed nation like the States, so it's a bit of a strange choice for an inner-city rooftop bar, particularly at $50 per half with a side of truffle fries. It feels a bit extravagant and incongruous to the casual bar vibe. The lobster itself, however, is super-fresh and handled beautifully, the firm flesh still moist and cut nicely by a clean citrus vinaigrette. With only lobster or burgers for food, the Rook is going for a an American diner kind of experience, though you wonder if they're cornering themselves out of the market in doing so. The Rook is working in threes. There are three burgers, three lobsters and three desserts including a sundae, alcohol-spiked fruit and a deep-fried Mars Bar. And we're talking about deep-fried Mars Bars of the 'for real' variety. I had to order it. A big part of me wishes I hadn't. Not the part that I would like to not get any bigger, but the part of me that likes things that are really, really tasty. This had a weird, gluggy texture and an overpowering alcoholic taste courtesy of the rum and raisin ice-cream. The burgers, however, are pretty ace. The saltiness of haloumi ($23) is balanced by spinach and soft, sweet peppers. Meanwhile, the sundae with Special K ice-cream, cherries, banana, peanut butter crunch and cream ($23) fills you with a bit of child-like enthusiasm and subsequent nostalgic buzz from a sugar high. Half of this eclectic, recycled and colourful space is seating for eating and half is a bar for cocktail sipping, with drinks being mixed by Cristiano Beretta from the highly regarded Black Pearl in Melbourne. The cocktails are a mix of classics and regularly changing signatures. The Fire in the Pisco ($19) with elderflower and violet liqueur gives a summery, floral twist to a traditional pisco sour. Being a sibling to the Keystone Group's The Winery and Gazebo, the wine list here is above cocktail bar standards, pulling some more interesting internationals from France, Spain, Italy and New Zealand with a nice clutch of them by the glass, like the Telmo Rodriguez Rioja from Spain ($13). It's a fun spot, with a retractable roof in progress which will be a major win. Young professionals and casual drinkers mix it up at the Rook with some sweet tunes to boot. Perched up so high, it's a slightly smug experience peering eye-level into office workers' windows as they hunch over computers. Sitting here with a cocktail in hand, lobster tail in the other, you know they might just be staring back thinking, "man I'd really kill for that". Photos by Madeline Milani.
If your breakfast game is in need of a little shake-up, you'll find yourself in excellent hands at Pyrmont's Quick Brown Fox. Continuing to infuse Sydney's cafe scene with some fresh ideas, the eatery is dishing up tried-and-true classics alongside a slew of crafty, contemporary creations. Many ingredients are made in-house, too, while the remainder are sourced locally. An all-day menu features dishes like sardines on toast and a Korean fried chicken waffle, as well as a congee of Koshihikari rice that's finished with a chilli fried egg, glazed speck, spring onion and XO sauce. Even the standard smashed avo has been reimagined, here with a poached egg, crispy tofu and yuzu-infused sesame. At lunch, you'll sit down to the likes of an impressive roast chicken with couscous and tabouli or a flank steak served medium with béarnaise and shaved taro crisps. The cheeseburger with fries with grass-fed beef comes with cheese, mustard, ketchup and pickles. You also have a choice of brunch cocktails at Quick Brown Fox (espresso martinis, bloody marys, mimosas, negronis and spritzes) and a compact list of Australian wines. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Kick start your day in decadent fashion at Balmain's newest cafe, where booze and ricotta stuffed doughnuts are calling your name. Opening without much fanfare on Darling Street late January 2017, the 40-seat Mr. is open from 7am to 4pm, seven days a week. Caffeine fiends can get their hit courtesy of Will and Co. coffee, before the liquor license kicks in at 10am. Alcoholic affogatos and traditional lemonade with vodka or gin both sound perfect for a boozy weekend brunch… or a boozy Friday arvo… or a boozy Wednesday breakfast. Who are we to judge? Speaking of breakfast, standout dishes on the early morning menu include avocado, cumin salt, lime and radish on activated charcoal quinoa toast, and the aforementioned doughnut sprinkled with cinnamon and served with grilled peach, honey and ginger crumb. Lunch options, meanwhile, include a poached chicken sandwich with lime kewpie mayo, and the requisite Sydney eatery staple: a cheeseburger with house tomato ketchup and pickles. The cafe also boasts a distinctly local flavour, with jams and preserves bought at local markets, and bread baked by the artisan bakers at the Bread and Butter Project, a social enterprise where profits are invested in employment pathways for asylum seekers and refugees.
With international borders regulated — and looking to stay that way for a while — a trip to Europe is a pipe dream at this point, but you don't actually need to leave Australia to feel like you've left the country. Right here in our own backyard, we have white sand beaches rivalling those on the Mediterranean, wineries that wouldn't be out of place in the rolling hills of Tuscany, quaint fishing towns similar to port villages you'd find in Ireland (and Normal People) and hotels in underground caves like those in Turkey. Go ahead and start dreaming, these trips may not be as far off as you think. [caption id="attachment_720252" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vasse Felix by Tourism WA[/caption] FOR TUSCAN WINERIES, VISIT MARGARET RIVER IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA While Australia is home to heaps of wine regions, one of the most idyllic is Margaret River. Located a three hours' drive from Perth, it's one of the most isolated wine regions in the world. And, its maritime-influenced climate and rich soils make it perfect for grape growing, as well as feel like the old-world vineyards of Italy and southern France. Margaret River's principal grape many varieties you'd find in French terroirs, include cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, chardonnay, semillon and sauvignon blanc; while a number of wineries also use Italian grapes such as vermentino, sangiovese and fiano. The region is home to over 90 cellar doors and has wineries ranging from the well-established Vasse Felix to the rule-breaking Blind Corner. To add to the European atmosphere of your trip, rent a villa set among those rolling vineyards. [caption id="attachment_782264" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bruzzone via SATC[/caption] FOR TURKEY'S CAVE HOTELS, VISIT COOBER PEDY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA The desert surrounds of Coober Pedy are best known for two things: opals and villages located underground. After the discovery of opals, many miners descended on the outback town and dug their homes into the landscape to escape the heat. It's unlike anything else you've ever seen — unless, of course, you've been to the Turkish region of Cappadocia. Also known for its cave dwellings and impressive rock formations, Cappadocia bears an uncanny resemblance to this South Australian counterpart. Which makes a lot of sense — approximately 60 percent of Coober Pedy's tiny 2500 population has southern and eastern European heritage. To this day, about half of the opal capital's population live in homes that are excavated into hillsides. When you visit, you can stay in one, too, thanks to plenty of underground cave accommodation, including this Airbnb stay. [caption id="attachment_782390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn via Visit Victoria[/caption] FOR QUAINT IRISH VILLAGES, VISIT PORT FAIRY IN VICTORIA Live out your Normal People fantasies at the charming fishing village of Port Fairy. Think old stone churches, cottages built in the 1800s and greenery abound. Set along the Great Ocean Road, this coastal town reminds you of Ireland for a reason. The town's original name was actually Belfast, named after the hometown of one of the early European settlers. Many Irish immigrants settled here in the mid 19th century and their influence is still evident today thanks to over 50 heritage buildings that are protected by the National Trust. And, much like the Republic of Ireland's coastal town Sligo, the filming location of Normal People, you'll find rolling green hills, quiet beaches and buildings rich in history. [caption id="attachment_784301" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR GREEK ISLAND BEACHES, VISIT GRANITE BAY IN QUEENSLAND Warm turquoise waters, secluded swimming holes and long stretches of sand await you at Granite Bay, located within Noosa National Park. You could easily use that exact same description to depict the stunning coastal beaches of Greece, but since you can't make it to the likes of Zakynthos or Milos right now, opt instead for Noosa's fairy pools. These natural tide pools lie between basalt rock and are as dazzling as any you'll find on the Greek Islands. There are also sandstone caves, walking tracks and lookout points to enjoy here. Granite Bay has one perk over Greece, too: its renowned surf. [caption id="attachment_784203" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tilba Festival[/caption] FOR OLD-WORLD UK TOWNS, VISIT CENTRAL TILBA IN NEW SOUTH WALES The National Trust-classified village of Central Tilba is nestled in the foothills of Mount Gulaga and will transport you back in time — or to the many old-world villages that dot the rural areas of the United Kingdom. The lush backdrop is matched by the town's heritage-listed cottages, artisan shops and quaint growers markets. The region's architecture and bucolic landscapes will make you think you're road tripping around Scotland, not New South Wales. And it also has the added benefit of striking coastal views. FOR BAVARIAN BIER HALLS, VISIT HAHNDORF IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA Few Aussie locations hit the European vibes as on the nose as the South Australian town of Hahndorf. It's Australia's oldest German settlement, made rather obvious by the Bavarian name. Settled in the 1800s by Lutheran migrants, the small town's German-style architecture is matched by its many German pubs, restaurants and shops. If you want to learn more about the town's history and culture on your visit, head to the Hahndorf Academy, which houses the German Migration Museum. Or travel a bit north of town where you can find the artist studio of German-born painter Sir Hans Heysen. The entire region feels like something out of a folktale. [caption id="attachment_797856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vijay Chennupati via Flickr[/caption] FOR PROVINCIAL BLOOMS, VISIT BRIDESTOWE LAVENDER FARM, TASMANIA You don't need to travel to Provence, France to explore the famed lavender fields found there. Tasmania is home to its very own bucolic lavender offering, and it was founded with proper French blossoms at that. That's thanks to London perfumer CK Denny, who migrated to Tasmania in 1921 with a packet of French Alps lavandula angustifolia seeds in his pocket. Bridestowe Estate is set on 260-acres of Nabowla farmland, about 45-minutes' drive northeast of Launceston. The region's climate is rather similar to Provence, and now produces some of the finest lavender the world has to offer. If the expansive, bright purple views aren't enough to draw you here, the soothing bath products will. FOR THE AZURE WATERS OF MALTA, VISIT FOR COCOS KEELING ISLANDS OFF THE COAST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Why go to the blissful Mediterranean archipelago of Malta when you can find true paradise right here in Australia? The Indian Ocean boasts its own group of islands that you'll never want to leave. Instead of overlooking the North African Coast, embrace the azure waters of the Cocos Keeling Islands, an Australian territory roughly a six hours flight from Perth. Both locations offer some of the best diving in the world, with abundant marine life unique to the area. Not to mention plenty of other water sports to choose from and, in Cocos Keeling's case, 25 uninhabited islands to explore. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Top image: Vijay Chennupati via Flickr
When picking ideal accommodations for trip to the Hunter Valley, there's a few key considerations. First, a steady supply of wine (duh), then a comfy bed, a nice view, and a flexibility that fits all seasons. The Lane Retreat, set on a 50-year-old winery estate, fits the brief perfectly. The 15-hectare property is split across 60 studio retreats, each with outdoor decks, views of vineyards and the Barrington Tops, a king bed, a bathroom with not one but two rain showerheads and a kitchen stocked with gourmet breakfast provisions, it's a simple, but effective, home base for any Hunter getaway. The property is shared with Palmers Lane, a wedding venue, but the layout of the retreats doesn't mean you'll be sharing a wall with a rowdy crowd. It's actually perfect for a couple's getaway, with a mix of privacy and scenery that pairs perfectly with a bottle of shiraz and a sunset after a tough day of wine tasting. There's often a seasonal offering to book a room and nearby experiences for less, so keep an eye on their offers page here. Each room is climate-controlled, but you can enjoy the on-site pool in the summer and the communal firepit come winter, with the on-site pantry offering breakfast supplies, snacks, wine, cheese and barista-made coffee. The nearby properties of Bimbadgen mean guests can make the most of VIP access and shuttle transportation to and from Bimbadgen's flagship restaurant Esca, the adjacent outdoor pizzeria (which boasts one of the best views in the valley) and sister winery property, Emma's Cottage of Alter Wines. Jordan Rodgers, General Manager – Hunter Valley Operations of site owner Mulpha Hospitality Group says "The Lane Retreat has been designed to offer all the luxury and amenities guests can expect while ensuring the Hunter wine country and the natural environment remain the stars of the show. This is a retreat for people to experience our wonderful Hunter wine country in their own way and make their own memories in a unique piece of Australia."
Peanut butter and whiskey may not be your first choice of flavour combinations. But once you take that first sip, you'll realise it opens up a whole different way to drink. Skrewball is the first brand to blend American whiskey with peanut butter, which has lead to a nutty sweet creation with just enough salt to keep things balanced. This innovative whiskey has incited a flavour revolution globally and opened up endless possibilities for creative cocktail variations. But unlike most novelty spirits, it doesn't need a full bar setup to be useful. You can drink it straight, mix it with one ingredient or take it a step further. Here are five ways to give it a proper go, starting simple, then building up from there. Let's dive in. The Salty Nuts Shot This one's as simple as it gets: just pour a shot of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey in a salt-rimmed glass. It's probably the best way to taste the whisky on its own and the salt helps bring out the roasted flavour and tone down the sweetness. It's not subtle, but it is fun. And once you try it, it'll probably make more sense why this whisky has taken off. Get the recipe Nutty Cola Whiskey and cola has always been a classic, and Skrewball slides into the combo pretty comfortably. The caramel in the cola blends with the peanut butter flavour to give you something sweet, a little nutty and very easy to drink. Add a squeeze of lime if you like it sharp. This one's good for people who want to try something different without overthinking it. Get the recipe Nutty Transfusion This is where things start to get a bit more interesting. Known as the Nutty Transfusion, this combo pairs Skrewball with grapefruit juice, lime juice and a splash of ginger ale. It's bright and bitter, which cuts through the richness of the whiskey. It's also easy to adjust to your taste. Just add more grapefruit for extra bite, more ginger ale for fizz, or more Skrewball if you're into the sweeter side. Get the recipe Skrewball Ice Cream Less cocktail, more dessert in disguise. To nail this recipe, all you have to do is drop a scoop of coffee ice cream into a glass of Skrewball, add a couple of coffee-infused ice cubes and call it a day. It's cold, creamy and just boozy enough. If you're craving an affogato after dinner, this will do the trick. Get the recipe Try it With… Basically Anything Once you've had a taste of peanut butter whiskey, it's not hard to start experimenting. Skrewball works surprisingly well with ingredients you might already have on hand, like soda water, coconut milk, sour mix, iced coffee, and other flavoured liqueurs. It doesn't always need to be complicated, sometimes it's just about swapping it in where you'd usually use a regular whiskey, and seeing what happens. Get more ideas Whether you're a whiskey fanatic or just want to mix something that tastes good and impresses your guests, now you've got five excuses to try that bottle. Just don't be surprised if it ends up being your new favourite. Explore more Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey recipes on the website.
There are three essential ingredients to any stellar road trip (aside from a reliable vehicle, of course): good snacks, good tunes and good company. If, for you, the latter includes friends of the four-legged variety, we've got a recommendation for your next destination: the Blue Mountains. We know what you're thinking: the Blue Mountains is mostly national parkland, which isn't dog-friendly. But scratch beneath the surface and you'll discover there is plenty to do in the region when you have puppy passengers. This handy itinerary will take you up the mountains along the Great Western Highway, before returning to Sydney via Bells Line of Road. Want to do it in reverse? Go for it, we don't make the rules. [caption id="attachment_863408" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Jamieson[/caption] GLENBROOK Your first stop is barely outside Sydney's limits, but you'll feel immediately immersed in the Blue Mountains' surrounds (albeit with a little noise from the nearby highway). The Lapstone Zig Zag Walk is a dog-friendly trail that starts from the end of Knapsack Street in Glenbrook. Meander along the rocky bush track until you reach the Knapsack Viaduct, a stunning sandstone arch viaduct that was built between 1863–1865. Follow the trail down into the gully for arguably the best views of the arches, then continue up to the Elizabeth Lookout for stellar views back across Penrith. Be warned: this hike has a lot of stairs and you'll need to keep your pooch on a lead. Once you've tired out your glutes and worked up a solid appetite, head into the town centre to refuel at Kickaboom. This peppy little cafe will set you straight with Reuben Hills coffee — or if you're feelin' fancy, a Speculatte, featuring Dutched spiced biscuits. Pair your drink with reuben eggs benedict or its signature fried chicken waffle, slathered in miso butterscotch sauce. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables here. [caption id="attachment_863401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] LAWSON Keep making your way up the Great Western Highway towards Lawson. There are several pet-friendly walks in the vicinity to choose from. First up, is the Terrace Falls Circuit, an easy 2.1km loop walk that begins at Lake Road, a seven-minute drive from Hazelbrook. Alternatively, you can try the Horseshoe Falls track, a relatively short trail that takes you past a bunch of waterfalls to admire. By far the most popular pup-friendly trail in the area is the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit. This 2.5km circuit passes by Adelina Falls, Junction Falls, Federal Falls and Cataract Falls and is best visited after it's been raining (provided you don't mind getting a little muddy). Alternatively, let your furry friend enjoy some off-leash time at the nearby Former Lawson Golf Course, which is now a 24-hour dog park. [caption id="attachment_863400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] KATOOMBA By now, you've most certainly earned a drink so swing by Mountain Culture for a beer. This Katoomba-based spot churns out some of the most creative craft brews in the country — fans of super juicy, hazy blends will be particularly pleased. Wind down after a big day with an NEIPA or oat cream IPA and a beef or fried chicken burger (and perhaps a few fries for Fido). [caption id="attachment_863399" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Time to check into your accommodation for the night: Lilianfels Resort and Spa. This five-star luxury hotel in Katoomba has a BYO dog package, which includes a deluxe resort view room, room service brekkie, and a dog bed, bowl and complimentary treat for your pooch. Beyond your room, the resort has a tennis court, a day spa, pools and several on-site dining options. Alternatively, the Fairmont Resort in nearby Leura also has two pet-friendly rooms available that include fenced courtyards. The next morning, make a quick stop at much-loved local bakery Black Cockatoo to stock up on top-shelf snack supplies before setting off on more adventures. The dog-friendly Minnehaha Falls track, which starts at the end of Minni Ha Ha Road in Katoomba, is about 1.5km in length. Though it has quite a steep descent, including a couple of staircases, your efforts will be well rewarded when you arrive at the stunning waterfall. On a balmy day, you can even take a dip in the swimming hole beneath the falls. If you want to venture a little further, Mount Victoria has a number of dog-friendly tracks to try, including Fairy Bower Track and the Little Zig Zag Walk. [caption id="attachment_783728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Minnehaha Falls via Flickr[/caption] Spend the afternoon soaking up the facilities at your accommodation. Then, if you and pup have one final walk of the day left in you (don't worry, it's a short one), check out the recently opened Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk. The 1.3km stroll allows you to see a number of the region's top features, including Orphan Rock, Witches Leap and even The Three Sisters, after dark. The path lights and floodlights are turned on at dusk and off at 10.30pm, but it's recommended you BYO a personal light source (like a flashlight), too. Dogs must remain on-leash. [caption id="attachment_863397" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BILPIN Start the day by driving along the Darling Causeway. This will connect you to Bells Line of Road to complete the second half of your Blue Mountains loop. Feeling a little hiked out? Good news: this end of the journey is more of a workout for your taste buds than your legs. Your first stop must be The Grumpy Baker in Bilpin for Single O coffee and baked treats — the rugelach is a personal fave. You may also want to grab a frozen family pie or lasagne for dinner later. Bilpin is famous for its apple orchards so you can expect the next few hours to be a full-on fruit fest. Most orchards are only open for a few months of the year for fruit-picking and aren't pet-friendly, so if Rex is with you, that's not on the cards (though it's worth calling a few to check, just in case). But you can get striaght to the good stuff by visiting the town's two premier cideries: Bilpin Cider and Hillbilly Cider. Both are dog-friendly and offer plenty of non-alcoholic ciders, so the designated driver needn't miss out. Food-wise, you can grab a picnic hamper from Bilpin Cider's on-site restaurant and make the most of the ten-acre farm, home to sheep, alpacas and beautiful flowers. Or, grab a picnic table in the garden overlooking the orchard at Hillbilly Cider and enjoy Neapolitan-style woodfired pizzas. [caption id="attachment_863398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] KURRAJONG Reward your pooch for being a very good plus-one on your day of foodie adventures by visiting Kurrajong Bark Park. This off-leash park is open 24 hours a day and has different sections for big and small pups and agility equipment — plus, epic views, a mobile cafe and plenty of seating for owners to enjoy. [caption id="attachment_863403" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melanie Colwell[/caption] Your accommodation for the evening is based in Grose Vale, just outside Kurrajong. Ding Dang Doo is a picturesque 30-acre estate that has six stays available, ranging from glamping tents and self-contained cottages for two people to a larger farmhouse and a homestead for larger groups. All options are pup-friendly. The property offers access to a number of bushwalks, plus kayaks you can borrow to go for a paddle on the lake. You can also feed the resident horses, sheep and chooks. [caption id="attachment_863406" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melanie Colwell[/caption] You absolutely mustn't leave this region without tucking into an apple pie. So, before beginning your final leg back to Sydney, take a quick drive back towards Bilpin to hit one of the bakeries on the local council's apple pie trail. There are a couple of strong contenders for the best in the area, but our pick is Pie in the Sky Roadhouse, topped with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream, of course. [caption id="attachment_863404" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melanie Colwell[/caption] TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR DOG Road trips can be daunting for our furry friends, so we have a few tips from pet expert Dr Leigh Davidson to help you out: Familiarise them with the car from a young age if you can — start with shorter journeys to fun places (like dog parks) so they get comfortable and learn that car trips equal fun. Buckle 'em up in the back seat — you can use a crate, a booster seat or a seatbelt attachment. We're using the Yellow Daisy harness and car restraint from Pablo & Co. Stick to routine mealtimes. Make regular stops so Milo can stretch his legs and do his business. Transport for this Blue Mountains guide was provided to Concrete Playground by Toyota. Top image: The Grumpy Baker, Melanie Colwell
While the northern hemisphere bundles up for a white Christmas, Australia is heading into its warmest days. 'Tis the season for beer-filled eskies and backyard BBQs —ideally with a pool close enough for a cooling dip. But when public pools are packed, beaches are heaving, and your apartment complex doesn't even have a tiny lap pool, there's another option: renting someone else's backyard pool by the hour You can do that on Swimply, the pool version of Airbnb. Founded in 2018, the platform connects hosts with a pool to spare to Sydneysiders seeking a private dip — or if a pool isn't a must, pickleball courts and backyards, such as this countryside garden in Duffys Forest, are also available. Some spaces are meticulously styled for creators and brands looking to shoot content, while others come equipped with cabanas, firepits and grottos for the ultimate pool party. Don't stress about splashing out — hourly rates start from just $25. We've rounded up some of the best pools on Swimply for your next summer gathering. In the wild Surrounded by lush native and tropical plants, this saltwater pool feels like a secret alcove that you stumble upon in the wilderness. In the shade, rustic wooden furniture blends seamlessly into the natural feel of the space, with plenty of spots for lounging or a slow meal — there's even a grill on-site that you can use for a small fee. Book here. Secluded and sprawling This Balinese-style gem in the northern suburb of Warriewood screams pool party. At the back of this beachside mansion, find a spacious 12-meter infinity pool complete with a spa. Anyone chilling in the pool can join the conversation over at the grass patch, while a cosy firepit is the perfect spot for some intimate chats and drinks. Book here. Fit for a king Surrounded by waterfalls, manicured hedges and a massive alfresco area, this Castle Hill rental is right out of the ritzy country club in High School Musical 2. Its lagoon-style pool, naturalistic grottos and stone tiles are a nostalgic nod to '80s and '90s resorts, when pools were designed to look as natural as possible. The venue accommodates up to 25 people, and for just $40, you can host a girls' night with the guarantee that no men present on the property during the booking. Book here. Deckside dreams If you dream of suburban bliss, this backyard in Dee Why should be on your Pinterest board. Step inside and you'll find a low-key oasis designed with clean lines, a sun-soaked deck and marble pool tiles. Everything is set up for a refreshing afternoon, from pool toys for the kids to a lounge bed to work on your tan between dips. When the sun sets, the pool can be heated on request. Book here. Tropical escape Reconnect with nature at this Matraville tropical garden, where a tranquil magnesium pool sits shaded by lush greenery. Within the compound, there's also a mini gym, a grill for rent and two seating areas that are perfect for a quiet afternoon of recovery. Book here. Picture perfect If you need a backdrop of a pool for a shoot, this is the one. Every corner of this Fairfield location is made for the camera: the minimalist pool, black exteriors that don't add clutter and pops of colour from thoughtfully-placed cacti and plants. There's also an adorable shaded lounge and a dedicated shower by the pool — they're just as pretty as the pool. Book here. Images supplied
If you're ever in the Chippendale/Ultimo stretch of Sydney and are craving a quick and delicious feed, one of your best options is Hongdae Pocha — the new KBBQ joint from the Vuza Hospitality team, who are the same team behind South Korean bakery and cafe Buttered. Housed in a heritage-listed former brewery, exposed brick, concrete walls, steel supports and plaques reflect the history of the space, which boasts enough seating for 172 diners on any day. The menu, crafted by Head Chef Haeseung Choi (Firedoor, Jueun), champions the informal and social dining experience of pocha, offering a mix of street-style South Korean eats designed to be shared. "Pocha is a big part of Korean nightlife — it's where food and drink come together in a relaxed, social setting. It's not formal dining, it's about unwinding with drinks and enjoying bold flavours with good company. With Hongdae Pocha, we wanted to capture that same energy for Sydney — approachable, vibrant, and true to the way we eat and socialise back home," said Choi. Highlights on the menu include the umami-laden yukhoe, a Korean beef tartare mixed in chilli paste and served atop a crispy hash brown, and the yetnal tongdak, a whole chicken deep fried and topped half-and-half — one half with a mustard soy glaze and green onion, and the other with a spicy sweet-and-sour blend. The rest of the food menu is filled with street food classics, plates of grill-it-yourself pork and beef with toppings aplenty, seafood pancakes, and ice cream topped with a mix of treats we dare not spoil. Images: Trent Van Der Jagt for Stanley House Studios
Why is it that we look to books for comfort in times of need? Literature has a beautiful path of communication and leading us into new worlds. In a time when many of us are going inwards, there are a handful of books that can guide us through. Here, that could mean exploring the underbelly of Southeast Queensland through the eyes of a teenage drug dealer, entering the dystopian world of a Man Booker Prize-winning author or learning how to get your bank account sorted. Where possible, support your local independent bookstore through these uncertain times and enjoy the world of literature. BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE BY TRENT DALTON Trent Dalton's groundbreaking debut novel lives up to the accolades on its cover. The Courier Mail journalist explores the underbelly of Southeast Queensland through the eyes of a 12-year-old heroin dealer, who's best friend is a 60-something escaped convict named Slim. Something unusual happened while reading this exquisite piece — I had an urge to scribble on the pages. Do yourself the biggest favour yet, and devour Boy Swallows Universe in one sitting. THE TESTAMENTS BY MARGARET ATWOOD Right now the universe is experiencing something that even Margaret Atwood couldn't have predicted, but this recently released sequel to The Handmaid's Tale predicts a dystopian future that doesn't seem too far off if we don't clean up our act. The Testaments comes 35 years after the Canadian author's novel that sparked the hit TV series we can't get enough of. The novel picks up 15 years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale and alternates between the explosive testaments of three women from the Republic of Gilead. If you've felt yourself on the outskirts of good literary conversation of late, reading the winner of the 2019 Man Booker Prize from cover to cover will throw yourself right into the midst of it. EXPECTATION BY ANNA HOPE If your anticipation for the next Sally Rooney novel is wearing thin, Expectation is for you. Regularly compared to Rooney's cult hits Normal People and Conversations With Friends, Anna Hope's recent release embraces a raw and real approach to relationships. Expectation is a novel of the highs and lows of friendships — how they can dip, dive and rise again, and the way we somehow find our place among it all. It follows the ten-year timeline of best friends Hannah, Cate and Lissa from a shared world of art and activism, romance and revelry to flailing careers and faltering marriages. TALES FROM A FINANCIAL HOT MESS BY FRANCES COOK There are books that you slowly warm to. Then there are books that you know are going to change your life before they jump off the shelf at you. This one is the latter. The New Zealand Herald journalist Frances Cook's debut guide found it's way into my life with divine timing. Books have the power to change your life, and Tales From A Financial Hot Mess was no exception. It offers an opportunity to adopt a new way of being and sort your money shit. Learn new skills and turn the relationship with your bank account on its head (or tails). Money is a difficult, awkward and anxiety-inducing conversation to have, but within the first few chapters of this handy guide your financial stresses might just fly free. Budgets just became beautiful. WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING BY DELIA OWENS It may not be the freshest release, but Where The Crawdads Sing is the book on everyone's tongue and Kindle search list. It has been noted as the coming of age story of the 2010s and a delicate novel with poignant reminders of our fragility. Delia Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps. This debut novel was even a New York Times bestseller for 58 weeks. It's not the newest book on global shelves, but it's slowly making it's way from North Carolina to our shores. THE XX BRAIN BY DR LISA MOSCONI The XX Brain explores one of society's most debilitating conditions: dementia. Dr Lisa Mosconi draws on scientific research and theory to develop an approach for women to prevent disease and improve brain health. The graphs are emotive and the theories are compelling. The flow is engaging even if you failed high school science, and Dr Mosconi's credentials are astounding. Understanding that the brain of a woman is different from that of a man is crucial in saving lives when it comes to dementia, and The XX Brain gives us the tools to do just that. CILKA'S JOURNEY BY HEATHER MORRIS If Heather Morris' The Tattooist of Auschwitz gripped you like no other, then her followup, Cilka's Journey, is the next step on this path. Based on the true story of a woman who survives Auschwitz, it features the same unforgettable tone and strength that taught us all the meaning of survival is inviting. Morris' novel teaches us that sometimes life isn't handed out fairly, but it's how we deal with hardship that shapes who we truly are. A must read for cosy days indoors and an excuse for letting all those bottled emotions run free. KNOW MY NAME: A MEMOIR BY CHANEL MILLER Content warning: sexual assault. You may not know her name, but her assailant's will leave a bitter taste on your tongue. The case of Brock Turner was one that rose to international news, but we never heard his victim's story. She became just that, Emily Doe, the unknown victim who's intimate inner workings of her life were splashed across headlines. But she is so much more; a survivor, a fighter, an artist and a writer. She is Chanel Miller and with Know My Name she reclaims her story. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
On the other side of the peninsula from Cronulla's main drag, you'll find some of the bluest waters the area has to offer. Gunnamatta Bay is the type of oasis that you wouldn't expect to find right next to the train line. But it is, making it easily accessible for those arriving in Cronulla via public transport. The area has everything needed for a perfect family day out — a large expanse of parklands with ample shade and an impressive playground, plus toilet facilities and wave-free swimming areas. The biggest attraction is Gunnamatta Bay Tidal Baths, a netted swimming area enclosed by an elevated wooden boardwalk, which is an irresistible jumping off point for adventurous kids, and a popular place for adults to swim laps. Images: Mel Koutchalis.
Some films are made for the critics. Other films are made for the fans. But some films are made for a third audience: specifically, 13-year-old boys with mild-to-severe concussion. Transformers: The Last Knight falls into that latter category. Michael Bay's latest robot rumble is a two and a half hour special-effects fiasco in which so much happens. So much...and yet nothing at all. The film begins in the Dark Ages, with King Arthur and his knights facing imminent defeat at the hands of the Saxons until a Transformer helpfully intervenes and saves the day. Later, we learn that they also hung out with Da Vinci, inspired Tesla and turned the tide against the Nazis. In fact, there's so much revisionist Hasbro history going on in this movie you genuinely expect to learn Jesus didn't turn water into wine – he transformed it (cue robotic morphing sound effect). Transformers: The Last Knight is something of a paradox, in that it's simultaneously one of the dumbest and most needlessly complicated stories ever told. The short version is that there's a super-weapon hidden on Earth that everybody, both human and alien, is desperate to get their hands on. The longer version involves Merlin, British noble lineage, a Transformers deity, robot-hunting humans, robot-saving humans and, for some reason, John Turturro playing basketball in Havana. This is a film that assumes nobody outside of England knows London isn't a five minute drive from Oxford. It's a film that begins in Chicago, then has its characters commute – only minutes later – to a Native American reserve in the desert. And in that desert, there's a tiny one-street shanty town that inexplicably boasts a 20-storey hotel. It's a film that says things like "the object is growing three metres a day" then, just two lines later, "it's growing exponentially". It's a film where nobody bats an eyelid at an alien robot t-rex, but if you believe in the possibility of magic well then you're obviously a crazy person. Perhaps worst of all, it's a film that has Sir Anthony Hopkins deliver the line "what a bitchin' car she is!" Perhaps it's too much to expect that the fifth film in a franchise based on a children's toy line would offer anything more than the cinematic version of kids slamming their action figures together whilst yelling 'Blam! Ka-Pow! Pew Pew Pew!' And yet, the original Transformers found a way. Its characters had clearly defined motivations and its story was broadly comprehensible. By part five, however, the humans have been reduced to caricatures, while the Transformers exist only to destroy things and mumble the occasional rap lyric. As a showreel for the extraordinary capabilities of special effects departments, Transformers: The Last Knight is great. On every other front it's an abysmal waste of time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AntcyqJ6brc
Surry Hills has scored itself a specialty coffee destination — Melbourne-born roaster Veneziano Coffee has landed in Sydney. With cafes in Adelaide and Brisbane, and a roastery and headquarters in Melbourne's Richmond, Veneziano's Sydney project comes backed by almost two decades of experience and a reputation for some pretty top-notch coffee. The sleek Surry Hills espresso bar serves a rotation of the brand's favourite creations, from house blends to featured microlots sourced from one small area of a plot. They're available to take away or enjoy in, perhaps teamed with a sweet treat from Shortstop Donuts. In even more exciting for local caffeine fiends, the cafe also includes a state-of-the-art training studio, which'll play host to a range of specialty coffee events and training courses, catering to everyone from novices to professionals.
Those currently working from home have probably seen two major changes to their routine: less shoes and more snacks. To help with the latter, Australia's much-loved biscuit maker Arnott's has been opening its vault and releasing some of its coveted recipes — for the first time in history. So far as part of the snack expert's Big Recipe Release, it has unveiled its Monte Carlo, four-ingredient Scotch Finger and Iced VoVo recipes. Next up is a decadent twist on everyone's favourite chocolate-coated bikkie: the Tim Tam. While the company hasn't revealed exactly how to make the beloved biscuit, it is sharing how you can whip up salted almond Tim Tam brownies — aka the kind of snack you probably didn't know that you were craving until right now. This recipe has been put together for home bakers by Arnott's Master Baker Vanessa Horton, and timed to celebrate a very apt occasion: World Baking Day, which falls on this Sunday, May 17. Of course, while that's a great excuse to make Tim Tam-flavoured brownies, you can obviously cook them up whenever you like — and however often, too. As you'd expect, you do, in fact, need flour to make Tim Tam brownies, but we've rounded up some of the spots selling the essential ingredient across the country, which aren't supermarkets. Australia's oldest baker will continue to release a new recipe for one of its famous biscuits every week until social distancing regulations are lifted. Next up, will it be the Mint Slice? Pizza Shapes? Tim Tams themselves? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, though, here's the Tim Tam Brownie recipe: SALTED ALMOND TIM TAM BROWNIES Melted butter, to grease 120 grams dark chocolate, chopped 120 grams butter 1 1/2 cups (400 grams) caster sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup (120 grams) plain flour 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 200 gram packet of Arnott's original Tim Tam, chopped 1/2 cup almonds, chopped 1/2 teaspoon sea-salt flakes Method Preheat oven to 180ᵒC (or 160°C fan forced). Grease a square cake tin (20 x 20 centimetre) and line with baking paper. Place chocolate and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then stir until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Stir sugar into the chocolate mixture, then add the eggs one at a time — stirring well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa powder and baking powder in a small bowl. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture. Stir until just combined. Stir through Tim Tam pieces. Pour batter into prepared tin. Spreading evenly, sprinkle with almonds and sea salt flakes. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm. Set aside to cool completely. Cut into pieces and serve.
Sydney has no shortage of French diners right now, with a wave of new Parisian-inspired restaurants and grand European brasseries arriving in the Harbour City including Manon, Whalebridge, The Charles, Bouillon L'Entrecote and Brasserie 1930, just to name a few. This wave of new competition has not seen restauranteur Andrew Becher shy away from his love for rich French cuisine, however, opening Armorica Grande Brasserie, his second venue in this style to accompany Potts Point's Franca which you'll find on our list of the 15 best restaurants in Sydney right now as well as his Catalan-inspired fine diner Parlar. The 150-seat restaurant has set up shop in the former home of Toko, which moved to an expansive new omakase-focused outpost late in 2022. Under the guidance of Becher, the Japanese joint's old digs have been transformed into a lavish French-influenced dining space with timber detailed ceilings, European oak joinery, brass gantries and an open kitchen centred around a custom-built grill. "Armorica is a Parisian brasserie that embraces the timeless charm of classic French dining. We want to bring the fun, energy and excitement of dining in the city of light right here on Crown Street," said Becher. The grill will be put to full use here, with plenty of fire-heavy dishes that utilise top Australian produce to create classic northern French feeds. From steak frites and aged pork cutlet to grilled rock lobster and whole chicken served with desert lime, chicken skin and thyme gravy, you'll be left impressed, and full, from the grill menu. These fiery dishes will be paired with Head Chef Jose Saulog's vibrant delights from the sea and land including highlights from a raw menu and a selection of pasta. Expect slow-roasted duck rigatoni, octopus roulade, coral trout crudo, foie gras torchon, and an outlandish seafood tower featuring oysters, prawn cocktails, octopus roulade and rock lobster. All of this top-notch produce needs to be matched by an equally high-quality wine list, of course, and Armorica is coming to the table with a 400-strong vino list focused on traditional winemakers creating exceptionally drinkable drops. Plus, there are also plenty of sweets on offer. Group Executive Chef Travin DeHoedt has created five signature desserts to round out your meal including the Armorica chocolate bar, made with Valrhona chocolate mousse, salted caramel and choc chip cookie. Armorica is now open six nights a week for dinner and two days a week for lunch, housing the lavish eats and drinks in a luxurious bistro from Steel and Stitch accompanied by custom joinery from Contempo and Co. Rounding out the look is a series of original artworks that American illustrator David Plunkert has created in collaboration with Becher. Armorica is now open at 490 Crown Steet, Surry Hills. It's open for dinner Friday–Sunday and lunch Tuesday–Sunday.
It isn't easy to capture a person on a canvas, or to attempt to convey who someone is in a piece of art beyond recreating their appearance. For more than a century, the Archibald Prize has not only understood this, but also rewarded the very best Australian examples. The prestigious art award turns 104 in 2025, and will again anoint the top instance of Aussie portraiture from an impressive range of contenders. Will a painting of artist Jason Phu by Abdul Abdullah win? Also, how will likenesses of Nicole Kidman, Hugo Weaving, Boy Swallows Universe star Felix Cameron, Miranda Otto, Grace Tame, Vincent Namatjira, filmmaker Warwick Thornton and comedian Aaron Chen fare? These are some of the questions sparked by this year's Archibald Prize shortlist, with 57 finalists in contention. After the Art Gallery of New South Wales revealed the pieces that are down to the last hurdle on Thursday, May 1, it will announced 2025's winner on Friday, May 9. [caption id="attachment_1002023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Packing Room Prize 2025, Abdul Abdullah 'No mountain high enough', oil on linen, 162.4 x 136.7 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter[/caption] Abdullah has already claimed a gong for his depiction of his friend Phu, with No mountain high enough earning the Archibald's Packing Room Prize for 2025. Decided by gallery staff that unpack and hang the awards' entries each year, the accolade is in its 34th year. With his place among the Archie finalists, Abdullah has now made the shortlist on seven occasions, alongside placing on the Wynne and Sulman prize lists in the past as well. Courtesy of No mountain high enough, Abdullah's latest Archibald achievement is for a work showing another of this year's contenders, too. Phu, who is also a previous finalist for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes, is among 2025's Archie competitors for his portrait of Weaving. [caption id="attachment_1002027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Abdul Abdullah, image courtesy the artist[/caption] "It is always an honour to be selected as a finalist for the Archibald Prize, and I am especially honoured to be picked for the Packing Room Prize. I see it as a sort of community prize, where the Packing Room team, which is made up of professional art handlers — many of whom are artists themselves — get to pick a painting they like. I am so glad they picked this one. It's kind of like an artists' pick, and I'm extra happy for that," said Abdullah. "Jason is my best friend. We talk on the phone every day, he was the best man at my wedding and we have travelled together. I've painted him as I see him, as a ceaseless adventurer who at any one time is involved in a dozen conversations on a dozen different platforms, bringing his unique perspective to one flummoxed friend or another." [caption id="attachment_1002026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Art Gallery of New South Wales Packing Room team with director Maud Page and the Packing Room Prize 2025 winning work by Abdul Abdullah 'No mountain high enough', photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Diana Panuccio[/caption] The Packing Room team selected No mountain high enough after being "instantly drawn to Abdul Abdullah's portrait of Jason Phu. Both are accomplished artists whose works have a distinct style and engage with complex social and cultural themes using wit and cartoonish references. The team holds great respect for the way both Abdul and Jason have progressed in their careers," advised AGNSW's Senior Installation Officer Alexis Wildman. "On a technical level, this portrait is very well painted. It really captures the essence of the subject with the image of a lone ranger, an intrepid jokester or a quiet hero navigating the rocky terrain of today's social climate. This immediately sparked conversation among the Packing Room team." [caption id="attachment_1002028" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2025 finalist, Vincent Namatjira 'King Dingo', 8 panels: synthetic polymer paint and oil stick on linen, 152.9 x 204 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter[/caption] Abdullah's Phu portrait and its 56 fellow finalists were picked from 904 Archibald Prize entries, with the total pool of 2394 submissions across the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes marking the second-highest number ever received. Only 2020 had more. For the Wynne, which is all about landscape painting, 52 finalists are in contention. With the Sulman, which rewards genre painting, subject painting and mural projects, 30 are vying for the prize. Across all three, 2025 is the first year that there's more finalist works by women artists in the accolades' history. This year's Archibald Prize recipient will follow 2024 winner Laura Jones for her portrait of author Tim Winton, 2023's Julia Gutman for a depiction of Montaigne, Blak Douglas' 2022 victory for a likeness of artist Karla Dickens in the Lismore floods, Peter Wegner's 2021 portrait of fellow artist Guy Warren and Vincent Namatjira's 2020 piece featuring Adam Goodes among the gongs' picks in the 2020s so far. [caption id="attachment_1002029" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2025 finalist, Jason Phu 'older hugo from the future fighting hugo from right now in a swamp and all the frogs and insects and fish and flowers now look on', synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 183.2 x 152.5 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1002030" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2025 finalist, Jaq Grantford 'Sisters', oil on canvas, 167.5 x 167.5 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1002031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2025 finalist, Adrian Jangala Robertson 'Warwick Thornton', synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 61.1 x 61.7 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter[/caption] Archibald Prize 2025 Exhibition Dates Saturday, May 10–Sunday, August 17, 2025 — Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW Saturday, August 30–Sunday, November 9, 2025 — Geelong Gallery, Victoria Saturday, November 22, 2025–Sunday, January 11, 2026 — Gosford Regional Gallery, NSW Saturday, January 23–Saturday, March 7, 2026 — Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, NSW Friday, March 20–Saturday, May 3, 2026 — Mudgee Arts Precinct, NSW Saturday, May 16–Sunday, July 19, 2026 — Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, NSW [caption id="attachment_1002032" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2025 finalist, Jeremy Eden 'Felix Cameron', oil on canvas, 119.6 x 180.1 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter[/caption] The winner of 2025's Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes will be announced on Friday, May 9 at 12pm — check back here then. If you can't make it to any of the above exhibition 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: Winner Packing Room Prize 2025, Abdul Abdullah 'No mountain high enough', oil on linen, 162.4 x 136.7 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter
You know the scene: you're standing in front of a wall of wine bottles, overwhelmed with choice and trying to cut through the wine jargon, while just wondering which bottle will actually taste good. Dan Murphy's feels your pain — but its brand-new list of Australia's best wines is here to help. The drinks giant has unveiled the winners of its first Best in Glass Wine Awards, spotlighting the best wines in the country, plus a few from further beyond — and every single one of them clocks in under $50. Better yet, two of the top picks come in at under $15, proving you don't need to splash out to sip on something great. Over 700 bottles were blind-tasted by Dan Murphy's in-house experts, who whittled down the final list to 46 winners across a broad range of categories. Each category crowned three bottles: the Best Overall, the Best Value and the Best International. To be considered for awards, wines needed to be available in Dan Murphy's stores nationally and under $50. Looking for affordable new go-tos? Margaret River winery Fifth Leg's semillon sauvignon blanc ($13.29) and Shingleback Red Knot shiraz ($12.99) from McClaren Vale both snagged the Best Value gongs in their respective categories. "Choosing a wine can be intimidating," says Andrew Shedden, GM of Premium and Luxury at Dan Murphy's. "There is so much choice on shelves, so without a clear starting point, it can be overwhelming. The Best in Glass Wine Awards are about cutting through that... The result is a line-up of Aussie favourites and international gems that cover just about every drinking occasion you can think of, from steak night to date night." South Australia claimed the most winners with a lucky 13 in total, followed by Victoria and Western Australia. Margaret River, the Barossa and Yarra Valley were the top-performing wine regions, with each scoring four wins apiece. Tasmania also had a solid showing, dominating the sparkling wine categories thanks to labels like Jansz, Devil's Corner and Clover Hill. Internationally, France led the way with the lion's share of the international awards — but a few standout drops from New Zealand and Italy also made the cut. For more information, head to the Dan Murphy's website.
Gaming and esports are coming to Harbour City in a big way. From Saturday, April 8, Chippendale's Central Park Mall will welcome Fortress Sydney, a multi-level centre devoted to computer, video, console and tabletop gaming. When it launches, it'll become a bigger sibling venue to Fortress Melbourne — which opened in 2020 to become the largest site of its type not only in the country, but in the southern hemisphere. Fortress' second Aussie outpost, this 1000-person venue will be a seven-days-a-week haven for Sydneysiders eager to mash buttons with their mates somewhere other than their lounge room — or beyond your respective homes while connected online. Head to this sprawling spot for gaming PCs, suites dedicated to consoles, an arcade and a fantasy-themed tavern. And, for feeling like you've walked into gaming heaven, clearly. If you take your favourite pastime a bit more seriously, you'll definitely be in the right place. The esports arena turns playing into a competitive spectacle, and there's also broadcast and production facilities. Unsurprisingly, Fortress Sydney will host events year-round, such as live tournaments and international playoffs. Elsewhere, function rooms with their own computer setups will be available to hire for private events and parties — and there'll be a merchandise store onsite as well. When it comes to kicking back after a few games, that's where that tavern comes in, serving both drinks and food. Monday nights on-site will be all about trivia over beverages, while Wednesdays will focus on board games, letting patrons work their way through the venue's hefty board game library. On Fridays and Saturdays, there'll be late-night gaming sessions. And Sundays will host Dungeons and Flagons, self-contained D&D sessions guided by an expert Dungeon Master — and with a drink, stationery and character sheet all included, and all experience levels welcome. Whether you're a Super Smash Bros lover or a Counter Strike fiend — or maybe you just love Uno, the card game of champions — Fortress Sydney aims to appeal to everyone, catering for casual fans, competitive gamers and esports diehards, as well as families and after-work crowds. It arrives at a stellar time for gaming culture — The Last of Us is one of 2023's best new TV shows; Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, The Super Mario Bros Movie and Tetris are heading to screens big and small; and there's always obviously something new to play. Fortress Sydney will open at Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale on Saturday, April 8 — head to the venue's website for bookings and further details.
A Chippendale cafe serving up dishes of local and ethically-sourced produce from a predominantly plant-based menu — a lot of which looks like it's made for Instagram — sounds like a scenario we've heard before. Nearby Henry Lee's does it (and well), as do a heap of cafes in the area. But, still, the concept isn't one to be scoffed at — and new cafe Concrete Jungle does it well (though not without a flaw or two). As well as sounding mighty similar to Concrete Playground (hey, we were all thinking it), the cafe's name is a nod to the now iconic Central Park building around the corner, which successfully combines industrial and natural elements. Another successful combination, while not particularly revolutionary, is tuna and avocado, and in the form of Concrete Jungle's tuna tartare ($22), it's a dependable dish. The creamy avocado is helped along by tart apple matchsticks and savoury miso — the only thing I'd wish for is more of those airy teff crackers so I wouldn't have to ration them like a castaway. The Reuben, as it was listed on the menu ($17), had me expecting a play on the deli classic, but the dish that arrives is more pulled beef burger than Reuben. The house barbcue beef on its own with the soft sesame would've made for a great sloppy joe — but toss in an egg, tarragon mayonnaise, and a slice of pastrami and it becomes something simultaneously confusing and almost too rich. If the Ruben is an example of a dish not living up to expectations, the Blue Majik smoothie bowl ($17.50) with blue algae, blueberries, blackberries and coconut flakes is an example of Instagram-influenced food gone right. Aside from the questionable spelling — which no amount of menu-perusing or reading of the cafe's story will help you understand — there's nothing serious to fault here. It's tropical with a subtle coconut flavour, and much better than your usual acai bowl. Blue algae isn't the most attractive ingredient to see on a menu but it's consistent with the cafe's 'refuel with essential nutrients' mantra. Concrete Jungle shows that a focus on nutritional, sustainable eating is more than a millennial fad — it can result in some enjoyable food, with the (organic) cherry on top being that it's a mindful way to eat. We just think it wise to stick to the dishes that emulate their plant-based clean-eating ethos.
Frozen has done it. Beauty and the Beast and Shrek, too. The Lion King is set to again in 2026. We're talking about animated movies making the leap from the screen to the stage Down Under, as another childhood favourite is, too. With Anastasia, Russian history first inspired a 90s hit, which then became a Broadway stage production since 2017. The musical is treading the boards in Melbourne from December 2025, marking the show's Australian debut, then playing Sydney from Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Sydney Lyric is hosting Anastasia's New South Wales premiere, with the Tony-nominated musical unveiling an all-ages-friendly tale inspired by Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov during the Russian Revolution, as the 1997 movie also charted. Accordingly, accompanied by songs such as 'Journey to the Past' and 'Once Upon a December' — both from the big-screen release — theatregoers can get ready to spend time with a young woman named Anya on her journey to discover her past, and to unearth a story that some in the narrative don't want revealed. Audiences have writer Terrence McNally and songwriting team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens to thank for Anastasia's existence as a stage musical — and between its Broadway run and its Aussie stint, Anastasia has also toured North America, and hit the stage in Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico and Japan. Images: Roy Beusker.
The season of openair cinemas continues in Sydney, with the latest outdoor theatre of summer opening up in Darling Quarter — renamed for 2026 as the HBO Max Open Air Cinema. Until Sunday, January 25, 11 films will be screening in the heart of the harbourside precinct, within arm's reach of local eateries and basked in the cosy evening air. Starting with an opening screening of James Gunn's Superman, the HBO Max Open Air Cinema will also screen A Minecraft Movie, Hairspray, the Fantastic Beasts series, Crazy Rich Asians, Space Jam, The Wizard of Oz and more across its monthlong run. Attendees can register for free unallocated seating with BYO chairs or rugs, or spend $10 on a reserved ticket to enjoy allocated beanbags or picnic rugs. Walk-ins are welcome, but seating fills up quickly, so early arrivals are strongly recommended. If you've got a well-behaved dog, four-legged attendees are welcome so long as they keep their leads on and barks on silent. Speakers will be broadcasting the sound to all audience members, but if you prefer your audio a little clearer, each screening will have 350 headphones available to get cinema-quality sound straight into your eardrums. No cinema can go without a snack bar, and in this case, you'll be able to get refreshments from a pop-up bar, and order click and collect meals from Dopa Donburi, Braza Churrascaria, Kürtősh and Gelatissimo. Reserved ticketholders, meanwhile, can order directly to their seats via QR code ordering. HBO Max Open Air Cinema runs until Sunday, January 25. Visit the website for the full program or to book tickets. Images: Danielle Chloe Photography
The elevated dishes at British-born chef Nelly Robinson's Surry Hills degustation restaurant NEL bear little resemblance to the burgers and parmis you'll find at the local boozer. However, pub grub, albeit of a different sort, has been on the mind of this culinary maestro for some time. Classic corner pub The Nag's Head — a Glebe institution since 1836 — is now home to Robinson's first new venue in a decade: Winstons, a refined UK-themed gastropub concept, opening September 19, where guests will experience the multi-course wizardry Robinson is famed for via a seven-dish tasting menu inspired by Great British cuisine. [caption id="attachment_973555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winstons[/caption] Launching a new restaurant has been on Robinson's to-do list for several years. "NEL is ten years old next year, which I don't think a lot of people realise," he explains. "I've been mulling over taking on other projects for a while and for a long time, I thought that would mean going overseas, looking to earn some Michelin stars. But when [the owners of The Nag's Head] approached me, it was just such an exciting idea. I was brought up in British pubs, so getting to launch this project is all about nostalgia for me. It's about thinking about my father, my grandfather and really channelling the spirit of the pubs I grew up around." While many Aussie hotels can claim to have excellent food offerings, Robinson is aiming to set a new gold standard. Winstons is the nation's first true gastropub — that is to say, a fine dining restaurant within a pub in the same vein as the lauded chef-led ventures that have proven so popular in the UK, such as Heston Blumenthal's Michelin-starred The Hind's Head in Bray, or The Three Fishes, helmed by Robinson's former mentor Nigel Haworth. [caption id="attachment_973556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beef cheek Wellington[/caption] "I was training with Nigel [Haworth] when I was 17 and that's when he decided to open the first gastropub in the UK. I was fortunate enough to be part of that opening team, so seeing that you can take restaurant-level food and do it like that, in that setting, that's been in my brain ever since," Robinson shares. "But when I got to Sydney 13 years ago, I realised there really wasn't anything like that here. So I saw that gap in the market and thought, well let's wait, let's work. Of course, NEL was the first venue I launched and that has been my passion for the past ten years, but the gastropub thing has always been in the back of my mind. "What really inspired me to pull the trigger on it now was a trip I took back to the UK two years ago. I ate at Heston's in Bray, Tom Kitchen's pub in Edinburgh, Jason Atherton's [The Blind Pig] too, and it really brought it home to me, that as a chef, once you have your signature restaurant — and you know, NEL is my home — you can branch out and do other things. So now, launching a gastropub, I really want it to be something different, somewhere where people come to be with family and friends." "I was brought up in British pubs, so getting to launch this project is all about nostalgia for me." Winstons is only one part of Robinson's reinvention of The Nag's Head's dining options. In addition to the degustation offering — which stars the beef-cheek Wellington that was ranked the second best dish in the world in 2023 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants' "Taste Hunters" — the front bar, known simply as The Pub, is serving a less formal menu celebrating the favourite feeds of the British. Traditional dishes, like fish pies, beef cheek and peppercorn pies, and fish and chips are on offer alongside nods to the UK's more worldly fare, such as a fried tandoori chicken burger as a wink to the Brits' obsession with curry, and prawn toast, just like the kind from the local Chinese takeaway. [caption id="attachment_973558" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beef cheek and peppercorn pie[/caption] Every Sunday, punters can enjoy a traditional British roast, complete with Robinson's gourmet flare, for $35. The meats — be it a house-smoked chicken with truffle butter, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with mint jelly or a succulent beef joint — will rotate weekly, served with all the trimmings, including the all-important roast potatoes and of course, Yorkshire puddings. In addition to the trio of dining options already available — The Pub menu, Winstons' tasting menu and the Sunday roast — Robinson has one more quintessentially British experience to share with Sydney: afternoon tea, which will include a range of sweet and savoury treats alongside speciality teas and signature cocktails — served in teapots, naturally. This menu will be available later in the summer. [caption id="attachment_973559" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Nag's Head Sunday roast[/caption] The rear of The Nag's Head has already undergone a slick renovation to accommodate Winstons, but Robinson's long-term vision for the pub includes yet more upgrades that will transform the building into a multi-venue dining destination. Part of the front bar is set to become a deli, where customers can buy a Nelly Robinson fish pie or beef cheek pie to cook at home, along with other luxury groceries. A new in-house brewery and distillery is also incoming, producing craft ales and boutique spirits. A new fitout throughout the rest of the venue will underline the traditional British theme, while on the upper floor there will be spaces for larger parties and functions. [caption id="attachment_973560" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kingfish tandoori, available in The Pub[/caption] While this multifaceted endeavour may sound ambitious, particularly in an economic status quo that has forced an unsettling number of Sydney restaurants to fold, Robinson believes that creating a venue as versatile and unique as The Nag's Head will be a hit with Sydneysiders. "The point is, this is a place that people can enjoy. There's no pressure. You want a snack and a pint? You can get that in The Pub. You feel like something a bit more special. You can get that at Winstons for $80. You want somewhere you can bring the family, the kids, friends? That's what we're doing here. We want it to be a place that's fun. I think Sydney's ready for that." [caption id="attachment_973561" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Curried mussels, available in The Pub[/caption] Find The Nag's Head at 162 St Johns Road, Glebe, open Sunday–Tuesday, midday–10pm; Wednesday–Thursday, midday–11pm; and Friday–Saturday, midday to midnight. For more details, visit The Nag's Head website. Images: Paul R Fear
When SBS's new free-to-air 24-hour World Movies channel arrives in July, it'll boast plenty of reasons to get cosy on your couch, ignore the world and settle in for your own stay-at-home film festival. In fact, you might want to cancel your weekend daytime plans for the month — because you'll be spending every Saturday and Sunday watching a non-stop Studio Ghibli marathon. From 6am–7.30pm each weekend during July, the new channel will work its way through a heap of the studio's beloved flicks, including Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service, Ponyo, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, The Secret World of Arrietty, Tales From Earthsea, The Cat Returns, The Castle of Cagliostro, From Up on Poppy Hill, The Wind Rises and When Marnie Was There. If that's not enough delightful Japanese animation for you, a couple of other films will be thrown into the mix — such as The Red Turtle, a gorgeous Ghibli co-production directed by Dutch animator Michaël Dudok de Wit; the lively Mary and the Witch's Flower, which was made by animators who previously worked at Studio Ghibli; and The Boy and The Beast and Summer Wars, which both hail from rightfully acclaimed filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wf57f5F09c SBS has also revealed what else will be screening on World Movies throughout its first month, and it's a hefty list that includes box office hits, festival favourites and plenty of familiar faces. Get teary over Lion's Oscar-nominated real-life reunion tale, start pondering the afterlife in A Ghost Story (aka the film where Rooney Mara devours a pie and Casey Affleck stands under a sheet), or check out the moving, banned-in-Kenya lesbian romance Rafiki. Elsewhere, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem team up for the second time in as many years in Loving Pablo, which follows a journalist who falls for Pablo Escobar, while applauded Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke unveils a sprawling crime epic in Ash Is the Purest White. If you're looking for something to do on a Tuesday, the channel is devoting the night to French actor Romain Duris (Heartbreaker, The New Girlfriend), while Thursday evenings will be all about women in film. SBS World Movies launches on Monday, July 1 on channel 32. For its full lineup, visit the SBS TV guide.
Cycling seems like it's never been more popular in Sydney, and though the city hasn't always been the friendliest place to ride a bike, local councils are working to change that with free bike tune-ups and skills and maintenance courses available across suburbs like Glebe, Erskineville and St Peters. Plus, the City of Sydney has introduced six new temporary cycling lanes to make it even easier to adopt two wheels for your commute, or to simply explore more of Sydney while avoiding public transport. When you're new to cycling, or looking to invest in a new helmet, tyres or cycle wear, you may want to chat to the experts to make sure you're on the right track — and best place to do that is in store. So, we've partnered with American Express to bring you a list of boutique bike shops that have the latest road bikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes, plus cycling equipment, so you can find the one that best suits your needs, and shop small with your Amex Card. Once you're saddled up, check out these Sydney bike rides for leisurely city rides and stunning bush cycles.
If you're an inner west fan of God's gift to vegetables — that is, chips — boy, do we have some news for you. Melbourne-born ethical fast food institution, and promoter of some of the best chips in the universe, Lord of the Fries is opening a store in Newtown. The much-loved Aussie chippery first hit the streets in 2004 as a food truck in Melbourne and opened its first Sydney store back in 2013. The Lord's offerings sit atop a 100 percent vegetarian menu, using oil free of chemicals, preservatives and animal products. In addition to the addictive fries, menu items include plant-based patties, hot dogs, nuggets and shakes, as well as its recently launched all-day breakfast and vegan ice cream sandwiches. To celebrate the opening of the King Street street store, it'll be giving away free burgers and fries on Thursday, March 21. The first 50 customers that stop by at 11am will receive a free burger, and the first 200 who pop past at 3pm will snag free fries.
If catching a flick in style is your thing, get ready to plan a night out at Restaurant Hubert. The subterranean CBD restaurant and theatre is back with another season of its hit Magnum & Movies series for 2023, entertaining Sydneysiders with film, food and plenty of wine (in magnums, of course). It'll largely all take place every second Monday in Hubert's Theatre Royale, to really ramp up the film-meets-dinner vibe. Each evening will feature plenty of popcorn; canapes on arrival; an intermission buffet featuring braised beef cheek, roasted heirloom carrots and seasonal buttered greens; Restaurant Hubert's famous crème glacee for dessert; and magnums of wine, which will be passed around throughout the night. While past events have had running themes, this season's group of films is quite varied. Star-studded titles like The Big Short (January 23) sit alongside classics such as Amelie (February 13 and February 14) and Whiplash (March 27), while other picks include Dallas Buyers Club (February 27) and beloved music documentary Searching for Sugar Man (March 13). Tickets don't come cheap at $165 per head, but that price includes everything (food, wine, film andpopcorn). And, it's the kind of decadent weeknight affair you don't get to enjoy every day. These sessions unsurprisingly sell out quickly, so booking your spot ASAP is recommended.
"Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" They're the questions that the full trailer for Wicked poses in its first moments. The rest of the sneak peek, the film it's for, and both the musical and the book that it's based on all explore those queries through the tale of Glinda (Ariana Grande, Don't Look Up) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, Pinocchio). Film lovers, you're going off to see the witches, the powerful witches of Oz, when Wicked soars from the page and the stage to the screen in 2024. The famous and beloved theatre musical adapts a book that takes inspiration from The Wizard of Oz, and has been a show-going favourite for more than two decades thanks to composer Stephen Schwartz and playwright Winnie Holzman. Now, it's heading to cinemas as a two-part movie. The first instalment, now just called Wicked rather than Wicked: Part One, arrives in November with director Jon M Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians) behind the lens. Grande dons pink and Erivo sports the requisite green in both the first teaser trailer for the movie — which arrived amid the annual Super Bowl sneak-peek frenzy (see also: Deadpool & Wolverine) — and also for the just-dropped complete sneak peek. Haven't caught the stage show on its current Australian run, including in Sydney since 2023 and in Melbourne from March 2024 , with Brisbane to come? Defy gravity in your local picture palace before the year is out instead. In the two trailers for the film, Glinda tells Elphaba "don't be afraid". "I'm not afraid," is the fellow witch's response. "It's the Wizard who should be afraid of me." As for why, the second trailer steps through more of the plot — complete with renditions of 'Popular' and, yes, 'Defying Gravity'; Elphaba getting her black witch hat; flying monkeys; hues of pink and green aplenty; and meeting the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum, Asteroid City) in Emerald City. Wicked follows the Land of Oz's witches, with telling their untold tale the musical's whole angle. On the stage, the show has notched up more awards than you can fit in a hefty cauldron over the years. That includes three Tonys from ten nominations, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and six Drama Desk Awards. Joining Grande and Erivo in bringing Wicked to the cinemas is quite the who's who-style cast. Alongside Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh (A Haunting in Venice), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Ethan Slater (The Marvellous Mrs Maisel) and Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) also feature. As for when the second Wicked movie will also get flickering, it's due in November 2025. Check out the full trailer for Wicked below: Wicked releases in cinemas Down Under on November 28, 2024.
In January 2025, Daniel Sorridimi (Cronulla and Bondi's Blackwood) and Joel Bennetts (ex-Fish Shop, Peppe's) unveiled Sana Mediterranean in South Eveleigh. Now, the mates and business partners have bookended their year a second outpost, bringing their 'fine fast dining' concept to Sydney's CBD. Set in the Wintergarden food precinct on O'Connell Street, the new Sana dishes up the hearty bowls, rolls and build-your-own protein plates that have become a staple in the inner south. Flavours from across the Med anchor the offer — the signature Sana bowl, for example, combines lamb mince, pickled zucchini noodles and spiced almonds, while the chicken mayo roll is lifted with pink turnips and Calabrian chilli oil. Most ingredients are prepared in-house by Bennetts, and nothing on the menu tops $19. For the city crowd, the team has added a compact breakfast menu with three new toast options (sourdough or gluten-free), all priced under $10 — like an avo, herb labneh, pickled onion and za'atar option — along with loaded, meat-free bowls featuring ingredients like broccoli rice, mushroom ragu and cavolo nero. Drinks include sugar-free, zero-cal house-made sodas in flavours like blackcurrant and strawberry-vanilla, cold-pressed juices and a ceremonial-grade matcha on tap. And if caffeine's your thing, a $15-per-week subscription gets you bottomless access to the self-serve coffee station, pouring both hot and cold brews.
For actress and model Sarah Stephens, fashion has never been about following the rules. Instead, it's about experimentation, performance, and storytelling. Between her auditions, acting roles, modelling and events, the multi-hyphenated Australian often switches between characters and identities. Whether she's on set or scouring stores, Sarah sees style as an extension of her identity and career — a way to experiment. "Clothes are costumes to me. My everyday look is quite classic and feminine, but I'm not tied to one particular look. I like to experiment depending on my mood, event or character." Sarah's fluid approach to fashion mirrors her layered career. After winning the Girlfriend Magazine model search competition in 2006, the young girl from Sydney jetted to the glamorous world of fashion and modelling. "I sort of stumbled into modelling without a clear direction for my life, and soon found myself completely immersed in the fashion industry," Sarah tells Concrete Playground. [caption id="attachment_1028485" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image by Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] From walking 14 shows at her debut New York Fashion Week to being photographed by famed German photographer Ellen Von Unwerth for Italian and Russian Vogue, Sarah hit dizzying international success early on in her career. In Europe, she was the face of Lacoste's Love of Pink campaign, and just a few months after her 18th birthday, the model walked a coveted international runway show. Reaching these milestones so quickly came at a cost, though. "It was all too much too soon. I burnt out. I couldn't cope with the loneliness and pressure," she reflects. "As a shy and conscientious kid thrown into a ruthless, cutthroat industry, you often find yourself vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse," says Sarah. "I often didn't question what photographers, agents or clients asked of me because I didn't want to seem rude or ungrateful." A young Sarah had to make a decision. Continue down the modelling route or head home and regroup. "I was struggling both physically and emotionally. Being far from home left me feeling incredibly lonely, and the constant pressure to maintain a certain size took a serious toll on my mental health." [caption id="attachment_1028486" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image by Declan May[/caption] Sarah decided to head home to Australia and "reconnect with reality". It was during this time that Sarah stumbled upon another passion — acting. "I attended a summer course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and discovered a deep passion for acting. It felt therapeutic, and the structure kept me engaged, challenged, and energised." Sarah's acting break came in the form of A24 movie The Witch, directed by Robert Eggers. Her proudest acting achievement, however, was playing Mary in The Flood, a four-person play that ran Off-Broadway in New York and at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. Now, as the actress reaches her mid-thirties and returns to the acting industry post-COVID and U.S. writers' strike shutdowns, Sarah is leaning into her self-expression. She's just finished shooting an independent film in which she portrays an ASIO detective and is currently working on a short film with a friend. "I love how acting lets me step into entirely different lives. I have a deep passion for storytelling and the immersive nature of film." When it comes to styling herself, Sarah believes that having an everyday uniform is overrated. For the actress and model, a wardrobe full of vintage blazers, polkadots, Mary Janes, and puffy-sleeved blouses means she can transform into whichever character she's tapping into (both on and off screen). "Every outfit I put on that day dictates the role I play. It could be bold and cinematic, or it could be soft and intimate and feminine." But, it's statement pieces, she says, that make you feel the most powerful. When we met with Sarah while she was sourcing clothes from For Artists Only, UTURN Bondi and Ekoluv for an upcoming event, the actress shared how technology is instrumental for her day-to-day life, schedule and also style exploration. "For someone like me who plays with identity and storytelling, technology has become this amazing bridge between imagination and reality," Sarah says of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7. Powered by Google Gemini*, it's a handy tool for the on-the-go person with multiple passions. As for what's going into the model and actress' schedule next, the acting world's Sarah's oyster. "Hopefully something in a period drama or maybe even a supervillain. Time will tell, and that's exactly what makes this career so exciting," Sarah shares. Explore more at Samsung. *Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Available on select devices and select countries, languages, and to users 18+. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Requires internet connection and Google Account login. Works on compatible apps. Features may differ depending on subscription. Set up may be required for certain functions or apps. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Results may vary per video depending on how sounds present in the video. Accuracy is not guaranteed. If you or anyone you know is experiencing emotional distress, please contact Lifeline (131 114) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for help and support.
