Queensland holidays are back on the agenda — and interstate getaways for Sunshine State residents, too. Australia's go-to holiday spot has reopened its borders to double-vaccinated travellers without any quarantine requirements, effective from 1am AEST today, Monday, December 13. And, if you're currently planning a trip north — or you're a Queenslander eager to head south, then return home hassle-free — Virgin is celebrating with a huge flight sale. Running until midnight AEST on Friday, December 17 or sold out, whichever arrives first, this sale is solely about flights to and from the Sunshine State — with more than a million fares on offer. It might be focused on one part of the country, but you still have options in terms of departure points and destinations. Within Queensland, you can leave or arrive in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Hamilton Island, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. And, around the rest of the country, flights to and from Adelaide, Alice Springs, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney are all covered. One-way fares start at $59 — which'll get you from Sydney or Hobart to the Gold Coast, Launceston to Brisbane, or Newcastle to Brisbane (and vice versa). Other sale flights include Sydney–Sunshine Coast from $65, Melbourne–Gold Coast from $69, Melbourne–Townsville from $99 and Sydney–Hamilton Island from $109. And, if you're wondering when you'll need to travel, you can book trips for selected dates between January 1–June 23, 2022. Only some fares cover seat selection and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing back in August that it is now splitting its economy flights into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers. Wearing masks on flights also became mandatory in Australia in January. Virgin's Queensland is Good to Go sale runs from today, Monday, December 13–midnight AEST on Friday, December 17 — or until sold out.
ARIA-winning artist and bighearted Sydney legend Sarah Blasko will play an intimate gig at Giant Dwarf in Redfern on World Refugee Day, Friday 20 June. With all ticket sales going straight to the Refugee Council of Australia, Blasko's just-announced show is a direct response to the federal government's funding cuts to the RCOA, announced last week as an addition to the recent budget. After the release of her stunning fourth album I Awake to critical high-fivery in 2012, Blasko is breaking out of creative hibernation to play for a cause. "I'm emerging from what I'll affectionately call my 'fifth album writing cave' to play this special show at Giant Dwarf (the latest venture from the Chaser team) during Refugee Week. I'm an ambassador this year and The Refugee Council need financial support now more than ever to continue their positive work within refugee communities in Australia," said Blasko. "They are also an important force in lifting the veil on our country's treatment of asylum seekers. So, come watch me sing for the night and you'll be supporting them. I promise at least one new song and special guests." After a whopping 33 years of operating, the RCOA found more than half a million dollars of funding cut from their budget — after Immigration Minister Scott Morrison found his portfolio was funding the organisation. "It seems extraordinary that our organisation — which has been doing this work through thick and thin for 33 years — has been singled out for this treatment," Paul Power, chief executive of the RCOA told ABC radio. "This in many ways illustrates the state of the relationship between the non-government sector — particularly organisations working on asylum issues — and the government at the moment." This isn't the first time Blasko has used her fame for a good cause. Last year, the multi ARIA-winning artist teamed up with eBay to open a temporary online store in support of charity organisation Bowel Cancer Australia (after losing her mother to bowel cancer 14 years ago). All proceeds from her personally donated auctioned clothing, books, homewares, vinyl and bric-a-brac went directly to the organisation. Blasko will be joined onstage with some special yet-to-be-announced guests, alongside her solid session buddies. Tickets will be available for $45 from Giant Dwarf's website from 9am on Wednesday, June 4. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IyzF4dRpqow
The carols tell us to deck the halls with boughs of holly, and we do. We adorn trees and place wreaths on doors as well. But decking out your tastebuds with a feast of delicious goodies is just as much a part of the festive season as all of those decorations, plus the presents we give and receive. Is it really Christmas if you haven't treated yo'self and your loved ones to all of the baked goods? This year, your Yuletide joy definitely won't be the same if you're a Bennett St Dairy fan and you miss out on its limited-edition Christmas cookie dough. After getting everyone baking during lockdowns, and earning a hefty following in the process, the Sydney-based favourite has dropped a batch that's all about red velvet and white chocolate. 'Tis the season to head to your nearest Woolworths, then get cooking. This new flavour works cocoa and vanilla into Bennett St Dairy's signature dough, and then adds big chunks of white chocolate. Wondering what to pair it with, once those cookies are baked? Forget sticking to milk — vanilla ice cream is the recommendation. The Bondi cookie company actually soft-launched the festive dough a few weeks back, and received a huge reaction. "Almost immediately our socials were flooded with questions (and even a couple of very funny threats) demanding we reveal which Woolies stores would be getting delivery of our 'red velvet and white choc' dough next," said Bennett St Dairy cofounder James Meek. Now, the red, white and green rolls of dough have hit 900-plus Woolies around the country, marking Bennett St Dairy's first holiday-themed product since Valentine's Day this year. If you enjoyed its raspberry bullets and white chocolate flavour back then — a collaboration with Darrell Lea — you'll be ready for this new special. There is only a small supply, however, with around ten tonnes of dough made — which equates to around 20,000 rolls. So, it really is a first in, best dressed situation. A pack retails for $13 for 500 grams. Find Bennett St Dairy's red velvet and white chocolate cookie dough at Woolworths stores around the country for a limited time.
That wide-open highway between Melbourne and Sydney has so much to offer. So, why settle for the routine route when you can have a rural adventure? In partnership with Canadian Club and Empty Esky, we want folks to make the great Aussie road trip even better. We've plotted the perfect itinerary, spotlighting regional towns that have had a rough go lately but are back to welcoming tourists with open arms. The next time you hit the bitumen, make it a mission to do some good and discover cool new things. Brave a haunted house, explore Aboriginal cultural heritage, splurge on a boutique hotel, treat yourself with sweets and a bakery pilgrimage and admire a really big sheep. WANGARATTA Your first stop should be for a hearty lunch with a side of cultural education in Wangaratta. Hit the all-day breakfast menu at Cafe Prevue — is there ever a wrong time of day for pancakes? Or, opt for fried chicken bao, mushroom arancini or a trusty toastie. Afterwards, wander down to the river and along the Bullawah Cultural Trail. This project was a collaboration between over a dozen Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organisations to acknowledge and celebrate the Pangerang people and their long heritage and continued connection to Country. Through artworks, info boards and a bush tucker garden, discover the ways of living and stories that belong to this place and its people. [caption id="attachment_801899" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] BEECHWORTH If you're passing through Beechworth, hit Beechworth Bakery for the lunch of champions: the signature Ned Kelly Pie, stuffed with steak, bacon, cheese and egg. You'll find "Australia's Greatest Bakery" in one of the beautiful historic buildings typical of this picturesque gold rush town. Room for dessert? We suggest the classic vanilla slice or one of its famous Beestings: a fluffy, filled bun spilling custard into your hands with each bite. You'll need some treats for the road, too, so visit The Beechworth Sweet Co for the whimsy of an old-timey sweet shop. Admire the glass jars of boiled sweets, sherberts and jellies, and sample some of its handmade fudge. JUNEE You haven't really explored the country unless you've picked up some bric-a-brac and local handicrafts. The Olde School T-House in Bethungra is crowded with curios and collectibles, so stop in for a browse and some morning tea. Then, steel yourself with an ice-cold Canadian Club and Dry at Junee Hotel before you dine with the dead (maybe) at Monte Cristo Homestead. Test your nerve at this grand homestead, which was once the Crawley family's (the town's founding family) seat of power. The homestead ghost tour includes a three-course dinner, accommodation and breakfast — a friendly touch for what's considered Australia's most haunted house. Oh, and there's an additional gift "if you make it through the night". For some comfort the next day, head to the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. You can pick up organic chocolates, take a tour around the old mill (currently on hold due to COVID restrictions) or stop at the cafe for a decadent hot chocolate laced with turkish delight, butterscotch or even chilli. [caption id="attachment_795809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GUNDAGAI You know it for The Dog on the Tuckerbox, now discover Gundagai's fancier attractions. Heritage meets stylish minimalism at the boutique hotel, Flash Jacks. Starting life as a convent in 1891, these Victorian bricks have been born again as the ultimate luxe retreat, where you can splurge on a room with a bay window daybed. The perfect accompaniment to this top-notch stay is one of the best coffees you can get between Melbourne and Sydney. The Coffee Pedaler is a bright, cheery cafe that punches well above its weight. Sit outside for a pretty street view towards the hills, and tuck into a city-worthy brunch with generous country portions. [caption id="attachment_801901" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Public Art Walk, Destination NSW[/caption] GOULBURN Is it an Aussie road trip if it doesn't include at least one Big Thing? Goulburn's Big Merino (Rambo to his mates) celebrates the great Australian wool industry. If you're a dyed-in-the-wool art lover, take a free tour of Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, which showcases some of the best regional contemporary and emerging artists, then wander the Public Art Walk from there to the Information Centre. Afterwards, join the locals at the Goulburn Workers Club for a Canadian Club and Dry and a game of pool. Recover the next morning at Grit Cafe with an espresso and get your granola on. Or, grab a homemade bagel, artisanal sausage roll or brekkie burrito to see you through to Sydney. For more road trip inspiration, check out these guides from Canadian Club and Empty Esky. Top image: Monte Cristo Homestead, Destination NSW
If you still haven't visited the Rose Seidler House, today's the day. One of the country's most-renowned modernist homes, this striking little house is more than worth a day-trip. Located 30 kilometres north of the city, the house was designed by Harry Seidler, Sydney's most famous architect, in 1950. Today, it's part of Sydney Living Museums and has been maintained in all of its 1950s glory with its original colour scheme and furniture by top post-war designers like Charles Eames. Request a tour to gain deeper insight into the vibrant history of this modernist gem. Image: Phyllis Wong, Sydney Living Museums.
Sitting on the toilet can be a time of contemplation for a lot of us. If your mind ever wanders to the sustainability and style of your toilet paper, Wipe That has you covered. This new sustainable startup has launched a quirky new Christmas collection of bamboo toilet paper that will ease any stress about the environmental impact of your toilet breaks, and make a great gift for friends and family as the holiday season approaches. The star of the Christmas collection is a stylish little character named Poocci. Brought to life by graphic designer Bernardo Henning, Poocci plays off a certain luxury fashion house, rocking a chain and sunnies in order to brighten up your toilet paper. What was once Australia's most in-demand grocery store item is now a cutting-edge fashion statement (of sorts). Non-recycled toilet paper is a major cause of deforestation worldwide, so if you haven't made the switch, now's the perfect time to embrace the wonders of bamboo. The planet and your tush will thank you. All of Wipe That's three-ply toilet paper is environmentally friendly, vegan, plastic-free, and scent-free. It has also partnered with Australian revegetation project Carbon Neutral to ensure a tree is planted for every sale it makes. This new collection means that toilet paper is no longer a dud present come Christmas time. Your eco-conscious relatives will love it, or you can grab a pack for yourself to impress those who might be visiting your place for holiday celebrations. Stock is limited for the Christmas collection, so jump on the pre-sale if you'd like to get your paws on this loo roll. Each 36-roll box is available for $58, contains a personalised Christmas card and is available to be delivered Australia-wide between December 1–14. Outside of the collection, Wipe That offers sustainable toilet paper on a one-off or subscription basis, as well as eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets. You can shop Wipe That's entire range at the website. 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.
Some of the most wonderful sentences ever written include two glorious words: Nicolas Cage. Usually when the actor's name comes up, it's because he has a new film in the works — or sometimes a TV show — that makes another weird, wild and wonderful addition to an on-screen resume like no other. Already in 2023, he's added his first-ever western to the list. And, he's playing Dracula in Renfield, which might be the only time ever the iconic star has ever sucked. We could keep naming past highlights, such as stepping into his own shoes in 2022's The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and crooning Elvis songs for David Lynch's Wild at Heart, or we could jump straight into the next instant must-see project that might feature the one and only Cage: The Surfer. Just announced at this year's Cannes Film Festival, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, this sadly isn't the only Point Break remake that needs to be made. Like that flick, however — the Keanu Reeves-starring 90s original, not the terrible 2015 do-over — The Surfer has an Aussie connection. Cage looks set to play an Australian expat returning home from America and getting in a beach battle with a local gang of wave riders. An Aussie-set surfing thriller starring Cage? Sold. [caption id="attachment_901586" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moritz Barcelona via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Cage's titular character makes the trip Down Under after years in the US, only to get humiliated by other surfers in front of his teenage son. Cue a turf war, plus Cage's protagonist refusing to leave the beach. Cue the stakes escalating and the movie's namesake having his sanity tested, too. The film is set to shoot in Australia from September 2023, with director Lorcan Finnegan (Vivarium) helming, working with a script by screenwriter Thomas Martin. There's no word yet who might co-star with Cage, but you'd expect every Australian actor ever to be lining up to be involved. [caption id="attachment_901587" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Paumier via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Fresh from directing The Dry, Blueback and the upcoming Force of Nature: The Dry 2, Robert Connolly is one of The Surfer's producers, boosting its Aussie ties. Given that Cage's character will have been in America for years, that might help the movie get around needing him to bust out an Aussie accent — but who doesn't want to see the man who has proven a comedic genius for the Coen brothers, dabbled with Marvel in two different ways despite never appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, wordlessly fought demonic animatronics, swapped faces with John Travolta, gotten speedy before the Fast and Furious saga existed, taken to the skies with criminals and acted opposite himself in Adaptation give it a try anyway? There's no release date for The Surfer yet, either, or trailer obviously, but checking out Cage's exceptional work in Mandy is always recommended while you're waiting for his next films: The Surfer doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when more details are announced. Via The Hollywood Reporter. Top image: Gerald Geronimo via Wikimedia Commons.
Some bands are so influential, so pioneering and so ahead of their time that they change the course of music history. Electro trailblazers Kraftwerk are one such group. Forming in Düsseldorf in 1970, they quickly segued from krautrock to diving into the electronic scene — and imagining the future, including experimenting with robotics, in the process. The song 'Computer Love'? Back in the 80s, it foresaw internet dating. Unsurprisingly, Kraftwerk have left their mark on everything from their chosen genre and techno to synth pop and hip hop since. Also, more than five decades later, the German outfit is still touring. Kraftwerk's live shows are an experience, combining the band's electronic music computer animations and performance art. Take note, audiences Down Under, because the group is heading to Australia and New Zealand in November and December. The multi-media project founded by Ralf Huetter and Florian Schneider, and that aims to create "gesamtkunstwerk — a total work of art" — in each gig, will play seven shows in total across both countries. The 2023 tour starts in Wellington on Wednesday, November 29. From there, Kraftwerk will take to the stage in Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, then end their trip in Perth on Friday, December 15. Expect synthetic voices and computerised rhythms aplenty — it is what Kraftwerk's music is known for, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for — plus a visual show that ponders man and machine to match. Kraftwerk's latest visit Down Under comes after the band played Vivid in 2015, as part of 3D Kraftwerk — The Catalogue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, which saw them perform eight albums from 1974's Autobahn through to 2003's Tour de France over four nights at the Sydney Opera House. Since starting their retrospective gigs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2012, they've hit up everywhere from London's Tate Modern and Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum to Tokyo's Akasaka Blitz and Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall. KRAFTWERK AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 2023 TOUR: Wednesday, November 29 — TSB Arena, Wellington Friday, December 1 — Spark Arena, Auckland Monday, December 4 — Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Wednesday, December 6 — Aware Super Theatre, Sydney Friday, December 8 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Tuesday, December 12 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide Friday, December 15 — Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth Kraftwerk tours Australia and New Zealand in November and December 2023, with pre-sale tickets available from 11am local time on Monday, July 17 and general sales from 10am local time on Wednesday, July 19. Head to the tour website for tickets and further details.
Three Blue Ducks long ago found itself a third nest to call home. Adding to its eateries in Bronte (that is now sadly closed) and Byron Bay, the team opened within the heritage-listed Koskela warehouse in Rosebery back in 2016, formerly known to locals as the beloved Kitchen by Mike. Since then, it has become a Sydney institution and a mainstay of the Sydney culinary scene. If you've not been before, then prepare to be blown away by the grandeur of the venue. There's a front deck, two dining spaces and a courtyard, and they're all fitted out with an industrial chic design you can't help but love — even though it's all been done before. With its exposed bricks, beams and ceiling insulation, garage roller doors and concrete floors, it feels like you're walking into a very fancy garden shed. This is all well and good — but much like your ordinary backyard shed, it's quite cold and draughty in the evening, which, while it's still chilly at night, takes away from the relaxed vibe it's going for. Aesthetically, yellow tints dancing beneath huge woven basket light shades help warm the enormous space — but if you're one to feel the cold, we recommend you request to sit next to one of the few gas heaters they've got fired up. [caption id="attachment_834387" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Three Blue Ducks, Rosebery[/caption] The heating situation might not be quite worked out (Kitchen by Mike never figured it out either), but the dinner menu is a different story. You're in good hands with chefs and co-owners Darren Robertson, Mark LaBrooy and MasterChef 2012 winner and judge Andy Allen looking after things in the kitchen. There's a real focus on seasonal produce and sustainability, while its smoke and fire theme — fuelled by its woodfired oven, charcoal pits and Argentinian grill out in the garden — is represented throughout each course. But even if you're not in the mood for rich, smoky flavours, there are plenty of other dishes that'll impress. Keep it light and simple with some fresh-as-they-come oysters with ginger and shallots and perhaps yellowfin tuna with tostada, lime, cucumber and pickled ginger. Of the small share plates, the Schezuan pepper and salt squid with roast chilli and lime is a must-order. Wash it down with a schooner of Young Henry's Newtowner pale ale or a Welder Dog's 'Farmhouse' ginger beer if you're after something sweeter. If you're really hungry, we recommend tucking into a few extra starters because a potential 45-minute wait between entree and main course is a long time to ponder on your hunger pangs. Luckily, top tunes play in the background, which makes the wait for your slow-cooked lamb shoulder with pickled red cabbage and charred herb salsa an enjoyable one. A side of crispy potatoes with confit butter and rosemary salt completes the meal in style. Finish with one of the cocktails, like a spicy margarita, and there you have a mighty fine dining experience. Images: Monica Buscarino. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Bluesfest has lifted the lid on its second artist announcement for 2018, adding 16 more names to the already hefty lineup. Heading this latest stampede is Senegalese artist Youssou N'dour, who will be bringing his 20-piece band to the five-day Easter long weekend festival just outside of Byron Bay. If the name isn't ringing any bells, you'll probably be familiar with this '90s classic. Other artists joining the lineup include greatest hit-bearers Jackson Browne and Seal, Bluesfest regular Michael Franti, and British band Gomez will return to the fest for their first tour in six years. They'll place alongside two huge headliners: Lionel Richie and Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, who will play with his band The Sensational Space Shifters. Plant's performance at Blues will mark 50 years since he first performed with Led Zeppelin, so the gravity of the performance is sure to be pretty huge. Other acts taking to the stage Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm over the weekend include Aussies Tash Sultana and John Butler Trio, Swedish duo First Aid Kit and what will be a captivating set by José González. Bluesfest returnees Joe Louis Walker, Dumpstaphunk and Eric Gales are on there too. Anyway, here's the full lineup. Better start making Easter plans — and deciding what to eat — because tickets are already on sale. BLUESFEST 2018 LINEUP SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT Youssou N'dour Seal Michael Franti & Spearhead Jackson Browne Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Gomez Rag 'n' Bone Man The Original Blues Brothers Band Jimmy Cliff The Wailers Benjamin Booker Hurray for the Riff Raff Canned Heat Walter Trout André Cymone The Teskey Brothers FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters Lionel Richie The John Butler Trio Tash Sultana The New Power Generation Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers First Aid Kit Jose Gonzalez Morcheeba Gov't Mule Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real The California Honeydrops Eric Gales Bobby Rush Dumpstaphunk Joe Louis Walker Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Bluesfest 2017 will run March 29 to April 2 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Andy Fraser.
Daylight savings might be wrapping up soon, but at least that diminishing sunlight needn't affect your Blue Mountains hiking plans. That's because the long-awaited Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk is finally completed and open to the public, offering punters a stunning 1.3-kilometre nature hike that's best enjoyed after the sun goes down. Winding through the leafy Katoomba Falls Reserve, the trail is illuminated by over 400 energy-efficient LED lights, serving up dazzling nighttime views of landmarks like Katoomba Falls, Orphan Rock, Witches Leap and the Three Sisters. Small lights have been used along the footpaths, with thirteen giant floodlights beamed onto the trail's main natural focal points. And if that's not the most romantic date-night stroll ever, we don't know what is. Blue Mountains City Council, which helmed the project, said it had undertaken extensive planning in order to minimise light pollution for the area's wildlife and local residents. Not only was the lighting specifically chosen to limit impact on the environment, but it's helped to tip the Reserve's total energy load well below what it had been originally. The Council also hopes to become carbon neutral by 2025. The lights all come on at dusk and you've got plenty of time to enjoy the sights each night, before the floodlights are switched off at 10.30pm and the smaller ones shut off at 11pm. The nighttime trail has been six years in the making, with the December 2019 bushfires and last year's flooding both putting a significant halt on the project. Want to make a trip of it? Check out our weekender's guide to the Blue Mountains. For more details on the Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk, jump over to the website. All the walk's lights turn on at dusk, with the floodlights turned off at 10.30pm and the path lights at 11pm. Images: Blue Mountains City Council and Sky Photography
About a 40-minute drive from Nelson Bay is Tilligerry Habitat, a nine-hectare reserve situated on the foreshore of Tanilba Bay. This area is open every day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and free to visit — just grab a map from the Environment Office and set off exploring. Within the reserve, there are gravel tracks and boardwalks that'll lead you through swamp mahogany paperbark forest and woodland and over freshwater streams. If you want to know what to keep an eye out for, the habitat's website has a few guides to download on the birds and orchids that are often seen in the area — a reptile guide is coming soon, too, and there's a sensory guide that'll help you identify the native flora to see, touch, smell and, in some cases, taste. You may also get to see some native fauna — echidnas, bandicoots and koalas are regularly spotted in the habitat. This website, which tracks recent koala sightings, will point you in the right direction.
You've gotta love a show that tells you what to exclaim whenever you're enjoying it, just received good news about it or simply can't stop thinking about it. For the past two years, The Great has been one such series — and "huzzah!" has been the word of choice. And, thankfully, it isn't time to stop bandying the term about just yet, with this satirical take on Russian history just getting renewed for a third season. Since it first premiered back in 2020, the concept has been all killer, no filler — following the rise and reign of Catherine the Great, including her marriage to and overthrowing of Emperor Peter III, with only the slightest regard for the actual facts. And while the series has always been supremely confident in its blend of handsome period staging, the loosest of historical realities and that savage sense of humour (it does spring from Oscar-nominated The Favourite screenwriter Tony McNamara, after all), it felt even more comfortable in its skin during its second season, which arrived late in 2021. Smoother, too, yet just as biting. In fact, The Great's ability to seesaw tonally is as sharp as a shot of vodka — or several — and you'll be able to enjoy it for ten more episodes whenever that third season hits. A release date hasn't been announced as yet, but you still now have more of Elle Fanning (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) as Catherine and Nicholas Hoult (Those Who Wish Me Dead) as Peter to look forward to. Given that the show's last batch of episodes saw Catherine waging war with Peter — via soldiers on the battlefield to begin with, and then in the royal court in the aftermath of her bloody coup — and also grappling with motherhood, The Great has spun quite the story already. Expect more devastatingly witty, entertaining and addictive dramas to follow, and for the series to keep living up to its name. Fanning and Hoult will be joined by returning co-stars Phoebe Fox (The Aeronauts), Adam Godley (Lodge 49), Gwilym Lee (Top End Wedding), Charity Wakefield (Bounty Hunters), Douglas Hodge (The Undoing), Sacha Dhawan (The Prince), Bayo Gbadamosi (War of the Worlds) and Belinda Bromilow (Doctor Doctor) when its third season hits, too, because this is a show with a phenomenally great cast. In case you haven't watched it yet, check out the trailer for The Great's second season below: The Great is available to stream in Australia via Stan and in New Zealand via Neon. The show's third season doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced.
Do you ever gaze at a portrait in a museum and wish the person inside it could speak? Maybe you'd ask them what it was like to be painted by the artist — boring, intimidating, thrilling? — maybe you'd want to know more about their life story, particularly if they're a well-known figure. Or maybe you'd simply be curious to hear what it's like to have your image hung on a wall and stared at by streams of strangers each day. They're not questions you often hear the answers to; when it comes to portraiture, it tends to be the case that the subject is recognised but the artist gets interviewed. So, to redress this, we sought out three 'muses' behind portraits selected as finalists in this year's Archibald Prize to get a sense of how it feels to be a subject in Australia's top portraiture prize. [caption id="attachment_634779" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Loribelle Spirovski: John Bell at home, oil on canvas, 2017.[/caption] JOHN BELL BY LORIBELLE SPIROVSKI The subject of not one, but two paintings in this year's Archibald, legendary actor, director and Bell Shakespeare founder John Bell appears in paintings by Loribelle Spirovski and Jordan Richardson. Having met him earlier this year when he worked with her partner, classical pianist Simon Tedeschi, Spirovski found Bell at first a slightly daunting figure to paint. She used a minimal background and flesh colours tinged with a gleam of Australian sun to channel the viewer's attention towards Bell's piercing gaze, just as she herself "was immediately drawn to that powerful, chiselled face with its deep-set features and inscrutable personality." The resulting portrait of a seated Bell feels both relaxed and intimidatingly regal. Bell was very excited at the prospect of being painted by the artist, who he describes as "a restless creative spirit". He admires her bold experimentation, speed and confident execution: "She can deliver a portrait of photographic realism or one that ventures into the darker reaches of the psyche in a most startling manner." Although he'd seen a number of her paintings, including several of Tedeschi, the finished work nevertheless came to him as "something of a shock," Bell says, describing it as "very intense, brooding and introspective but expressed with a violent palette of colour and craggy vigour of execution. I find it unsettling to look at but very persuasive." He is yet to visit the work alongside the public, but when he does he's looking forward to eavesdropping on their comments (you've been warned). Image: Loribelle Spirovski, John Bell at home, oil on canvas, 2017 [caption id="attachment_634780" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Lloyd Greensmith: The inner stillness of Eileen Kramer, oil on linen, 2017.[/caption] EILEEN KRAMER BY ANDREW LLOYD GREENSMITH It's not every year that a prominent plastic surgeon has a painting in the Archibald. For Andrew Lloyd Greensmith, ex-chief of the Department of Craniofacial Surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, art was a childhood obsession that he's only recently begun to seriously pursue. His muse? Eileen Kramer — who, at 102 years old, is the world's oldest working dancer and choreographer. She toured with the avant-garde Bodenwieser Ballet for a decade, and has called New York, London, Paris and India home. To Andrew, "she embodies beauty as that intangible thing which cannot be fixed on the surface nor defeated by the wear and tear of age." When asked to sit for the portrait, Eileen thought, "I love the portraits of the great Dutch masters, especially Rembrandt. I hope I look like that!" She found Andrew "extremely sympathetic" to work with during the sitting process. Drawing on memories of being painted several times in Paris, Eileen offered up a series of poses she thought would be suitable — until stopping for a moment to rest. This was, of course, the moment Andrew began sketching. After seeing the stillness and quiet grace of the finished work, Eileen felt that Andrew understood the dancer in her. "I didn't know he'd seen that in me," she comments. "To me it looks like the portrait of a dancer. I did not expect to like it, but I do." As for the idea of thousands of people staring at her everyday? "That is an extraordinary feeling. I wish my mother would have been here to see it." [caption id="attachment_634671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dee Smart: The Major of Bondi, oil and acrylic on canvas, 2017.[/caption] JOHN MACARTHUR BY DEE SMART Picking up her first paintbrush 15 years ago while housebound with a new baby, Dee Smart's artistic drive revolves around the desire to capture the human condition — and it was John Macarthur's humility and sense of humour that drew her to him as a potential muse. The result (and her first Archibald selection) is a joyous portrait positively singing with colour, reflecting the 'vibrating hues' of Macarthur's home and wider world. Fondly known as the 'Mayor of Bondi', Macarthur is famous for his internationally coveted, extremely colourful knitwear brand Purl Harbour. And it sounds like he has a similarly colourful life story. In fact, while living in Spain he apparently very nearly became muse to another painter — Salvador Dali, to be exact — who wanted to paint him as an angel. No big deal. His initial reaction when Smart asked him to sit? "I was absolutely gobsmacked. What on earth and how and why?" The painting's progression was, however, a relaxed one, and by the sounds of it, he made an obedient subject. "She said jump, I said how high. That's basically how it went. We laughed a hell of a lot." Observing Smart's close attention to line and angle, Macarthur savoured his behind-the-scenes vantage point, and found the big reveal of the finished painting to be "quite extraordinary". He particularly enjoys the eye-catching palette of his beloved pinks and oranges — stating that "these are definitely my colours" — his "happy and veracious" look and the "intensity in the eyes" captured by Smart. "I identify totally with what she's done." Catch the 2017 Archibald Prize at AGNSW until Sunday, October 22.
Sydney is spoiled with a wealth of bars that also offer up top-notch eats alongside their drinks. Uncanny is the latest to join this list, as a King Street cocktail bar offering a selection of delightful Mediterranean share plates. Located just across from Newtown Station in the former digs of Gurdys, the cocktail bar comes from a family of experienced hospitality veterans — Julien, Michel and Laura Bouskila — who have joined forces to open their first venue. "Uncanny came to be through a mutual excitement and desire to create a venue that felt like a home away from home," co-founder Laura Bouskila says. As with the best cocktail bars in Sydney, you can order all of your standards alongside a selection of house specials. Uncanny's creations stretch from the sweet to the strong, playing on classic mixes. The Julio Ricter takes a mezcal margarita and adds a salt and za'atar rim; while The Ritz features thyme-infused Aperol with sparkling rosé and soda. While the drinks hit the spot, the food is the big drawcard. The standout is the bed of hummus with hot lamb mince on top, which Bouskila recommends paired with the Julio Ricter. Elsewhere on the share-friendly menu is eggplant and pomegranate molasses, harissa and sumac potatoes with chilli aioli, 24-hour marinated chicken shwarma and sautéed harissa prawns. Plus, you'll also find trivia, live music and open mic comedy at the bar on three Tuesdays of each month. Originally slated to open in June of 2021, the pandemic hit the bar pretty hard, with delays and closures continuing until the start of this year. "Since opening again in January, we have not looked back," continues Laura. "We are so grateful and excited that the Newtown community is loving the vibe of Uncanny." Uncanny is located 349 King Street, Newtown. It's open 4pm–late Tuesday–Friday and 3pm–late Saturdays.
If you're travelling to the Sunshine State on a budget, or you're a Brisbanite who knows someone who is, the River City's first pod hotel has opened its doors to give the Queensland capital a new affordable accommodation option. LyLo Brisbane has taken over well-known digs, turning the former Limes Hotel into its first-ever Australian site — and more spots on the Gold Coast and in Fremantle in Western Australia are swiftly on the way. One of EVT's hotel brands — sitting in a stable that also includes QT Hotels & Resorts, Rydges Hotels & Resorts, Atura Hotels and Independent Collection by EVT — LyLo first set up shop in New Zealand in 2022. Across the ditch, you'll find one of the brand's locations in each of Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. Now, it's Australia's turn, beginning with its debut abode at 142 Constance Street, where a private sleeping pod starts at $69 per night. Limes Hotel's old digs has been given a complete revamp, and now house rooms with either four or six pods, as well as private ensuite rooms, plus family and group rooms. For pod guests, there's a choice of female-only rooms. If you're booking in for the family or group experience, you'll be in a room with a queen bed, two beds and an ensuite. Of course, the pods come cheaper than the rooms — and for the pod experience, you'll get a king single bed with privacy screens, your own lighting and fan in each pod, a mirror, wifi, and power and USB charging ports, as well as an adjacent luggage storage locker. No matter which accommodation choice you go with, everyone gets access to a wellness space with spin bikes and views over Brisbane, plus a coworking space with free wifi. Where Limes Hotel's rooftop bar and cinema previously sat, LyLo has transformed the upper level into a hangout with a communal kitchen and games. Also on offer: wine, self-pouring beer and tap cocktails. For the hotel's look and feel, IndigeDesignLabs and local Meanjin artist Jordache Gage have turned the building's facade into a tribute to the Brisbane River, and the plants and animals found around it, via a blue-, orange- and purple-hued artwork atop grey. Inside, the decor skews light, bright and airy, with greenery aplenty in shared spaces. "From our innovative communal spaces to our commitment to guest comfort in unique sleeping formats, LyLo Brisbane sets a new standard for travellers seeking affordability without compromising on quality. Opening our doors in Brissie is just the beginning of our journey, and we've already got our next LyLo properties in the pipeline to continue expanding our presence across Australia," said LyLo Managing Director Tim Alpe. "We are stoked to be welcoming adventurers, digital nomads, families and more as they embark on a new way to stay, enjoying our innovative pod rooms and immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of LyLo." Find LyLo Brisbane at 142 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane — head to the hotel's website for further details. Images: Vaughan Brookfield.
David Lynch has brought a sublime array of stunning sights to screens large and small over the past four-plus decades, but getting Nicolas Cage to serenade Laura Dern with Elvis Presley's 'Love Me' in Wild at Heart is among the most spectacular. So it's no wonder that Pleasures Playhouse, Sydney's new six-week music and arts festival, has chosen the 1990 movie to kick off its film season — and for free as well. Running on select Tuesdays from the end of September through till late October, Send Noods Cinema will pair classic flicks with Biang Biang Noodles and P&V's natural wine. And yes, every part of that equation is impressive. Also worth heading along for: the entire fest's venue, aka the old, usually abandoned Harbour City Cinema in Chinatown. Wild at Heart starts the program at 7pm on Tuesday, September 27, with 1996's Queen Latifah-starring heist film Set It Off following on Tuesday, October 4. Also on the bill: a hefty dose of the Material Girl on Tuesday, October 18 courtesy of Madonna: Truth or Dare, aka In Bed with Madonna; and, on Tuesday, October 25, 1974's rock musical comedy horror gem Phantom of the Paradise. While Wild at Heart is free, all other sessions are ticketed, with tix on sale from 10am on Thursday, September 8.
Despite it not being an ideal time to open a brand spanking new gin distillery and tasting bar, Finders Distillery has just launched. But, instead of opening the doors to its St Leonards space, the lower north shore's first distillery is starting out online — so you can get your gin fix regardless. Its first release is an Australian dry gin, made with orange peel, chamomile, native gun and wattle seed, which you'll be able to buy online from Wednesday, April 22 for $79. Also on the lineup are an Australian vodka ($69) and, yes, a hand sanitiser. Like many Australian distilleries and breweries, Finders has created its own finger-cleaner following World Heath Organisation guidelines. It's currently sold out, but 1000 500-millilitre bottles will be landing on the website on April 22, too. To launch its first batch of Australian dry gin, Finders founders Kyle Ford and Georgia Conn started a Pozible campaign in March, which received $22,506. In the future, you can expect more Aussie spirits from Finders, too. The distillery's ethos moving forward is to celebrate a region of Australia by sourcing botanicals unique to that specific area for each gin it makes. You can get these gins and sanis delivered to your door or you can pick them up — and get a quick socially-distant peek at the new digs. The distillery and tasting bar is then hoping to officially open to the public once restaurants, bars and cafes across the country can reopen. Finders Distillery is slated to open at Unit 12, 6 Herbert Street, St Leonards later this year. In the meantime, you can order its Australian dry gin and hand sanitiser from Wednesday, April 22.
Ever been at an outdoor cinema, and wished you could just jump into bed? Well, of course you have — bed is the one thing we can rely on to always be there for us, and we all wish it could follow us around for intermittent lie-downs. That's presumably why the geniuses at Sydney's new PicNic Cinema have decided to implement beds into their outdoor setup. Well, that, and they're probably aware of the struggles of keeping your head propped up on a packet of chips while lying on a picnic rug trying to drink wine. PicNic Cinema will take over Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square for 16 nights this April. Instead of just the usual picnic rug and bean bag sitcho, the cinema will bring in enough inflatable double mattresses for 100 people to literally lie back and relax on. You'll even get a blankie in case it gets chilly. The film program is surprisingly varied and international, with everything from Muriel's Wedding to Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky to Iranian Oscar winner, A Separation. The food lineup is similarly diverse, with Cuban, African, Brazilian and Lebanese dishes set to be on rotation. Let's just hope it doesn't rain. PicNic Cinema will run from April 8-23 at Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta, Sydney. For the full program and to book tickets, visit picniccinema.com.
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is last year's news, sadly. There's still two years to wait until Australia hosts the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. But 2024 is the year of the Paris Olympics — and in preparation for vying for gold, the Matildas are hitting the field Down Under. The country's national women's soccer team are playing two friendlies against China, the first in Adelaide on Friday, May 31 and the second in Sydney on Monday, June 3. And although both are sold out — giving the Tillies a massive 14 sellout games on home soil in a row — you can still tune in from home, or the pub, if you won't be in the South Australian or New South Wales capitals or haven't scored tickets. These are the Matildas' first games in Australia since the last match of the final Olympics qualifiers back in February. Taking place in Melbourne against Uzbekistan, that game turned out mighty well for the squad, resulting in a 10–0 scoreline their way and locking in a spot in Paris. This time, there's nothing but bragging rights on the line, but a Tillies game is still a Tillies game. To watch, 10Play and Paramount+ are your destinations — plus Network 10 on regular TV. Sam Kerr is injured, but the squad is filled with high-profile names, including Steph Catley donning the captain's armband, Ellie Carpenter as vice captain, and also everyone from Mackenzie Arnold, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler and Kyra Cooney-Cross to Hayley Raso, Michelle Heyman, Cortnee Vine and Lydia Williams. Expect the latter to spend some time in goal, given that the legend of the game announced that she'll retire from international football following the Olympics. After this, the Tillies kick off their quest for a medal in Paris on Friday, July 26 at 3am Australian time, playing Germany. Their first-round draw also includes matches against Zambia and the USA. In-between, you can get another Matildas fix via documentary Trailblazers, which hits Stan on Tuesday, June 4 — and if you're in Sydney on Monday, June 10, at a Vivid 2024 talk with Mackenzie Arnold and Tony Gustavsson. The Matildas vs China PR Friendlies 2024: Friday, May 31 — 8.10pm AEST / 7.40pm ACST / 6.10pm AWST Monday, June 3 — 7.40pm AEST / 7.10pm ACST / 5.10pm AWST The Matildas' friendlies against in China PR take place on Friday, May 31 and Monday, June 3, 2024— and you can watch via 10, 10Bold, 10Play and Paramount+. Images: Tiffany Williams, Football Australia.
A 120-seat boozer with an acclaimed hospitality team and a nostalgic dessert menu will officially swing open its doors on the corner of Liverpool and Victoria Streets on Wednesday, December 6. Located a few doors down from Shadow Bakery, The Waratah will facilitate casual catch-ups, afternoon beers and moody date nights with a strong dose of Australian nostalgia. The new opening boasts a couple of different zones. Downstairs, you'll find the walk-in-only public bar, offering an easy-going atmosphere and approachable menu. Upstairs, things are a little more serious, with a terrace cocktail bar and a more built-out dinner menu. Led by hospitality heavyweights Evan Stroeve (ex-Re, Bulletin Place and Swillhouse), Alex Prichard (Bondi Icebergs) and business partner Cynthia Litster, the inner-city watering hole marks the debut of the new Sydney hospitality group Pollen Hospitality, founded by Stroeve and Litster. "It's a choose-your-own-adventure at The Waratah," says Litster. "Whether it's saddling up at the bar for a chat, orchestrating a memorable date night on the wrap-around veranda, or dropping by for a quick burger and beer, the venue empowers you to create your own adventure — we're just here to assist." The Waratah welcomes you with earthy tones, warm lighting and touches of local flora throughout the venue — setting the tone and introducing the themes of nostalgia and native ingredients. In the ground-floor pub, the classic menu is elevated with fresh produce and a flourish of Icebergs charm, courtesy of Prichard. There's a classic Aussie burger with the lot, a lobster roll topped with Ziggy's hot sauce and a double scallop dish that pairs potato scallops with raw scallops. Nab a booking upstairs at The Waratah, and the feeds are taken up a notch. Expect butterflied king prawns and wagyu steak diane, partnered with nostalgic after-dinner treats like a fairy bread ice cream sandwich and a Waratah take on a mango Weiss Bar. As for the drinks, the best spot in the house is the first-floor terrace bar. Here, you'll find a selection of cocktails titled Drinking Australia. Highlights include a cocoa and cherry negroni that uses gin, local cherries and wine made with Daintree cacao and the Mango and Cream — a combination of rum, spiced mango, caramelised cream, coconut and lime. No matter where you're seated, you can order the venue's signature summer drink: the Waratah Spritz. This refreshing sip is made from Archie Rose vodka, a house-made rhubi mistelle, watermelon wine and a dash of vanilla. "I grew up in the country, and I've always wanted my first bar to be one that reconnects people with it," says Stroeve. "I'm infatuated with the idea of presenting our country in a way that we can be proud of, not only on a global scale but in a local, colloquial and accessible way." "The Waratah is a venue that you can come and enjoy, feel comfortable and welcome, but also leave feeling encouraged. You have supported not only a small independent business but also the growers and producers who are the backbone of our food industry." The Waratah will open at 308-310 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst on Wednesday, December 6. Head to the venue's website to make a booking. Images: Jason Loucas
When a hit show comes to an end, the network behind it often tries to fill the gap with something similar. It's the situation that HBO found itself in last year when Game of Thrones wrapped up, with the US cable channel quickly launching new fantasy series His Dark Materials and committing to making a GoT spinoff called House of the Dragon. And, with Big Little Lies looking like it's also all done and dusted, the station seems to be in the same predicament in the star-studded murder mystery genre as well. Enter The Undoing. Starring Nicole Kidman, and written and produced by Big Little Lies' David E. Kelley, it's a case of HBO sticking with what they know. Kidman plays a successful therapist who appears to have the perfect life, with a loving husband (Hugh Grant), a son (A Quiet Place's Noah Jupe) attending an elite school and her first book about to be published. Then a violent death sparks a chain of revelations that shatters her life as she knows it. Also part of the plot, as seen in the show's first teaser: a missing spouse, plenty of public attention, a heap of interrogations and a plethora of tough choices for Kidman's Grace Fraser. It'll all play out as a once-off limited series — although that was originally the case with Big Little Lies before it came back for a second season. Based on the novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, The Undoing also features Donald Sutherland and American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace's Edgar Ramirez — with Bird Box director Susanne Bier behind the camera on every episode, just as she was on excellent Emmy-winning mini-series The Night Manager. The Undoing is set to screen on HBO sometime in May, with an air date Down Under yet to be revealed. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG1ZQERAlGQ The Undoing is set to screen on HBO in the US from May, with air dates Down Under yet to be announced. We'll update you when further details come to hand.
Writers and film buffs have their festivals, and art lovers are treated to spectaculars all year 'round, but it's not so often we get to stop and take stock of the music world. With very few panel-style events, our interaction with music mostly consists of late-night jaunts to the local bandroom under the influence of a few cheeky bevies. Enter BIGSOUND 2014: the Australian music world's equivalent of SxSW. This morning these Brisbane legends released their lineup for the 2014 festival and, at 80 bands deep, it's pretty impressive. Reading like a who's who of local up-and-comers, the bands involved include Sydney festival darling Alison Wonderland, Adelaide rockers Bad//Dreems, Melbourne '90s revivalists Client Liaison and 19-year-old Brisbanite Thelma Plum. Running for just two days from September 10-12, this annual music conference will be jam-packed with not only live performances but panels, interviews and talks from the world's best. This year's international speakers include James Minor from SxSW, Tom Windish from The Windish Agency, Ben Marshall from the Sydney Opera House, and Jerome Borazio and Danny Rogers from St Jeome's Laneway Festival — maybe the only Aussie festival that saw any success this year. Taking place as always in Fortitude Valley, this local love-in will run over 12 locations including new sites such as The Underdog, The New Globe, The Elephant, Crowbar, and a new outdoor venue by Brightside and Magic City. You'll have your work cut out for you to see everything, but luckily you can start planning now. Tickets have gone on sale today via Oztix with a 2-day pass only setting you back $69+bf. For a lineup of 80 stellar bands, you've gotta admit that's a pretty decent deal. Check out the full lineup: Airling Alison Wonderland APES Ash Grunwald Avaberée BAD//DREEMS Banoffee Baptism of Uzi Blank Realm BONJAH Brad Butcher Caligula's Horse Client Liaison Coach Bombay Crooked Colours D.D Dumbo Deep Sea Arcade Devon Sproule DMAs Ernest Ellis Eves Fieldings Flyying Colours Fractures Fraser A. Gorman Gold Fields Halfway Hayden Calnin HITS Holy Holy I'lls Indian Summer Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders Jane Tyrell Jess Ribeiro and the Bone Collectors Jesse Davidson Jimblah Karl S. Williams KINGSWOOD Klo KLP LANKS Left. L-FRESH The LION Lia Mice Little May Lime Cordiale LOWER SPECTRUM Luca Brasi LUCIANBLOMKAMP Lurch & Chief Major Leagues Mansionair Milwaukee Banks Morning Harvey Oisima Okenyo Olympic Ayres Orphans Orphans PACES Panama Pikelet REMI Ruby Boots Sampology ft. Tom Thum & Jordan Rakei Scenic Steve Smyth Step-Panther Stillwater Giants Sweet Jean Sydonia Teeth & Tongue The Bennies The Creases The Harpoons The Murlocs The Phoncurves The Tiger & Me Thelma Plum Thrupence Tin Sparrow Tkay Maidza Tully On Tully wordlife Yeo
Imagine waking up, and the first thing you saw was this wall decal. There is just no way you could ever start the day in a bad mood. Broken up with your girlfriend? Kermit is there to remind you it's much harder being green than single. Missed out on that job you really wanted? Who cares? You can imagine yourself making popcorn with the Swedish chef and all will be well again. Buy one to psyche yourself up for the release of the Muppets movie in Janurary, 2012. It's got to be the best way to make it through what seems to be a not-so-cheery summer. To find out what else you can look forward to seeing over summer, have a squiz at our Summer Film Guide.
Sydney is no stranger to Irish pubs and bars. Usually the resemblance consists of a quirky name, Guinness on tap and not much else. The Gaelic Club, located on the Central Station end of Devonshire Street, is no such place. Pass through the green doors (what else?) to enter a den of celtic fun, fiddles and festivity. There is an ongoing roster of cultural events: traditional Irish music, language and dance lessons, live music and talks. On the last Friday of every month, Green Lights Comedy holds a curated stand-up comedy show in the little-known top bar. Green Light feels like stepping into someone's living room and hosts Alexei Toliopoulos and Nikki Malyon emulate this warmth perfectly. If you feel like seeing decent comedy in a friendly, homey setting over a dirt-cheap pint of Kilkenny, look no further.
The ever-changing Barangaroo is set to welcome a distinct new pavilion to its foreshore. Since opening in 2015, the harbourside precinct has been no stranger to major developments, including the controversial recent opening of Crown Sydney and a new amphitheatre-style boardwalk. This boardwalk will soon be joined at Watermans Cove by a new pavilion, selected by the NSW Government as part of the Pier Pavilion Design Competition. The competition has been running since June 2020, and received over 170 entries from Australian architects. Jessica Spresser of Spresser, in collaboration with Peter Besley created the winning design: a 380-square-metre pavilion consisting of 123 columns made from recycled Sydney rock oyster shells. The oysters are mixed with white concrete, which is refined to reveal the shells within. The design is representative of humans gathering by the water and incorporates elements of land, sea and sky. Land is represented through the expansive gathering space, a large round opening in the pavilion roof frames the sky and the sea exists through the oysters embedded within its materials. [caption id="attachment_803121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] © SPRESSER and Peter Besley[/caption] The pavilion's design is intended to integrate seamlessly into the Barangaroo foreshore, slowly making its impression on visitors over time. "The Pavilion is intended to remain for a long time, and become indivisible from the place," Spresser describes in a statement on the website. "It is intended to figure in people's memories as they grow: from child to teenager, to adult and elderly person." The structure has been designed to host events — with the design including a stage and bar — as well as provide a general gathering space for the public. It was selected over the other entrants for its usability and timelessness. Other finalists in the competition included a circular pavilion made from hundreds of illuminated stainless steel tubes and a translucent cloud-like structure. Construction on the pavilion is set to be completed in late 2022. Jessica Spresser and Peter Besley's Pier Pavilion is due for completion at Watermans Cove, Barangaroo by 2022. Images: © SPRESSER and Peter Besley
Sydney's omakase options have skyrocketed in 2022, with restaurants boasting impressive and extensive Japanese set menus popping up in The Rocks, The Star's Sokyo and Chatswood. Chase Kojima, one of Sydney's most renowned Japanese chefs and the mastermind behind Sokyo's new omakase menu has also just opened Senpai Ramen, a ramen omakase experience on Sydney's north shore. The 20-seat restaurant invites visitors to experience ramen in a new way. Omakase is a Japanese dining tradition that loosely translates to 'leave it to the chef'. Senpai Ramen offers a 90-minute dining experience featuring a seven-course set menu that eases you in with entrees before building towards four signature ramen varieties. "At Senpai Ramen diners will enjoy a fun and unique experience with our tasty seven-course degustation," Kojima says. "We use the best seafood and meats, and combine them with incredible Japanese and Australian flavours for a unique and absolutely exquisite experience." The menu will set you back $65, but you can add additional courses and dishes if you fancy. Kicking things off is a mini Chirashi seafood experience featuring sashimi and Saikyo-style miso-marinated toothfish, while the main event is four varieties of ramen Kojima has crafted. The brothy bowls feature ingredients like 12-hour pork broth, spicy miso butter and rare smoked duck. Located across from Chatswood Mall with Kojima's Saikyo and Butter Chatswood nearby, Senpai is easy to spot with its eye-catching neon lights. The bright blue and purple lights continue inside where diners are immersed in a futuristic sensory experience while they sample sashimi and ramen. Spots fill up fast so it's best to jump online ASAP and book your place. Appears in: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney
Everyone has at least one piece of IKEA furniture in their house, and likely more than that. Maybe you also own some of the Swedish retailer's Lego storage boxes, too, or a bucket hat made out of the same material as its iconic blue bags. You could've whipped up outfits for your dog using said shopping carriers, and even cooked up its famed meatballs during lockdown. Something that even the brand's biggest Australian devotees won't own, however, is an IKEA t-shirt, tote or key ring — yet, that is. In 2020, IKEA launched its first-ever merchandise line, kicking off in Japan before releasing in Singapore, Thailand and Korea as well. Now, come Thursday, May 13, it's Australia's turn to get decked out in the brand's clothing and accessories — so get ready to don its hoodies, sip from its water bottles and wipe yourself down with its towels, too. The range is called Efterträda, and it nods to the company's popular products in a variety of ways. You'll find its recognisable blue and yellow logo on everything, for instance, as well as a minimalistic look in general. Oversized barcodes feature as a key design element, mimicking the type seen on its products — and, because they line oh-so-many walls, the Billy bookcase barcode has been given pride of place. Plus, the towels and water bottles come in either yellow or white, while the key rings have a blue option. Prices range from $4 for a key ring up to $49 for a hoodie, with water bottles costing $6, totes coming in at $10, t-shirts priced at $19 and towels costing $22.50. And, to answer the two questions that have probably just popped into your head: no, you don't have to assemble them yourself, or use an Allen key. IKEA's Efterträda collection will be available in Australian stores from Thursday, May 13. For further details, head to the Swedish retailer's website.
At this stage in the pandemic, we're no longer spending all of our time at home. That doesn't mean we can't treat ourselves to impressive desserts when we are just staying in and kicking back on the couch, though. After serving up plenty of tasty specials during 2020's lockdowns, Gelato Messina is still tempting everyone's tastebuds with its limited-release sweet treats — and, if you've enjoyed its big Iced VoVo, Viennetta-style, choc-hazelnut and cremino tubs in the past, you're going to want to try its new basque cheesecake version. Initially, the gelato chain made a small batch of this dessert hybrid for Sydney's Firedoor; however, now it's scooping a heap more into tubs and making it available across the east coast. The catch: like all of its specials, it'll only be on offer for a short period. Wondering what exactly Messina's basque cheesecake tub entails? It combines basque cheesecake gelato, naturally, then tops it with a slice of toasted basque cheesecake. In other words, it's the ideal option for when you can't pick between gelato and cheesecake — a choice that no one ever wants to make. The latest release in Messina's new 'Hot Tub' series, the basque cheesecake tub can only be ordered online at 9am on Monday, May 17, with a one-litre tub setting you back $30. You can then go into your chosen Messina store — other than The Star — to pick up your tub between Friday, May 21–Sunday, May 23. Gelato Messina's basque cheesecake tubs will be available to order at 9am on Monday, May 17, for pick up between Friday, May 21–Sunday, May 23 — keep an eye on the Messina website for further details.
Connected to the stars in more ways than one, the Aster rooftop bar at the InterContinental Sydney is gearing up to host a series of cuisine-meets-zodiac sessions throughout August. Led by Byron Bay-based astrologer Grace Tebble, Astrology Hour is the place to be for those seeking a guided journey through the cosmos, plus a few tasty sips and bites along the way. Held every Thursday evening in August on the hotel's 32nd floor, Astrology Hour is centred around the four elements — air, water, fire and earth. Featuring themed cocktails, paired small plates and personalised readings from Tebble, these playful sessions include one-on-one birth chart interpretations and otherworldly readings inspired by the mystical. As for the menu, your journey includes a glass of fizz on arrival, alongside two elemental cocktails (or glasses of wine), including options like Air, a light and floral gin-forward concoction heightened with pine, jasmine and rose. Meanwhile, the snack pairings include Fire, a chargrilled angus beef yakitori served with kimchi mayo and crispy onion. "Astrology hour is an opportunity to become more in tune with your connection to the cosmos," says Tebble. "It's about unlocking a new level of self-awareness in a really fun and creative setting. We've curated each drink and dish to reflect the energy of the four elements so that people can experience their star sign via the senses." Images: Steven Woodburn.
Amidst the Qantas Centre, TNT head office and other similarly industrial commercial buildings, on the decidedly less cool (read: south) side of the city, lies a graffitied beacon of hope for the workers and residents that share the suburb of Mascot. For one thing, it's the first wine bar in the area. But it's also attracting a devoted daytime crowd for the Mediterranean-inspired menu, De Gabriel coffee and the contagious energy of owner, Elizabeth Woods (don't get her started on the coffee; she's what you'd describe as 'passionate'). On a corner site, it enjoys great exposure on the intersection of two main roads just up from the train station. The configuration is awkward but Woods and designer UI Building Studio have used it to create three different zones, each with its own feel — from the people-watching front counter to the restaurant-style banquette seating along the length of the venue and the relaxing bar/lounge area at the back (with balcony). It was nearly two years in the making but it's been a labour of love, with Woods' personality stamped all over it (and recorded in her blog). The small venue is made bright and inviting with a minimal materials palette — concrete and plywood punctuated by graffiti art by Alex Lehours, whose work Woods spotted at the Outpost exhibition on Cockatoo Island in 2011. We go after work to see it in its wine bar state and it's pretty packed. We start with one of the specials, prawn and corn fritters ($10), which is unusual and interesting, as are the grilled chorizo chips with spiced apple puree ($8.50). The Renegades Plate — an easy share option with grilled bread, tzatziki, tomato chutney and diced egg mayonnaise ($12) — is a winner when you pile some of each into a mouthful. The Mojito ($11) is well balanced and the 2010 Mandala Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley ($10 glass) just okay, but the winner is the 2010 Sons of Eden, Kennedy GSM from the Barossa Valley ($8 glass). Something that sets The Renegades apart is the forward-thinking focus on technology. They have an engaging social media voice and have just launched an app (Woods' husband was formerly in the IT industry). The app allows mobile ordering — perfect for an office worker who's running late. Simply choose from the menu, pay on credit or put it on your tab, and it's ready for pick up when you get off the train. Pretty neat. Renegade: An outlaw; a rebel. They definitely got the name right.
This Is Not Street Art features new work by Solo Ponticello and John Hynd. Given the size of this garage-size gallery, it's amazing how well the two artists' many works fit into the small space. John Hynd has put together a series of four acrylic stages: trauma, insomnia, digestion and my eyes and noodles are burning. In the first a three-headed dog with cubist, flat eyes has its three severed heads floating above its three box necks. The dog is a stale green over a pink background. The trident shape of the dog's body is a motif repeated in Hynd's other works. Even though the effect is roughly that of a long night with a questionable breakfast, the sequence feels comfortably dreamy. In the final frame, a pink wiry man holds a noodle bowl full of fire. His eyes are burning and his white lips are quiet but focused. Solo Ponticello has drawn faces covered in black hair. Their abstract heads, or bodies, are curled and twisted in the style of vines or pairs of old, proud goat horns twisting together. All have lost unfocused eyes, and most have mouths. Although one owns a moustache instead. Only black, white and red are used — with the red either dominating the palette or running brief splashes of harsh contrast across the image. Individually the faces look sad, but together they form a calm menagerie. They combine to suggest an empty, quiet and more difficult version of the world you live in, and one with a lot more hair in it. Also on display are zines by both artists and some beautiful, soft postcards by Ponticello. It's hard to fit so much work into such an efficient space, but Hynd and Ponticello have left you just enough room get a good look.
Last year, Taco Bell returned to NSW following failed attempts in 1981 (when it was to taken to court by Sydney store Taco Bell's Casa) and 1997. And it seems, at least in the case of the US Tex-Mex chain, third time is indeed a charm. Today, Thursday, October 22, Taco Bell announced it'll be continuing its Australian expansion and opening two more stores in the state this spring. Joining existing stores in Blacktown and Newcastle, the two new NSW stores will be located in Albion Park, 90 minutes south of Sydney, just past Wollongong, and Ballina, which is 30 minutes south of Byron Bar, right near the Big Prawn. And they'll both have drive-thrus — so, you may be able to pick up a Cheesy Chipotle Burrito or Crunchy Taco on your next road trip. Going by the Newcastle menu, we can safely assume that quesadillas, burritos, Crunchwraps, nachos, power bowls and, of course, tacos (including the Gordita Crunch with both a crunchy and soft tortilla) will all be the lineup. It looks to be affordable, too, with $2.50 tacos, $3.50 mini quesadillas, $3 churros, $4 burritos and $3 cinnamon twists. Taco Bell NewcastleKeep an eye on the Taco Bell Facebook page for opening day specials, too, which often include freebies, limited-edition merch and limited-edition menu items, too. It won't stop there, either, with Taco Bell saying it'll open a minimum of 40 stores across NSW and the ACT in the next four years. We'll let you know when anymore locations are announced. Find Taco Bell at 2–3, 61 Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail from Monday, October 26 and Taco Bell at 107–109 Fox Street, Ballina from Monday, November 2. Top image: Taco Bell Robina by Hugo Nobay. CORRECTION: OCTOBER 26, 2020 — This article previously stated that the two new Taco Bells would have margaritas and beer, this is incorrect. They are both unlicensed.
Chee Soon & Fitzgerald is well established in the Sydney design scene. The shop has a rich and impressive history — it first opened in Surry Hills in 1996, and were the first in Australia to stock Finnish homewares giant Marimekko. If you're a fan of lush textiles and left-of-centre homewares, this place is sure to become one of your favourites. The Redfern store is home to Japanese ceramics, African textiles, folk art from all around the world and, if you're lucky, that one-of-a-kind antique piece you've been dreaming of. We recommend bringing your credit card.
This winter, Barangaroo House is embracing the winter chill on all of its three levels. Today, July 3, the waterside venue launched Bring the Heat — a multi-storey winter wonderland with luxe rooftop igloos, spiced martinis, magnums of Champagne and fondue pots aplenty. The outdoor terrace of Smoke (the venue's rooftop cocktail bar) is where you'll find those opulent igloos — they come complete with cosy cushions, blankets, hanging greenery and lanterns. Here, you can order cheese or chocolate fondue and baked truffle camembert straight to your igloo. For drinks, there's Champagne, hot bloody marys and 'cauldrons' of mulled wine that serve six. The igloos fit up to ten and can be booked for two hours — though you'll need to commit to a minimum spend of $500 (that's only $50 each if you round up your mates). The best time to book is on weekends when bottomless Champagne and alpine-inspired snacks are on offer from noon–3pm — drink all the Champagne you can handle while enjoying wagyu bresaola, pork skewers, toasties and hot chips for a reasonable $95 all up. Or stop by right at 5pm on weekdays, when the first five 1.5-litre magnums of Veuve Clicquot will be sold for just $145 per bottle. Over at Bea restaurant, Head Chef Tom Haynes is dishing up woodfired dishes — think charred tiger prawns or spatchcock chicken with green rice stuffing — alongside a selection of $10 mini martinis. If you're keen for the whole hog, book into one of Bea's winter wine degustations, which will take place on July 4, 17 and August 29. For $95–150 per person, you'll be treated to a feast and a few drops from winemakers Cullen Wines, Cloudy Bay and Michael Hall Wines. And, down on the ground level, House Bar is offering its own range of spiced martinis, including a chilli choc espresso, a smoked rosemary and a spiced apple version. You'll be able to DIY garnishes and bitters with these, too. All of these deals will only be available through to the end of August, though, so don't wait on it. Images: Alana Dimou
Netflix's algorithm has clearly figured out one of the most obvious facts about humankind: we all really love dogs. That was obviously the idea behind the streaming platform's 2018 canine-centric documentary series — and the show sent viewers so barking mad that it's coming back for another season. Called Dogs, the thoroughly feel-good series follows different puppers in different places around the world, as well as the two-legged folks who care for, groom, dress and even fish with them. Of course, the adorable balls of fluff are the real drawcards. The six-episode first season dedicated its frames to canines in Syria, Japan, Costa Rica, Italy and the US, each with their own stories to tell. One episode explores life in a dog sanctuary in the Costa Rican rainforest, and another relays the tale of a Siberian Husky trapped in Syria after his owner was able to flee to German. Yet another jumps into Japan's love of cute pooches — dog strollers are a common sight on the streets of Tokyo, after all. In a statement provided to Variety about the show's renewal, executive producers Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil) and Glen Zipper (The Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man) championed Dogs' human impact — especially "the ability to explore some of the most important human stories through relationships with our best friends". They continued: "it's been amazing to see how much these episodes have touched audiences and critics across the globe. Most importantly, our fans have become part of our extended family and we are honoured to bring them a fresh set of stories that will allow us to connect with them yet again." Check out the first season trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pLCmLgjiJ8 If you can't get enough when it comes to cute canines, you won't be complaining about the show's impending return — although when it'll drop, and how many episodes the second season will span, hasn't yet been revealed. And if you have your own pooch who deserves some Netflix attention, the series is also on the lookout for canine talent. Just hit up the show via Twitter or Instagram. Australia and New Zealand didn't feature the first time around, after all. Dogs' first season is now available on Netflix. Via Variety. Images: Netflix.
The art onslaught of September is behind us. Sydney Contemporary and its fellow art fairs have packed up, Chippendale's BEAMS have stopped shining, and the MCA's Primavera remains as a token of the art storm that blew threw something. But October is no slouch. Here are six exhibition opening in this fine tenth month that have got our attention. Top image: Ben Williams Photography.
Kiwis based in Australia hoping to see family across the ditch can start planning their sojourns home sooner than expected. New Zealand's planned five-step border reopening plan has been brought forward this week, with isolation requirements for double-vaccinated Kiwis returning home scrapped weeks earlier than expected. From 11.59pm on Wednesday, March 2, vaccinated Kiwis entering New Zealand from Australia will no longer need to self-isolate. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the change of plans amid New Zealand's current Omicron outbreak, which sees the country currently suffering the highest rates of COVID-19 transmission in the world. But Australians holidaymakers shouldn't get planning a quick weekend jump across the ditch just yet. Vaccinated Aussie citizens wanting a holiday in New Zealand still have to wait for step four of the original border reopening plan, which sees all travellers from Australia and from countries who don't require special visas able to enter NZ. While that is still currently proposed to happen around July this year, Aussies can cross their fingers they may be able to head across for an adventure holiday earlier. COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins advised last month that "the reopening to visa-free tourists is also likely to be brought forward, with July being the latest date we anticipate this happening." Of course, during all five steps, testing will remain critical. Every traveller will be required to undertake a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the day they arrive and on day five or six. All positive RATs must be registered and followed up with a PCR test. New Zealand had 19,599 new cases reported on Tuesday, March 1, with over 300 cases currently in hospital. Kiwis returning to New Zealand from Australia will not need to isolate upon arrival from 11.59pm on Wednesday, while Australian holidaymakers will need to wait to enter the country until later in 2022. For more information, head to the New Zealand Government's COVID-19 website.
If you live in Sydney and you like movies, you know what happens each June, with Sydney Film Festival unveiling its yearly cinematic treasures. The huge citywide event takes over plenty of the Harbour City's picture palaces, spreading the love around town. But at the new Inner West Film Fest, all that fun at the flicks will be focused on one area. "Sydney's Inner West is one of Australia's most inclusive, creatively and culturally vibrant communities, home to artists, musicians, writers, actors, cineastes, and filmmakers, and host to the country's best live music venues, restaurants, bars and cinemas," said Dov Kornits, Inner West Film Fest's co-founder and director — and also a film industry veteran thanks to magazine FilmInk. "The only thing the Inner West was missing was its very own film festival." With film lecturer Greg Dolgopolov, Kornits' new venture will run for three days from Friday, March 31–Sunday, April 2 at various Inner West spots, including a free opening night at the Marrickville Golf Club, plus sessions afterwards at Palace Cinemas Leichhardt and Dendy Cinemas Newtown. That launch slot belongs to Sweet As, a Western Australian-made hit on international film festival circuit, which tells an outback-set coming-of-age story. Written and directed by Indigenous filmmaker Jub Clerc (The Heights), it'll enjoy its Sydney premiere at IWFF, leading a lineup filled with movies bowing in Australia for the first time — and classics. Fans of The FP, rejoice — the apocalyptic riff on Dance Dance Revolution, and a glorious cult hit, is now up to its fourth instalment. Called FP 4EVZ, it's a big highlight of the program, and a sign of how eclectic the fest is willing to get. Other drawcards include Still Working 9 to 5, which looks back on Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin's 80s hit while surveying what has and hasn't changed for women since; a special retrospective screening of the Hugh Jackman-starring Erskineville Kings, which is set in the Inner West; and Sergio Leone's masterpiece — well, one of them — Once Upon a Time in the West. In total, 15 features will play, including a top-secret mystery movie that you'll only find out what it is when you show up. And, the full lineup includes shorts, an Aussie movie poster exhibition, pitching sessions and filmmakers chatting about their work. Inner West Film Fest runs from Friday, March 31–Sunday, April 2 around Sydney's Inner West — head to the festival's website for further details.
Cafe owners and baristas are the cornerstones of every community they serve, providing excellent food and cups of precious coffee to keep the world (and all of us) turning. Who better to show appreciation for these local legends than the businesses they source their coffee from? Enter Toby's Estate and the annual Local Legends competition. Every cafe in Australia that grinds, pours, and serves coffee made with Toby's Estate beans is up for voting by its community. The winner receives the prestigious title of one of the most popular cafés in their state and a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. We're proud to present the NSW Toby's Estate Local Legend of 2024: Hippo Espresso in Warners Bay. We spoke to Aaryn Algie, owner and Hunter Valley resident, about the cafe and his favourite spots around town. How Did You Get Into The Hospitality Industry? I've been involved in the industry for about 20 years. I got into it because I really enjoyed interacting with people, and hospitality was the best way I could do this and get paid! Like most people, I started at the bottom and have worked my way up, doing everything along the way. It's the perfect industry to meet people, and the friends I've made through the industry are unbelievable. What's Your Go-To Coffee Order, and Do You Have a Trick For Making The Perfect Cup Every Time? An almond latte gets my day going. There's no real reason why it's almond; I just got one by mistake one day and stuck with it. My secret to getting a perfect cup every time…get someone else to make it. Things always taste better when you don't have to make it yourself. From Your Menu, What's The Perfect Pairing with a Morning Coffee? If it's a grab-and-go kind of day, it's hard to beat our breakfast wrap: scrambled egg, hash brown, bacon, spinach, and tomato relish. Or one of our famous Acai Bowls, where you can even create your own with unlimited toppings! But if I have the time (which isn't often) to sit and eat, our omelettes are a must! They're like an egg pizza with the lot! Why Do You Use Toby's Estate? We've been using Toby's for nine years now. It's a very smooth and consistent coffee, easy to drink, and I think that's what appeals to me about it the most. What's Your Favourite Toby's Estate Roast? We use the Woolloomooloo or 'Wolly' as its friends call it! So, it's obviously my favourite, but they all have their own unique qualities. What Made You Choose to Open in The Area You're in Today? The cafe had been here a couple of years before we purchased it. I grew up nearby and knew the area pretty well, and it really is the perfect spot for a cafe— a busy little hospitality strip with Lake Macquarie just 50 metres away! Where's Your Favourite Local Spot to Grab a Bite? (Other than Here) Living an hour from the cafe, I don't get to eat nearby too often, but when I do, my go-to is definitely Emilio's, the perfect Italian restaurant. Their pizza and pasta are fantastic, and the chilli octopus is next level! Where's Your Favourite Local Spot to Grab a Drink After Work? Close to home in The Hunter Valley, Nineteen at The Vintage is my go-to. A couple of Stone & Woods on tap is the perfect end to the day. Where Do You Like to Go to Escape Into Nature Nearby? There's a little sand island at the bottom end of Lake Macquarie called Naru. It's the perfect spot on a summer's day: crystal-clear water, a sandy beach area—just the perfect chill-out spot. If You Had a Friend Come to Visit, Where's The First Place You Would Take Them? I'd take them to the best vineyards in the world and do some wine tasting in the beautiful Hunter Valley. What are Some Other Local Small Businesses You Think People Should Support? Sharon at Warners Bay Dog Shop supplies us with dog treats to sell to all our furry customers. It's a great local business with a great team! Even her dogs, Fifi and Max, pop in occasionally. Is There Anything Else That You'd Like People to Know About Your Business? We know the majority of our customers by their coffee orders, not their names. So much so, we were watching a Matildas game once, and Emily Van Egmond (who's a regular when she's in Australia) came on the TV, and one of the staff said, "OMG, that's a small flat white and coconut and pistachio girl!" Hippo Espresso is the Toby's Estate Local Legends winner for NSW in 2024. For more information on it or other cafes that serve Toby's Estate, visit the website.
Tame Impala had a busy 2019, headlining Coachella festival (alongside Childish Gambino) and Byron Bay's Splendour in the Grass. And it looks like 2020 is going to be equally jam-packed for Perth's favourite psychedelic outfit, with the band announcing their biggest ever Australian and NZ tour. Kicking things off in Auckland in April, the band will then hit up some of Australia's big stadium arenas — performing at Brisbane's Entertainment Centre, Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, before heading to Adelaide and back to their Perth hometown. Led by Tame brain and frontman Kevin Parker, the band will perform songs off their highly anticipated fourth album The Slow Rush, which is set to drop on February 14, as well as their Aria chart-topping 2015 album Currents. In light of Australia's catastrophic bushfires, Parker has also announced that the band will donate $300,000 from the tour to bushfire relief charities. Such big shows deserve one heck of a support, too, and you'll get it in Texan instrumental three-piece Khruangbin. The trio's music is described as a mix of Thai-surf punk, Persian rock and 80s Algerian symphonia, and if you'd like to know just what that sounds like you can listen to their 2019 album Hasta El Cielo. [caption id="attachment_758160" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Khruangbin[/caption] TAME IMPALA 2020 AUSTRALIA AND NZ TOUR DATES Auckland — April 16, Spark Arena Brisbane — April 18, Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sydney — April 20, Qudos Bank Arena Melbourne — April 23, Rod Laver Arena Adelaide — April 25, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena Perth — April 28, RAC Arena Tame Impala Fan Club, Laneway Presents, Chugg members and Frontier members pre-sales kick off at midday on Thursday, January 23. General tickets go on sale on Tuesday, January 28 10am local time for Australia and midday local time for NZ. Top image: Neil Krug
Everyone should play tourist in their own town. For fans of horror movies in the Harbour City, everyone should see Sydney's historic spots in a whole new light while a frightening flick rolls and Haus of Horror throws a party. That's the immersive cinema outfit's setup, and it has both the winter solstice and the Old Darlinghurst Gaol in its sights next — plus getting eerie with the American remake of The Ring. In the past, for over a year, Haus of Horror has popped up everywhere from Parramatta Gaol and Camperdown Cemetery to Cockatoo Island, showing The Exorcist, the OG Scream, Beetlejuice, A Nightmare on Elm Street and more. Now, before you truly get into the winter spirit, you'll see The Ring inside a cellblock with a full moon in the sky outside. You have two sessions to choose from, both on Saturday, June 22 (technically a day after 2024's winter solstice, but this kind of event was always going to be more fun on a Saturday instead of a Friday). So, either head through the doors at 5pm for a 7pm screening, or mosey through at 7.15pm for a 9.15pm showing. Either way, a date with Samara is only a portion of the party. Prior to the movie flickering through the projector, you'll be given time to explore the site — a place that dates back to the 1820s, housed prisoners from 1841–1914, then became a technical college and later the National Art School. The old gaol has turned the former women's prisoner wing into a theatre, which is where you'll be watching. If you need to peel your eyes away from the screen, look out for remnants of the space's previous use etched onto the walls. Haus of Horror is also setting up scare zones, a photo booth, and markets selling handmade and vintage wares. A fortune teller will get clairvoyant with attendees, a DJ will be spinning tunes, good vendors will have bites to eat on offer and a bloody-themed cocktail will be available at the bar. The crew behind the event is calling this their inaugural winter solstice shindig, aiming to turn it into an annual tradition — meaning that 2024 is the only time that you can say that you were there when this party began. Haus of Horror's Winter Solstice Party featuring The Ring takes place on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Head to the Haus of Horror website for tickets and further details.
With 1654 stores to its name worldwide, Five Guys' burger joints have become a common sight across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia — and soon, they'll also be opening in Australia and New Zealand. That news was announced in 2020, but 2021 brings further details, including the fact that it'll be launching its first eatery Down Under this year. Once the middle of 2021 rolls around, Five Guys will be serving up burgers, fries and shakes in Penrith — making Sydney the first Aussie city to taste the chain's wares. Originally, the debut store Down Under was slated for Sydney's CBD, but those plans changed due to COVID-19. An exact mid-year opening date hasn't been revealed; however, Sydneysiders will find restaurant next to Krispy Kreme and the Panthers League Club on Mulgoa Road in the western Sydney suburb when it launches. Construction on the store is due to start in the coming weeks. The cult-favourite chain is making the leap to Australia and New Zealand as part of a master franchise agreement with Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, aka the folks behind The Meat & Wine Co, Hunter & Barrel, 6 Head, Ribs & Burgers, Italian Street Kitchen and Butcher and the Farmer. Around 20 stores are due to launch in Australia alone, plus more in NZ — although exactly where else and when Five Guys will be popping up is yet to be revealed. In Sydney, additional sites are currently under consideration, including in the CBD around Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Broadway. Overseas, Five Guys has amassed quite the reputation — and, even given the number of big-name US burger chains with hefty followings, such as Shake Shack and In-N-Out, it stands out. Its made-to-order burgers skew in the classic rather than oversized, jam-packed direction. They come with two hand-formed patties on toasted buns with your choice of toppings (including pickles, grilled mushrooms and jalapeños), plus bacon cheeseburgers that add two strips of bacon and two slices of Kraft American cheese as well. Five Guys also serves up hotdogs, sandwiches, hand-cut fries (with or without Cajun spices) and vanilla milkshakes. Don't go thinking the latter are boring, though — you can add bacon, bananas, peanut butter, salted caramel and even Oreo pieces to your design-your-own beverage. The chain started back in 1986 in the Washington, DC area and, as anyone with allergies should note, only cooks its fries in peanut oil. Five Guys will launch its first Australian store on Mulgoa Road in Penrith sometime in the middle of 2021, with stores in other Australian states — and in New Zealand — to follow. No exact opening dates have been revealed as yet — we'll update you when more information comes to hand.
You may soon be donning a guernsey instead of a hat to head to Royal Randwick Racecourse, with news that the eastern suburbs horse racing ground could soon be home to a purpose-built AFL field. The potential new field is the result of a just-signed partnership between the Australian Turf Club (owners of four horse racing courses across Sydney) and the Australian Football League, which would also see the two collaborate on membership deals and events. As reported by the SMH, the new oval is slated for completion by 2019, with the field being built in the middle of the racecourse, a barren area often used for parking. It was also reported that the oval's construction would not impact on the course's racing schedule. The ATC announced that the new oval would host Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney games, and would also be the new pre-season training ground for the Swans, whose previous training ground has been impacted by the (never-ending) light trail project. The team's old training venue in Moore Park has been restricted by the encroaching light rail construction, with management announcing in January that it was on the look out for a new ground and facilities. If it goes ahead, the new Randwick Racecourse AFL field would also take pressure off the SCG later this year when Moore Park's Allianz Stadium is knocked down and rebuilt. The partnership also opens up future possibilities with other AFL clubs — ATC's Rosehill Gardens venue, for example, is close to the training ground of Sydney's newer AFL team, Greater Western Sydney.
To swim at the beach is to enjoy pure, natural beauty, but swimming at the pool allows for something else: the appreciation of nature and the human-made together. Whether driven by landlocked location, the presence of healing hot springs, or just a fear of waves, people have built stunning public swimming pools all over the world. These are ten of the best. Gellert Baths - Budapest, Hungary One hundred and eighteen thermal springs produce 70 million litres of warm water in Budapest every day. It's little wonder that the Hungarian capital is otherwise known as the 'Spa City'. Of the many pools found there, the Gellert Baths are the most visited. Built during the First World War, they are famous for their majestic, art nouveau architecture and the healing powers of their springs, acknowledged since medieval times. Badeschiff - Berlin, Germany As part of a 2004 public art project, Berlin based artist Susanne Lorenz transformed the hull of a 32m-long ship into a swimming pool and set it afloat it on the River Spree. Known as the Badeschiff, meaning 'bathing ship' in English, it is now one of Berlin’s primary summer attractions and includes table tennis tables and DJs for year-round fun. Montjuic Municipal Pool - Barcelona, Spain If you're a Kylie Minogue fan, you might recognise this view. She and a crowd of rather statuesque divers spend her video clip 'Slow' rolling around on beach towels next to the Montjuic Municipal Pool. Located on a hill high above Barcelona, this one offers spectacular scenery and Olympic diving boards. The Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik, Iceland The silica- and sulphur-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon are believed to possess powerful medicinal qualities. Whether or not you're one of the faithful, you're bound to be seduced by the mystical surroundings and the year-round 37-39°C water temperatures, especially if you're visiting during one of Reykjavik's icy winters. Having appeared in The Amazing Race 6, Hostel: Part II, and Britain's Next Top Model, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's star tourist attractions. Yrjonkatu Swimming Hall - Helsinki, Finland This one is a must for skinny dipping enthusiasts. Up until 2001, you weren't even allowed in the Yrjonkatu with your clothes on. These days, nudity is still popular, but not obligatory, and men and women must visit at separate times. Established in June 1928, Yrjönkatu is Scandinavia’s oldest indoor public swimming pool. Its stunning classical-style architecture conjures up an atmosphere reminiscent of the ancient Roman baths. Barton Springs Pool - Austin, Texas For thousands of years, the Tonkawa Native American tribe used the springs that feed into Barton Pool during sacred rituals. Acquired by settlers in the 19th century and then by the City of Austin during the 1920s, the springs have been transformed into a public pool, which now lies inside Zilker Metropolitan Park. The water temperature is never much lower than 20°C and rarely exceeds 22°C, so you can take the plunge in comfort at any time of year. Pocas do Gomes - Madeira, Portugal The Pocas do Gomes lie on the idyllic southern edge of Madeira, a Portugese archipelago located 400km north of the Canary Islands. Naturally formed from volcanic rock, these pools enable expansive views over the Atlantic Ocean. A nearby restaurant offers fresh seafood and Portugese-style culinary delights. Piscine Molitor - Paris, France The Piscine Molitor, after which Yann Martel's increasingly famous fictional hero is named, may not be considered one of the world’s most beautiful pools right now. Built in 1929, but having closed in 1989, it became a favourite haunt for hoodlums and graffiti artists throughout the 1990s. However, a 2014 reopening promises the reconstruction of the pool in all its art deco glory. If Ang Lee's imaginative depictions are anything to go by, the Piscine Molitor will soon be vying for top of the list. Krapfenbaldwad - Vienna, Austria Situated just outside of Vienna and surrounded by vineyards, Krapfenbaldwad affords sweeping views. Given that Austria is landlocked, this pool provides some welcome cool relief for both locals and visitors and is often packed during the summer months. The old-fashioned changing rooms add an olde worlde charm to the bathing experience. Bondi Icebergs Baths - Sydney, Australia Finally, we'd be doing ourselves a disservice were we to forget that some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth is on our doorstep. The Waverley Council recognised this back in the 1880s, when they built the Bondi Baths at the southern end of Australia's most popular beach. Since 1929, the Baths have been home to the famous Icebergs, the only licensed Winter Swimming Club in the world. To be a member, you must be willing to swim at least one length of the 50m pool on three Sundays out of every month, all winter long. Any attempts at an excuse will only see your membership relinquished. If that’s not quite your style, take a dip at your leisure for $5.50 (adults) / $3.50 (children/Seniors).
UPDATE: July 13, 2020: 2040 is available to stream via DocPlay, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. When An Inconvenient Truth ostensibly turned a PowerPoint presentation into an Oscar-winning film, the world took notice. An impassioned overview about the biggest threat to the earth that humanity is ever likely to face — that is, climate change — will do that. But it also set a precedent for eco-conscious documentaries, stressing the undeniable, existence-shattering doom and gloom of the situation. The reasoning is simple, not to mention completely justified: what else but the worst possible scenario could convince everyone to drastically alter their ways? (As history has shown to the planet's detriment, not even that is proving enough.) Arriving 13 years later, after a sequel to Al Gore's movie and countless other environmental docos too, 2040 adopts a different approach. This time, it's both personal and positive. Of course, the fate of this giant rock we all live on has always been personal, however director Damon Gameau frames his plea for change as a letter to his now-four-year-old daughter, hypothesising how the state of the environment could potentially improve in the next 21 years for her benefit. It's a smart, savvy move, asking viewers to similarly think about the world they want to leave for loved ones, kids and future generations in general — while offering solutions that, as based on technology available today, could genuinely make an impact. Gameau previously put himself front and centre when he made That Sugar Film, acting as the doco's own Super Size Me-style sucrose-guzzling guinea pig. That movie was not only a record-breaking box-office smash, becoming the highest grossing non-IMAX Australian documentary in history at the time, but also sparked a widespread dietary movement. Once again venturing around the world to speak to the brightest minds on his chosen subjects in episodic segments, the actor-turned-filmmaker certainly makes a compelling case in 2040. Choosing his examples wisely, each technology he champions basically sells itself. From community-level solar electricity grids in Bangladesh and self-driving cars in Singapore, to marine permaculture off the US coast and innovative agriculture practices in Australia, it's impossible not to see how Gameau's proposed solutions would enact considerable, much-needed change. To make his points crystal clear — and to firmly demonstrate how they could make a difference — he intermittently cuts to an idealised version of the future, complete with actor Eva Lazzaro playing his daughter, to literally show how life in the year 2040 could look. While these crystal ball moments sometimes overplay their earnestness and attempted humour to the point of becoming clunky, they tie into another of Gameau's key skills as a documentarian: presentation. Global warming is a daily topic of conversation for many, as it should be, and yet a constant stream of news headlines and cries from scientists can be all too easy for both the masses and their elected representatives to ignore. In addition to its unfettered optimism, 2040 packages its segments in engaging ways, whether discussing alternative energy solutions by placing its talking heads atop a towering wind turbine, or using animated dioramas. It's another technique brought over from the similarly bright, breezy, accessible yet informative That Sugar Film, and once again, it works. Also effective is 2040's overall aim, with the film staring climate change in the face, slapping on a smile and striving to get people motivated about such a crucial matter. The doco provides an upbeat top-level view, as well as an easy-to-glean list of talking points — favouring the bigger picture, plus a few case studies, over the bleak current-day political, social and economic reality. And yet, that's also what leaves a strange sensation. 2040's vision of the future is so welcome, but it's also just that: a vision. Even if you're not innately cynical about the world, there's a difference between knowing what's possible and thinking that it'll actually happen. 2040 trades in hope, which will never fail to be important, however there's still no escaping reality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-rTQ443akE
It was the film that forced two beloved superheroes into a fight; however that's not the only battle Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has faced. Critics were far from impressed, and nor were the folks behind the Golden Raspberry Awards. After bestowing eight nominations upon the Zack Snyder-directed, Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill-starring flick, the gongs also known as the Razzies have backed that up with four trophies. At the 37th awards, BvS took out worst screenplay; worst screen combo for Sad Affleck and his "baddest foe forever"; worst prequel, remake, rip-off or sequel; and worst supporting actor for Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. Still, the movie's clashes are never over, it seems, with conservative political documentary Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party coming out on top — or is it bottom? — in the worst picture, worst actor and worst director fields (and, worst actress, though BvS didn't get a look in there). Kristen Wiig was among those adding an unwanted accolade to their resume, thanks to her work in Zoolander 2. The Razzies also recognise someone whose career has taken a turn in a better direction, with Mel Gibson this year's recipient of the Razzie Redeemer Award thanks to the success of Hacksaw Ridge. The Razzies are held the day before the Academy Awards, giving the industry a moment to consider the other side of the Hollywood filmmaking spectrum before showering the best and brightest of the year in statuettes. For anyone that's been living in a musical rather than in the real world, La La Land remains the Oscars favourite after nabbing a record-equalling 14 noms, but here's hoping there'll be plenty of love for eight-time-nominee Moonlight. Check out our helpful guide before the February 27 ceremony, Australian time. GOLDEN RASPBERRY NOMINEES AND WINNERS 2017 WORST PICTURE Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Dirty Grandpa Gods of Egypt Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Independence Day: Resurgence Zoolander 2 WORST ACTOR Ben Affleck, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Gerard Butler, Gods of Egypt and London Has Fallen Henry Cavill, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Robert De Niro, Dirty Grandpa Dinesh D'Souza [as Himself], Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Ben Stiller, Zoolander 2 WORST ACTRESS Megan Fox, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Tyler Perry, Boo! A Madea Halloween Julia Roberts, Mother's Day Becky Turner [as Hillary Clinton], Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Naomi Watts, Divergent Series: Allegiant and Shut-In Shailene Woodley, Divergent Series: Allegiant WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Julianne Hough, Dirty Grandpa Kate Hudson, Mother's Day Aubrey Plaza, Dirty Grandpa Jane Seymour, Fifty Shades of Black Sela Ward, Independence Day: Resurgence Kristen Wiig, Zoolander No. 2 WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR Nicolas Cage, Snowden Johnny Depp, Alice Through the Looking Glass Will Ferrell, Zoolander 2 Jesse Eisenberg, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Jared Leto, Suicide Squad Owen Wilson, Zoolander No. 2 WORST SCREEN COMBO Ben Affleck & His BFF (Baddest Foe Forever) Henry Cavill, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Any 2 Egyptian Gods or Mortals, Gods of Egypt Johnny Depp & His Vomitously Vibrant Costume, Alice Through the Looking Glass The Entire Cast of Once Respected Actors, Collateral Beauty Tyler Perry & That Same Old Worn Out Wig, Boo! A Madea Halloween Ben Stiller and His BFF (Barely Funny Friend) Owen Wilson, Zoolander 2 WORST DIRECTOR Dinesh D'Souza and Bruce Schooley, Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Roland Emmerich, Independence Day: Resurgence Tyler Perry, Boo! A Madea Halloween Alex Proyas, Gods of Egypt Zack Snyder, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ben Stiller, Zoolander 2 WORST PREQUEL, REMAKE, RIP-OFF or SEQUEL Alice Through the Looking Glass Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: Dawn of Justice Fifty Shades of Black Independence Day: Resurgence Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Zoolander 2 WORST SCREENPLAY Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Dirty Grandpa Gods of Egypt Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Independence Day: Resurgence Suicide Squad
Wanting a little romantic indulgence? Make a bee-line straight for Onsen Hot Pools where there aren't even the words to describe how heavenly it is. Located just ten minutes from Queenstown, perched on the cliffs within a stunning mountain range, this onsen gives you a chance to soak in the breathtaking scenery while you soak in warm 38-degree waters. As you recline in the cedar pool with your choice of tipple, the retractable roof will open up to reveal cascading views across the Shotover River by day or the mesmerising star-filled sky by night. It's the epitome of relaxation. Each pool room can accommodate up to four adults, so you can share with family and friends or keep it strictly 'lovers only', just you and bae. For extra indulgence, book in for an onsite massage. We suggest the 120-minute experience which includes a massage and facial followed by herbal teas and raw-pressed refreshments in the lounge. Go on, you deserve it.
The age of anything and everything available online is extending its reach to even the most humanitarian of acts: charity. Lending a hand to New Zealand's earthquake victims has been made simple with the development of the Christchurch Cafe, a virtual coffee shop that donates 100% of its profits to survivors suffering from severe income loss. The inspirational site was created by the workers at Crafted Coffee, a Christchurch shop that was fortunate enough to escape the wrath of the devastating quake in February. The virtual cafe aims to aid business owners that were not so lucky by offering a menu of virtual coffee beverages, beans and equipment, priced from $2 to $300, that can be purchased in the form of a donation by a mere click of the mouse. Each item is linked to a Paypal site, making the process that much easier. Victims in need apply for aid online and Christchurch Cafe offers $200 per month, per person for as many as they can support with the money raised. Although you may not get the kick of caffeine that comes with any other flat white at a cozy coffee shop, every dollar contributed to the Christchurch Cafe helps the struggling New Zealanders afford food and housing that is difficult to come by in the horrific aftermath of the earthquake. Now, let us not rule out boxing up unwanted clothes or extra canned goods to help out victims of natural disasters, but hopefully skipping your morning brew and donating a virtual flat white instead will catch on as a means of giving aid, and the altruistic buzz should more than make up for the missed caffeine kick.
Byron Bay might steal the headlines, but we'll let you in on a secret: neighbouring Brunswick Heads, just a 15-minute drive north of Byron, provides the truly serene beach holiday you've always dreamed about. Thanks to its location on the Brunswick River and among mangrove forests, this welcoming coastal community is teeming with spots for stellar scuba diving, hiking and dining. If you're ready to hit up the Northern Rivers, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to present an alluring selection of activities that ensure your visit is simply unbeatable. Whether you prefer wildlife encounters or hanging out in celebrated restaurants, Brunswick Heads has both in spades. [caption id="attachment_745641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Centophobia (Flickr)[/caption] GO WHALE SPOTTING The next whale-watching season is coming up fast, and Brunswick Heads provides the ideal spot to catch these majestic creatures cruising northbound from May to July. The team at Blue Bay Whale Watching has been leading on-water expeditions since 2011, meaning an incredible sighting of a majestic humpback whale or two is almost guaranteed. Each adventure only takes ten passengers on board the Bay Warrior, an 8.5-metre catamaran with 360-degree views of the ocean. There's plenty of shelter if the weather unexpectedly turns, too, so there are indoor and outdoor vantage points for you and your crew to get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures up close. [caption id="attachment_702566" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sebastian Pena Lambarri (Unsplash)[/caption] TAKE A DIVE A visit to this part of the world would not be complete without experiencing the striking underwater world that exists off the coast of Brunswick Heads. Julian Rocks is widely recognised as one of the region's premier dive sites, with this craggy outcrop providing several moorings that make reaching this location a relatively straightforward affair. There are suitable spots here for divers of all experience levels, meaning just about anyone can explore the surrounding waters frequented by manta rays, leopard sharks, and yes, the occasional great white, too. While this subtropical oasis certainly isn't for the faint-hearted, diving at one of Australia's top scuba locations will give you plenty of stories to tell. [caption id="attachment_805448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Forson (Pexels)[/caption] PADDLEBOARD AT TORAKINA BEACH Torakina Beach should be your number one choice for stand-up paddleboarding. Set at the mouth of the Brunswick River, this sheltered paradise sees barely a ripple for waves, so pushing yourself along the crystal-clear waters is relatively hassle-free. You're also well within touching distance of Brunswick Heads, with the community's thriving cafe scene just a five-minute walk away for a post-paddle refuel. Want to keep it a bit more rustic? With picnic areas, barbecues and showers spread throughout the surrounding bushland, Torakina Beach is a truly dreamy spot for a day in the sun. [caption id="attachment_844191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mia (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE A GUIDED KAYAK TOUR Brunswick Heads and its surrounds are renowned for kayaking — the series of creeks and tributaries ensures you can get up close with lush landscapes and native wildlife. If you're looking for an expert to give you the inside word, there's no shortage of guided kayaking tours available to book. Byron Bay Eco Cruises provides a comprehensive three-hour tour where you'll take part in a river cruise that delves deep into a rainforest before loading into kayaks to scout out local wildlife (with binoculars provided, too). Finally, there's the chance to stand-up paddleboard amid the Brunswick River's serene environment. [caption id="attachment_844211" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christy Gallois (Flickr)[/caption] EXPERIENCE A LOCAL RITE OF PASSAGE It seems like every small town has a slightly hazardous rite of passage that provides endless stories — both good and bad. In Brunswick Heads, this initiation involves making the leap from the South Beach Road Bridge into Simpson's Creek about four metres below. With the creek providing a wonderful swimming spot at high tide, dozens of people, young and old, test their mettle on a hot summer's day. There's every reason to get involved, but do take caution if you decide to take the leap from this 85-year-old wooden bridge. DISCOVER BRUNSWICK HEADS' DINING SCENE Don't assume the pinnacle of Brunswick Heads' dining starts and finishes with fish and chips on the beach (though we would absolutely recommend doing this). The town has a growing reputation for fine-dining institutions that will knock your proverbial socks off. Fleet (pictured above) is one such venue, but with seating for only 14 guests, you'll have to book early to sample its award-winning hyper-local tasting menu. La Casita is another stellar example of the region's booming culinary scene. The team here works alongside the region's top makers and producers to create its mouth-watering dishes, which feature hearty Mexican flavours that put many city-centric options to shame. Plus, the boozy cocktails ensure you depart with an extra bounce in your step. [caption id="attachment_844194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TAKE A HIKE AND PICNIC IN THE RAINFOREST There are so many incredible vistas to enjoy throughout the Northern Rivers region, but you don't have to bust a gut to experience some of the best. The easygoing North Head walking track, located on the edge of town in the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, is a 30-minute trail guiding you through the coastal rainforest. As you break through the canopy and look down upon the Brunswick River, you'll find several spots perfect for unfurling a picnic rug and basket. Once you're back on your feet, the trail leads you through fascinating wildlife habitats and eventually out to the ocean beach. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Graham Cook (Flickr)
