Greek street food fans have reason to throw down a solid jig in the inner west today, with the opening of Drummoyne's Zeus Street Greek. Founded by a patriotic team of first generation Hellenic Australians (a formidable collaboration between the team behind Crust Gourmet Pizza and Pony Dining Group), Zeus is modernising souvlaki for the contemporary Greek food lover. Armed with traditional recipes and cooking methods passed down through five generations, Zeus are set to serve up Mirool Creek lamb cooked ‘kontosouvli' — a traditional skewer-grilled Cypriot method resulting geared for a little tenderness. "The inspiration for Zeus was to give Sydneysiders an innovative food experience that incorporates the founders’ passion for Hellenic food, culture and tradition," say the Zeus team, who plan to open more instalments in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. "Zeus pays homage to the 'God of hospitality' and the Greek custom of filoxenia or 'showing hospitality to all'. Renowned in Greek culture filoxenia translates to everyone being welcome in a Hellenic house where there is always food and wine to be shared whether it’s with old friends or new." Savoury street-style splendour at Zeus comes dine-in, takeaway or delivered to your Drummoyne doorstep. The eponymous house specialty, The Zeus, is set to be a Greek street food staple worth crossing the city for — slow-cooked lamb with Aegean slaw, smoked eggplant, onion and parsley in fresh pita. Theres the Uncle 'Tzimmy' Classic, with chargrilled lamb, pork or chicken with tomato, tzatziki, onion, paprika in pita (with the all-important chips) and ancient grain salads and mezze dishes for vegetarians (think marinated olives, spanakopita and the salty, salty monarch of Greek food — halloumi). Then for dessert, smoosh your face into Zeus' fig and cinnamon rizogalo. Going hungry isn't an option at Zeus. "When a Greek family hosts you, you’re treated like a guest of honour whether they’ve known you your whole life or you’ve just met that day," says the Zeus team. "Greeks welcome everyone with open arms and make sure that you don’t go hungry while you’re a guest of theirs. It’s this feeling of being welcomed in to the extended family that is brought to life when people drop in to Zeus." So what's this about free food? To celebrate the cutting of the red ribbon, Zeus will be giving away free souvla this Saturday 14 June between 12 and 3pm to everyone who drops in. Free. Souvla. Plus, they'll donate $2 from every souvla given away to Father Chris O’Riley’s Youth Off The Streets charity. That's some feelgood free food we can get behind. Opa! Zeus Street Greek can be found at 189 Lyons Road, Drummoyne. 'I Love Souvla Saturdays' start Saturday 14 June from 12-3pm (every customer nabs themself a free souvla).
Got a ticket to the game? What you need now is a trusty pub for a pre- or post-game bevvie, or two. No ticket? What you need is a pub with a big screen — chances are, you'll have a better view than half the people in the stadium. The trick is finding the right spot. For a venue to be game friendly, several elements need to be on point: well-positioned screens, a decent sound system, a friendly — albeit feverishly competitive — atmosphere, and quality food and beer. After all, watching a match can feel as taxing as playing one, so fuelling up and cooling down correctly is essential. We've joined forces with Heineken to round up four pubs that won't let you down. They're scattered across the eastern suburbs, the inner west and the lower north shore. So, wherever you are, both the game and a refreshing Heineken will be within reach.
Originally greenlit back in 2017, construction on Urbnsurf Sydney's massive man-made surf park is currently underway, and the finished site now has a brand-new opening date: autumn 2024. The $50-million development will hit a 3.2-hectare site in Sydney Olympic Park next year from the team behind Australia's first surf park, featuring perfect waves year-round, plus a slate of freshly announced food and beverage offerings. Sydney surfers can expect a diamond-shaped lagoon pumping out waves up to two metres in height. Thanks to LED lighting illuminating the man-made waves after dark, visitors will also have the option of an evening swim. The lagoon will be capable of churning out waves every eight seconds, with surfers set to catch between ten and 12 waves per hour. When surfers are done riding waves, Urbnsurf Sydney will also feature a wellness studio, skate park, hot tubs, beach cabanas and a surf academy for those looking to take their surfing to the next level. On top of all that, one of Sydney's premier hospitality groups, Applejack, has been put in charge of the culinary offerings at the park. Applejack owns and operates eight venues across Sydney, including Forrester's, The Butler, RAFI and Bopp & Tone. The team will be bringing the same produce- and service-driven approach found at its venues to Urbnsurf Sydney's premium restaurant with a rooftop terrace, waterfront cafe and takeaway kiosk. Applejack joins the Urbnsurf family alongside farm-to-table favourites Three Blue Ducks, who provide the food and drink offerings down in Melbourne. Urbnsurf CEO Damon Tudor said he was excited to use what the company had learned in Melbourne to bring a new inclusive way to surf to Sydney. "Growing up in the west and as a Sydneysider, we are blessed with a stunning coastline of surf beaches, but access to those beaches and crowding in the lineup is becoming an increasing issue." [caption id="attachment_871263" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RAFI North Sydney[/caption] Urbnsurf Sydney is excepted to open in Sydney Olympic Park in autumn 2024.
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum invites visitors into the world of First Nations fashion and textile design. Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion runs until January 19, 2025 and reveals the depth and diversity of cultures across Australia. The title of the exhibition, Piinpi, is an expression from the Kanichi Thampanyu people (East Coast Cape York Peninsula) that reflects 'seasonal changes' and regeneration of Country. The gallery's curator, Kaantju woman Shonae Hobson, has commissioned works from some of the country's top designers. Those include hand-printed designs (using ancient techniques) by Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta woman Lyn-Al Young, Teagan Cowlishaw's sparkly Deadly Kween jumpsuit (made from upcycled materials) and sculptural wearable art pieces by Grace Lillian Lee. [caption id="attachment_792476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Grace Lillian Lee 'Body Armour'[/caption] Top image: Elisa Jan Carmichael, CIAF 2017 Saltwater Footprints Collection; Photo: Tim Ashton
You could spend a weekend in Broken Hill doing nothing but gazing at the sky. In autumn, huge cloud formations battle against the sun all day long, and, come evening, you've never seen so many stars. Perhaps it's this, along with the striking red earth of the surrounding desert, that attracts so many artists to this 18,000-person outback town, about 1200 kilometres west of Sydney and 850 kilometres north of Melbourne. Between gallery visits you can wander among grand 19th century architecture, have a yarn in proper country pubs (you'll be getting burgers, not sliders, 'round 'ere) and head underground to experience some legendary history, from mining to illicit two-up. Plus, there's a museum dedicated to Mad Max 2. Hit the road. [caption id="attachment_580402" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Simon Yeo via Flickr[/caption] SEE AND DO Let's start with the art. 90 minutes before sundown, drive to the 180-hectare Living Desert Reserve. On a hilltop affording 360-degree views, there's a dozen sculptures created by artists from all over the world, and strategically positioned to catch the sun's dying rays. The nearby 1.5-kilometre cultural trail features epic Sturt's Desert Pea displays and Indigenous story poles. Back in town, immerse yourself in the world's biggest acrylic painting on canvas by a single artist (Ando's 100-metre x 12-metre landscape), swing by Pro Hart Gallery and ramble around the many spaces of the high-ceilinged Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery. To get the lowdown on the area's history, join a Silver City Sights and Heritage Tour. In a comfy, air-conditioned bus, you'll cover 50 kilometres and over 100 years — from BHP's first mining of silver and lead in 1885 (BHP, by the way, stands for Broken Hill Proprietary) to the 2001 building of the Line of Lode Miners Memorial, which commemorates more than 800 miners killed on the job. [caption id="attachment_575825" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jasmine Crittenden[/caption] Mining is still a dangerous business, but it was way more terrifying in the 1880s. Get acquainted with its historical extremes at the Day Dream Mine, 33 kilometres northwest of Broken Hill. Back then, workers did it so tough for so little, their bosses handed out opium to ease the pain — presumably cheaper than paying sick leave — and when the drugs wore off, horehound beer was the next refuge, often sending drinkers blind for a day or two (hence the phrase 'blind drunk'). You'll hear these and other tales while squeezing through tunnels 30 metres underground. Recover with scones and tea in the homestead. [caption id="attachment_582402" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Amanda Slater via Flickr[/caption] Another 15 or so kilometres west, the outback proper begins at Silverton. Home to just over 600 people, this tiny town peaked in the 1890s when silver was found nearby, and is now an arty enclave, where donkeys roam wild and days end best with a beer at the famous Silverton Hotel. Among its crowded walls — which are hung with guitars, trumpets, Akubras and empty stubbies — you'll find souvenirs from the many film crews to have passed through, from Wake In Fright (1970) to Mad Max 2 (1981) to Razorback (1984). Delve deeper into movie history at the Mad Max 2 Museum. Opened by obsessive collector Adrian Bennett in 2010, this shed is crammed with behind-the-scenes photos, costumes and vehicles, including the original gyrocopter and interceptor. When you're max-ed out, meander around Silverton, visiting The Horizon Gallery, the John Dynan Art Gallery and the Silverton Gaol Museum, before driving four kilometres north to Mundi Mundi Plains to watch the sun set over what looks like the edge of the world. EAT AND DRINK In most of Broken Hill's pubs and restaurants, you can count on hearty, meat-heavy cooking — mammoth-sized feeds that reward a long day of hard yakka. At The Palace Hotel — where Mitzi, Felicia and Bernadette stopped over during The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of The Desert — dig into crispy-skinned, grilled Atlantic salmon with dill, creamy garlic sauce, mash, veg and a splash of Chardonnay. If you're dining on a Friday, hang around afterwards for a game of two-up — The Palace is the only place in Australia where it's legal all year-long. Before 1984, you would've dropped into Broken Hill's illicit two-up school, held behind a green door on Crystal Lane. Two blocks away is the majestic, heritage-listed Astra. This swish hotel, built in the 1890s, has eight suites and a big, shady verandah. Downstairs, relax over a cocktail in the Red Lush Lounge or slide into a cosy, high-backed chair in Trinders restaurant for a modern Australian feast, like their signature surf 'n' turf: fillet steak topped with king prawns, grilled banana, hollandaise and seasonal veggies. There are a few cafes bringing more contemporary fare to the outback. Get your single origin coffee fix at health-minded, family-owned The Silly Goat on the main drag. Among the sunflowers, burnt orange feature walls and timber tables, you'll also find their "turmeric elixir", cold-pressed juices, house-baked treats and inner-city-style mains, like the haloumi burger with mushies, beetroot relish and aioli. A few blocks to the northwest, outside the GP Super Clinic, is The Caff, opened by local couple Summa and Nathan Rayner in February 2014. The fun fit-out was a 100 percent DIY job, from the blue tartan seats ripped straight out of a school bus to the recycled wooden tables. Every dish on the menu is made from scratch. Try just-baked waffles packed with zucchini and corn and stacked with chilli con carne and guacamole, a gourmet pie or some bread and butter pudding-style French toast. And just south of the town centre, there's Bells Milk Bar. This isn't one of those trendy, ironic, retro-themed places — it's the real thing. It's been open since the 1930s and the decor dates to the 1950s. The syrups, cordials and ice cream are all made in-house in small batches, according to secret recipes. Choose from over 40 milkshake flavours or 16 spiders, slip into a booth in the back room and crank some Bill Haley and The Comets on the juke box. STAY For oodles of space and light, a king-size bed, a spa and a separate lounge area — including your own mini-kitchen — check into the Red Earth Motel. The spick-and-span interiors are inspired by the desert. Think luxe white linen dotted with earthy-patterned pillows and lounge chairs in reds and ochres. If you're travelling in a group, book into a two- or three-bedroom apartment. The shaded swimming pool lets you cool off after a busy day of sun and adventures. Meanwhile, you can sleep under an original artwork at Ibis Styles. Owned by locals Michael and Dana Farcich for 27 years, these lodgings were known as the Mine Host Motel before being acquired by Accor in the mid-2000s. 42 two-toned rooms stretch across two storeys, encircling a central pool. There's also an on-site restaurant, the glass-walled, green-and-purple-lit S-Que, where country dishes are given fancy touches. The steak, for example, is a 450-gram, chargrilled Tomahawk behemoth, with kipfler potato chips, rosemary salt, house coleslaw and portobello mushroom sauce. You probably won't need to eat again until you're at the other end of the drive home. Jasmine Crittenden travelled as a guest of Destination NSW. Top image: Simon Yeo via Flickr.
"It's a hard film to Google," says Molly Manning Walker of How to Have Sex, simply due to her debut feature's moniker. "Everyone's always really loved the title, and it's been the title since the beginning. I guess it gets complex when it goes onto the internet and you get bots saying 'maybe I'll learn something' or 'they think they could teach me how to have sex'," the British writer/director continues. "The only thing I think someone once said was 'why don't we call it How Not to Have Sex?'. And I was like 'I think that's too obvious'. As it spends time with three 16-year-old British girls on a boozy Greek getaway to Malia, Crete — a Schoolies-esque rite-of-passage vacation where getting sloshed, soaking up the sun and slipping between the sheets are the only aims — How to Have Sex is as candid as its name. But Walker is never interested in being bluntly overt or neat; rather, everything about the movie is honest, raw and authentic. Premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and collecting the Un Certain Regard Award in the process, her picture resonates because it's so lived in, so ripped from reality and so familiar to everyone who has ever been a teenager. It isn't a slice-of-life documentary, but finding someone who doesn't recognise their own youth in its frames will be rare. Walker doesn't just understand that sensation, which she's seen firsthand among audiences after screenings; she's in the same camp. Amid its fluorescent colours, strobing lights and sweaty intimacy, How to Have Sex sports a doco feel because its guiding force's own teen experiences partly inform this tale of Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce, Vampire Academy) and her best friends Em (debutant Enva Lewis) and Skye (Lara Peake, Halo) heading abroad to let loose, drink away their days and hook up. That includes witnessing fellatio on a stage in front of a heaving crowd, a scene in the feature — and in actuality — that couldn't say more about how cavalier that teen attitudes on sex can be, especially when aided by free-flowing alcohol. It also helps show the mindsets, plus the lack of thinking, that contribute to not taking an active approach to consent. How to Have Sex sees Tara lose her virginity in an inebriated haze of coercion and peer pressure. It also sees how and why a situation like this is so heartbreakingly common and recognisable, and unravels the aftermath. Walker's aim isn't to direct judgement at any character within the film, but to start conversations. Workshops also helped her gauge IRL takes on consent among today's teens. In England and Wales, How to Have Sex will now be shown to the age group it depicts as part of lawyer-led sessions run by the Schools Consent Project. With her first stint in the director's chair — she's also a cinematographer, lensing Scrapper, which debuted at Sundance 2023 — Walker has made an unforgettable feature. The BAFTA-nominee has also crafted a piece of essential viewing. And, as she always hoped, it is sparking discussions. "I think even without these holidays as such, these experiences happen when you're out and about in your local town as well. So I think as much as it was a comment on these holidays, it's a bigger conversation than that for sure," Walker says. Still, wanting that to be the outcome wasn't the same as knowing that's how people would respond. "It's been beautiful to see how people react to the film. We never expected it. When we were in the edit, you finesse over all these small things and spend so long stressing about how people might see it. So yeah, it's been pretty magical." Walker hopped from Cannes to the New Zealand International Film Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival with How to Have Sex last year, describing the period as "pretty hectic, just really full on". "We finished the film on like the Friday and we went to Cannes on the Tuesday, so I hadn't really had time to breathe or think about it," she also tells Concrete Playground. Her must-see feature receives a general release in cinemas Down Under from Thursday, March 7, 2024 — and Walker kept chatting with us about getting people talking, the movie's inspirations, those workshops, casting British Independent Film Awards' Best Lead Performance- and BAFTA Rising Star-winner McKenna-Bruce, ensuring that Tara wasn't just a victim and more. [caption id="attachment_944364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Molly Manning Walker behind the scenes on Scrapper.[/caption] On What Inspired How to Have Sex, Including Walker's Own Experiences "I was very different as a teenager. I was like, when I was 16, long fake hair, fake eyelashes, covered in fake tan — and I went on loads of these holidays. I went on a holiday with some friends, and we were recalling some of the scenes from these holidays that we remembered, and I started to think it had a big impact on our perception of sex and how we navigate sexual experiences. That's where the idea sort of started. I guess it's all a combination of experiences and just imagination as well. The blowjob on stage is something I witnessed when we were on holiday." On the Research and Workshops That Helped to Shape the Movie "We lived in Malia for two weeks on the scout. We lived there in high season in the middle of a party town, so we were witnessing a lot of chaos all the time. Some of that, we were going up to people and saying 'we're making a film, can we take pictures of your outfits?'. And they were up for it. So it was all direct reference from reality or from memory. We went all around the UK doing some workshops, and it was just mad to see their perception on consent. Not many of them were wised up to consent. We would show them the assault scene and they would be like 'yeah, but, you know, they slept together the night before, so it's fine'. Or stuff like that. So it was really shocking, to be honest." On Giving How to Have Sex That Ripped-From-Reality Specificity "Every choice was to make it as authentic as possible, to ground it in reality. I would never have wanted it to feel like it was a film. So all across the production design, costumes, we chose a documentary cinematographer — everything was to ground it in reality. I wanted to really live and breathe it with them. The first half of the film is meant to be this really joyous party experience — and the second half, you start to see the underbelly of the party town. You see the glitter and then you see the darkness of it. It was split in two halves, both in every design, in production design, in lighting, in everything." On Finding Mia McKenna-Bruce to Play Tara, and the Impact of Her Performance on the Film "It was actually pretty early in the casting process. We got a tape of of Mia, and she's just so funny and her tape was so funny, but there was so much going on behind her eyes. I was pretty sure straight away that she was the one, which we were shocked at because we thought Tara would be the harder one to cast, considering how much she has to go through. But I was just really confident. I don't know what it is — when you see someone, you just kind of know. She's such a legend, Mia. She's a superstar, and she comes to set every day with energy. And often her first take, you'd be like 'so good', so you know where to go with that. But what it did mean was that we could experiment loads because she would always nail it on the first take, so we could bring some options to it. Sometimes, we would try a take with no words or we'd run lots of different experiments, which was really fun — and we could only do that because Mia was so good at nailing it the first time." On Ensuring That This Wasn't a Standard Victim Tale — and That Tara Was Resilient "With Tara, we wanted to not tell a victim story as we classically see it on screen. She's meant to be a bubbly character like all of us. We all go through these experiences and we're not just ruined for life as a film often shows it. So it's meant to show the resilience of young women. It's not that she's not affected by it, because of course she's going to be affected by it, but that she's resilient like people are. They carry on with all of their experiences." On Approaching the Film's Characters and Friendships Without Judgement "I guess they all have their own little stories going on, and the main thing for me was that we never looked down on them, and we never judged them — especially the boys. We want men to recognise themselves in them, in order to open the conversation up. We want it to be fun and for people to want to be on that holiday, but also to question what they're up to. So it was it was complex, for sure. The main thing for me was not to judge them, even though they're all going through their own stuff. But we've all been in those situations." On Starting Conversations with How to Have Sex — and the Reactions to the Film "We didn't really know to what extent people had been affected by this topic. Like, we knew that we wanted to talk about it, but we didn't really know how big the the impact would be. So many young women are coming out of screenings saying 'thank you for making this film, I feel seen'. I guess the quantity was unknown, but we were always hoping to to start a conversation for sure. I think one of the most powerful experiences was, it was like a 65–70-year-old guy pacing after the one of the screenings, and one of the distributors went up to him and said 'are you okay?'. And he said 'I've just realised that I've been that guy. I've been Paddy before.' That sort of blew my brain open because if we can do that for one person, then the film's done its job." How to Have Sex opens in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Read our review. How to Have Sex images: Nikolopoulos Nikos.
The eye and the brain are incredibly powerful organs through which humans receive and process a large proportion of their sensory information. What we see every second of everyday helps shapes our understanding of almost every aspect of our lives. And our brains develop certain expectations about objects based on a long history of experience. However, sometimes optical illusions can challenge our pre-conceived ideas of structures and confound both our eyes and brains. Through clever deceptive techniques, artists and architects can create buildings that elude our basic understanding of how constructions are made and what they include. Here are nine bewildering optical illusions sure to confuse and amaze and challenge your conceptions of architecture. Warped Building This apartment building is your average apartment block...with a twist. A fairly large, warped twist. The unique structure is situated in the Czech Republic's capital city, Prague, and has picturesque views overlooking the River Vitara. El Grifo Magico Appearing to defy gravity and perform some magical feat, this 'floating tap' seems to be pouring an endless supply of water from its vantage point of mid-air suspension. Even though a magician should never reveal their secrets (and stop reading now if you would like the magic to remain), it has been revealed that a pipe hidden by the water actually holds the structure up. Upside Down House Spider-man? Gravity-defying shoes? Talented acrobats? No, it's another awe-inspiring architectural design that tricks and boggles the mind. This unorthodox house has everything upside down and back to front - literally. Trompe-l'eoil Ever after looking at this image several times, it is still impossible to fathom the appearance of this melting building, closer resembling a time warp than an apartment block. In actual fact, this image actually depicts a painting, but even then it succeeds in confounding the brain.The image uses the french art technique of tromp-l'eoil, which attempts to make 2D images appear like 3D optical illusions that really exist. One-walled House History has taught us to understand a house as a building comprising of at least four walls, a roof and a door. However, in Odessa, Ukraine, they have challenges this perception by creating a disconcerting house, which from the front appears orthodox, but when viewed from the side reveals only a single walled-building. Cafe Wall Illusion In 1979 a cafe was erected in Bristol, England, with a perplexing exterior that confused and bemused, and which continues to do so into the present day. A variant of the Münsterberg shifted chessboard illusion, this tessellating pattern uses light and alternating bricks of black and white to make the parallel and even lines appear to be sloped. All the line are actually horizontal and all the levels of the building perfectly equal in size. Bâtiment Another building which seems to flout all logical laws of gravity is the artist Leandro Ehrlich's mirrored art installation for the 'In Perceptions' exhibition in Paris. Whilst people appear to be casually hanging from 3-storey balconies or chilling whilst suspended horizontally to the wall, this trickery is actually a result of a mirrored painting of a building on the ground. 3D Lichtenstein House The top image gives the impression of a quaint and colourful little house that would be fitting within the setting of a fairytale story. The second picture, however, reveals its highly deceptive nature. Cleverly using only two walls placed at specific angles, when viewed at from a particular viewpoint, this house appears to be a complete 4-walled building. Sinking House Another sneaky illusion using angles, the top picture of this house depicts a building seemingly falling into the depths of the Earth. Yet when righted, the correct angle of the house demonstrates a perfectly average home located on the slope of a hill.
These days it can feel like we are constantly waiting for something — the next news update, knock-off time, that elusive weekend — but it's never been more important to make sure we're taking advantage of every joyful moment we can. Long-haul holidays and sweaty festivals are off limits for a while, but not to worry, Sydney is bursting with fresh and affordable post-work pick-me-ups. With the help of Oporto, we've scoped out the best after-work activities this city has to offer to help you speed through to the weekend. From retro roller-dancing to the classic picnic dinner by the beach, here are five activities to help you get the most out of every weekday evening. MONDAY: JOIN A POTTERY CLASS Soothe those Monday blues with a hands-on class. The Pottery Shed, in Surry Hills, has a beautiful space run by a team of very zen clay experts to help you realise your pottery-based dreams. Its Monday night throwing class is designed for beginners who want to get messy and creative. It's the perfect activity to shut off your work brain and shed the day. Each $60 class will have you skilled up and ready to throw clay on a wheel, plus you get to take home all your ceramic handiwork (eventually). Can't make it on a Monday? There are heaps of class times throughout the week. TUESDAY: SIGN UP FOR A CHEAP BINGO NIGHT The good people at The Soda Factory believe the Cheap Tuesday tradition should be sacrosanct. Its $6 mimosas are just the opening act to one of the the greatest Tuesday night events in the city: musical bingo. Book a table with some mates and test your musical knowledge for a chance to win weekly prizes, and if the happy hour drinks tempt you, this is also the perfect place to belt out as many bangers as you can. It's musical bingo after all. WEDNESDAY: TRY THIS 'FROMAGE IN A BOX' Hump day is for indulgence. To beat the Wednesday slump, we recommend the gluttonous 'fromage in a box' from Darlinghurst's Black Bottle. You get your own baked wheel of cheese accompanied by thick slices of fresh bread and selection of sides, such as bresaola and buttery potatoes, all for less than $40 per person. You can also order to your door for a quiet evening in, or make a night of it at the bistro bar. It's worth a midweek visit just for the $15 carafes of wine. THURSDAY: TAKE A ROLLERSKATING DANCE CLASS Challenge yourself and your mates with a beginners' roller-skating class from Rollerfit. It's an amusing way to work up a good sweat (unless you happen to be a pro of course). Rollerfit's peppy Thursday night class is best sampled at the Tempe location, but thanks to Instagram Live you can also bring your roller-dance moves to the comfort of your living room. All the live-streamed classes are by donation, and it's unlike any exercise class you've likely experienced before. [caption id="attachment_653475" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] FRIDAY: RIDE THE ICONIC MANLY FERRY For the perfect picnic dinner — and a stellar finale to the week — grab a quick bite to eat with Oporto's new Rappas, which you can pick up from Oporto's Circular Quay location, then hop on the best ride in town: the Manly Ferry. Let the workweek blur to nothing and set your sights on the ultimate Friday night spot for a dinner feast of tender chicken and punchy flavours like Oporto's original chilli sauce tucked in a fluffy pita wrap. It's a meal practically custom made to be enjoyed over the famed Northern Beaches wharf (assuming you haven't consumed it on the ride over), and if you time it right, you can make it an extra special end to the week by catching the sunset over the hills as you watch from the ferry deck. Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online. Top image: Rollerfit by Susie Yang
At a press conference in Brisbane during his first trip to Australia to see the Down Under production of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda said that the Aussie stars of his hit Tony-, Grammy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning show had been "stacking up against the originals in a very tangible way" ever since casting took place three years back. That isn't the only time the acclaimed theatre talent has been chatting during his Australian visit, however, taking part in a live public Q&A session for fans in the Sunshine State capital. Missed out on being in the room where that happened? Thankfully, you'll have a shot to watch the results in your own room — and soon. Given that Leigh Sales hosted the discussion, which took place on Sunday, March 5, it should hardly come as a surprise that the talk is heading to the ABC and ABC iView. It'll air on TV twice: at 6pm on Saturday, March 18 and 10pm on Tuesday, March 21, as well as joining the iView catalogue. Viewers can watch Miranda step through the smash-hit musical that's had the whole world talking since it first debuted off-Broadway in 2015. His chat with Sales came the day after he saw the Aussie version of Hamilton at the QPAC Lyric Theatre — the same stage he took to discuss it, in fact. Viewers can expect to hear about everything from the process Miranda went through to make the musical to begin with, behind-the-scenes details and the Aussie production's impressive talents. [caption id="attachment_870525" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] The biggest show in musical theatre this century, this game-changing, award-winning, rightly raved-about take on 18th-century American politics is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book for the critically acclaimed hip hop musical. The Broadway hit's Aussie production features a cast that currently includes Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, Martha Berhane as Eliza Hamilton, Callan Purcell as Aaron Burr, Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, Matu Ngaropo as George Washington, and Victory Ndukwe as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. Sami Afuni plays Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, Wern Mak does double duty as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha plays Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds, and Brent Hill steps into King George III's robes. [caption id="attachment_870526" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] When it finishes its Brisbane season at QPAC's Lyric Theatre on Sunday, April 23, the show will leave the country for a New Zealand run. That'll mean that Aussie fans will then need to be content with watching the filmed version of Hamilton's Broadway production, which started streaming via Disney+ in 2020, again. (And yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard). Brisbanites keen to see Hamilton for cheap in-person can also try the $10 ticket lottery, which offers tickets for less than the cost of lunch. Lin-Manuel Miranda's chat with Leigh Sales at QPAC's Lyric Theatre will hit the ABC and ABC iView at 6pm on Saturday, March 18, and air again on the ABC at 10pm on Tuesday, March 21. Hamilton's Brisbane season runs until Sunday, April 23 at QPAC's Lyric Theatre, South Bank, with tickets available via the musical's website. You can also read our rundown of what Lin-Manuel Miranda had to say at his Brisbane press conference. Top image: Joan Marcus.
Alas, the Banksy 'residency' in New York City has come to its end. For the entire month of October, the elusive British street artist has been sprinkling graffiti and mobile art sculptures throughout the city — and making viral news while at it. His stint has undoubtedly caused a sensation and received a wide range of reactions. Fans have been able to find his works throughout the city from clues posted on his Instagram feed and hear what they're about from an audio guide that could be accessed from a toll-free number. In honour of Banksy's month-long reign, we've rounded up some of its top works and stunts. October 5: Mobile Garden One of the earliest of a series of 'mobile sculptures' was a delivery truck housing a replicated rainforest. Complete with a digitally remastered sunset that never set, a 100L-per-minute-pumping waterfall and plastic butterflies taped to a fan, this little, roaming garden was delivering 'calm' to city dwellers. Starting in the East Village, the truck made its rounds at dusk for a couple of weeks. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WDIz7mEJOeA Oct 11: Sirens of the Lambs Another delivery truck/sculpture made its way around the city the following week. This one, however, had less placid cargo. Labelled 'Farm Fresh Meats', a livestock delivery truck crammed with the heads of 60 bleating, unblinking stuffed animals began its two-week tour in none other than the Meat Packing District. The artist dubbed his creation Sirens of the Lambs. Clever, isn't he? The audio guide begins with the line, "This is a piece of sculpture art. And I know what you're thinking; isn't it a bit, subtle?" All of Banksy's works come with a message, this one being an, "attempt on something vague and pretentious about the loss of childhood innocence". The artist also apparently worked in a butcher shop mincing meat so this could be a "comment on the casual cruelty of the food industry". Whatever he's getting at, viewers found this stunt to be horrifying, hilarious or both. Running children and a screaming baby add to the hysteria. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zX54DIpacNE October 13: Central Park Art Sale In one of his most publicised stunts, Banksy showed us what a prankster he really is. When a nondescript elderly man sold Banksy's artworks in Central Park, clueless passers-by picked up 100 percent legit canvas pieces worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for a mere 60 bucks. He announced this on his website the following day, having sold a only a total of eight sensationally undervalued canvases. Following all the media flurry, a couple of independently operating artists extended the hoax with their own stall, selling out their clearly labelled fakes in under an hour. Oct 16: Shoe Shine Could this stunt be enough to forever taint the image of Ronald McDonald? Banksy constructed a fibreglass replica of the corporate clown frowning down upon a "real live boy" who shined one of his obnoxiously elongated shoes atop a crate. The audio guide claims that Ronald is "arguably the most sculptured figure in history after Christ", so the clown's regal pose further affirms his commercial kingship. The Maccas poster boy and his slave appeared outside of various McDonald's location everyday for a week during lunchtime. This couldn't have been a more obvious stab at greedy corporations and their use of heavy labour to maintain their 'polished' image. Banksy truly does have a gift of making these taboo issues unavoidably apparent in weird but amusing ways. Oct 18: West 24th Street 'Art Gallery' "Are you the sort of person who enjoys going to art galleries but wished they had more gravel in them?" asks the audio guide for this outdoor exhibition. Uh, no. But with a viewing bench, carpet and water cooler of cheap wine, it doesn't sound half-bad. Inspired by the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement of 2011, Banksy collaborated with the Brazilian artist-twin duo Os Gêmeos to create two paintings. What better place is there to contemplate the struggle of the 99% than beneath the High Line in Chelsea? Oct 23: 23rd Street Oil Painting This repurposed thrift store painting just went up in value. Banksy found a regular oil painting of a scenic landscape and inserted a contemplative Nazi officer, renaming it The Banality of the Banality of Evil, a takeoff of the book by political theorist Hannah Arendt, Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil. Crowds had gathered in front of the painting, which was on display at the Housing Works Gramercy thrift shop in New York. The painting is up for auction and the proceeds will go towards homeless New Yorkers affected by HIV/AIDS. Sure to suit in any living room. Oct 25: Bowery Grim Reaper Bowery's Houston Street got a spooky surprise just in time for Halloween: a grim reaper zooming around on a bumper car to Blue Öyster Cult's 'Don't Fear the Reaper'. It seems totally capricious but as the audio guide explains, "This sculpture perfectly represents death in that it's a bit random." Uh, yeah. But the narrator further philosophises that "the role of art is to remind us of our mortality" and warned that one of the audience members would die that evening. Oh, sorry, he meant one of their mobile phones would die. Oct 31: Inflatable Throw-Up in Queens What seemed like an anti-climactic piece to conclude Banksy's residency turned out to cause the most pandemonium. Giant balloon letters spelling 'BANKSY' were strung along the top of a building in Queens. This was Banksy's homage to the ubiquitous graffiti bubble-letter style that began in New York. However, two men attempted to steal the balloon sculpture, and a crowd quickly gathered to stop them. Police arrived just in time to break up the scene and arrest the two thieves. It's been a crazy month for New York, as the whole city has stood by waiting to see what Banksy will come up with everyday. In the final auditory guide, the cohesive message of his experiment is revealed. The artist is clearly a champion of outdoor art — as he so crudely named his residency, it's 'Better Out Than In'. He feels that "Art's right place is on the cave wall of our communities … to provoke debate and voice concerns," asking the question, "Don't we want to live in a world made of art, not just decorated by it?" Others aren't on the same page, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg and others who consider graffiti to be vandalism and urban degeneration. Good or bad, Banksy doesn't care. His final message: "And that's it. Thanks for your patience. It's been fun. Save 5pointz. Bye." Bye-Bye, Banksy. We wonder where you'll strike next. Shoe Shine image by Dennis Van Tine/Newscom/SIPA Press. Inflatable image by Hrag Vartanian for Hyperallergenic. All other images from www.banksy.co.uk.
For five years now, the Sydney Modern Project has been on its way: the multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation project that's set to transform the Art Gallery of NSW, that is. Originally announced in 2017, officially given a green light in 2018 and revealing its first commissioned artworks in March 2022, it'll turn the Sydney institution into a two-building art museum — and almost double its space in the process — with the revamp costing $344 million to bring to fruition. That's the old news surrounding the Sydney Modern Project. The new news: it'll open its doors on Saturday, December 3 this year. So, Sydneysiders, you now have a summer date with a brand new gallery. And if you reside elsewhere in Australia, you now have an excuse to head to the New South Wales capital to close out 2022. Here's what's in store: a new standalone building that sprawls across 7830 square metres, as designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architects SANAA (with Australia's Architectus as the executive architect). Set to be light, airy and open to its surroundings, it'll feature a dedicated gallery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at entrance level. Venture downstairs, however, and Sydney Modern Project will also be home to a huge underground art space that'll be used for special commissions and performances, and happens to be repurposed from a decommissioned World War II naval oil tank. Funded by $244 million from the NSW Government and $100 million raised by private donations, the project also includes a new public art garden, plus a revamp of AGNSW's original historic building. Expect new pools, greenery and public spaces to join the cultural institution's longstanding gallery forecourt — and its entire collection will be reinstalled as well. Art-wise, nine artists have been enlisted to create works for Sydney Modern Project's opening: Yayoi Kusama, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Karla Dickens, Simryn Gill, Jonathan Jones, Richard Lewer, Lee Mingwei, Lisa Reihana and Francis Upritchard. Spanning huge artworks from First Nations artists through to intricate installations worked into the building's architecture, the creations will be displayed across the site both indoors and outdoors, with some viewable to the public day and night. Announcing the opening date, Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Dr Michael Brand said that "all eyes will be on Sydney when our new building opens on our magnificent site on Gadigal Country overlooking Sydney Harbour. Our new art museum campus brings together art, architecture and landscape in spectacular new ways, providing visitors with art and cultural experiences only possible here. This is truly the world seen from Sydney." "We can't wait to share our dazzling new stage for art. It will be a place of generosity and inclusion where contemporary art is shown in context with historical art — a place where everyone is welcome," Brand added. A big focus of the new spot: allowing the gallery to "engage our audiences and work with our artists in thrilling new ways," explained AGNSW Deputy Director and Director of Collections Maud Page. "When we open in December, visitors will experience art right across our campus — indoor and outdoor — from the inaugural installations in our new building to the completely re-installed galleries in our existing building. Our collection will be accentuated by bold and compelling new art commissions that contribute to important global conversations of our time from our place here in the Asia Pacific," Page said. The Sydney Modern Project will open its doors on December 3, 2022 at Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney. For more information about the project, head to the AGNSW website. Images: Sydney Modern Project render as produced by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA. © Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2021. Top image featuring Taloi Havini Habitat 2017 © Taloi Havini.
There's nothing small about Territory — not the concept, the setting, the cast or the themes. The premise: mixing the heir battles that've thrummed at the heart of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon and Succession across more than a decade, and to great success, with Yellowstone-esque dramas on a sprawling cattle station in Australia's Northern Territory. The show's fictional Marianne Station is the largest in the world, has been in the Lawson family since its foundation and is the source of a stampede of power struggles, not just among the complicated array of relatives with blood and marital ties to the dynasty, but also across everyone else keen to carve out their own stake. The Netflix series opens with a death, robbing the Marianne hierarchy of its named successor and leaving Lawson patriarch Colin (Robert Taylor, Kid Snow) with the dilemma of picking who should take the place of his dearly departed second son Daniel (Jake Ryan, My Melbourne). His elder offspring Graham (Michael Dorman, Joe Pickett) is an alcoholic married to the ambitious Emily (Anna Torv, Force of Nature: The Dry 2), who hails from a rival family with a cattle-stealing reputation. Then there's the next generation: Graham and Emily's daughter Susie (Philippa Northeast, Paper Dolls), who has big dreams for taking over, plus the smarts to turn the property's flailing fortunes around; and her half-brother Marshall (Sam Corlett, Vikings: Valhalla), who has long left the Lawson chaos behind and isn't overly keen about being drawn back in. Throw in the fact that Susie is getting friendly with Lachie (Joe Klocek, My Lady Jane), the son of mining magnate Sandra Kirby (Sara Wiseman, High Country), who has her own designs on Marianne — plus another competing cattle baron in Campbell Miller (Jay Ryan, Scrublands), Indigenous station owner Nolan Brannock's (Clarence Ryan, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) endeavours to make his own way, and the antics of Marshall's best friends Rich Petrakis (Sam Delich, Last Days of the Space Age) and Sharnie Kennedy (Kylah Day, also Scrublands) — and Territory isn't short on clashes for control. It hasn't been lacking in viewers, either, since it first hit the streaming platform on Thursday, October 24, 2024, becoming Australia's most-watched series on the service and the third globally on the English-language TV list in the week after its launch. Territory's six-episode first season heartily musters up those feuds and quests for supremacy, that cast of well-known and up-and-coming homegrown names, and stunning backdrops galore — filming on Tipperary Station, where more than 200 cast and crew also lived for the program's first four weeks of shooting, as well as at Kakadu National Park and across South Australia. It also digs just as ardently into the weight of expectations passed down through families and the ongoing fight to be one's own person, alongside exploring the history and colonisation of land with Traditional Owners dating back tens of thousands of years. [caption id="attachment_978092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix[/caption] While spotting how Territory takes its cues from succession- and western-centric dramas elsewhere, plus the popular trend they've each spawned, isn't hard, this isn't kind of Australian show that graces screens often. It also isn't the type of project that comes across Dorman, Northeast and Corlett's paths frequently. For the New Zealand-born, Queensland-raised Dorman, it's the latest return Down Under on a career that's jumped between The Secret Life of Us as a big break, fellow local roles in everything from Suburban Mayhem and Daybreakers to Wild Boys and Goldstone, and also US alternative-history space-race series For All Mankind. For Northeast, it follows 341 episodes of Home and Away, then Standing Up for Sunny, In Limbo and The Newsreader. And for Corlett, it joins a resume that also boasts The Dry, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and He Ain't Heavy. All three revelled in many of the same things about Territory that audiences have been, including the layered character dynamics, the weighty notions beating at the heart of the series and the spectacular backdrop. That said, those watching at home don't get the full IRL Tipperary experience, which Dorman describes as being "pretty much transplanted into isolation", Northeast notes was "like nothing that I'd ever seen before" and Corlett saw as a place where "there was so much memory that you could build" in constructing character, they told Concrete Playground. We also chatted with Dorman, Northeast and Corlett about their initial reactions to Territory's concept, what they drew upon to play their parts, the research that goes into playing potential heirs to a cattle empire in the NT and more — including diving into Dorman's acting dreams when he was starting out and now, and the joy of returning home as well. On Dorman, Northeast and Corlett's First Reactions to Territory's Concept — and What Excited Them About Being Involved Michael: "My first reaction was 'how does this play out?'. When you read the script, okay, what's the vision? How are you going to capture the script? The excitement came when we first arrived on Tipperary station. So everyone's flying over. We're all coming together. I didn't know everyone. I hadn't spent a lot of time. I think Anna [Torv] was probably the one that I knew the most. I had old friends, Graham Ware, who's the horse master, is a friend of mine and we've worked together a bunch. So I knew that in terms of the horse riding, I was in good hands — and he knows what I'm capable of, what I'm not capable of. But the excitement really took off when he first landed, all of us arriving, first time taking in the scale of the station. So you walk onto a station that is 4000 square kilometres. And when you think about how big that is there, and there's no one there, and the nearest place to get something, bread, whatever, you name it, is three-and-a-half hours away. So you're pretty much transplanted into isolation. And for me, I found that very exciting, because that just tapped straight into the story and what these people are experiencing every day, and where they come from. That's the heart of the show. So for us to get to go there and spend the first part of the shoot there really informed the rest of it, and so that first initial moment in the show was the most exciting for me. And then from there, we all we all bonded, and the chemistry between all of us just started to make all the colours in the rainbow." Sam: "When I first read the pilot and I got the deck for the series bible, I was just so invigorated that they were going to do something so unapologetically us — so unapologetically Australian. And I think the grit that it had, as well as knowing how epic the shots were going to be up north, especially with Simon Duggan, who shot Furiosa and The Great Gatsby, knowing that we were going to be captured by him, it was like 'ooh, this seems like a cool project'." Philippa: "For me, exactly what Sam said. Just the scale, the epicness, the complexity of the storylines, and the multiple storylines crossing in and out of each other — and all the characters that were going to be shown on-screen from the Top End. What really was striking when I read the script was that for Susie's journey, this was a young female character that wanted to run a cattle station. And I don't see that often when I read scripts. That's not the motive of a lot of the young female characters that I read. So that just that made me so excited that whoever was going to play this part was going to learn to muster and drive a ute and do butchery and ride horses and shoot guns. And it was just incredibly exciting as a female artist." On What Dorman Initially Made of Graham and Saw That He Could Bring to the Role Michael: "I resonate with stories about fractured humans, and I love redemption. I love it if the character is flawed in so many ways and can find their way to see hope again. And so the thing with Graham is he's down and out, hopeless. Doesn't want to be there, doesn't want to breathe. And I think there's so many people like that in life that just lose the will to breathe. And I love that he had this moment where he's forced to step up, so they say in the show, and believe in himself, which is a really challenging thing for so many people to believe in themselves. So it's these finer elements for me that excite me in terms of storytelling, because I get an opportunity to speak to maybe one person — if it's one person, you get to speak to them in a way that they would understand because they're in similar circumstance. And then there's the other side of it, the entertainment factor, who doesn't love to be entertained? But that was the thing about Graham, that character, that I really, really liked." On Northeast's Task Stepping Into the Shoes of a Character with Ambition, Determination and Smarts, But Discovering the Complexities That Await Philippa: "I think for me, the challenge was to — she's left left ag college and she's coming in from Sydney, and so she's fairly naive when we meet her. And this is a multimillion-dollar business that she wants to run. I don't think she fully understands the gravitas of that, let alone the gender challenges that she's going to come up against. And I think you see Emily, her mother, beautifully try to impart some of those challenges to her, but also let her learn them and figure them out and make mistakes along the way. And that causes conflict between the two women, but ultimately it's the greatest form of love that they share — the honesty that this is not going be a walk in the park for a woman — and that's definitely explored. And for me, it was just trying to tell the truth of that, and not shy away from the truth of that through Susie's naiveté." On What Corlett Drew Upon with Marshall Constantly Caught Between His Friends and Family, Father and Grandfather, and Past and Future Sam: "There was a lot that was pretty accessible. Alcoholism runs in my family, and I never really met my granddad because of alcohol, and didn't have too much to do with my uncle even though he was a beautiful soul. I didn't get to interact with him a whole lot. I think observing my mum's experience with that, there's such a desire for Marshall, he really wants his dad to be a stand-up guy. And I think Michael plays it so beautifully — like how limp he is, how weak he is. Really, it's quite frustrating for Marshall to watch and to see his father being so belittled by his grandfather. I don't think he particularly sees a role model in either of those characters. In my own thoughts, I projected that Dan could have been that for Marshall, a sense of 'oh, that's what a man is'. But it wasn't enough for him to stay around, so he ended up leaving the station and seeking his path elsewhere, and ran into Rich and Sharnie, and started, kind of like Henry IV, he finds connection in the kind of outcasts of the society." [caption id="attachment_978104" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tony Mott[/caption] On the Research That Goes Into Playing Potential Heirs to a Cattle Empire in the Northern Territory Michael: "It's interesting because, to me, every character is human and there's elements like the horse riding — which is fine, I've worked with Graham [Ware] a bunch, so I'm fine with horse riding — but for me, it was more that I look at it like you can play in any realm or any stage, as long as you know who that human is and understand that emotional cocktail. The landscape does what the landscape does — that's its own character. My job is to make sure I understand who this human is and why they do the things they do. And then you put them together and it works out just fine, in my experience. So I guess it's more you study what it is to be human, and then you can go and play." [caption id="attachment_978107" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tony Mott[/caption] Philippa: "I think it was a great opportunity. I spend a lot of time in rural NS, as it is, on a property, a cattle property, out there. It's much smaller to the scale of the station at Marianne, but it was great for me to be able to watch the staff interact with each other, watch the day-to-day requirements, go to a couple of bull sales in in the real life, learn how to drive a ute properly — I picked the worst ute and tried to make it go, because I feel like Susie probably would do the same thing. So for me, I was incredibly fortunate to be able to spend time out there. And then when we got to the station for filming, I just had to, whatever I had learned, I had to put on steroids. The grand scale of the station up there, the way that they muster with helicopters and not just horses, it's like nothing that I'd ever seen before. It's just totally epic. So there's a level of training that you can do, but then to actually be on set was a different story." [caption id="attachment_978106" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tony Mott[/caption] Sam: "My dad was a jackaroo, and so I had so many stories of when he was younger, purposely rolling cars with his mates and all this stuff. So there's the kind of the cheeky rebellious streak, and then there's also the very practical streak. And I think always in my head, I called Marshall 'the practical rascal', and so needed to be very pragmatic. And I just tried to get my hands dirty as much as possible and all the things that we were learning, whether it be horses, motorbikes, cars, guns, the whole lot." On Digging Into a Storyline About Being Your Own Person and Breaking Free of Expectations Michael: "I think you have to dive as deep as you can to really understand what that character is going through. And then, once you've done all your prep in terms of diving into the idea of their psyche, then you just let it go. Then you're relying on the people that you're playing with. Then it becomes a like a dance, that's the waltz. I look at it like it's lightning in a bottle: if you're not capturing it as it's happening, you've missed it and it's never going to be the same again when you run a take. You run a take, you've done all your research diving internally and then you're there. That's the part of the playing that I love, when you have someone great with you and you're just bouncing off each other. You know when you're onto something good when the crew becomes silent — and there was so many times in this one where I'd be shooting a scene with Robert [Taylor] or Anna where the crew would become silent, and then you know you're making something special." Sam: "Seemingly it's a key theme for every person — to seek one's full self, I think. I find the more personal you get, the more universal it tends to reflect on the world. And so as much as I could find Marshall's experience of life within me, that's kind of the seed. And then it grows from there with your imagination. And as Pip said, working on the station, we were able to imbue the area with so many memories. Whether it was walking past the house that they built — you could imagine what the barbecues would have been like when we were kids, and what drama might have occurred there. There was so much memory that you could build. But definitely it all starts on a personal level." Philippa: "And I think our show is particularly interesting as well because it really explores what do you get handed down from generation to generation, and how to be your own person when you're loaded with this baggage of history — whether that be the challenges of being a male in that space or the challenges of being a female in that space. And so we take a very detailed look into family baggage and trauma." On What Gets Dorman Excited About Returning to Australia for a Role Michael: "You get to go home. There's nothing like going home. Any of us, when we go home, there's a release, you can feel calm and free. When you're in a space that you don't really understand, it gets slightly tense because you don't understand how everything works. But when you go home, you don't have to think. So that's what I love about coming home, because I don't have to think about all that stuff. It's just like a duck to water — you understand all of it. And even in terms of the elements, I understand the elements out there. Yeah, it was really, really hot, but I grew up and I spent a long time in Bundaberg in Queensland. It got warm. And I feel like there's a correlation between Bundaberg as a teen and the idea of what a man looks like, and then going on and doing a show like this and the idea of what a man looks like. So I had an understanding there. But going home, there's nothing on going home." On Dorman's Acting Dream When The Secret Life of Us Was One of His First Major Roles, and Now Two Decades Later Michael: "It was never about what story to tell, it was more about telling stories and it still is. When I did Secret Life, I was just happy to be there, to be part of the process, to be telling a story. And I'm still the same. So many people have ideas about what story they want to tell. I'm still in that space where I just love telling stories. If you gave me an opportunity to tell one, I'll jump onboard. So yeah, I haven't really changed in that sense. I just love being in the boots. When I work with characters, for some reason it always starts with the boots. Whatever boots they're wearing, you put on these boots and you're walking around, and whatever shoes they are — and whenever I put those boots on, and then I walk around with that character playing, and then you take the boots off and let them go. I guess everyone has their own way of doing things. But these were fun boots to wear." Territory streams via Netflix. Images: courtesy of Netflix © 2024.
A weekend escape to the Blue Mountains automatically means views for days. At the Hydro Majestic, that view also comes with a decadent high tea. The historic hotel boasts panoramic views across the Megalong Valley, and its Wintergarden Room offers plush seating, a fireplace and a daily high tea — which is literally served on a silver platter, no less. Its signature high tea ($55–65), which can be made gluten free or vegetarian, comes with a delicate selection of finger sandwiches, petite pastries and freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and homemade jam. A wide range of bottomless teas and coffee are on offer, too. Think classic cuppas, macchiatos, mochas and the requisite English breakfast served alongside lemon-ginger and Darjeeling. Plus, for five bucks extra you can add a tea blossom to your pot — with options like black tea rolled with jasmine, globe amaranth and peppermint; or white tea rolled with marigold and jasmine. If you'd like to add a bit of classy boozing to the mix, there's the deluxe and luxurious options ($69–85), which come with all of the above plus a glass of sparkling wine or Champagne, respectively. To really change it up, try the Eastern high tea ($60–75) — instead of your typical English scones and pastries, you'll be served steamed dumplings, crab claw and prawn rice paper rolls, pork belly tacos and a selection of Asian-style desserts. The Wintergarden High Tea is available Monday through Friday from 11am to 3.30pm and Saturday through Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Prices vary from weekday to weekend. Images: The Hydro Majestic
When you think of Bathurst, you might think of rally cars and farms, and while yes, there is that, it has evolved in recent years to become a region of fine artisan producers. A destination in its own right, this corner of NSW is also an epic stopover for a trip to Orange, Mudgee or even Warrumbungles if you're feeling ambitious. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, pack up your car, head two hours west and spend a weekend recharging your batteries in the fresh country air. Friday: Arrive and Settle in Just outside the main town of Bathurst is the luxury and eco-friendly cabin retreat Rest at Boxgrove. It is set on a picturesque 170-acre working family farm and vineyard that blends rural serenity and modern luxury. Flick on the turntable, relax on the bed or grab the bottle of vino or mini bottle of local gin from Boxgrove's welcome basket, fill up the twin outdoor tubs, and take a dip in the warm water as the sun starts to dip behind the hills. If you'd prefer to head out for a bite and a tipple, make your way into Bathurst proper. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at Dogwood, BX, a saloon-style bar, before heading around the block to Vine & Tap on Keppel Street for dinner. This charming restaurant, set in a leafy cobblestone courtyard, offers a menu of contemporary Italian dishes like house-made gnocchi, woodfired pizzas and arancini. Decompress as you sip on some local vino under the canopy of vines and fairy lights. [caption id="attachment_807252" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Renzaglia Wines[/caption] Saturday: Explore Central West Region's Produce Wake up to stunning views of the surrounding countryside at Rest at Boxgrove. Fire up the outdoor barbecue and make yourself breakfast with all the fixings from the welcome basket: bacon, freshly baked bread, fresh veggies and eggs. Once you've had your fill, it's time to explore the area's offerings. The first stop on your itinerary must be the local farmer's markets, held on the fourth Saturday of each month from January to November. Check out what the Central West region has to offer. Stop by to meet the farmers and stock up on local honey, sweet treats and organic veg. If the dates don't line up, you could make your way down to Berry Park to the Riverside Markets on the first Saturday of the month. Browse through stalls selling plants, jewellery, clothes, and handmade trinkets. If you love your artisan spirits, you'd best pay a visit to the family-run, sustainability-minded, award-winning Bathurst Grange Distillery, set on a heritage estate and working farm. Book a tour to learn about its whisky and gin made with botanicals grown on site. Settle in for a tasting and pair with a cheeseboard loaded with local cheese. The Blue Mountain Gin, inspired by the view from the distillery and infused with mint and rosemary grown on-site and native Australian pepperberry, is an eye-catching must-try. You shouldn't leave before sampling the luscious Bourbon Cask Release Single Malt Whisky distilled with locally sourced heirloom malt barley, which won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2023. If you're a vinophile, head to Renzaglia Wines, overlooking the O'Connell Valley. Make an appointment for a tasting and discover why it was named Dark Horse Winery of the Year in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion. The spot is headed up by the award-winning winemaker and viticulturist Mark Renzaglia, who emigrated from Illinois in the 1980s. Known for its small-batch wines that always bring something new and special to the table, the winery is now a family affair with Mark's son Sam on board crafting lighter-style reds, field blends and funkier drops. Return to your cabin and enjoy a quiet evening with a barbecue dinner on the covered deck, enjoying the serene countryside views. Elevate your evening more by lighting the private firepit, tucking into the goodies from the markets and cheers the stars and neighbouring cows with wine or a G&T. Sunday: Bathurst's Artistic and Historical Treasures Before you say goodbye to Rest at Boxgrove, take a peaceful early morning stroll around the 170-acre property and through the burgeoning vineyard. Breathe in the fresh country air before heading into the town for some grub. The Hub is a popular brunch spot slinging locally roasted coffee from Fish River Roasters and generous breakfast portions. For something savoury, opt for the shakshuka, but if you love a sweet breakfast, you shouldn't go past the buttermilk pancakes with caramel creme patisserie and gingerbread crumble — it's basically dessert for breakfast. A short stroll away is the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, or BRAG for short, where you can check out the latest exciting exhibitions for free. Artworks don't just reside inside its doors. BRAG hosts public art projects and works that can be found throughout Bathurst. When you're exploring the town, be sure to keep a look out for sculptures, posters and more. Your next stop should be to step back into history at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. It is home to the Somerville Collection of over 5000 fossils, minerals, and dinosaurs. The museum is housed in the 19th-century Bathurst Public School House and offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of life on Earth and a disconcerting insight into the impacts of climate change. Take a load off with a pit stop at Reckless Brewing Co., co-founded by award-winning brewer Grace Fowler. This project started as a travelling brewery until the trio founded their permanent digs in a heritage-listed flour mill that formally housed Two Heads Brewing. Take a seat on the leather Chesterfield sofa in front of the roaring fireplace and enjoy a tasting paddle (or two). Be sure to sample some of the limited-release beers, which have included collabs with Renzaglia Wines (a zesty chardonnay sour) or the Matilda XPA, inspired by the Australian women's national soccer team. If you're hungry for lunch, Reckless has an on-site restaurant, Roadhouse by Reckless, slinging share plates, cheeseboards and burgers galore. Alternatively, head to Church Bar, tucked down an alleyway in an old Anglican Church Schoolhouse. This unassuming spot offers woodfired pizzas with inventive toppings, great cocktails and a considered wine list with drops from NSW and beyond. Recharge with a slice of pizza out in the leafy courtyard before heading back on the road to reality. Concrete Playground was a guest of Rest at Boxgrove. Top Image: Rest at Boxgrove
Come 2021, you'll have one very convincing reason to book a trip to Sydney (or a Sydney staycation) — the city will be home to the first very Australian outpost of trendy US chain Ace Hotel. Founded in 1999, the boutique chain currently has its signature luxe-vintage hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Pittsburgh, Portland and Seattle. Its first international location opened in London in 2013, and its next is slated to open in Kyoto in spring next year. Known for their great bars, pools, cool branding and merch, and quirky locations — such as a converted Denny's and a historic YMCA building — each Ace Hotel is individually designed to reflect its surroundings. The Ace Hotel in Downtown LA is in a 13-storey 1920s former movie theatre, and has art deco furnishings, a rooftop pool and three bars, while the Palm Springs outpost is swathed in white, and has swim club and an attached diner. For the local outpost, Ace's in-house design team — Atelier Ace — will be working alongside an Australian firm to design the hyper-local hotel. While exactly what that will look like both inside and out is still under wraps, it'll take inspiration from the food, art, architecture, design and culture of Surry Hills when it opens in an 18-storey building (formerly Tyne House) on Wentworth Avenue. [caption id="attachment_745633" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Render of Ace Hotel's proposed Surry Hills facade.[/caption] The Ace Hotel site was purchased two years ago by Australian property development group, Golden Age Group, who will also have a hand in the hotel. As well as 264 rooms, guests can look forward to a ground-floor lobby bar, a gym, restaurant, cafe, and rooftop bar and eatery. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a potential rooftop pool, too. It's just the latest boutique hotel to open in Surry Hills, which has seen the hyper-local Paramount House Hotel — complete with rooftop wellness centre — launch in March last year, and the 35-room Little Albion House (which you can book through Airbnb) follow in July. Real estate developer Cienna Group also has plans in the works to open a 12-storey laneway hotel on the corner of Riley and Campbell Streets. The Ace Hotel Sydney is slated to open at 49–53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney in 2021. We'll update you with a specific launch date when one is announced. Top images: Ace Hotel London / Ace Hotel Downtown LA.
One of Sydney's favourite outdoor cinema spots is back for summer — with a new name. What was St George Openair Cinema, is now Westpac Openair, but, don't fret — it still has the same spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Every movie that graces the cinema's big screen has to hold its own against these stunning sights glittering away behind it. Thankfully, boasting everything from a highly anticipated Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie flick to a British crime thriller with Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Grant, the 2020 program achieves that feat. And the whole lineup hasn't even dropped. Kicking off on January 9 and running until February 21, the Mrs Macquaries Point cinema's new season commences with a gala preview of Bombshell. Based on a real story about the takedown of a Fox News CEO for sexual harassment, the star-studded drama sees Theron, Kidman and Robbie portray some of the real (and fictionalised) women that brought him down. While you're waiting for the film to hit this stunning big screen, you can watch The Loudest Voice on Stan — a TV series starring Russell Crowe and Naomi Watts based on the same story. It's just one of the movies making sure it'll be starry not only in the sky above, but on the 350-square-metre screen rising from the harbour. Also on the first lineup announcement is Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, which sees McConaughey portray the head of a marijuana empire, and the star-studded Little Women — Greta Gerwig's adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott novel features Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep and Timothée Chalamet. Off-screen, expect culinary stars to join the fold as well. While this year's food and booze partners have not yet been announced, we've been told there'll be an "array snacks, share plates, meals, fine desserts cocktails, wine, beer and spirits " available each and every night during the cinema's 2020 run. When tickets become available on Tuesday, December 10, they're likely to go quick. Last summer, more than 40,000 tickets sold within the first two days of pre-sale — so put it in your diary ASAP. Westpac Openair 2020 runs from January 9 to February 21, 2020. Tickets are on sale from 9am on Tuesday, December 10, with pre-sale tickets available for Westpac and St George customers from 9am on Friday, December 6. We'll update you when the full lineup drops on November 29. Image: Fiora Sacco
Remember that one glorious day in February of last year when your favourite pig-meat dispensary, Mr Crackles, was selling crispy southern fried chicken for $5 bucks a serve and it sold out before you could get in the car and tear down the freeway screaming “I’m coming sweet chicken! I wrote you every day for a year!”? Well, Mr Crackles giveth chicken and Mr Crackles taketh away chicken, but now you can taketh away your own chicken from their new takeaway spin-off Thirsty Bird. Thirsty Bird has been open for a few weeks, but only peeped its head out to officially say hi to the world earlier this week. It’s taken the team two years of planning, but they’re finally up and running. Like its predecessor, Mr Crackles, Thirsty Bird is a mono-meat venue. On the menu you’ll find chicken — and not much else. But rest assured it’ll be some of the best chicken of your life. Chef and co-owner of both businesses, Sam Horowitz, says it took him a long time to perfect the recipe. "It’s similar to KFC in that we offer four or eight pieces, burgers and sides, but my recipe only has about ten herbs and spices," he says. The menu is has a classic American diner vibe, with buffalo wings, chicken piece meals and four chicken burgers to choose from with waffle fries, chicken crackling and mac and cheese on the side. Sam also says they'll be introducing waffles onto the menu before long — and it doesn’t get more American than that. The blueprint for Thirsty Bird originally involved more space and more booze. They wanted to open a bar with a kitchen and a chicken-only menu (beer and chicken, is there anything else in life?). But thanks to licensing difficulties, the current iteration of Thirsty Bird is a tiny takeaway joint with seating for five people. Watch this tiny space though, as they have plans to expand the empire in coming years. In the meantime, we’ve got a whole new menu to keep us very, very happy. Thirsty Bird is located at shop 3, 2-14 Bayswater Road, Potts Point. It's currently open 5.30pm till late Tuesday through Sunday, but will be opening for lunch soon. Image: Dollar Photo Club
UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020: Event Cinemas is now taking bookings for private screening packages for September at the same rate of $500 for up to 20 people. Bookings must be made before September 25, and a number of movies are on offer — including Bill & Ted Face the Music, The New Mutants, Tenet, Peninsula, The Broken Hearts Gallery and La Belle Epoque. If you're a film fan, there's nothing worse than being stuck in a cinema with anyone who doesn't observe social etiquette, including greedy armrest hogs and patrons who decide to bring along an entire three-course meal. Until the end of August, however, you won't need to worry about dealing with these frustrating behaviours and the pesky strangers behind them — because Event Cinemas is now offering private screening packages in its theatres. The promotion is available at Event Cinemas locations nationally, which means that you can book out your very own big screen until Monday, August 31, with reservations required by Friday, August 14 — and you'll pay just $500. You can bring along 19 of your mates, too, so that works out to just $25 per person. That's more than a regular movie ticket, of course. But, again, you won't have any annoying company. Each private booking package includes exclusive cinema use in the Event multiplex of your choice, in one of the chain's original cinemas (sorry, you won't be lapping it up in VMax, Gold Class, 4DX or Event's Boutique cinemas). You'll also be able to watch the movie of your choice, at the time and date of your choice (subject to availability). Plus, each booking includes unlimited medium-sized salted popcorn and medium-sized soft drinks. Films on offer include new releases such as Judd Apatow's latest comedy The King of Staten Island, the Dev Patel-starring The Personal History of David Copperfield, and top-notch dramas Waves and Babyteeth — as well as soon-to-open titles like zombie thriller Peninsula and superhero horror flick The New Mutants. Or, you can go retro with classics like like 10 Things I Hate About You, Fight Club, Grease and the original Mad Max, plus Moulin Rouge, Joker, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Matrix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVucSRLLeIM Event Cinemas' private booking packages are available until Monday, August 31, with reservations required by Friday, August 14. To make a booking, visit the Event Cinemas website.
If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then could it also be the gateway to a conscience? Cilla Madden of Collaborate believes so, and this forms the premise of her Eat Green Design project, a sure highlight of Sydney Design 09. As the assumption that there will always be more fish in the sea starts to wear thin, and we begin to realise that we may have bitten off more than we can chew (or replenish), ‘you are what you eat’ begins to acquire new meaning. This project focuses on providing food for thought on sustainability in a purpose-built exhibition space, which doubles as a restaurant. The idea is to encourage reflection and discussion on ethical and sustainable practices and products at every level of our everyday consumption. Madden has involved the cream of the designer crop, as well as a huge range of professionals, all working in line with the sustainable brief. Architect Hannah Tribe has designed and built the space, which is filled with furniture, lighting and objects from a range of local designers, including the NEW TO YOU range, which recycles and recreates objects for use as tableware. Chef Jared Ingersoll, of Danks Street Depot, has created a menu of local organic and seasonal food, and Fair Trade coffee will be available during talks from numerous guest speakers on the sustainability topic.
The Bear's third season won't arrive till winter 2024 Down Under, but you can get your Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri fix in Sydney before then. Dishing up the goods: the returning Inner West Film Fest. This cinema showcase that's also a love letter to its setting debuted in 2023 as a three-day event. Now it's back for 2024 for 11 days, from Thursday, April 11–Sunday, April 21 — and with plenty of highlights on its lineup. White (The Iron Claw) pops up in Fremont, which is about an Afghan woman (debutant Anaita Wali Zada) who moves to the titular spot, and marks the latest feature by Iranian British filmmaker Babak Jalali (Land). For not only Edebiri (Bottoms) but Australia's own Jacob Elordi (Priscilla), you'll want to make a date with The Sweet East. Hailing from cinematographer Sean Price Williams (Good Time) in his directorial debut, it focuses on a high schooler (Talia Ryder, Dumb Money) on a class trip from South Carolina to Washington, DC. The fest's official opening night is on Friday, April 12, taking place at Steel Park Marrickville — one of three screening venues, alongside Palace Norton Street and Dendy Cinemas Newtown. Twenty years since it initially premiered, complete with awkward teen antics, ligers, making shapes to Qwon's Dance Grooves and voting for Pedro, Napoleon Dynamite is doing the honours to launch Inner West Film Fest. Not only can you catch it under the stars, but you can head along for free. Also bringing film fun to one specific part of the city, and to autumn — because winter is Sydney Film Festival's time to shine — is a 24-title bill that includes Luc Besson's (Anna) DogMan, as starring Caleb Landry Jones (Nitram); The Caine Mutiny Court Martial, the final effort by iconic director William Friedkin (The French Connection, The Exorcist, Sorcerer); I Used to Be Funny, with Rachel Sennott (another Bottoms alum) playing a wannabe stand-up comedian; and I Like Movies, a feature that, yes, is about being obsessed with cinema. Among the flicks with homegrown links, Housekeeping for Beginners is the third film from Australian director Goran Stolevski's (You Won't Be Alone, Of an Age); the Parramatta-set Sahela is executive produced by Dev Patel (Monkey Man); and 2000's Angst, about a video store worker in Kings Cross, gets some retro love. Boxing drama Heart of the Man is the first movie from Indigenous writer, director, actor and producer David Cook, while documentary Fight to Live is about Australian mixed martial artist Bec Rawlings. Around the fest's screenings — which also spans short films as well — movie trivia, a gin-mixing workshop, premieres of new music videos and a photo exhibition are on the program. So is a secret screening, complete with a feature that'll be seen by an audience for the first time ever, if you like your film fests with a dash of mystery.
In an exhibition that traverses video, installation and drawing, Campbelltown Arts Centre puts long-standing friends and Perth-based artists Brendan Van Hek and Rebecca Baumann side by side. A collaborative commission (shown alongside existing works) explores a shared intent to approach colour, light, surrealism, dreams, illusions and social experiences in a decisive manner. What happens when these artists combine practices? We're keen to see. Opening night is Friday, March 20, at 6pm.
You've read the books, you've watched the flicks, you've sat through both parts of the theatre production and you've devoured your fair share of pop-up potion bars and themed experiences. But if you're yet to get your fill of Harry Potter-related goodness (I mean, not possible, right?), then you're in luck. This spring, a series of immersive, HP-themed high tea events is coming your way, popping up in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. The Harry Potter High Tea will grace all three cities with a run of multiple sessions each, held at top-secret locations. It all kicks off in Sydney from September 23–26, before visiting Brisbane from October 15–17 and heading down to Melbourne from October 21–24. So what sort of magical shenanigans are guests in for, you ask? Well, each session will host between 200 to 300 people (COVID depending), with daytime sessions open to all ages (11am–12.30pm, 2.30–4pm) and the night events reserved for adults only (7–9pm). There'll be butterbeer, polyjuice cocktails and appearances from some of the franchise's hit characters, as well as immersive activities including potion-making classes. Of course, the high tea spread will have a distinct HP lean to it, though exactly what's on the menu is being kept under wraps for now. Ticket-holders will be sent clues to the location of their high tea 30 days before the event, with the exact address revealed one week out. Tickets to the 'daybreak' sessions are $60, with 'twilight' passes coming in at $85. You can also nab a family ticket to any day session for $220 (two adults and two kids). The Harry Potter High Tea will hit Sydney (September 23–26), Brisbane (October 15–17) and Melbourne (October 21–24) this spring. Tickets are on sale now.
If you've got the itch for a bit of outdoor adventure, you're in for a treat. Last year, we reached out to you, dear readers, to share your favourite camping spots, and after a year of exploring, we were due for some fresh ideas. So, in partnership with The Bottle-O, we've pulled together a whole new list of standout camping spots that were submitted by Concrete Playground readers. Whether you're into beachfront bliss, rainforest retreats, or bushland beauty, there's something for everyone. Grab your mates, pack up the car, stock up on good-value booze from The Bottle-O and get set for your next adventure in the great outdoors. [caption id="attachment_943842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Millstream Chichester National Park, Canva[/caption] Miliyanha Campground, Millstream Chichester National Park, WA Our first suggestion takes us to the wild west, where the red dirt meets clear blue skies. Miliyanha Campground in Millstream Chichester National Park is an absolute gem. Reader Bruce reckons it's the ideal spot for some 'twitching' aka bird-watching. "Miliyanha is a perfect spot for a bit of twitching. There are lots of raptors, rainbow bee-eaters, blue-winged kookaburras, and the local hills kangaroos, and if you're lucky, you might spot a quoll!" It's a fairly remote campsite so don't check in without swinging by The Bottle-O first. Because what's a camping trip without a well-stocked cooler and some primo local vino? Closest The Bottle-O: Karratha [caption id="attachment_943841" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Freycinet Beach Landscape, Chris Putnam[/caption] Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park, TAS Let's head south to the Apple Isle where the beaches are as pristine as they come. Freycinet National Park boasts not one, not two, but several top-notch camping spots. From Friendly Beaches (Isaacs Point) and Richardsons Beach to Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek, you're well and truly spoilt for choice. Reader Sarah swears by the beachfront camping experience: "Nothing beats falling asleep to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore at Friendly Beaches. It's my go-to campground all year round." Swing by The Bottle-O on your way to grab a bottle of Tasmanian-made whisky for a special seaside nightcap. Closest The Bottle-O: St Helens [caption id="attachment_943836" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Tribulation, Emil Rasmussen[/caption] Noah Beach, Cape Tribulation QLD Head north to the tropics where the world's oldest rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Rainforest is the largest in Australia and is home to flora and fauna you can't find anywhere else on earth. Tucked beneath the canopy of Daintree National Park, it provides the ultimate escape from the rat race of city life. Our reader Gavan recommends Noah Beach camping area in Cape Tribulations as the best spot for a digital detox: "Just you, the wildlife, and the sounds of the rainforest". How good. For all your beverage-in-paradise needs, The Bottle-O has you covered so stop into the Mossman store before you head into the Daintree National Park. Closest The Bottle-O: Mossman [caption id="attachment_943840" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jervis-Bay, Cyril Cayssalie[/caption] Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay, NSW In New South Wales, about three hours south of Sydney, we find ourselves in stunning Jervis Bay. With crystal-clear waters and famous white sands, it's a cracking location for swimming, snorkelling or just lazing about in the sun. The choice is yours, and they're all good. Our Instagram follower Kylie is a sucker for Honeymoon Bay campground: "All of the beaches around Jervis Bay are fab, but Honeymoon is my favourite. Cheap, cheerful and ideal for snorkelling." You'll need to bring everything with you (and take it all when you go to keep this spot so awesome), and that includes all your drinking water and cooking supplies. Hit up The Bottle-O to fill your esky with ice and all your go-to drinks for evenings around the campfire as the sun sets across the beach. Closest The Bottle-O: Oak Flats [caption id="attachment_943839" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Grampians, Halls Gal Drive, David Burke[/caption] Smith's Mill Campground, The Grampians, VIC Last but not least, we head to the heart of Victoria's Grampians National Park. Smith's Mill Campground near Halls Gap is the perfect base for exploring everything that this amazing Aussie destination offers — just be mindful of the local emus. Our reader Mike places this campground above all others: "Smith's Mill is right around the corner from Mackenzie Falls, an ideal spot for a splash on a hot day after trekking up Pinnacle Walk for the epic views. There's a bush shower at the campground if you miss out." Again, make sure your esky is fully loaded by making a pit stop at The Bottle-O for all your beverage needs as this is a remote spot. Closest The Bottle-O: Sebastopol Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: Canva
At both the OG North Sydney outpost and the newly minted UrbnSurf venue, RAFI is laying on an extended happy hour from 3–6pm, Monday–Saturday. Prices are slashed on several of the restaurant and bar's most popular dishes, including sourdough pizzas for just $12, golden fried calamari for $13, and juicy cheeseburgers for $16. Punters can also enjoy discounted drops by the glass from Rafi's wine club selection, The Drop, for just $7, as well as Aperol and Fragola spritzes for $10 and classic margaritas for $14. Whether you're grabbing a bite after catching some waves in Homebush or you're relaxing on the al fresco terrace in North Sydney, this is a wallet-saving deal that's hard to beat. [caption id="attachment_965986" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RAFI UrbnSurf[/caption] Images: Steven Woodburn
Even without sourcing and quoting an exact number, it's obvious that an immense amount of people owe their lives to Marie and Pierre Curie's research on radioactivity. Without their work — Marie's passion project, which she reluctantly agreed to collaborate on with Pierre after they first crossed paths in Paris — cancer treatment would've likely been vastly different over the past century. The results for scores of cancer patients would've been as well. But the pair's discovery of two new elements, radium and polonium, also led to disturbing side effects and cataclysmic events that changed the course of history in other ways. Radioactive touches upon both, from life-saving oncology usage and the ability to conduct x-rays on World War I battlefields to the bombing of Hiroshima and Chernobyl's nuclear reactor meltdown. It might seem strange for a biopic about Marie to leap forward at different moments, jumping to years and decades past her death in 1934, all to show how the physicist and chemist's work made and continues to make a colossal impact upon the world. But that's the most interesting thing about Radioactive: its willingness to contemplate both the significant benefits and proven dangers of Marie (Rosamund Pike, an Oscar-nominee for Gone Girl) and Pierre's (Sam Riley, Rebecca) pioneering discoveries. The latter is tasked with vocalising this battle in his acceptance speech for their shared 1903 Nobel Prize in physics, acknowledging the struggle but opining that "mankind will derive more good than harm". The film doesn't simply take him at his word, however. It shows his radiation sickness, and Marie's. It touches upon the backlash when news of radioactivity's health effects started becoming widely known. And those aforementioned flash-forwards to both positive and negative applications of the Curies' research keep the same conversation going, because Radioactive doesn't try to offer a right or wrong answer. Instead, as directed by Marjane Satrapi (The Voices), Radioactive recognises how the efforts of an astonishing woman have led to a complex array of outcomes. The movie doesn't weigh up saving the cancer-afflicted against deaths contributed to nuclear atrocities, but shows how they're both consequences of her work — and that, even though she died before some of the events mentioned above, Marie grappled with the pros and cons of her discoveries herself. This is such a crucial part of this adaptation of Lauren Redniss' graphic novel about the Curies, in fact, that it stands out in multiple ways. Curie deserves all the praise and acclaim that have been showered upon her, and this is an affectionate film, but Radioactive isn't a glossy exercise in hero worship. That said, the movie's complications and probing stem primarily from its unconventional line of thinking; take out the clips in a 50s hospital, in Japan, in the Ukraine and at a nuclear bomb test in Nevada in 1961, and a far less thoughtful feature would result. After an opening glimpse of an elderly Marie collapsing in her Paris laboratory, Radioactive heads back to 1893, where she's one of few female scientists in the French city. Expectedly given the era, she's reviled by her male peers and the decision-making powers-that-be — but a goateed Pierre has already heard of her when they meet-cute in the streets over a microbiology book. Marie is adamant that she be judged on her own merits, and that of her work, so she's resistant to his early professional advances. But the fact that she's kicked out of her existing lab space on the day she initially makes her future husband's acquaintance sets obvious wheels in motion. Being seen as an equal is a fight she'll keep waging, even after not one but two Nobel Prizes come her way. Pierre never regards her otherwise, but altering the scientific establishment and society in general's minds is a far tougher job. By design, it's dismaying how familiar Marie's treatment feels; her work has changed the world, but engraining gender equality as a given sadly doesn't rank among her achievements. The same can be said about the race-based attacks she's forced to weather, with her Polish background used as an insult to a chilling degree in early 20th-century Europe. Satrapi has brought similar themes and experiences to the screen before, as evidenced in 2007's Persepolis. Based on her own autobiographical comics about growing up in Iran and Austria both during and after the Islamic Revolution, it unsurprisingly felt far more urgent and personal — two traits that Radioactive lacks. From fast-paced montages of Marie and Pierre's scientific experimentation to snippets of their home life as their family expands with their fame, the process of detailing the Curies' lives largely takes on a routine air, with much of Jack Thorne's (Dirt Music, Enola Holmes, The Secret Garden) script reading from the biopic playbook. Thankfully, Radioactive looks as textured as its best moments feel, and sometimes as bold as well. That it springs from an illustrated text, and that Satrapi has experience in the medium herself, comes across in stylised frames shot by cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle (The Undoing) that could've leapt from a page. The film also benefits from not only Pike as Marie, but Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma) as the adult version of her eldest daughter Irène, another Nobel Prize-winner. There's a spiky determination to both — a willingness to forge on with doing the right thing despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles — that effortlessly links their performances. Of course, Radioactive also asks Pike to spend its first half asserting that Marie will never be defined by a man, then to spend its second struggling when Pierre is killed. That plays a little too neatly, but it's actually in tune with the many contrasts that sit at the film's core; something can be two things at once, after all, as Radioactive's rumination upon the Curies' discoveries firmly shows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtVe_8CS6vU
Make your way down the Princes Freeway to immerse yourself in a world of colour and sound at Geelong After Dark this autumn. Now in its sixth year, Geelong After Dark's exciting showcase of art, design and performance will return on Friday, May 3. As night falls, the Gateway City's laneways, hidden spaces and buildings will be filled with innovative art installations, projections, music acts and live performances. If ever there were an excuse to skip the end-of-week work drinks and head out of town, this is it. The festivities will take place across three zones in the CBD, from Johnstone Park, down Malop Street and stretching down to the waterfront. The full program is yet to be released, but this year's theme, 'heighten your senses', gives a small clue of what to expect. Artists have created a number of site-specific artworks to be unveiled on the night — all of which are designed to encourage spectator interaction via touch, sound, taste, sight or smell. One commissioned artwork that filled this brief, Sensory Portals, was built by the city's arts and culture team in conjunction with Deakin University. It involves three separate installations that visitors can step inside and immerse themselves within. Be sure to also keep an ear out for three original songs that will be sampled within a number of the After Dark installations. These songs were written and performed by local unsigned musicians under the Connecting Songs project as an homage to the area. As part of the scheme, these musical groups were also given mentoring opportunities with well-known Australian musicians, including Adalita (Magic Dirt), Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything and Mick Thomas and the Sure Thing) and Mark Wilson (Jet). Geelong After Dark will take place from 6–10pm on Friday, May 3. For more information, visit the website. Image: Reg Ryan.
Surry Hills has long been one of Sydney's go-to spots for a quality Lebanese feed, from Fatima's — which has been taking care of nocturnal hunger pangs for more than 30 years — to Abdul's queue-inspiring feasts. More recently, Cubby's Kitchen has popped up in one half of the Crown Street Fish Shop space. But too much falafel is never enough. And so we're not upset at all that, from this Friday, October 7, there'll be a new Lebanese kid on the block. It's called Nour and is coming to you from the folks behind Newtown's Cuckoo Callay. Unlike the neighbourhood's many hole-in-the-wall eateries, this one's a whopping 120-seater. So you can take your entire extended family and all your mates with you. You'll find Nour within a stone's throw of Cubby's, at 3/490 Crown Street, right between Toko and Maloneys Grocer. Restaurateurs Ibby Moubadder and Ella Harris — who opened the good Cuckoo back in 2013 — have long been planning on bringing a Lebanese restaurant to Sydney. Their hope is to reinvigorate the ancient cuisine, by giving long-standing traditions some fresh twists. Their menu will feature vine leaves stuffed with ox tail, an Arabic lamb tartare and an 'old city mix' of chicken bits on a round of pastry. The wood-fired oven takes pride of place in the middle of the restaurant, and is where they cook their meats, a super smoky eggplant and house-made bread (gluten free included). They're also doing In keeping with this vision, they've enlisted top contemporary interior designers DS17 to revamp the space. Once the shadowy, moody home of Tokonoma, it's been lightened and brightened; the main dining area up the back opens up onto wall-to-ceiling glass doors and lets in some top-notch sunshine. After all, Nour means 'light' in Arabic. If you've visited Alpha, Beta Bar or the newly opened The Resident, you're familiar with DS17's work. It looks nothing like the Lebanese restaurants we're familiar with. Nour will open at 3/490 Crown Street, Surry Hills at midday on Friday, October 7. For more information, visit noursydney.com.au. By Jasmine Crittenden and Lauren Vadnjal.
2024 will be a year of many things, including the year that hitting the skies Down Under means travelling on the three safest airlines in the world. As it does every January, safety and rating website AirlineRatings.com has released its latest ranking of the best carriers to fly with. Coming out on top: Air New Zealand, closely followed by Qantas and Virgin Australia. Air NZ returned to first place after also doing the honours in 2022, taking over from 2023 winner Qantas. The latter has a long history of topping the list, doing so for eight years in a row from 2014–21. Virgin Australia has also proven a mainstay on the full rundowns each year, with the top 25 carriers named in 2024. "Our top 25 safest airlines are all standouts in the industry and are at the forefront of safety, innovation and launching of new aircraft. In fact, the safety margins between these top 25 airlines are very small," said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas. "Between Air New Zealand and Qantas there is only 1.5 points. It's incredibly close." Wondering how Air NZ topped the list, then? The website called out the airline's "firm focus on safety", while also advising that it "has excelled across a broad safety spectrum right down to the smallest detail, and its pilots operate in some very challenging environments". The highly sought-after accolade chose its safest airlines for 2024 from a pool of 385 carriers from around the world. Factors that influence a carrier's placement on the list include crash and incident records, safety initiatives, fleet age, profitability, training assessments for expert pilots, and audits by aviation governing bodies, industry bodies and governments. Bird strikes and turbulence injuries aren't take into consideration, however, and neither are weather diversions and lightning strikes, given that airlines have no control over these issues. If you're a budget-conscious flyer, the website also outlines the 20 safest low-cost airlines. The winner this year also came from Down Under, with Jetstar emerging victorious. TOP 25 SAFEST AIRLINES FOR 2024: Air New Zealand Qantas Virgin Australia Etihad Airways Qatar Airways Emirates All Nippon Airways Finnair Cathay Pacific Airways Alaska Airlines SAS Korean Air Singapore Airlines EVA Air British Airways Turkish Airlines TAP Air Portugal Lufthansa/Swiss Group KLM Japan Airlines Hawaiian Airlines American Airlines Air France Air Canada Group United Airlines TOP 20 SAFEST LOW-COST AIRLINES FOR 2024: Jetstar easyJet Ryanair Wizz Norwegian Frontier Vueling Vietjet Southwest Volaris flyduba AirAsia Group (AirAsia, AirAsia X, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia India) Cebu Pacific Sun Country Spirit Westjet JetBlue Air Arabia Indigo Eurowings For the full AirlineRatings.com list, visit the airline safety and product rating review outfit's website.
Last time the Yeah Yeah Yeahs came to Sydney charismatic frontwoman Karen O traded in her jet-black bowl cut for a platinum wig and Jesus robes — just one of the elaborate costumes featured in her ambitious "psycho opera" Stop the Virgens. Unusual, sure, but live performance has always been an integral part of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' magnetism. When the band comes back to play Big Day Out 2013 there may or may not be kaleidoscopic kimonos and headpieces the size of hot air balloons, but it's the band's infectious sound that won them critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. "Maps" isn't just an adolescent anthem 'cause there aren't enough lyrics to mess up. However seeing the band's frontwoman writhe around on stage is undoubtedly a bonus, and if your vision is obscured by the inevitable sea of frenetically surging bodies on the 18th you can always catch their Metro Theatre sideshow. Tickets for that one go on sale Friday, 21 September. https://youtube.com/watch?v=auzfTPp4moA
Let's face it, this year's been rough. So, if you feel ready to phone in the rest of 2021, we get it. And, thanks to our mates at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, you kind of can. Every Tuesday in November, the passionate gallery hosts at MCA will be available to take your contemporary art calls via the MCA Art Phone. So, there's no need to get hung up on what the rest of 2021 has in store. Instead, have casual phone call with an art expert who will talk you through every detail of an artwork from the MCA Collection while also helping to dial back your existential dread. To get involved, simply book your Art Phone conversation online. Then, a gallery host will get in touch to talk you through one of the incredible artworks from the MCA Collection at your selected time. But, make sure you add it to your diary — if you don't answer after two attempts, the gallery hosts will assume you're trying to ghost them. Contemporary art is only one call away. The Museum of Contemporary Art's Art Phone is now running every Tuesday in November. To stay up to date, and to book your conversation, visit the website.
Google has just released photos of their in-the-works augmented reality glasses prototype. And while the glasses might not be the sexiest on the market, they certainly have functional appeal. The initiative, 'Project Glass', represents the company's first attempt at a wearable product. The glasses appear and function much like regular eyeglasses...that is, if your eyeglasses' lens could stream video, text messages, maps, and the weather forecast - all in real time. Operating via voice command, these glasses can also record video or take pictures of what is being viewed through them. Project Glass' Google Plus press release stated the initiative's belief that, "technology should work for you - to be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't." The beta release of the glasses is expected to generate conversation and feedback to the company about what customers would like to see from Project Glass. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9c6W4CCU9M4 [via PSFK]
"Kidnapping, cults, death. Your friendships are a little more complicated than most." So says Elijah Wood in the new trailer for one of 2023's most-anticipated TV returns: Yellowjackets, which'll finally be back for season two from late March. Fans of the show would expect nothing less than Wood's concise summary, given this instantly intriguing (and excellent) series follows a New Jersey high school's girls soccer team in the 90s after they crash in the forest and possibly turn to cannibalism — plus the aftermath among the survivors 25 years later. Indeed, already in season one, life and friendship have proven complex for Yellowjackets' core quartet of Shauna (Don't Look Up's Melanie Lynskey as an adult, and also The Kid Detective's Sophie Nélisse as a teenager), Natalie (Welcome to Chippendales' Juliette Lewis, plus The Book of Boba Fett's Sophie Thatcher), Taissa (Billions' Tawny Cypress, and also Scream's Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Misty (Wednesday's Christina Ricci, as well as Shameless' Samantha Hanratty). Also in the works in the show's second season, as based on the just-dropped sneak peek: Natalie been guided through her memories, snowy climes aplenty, the eerie symbol that's always been at the heart of the series, frantic dances, long treks, guns and axes, and a new connection between Misty and newcomer Walter (Wood), a citizen detective. Ominous words abound, too, such as "darkness, we brought it back with us", "it's happening again, isn't it", "we weren't alone out there" and "this isn't where we're supposed to be". The setup, for Yellowjackets first timers: back in 1996, en route to a big match in Seattle on a private plane, Shauna, Natalie, Taissa, Misty and the rest of their teammates entered Lost survivalist territory. The accident saw everyone who walked away stranded in the wilderness — and those who then made it through that ordeal stuck out there for 19 months, living their worst Alive-meets-Lord of the Flies lives. After proving one of 2021's best new series and quickly getting picked up for a second season, Yellowjackets will start unfurling its next batch of episodes from Friday, March 24 via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand, as announced in late 2022. Season two will pick up after a heap of chaos in both timeframes, and with new faces among the cast. Introducing more of the team in their adult guise is very much on the agenda, including Simone Kessell (Muru) playing the older Lottie and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) as the older Van. In their younger years, both characters are played by Australian actors, with Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) as Lottie and and Liv Hewson (Santa Clarita Diet) as Van. Also, this won't be the end of the story, with the show already renewed for season three before its second season even airs. Check out the new teaser for Yellowjackets season two below: Season two of Yellowjackets will start streaming from Friday, March 24 via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one.
The Rocks is serving up all your Christmastime needs in its cobblestone streets this holiday season — from bespoke gifts and decorations to joyful meals and festive drinks. The historic neighbourhood's annual Christmas Markets will run every Friday through Sunday from December 4–20. Plus, it'll have a special Christmas Eve market on Thursday, December 24, should you need to pick up any last-minute pressies. From the vast array of stallholders, expect artisanal gifts like personalised engraved jewellery from Roubos Club, handmade cheeseboards from Good in Wood, sweat treats Patisserie Confiserie and shaving kits from Stuga. Not only that, but The Rocks will be decked out to the nines, transforming the precinct into a Christmas wonderland. There'll be ambient lighting at the First Fleet Park stairway as you head into The Rocks, alongside Christmas trees, lamp post decorations and fairy lights along George Street. Nurses Walk will have seven-foot Christmas trees, Nutcracker statues and star lanterns festooning the laneway. You can also wander under a 30-metre-long canopy of baubles and mistletoe. Then, head to Playfair Street where you'll find the Insta-worthy Jingle Bell Rocks Station, complete with a custom-built gold train, station signs, more trees and cheery Christmas tunes. A variety of live music will also take over The Rocks, with a mixture of Christmas covers and mashups. Kicking things off will be local drag queen and Mariah Carey impersonator Vanity Faire, performing in First Fleet Park at 6.30pm on Friday, December 4. She'll take the stage with a crew of dancers, backdropped by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Expect her to sing all of Mariah's festive hits — and yes, that includes 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'. The Rocks' usual shops will be done up in your standard red-and-green, silver-and-gold hues, too. There'll also be plenty of festive treats from street food vendors, so you can refuel on some tasty snacks, then keep working through your gift list. And, the local bars and pubs have you covered post-shopping, from craft brews at Endeavor Tap Rooms to cocktails on Mrs Jones' terrace. [caption id="attachment_790386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Craven Images[/caption] The Christmas Markets will be open from 10am–8pm each Friday and Saturday and from 10am–5pm on Sundays. On Christmas Eve, the market will be open from 11am–6pm. Top images: Anna Kucera
Pour red wine down the front of it. Cover it in tomato sauce. Sweat in it till you can sweat no more. The Silic self-cleaning T-shirt will act like you're not even there, because it's pretty much impervious to stains. Set to be funded via a Kickstarter campaign that's gone bananas, having met its stretch goal 13 times over, the Silic represents a breakthrough in fabric technology. Created by Aamir Patel, in collaboration with an ex-Vera Wang designer, the T-shirt depends upon what's known as 'hydrophobic nanotechnology'. In other words, the fabric is covered in billions of microscopic silica particles. These create a layer of air, causing any liquids that hit to form a sphere and roll away immediately. Many similar technologies tend to disappear as soon as the garment is cleaned, but the Silic remains stain-proof after 80 sessions in the washing machine. Plus, according to the designers, it's been created according to safe, non-cancerous processes. Production is set to happen in Silicon Valley, in a facility that's been responsible for manufacturing goods for Nike and Levi's. Currently available in black and white, the Silic boasts a simple yet stylish design. It's said to "enhance any torso, which gives a bold look". If you're interested in committing to a pledge before the campaign finishes up on Australia Day, US$48 will buy you one shirt, US$88 two, US$138 three and US$199 five.
Call it the City of Angels. Call it the City of Stars. Call it Tinseltown, too. Whichever you go with, Los Angeles isn't short on tourist attractions, especially if you're fond of show business. But if you grew up playing Nintendo's games, you've now got one must-visit Hollywood spot to head to: Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. Let's go! This is the globe's second-ever theme park area dedicated to the company and all of its video-game characters, after the first IRL Nintendo-themed amusement park opened in Osaka in Japan in 2022. The attraction's US debut has been in the works for a while, but finally opened its doors on Friday, February 17 — complete with a new way to play everyone's beloved Mario Kart beyond the many various devices that the game has popped up on over the years, not to mention Google Maps, mobile phones and reality. Clearly, you can never have too much Mario in your life. 2023 is also the year that a new Super Mario Bros movie is hitting cinemas, after all. Head to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, however, and you won't just be staring at a screen. Looking as glorious as its Japanese counterpart, the LA site features life-sized recreations of both Bowser's Castle (complete with spiked fences and heavy iron doors) and Peach's Castle, plus Mario Kart rides as well. Also, themed shopping and dining are a part of the experience, of course, including slurping mushroom soup out of the cutest mushroom bowl — with a red-and-white lid — that you've ever seen. Just walking around the space is a drawcard enough, with warp pipes, piranha plants and question blocks all part of the larger-than-life design. The colours are as bright as in the games, too, and you really can enter through a green tube, then punch blocks to collect coins — digital ones, but still coins — as you wander. Hollywood's Mario Kart fix comes courtesy of Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, a twist on Osaka's version that focuses on Koopas. Inspired by the games, it uses augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology — but there's also a moving track, plus genuine Mario Kart set pieces along the way. So, you'll sit in a vehicle and navigate courses, including underwater and in the clouds, but on a rail and with AR helping fill in the details. Thanks to the blend physical sets, technology and projections, you really will feel like you're in the game. To even get to the ride, you need to queue from Mount Beanpole, one of the park's towering landmarks. And, you'll also see the aforementioned Bowser's Castle, which no one will miss with its massive statue of its namesake out the front. Inside, there are corridors and passages to wind through as you make your way towards the IRL Mario Kart. Also a highlight: the Toadstool Cafe, which is where that soup comes in. The menu spans themed dishes such as toadstool cheesy garlic knots, piranha plant caprese, the Mario bacon cheeseburger, the Luigi pesto chicken burger, question block tiramisu and Princess Peach cupcakes. And, like the Osaka venue, Hollywood's Super Nintendo World features wearable wrist bands, called Power Up Bands, which connect to a special app and allow patrons to interact with the site using their arms, hands and bodies. That's how you collect coins just like Mario does in the Super Mario games. Super Nintendo World is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. For more information, head to the theme park's website. 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.
Grab your bowling ball and swap your bathrobe for your best purple outfit — The Jesus Rolls, the two-decades-later spinoff to the Coen Brothers' 1998 cult comedy The Big Lebowski, is due to hit the big screen this year. Instead of abiding by The Dude (Jeff Bridges), this follow-up spends time with John Turturro's Jesus Quintana, whose love of flinging gleaming balls down lanes means that he obviously isn't a golfer. Of course, if you still want to pour a white russian to celebrate this return excursion to the Lebowski universe, that's both understandable and warranted. Turturro not only stars, but writes and directs The Jesus Rolls, which was actually filmed back in 2016. Cast-wise, he's joined by a heap of familiar faces, including Bobby Cannavale, Audrey Tautou, Jon Hamm, Susan Sarandon, Christopher Walken and Pete Davidson. In addition to following Quintana's exploits post-Big Lebowski, The Jesus Rolls also acts as a remake of 1974 French film Going Places. As per the official synopsis, the picture is set joins its eponymous figure "hours after being released from prison", when he"pairs up with fellow misfits Petey (Cannavale) and Marie (Tautou), and embarks on a freewheeling joyride of petty crime and romance". And that's exactly what happens in The Jesus Rolls' just-dropped first trailer. As revealed last year, the movie will release in the US in March, just in time for The Big Lebowski's 22nd anniversary — and while plans Down Under haven't yet been revealed, start crossing your fingers. Check out The Jesus Rolls' trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLAmpku4fyg&feature=emb_logo The Jesus Rolls hits US cinemas on March 6, 2020. We'll update you with local release details if and when they come to hand.
Sappho's is a cafe and wine bar as well as a secondhand bookshop, and it has the loyal custom of many of the local Sydney University students. The little shop has a huge range of books packed into every shelf, ranging in subject matter, and it 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 are so well kept you'll want to frame them. You're welcome to 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. Image: Daniel Boud/Destination NSW.
Perched atop the Harbord Hotel, Bombie's is the hottest beachside hangout this year. In collaboration with Doom Juice, the 70s-inspired rooftop bar is kicking off a weekly dinner club on Thursday nights. Have a cheeky boogie and soak in the stunning view of Freshwater Beach before a night of surprise dishes, paired with lo-fi drops from Doom Juice Wine. Expect (or don't expect, it could be something else entirely) zesty tuna tostadas, smoky lamb riblets and spiced sweet potato wedges. Dinner is served to the soundtrack of jazz grooves and soulful jams from Beat Mystique, who improvise their sets and build the vibe in real time. Be quick — there's a bottle of Doom Juice on the house for the first six bookings every week. Images: supplied.
Now that outdoor gatherings are back on the cards, Sydneysiders who have rolled up their sleeves to get the jab have also been rolling out their picnic blankets for outdoor hangs with four fully vaxxed mates. By now, you've probably attended a handful of slapdash picnics where seeing your friends was top of the agenda. Now, it's time to take things up a notch. Enter Karina Findley: the brains behind The Picnic Club — a boutique service that curates chic picnics for all al fresco occasions, from social catch-ups to bridal parties, anniversaries and even proposals. Now that picnics are back, it's no surprise that Findley has been in high demand of late. "As soon as Gladys mentioned the word 'picnic', that was it," says Findley. "It's absolutely blown up." So what are the foundations of a good picnic? According to Findley, it's about the company first and foremost. Then: location, location. "A nice view is very important. My favourite [spots] are Lawn 33 at the Royal Botanical Garden and Willow Pond in Centennial Park." Amenities should factor into planning — "especially important if you're having a few drinks" — and, of course, an abundance of snacks. Together with our friends at Rosie Spritz, we asked Findley to share her top six picnic essentials that'll help level up your next one — because nobody wants to sit on a beaten-up tarp topped with a plate of Jatz and cut-up cabanossi. Check out Findley's absolute picnic musts, head to your local bottle-o and pick up a four-pack of Rosie Spritz, and make a beeline to your favourite (BYO-friendly) park, stat. [caption id="attachment_827561" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Tartan Blanket Co[/caption] THE PERFECT BLANKET In life, a solid foundation is the key to success — and same goes for picnics. That's why, according to Findley, a good blanket on which to lay your spread is crucial. "You want something that's really nice for the setting. But you don't want to be going to a picnic and carrying kilos of items. We do that when we set up for The Picnic Club, but it's not great for DIY," she says. There are a few things to look for when selecting the perfect rug. According to the expert: "It needs to be large because you're going to have friends, food, drink and lots of other things on there. Also something that's got a waterproof lining underneath in case the ground is damp is ideal." The picnic queen loves this blanket from The Tartan Blanket Co. "It's light and has a chic leather carry strap, so it's easy to carry once you've finished or if you're planning to take a walk after," she says. [caption id="attachment_827404" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Beach People[/caption] AN INSULATED PICNIC BASKET A day in the sun with mates is glorious, but you know what can sour things? A tepid spritz because you didn't pop it in a cooler bag. And, as it turns out, not all insulated items are created equal. "Eskies are great, but they're a bit too bulky. Whereas a picnic basket — especially one that's insulated — is great because you can put everything in there neatly, including both edible items and utensils and napkins; things that wouldn't fare very well inside a cooler," says Findley. "They can also be really light, so you can easily carry it with one hand and not have to be dragging it to your picnic spot." Her pick: this insulated wicker number from The Beach People. [caption id="attachment_827407" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Goodness Gracious Sydney[/caption] SOMETHING TO GRAZE ON Snacks are without a doubt the most important player in the picnic game. "You want to have enough that you can lightly graze on throughout the day without completely filling yourselves up, and ensuring there's enough for everyone to go around," says Findley. "If you're going the DIY route, you'll want a few different cheeses — a hard cheese, a soft cheese and a blue cheese. Olives are essential, along with a selection of deli meats, chips, crackers and dips. Then some kind of fruit — strawberries are always a good option." Don't want the hassle of creating your own lavish spread? If you're planning a luxe picnic for a large group, Findley recommends local business Goodness Gracious Sydney for all your pre-made platter needs. [caption id="attachment_796979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ultra Violette[/caption] PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS While embracing the great outdoors, it's always important to slip, slop and slap. For Findley, sunscreen is a non-negotiable. "The Sydney sun can be brutal, so sun protection is a must. Pack sunscreen for your face and body as well as a hat (and perhaps a few extras in case picnic guests forget theirs)." Her protection picks are Ultra Violette sunscreen and a chic sun hat from Jac Cedeaux. Because we're still in the midst of a pandemic, other protections are a must, too. "These days, I usually pop a few spare disposable face masks in my kit, and sanitiser is a must for good hygiene and sticky hands," Findley tells us. ENTERTAINMENT "First things first, some background music is always nice. Bring along a portable speaker and let everyone add their songs to a Spotify playlist — one of my friends likes Phil Collins, the other likes soft house," says Findley. "It means you get some variety on the day." With the mood appropriately set, you'll want to keep the party going. One way of doing this is with picnic games, for which Findley recommends Planet Finska. "At The Picnic Club, we love boules, giant Jenga, Finska, quoits and croquet on rotation." For smaller gatherings, she reckons you can't go past a classic: "Uno is a nice bit of nostalgic fun." [caption id="attachment_826867" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eco Bee Studio, Rebecca Blackman[/caption] BEESWAX WRAPS So, the sun is setting and it's time to pack up, but there's a heap of leftovers. Over-catering is not uncommon — as Findley says: "you don't want to run out [of food]." Her solution is both eco-friendly and efficient when it comes to packing up your basket after a day in the sun. Bring a few beeswax wraps — Findley suggests ones from Eco Bee Studio — in lieu of takeaway containers. After all, as Findley sagely says: "good cheese should never go to waste." And that's it folks. Add Karina Findley's picnic essentials to your swag for your next park hang with mates — we're sure it'll be an upgrade from sitting on wet, itchy grass and having to make do with a single packet of chips. Rosie Spritz is an ideal springtime sip and is available at BWS, Dan Murphy's and First Choice Liquor stores across Sydney. For more picnic inspiration, check out our guides to idyllic picnic spots where you can BYO booze in Sydney's inner west, inner city, lower north shore, eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Top image (in order): Brooke Zotti and The Picnic Club Remember to Drinkwise.
The Grounds of Alexandria's celebrity pig Kevin Bacon has had quite a time at the property, including a viral pig-napping and surviving a snake bite in 2013. Now, Kev is moving on to a much-deserved retirement and The Grounds wants you to join in on the farewell festivities. In honour of the big guy, The Grounds presents 7 Weeks of Kevin: seven weeks of celebrations that everyone can participate in. While the merriment has already kicked off with a laneway installation dedicated to the pig of the moment, you can also look forward to eating Kevin's Pig-Out Cake from The Grounds' Cafe from Monday, July 9, plus five other weeks of Kev-worthy entertainment. At the end of the shenanigans, it'll be time to say goodbye to our favourite pig after his five-year residency — but don't be too tearful. Kev will unite with family at The Riverside Eco Farm Retreat, and The Grounds will welcome the latest addition to the property: a "young prince in the waiting".
Sydney Theatre Company’s Rough Drafts are regular components of the organisation’s program that provide a pressure-free opportunity for theatre practitioners to experiment with new ideas, collaborations and ways of creating theatre together. Rough Drafts are not solely focused on just developing scripts; their vision is to create theatre. Over a week-long creative development program, participants focus on the creation process rather than being preoccupied with the end product and as a result, failure is not only accepted but also encouraged. After all, in the immortal words of Johnny Cash “you build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone”. These stepping stones ultimately lead to an invitation for the public to enjoy a free, exclusive showing of the week’s development that gives audiences a rare chance to understand the intricacies of the creative process. The newest product to come forth from this theatrical experimentation is Rough Draft’s 20th piece, An Alphabet of Arousal. This brand new work by award-winning playwright Angus Cerini and STC Co-Resident Director Sarah Giles introduces us to returned soldier Charlie and explores how the post-traumatic impact of modern warfare affects relationships and how attempts at reconnection can lead to a downward spiral. Wharf 2 Theatre will provide the theatrical arena. Tickets are free, bookings are essential and can be done through the STC Box Office (02 9250 1777) or at sydneytheatre.com.au
It’s a sad news day for all the swashbuckling pirates among you. Australian film company Village Roadshow has started a court action to shut down movie streaming website SolarMovie. After the Federal Government passed a bill to amended Australia’s copyright right laws in June of 2015, we were all expecting the worst. We’re sorry to say that while it’s taken eight months to affect any change, the laws are finally being utilised to our disadvantage. We’re assuming that half of you reading this zoned out, opened IMDB in a new tab and are now slowly finding torrents to download every film in the top 1000 while you still can. Graham Burke, co-chief executive of Village Roadshow told the ABC they’ll be targeting SolarMovie, because they’re a “vicious bunch of thieves.” Burke went on to say the site's advertising was harmful to children “If your kids go to that website, they're encouraged to gamble with no age limit; there's sexual ads there." For the record, it’s called ad-blocker dude, look it up. SolarMovie will most likely be black-listed for Aussies using DNS blocking, whereby the the DNS (domain name system), which connects readable site addresses with their internet address (IP address), is diverted and unable to connect the site name and the IP address. It's the simplest way to block sites but doesn't take the site offline at the source, so thankfully there are some easy ways around it. A VPN will do the trick, or there are more comprehensive (and free) services like TOR, which allows you browse anonymously but can seriously slow down your internet speeds as protects you by rerouting your web browsing over an encrypted network It’s only the first in a series of court actions aimed at decimating our human right to watch Broad City for free. Foxtel is expected to announce in the coming days that they will seek to block four of the biggest piracy websites, including dear friend to all poor students, The Pirate Bay. People around the world are up in arms about harsh anti-piracy legislation, often because it errs on the side of media conglomerates, can strip people of their autonomy and doesn’t address the problem at the core of it all ($14.95 for an overnight release from Blockbuster was too much, damn it). Australians have shown that they’re willing to spend money on legit streaming services (hello Netflix, Stan, maybe Presto) if easy and available and studies keep turning up the same data: people who pirate often spend more on media than people who don’t. Sigh. Guess it’s a good time to start shopping around for a VPN that works, guys. Via ABC.
As the mercury rises, Australian cities come to life. Rooftop bars transform under the summer sun, the streets feel alive, and you start feeling that itch to explore. Call it a sign, but Vibe Hotels have decided to bring their Black Friday sale forward to match that exact feeling. From now until Tuesday, December 2 you can score 20 percent off at each of their hotels. Plus, sign up to the e-Club to receive an additional discount and instant reward every time you stay. From waterside gems to sun-drenched rooftop bars, these cities make for the perfect summer breaks. Adelaide [caption id="attachment_1043290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vibe Hotel Adelaide[/caption] Adelaide is often overlooked as a summer getaway thanks to its reputation as a city of churches. But, in reality, it's a foodie mecca, fringed with endless beaches. Base yourself at Vibe Hotel Adelaide, naturally. Start your day with a leafy walk to breakfast at sacred local spot Exchange Coffee as you plan which of Adelaide's beaches you'll spend the day lazing at: Glenelg, Henley, or slightly further out Port Noarlunga. Take a day trip to Kangaroo Island for more ridiculous beaches and wild life spotting. Or, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to wineries: Barossa, McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, and the Clare Valley are all easy day trips. After a long day exploring, head back to your hotel for dinner at Storehouse Flinders East. Hobart Thanks to Dark Mofo, Hobart has earned a reputation as a winter city. But ask any local and they'll tell you it's a city made for summer. Vibe Hotel Hobart has a location perfect for exploring everything the city has to offer with onsite restaurant Belvedere showcasing the Apple Isle's bountiful produce. For more local-approved bites, head to hole in the wall wine bar Sonny or, for a sun-dappled beer garden, try Preachers in historic Battery Point. Hobart is the best place to make the most of Tasmania's wilderness with countless day trips at your fingertips. Spot wombats and dip in crystal clear waters at Maria Island, stand at the edge of the world in the Tasman National Park, or take a foodie tour of Bruny Island. If the Tasmanian summer isn't quite summering, thaw out in the heated swimming pool at your hotel. Subiaco [caption id="attachment_1041855" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rottnest Island, Fabian Kühne[/caption] Subiaco—known affectionately as Subi to locals—is an ultra-sleek pocket of inner city Perth. You'll find excellent coffee, fine dining, and of course, Vibe Hotel Subiaco right in the thick of it. And, one of the city's favourite restaurants, Storehouse Subiaco is perched right on the roof with unparalleled views of the city skyline. Rokeby Road cuts through the heart of Subi and is lined with chic boutiques, galleries and some of Perth's best dining. Yiamas, Shui, Lulu La Delizia are some of the suburb's best eats. If you're taking a weekend break, stop by the Subiaco Station Markets to sample the local produce. You'll also find the Regal Theatre, one of the last live theatres in Perth within walking distance from your hotel. If you're craving beaches, you're conveniently staying on the train line to Fremantle. Fremantle is not only home to some of Perth's best beaches, but is also the departure point to access Rottnest Island. Melbourne [caption id="attachment_1043679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vibe Hotel Melbourne[/caption] Finding a reason to spend a weekend in Melbourne is one of life's easier tasks. When you add Vibe Hotel's 20 percent off Black Friday discount, its almost like you have to go. Fleet Rooftop sits 68 metres high above the Vibe Hotel Melbourne. Start your trip here with cocktails, artfully served small plates and a stellar view of the Melbourne skyline. You'll be staying right in the centre of the city so you can spend your trip weaving through laneways and arcades as you discover the cafes, bars and vintage boutiques. Catch a show at the nearby historic East End Theatre District. Or, back at your hotel, unwind in the pool before heading back to the rooftop for sunset. Vibe Melbourne Docklands also offers amazing views of the city and Yarra River with leisure facilities including a 28-metre heated rooftop pool (one of Melbourne's largest), a steam room and well-equipped gym. On the edge of the free city circle tram, you'll be in the heart of the city within 15 minutes while enjoying the more laidback atmosphere of the Docklands waterfront precinct. Darling Harbour [caption id="attachment_1043678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour[/caption] Sometimes you just need a getaway to take a moment to enjoy Sydney's summer from a rooftop pool. Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour is the perfect place to do just that. Spend a weekend soaking up the sun from a poolside cabana with views out across the city. Then, as the sun begins to set, head over to Above 319, the hotel's rooftop bar for cocktails before enjoying a night out in Sydney. Try Pakistani food at Lal Qila, treat yourself to Japanese fine dining at nearby Nobu's or nab a reservation at Sydney institution, Bennelong. Make the most of summer and while away a weekend taking advantage of Sydney's beaches before you head back home to reality. Catch a ferry from Darling Harbour to locally loved beaches like Milk Beach or Camp Cove. Darwin Ask what people love about Darwin and two things come to mind. First, it's the city's technicolour sunsets (best viewed from the Darwin Sailing Club). Second, it's the quality of the laksa available thanks to Darwin's proximity to South East Asia. You'll find some of the best at Mary's Laksa at the weekly Parap Village Markets alongside satay and fresh tropical fruits. Head inland and visit Litchfield National Park for wild swimming in shaded outback lagoons. Then, to escape the tropical heat, duck into the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for one of the country's best displays of Indigenous art. Vibe Hotel Darwin drops you in the heart of it all with its prime position by the waterfront precinct and Darwin Lagoon. Canberra Canberra is criminally underrated as a weekend getaway, and Vibe Hotel Canberra makes for the perfect base to see it all. The sprawling grounds of Parliament House sit at its heart. Just outside the grassy knolls of our political centre, you'll find the National Portrait Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia. Don't miss the Sculpture Garden's 26 outdoor pieces, including Within Without (2010) by James Turrell. After exploring, dive into Canberra's food scene. For cocktails, a kitschy styled space and small plates stop by Such and Such. For lunch, Sanducci does a daily rotation of—not to be dramatic—life changing sandwiches. It's worth slipping beyond the city limits to visit Canberra's vineyards, like Mount Majura, and Australia's tallest peak, Mt Kosciusko. The trails are unburdened by snow in the summer making it a perfect time to visit. Book your summer getaway now with 20 percent off stays at the Vibe Hotels website. Plus sign up to their eClub and receive an additional discount and instant reward every time you stay.
Fans of Asian eats will be no strangers to Chippendale's Kensington Street, aka Spice Alley, the hawker-style dining precinct where Singaporean, Malaysian, Thai, Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes have been on the menu for years. Now, the Land of the Rising Sun's fare has joined this roll call of eastern cuisines, with the addition of Spice Alley's new Japanese Quarter. The two new Japanese venues are modelled after the compact hole-in-the-wall diners and izakayas dotted throughout Tokyo's busy laneways, and bring Spice Alley's complement of restaurants and bars to ten. Devised by Kevin Vu Ha, who trained under sushi master Ryuichi Yoshii at Yoshii Omakase in Barangaroo, Japanese Quarter also offers a taste of Tokyo's vibrant cocktail scene, drawing on Vu Ha's time working with legendary Japanese bartender Hidetsugu Ueno San of award-winning bar High Five. Japan's fast and satisfying street eats dominate the menu at Tabe-ru, where ramen, sushi, donburi and yakitori dishes are available for under $15 throughout winter. Think: crab rolls, wagyu beef donburi, black garlic ramen, chicken katsu curry and salmon sashimi. Just like its Tokyo counterparts, Tabe-ru is built for speed, with diners collecting their orders directly from the kitchen and eating al fresco at the tables out front. Next door, Nomu is an intimate cocktail nook serving up Japanese classics — expect plenty of highballs — as well as a selection of Japanese beers, shochus and sakés, both chilled and warm. With nods to both Japan's traditional decor and its pop culture, the fitout is a riot of manga murals, paper lanterns and bamboo trunks for an immersive experience that might help tide you over until you can next visit Tokyo in person. Find Nomu at 40 Kensington Street, Chippendale, open 4–11pm Tuesday–Thursday and 4pm–midnight Friday–Saturday — and find Tabe-ru at 38 Kensington Street, Chippendale, open daily 11am–9.30pm.
Maybe you loved her when she was riding BMX bikes with her curls trailing in the wind. Perhaps you know every word to every song she sings in Moulin Rouge!. Or, you could've enjoyed her villainous turn in Paddington. Whichever category fits, if you're a fan of Nicole Kidman then you'll want to make your way to the Ritz Cinema's latest retrospective. The Australian actor is in the spotlight weekly from Wednesday, April 7–Saturday, June 26, with 13 of her movies hitting the big screen. Other highlights include Dead Calm and its sailing trip gone wrong, To Die For's icy tale of an aspiring TV presenter, the bumps and jumps of haunted house movie The Others, the page-to-screen dramas of The Portrait of a Lady and Kidman's phenomenal performance in Eyes Wide Shut. You'll be sampling some standout works from a number of great directors, too, given that the aforementioned films include movies by Baz Luhrmann, Gus Van Sant, Jane Campion and Stanley Kubrick. The Hours, Dogville, The Stepford Wives, Birth and Margot at the Wedding round out the program — and yes, looks back at iconic pictures in themed lineups has been helping to fill Sydney's big screens while the new release slate has been forced to adapt to the pandemic. Each movie screens at 7pm on a Wednesday night, except Paddington — which is on at the family-friendly time of 11am on a Saturday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSS47StLOhk
Visitors along Victoria's legendary Great Ocean Road who are planning to swing by the famous Great Apostles will soon have to have a card or cash ready — the legendary coastal landmark is enacting an entry tax for visitors in a controversial new decision from the Victorian government announced on Monday. Attached to the upcoming Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, a construction project costing $128 million that's set to open up at the end of the year, the new entry fee is intended to go towards the centre's upkeep, as well as funding ongoing upkeep and restorations to beaches and other landmarks in the Great Ocean Road region. Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos explained that "We're investing in the future of the Great Ocean Road region and making sure every single cent spent in the region stays there," adding that "It's only fair that visitors to the region pay a small fee to visit this world-class destination so that we can maintain it for future generations." [caption id="attachment_1081243" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] iStock[/caption] The exact cost of the new fee is yet to be determined, but will be decided in consultation with local councils, traditional owners and businesses throughout southwest Victoria. Locals and members of the Eastern Maar community will not be charged. To help mitigate the flow of visitors (according to the ABC, on average, two million of the Great Ocean Road's typical six million tourists visit the Twelve Apostles), a new booking system will also be enacted to guarantee parking at peak times. Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Chair, Andrew Jeffers, said "Managing visitation at the Twelve Apostles will help protect the landscape, support local communities, reduce congestion and ensure visitors have a much better experience when they come to see one of Australia's most iconic natural attractions," adding that many natural landmarks around Australia and the world now charge entry fees. Expectedly, many are unhappy about the change. When The Guardian shared the news, one commenter wrote "I don't mind a fee for visitors, like most National Parks in the USA and Canada charge, but I think Victorian residents should be exempt," while one user in 9 News Melbourne's comments section added pointedly "I'm only paying if I can see all 12 of them." [caption id="attachment_1081244" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] iStock[/caption]
It's not often that you're holding out hope that the temperature drops even further in winter. But a bunch of Sydney pubs are encouraging you to do just that this chilly season. As the temperature drops, beer lovers turn to their go-to winter stout, Guinness, and the iconic brewery has enlisted the help of a group of beloved Sydney stalwarts to give away free pints as the mercury falls. The concept is simple. If the temperature drops below nine degrees during the month of June, there are free pints of Guinness on offer. To claim your complimentary beer, head to one of the participating venues and show the bartender Guinness' Brewery of Meteorology site which will display the temperature. Some of the pubs taking part in the promotion include The Carrington and Keg & Brew in Surry Hills; The Dog Hotel, Jimmy's Bar and Horses Hotel in Randwick; The Village Inn in Paddington; Woollahra Hotel and Lord Dudley Hotel in Woollhara; Grand Hotel, Tea Gardens Hoel and Beach Road Hotel in Bondi; Charing Cross Hotel in Waverley; Clovelly Hotel; Coogee Beach Club; and Woolloomoolloo's East Sydney Hotel. [caption id="attachment_681981" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beach Road Hotel[/caption] Adding to this celebration of the colder months, Guinness has also created a set of merino-wool thermals covered in the iconic Guinness harp. If your passion for the historic beer extends far enough that you want to represent it on your body, you can win a pair of the limited-edition thermals via the Brewery of Meteorology website. "As the weather gets cooler, there's nothing better than rugging up and enjoying a Guinness," said Guinness' appointed meteorologist, beloved celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge. "I'll be keeping an eye on the temperature this winter, and when it drops I hope to see plenty of Guinness fans donning their Guinness thermals and heading to a cosy pub to enjoy a pint." For more information on the Guinness giveaway and to enter to win the Guinness-branded thermals, head to the Brewery of Meteorology website. Top image: Cassandra Hannagan
