Surry Hills' latest wine bar may be small in size and servings – with 20-or-so seats, a snacky menu of delicate share plates and a carefully curated wine list — but Bar Copains is big on many things. Think flavour, heart and coolness (in a way that isn't intimidating). 'Copains' means 'friends' in French, and fittingly so. It was born from a friendship between chefs Morgan McGlone and Nathan Sasi – and now it continues to thrive as a neighbourhood joint where friendships bloom over a glass of natural wine and some seriously delicious snacks. For some of us (with more generous spirits) the influx of share-plate menus has been welcomed with open arms. At Bar Copains you can try a Pigs Head Fritti with a zippy gribiche (kind of like a combination of tartar and egg salad) then move on to some stracciatella with truffle honey, perfectly balanced on a crunchy rye cracker. Then, why not a bite of salty anchovy and olive on a bed of puff pastry? Finish it off with a rich lamb ragu pappardelle followed by some fresh sweet peaches with meringue and cream. The menu changes regularly but one thing is constant, sharing is caring. And here you will want to, and can try it all. The venue sits on an unassuming corner on Albion street, offering an elevated yet laid-back neighbourhood charm. You can sit out on the leafy street or head inside where the walls are proudly lined with McGlone and Sasi's wine collection. The decor is paired back but with an intimate and cosy vibe that steers clear of any stuffy pretentiousness. It's a place to bring a special date or reunite with an old friend, but it's not the best spot for a big group — intimacy is key here. So yes, Sydney's Bar Copains may be small, but that is exactly how we like it.
Sunburnt settlers didn't build this city by the sea just so you could stay on land and pavement. If you always did that, you'd miss out on the joy of salt spray, the harbour wind in your hair. Whether setting sail (well, boarding a vessel) from Circular Quay, or hopping the plank at Palm Beach in the north or Cronulla in the south, there are plenty of adventures to be had in Sydney where — bar having your own boat — only a ferry can rightly take you. Pack a picnic with your squad, strap your hikers on and explore the wide reaches of this bush-clad city and beyond. [caption id="attachment_653083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY TO SHARK ISLAND Shark Island is the 1.5-hectare picnic oasis of your dreams that sits in the Sydney Harbour National Park, close to Rose Bay and Point Piper. Directions: Captain Cook Cruises steers the service, which on weekdays leaves from Circular Quay (Wharf Six) and Barangaroo (Wharf Two) five times daily. It takes between 20–25 minutes, although with this sparkling route you'll be wishing it would slow the hell down. Please note that services will resume on January 4, 2020. Cost: $20 return. Book here. What to do when you get there: There's grass, shade and 360-degree views of sexy seaside Sydney. Get that first ferry and bolt for the one 30-person gazebo if you're throwing a shindig (and book your ferry tickets in advance if you're bringing a squad of pals). Despite the name, few sharks swing their fangs by here these days, but you can spot tide pool critters in the grottos and inlets by the shore. There are toilets, water and picnic tables, but no shops — so bring all your kit in a good 'ol fashioned picnic basket. [caption id="attachment_653084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CRONULLA TO BUNDEENA Bundeena is a nature-filled waterside suburb with rustic charm that hugs the Royal National Park. The 20-minute route leaves from Cronulla and crosses the Port Hacking River, where you'll go a little nuts with envy over the water-lapping properties. Don't worry though — the nature on the other side will calm you back down. Directions: The ferry departs from Tonkin Wharf in Gunnamutta Bay, a five-minute walk from Cronulla Station. Cost: $6.80 each way. You just pay on-board. Info here. What to do when you get there: Strap on the old hikers and get thee to the Royal National Park. The 26-kilometre Coast Track begins at Jibbon Beach and weaves past small sandy inlets (Little Jibbon Beach is used as a nude beach if you really want to take your trip back to nature), cliffsides and bushland, not to mention a series of rock carvings from the Dharawal people who lived here for thousands of years. Walk as far as your nature-loving heart desires; Wottamolla, Burning Palms, Garie and Wedding Cake Rock are all doable in a day trip if you leave early. Back in Bundeena, grab a coffee and fish and chips on the deck of Passionfruit Cafe, or sink your toes in the sand as you wait for the return ferry to Cronulla. [caption id="attachment_653085" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Rains/Destination NSW[/caption] PALM BEACH TO ETTALONG This stunning half-hour journey takes in four waterways — Pittwater, Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury River and Box Head — and makes a brief pit-stop at Wagstaffe. You may even luck out and see some wildlife like seals, turtles or even penguins along the way. Directions: Catch the Fantasea-run ferry from Palm Beach Wharf on Barrenjoey Road. Cost: $12.20 one way. You can book over the phone or just pay on-board. Info here. What to do when you get there: Only 30 minutes from Palmy and you're suddenly in the Central Coast. At Ettalong Beach you can try your hand at fishing, hire a kayak from beachfront Anderson's kayaks, or lazily park your bum on the sand. Bush wanderers can jump on the Great North Walk path into the Brisbane Waters National Park from Patonga to Pearl Beach, ducking uphill to the Warrah Lookout for some spectacular views. Hungry daytrippers can soak up the sights at The Box on the Water, grab some gourmet grub from their kiosk, or head for the Cinema Paradiso complex where Bar Toto does pizza by the slice as well as charcuterie and cheese. [caption id="attachment_653087" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ethan Rohloff/Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY TO COCKATOO ISLAND Find Cockatoo Island at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has a pretty hectic past, as an air raid shelter, convict colony, gaol and even graving dock. Directions: From Circular Quay, the ferry swings past Balmain, Greenwich Point and Woolwich, which is why it takes a half hour despite being close to town. There are also services from Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Cost: $6.12 each way using your Opal or credit card. What to do when you get there: If you're here for the history, take an audio or guided tour, or veer past the vids in the Dog Leg Tunnel. Exercise fiends will be beside themselves over the harbour views of the basketball court. Hell, there's even giant chess. Cockatoo Island also has the right look for Hollywood, having been the setting of a Wolverine escape scene and a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in Angelina Jolie's Unbroken (of which you can see snippets in the screening room). The Harbour Trust also runs glamping, spooky haunted tours and sometimes live music sessions at sunset. [caption id="attachment_653023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MickeyMoo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] CHURCH POINT TO SCOTLAND ISLAND In the far northern reaches of Sydney, Scotland Island houses history and spotted gums galore, and is just the ticket for a rustic getaway on the western foreshore of the Pittwater, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Directions: The ferry sets off from Church Point wharf hourly on the half hour and makes multiple stops on Scotland Island, including Morning Bay, Lovett Bay and Elvina Bay. It takes 20–25 minutes depending on where you hop off. Cost: $9.40 one-way or $15 return. What to do when you get there: Scotland Island was made famous by author Susan Duncan's Salvation Creek, in which she shacks up in Tarrangaua House built for poet Dorothea Mackellar in 1925. Author Di Morrissey also grew up here, and bad-arse femme fatale Tilly Devine had a retreat from her city shenanigans as well. Take a trek up Flagstaff Hill for some epic views of the Pittwater, or settle in for a BBQ at the picnic tables by Tennis Court Wharf. If you fancy doing an overnighter, there's a YHA with a big deck that presents tidy vistas over the island. [caption id="attachment_653088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY TO CREMORNE If time is of the essence but you still want to bask in the sun-kissed beauty that is Sydney, this short jaunt to Cremorne Point is just the trick. Bring your swimmers. Directions: From Circular Quay Wharf Four, this ten-minute trip across the harbour takes you past Kirribilli and Kurraba Point on to Cremorne Point Wharf. After a short walk, you can return from Mosman Bay Wharf, which will take 20 minutes. Cost: $6.12 each way (whether you return from Cremorne Point Wharf or Mosman Bay Wharf). What to do when you get there: Wander into Cremorne Reserve to gush over the sweetest darn lighthouse in Sydney at Robertson Point. Spin back past the ferry wharf and onto Maccallum Pool, a little picket-fence (free!) swimming oasis with million dollaroonie views. The walk between Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay wharves will take around 45 minutes (plus your dip), and takes in some grande ol' houses, pristine views, and the Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens, planted in the 1950s. [caption id="attachment_653090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY TO MANLY Despite being a Sydney icon since 1855, few south of the bridge would dispute that the Manly ferry is transport of choice for reaching sunny Manly. Directions: From Circular Quay (Wharf Three), the Manly Ferry turns east past Kirribilli, heads towards the headlands and through Middle and North harbours, and cruises on to Manly Cove in 30 minutes. If you're in a rush, the private Manly Fast Ferry service shaves off around ten minutes (but costs a tad more). Cost: $7.65 each way with your Opal card, or $9.70 on the Manly Fast Ferry. What to do when you get there: We hope you brought your towel and cossies, because you'll be beckoned by the beaches at every turn. Head straight on down the Corso for a spot of shopping and, when you reach the water, chuck a left along the esplanade until you hit Shelly Beach, a sheltered little oasis. Grab a lazy, seaside lunch at The Boathouse beside the sand, take a tipple on the balcony at Manly institution The Steyne, or dine with a daiquiri at Hemingway's. The more adventurous can take the stairs behind Shelly for a hike to Manly Heads or hire a surfboard and taste some salt water or maybe even catch a wave.
Manly's cafe scene gained massive bragging rights back in 2018 when Bo Hinzack (of local coffee shop Showbox Coffee Brewers and Mosman's Penny Royal) and James Sideris (Butter Boy Bake) teamed up to bring Rollers Bakehouse to life, located along Rialto Lane, just steps from the beach. While this is the duo's first collaboration, Sideris has been regularly supplying Hinzack's cafes with baked goods for years. If you've ever come across his giant cookies, brownie sandwiches and custard-filled muffins — they're regularly stocked at Showbox and Penny Royal, as well as cafes like Regiment, Skittle Lane and Bloodhound — you've probably been on a mission to track them down ever since. And now you know exactly where to head — Rollers. The shop was five years in the making for Sideris, whose love of baking goes all the way back to high school. "The concept came from both our loves for places in the US, with just coffee and pastries done really well," he says. Patrons can expect a mix of sweet and savoury items that changes daily. Some potentials include the mushroom and taleggio quiche ($10.50), iced vovo twice baked ($11) and mortadella danishes ($12). If you prefer a bit more certainty in your life, in-house signatures like sausage rolls ($12) and cinnamon scrolls ($8.50) are always on offer be on offer alongside the house granola ($17) and the bakery's specialty, croissants, which come in a wide variety of flavours but are always perfectly buttery and flaky. There is also a range of coffee on offer, alongside teas, hot chocolate ($6) and house soda ($7.50). On the coffee side of things, they're using beans from pro-roaster Aaron Wood of Melbourne's Wood and Co. This means you can expect some serious batch brews, along with cold drip and coffee classics done really well. The space emits poolside Palm Springs vibes, with breeze blocks, succulents and a courtyard and appropriate 90s music vibes — it's spring-ready in July. Images: Kitti Gould. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Bakeries in Sydney for 2023
When National Tim Tam Day hit earlier this year, biscuit brand Arnott's gave Australians something we didn't know we wanted: the opportunity to smell like Tim Tams all day long. That chocolate biscuit-scented perfume was a limited-time-only affair, however, but there's now an option for your home, too — or for your mum's, because this a Mother's Day special. To mark 2022's celebration of mums, Arnott's doesn't simply want you to simply give your mother Tim Tams — although it clearly does still want you to do exactly that. To really get everyone's tastebuds in a tizzy, the biscuit brand has also just launched gift packs filled with Tim Tam-smelling candles and diffusers. Try getting a whiff of that and not having instant bikkie cravings. Yes, if Victoria Bitter can make a fragrance inspired by beer, The Louvre can drop perfumes that take their cues from its famous artworks and Messina can release gelato-scented candles, then making the air around you smell like Tim Tams really isn't that outlandish at all. It's the aroma that'll make you hungry all day, and features not only cocoa notes, but also caramel, tonka bean and a hint of sandalwood as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tim Tam (@timtam) The Melbourne-made, cruelty-free and vegan packs cost $100 a pop and are only on sale until Thursday, April 28, and include a 200-millilitre Tim Tam-scented reed diffuser and a 300-gram Tim Tam-scented candle, as well as packs of original and salted caramel brownie Tim Tams. So, if you're buying this as a gift, that means you won't need to take a dessert along to Mother's Day lunch. And if you're purchasing it for yourself instead, well, you're only human. Stocks are limited, though — but delivery is free Australia-wide. The Tim Tam Mother's Day gift boxes are available to purchase until Thursday, April 28.
A more traditional-style Taiwanese bubble tea shop, Yifang hails from Taiwan and is now popular worldwide, with shops in Sydney's Burwood, Eastwood and the CBD. It sources its tea from local farmers across 140 hectares in Mingjian, Lugu and Sun Moon Lake. Yifang also sources its fruits seasonally from Taiwan, whether its pineapples from Guanmiao, kumquat from Ilangreen or green plums from Xinyi Township. And its fresh milk comes from Tainan dairy farms — they never use milk powder or creamers here. Some of the summery flavours on the menu at the moment include kiwi, lemon grapefruit and pineapple.
Any vegetarian or vegan can tell you just how difficult it can be to find affordable, convenient and delicious food to fit their diet. Laurie's ticks all of those boxes, earning it a religious following in Bondi. The menu consistently features six hot dishes and five salads, which you can mix-and-match to take away or to dine on at one of the limited in-house tables. Though the venue is tiny, Laurie's retains a community feel. One whole wall is plastered in community event posters, and the fact that the majority of customers are regulars is immediately evident. Today's hot dishes (which rarely vary) include lasagne, pasta, mild chickpea curry, Mexican beans, lentil casserole and roast veggies. The salad list is comprised of cajun tofu, persian rice, two green salads and a cous cous salad. All of the options are vegetarian and all but two (the lasagne and pasta) are vegan. Other available dishes on the menu include vego burgers, empanadas, pies, baked potatoes...the list goes on. I decide to go for a take-away combination of the chickpea curry, roast veggies and cous cous salad. I try the curry dish first, and am pleased by the homemade, soul-food flavour. It's a combination of spicy and sweet - delicious, but not to be outdone by the roast vegetables. These taste as though they just came out of my home oven, savoury and filling. The cous cous isn't necessarily a stand-out dish, but tasty nonetheless. Eating all of this on the lawn by Bondi Beach, I am struck by just how convenient Laurie's has made good, vegetarian food. The restaurant fare itself isn't particularly earth-shattering but it is indeed delicious. And who can argue with a solid, take-away meal for next to nothing? Move over, McDonald's.
Remember how it rained all last winter? Well get set for another rainy season, folks: as I write this I'm looking out on to a rain-sodden Oxford Street. What with Sydney being all about beaches and carousing in the sun, we seem to cope less well with the wet and the cold. But there's so much this city has to offer, and in particular when it's miserable out and the nights get too cold to venture outdoors, one of the nicest things to do is hang out with a book. Or better yet, hang out in one of Sydney's lovely independent bookshops, which we should all be supporting. With this in mind, we present to you our pick of Sydney's ten best bookstores. 1. Gertrude & Alice Where: 46 Hall St, Bondi Beach Wall to wall books. Books from ceiling to floor, interspersed with communal tables. Gertrude & Alice is what Shakespeare's is to Paris, and provides a welcome haven amongst the surfers and backpackers of Bondi Beach. The food served is fresh and universally excellent, and it's one of the best places to go if you're feeling a bit lonesome, because the welcoming communal tables ensure that you'll always feel at home. Named after Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, the famous expat American couple who encouraged the careers of Hemingway and Henry Miller, amongst others, there's a lot of heart to this place, as well as lovely velvet sofas and delicious chai. They also boast a Hemingway room, quieter and lined with reference books and the perfect place to woo another attractive bookworm. 2. Better Read Than Dead Where: 265 King Street, Newtown I have spent a lot of money in this place. I only realised how many times I was in there over the summer when one of the sales girls said to me "You're in here all the time, and I've always wanted to say I really like your dresses." Which was lovely to hear, because the rest of my scanty budget goes towards dresses. Better Read Than Dead have one of the best staff recommendation systems around, and they'll often hook you up with things you'll love forever which you'd never find on your own. Everyone working there is incredibly helpful and chatty if you engage with them, but they'll otherwise leave you to your own devices. Close to Camperdown Memorial Park, one of the nicest things to do when it's sunny is to get yourself a book and find a tree to lie under and read. 3. Berkelouw Books Where: 19 Oxford Street, Paddington, 8 O'Connell Street, Newtown, 70 Norton Street Leichhardt and 708 New South Head Road, Rose Bay Berkelouw are kind of everywhere right now - seriously, there's one adjacent to a carpark in Cronulla. But each of them feels individual, and each of them are awesome. The better branches of Berkelouw are the older ones: Paddington and Leichhardt, as well as the newer, but adorable, Newtown branch. Berkelouw comes with a cafe and comfy leather couches for you to squish up in and read for hours, and there's also a separate second hand section which is always worth a look. I would personally recommend the Newtown Berkelouw, if only because of its close proximity to T2 and Guzman y Gomez, it's welcome student discount, and the fact that the first time I went in they were playing The Smiths. 4. Gould's Book Arcade Where: 37 King St, Newtown You cannot argue with this place. It is the undisputed king of second-hand books in Sydney. You could disappear into this place and never come out again. I would wager you could find a gateway to Narnia in Gould's. With a liberally relaxed policy when it comes to organisation, you'll find Marxist histories of industrial labour sitting side by side with a 1996 travel guide to Slovakia. But stick around for a couple of hours (and you can, it's open until midnight, after all) you'll find treasure for a pittance. At the centre of the store was, until his death in May of 2011, Bob Gould himself, the silvery-bearded stalwart of Sydney's sixties counter-culture who was once arrested for his anti-Vietnam and anti-establishment activities. 5. Kinokuniya Where: Level 2 The Galleries, 500 George Street, Sydney Kinokniuya is the only big chainstore included on the list, but this list would be nothing without it. The Japanese bookstore giant believes in promoting art and culture, not just hocking the best-selling pulp-literary tat to people, and has been one of the most welcome additions to the city in the past few years. Kinokuniya is awesome - it has everything, the stuff you can't find anywhere else, ever. You can spend hours hanging out in the light-filled building which overlooks the criss-crossing pedestrian traffic of the George and Park Street intersection. It boasts an entire Japanese section, the best range of graphic novels and manga and an incredible range of art and design books, as well as every kind of fiction under the sun. Kinokuniya also features an in-store gallery to showcase emerging artists. 6. Gleebooks Where: 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, 536 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill and 191 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (Antiquarian & Second-Hand) Gleebooks is a Sydney institution. The city's most reliable independent bookseller for many years, they stock an unbelievably vast range of books; fiction and non-fiction alike, and often play host to talks by international and national figures, including The Chaser boys. When they talk about independent booksellers being in peril, you know that Gleebooks will be the last to go. Its second-hand and children's sections are located further up Glebe Point Road, and are completely worth the walk up the hill. Also, a Dulwich Hill branch recently opened up which is a very welcome addition to an often neglected portion of the Inner West. 7. Ariel Books Where: 42 Oxford St, Paddington and 103 George Street, The Rocks Ariel have a fantastic selection of art, architecture and design books adorning their shelves. The shop's interior is open and clean, although there are some delightful lanterns which pretty up the place, and it has the benefit of being open until midnight. Mostly it's the awesome range of books and the atmosphere of the place which makes Ariel so nice, but you can also get yourself a Moleskine, some Mexican kitsch ornaments or some chocolate, if they take your fancy. A stone's throw away from the College of Fine Arts and on the edge of the city's hipster quarters, the place is filled with a mix of spaced-out locals, art school kids and some very attractive bookish types. 8. Sappho Books, Cafe & Wine Bar Where: 51 Glebe Point Road, Glebe Sappho's is a cafe and wine bar as well as a second-hand bookshop, and has the loyal custom of many of the local Sydney University students. The pokey little shop has a huge range of books on every subject matter and has been hosting regular poetry nights for the last couple of years. You're always certain to find what you're looking for, and often in really nice editions: some of the copies from the '50s and '60s you'll find are so nice you'll want to frame them. This is also the only place on this list where you can sit with a book and a glass of wine, or a jug of sangria, until the wee hours under the shade of the jasmine and banana trees. 9. Ampersand Cafe Bookstore Where: 78 Oxford St, Paddington So easy to miss amongst the tumultuous crowds on Oxford Street, Ampersand is bigger than it looks from the street and a haven away from the city and the crowds. With a good range of second-hand books tucked away across three floors and offering amazing, cheap first-edition copies of books like The Master & Margarita and The Human Stain, Ampersand also wins on the coffee front - it is truly excellent. Downstairs is a communal table if you feel like making some friends, or you're perfectly welcome to hang out on your own. 10. Journeys Bookstore & Cafe Where: 127 Trafalgar Street, Annandale Journeys is another very cute bookstore and cafe, housed in a converted terrace, where you're invited to flip through the pages of books while sipping some tea. The titles are all handpicked, and there'a seriously good travel section. Upstairs is the best bit, a bright airy room decked out with comfy couches, and surrounded by seven bookcases. Each case represents a region of the world, and you'll find travel guides, history, fiction and travel literature to match every country in that part of the world. If you wish you were elsewhere there's no better place to imagine it.
Because nobody should have to deny themselves their favourite foods, Nourished have created healthy versions of comfort staples like nachos, burgers and breakfast burritos. Proving that they're looking out for our best interests, they've even helped out with the justification by giving an explanation of why their meals are good for you. Their spicy bean and corn nachos are packed with fibre, protein and iron, which helps cut cholesterol and provides sustainable energy. Take that, diet. The menu is sizeable, and given that it's within walking distance to the beach, it's great that such a big chunk is also offered as takeaway. They've got an ever-changing selection of juices and smoothies and the Campos coffee they serve is one of their biggest drawcards.
Fried chicken lovers: start drooling. KFC is set to unveil a brand new burger inspired by the flavours in Peking duck, but there's a catch: the only place you can get your hands on it will be at their new music festival on Cockatoo Island. The Colonel is throwing the music festival in the iconic Sydney Harbour spot with an all-star local lineup on Sunday, March 13, and yes, all tickets include free KFC Peking Cluk burgers. As for the headliners at the festival — it's Peking Duk, of course. The rowdy DJ duo are stepping up to help the Colonel as KFC's official burger spokespeople, and will be performing at the festival alongside beloved Yolngu rapper Baker Boy and Sydney favourite Thandi Phoenix. Attendees will be treated to Peking Duk's brand-new live show that they created over the last two years. The show has only been seen a few times at the likes of Field Day and features big party energy, remixes of previous material and plenty of synthesisers. "We've been in the bunker making the live set totally different, totally unique. It's going to be fun and it's going to be an experience that nobody's had before," Peking Duk's Reuben Styles told Concrete Playground. Adam Hyde of the duo put it more succinctly: "Get clucked, go cluck yourself, cluck off and have a clucking great time on Cockatoo Island with the boys."
The iconic Sydney Fish Market is still gearing up for its grand reopening, but we know more and more about what to expect as every day goes by. The latest reveal? The market will be adding new guest tours to its offering come January, before the first cultural festival arrives with a celebration for the Lunar New Year. Visitors to the new Sydney Fish Market will have four new ways to explore it with a guide. The Behind the Scenes Tour will take you into the market's inner workings and see the famous auction in action, the Sydney Fish Market Discovery Tour will take you from wharf to newly renovated auction floor, the Tastes of the Sydney Fish Market tour will get you sampling the goods — and the Sunsets on the Wharf Tour focuses on the fishing aspect, and follows the fish from wharf to auction with drinks and canapès to finish by the water. Less than a month after opening, Sydney Fish Market will go all-out for the Lunar New Year, with celebrations and special offers to be found in every section of the market from Monday, February 16 to Sunday, February 22. Welcoming the Year of the Horse, Sydney Fish Market will be hosting cultural celebrations, including traditional lion dancers, while market retailers will be serving special LNY dishes like whole steamed fish, noodles, dumplings and other treats from Sydney's leading seafood chefs. Up in the Sydney Seafood School, there'll be guest appearances from Junda Khoo (Ho Jiak), Nat Thaipun (Vue de monde), Luke Bourke (Felons Seafood), and Somer Sivrioglu (Anason) alongside an expanded program of hands-on classes and specialty workshops for chefs of all experience levels. And as a part of the opening week celebrations, coinciding with LNY, the market will host a twilight Community Day on Friday, February 20, with free hosted tours, family-friendly activities, and more to be announced in the coming weeks. The Sydney Fish Market can be found on the corner of Pyrmont Bridge Road and Bank Street, Pyrmont. For more information, visit the website.
In order to empower at-risk children, Spanish organisation Aid to Children and Adolescents at Risk Foundation has launched an anti-abuse advertising campaign embedded with a secret message. When the average adult views the bus stop billboard, they will only perceive a disheartened boy with the words "Sometimes, child abuse is only visible to the child suffering it." However, when viewed from below the height of the average 10-year-old, the boy's face appears bruised and the text now reads, "If somebody hurts you, phone us and we'll help you," alongside the number for their anti-abuse helpline. This feat of eye magic is achieved through a lenticular top layer, which displays different images at varying angles. While it is chilling to ponder that ANAR is targeting children travelling with their abusers, it is also inspiring that such innovation is stemming from the non-profit sector. And, thus, that the campaign aims to empower children, rather than sell them hamburgers or new phones. However, some fear that this will trigger new advertising strategies aiming to sell from the waist down — targeting kids into asking for specific brands upon seeing messages their parents have missed. As Gizmodo's Andrew Liszewski asks, "how long will it be before toy companies start doing to the same thing to hawk their products directly at kids?" (We give them three months.) It's still not as much of a worry as the Minority-Report-esque interactive billboards that IBM are reportedly developing. Apparently they could scream out our kid's name to tell them they could use a Guinness. Eeek.
There are 11,761 beaches in Australia. So it goes without saying that choosing the nation's most epic stretches of sand is no easy feat. Still, we've taken on the challenge. And, having considered the entire coastline, we've teamed up with Jim Beam to come up with ten of the best beaches in Australia so you can book a group holiday — from South Australia's sweeping Coorong Beach, which is one of the longest beaches in the world, to Queensland's Whitehaven Beach, which is famous for its incredible beauty, rather than its length. Remote and not close to major cities, these are not your local favourites — these are the top beaches in Australia. Get your bucket list ready, hit up the group chat (because every beach adventure is best enjoyed together) and start planning your next waterside getaway to at least one of them. Recommended reads: The Best Coastal Spots for Whale Watching Across Australia The Best Islands to Visit in Australia The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Glamping Sites in Australia [caption id="attachment_694321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] NINETY MILE BEACH, VICTORIA Sometimes, size does matter. That's true in the case of Ninety Mile Beach, which is actually 94 miles — or 151 kilometres — long, making it one of the longest beaches in the world. It runs along the state's northeastern coastline, parallel to the (also epic) Gippsland Lakes. And there are all kinds of adventures on offer. Spend days (and days) wandering along the sand, uninterrupted by rocks or headlands while soaking up the surf and looking out for whales. Visit Ninety Mile's cute seaside towns, like Woodside, Seaspray and Golden Beach. And, if you're a camper who's happy to swap creature comforts for serenity, pitch your tent at Emu Bight, on the shores of Lake Victoria within The Lakes National Park, and use this guide to explore the water. Editors note: Emu Bight is currently closed due to bushfires in the nearby area. Check the government's Emu Bight site for more updated info. [caption id="attachment_743661" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] RED ROCK BEACH, NEW SOUTH WALES Some beaches are epic, not only for themselves, but for what surrounds them. Take Red Rock, 30 minutes' drive north of Coffs Harbour. The Australian beach takes its name from its stunning headland, a 20-metre-high formation of 300-million-year-old jasper, also known as red quartz. Much of the sand is backdropped by national park and keen hikers should conquer the 65-kilometre multi-day Yuraygir Coastal Walk — or at least a section of it. If you find yourself needing human civilisation, visit the tiny coastal community of Corindi, where you can camp or stay in a cabin at Reflections Holiday Park. Take your time exploring the area and Red Rock Beach, one of the best beaches in Australia. [caption id="attachment_743607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] WHITEHAVEN BEACH, QUEENSLAND Whitehaven Beach was famous for its looks even before Instagram existed. Located on Whitsunday Island, this seven-kilometre-long wonder is known for its sand, which, made of silica, is among the whitest, brightest and purest on the planet. To visit, you'll need to climb aboard a tour from Airlie Beach — be it by yacht, powerboat, ferry or seaplane. You'll be sorely tempted to take a dip in the crystal clear waters when visiting Whitehaven Beach, easily one of the best beaches in Australia. And, for extraordinary views of the beach, island and surrounds, get yourself to Tongue Point Lookout. If you'd like to stay overnight, there are several campsites nearby. [caption id="attachment_743612" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] CAPE TRIBULATION BEACH, QUEENSLAND Cape Tribulation in Queensland's Far North is where two Heritage-listed wildernesses — the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest — come together. Cape Tribulation Beach is the first one north of the cape, around two hours' drive north of Port Douglas. Begin your adventures at Kulki with a ten-minute stroll to Cape Tribulation Lookout, which looks north over Cape Tribulation Beach, backdropped by mountains. And to add a second sandy spot to your itinerary, take the one-hour Cape Tribulation to Mason's Store walk, for views of Myall Beach. [caption id="attachment_743652" align="alignnone" width="1920"] South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] COORONG BEACH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA This breathtaking stretch of sand forms the southwestern border of Coorong National Park, on South Australia's southeast coast. It runs for around 220 kilometres, between Port Elliot in the north and Cape Jaffa in the south — and it's considered the longest beach in Australia. It's also where the Murray River meets the sea, after a 2500-kilometre journey from the Australian Alps. Just behind Coorong Beach are the Coorong Wetlands, where the original Storm Boy (1977) film was shot. Consider a paddling tour along one of the best beaches in Australia, be it a three-hour sunset fling or a multi-day expedition. Keep your eyes peeled for threatened species, including the orange-bellied parrot, freckled duck and southern bell frog. [caption id="attachment_743610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] 75 MILE BEACH, QUEENSLAND Another beach that's legendary for its awesome size is 75 Mile Beach on K'gari. This sandy behemoth forms most of the east coast of the island — which is the world's biggest sand island — and lies just off the coast, around six hours' drive north of Brisbane. The attractions here aren't just endless sea and sky, but also multicoloured and adventurous. Yes, there are sharks in the water and dingos on land, but the main attraction here is the length of the beach. Consequently, one of the most popular ways to travel 75 Mile Beach is by 4WD tour. That said, you can also go exploring on foot and camp or glamp at the dedicated Beach Camp Fraser Island. And be sure to stop off at Nudey Beach, which was named the best beach in Australia for 2018. [caption id="attachment_743683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Charles Hill, Tourism Tasmania[/caption] WINEGLASS BAY, TASMANIA Like Queensland's Whitehaven Beach, Tasmania's Wineglass Bay is known all over the world for its good looks. As you've no doubt guessed, the bay gets its name from its smooth curves, which resemble a wine glass. You'll find one of the beast beaches in Australia on on Tassie's east coast, within Freycinet National Park. To get some perspective, follow the three-kilometre walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout from Wineglass Bay car park. An even more epic adventure is the full-day Hazards Beach to Wineglass Bay Circuit, an 11-kilometre hike that takes in two beaches, wilderness and pretty views. [caption id="attachment_743719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] CABLE BEACH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Cable Beach, on the edge of Broome, is best known for its camel rides. Every evening, the humped beasts traipse along the shoreline, delivering tourists to some of the most beautiful sunsets in Australia, if not the world. It's hard to think of a better way to experience Cable Beach. But, if that's not your thing, you can hire a bike and cycle along the sand. Alternatively, settle for relaxing on the sand, swimming or sipping cocktails when visiting one of the best beaches in Australia. As well as its white sand, Cable Beach is famous for its rich red ochre cliffs, which create a striking contrast with the blue, blue sky. [caption id="attachment_743663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Stanley via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] COSSIES BEACH, COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS Add a bit of island hopping to your beachy bucket list chasing with a quick getaway to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. These magical wonderlands of coral are in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a 4.5-hour flight west of Perth — which is pretty far-flung, but they're still considered an Australian territory. There's no shortage of gorgeous beaches, but one of the most magnificent is Cossies, on Direction Island, which beach expert Brad Farmer named Australia's best beach in his book 101 Best Beaches 2017. Keen snorkellers should definitely spend some time at the Rip, a haven of colourful corals, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, reef sharks and other intriguing underwater creatures. And if you're looking for a place to stay when visiting one of the best beaches in Australia, try nabbing a room at Cocos Seaview. [caption id="attachment_743664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Linear77 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] EIGHTY MILE BEACH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA One of the best things about Western Australia's many beaches is that they come with sunsets. And, on Eighty Mile Beach — which sprawls between Port Hedland and Broome — you get 220 kilometres of them. It's also a marine park, so you can count on plenty of sea life, including dugongs, dolphins, sawfish and flatback turtles, that come here to nest. Spend your time looking out for these and other wondrous creatures, or get into some strolling, swimming or fishing. There are spots to camp, too, including Cape Keraudren Coastal Reserve. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top images: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.
Like many events, Vivid Live had its 2020 edition axed due to the pandemic. But you'll find a pretty sweet consolation prize among the Sydney Opera House's digital program — a stream of Amon Tobin's audiovisual spectacular ISAM, hitting screens this Friday, August 14. The Brazilian-born producer's immersive show wowed audiences the first time around for Vivid Live 2012 and now it's headed to a device near you, available on demand from this week. Revisit the ever-innovative artist's stand-out performance, featuring a multi-sensory fusion of technology and electronic art. Performing within a 25-foot, three-tonne cubic installation he built himself, Tobin moves in and out of focus behind a constantly shifting multidimensional screen. The artist's high-voltage soundtrack of sonic explosions and rippling waves is backed by striking visuals playing out a mesmerising story of colour and light draped across the whole scene. The streamed performance is just one show featured in the Sydney Opera House's digital season, From Our House to Yours. To check out the rest of the performances, keep an eye on the SOH website. [caption id="attachment_773326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund[/caption] Top image: Prudence Upton
One of the top ways to treat yourself is to check into one of the best hotels in Sydney for a few nights. At these joints, you get a little bit of everything (or even a whole lot of everything). You get fresh plush sheets (this may seem basic, but we all know how good this feels), room service that you can eat in bed, pampering packages at award-winning spas, pools with epic views and just about anything else your luxurious self desires. And Sydney is packed with five-star hotels and brilliant boutique stays that will help you live your best life. So check out our guide to the best hotels in Sydney, perfect for those after a luxury staycation or out-of-town visitors in need of a base for exploring the city. Recommended reads: The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Sydney Sydney's Best Spa Experiences The Eight Best Glamping Spots in NSW The Best Luxury Getaways Near Sydney
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to KU Villas in Lombok, Indonesia, where you can live that glamorous island life without breaking the bank. We've teamed up with the KU Villas team to bring our readers one massive island holiday deal. Book here to get a three-night stay, hour-long massage, personal chauffeur, $200 food and beverage voucher for the nearby SIWA Clubhouse and daily breakfast for only $455 — an absolute bargain by anyone's standards. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Get that luxe Indonesian island experience on the cheap. It's incredible just how little you will spend to stay in these stylish Lombok villas — with private pool included. THE ROOMS This small resort has a few different accommodation types, ranging from individual rooms and suites (either with or without a plunge pool) to larger villas with private gardens and larger pools. Modern simplicity is key when it comes to design and amenities — expect large open rooms with classic wooden furniture and crisp white linens. You'll get the essential aircon and wifi, too. Plus, almost every room has double doors that open onto the gardens and pools — indoor and outdoor living spaces are seamlessly woven together. FOOD AND DRINK KU Villas has its own little restaurant onsite, offering a range of Western and traditional Indonesian dishes. Locally sourced, healthy cuisine is the aim of the game here. The chefs get produce from the property to create super fresh and light dishes from breakfast through to dinner. But, these guys are aware that you're on holiday — so you can get pizzas, chips and gelato too. Beers, wine and cocktails flow freely, and are brought out to the pool for those long days spent dipping in and out of the water while getting some well-needed vitamin D. [caption id="attachment_883655" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Bixler (Unsplash)[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA KU Villas is located on the island of Lombok, east of the ever-popular Bali. Stay on Lombok to get the full Bali experience, but with fewer crowds. There are quaint villages full of character, countless beachside restaurants and bars, nearby islands for day trips (the trio of Gilis) and rainforests ripe for exploring on hikes or 4WD adventures. KU Villas even has its own mountaintop bar and pool, SIWA, with stunning views across the island — the intel: our Concrete Playground Trips package includes a $200 voucher to spend at this picturesque spot. THE EXTRAS When visiting these parts, a rejuvenating spa day should be firmly on the cards. Thankfully, you'll find one on the property. KU Day Spa offers up a series of massages alongside other treatments — there's coffee and chocolate scrubs and a special magnesium pool experience. Once you're done relaxing, roll over to the pool to hold onto that new-found peace and glow for as long as you can. We're all chasing that feeling — and this ain't a bad place to find it. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
No matter who your favourite Marvel hero is, whether it's Iron Man, Captain America or Thor, you can't miss out on Marvel's Infinity Saga Concert Experience, coming to Sydney this December. The new film concert offers an immersive Marvel encounter, spanning 23 movies in one event, accompanied by live music from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. You can revisit the early days of the captivating saga and get up close and personal with all your heroes. Marvel's Infinity Saga Concert Experience combines the most memorable moments from the first 23 movies into one screening. Past heroes join forces with the next wave of Avengers, including Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and more. In terms of the music, you're in for a real treat. Conductor Benjamin Northey leads the Sydney Symphony Orchestra through Academy Award-winning scores by Ramin Djawadi, Alan Silvestri, and Ludwig Göransson. You can also expect a taste of the Guardians of the Galaxy mixtape. There's nothing quite like seeing your heroes on stage against the backdrop of the melodic sounds of one of the world's greatest orchestras. Relive the iconic series of films in this unforgettable concert experience live at the Sydney Opera House. Book tickets now. Images: Supplied.
If you're looking for a way to cheer up your working week in the CBD, pop into June's Shoppe. The newest addition to Applejack Hospitality's portfolio, this bright yellow cafe is all about putting a little sunshine into your day — and it's located in the same Carrington Street precinct as the company's other recent newcomer, Bopp and Tone. Where so many of Sydney's cafes take themselves pretty seriously, June's Shoppe is focused on fun. You can count on friendly staff and a simple yet tasty menu. Think pastries, toast and toppers, aka open sandwiches with all kinds of toppings. These take inspiration from the cafe's namesake, June Adams — the late wife of Anthony 'Tone' Adams, the grandfather of an Applejack co-founder. At brekkie, fuel up with the Top of the B&E — a mountain of fried egg, maple bacon, barbecue sauce and red Leicester cheese. Then, come lunch, tuck into a feast of wagyu bresaola, Branston pickle, rocket, hot mustard sour cream and ricotta salata. If you're looking for a sugar hit, there's the Nutella banana bread, loaded with the obvious spread, plus banana, spiced strawberry sauce and caramel popcorn. As for the coffee, it's a quality blend from Gabriel Roasters. Tea, chai, kombucha, cold-pressed juices and coconut waters are also on the menu.
There are a lot of reasons to get your passport out and make the short trip across the ocean to Singapore — Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay and the cuisine (several of its hawker stalls are Michelin-recommended). But perhaps the most exciting is the nightlife. To give you a little taste of what's on offer, Singapore Tourism is taking over a Sydney bar for two nights and transforming it into a hub of Singaporean after-dark culture with world-class cocktails, food and music. The Rooftop Sydney will play host to the Singapore Social for two blasts on Wednesday, February 20 and Thursday, February 21. Stop by at lunch to sample some flavour-packed street food prepared by Masterchef 2018 winner Sashi Chelliah. Alongside chicken rendang ($20) or crispy-skin pork ($20), you can sip cocktails from two of Singapore's (and the world's) best bars. Vijay Mudaliar, owner of Native (ranked 13th in the world), and Luke Whearty, founder of Operation Dagger (ranked 23rd), have been flown out specially for this pop-up and will be slinging inventive mixes for $16 each. Head back after clock-off time when these culinary and beverage wizards will be supplying the goods once again for a five-course dinner degustation. For $99 per person, you'll dine on a selection of small plates, with each matched to a special tipple — think chilli crab sliders with Native's Forager's Garden (gin, blue pea flowers, pandan kombucha and ginger) and crispy-skin pork with Operation Dagger's Pork Soda (vodka, roast pork belly, apple and creamed soda). If you're not up for the full menu, the dishes will also be available a la carte until sold out. Plus, don't think you'll be leaving without hearing some Singaporean bops — DJ KoFlow and singer Tabitha Nauser will provide the beats to accompany your eats. Singapore Social will be open from 12pm for lunch and 5pm for dinner. Walk-ins are welcome for a la carte dining, but booking is essential for the degustation. To make a reservation, head this way.
The name might be staying the same, but change is afoot at Summer Hill's old flour mill in Sydney's inner west. In the 1920s, it was a hub of industry. In the 1950s, the towering silos became part of the skyline. By the time the space marks its centenary, it will have well and truly transformed into a residential and retail hub with its own foodie precinct. Currently under construction, stage two of the Flour Mill of Summer Hill will boast a village-like community space around a paved outdoor plaza filled with a curated mix of eating, dining and shopping options. Full details have yet to be revealed, but the project — to be housed in the Mungo Scott building — has just announced its first addition: natural food retailer The Farm Wholefoods, who'll be bringing their ethically sourced and ecologically sustainable food fare to a new organic cafe. Plus, with 14 buildings making up the development — which has been designed to repurpose as much of the existing industrial site as possible — they'll have plenty of company. As well as other restaurants, cafes and stores, the revamped space will feature 360 apartments (including some built into the wheat silos) and park areas, plus close proximity to Summer Hill's existing shops.
Back for its sixth edition, Newcastle Food Month is not your average foodie celebration. Taking over Newcastle with over 70 special events and 70 more plate dates — signature dish and drink pairings for $30 or less — the entire affair is described as Australia's largest and longest regional food festival. If you're yet to visit, make this year the one for getting to know Newy's top-notch hospitality scene and world-class produce. In 2026, Newcastle Food Month is happening from Saturday, March 28–Wednesday, April 30. Though the entire program is worth checking out, there's a trio of signature one-off events to plan your calendar around. The first — Soundbites Food & Wine Festival — is happening on opening day at Newcastle Racecourse, featuring a day-long experience complete with 40 wineries, breweries, producers and chefs alongside roaming performances, grape stomping and more. Then, on Wednesday, April 1, the HCA x First Creek Waiters' Race offers the chance for someone with the fastest feet and the steadiest hands to claim the ultimate hospitality bragging rights. Rounding out this trio, Newcastle Food Month will also feature two sessions of the Customs House x Tinta Belmont Autumnal Garden Party. Held on Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18, expect four hours of Usher Tinkler drops, Tanqueray gins and roaming canapes. Of course, there are dozens more events to explore throughout the month. Think degustation cruises, multicultural fiestas and seafood long lunches served by the waterfront. No matter your tastes, this sprawling regional activation is one of the best ways to celebrate everything Novacastrian cuisine has to offer, whether you're keen to dine, sip or level up your culinary skills with an expert-led masterclass. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Dom Cherry.
After a short-lived stint on Bayswater Road, Turkish eatery Izgara relocated to Clarence Street with a contemporary new look and a whole different approach to the dining experience, shifting the vibe from fine-ish dining restaurant to a more laidback, more loose street food menu and great cocktails. The change paid off. The menu is adaptable to whatever your after — an affordable lunch meeting, a pre-theatre date night or a rambunctious long dinner with your extended crew. You can easily do a few snacks and a glass of wine or get giddy with a full set menu and paired wines. Begin with an order of pide (courtesy of Malika Bakehouse) to mop up the super delicious char-grilled Turkish chilli peppers and smoked labneh. Don't fear the chilli as they're mild on the heat and sweet so you can eat the entire thing. The kibbeh, which you order in individual units, is some of the best I've encountered in Sydney. Most kibbeh has a tendency to dry out but Head Chef and co-owner Efe Topuzlu has managed to balance an excellent textural crust with a fragrant lamb mince filling that is succulent enough to eat without the garlic yoghurt it's served with. [caption id="attachment_949545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The succulent kibbeh at Izgara[/caption] Izgara means grill in Turkish, and the grill here is the centrepiece of the main menu. Yamba prawns, lamb kofte and chicken kebab all highlights of the menu that receive the char-grilled treatment or there's börek and baked eggplant options for vegetarians. The drinks list is pretty impressive. The cocktail lineup is short but sweet with just four signature serves (the sour cherry margarita is a highlight). The wine list on the other hand is more expansive — reaching from around the country and all over Europe including Turkey. Izgara is doing affordable, fun laidback dining in the city — something that's been severely lacking in days gone by. Images: Katje Ford
After opening in early 2023, Beau underwent a quickfire revamp before the end of the year. The result is a welcoming laneway restaurant and bar just 150-metres down from the team's flagship venue NOMAD. Beau 2.0 is a little more stripped back, shifting from two distinct dining concepts to one in order to place the focus on what's made NOMAD so beloved: fresh produce, flavour-packed dishes and quality wine. "We are relaunching our restaurant and wine bar with a better and more concise offering," NOMAD Group co-owner Rebecca Yazbek said. "We aren't trying to be everything, we've learnt what works." The charming laneway space blends the casual and the luxurious. You're welcomed by floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing light to stream in during lunch services Thursday through Saturday, with the addition of a black granite bar, leather banquette seating and a private dining room. Highlights from Head Chef Troy Spencer's menu include duck liver parfait tartlets, labneh- and chilli-topped broccolini, fried bread covered in padrons and anchovies, spanner crab spaghetti and Black Angus tri-tip served with bordelaise. Group Beverage Director Ged Bellis oversees the wine program alongside talented Head Sommelier Zoe Pyo. The pair have curated a crowd-pleasing slate of drops both by the glass and the bottle, with Beau offering a comprehensive selection thanks to its 600 temperature-controlled wine bins and taps. Hot tip: A table out on Franks Lane is calling out to be enjoyed on a sunny afternoon. Nab one of the al fresco seats and order a few oysters, some padron-topped fried bread and a standout glass of vino.
Anita Gelato is continuing its stealthy takeover of Sydney's ice cream scene with the opening of its seventh store in the city. For its newest store, the Mediterranean-born dessert chain has brought its creamy, jam-based gelati to a sleek, airy site in Barangaroo, marking the brand's first CBD outpost. As with its other stores, Anita's Barangaroo site will feature a regularly rotating menu of over 150 flavours, with classic flavours sharing the display with less traditional scoops like white chocolate and pistachio cream, strawberry mascarpone and ricotta and a rum-flavoured black forest with caramelised hazelnuts. You can top your scoop with your choice of unlimited toppings, including fresh fruit, syrups and chocolate. Those with dietary limitations will be taken care of, too — beyond the creamy, richly flavoured scoops, Anita also serves dessert cups, frozen yoghurt, vegan sorbets, and gluten-, nut- and sugar-free options. Anita began life in 1998, when its namesake and her youngest son, Nir, started making frozen desserts for their community. Nir began selling their ice creams, which were flavoured with Anita's homemade jams, at local markets. A first bricks-and-mortar store opened in 2002, and now the brand boasts over 160 sites around the world. Nearly 30 years on, those jams remain a feature of the brand. For its newest site, Anita has taken up a prime spot in The Streets of Barangaroo. Overlooking Hickson Park, the breezy, high-ceilinged spot features plenty of natural light, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. Plus, it's open seven days a week until 11pm. "We're so excited to welcome everyone to our Barangaroo store," says Gisele Dussault, the brand's marketing manager. "This location brings together everything Anita is about — exceptional gelato, a welcoming atmosphere, and a space where people can connect and enjoy. Whether you're stopping by for a quick treat or settling in for a relaxed afternoon by the park, we can't wait to serve you." You can find Anita Gelato at Shop R2.01, 2 Watermans Quay, Barangaroo. For more information, visit the website. Images: Onecut Studios.
The bustling interior of Love Supreme brings together a comfortable rustic feel with a dash of modern industrialism, giving it a laidback, effortless appeal to long-time customers — and fresh faces. Famous for using largely organic ingredients to create some slightly left-of-centre pizzas, this is a great spot for a casual date night or a dinner with friends. Grab a serve of stuffed zucchini flowers to start, then perhaps a pumpkin vegan pizza with leek and olive tapenade. If you aren't actually keen on a slice (or several), there's a great selection of salads and pastas including a particularly tasty pappardelle with lamb ragu. Love Supreme also boasts an impressive wine list, and also serves locally brewed beers from Batch, Yulli's and (for the more adventurous) Wildflower. Images: Kitti Smallbone
One very visionary, mad-scientist type of ice-cream maker, Britain's Charlie Francis of Lick Me I'm Delicious, recently had a sudden flash of inspiration while casually reading a research paper on the properties of underwater invertebrates (as you do). Why don't I hire a Chinese scientist to synthesise luminescent jellyfish protein with ice cream?, he mused. It all seemed so blindingly obvious. And thus, just in time for Halloween, a spooky glow-in-the-dark ice cream was born. So how does it work? The chemically recreated, calcium-activated protein, sourced from jellyfish, suffuses the dairy delight with an unmistakable iridescence, far stronger than the subtle blue glow of quinine. (Were you even aware that quinine has a fluorescent quantum yield that's visible under a UV light? That's fancy-talk for it glows in the dark. Your humble gin and tonic can glow in the dark.) Adorably, the pH of your tongue affects the protein, such that the ice-cream grows more luminous the more you lick it. Just like the beautiful phosphorescence you might have seen at night on a tropical holiday — tiny specks of plankton that glow whenever waves break over them. The cost of a scoop of this insane novelty experience? A mere $225. We don't think it will appear at Gelato Messina anytime soon, but we are hoping that the trend for glowing food catches on, and brings the price down so we can all have more fun when the lights go out. In the meantime, Francis offers a much cheaper gin and tonic-flavoured sorbet, using the above mentioned high-tech quinine technology. Just imagine all the types of dessert innovation this invention could catalyse. Francis has a lot of other exciting plans and ideas for future treats, including "invisible ice cream". Could this have anything to do with recent developments on the light-bending invisibility cloak front? We can but speculate. His blog gives a shout-out to any scientist interested in helping with the project, so if you're of such a stripe, get involved. Dessert-lovers of the world need you. Via PSFK.
If you're starting to pencil in some strategic long weekends and well-deserved trips this year, here's one to add to the mix: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort in Port Douglas has just launched a Bali-inspired floating breakfast. Designed for a loved-up pair or two partners-in-crime, this luxurious floating breakfast is available exclusively for guests staying as part of the Sheraton's Float Into Paradise accommodation package, which includes a three-night stay in a Mirage Studio Garden View Room. The menu runs to the likes of smashed avocado with perfectly poached eggs, charred sourdough and kale with whipped feta and seeds. A vegan-friendly scrambled tofu is paired with avo and tomato bruschetta, or a climate-appropriate coconut acai bowl is made with an almond-milk base and loaded with yoghurt, banana, macadamia and goji berries. If you take a more flexible approach when it comes to holiday nutrition, look towards the indulgent part of the menu. You can expect a three-cheese and tomato sourdough toastie, fresh banana bread or a brekkie burger with hash brown, smoked bacon, cheese and a fried egg. [caption id="attachment_888044" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Ellen Seah[/caption] The crowning jewel of the floating breakfast menu is a succulent half-lobster, served stuffed with creamy scrambled eggs, chives and garlic Turkish bread. Fresh fruit, yoghurt, pastries, a pair of coffees and juice are also included. The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort itself boasts over two hectares of sparkling saltwater pools in Tropical North Queensland, meaning you can spend more time lounging by the water and less time travelling. Lagoons on-site include spots with sandy beaches, as well as serene private cabanas nestled on the waterfront. The five-star resort is also home to 147 hectares of lush tropical gardens, an 18-hole golf course and seven restaurants and bars on-site. In particular, the hatted Harrisons headed up by Spencer Patrick is a must-visit as one of Port Douglas' best restaurants. [caption id="attachment_888046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Sunset Sessions[/caption] While the pool (and poolside) food and cocktails will keep you plenty busy, the hotel also runs Sunday sunset sessions complete with tapas and live tunes, or you can head along to a monthly rum masterclass. If you are keen to venture further during your stay, there are a variety of eco-friendly and sustainable tour options you can book. Locally-run Back Country Bliss runs swimmable tours through the Daintree Rainforest, which includes a snorkel and float tour of Mossman Gorge. Sailaway is a family business running half-day and full-day charters to Great Barrier Reef, including the Low Isles and Mackay Coral Cay on the Outer Reef. Finally, Four Mile Beach adventures with a twist can be booked with locally-operated Port Douglas Segway Tours. You can book the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort floating breakfast via the hotel website. It is available until December 18, 2023. If you want to extend your Queensland getaway, check out our curated Whitsundays packages on CP Trips which includes a four-day stay, snorkel and sail adventure with a day cruise.
Dining out is back in — and it's back with a vengeance. As we cruise to the mid-way point through this gloriously lockdown-free year, Australia's wining and dining scene is returning to its former glory. And it seems the rest of the world is taking notice, too. The esteemed World's 50 Best Restaurants awards unveiled their annual 51-100 list overnight, with one Aussie restaurant named among them — celebrated chef Andrew McConnell's Melbourne diner, Gimlet at Cavendish House. [caption id="attachment_860200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Moynihan[/caption] The CBD restaurant took out the number 84 spot in the Top 100 longlist, on its World's 50 Best debut. It was in good company, too, ranking alongside a diverse spread of lauded venues from Singapore to São Paulo, and Munich to Marseille. If you're plotting an overseas food holiday, this lineup is well worth a look. The awards' 51-100 list was unveiled at a ceremony in the UK yesterday, with the restaurant world now holding its breath for the Top 50 lineup, set to be announced on the evening of Monday, July 18 (UK time). Just two Aussie restaurants claimed spots in last year's awards, both of them Victorian, with Dan Hunter's Brae placing 57th and Ben Shewry's Ripponlea fine diner Attica coming in at number 97. [caption id="attachment_826376" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jo McGann[/caption] Running annually since 2002, the World's 50 Best awards are chosen by a panel of over 1000 culinary experts, guided by a strict voting procedure. They're now hosted by a different country each year, with Melbourne playing host city back in 2017. To check out the full World's 50 Best Restaurants Top 100 list, see the website. Top Image: Earl Carter
Adelaide's highly anticipated Harvest Rock Festival is fast approaching and music lovers around the country are starting to gear up for the jam-packed weekend event ahead. Set to take place at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, the festival will feature a seasoned lineup of international and local artists including headliner Jack White, The Black Crowes, Khruangbin, The Lumineers and more. While these live acts are what out-of-town fans will be travelling to Adelaide for, the City of Churches is also an excellent starting point for a number of incredible day trips. To help you out, we've gathered a list of spots for you to check out before or after the festival. From the scenic landscapes of Limestone Coast to the incredible wildlife of Kangaroo Island, these incredible locations will make you think twice about heading straight back home. [caption id="attachment_869635" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Louis Hoang (Unsplash)[/caption] ADELAIDE HILLS Less than a 20-minute drive from the city, Adelaide Hills is the perfect place to plan a boozy afternoon with friends. With more than 60 wineries calling the Hills home, you definitely won't run out of options during your time there. If you happen to be a foodie as well, a number of restaurants that serve quality produce await your arrival. Consider booking a table at the three-hatted Hardy's Verandah Restaurant, which features a refined four- or seven-course menu, as well as a multi-award-winning wine list, impressive sake collection and innovative cocktails. Or, you could opt to stop into Golding Wines and indulge in its excellent wood-fired pizza paired with a rich glass of local pinot noir. Adelaide Hills is a 15- to 20-minute drive from the city. [caption id="attachment_869645" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Luisa Denu (Unsplash)[/caption] FLEURIEU PENINSULA Whether you're looking to escape the city or immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, the Fleurieu Peninsula has it all. Wine and dine in a cave nestled behind Maxwell Wines, or take it to the next level and embark on a Helivista helicopter tour for epic scenes of Fleurieu Peninsula's vineyards, beaches and coastline. Don't forget to take a dip in the strikingly blue waters of Gulf St Vincent — and if you're feeling adventurous, head into the caves of Second Valley by kayak. Fleurieu Peninsula is around a one-hour drive from Adelaide. [caption id="attachment_869648" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sue Tucker (Unsplash)[/caption] KANGAROO ISLAND As November starts to warm up, bask in the South Australian sun while enjoying the white sandy beaches Kangaroo Island has to offer. Be sure to add Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to your itinerary and say hello to some wildlife like koalas and kangaroos. Or, explore the underwater world with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and witness dolphins, seals, ospreys, sea eagles, wedge-tail eagles and more in their natural habitats. Another must-visit is Flinders Chase National Park, where you'll get to witness other-worldly landmarks like Admiral's Arch and Remarkable Rocks up close. Kangaroo Island is a 90-minute drive and 45-minute ferry ride — or a 30-minute flight — from Adelaide. [caption id="attachment_869652" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mick Orlick (Unsplash)[/caption] BAROSSA VALLEY Barossa Valley is your one-stop destination for all things food and wine. Prior to sipping on 100-year-old Para Vintage Tawny at the historic Seppeltsfield Estate, we recommend stopping by Vasse Virgin Barossa – a brand that specialises in natural skin and body care products – and signing up for a DIY lip balm workshop, 60-minute natural perfumery workshop or olive oil masterclass. Get the full Barossa experience and make your way to the Barossa Farmers Market, which is teeming with local delicacies and produce you might not be able to find elsewhere. Barossa Valley is a 50-minute drive from Adelaide. [caption id="attachment_869655" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mark Smith (Flickr)[/caption] CLARE VALLEY Besides its Instagram-famous pink lake (Lake Bumbunga), the historic Clare Valley is also known for its sublime riesling and diverse culinary scene. Take your wine obsession to the next level and sign up for a 45-minute interactive winemaking class at Knappstein Wines — the activity includes a welcome glass of riesling on top of a full tasting of the Knappstein range from the cellar door. Before driving back into the city, fill your stomach with bruschetta, a toastie or pizza from The Olive Bus, a quaint café and cellar door situated in an upcycled 1969 British Leyland bus. Clare Valley is around a two-hour drive from Adelaide. [caption id="attachment_869660" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Charles G (Unsplash)[/caption] LIMESTONE COAST If you're in need of a short break, unplug and unwind surrounded by Limestone Coast's natural wonders. Dive into the renowned Blue Lake — a once-active volcano that measures 72 metres deep into the ground — or appreciate the beauty of Mount Gambier's picturesque Umpherston Sinkhole. Conclude your day by treating yourself to a glass of red at Brand's Laira or a delectable paddock-to-plate experience at Mayura Station's Tasting Room. Limestone Coast is around a three-hour drive from Adelaide. Make the most of your time in Adelaide by ticking these destinations off the bucket list, as well as enjoying the festivities at Harvest Rock, which can be found at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, November 19–Sunday, November 20. Tickets are on sale now. For more details and to purchase tickets, head to the Harvest Rock website.
Perched overlooking Monro Park, Parc Pavilion is the latest addition to Cronulla's burgeoning dining scene. Spanning four upbeat restaurants across two levels, each offers a distinct mood and menu, from laidback family-friendly dining experiences and an upbeat sports bar to Italian-inspired cocktails with a beachside view to match. Guided by the Feros Group — the same crew behind venues like Highfield Caringbah, The Prince Hotel and The Botanical — they've brought on the highly experienced chef Jamie Gannon to lead the cuisine as the Group's new culinary director. For punters, that means fresh, seasonal and inventive dishes served from all four venue kitchens. With two venues now open on the ground floor, Parc Bistro is a casual spot designed for relaxed dining and quick takeaways to enjoy in the park. Think stacked burgers, fresh salads and classic mains, like chicken schnitzel and roast barramundi. Meanwhile, there's a solid selection of low-fuss options perfect for the kids. Up next is Mr Munro's — a front bar overlooking Cronulla Street. Primed for post-work drinks and catching live sports, a rotating entertainment program features live music and drag bingo. Heading upstairs, The Terrace offers an upbeat retreat among the greenery that evokes just a hint of the Mediterranean. Sip on vibrant cocktails and chilled wines while indulging in an Italian-inspired menu, featuring highlights like burrata with beetroot and alto lemon oil, and fried squid with garlic and parsley. There's also an expansive list of pizza, pane and pasta options alongside mains like fritto misto and grilled swordfish. Ideal for long lunches and even longer nights, live DJs help bring this intimate space to life. Launching Thursday, June 5, Call Me Mamma is the last of this dining quartet, offering personality-packed Italian dining. Featuring full table service and an elevated but approachable atmosphere, this might just become Cronulla's go-to spot for birthday celebrations and midweek dinners where the good times flow non-stop. With award-winning interior architecture practice H&E leading the design from top to bottom, expect Parc Pavilion to become a bustling local destination. "Cronulla has been waiting for a venue like Parc! We wanted to create an all-encompassing space that celebrates everything we love about this community — the energy, the lifestyle, the people," said Chris Feros, executive chair of the Feros Group. "Parc Pavilion is designed to be a place locals feel proud of and becomes a highlight for visitors." Parc Pavilion is open daily from 10am–12am at 138 Cronulla Street, Cronulla. Head to the website for more information.
After Australia got its first dedicated KitKat boutique in Melbourne a few years ago, Sydney is now getting its very own, so you can indulge on OTT KitKat flavours whenever you need a break (pun intended). The space will feature a shop, tasting bar and interactive workshop area and have a more extensive lineup of KitKats than you'll find on the supermarket shelf. Opening on Monday, July 6 in Mid City shopping centre on Pitt Street, the KitKat Chocolatory intends to offer a "premium chocolate experience" according to the sugar fiends at Nestlé. You can whip up your own chocolatey creation, with up to 30,000 possible combinations. You'll be matching your pick of chocolate with a bunch of tasty ingredients, then wrapping it up in your own custom packaging. If you'd rather skip straight to the good stuff, you can sample a range of chocolatey goods with a 90-minute dessert degustation at the onsite Tasting Table. But that's not all at this chocolate haven. You can pick up new and limited-edition creations that you won't find anywhere else — think fillings such as yuzu ganache, peanut butter and raspberry, cotton candy, sake and, perhaps the most strange, wasabi crème. Sydney's KitKat Chocolatory is slated to open Monday, July 6. For more information, head here.
Of all the pubs in all the world, Guillaume Brahimi had to walk into this one. Of course, it isn't just any old inner city dive — the Four in Hand is somewhat fancy, being the former home of 4Fourteen's Colin Fassnidge (and two hats) for over ten years. And so it makes sense that the French chef — known for his fine dining at nearby Guillaume — should find his way into the kitchen at the backstreet Paddo pub. And so the Four in Hand has become the Four in Hand by Guillaume. Visually, not much has changed. But the menu — across both the bar and the dining room — sure has. To experience it in all its glory, wrangle your way into the dining room. It's separated from the rowdy public bar quite effectively — you can still hear the muffled thrum of punters banging on outside, but you can also comfortably hear what your dining mate is saying. In this part of the pub it feels quiet, but not awkwardly so; it feels ordered and considered, but still casual enough to swing by without a reservation on a Tuesday night. Plus, you can also exit through a handy side door if you don't feel like dealing with the pub goers post-dessert — and when dessert is brûléed banana with a super light banana parfait, peanut ice cream and caramel ($16), you'll just want to roll right into the passenger seat and be taken home to dream sweet dreams. But before you get to the parfait there's bread (Iggy's) and butter (exquisitely smoked), Brussels sprouts (with maple and cubes of bacon) and a whole hearty feast in-between. You can go light with entrees like the super creamy labne with bright wheels of beetroot ($18) or the prawns (which, by the way, Guillaume pairs with chimmichurri and olives and surprisingly manages to pull off), but most of the menu is warm, European-style comfort food. The whole honey-roasted duck ($80) is pure indulgence (and should only be undertaken by the very hungry), while the roasted mulloway ($34) is much more manageable. The fish, along with some well-roasted artichoke, mussels and wilted cos, comes sitting in a clear broth that's best mopped up with a piece of the aforementioned Iggy's sourdough. If you've already eaten it, don't be afraid to ask for another slice. Vegetarian options are thin and seem like a bit of an afterthought, but the staff are thorough and accommodating and will be able to make it work. Although you could probably make a good meal out of the sides — the celeriac gratin, for one, is not overly creamy or heavy, and proves a nice change from potato ($10). If you're looking for pub grub rather than gratin, that's okay too. The bar menu is far more familiar with everything from toasties to schnitties and even fried chicken (a standard Sydney inclusion). You could do worse than to stumble into this gastropub.
Buckets of sunshine, adrenaline-inducing thrills in the heart of the city, plus dreamy white-sand islands and lush rainforests on its doorstep... Brisbane and its surrounds are a wonderland for outdoor adventurers. There's the iconic Brisbane River where you can captain your own eco-friendly boat or abseil down 230 million-year-old rock formations at sunset. Or, further afield you can find the epic sand islands of Bribie, Moreton and North Stradbroke/Minjerribah, hugged by crystal clear waters, covered in national park and packed with wildlife — from green sea turtles and dolphins to wallabies and koalas. Then there's the Lamington National Park that provides nature lovers and enthusiastic hikers with magnificent waterfalls or the chance to kick back in a spa overlooking ancient rainforest. Read on for seven unmissable outdoor adventures in and around Brisbane for your next adventure. [caption id="attachment_856015" align="alignnone" width="1920"] River to Bay Tour at Moreton Island. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] TAKE A RIVER TO BAY TOUR Just east of Brisbane you can find islands galore to explore. The easiest way to experience them? Book in a day trip with River to Bay. For snorkelling among tropical fish and green sea turtles at the picturesque Tangalooma Wrecks, spotting koalas among tall trees and wandering around the haunted ruins of Queensland's first penal colony, take the Moreton Island Bay Tour. Alternatively, go for incredible swimming beaches, spectacular scenery and boutique cafes in a historical village on the Stradbroke Island Tour. Another tempting option is the Champagne and Oyster Tour, which involves sipping bubbly and sampling oysters fresh from the ocean while watching the sun set. GO ABSEILING WITH RIVERLIFE For an adrenalin rush, go abseiling with Riverlife. On the Day Abseil, you'll complete a 90-minute ascent and descent of the 20-metre high Brisbane Kangaroo Point Cliffs. They're heritage-listed formations of 230 million-year-old volcanic rock which flank the Brisbane River, just a stone's throw from the CBD. Once you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Brisbane City and its surrounding waterways. For an even more magical experience, book a Twilight Abseil Tour. And if you're a nervous abseiler, don't worry. Riverlife is all about helping you overcoming your fears. [caption id="attachment_807856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Go Boat Brisbane. Image by Lean Timms.[/caption] JUMP ON A GO BOAT One of the newest additions to the adventure scene is Go Boat. Founded in Copenhagen in 2014, it was launched in Brisbane to make the most of the city's glorious weather and winding river. For up to three dreamy hours, you'll captain a blissfully silent electric boat made of recycled PET bottles transformed into fibreglass. Pack a cheeseboard, a bottle of bubbly and up to seven mates, and see Brisbane from a whole new perspective on the water. Pets are welcome. By the way, there's no need for a boating licence, as the Go Boat crew will show you what to do before waving you off on your adventure. [caption id="attachment_856018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hot Air Ballooning Brisbane. Image by Sam Lindsay/Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] GO HOT AIR BALLOONING WITH FLOATING IMAGES Once you've seen Brisbane from the water, the next logical step is to see it from the sky. You can do just that with Floating Images. Their sunrise flight takes you up where the air is clear for 60 glorious minutes. Prepare for incredible views of the Brisbane city skyline, backdropped by the Great Diving Range, the Scenic Rim and the countryside of Somerset. Afterwards, you'll be treated to a breakfast fit for royalty at a local restaurant. Chief pilot Graeme has flown air balloons for three decades on three continents, so you can relax knowing you're in safe hands. TAKE AN ADVENTURE TOUR WITH G'DAY Another spot on the must-see list for visitors to Brisbane is Bribie Island, the fourth largest sand island in the world. It, in itself, is an outdoor adventurer's kingdom packed with national parks, wild surf beaches, idyllic coves for swimming and the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park home to dolphins, turtles and dugongs. To get amongst it, take a tour with G'Day Adventure Tours. Their frolics range from the three-hour 4WD beach and bunker tour to the two-day, one-night Camping Adventure, which sees you kayaking through Norfolk lagoon, swimming in Mermaid lagoon, toasting marshmallows around a campfire and meeting wallabies. [caption id="attachment_856009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] RETREAT INTO THE RAINFOREST AT O'REILLY'S Another of Brisbane's drawcards is its proximity to lush ancient rainforests. One way to immerse yourself is a visit to O'Reilly's, an eco-retreat overlooking the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Visitors have been escaping here for nearly 100 years. There's a bunch of activities to try, including an adventure trek to the Thunder and Lightning Falls, indulgent treatments in the Lost World Day Spa, a glow worm experience and e-bike tours. To fit them all in you'll want to stay overnight, either at the campground with your own tent or go a little more luxe with a variety of studios and villas. [caption id="attachment_856007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] North Gorge Walk at North Stradbroke Island. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] VISIT NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND / MINJERRIBAH If beaches are your thing, then you'll want to put North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah on your itinerary. It's the world's second largest sand island, which means there are beaches for surfers, swimmers and sun-soakers of all kinds. For stunning views (especially at sunset) hit Flinders Beach (Point Lookout). For a long seaside walk try a stretch of sand across the 33km-long Main Beach. For amazing surfing (not for beginners) get some epic swell off Frenchmans Beach or Cylinder Beach. For solitude make your way to Toompany Beach and for laidback swimming in gentle crystal-clear waters visit Amity Beach. And, since you can't pack all that paradise into one day, you should definitely stay for a night (or three). Ready to plan a trip to Brisbane and its surrounds? Learn more at the Visit Brisbane website.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the multi-award-winning Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania's East Coast. We've also teamed up with Saffire Freycinet to offer an unforgettable two-night stay in one of its Luxury Suites. The exclusive deal includes three meals at the private restaurants, complimentary lounge and minibar beverages and a $100 voucher to use on the hotel's spa treatments and signature experiences. This is peak treat-yourself stuff. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This Tassie hotel is like no other — from the panoramic views across the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay to the hyper-personalised service, sleek design of the rooms and the long list of bespoke travel experiences. You'll pay handsomely to stay here, but it is totally worth it. Earmark Saffire Freycinet for the next time you're looking to spoil yourself silly. THE ROOMS This vast property has just 20 suites. Plus, the restaurant, bar and luxe spa are only accessible to hotel guests, so it often feels like you have the whole place to yourself. Each of the rooms looks out over the surrounding bay and mountains — seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks. Design-wise, the large suites are made up of an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary fittings, with locally made timber pieces sitting alongside mid-century classics such as chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames and Herman Miller. Super king beds (yes, they've super-sized the beds), double walk-in showers and deep baths, extensive complimentary mini-bars, bluetooth music systems, retractable LCD TVs, private courtyards and fast wifi are also on the menu at each accommodation. FOOD AND DRINK All things local are celebrated at Saffire Freycinet's two dining rooms. Palate Restaurant is home to an elegant degustation menu that changes every day depending on what's coming out of the nearby paddocks and waters. You always have the option to pair each course with a sustainably made Tassie wine, too. The Lounge is a little more laidback, offering up a space to chill with a book or quietly hang with your travel buddies. During the day, you can enjoy fresh local produce from the barbeque and outside terrace. And at night, the lounge livens up a little as guests mingle with evening canapes and pre-dinner drinks in hand. It's serving The White Lotus realness. THE LOCAL AREA This lavish hotel is set within Tasmania's Freycinet National Park, home to stunning vistas and a thriving local ecosystem — think koalas, roos and colourful birds rummaging around lush green forests. It is also home to some of the state's most famous beaches, mostly notably Wineglass Bay. The Saffire Freycinet team will help organise scenic flights over the area, guided hikes to some of the greatest vistas and boat trips for those wanting to sneak in some snorkelling and boat-side swimming. You can arrive at the hotel by air or via the Great Eastern Drive. During this road trip, you'll pass by several wineries with cellar doors and eateries such as Devil's Corner, Spring Vale, Craigie Knowe, Milton, and the famous Kate's Berry Farm in Swansea. Hobart is also just a 2.5-hour drive away, so you can easily stop by the city for a couple of days before or after your stay. THE EXTRAS Saffire Freycinet has won award after award for its extensive list of luxury travel experiences — easily added to any stay. Each of the 14 unique activities focuses on connecting guests to place through nature, culture and produce. You can do some beekeeping on the property, taste fresh oysters at its own oyster farm (with sparkling wine in hand, of course), join one of the small group (or private) cruises of the area, quad bike around the mountains with a guide and learn how to fly-fish in the Currawong Lakes. Follow these food, culture and adventure tours with a late afternoon spa sesh. Get a massage, scrub or facial before soaking in a bath overlooking the natural surroundings. This is an unbelievably dreamy place. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world.
If you're looking to visit a Hong Kong dai pai dong without leaving Sydney (and we recommend you do), look no further than Chan Kun Kee in Rhodes. The vibrant casual diner is the first international outpost for a Hong Kong team that's been serving up flavour-packed eats for over 40 years. Sydney's Chan Kun Kee opened in 2023 and the local iteration brings all the charm of its original institution to the Inner West. You'll find a variety of specialty small plates on offer ranging from stir-fries and fried noodles to loaded seafood dishes and hot pot. The must-try menu item is the claypot fish-flavoured eggplant — the best in Australia according to the team. But the menu is expansive with plenty to discover. There's spicy shredded chicken with crab roe, pork belly in a Sichuan broth, deep-fried oysters with wasabi sauce, stir-fried XO squid and a tom yum soup loaded with clams. The lunch menu — available 11am–2pm Tuesday–Sunday — refines your options, opting for more personal serving sizes. For $18, take your pick of the mains, including wasabi pork chops, stir-fried clams and a curry beef brisket, all of which are served with rice and a drink. Pair your meal with a $7 Tsingtao or Asahi, a herbal tea, or one of the housemade beverages, including the barley, lemon, yuzu and honey combination. Great Cantonese food at extremely affordable prices? What's not to love.
Dark Mofo is back for another devilish year where truly anything can happen. The annual winter festival is one week in for 2023, and it has already served up a slate of highlights delighting the senses of festivalgoers and local Hobart residents. Whether you were on the hunt for packed dance floors into the early hours of the morning, unbeatably fresh feeds around a firepit or hedonistic masquerade balls, there's been no shortage of sinister activations so far to prove why the festival is such a must-attend event — and, if you haven't made it along yet, to show why it should be at top of your hit list. As the fest's second week kicks off with even more debauchery — including A Divine Comedy, an Australian premiere and an Aussie exclusive that reimagines Dante's classic examination of hell, purgatory and paradise; Soda Jerk's Hello Dankness, which compiles samples into a 70-minute survey of American politics circa 2016–21; and performances from Molchat Doma, HEALTH, RVG and Moktar — here's a look at seven standouts from the first week of Dark Mofo 2023. [caption id="attachment_905439" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rosie Hastie[/caption] THE BLUE ROSE BALL BROUGHT TOGETHER CHILDLIKE JOY AND LYNCHIAN CHAOS Hidden among the haunting grounds of Dark Park at the base of Ryoji Ikeda's awe-inspiring light beam Spectra, The Blue Rose Ball unofficially opened Dark Mofo 2023's festivities the night before things well and truly got underway. A mysterious masquerade ball with nods to David Lynch and his television classic Twin Peaks, the event seamlessly paired debauchery with unbridled glee. Dressed to the nines and faces covered, guests were met with a hedonistic ballroom encouraging them to indulge in their every desire. While wandering around the ball, attendees discovered eerie dancing teddy bears; tables piled high with lollies, cheese and charcuterie; a fairy floss machine; hidden rooms with NSFW performances; a brief interlude from a fully functional soft serve van; and a central stage with surprise sets from artists like The Huxleys — plus an open bar, of course. [caption id="attachment_905440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Remi Chauvin[/caption] THE GATHERING KICKED THINGS OFF — AND BARKAA WAS IMMENSE After The Blue Rose Ball acted as a curtain-raiser, the ribbon was officially cut with The Gathering, a celebration of First Nations artists featuring Tasman Keith, dameeeela, Denni, Uncle Dougie Mansell and Madelena. While the night was a hit from start to finish, BARKAA brought the house down with a headlining performance that cements her as one of the nation's best and most important live performers. The dynamic set was a certified rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly switching from heartwrenching explorations of pain to moments of love, joy and laughter — sometimes within the same song. The power of BARKAA's performances comes from her willingness not to shy away from making non-Indigenous audience members uncomfortable while celebrating the strength of the First Nations community, before bringing everyone back together to dance, sing and have an all-around great time. When she brought out her friend and collaborator Dobby to perform their 2020 track 'I Can't Breathe' together, the audience was already in the palm of BARKAA's hand. It was a momentous performance that set the tone for the next 14 days. [caption id="attachment_905437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hunniford[/caption] THE FESTIVAL'S INTERNATIONAL ACTS DELIVERED THE GOODS While many people head down to Dark Mofo to immerse themselves in the wonders of Hobart as the chaos descends, the event also pulls some impressive big-name acts to headline the festivities. Week one of the 2023 fest saw Thundercat take to the stage to perform winding ten-plus-minute versions of his tracks, inserting long jam sessions into fan favourites like 'Them Changes' and 'Dragonball Durag'. Earlier that same night, Sleaford Mods provided a you-had-to-be-there kind of moment. The group's producer Andrew Fearn pressed play on his laptop and bobbed about, while vocalist Jason Williamson shouted tales of working-class England accompanied by erratically dance moves — all of which whipped the crowd into a euphoric frenzy. Punk legends Black Flag were in town for an Australian exclusive set and rolled out the classics, running through the band's influential catalogue of 80s and 00s heavy hitters. Max Ritcher popped up for two sombre orchestral performances of his piece VOICES, which was broadcast live across the entire city during Saturday night's performance, soundtracking people's journeys between that night's festivities. And despite bringing in a much-younger audience than the other global acts, "next big thing" singer-songwriter Ethel Cain felt squarely at home on the Dark Mofo lineup, blending dark religious imagery with her tales of small-town America — the anthemic choruses gliding over the screams of her rabid cult-like fanbase. All of this proved a Dark Mofo wonder without a mention of the likes of Squarepusher, Witch, Eartheater and Drab Majesty, who also peformed over the first week. [caption id="attachment_905450" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rosie Hastie[/caption] TRANCE PROVIDED A WILD, UNIQUE AND FULLY IMMERSIVE UNIVERSE FOR 36 HOURS Berlin-based Chinese artist Tianzhuo Chen's TRANCE offered Dark Mofo attendees the opportunity to drop in and out of an all-encompassing performance space for 36 hours across three days. Depending on when you arrived and how much time you spent in MAC2, you might've had a vastly different experience to someone else. Some audience members may have discovered a full-on rave with bass-heavy techno and screamed vocals, while others would have stumbled upon a delicate moment of dance and ambient music. A grand heavy-metal set, an intimate communal dinner, a hip hop dance circle, noisy experimental R&B, a downpouring of rain: they all featured throughout each of the three 12-hour performances, which were set in an otherworldy space filled with colourful larger-than-life characters and dream-like set designs. After wowing audiences in Asia and Europe, TRANCE found itself in the sleepy town of Hobart but couldn't have felt more right at Dark Mofo, asking attendees with an open mind and an affinity for the strange to let themselves be transported into Chen's one-of-a-kind world. [caption id="attachment_905441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hunniford[/caption] NIGHT MASS TOOK OVER AN ENTIRE HOBART BLOCK, CREATING A DEBAUCHEROUS ARTS PRECINCT Spread across four nights over the two weeks of Dark Mofo, this year's Night Mass has taken over an entire block of downtown Hobart, filling every stage, street, alleyway, bar and theatre with music and art between 10pm–4am. The festival's centrepieces, these debaucherous six-hour parties encourage you to wander through the different spaces and stumble upon something that you've never experienced before. On entry, there's a set of burning cars manned by performance artists that look straight out of Mad Max. Wander around the corner to discover a three-storey-tall teddy bear standing over a stage serving up deep electronic tunes and uplifting ballads of friendship (you can even livestream footage from a camera in the bear's face throughout the festival). Journey across the dozens of performance spaces at Night Mass and you'll find dimly lit dens, seated shows, multi-storey house parties, DJs perched on fire escapes and heaving dance floors. There's really not much else like it. [caption id="attachment_905434" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hunniford[/caption] THE WINTER FEAST PUT ALL OF AUSTRALIA'S OTHER FOOD FESTIVALS ON NOTICE Always a highlight of Dark Mofo, the Winter Feast once again served up a showcase of the best Tasmanian food and drink. From Bruny Island oysters, top-notch local wines, truffle-topped pizza and winter warmers like mulled negronis to the headlining collaborative kitchen between Chef's Table alum Ana Roš and The Agrarian Kitchen, this culinary night market shows up its interstate rivals with the most diverse and produce-focused array of stalls of any Australian food festival. Adding to the ambience is the hall's famous cross-filled ceiling, firepits to congregate around and a constant lineup of musicians to soundtrack your meals. There were even some surprise sets from musicians on the festival lineup, with Ugandan Afrofuturist-punk collective Fulu Miziki popping up to close out the festivities with a late-night Sunday-night set that had everyone hitting the dance floor with squid on a stick and a local Moo Brew in hand. [caption id="attachment_905438" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rosie Hastie[/caption] HOBART SHOWED WHY IT IS AUSTRALIA'S MOST UNDERRATED CITY While Dark Mofo served up plenty of standouts and surprises, the backdrop for the entire festival is the beauty of Hobart. MONA remains one of the country's best galleries, serving up weird, wonderful and thought-provoking art in its stunning subterranean space; the city's pubs, bars and restaurants remain top-tier for anyone looking for quality seafood, beers, wines, whisky and produce-driven meals; and the surrounding harbour and mountains make for a spectacular backdrop for your adventures around town. In winter, just be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes. Dark Mofo 2023 runs from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. Still looking for Dark Mofo inspiration? Check out our wholesome-to-hedonistic guide, which'll help you stack your festival itinerary based on the level of chaos you're after — and our last-minute picks, too. Top image: Jesse Hunniford. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
A midweek outing in the city can be a real treat. But if there's one thing that can elevate a decision to wine and dine yourself on a Tuesday night, it's live jazz. The CBD's multi-level mega-venue Shell House is providing just that with its free City Jazz program at Menzies Bar & Bistro every Tuesday. Perfect for a date night or for an after-work tipple, this injection of live jazz kicks off at 7pm each week and runs until late. You can expect freeform jazz and renditions of classics from the Menzies Jazz Trio. If you find yourself at the bar for a quick drink with a live music soundtrack, you can take your pick from Menzies' inventive cocktail menu featuring the limoncello-infused Sicilian Margarita or the Love Over Money, a combo of gin, pink peppercorn, ginger, rose, pomegranate, verjus and sparkling wine. There's also plenty of next-level eats on offer from share plates like tuna crudo and the Menzies lobster roll through to heftier dishes like barbecued spatchcock or prawn linguine. If you want to ensure you can nab a seat, you can make a booking via the Shell House website — but walk-ins are welcome.
At the age of 22, Billie Eilish has nine Grammys, two Oscars, a couple of huge albums with a third set to hit in May 2024 and, ever since her first record When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? proved such a huge success, all-round music sensation status. She also has a brand-new just-announced world tour about to do the rounds, including to Australia in 2025 — with the 'Bad Guy' and 'Happier Than Ever' singer heading Down Under for three huge weeks. Eilish will spend close to a week in each of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, playing four shows apiece in all three cities. She's spreading out her gigs on each leg, doing two nights back to back, then taking an evening off, then doing two more consecutively. [caption id="attachment_952889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] William Drumm[/caption] The dates: from Tuesday, February 18–Wednesday, February 19 and then Friday, February 21–Saturday, February 22 in Brisbane; Monday, February 24–Tuesday, February 25 and then Thursday, February 27–Friday, February 28 in Sydney; and Tuesday, March 4—Wednesday, March 5 and then Friday, March 7–Saturday, March 8 in Melbourne. This is an arena tour, with Eilish heading to Brisbane Entertainment Centre when she's in the Sunshine State capital, Qudos Bank Arena in the Harbour City and Rod Laver Arena for her Victorian stint. [caption id="attachment_827919" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Crommelincklars via Flickr[/caption] Eilish toured Australia in 2019 and 2022, and her fame has only gotten bigger since the latter — hence the 12 Aussie shows announced off the bat. These are the only gigs that she'll be playing on her Aussie visit, with no others set to be added, so getting in ASAP when tickets go on sale is recommended. Pre-sales start from Wednesday, May 1, with general sales from Friday, May 3 at 1pm AEST for Sydney shows, 2pm AEST for Brisbane and 3pm AEST for Melbourne. Since her last tour for her second album Happier Than Ever, Eilish has acted in TV series Swarm and seen her track 'What Was I Made For?' from the Barbie soundtrack become one of the songs of 2023. Her third record Hit Me Hard and Soft, which her new tour is in support of, releases on Friday, May 17. Billie Eilish Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour Australian Dates 2025: Tuesday, February 18–Wednesday, February 19 + Friday, February 21–Saturday, February 22 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Monday, February 24–Tuesday, February 25 + Thursday, February 27–Friday, February 28 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Tuesday, March 4—Wednesday, March 5 + Friday, March 7–Saturday, March 8 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Billie Eilish's Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour will come to Australia in February and March 2025, with ticket pre-sales from Wednesday, May 1 and general sales from Friday, May 3 (at 1pm AEST for Sydney shows, 2pm AEST for Brisbane and 3pm AEST for Melbourne). Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
It's been 18 years since Australia's first taste of acclaimed New York artist Spencer Tunick's work, when 4500 naked volunteers posed for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. He then photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, and came back to Australia just last year to shoot over 800 Melburnians in the rooftop carpark of a Prahran Woolworths. This month, Tunick made the trip to the shores again — and this time, he went tropical. On Saturday, November 23, a whole heap of Aussies stripped off on a beach in the Whitsundays, with the internationally famed artist returning to Australia to stage the newest of his famed mass nude photographs. In Tunick's latest visit to Australia, his sights were set on the white sands and sparkling blue waters of Haslewood Island — near Whitehaven Beach, aka the second best beach in the world. That's where Tunick assembled another contingent of naked folk for a work titled Sea Earth Change. Interestingly, the shoot was part of The Iconic's (yes, that online clothing store) summer campaign We Are Human. Naturally, the resulting images feature the sky, the ocean and the sand — and the nearly 100 nude participants — with Tunick making an artistic statement on the fragility of both the natural environment and humanity. "Using a pristine location like Haslewood Island in the Whitsundays to highlight the need for us to protect these areas, while exploring the vulnerability of the human form and importance of community is something I hope I've communicated with these images," he explained. Tunick captured a diverse mix of bodies in the shoot, with participants each receiving a print of the photograph and, we're sure, a big boost of body confidence. The artwork was unveiled at The Calile Hotel in Brisbane on Wednesday, November 27, marking the latest striking images in the artist's career. Elsewhere, he's photographed the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK. Images: Spencer Tunick's Sea Earth Change installation artworks.
When Heartbreak High returned in 2022, the Sydney-set series benefited from a fact that's helped Degrassi, Beverly Hills, 90210, Saved by the Bell and Gossip Girl all make comebacks, too: years pass, trends come and go, but teen awkwardness and chaos is eternal. In its second season, Netflix's revival of an Australian favourite that first aired between 1994–99 embraces the same idea. It's a new term at Hartley High, one that'll culminate in the rite of passage that is the Year 11 formal. Amerie (Ayesha Madon, Love Me) might be certain that she can change after the events of season one — doing so is her entire platform for running for school captain — but waiting for adulthood to start never stops being a whirlwind. Streaming from Thursday, April 11 and proving as easy to binge as its predecessor, Heartbreak High 2.0's eight-episode second season reassembles the bulk of the gang that audiences were initially introduced to two years ago. Moving forward, onwards and upwards is everyone's planned path — en route to that dance, which gives the new batch of instalments its flashforward opening. The evening brings fire, literally. Among the regular crew, a few faces are missing in the aftermath. The show then rewinds to two months earlier, to post-holiday reunions, old worries resurfacing, new faces making an appearance and, giving the season a whodunnit spin as well, to a mystery figure taunting and publicly shaming Amerie. The latter begins their reign of terror with a dead animal; Bird Psycho is soon the unknown culprit's nickname. Leaders, creepers, slipping between the sheets: that's Heartbreak High's second streaming go-around in a nutshell. The battle to rule the school is a three-person race, pitting Amerie against Sasha (Gemma Chua-Tran, Mustangs FC) and Spider (Bryn Chapman Parish, Mr Inbetween) — one as progressive as Hartley, which already earns that label heartily, can get; the other season one's poster boy for jerkiness, toxicity and entitlement. Heightening the electoral showdown is a curriculum clash, with the SLT class introduced by Jojo Obah (Chika Ikogwe, The Tourist) last term as a mandatory response to the grade's behaviour questioned by Head of PE Timothy Voss (Angus Sampson, Bump). A new faculty member for the show, he's anti-everything that he deems a threat to traditional notions of masculinity. In Spider, Ant (Brodie Townsend, Significant Others) and others, he quickly has followers. Their name, even adorning t-shirts: CUMLORDS. Only on Heartbreak High — or on Sex Education, which it continues to resemble — can a faceoff between SLTs (aka sluts) and CUMLORDS fuel a season-long narrative. For Bird Psycho's campaign against Amerie, the warring factions also provide a handy backdrop, as well as a distraction that has most of the school looking the other way. But Quinni (Chloe Hayden, Spooky Files), who is running for vice captain, is determined to work out who's masterminding the vehement vendetta. Almost everyone is a suspect, especially after an attack comes during the grade's annual camp — well, nearly everyone among the dozen-ish Hartley students that earn the series' focus. The season's romantic threads also push Amerie to the fore, rekindling her romance with last term's newcomer Malakai (Thomas Weatherall, RFDS) until Dubbo export Rowan (Sam Rechner, The Fabelmans), the latest arrival, gets a love triangle burning. Darren (James Majoos) and Ca$h's (Will McDonald, Blaze) relationship has roadblocks to overcome, such as jail and libidos at vastly different speeds. Missy (Sherry-Lee Watson), Sasha's ex, finds herself attracted to someone that she'd never expect. Zoe (Kartanya Maynard, Deadloch), another of season two's additions, spearheads a Puriteen movement that advocates celibacy. As she pieces her life back together after grappling with some of the show's heaviest past storylines, Amerie's best friend Harper (Asher Yasbincek, How to Please a Woman) now has Ant pining over her. Hartley's principal Woodsy (Rachel House, Our Flag Means Death), plus Ca$h's nan (Maggie Dence, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) and criminal pal Chook (Tom Wilson, Last King of the Cross), round out the season's key players, on a character list that's as jam-packed as the antics filling the series' frames. Heartbreak High is in its lean-in era, where nothing is off the table. Drug-induced declarations, sex in school stairwells, pregnancy and abortion storylines, surprise redemptions, stalkers, childhood traumas, moving out of home, the utter cartoonishness of Voss (who dubs the school a "woke snowflake nightmare", and is the least successful element in the new episodes), busting out the Nutbush: they're all included, as is dancing from OTT to earnest and silly to serious. For creator Hannah Carroll Chapman (The Heights), who is behind the show's 2020s comeback — and also for her writers (Paper Dolls' Marieke Hardy, Sara Khan and Thomas Wilson-White; Safe Home's Jean Tong; Totally Completely Fine's Keir Wilkins; and The Heights' Megan Palinkas) and directors (Seriously Red's Gracie Otto, Mother and Son's Neil Sharma, and Why Are You Like This duo Jessie Oldfield and Adam Murfet) this time around — there's meaning in the season's tonal rollercoaster. Whether skewing light or heavy, entertainingly riffing on Rage or charting the constant quest to work our who you are that everyone endures in their teen years, or bringing Euphoria or the OG Heartbreak High to mind, all of the series' pinballing around explores a formative time when everything keeps seesawing and swinging by intentionally mirroring it. As was true during its debut Netflix stint to awards, acclaim and worldwide viewership, not to mention three decades back when 1993 movie The Heartbreak Kid sparked Heartbreak High to begin with, an excellent cast can ride every up and down that the show throws their characters' ways. Weatherall, Yasbincek and McDonald continue their thoughtful and layered portrayals of Malakai, Harper and Ca$h from 2022. Watson and Chapman Parish benefit from meatier storylines and deeper dives into Missy and Spider. Madon, Majoos and Hayden give Amerie, Darren and Quinni walk-right-off-the-screen energy. Rechner makes a meaningful imprint as Rowan, who is never a one-note enigmatic outsider. Investing in them, just like bingeing Heartbreak High season two, is always something that secondary schooling never is no matter what decade you're hitting the books, then the parties: easy. Check out the trailer for Heartbreak High's second season below: Heartbreak High season two streams via Netflix from Thursday, April 11, 2024. Read our review of season one. Images: Netflix.
There are 8222 islands within Australia's watery borders. You could spend your entire life hopping from one Aussie island to another and never quite make them all (well, unless you're very, very quick). So, we thought we'd save you some time by teaming up with Jim Beam and handpicking 12 of the best islands in Australia. That should at least get you started. Next time you start imagining you and your best mates on a white-sanded beach with quokkas close by, sea lions in the distance and your desks a few hundred kilometres away, these are the spots to catch a boat, plane, or ferry to. Remember: an adventure like this is best enjoyed together. Right? Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Beaches in Australia The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia [caption id="attachment_688591" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coral Coast Tourism[/caption] Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia The Houtman Abrolhos isn't just an island, it's an archipelago. 122 isles make up the marvel, more or less clustered in three groups across 100 kilometres. They lie 60 kilometres off the Coral Coast, west of Geraldton, which is four hours north of Perth. Lose yourself snorkelling or diving among colourful coral, spotting Australian sea lions and looking out for more than 90 species of seabirds, including majestic white-breasted sea eagles. For mind-blowing views, jump aboard a scenic flight and see the best Australian island from a bird's eye view. [caption id="attachment_688571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Ewart for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] North Stradbroke Island, Queensland Located 25 minutes by ferry off the Queensland coast, Stradbroke Island is an easy day trip from Brisbane. It's the second biggest sand island in the world after K'gari (more on that Australian island later). For swimming in gentle waves, head to idyllic Cylinder Beach; for wilder surf, make your destination the 38-kilometre-long Main Beach. Overnight stays include beach camping, as well as an array of cottages, hotels and B&Bs. Just north of Straddie is Moreton Island, a wonderland of long beaches, clear lakes and a national park. Consider sleeping over at Tangalooma, an eco-friendly resort where you can hand-feed wild dolphins and swim around a shipwreck. [caption id="attachment_773788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Archer, Destination NSW[/caption] Lord Howe Island, New South Wales Just 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Lord Howe, a two-hour flight east of Sydney, is explorable within a few days. Whenever you travel on this top Australian island, you won't have to fear tourist crowds: only 400 visitors are permitted at any one time and the population is just 382. Prepare to have pretty beaches, spectacular diving sites and rugged terrain all to yourself. Among the best adventures are the Mount Gower Trail, a steep, eight-hour trek that carries you 875 metres above sea level, and Erscott's Hole, a natural wonder where you can snorkel among staghorn coral, bluefish and double-headed wrasse. With all this natural beauty, it's easy to see why it made our list of the best islands in Australia and best overall places to visit in Australia. [caption id="attachment_770035" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Bruny Island, Tasmania Bruny feels completely remote, yet it's just a 20-minute ferry ride from the coast and, with driving time added, 50 minutes from Hobart. The beauty of this proximity to the city is that, despite all the wilderness, you can find some top nosh: for fish and chips head to Jetty Cafe; for pub grub swing by Hotel Bruny; for cheese visit Bruny Island Cheese Company; and for a tipple, there's the Bruny Island House of Whisky. Meanwhile, nature lovers will find white wallabies at Inala Nature Reserve, windswept headlands at Cape Bruny Lighthouse and head-clearing watery views at Cloudy Bay. [caption id="attachment_688568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Khy Orchard for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Magnetic Island, Queensland There are hundreds of islands in the Great Barrier Reef area, offering everything from secluded campsites to five-star luxury resorts. But, for convenience, outdoor adventures and, most importantly, koala spotting, Magnetic Island is hard to go past — found just 20 minutes from Townsville. Get active with sea kayaking tours and yoga classes, get artsy at beachside markets and galleries or relax at stunning beaches like Horseshoe Bay. If you're keen to venture further, jump aboard a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, diving or sightseeing tour. [caption id="attachment_688400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isaac Forman for SA Tourism Commission[/caption] Kangaroo Island, South Australia With a whopping 509 kilometres of coastline, Kangaroo Island could have you exploring for weeks. To get there, take a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula — around 100 kilometres south of Adelaide. Then gear up to share your holiday with sea lions, fur seals, little penguins, echidnas, koalas and, you guessed it, kangaroos. The Australian island is a haven for creatures who've struggled to survive elsewhere, especially local sea lions, who were hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are numerous national parks and conservation areas, and the almost 5000-strong population is big on food and wine. You also can't talk about this Aussie island without mentioning the spectacular beaches — our favourite being the one and only Stoke's Bay. [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] The Whitsundays, Queensland In total, The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands. It's hard to choose the best, especially as each depends on what kind of holiday you're after. You can go camping on the famous Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, live it up at The InterContinental Resort on Hayman Island or even escape to an adults-only oasis like Elysian Retreat on Long Island — one of the best adults-only accommodations in The Whitsundays. From any of these small islands in Australia, you can easily get to the Great Barrier Reef and countless other stunning natural landscapes. This region is also one of Australia's national parks, so it will continue to be preserved for many years to come — even if the reef itself does die off. [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] Rottnest Island, Western Australia Rottnest Island is a 90-minute ferry ride from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, or 25 minutes from Fremantle. Like Kangaroo Island, Rottnest has given a big dose of much-needed love to Australia's wild creatures, particularly quokkas, which now number 12,000 or so. Dedicate some time to spotting them (though please don't go touching, patting or feeding) before visiting pristine beaches, such as The Basin, where you'll find an underwater playground, and Little Parakeet Bay, backdropped by striking rock formations. The best way to explore the Aussie island is by bike, but we are also big fans of getting on a sea kayak for the arvo as well. Prefer to stay here longer than a day? We recommend spending a few nights in Discovery Rottnest Island's luxe glamping tents by the beach. Phillip Island, Victoria Phillip Island's biggest drawcard is its penguin parade. Every night, at sunset, the island's resident little penguins return to their terrestrial homes, having spent the day out and about fishing. Beyond wildlife watching, go wine and craft beer tasting, bliss out with a massage or spa treatment or conquer a trail on foot, such as the Cape Woolamai Walk, which traverses dramatic clifftops along Phillip's southernmost point. Follow the links for suggestions on where to eat and drink and the best outdoor activities on Phillip Island. Unlike most of the other Australian islands on this list, you can reach this one by road: it's around 90 minutes' drive south of Melbourne, making it one of the most accessible islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_911608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort[/caption] K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) is the biggest sand island in the world. There are 184,000 hectares of the stuff, made up of 72 colours and mostly in the form of magnificent dunes, much of which are covered in rainforest. If you've time on your hands, take on the Great Walk, an eight-day epic that visits many of K'gari's 100 freshwater lakes. If not, jump aboard a 4WD and cruise along 75 Mile Beach (one of our favourite adventure experiences in Australia), take a dip at Champagne Pools along the way and pay a visit to awe-inspiring Boorangoora(Lake McKenzie), a perched lake made up of rainwater and soft silica sand. [caption id="attachment_688583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Wilson for Tourism Tasmania[/caption] King Island, Tasmania You might have no idea where King Island is, but may have seen its cheese at the supermarket. King Island Dairy's decadent triple cream brie is an Aussie gourmet staple. But it's far from the only treat you'll be sampling in this lush place, which lies in the Bass Strait, halfway between Victoria and Tassie. Count, too, on super-fresh seafood, flavourful beef and a cornucopia of produce from local growers. When you're finished feasting, stroll along the white sands of Disappointment Bay, visit a 7000-year-old calcified forest and go horse riding by the sea. This under-the-radar travel destination is undoubtedly one of the best islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_856441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Bribie Island, Queensland Bribie Island isn't that far from Brisbane (a little over one and a half hours), but is a haven for local wildlife. That's because this Australian island is home to the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park where you'll find dugongs, turtles, dolphins and a diverse range of birdlife. All the classic Aussie land animals will be found all over the island, too. And, of course, the beaches are just stupidly beautiful. Whether you're a local or tourist, this island offers all the quintessential Australian sites you must see. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top images: K'gari Island, courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
The World's Best 50 Hotels has named The Calile in Brisbane the top place to stay in the whole of Australia and Oceania not once but twice. Nigella Lawson has sung its praises recently. It's been one of the River City's finest homes away from home ever since first opening in 2018. Holidaymakers flock to the Fortitude Valley spot, including Brisbanites for staycations and out-of-towners for resort-style getaways. Soon, you'll have a second The Calile to stay at further north. As initially announced back in 2022, the group behind The Calile has plans for a new site on the Sunshine Coast. Now, that proposal has just been given final approval. The destination for The Calile's expansion beyond James Street: Noosa, where the brand's sub-tropical look and feel will fit in perfectly. Calile Malouf Investments CMI), the group behind The Calile, has announced that Noosa Shire Council approved the final plans for The Calile Noosa on Thursday, October 17, 2024 after a two-year process. Work can now begin in early 2025, with construction expected to take three years. The next must-stay Noosa hotel will sit on a 2.4-hectare site at 3–7 Serenity Close in Noosa Heads, and feature 153 rooms, 29 suites and four villas. Yes, it's going to be a sprawling venue, which'll apply within the broader location and in the rooms themselves. That's one of the key points of focus for CMI's plans, alongside soaking in that sub-tropical vibe — complete with gardens, which have helped make The Calile in Fortitude Valley what it is. [caption id="attachment_909119" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St[/caption] "We worked collaboratively with the Noosa Council and fine-tuned the scheme to ensure we addressed the planning scheme and community expectations," said The Calile co-owner and CMI Director Michael Malouf. "Resort sites are often at risk of being ceded to multinational hotel companies who impose incongruous designs and standards upon the local community. By contrast, The Calile is a homegrown Southeast Queensland brand with an implicit understanding of the local culture, climate, community, demographic and attributes," he continued. [caption id="attachment_694714" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] Accordingly, your future trips to Noosa should see you roaming around a coastal resort surrounded by lush bushland, taking a dip in several pools — one stretching 50 metres, the other in a garden — and chasing your bliss in the site's wellness facilities. When you recline to your rooms, you'll be relaxing in sizeable surroundings, with 45 square metres the standard hotel-room space. Guests will also be making the most of The Calile's second hotel to be designed by architects Richard and Spence, as Brisbane's is. Mark a 2028 visit in your diary now. Plus, sustainability will be a focus, with carbon-neutral operations the target. [caption id="attachment_973398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Cieran Murphy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_856487" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_973394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Cieran Murphy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_694716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] The Calile Noosa is set to open by 2028 at 3–7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads. In the interim, find Brisbane's The Calile Hotel at 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley.
Deep in the business district of the CBD, the bankers and traders must feel that all roads lead to China – and not just financially anymore. If they wish to continue down a culinary path after working hours, just around the corner, and down an alleyway, is China Lane, the new sister restaurant of China Doll and China Beach in Manly. Underneath an art installation nest of bird cages in Angel Lane, China Lane is a mix of suits, trendy young things checking out the CBD's newest laneway escape, and daters. If you've seen any of director Wong Kar-wai's movies, you'll get the idea – moody lighting, a modern sense of decor mixed with '50s Hong Kong glamour, and general snappiness. Head chef Ben Haywood has served under Heston Blumenthal at Fat Duck and also was sous chef at China Doll in Woolloomooloo, so don't expect traditional Chinese fare. While there are similarities to Doll's mains, there's many a signature dish here. Japanese sashimi rubs up against Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai on the menu, showing Haywood's dexterity with Pan Asian cuisine. It seems obligatory at every mod-Asian joint to have a twist on the pork bun. At China Lane, it's no different, if a little more deconstructed. Pulled pork, mayo and crisp shallots are piled upon a flattened steamed bao ($16 for two). It's lovely, if surprisingly cold – an open-topped convertible version of the standard. Pig's ears also seem to be making a comeback. Here, they're crisped and carmelised, served with lemongrass ($8), and delicious. Salads are dramatic, and given suitably explosive names like Bang Bang chicken salad ($16), or Chinese bacon with kipfler potato and the ominous sounding "son-in-law" egg ($14), a Thai standard of the deep-fried, hard boiled variety in tamarind sauce. The grilled dory with coconut sambal ($19) is a light treat, and a good compliment to the lamb and chili hot pot ($30) or the pick of the bunch, the soy-braised pork belly ($30). The kitchen and staff show an extreme amount of generosity to customers. Desserts come with an additional offering of sweeteners this evening, such as the chocolate replica of a mahjong piece. The exquisite pistachio and lemongrass parfait ($14) with pandan syrup is an aesthetic treasure, and more impressive than the blood orange and black sticky rice pudding. China Lane is another laneway bonus for the corporate end of the CBD, and means business.
There's been a makeover of transcontinental proportions in Balmain, and from the looks of the patient, the operation was a success. Once not-so-lovingly known among locals as the 'Dead End', four months ago the historic West End Hotel on the corner of Mullens and Reynolds was put out of its misery, gutted and rebirthed by the guys over at Balmain Pub Group (Riverview Hotel). The brand-new Balmain Hotel has risen from the remnants with a shiny new wardrobe, a tasty menu and, most importantly, two or sometimes three well-stocked bars with ample knockin' back space. And we're not just talking about the biggest beer garden in Balmain with a tiki bar either. There's the top bar named in honour of its predecessor, a Flamingo Room and a bigger bottom bar home to the chiselled jaw of head barman Istvan Orosz. Try his take on a cocktail staple, the maple Old Fashioned infused with a hint of bacon and served with a crispy strip of pancetta. Or for a little extra spice over sheer meaty strength, the Bison Grass Mule throws a gingery punch. Just hope no one orders any at rush hour, as prep time is unsurprisingly a little longer. Beer options are fine and the wine list features a whole bunch of Aussies. Ideal for homegrown drop-lovers, not so great if you're after a more European selection. Saying that, what with its subdued South Pacific theme (you know — murals, kitsch bar tiles, lots of colour) combined with an Asian hawker-influenced menu with Mexican and American elements for good measure, undoubtedly a few ingredients were thrown into this one's mix. Go for the duck or pork steamed buns if you go here for anything, otherwise the salt and pepper squid with kimchi coleslaw or the crispy raw salmon 'taco' are very flavoursome. Desserts aren't forgotten either, and the alcoholics among us will love the Balmain's version of an affogato. Those already sufficiently drowned should get busy soaking up with nicely deep-fried churros dipped in melted chocolate. Award-winning chef Brad Sloane has done good. In fact, it looks like everyone who helped transform the Balmain Hotel from what once was to what is has done good. Now all they need to do is iron out a few atmospheric creases (lighting, in particular) and get feet through the doors. Should be fun. Images: Katje Ford.
This time last year, we'd all spent far too much time in front of our TVs. Sadly, that hasn't changed all that much in 2021. That's life during a pandemic — which means that you've likely rewatched all your favourite television shows, and possibly more than once, while we've all been spending more time indoors of late. There's nothing like getting cosy with a TV series you truly love, whether for the second, fifth, 11th or 20th time. But if you're always eager to add some fresh standouts to your viewing list, 2021 has definitely delivered plenty so far. They're the new series that'll sit atop your rewatch pile in years to come, because they're all just that exceptional. Love powerful dramas that interrogate the past? This year has served up those. Fancy smart new comedies with local ties? Yep, 2021 has thrust those in front of eyeballs, too. Also debuting over the past six months: new gems from the teams behind old favourites, twisty thrillers and more than a couple of series with casts that knock it out of the park. Yes, the list goes on. With the year at its halfway point, here are our picks of 2021's best new TV and streaming series that you owe it to yourself to seek out now. THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Two words: Barry Jenkins. Where the Oscar-nominated Moonlight director goes, viewers should always follow. That proved the case with 2018's If Beale Street Could Talk, and it's definitely accurate regarding The Underground Railroad, the phenomenal new ten-part series that features Jenkins behind the camera of each and every episode. As the name makes plain, the historical drama uses the real-life Underground Railroad — the routes and houses that helped enslaved Black Americans escape to freedom — as its basis. Here, though, drawing on the past isn't as straightforward as it initially sounds. Adapting Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same moniker, the series dives deeply into the experiences of people endeavouring to flee slavery, while also adopting magic-realism when it comes to taking a literal approach to its railroad concept. That combination couldn't work better in Jenkins' hands as he follows Cora (Thuso Mbedu, Shuga), a woman forced into servitude on a plantation overseen by Terrance Randall (Benjamin Walker, Jessica Jones). As always proves the case in the filmmaker's work, every frame is a thing of beauty, every second heaves with emotion, and every glance, stare, word and exchange is loaded with a thorough examination of race relations in America. If something else this affecting reaches streaming queues in 2021, it'll be a phenomenal year for audiences. The Underground Railroad is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS Named after a meme, and focusing on characters that can hardly be described likeable but are nonetheless instantly recognisable, Australian sitcom Why Are You Like This takes aim at 21st century life. Its three main figures are all twentysomethings endeavouring to navigate a never-ending onslaught of personal and professional problems, such as getting fired, battling with colleagues, money troubles, hiding boyfriends, losing moon cups and trying to spark a workplace revolution but ending up getting other people fired — so, yes, they're just like the rest of us. Penny (series co-creator Naomi Higgins, Utopia) wants to be an ally to everyone. Her bestie Mia (Olivia Junkeer, Neighbours) matches that determination with both self-assurance and a self-serving mindset; if she's sticking up for anyone, it's always herself. Rounding out the trio is Penny's housemate and aspiring drag queen Austin (Wil King), whose glittery outfits and super-sized personality can't always hide his internal crumbling. Across the show's six-episode first season, these three friends keep trying to stand out in their own ways. They also keep demonstrating both their best and worst traits. As satirical as it is candid and relatable, Why Are You Like This knows that everyone and everything is awful, and leans in. And, in terms of the series' style of comedy, the fact that Higgins created the show with lawyer and illustrator Humyara Mahbub and Aunty Donna's Mark Samual Bonanno says plenty. Why Are You Like This was available to stream earlier in 2021 via ABC iView — keep an eye on the platform in case it pops up again. Read our full review. IT'S A SIN More than two decades after creating Queer as Folk, Russell T Davies gives the television landscape another excellent queer drama. The screenwriter and television producer has been busy over the intervening period thanks to everything from Doctor Who to Years and Years — and he also has 2015's Cucumber to his name, too — but It's a Sin is one of the very best things on his lengthy resume. Stepping back to the AIDS crisis of the 80s and early 90s, the five-part miniseries follows a group of friends chasing their dreams in London. Ritchie (Olly Alexander, Penny Dreadful) heads to the city to become an actor, and to avoid telling his stern parents that he's gay. Roscoe (Omari Douglas) flees his parents' home when they keep threatening to take him back to Nigeria. Colin (Callum Scott Howells) arrives for an apprenticeship at a high-end tailor shop, but soon finds himself seeking an escape from his lecherous boss. Given the era, there's no doubting where the story will head. It's a Sin is as joyous and vibrant as it is soulful and heartbreaking, though. Ritchie, Roscoe and Colin not only cross paths, but form a makeshift family in their modest flat, with the former's college friends Jill (Lydia West, Dracula) and Ash (Nathaniel Curtis) rounding out the quintet. Neil Patrick Harris and Stephen Fry also feature, but they're never It's a Sin's stars — because, in series that looks and sounds the period part at every moment, the show's five main players are simply phenomenal. It's a Sin is available to stream via Stan. STARSTRUCK When Rose Matafeo last graced our screens, she took on pregnancy-centric rom-coms in 2020's Baby Done. Now, in Starstruck, she's still pairing the romantic and the comedic. In another thoughtful, plucky and relatable performance, she plays Jessie, a 28-year-old New Zealander in London who splits her time between working in a cinema and nannying, and isn't expecting much when her best friend and roommate Kate (Emma Sidi, Pls Like) drags her out to a bar on New Year's Eve. For most of the evening, her lack of enthusiasm proves astute. Then she meets Tom (Nikesh Patel, Four Weddings and a Funeral). He overhears her rambling drunkenly to herself in the men's bathroom, they chat at the bar and, when sparks fly, she ends up back at his sprawling flat. It isn't until the next morning, however — when she sees a poster adorned with his face leaning against his living room wall — that she realises that he's actually one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Yes, Starstruck takes Notting Hill's premise and gives it a 22-years-later update, and delivers a smart, sidesplittingly funny and all-round charming rom-com sitcom in the process. When a film or TV show is crafted with a deep-seated love for its chosen genre, it shows. When it wants to do more than just nod and wink at greats gone by like a big on-screen super fan — when its creators passionately hope that it might become a classic in its own right, rather than a mere imitation of better titles — that comes through, too. And that's definitely the case with this ridiculously easy-to-binge charmer. Starstruck is available to stream via ABC iView. Read our full review. WAKEFIELD Scroll through the list of Wakefield's cast members, and many a famous Australian name pops up. Ryan Corr (High Ground), Wayne Blair (Rams), Kim Gyngell (Brothers' Nest), Harriet Dyer (The Invisible Man), and comedians Felicity Ward and Sam Simmons are just some of them, but this ABC series belongs to phenomenal British talent Rudi Dharmalingam (The Split). With an Aussie accent so flawless that all other actors attempting the feat should study it in the future, he plays nurse Nik Katira. His workplace: the eponymous Wakefield, a mental health hospital in the Blue Mountains. Nik's days involve caring for his patients, navigating the usual workplace politics and grappling with his personal life, with all three often overlapping. That might sound like the usual medical drama, but Wakefield isn't ever as straightforward as it might appear. From its very first episode — one of five directed by The Dressmaker filmmaker Jocelyn Moorhouse, with the other three helmed by The Rocket's Kim Mordaunt — the series purposefully throws its viewers off-kilter. With roving cinematography and looping stories, it keeps everyone watching guessing, just as the figures within its frames are doing about their daily existence (including and sometimes especially Nik). Already set to be one of Australian TV's most impressive new series of the year — and likely the best of the year, too — Wakefield is gripping, twisty, powerful and almost devastatingly empathetic about a topic that is rarely handled with as much care and understanding. In other words, it's a knockout. Wakefield is available to stream via ABC iView. MARE OF EASTTOWN Kate Winslet doesn't make the leap to the small screen often, but when she does, it's a must-see event. 2011's Mildred Pierce was simply astonishing, a description that both Winslet and her co-star Guy Pearce also earned — alongside an Emmy each, plus three more for the HBO limited series itself. The two actors and the acclaimed US cable network all reteam for Mare of Easttown, and it too is excellent. Set on the outskirts of Philadelphia, it follows detective Mare Sheehan. As the 25th anniversary of her high-school basketball championship arrives, and after a year of trying to solve a missing person's case linked to one of her former teammates, a new murder upends her existence. Mare's life overflows with complications anyway, with her ex-husband (David Denman, Brightburn) getting remarried, and her mother (Jean Smart, Watchmen), teenage daughter (Angourie Rice, Spider-Man: Far From Home) and four-year-old grandson all under her roof. With town newcomer Richard Ryan (Pearce, The Last Vermeer), she snatches what boozy and physical solace she can. As compelling and textured as she always is, including in this year's Ammonite, Winslet turns Mare of Easttown into a commanding character study. That said, it's firmly an engrossing crime drama as well. Although yet again pondering the adult life of an ex-school sports star, The Way Back's Brad Ingelsby isn't just repeating himself by creating and writing this seven-part series, while The Leftovers and The Hunt's Craig Zobel takes to his directing gig with a probing eye. Mare of Easttown is available to stream via Binge. GIRLS5EVA First, a word of warning: the hit song that brought fictional late 90s/early 00s girl group Girls5eva to fame is such an earworm, you'll be singing it to yourself for weeks after you binge through the sitcom that bears their name. That's to be expected given that Jeff Richmond, the composer behind 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's equally catchy and comedic tunes, is one of the talents behind it. Tina Fey and Robert Carlock produce the series, too, so you what type of humour you're in for. Starring Sara Bareilles (Broadway's Waitress), Busy Philipps (I Feel Pretty), Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton) and the great Paula Pell (AP Bio), Girls5eva follows four members of the eponymous band two decades after their heyday. Their initial success didn't last, and life has left the now-fortysomething women at different junctures. Then a rapper samples their hit, they're asked to reunite for a one-night backing spot on The Tonight Show, and they contemplate getting back together to give music another shot. As well as being exceptionally well-cast and immensely funny, the series is also bitingly perceptive about stardom, the entertainment industry and the way that women beyond their twenties are treated. Also, when Fey inevitably pops up, she does so as a dream version of Dolly Parton — and it's as glorious as it sounds. Girls5eva is available to stream via Stan. Read our full review. CALLS Everyone has heard about the response that The War of the Worlds reportedly sparked back in 1938. That's when Orson Welles adapted HG Wells' novel into a radio play, and the result was so convincing that it reportedly incited panic among listeners. Watching Calls, it's easy to understand how. 'Watching' isn't exactly the right term for this mystery series, though. Like all those folks glued to their radios 83 years ago, Calls' audience is forced to listen intently. Indeed, in terms of visuals, the series only provides two types: words transcribing the conversations heard, and abstract visuals that move and shift with each sentence uttered and every suspenseful pause left lingering. Accordingly, focusing on the snippets of phone chats that tell the program's stories is what Calls is all about. Remaking the French show of the same name, and directed by Evil Dead and Don't Breathe's Fede Álvarez, something much more than a small-screen version of a story-fuelled podcast eventuates. A starry cast voices the chats — including everyone from Parks and Recreation duo Aubrey Plaza and Ben Schwartz to Wonder Woman 1984's Pedro Pascal and The Lodge's Riley Keough — but it's the tension and power of their words that leaves an impression. Each of the nine episodes tells a short story that eventually builds an overall picture, and getting caught up in them all is far easier than the underlying concept might initially make you think. Calls is available to stream via Apple TV+. MADE FOR LOVE When author Alissa Nutting penned Made for Love, no one needed to think too hard about her source of inspiration. Now bringing its tale to the small screen courtesy of the series of the same name, her story ponders one of the possible next steps in our technology-saturated lives. Hazel Green-Gogol (Cristin Milioti, Palm Springs) seems to live a lavishly and happily with her tech billionaire husband Byron (Billy Magnussen, Aladdin). They haven't left his company's desert campus in the entire ten years they've been married, in fact. The site is designed to cater for their every desire and whim, so they shouldn't need to go anywhere else — or that's how Byron views things, at least. Then his next big idea looks set to become a reality, and Hazel decides that she can't keep up the charade. She certainly doesn't want to be implanted with a chip that'll allow Byron to see through her eyes, access her feelings and always know where she is, and she's willing to take drastic actions to escape his hold over her life. Bringing the plot to the screen herself, Nutting favours a darkly comedic and sharply satirical vibe as she follows Hazel's quest for freedom, with Made for Love filled with blisteringly accurate insights into the tech-dependence that's become a regular part of 21st century existence. That said, the series wouldn't be the gem it is without Milioti, as well as Ray Romano (The Irishman) in a scene-stealing supporting part as Hazel's father. Made for Love is available to stream via Stan. LOS ESPOOKYS It has taken almost two years for the delight that is Los Espookys to reach Australian screens — and it'll take you less than three hours to binge its six-episode first season. This HBO comedy is both worth the wait and worth devouring as quickly as possible, though. The setup: horror aficionado Renaldo (Bernardo Velasco, Museo) wants to turn his obsession into his profession, so he starts staging eerie scenarios for paying customers, enlisting his best friend Andrés (Julio Torres, Shrill), pal Úrsula (Cassandra Ciangherotti, Ready to Mingle) and the latter's sister Tati (Ana Fabrega, At Home with Amy Sedaris) to help. Torres and Fabrega co-created the show with Portlandia and Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen, who also pops up as Renaldo's parking valet uncle. This mostly Spanish-language series only uses its biggest name sparingly, however, because its key cast members own every moment. Following the titular group's exploits as they attempt to ply their trade, and to weave it into their otherwise chaotic lives, Los Espookys always manages to be both sidesplittingly hilarious and so meticulous in its horror references that it's almost uncanny. There's nothing on-screen quite like it and, thankfully, it has already been renewed for a second season. Los Espookys is available to stream via Binge. RUTHERFORD FALLS He co-wrote and produced The Office. He did the same on Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which he co-created as well. And, he gave the world The Good Place — which makes Michael Schur one of the best in the business when it comes to kind-hearted, smart and savvy small-screen laughs. His new show, Rutherford Falls, continues the streak. Co-created with star Ed Helms and showrunner Sierra Teller Ornelas (Superstore), it also boasts his usual charm and intelligence and, as with all of the above programs, it's exceptionally well-cast. Plus, it's immensely easy to binge in just one sitting, because each one of its ten first-season episodes leave you wanting more. The setup: in the place that gives the sitcom its name, Nathan Rutherford (Helms, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun) runs the local history museum. One of his descendants founded the town, and he couldn't be more proud of that fact. He's also very protective of the towering statue of said ancestor, even though it sits in the middle of a road and causes accidents. So, when the mayor (Dana L.Wilson, Perry Mason) decides to move the traffic hazard, Nathan and his overzealous intern Bobbie (Jesse Leigh, Heathers) spring into action. Nathan's best friend Reagan Wells (Jana Schmieding, Blast) helps; however, the Minishonka Nation woman begins to realise just how her pal's family have shaped the fate of her Native American community. Also featuring a scene-stealing Michael Greyeyes (I Know This Much Is True) as the enterprising head of the Minishonka Nation casino, Rutherford Falls pairs witty laughs with warmth and sincerity, especially when it comes to exploring the treatment of First Nations peoples in America today. Rutherford Falls is available to stream via Stan. Read our full review. THE SERPENT One day, Tahar Rahim will likely win an Oscar. He's that phenomenal an actor, as he has shown in everything from A Prophet, The Past and Daguerreotype to The Eddy and The Mauritanian. In The Serpent, however, he's never been more unsettling — but given that he's playing Charles Sobhraj, that comes with the territory. If the real-life French serial killer's name doesn't ring a bell, then this eight-part series will make sure you'll never forget it. The instantly riveting drama tells a grim true tale, and an unnerving one. With his girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman, The Cry) and accomplice Ajay Chowdhury (TV first-timer Amesh Edireweera), Sobhraj targeted young travellers in Bangkok and south Asia in the 70s — usually luring them in with a scam first, or trying to flat-out steal their money, then drugging them, killing them and stealing their passports. Ripper Street writers Richard Warlow and Toby Finlay intertwine Sobhraj, Leclerc and Chowdhury's murderous exploits with the efforts of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) to find two missing tourists. After being tipped off about two bodies by a loud-mouthed Australian in Thailand (Damon Herriman, Judy & Punch), Knippenberg begins to piece together the broader story. It's easy to feel just as he does while watching The Serpent, actually, because getting swept up in its distressing details is simply inevitable. The Serpent is available to stream via Netflix. Looking for more viewing highlights? Check out our list of film and TV streaming recommendations, which is updated monthly.
Usually, Australia's own Four Pillars is busy filling our gin shrines — or gin shelves, gin sections of the liquor cabinet or wherever else you store your juniper-based spirits. But with its latest release, it wants you to pop a bottle in your freezer. Next time you want a gin martini, you'll be thankful that you did. Forget shaking or stirring — sorry Bond, James Bond — because with Four Pillars' new bottled cocktail, all you need to do is pour. It's made with gin, but it isn't just gin. Instead, it's a ready-to-pour Double Gin Martini. You simply add the olives (well, you'll want a glass to pour it into, too, obviously). This new bottled favourite features two Four Pillars gins: the savoury Olive Leaf Gin and the citrus-heavy Fresh Yuzu Gin. There's no vermouth, however, with the distillery opting for aromatic Lillet Blanc and Toji Daiginjo Saké, as well as yuzu bitters. The serving suggestion? Drink it cold — hence the use of your freezer — and in a glass that's just as frosty. Yes, that's your fuss-free spring and summer cocktails taken care of. If you're now hankering for a beverage, understandably, the new Double Gin Martini is available from the distillery's website for $60 per bottle, and also from Four Pillars' gin shops at its distillery door in Healesville and its Sydney Laboratory in Surry Hills. For more information about Four Pillars' Double Gin Martini, or to buy it from Saturday, October 1, head to the distillery's website.
The Little BIG Foundation, an organisation committed to tackling loneliness, is throwing a series of free gigs at the Flour Mill of Summer Hill. Across the four Fridays in October, the foundation will be encouraging Summer Hills locals and all Sydneysiders to gather at the community park for a post-work dose of live music. On October 7, 14 and 21, the music will kick off at 5.30pm and attendees are encouraged to pack their own BYO picnics to enjoy some snacks or a homecooked dinner under the stars during the free gigs. On Friday, October 28, the catering has been taken care of, with the team behind the Flour Mill Markets pulling together a lineup of food trucks and vendors from 4–8pm. Street parking is available, however it's encouraged that visitors utilise the Lewisham West light rail station just beside the park, or either of the Summer Hill or Lewisham train stations that sit roughly a five-minute walk away. The event will be subject to weather, so if you're heading along, make sure to check the Summer Hill Little BIG House Instagram to stay up to date.
Heartbreak High obsessives, your time is now: the 90s favourite has been revived by Netflix, bringing a new generation of Hartley High dramas into your streaming queue. Let's be honest — if you loved the show since way back when, it's always been your time; however, now you can experience the ups and downs of the Aussie series' next batch of high schoolers. A fan since the OG run, and always wished you lived in the show when you were at school? Just discovered the homegrown classic via the new version? Either way, if you're in Sydney on Saturday, September 17–Sunday September 18, you can nab some free threads to look the part. Netflix loves launching its big titles with pop-ups, and this one's no different — joining its The Gray Man barber, Stranger Things rift and Squid Game doll over the past 12 months. One thing that this boasts that those others didn't? That free clothing, with 1000 pieces up for grabs all up. Head along and you too can look like you've just stepped out of class — at a school that doesn't have a uniform, aka most teenagers' dream. Netflix has badged the pop-up a 'uniform shop' to fit the theme, though, but the range includes local designers and keenly sought-after thrifted items. Sydneysiders and folks who happen to be in town for the weekend just need to make a trip to 520 King Street in Newtown, where the thrift shop will be handing out pieces by HoMie, Clothing The Gaps, Jody Just, Off White and more. It's a first come, first served affair, and there'll be 500 pieces on offer each day. So, as always with give aways, getting in early during the shop's 10am–6pm operating hours is recommended. Given that the new version of Heartbreak High decks out its characters in everything from bursts of colour to grunge 90s attire, expect a variety of styles on offer. And, expect free temporary tattoos, too, as well as a photographer capturing high school portraits. If you haven't started your new Heartbreak High binge yet — which revives the 1994–99 show, which itself was a spinoff from the Claudia Karvan- and Alex Dimitriades-starring 1993 movie The Heartbreak Kid, which adapted the 1987 play of the same name — it starts with an unexpected fight between best friends Amerie (Ayesha Madon, The Moth Effect) and Harper (Asher Yasbincek, How to Please a Woman), plus a sex map charting who's hooked up with hook among Hartley High's year 11 students. Yes, that map is part of the Newton pop-up's artwork. Find the Heartbreak High Uniform Shop at 520 King Street, Newtown, Sydney from 10am–6pm on Saturday, September 17–Sunday September 18. Heartbreak High is available to stream via Netflix — read our full review.
The trio behind Sydney's Wild Sage cafes and Alegre Bar and Dining have brought a huge new 104-seat Japanese Peruvian restaurant to Barangaroo, with Callao opening on Barangaroo Avenue right by longstanding favourites like NOLA Smokehouse and Bar, Shirt Bar and Lovefish. Nikkei cuisine is having a bit of a moment in Sydney thanks to openings like Callao and Lima. The collision of regional flavours and cooking techniques has a long history, thanks to the two nations' diplomatic ties dating back to the 1800s. "Callao is the name of the port in Peru where the first 790 Japanese immigrants docked," says Head Chef Jihwan Choi. "For us, this destination was such a beautiful representation of the merging of these two cultures and their respective cuisines." The menu's three biggest sections consist of crudo, wood-fired meats and seafood, and steaks. It's a real share-style affair, with suggested must-trys including the scampi tartare and seared bonito tiradito, plus the wood-fired prawns, which are prepared on a custom-built parrilla grill and accompanied by aji panca bisque, sea urchin butter and tobiko mayo. If you're going all out, the banquet menu will set you back $119, and runs through the aforementioned bonito tiradito and prawns, as well as oysters, wagyu tri-tip, lamb skewers, Murray cod and queso fresco-topped potatoes, all paired with a variety of accoutrements from blood plum sauce to ponzu leche de tigre. Make sure to leave room for dessert — the selection of sweets at Callao isn't something you want to miss out on. There's a pineapple paddle pop inspired by the nostalgic Peruvian summertime treat helado de piña, and featuring fresh grilled pineapple, sorbet and rum caramel; cheesecake topped with toasted corn, finger lime, milk skin and avocado sorbet; and a trio of chocolate truffles. The combination of Japanese and Peruvian sensibilities continues through the drinks list, where you'll find a hefty saké collection alongside signature cocktails like the Bellavista, a mix of Pisco Quebranta, Midori Japanese melon liqueur, coconut husk rum, lemon and pineapple juice. All of this is housed in an impressive space designed by Kathryn Ashley Studio. The moody dining room draws you in with a luminous feature wall reminiscent of the mountains of Peru. The neutral palette and its splashes of red will set you up for supreme date-night vibes — while also accommodating Barangaroo client lunches and more casual catch-ups. Callao is located at 2/100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo. It's open 12–3pm and 5–10pm Monday–Saturday. Browse the menu and make a booking at the restaurant's website. Images: Dexter Kim.
The last time that Lady Gaga appeared on the big screen, she nabbed an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her troubles (and a shiny trophy for Best Original Song, too). Three years after A Star Is Born, she's heading back into cinemas in House of Gucci — and while no one should be speculating about accolades sight unseen, this true-crime fashion drama sure does scream potential awards contender. Haute couture. Murder. Disco tunes and Studio 54. Throw in one of the biggest names in fashion — and a tale that's filled with both glam and grim strands, too — and that's this Ridley Scott (The Last Duel)-directed film. Ranking highly among the most anticipated movies set to hit the big screen across the rest of 2021, it steps inside the Gucci family fashion dynasty, charting its successes and shocking moments over the course of three tumultuous decades. If you've read the book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed, which this new movie is based on, then you'll know the details. If you've seen news coverage about or can remember the events that rocked the Italian family back in 1995, you will as well. The focus: Maurizio Gucci, grandson of company founder Guccio Gucci, and the head of the fashion house throughout the 80s and early 90s — until he was assassinated by a hitman in 1995. Adam Driver slips on Maurizio's unsurprisingly stylish shoes, in what's proving a big year for him in cinemas (he also starred in The Last Duel, as well as in Annette a few months ago). As for Lady Gaga, she plays Maurizio's wife Patrizia. And, as the just-dropped new trailer shows — following on from a first sneak peek mid-year — her character isn't holding back. Obviously, there's quite the story to unpack here, and Scott seems to be going big on striking threads, 70s and 80s tunes and vibes, indulgence and luxury dripping through in every frame, and also an unavoidable air of melodrama. To help, the film's star-studded cast also includes Jared Leto (The Little Things) sporting plenty of prosthetics and makeup, as well as Al Pacino (The Irishman), Jeremy Irons (Love, Weddings and Other Disasters) and Salma Hayek (The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard). As both trailers reminds us, that's a whole lot of Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated talent in one flick. Check out the latest House of Gucci trailer below: House of Gucci will release in Australian cinemas on December 26. Image: 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Entering an Australian supermarket at the moment, you can be forgiven for thinking that you're walking into the set of a post-apocalyptic film. People are everywhere but shelves are bare, with shoppers panic-buying everything from toilet paper and hand sanitiser to pasta and milk. As the COVID-19 situation has evolved over the past few weeks, local supermarket chains have been implementing item limits. They've also set aside dedicated shopping times for the elderly and people with disability as well. But the hoarding keeps happening and everyday staples keep selling out, leading Coles and Woolworths to roll out further caps. Announced today, Wednesday, March 18, both big chains have mandated restrictions on a number of items — in addition to previously revealed limits. At Coles, there's now a two-pack-per-person cap on eggs, sugar, frozen vegetables, frozen desserts, canned tomatoes, pasta, all dry rice regardless of size and liquid soap. And additional limits may be placed on other items on a store-by-store basis, too, so it's best to pay attention to the signage while you're shopping. Over at Woolies, it's limiting such a wide variety of items that it has actually listed what isn't restricted. There are no caps on fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh milk, yoghurts, deli items, seafood, bakery items, canned fish and meat other than mince — or on drinks, baby food, wet dog food, wet cat food, and Easter confectionery and merchandise. If you're after anything else, however, a two-pack-per-person limit applies in general, with some items down to one-pack-per limit. Already in the restricted category at both chains — as anyone who has tried to buy groceries recently well knows — are toilet paper, serviettes, baby wipes, antibacterial wipes and bulk rice over two kilograms, which are down to one pack per person. Tissues, hand sanitiser, dry pasta and flour have all been limited to two packs per person at both companies for days now. And paper towels vary, restricted to one per person at Woolies but two at Coles. Aldi and IGA haven't announced any new limits as yet, although Aldi already has caps on toilet paper (one pack), dry pasta, dry rice, flour, paper towels, tissues and sanitiser (two packs). At IGA, it's a store-by-store decision. "Each store has placed purchase limits on items that are critically low in stock. These limits are being managed on a store by store basis and are increasing day by day," the chain advised in a statement. All four brands have also released a collective plea for consideration, stressing the need to stick to product limits — and reminding shoppers something that should just be a given, aka that hardworking supermarket staff should be treated with courtesy and respect. For more details on Australian supermarket item limits, keep an eye on Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA's websites. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
