If a cruisy Byron Bay getaway is your dream kind of getaway, you'll soon have a new place to stay at your favourite vacation spot. After welcoming Hotel Marvell in 2023, the beachside New South Wales town will next see the boutique Basq House join its accommodation options, complete with 32 rooms, communal spaces that encourage guests to hang out and a focus on wellness. Set to open in autumn 2024, with an exact date yet to be revealed, Basq House is pitching itself as an oasis for relaxing, rather than a base for being seen among the always-popular tourist spot's social scene. Accordingly, as well as a place to slumber, the hotel will feature plenty of inclusions for making the most of your accommodation — by the pool, at the bar and on the roof. If you're keen for a splash, the pool will sit in the centre of the property, flanked by sun loungers, cabanas and ample greenery. Some hotel rooms will look out over the glistening water, with others getting a Marvel Street or Fletcher Lane view. Eager for an onsite beverage? The hotel's reception will double as a bar, while there'll also be a lounge room that takes its cues from speakeasies. Prefer to while away your holiday with a book in your hand? That's where the library with its floor-to-ceiling shelves, sofas and fireplace for the winter months will come in. Head up to the rooftop and yoga, meditation sessions and sunset drinks will await, plus stargazing stints. Personal training classes with a view will also grace the hotel's top level, giving guests prime motivation to enjoy a workout while they're vacationing. For de-stressing elsewhere, a wellness centre will reside over multiple levels, featuring massages and floatation tanks as well as ice plunges and infrared saunas. Among the design features and decor, the staircase leading to the rooms will boast a skylight. In the suites themselves, expect high ceilings, natural textures and calming colours. "Our remit was to deliver an authentic hotel with soul and one that stays true to its location. With Basq House, we will place a significant emphasis on strong placemaking; hotel interiors; sensory inputs such as light, sound and smell; out-of-guest-room experiences' and the delivery of pre-emptive service," said David Jones, Director of Jeremy and Jones, which is operating the hotel. Find Basq House at Fletcher Lane, Byron Bay, in autumn 2024 — head to the hotel's website for further details.
Is your aesthetic still stuck in the greys and navy blues of winter? Well, you should hotfoot it to Precinct 75 — its upcoming design pop-up market will help you transition into summer. Across two weekends in November and December, the pop-up is returning to the St Peters creative precinct to celebrate local independent labels. Both Precinct 75 tenants and guest will be there, including homewares designers Pony Rider, Kate and Kate, Design Twins and MJG by Mr Jason Grant. Up your accessory game with finds from Uashmama and Bailey Nelson. Food stalls from Rice Pantry, Sample Roasters and Buttercream Bakery will keep you fed, while Precinct 75's Urban Winery and Willie The Boatman will be doling out the vino and beer, respectively. If you need a midway shopping break, there will be plenty of action to keep you occupied with live music, makeup tutorials hosted by Mecca Cosmetica and indoor plant advice available from The Plant Society. Even better, with free entry for you, your mates and the pooch — yes, pets are welcome — you'll have more money to spend on some new wares.
If you're keen to surround yourself with art in the most-immersive fashion on offer and you haven't yet visited The Lume, Australia's digital art gallery, then you'd better get organised: the Melbourne venue will close up on Sunday, June 1, 2025. News that the site was set to say farewell was first revealed in 2024, but with a January 2026 end date; however, those plans have now moved forward. Accordingly, The Lume will shut up shop when its present Vincent van Gogh showcase finishes. Art exhibitions are fleeting, of course, gracing walls and halls for just days, weeks or months at a time, then moving elsewhere or never being seen again. But when The Lume opened in 2021, you can be forgiven for thinking that it wouldn't be such a brief addition to Australia's cultural scene. The closure comes after Grande Experiences, the company behind it, decided not to extend its lease at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Whether you're an art lover based in the Victorian capital or elsewhere around the country, a last trip to the site means enjoying van Gogh delights, complete with The Starry Night projected large, taking over an entire room; the immersive Sunflower room, where golden petals stretch as far as the eye can see; VR experience Finding Vincent; a cafe inspired by the artist's Café Terrace at Night; and more. The Lume actually launched with the same exhibition. Also wowing audiences at the gallery since its opening: a celebration of Monet and his contemporaries, a huge showcase dedicated to First Nations artists and all things Leonardo da Vinci. Across its four-year run, The Lume has unsurprisingly proven popular, with 1.5-million visitors heading by to-date. "The Lume Melbourne has been a defining chapter in Australia's cultural landscape — a place where art, innovation and imagination came to life for millions of visitors. We are deeply grateful to our team, our partners and every guest who stepped through our doors," said Grande Experiences Founder and Chair, and The Lume Melbourne CEO, Bruce Peterson. "As we look to the future, we see an opportunity to once again redefine immersive storytelling. Rather than simply continuing, we are choosing to evolve — embracing new technologies that will take cultural experiences to even greater heights." "This was not a decision we made lightly, but one rooted in our ambition to push the boundaries of cultural storytelling even further. The landscape of immersive experiences is evolving rapidly, and we are seizing this moment to lead that evolution on a global scale. Our focus is now on creating even more groundbreaking, transformative stories through innovative new technology," Peterson continued. Melbourne's The Lume is one of two worldwide, with the other in Indianapolis in US, which is remaining open. Even as its only Australian site confirms its farewell, Grande Experiences hasn't ruled out more Aussie venues, advising that other states have flagged their interest in hosting the gallery — but nothing has been locked in so far. The Lume Melbourne will close at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Van Gogh at The Lume displays until then. Head to the venue's website for tickets and further information. Images: Grande Experiences.
Yabun — which means "music to a beat" in the Gadigal language — is an annual festival featuring a wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent. Held each year on January 26 in Camperdown, Sydney, on Gadigal Land, the festival consists of Corroboree, performances from First Nations musicians, a marketplace, discussions and speeches. After two COVID-impacted years, the festival is returning to its regular programming in Victoria Park. The musical lineup features a mix of up-and-coming and longstanding songwriters and performers. Heading up the musicians are Tia Gostelow, Aodhan, Denni and DRMNGNOW, who will be joined by Robert K Champion, Kyarna Rose and Matty Walker. In addition to the live music, there'll be traditional cultural performances, panel discussions and heaps of activities for adults and kids alike. There will also be a bunch of art, design and activist stalls for you to peruse. If you can't make it down, you can also watch via a live stream on the festival's website or tune into the yearly broadcast of the festival on Koori Radio 93.7fm. It all kicks off at 10am and will run until 10pm.
Returning for its fourth iteration, The Fork Festival sees top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for up to half the usual price. Yep, up to 50-percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. Up and running as of today, Friday, April 22, the offer is a blessing for those feeling a little light-pocketed after Easter — or thanks to the spate of long weekends we're currently enjoying. To snag a half-price meal (or, in a few cases, 30-percent off), you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app at one of the participating eateries for any service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during the six-week period. There are some great venues coming to the party, too. In Sydney, you'll find cheap eats at the likes of Kings Cross Distillery, Monopole, Sydney Brewery in Surry Hills, Diana at Potts Point, Bentley Restaurant & Bar in the CBD and Cirrus Dining at Barangaroo. You might want to revisit an old favourite or you could get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discounted feasts before the festival wraps up on Sunday, May 29. Top image: Diana.
Crime thrillers set against the Australian landscape. A monstrous figure terrorising a woman and her son. The return of a famed action franchise. An outback western as blistering as it is beautiful. They all rank among the best homegrown films of the past few years — but what'll join them in 2019? Perhaps it'll be one of these ten must-sees. The year ahead promises another diverse array of Aussie cinema, spanning local outlaws, dystopian sci-fi worlds and Northern Territory-set romantic comedies — and, of course, plenty in-between. Some, we've seen. Others, we can't wait to feast our eyes on. Either way, we have your Australian watch-list covered for the next twelve months. THE NIGHTINGALE Jennifer Kent's second feature is a film of darkness, visceral shocks and deep-seated pain. It's a movie that, from the moment its probing images start flickering across the screen, is impossible to forget. And yet, The Nightingale couldn't be more different from Kent's directorial debut, The Babadook. Set in 19th-century Tasmania and charting an Irish convict's (Aisling Franciosi) mission of revenge against a British soldier (an astonishing against-type Sam Claflin) — as well as the perilous trek, guided by an Aboriginal tracker (Baykali Ganambarr), to fulfil her furious task — Kent's exceptional sophomore film is a stunning statement about gender and race that hits hard, and often. Finally set to release in 2019, if the movie sounds familiar, that's because it made our 2018 list as well. Australian release date TBC. TOP END WEDDING After The Sapphires proved such an enormous success back in 2012, filmmaker Wayne Blair is once again joining forces with radiant star Miranda Tapsell — and this time, the latter's also co-writing the script. Premiering at Sundance this year before hitting local screens at a yet-to-be-revealed date, Top End Wedding follows couple Lauren (Tapsell) and Ned (Bohemian Rhapsody's Gwilym Lee), who are just ten days out from tying the knot. The hitch? They have to find Lauren's mother in the Northern Territory first, in this upbeat comedy set against a striking, sunny backdrop. In Australian cinemas May 2, 2019. I AM MOTHER Also headed to Sundance is dystopian sci-fi thriller I Am Mother, a film that seems familiar, story-wise, but definitely finds its own niche. Set to make a star out of its Danish lead Clara Rugaard, Grant Sputore's movie introduces viewers to a girl who has been raised in a high-tech underground bunker by a supremely intelligent robot she calls Mother (voiced by Rose Byrne). Then a stranger (Hilary Swank) arrives, and an already bleak and twisty effort delves further into its premise. I Am Mother screened as a work in progress at the 2018 Adelaide Film Festival to packed cinemas — and it's certain to garner more attention when it properly reaches Aussie theatres. Australian release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygfTbGmKRd0 HOTEL MUMBAI Primarily shot in Adelaide, and featuring an all-star cast of Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, Jason Isaacs, Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Homeland's Nazanin Boniadi, Hotel Mumbai recreates the terrifying reality of Mumbai's 2008 terrorist attacks. Largely focusing on the plight of those inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel — guests, employees and assailants alike — it's an understandably tense experience. Anthony Maras' effort should also ring a few bells and not just from real-life events, with the film another holdover from our 2018 list. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, it's set to play at Australian theatres in March. In Australian cinemas March 14, 2019. RIDE LIKE A GIRL For her first feature as a director, Rachel Griffiths takes on a sport that the country has very mixed feelings about: horse racing. But while movies about galloping around tracks aren't that uncommon in Aussie film industry, Ride Like a Girl's focus is all there in its name. Starring Berlin Syndrome's Teresa Palmer, the movie tells the tale of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. With Sam Neill and Sullivan Stapleton also among the cast, Griffiths hasn't wasted any time bringing the story to the screen, given that Payne emerged victorious in the race that stops the nation in 2015. Australian release date TBC. EMU RUNNER A small film with a big heart, Emu Runner steps into the world of nine-year-old Gem Daniels (Rhae-Kye Waites), whose quiet but happy life is torn apart by tragedy. To both her father (Wayne Blair) and the local social worker's (Georgia Blizzard) dismay, the girl starts skipping school and wandering around town — and, as often as she can, spending time in the presence of a wild emu that's forever linked to memories of her mother. Lovingly canvassing the outback landscape, writer-director Imogen Thomas crafts an affectionate film about a child trying to find her place in the world. But the film makes a sharp statement too, interrogating the clash between white and Indigenous Australian cultures, as well as the stereotypes perpetuated by the former towards the later. Australian release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_559597" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Goldstone[/caption] LOVELAND With Mystery Road and Goldstone, Ivan Sen gave Australia two fantastic outback crime thrillers. With Loveland, however, he's plunging into vastly different territory. Shooting in Hong Kong and starring Hugo Weaving and Ryan Kwanten (and, we hope, Aaron Pedersen in there somewhere), Sen's new effort is a sci-fi romance set in a futuristic Chinese mega-city. The details are sparse from there, but given the writer/director/producer/editor/cinematographer/composer's track record — including a barely seen 2009 film about UFO hunting called Dreamland — there's plenty of cause for excitement. Australian release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_702900" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] For Those in Peril[/caption] THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG Two out of three is a fantastic hit rate for a filmmaker who has only been making features since 2011. And while the less said about Assassin's Creed, the better, here's hoping that Justin Kurzel's The True History of the Kelly Gang lines up alongside the simply stunning duo that is Snowtown and Macbeth. Working with Peter Carey's novel of the same name, the Aussie director has certainly assembled a stellar cast to help relay this bushranger tale. English talent George MacKay (11.22.63, Pride, For Those in Peril) plays infamous outlaw Ned Kelly, while he's joined by fellow Brits Charlie Hunnam and Nicholas Hoult, Leave No Trace's Thomasin McKenzie, and local standouts Claudia Karvan, Essie Davis and Russell Crowe. Australian release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_702905" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Puzzle[/caption] DIRT MUSIC Another year, another Tim Winton adaptation. After the success of Breath, 2019 sees fellow Miles Franklin Award-winner Dirt Music make its way to cinemas. Unsurprisingly, a small town and the sea both play a part, with the narrative exploring a woman's (Kelly Macdonald) strained relationship with a fisherman (David Wenham), as well as the stranger (Garrett Hedlund) that she starts an affair with. Gregor Jordan — aka the last Aussie director to take on Ned Kelly — sits in the director's chair, while Aaron Pedersen and Julia Stone (yes, that Julia Stone) also feature among the cast. Australian release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BwO2I3-mRA&feature=youtu.be 2040 What will the world look like in just over two decades time? Let That Sugar Film's Damon Gameau inform you. He ate unhealthily for his last documentary, and now he's pondering the future in a film that's part doco, part visual letter. While the actor-turned-filmmaker hasn't picked up psychic abilities from all of that sugar, he has enlisted experts in climate, economics, technology, civil society, agriculture and sustainability to help with 2040. As with his last effort, it's a movie not only focused on telling a tale and educating the public, but also on making a difference. Australian release date TBC.
To say 2020 has been a tough year is an understatement, but it's worth reiterating that the impact on the hospitality industry may continue long after business has returned to 'normal'. Long gone are the days when you could rock up to a restaurant without a reservation, or enter a venue without signing in via a QR code and a customary squirt of hand sanitiser. We all know the new rules, and it's important that we still follow them to ensure our hospo friends can keep going. With varying restrictions in place in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, we wanted to find out how businesses are navigating the new normal. In partnership with Square, we've spoken with four business owners to find out how they've adapted, and what lessons they've learnt along the way. Here's what they said. "YOU NEED TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF TO HELP OTHERS" When COVID-19 restrictions were first announced, Made Well Group (Falco, Bar Liberty and Capitano) Director Michael Bascetta wasn't sure if his business would make it through to the other side. The Melbourne-based group moved quickly to create online stores for all three businesses, cross-promoting products between them. Falco shifted from solely selling bakery goods to also serving wine and meals from its sister restaurants. It also sold vouchers that could be redeemed across any of its stores, and offered bonus credit through a buy-now-eat-later scheme, as well as store merchandise. Bascetta says the biggest thing he's learnt during this period is that "you need to look after yourself in order to help everyone", and the co-founder says how grateful he is for his customers' support during such a difficult time. Moving forward, Falco will continue to cross-promote products between all venues within the Made Well Group, while continuing to serve delicious, house-made baked goods, which can be purchased in-store, online and through vouchers. "MAKE PRACTICAL DECISIONS TO SEE THE TEAM THROUGH" The first thing the team at Black Star Pastry did when COVID-19 restrictions were announced was to shutter all five stores across Sydney and Melbourne. The bakery, which is famous for its Strawberry Watermelon Cake (aka 'The World's Most Instagrammed Cake'), was forced into a new normal of online ordering, delivery and reduced trading hours. General Manager, Josef Murray, says in the early days he relied heavily on "taking the emotion out of the thought process" and "making practical decisions to see the team through". In line with varying restrictions across Victoria and New South Wales, the stores each had a different approach to the pandemic. In Victoria, under heavier restrictions, the stores launched a Melbourne-wide delivery service, while in Sydney it focused on improving the online ordering and cake collection experience. "While cake is inherently a celebratory snack, it's also a tremendous comfort during tough times," says Murray. "We are so pleased that we've been able to reopen and do our bit to bring joy to people's days in a time when we all need to savour the sweet things in life." HAVE A CAN-DO ATTITUDE "Every day really was a new day," says Nicolas Pestalozzi, Co-Founder of Fishbowl. "We were shocked. We'd never expected this curveball, but also felt confident that we could find a way to not only push through to make the most of lockdown but also to evolve and move forward." Pestalozzi and his team's can-do attitude allowed the Japanese-inspired salad bar to shift its in-store operations (going cashless, implementing the 1.5-metre distancing rules within the store and having designated hygiene marshals), as well as expand its online presence. The team began focusing heavily on digital ordering through its website and delivery apps, and created a brand new e-store named Fish-Shop. This newly created online store sells market-fresh sashimi boxes, whole fish, oysters and other Australian seafood, allowing the business to expand from the takeaway space and into catering. "Fish-Shop only came about with the closure of our stores," says Pestalozzi. "Our Feed The Frontline initiative also gave our customers the chance to order Fishbowl delivery and nominate a medical worker, friend doing it tough, hospital or teacher for a free meal," he says. "Our customers transitioning to digital has been really positive and once we have in-store traffic back to normal, we will hopefully be in a better position coming out of this than we were going in." HAVE A STRONG, MOTIVATED TEAM As Barrel One Coffee Roasters Co-owner Samuel Graham discovered "adaptation is key, and running off four hours' sleep is doable." The Sydney Northern Beaches coffee shop was able to adapt quickly to the changes imposed in March, and it went cashless as soon as restrictions were enforced. Barrel One began using Square's contactless payment system, which allowed for speedy in-store transactions and resulted in shorter lines, which made physical distancing even easier. The team also launched its weekend Breakfast Box service, which allowed customers to create their own Barrel One breakfast at home with a box of goodies delivered to their doorstep. The boxes were filled with bagels, smoked trout, cream cheese, avocado and more. Graham says his biggest lesson from the pandemic is the importance of having a strong and motivated team, and being able to create stronger connections with his customers. "Our staff are the backbone of our venues and they continue to operate at the forefront of the forever changing situation we find ourselves in. But, we are all connecting with our customers that little bit more, which is really nice," he says. "It's something I hope will stay long after this is all over." Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. Top image: Falco's team L–R: Manu Potoi, Christine Tran, Michael Bascetta and Casey Wall.
Located an hour north of Newcastle, the Bulahdelah Mountain boasts a relaxed 4.5-kilometre return hike up to the top of the mountain. Once you reach the summit, you'll be treated to expansive views of the surrounding bushland, but there's also plenty to discover on your way up. Sitting in Worimi Country, the mountain is a sacred Indigenous site with a traditional cultural space found halfway up. Throughout the hike, you'll find tree carvings that were created in 2018 by local First Nations community members. And, while you're in Bulahdelah, you can stop by the Grandis picnic area to find the tallest standing tree in NSW.
UPDATE, January 25, 2021: The Australian Dream is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. When the crowd roars, cheers or applauds at an AFL game, the sound can be deafening. Caught in the moment, thousands of people watch the sport they love and vocalise their immediate feelings, with the resulting racket echoing through football stadiums around the country. For much of his Aussie Rules career, Adam Goodes experienced that joyous onslaught of noise — as he played 372 matches for the Sydney Swans, became the all-time Indigenous games record-holder until just this past month, kicked 464 goals, won two premierships, earned the code's highest individual honour not once but twice, and was even anointed Australian of the Year. But, as the champion's on-field days came to an end, he also became the target of merciless booing. Reverberating across multiple seasons, those jeers were thunderous, too. Anyone who heard them won't easily forget them, nor should they. It's hardly surprising that Goodes decided to take a break from playing when the taunting wouldn't stop, then retired not long afterwards. The ins and outs of the behaviour directed towards him were discussed at length at the time, as were the supposed reasons for the booing, but the basics really couldn't be more simple. One of this country's greatest Indigenous athletes was shunned for embracing his culture, speaking out against racism and calling out specific attacks against him — and, instead of hearing his eloquently stated position, empathising with his suffering, and affording him the respect and decency that everyone deserves, AFL crowds voiced their displeasure in a primal and abusive way. Even when Goodes explained that he found the ordeal deeply hurtful, as anyone would, it didn't stop. Rather, he was bluntly told to toughen up. It's a bleak chapter in Australia's history — even more so because it happened so recently, between 2013–15. It's also a damning indictment of our society, indicative of defensiveness rather than a willingness to evolve, and illustrating that racial prejudice remains part of our everyday lives. From the moment that Goodes enraged some portions of the population by drawing attention to vilification hurled at him by a young Collingwood supporter, his loud-mouthed detractors have tried to rationalise their position. Contending that they oppose his supposed 'bullying' (by asking that the young girl who insulted him be removed from the match), and decrying his playing abilities and sportsmanship, their excuses have always fallen flat. But if any further evidence of their futility was needed, The Australian Dream lays bare the situation. An emotional account of Goodes' AFL career directed by experienced British sports documentarian Daniel Gordon and written by Australian journalist Stan Grant, the film offers both an intimate and an overarching view of the footballer's experiences. As well as chronicling his rise from quiet kid, to reluctant superstar, to determined anti-racism activist, it places Goodes' plight in historical and social context. Walkley Award-winner Grant also provides the movie's narration, title and thesis, and inspires its shape and structure. "The Australian Dream is rooted in racism. It is the very foundation of the dream," he announced during a rousing address back in 2015. "It is there at the birth of the nation. It is there in terra nullius," he continued, with his speech quickly going viral. It's this sentiment that the documentary unpacks. To explore Goodes' story, why the tide of public opinion turned on him in some quarters and why he still sparks heated debate, is to explore Australia's treatment of its first peoples for more than two centuries. The parallels aren't hard to spot. Indeed, in making this point, The Australian Dream isn't a subtle film. It doesn't wait for the audience to join the dots, but instead shouts its message at every turn. It tells the bulk of the nation what we already know, especially arriving so soon after fellow Goodes-focused doco The Final Quarter (which relived his final three years in the AFL solely through media footage from the time). But a subject as important as racial discrimination — including casual racism, aka comments with a racist impact even if they're not intended that way — warrants force. A documentary so thoughtfully stitched-together also justifies such bluntness, with The Australian Dream taking a broad and detailed look at its topic. Childhood photos, family recollections and archival clips combine with face-to-face chats with Goodes today, evocatively shot sequences of him traversing the country's sprawling landscape, and glimpses of the champ and his ex-Swans teammate Michael O'Loughlin attending Australia Day gatherings. When needed, historical primers fill in the gaps. So does a hefty roster of talking heads that features Goodes' loved ones, former footballers Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam, and past and present Swans coaches Paul Roos and John Longmire. Polarising figures such as Eddie McGuire and Andrew Bolt, both of whom have made unacceptable comments about Goodes in the past, are also interviewed — and if giving them screen-time seems strange, it demonstrates The Australian Dream's wholistic approach. It also exemplifies Gordon and Grant's aim to weave the spirit of reconciliation into every aspect of their film. Of course, while McGuire is in somewhat apologetic mode, his appearance — alongside the typically inflammatory Bolt — provides a strong reminder. The attitudes that The Australian Dream examines, and the racist treatment of Indigenous Australians that's been part of the nation since its formation, haven't disappeared since Goodes stepped off the field. In fact, the existence of two movies about the footballer in such short succession has made this plain. The Final Quarter received a standing ovation at its Sydney Film Festival world premiere, and finally inspired the AFL to apologise to Goodes for its lack of action. And yet, when the doco aired on TV, it was followed by a national news poll once again questioning whether the booing of Goodes was racially motivated. The Australian Dream earned widespread acclaim when it opened this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, and will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival as well. And still, when Goodes revealed that he has no desire to return to the game after his traumatic experiences — speaking in a rare interview just this past weekend, to support the picture's local theatrical release — the online trolls came out in force. That's the reality that these films belong to, as The Australian Dream confronts head-on. It's also a situation that Aussies need to keep seeing and interrogating, including in this powerful and essential documentary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRJkLgl56jk
Located five hours down the coast from Sydney, Mystery Bay Campground is set directly along a stunning stretch of ocean, and your pup is invited to share every bit of it with you. It's definitely a more rustic campsite, though firewood is available onsite. But it's a chance to truly unplug and unwind with your best mate. Go for a swim or a surf in turquoise waters, then explore the region's rocky coves together. On the way in, don't forget to stop off at Narooma, where you can grab provisions. Image: Mystery Bay Beach by Sol Ramana-Clark via Destination NSW
Surry Hills mainstay Don't Tell Aunty is getting an exciting new sibling on the other side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Co-owners and lifelong friends Varan Deep and Jai Singh are expanding, bringing the winning formula that's worked so well at their Bourke Street venue — aka Don't Tell Aunty's adventurous take on Indian street food — to Cammeray with Don't Tell Uncle. Opening on Friday, July 7, this north Sydney opening will carry over many of the beloved elements of Don't Tell Aunty. Tso's cauliflower, spiced Indian fried chicken, blue cheese naan and tandoori lamb chops all grace both menus. These playful creations are paired with standards that Singh has perfected across his years at Don't Tell Aunty and Annandale favourite Surjit's Indian Restaurant. Chutney platters, channa chaat, lamb rogan josh, Kerala prawn masala and Makhni-style butter chicken will all be on hand to round out the offerings. Don't Tell Aunty's proclivity for feasting also makes the move over to Cammeray. You'll find a pair of set menus, each allowing you to sample everything you want from the array of entrees and curries. And, you can book in for a boozy weekend trip to Don't Tell Uncle with its bottomless brunch. For $79, you and your buds can enjoy free-flowing wines and beers as you sample selections from the menu — and, for an extra $20 a head, you can add two hours of margaritas. The pair of owners want Don't Tell Aunty to function as a more refined, classier counterpart to the Surry Hills original, opting for a sleeker, more traditional look to the dining room. "Dining is all about the experience these days, people prefer to go to a place where they feel special and can have a good time!" says Deep. "We always strive to ensure that everyone leaves our door with a big smile and an experience to remember." Find Don't Tell Uncle at 504 Miller Street, Cammeray, from Friday, July 7 — for dinner from 5.30–10pm Monday–Sunday and brunch 11am–2.30pm Friday–Sunday.
Get ready to boogie, Sydney — the arrival of Cancun Boat Club is your newest excuse for a night on the town. This new spot doubles as a margarita bar and Mexican diner, and draws stylistic inspiration from the beach resorts, music and interiors of the 1980s Mexico. Joining the slew of beloved venues that have found a home in Quay Quarter Lanes, Cancun Boat Club is swinging open the doors to its lively venue from Tuesday, May 21. This collaborative partnership between Milpa Collective (Bar Lucia, Carbon) and The WXT Group (La Farmacia, Mrs Palmer Sandwich) will reside among crowd favourites such as Grana, Besuto, Marrickville Pork Roll and Lana, as well one of Sydney's best French restaurants, Bouillon L'Entrecôte. Anthony MacFarlane, WTX Group Co-Founder, said that he's personally "most excited about being part of Sydney's re-emerging nightlife, and being able to turn dinner and drinks into a full-blown night out with cracking tunes and good vibes till late." Cancun Boat Club's fitout is best described as retro-leaning, with neon signs, vintage surfboards, Ferrari memorabilia and a lit-up wall reminiscent of a Cancun sunset that changes colours throughout the night all adorning the space. Paired with a selection of Mexican-American-inspired dishes taking centre stage on the menu and a margarita-forward drinks list, it's set up to be a joint for dinner, drinks and the afterparty. "The food is inspired by the legendary lively, and super fun all-day-party Mexican diners that populated the Mex-Caribbean areas in the 80s. Cancun Boat Club brings back Mexican comfort food at it best," said Pablo Galindo, Milpa Collective's co-founder. The bites span from hefty birria pizzas, fajita plates and Mexican-style hot dogs and tacos, to beef nachos topped with 500 grams of angus rib eye and flame-grilled corn on the cob seasoned with Flamin' Hot Cheetos dust. But the one you can expect to flood your Insta feed is the signature DoriLocos. This choose-your-own-adventure dish consists of a bag of Doritos dressed with hot sauce, spice mix and a lime juice, which you can then finish with your choice of up to 16 toppings like pork crackling and chilli gummies, all served from a roaming trolley. For sips, you can grab a marg on your way in from the mini margarita bar in the downstairs lobby, before heading upstairs to sample cocktails with top-notch Mexican spirits such as the Captains Margarita, a gold-plated drink that serves three and is served in a treasure chest. Cancun Boat Club has ambitions to become another beloved venue for Sydneysiders to enjoy on a night out, so entertainment is a huge focus here — the space is home to a booming sound system which'll play 80s tunes and accompany live DJs as they play gigs until 2am every Thursday to Saturday. You'll find Cancun Boat Club at 8 Loftus Street in Quay Quarter Lanes, open from 12:00pm–12:00am Tuesday–Wednesday and 12:00pm–2:00am Thursday–Saturday. Image credit: Jason Loucas.
It's so rare to sit at an event of any kind, and silently wish for it to never end. Such was the case with the Australian Ballet's latest production, Coppélia. A joy to watch, and, given the mix of mime and traditional ballet, a pleasure to dance. At least it seemed that way on the night I attended, each dancer in perfect, nimble form. Debuted at the Paris Opéra in 1870, this version of the ballet was first performed by the Australian Ballet in 1979. The story and costumes, however, err towards timelessness; the latter a mix of restored original pieces and new. Each costume is an elaborate little masterpiece designed by Kristian Fredrikson, the kind of layered outfit one dreams of upon hearing the word 'ballet' — i.e., silk, tulle and pom poms. The pom-poms reflect the capricious nature of Coppélia, a comedic ballet footed in romance. Over three distinct acts, it tells the tale of a village caught up in the appearance of a new girl in town, the daughter of the resident toy-maker and magician, Dr. Coppelius (Damien Welch). Swanilda (Leanne Stojmenov) is particularly disturbed by the sight of Coppélia when she sees how besotted her beau Franz (Yosvani Ramos) is. With her friends, Swanilda steals a key to Dr. Coppelia's house. Once inside, they are faced with toys that spring to life and a girl with enamel eyes. The lifelike toys are not as cloying as the kind in the Nutcracker, a sense of unease clings to them as much as they amuse. Magic, or at least the allusion of the supernatural, arrives with the sudden appearance of Dr. Coppelius, clad in a cloak straight off the back of Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O, its many eyes silently staring at the audience as much as the dancers. He attempts to transfer the spirit of Franz to his lifeless daughter, whose appearance has been assumed by the mischievous Swanilda in one of the ballet's most famous scenes. There is real emotion in Coppelius' plight and his devastation at being fooled, but, given that this is the kind of ballet where romance prevails, the entire third act is devoted to beautiful wedding dances, demonstrating the enormous amount of talent in toe shoes, particularly that of Yosvani Ramos whose solos are consistently incredible. The most pleasure I've had at the ballet in a long time, Coppélia is the ideal performance for those looking for a little madness with their magic. Discount tickets available if you're 26 or younger.
Just because you're back in the office doesn't mean you have to go straight home after work. If you're spending more time in the city this year, why not combine your in-office days with a trip to one of the city's galleries and museums? Many of the cultural venues you'd usually visit on the weekends — like the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Powerhouse Museum — are keeping their doors open till 8–9pm during the week. And in most cases, they're free to visit, too. So, to make sure you're across which cultural venues are staying open late and when, we've created a handy guide to those venues with extended opening times or special events. And, as we know you like making the most of a midweek catch-up, we've dropped in a couple of suggestions for where to go for a cheeky nightcap or late-night feed while you're there.
Hipster Santa has come to Sydney Central. He's sporting a red beanie, skinny jeans and an elaborate beard. He's traded Rudolph in for a vintage Citroën. And he's probably far more interested in a Bonsoy latte than a mince pie. If you've been good this year, head along to Central at Central Park between noon and 1pm to take a selfie with Hipster Santa. Please note: no sitting on his knee — that's, like, so cliched. If ironic selfies aren't your thing, maybe you'll want to partake in the activities in Hipster Santa's workshop — or hipster grotto, if you will. From Thursday to Sunday between 4-6pm you can do some gift-wrapping and decoration making. There's hula hooping classes and classic movie nights. Hipster Santa will even be performing his spin on traditional Christmas carols with his band, The Real Deers. Those in need of a giggle should check out Hipster Santa's blog on Tumblr. Apparently Santa's more interested in good vibes than good spelling. He’s also on Instagram @instahipstersanta and you can follow him on Twitter @hipster_santa to get details on ‘hipster hang nights’ or receive some hilarious (and potentially misspelt) hipster ramblings. We have to hand it to him, though, the man can dress.
Move aside The Kid Laroi, you can now get the ChillinIT or A.Girl meal at Sydney's favourite fried chicken and sneaker shop Butter. The local favourite is joining forces with Spotify's immensely popular hip-hop playlist A1 for a limited-time menu curated by some of Australia's hottest young artists. ChillinIT, A.GIRL and Day1 have all been enlisted to create one-off menu items for the A1 collab, with the three crispy fried creations available for $25 across the next two weeks. ChillinIT's burger takes queues from Canadian favourites, combining maple bacon, maple barbecue sauce, cheese, mayo and fries atop a fried chicken sandwich. A.GIRL's contribution to the menu is also a take on the humble fried chicken burger, however, her creation places Nashville spiced chicken, buttermilk ranch, a fried egg and lettuce between two buns. Finally, Day1 has created a Butter-fied version of a classic kebab shop snack pack. Diners at Butter can order a mountain of chips with two fried chicken tenders, mozzarella, spicy barbecue sauce and spicy mayo piled on top. "A1 is such a solid piece in the hip hop space," A.GIRL said. "It's a movement, they've got their finger on the pulse and always know what's up! I'm high-key pumped to be a part of the collab." Each item can also be placed on a menu with a hot cinnamon doughnut and Chivas apple cocktail, or ordered in the A1 Playlist Family Box which includes all three menu items, fries, soft drinks and doughnuts. The menu is available for two weeks from Friday, June 17 across Butter's Surry Hills, Parramatta, The Rocks and Chatswood locations.
See this writeup? It's pale nimbus with raised lettering. The font? Something called Silian Rail. Now let's see Paul Allen's. No time — Huey Lewis and the News just came on. *dances around, throwing blood into the crowd* The last few years have been so replete with wildly improbably events that it's getting hard to find anything worth raising an eyebrow for. But the news that American Psycho, Bret Easton Ellis' subversive and initially banned novel of bankers and blood rages in the 80s, has been adapted into a musical, has had us trying to wrestle our brows down from our hairlines for days now. That's right, Les Miserables and Ellis' protagonist, Patrick Bateman, now have more in common than a passing interest in decapitation. But while the former has had its fair share of Australian seasons, the latter is gearing up for his second under award-winning director Alexander Berlage. [caption id="attachment_759950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clare Hawley[/caption] After hitting Potts Point's Hayes Theatre Co in 2019, and bloody seasons on Broadway and at the West End, the blood-spattered musical will head to the Sydney Opera House in June this year to unleash Bateman (Ben Gerrard), a detached, murderous businessman, onto Australian audiences once again. It was initially set to carve its way across the Playhouse in 2020, but we all know how last year turned out. The show is written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, has music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Duncan Sheik, and features 80s hits from the likes of Phil Collins, Tears for Fears and New Order — and its 2019 season saw it pick up nine Sydney Theatre Awards. American Psycho — The Musical may have the same disdain for excess that you do, but it has a slightly better haircut. Make sure you return those video tapes before booking. Pre-sale tickets are available from 9am on Tuesday, February 9 with general sale kicking off at 9am on Friday, February 12 via the Sydney Opera House website. Top images Clare Hawley
Fantasy fans, and lovers of small-screen trips to wondrous other worlds in general, the past few months have been your time to shine. First, Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon arrived, wigs, fire-breathing creatures and terrible family relationships all included. Next, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power magnificently recaptured Middle-earth's magic, also by hopping back into the beloved franchise's past. And, although it's sci-fi as well, Andor has been sweeping Star Wars fans to a galaxy far, far away again. Two of those shows have already ended their first seasons, however. And, by the time November comes to a close, all three will be off the air following their debut runs. Thankfully, arriving to fill that gap is the new season of His Dark Materials — returning for the first time since 2020 with its long-awaited third batch of episodes. First premiering late in 2019, and then dropping its second season in 2020, His Dark Materials is one of HBO's additions to small-screen fantasy — the one that popped up in the period between Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, in fact. It's based on Philip Pullman's award-winning young adult trilogy of books of the same name: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. And if it sounds familiar, and not just because you watched the first two seasons, that's because The Golden Compass was already turned into a movie back in 2007. HBO has been keeping things simple with its adaptation by sticking with the franchise name, instead of individual book monikers — hence the His Dark Materials title. But when season three arrives in December in the US (with Australian and New Zealand dates to be confirmed), it'll tell the tale covered in The Amber Spyglass, which sees Lyra (Dafne Keen, Logan), aka the show's prophesied child, journey somewhere that no one has ever returned with Will (Amir Wilson, The Secret Garden). The third season will drop its eight episodes over four weeks, with two a week — and it's bringing back the rest of its hefty cast. That includes James McAvoy (The Sandman), Ruth Wilson (See How They Run), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Andrew Scott (Catherine Called Birdy), for starters. If you're new to His Dark Materials, Keen plays an orphan by the name of Lyra Belacqua, who initially seems just like everyone else, but hails from an alternate universe where a person's soul manifests as a shape-shifting animal called a daemon. In the show's first season, as Lyra looked for a kidnapped friend in the Arctic, she discovered a church-run stolen children ring, learned about mysterious particles known as Dust and ventures through different worlds, including the one we all know. McAvoy pops up as a powerful aristocrat, Wilson is his ex, and Miranda plays a balloonist and adventurer. Check out the trailer for His Dark Materials season three below: His Dark Materials' third season will start airing from Monday, December 6 Australian time in the US — and streams via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Images: HBO.
Asian-style beers are often stereotyped as simple, easy drinking lagers that are low in alcohol content and great at hydrating in the heavy, humid heat. To be fair, many of the mainstream brews do match this generalisation — but Hong Kong is swiftly becoming a city to reckon with in the craft beer scene. The city is home to upward of ten local breweries, most of which have launched in the last two years alone. From black IPA to cherry saison, the local brewers are up on all of the current trends and styles — they're even trying out wackier brews, like Young Master Ales' oak infused Rye on Wood ale and Black Kite Brewery's Oh Bacon!, a smoked amber ale that truly does taste the part. Heading to Hong Kong? Here's what beers to drink and where to find them. WHERE TO DRINK The Hong Kong craft scene has had a massive push in the last two years with a slew of newcomers making their mark in the city. The movement has undoubtedly come from the craft beer boom in countries overseas (including here in Australia), but while a few are helmed by expats, many of these breweries have been organically started by locals. It's becoming a big part of drinking culture as a whole; the Hong Kong Beer Co., which originally opened in 1995, has recently relaunched as a craft beer brewery, and in 2012 the Hong Kong Craft Beer Association was established, which promotes and protects the industry as a whole. Local establishments are supporting this movement too — and while craft brewpubs may not be on every corner, it's pretty easy to stumble upon one. Even in the tourist-heavy Kowloon district lays Kowloon Taproom, a craft beer haven that sits unassumingly among your standard pubs and lounges. Their extensive beer list includes both local and imported craft, the most badass of which is City Brew's Lady IPA and Gentlemen Stout duo. These can be drunk either separately, or combined to create a black IPA — an impressive and delicious endeavour by one of Hong Kong's own. It's also an awesome feeling to drink a great beer while fighting gender stereotypes. In the trendier district of Mong Kok lays Tap: The Ale Project. With the modern allure of bright blue walls and a bar that looks more like a makeshift cafe, this spot certainly has the hipster aspect going for it. Opened in 2014 by self-proclaimed beer geeks, their 14 taps are dedicated to local and select import, with an even wider selection in bottles. They even offer growlers with a ceramic seal for takeaway. Both Tap and Kowloon Taproom are run by locals and are filled with locals almost every night, demonstrating the city's true dedication to the craft. WHAT TO DRINK If you're in Hong Kong, these are the beers you need to try. If you're not, well, most are not yet shipping internationally — but we expect big things to come, and can't wait to see these names on Sydney shelves. Gweilo Beer Mak's Beer Yardley Brothers Brewing City Brew Young Master Ales Black Kite Brewery Top image: Dollar Photo Club
First, it was a popular 80s comedy starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Then, it became a five-season television sitcom led by Parton's real-life younger sister. In 2009, 9 to 5 made the leap to the stage too, because you just can't stop a good story about female empowerment in the workplace. Revived in the West End back in 2019, it's still a huge hit — and now, after being delayed by the pandemic, the stage production will make its Australian premiere in Sydney in February next year. Just by reading the show's title, we know that you already have Parton's catchy song of the same name stuck in your head. Pour yourself a cup of ambition, because that tune isn't going away anytime soon. Indeed, you'd best get ready to exclaim "what a way to make a living" more than once when 9 to 5 The Musical plays its Aussie debut season, hitting the Capitol Theatre in Haymarket from February 16, 2022. Ahead of its time when it first reached cinemas, this tale of three women who take on their sexist, egotistical and all-round despicable male boss is obviously still highly relevant today. Before #TimesUp and #MeToo, workmates Doralee, Violet and Judy decided to turn the tables by kidnapping their supervisor and reforming their office. Expect the same story in 9 to 5 The Musical, as penned by the original film's screenwriter Patricia Resnick — just with more songs. The Australian version will star Caroline O'Connor (a veteran of the movie version of Moulin Rouge!), as well as Eddie Perfect as the workplace's controlling boss. With Parton herself writing the score — and earning Tony and Grammy nominations for her efforts — expect plenty of feel-good music as well. Although she doesn't appear on stage, the famous country star is still involved with the show, and with bringing it to Australia. While the musical will premiere in Sydney, it was meant to head to Melbourne during its postponed 2020 run — so cross your fingers that that'll still happen. We'll let you know if and when more dates and locations are announced. Still singing 9 to 5 to yourself? Of course you are. And you can also check out Parton's announcement video below: 9 to 5 The Musical will hit Sydney's Capitol Theatre in Haymarket from February 16, 2022. For more information, to join the waitlist or to nab seats once ticket go on sale on Friday, October 29, visit the musical's website. Images: Pamela Raith Photography.
Do you remember the last time you scrolled through TikTok without seeing flowing Biscoff waterfalls, chilli crisp-topped anything, or someone splashing pickle juice into things that pickle juice has no right to be in? Us neither — and neither, it seems, has the team at Surry Hills margarita bar Tio's Cerveceria, which has taken these viral ingredients off your FYP and poured them into your glass with a new menu that's both unhinged and undeniably fun. The new Voted & Viral menu is a tribute to the power of the people and six months of outlandish cocktail experimentation. Over this period, the Tio's crew has been creating wild weekly margarita specials — and now three fan favourites, as decided by public vote, have earned a permanent spot on the menu for six months. [caption id="attachment_1005184" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] So, how outlandish are we talking? Let's start with the Biscoff Margarita, a playfully light, fluffy, cookie-forward riff on a sour that boasts sweetness and depth in equal measure. Next up, the Pickle Margarita is like the love child of a dirty martini and a classic marg, starring a house-made pickle mix and finished with three pickles for good luck. Finally, the Watermelon Lao Gan Ma Margarita does as it says on the tin. Fresh, sweet watermelon is paired with the softly spicy, umami-laden condiment from Guizhou, China, that has fast become a staple of both pantries and social media feeds. If you've never tried watermelon and chilli, consider this your spicy gateway. [caption id="attachment_1005182" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] Tio's is no stranger to pushing the agave envelope, and this new trio will sit comfortably alongside the likes of choose-your-own-spice-adventure margs and a share-size mega margarita. Naturally, the bar also serves up well-done standards like classic, Tommy's and mezcal margs — which, despite what might trending on your feed, will never go out of style. [caption id="attachment_1005181" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] [caption id="attachment_952594" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tio's Cerveceria, Dexter Kim[/caption] The new Voted & Viral menu is now available at Tio's Cerveceria, located at 4–14 Foster Street, Surry Hills. For more info, head to the venue's website. Top image: Dexter Kim.
One of the best ways to enjoy a weekend is to book a camping trip, and you don't have to go far from the city to do so. The picturesque Uloola Falls Campground within the Royal National Park is a great spot to set up for an evening under the stars with a date, your family or some mates. The campsite is set directly next to the falls, which you will be able to hear from your tent. But be sure to pack your serious walking shoes — the campsite is only accessible by foot via the five-kilometre Karloo Walking Track or the 11-kilometre Uloola Walking Track. Along the way, you'll walk through wildflower fields, past waterfalls and sandstone formations. Think ahead and bring along some snacks, water and maybe a few cheeky beers — just remember to take your rubbish with you when you leave the next day. Image: Andrew Harvey via Flickr
Icy poles and booze — they're the two staples of a long, hot Aussie summer. Back in October, we told you that the two had finally come together as one. Now, those Calippo-style Champagne icy poles we've all been hankering for since are finally on sale in Australia. The genius creation from POPS, a UK brand that has been keeping folks stylishly cool since 2014, have started popping up around Melbourne. Head to online alcohol delivery service tipple.com.au to order one of four flavours: the Champagne pop (called The Classic) contains half a glass of Champers (wahee!), while the Bellini blends hibiscus flowers, blood orange juice, peach Schnapps, and half a glass of Prosecco. Plus, there are a couple of all-ages products too, which see the alcohol swapped out for real fruit combinations (apple and elderflower, plus strawberry and mint). The timing couldn't be better, with the frozen delights arriving in our eskies just in time to be eaten in front of the fan (or, y'know, in the sun) this summer. As part of the Melbourne-first launch, they'll also be available at Arbory Bar and Eatery — and showering festival attendees with lickable icy alcohol goodness, including at The Pleasure Garden, Let Them Eat Cake and the Inverloch Sound of Summer. The POPS website also teases POPScycle bikes, so keep your eyes peeled. When POPS launched its first frozen Champagne treat, supermodels like Kate Moss and Bella Hadid were apparently quick to jump on board, if that's something to sway you. No word yet if you'll be able to buy a box for the freezer, but let's hope. For more information about POPS in Australia, visit wearepops.com. By Libby Curran and Sarah Ward. Via Food Mag.
Spring has almost sprung and we couldn't be happier as we're about to see the return of some of Australias most vibrant flower festivals. This year's events will make you feel like you're frolicking in Dutch tulip fields or wandering through the cherry blossom-filled streets of Japan (with plenty of photo opportunities along the way). If the millions of flowers on display aren't enough, there are also food and wine festivals, loads of local markets and a bunch of music events to keep you interested. So, round up your friends, grab your camera and make the trip to these best flower festivals happening across Australia in 2019.
HSBC Sydney 7s is returning for another year from Saturday, February 1 to Sunday, February 2, taking over the Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta for the first time. The two-day party weekend spans heaps of high-energy rugby matches, a live music lineup and fancy dress aplenty. As always, 28 of the world's best international men's and women's rugby sevens teams will go head-to-head to be crowned the tournament champions. The tournament will also feature its very own music festival, with a stage set to host live acts across the weekend. At the Festival Stage, you'll catch headliners LDRU, DJ Tigerlily and Yolanda Be Cool, plus heaps of supporting acts. DJ Tigerlily will be bringing the good times in spades as will Sydney mainstay DJ duo Yolanda Be Cool — you know, the ones who did 'We Know Speak No Americano'. Topping it all off, ARIA-nominated DJ and producer LDRU will be pumping out dance and electro tunes, including his hits 'Keeping Score' and 'Tropics'. So, expect a party at this rugby match. Plus, one of the best aspects of heading to a Rugby 7s day is the chance to don a silly outfit. There's no theme this time round, so use it as an opportunity to show off as much team pride as you can muster. There'll also be a bunch of giveaways up for grabs. Round up your mates, start planning your get-ups and get prepared for a full on weekend of festivities. Single day passes start at $50 and weekend passes at $95. Both include entry into the stadium and festival area. Plus, you'll get free train travel to and from the stadium all weekend — just show your ticket at the barrier. To purchase tickets, head this way.
Dust of your black-hued and gothic-looking outfits: what else do you wear to Wednesday Island, a fan festival dedicated to the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky Netflix series, with Jenna Ortega (Death of a Unicorn), Emma Myers (A Minecraft Movie) and Tim Burton (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) in attendance? On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Cockatoo Island / Wareamah in Sydney Harbour is embracing the macabre with the Wednesday crew themselves. To celebrate the show's second season — which arrives in two batches, with part one hitting on Wednesday, August 6, then part two on Wednesday, September 3 — Wednesday Island will make you feel like you're at Nevermore Academy. Not only will Ortega, Myers and Burton be there, but also Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who created the show in the spotlight (and wrote the screenplay to 2024's Burton-helmed, Ortega-starring Beetlejuice Beetlejuice). All five key Wednesday folks are making appearances at Wednesday Island as part of their global Doom tour to promote the series. Peach PRC and ŪLA are also on the lineup at Cockatoo Island's temporary makeover, providing the tunes. Netflix is calling the pop-up takeover a "Nevermore playground" and promising a "most grave surprise", too — and there'll be a walk-in doll's house and a cocktail spot as well. If you've always had a fondness for anything Addams Family-related, this probably sounds like a dream. Whether you first discovered pop culture's eeriest family via the 90s films, through old episodes of the 60s TV show, in various animated guises over the years — including on the big screen — or thanks to Wednesday, that fantasy can now become an IRL reality if you score admission to Wednesday Island. You can enter for regular passes between Wednesday, July 23–Sunday, August 3 via the pop-up's website. To do so, you'll need to provide your details, and give an original and creative answer to this question: "in 25 words or less, confess your most delightfully deviant Outcast trait — the kind that would make Wednesday smirk with approval". You'll find out if you've scored a ticket on Monday, August 4. Only those aged over 16 can go in the running, and you'll then need to dress in attire to suit the Wednesday celebration. Boat transport to the island, plus one food and one beverage token, will be included if you're selected. Images: Bernard Walsh, Helen Sloan and Jonathan Hession/Netflix © 2025.
Sydney's scored a brand-new cultural gem — and it's making its debut with sonic elegance, pairing strings, woodwinds and ambient waves with sweeping harbour views. Pier Pavilion officially opened its doors to the public on 30 April and is set to host one of the city's most unique cultural experiences. Perched on the water's edge, the structure is a beautifully designed space that was selected from over 170 entries from architects across Australia in a meticulous design competition back in 2020. To celebrate its arrival, Barangaroo is turning the already-spectacular space into an atmospheric soundscape with Nocturne — a free evening music series showcasing some of Sydney's finest musicians. The program runs from 26 June to 19 July, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, featuring contemporary chamber music and classical interpretations of modern tunes. By night, Pier Pavilion morphs into Nocturne: an immersive instrumental experience bathed in ambient lighting. The lineup is as elegant as the venue itself, with performances by Trio Historie, Continuum Sax, Alma Moodie Quartet and The Song Company. A curated selection of food and drinks will be available onsite, and the surrounding Barangaroo precinct offers no shortage of bars and restaurants to continue your night. By day, the Pavilion is a serene space for wandering — a place to soak in coastal views, marvel at the architecture, and watch the light dance through its freestanding colonnade. Designed by Besley and Spresser, the structure is made from nearly half a million recycled oyster shells — yes, really. Its curved footprint mirrors the geometry of Sydney Harbour's coves and peninsulas, while its living roof — planted with over 2,400 native species — attracts birds, insects and other wildlife, creating microhabitats that connect the waterfront with the natural rhythms of Country. Whether you're a design lover, music enthusiast, or just want to experience something uniquely Sydney, Nocturne at Pier Pavilion is your winter go-to. For more information, visit Barangaroo Sydney and be sure to share your experience with us on socials @barangaroosydney Images: Supplied.
Aussie summers are made for adventures — and those adventures are even better with a four-legged mate by your side. Whether they're a chill cafe companion, an excitable beach sprinter or a happy homebody, they deserve to look and feel just as good as you do when the mercury starts to climb. And that's where Petstock, the blue one, comes in. The pet megastore's new range for cats and dogs has been designed with the warmer months firmly in mind, combining comfort, practicality and style. You'll find breezy shirts in bright prints, eye-catching bandanas, jaunty bucket hats and even mini backpacks for pets who like to keep their treats or toys close at paw. Whether you're dressing them up for a visit to your favourite pet-friendly pub or heading off on their daily constitutional, these summer accessories will make an everyday outing feel more like a catwalk — or a dogwalk, as the case may be. But there's more to the range than just turning heads, with a heap of practical gear to keep pets calm and happy when the heat is on. There are cooling mats and splash-proof toys to keep them chilled when the temperature soars, scratchers and interactive toys that'll keep indoor cats entertained while you soak up the air con, and adventure-ready walking gear with sturdy clips, lightweight leads and comfy harnesses in a range of fun prints that can handle whatever the day throws at you. Put it all together and you've got everything you need to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching all summer long — just be prepared for a few extra pats from strangers along the way. For more info on Petstock's summer range, head to the brand's website.
It's not like we need much more of an excuse than a couple of balmy, sun-drenched days to get out there and enjoy Sydney summer. But if you could use a little extra push, Merivale has it sorted. The hospitality heavyweight — behind venues like The Newport, Felix and Totti's — has launched a new initiative, called This Is Sydney, encouraging locals to head out and enjoy an extra tasty program of discos, free gigs and half-price food. Half-price food? Yep. Merivale is offering a sweet 50-percent-off all bar snacks in all its CBD bars — from now until the end of summer. You can grab those half-price bites between 11pm and 12am from Tuesday to Saturday at eight venues: Little Felix, Palmer & Co, Bar Topa, Pool Club, Charlie Parker's, Establishment Main Bar, El Loco at Slip Inn and Palings (not on Saturdays for this last one, though). Once Bar Totti's and Jimmy's Falafel launch, you'll be about to find cheap late-night bites there, too. Some of the discounted snacks you can dig into include $8 three-cheese toasties at Palmer & Co, $5 patatas bravas and $2.50 gildas skewers at Bar Topa, and $6 sweet potato hummas and $9 burrata at Charlie Parker's. Images: Bar Topa by Nikki To
Designed by Sydney-based architects Nettleton Tribe, this warmly lit, timber-filled restaurant feels like a treehouse for grown-ups. It's the on-site restaurant for guests staying at Paperbark Camp — a luxury glamping experience — but you don't need to be staying the night to enjoy a feast in this elevated eatery. The Gunyah, which means 'meeting place' in the local Indigenous language, is built on stilts and positioned just under the canopy — perfect for spotting possums and stars. The menu is a set, three-course affair and Sundays are paella night. It's open every day of the week during the summer months (September to May) with reduced hours in the cooler months. We suggest making a reservation before you travel to Jervis Bay as the restaurant tends to book out with accommodation guests well in advance. You'll find Paperbark Camp just east of Huskisson in the pint-sized village of Woollamia, on the banks of Currambene Creek. Image: Hutchings Camps Pty Ltd.
When you're in lockdown, a couple of months is a long time in a pandemic. When cities and states are opening back up, the opposite proves true. That's the situation in New South Wales, which is about to lift a heap of its current COVID-19 restrictions — just two months after coming out of this year's lengthy stretch of stay-at-home rules. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced that the state has updated its reopening roadmap, loosening the conditions that'll be in place once NSW hits the 95-percent double-dose vaccination target — or on Wednesday, December 15, whichever one comes first. At that point, all density limits will be removed, and masks and check-ins won't be required in most settings. Also, NSW's Public Health Orders will no longer require proof of vaccination for most activities. An update on the further easing of restrictions in NSW. #Auspol2021 #nswpol #COVID19Aus pic.twitter.com/9PVAUyPMaM — Dom Perrottet (@Dom_Perrottet) November 25, 2021 Firstly, those venue caps: they'll drop from the current one person per two-square-metres rule, and that'll be the case at all venues. Regarding masks, you'll only need to wear them on public transport, on planes and at airports, and if you're working front-of-house in hospitality in an indoor space and you're not double-vaccinated. Otherwise, they'll just be strongly recommended in places where you can't social distance. Although you've probably become accustomed to whipping out your phone to check in everywhere you go, you'll now only have to do so at select places — such as hairdressers, beauty salons and other personal services providers; pubs, small bars, registered clubs and nightclubs in the hospitality sector; and gyms. It'll also apply at indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people. And, it'll still cover hospitals, and aged and disability care facilities, unsurprisingly, plus places of worship, funerals and memorial services. Also, the rules allowing only double-jabbed NSW residents in certain venues will ease, too — other than at indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people. That said, businesses can keep implementing their own conditions and require proof of vaccination before allowing people to enter. [caption id="attachment_716550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] COVID safety plans will also only be optional for businesses moving forward, and the rest of the previously announced rules for the 95-percent double-jabbed mark will still kick in as planned — so there'll be no limits on gatherings at home or in public, regardless of vax status; the same will apply at gyms and recreation facilities; and non-critical retail will be open to all. "The easing of these restrictions will allow people to get out and enjoy summer, providing a boost for some of our hardest industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with COVID," said the Premier. Perrottet's announcement comes as NSW reached 92-percent double-dose coverage among folks over the age of 16. For more information about New South Wales' reopening roadmap, head to the NSW Government website. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. Top image: Trent Van der Jagt.
The highly-anticipated line-up for the colossal Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has just emerged, and this year the Californian festival will feature one identical line-up playing twice on consecutive weekends in mid-April. On Friday April 13 & 20, indie rock duo The Black Keys will headline the shows after successfully selling out Madison Square Garden in a matter of minutes. Also performing will be staple house favourites Afrojack and Swedish House Mafia, while rap fans will be treated to a set from Kendrick Lamar, the West Coast's most prized up-and-comer. Concrete Playground was able to chat recently with Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, who will also take the stage on the first day. On Saturday April 14 & 21, rock giants Radiohead grab the coveted headline spot, while hipster favourites Bon Iver and Feist tail closely behind. Electronic fans will be pleased with the addition of production wizards Flying Lotus and SBTRKT, two acts who are pushing the boundaries of electronic dance music with great creativity. The older demographic of festivalheads can dust off their studded leather jackets for a set from seventies punk legends the Buzzcocks. The final dates on Sunday April 15 & 22 will be headlined by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and who better to close off this Californian festival than the duo who placed the state on the hip-hop map throughout the nineties and beyond. However, the real music shockwave this week was the reformation of At The Drive-In, who's relentless post-hardcore sound still goes unmatched. Instrumental hip-hop heads will also want to see the legendary DJ Shadow and lightning hands of AraabMUZIK, the self-proclaimed "MVP of the MPC." Gotye will fly the Australian flag as the only artist making the trip from Down Under for the 2012 instalment. You can check out the complete line-up here, but you might want to read it over at least four times, because there's an avalanche of artists to get through. This is a dream festival for most music fans, and a credit to organisers for gathering such a ecclectic range of sounds. If you have some spare coin and free time on your hands, there won't be many other options better than this. Head over to California for a weekend that will go down as one of the all-time greats.
One of the great things about Gundagai, other than being the famous home of the Dog on the Tuckerbox, is that it's halfway between Sydney and Melbourne. Another: wine, wine and, yes, even more wine. Take the vinos made by Tumblong Hills, for instance. They're crafted by a community of winemakers. And, grape-wise, they benefit from winds from the Snowy Mountains. Operating since 1998, and spread across 202 hectares with a view of the Murrumbidgee River, Tumblong Hills favours European-style drops — and its shiraz particularly stands out. One of its estate wines made only from grapes grown onsite, it features plum, cherry and raspberry tastes, plus those welcome notes of French oak. If you're in the area, Tumblong Hills hosts wine tastings — but only by appointment. Otherwise, you can check out its range online.
Keeping your coffee at a drinkable temperature — in between keeping your boss off your back, doing chores and checking Facebook — can be a challenge. One minute, the stuff's suitably hot, straight out of the office coffee machine or your barista's hands; the next, it's a lukewarm milky soup. You're not the the only person in the world who experiences this problem. That's why Ember, which describes itself as a "design-led temperature control brand", has come up with a mug that keeps your beverage at the optimum temperature (70 degrees celsius) from first sip to last. Simply called the Ember Ceramic Mug, the vessel achieves this morning miracle via a convection current. Within the mug are elements with the power to both heat and cool. When hot liquid rises to the top, it is cooled until it starts to fall, causing warmer liquid to then rise and be cooled in turn. Once the tech was worked out, Ember joined forces with Ammunition, a design company based in San Francisco, to make sure the result looked good. Together, they came up with a classic-looking white mug — the only visibly techy thing about it is a small LED light. A charging coaster and an app are included. The latter allows you set the temperature remotely, preset temperatures for various drinks and swap between celsius and fahrenheit. At the moment Ember isn't shipping to Australia, although we have seen a few floating around on eBay.
This article is part of our series on the 17 most unique things to have come out of Japan. Check out the other 16. It’s common knowledge that the fresher the sushi, the better it tastes. A restaurant in Tokyo by the name of Zauo takes this information to new extremes by giving diners the chance to catch their own dinner. Entering the restaurant, you’re handed a fishing line and rod and invited to sit in a 'boat', which is actually a series of tables cobbled together to look like a seaworthy vessel. It’s surrounded by a moat, filled with various fish species. You choose your victim and throw in your line. A successful baiting usually inspires a loud cheer from your fellow diners. The only catch? Whichever creature you lure is the one you have to eat; there’s no killing three or four fish before making your decision. The seafood is delivered to the kitchen, where it’s cooked according to your fancy — be that super fresh sashimi or grilled with salt or lemon, to bring out the natural flavours. If you're not up for a Rex Hunt Fishing Adventure, you can order straight from the menu instead, but the incentive of a cheaper lunch is pretty enticing. Zauo is so popular that it’s now opened in 14 branches around Japan, including in four locations in Tokyo. According to Vice, there are hopes to expand to San Francisco. Find Zauo's Shinjuku restaurant on the first floor of the Washington Hotel, 3-2-9 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo. For other locations, check the website. Via Vice.
Eight days of free festivities are coming to Darling Harbour as part of SXSW Sydney. Whether you're a Platinum Badge-holder, just heading along to the music or screen festival, or sans-SXSW tickets entirely, you're invited to head down to Tumbalong Park between Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 for the festival's huge program of free events. Sydneysiders and visitors will be given the chance to dip their toes in the many different aspects of SXSW at the vibrant inner-city hub. Leading the program is Adam Spencer's Big Questions panel with special guest Dr Karl Kruszelnicki. Yiying Lu and Chef Martin Yan will also be appearing on stage, teaming up on World Food Day to conduct a live cooking class. Young Henrys is the official sponsor of SXSW Sydney's music festival, and the beloved Sydney brewery is getting involved in the Tumbalong Park activation in a couple of different ways. Firstly, you'll be able to get your hands on a Newtowner at the Young Henrys pop-up bar. Plus, the YH crew is pulling some strings with a few acts on the festival lineup, running the Rock n Roll Circus where mystery artists will be appearing on stage to cover iconic rock songs. [caption id="attachment_918603" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivid 2023, Destination NSW[/caption] The first day of the festival, Sunday, October 15, will feature a jam-packed program featuring an opening ceremony, a presentation from the music festival featuring performances from artists on the lineup, an augmented reality demonstration, a break-dancing activation and an opening night party for SXSW Sydney's screen festival. Elsewhere on the lineup: an outdoor cinema screening classic films that have premiered at SXSW Austin over the years, an afternoon of esports, a live broadcast of FBi Radio's Arvos with Jaimee Taylor-Nielsen, a robotics demonstration and a live playthrough of the murder-mystery game Blood on the Clocktower. On top of all of this, there will also be food trucks, plus pop-up activations from Suntory -196, CommBank, Channel Seven, Snapchat and Uber. [caption id="attachment_912030" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tumbalong Park during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Destination NSW[/caption] SXSW Sydney is the first time that the world-famous festival is popping up anywhere outside the US. The festival will boast a 700-plus strong bill of talent, covering over 300 sessions. The event will feature more than 300 gigs across 25 venues, too, and has been dropping its music highlights and must-attend parties since earlier in 2023. Its dedicated gaming strand will include a tabletop game expo. And, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival will open with The Royal Hotel, and host the world premiere of Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles. The entire event — the festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations — will happen within a walkable precinct in the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more, with the SXSW Sydney's footprint operating as a huge hub. Other venues named so far include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. View this post on Instagram A post shared by sxswsydney (@sxswsydney) SXSW Sydney's free festival hub will take over Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour Street, Sydney between Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 Top image: Tumbalong Park, Vivid, Destination NSW. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
Back in 2009, South Australia introduced a state-wide ban on single-use plastic bags. Since then, every single state and territory has introduced its own ban — with Victoria the latest in November 2019 — except for NSW. But, thankfully, we're finally about to join the party, with the NSW Government rolling out its new Plastics Plan and 20-Year Waste Strategy. While the discussion papers are open for community feedback until Friday, May 8, and legislation then needs to be drafted and introduced to parliament, if passed, the plans could see single-use plastic bags phased out by the end of the year. Environment Minister Matt Kean said in a statement that "lightweight plastic bags are proposed to be phased out six months from the passage of legislation". Other single-use items that could also be ditched as part of the Plastics Plan, include plastic straws, plates, bowls, cutlery, cups and stirrers; polystyrene food and beverage containers; and heavier/boutique plastic bags. Proposed legislation would also see the portion of plastics recycled in NSW by 2030 tripled and plastic litter reduced by a quarter. According to the report, Australians consume 3.4 million tonnes of plastic every year — part of 322 million tonnes consumed globally — and eight million tonnes of it is leaked into our oceans every year. NSW currently only recycles ten percent of its plastic waste. Despite previously being opposed to a statewide ban, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement that the new waste strategy plans would help to ensure "that NSW is a leader when it comes to reducing waste, maximising recycling and protecting our environment". The announcement also neatly follows Victoria's own $129 million plan to overhaul its waste and recycling system, unveiled by Premier Daniel Andrews late last month. Considering supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths began enforcing their own nationwide plastic bag bans over a year ago — and local shopping spot Harris Farm scrapped plastic over two years ago — you've probably already got a solid collection of reusable bags ready to go. If not, we suggest you invest, tout de suite. You can have your say on the NSW Government's Plastic Plan and 20 Year Waste Strategy over here until Friday, May 8.
The video and film works of Jess MacNeil, Shaun Gladwell and Daniel von Sturmer all share something in common: confusion. And the more you watch, like repeating a word over and over until it loses meaning, the more alien the images feel. It’s a tenuous and delicate feeling, and MacNeil’s shadows, Gladwell’s incredible suspension, and von Sturmer’s obliterating drip seem to capture and hold the viewer in this state for just the right amount of time. Rising Tide displays the MCA’s collection of video and film work and is the second in a two-part exchange with the Museum of Contemporary Art, in San Diego, California. There are 12 artists and artists’ collectives represented here, and it seems an adequate overview. The highlight is Patricia Piccinini’s Sandman, in which she re-imagines the ocean world. As the swimmer descends the ocean’s depths, the unknown of the underwater appears more intimate and less intimidating than the swirling waves above the surface.Image: Patricia Piccinini, Sandman (video still) 2002, 16mm film transferred to DVD, 3 minutes, MCA, courtesy the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney.
Keen to escape the cold weather in a cinema, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball? Call Dendy's latest special a case of great timing, then. For the weekend spanning Friday, June 14 to Monday, June 17, its Newtown cinema is offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem — as long as you purchase tickets to one of three flicks, you'll only pay $6. The three flicks you have to choose from are: Keanu Reeves' latest action-packed assassin thriller, John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum; the director of That Sugar Film's hopeful new climate change doco 2040; and Brightburn, a subversive and sinister take on Superman. You can score the cheap tickets in person at the cinema or online (although the latter will cost you an extra $1.50 booking fee). The deal is valid for all sessions of all three films across all four days.
A long-standing south-coast NSW brewery has made the move to Sydney, opening a sibling location to its Jervis Bay home. Flamin Galah Brewing Co has built a cult following since opening back in 2018 thanks to its award-winning XPAs, pale ales and sours, cementing its sunny regional brewery as a must-visit stop on a trip south fo Sydney. Now, it's brought its range of craft beers to Broadway with an exciting new taproom. Flamin Galah has taken over the old Hotel Broadway building between Broadway and Shepherd Street. Inside, the space has been transformed with plenty of Millennial (or alternatively, galah) pink furniture, retro light fittings and a neon sign proclaiming Flamin Good Beer. Most importantly, you'll find a line of taps pouring the full range of Flamin Galah brews, including a Chippo Lager dedicated to the new digs. While the beers are the stars of this show, there are plenty of supporting characters. Wine, cider, ginger beer, seltzers and cocktails round out the drinks offerings. If you're not a fan of the hops, opt for the Blushing Galah which combines Flamin Galah vodka, watermelon liqueur, triple sec, lime and fresh watermelon; or the Yuzu Gin Gimlet for something a little more citrus-foward. The theme running through the food is crowd-pleasers. There are sets of cheeseburger sliders or Chippo Lager-battered fish tacos, crispy chicken bao, pulled beef nachos, fried chicken tenders, tangy barbecue wings and dumplings (pork and chive, prawn or vegetarian). And, there are also plenty of enticing deals hoping to lure you in to sample some of the brewery's offerings. There are daily happy hour deals available 4–6pm Monday–Thursday including $12 cocktails, and $20 jugs of beer on Tuesdays. On Thursdays you can score a beer and burger special, and drag queen Peaches Rosé comes in on Wednesday nights to run trivia. Flamin Galah's Sydney brewpub is located at 166–170 Broadway, Chippendale. It's open 12–10pm Sunday–Tuesday, 12pm–12am Wednesday–Saturday.
Chinese Noodle House has long been dishing out some of Sydney's best dumplings. Expect to queue, but be well-rewarded for your patience. This steamed and pan-fried goodness comes in mountainous portions and every parcel is handmade. Don't expect fawning service and beautiful surroundings — the beauty of this Sydney classic lies in its easy, unfussy vibe (and those grapes on the roof). Think straightforward waiters, plastic chairs, very little personal space and no EFTPOS. Chinese tea is free though. Eat until you can eat no more — you'll still be surprised at how low the bill is. Image: @lemonpiy via Instagram.
We all know by now that pastry chef Anna Polyviou doesn't do things by halves — and will use any excuse to create something OTT and sugar-filled. Last year, she created a four-metre gingerbread train. This festive season, she proves this once again, but with a massive gingerbread carousel. The merry-go-round combines 750 kilos of gingerbread, 300 kilos of lollies and 100 kilos of icing. Yep, this gives sugar high a whole new meaning. On the carousel, you'll spot vintage horses, rotating bauble towers, giant striped candy canes, sparkling reindeer, colourful lights and a jolly Santa sitting on top of a chimney, too. You'll find this fantastical creation in the Lobby Lounge of the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. That's not the only festive thing happening there throughout the silly season. The Lobby Lounge will also be home to a festive high tea. Designed by Polyviou, this feast will feature three tiers of decadent bites for $65 a head (and $35 for kids). You'll start with savoury bites like honey-glazed ham sandwiches, roast turkey croquettes and rolls with poached crayfish and slaw. Then, you'll move on to the sweet treats — scones, mango lamington trifle, golden honeycomb macarons and Santa's Cherry Pie with chocolate crémeux, cherry jam and pistachio chantilly. Plus, you can opt to sip glasses of bubbly for an additional cost — 'tis the season, after all. And, if those sugar cravings aren't yet curbed, be sure to check out the festive candy store in The Lobby Lounge, too. The perfect spot to pick up gifts for the sweet tooths in your life, the pop-up sells mini gingerbread houses ($65), Christmas puddings ($48), fruit mince tarts ($14 for six), caramelised Christmas logs ($65) and berry trifles ($95). The gingerbread carousel and pop-up store are open every day from Friday, November 29, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2019, from 7am. And the festive high tea is available daily from 11am–1pm, 1.30–3.30pm and 4–6pm. You can make a reservation for the high tea here.
For 38 years, the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) has been recognising — and celebrating — First Nations artists. It's the longest-running and most prestigious awards of its kind in the country, highlighting the enormous and diverse talent of Indigenous artists from across the nation. In short, it's a big deal — and now, for non-Darwin dwellers, it's become even easier to catch the exhibition, thanks to Telstra NATSIAA's interactive virtual gallery. On Friday, August 6, seven First Nations artists were announced as the winners for 2021. The awards ceremony was an online-only affair presented by journalist and proud Warlpiri woman Rachael Hocking. She announced the winners across seven categories, with each awarded artist sharing stories of culture, creation, connection, healing and Country through their art. Telstra has proudly sponsored NATSIAA for 30 years, making it one of the most enduring arts partnerships in the country. To celebrate this year's NATSIAA-winning artists — and Telstra's partnership — we're taking a deep dive into the seven artists' practices. Check out their stories — and their winning artworks — below. Then, see all 65 finalists' works via the virtual exhibition, and vote for your favourite online in the Telstra People's Choice Award. [caption id="attachment_821374" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Timo Hogan, 'Lake Baker' (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Spinifex Arts Project Aboriginal Corporation.[/caption] TIMO HOGAN, Lake Baker (2020) Winner of the Telstra Art Award 2021 — prize $50,000 Pitjantjatjara man Timo Hogan took home the top gong: the major Telstra NATSIAA prize. Represented by not-for-profit, Aboriginal-owned art collective Spinifex Arts Project, Hogan paints his Country and its stories. His painting, titled Lake Baker (2020), depicts the site of Pukunkura (AKA Lake Baker), a salt lake located between traditional Spinifex Lands and Warburton in Western Australia. The artwork tells of the Tjukurpa — the dreaming, law and stories of Aṉangu culture, when Aṉangu ancestors took the form of people, animals and plants who, as they traversed the land, formed the landscapes. For the Pitjantjatjara people, the land is an inseparable part of their identity. Today, Lake Baker remains an important, strictly men's site. In the work, this is shown through the Wati Kutjara Tjukurpa (Two Men Creation Line) as the two watch carefully as Wanampi (Water Serpent) departs his home and wraps his way around the lake's edge. Having grown up with stories of life in the Spinifex Lands and, later, visiting the lake with his father, Neville Niypula McArthur, Hogan paints it — and the cultural significance it holds — with authority. The site of Pukunkura now holds a strong paternal connection for the artist. Hogan says: "My father took me to Lake Baker, all around, rockhole and all. I know all these places...Millmillpa (dangerously sacred)."* Unlike the usually colourful works produced by Spinifex Arts Project artists, Lake Baker echoes those of lauded First Nations artist and Kukatja/Wangkajunga man Rover Thomas. It is a restrained, powerful — and deeply personal — work. *'Spinifex People Spinifex Lands', p.123, exhibition catalogue, ReDot Fine Art Gallery in collaboration with Spinifex Arts Project, July 28, 2018. [caption id="attachment_821380" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bugai Whyoulter, 'Wantili (Warntili, Canning Stock Route Well 25)' (2021). Courtesy of the artist and Martumili Artists.[/caption] BUGAI WHYOULTER, Wantili (Warntili, Canning Stock Route Well 25) (2021) Winner of the Telstra General Painting Award — prize $5000 Kartujarra woman Buguai Whyoulter is from one of the last generations of Martu people to leave the desert. She grew up living a nomadic lifestyle — travelling from the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) region and along the midsection of the Canning Stock Route — through which she developed a deep knowledge of Martu Country. She eventually relocated to Kunawarritji Aboriginal community, located in the Pilbara region on the Canning Stock Route, where she resides today. It was here that she was first taught to paint in 2007. Whyoulter credits senior artists N Wompi and N Nungabar as central to her artistic development. She has since become an important artist in her own right and is considered one of the most established Martumili Artists. She's also no stranger to the Telstra NATSIAA, either, having had works selected as a finalist in the 2019, 2018 and 2013 awards. The site of Wantili, a large round jurnu (soak) and linyji (claypan) near Well 25 on the Canning Stock Route, is a focus in much of Whyoulter's work. It is a significant site to the artist as it is close to her birthplace and she is a senior Custodian of the lands that surround it. Her work in this year's Telstra NATSIAA is titled Wantili (Warntili, Canning Stock Route Well 25) (2021), for which she was awarded the Telstra General Painting Award. The work has Whyoulter's signature delicate brushwork and is demonstrative of her intrinsic knowledge of and connection to her land. [caption id="attachment_821384" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dhambit Munuŋgurr, 'Bees at Gäṉgän' (2021). Courtesy of the artist and Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre.[/caption] DHAMBIT MUNUŊGURR, Bees at Gäṉgän (2021) Winner of the Telstra Bark Painting Award — prize $5000 For a Yolŋu artist, Dhambit Munuŋgurr is unconventional. Blue pervades her recent works, a hue you won't often find in traditional Yolŋu art. This is because it's customary for Yolŋu artists to use natural materials, including ochre pigments, to paint Country and the stories it holds. So, while she uses the traditional material of stringy bark (with its fibrous texture showing through the paint), her art is unique by virtue of using acrylic paint. In 2005, Munuŋgurr was granted special permission to use acrylic after an accident left her in a wheelchair and she found it difficult to manoeuvre ochre. She was the first artist to use blue at Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka, the long-established art centre in the northeast Arnhem Land community of Yirrkala. According to the National Gallery of Victoria, when asked why she loves blue, the artist replied: "because the earth is blue, the sky is blue and the sea is blue". The Yolŋu art custom Munuŋgurr does still follow is using art to reflect an artist's clan and Country. Her striking work Bees at Gäṉgän (2021) won this year's Telstra Bark Painting Award and is teeming with ancestral references. It depicts the sacred bees at Gäṉgän nesting in ironwood trees, watched over by black cockatoos and olive pythons. It is a visual representation of a conversation she had with her grandfather when she was a child. [caption id="attachment_821379" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ms M Wirrpanda, 'Untitled' (2021). Courtesy of the artist's family and Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre.[/caption] MS M WIRRPANDA, Untitled (2021) Winner of the Telstra Works on Paper Award — prize $5000 Ms M Wirrpanda was also a Yolŋu artist at Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka, and a respected leader of the Dhuḏi-Djapu clan of Dhuruputjpi in Arnhem Land. Her earlier career was spent painting Dhuḏi-Djapu miny'tji (sacred designs) that depict her land by following the traditional Yolŋu practice of using natural pigments on bark, ḻarrakitj (memorial poles) and yiḏaki (didjeridus). In 2012, she began documenting the lesser-known plant species she ate as a child through her art as a way to educate younger generations. It was these later works that helped Wirrpanda develop her own visual stamp. Her Telstra Works on Paper Award-winning work Untitled (2021) is emblematic of her unique style and visual language and depicts the act of collecting shellfish in the mangroves. Her choice of medium — fibre-tipped pen on paper — eschews tradition, but the subject matter maintains the Yolŋu belief of art as an expression of connection to family, Country and to Wangarr (the period of ancestral creativity). [caption id="attachment_821387" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hubert Pareroultja and Mervyn Rubuntja 'Through the veil of time' (2021). Courtesy of the artists and Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre.[/caption] HUBERT PAREROULTJA AND MERVYN RUBUNTJA, Through the veil of time (2021) Winner of the Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award (sponsored by Telstra) — prize $5000 Western Arrernte-Luritja man Hubert Pareroultja and Central and Western Arrernte man Mervyn Rubuntja are prolific artists at Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre. Both are known for their vibrant, surrealist landscapes. Notably, Pareroultja took home last year's Wynne Prize for Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges, NT), while Rubuntja has been a Telstra NATSIAA finalist in recent years. Now, the pair have collaborated on Through the veil of time (2021), which was awarded the Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award as part of this year's Telstra NATSIAA. Tjoritja stretches 161 kilometres west of Alice Springs and holds great cultural significance for the Arrernte people. In the art world, Tjortija was made famous by renowned artist A Namatjira. Now, Pareroultja and Rubuntja have reimagined the sacred site through their immersive, large-scale installation. The work is both commanding, due to its size, and fragile thanks to the delicate layers of watercolour on silk screen mesh. It signifies the site's importance and powerful cultural ties, and depicts an ancient landscape sculpted over time. For visitors heading to the exhibition IRL at Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory (MAGNT), it allows you to walk within the layers of Tjorita, as if passing through time. [caption id="attachment_821385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kyra Mancktelow, 'Moongalba 11' (2021). Courtesy of the artist and N.Smith Gallery.[/caption] KYRA MANCKTELOW, Moongalba 11 (2021) Winner of the Telstra Emerging Artist Award — prize $5000 As a Quandamooka woman with links to Mardigan of Cunnamulla and Vanuatu — and living in Logan, just south of Brisbane — Mancktelow's heritage is central to her practice. Her go-to method is printmaking, through which she explores her cultural history, traditions and identity. Represented by N.Smith Gallery, the artist just had her first major solo exhibition, Unsilenced, at Logan Art Gallery in June–July of this year. The show was an examination of the Blackbirding slave trade of South Sea Islanders in the 1860s, when tens of thousands of Pacific Islanders were taken to work on Queensland plantations, as well as a look at the ancestral ties that still hold. On her artist profile, she says: "The abiding theme of my art practices is bringing forth the untold histories of Australia, allowing for a greater recognition of the truth." A similar look at Australia's troubled pasts underpins her Telstra NATSIAA-winning artwork, Moongalba 11 (2021). The haunting etching depicts children's uniforms to signify Australia's assimilation regimes whereby children were forced to leave their culture, heritage and families behind. Specifically, her work depicts the uniforms worn by children under a strict missionary regime in Moongalba, which were made from Tarleton — a fabric traditionally used to remove coloured ink from an etching plate. With this, Moongalba 11 symbolises these uniforms as a means to scratch away colour. [caption id="attachment_821390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pedro Wonaeamirri, 'Jilarti, Live performance of Jilarti' (brolga song), 'Pimirtiki' (feather head piece), 'Imeuja' (false beard), 'Tokwayinga' (feather ball), 'Tjimirrikamarka' (fighting stick) and 'Tunga' (folded bark bag) (2021). Courtesy of the artist and Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association.[/caption] PEDRO WONAEAMIRRI, Live performance of Jilarti (brolga song), Pimirtiki (feather head piece), Imeuja (false beard), Tokwayinga (feather ball), Tjimirrikamarka (fighting stick), Tunga (folded bark bag) (2021) Winner of the Telstra Multimedia Award — prize $5000 Melville Island-born artist Pedro Wonaeamirri was commissioned for the 2020 Biennale of Sydney. He has also had works on display at galleries around the country as well as overseas institutions such as the British Museum (UK), Commonwealth Institute (UK) and Kaplan & Levi Collection (USA). And, he has been a finalist in eight Telstra NATSIAAs. So it comes as no surprise that his collection of multimedia works — Jilarti, Live Performance of Jilarti (brolga song), Pimirtiki (feather head piece), Imeuja (false beard), Tokwayinga (feather ball), Tjimirrikamarka (fighting stick), Tunga (folded bark bag) (2021) — took home an award this time around. A member of the Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association since 1991, Wonaeamirri works within the strong Tiwi practice of pwoja (body designs) using a kayimwagakimi (traditional Tiwi painting comb) to continue and celebrate Tiwi tradition. He also works across many mediums, including natural ochres on paper, linen and bark, print-making and carving, using Tiwi palette of red, yellow, white and black, which are made from natural ochre collected on Country. His 2021 Telstra NATSIAA submission is a celebration of his people. Telstra is committed to supporting Australia's arts communities and has proudly sponsored NATSIAA for 30 years. Take a look at the virtual gallery and vote for your favourite artwork in the 2021 Telstra People's Choice Award via the website. For more information on the awards, check out our event. Top image: Timo Hogan, courtesy of the artist, Spinifex Arts Project Aboriginal Corporation and MAGNT.
It's the frostiest of Australia's annual film festivals for two reasons — the time of year it arrives, and the region it showcases — and it's back for 2022 with another round of recent and retro flicks. That'd be the Scandinavian Film Festival, which naturally hits cinemas around the country each winter. Well, winter Down Under, that is. This year's fest will play 19 titles, primarily hailing from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, with the program touring the nation between Tuesday, July 12–Wednesday, August 10. That gives film buffs in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Byron Bay around a month — three weeks in some places — to get their Nordic movie fix, whether you're keen on a historical epic or a dive into Scandi cinema history. Yes, blasts from the pasts are a feature of the 2022 lineup — starting with opening night's Margrete — Queen of the North. Starring Trine Dyrholm (The Commune) and directed by Charlotte Sieling (Lovecraft Country, Homeland), the historical drama is set in 1402, and hones in on Denmark's Queen Margrete, who oversaw the Kalmar Union that brought together Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Also peering backwards: the Scandi Screen Sirens selection, which celebrates leading ladies from times gone by — all in classics. So, you'll catch Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca, Greta Garbo in Queen Christina and Britt Ekland in The Wicker Man. There's also two Liv Ullmann films: The Serpent's Egg, directed by iconic Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman; plus The New Land, the 1972 gem in the festival's closing night slot. Elsewhere, the program includes Dyrholm again in A Matter of Trust, which heads to Australia straight from premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival; Finnish effort The Woodcutter's Story, which played the 2022 Cannes Film Festival Critics' Week; and The Emigrants, a new adaptation of Vilhelm Moberg's novels. The latter first hit the screen in 1971, in a film of the same name — to which the aforementioned The New Land was a sequel. From a selection of 19 flicks all up, there's also the Danish boarding school-set Pretty Young Thing, which will have its world premiere at the fest; psychological drama Quake from Iceland; Berlinale Crystal Bear Award-winner Comedy Queen, about a 13-year-old girl who wants to be a stand-up comedian; and documentary Nordic by Nature, which was filmed in the Faroe Islands, including in its seafood industry, and also covers two-star Michelin restaurant KOKS. And if Scandinavian talent has you thinking of Game of Thrones' Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, he's accounted for A Taste of Hunger from Denmark. It's about the quest for a Michelin star, actually, with the drama following a couple determined to get one for their restaurant. SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: July 12–August 7: Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney July 13–August 7: Palace Electric, Canberra July 14–August 7: The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Palace Balwyn and Pentridge Cinema, Melbourne July 19–August 10: Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Adelaide July 20–August 10: Palace Raine Square Cinemas, Luna Leederville and Luna on SX, Perth July 20–August 10: Palace Barracks and Palace James Street, Brisbane July 22–August 10: Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay The Scandinavian Film Festival tours Australia from Tuesday, July 12–Wednesday, August 10. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the festival's website.
First in Sydney, then in Melbourne and now in Brisbane, the biggest show in musical theatre this century has finally been sharing its Tony-winning take on 18th-century American politics with Australian audiences. Since 2021, being in the room where it happens hasn't required a trip to the US — but you will need to be in Brisbane in March to be in the room where Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda himself will be in attendance in-person for a Hamilton fan event. For the first time during the blockbuster musical's Australian time — and likely the only time, given that the show will leave the country for a New Zealand run when it finishes its Sunshine State season at QPAC's Lyric Theatre on Sunday, April 23 — Miranda is heading Down Under. The exact date hasn't been revealed, but he'll hit the River City to meet the local company of the production, and also to take part in that event for Hamilton obsessives. [caption id="attachment_773737" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton filmed version courtesy Disney+.[/caption] "I have been waiting such a long time to come to Australia and I can't wait to be with the company down under in-person for the first time," Miranda said, announcing his visit. "I have heard such great things from friends and fans in Australia, it is going to be fantastic to be able to meet them and watch them perform." Just like exactly when in March Miranda will be in Brisbane, where the fan event will happen and what it will entail — and how folks will be able to attend — is yet to be revealed, with further details to come. Still, Brisbanites and Australians keen on a trip to the Queensland capital won't want to throw away the shot to see the man who made the game-changing, award-winning, rightly raved-about Hamilton what it is "Australian fans have been so patient waiting for Lin-Manuel Miranda's visit to Australia and we have something very special in store for them when he gets here," added Australian Hamilton producer Michael Cassel AM. [caption id="attachment_774807" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton filmed version courtesy Disney+.[/caption] 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. Haven't become a Hamilton obsessive yet? Not quite sure why it has been the most-talked about theatre show of the past six years? The critically acclaimed hip hop musical, for which Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book, is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. In addition to its swag of Tony Awards — 11 in fact, which includes Best Musical — it has nabbed a Grammy Award and even a Pulitzer Prize. Until now, Brisbanites eager to see the show had to be content with trips south or watching the filmed version of its Broadway production, which started streaming via Disney+ in 2020 (and yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard). And yes, the $10 ticket lottery has also hit the River City, offering Hamilton tickets for less than the cost of lunch. [caption id="attachment_870525" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australian production of Hamilton by Daniel Boud[/caption] Hamilton's Brisbane season runs until Sunday, April 23 at QPAC's Lyric Theatre, South Bank, with tickets available via the musical's website. Details of Lin-Manuel Miranda's fan event are yet to be announced — we'll update you when more information comes to hand. Top image: Hamilton filmed version courtesy Disney+.
This bright and breezy chain is known for its coffee, smoothies and hearty salad bowls. But it also has a menu of sandwiches and toasties that is worth getting around when you're after something a little more substantial. Our pick is the roasted pumpkin and grilled tofu toastie. The gourd-favouring sambo comes with grilled tamari-slicked tofu (so you get a filling and nourishing protein hit) along with avocado, spinach, a curry-spiked vegan mayonnaise, hummus and zippy dukkah. The triple hit of seasoning courtesy of the mayo, dukkah and gluten-free soy sauce gives this toasted sandwich extra flavour. Along with an oat milk cappuccino, it's the perfect hunger-busting lunch option.
I want to begin by saying I don't consider myself adventurous. Diving into a tank with fully grown sharks isn't something I would have chosen to do for most of my life. But you don't get many chances to take this kind of plunge. Shark Dive Xtreme takes place in the beloved Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium, a truly historic landmark of our city. I spent many a school holiday afternoon running among its dark hallways and viewing windows, hypnotised by the aquatic wonders inside. If you've done the same, you might have witnessed a group of people clad in scuba gear stepping inside the shark tank. Years ago, one of those people was my dad, a typical thrill seeker and the common crowd for this activity. Me on the other hand? I never considered myself doing the same. And for the last two years, nobody could. This was one of the many experiences to close its doors at the height of the pandemic, but, as of December 2022, the sharks are once again inviting small groups of humans to hang out in their tank. I was starting to feel a little too comfortable in my comfort zone, so when given the opportunity to join a group, I said yes without even thinking it through. After gathering at the meeting point, my fellow divers and I enter the briefing room, where we go through the necessary red tape and learn the basics and house rules of the tank. I was surprised to learn that no previous scuba certification or experience is needed for this experience. I was a complete scuba rookie pre-dive, but newbies and pros alike spend an hour being briefed on all the essential details, including an overview of the gear, the dos and don'ts of swimming in a shark tank, and the basic hand signals you'll need to communicate with your instructors (walk, kneel, stop, shark, equalise, I'm okay, I'm not okay, etc). It's at this point that I'm at the peak of my nerves — my mind couldn't help but wander to where things could go wrong. Once we graduate from the classroom, it's time to get wet. We step into the changing rooms to put on our wetsuits and water boots, quickly pose for a pic, and then head behind the scenes. We step into a large space above the tank and all of a sudden, it feels very, very real. The sharks are within sight. [caption id="attachment_886392" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andrew Howell[/caption] As I walk in, my eyes immediately lock onto a fin slicing through the water, like a beckoning wave. It's surreal, not only because this is behind the scenes of somewhere I've visited many times in my life, but because I'm now looking at a real life shark. That I'm about to swim with. Oddly enough, at this point I feel my nerves fading and my excitement increasing — though that could just be the adrenaline. But there's one more step before we hop in: the training tank. This is where you take the theory and put it into practice in a watery — but shark-free — environment. Andrew and Nick, our fabulous instructors, help us don the scuba gear and get used to it in chest-deep water. This is the only point I actually feel — albeit briefly — scared. Of the scuba, not the sharks. My leg cramps up and I lose my balance, suddenly tipping over like a sinking ship. Once upright and relaxed, we stand in the water for what feels like an hour, adjusting to our sole source of oxygen being a tube leading out of a tank on our backs. Once we can signal that we're calm and ready, it's go time. [caption id="attachment_885136" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andrew Howells[/caption] A glass door slides open, and we're suddenly sharing the water with grey nurse sharks, port jackson sharks, wobbegongs, stingrays and all manner of fish. Out we step and down we go into the tank, where everything gets surprisingly calm. I don't feel panicked — I just focus on breathing and taking in my surroundings. Thankfully, I'd been able to convince three friends to come along to take photos for me, and I spot them just outside. Having familiar faces I can look at and mentally anchor to really helps to settle my nerves, so I recommend you invite yours too — they'll score discounted entry to the aquarium for their troubles. Down below, all I can hear is the sound of my own breath. I don't dare twist my head to look around at the risk of rupturing some critical element of my oxygen supply, so every time I turn, I move my entire body. If a shark doesn't pass into my peripheral vision, I wouldn't know it was there. Now, I have to confess: it's not so much swimming as it is shuffling. If, like me, you're a total novice at wearing a heavy oxygen tank and weight belt, it can be really tricky to hold your balance. So while the instructors and experienced divers in the group move with ease, I have to put a lot of effort into staying upright and glued to the floor. After all, we've been told that holding your breath makes you buoyant, and I have no intention of floating into the path of a shark. You drift down, sit on the floor for a while then slowly make your way over the tunnel and across to the other end of the tank. [caption id="attachment_885137" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andrew Howells[/caption] With my friends on the dry side of the tunnel gleefully watching and filming, we set off, gracefully (awkwardly) swimming (shuffling) along the seafloor like true fish out of water. We make our way around the tank, from one end to the other, taking care not to poke or step on any of the residents. When not moving, we quietly lean against the tunnel, taking it all in. Each of the sharks comes over to inspect our dive group more than once, slowly approaching, getting a good look, then gently passing by and going for another lap. Despite their large frame and sharp teeth, I never feel threatened, even when they come close enough to touch me. After spending roughly 30 minutes in this underwater wonderland, it was time to say goodbye. Hoping nothing is nipping at my ankles, I climb the stairs and step back onto dry land, once again enjoying free oxygen and once again burdened by gravity. The scuba gear feels much heavier, but I feel like I'm on cloud nine. And just like that, it's over. We remove our gear, shower off the smell of salt and sealife and go about our days. I didn't lose any fingers and didn't see my life flash before my eyes. I was a guest in the home of these beautiful creatures, and they were excellent hosts. It seems terrifying, and it's easy to imagine the worst, but at Shark Dive Xtreme, you are in very safe hands — and fins.
Legendary French choreographer François Chaignaud is coming to Australia for the first time, and he’s bringing with him his whizz-bang work Dumi Moyi, created in collaboration with French fashion designer Romain Brau. The show is inspired by the monumental costumes and transformative power of traditional religious dances performed in Malabar, India. But it also draws on 19th-century dime theatre, various mythologies and contemporary aesthetics. And the music is a giddying multicultural blend of Ukrainian, Filipino and Sephardic rhythms. Despite this ambitious range of influences, Dumi Moyi is intended for intimate performance. So Carriageworks is opening its Elston Room for the occasion, where audiences can stand in proximity to the dancers. Only 40 tickets will be available per show. Since the work premiered at the 2013 Montpellier Danse Festival, it has appeared in galleries, basements and a chapel. At Carriageworks, it’ll be performed several times a day, allowing viewers to make return visits. Chaignaud is renowned all over the world for exciting, innovative choreography. His previous projects include a giant dance party at New York City's The Kitchen, the transformation of the Tate Modern into a live performance museum and a history of grim music performed at London's Sadler's Wells.
City of Sydney's public libraries are some of the many venues temporarily closed in a bid to contain COVID-19. That doesn't mean that you can't spend your time at home reading as many books as possible, however, with Sydneysiders able access the libraries' hefty collection of digital items — not only including books, but music, magazines and movies as well. As part of that collection, more than 11,000 ebooks are on offer. You'll find contemporary fiction titles such as Murakami's Norwegian Wood and True Grit by Charles Portis; a bunch of Australian ones, including Christos Tsiolkas's The Slap, Tim Winton's Cloudstreet, Benjamin Law's memoir The Family Law and The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion's; and over 200 classics such as The Great Gatsby, Heart of Darkness, On the Road and To Kill a Mockingbird — all of which are available to read online or download for a limited period for free. The list goes on, of course, and to start digitally skimming through their pages, all you need to do is sign up for a free digital library membership on the City of Sydney Library website, or use your existing library membership and head here. Not enough? City of Sydney Library has recently added the State Library of NSW's online resource Indyreads, too, which will give you access to more than 9000 ebooks from major and independent publishers, self-published authors and local writers. Once you've got your library membership sorted, you can log into Indyreads here. For those who prefer to have a good book read to them, rather than flick through it themselves, library members can also access more than 2300 audiobooks, including The Godfather by Mario Puzo, Ian McEwan's The Children Act and Saroo Brierley's Lion, which you can either listen to online or download to your own device. Elsewhere on the library's website, you'll find music, magazines, ecomics and newspapers, as well more than hundreds of free movies via streaming service Beamafilm. And, if you're still looking for something to do, you can also learn a language, with your library card getting you free access to Mango Languages. Sign up to become a City of Sydney Library member online and explore its digital collection.
