We take travelling seriously at Concrete Playground. Whether you're planning luxury getaways abroad, interstate camping trips, weekend jaunts to a city or bathing beachside, our team of avid travellers and destination-obsessives like to think we've got all the necessary tips for where to eat, drink, stay and hang out to get your itineraries in the best possible shape. But it has come to our attention that we've lapsed in our advice when it comes to what to put in your luggage. So, what must-have travel essentials should you be bringing with you on your next trip to make packing for your holiday a simple and stress-free task? In partnership with the folks at Kmart, we're going to share our top tips for packing, depending on what kind of adventure you are about to embark on. Carry-on Connoisseurs If you are attempting to eschew those ever-increasing checked luggage bag fees but aren't quite keen on stuffing a pillowcase with all your belongings, it might be time to assess what you are actually packing. If you've committed to confining yourself to cabin baggage alone, pack items that can do multiple jobs. A simple button-up shirt can be casual with jeans and a tee, a throw-on layer over swimwear, or be dressed up by buttoning it up and tucking it into your pants. Dresses are the ultimate outfit saviour if you favour a single-item outfit. With a simple hairstyle or accessories, a dress can take you from chill brunch to a luxe wine-tasting or fine-dining experience. Don't put yourself out, and ensure you are always looking your best, whether you are sipping on sparkling next to the Riviera or exploring food markets in Japan. Luxury Lovers There's nothing more luxurious than having options for everyday activities on your five-star getaway. But with all your outfit choices, how can you keep tabs on your belongings? Easy, get yourself organised with luggage organisers. Packing cubes are excellent for all kinds of travellers, whether you're hiking the Great Dividing Range or booking yourself into a relaxing retreat. Keep your items organised, from your electronics to your toiletries, your swimwear to your evening wear. With the right travel accessories, you'll never have to worry about where your perfect evening outfit or super luxurious sunhat is. International Explorers If you're that person who is constantly returning from an overseas trip and planning the next one, you probably need new luggage. All that travelling plays havoc on your baggage. From the usual wear and tear of being pulled through the terminals to the stress of being chucked around on baggage chutes, bus racks, taxi boots and more. Before you start planning your next vacation, make sure your bags are in good nick for overseas travel. You don't want to have to be scouring local supermarkets for duct tape. Get yourself sorted with a stylish new set, and you're basically halfway ready for your next adventure. Weekend Warriors Do you keep your eyes peeled for budget-friendly interstate flights or car hire sales for your next weekend escapade? Much like the Carry-on Connoisseurs above, you're only going for the weekend, so make sure you pack lightly (so you can fill your car/suitcase with all the local goodies you can). Whether you're heading for the hills or journeying to a dense metropolis, walking shoes are a must. No matter if you are a guy planning a luxe trip to the south Pacific or a gal heading to the mountains, the ratty trainers you've been rocking to the gym simply won't do (and neither will that stylish new pair you're yet to break in). Get comfy, versatile walking sneakers or boots that match your fave 'fit for city exploring or countryside wandering and wear them on the way to your weekend destination. Adventure Seekers If you love spending your weekends exploring the bush or hiking up mountains, it's important to be prepared and get your camping gear in order. A sturdy shoe, head torch and waterproof pack can make or break a weekend — so be prepared for every kind of weather and dress for the elements to change. Remember: it's cold at night, even during an Aussie summer. If you're a keen camper, stock up on gas fuel for your stove and a first aid pack (with sunscreen and bug spray). It's the times that you need it that you don't have it. Don't put yourself in that position and get prepped for adventure. Foodie Fanatics Do you spend your holidays sampling wines, tasting local produce and snagging the best dinner reservations in town? Dress to impress and pack a skirt that can bring you from the market to the restaurant in an instant. Whether you're more of a mini, midi, or maxi skirt kind of person, a stylish skirt can elevate your outfit for the perfect look for embarking on your epicurean adventure. Discover more of your must-have travel essentials over on Kmart's website.
Give Netflix the night off and invest generously in your local art scene by rolling down to The Old Fitz Theatre for dinner and a show. With a number of fearless and dynamic performances, Red Line Productions programmes some of the most challenging theatre in Sydney, and in light of recent art funding cuts, these young writers, actors and producers could use all the spare dimes they can get. So why not throw them a money bone and catch them on a Tuesday? You'll score cheap tickets and a hearty bowl of pasta for less than $50, which we think is a pretty sweet deal.
In 2025, G Flip has a new album on the way. Come 2026, they'll be backing up their latest record with a five-city tour of Australia. When the drummer, singer and songwriter takes to the stage in Brisbane to kick off their next run of homegrown dates, it will be eight years to the month since Georgia Flipo first uploaded 'About You' to Triple J Unearthed — a move that's sparked a helluva career so far for the Aussie talent. G Flip has locked in gigs not only at Brisbane's Riverstage on Friday, February 27, but also at Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Tuesday, March 3; Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena on Saturday, March 7; Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre come Thursday, March 12; and Fremantle Arts Centre on Saturday, March 14. If you've spotted the fact that these dates are nicely spread out, that's likely because the ARIA Award-winner's 2023 solo Australian tour played to sellout crowds, adding extra shows due to demand. [caption id="attachment_1013155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amy Martin Photography via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] For company this time, G Flip will have Toronto's The Beaches and Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon in support at all gigs. "I am so excited to be coming home to play some shows with my mates The Beaches and Ayesha Madon! The Dream Ride tour is going to a bloody good time, can't wait to see you there!" said the 'Drink Too Much', 'Hyperfine', 'Gay 4 Me', 'The Worst Person Alive' and 'Good Enough' performer, announcing the tour. [caption id="attachment_1013154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Sophie Bine[/caption] Dream Ride, the album, releases on Friday, September 5, 2025 — and features already-released singles 'Disco Cowgirl', 'Big Ol' Hammer' and 'In Another Life'. Get ready for an 80s-inspired sound, and for G Flip playing almost every instrument on the record. Their second album Drummer dropped in 2023, and earned G Flip ARIAs for Song of the Year for 'The Worst Person Alive', Best Video for 'Good Enough' and Best Australian Live Act for the corresponding tour. Before that, their studio debut About Us released in 2019. While G Flip last took their own headline tour around the country in 2023, they were busy everywhere from Field Day and Great Southern Nights to One Night Stand and Spilt Milk's House Party series in 2024. [caption id="attachment_967435" align="alignnone" width="1917"] F Fawkes via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] G Flip Dream Ride Tour with The Beaches and Ayesha Madon Australian 2026 Dates Friday, February 27 — Riverstage, Brisbane Tuesday, March 3 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Saturday, March 7 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Thursday, March 12 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide Saturday, March 14 — Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth [caption id="attachment_966668" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Callum Walker Hutchinson[/caption] G Flip is touring Australia with The Beaches and Ayesha Madon in February and March 2026, with ticket presales from 12pm local time on Thursday, July 17, 2025 and general sales from 1pm local time on Monday, July 21, 2025. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images.
The most famous of the Greek islands are wonderful to visit, of course, but they are almost perpetually swamped with tourists. Plus, large swathes of them have been totally redeveloped — they paved paradise and put up a bunch of luxury hotels. Not your vibe? Skip the likes of Santorini and Mykonos (or just stay there briefly), then sail off to more remote islands throughout Greece, where local culture is thriving hand in hand with tourism. Check out our list of recommendations so you can find your own island paradise off the beaten track. [caption id="attachment_876183" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Apostolos Zafeiriou (Unsplash)[/caption] MEGANISI, IONIAN ISLANDS We would describe this as yacht country. So few people come here by ferry and stay on the island, but it is encircled by small yachts throughout the summer. That's because this part of the Ionian Sea is full of beautiful little islands that are hard to get to with ferries — our other favourites being the nearby Kastos and Kalamos. When staying on Meganisi, spend your days laying on empty sandy beaches or snorkelling around the clear waters before heading into one of the three towns (Spartochori, Vathi, and Katomeri) for dinner and drinks. Alternatively, hire a yacht with a skipper and explore this region of the Ionian Sea from the comfort of your own wind-powered boat. That's the best way to experience Greece's lesser-known islands. Try sites like Sailogy, Boataround and Borrowaboat for decently priced yachts that come with skippers. [caption id="attachment_876198" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Johnny Africa (Unsplash).[/caption] ANAFI, CYCLADES If you're wanting a chiller version of Santorini, then check out neighbouring Anafi. Here, you'll find long stretches of sandy beaches as well as countless monasteries and churches located atop mountains. Split your time between hiking up to views of the surrounding Aegean Sea and lazing about on the beaches below. But, to get around with ease, be sure to hire quad bikes or a car. You'll stay in the village of Chora (the only village on this small island) which is built onto the slopes of the mountain. It's a quiet town that still has enough bars and restaurants to get you by. Wander up and down the winding streets to see all the locals going about their daily business, warmly welcoming you to their lesser-known Greek island paradise. [caption id="attachment_876187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petar Lazarevic (Unsplash)[/caption] PAXOS, IONIAN ISLANDS Paxos (also known as Paxi) is a small island famous for its steep cliffs that drop right down into crystal blue waters. See also: quaint little villages that have not lost their charm to tourism. We recommend you spend a few nights in Lakka, the northernmost town, located within a cove surrounded by hills covered in pine trees. This laidback town has a few shops and restaurants located by the two beaches, but you can easily wander off to find your own secluded swimming spot. Alternatively, try the slightly larger town of Gaios for colourful architecture as well as more bars and tavernas. While you're here, be sure to take a boat tour down to Antipaxos island for even more hidden beaches sitting below chalky cliffs (no one lives on this island, so it is pristinely preserved). [caption id="attachment_876188" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Angela Kidman (Unsplash)[/caption] SYROS, CYCLADES We still don't know why this hidden gem hasn't gone the way of other tourist-heavy islands. It is super easy to get to — it has its own airport and is only a short ferry ride from Athens — and is full of locals going about their daily lives. Tourism isn't everything here. The bustling port town of Ermoupolis should be explored and lived in for a while. Yes, you can find beautiful beaches and hikes around the hills but you can also expect more culture and history. Admire the Venetian architecture, spend nights out at small local bars that sprawl out onto the streets and eat all the best fresh seafood. Enjoy the bustling island village life on Syros before exploring other nearby islands. [caption id="attachment_876189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Despina Galani (Unsplash)[/caption] KIMOLOS, CYCLADES A few years ago, Milos was the perfect unknown island that you had to visit. But, as it goes, the word got out. That's why we recommend you get on a short ferry ride to the lesser-known Greek island Kimolos instead. This nearby island is much smaller but has the same natural landscape and still has plenty of good places to go out for dinner and drinks. Also, those who aren't keen on hiring a car or quad bike can still get around by taxi and local bus. It isn't so remote that you have to do it all on your own. You can easily get to stacks of quiet beaches (with a cheeky goat or two wandering around) or over to walking trails around abandoned monasteries and windmills overlooking the sea below. Picturesque doesn't even begin to describe Kimolos' beauty. [caption id="attachment_876190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Apostolos Zafeiriou (Unsplash)[/caption] ITHACA, IONIAN ISLANDS Located a short ferry ride from the more popular Kefalonia is the island of Ithaca. Most accommodation on Ithaca is in the main town of Vathy, so this will likely be your base of operations. During the day, the town feels fairly quiet and deserted as everyone runs away to the many hidden coves dotted about the island. But, at night, the locals and tourists return, flooding the small streets with a lively atmosphere. It's a great place for people-watching. If you have the time, make your way to the sleepy fishing village of Kioni to experience even more of traditional life by the water. Stone homes with balconies adorned in colourful flowers as well as the small cafes and tavernas make this one of our very favourite towns to visit. [caption id="attachment_876192" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dimitris Kiriakakis (Unsplash)[/caption] ANTIPAROS, CYCLADES Celebrities have discovered Antiparos, meaning the ferry loads of tourists can't be too far off. You should get here ASAP, to not only do your celebrity spotting but also to take in the sites before it gets too busy. It won't be a lesser-known Greek island for long. Set yourself up at a beach bar, laying in a hammock with cocktails or ice-cold beers in hand and let this become your next happy place. When you're back in the office, this is where your mind will wander. If you are looking to get a bit more active, then hike around to some of the island's caves full of stalactites and stalagmites, or wander off to the monasteries and churches located atop hills and down on beaches (like the Church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis). You can also take a day tour to the uninhabited Despotiko Island to feel even further away from the rest of the world. Feeling inspired to book a getaway unlike anything else out there? Only through Concrete Playground Trips, our new travel booking platform, can you now purchase holidays specially curated by our writers and editors. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world. Top image: Dragos Gontariu (Unsplash)
Australia's largest multidisciplinary arts centre, Carriageworks is a staple in the Sydney culture scene. Located within the historic Eveleigh Railway Workshops, the site now plays host to some of the most impressive events in the country. The ambitious, artist-led program spans exhibitions, performances and festivals — with the latter including Sydney Biennale and The National. Carriageworks commissions both Australian and international creatives, with a focus on new works that challenge the status quo. And, thanks to a multimillion-dollar lifeline from a group of philanthropists, we can expect Carriageworks to stick around. Apart from its rotating lineup of arts and cultural events, the space is also home to its beloved farmers market every Saturday.
Whether it's casting grande dames in candy-coloured shades or conveying feminine fashion without a single fussy bow, Karen Walker is a designer we pretty much all love to love. And love to pretend is Australian. Actually, she's from New Zealand, and has many an opinion on how that's shaped her creative life. Here she's in conversation with her work and life partner — advertising guru Mikhail Gherman — so it should be a more comfortable, free-flowing on-stage Q&A than most. Come back to the Vivid Ideas Exchange at 9pm weeknights for more intriguing 'In Conversation' pairings. This event is one of our top ten picks of Vivid Ideas. Check out the other nine.
No matter how you feel about Game of Thrones' polarising eighth and final season, the epic HBO show will always hold a soft spot in many pop culture fans' hearts. It'll also always adorn a lengthy tapestry that's currently on display in Northern Ireland. In fact, the detailed piece of fabric has embroidered all of the show's ups and downs onto a massive, 90-metre-long artwork. Simply called the Game of Thrones Tapestry, the piece was inspired by the famous 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry — and while it has called the Ulster Museum in Belfast home since mid 2017, it'll head to Normandy to be displayed alongside its counterpart from September this year. Originally, the cloth reached more than 80 metres in length; however it has recently increased in size for a very important and obvious reason: to add the events of GoT's last season. Along the fabric's huge expanse, dragons, battles and blood sit side-by-side with well-known characters and lines of dialogue. Yes, "winter is coming" is one of them. If you've ever wanted to see Jon Snow in stitchery, the Iron Throne get a linen makeover, revisit Ned Stark's demise in cotton or get a completely different look at all of the series' standouts scenes, this is your chance. Daenerys' fiery rebirth, the Red wedding, the Night King's frosty reign, Hodor's touching end, the Battle of the Bastards and plenty of other deaths, fights, frays and phrases all feature, with the show's first first seven seasons all averaging around 10–13 metres of coverage each. [caption id="attachment_729913" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ulster Museum, Belfast[/caption] If you can't make it to either Northern Ireland or France to see the intricate piece with your own eyes, you can peruse an online version — although, at the time of writing, it hasn't been updated to include the eighth season as yet. Designed by hand, employing a machine to do much of the weaving, and then embroidered by a team of 30 stitchers, the tapestry doesn't just celebrate the show that kept people talking. In addition, it uses fabric from Ferguson's Irish Linen, it commemorates one of the last surviving linen mills in Northern Ireland. Much of the series was filmed in the area, and a new museum will also pop up there soon — which is great to know if you're not ready to say goodbye to GoT just yet, can't wait for George RR Martin's long-awaited next book to finally drop, and are biding your time until the TV spinoffs and prequels come to fruition. The Game of Thrones Tapestry is on display at the Ulster Museum in Belfast until July 28, 2019, before moving to the Hôtel du Doyen in Bayeux, Normandy, France from September 2019. Images: Game of Thrones Tapestry.
In recent years, Frankston has levelled up its offering for residents and visitors alike with a bigger focus on art and events, becoming a hub of activity for street artists, beach lovers and everyday folk looking for a break from the city. Coming up in 2025 are events for all interests, giving you all the more reason to come down and check out the offerings of culture, cocktails, and coastal vibes. Read on to find out what's happening in Frankston in the coming months. South Side Festival — Thursday, May 8 to Sunday, May 18 The fun seemingly never stops in Frankston, since the community favourite South Side Festival will return in 2025, marking its fourth year of showcasing and celebrating the colourful, cultural core of the Frankston area. The ten-day celebration is set to include playful circus shows from Circus Trick Tease, neon-lit art installations in Beauty Park, a dance performance by the Sydney Dance Company at Frankston Art Centre, a chilly ocean swim, artist residences, film screenings, community workshops and more. Australian Sand Sculpting Championships — Saturday, April 5 to Sunday, April 27 If you're of the opinion that sand is course, rough, irritating and that it gets everywhere, then you need to check out this autumn event. For the month of April, artists from across Australia will make a return to the championships home on the Frankston waterfront and transform it into a landscape of sculptures, recreating iconic villains from throughout literature. Attend the opening weekend to see the designs come to life and see the winner announced, or visit before the 27th to see the designs in full. You'll also get the chance to vote on a winner for the People's Choice Awards or partake in some sand-centric activities — including sand sculpting workshops, sand easter egg hunts, a sand museum and more. Frankston Street Art Festival and Block Party — Monday, March 17 to Sunday, March 23 - CONCLUDED Another popular entry on the Frankston events calendar, these annual festivals showcase the vibrant street art of the area in over a week of celebration. Celebrating the local artistic scene, the Frankston Street Art Festival attracts local, national and international artists to do their thing on the walls and laneways throughout Frankston City. In 2025, the artist lineup includes Aussie creatives like Damien Arena, Jasmine Crisp and Trent Downie, alongside international talents Simon Beuve, Manuel Guiro and Candela Colors. Celebrations kick off with the Festival Launch Party on Tuesday, March 18, with drinks, music and meet-and-greets with the artists at the Cube gallery, plus the chance to get your say in next year's lineup with the People's Choice Award. For the rest of the festival, you can take things as you please from the program. Get hands-on with workshops and speaking sessions, or take advantage of Frankston's street art tours becoming free for the week to see the new murals and maybe meet the artists before it all culminates with Block Party. This free street celebration finale will feature music from DJs Pixleton and CuznMatt, roaming entertainment from the Snuff Puppets and street art workshops popping up in White Street Mall on Saturday, March 22. The Carlsberg Beach Club — Friday, January 31 to Sunday, March 30 - CONCLUDED If you can't justify the cost of a Euro summer adventure in 2025, get a sip of the experience at Frankston Pier instead. The Carlsberg Beach Club will bring a European beach club-inspired experience to the waterfront, inviting guests to sit and take in the coastal scenery with cocktails and summer snacks between 12pm and sunset every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 31 to March 30. Access is free but space is limited so you'd best pre-register. Once you've secured a spot, enjoy live music from the likes of Darley, So Frency So Chic, Oil Busta, Alice Ivy, Madame Reve and more, grab a Carlsberg beer or cocktail and wash down a steak sandwich or any of the other tasty treats on the menu. Enjoy the sunset and go for a dip while you're there, too. For more information on any of the above events and to see what else is coming to Frankston in 2025, visit the website.
Travelling to a galaxy far, far away sounds rather nice at this point in 2020. If you're a Star Wars fan, that's actually quite easy, too. While this year won't deliver a new movie in the franchise for the first time since 2014, the second season of TV spinoff The Mandalorian's is heading to Disney+ from Friday, October 30. For those that missed it or need a refresher — the Star Wars universe certainly does sprawl far and wide, both within its tales and in its many different movies, shows, books and games — the Emmy-nominated show follows the titular bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal). In the series' first season, which was set five years after Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi and aired last year, that meant tracking his latest gigs. And, it also involved charting his encounter with a fuzzy little creature officially known as The Child, but affectionately named Baby Yoda by everyone watching. Also on offer the first time around: Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito playing villain Moff Gideon, aka the ex-Galactic Empire security officer determined to capture The Child; everyone from Carl Weathers and Taika Waititi to Werner Herzog playing ex-magistrates, droids and enigmatic strangers; and plenty of planet-hopping. Yes, it was firmly a Star Wars TV series, and yes, it plans to continue in the same manner. As both the previously released first trailer and the just-dropped new glimpse of The Mandalorian's second season shows, it also intends to once again focus on one of television's best pairings. Not only is Mando back, but so is the oh-so-adorable Baby Yoda. The duo's quest to return to The Child's home planet continues, and they aren't parting ways on the journey — "wherever I go, he goes," Mando advises. In addition to showering viewers in Baby Yoda's cuteness, the eight-episode new season will see Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) pop up — it is a show about a bounty hunter, after all — plus Timothy Olyphant and Rosario Dawson join the cast. Behind the lens, directors include showrunner Jon Favreau, Jurassic World star Bryce Dallas Howard, Dope's Rick Famuyiwa, Ant-Man's Peyton Reed and Alita: Battle Angel's Robert Rodriguez, as well as Weathers doing double duty on-screen and off. If you're missing Star Wars on the big screen, don't spend too long stressing. Like any good rebel, this franchise is destined to keep returning. After introducing the world to new lightsaber-wielding characters, farewelling old favourites and delving into stellar side stories for five years straight between 2015–19, more Star Wars movies are planned, because of course they are — but wannabe Jedis won't be watching them just yet. Check out the latest trailer for The Mandalorian below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICuqzhViWAI The Mandalorian's second season hits Disney+ on Friday, October 30. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Top image: Disney+
It might be the cheese, the wine or the pastries (don't make us choose), but when it comes to food, the French just know what's up. And with Sydney flying the French flag, you certainly needn't book flights to Paris to satisfy your inner Francophile this Bastille Day. Between special events held at the city's beloved brasseries and kicking your heels up to do the can-can, there are plenty of options for celebrating France's National Day — and biggest party — on Friday, July 14. TAKE A TASTY TOUR OF FRANCE AT FELIX For the week of Bastille Day, the folks at Felix will take you on a culinary exploration of France, presenting a different regional French dish each night. Choose from confit duck on Monday, beef bourguignon on Wednesday, through to Basque chicken on Sunday. Ruinart Rose Champagne will be offered by the glass or bottle or you can go for the wine that's been matched to the dish. If you've got a bit more budget, on Friday, July 14, they're going all out with a six-course degustation for $180. When: July 10–16. Where: Felix, 2 Ash Street, Sydney. Cost: Dishes at a la carte prices, degustation $180 per person, or $250 with matching wines. EAT AND DRINK YOUR WAY THROUGH FRENCH STALLS AT BASTILLE FESTIVAL You might want to pace yourself for this one. Now in its fifth year, Sydney's Bastille Festival will be gathering all the best of French food, wine and culture to Circular Quay in a four-day extravaganza. The French village will also include lifestyle stalls, spruiking wares such as tablecloths, art prints, jewellery and any other knick-knacks you might want to stock up on. Not just French-centric however, as food vendors will also offer delights from Madrid, Brussels, Rome, Munich, Amsterdam and more. There'll even be an outdoor cinema set up screening French films. When: July 13–16. Where: Circular Quay. Cost: Free entry. PULL UP A STOOL AT LOLUK BISTRO Surry Hills' quaint Provincial bistro will be offering a three-course set menu with traditional French fare, such as onion soup, cheese soufflé and slow-cooked lamb shank. The cost for three courses also includes a glass of sparkling wine. If you can't make it, be sure to look out for their stall at the Bastille Festival or head there on a Tuesday or Wednesday for raclette night. When: July 14 and 15. Where: 2/411 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Cost: $85 per person. CAN-CAN WITH COCKTAILS AT THE ARGYLE Numerous French organisations unite for a sixth consecutive year of The Argyle's Alliance Française Bastille Day bash. And it is one hell of a party — last year's attendance of over 2000. A can-can show, French DJs and a photobooth is all included, with the option to gorge yourself on crepes and of course, cheese and saucisson (that's cured pork sausage, similar to salami). A trip for two to New Caledonia will also be up for grabs in a raffle too. When: Thursday, July 13. Where: The Argyle, 18 Argyle Street, The Rocks. Cost: $15 entry (food and drink not included). GO FULL FRENCH AT BISTRO MONCUR An exclusive menu at Bistro Moncur will see a very French four-course feast on the cards for Bastille Day. Dishes will include bouillabaisse (a fish stew) and rum baba, which, if you've not had it, is a small yeast cake saturated in syrup made with rum and is bloody delicious. Curated by chefs Mark Williamson and Jon Trouillet, the selection will aim to represent a tour of France. Diners will have the option to let the chefs take the wheel and enjoy all four courses, or free to select dishes from the pla du jour or a la carte menus. Wine to match is also an option. Bookings are recommended. When: Friday, July 14. Where: Bistro Moncur, 116A Moncur Street, Woollahra. Cost: $140 per person, $55 extra for wine pairing.
Many museums say they're taking you 'travelling in time', but New York's adventurous New Museum has found an unusual way to displace you by 20 years. Their new project titled Recalling 1993 is transforming 5000 of the city's pay phones into time machines where people can escape reality and make calls 20 years into NYC's past. Until May 26, city dwellers and visitors can easily pick up any pay phone, dial 1-855-FOR-1993 and hear a recording about what was happening 20 years ago in that specific location. The installation was proposed by ad agency Droga5 and was inspired by the museum's exhibition NYC 1993 Experimental Jet, Set, Trash and No Star, which encapsulates the year in art. They describe it as "a pivotal year that began to shape the New York we know today". The stories on these geolocated time machines are told by New Yorkers to New Yorkers, including WNYC's Brian Lehrer, the Village Voice's Michael Musto, renowned chef Mario Batali, iconic trash TV presenter Robin Byrd and many others. You can hear a few select samples at the Recalling 1993 website. It's always great to see initiatives that take museum-goers beyond the building and into the streets. But this project's single masterstroke must be the way it revives the near-obsolete pay phone for one last hurrah. We'd be so bemused to pick up the receiver of one these days, it seems right there'd be a voice from the past waiting inside to connect. Via Inhabitat.
The Norfolk's leafy beer garden is a familiar sight to many an inner city beer-drinking, $3 taco-loving pub-goer. But regulars to the Redfern pub might start to see some changes, with both the outdoor courtyard and interior set to undergo renovations over the next month. The pub — along with The Forresters in Surry Hills and The Oxford Tavern in Petersham — was taken over by the Dixon Hospitality Group when they bought Jaime Wirth's Drink 'n' Dine group earlier in the year. Wirth will be returning to his old stomping ground to oversee the pub reno, along with business partner Mike Delaney. Fresh from resurrecting Club 77, the pair have come on board with the Dixon Group as consultants. So what will the inspiration behind the renovations be? The team have described their plans as something close to "Benicio del Toro eating a Cajun gumbo whilst watching Miami Vice". We don't know exactly what that means, but somebody pass us a margarita and Cuban cigar, pronto. The food and drinks menu will also undergo some changes, but we've been told not to worry – regulars will still be able to find plenty of pub staples on the menu, with new and improved substitutes for old favourites. A favourite with locals for good reason – the Norfolk's beer selection is vast and the food menu is well priced. Loyal punters should keep their eyes peeled for a launch party, with the exact date TBA.
It's fair to say that MasterChef Australia winner and media personality chef Adam Liaw is a national treasure. When he's not blessing us with insights on Twitter or presenting cooking shows on TV that make our tummies grumble, he's off collaborating with flavoursome chip brand, Red Rock Deli. And on Wednesday, May 15, Liaw will be hosting an intimate secret supper for 20 guests. The location remains a secret for now — as does the menu. All we know so far is that the three-course menu will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's newest flavour — Limited-Edition Thai Red Chilli and Creamy Coconut. [caption id="attachment_718821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] It's all very hush-hush — but we've done some prying. First up, Liaw did tell us that the menu is 'a journey in three parts'. The first dish will hero chilli, while the dessert will incorporate the creamy texture of coconut. For the main, you can expect both flavours to be featured. We also know that Liaw's knowledge of Asian cuisines is extraordinary — he was born in Malaysia to an English Singaporean mother and Hainanese Chinese father and is the Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese cuisine — and he loves bringing elements from these cuisines into his cooking. "The one thing I always come back to is not how different they are, but how much common ground there is. Every cuisine has its comfort foods, sweet treats, grilled meats and balanced tastes. Once you understand the context of the food, the ingredients can be combined and integrated to create something new," he told us. [caption id="attachment_659258" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chaco Bar, Leticia Almeida[/caption] So, in trying to crack the menu code, we thought we'd find out a little about the Asian restaurants that Liaw visits in Sydney (and the dishes he orders) for inspiration. He name-dropped a few of his recent favourites, which may give us an idea of what to expect. First up: wagyu carpaccio with sea urchin, parmesan and truffle — a bold flavour combo — from Darlinghurst's Chaco Bar. And, if you're feeling brave, Liaw recommends the 'char-siu' roasted Glacier toothfish from Mr Wong. What is a Glacier toothfish? And why do we want to eat it? It just goes to show that a menu item that starts with 'char-siu' (which is traditionally served as barbecued pork) can end however it likes and, if Liaw suggests it, we'll give it a go. He also mentioned Mama Mulan's Mongolian-style lamb ribs with cumin and the Moo ping marinated pork skewers with jim jaew from Khao Pla as inspirational dishes. [caption id="attachment_611319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Wong[/caption] Rounding out Liaw's top six were hot pot chain The Dolar Shop and Ho Jiak — both in Haymarket. "[They're] doing fantastic things with modern, creative Asian food while still understanding Australia's love of authenticity," he says. From Dolar Shop, he rates the Sichuan broth, whole big eye ocean perch and sweet potato noodles. You had us at whole big eye ocean perch, Mr Liaw. Adam Liaw's Secret Supper is now sold out but we've still got two tickets to give away. To be in with a chance, head this way. And, while you wait for the big night to roll around, you can get cracking on this Liaw-certified recommendation circuit. Top Image: Kitti Gould.
As if you wouldn't be excited: Clueless is set to make a comeback, with a new streaming series featuring Alicia Silverstone (Y2K) reprising the role of Cher Horowitz reportedly in the works. How is life treating one of pop culture's favourite 90s Beverley Hills teenagers three decades later? Who else from her high-school life will feature? What tale will the new small-screen sequel tell? These are all valid questions; however, none of them have answers just yet. Variety has revealed that the show is in development, with NBCUniversal's US streaming service Peacock behind it. Behind the camera, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (The OC, Gossip Girl, Nancy Drew) are writing and executive producing the new series, alongside Jordan Weiss (Freakier Friday). Amy Heckerling (Vamps), who helmed the big-screen hit in 1995, is also an executive producer. If one of your most-pressing queries involves Paul Rudd (Death of a Unicorn), there's no word yet if the ageless actor will be back. Stacey Dash (Four.), Donald Faison (Extended Family), Jeremy Sisto (FBI), Elisa Donovan (NCIS), Breckin Meyer (Good Girls), Dan Hedaya (The God Committee) and Wallace Shawn (Evil) were also among the movie's cast, as was the late Brittany Murphy. And if this news sounds familiar, that's because reports also circulated back in 2020 that the same streamer was diving back into the world of Clueless with a series focusing on Dash's Dionne — but the new project with Silverstone is something different. This isn't the first time that Clueless has made the jump to TV, but it is the only small-screen series with Silverstone returning as the film's main character. After the movie's success, a Clueless television show ran for three seasons from 1996–1998, with Rachel Blanchard (The Summer I Turned Pretty) taking over the role of Cher, but everyone from Dash, Faison, Donovan and Shawn to Murphy, Meyer and Rudd either co-starred or popped up as guests. Another example of beloved 90s fare returning — Buffy the Vampire Slayer is also reported to be returning for a sequel series — the new Clueless isn't just an excellent development for fans of the OG flick, of course. It's equally great for Jane Austen devotees, too, given that the movie loosely adapts the author's Emma. There's obviously no sneak peek yet for the new Clueless, but check out the trailer for the original film below: There's no release date for the new Clueless TV series yet — we'll update you when more details are announced. Via Variety.
A slasher premise. A script by Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson. A cast member of Party of Five being terrorised. That setup worked well twice in the 90s, first with Scream and then with I Know What You Did Last Summer. Indeed, when they each initially released, sequels followed in both instances. Here's the latest part of the trend: both franchises have made or are making 2020s-era returns after jumps to TV with flicks sharing the same name as the original movies in each saga and featuring OG cast members. First came 2022's Scream. Next arrives 2025's I Know What You Did Last Summer. Once again, Jennifer Love Hewitt (9-1-1) follows in Neve Campbell's (The Lincoln Lawyer) footsteps — and as Scream did, I Know What You Did Last Summer picks up with a mix of familiar and new faces. As the just-dropped trailer for cinema's return to Southport illustrates, Freddie Prinze Jr (The Girl in the Pool) is also back. Being stalked for their past misdeeds this time: Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Chase Sui Wonders (The Studio), Jonah Hauer-King (The Tattooist of Auschwitz), Tyriq Withers (Me) and Sarah Pidgeon (The Friend). If you're a fan of 90s horror getting a new lease on life, we know what you're doing this winter Down Under, then, with the new I Know What You Did Last Summer hitting the big screen on Thursday, July 17, 2025. You'll also already be well-aware of the basic setup: a group of friends are involved in a car accident, someone dies, but they cover it up and vow not to tell anyone. A year later, of course that secret haunts them, as does a vengeance-seeking killer. The new film layers in the fact that this has all happened in the past, with the quintet in focus needing help from two survivors of the Southport Massacre of 1997. Enter Hewitt and Prinze Jr, as part of a cast that also includes Billy Campbell (Mr & Mrs Smith), Gabbriette Bechtel (Idiotka) and Austin Nichols (The Six Triple Eight). Starting as a 1973 novel, which Williamson adapted into the first 1997 film, I Know What You Did Last Summer initially spawned two sequels: 1998's I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and 2006's I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer. In 2021, an I Know What You Did Last Summer TV series ran for one season. On the franchise's return to the big screen, Do Revenge filmmaker Jennifer Kaytin Robinson directs — and continues her connection with the OG I Know What You Did Last Summer cast, given that Sarah Michelle Gellar (Dexter: Original Sin) featured in that 2022 movie. Check out the trailer for I Know What You Did Last Summer below: I Know What You Did Last Summer releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
The year 2000 seems appropriate for the release of an iconic Australian record: it was the year Daniel Johns promised he'd make it up to us; we'd recently learned Madison Avenue was not our baby; and we'd narrowly avoided death by computers crashing. It was time to celebrate a new millennium. Having sold more than a million copies, Since I Left You had fans pleading for a follow-up album from day one. But 14 years later, The Avalanches are still yet to deliver. Though a second album is expected at any moment, Vivid Sydney is keeping us satisfied in the meantime. Fronted by South Africa-born, Sydney-raised eclectic electronic whiz kid Jonti along with alt-pop local favourite Rainbow Chan and management buds Astral People, Vivid LIVE's celebration of The Avalanches will see as many as 17 performers reinterpret and rearrange some of the 3,500 samples included in Since I Left You. Between rehearsals and resting his voice, Jonti took time to chat with us about Saturday's Opera House performance, his love for The Avalanches and what to expect from the future. ON VIVID LIVE Originally produced for OutsideIn Festival last year, the Since I Left You tribute set was created to "show our own profuse love for The Avalanches," according to Jonti (who'll no doubt be blissing out himself throughout the show). If you've been a little baffled by what to expect from the Saturday May 24 performance, Jonti makes it plain. "It's a recreation of the album. We're basically just trying to bring it to life, cover every sound and play it in the same order as when you listen to the album, but back-the-front," he says. Of the whopping 18 songs making up Since I Left You — and the 3,500 samples included in it — 'Electricity' is Jonti's favourite of their reinterpretations (although it wasn't an easy task to pick just one). "I just think it ends with a lot of soul and the strings sound really beautiful. It just kind of explodes and everyone's really on their A game and it's all kind of 'game over' sounding. I've really liked the way we've been doing that one." https://youtube.com/watch?v=VfAuFAgHpzc ON HIS LOVE FOR THE AVALANCHES To have a bunch of young, celebrated musos recreating their album at the Opera House 14 years after its release must feel pretty damn great for The Avalanches. But of course, it's equally satisfying for Jonti, who's adored the Melbourne band since their first release. "There's copious amounts of love in their album and I feel that's what makes it kind of transcend over the years. "When I moved to Australia from South Africa, I wasn't really sure of my identity. I had to find myself and I think the album helped me with that; it helped me choose a path. And even last year, I was very stuck and went through a breakup, then we did the Since I Left You [OutsideIn] show and it just resparked a love of music. It's the album that keeps giving," Jonti laughs. The Avalanches have kept us on their toes with rumours of a second album since Since I Left You's release. But it finally seems likely that we'll hear more from the Melbourne legends any day soon, with Jonti recently collaborating on the forthcoming anticipated (and rather mysterious) release. Despite his undying love for their first album, it seems even Jonti thinks a second could be better. "I think it's possible. When I got back from the studio I was kind of blushing like a school girl. It definitely has the same power." But rethinking his answer, Jonti reckons it might not be his favourite. "Only because I'm on their album. I don't think I could say that's my favourite album and be on it," he laughs. "That would sound weird." https://youtube.com/watch?v=_MJNjRAkRfE PREDICTING THE FUTURE Orchestrating a 17-person show at the Opera House has become Jonti's pet project for the past year. But requiring a huge amount of effort, stress and thought, it'll all be over after Saturday night. "There'll definitely be withdrawals. We were talking about it this morning, like, 'what are we going to do?' But we have ideas. And you just don't know what's around the corner so we'll probably just keep the gang together one way or another. "We definitely want to do a show in Melbourne, because that's where they're [The Avalanches] from. But it all depends on whatever we can make feasible. It's just hard enough getting us all in the one room to rehearse!" But between rehearsals, Jonti's also been recording a solo album that's probably "40 per cent" completed. "We'll see where that leads to." Jonti will perform as part of Vivid LIVE in Since I Left You - A Celebration of The Avalanches on Saturday 24 May. More details over here.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the pristine beauty of Vava'u, Tonga and the lush Reef Resort. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive seven-night travel deal — including a discounted room rate, breakfast and lunch included and a magical five days of swimming with humpbacks. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? If you've found yourself in the tropical paradise of Vava'u, Tonga, you're already set for a spectacularly lush holiday. Pristine natural surrounds, crystal clear waters and perpetually warm temperatures: all the makings of a standout time. But, if you've also found yourself checking in to the understated luxury of Reef Resort, your time here is only going to get better. There's sprawling grounds, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and Polynesian fine dining with a Euro twist. The most special element here, though, is the chance to swim with mighty humpbacks. Big and gentle, the whales play right in front of the resort — pure magic. THE ROOMS There's only five fales (Tongan bungalows) in the resort so whenever you stay here you're guaranteed some secluded R&R. Each is self-contained and comes with a private deck — the ideal spot for a pre-whale stretch and early coffee in the morning light. There are four deluxe bungalows dotted over grounds — two on the beach and two a short walk up the hill. Each of these fales boasts sweeping vistas over the lagoon, a king bed complete with lofty canopy and enough room for three. Then, there's the Honeymoon Villa. Nearly twice the size of the deluxe fales, there's a bigger deck, a second bedroom and a more modern feel in this one (so if you're a lovebird, you'd be silly not to). FOOD AND DRINK The onsite restaurant at Reef Resort will have you savouring the earthy, spicy and fruity flavours of Polynesia. Rich coconut milk curries and ocean-fresh fish, the freshest of produce straight from the markets and sweet treats that hero the juiciest melons and papayas. The kitchen here is always helmed by an expert, with this season welcoming Chef Jürgen who is bringing a wealth of experience from time in fine-dining institutions throughout Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The restaurant and bar (pictured above) is easy breezy, with ocean views from every seat. You can expect a constantly rotating menu that features the likes of parrot fish, snapper and mahi mahi — all freshly plucked from the deep. It'll be here that you enjoy all your meals, including a three-course dinner to see out each day in the tropics. THE LOCAL AREA Vava'u isn't one island, but a group of 55. It's in this archipelago that underwater caves await for adventurous divers, pods of gentle giants swim alongside curious humans and nature-heads come to simply enjoy. Come and charter a sailing trip, go scuba diving, explore the abundant surrounds and hop from island to island before returning to your fale for a refreshing sleep in the tropics. THE EXTRAS In case lazing by the ocean under the shade of a palm isn't relaxing enough, the team's made sure there's plenty of places to plonk yourself when you want to hit the chill zone. There are hammocks and a communal sundeck — where cakes are baked fresh and served every day, and cocktails are served each day to farewell the sun. Although you won't find all-out day spas or a smorgasbord of places to refuel, you don't head to Vava'u to luxuriate in this way. Come to enjoy the untouched perfection of the area and the whales. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Running on some serious Weetbix numbers, cereal-loving Irish twins Alan and Gary Keery want to bring their childhood love of milk and grain to East London's Shoreditch. Stocking 100 cereals, 12 milks and 20 toppings, the puntastically-named Cereal Killer Cafe sounds like the breakfast bar of our dreams, with cereal cocktails, 18 Pop-Tart flavours, toast variations and local London tea and Saturday morning cartoons on tap. Developing the idea after a huge night out, the Keerys craved that cereal fix of yesteryear but found London wanting for participating breakfast spots. Inspired by existing cereal cafes in the US like Cereality (where counter staff are called "cerealogists" and wear pyjamas as a uniform), the brothers saw a niche in the London market to indulge fellow cereal enthusiasts. "Cereal Killer Cafe will re-imagine how we enjoy our cereal... letting you, the customer, tailor a bowl to your exact taste," say the twins on their Indiegogo site. "And because of our extensive range of milks we will cater to vegans, vegetarians and even awkward children." Hooray! Even awkward children! The Keerys have been working on the business plan for eight months, finding inspiration for the interior design in their favourite breakfast friends. "The whole look [is] based on a bowl of Lucky Charms," they said, further detailing their vision for milky cream walls and exposed brick interiors. "Cereal cafés already existed in America so we have put our own twist to it, presenting the cafe with a vintage style and having it decorated wall to wall with old cereal boxes and memorabilia." The Shoreditch cafe will feature old televisions playing cereal's longtime soulmate: cartoons (showing exclusively on Saturday mornings, as things should be). Stocking every last boxed breakfast favourite from Lucky Charms to Special K, Cereal Killer will serve up small, medium and large bowls, as well as 'combo meals' paired with toast, Pop-Tarts, local tea and juice boxes. Adventurous breakfasters might be up for the cereal cocktails like 'Smore Than Words' (golden graham crackers, mini marshmallows and chocolate milk) and 'Crunchy Nutcase' (Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, Crunchy Nut Clusters, walnuts, pecans and hazlenut milk). https://youtube.com/watch?v=u_h1pHxfnHA Having scrimped and saved their own small dosh hoard, the twins aren't entirely without funding. But London's cafe market runs on a sword's edge (particularly in Shoreditch) so the pair looked to Indiegogo for the final push. "We have already put together 20k of our own savings, but before approaching the banks we want to let our customers be part of the journey. Because we know there are other people out there as passionate about cereal as we are!" Having only raised £785 of their £60,000, the Keerys are hopeful more early-risers and sugar-craving, Saturday morning cartoon-loving Big Kids will invest. But if Crunchy Nut's Londoncentric campaign (below) is indicative of positive market research results, the Keerys will surely find fellow cereal killers around town happy to throw them a pound or two. Via London24 and Buzzfeed. Top image credits Gary and Alan Keery.
He was one of the youngest cast members in Saturday Night Live's history. During his eight-season run on the iconic US sketch-comedy series, he riffed on his own life aplenty, then did the same in The King of Staten Island on the big screen, plus in streaming series Bupkis. If you've caught Pete Davidson's comedy specials, you'll know that the same applies when he's onstage, too — which Sydney audiences can witness live in October 2025. Davidson has locked in an Aussie leg on his latest stand-up tour, playing three cities: Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. The whirlwind trip will see him perform three gigs three nights in a row, ending with a date with Enmore Theatre in the Harbour City on Wednesday, October 1. Beyond SNL and otherwise fictionalising his own experiences in cinemas and on TV — and beyond his Pete Davidson: SMD, Pete Davidson: Alive From New York and Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli specials as well — Davidson has rarely been far from screens over the past decade. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Trainwreck, Big Time Adolescence, The Suicide Squad, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fast X, Dumb Money: they're all on his resume. Davidson's 2025 Aussie dates come just after his latest film, heist comedy The Pickup co-starring Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F), drops on Prime Video in early August.
Work is well underway on Rooty Hill's ambitious new performing arts centre, with theatre-lovers west of Sydney now just 12 months away from having their own local destination for musicals and large-scale stage productions. Plans for the Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre (WSPAC) were revealed this time last year, raising a few eyebrows with the fact the project is funded by profits from Rooty Hill RSL's pokies. Aside from the questionable cash, the $100 million, world-class centre is undoubtedly a huge pull for the area, which currently has nothing to rival a cultural offering of this scale. The state-of-the-art facility will boast a 2000-seat 'multi-mode theatre' that can be adapted to host musicals, ballet productions and everything in between, as well as a 30-capacity orchestra pit, retractable seating (so it can also host concerts) and a swag of plush amenities, including 11 dressing rooms. New technology is promising audiences a fully immersive sound experience, complete with clever acoustic design and sustainable LED lighting. A five-star Pullman Hotel will also be built nearby, to cope with the expected boom in visitors lured to the area. [caption id="attachment_694754" align="alignnone" width="1920"] WSPAC as of October 3, 2018[/caption] The Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre has this week announced it's "open for business", now taking program submissions and bookings one year out from the anticipated opening date. We'll update you as soon as any notable shows are announced. The Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre is slated for completion in October 2019.
Part of the action-packed program taking over Darling Harbour these winter school holidays, this pop-up ice rink is the perfect excuse to mix up the usual dinner-and-drinks, and do something a little different. Running from Saturday, June 28–Sunday, July 20, from 10am–9pm, ice skating at Darling Harbour will be located at the Palm Grove Forecourt, injecting European winter vibes into Sydney's iconic waterfront. Against a backdrop of harbour views and twinkling lights, the openair rink promises a fun time for seasoned skaters and first-timers alike. And if date night isn't on the cards because you've got little ones, penguin skating aids and double-bladed skates will also be available. When hunger hits, there are countless places to grab a bite that are a short walk from the rink. Indulge in Chimney cakes at Kürtősh, a warming bowl of dry ramen at IIKO Mazesoba, noodles at Sailor Boy Thai, or a scoop of ice cream at the newly opened SMiZE and DREAM. Tickets for ice skating at Darling Harbour start at $15 for toddlers, $20 for kids or concession, and $28 for adults. Penguin hire is $10, and group rates are available at $20 per person. For more information, visit Darling Harbour's website. Images: Supplied.
For the eighth time, Golden Plains Festival is coming back to the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, and the ballot is open today. 2014's festival goes down from March 8-10 and has announced that the headliner will be none other than the hip hop megastars Public Enemy. The festival is all about a chilled long weekend of camping, picnicking, watching bands and generally loving life. Last year featured the likes of Cat Power, Flume and the legendary George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Golden Plains Festival promises to be a haven away from your more traditional festivals. No crummy stores, no corporate sponsors and especially no dickheads (they maintain a self-policing 'Dickhead' Policy). You take your own booze, you camp wherever you want and spend the weekend as if you were living in a weird and lovely commune. As per previous years, tickets are being sold in four ways, the first being the ballot. The first round is for existing subscribers, and entries close October 21. Non-subscribers have until October 28. Public sales in selected stores open on November 7, and online sales open on November 8. Each ticket costs $319, plus booking fee and postage. The ticket gets you in on Saturday, gives you free parking and camping, and gets you out again on Monday. So get yourself into the ballot, and don't forget appropriate footwear.
The more I read about it the more the patriotic Sydney native in me wanted not to like this project. Melbourne designer collaborates with Melbourne photographer for exhibition in Sydney. We don't like to be told how to do things up here. Sadly that is as negative as I can be because the clothes and images are a subtle yet undeniable pleasure to behold. The exhibition is comprised of a series of intimate and honest portraits. Stark visions of subjects handpicked from various walks of life. A model, an indigenous activist, a musician and a sculptor among others, each invited to "offer their own physical or emotional response to the clothing". Mia Mala McDonald is the photographer and Skinny Nelson the label. Through photography Mia McDonald clicks and drags over the forgotten details of life and presses APPLE (or CTRL) +B on her keyboard of artistic expression to embolden the discarded beauty of the world. Jacqui Alexander, designer for Skinny Nelson, who might be a case for DOCS, began her fashion education at age six. While my childhood was ticking away at a nearby Timezone arcade, Alexander's father was equipping her with the knowledge of pattern making and garment construction. By 18 Alexander was something of a veteran and Skinny Nelson was to become be the vehicle for her creative direction. Fashion and photography go together like wine and cheese; in both combinations there is a balancing act and the sum is reliant not just on the individual components but how well they sit together. These two have achieved an unpretentious, thoughtful harmony that is well worth a look.
No, you're not confused, Triple J's Hottest 100 is on again for the second time in 2025. But this time around, it has an all-Australian twist. With the annual countdown bringing all types of music fans together, this special edition is no different, and the crew at Darlinghurst favourite Taphouse are setting the tone with a stellar day-long party. Kicking off from 12pm on Saturday, July 26, the countdown will boom through the ground floor and rooftop terrace, ensuring you don't miss a track from the inaugural Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. To celebrate, Taphouse is pouring $14 Aperol spritzes and $10 schooners of Mountain Culture Status Quo (with $1 from each donated to Headspace). The venue's Cantonese-inspired menu will also be in full swing. Served across all three levels, the menu is curated by Applejack's Director of Culinary Patrick Friesen (Queen Chow, Ms.G's) and Head Chef Mulianto Mulianto. Expect nostalgic bites like prawn wontons and barbecue pork buns, alongside mains like wok-fried lobster and Mongolian lamb. With Triple J turning 50 in 2025, it feels like an appropriate time to shake up the Hottest 100. However, with voting closed, you'll have to see if your favourite tunes make the list. Will the playlist be full of classic tracks from Midnight Oil, AC/DC and Crowded House, or more recent cuts from Tame Impala, Courtney Barnett and Flume? Get down to Taphouse Darlinghurst to listen in.
Food truck addicts rejoice. You can now track down your favourite food truck, not by running hungrily through the city, but by downloading a newly released app from the City of Sydney. With the click of a button on your smartphone you can find a burger, tacos, noodles or whatever your late-night craving is the second your mouth starts to water. Once the app is downloaded, hungry Sydneysiders can see where food trucks are serving and get directions to the truck from their current location. Menus, pictures and prices are available through the new app, and users will be able to check the latest updates and specials for each truck too. Just then you thought your smartphone did everything, it now makes gourmet food on the go one step easier. Say goodbye to the days of chasing your favourite food truck down the street only to watch it drive away leaving you teary-eyed with a growling stomach. Download the app here.
Bored of your usual Wednesday night entertainment? Head to Friend in Hand for something a little different: crab racing. Every last Wednesday of the month, you can expect crisp, cold schooners, or better yet $10 jugs from 7–8.30pm, while you watch an upturned bucket of hermit crabs race to the finish line. The pub's been bringing these crustacean shenanigans to Glebe for over 20 years from 8pm. So grab a jug, and get set to cheer on your fine shelled friends. Image: Kitti Gould.
Forget cheeseburger stuffed crusts and meal deals with 5 litres of Pepsi Max; visiting a soulless pizza chain in Sydney is a mortal sin. There are so many places that have mastered the art of the fine Italian dish, it's only a question of picking one. Here are our ten favourites that keep us coming back for stretchy Buffalo mozzarella, pillowy bases and perfect toppings. Da Mario It’s easy to devour an entire pizza to yourself here — and unashamedly so. The Mario crew has built a solid reputation in Surry Hills with Pizza Mario, and although the Rosebery branch offers a more extensive menu, the pizza's just so good it'll sabotage your ability to try anything else. Housed in a former cannery, it's a large and open space — possibly selected to house the big red oven. Toppings are minimal yet deliciously paramount. Take, for example, the gorgonzola con radicchio ($21.50) or the full-flavoured Calabrese with salame, mozzarella and olives ($23). Traditionalists will love the Margherita, while calzone fans should opt for the Salame — oozing with soft ricotta, melted mozzarella and black pepper. It's all stupidly delicious. 36 Morley Ave, Rosebery; (02) 9669 2242; www.damario.com.au Da Orazio Pizza & Porchetta This could get messy: Orazio recommend that all their dishes are best shared. We recommend however, that dining solo is a better option so as to enjoy these exceedingly brilliant 32cm pizzas all to yourself. Handmade and cooked the Neapolitan way in the enormous wood-fired brick oven, it’s like Naples has landed in Bondi. They’ve nailed modest topping combos with crusts that yield a good amount of puff and blistered burns, causing jaws to drop left, right and centre. The Pagnuttiello ($22) is topped with ricotta and fior di latte to soften a fiery salame and black pepper; the Friarielli ($24) has smoked mozzarella, sausage, broccoli rabe and chilli and will have tongues wagging. But the apple of our eye is the Siciliana ($20) with eggplant, ricotta and tomato — we warned you, dine alone or bring your whip. 3/75-79 Hall Street, Bondi Beach; (02) 8090 6969; www.daorazio.com Gigi This south King Street pizzeria was a pleasing addition for the Newtown locals, after venturing to Norton Street became a bit tiresome when you just wanted a decent pizza. Pizzas at Gigi are authentically (and lawfully) made the Napoletana way: hand-kneaded, laden with traditional toppings and cooked in a woodfired oven. Sheer dedication equals sheer deliciousness. Purists can sate a craving for a true Margherita ($17), laden with their homemade tomato sauce and basil so fresh you’re expecting to see soil. Truffle oil devotees will devour the Patate ($19), where it's lightly drizzled over potato, Buffalo mozzarella, fresh rosemary and just enough garlic to keep the vampires at bay. But we’re forgetting about the 4 Formaggi ($19.50) — the pride of the kitchen and a cheesy, melting disc of pure heaven. And because you’re in Newtown, quench your thirst with a beer at one of the many drinking holes nearby. 379 King Street, Newtown; (02) 9557 2224 Rosso Pomodoro No half-half. No ham and pineapple. Only Italian mozzarella. Only Italian toppings. It might sound like you’re back in the classroom, but dining at Rosso Pomodoro is an authentic Italian experience that tops any biology lesson — the lengthy queues a sheer reflection of why. The restaurant is small and in typical Italian form can be a tad noisy. Nonetheless, it’s all about the pizzas that are reassuringly crispy and slightly blistered. We could go on and on about all the delicious pizzas at Rosso, but absolute standouts would have be the bresaola with rocket and parmesan ($22) and the calzone with salami and olives. Vegetarians will be delighted with the Funghi ($19), but it’s the Della Casa with Italian sausage, hot salami, baby spinach and parmesan that takes the cake (or pizza?). 91/24 Buchanan Street, Balmain; (02) 9555 5924; www.rossopomodoro.com.au Caffe Moretti Oh Moretti, how we adore thee. Set back from Leichhardt's busy Norton Street hustle, 17 years on this strip is saying something. That authentic pizzeria air hits you the moment you’re in there and it’s like some sort of voodoo. You’re half expecting to start speaking fluent Italian. But we shan’t get too carried away: we’re here for the pizza (although other mains are equally as tempting). Crunchy and thin throughout — not even a raised border in sight, the focus is on the toppings. Pizza bianche (white base) options are aplenty: opt for the Trastevere ($24.50) if you fancy Roman sausage with potato and rosemary, or Oscar ($24) with mascarpone and prosciutto. Get the napkins out if you’re ordering the rosse (tomato base) — the saucy discs are even more dribble-worthy. We got Spagna ($24.50) with garlic, prawns, artichoke hearts, basil and chilli and a Jema ($24.50) with chorizo sausage and heaven-sent Buffalo mozzarella. Whatever you choose, don’t forget you’re as close to Italy as you'll be for awhile, so make room for their famous tiramisu ($14.50). 47 Norton Street, Leichhardt; (02) 9568 1354; www.caffemoretti.com.au La Disfida Enoteca La Disfida is an institution. It even makes the pizza scholars of Sydney weak at the knees at the sheer mention of the street name. Pizzas with minimal toppings are swept in and out of the fiery oven in swift succession, and the place is routinely humming. And they’re all humming for one thing only: pizza. To get straight to the point, La Disfida do an outstanding rendition of the Margherita ($22): the smattering of tomato, mozzarella and basil lay the perfect foundations for a charming classic. Yet it’s the Tartufa ($26) that keeps them coming back. It's not the most beckoning of titles for a pizza, but honestly, when they've put wild mushrooms, prosciutto, mozzarella and truffle on a round of dough that’s been woodfired to perfection, are you really going to call the name police? And just quietly, should you decide to whet the appetite with some starters, the polenta chips with gorgonzola sauce ($17) are gob-smackingly delicious. 109 Ramsay Street, Haberfield; (02) 9798 8299; www.ladisfida.com.au Vacanza Another one where you have to stick to the rules — but this one is a matter of life and death, apparently. Requests for changes and modifications for your pizza at both the popular Surry Hills and Bronte pizzerias will be 'politely declined'. You needn't worry though, as Vacanza plays by the rules; that old Italian philosophy that less is more. And it's all hideously simple and scrumptious. Think roast pumpkin, triple smoked ham, ricotta and sage; pork and fennel sausage, fior di latte, garlic and broccoli; or even Swiss roasted mushrooms, truffle oil and grated pecorino. The cult favourite — Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente Diavola with hot Calabrese salami, fresh chilli and olives — is a must-order. However, in the interest of maintaining friendships post-meal, it’s best to declare the no-sharing rule from the start: you’ll want this one all to yourself (alternatively, dine solo so you can sinfully scoff one to yourself). 261 Bronte Road, Waverley, and Vacanza in the Hills at 414 Bourke Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9090 2089; www.vacanza.com.au The Clock Hotel Ok, so it may not be the quintessential pizzeria, but you can forget any tacky surf 'n' turf here; the rectangular pizzas are just too good to pass up. The bases are faultlessly chewy, toppings are simple and tasty, and you can even down it with a tempting cocktail or craft beer. Special mention goes to the vegetarian pizza bianche — it’ll surprise any keen carnivore with mushrooms, pumpkin, zucchini and Treviso radicchio. Other varieties include pork and fennel sausage with artichoke, or a sopressa, eggplant, peppers and roast onion combination (all $18). The Clock is certainly proof that you don't need an Italian waiter serving you pizza for it to taste damn fine. 470 Crown St, Surry Hills; (02) 9331 5333; www.clockhotel.com.au Via Napoli Pizzeria As far as dining experiences go, this one can be a bit stressful; they pack in a horde of people here, with waiters in headseats frenziedly serving them all. But people are here for a reason; the pizza is stellar. And if you're in a big group, you can get a one or two metre pizza, which is basically as good as life gets. 141 Longueville Road, Lane Cove; (02) 9428 3297; www.vianapolipizzeria.com.au Pizza Birra The adoration of Pizza Birra, one of the first bastions of the Surry Hills dining scene, hasn’t waned. This Crown Street operation still packs out every night, with both creatives and businessmen arriving to satisfy their craving for a genuine pizza complemented by an all-Italian wine list. The Frutti di Mare ($25) is a seafood lover's delight and spice fiends love the Lucifero ($22) and Diavola ($22) — both pepped up with chilli and salami. The vegetarian choices are laden with everything from your mum’s veggie patch, and calzone lovers unite: you will not be wanting to share your Classico ($23). Oozing with three different cheeses, it’ll be an embarrassingly rapacious consumption, but totally worth it. 1/500 Crown St, Surry Hills; (02) 9332 2510; www.pizzabirra.com.au
Whether you need one to shield your eyeballs because face masks fog up your sunnies, or you're just a generally stylish and sun-safe individual, the classic bucket hat looks set to score some time in the spotlight this summer. And what better way to jump aboard the train, than with an unashamedly branded little number from your flatpack hero IKEA. Yep, the Swedish furniture retailer has shimmied right on into the accessories game, with its new Knorva bucket hat, priced at an easy $3.50 a pop. The one-size-fits-all headpiece has only just hit shelves, but already has Aussies utterly obsessed, with a hefty 2000 units snapped up in just one day. Crafted from the same durable material used for Ikea's signature blue Frakta carrier bags, the hats are extra versatile, designed to offer your noggin protection from both sun and rain. A year-round wardrobe winner, if you will. As an added bonus, the bucket hats are also low-maintenance, requiring little more than a rinse and dry to keep them clean. Perhaps don one to get you in the mood for whipping up a batch of IKEA's meatballs, or team with your Frakta bag for the ultimate park picnic kit. https://www.facebook.com/ikea.au/posts/10158730361883288 If you're keen to nab a bucket hat, but haven't seen any at your local IKEA store, don't stress — some states are now able to order the Knorva online. Plus, IKEA is hustling to get lots more stock to our shores in time for those hat wearin' days of summer. IKEA's Knorva bucket hats are available in select Australian stores. Otherwise, you might be able to snap one up online.
Vivid is both an exciting and overwhelming time. The city is alive with lights, music, ideas and food — but the crowds are out in force. If you're heading in for any of the aforementioned activities, why not make a night out of it and grab dinner or a drink before or after. To help you plan your epic Vivid night, we've put together a list of 11 of our favourite Sydney bars and restaurants that are located just a stone's throw from Vivid activations. Naturally, every possible venue and vendor around inner-city Sydney — big or small — is embracing the crowds and introducing compelling special dining and drinking options, from CBD institutions like The Galeries and QVB to the smallest of bars and restaurants to The Rocks and Circular Quay. Spread across Circular Quay, Wynyard, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Chippendale, these spots have a range of options across varied price points. Pop into an underground drinking den for one of Sydney's best negronis, book a lavish French feast a short walk from the Sydney Opera House or head to a vibrant Indian restaurant that won't put too much pressure on your budget.
As any design blog will tell you, the future is a land where nature marries technology. Oh yes friends, we will have our green skyscrapers, our moss-festooned techsessories, and our Alderaan-like organic cities full of people wearing microchipped decorative ferns on their heads. Probably. And how will we light the interiors of this utopian Ewok village? With glow-in-the-dark plants, of course. Here's the twist: thanks to biotech company Bioglow, the future is now, except for the head ferns. The secret of Bioglow's glowing plants is autoluminescence, the ability to generate light without any externally supplied substrate. That means no UV lights, no chemicals, no dyes and no electricity. After years of development, Bioglow has now perfected a plant with the power of autoluminescence, a truly exciting advance in the search for alternative and sustainable sources of light beyond electricity. It's also a beautiful idea visually, conjuring images of an Avatar-like world of illuminated foliage. Amusingly, the Biglow autoluminescent plant is actually called the Starlight Avatar. Apparently the strength of its glow best resembles starlight. So how does it work? The Starlight Avatar is just like a firefly or deep sea jellyfish, with light-giving properties embedded in its cellular make-up. Back in 2010, a molecular biologist named Dr Alexander Krichevsky published his research regarding light-emitting plants in the journal PLOS One. Technology entrepreneur Tal Eidelberg quickly got on board, and the collaborators worked on increasing the lumen-power of their prototype. Now you can even score a Starlight Avatar for yourself (if you have a lot of spare change to bid on pioneering technologies) by registering for the early February auction of 20 of the autoluminescent indoor plants. They're available only in the US though, so get your people over there onto it, stat. Via PSFK.
In the latest wave of fast food chains trying to pretend they're not really fast food chains, Domino's has opened a new 'concept store' in Sydney. It seems the global pizza place must have caught a bad case of FOMO from old-time rival Pizza Hut, who opened its own Waterloo concept store back in November. Domino's has been hitting the niche food offering trend hard lately, adding vegan cheese to its menu back in January and opening a similar outlet in Brisbane last year. But whatever the reason, it's happening — and we really don't have a definitive answer as to why. As to be expected, the shop looks absolutely nothing like the regular blue-and-red hole-in-the-wall Domino's store you're used to seeing around. The 30-seat dine-in restaurant attempts to emulate a 1930s Italian pizzeria with retro forest green tiling, pendant lighting and espresso machine, along with a timber counter and an unfinished exposed ceiling. It even has a bookshelf full of succulents. An open kitchen and spot for alfresco dining round out this desperate attempt to be cool. The menu is getting its own upgrade, with "hand-stretched" and "hand tossed" pizza bases replacing the usual. New 'premium' pizza toppings include bocconcini, rocket and prosciutto, duck, blue cheese and chorizo. But we're still left with one question: why? It all sounds — and, we're sure, tastes — just fine, but Domino's is loved because it's cheap and has an easy online ordering system, and it seems odd that it would try to compete with other pizzerias in the area. Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Redfern are already home to so many restaurants slinging legit pizzas, like Maybe Frank, Dimitris, La Coppola and Bar Reggio. Not to mention the city as a whole is chockas with pizza joints we'd highly recommend going to. For us, chains like Domino's and Pizza Hut serve their own purpose — that is, to be cheap, quick and great on a drunk/hungover stomach. But we might see more of these concept stores in the future as they attempt to weasel into Australia's homegrown food scene. The Domino's Surry Hills concept store is now open at 17 Randle Street, Surry Hills. It's open seven days from 11am until late. For more info, visit dominos.com.au. Image: Domino's Brisbane.
Of the official seven natural wonders in the world, Australia has one: the Great Barrier Reef. But there are loads of others that haven't made the formal ranking. Next time you're planning a holiday, consider turning it into an adventure and tick off one of these gems — from stepping on the pristine white shores of the biggest sand island in the world to scaling the highest peak in the country. We've scoped out five spots around Australia that boast spectacular natural sights. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Some of the places mentioned below may be operating differently due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check the relevant websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_728425" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Queensland Tourism and Events[/caption] K'GARI (FRASER ISLAND), QUEENSLAND Welcome to the biggest sand island in the world — its 184,000 hectares are made of sands of 72 colours. If your weekend dreams are made of beaches, beaches and more beaches, then World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) is the place to go. Spend your weekend lazing about in a four-star eco resort, complete with a day spa and pool, or pack your tent and go wild. If you're feeling especially adventurous, there's also the K'gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk — a 90-kilometre adventure that'll take you via crystal clear inland lakes, across sand dunes and through lush rainforests. It'll take around six to eight days to complete. [caption id="attachment_770906" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] NITMILUK GORGE, NORTHERN TERRITORY Nitmiluk means 'cicada place' in the language of the Jawoyn and Dagomen peoples, who have maintained cultural connections to the area also known as Katherine Gorge for thousands of years. There are 13 separate gorges that make up Nitmiluk Gorge, and its sandstone rock reaches heights of up to 70 metres in some parts. One of the most spectacular sights in the national park is when the rock appears to change colour as sunlight hits the cliff face, and you can take tours at dawn and sunset to capture the moment. Nitmiluk Tours (which is a 100-percent Indigenous owned and operated tour company) run comfortable, 12-person trips on intimate cruise boats. If you prefer to explore the area via helicopter, canoe or on foot, you can do that, too. You'll find the entrance to Nitmiluk National Park 30 kilometres northeast of Katherine. [caption id="attachment_658500" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK, NEW SOUTH WALES Kosciuszko National Park's claim to fame is Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in mainland Australia. While a climb to its summit is mandatory, there are plenty more adventures on offer, too. During winter, you can conquer the Crackenback Supertrail — the longest downhill run in Australia — on your skis or snowboard and take a dip in a piping-hot thermal pool at Yarrangobilly Caves. Come summer, explore stunning glacial lakes, spectacular wildflower meadows and magical snow gum forests on foot or by mountain bike. NINETY MILE BEACH, VICTORIA Along the southeast coast of Victoria runs Ninety Mile Beach. The 151-kilometre (or 94-mile) stretch of golden sand is the second longest beach in Australia, behind Coorong in South Australia (which is a whopping 222 kilometres). Ninety Mile separates the Bass Strait from Gippsland Lakes, so you can spend your getaway hopping from wild surf to dreamy still water. In between sunbaking, swimming, surfing and fishing, take a wander through the coastal villages of Woodside Beach, Seaspray, Loch Sport and Lakes Entrance. WINEGLASS BAY AND THE HAZARDS, TASMANIA This world-famous bay gets its name from its perfect curves and crystal-clear waters. You'll find it on Tasmania's east coast within Freycinet National Park and not far from the Hazards — pink granite mountains that rise dramatically from the water. To see both in one fell swoop, catch a scenic flight. Alternatively, follow the steep, three-kilometre hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout and then, if you have the stamina, continue along the Hazards Beach Circuit. There's also a bunch of luxe stays that offer panoramic views, so you can see everything without leaving your bed. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Nitmiluk Gorge via Tourism Australia.
If you're bored with standard light bulbs, or are looking for a creative light fixture to add some style to a room, why not get imaginative and do it yourself? Creating your own orbs, hanging lights or lamps can actually be much simpler than you may think, and they also make use of materials you'll probably have lying around the house sitting stagnant and useless anyway. Establish an alternative ambience, add some creative flair or improve the decor of a room simply by adding some alternative lights you've made yourself. Here are 12 of the most impressive, innovative and easiest DIY light fixtures made from everyday household objects. Wine Bottle Plastic Spoon and Water Jug Bendy Bamboo Straw Chandelier Cloud Light Paper Flower Jars Paper Cups Doily Lamp Bowler Hats Cupcake Cups Orb [Via Buzzfeed]
It's well known fact that the current image we have of Santa Claus, with a jolly red nose and big white beard, was invented by Coca Cola some time early in the 20th century. Rather than bemoaning the consumerisation of Christmas though, why not embrace the gift giving? Giving and receiving gifts gives us no end of pleasure. Shopping for them can be almost as much fun, especially when done at exciting summer night markets. So pop on down to Addison Rd, visit the Indigenous art in the gallery, rummage through the Bower, check out the sustainable items in the Make A Difference Gallery, shop among the many stalls set up by local artists and crafters, eat the array of international food on offer and listen to the sweet melodies of Gypsy band Lola Lovina. Coca Cola entirely optional.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to Epvalis Hotel in Greece, a picturesque, openair delight overlooking the water on the sunny island of Santorini. If you're dreaming of a sun-soaked Mediterranean adventure this summer, think about spending a few nights here. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Epvalis is a four-star hotel that overlooks the village of Kamari on the famous Greek island of Santorini. The area is known for its volcanic black beaches — and you'll feel be able to finally find that sense of inner calm while gazing out at the azure waters of the Aegean sea. THE ROOMS The 45 rooms available at Epvalis are designed in the Cycladian style that Santorini is famous for. Think neutral whitewashed walls, rounded external corners, flat roofs and stone-paved floors. Each room has all the amenities you'll need, as well as private balconies overlooking either the gorgeous Santorini architecture or the sapphire bay below. Sound like a bit of you? Not only are the rooms gorgeous, but we've got an epic deal to make your Santorini snoozing even sweeter. Book the Epvalis through CP Trips and you'll knock a huge chunk off the price for a five-night stay — and nab perks like free cancellation and parking. [caption id="attachment_888518" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Karl Solano - Pexels[/caption] FOOD AND DRINK If you're headed for Santorini, you're probably prepared for a hearty Greek feed or three. You could choose to stay in and dine at the deli, or order a meal to your room to enjoy with sunset views. Every guest also will get to enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast, which is open for three hours daily. In terms of onsite drinks, there are two bars: one an indoor lounge and the other a poolside bar. Epvalis is tucked away in the far south corner of Kamari, which keeps you away from the noise, but it does mean a night out is a roughly 15-minute beach walk away. Hey, all the more reason to stop and take in the waves. THE LOCAL AREA Kamari is a bustling seaside village on the southeast coast of Santorini, which is famous for its volcanic black sand beach. Along said beach are all the bars and cafes you could ever need to fuel your Mediterranean getaway, as well as thousands of beach chairs and umbrellas for hire. Looking for an activity? No worries — you can choose from watersports, art studios and even an openair cinema. [caption id="attachment_888517" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dimitris Mourousiadis - Pexels[/caption] THE EXTRAS One of the most popular destinations in Kamari is Mesa Vouno, the second-largest mountain on Santorini. Epvalis lies on the foothills of the peak, which puts you within driving or walking distance of the ruins of Ancient Thera, a large Greek city that dates back as far as the 8th century. The ruins stretch across the top of the mountain and as far down to the beach, where a small shrine to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, keeps watch over swimmers. On the summit, you'll find ancient excavated theatres, markets, temples, bathhouses and more. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
If running a successful startup business is a feat, running 11 successful businesses is a modern-day miracle. But that's what Julien Moussi does. If you're a Melbourne food lover, you've probably eaten at one of Julien's establishments (including Temperance Society in Hughesdale, Penta in Elsternwick, Tinker in Northcote and most recently, Bentwood in Fitzroy) and enjoyed the fruits of his entrepreneurial labours without even realising it. We teamed up with MYOB to get to know the people who are doing business right and had a yarn with Julien to learn how his venues manage to thrive in a city so inundated with hospitality talent. Turns out, it's a healthy mix of hard work, trust and not sweating the small stuff. And, whether it's your first startup or your eleventh, it doesn't get easier, but you do learn a heck of a lot along the way. Julien gave us a rundown of his best tips for small business owners. RUNNING A BUSINESS IS LIKE RAISING A CHILD "You have to put all your time into it. Forget about your usual sleeping patterns, hobbies or routines," Julien says. The first few years can be tough as you learn the ropes of running a business. You'll make mistakes and more importantly, you'll have to make sacrifices (forget everything you knew about work/life balance — you're a business owner now). If you ever doubt yourself, remember it's not forever. When your little business baby ages out of the terrible toddler years, you'll both be stronger for it. "Those sacrifices have paid dividends," Julien says. "I get to travel a lot overseas and have a very flexible schedule. I can also catch up in the middle of the day with my mum, dad and friends for a coffee — things that just weren't possible in the first three years." YOUR PEOPLE ARE YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET If your business is a baby, then choosing who to co-parent with is the most important decision you'll make. It's scary but important — sharing the load is the only way to prevent burnout and actually have some fun with it. "Nothing can really prepare you for business. I had no social life for at least the first two or three years and did nothing but work," Julien says. "[My] mentality was 'if it is to be, it's up to me', but then finding fantastic people to work with is key. Staff are the most important part of any business. Now, I'm happy for us to make mistakes in order to give people experience and growth." BE DIFFERENT OR PERISH There's a lot of sameness and copy-cattery happening in the Melbourne cafe scene, but there's still always demand. It's crucially important, no matter what your business does, to put your own spin on things. Carve out a niche for yourself however you can and make sure that niche is incomparable. "[With Bentwood] our aim was to make a space that was very different to the typical Melbourne cafe scene," Julien explains. "We wanted an environment that was sophisticated but not over-designed, so the interior has grand but honest and raw finishes. The biggest statement is the steel boxed ceiling which was very challenging to get sign-off from structural engineers." The bottom line? Don't scrimp on standing out. DO YOUR HOMEWORK In the early years, many small business owners end up wearing a lot of hats. You become the accountant, the operations manager, the social media intern — you try to do it all, and it's a double-edged sword. Getting involved in every aspect of the business in the early days is a great way to understand what makes it tick, but it's probably not a sustainable reality. "Understand your model," Julien says. "Measuring benchmarks and reviewing your financials weekly is the reason we grew so quickly...MYOB helps us get a quick snapshot of where the business is at any given time, whether it be daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly...I knew what everything cost, how much profit we were making and what I needed to do to keep evolving and growing. I always looked ahead and wanted more." If trying to do it all sounds intimidating, Julien's final piece of advice might help: ask questions, no matter how dumb they sound; never stop questioning and learning. "That's what's helped me grow my skill set which has made our business more powerful." Planning to open your own business? Whether it's the first or eleventh, consider MYOB to help sort out all your accounting needs.
The next time you watch two of Disney's best-loved animated hits, you won't be belting out "it's the circle of life" and "let it go" (or trying to resist the urge to sing along while sitting in a crowded cinema). When The Lion King Reo Maori and Frozen Reo Maori hit theatres in Australia and New Zealand in 2022, they'll still include everything that's made audiences adore both movies over the years — and both films will be dubbed in te reo Māori as well. The Mouse House has announced that it's creating and releasing new Māori-language versions of The Lion King and Frozen in conjunction with NZ company Matewa Media, after Moana Reo Māori proved a big hit. Producers Chelsea Winstanley (Jojo Rabbit) and Tweedie Waititi (Moana Reo Māori, Rūrangi) are behind the new releases, and have started work on giving the two Oscar-winning flicks a new voice. "It was always our dream to dub more Disney films that our tāmariki love into te reo Māori. We are extremely thrilled to continue this journey with The Walt Disney Company — it clearly demonstrates their commitment as a company to diversity and inclusion," said Winstanley. It might seem like a straightforward change, but the importance of giving audiences access to beloved tales in different languages — and, for New Zealanders, in the country's Indigenous language — really can't be underestimated. And, it's hardly common practice, but Moana and now The Lion King and Frozen are leading the charge. Viewers will be able to check out the results in June and September 2022, with The Lion King Reo Maori releasing first to commemorate Matariki (Māori New Year) and Frozen Reo Maori hitting cinemas around Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week. Presumably, the films will also then head to Disney+ — which is where you can stream Moana Reo Māori right now. Trailers for The Lion King Reo Maori and Frozen Reo Maori don't yet exist, understandably, but you can check out a video for Moana Reo Māori below instead: The Lion King Reo Maori will hit cinemas in June 2022, and Frozen Reo Maori will follow in September 2022 — we'll update you with exact dates when they're announced.
Even for an industry that thrives on the baffling and the bizarre, Snoop Dogg's recent announcement that he is Bob Marley reincarnated and is changing his name to Snoop Lion is one of the weirder things you're likely to hear in music. But Snoop is not the first and certainly won't be the last celebrity to transform his image and develop an alter-ego. Musicians are notorious for their reason-defying epiphanies that are usually indicative of either groundbreaking creativity or mid-career slumps. Here are seven more wacky, wonderful celebrity musician transformations. David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust David Bowie made a career out of defying audience expectations through his bizarre ensemble of alter-egos and jumpsuits. With Ziggy Stardust and its associated album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, Bowie became a sex-crazed rock star from Mars and his popularity hit stratospheric levels. Joaquin Phoenix/Weird Hairy Rapper Phoenix went from being that strangely handsome, Oscar-nominated film star of Gladiator and Walk the Line to being the punchline of every talk show host in Hollywood after his unexplainable foray as a distinctly unshaven rapper as part of mockumentary, I'm Still Here. Bob Dylan/Born Again Christian Bob Dylan's infamous turn as a born again Christian seemed to split fans right down the middle. While Grammys and fawning critics continued to flow, his mid-show preaching and refusal to play any of his old "atheist" music wore thin pretty quickly. Katy Hudson/Katy Perry Katy Hudson was the clean-cut gospel singer, raised by preacher parents and forbidden from listening to "secular" music. In a drastic sexformation she then kissed a girl, married a sex addict and the rest, as they say, is history. Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines Country musician Garth Brooks was not satisfied with multi-platinum success and decided to channel his emo tendencies into his alter-ego, Chris Gaines. After a combination of utter bemusement followed by wild laughter from critics and fans alike, the Gaines experiment was (mercifully) shelved for good. Lady Gaga/Jo Calderone After meat dresses and gratuitous nudity it's pretty hard to be surprised by Lady Gaga anymore. But appearing at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards dressed as a bloke named Jo Calderone and looking distinctly like John Travolta in Grease was pretty weird, even for her. Lizzy Grant/Lana Del Rey Pop music's newest pin-up girl, bringing wide-eyed, vacant heartbreak to the masses, started her career as Lizzy Grant and the far less headline-grabbing stage name, Sparkle Rope Jump Queen. One failed album and a sleepily seductive YouTube clip later, pop-music juggernauts Stranger Records scooped her up and transformed Lizzy into Lana and had radio stations across the globe gossiping about her ad nauseam.
While many industries across the country have contracted during the pandemic — with hospitality venues closing, live music events cancelled and some sports banned for months — surfing has boomed. It makes sense, really. It's the ideal socially distant sport that gets you out of the house and into nature. When 2022 rolls around, Sydney surfers will have a new place to take their board to: a surf park and resort right on the Hawkesbury River. Approved by The Hills Shire Council yesterday, the 45-acre Wisemans Surf Lodge will be Australia's first premium resort-style wave pool. The pool itself will be massive — four football fields in length — and the waves powered by US tech company Surfloch, which has the ability to generate 2.5-metre peaks in multiple shapes every 10–12 seconds. As well as the wave pool, the resort will be home to a nine-hole golf course, a 54-suite hotel, a restaurant and a bar, all surrounded by bushland and right on the river. The hotel will see the renovation of an existing 90s-built hotel overseen by architect Kelvin Ho who's behind Merivale venues like The Newport and Palmer & Co, as well as resorts in the Maldives. Access to the Surf Lodge will be via membership. Details on this are scarce for the moment, but we're hoping it's not too spenno. When Wisemans does open, it won't be Australia's first surf park. That title goes to Melbourne's Urbnsurf. In fact, it might not even be Sydney's first surf park, with Urbnsurf set to open a second location in Olympic Park in 2021. Kelly Slater also has plans to open one of his famed Surf Ranches on the Sunshine Coast, too, but that doesn't yet have an ETA. Wisemans Surf Lodge is set to open in Wisemans Ferry, NSW in 2022.
Ready for it? Whether you danced in the aisles at your local cinema or you haven't yet seen the concert film version of one of the biggest music tours currently traversing the globe, you'll be able to enjoy Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour at home from Thursday, December 14. Swifties, you'll be able to celebrate the pop star and newly crowned TIME Person of the Year's blockbuster film to celebrate the singer-songwriter's birthday. That falls on Wednesday, December 13 in 2023; however, with the time difference, Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is hitting digital on the Thursday in Australia and New Zealand. If your wildest dreams have been about getting in on Taylor Swift's Eras tour since it was first announced, then the pop superstar comes bearing gorgeous and enchanted news, clearly — including while the movie is still in cinemas. Missed out on tickets to see Swift when she plays Melbourne and Sydney in early 2024? Consider this the next best thing. Look what the world made Swift do: turn her current massive tour into a movie that's also proven a smash, taking in almost $250 million at the worldwide box office since releasing in October, ranking it in the top 20 for takings so far this year. While fans have been able to experience a money-can't-buy view of the 'Shake It Off', 'We Are Never Getting Back Together' and 'Bad Blood' musician's gig — working through her entire career so far, playing tracks from each of her studio albums in a three-hour, 44-song, ten-act spectacular — on the big screen, the extended version is coming to digital. Accordingly, donning your friendship bracelets at home means seeing three songs performed that aren't in the theatrical cut. The IRL Eras Tour kicked off in March in the US, then headed to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Next on the list: Japan, Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, a return to the US and, of course, Australia, all in 2024. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is still in cinemas, and will be available to rent on digital from Thursday, December 14 in Australia and New Zealand. Read our review.
Ever-fascinated by transforming the human body, Australian artist Lucy McRae has collaborated with biology professor Sharef Mansy to develop Swallowable Parfum, a perfume that isn't applied to the skin but taken as a pill. According to the website, the perfume capsule "enables human skin to emit a genetically unique scent about who we are we are and how we perform our identities." Sounds great, but what if the resulting "unique scent" isn't appealing? The prototype perfume is part of McRae's ongoing exploration of the human body and how it interacts with technology. In addition to a unique scent, "tiny golden droplets" appear on the skin upon perspiration. Wouldn't it be nice if all scents glittered too?
If your home needs a captivating piece to spruce up the interior design or you're on the hunt for a specific collectable, merchandise or record, you should check out the Antique and Collectors Fair at Wentworth Park Greyhounds Function Centre from 9am to 3pm on every third Sunday every second month. Hosted by The Collector's Mark, this market has 180+ vendors, great food options, and coffee to keep you fuelled for perusing the thousands of items on offer. Tickets are $8 each, but if you're keen to get the first pick of the offerings, you can take advantage of early bird entry from 8–9am for $12. The 2024 fair dates are February 18, April 21, June 16, August 18, October 20 and December 15. The venue is close to light rail stations and bike paths and has ample street and off-street parking.
Sydney has the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, which takes over Oxford Street for a night of celebration. Melbourne has the Midsumma Pride March, its equivalent in Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. From November 2024, Brisbane will share the show of pride, but in a way befitting the River City: with the first-ever River Pride Parade as part of the new Melt Open festival. Boats will float from William Jolly Bridge to Brisbane Powerhouse, all embracing everything that a pride parade should be — just on the water. The River Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, November 9 in the afternoon, with Courtney Act leading the charge as Melt Open's just-announced inaugural ambassador. "A pride parade on the Brisbane River — what a brilliant twist on a cherished favourite! Just imagine the magic as we all come together to celebrate on the water, surrounded by the beauty of the city," said the Brisbane-bred Act. "As I lead the river parade, you can bet there'll be plenty of SPF beneath my makeup! This is truly a unique and fabulous way to honour pride and the stunning Brisbane River." "Prepare for a dazzling spectacle with the River Pride Parade fronted by the fabulous Courtney Act. Picture dykes on jetskis, drag-clad waterskiers, iconic queer boat parties and that's just the beginning. We welcome watercraft of all shapes and sizes to join the river parade and encourage everyone to get their spots along the river to view the carnival," added Pieta Farrell, Executive Producer of Melt Open. Registrations are open now for the River Pride Parade, which will help close out Melt Open's first year, with the entire fest running from Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 10. Don't have a boat? Organisers advise that watercraft of all shapes and sizes can take part. Melt Open was announced in 2023 as a fringe-style event to celebrate LGBTQIA+ art and performance everywhere from Fortitude Valley to Woolloongabba, showcasing queer work, talents, legends and allies. Brisbanites should already know that Brisbane Powerhouse has hosted Melt Festival for eight years and counting, with that event considered a predecessor to this newcomer. As its name makes plain, Melt Open is broadening its scope by building upon Melt's success — spreading beyond the Powerhouse, featuring more artists and venues, and operating as an open access-style shindig. The River Pride Parade is the second major program announcement for the debut Melt Open, and the second that'll make spectacular use of the fest's Brisbane location. The other: New York-based artist Spencer Tunick returning to Brisbane after 2023's Melt Festival stint, this time to close the Story Bridge to fill it with nudes for a new photography work. If you're eager to get your kit off in the name of art, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and diversity, registrations are still open for the installation, which will take place on Sunday, October 27 — and there's no limit on the number of participants. Melt Open 2024 will run from Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 10, with the River Pride Parade taking place on Saturday, November 9. Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website for additional information, and to register for the parade. Images: Jack Martin.
We've made it to the end of the year, and to celebrate, Falls Festival has just gifted us with one helluva lineup. Helping to ring in the art and music festival's 26th year is a pretty buzzworthy gang of musical mates headlined by American rapper Anderson .Paak. He'll be taking the stage with his band The Free Nationals, and performing hits off his Grammy Award-nominated album Malibu and maybe a tune or two off his highly anticipated third album, Oxnard Ventura. He's joined on the bill by big names like UK foursome Catfish and The Bottlemen, who'll be debuting some fresh new material at their only Aussie show; Australia's own Vance Joy; Scottish synth-pop trio Chvrches, who'll also be here for NYD celebration Field Day; Interpol, fresh off the back of their new album release, Marauder; and Toto. Toto. Yes, the American rock band behind the masterpiece that is 'Africa' is heading to Falls. While you're feeling nostalgic, you'll also be able to hit up Hilltop Hoods — call dad. True to form, the Falls 2018 local lineup is equally exciting, and every bit as broad. Homegrown acts hitting the stage include the dance-ready Flight Facilities, Melbourne's psychedelic King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Sydney producer Touch Sensitive, Gold Coast native Amy Shark and Heaps Gay DJs & Friends back for another year. This year, too, an impressive 48 percent of acts performing have female artists and, while it's not quite half — and there are still lots of other minority groups that are underrepresented — it's a start. As always, the tunes are backed by a colourful curation of art events, performances, pop-ups, markets, wellness sessions and gourmet eats. It's all happening over New Years at the usual spots in Tassie's Marion Bay, Lorne in Victoria, the North Byron Parklands and the Fremantle Oval Precinct, WA. FALLS FESTIVAL 2018 LINEUP Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals Catfish and The Bottlemen (no sideshows) Vance Joy Chvrches Hilltop Hoods Toto Interpol 88Rising Feat. Rich Brian, Joji, Niki & August 08 (no sideshows) Flight Facilities Amy Shark DMA's Kind Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Golden Features First Aid Kit (no sideshows) Ocean Alley Hockey Dad Cashmere Cat (no sideshows) The Vaccines Cub Sport Ruel Jack River Bishop Briggs Mallrat Briggs Touch Sensitive Tkay Maidza Dermot Kennedy Tired Lion Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers Soccer Mommy Banks Triple One Alice Skye Heaps Gay DJs & Friends + More to be announced
This article was written on Yuggera Country — and, since late in 2020, Australians have been able to send physical letters that acknowledge that fact. Now Australia Post has gone one better to coincide with NAIDOC Week 2021. The organisation will continue to recognise First Nations place names when you're addressing letters and parcels, of course, but it is also launching new packaging that includes a dedicated space for traditional monikers. Parcel Post and Express Post satchels will now feature a traditional place name field underneath the company name and contact name sections — and above the fields for street address and postcode. The packaging also includes a printed Acknowledgment of Country as part of the just-launched change. The move has been motivated by a campaign led by Gomeroi woman Rachael McPhail, who began pushing for Australia Post to recognise First Nations place names in August 2020 from her @place_names_in_addresses Instagram account. During last year's NAIDOC Week, the government enterprise responded, releasing guidelines on how folks can include traditional names when addressing letters and parcels. Now, it has been motivated to go the extra step. "We not only listened to Rachael, but to the overwhelming feedback from thousands of Australians who supported this fantastic concept to recognise traditional Country on their mail," said Australia Post's National Indigenous Manager and Noongar man Chris Heelan in a statement announcing the change. "Including the traditional place name as part of the mailing address is a simple but meaningful way to promote and celebrate our Indigenous communities." Commenting on the move, McPhail said, "this is about paying respect to First Nations people, and their continuing connection to Country. If everyone adopts this small change, it will make a big difference." As McPhail outlined in the first post from her Instagram account back on August 31 last year, "every area in this country had an original place name, prior to being given its colonial town/city name, and I believe that it's important to acknowledge this". She explained that she had started including traditional place names when filling in her address in online orders, and noted at the time that it's a small gesture with a meaningful impact — and that she'd love to see Australia Post make this a standard part of address information in Australia. For folks following McPhail's lead on ordinary envelopes and packaging — on anything that isn't one of Australia Post's new Parcel Post and Express Post satchels — you'll still need to follow the guidelines to ensure that your mail is sorted properly by the company's electronic letter sorting technology. Whether you're including a traditional place name in the address field or the sender field, or both, you should write it directly underneath the recipient or sender's name. Then, below that, you should then include the street address, town or suburb. If you're now wondering where to find the appropriate First Nations place name — either for your own address, or for whoever you'd like to send a letter or package to — Australia Post recommends visiting the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies' map of Indigenous Australia on its website, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Councils, or Cultural Centres in your local area. For NAIDOC Week, Australia Post is also decking out a number of street posting boxes in Indigenous artwork, too, using a design created by Darwin's Marcus Lee of the Karajarri People. For further information about Australia Post's new Parcel Post and Express Post satchels, head to its website. More details about the addressing guidelines regarding identifying First Nations localities can also be found on its website. Images: Australia Post.
With a city as large, diverse and storied as Sydney, there are incredible experiences around every corner. Outsiders may flock to the tourist traps of the inner city, but true Sydneysiders know there's just as much to see and do outside the CBD, including the ever-growing arts scene in greater western Sydney. From galleries in old power stations and state-of-the-art theatres to cultural food tours and historic houses, these experiences in the GWS region are a surefire way to get a big dose of culture — and to get to know the local communities who make up this part of Sydney's DNA. In partnership with Stockland, we've picked out five must-try experiences. So, next time you're craving some art in your life, all you have to do is hit the pavement and discover Sydney's art scene beyond the 2000 postcode. CASULA POWERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE The former power station first opened as a multipurpose arts centre back in 1994 and then relaunched as the Casula Powerhouse you know today in 2008. It's got incredibly diverse attractions and spaces, housing six galleries, a 321-seat theatre, artists studios, 20 hectares of parklands, an amphitheatre, legal graffiti spaces and a cafe and bar. You can check out new exhibitions and the Powerhouse's 1500 artwork-strong permanent collection. Or, join workshops and educational programs, and catch a tonne of live performances. The arts centre's jewel though is The Koori Floor Artwork by First Nations artist Judy Watson, which covers 600 square metres of the the Powerhouse's largest space, Turbine Hall. [caption id="attachment_808445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Teniola Komolafe[/caption] JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Affectionately known as The Joan, this theatre space is named after opera legend Dame Sutherland. In fact, she did a gala performance with Richard Bonynge to mark its opening back in 1990. As well as being home to the Penrith Conservatorium of Music and the Penrith Symphony Orchestra, The Joan has a strong focus on community events, with festivals, shows and events celebrating the local area, plus its own youth theatre group. At the on-site Q Theatre, you can catch everything from stage productions to talks, recitals, cabaret and comedy. [caption id="attachment_808454" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] TASTE'S AFGHANISTAN AND SYRIA FOOD TOUR We reckon one of the best ways to learn about a culture is by eating its cuisine (and lots of it). So, make time to get a taste of the different cultures that make up the tapestry of Sydney's west. If you're one for organised tours, then check out Taste, which offers guided food tours led by local experts. Its Merrylands tour is a fascinating — and tasty — look at the food customs of Afghanistan and Syria. Over the course of 3.5 hours, you'll get to sample street food, spiced ice cream, dumplings and some of the best bread and rice in the city. On top of all the eating, you'll have the opportunity to meet Afghani and Syrian chefs, business owners and refugees, each with their own unique tale of their homeland and how they came to Australia. FAIRFIELD CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY Housed in the former council chambers, Fairfield City Museum & Gallery has been around for almost four decades and is one of the go-to cultural experiences in the greater western Sydney region. It boasts a full and varied program of exhibitions, from contemporary art to social history and community-based works, as well as events, workshops and tours that dive into the history of the local area. It also runs an artist-in-residence program, where the Gallery gives one lucky applicant the opportunity of a three-month residency and solo exhibition. Plus, it's home to the city's Heritage Collection — a catalogue of photographs, audio and art that's available to browse online as well as view in person. [caption id="attachment_808455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] ELIZABETH FARM Built by wool pioneer and controversial public figure John Macarthur in 1793, Elizabeth Farm is Australia's oldest homestead. The on-site heritage-listed cottage, overlooking the Parramatta River and set within a recreated 1830s garden, is now an all-access museum, giving you a close look at what life was like at the estate in the 1800s. Plus, you can learn about the series of major events that took place on these grounds throughout history. It's a fully immersive experience, complete with replica furnishings owned by the Macarthurs. Visit Stockland's pop-up fashion event House of Kicks at Stockland Merrylands (May 3–16) to take part in sneaker customisation, street styling and street art workshops. To secure your place in a workshop, head this way. Top image: Fairfield City Museum & Gallery
The eighth movie in the Mission: Impossible comes with a loaded title: Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. The film's trailers, both the first teaser in 2024 and the just-dropped full sneak peek now, also play up the idea that everything has been leading to this. Does Tom Cruise (Top Gun: Maverick) only have one more stint in Ethan Hunt's shoes left in him? That's the vibe that the promotional campaign for The Final Reckoning is aiming for. Whether or not that actually proves accurate, its star is doing what he always his in this action-packed spy franchise, ever since he stepped into it almost three decades ago: testing his limits through death-defying stunts. Initially, this new chapter was called called Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two, given that it directly follows on from 2023's Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. But then the film was delayed during Hollywood's strikes, pushing back its release by almost 12 months. Now, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is getting ready for potentially seeing the last of Cruise as Hunt come May. The feature's two trailers so far traverse everywhere from snow and sky-high heights to under the sea and frozen in ice — and, as always, include plenty of Cruise running. Story details are sparse, however, but of course the film's star is seen hanging off of a plane. Another focus: that everything that happens to us, and Hunt, is the truly sum of our choices. Indeed, the franchise's protagonist isn't just sighted in the trailer, but discussed at length. Viewers can expect more world-hopping intrigue, explosions, chases and fights, though, as regularly occurs when Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Missions Force team return. Also back: a cast including Simon Pegg (The Boys), Ving Rhames (The Wild Robot) and Hayley Atwell (Heartstopper), Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), Esai Morales (Crescent City), Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Henry Czerny (Zombie Town), Angela Bassett (9-1-1) and Shea Whigham (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) — and, behind the camera, director Christopher McQuarrie helms again after doing the same on Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, Mission: Impossible — Fallout and Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. On-screen, Holt McCallany (The Lincoln Lawyer), Janet McTeer (The Old Man), Nick Offerman (Civil War) and Hannah Waddingham (The Fall Guy) feature, too. Check out the full trailer for Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning below: Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning will release in cinemas Down Under on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Read our review of Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. Images: Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Some scents will always stay with you — and for anyone who grew up eating as many rainbow Paddle Pops as they could manage whenever the weather was warm, that sweet treat's caramel-meets-vanilla aroma is the scent of summer. Now, it can be the fragrance that wafts through your home no matter the season, too, all thanks to a new range of ice cream-flavoured candles and other scented items. The company that's helping turn your home into an ice cream-scented dream: Dusk. Adding to its range of enticingly scented goods, it's now trying to conjure up dessert cravings. Teaming up with Streets, the chain is releasing four different lines all inspired by ice creams, with the full range hitting shelves in-store from Thursday, August 11, and available online now. Obviously, one batch of items is scented like rainbow Paddle Pops, the go-to gem of supermarket freezers. You can choose between two types of candles — one with three wicks, one with two (none with John), and also some misting oil, all of which smells like vanilla bean, strawberry and caramel. Three fellow classic sweet treats are getting the same treatment, too: Golden Gaytime, Bubble O'Bill and Splice. Yes, it's a big time for getting your Golden Gaytime fix in multiple ways, given that Streets has also just paired up with Oak on an Oak chocolate milk-flavoured Golden Gaytime as well. The Golden Gaytime candles smell like toffee, vanilla and chocolate, while the Bubble O'Bill versions will emit the scent of strawberries and raspberries — not bubblegum. As for the Splice, the aroma of pine lime and vanilla will be floating through your home. Dusk's Streets line also includes assorted tealights and melts smelling like all of the above, with prices starting at $14.99 (for a ten-pack of tealights or a four-pack of melts). The oil costs $24.99, the two-wick candles $49.99 and the three-wick candles $59.99. Constantly being hungry for ice cream is about to become your new reality, clearly — and if you also decked out your abode with Gelato Messina candles a few years back, and Tim Tam candles as well, consider this your latest sweet-smelling must-have. Dusk's range of Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime, Splice and Bubble O'Bill candles, tealights and other scented item hit stores from Thursday, August 11, and are available online now. Head to the company's website for further information.
A film about abstaining from alcohol probably shouldn't make its audience want a drink, but that's exactly what Ruben Guthrie does. On one hand, perhaps the desire to knock back the hard stuff after watching the film speaks to its intended commentary about Australia's booze-friendly culture. On the other, maybe it's just the natural reaction to a movie that is both slickly packaged and self-pitying. Either way, Ruben Guthrie doesn't let the topic of drinking wander far from anyone's minds, whether its titular advertising wunderkind (Patrick Brammall) is guzzling champagne then jumping off the roof of his waterside mansion — and breaking his arm when he almost misses the pool below — or talking about past benders at the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting his mother (Robyn Nevin) swiftly drags him to. Often, he's just arguing about his consumption, first with his disapproving model fiancée Zoya (Abbey Lee), who gives him an ultimatum to stop, and then with his enabling father (Jack Thompson), boss (Jeremy Sims) and best mate (Alex Dimitriades), who can't accept his hiatus from partying. Transitioning from yelling "let's get smashed!" to looking longingly at half-filled bottles, it's the kind of scenario that feels like art imitating life — or a movie adapting a theatre production that was inspired by real experiences more accurately, because that's what it is. Brendan Cowell turned his own attempt to get sober after a big binge into a play, and now fashions it into his first big-screen full-length directorial effort. As a character, Guthrie's aim — and Cowell's before him — is to get through a year without beer, wine, spirits and other tipples. That's clearly a difficult feat for the ad man in the film, made more so by the brash manner in which both the situation and everyone involved in it is depicted. Guthrie feels sorry for himself and seeks redemption, but his behaviour warrants little understanding in return. He lives large, then mopes and yells, with Brammall doing his best to simultaneously channel Cowell and bring nuance to the role. The supporting players, meanwhile, become little more than one-note reminders of Guthrie's conflicting urges. Of course, the constant Aussie fondness for a pint, glass or shot that Ruben Guthrie highlights proves an interesting subject; here, it's just treated a little too superficially, and further suffers when the movie tries to conjure up too much sympathy. Stagey dialogue and travelogue-like shots of Sydney don't add any depth, nor do routine scenes of debauchery contrasted with outdoor activities. Also missing is comedy that does anything more than try to wring laughs out of stating the obvious — as well as the more satirical tone of the play, which might've made the feature and its protagonist feel like a statement. Instead, this cinema cocktail is shaken in its ingredients and, in its final blend of hedonistic excess, garnished with sober navel-gazing. You'll need a stiff drink will wash away the aftertaste.
