Ever wanted to own your very own theme park? Port Macquarie's old pseudo-Disney theme park Fantasy Glades is up for sale. Remember Fantasy Glades? A sort of creepy but loveable Disneyland, Fantasy Glades was home to Snow White's cottage, Cinderella's castle, the Old Woman in the Shoe's shoe, the Crooked Man's House, a totally whack Magic Dragon Cave and the freakiest Witch's Cottage you've ever, ever seen, before it closed in 2002. Now it's up for sale on Gumtree, for a measly $560,000. Why? "Massive price reduction, owner needs to move on," according to the listing. Oh. For just $500K, you can nab 1.6 hectares of tropical rainforest, dotted with creepy and pretty dilapidated fantasy character homes at Shelly Beach. Some of the former fairytale homes have been vandalised, because people suck. But you get your own castle. Your. Own. Castle. Owners Shane and Karen Hay are after a quick sale, hence the low price. It all sounds pretty heartbreaking. "Owner prepared to sacrifice this once in a lifetime opportunity. Your chance to own a piece of history... once one of Port Macquarie's favourite tourist attractions." If you ever visited Fantasy Glades, you'll be slightly cut up about this. It'd be like owning a piece of Peppermint Park. Fantasy Glades ran at 44 Parklands Cl, Port Macquarie for a whopping 35 years, after total legends George and Rosemary Whitaker opened the park in 1968. Then in the late '80s, FG was snapped up by the Spry family and Brian Hutchinson, and closed in 2002. But there was a glimmer of hope for Port's answer to Waltland, with the Hays buying the property in '09 hoping to restore the park to its former glory. But it looks like six years later, the Hays are skipping to the end of the Fantasy Glades story. Sad stuff. So, for $500K in Port Macquarie, you can buy your own theme park. In the Sydney CBD, you're looking at a laundry room on Bond. Maybe. For the interested or nostalgic, here's a map of your brand new home: YouLand. Images: Fantasy Glades.
The days are finally getting longer and how better to spend those bonus daylight hours than exploring a brewery, sipping beers in their natural habitat and learning the ins and outs of how those crafty drops were made? Up in The Hills district, award-winning beer makers at the Australian Brewery are kick-starting spring with a new series of twilight brewery tours, happening Thursday through Saturday evenings each week. Participants will find themselves diving deep into the world of beer, at these interactive $25 sessions led by experts from the brewing team. Learn all about the brewing process and beer's history, discover the Australian Brewery's own back-story, and touch and whiff the fresh ingredients that make it into a brew. Punters will round out the fun by kicking back with a tasting paddle, featuring a lineup of core beers and seasonal releases. Head in now and you might get to sample recent smash hits, such as the brew fittingly dubbed 'If You Like Pina Colada'. The Australian Brewery's Twilight Brewery Tours start on Thursday, September 27 and run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6pm.
When is a hotel not really a hotel? When it's a hotel-themed bar that decks out its interiors like somewhere you can stay — taking a few cues from Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shining's Overlook Hotel, in fact — but doesn't actually include slumbering in its rooms. When is an escape room bar not at all an escape room bar? When it takes the escape room concept of theming different spaces — those aforementioned hotel-style rooms — and decks them out with challenges instead. Yes, the premise behind Hijinx Hotel needs a bit of explaining. It also gleans inspiration from all those supremely Instagrammable pop-up installations that include ball pits, but this one is sticking around in one spot permanently. Plus, it jams in three different bars for multiple cocktail-sipping opportunities, nods to New York hotels in its facade, and ensures that each one of its rooms pays homage to either a movie or a board game from the 80s and 90s. First announced back in mid-April, and now opening its doors in Sydney on Friday, June 17, Hijinx Hotel is basically an OTT nostalgia bomb — and something that Willy Wonka would've been proud to dream up if the fictional character branched out beyond making chocolate and candy. It hails from a team that know a few things about indulgent kidulting experiences, with Funlab also behind venues such as Strike, Holey Moley, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, and B Lucky and Sons. And, Hijinx Hotel also sits next to a brand-new 27-hole Holey Moley, too, with the boozy mini-golf spot's latest venue going big on Alice in Wonderland vibes. Escapism is clearly the name of the game here, and partying like you would've before you were old enough to drink alcohol — but with the hard stuff definitely on offer. Wondering what that entails? Yes, it's as chaotic as it all sounds. Firstly, you enter via the faux hotel lobby bar that's full of colour and surrealist touches. You won't miss the purple unicorn in the centre of the bar, for instance. Instead of merely checking in, though, you'll down cocktails in the neon-lit space — including a particularly potent Red Bull number that's served in a golden owl-shaped vessel, multiple types of margaritas, and the bubble-topped Bubble and Pop (made with tequila, white chocolate, passionfruit, lemon and egg white, and that scented bubble) — and hang out in booths. As for the not-quite-hotel rooms themselves, there's 15 of them, with ten opening at launch and five more unveiling their wonders in the weeks afterwards. To gain access, you do need to head to reception t0 pick up a swipe card. Next, you'll follow the concierge's instructions to the red elevator — without a river of blood flowing out of it, thankfully. Inside the rooms, prepare to play games inspired by Twister, Scrabble and Tetris — here called Poke A Dot, Scrambled and Shape'n Up — in separate spaces. Or, Tom Hanks fans can live out their Big dreams in the piano room, which features a giant keyboard across the floor, and requires you to play it with your feet. Prefer Titanic? Then make a date with the Draw Me Like One Of Your French Girls room, which is designed to make you feel like you're in the middle of a sinking ship. Other highlights include a pastel ball pit that resembles a huge bowl of cereal, a room that releases balls from the top of the wall like you're in a life-sized pinball machine, and another that's all about shooting hoops. In each, you'll need to complete a challenge within a set time — with set packages spanning five rooms starting at $25 per adult for 30 minutes. As well as that already-mentioned lobby bar, there are two other places in quench your thirst — and you can snack on bites such as fries, pizzas and two-cheese toasted sandwiches. Whether you're a Sydneysider scoping out your next boozy bit of fun, or you live elsewhere and you're making plans for a trip to the Harbour City, you now have somewhere new to head to. And, as well as that new Holey Moley, there's also an Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in the same complex. Usually, Funlab launches its new concepts in one city, then shares the love across other east coast capitals. So Melburnians and Brisbanites, cross your fingers that more Hijinx Hotels will eventually pop up closer to home. Find Hijinx Hotel at 75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria, Sydney, from Friday, June 17. For further information or to make a booking, head to the venue's website.
One of the great things about Gundagai, other than being the famous home of the Dog on the Tuckerbox, is that it's halfway between Sydney and Melbourne. Another: wine, wine and, yes, even more wine. Take the vinos made by Tumblong Hills, for instance. They're crafted by a community of winemakers. And, grape-wise, they benefit from winds from the Snowy Mountains. Operating since 1998, and spread across 202 hectares with a view of the Murrumbidgee River, Tumblong Hills favours European-style drops — and its shiraz particularly stands out. One of its estate wines made only from grapes grown onsite, it features plum, cherry and raspberry tastes, plus those welcome notes of French oak. If you're in the area, Tumblong Hills hosts wine tastings — but only by appointment. Otherwise, you can check out its range online.
Native is quite possibly the healthiest cafe on the south coast — and also one of the tastiest. Perched on Ulladulla's pretty harbour, this eatery serves up dishes loaded with superfoods and veggies grown by neighbours. If you're an early riser, you're in luck. Brekkie begins at 6.30am, which means it comes with incredible coastal sunrises. Spice up your morning with fried eggs, corn, chilli, guacamole, turtle beans, coriander and house-made flatbread. Or start sweetly with a mango chia pot, packed with passionfruit, coconut milk and roasted macadamias. Like a sleep in? You can also count on being looked after. Brekkie goes on all day, plus there's an additional menu. For a major health boost, tuck into the Red Salad, a mountain of mushies, radicchio, broccolini, freekeh, quinoa, pumpkin hummus and pomegranate dressing. Carnivores can swap the mushies for braised lamb. The coffee is Will & Co's Eight-O-Eight house blend, plus there are Mayde organic teas, turmeric lattes and a 'rosetta' latte: local milk infused with beetroot, hibiscus, ginger and maca.
Looking for a little bit of R&R after a long day of shopping? Encore Beauty has you covered. You can treat yourself to a selection of massages and skincare treatments. The trained therapists customise the treatments based on your specific skin needs, and use products from luxe French skincare brand Sothys to treat and nourish your face, neck and décolletage. The studio offers micro-needling, cosmetic injectables and light therapy, too. Meanwhile, the body treatment menu includes 'hanakasumi', a Japanese ritual which uses shea butter and cherry blossom. The shop also has a number of skincare products from Sothys, Mayerling and more for sale, too, if you need to restock your home stash. Images: Trent Van der jagt.
El Jannah has earned cult status for its Lebanese-style charcoal chicken and god-tier garlic sauce, but if you've been living anywhere between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and northwest Sydney, your closest locale is Newtown or Burwood. Until now. Glorious news for North Chore chicken heads: El Jannah Crows Nest will open its doors on Saturday, March 2, introducing a whole new region of Sydney to the joys of its beloved charcoal chicken plates, ultra-crispy (and possibly underrated) fried chicken, and standout burgers and rolls. The new North Shore chicken haven will be located on the corner of Willoughby Road and Burlington Street, right by Bravo Trattoria, Kickin'Inn and The Stoned Crow. If you're new to El Jannah, the best way to attack the menu is by finding a partner in crime and ordering a whole chicken meal between the two of you — the all-star lineup of a butterflied charcoal chicken, hot chips generously sprinkled with chicken salt, the all-time great garlic sauce, warm Lebanese bread, mixed pickles and drinks. Heaven. [caption id="attachment_749503" align="alignnone" width="1920"] El Jannah[/caption] The El Jannah fried chicken is also up there with the city's best. And the crispy chilli chicken burger is a truly levelled-up version of a certain Colonel's fan-favourite burger. The growing chain of chicken shops started with a Western Sydney store in 1998 and has since grown to almost 30 locations — with that number expected to hit 50 at some point next year. If you want to be the first to get your mitts on the cult-classic feeds in Crows Nest, head along to the grand opening on Saturday, March 2. El Jannah Crows Nest will open at 34 Willoughby Road, Crows News on Saturday, March 2. Head to the restaurant's website for more information.
If you can't decide on the reigning champion of Shakespeare's plays, the upcoming production In A Nutshell has you covered. Do balcony-top conversations between star-crossed lovers seal your theatrical deal? As You Like It exactly as you like it? Or, do you simply enjoy an on-stage cultural exploration? Regardless, this 90-minute production is sure to satisfy your performance palate. Spotlighting the linguistic prowess of Shakespeare — and celebrating The Neilson Nutshell's debut — this offering from Bell Shakespeare is set to be something truly special. Curated and commentated by Bell's artistic director Peter Evans, In A Nutshell journeys through the best of (and Evans' favourites from) the illustrious playwright. Expect Macbeth's bloodthirsty tyranny joining that of King John's, as well as the strings of gossip and playing-Cupid in Much Ado About Nothing. https://youtu.be/aOH4Ou4xyNw Actors (several of whom are fresh from Bell's recent critically acclaimed production of Hamlet) will dance from role to role, moods and stories will shift and overlap. So, if you're a sucker for a Shakespeare soliloquy, like to see fourth walls brought down or simply want to enjoy some art alongside our glittering harbour, nab tickets to this rich exploration of a true literary great. In A Nutshell is on from Thursday, August 4 till Sunday, August 7 at The Neilson Nutshell. Head to the website to grab your tickets. Top images: Tony Davison
The sun is shining, your out of office is on and you've already spent a good amount of time curled up streaming TV shows. Now's the chance to catch up on your reading — so, find a shady spot on a beach, next to a pool or by a waterfall and start making your way through our favourite ten books of 2019. It's a mixed bag this year — we've been turning the pages of a novel about a debaucherous secret society, the latest Booker Prize winner (no, not The Testaments), devastating nonfiction works about Australian bushfires and a heartwarming page-turner combining politics, royalty and queer history. Some of them are immersive, some of them knotty and uncomfortable, which makes them perfect for mulling over during the holidays, and provide flavourful fodder for dinner conversations. Take your pick. LANNY BY MAX PORTER In 2016, Max Porter won the Dylan Thomas Prize for his debut novel Grief Is the Thing With Feathers — a story in which a trickster-babysitter crow visits two grieving children. This year, Porter delivered another poetic and daring tale, this time centring on a creative and mysterious boy called Lanny. There's a rhythm to Porter's writing; he illustrates one of his most exciting characters through a scrawling, italicised font that seems to slip and slide off the page. Dead Papa Toothwort is a shapeshifting spirit that feeds on the life and grime of Lanny's village in the English countryside — one with gossip at the school gates, nosy but well-meaning neighbours, and a woodland where children like to build treehouses. Reliable old Pete is Lanny's good friend. He's an older man, an artist, and one of the more likeable characters. What starts as an eerie, but largely quiet, tale of village life gathers speed towards the end, when Lanny is missing and the village mob starts pointing fingers. SUPPER CLUB BY LARA WILLIAMS Lara Williams' novel about a secret society of women who meet after dark to feast is superb. At the centre of the novel is Roberta, and the novel jumps back and forth between her days at university, where she teaches herself to cook and dates a lecturer, and the present day, where her and her wild, intense friend Stevie start the supper club. Over bowls of pasta, slabs of meatloaf, messy bouillabaisse and gallons of wine, the women gorge themselves and behave in an incredibly 'unladylike' manner in rebellion of their oppression by men. They throw food at each other, vomit, dance topless and go wild with debauchery. Intelligent and boldly written, Williams' story is less about food and more about the characters' appetites to acquit themselves of their everyday lives. Easy to read, you'll smash it quicket than your avocado on toast. RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE BY CASEY MCQUISTON It might be questionable of us to include a book that would certainly not be considered literary, and falls firmly in the romance and new adult categories. But Casey McQuiston's debut novel Red, White & Royal Blue is so joyous and hopeful that it makes you want to throw away any pretence of trying to appear cool. Incorporating, and elevating, all the best cheesy rom-com tropes — enemies to friends to lovers, fake friendships, a secret relationship and an email scandal — McQuiston's writing is heartwarming, funny and intelligent as she blends politics, royalty and queer history into a big ball of happiness. I challenge you not to fall in love with this book's diverse cast of characters: Alex, the obliviously bisexual Mexican-American son of the first woman president of the United States; Henry, the compassionate, quietly homosexual prince of England with a scholarly interest in queer history; Pez, the prince's dastardly attractive Nigerian best friend; Zahra, the president's fierce and frightening chief of staff; Amy, a transwoman and former marine-turned-secret service agent who likes embroidery. Would recommend to anyone looking for a book so firmly placed in the now — but a better one than the one we've got. If it were possible, it would make your heart smile. ON EARTH WE'RE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS BY OCEAN VUONG Ocean Vuong's debut novel found itself on a host of nominee lists for literary prizes his year, earning reviews describing it as shattering, tender, haunting and stunning. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a letter from a son to a mother, tracking a family history back to its roots in war-torn Vietnam and forward to the son's experiences as a queer, biracial American, and telling a story trapped between the worlds of trauma and compassion. Vuong's poetry background makes for prose that is fluid, raw and earnest, in an intimate exploration of race, class, grief and masculinity. SALT BY BRUCE PASCOE Likely already on the radar of fans of his work, Salt offers an insight into the range and depth of influential Indigenous Australian historian Bruce Pascoe. This collection of stories and essays from the award-winning author of Dark Emu includes some of his most revered work and previously unpublished pieces of fiction — tender stories exploring country, nature and identity — just waiting to be discovered. For those with a short attention span or looking for an introduction to Pascoe's works, this is an ideal read for afternoons on the beach, and a poignant reminder of our nation's history. BEAUTY BY BRI LEE Beauty marks the second book by Bri Lee in as many years to make it onto our Summer Reading List, so she must be doing something right. Once again imbuing her words with a brutal candour, Lee explores our obsession with thinness and beauty, in a world that has made huge strides against the patriarchy, yet still finds us holding ourselves to an impossible and unattainable standard of physical 'perfection'. Readers are invited into Lee's world in a 150-page essay on her battle with eating disorders and her final rejection of society's punishing ideals. For anyone that loved Eggshell Skull — and pretty much everyone else, too. THE ARSONIST: A MIND ON FIRE BY CHLOE HOOPER Published in October 2018, this novel isn't a 2019 book. But, with catastrophic bushfires currently burning across Australia, its content couldn't be timelier. Following the trial of the man charged with lighting the Latrobe Valley fires, part of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires that killed 173 people in regional Victoria and burnt over 450,000 hectares, Chloe Hooper's The Arsonist: A Mind on Fire is devastating and haunting. It includes harrowing accounts from those injured in the fires and fascinating details from the investigation, all delivered with captivating and lyrical prose. And, while it's a work of nonfiction, it reads like a thriller — and it's impossible to put down. GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER BY BERNARDINE EVARISTO Two books won this year's Booker Prize: Margaret Atwood's 34-year follow-up to The Handmaid's Tale, called The Testaments; and Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo. We're recommending you read the latter. Following the interconnected lives of 12 characters, mostly Black British women, from different generations, religions and social classes, it's a joyous, poetic read. You'll meet lesbian playwrights, investment bankers and farmers, all battling everyday problems and larger social issues, such as race and sexuality. As well as being a collection of 12 separate, intimate portraits, the book successfully paints a polyphonic picture of modern-day Britain. FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE BY TAFFY BRODESSER-AKNER A renowned celebrity profiler — if you haven't already, we suggest you read her New York Times Magazine piece on Gwyneth Paltrow ASAP — Taffy Brodesser-Akner first dipped her toe into fiction this year with the release of her debut novel Fleishman Is in Trouble. And Fleishman, a recently divorced, now-single dad navigating the world of dating apps, sexts and raising two children, really is in trouble. As is our narrator: stay-at-home mum Libby. And Fleishman's ex-wife, Rachel. While the bulk of the novel is dedicated to Fleishman and his struggles, it also cleverly explores how women's stories are often over-looked and sidelined. Its ending more-than rewards readers for pushing through some of the less-gripping sections, too BELOVED BY TONI MORRISON The first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, Toni Morrison passed away in August at the age of 88. Her novel Beloved wasn't published this year — in fact, it was published way back in 1987 — but we think this summer is the perfect time to revisit it, or pick it up for the first time. Arguably Morrison's best-known novel, Beloved follows an escaped enslaved woman who is haunted by decisions and trauma from her past. It's not an easy read, nor should it be. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has had far-reaching cultural influence since its publication, including on Jordan Peele's 2019 horror flick Us. If you'd like to explore this connection further, we suggest listening to this episode from The New York Times podcast Still Processing. Words by Aimee Sics, Emma Joyce, Leisha Kapor and Samantha Teague.
Sydney Theatre Company has lifted the curtain on Folio, an appropriately dramatic bar and supper club set inside the Roslyn Packer Theatre. Inspired by the great theatre bars and speakeasies of New York, the sleek Walsh Bay venue is designed to be far more than a pre-show pitstop, welcoming anyone in search of an elegant hideaway for cocktails, bar snacks and late-night conversation. Designers Like Minds Studio have wrapped the room in a rich palette of plums, reds and golds, creating an atmosphere that evokes sitting inside a negroni. Plush velvet banquettes, chrome-edged tables and an ornate walnut-and-marble bar form a warm, enveloping backdrop, while deep-plum leather drapery reimagines the classic stage curtain as a central motif. Soft lighting and an amphitheatre-like seating arrangement set the tone for lively pre-show drinks and intimate nightcaps alike, backed by modern jazz and the occasional DJ or live set. The sense of theatre extends to a cocktail menu by award-winning bar consultant Charlie Ainsbury. Reimagined classics anchor the offer: the House Bellini, for example, sees seasonal fruit sorbet and prosecco whisked to order at the bar, while the ice-cold Flame of Love martini is poured tableside and finished with a flamed orange zest. The Infinity Old Fashioned presents a tempting proposition for whisky fans — a build-your-own old fashioned in which your chosen whisky is mixed with a mother blend of every whisky on the back bar, ensuring no two pours are ever the same. The food offering takes its cues from late-night supper clubs — like the cocktails, the menu is built around familiar dishes given a contemporary spin. Start with cold cuts from LP's Quality Meats or Yamba prawns roasted with curry mayo, before moving to heartier fare like David Blackmore wagyu lasagna crowned with truffle pecorino, the hefty Folio Burger stacked with Pino's smoked bacon and served with a fried pickle, or playful late-night classics like poutine, buttermilk fried chicken and confit garlic bread. Dessert keeps the drama going, led by a chocolate mousse with whisky miso caramel served tableside from a big bowl. Open Wednesday to Saturday (and whenever performances run), Folio sits in the heart of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, adding an elegant and quietly theatrical new layer to one of Sydney's most beloved cultural neighbourhoods. [caption id="attachment_1053282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Located on the Bouddi Coastal Walk within the Bouddi National Park, Gerrin Point Lookout is an ideal location for whale watching. Humpback whales are often spotted between May and July and then September through October when they make their return trip along the coast, while southern right whales migrate during late July. The 8.5-kilometre walk allows for a swim in Maitland Bay — where you can view the PS Maitland shipwreck — and includes shady rainforest foliage for wildlife viewing. The 300-hectare national park is one of Australia's earliest marine protected areas, which is part of why the whale migration is so prevalent here. While you're there, check out our guide to Bouddi and Copacabana. Image: Destination NSW
Spring has finally arrived — and with it, it's brought an abundance of sunny day-ready venues. One of these breezy spots, Oh Boy Cafe, has reopened for the sun-soaked season at the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool following a complete refurbishment. Harbouring a new makeover, this lavish eatery offers luxe poolside dining with waterfront views, a crowd-pleasing menu and a modern coastal-inspired fit-out. Oh Boy Cafe now dons inviting white and terracotta tones contrasted by the crystal blue waters of the neighbouring ocean and pool. There's comfortable cushioned seating available indoors and outdoors — plus, the dining room features crystal clear ceiling-to-floor windows so that you can fully appreciate the gorgeous surroundings from any seat. Oh Boy Cafe's neighbour the Royal Botanic Garden has also inspired part of its design, with native Australian flora adorning the space. The vibrant plants are littered throughout the cafe, breathing life into its dining areas. Plus, the cafe can easily be transformed by nighttime to host private events of up to 30 people. Overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay, the eatery follows the ethos of "good food, good stories, good times, by the water", allowing diners to opt for a bite or have their fill before or after a dip in the pristine pool. Pair the waterfront scenes and gorgeous sunshine with Oh Boy Cafe's playful menu, and you've secured yourself the perfect spot for your summer escapades. Expect breakfast classics, including a stacked Instagram-worthy egg and bacon roll, the Bear Breakfast which is an accumulation of all the fry-up favourites, and a chickpea breakfast bowl among the vegetarian options. For lunch, have your fill of hearty pasta dishes like the spaghetti and cuttlefish ragu, or opt for heartier options like an Angus steak sando or a crumbed chicken schnitty. Plus, you can order poolside using a QR code system, and takeaway is always an option on your way to work or for a picnic in The Domain. To top it all off, Oh Boy Café is offering a brand-new bottomless brunch. Available Friday–Sunday, the boozy booking will set you back $78 per person and includes two hours of free-flowing mimosas, sparkling wine and rosé alongside a selection of choice dishes from the menu and some killer views. Oh Boy Café's main inspiration is rooted in a rich piece of history, with its namesake stemming from two sources. The cafe-adjacent pool is named after legendary swimming champion Andrew Murray 'Boy' Charlton, as the swimmer set a 1924 world record in that very pool. Using this as a basis, the cafe draws on its history, as well as the initial awe — expressed neatly by the phrase, "Oh Boy, that view!" — experienced by diners when they get a glimpse of the panoramic views it boasts. If you're sceptical of its beauty, check out the cafe's breathtaking outlook for yourself. You'll find Oh Boy Café at Andrew Boy Charlton Swimming Pool on 1c Mrs Macquaries Rd in Sydney. The cafe is open from 7am til 4pm daily, and the events spaces are available from 7am til 11:30pm.
For anyone born between 1990 and 2005, some seriously iconic films are established in our memories as works of art. One of those films for millions of millennials, zillennials and early Gen Z'ers is Toy Story, the debut film of the now-legendary animation studio Pixar. Released in 1995 to massive acclaim, 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the tale of childhood toys coming alive, and a special calendar event is coming up to celebrate it. Likely, you've not seen the film on the big screen for a few years now or ever before, but you'll get the chance between Wednesday, July 16 and Saturday, July 19 at the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra onstage to perform the soundtrack live alongside the film. If you've never had the pleasure of attending a symphonic screening before, or need some convincing to secure a ticket to this one, read on to discover why you should make this a must-see. Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of a Classic Pixar is a household name now, having since produced other timeless films like A Bug's Life, Cars, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Coco and Soul. It all started in 1974 as a group of animators and computer scientists hoping to make the world's first-ever fully computer-animated film. After creating the Academy© nominated short film Tin Toy in 1988, Disney approached Pixar to help realise their dream of the world's first fully computer-animated feature film. Toy Story was that film, and its buddy story of toy cowboy Woody and space ranger Buzz competing for the favouritism of their owner was a hit from the start, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 1995 and earning three Academy© Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay — the first time an animated film received the nomination — Best Original Score and Best Original Song (for composer Randy Newman's 'You've Got a Friend in Me'). And even 30 years later, Toy Story is regarded as one of the best animated films ever. A Soundtrack Worth Seeing Live So how does a studio's debut feature film manage to create a soundtrack that lands not one but two Academy© Award nominations? Those within the industry considered an animated feature film like Toy Story a holy grail level achievement of animation, so the pressure was on to make the music just as good. Initially, Pixar and Disney disagreed on music's role in the film, with the latter hoping to make Toy Story stand apart from Disney's prior films. Eventually the two studios reached a middle ground: music could play over the scene without having the characters sing. Then they found their maestro, American composer and songwriter Randy Newman. Newman was understandably apprehensive about the job initially, having never worked on a film like this before. Still, as we know today, his compositions, both orchestral and lyrical, elevated the film to something greater than the sum of its parts. A Chance to Listen to the Music Like Never Before Newman knew the lyrical tunes of Toy Story had to mean something, even if they were about protagonists that weren't living flesh and blood. He explained his focus for Toy Story in an interview with NPR; "You have to take their [the toys'] feelings, their emotions, seriously. It's not unimportant when somebody's feeling bad." So, what do the songs mean? 'Strange Things' reflects Woody's lamentation that he's been usurped as Andy's favourite toy by "some little punk in a rocket", AKA Buzz Lightyear. When 'I Will Go Sailing No More' comes on, the woeful lines illustrate the feelings going through Buzz's head when he realises he isn't a heroic space ranger but one of millions of toys imitating one. And who could forget the iconic 'You've Got a Friend in Me', which sings of the friendship that grows between Woody and Buzz as they work together to get home in one piece? It Will Be Performed by One of Australia's Most Popular Orchestras We've talked about the movie and the music, but what about the musicians who'll be playing it? The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is one of Australia's most esteemed and accomplished musical institutions, with a rich record of exceptional performances. Established in 1932, the Orchestra has evolved into an ensemble that captivates audiences worldwide. Over the years, it has welcomed numerous acclaimed conductors, composers, and soloists, elevating its reputation for excellence in performing a wide range of classical, contemporary, and Australian works. The Sydney Symphony is also a leading presenter of "film with orchestra" concerts like these and has been performing soundtracks for over 20 years. They prepare for these as seriously as every other concert, so you really are hearing one of the world's great orchestras in full flight with all its trademark precision and passion - and all in one of the country's most iconic venues, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. [caption id="attachment_986871" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tim O'Connor[/caption] The Conductor is a Veteran of Symphonic Screenings With a top film soundtracked by top tunes being performed live in one of Sydney's top venues, what are we missing in this picture? How about a top conductor? Enter a Sydney Symphony Orchestra mainstay and one of the world's masters of performing films in concert: Nicholas Buc (pictured above, left). The Melbourne-born conductor, composer, arranger, pianist and violinist bears a masters degree in Scoring for Film and Multimedia, and a resume of more symphonic screenings than you can shake a baton at. Nicholas has stood on the podium to conduct live-in-concert performances of Star Trek, E.T., Casino Royale, Skyfall, The Lion King, Shrek 2, Jurassic Park, How to Train Your Dragon, Psycho, The Godfather, Star Wars episodes IV,V, VI and VIII and all eight Harry Potter films…to name a few. With that many performances under his belt, you can rest assured that the score and orchestra will be in safe hands. 'Toy Story' in Concert will be playing from Wednesday, July 16 to Saturday, July 19. For more information or to get tickets, visit the website.
Heading overseas from Australia is about to become a reality again, with the Federal Government recently announcing that international travel will be allowed to restart on a state-by-state basis from November. When each state or territory hits the 80-percent fully vaccinated mark set out in the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response, that part of the country will be able to resume international flights — and Qantas has announced which routes will be operating first. Back in August, the airline revealed that it was planning to begin flying overseas again in December this year, based on when it forecast that Australia's international borders would reopen again. It has since started selling tickets for a number of overseas routes and, now that a firm plan has been put in place to open the nation back up to the rest of the world, it's bringing forward the start date for its flights to London and Los Angeles. Both legs will operate out of Sydney, and recommence operations from Sunday, November 14. To begin with, there'll be three weekly return flights to each city on Qantas' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. And if you're wondering why the carrier picked these two routes, it's because they've been the most searched options for the past few weeks. Pack your bags, flights from Sydney to LA and London take-off from mid-November ✈️ https://t.co/reJshnEF0U pic.twitter.com/KsxjrsBfGC — Qantas (@Qantas) October 1, 2021 The airline advises that it'll add more flights if it needs to, as per demand, and that the dates may shift once the exact border reopening date is announced (or, if anything changes with the Australian Government's current plan). So, if travel can recommence out of Sydney earlier, Qantas will move things forward — and it it gets pushed back, so will the flights, obviously. If you're keen to get booking anyway, ticketholders for these flights will be able to make changes without paying a fee for travel up until the end of 2022, although you will need to pay a difference in fare if that applies. Fares for the two routes are open to Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families and some visa holders, and start at $1662 return for the Sydney–Los Angeles trip and $1869 return for Sydney–London. At present, Qantas is sticking with its plans to restart other international flights from Saturday, December 18. Previously, Qantas had revealed its intention to recommence flights to destinations with high vaccination rates from December 2021, including Singapore, Japan, the US, the UK, Canada and Fiji, before adding Hong Kong flights in February, and then trips to Bali, Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Johannesburg in April 2022. When overseas flights do resume, Qantas will use digital health passes to verify vaccination and testing status. And, as Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has previously stated, the airline will only allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel on international flights. Passengers will also need to have returned a negative PCR COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure. It's expected that travellers on these international flights will need to go into home quarantine for seven days when they return, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison mentioned when he announced that the international border will reopen in November; however, the exact details of how that'll work hasn't yet been revealed. As part of its efforts to encourage vaccinations — and to help speed up the return to its normal operations — the airline is also currently giving away discounts and frequent flyer points to vaxxed Aussies. Qantas will restart Sydney–Los Angeles and Sydney–London flights from Sunday, November 14. For more information or to book, visit the Qantas website.
In Australia, we're all about that coffee — though most of us are a whole lot more focused on what's in our cup, than what's being turfed out by our barista. But one Australian startup is hoping to change that by setting up Melbourne's first coffee waste mushroom farm, and using those soggy, leftover coffee grinds to grow fresh mushies. The innovative project has been shaking up Perth's food scene since March this year. Dubbed Life Cykel, the initiative sees cafe's coffee waste recycled and used to grow oyster mushrooms for some of the city's high-end restaurants. Melbourne's status as a world class coffee-swilling destination has marked it as the next logical landing spot for Life Cykel's mushroom movement, with founders Ryan Creed and Julian Mitchell set to unveil another of their urban mushroom farms — this time in a couple of shipping containers in the inner north suburb of Abbotsford. They're currently running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the farm. Instead of heading straight to landfill and messing with the environment long after you've finished that last sip of espresso, spent coffee grounds from some of your favourite local cafés will now get a new lease on life. They'll make their way to the Johnston Street site, where they'll be mixed with mushroom spores and used to cultivate scores of flavoursome funghi friends, which, in turn, might just end up back on your plate. The mushrooms will be sold to local restaurants, and will also be available to buy in take-home mushroom-growing boxes so you can watch those babies grow yourself. It's all designed to get us thinking a little harder about food sustainability — where our food comes from, where all those scraps end up and what we can do to change it. Life Cykel has raised over half of a $30,000 Kickstarter goal, with little over a week of their crowd funding campaign remaining. If you want the carnage of your coffee to be converted into some yummy mushies, you can pledge a few dollars here. It must be noted that the mushrooms don't taste like coffee — they taste like mushrooms.
Finding a wedding venue is no easy task. There's the toss-up between a city and country celebration, a luxe location versus staying in your hometown. Plus, the allure of the destination wedding is enough to make your bank account quiver in a corner. When you find the one, though, everything else about the wedding can fall into place. If you're looking for a destination that offers a Euro-summer event without needing to charter a 24-hour flight, you're in luck. St Siandra is Sydney's sun-soaked waterfront restaurant that can host intimate beachfront weddings, large receptions and even corporate events. It's set on a private beach in Middle Harbour and brings a little dose of Italian shores to Mosman. Here's what to expect when booking an event at St Siandra. [caption id="attachment_895511" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Unbeatable Views The Mediterranean-inspired venue offers panoramic Sydney Harbour views. Located just a short drive from the CBD, your Sydney guests won't need to worry about booking accommodation or hiring a car to get to an outer-city venue. St Siandra is situated in Sydney's quiet harbourside suburbs, so local guests can spend more time focusing on your day rather than the logistics of a destination wedding. If anyone is coming from out of town, they can admire the breathtaking Sydney views and experience an Amalfi-style event by the water. St Siandra has an indoor-outdoor layout, making it ideal for a relaxed yet luxe event. The interiors feature Mediterranean-inspired styling with a coastal heritage, anchoring the venue to Sydney. Outside, the private beach offers you the chance to share your nuptials on the sand. [caption id="attachment_1036463" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Your Wedding, Your Way Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner experience, a 40-person celebration or a full-scale party of 150, St Siandra offers bespoke packages that cater to different needs. The venue features a dedicated events team that provides hands-on guidance to help you plan your wedding. There's a range of curated packages and transparent pricing available as well, so the wedding budget won't be surprised after you've set your heart on a vendor or service. [caption id="attachment_1036462" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] St Siandra features two space options. If you're looking for a venue that comfortably seats up to 50 guests or 85 people cocktail-style, the Bluebird Room is your best bet. It's a light-filled space featuring 180-degree water views and exclusive access to a private bar and beach views. From intimate sit-down meals to a luxe cocktail party, the Bluebird room and deck can be tailored to suit your wedding dreams. Is your guest list a little larger? The restaurant and deck at St Siandra can seat up to 110 guests and accommodate 160 people in a cocktail-style setting. This option features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views and makes it easy to say "I do" and party the night away without needing to ferry guests from the church or gardens post-ceremony. [caption id="attachment_1014188" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] Memorable Food and Drink Experiences While everyone's at your wedding to celebrate your love, one of the most essential parts is (undoubtedly) the food and drinks. At St Siandra, the seasonal menus have a Mediterranean focus on local produce. Head Chef Sam McCallum has crafted the menus to feature mouth-watering flavours, decadent canapés and sit-down meals to share with loved ones (no matter their dietary requirements). To complement your food selection, there's a range of beverage packages that can be tailored to suit your party. Featuring creative cocktails, wines, spirits, craft beers and mocktails, every detail is considered. [caption id="attachment_1033893" align="alignleft" width="1920"] St Siandra[/caption] More Than Weddings It's not just weddings that can be held at St Siandra. Birthdays, baby showers, bridal parties, and corporate functions can all be planned and held at the Mosman restaurant. So, whether you're looking for an Amafli-inspired wedding (without the long haul travel) or are after an intimate dining event to celebrate with your friends and family, St Siandra delivers refined dining, breathtaking beachfront views and a relaxed elegance—all without leaving the city. Learn more about hosting your wedding or event at St Siandra here.
The last time that Emma Stone made a movie with Greek Weird Wave director Yorgos Lanthimos, 2018's excellent The Favourite was the end result. The Cruella star earned an Oscar nomination for her troubles, deservedly so, and the filmmaker's style and sense of humour gained a wider audience. Indeed, the made a winning pair, in what was one of the former's very best performances of Stone's career. Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that they've reteamed again. Also far from astonishing: that another unique movie looks set to hit screens. This time, they've traded regal dramas for a riff on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein — which will never stop being a gothic-horror masterpiece, or inspiring stories across the page, stage and screen. And, while Poor Things doesn't actually use that f-word, it looks mesmerising, eerie and stunning in both its initial and just-dropped trailers. Also, Stone is clearly playing a version of Frankenstein's monster. Poor Things adapts Alasdair Grey's 1992 award-winning novel, but the parallels with Shelley's mother-of-all horror greats are as obvious as a bolt of lightning. The focus: Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected by an unorthodox scientist, distinctive in her mannerisms afterwards and eager to learn about a world that isn't quite sure how to react. Continuing the movie's top-notch casting — and Lanthimos' in general, as seen in everything from Dogtooth and Alps to The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer as well — Poor Things features Willem Dafoe (The Northman) as the tinkering Dr Godwin Baxter; Mark Ruffalo (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) as Duncan Wedderburn, a slick lawyer that Bella runs off with; and also Ramy's Ramy Youssef, plus On the Count of Three co-stars Jerrod Carmichael and Christopher Abbott. Poor Things jolts Stone's career back onto the screen a few years away, too — Cruella released in 2021, and only The Croods: A New Age, Zombieland: Double Tap and TV's Maniac sit on her resume since The Favourite. Viewers Down Under will get to see how this surreal-looking take on a literary masterpiece turns out on October 12. Check out the full trailer for Poor Things below: Poor Things will release in cinemas Down Under on October 12. Image: Yorgos Lanthimos. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
When a music festival takes place in a winery, it already has two of the three fest essentials taken care of before it even announces its lineup: an ace location and booze. But, that doesn't mean that Grapevine Gathering slouches on talent. The acts hitting its stages around the country are always chosen to impress, and 2023's fests are no different. Leading the charge: Spacey Jane, King Stingray and Vanessa Amorosi, with the latter meaning that 'Absolutely Everybody' will be stuck in your head for weeks afterwards. The Wombats and Hayden James are also on the bill, both doing Australian-exclusive shows at the wine-fuelled festival. Rounding out the list: Cannons, The Rions, Teenage Joans and Bella Amor, plus podcast duo Lucy and Nikki on hosting duties. [caption id="attachment_905845" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Hendel[/caption] Grapevine Gathering's 2023 tour will hit New South Wales on Saturday, October 21, taking place at Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley. Naturally, sipping wine is a huge part of the attraction. As always, attendees will have access to a heap of vino given the fest's locations, as well as an array of food options. GRAPEVINE GATHERING 2023 LINEUP: Spacey Jane The Wombats Hayden James King Stingray Vanessa Amorosi Cannons The Rions Teenage Joans Bella Amor Hosted by Lucy and Nikki Top image: Jordan Munns.
Instagram favourites The Inspired Unemployed are pretty used to bringing Aussies joy via their side-splitting satirical videos. From lockdown habits and fitness instructors to tradies and bouncers — Jack Steele and Matt Ford will take aspects of stereotypical Aussie culture, then flip the script to poke a bit of fun. Now, the self-dubbed battlers are looking to bring Australians a new kind of happiness ahead of summer — with a beer launched in collaboration with Victorian favourite, Torquay Beverage Company. Better Beer is a zero-carb, zero-sugar lager that clocks in at 87 calories per can, which Ford quips is "healthier than broccoli". Explaining the decision to make Better Beer zero-carb, Steele says: "As loose as we can be at times, we're actually pretty healthy people. So we decided, let's make a beer that's healthier and still tastes great, one that doesn't make you feel heavy in the morning and rough around the edges." "We've had a lot of opportunities to do bigger stuff and beer was on our mind for a while," Steele explains to Concrete Playground. "But the thing is — when we start something, we don't want to start it and go half-hearted. We either make it the best thing ever or don't do it at all." On social media, the pair of mates are all about hyperboles. But, that's far from the case in this instance — Better Beer is the product of 12 months of work, which included an (unintended) four-month stint in New Zealand and COVID-friendly collaboration sessions with their business partner in crime, Torquay Beverage Company founder Nick Cogger. "I couldn't tell you how many hours we've spent on Zoom," Steele says. Cogger is a long-time partner of The Inspired Unemployed, commissioning them back in late 2019 when the pair had just 12,000 followers. "Nick was actually one of the first people to ever give us a job in this industry," Ford says. "He was one of the first people to reach out, he gave us a job to go to a music festival and..." "...get drunk!" Steele jokes. The pair initially called Cogger for advice on the beer brand, before deciding to create Better Beer together. "And then next thing you know, here we are talking to you." As for the taste, the boys have reportedly heard it described as "smooth like Michael Jackson" and "the breakfast of champions". "All our mates have tasted it and they love it. Obviously, they're our mates, so you'd think they'd have to say that — but it was a genuine reaction!" Ford says. If you're after a cold one, Better Beer will be available at your local Dan Murphy's, BWS and independent bottleshops from Friday, November 12. You can keep up to date with Better Beer, including limited-edition merch drops, via the website. New Better Beer products are also expected to drop in March 2022.
Launched in July, Bridge Street newcomer Ette Sydney has already captured the community with its fast fine-dining model. Now, the restaurant is bringing more excitement to Sydney's laneways with $10 happy hour specials and a $12 Ettespresso menu. Stop by on weekdays from 3.30–5.30pm to treat yourself to $10 limoncello spritz, house wine, prosecco or beer. Now, if that means clocking off work a little early, then so be it. Then, on Monday–Friday from 9–11pm, treat yourself to the espresso martini menu of your dreams. Choose from five bold twists on the classic espresso martini, including the mascarpone-infused Ettespresso, the spiced Double Black and the zesty chocolate orange. Headed up by acclaimed chef Adam Grimsley (ex-Icebergs, Jacksons on George), Ette's standout offering is its $9.50 snackEttes — punchy, rotating small plates like tuna tartare in a seaweed cone and charred lamb rib with baba ganoush. Heartier mains priced at $39 rotate daily under the Steak, Land, Sea and Grain menu, with current highlights including the yuzu beurre blanc-topped fish of the day and wild mushroom linguine finished with black truffle. The venue initially began as a weekday affair, but you can also now book in for Saturday dinner. Walk-ins are still welcome, but bookings are recommended. Open from Monday–Saturday until 2am, there's no excuse not to try the happy hour and espresso martini menu. Ette Sydney is open from Monday–Saturday from 11.30am-2pm. For more information, head to the website. Images: Steven Woodburn.
No longer confined to children's birthday parties, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle sources and blow-up labyrinths have become hot property for adults (and their inner kids, of course). And the next blow-up event to return to Australia is big. Really big. Dubbed 'The Big Bounce Australia', it's an inflatable theme park made up of the world's biggest bouncy castle — as certified by the Guinness World Records — plus a 300-metre long obstacle course, a three-part space-themed wonderland and a sports slam arena. You're going to need a lot of red cordial to bounce your way through all of this. Set to tour the country in 2022, The Big Bounce is open to both littl'uns and big'uns, but there are a heap of adults-only sessions — so you don't have to worry about dodging toddlers on your way through. Tickets for adults will set you back $59, which gives you a whole three hours in the park. Yes, you'll need it. Inside, you'll encounter the aforementioned bouncy castle — aptly named The World's Biggest Bounce House — covering a whopping 1500 square metres and, in some spots, reaching ten metres off the ground. In this house, you'll encounter a heap of slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and (if you can believe it) a stage with DJs, confetti cannons and beach balls. Then, there's The Giant, with 50 inflatable obstacles, including giant red balls and a monster slide. [caption id="attachment_825374" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarasota Experience[/caption] Before you hit the next, three-part section of the extremely OTT theme park, you may need to pause, down some red frogs and maybe even have a nap. Or not, as you do only have three hours to explore it all. Either way, at Airspace, aliens, spaceships and moon craters collide with a five-lane slide, some more ball pits and an 18-metre-tall maze. After that, you'll certainly need a nap. And, new for 2022, there's also the Sport Slam, which is rather self-explanatory — and will be a must of you're keen to add a competitive spin to all that bouncing. THE BIG BOUNCE AUSTRALIA 2022 TOUR DATES: January 14–16: Eagles Sports Complex, Brisbane January 28–30 and February 4–6: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne February 18–20: Ellis Park, Adelaide March 4–6: Canberra, venue TBC March 11–13: St Ives Showground, Sydney April 8–10: Newcastle, venue TBC May 6–8: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth The Big Bounce tours Australia from January–May, 2022. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the event's website.
Matt Moran's harbourside fine diner has been an institution for over 20 years. And, after all that time, Aria continues to be among Sydney's most sought after dining destinations. It championed seasonal ingredients and Australian wines long before these were on trend, and still boasts one of the best tasting menus (and views) that the Sydney hospitality scene has to offer. That tasting menu is available every day for lunch and dinner — and, yes, it's a special occasion splurge (starting at $250 per person). But you'll get to taste seven of Aria's best dishes of the moment. The summer menu features Abrolhos Island scallops with cauliflower, miso and saltbush, glazed Wollemi duck with beetroot, mulberries and nettle, Gundagai GLQ 5+ lamb with bitter leaves, salsify and mustard and Mooloolaba yellowfin tuna with daikon, dessert lime and avocado. Choose to indulge further and you'll discover the option to pair the tasting menu with a wine. On offer, there is the premium wine pairing ($275pp) or the prestige wine pairing ($395pp). If you don't have quite that much cash to splash, but still want to indulge in the Aria experience, opt for the four course lunch or dinner ($195). These dining options include a la carte menus featuring Eugowra quail with pumpkin, gai lan and white soy, Rangers Valley beef tartare with smoked eel, kohlrabi and sweet potato and a passionfruit, honeydew, makrut lime and young coconut dessert option. Any of these menus can be made vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free, too. Alongside the eats, diners can order from Aria's extensive cocktail menu or award-winning wine list. Curated by Head Sommelier Salvatore Persico, this selection showcases a whopping 80 wines by the glass and 1700 by the bottle. Aria also offers a pre-theatre dining experience for you to enjoy before your show at the Sydney Opera House. Available until 6pm, this menu is curated to include an experience of many of Aria's defining dishes either a la carte or through the three course offering ($150). No matter which dining option you go for, you'll be in for one gorgeous meal. Images: Cole Bennetts, Kitti Gould and Steven Woodburn Updated Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Hear that? It's the sound of the collective population shutting windows, zipping up jackets and switching the AC setting from cool to warm. Summer is officially over. You may have bemoaned what felt like an endless summer after one too many sunburns or sleepless nights. You also may have excitedly unpacked your winter coat and thought giddily of cosy nights in with Netflix and hot chocolate for company. But truthfully, for us coastal-dwelling folk who thrive in the great outdoors, the appeal of winter can wear off before it has even truly begun. And soon enough, you'll be plotting ways to escape to sunnier pastures. Well, lucky for you, we've teamed up with Coopers to handpick some the best destinations around Australia where summer never really ends. Just like the new Coopers Session Ale, a fresh and fruity brew, these spots keep the summer dream alive all year long. [caption id="attachment_605628" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Petra Bensted via Flickr.[/caption] RUN TO PARADISE IN THE WHITSUNDAYS Imagine this: rather than a blaring alarm, you're woken by the call of a native bird or lapping waves. Rather than woolly socks and slippers, you sink your bare feet into glorious white sand. This is Whitehaven Beach, one of the most popular spots in the Whitsundays. The picturesque surroundings and tropical climate (no frosty mornings here — temperatures sit pleasantly in the mid-20s during winter) are enough to please even the most cynical of campers. A maximum of 36 people is permitted at the beach's campsite, so the morning is yours to explore the oasis in relative seclusion before the day-trippers arrive. Time your 1.3-kilometre walk to the Hill Inlet viewing platform at Tongue Point to coincide with low tide, and witness a stunning display of swirling silica sands. The vista is the ultimate reward for 'roughing it', as is returning to the campsite for a cool beer as the sun sets. Winter blues be gone. EXPLORE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND Tropical North Queensland is the perfect distraction from your wintery reality. Average water temps sit at a very acceptable 24-degree mark, and low rainfall vastly improves water visibility in the Great Barrier Reef, which will please both scuba and snorkelling enthusiasts. If donning a wetsuit is not your style, there are plenty of land-based activities around to keep you active, too. Cape Tribulation, where Daintree Rainforest meets the ocean, offers plenty of exploration options: foot, horseback, kayak, four-wheel drive or flying fox among them. Whichever you choose, the area has a real 'untouched' vibe to it, with pristine beaches, lush plant life and native wildlife waiting to be discovered. [caption id="attachment_619578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Field of Light: Bruce Munro. Photo by Mark Pickthall.[/caption] VISIT OUR RED CENTRE Arguably our most famous natural icon, Uluru is a bucket list item for many. Witnessing a kaleidoscope of colours cross the sacred rock as the sun sets over the horizon — it's truly something to behold. Winter is actually the preferred time to visit as temperatures are milder — around the mid-20s during the day — which makes trekking the 10.6-kilometre base circumference a more achievable task. As night falls, so does the temp. Avoid shattering the summer illusion, and jump onto a helicopter tour for a birds-eye view of the spectacular Field of Light installation. Extended until December 2020, the artwork uses 50,000 glass spheres to transform the arid plains into an illuminated, multi-coloured blanket. It may help you temporarily forget the winter chill but you'll remember this magical experience forever. [caption id="attachment_669247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Broome Visitor Centre.[/caption] RIDE A CAMEL AS THE SUN SETS IN BROOME Nestled along the coastline in the Kimberley region's far west, Broome is completely unique and yet quintessentially Australian. It's where the beach meets the outback with a tropical climate that encourages an itinerary of strictly outdoor activities. Start the day by hunting for dinosaur prints at Gantheaume Point before venturing to Willie Creek Pearl Farm for a boat cruise across crystal waters, complete with lessons on pearling. After you've properly explored the clear waters and rugged coastline, head to Cable Beach to watch a stunning sunset atop a camel — cliché be damned, it's an unmissable tourist attraction for a reason. Finish off the day with a visit to the over 100-year-old Sun Pictures, the world's oldest outdoor cinema still in operation. Those chilly nights will be a distant memory. TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA'S TOP END Darwin may be the oft-forgotten state capital, but in recent years it has established itself as a hot destination (pun intended) — particularly for younger travellers due to its thriving art and nightlife scenes. If you weren't quite ready to say goodbye to summer sundowners, waterside Darwin Ski Club will ensure your beers-by-the-bay quota is met. Kakadu National Park is usually a drawcard for visitors when up north. But if you're short on time or want to try something a little more off-the-beaten-track, the less-frequented Tiwi Islands provide an equally rich indigenous experience. There are two main islands, Melville and Bathurst, plus nine other smaller, uninhabited islands which are all just a 30-minute scenic flight from Darwin. Art is a hugely important part of the culture here and is best appreciated at morning tea with some local ladies from the Wurrumiyanga community. Over a snack of billy tea and fresh damper, you can watch the Tiwi ladies weaving and painting. Finish off your day trip with a scenic drive around the island exploring the lush tropical gardens, plus a visit to a Tiwi burial site. Grab a Coopers Session Ale and make the most of summer, all year round. Top image: Coral Beach, Gareth McGuigan.
Trade the crowded trains and constant hum of Tokyo's city streets for otherworldly views of volcanic terrain, subtropical jungles and subterranean lakes on your next trip to Japan. From deep-blue waters dotted with islands to towering snow-covered mountains and mangrove forests, Japan boasts a truly diverse mix of natural landscapes, which are home to not only thousands of years of culture and tradition but also impressive wildlife such as brown bears, orcas and red-crowned cranes. Together with the Japan National Tourism Organization, we've put together a guide to some of the most spectacular natural sights across the country — so you have yet another excuse to visit Japan. [caption id="attachment_965458" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jodogahama Beach via Shutterstock[/caption] Pacific Coast, Iwate Prefecture Experience sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from Iwate's coastline, which features a striking stretch of cliffs, distinctive rock formations, underground lakes and tranquil beaches in Japan's north. Part of Sanriku Fukko National Park, the Iwate Coast can be explored by land or water. Take in the 200-metre-high Unosu Cliffs at Kitayamazaki on a boat tour; venture into the Ryusendo Cave to see subterranean lakes with stalactites and bats overhead; and cool off with a post-hike dip at peaceful Jodogahama Beach. [caption id="attachment_965460" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mount Aso, Masafarnorth via iStock[/caption] Kuju Mountains, Oita Prefecture Down south, get your steps in at the Kuju mountain range in Aso-Kuju National Park, home to the highest peaks in Kyushu. Whether you choose to make the ascent on one of the hiking trails or opt for a more leisurely stroll on ground level, you'll be treated to remarkable views across the volcanic landscape, especially when the foliage changes in autumn. There's also natural hot springs nearby at Kurokawa Onsen, for you to relax your tired muscles with a long soak at the end of the day. [caption id="attachment_965463" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Seto Inland sea, SAND555 via iStock[/caption] Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kagawa and Ehime Prefectures There's no shortage of things to discover around the Seto Inland Sea. The 400-kilometre stretch of water connects Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, with 700-plus islands in between. Reconnect with nature on a sustainable sailboat tour, or take in the sights from a cycling track – such as the 46-kilometre Tobishima Kaido (which crosses seven bridges) or the 70-kilometre Shimanami Kaido (which spans six islands). For a cultural fix, see world-class artworks scattered against the breathtaking backdrop of the Seto Island Sea at Naoshima, explore the charming canals of Kurashiki, and take in the view of the floating torii gate at Miyajima Island. [caption id="attachment_965462" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kurobe Alpine Route, courtesy of JNTO[/caption] Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Toyama Prefecture Immense in size, Chubu-Sangaku National Park has plenty of activities for every season, from trekking the 3000-metre-tall Japan Alps to snow sports and chasing waterfalls at Sanbondaki. In summer, popular pastimes include hiking, wildlife-spotting, biking, fishing and camping, while winter sees the area blanketed with snow. Not to be missed is the famed Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which transforms into a stunning snow corridor from April to June, with stacks of snow reaching heights of up to 20 metres. [caption id="attachment_965457" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Iriomote Island via Shutterstock[/caption] Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture If you'd prefer to be in warmer weather year-round, head south to the lush Iriomote Island. You'll find more than pristine beaches here, with subtropical jungles, mangrove forests and cascading waterfalls throughout the island. When you're not kayaking through mangroves or cruising through the jungle, make your way across to Yubu Island on an unconventional (and unforgettable) mode of transport — hop on a cart and a buffalo will pull you across the strait while a local guide sings traditional Okinawan songs. [caption id="attachment_965456" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ago Bay via Shutterstock[/caption] Ago Bay, Mie Prefecture Culture and scenery collide at Ago Bay, which is dotted with approximately 60 small islands and famed for its pearl farming and Ama divers. These female free-divers have been collecting pearls and seafood in Mie Prefecture for over 2000 years, and still utilise many of their traditional methods to this day. Visit Ama Hut Satoumian to chat with Ama divers while feasting on fresh seafood at the restaurant. Don't leave without getting a bird's-eye-view of the bay from the Yokoyama Observation Deck, which offers impressive views of the peninsula and across the water from 200 metres above sea level. [caption id="attachment_965461" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shiretoko Mountains, Saturo S via iStock[/caption] Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido Prefecture Get close to some of the locals at Shiretoko National Park, where you'll come across wildlife such as brown bears, owls, sea eagles, seals and orcas. With a range of landscapes — from mountains to forests and rivers — the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site is home to almost 60 land and marine animal species. Come during winter to walk across drift ice, snowshoe through the icy forest and witness the snow-covered landscapes. In spring and summer, visitors can spot brown bears and waterfalls on a boat tour, cycle through the Shiretoko Pass, explore the Shiretoko Five Lakes, or hike along the Kamuiwakka Hot Falls (which are fed by natural onsen waters). [caption id="attachment_965459" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kushiro Shitsugen National Park via Shutterstock[/caption] Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Hokkaido Prefecture For even more wildlife spotting, head nearby to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park to catch a glimpse of deer and numerous bird species, including the iconic and endangered red-crowned crane. Kayak, canoe, or hike through Japan's largest wetlands for views of towering waterfalls, the port city of Kushiro, the Kushiro River and the Pacific coastline. If you'd rather take it slow and steady, head to one of the many observation decks by car or with a leisurely stroll, or you can even hop aboard a steam train that meanders along the river. Discover more and start planning your trip to Japan at the Japan National Tourism Organization website.
Over the past two years, we've already spent too much time burning through our streaming queues, so simply settling in for a stint of TV has lost a bit of its lustre. And, there's also the fact that our day-to-days are pretty well dominated by screens anyway. From waking up and checking the weather/news/Instagram to then packing our days with staring at a computer at our nine-to-fives, sitting on the loo watching TikToks and cooking the recipes we view on iPads, it's no wonder we've got screen fatigue. So, put that remote down and treat yourself to another way to kill time: a jigsaw puzzle. Yep, it's time to get analogue. For many of us, 2020 was the year of hobbies and home activities. So, no doubt you already have a jigsaw or two lying around — which means you're in need of fresh puzzle talent. Or, you might've resisted the recent trend, only to now realise that you missed out on some wholesome, puzzle-piecing times. Either way, we're here to help. Here are our eight puzzle picks for when boredom next hits like a tonne of bricks — whether you just have a few spare hours, you're spending time in isolation or you feel like you've watched every streaming series there is to watch. AUSTRALIA UNSEEN Bring the beach to your living room with these serene coastal scenes in puzzle form. Australia Unseen's Vincent Rommelaere takes photos of Australian beaches and rock pools, and usually sells them as prints on his website. But in 2020, as iso-life became the new normal, Rommelaere began transforming some of his snaps into jigsaw puzzles. At the moment, he offers seven different puzzles available as 1000-piece ($49) jigsaws. If you're into ocean pools, you can keep your fingers busy with a puzzle of Bondi's famed Icebergs. Otherwise, there's shots of the Coogee Beach rainbow path, the Bronte Baths and people sunbathing at Bondi. Or, if you'd prefer to look at Melbourne, you can opt for one of the city's CBD skyline. Delivery within Australia is $10 and international shipping is also available, with cost and delivery time dependent on region. All jigsaw puzzles in stock are shipped from Sydney and you'll score free shipping on orders over $100. Buy via Australia Unseen's website. OKAY LADY Chances are at least one of your housemates developed a penchant for puzzles over the past two years and, if that's the case, a pressie from online jigsaw puzzle company Okay Lady will be a winner. Think of it as the perfect 'thanks for putting up with me' gift that you benefit from, too. Okay Lady puzzles champion Aussie women illustrators and come in environmentally friendly packaging — no plastic in sight. The artists also receive royalties from every single sale, which we love to see. If you happen to live with your bestie, there's a super-cute 400-piece jigsaw by Queensland artist Sophie Beer that features two besties and some adorable pups. Or, nab the Night Dancer puzzle, designed by artist Alice Lindstrom, for a truly vibrant work of puzzle art. All Okay Lady jigsaws are $59 and each 400-piece design is aimed to be more of a mindful activity than a super challenging, days-long process. Shipping is free across Australia with orders shipped from the Melbourne office every weekday, so expect about five–seven business days for your package to arrive. Can't wait? Opt for express delivery for $15. Buy via Okay Lady's website. SMOOCHY POOCHEY Ever wanted to piece together a portrait of your adorable pooch? Of course you have — which is why Queensland-based company Smoochy Poochey exists. While the company allows you to pick whichever kind of personalised puzzle you like, getting a jigsaw puzzle emblazoned with your pet's cute little face is a clear winner. Think of it this way: you've already spent so long gazing at them because they're just so adorable, and you've well and truly committed their face to your memory in the process, so this should be the easiest jigsaw you've ever done. And if you'd like to provide more than one photo for a single puzzle — as uploaded via the company's website — you can. Just simply upload multiple pics of of Fido, Fluffy, Polly or Nemo and create a collage. A number of sizes are available, ranging from a simple, kid-friendly 30-piece jigsaw to challenging 1000-piece ones for when you have hours upon hours to kill. Prices range from $28.25 for the smallest puzzle and up to $59.95 for the largest. Delivery is via Australia Post, with a standard $12.95 flat rate across Australia, or you can opt for express delivery for $16. Buy via the Smoochy Poochey website. PUZZLE POST You've done it: you've reached peak puzzle madness. You can't get enough of the brain-tickling activity and you want a regular rotation of jigsaws landing on your doorstep. Enter: Puzzle Post — Australia's first jigsaw puzzle subscription. Puzzle Post delivers a new jigsaw to your doorstep every month, and factors in your tastes. Now that's a service. From the same minds behind book subscription service Bookabuy, the idea for this new venture spawned after owners Chris and Mel Tantchev noticed something of a jigsaw puzzle resurgence. Look around these pandemic days and you'll notice those little cardboard pieces have made quite the comeback. There are a bunch of themes from over 20 categories — including cats, nostalgia, flowers, Disney and food — ranging from easy (500 pieces) to harder, 1000-plus piece puzzles. By answering a few quick questions at checkout, you'll end up with a jigsaw haul personalised just for you. You can opt for a one-off puzzle delivery ($29) or organise a three-, six- or 12-month subscription, which'll set you back between $87–348 up front (or $29 per month). If every month is too frequent, you can choose to get a new puzzle delivered in two- or three- month intervals, too. Subscribe via the Puzzle Post website. JOURNEY OF SOMETHING Journey of Something is a female-founded and Australian-owned company dedicated to combining art with activities (read: beautiful puzzles, art kits and games). But, you're here for puzzles — not the other stuff — so we'll get right to it. It stocks a bunch of jigsaws, ranging from mini puzzles to 1000-piece beasts, which are all designed by local artists. Order yourself a puzzle decorated with iconic women such as Dolly Parton, Frida Khalo and Malala Yousafzai — or, there's a cute mini puzzle that'll have you doing your daily affirmations in no time. Puzzles range from $20–64, and Journey of Something also offers some duo packs and a 12-month subscription. Shipping costs depend on how much you're buying — starting at $10 for one puzzle. Buy via Journey of Something's website. [caption id="attachment_708992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rone[/caption] RONE If you're bored of putting together rainforest scenes or that 500-piece Monet puzzle was just too easy, Melbourne street artist Rone has come up with the goods, releasing three of his large-scale artworks (Home Wrecker, The Dining Room and The Study) as jigsaw puzzles. For those not in the know, Rone normally creates large-scale artworks on the sides of nine-story buildings or in abandoned spaces throughout Melbourne. He's particularly known for his massive portraits that combine elements of beauty and ruin, alongside concepts of new and old. Since bursting onto the local scene in the early 2000s, his work has been shown in London, New York, San Francisco, Miami and Hong Kong. So, he's kind of a big deal — and you can now build a piece of his art in your living room. Rone's puzzles are priced at a reasonable $64, considering his art prints are selling upwards of $400. Each art-cum-puzzle is comprised of 1000 pieces and includes enough detail for a challenging afternoon of puzzling. Shipping to locations across Melbourne costs $10.95, while it's $14.89 for the rest of Australia. Hot tip: buy two puzzles and you save yourself the delivery fee, thanks to Rone offering free shipping on orders over $100. Buy via Rone's website. SALTY GALLERY Similar to the popular Australian Unseen puzzles, photographer Dharma Bendersky and his gallery Salty Gallery have turned his stunning shots of Sydney beaches into 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles. So, if you're missing sunny afternoons at the beach and simply can't get enough of creating intricate cardboard artworks, then add these beauties to your cart. There are currently four idyllic puzzles on offer, featuring a selection of spots. If you're more a fan of concrete-covered bays, Bedersky also plans to unveil more designs. Each puzzle is $59, includes free shipping Australia-wide, can be delivered internationally, and are shipped in eco-friendly compostable bags. Buy via the Salty Gallery website. [caption id="attachment_822202" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Charles Conder, 'Rainy Day', 1888. Art Gallery of NSW's online art puzzles range.[/caption] ONLINE ART PUZZLES We know, we know — we told you to lay off the screens. But these digital jigsaws come in handy if you're an absolute puzzle fiend who can't wait till your next one arrives in the post, or you're a try-before-you-buy kinda person. Either way, these art-filled gems are sure to fill many hours (and save you some cash). First up, the Art Gallery of NSW has some killer online puzzles — seven to be exact — so you can digitally put together masterpieces such as E Phillips Fox's Nasturtiums and Paul Cézanne's Banks of the Marne. Melbourne Museum also has digital jigsaws on its website, including ones of fur seals, the Royal Exhibition Building and Phar Lap. Or, check out the National Library of Australia website to complete puzzles using its collection, with everything from art by Ellis Rowan to Australian birds. Head to the AGNSW, Melbourne Museum and National Library of Australia websites for some free — and wait-free — puzzling adventures. Top image: Australia Unseen
Just like that, we're halfway through the year, and the winter school holidays are here. Wondering how you'll keep the minis busy while you're still working, cooking, shopping and the rest? We've come to your rescue — with eleven irresistible activities happening in and around Sydney in July. Head to Macquarie Centre to lead the kids through a Coachella-inspired wonderland featuring magic shows and bubble-canopied dance floors. Then, make tracks to Taronga Zoo to meet several cute new arrivals. Plus, there are workshops galore for kids who like to learn — covering art, craft, public speaking, sport and more. Your house is now officially a whine-free zone. FOR THE KID WHO LIKES A LITTLE MAGIC: MACQTOPIA These holidays, Macquarie Centre is taking inspiration from Coachella and transforming into a dreamscape for children. Treat them to a live gig by The Vegetable Plot, then head to a show with fantastical magicians Magic of Petar or Adam Mada. That'll give them inspiration to create a little magic of their own — be it a terrarium fairy garden or a kaleidoscope. Got a budding creative on your hands? Book a session at Paint 'n' Slurp or take them for a dance under a canopy of bubbles. Macqtopia is taking over Macquarie Centre at Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, daily from Saturday, July 5–Saturday, July 19. [caption id="attachment_1011302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul McMillan[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO GETS HANDS-ON: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR LITTLE MOBS PROGRAM On the first weekend of the school holidays — Saturday, July 5–Sunday, July 6 — the National Indigenous Art Fair will take over the Overseas Passenger Terminal with artworks, jewellery, homewares, live performances, bush food, panel discussions and a communal weaving circle. While you check them out, the kids can get busy with the Little Mobs Program. Activities includes workshops in gum nut jewellery making, ochre painting and shell work. For kids who like to move, there are dance workshops with Buuja Buuja Butterfly, while green thumbs and budding chefs should join the native plants and bush food sessions with Indigigrow. Check out the whole schedule on the Art Fair website. FOR THE KID WHO'S PRETTY CRAFTY: WINTER WORKSHOPS AT DARLING SQUARE Are your little ones the types that need to keep their hands busy? Send them to Darling Square these school holidays. It's hosting a bunch of crafty, winter-inspired workshops for creative kids. From 11am–2pm on Friday, July 11, and Friday, July 18, snow globe making is on the agenda. For snowflake painting, head along from 11am–2pm on Thursday, July 10; Thursday, July 17; Saturday, July 19; or Sunday, July 20. To get your kids into the seasonal spirit, treat them to a free face painting session, where they'll get to choose their favourite wintry design — be it snowmen or snowflakes. You'll find the face painting station in front of The Exchange on Friday, July 11; Friday, July 18; Saturday, July 19; and Sunday, July 20, from 11am–2pm FOR THE KID WHO'S ALL ABOUT FUN: MINI-GOLF, BOWLING AND CHALLENGE ROOMS AT FUNLAB If your house is full of fun-lovers, then here's your school holiday solution. Funlab — which runs Holey Moley, Strike Bowling, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq and Hijinx Hotel — is offering a bunch of family-friendly discounts and deals this July. Pay just $14 per kid for a game of mini-golf, a round of bowling, or a session in a challenge room. Double your dollars at Archie Brothers — spend $35 on game cards for $70 credit, or spend $100 and get $200 in value. Plus, there's a $20 food and drink bundle at all venues, which buys you a potato tornado, a panda keep cup and unlimited soft drinks. FOR THE KID WHO GOES WILD: NEW ARRIVALS, SHOWS AND SLEEPOVERS AT TARONGA ZOO If you haven't met Taronga Zoo's youngest residents yet, these school holidays could be the perfect time. They include Bair, an endangered sea lion pup; Eve, a long-nosed fur seal pup; and three koala joeys named Eugene, Busta and Yanada. Swing by anytime to watch them learning to swim, climb, and enjoy the sea, sun and sky. Meanwhile, for kids obsessed with things that slide and slither, there's the Crawly Critters Alive Show, which is on twice daily at 11.45am and 2.30pm. Or, to learn more about Australia's native creatures, follow the No Place Like Home Trail. Is one day not enough? You and the kids can always spend the night in a safari-style tent at Roar and Snore, or in even more comfort at the Wildlife Retreat. [caption id="attachment_858445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maja Baska (NIDA)[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO LOVES THE SPOTLIGHT: NIDA HOLIDAY CLASSES Kids as young as five and as old as eighteen can get involved in NIDA's massive school holiday program this winter. Classes for both primary and high schoolers take place at various spots across Sydney, from Kensington to Chatswood, and cover a range of skills. Send your budding singer to a workshop for mini pop stars, or your future film star to a screen acting session for heroes, villains and spies. Then, for kids with a deeper commitment, there are five-day drama school courses or five-day musical theatre courses for those who aspire to act, sing and dance. Whichever they choose, your stage-loving cubs will explore the limits of their creativity and imagination in a fun and supportive environment. FOR THE KID WITH A COMPETITIVE STREAK: SPORTS SESSIONS AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK Got kids who are keen to stay active these school holidays? Make a beeline to Sydney Olympic Park, which will host an array of sporty activities from Monday, July 7–Saturday, July 18. Whether your mini wants to run, kick, bounce, swim, or even shoot a bow and arrow, there's an activity with their name on it. Throw them into the deep end at an intensive swimming program, train their hand-eye coordination at a sharp shooters session, or give them a chance to try it all at a day-long multi-sports camp. Classes are led by professional instructors and cater to all levels of experience — whether your little one is looking for something new or hoping to develop existing skills. [caption id="attachment_858493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Penrith Regional Gallery[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO'S A DAYDREAMER: ART WORKSHOPS If this world is but a canvas, it is better that the canvas is an actual canvas rather than, say, your walls. If the kids are channelling their creativity these holidays, sign them up for an art workshop. At Bankstown Arts Centre, they can take their pick of activities — from building a ceramic bear to getting an introduction to Chinese calligraphy or making a traditional Indonesian mask. Penrith Regional Gallery has an equally impressive program. Keep them busy making shadow puppets, sculpting animals from clay, putting together their own artist book or, for three- to five-year-olds, learning the basics of art. Closer to the city, head to the Art Gallery of NSW for creative cityscape workshops, pet portrait sessions and native bee classes. FOR THE KID WHO CAN TALK THEIR WAY OUT OF ANYTHING: COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOPS Give your little one the gift of life skills these school holidays by enrolling them in an interactive communications workshop with Speaks Craft Australia. The two-day, four-in-one sessions cover public speaking, debating, creative writing and drama, and are held all over Sydney, as well as online. Kids of all grades — from kindergarten to year 9 — can attend. In years one and two, the focus is on building confidence through games and storytelling, while the year three to five sessions aim to develop skills in persuasive speaking and writing. For years six to nine, the workshops cover debating, impromptu speaking and leadership. FOR THE KID WHO'S ALWAYS ASKING QUESTIONS: PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS AND TOURS AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE A host of experiences awaits at the Sydney Opera House this winter. Roald Dahl's much-loved The Twits is a big part of the school holiday lineup for yet another year, with a fun and chaotic production by Shake & Stir Theatre Co. Also on the bill is The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee), presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. It tells the unknown story of why the princess was out on a stormy night in the first place, soundtracked by live classical music. Another headliner is the timely BullyBully, which pits two world leaders against one another in no man's land. Through laughter, dance and movement, the duo fights it out for their spot as top dog. Meanwhile, at City of Wonder, children aged four and above can use creativity, problem-solving and collaborative skills to help build an urbanscape for the future. FOR THE KID WHO'S ALREADY A FILM BUFF: THE CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Does your ankle-biter wander around the house quoting Finding Nemo? Or maybe sharing their opinion of Paddington in Peru like a mini David or Margaret? Fuel their future as a film buff these school holidays at the Children's International Film Festival. Having started in early June, it'll keep rolling until Sunday, July 20. The massive program includes the Australian premieres of A Tooth Fairy Tale (US), Bartali's Bicycle (Italy) and Norbert (Spain) — among many others. Plus, there are special screenings of Smurfs (with Funday Natural Sweets included with every ticket), and Friday, July 11, has been declared pyjama day.
While the word icon gets thrown around a lot, Doris Goddard truly encompassed it. Publican of Surry Hills' Hollywood Hotel since 1977 — she ran the Belmore Park Hotel in Surry Hills, Balmain's West End and Newtown's Marlborough before that — Goddard was known for her no-nonsense attitude and late-night renditions for lucky patrons at the bar. As well as being NSW's first female publican, Goddard was a successful cabaret performer and 50s film star, performing alongside Katharine Hepburn and Bob Hope in The Iron Petticoat and Alastair Sim and Bill Travers in Geordie. In her later years, Goddard fought to protect Sydney's nightlife and live music scene, attending rallies and, when she was unable to make it, encouraging others to do so. On Monday night, July 29, Goddard's passing was announced via her Facebook page — where it's reported that she "continued to sing to the end". Tributes from members of Sydney's nightlife, music and media communities have flown steadily since the announcement. Former Chief Critic and Managing Editor at Gourmet Traveller Pat Nourse posted an unpublished interview with Goddard and her "long-suffering" bar manager Mark Symons. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157569898093385&set=a.10151343860693385&type=3&theater City of Sydney Councillor Jess Miller said that "the night sky shines just a little less brightly tonight". Sydney activist, MC and Former Director at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras James Brechney remembered her "remarkable life". https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156604015467371&set=a.260059987370&type=3&theater Motion, Sydney disco night organiser, posted a photo of Goddard on the decks alongside its tribute. https://www.facebook.com/179715375377498/photos/a.821528264529536/2846328168716192/?type=3&theater Sydney journalist and author Richard Cooke acknowledged her contribution to the local hospitality scene. https://twitter.com/rgcooke/status/1155818167718965248 And prompted fellow journo Steve Dow to remember when she "sipped a red, strummed flamenco on her guitar". I wrote a yarn on her 10 years ago. She sipped a red, strummed flamenco on her guitar, crooned Johnny Mercer and Moon River, and finished with a nudge-nudge limerick. She'd worked with the Goons, thought Spike Milligan a weirdo in a good way, although her fave was Peter Sellers. — Steve Dow (@dowsteve) July 29, 2019 Local band Dusty Ravens recounted their time working with Goddard and linked to their song about the Hollywood Hotel. We'll keep updating this post as tributes continue to flow in. Top image: Hotel Hollywood by El Scrapeo via Flickr.
Inland from Port Stephens, away from the beaches and coastal tracks and closer to Newcastle Airport, you'll find the two towns of Raymond Terrace and Medowie. They're separated by the Grahamstown Dam, which boasts a cycleway along its southern shoreline. It's an easy 11-kilometre ride that is entirely off-road, so you can take your time and make multiple stops whenever you need. The path starts at the Lakeside Leisure Centre and passes by the Finnan Park Picnic Area, which has toilet facilities and a barbecue if you need a rest — or you can keep pedalling onward to the Grahamstown Aquatic Centre, which has a couple of outdoor picnic tables. Finally, you'll arrive in the small town of Medowie, home to Medowie Macadamias farm.
Western Sydney has scored a massive new destination for secondhand shopping, with the opening of a brand-new Savers superstore in Auburn. This new site, which opened on Thursday, May 15, is the third New South Wales outpost the global thrift giant has unveiled in just a year, joining the existing Hoxton Park and Oxford Street locations. You'll find the new store smack bang in the thick of Auburn's retail hub on Parramatta Road, a stylish new addition that sits alongside major retailers, shopping centres and homemaker precincts. As with other Savers stores, it's stocked with thousands of new-to-you items arriving daily across clothing, accessories, homewares and more — with most pieces clocking in at under $10. "We've seen an incredible response to our Hoxton Park and Oxford Street stores, and Auburn is the perfect next step in our expansion," says Michael Fisher, Managing Director at Savers Australia. "The store will offer a one-of-a-kind thrift shopping experience, giving Western Sydney shoppers access to quality secondhand goods at affordable prices – all while making a positive impact on the planet." That's not just lip service — as always, sustainability and community remain a core part of the Savers mission. The Auburn store will contribute to the millions of kilos of textile waste diverted from landfill through Savers' Australian operations just last year alone — plus, shopping secondhand has been shown to conserve water, reduce pollution and minimise energy consumption, so you can feel good about doing your bit for the environment as well. On the community side, the retailer's not-for-profit donation partnerships are also expanding —the opening of the new Auburn store sees Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation (DIIF) join the Savers charity network, which already includes Red Nose Australia, Diabetes Victoria and Wounds Australia. As with the brand's other stores, Savers Auburn will accept donations on behalf of its non-profit partners to help them fund local community initiatives. Of course, you don't just have to shop to make an impact. Savers has set up a Community Donation Centre within its new Auburn store, where you can drop off quality clothing and household items. Each time you donate, Savers will pay DIIF for your goods, both giving them a second life while contributing to community charity efforts — a proper win-win situation for all sides. Savers Auburn is now open at 315 Parramatta Road, Auburn. For more info, head to the Savers Australia website.
With Bad Bunny gearing up for back-to-back Sydney shows this weekend, the Puerto Rican superstar is officially in town. For those hanging around Darlinghurst earlier today, you might have even caught a glimpse, with the 'King of Latin Trap' sitting down for breakfast with his team at The Rusty Rabbit. "We're all about good coffee, good food and good vibes, so we were thrilled to welcome him in," said Josh Khoury, owner of The Rusty Rabbit. "This is what hospitality is about, creating a space where anyone feels welcome, whether you're a local regular or a global superstar." Following the global attention his Super Bowl performance drew, Bad Bunny has most recently been finishing off a run of shows in Brazil. But before he even touched down in Australia, the artist was already making headlines. That's because aviation geeks — the kind who spend their free time keeping tabs on Flightradar24 — spotted a Qantas A380 flying nonstop from Sydney to São Paulo. With this route unavailable to your everyday traveller, speculation kicked off about who or what was behind the pricey charter. As it turns out, the superjumbo picked up Bad Bunny's entire crew and stage setup following the last leg of his Brazilian tour. At an eye-watering cost of well over $1 million for the tailor-made charter, it's said that AC/DC helped split the bill, as they made the reverse trip en route to Buenos Aires. Performing for Aussie fans for the first time at Sydney's Engie Stadium on Saturday, February 28, Bad Bunny will run it back on Sunday, March 1. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for the modern-day icon checking out more of Sydney's cafes and bars. Find out more information about Bad Bunny's 2026 Australian tour.
Blackheath boutique Kyah Hotel is home to Blaq, a produce and flavour-driven restaurant that draws on global culinary influences in the heart of the Blue Mountains. In winter 2025, the restaurant unveiled a bold new look and direction, with Executive Chef Alejandro Huerta and Head Pastry Chef Galia Valadez now leading the charge. The husband and wife boast an excellent pedigree — Huerta honed his skills at celebrated restaurants around the world, including Pujol (no. 33 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2024) in Mexico City and iconic Copenhagen restaurant Noma. Valadez's CV features Michelin-starred Spanish institution Lillas Pastia, while more recently, she led the kitchen at Glebe wine bar No. 92. [caption id="attachment_1017603" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Van Der Jagt[/caption] Together, the pair draw on hyperlocal produce for their ingredient-led menu, which changes with the seasons to highlight single hero ingredients from trusted regional producers like Mountain Leaf, Malfoy's Honey and Mountain Gourmet Produce. Small plates might include a hash brown topped with whipped nduja, leek and chive, tuna on crispy wonton with smoked soy mayo and katsuobushi, or mushroom toast with XO and preserved truffle. Big plates, made for sharing, include fried chicken with warrigal green curry, jicama and pickled cucumber, Murray cod with borlotti beans and dill and pork belly with mirabelle plum sauce. Valadez's dessert menu blends modern Mexican influences with local seasonal produce. It's a thoughtful selection featuring highlights like banana and corn cake with koji and crème fraîche and a hearty apple pie with salted cajeta. [caption id="attachment_1017605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Van Der Jagt[/caption] There's impressive talent beyond the kitchen, too. Jake Down, Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Australia 2024, oversees a cocktail program inspired by the local environment — the Gala Rain, for example, is a botanical-forward combination of apple, cucumber, green tea and gin, while the smoky Wollemi Pine layers palo santo, maple and whisky to evoke the warmth of a campfire. Master sommelier Andrés Aragón has curated Blaq's award-winning wine list, which is a deep dive into the diversity and terroir of NSW, spotlighting established and emerging producers from around the state. It all takes place in a quietly elegant dining room complete with fireplaces, layered textures and soft lighting, making it equally suited to a celebratory dinner, a long lunch with friends or a cosy evening for two. [caption id="attachment_1017608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Van Der Jagt[/caption] Images: Trent Van Der Jagt.
As Parramatta continues its rapid transformation into Sydney's second CBD, it now has an incredible spot where visitors can admire soaring views. Named the Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout, this picturesque locale was once an unused piece of parkland waiting for the right opportunity to come along. Set opposite Parramatta Quay on a perfectly positioned clifftop, this choice perspective captures the ever-changing skyline and panoramas stretching along the Parramatta River. Situated at Stewart Street Reserve on the northern side of the river, the new lookout features a modern cantilevered platform designed with safety and accessibility in mind. Featuring comfy seating, paved pathways, all-new landscaping and communal gathering spaces, the $1.4 million development hopes to promote easygoing relaxation, celebration, reflection and enjoyment in a picture-perfect setting. "Some of the world's most visited cities have spectacular viewing points and now Parramatta has joined the list with our new lookout providing panoramic views of our city and the river stretching from Gasworks Bridge to Lennox Bridge," says Cr Martin Zaiter, City of Parramatta Lord Mayor. Just the latest update to take place in Parramatta, the Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout adds to a flurry of building activity in the area. Adding to the Escarpment Boardwalk and the recently completed Charles Street Square and Parramatta Quay, the city's forward-thinking approach has seen these projects take home a fistful of landscape design and architectural awards recently. "Parramatta is one of Sydney's fastest growing LGAs and it is vital that open space areas such as Dixon Park are supported so the local community have a place to relax and play," says Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. "This project has breathed much-needed life into what was previously an under-utilised reserve and will directly benefit more than 2,100 homes located within a 10-minute walk of the new lookout." With the lookout adding an exciting new element to this little-visited spot, transforming such a space into a scenic cultural destination helps make the community all the more vibrant. Whether you're keen to snap a few shots for your Insta or need of a stunning wedding photography location that hasn't been done to death, expect visitors from near and far to flock to this spot for sunrises, sunsets and celebratory fireworks. The Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout is found near the Stewart Street entrance. Head to the website for more information. Images: Jason Nichols
The original Sel et Poivre are coming for Good Vibrations! They have been pulled from the hip hop attic, dusted off and polished up, as have Naughty By Nature. Not exactly sure how they will 'kick it' now they are pushing 50, but there is no denying their place in the hip hop hall of fame, as they made consistently good music, with massive massive hits that I will rattle off but I'm sure you know- What A Man, Let's Talk About Sex, Push It, Shoop, None Of Your Business. They won grammies, pushed the envelope for social issues and were just generally staunch until they broke up in the late 90's. They have since embarked on reality TV shows, some solo releases, and Pepa even wrote an autobiography Let's Talk About Pep, continuing the line of such great puns (see Salt Of The Earth - Salt's solo album, Very Necessary, their 4th album). They are putting on a ladies night sideshow at The Metro with all female supports Killa Queenz and Hoops. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UKaVBVikysw
Underground CBD favourite Burrow Bar moved from its original home in De Mestre Place to 96 Clarence Street with big plans to expand into two levels and open a restaurant above the bar. Those plans became a reality with the opening of Cash Only Diner, a Vietnamese eatery serving up dishes with roots in owner Chau Tran's family heritage and the dishes of Hue, Vietnam. Tran has taken dishes she learned from her mother — a classically trained chef who studied at a French finishing school in Hue — and, with the help of co-owner Bryce McDonough and the Burrow Bar team, has put together a menu that bursts with flavour and showcases the cuisine of the coastal Vietnamese city. The venue embraces seasonality and so the menu changes day to day. Some dishes you could enjoy include the cá kho tộ, caramelised and braised salmon served in a clay pot and dripping in marinade; the giò thủ, a pork and mushroom terrine; and C.O spring rolls filled with prawn and minced pork. Every Tuesday, aka Tuesday Noodz-day, where the venue runs a new noodle special with limited bowls that showcase regional noodles and unique dishes, not many people have heard of or get to try outside of Vietnam. Cash Only Diner sits above Burrow Bar, meaning you can bet the drinks are as exciting as the food. Pair your Vietnamese feast with a selection from the cocktail menu, like the green mango negroni, a pineapple and gin creation called Napoleon's 2nd Vice, and a boozy Vietnamese iced coffee, a creative twist on the espresso martini.
Chasing the sounds of summer? Ocean Alley is one of the first Aussie names that come to mind, beloved for their brand of sun-soaked psychedelic surf rock, tinged with funky basslines and buttery-smooth lyrics. Now the band is embarking on a massive national tour, taking their sound on a jam-packed road trip that spans beachy regional towns and capital cities. The upcoming tour comes on the back of Ocean Alley's landmark 2025. The band played to a huge crowd at London's Alexandra Palace, while performing their first dates to fans in Brazil, Chile and Mexico. At the same time, their tracks rocketed up the charts, with breakthrough hit 'Confidence' landing at 65 on triple j's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. The band has also been busy serving up surprise releases, such as Live in Melbourne '23 — a live album and concert film recorded at John Cain Arena during their last Australian tour. Meanwhile, Ocean Alley just released a brand-new music video for their much-loved tune, 'First Blush'. Shot in Hawaii, it captures the many shades of love reflected in the song. As for the 2026 tour, Ocean Alley is kicking things off in Melbourne on Saturday, January 24, in Catani Gardens before hitting Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, January 30. Dates in Sydney, Tasmania, Perth and beyond follow soon after, with the tour wrapping up at Glenelg Beach in South Australia on Saturday, March 21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRZYOPRLh2Q Of course, the band isn't taking to the stage alone. For those catching Ocean Alley on the East Coast, support acts include Nothing But Thieves, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Ruby Fields. For those in the West, expect Skegss, Ruby Fields and Smol Fish, with the likes of Allah-Las, Babe Raindow, The Grogans, Mid-Drift, Le Shiv and Seaside also appearing at various dates. Ocean Alley National Tour 2026 Dates Saturday, January 24 — Catani Gardens, Melbourne Friday, January 30 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Saturday, January 31 — The Domain, Sydney Friday, February 6 — Party In The Paddock, Carrick Saturday, February 21 — Freo Esplanade, Fremantle Sunday, February 22 — 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River Saturday, March 7 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Sunday, March 8 — Torquay Common, Torquay Saturday, March 14 — Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie Sunday, March 15 — Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast Saturday, March 21 — Glenelg Beach, Adelaide Ocean Alley's national tour kicks off in Melbourne at the Catani Gardens on Saturday, January 24. Head to the tour website for further details.
What seems like years ago, in a pre-COVID-19 time, the first stage of the Sydney's infamous light rail project opened to the public on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Now, the final piece of the puzzle — something I'm sure you're all well acquainted with at the moment — has been put into place, with trams on the final stretch taking passengers from today, Friday, April 3. To summarise the saga that was the CBD and South East Light Rail project: it was first announced back in 2012, construction began in 2015 and then faced legal stoushes, cost blowouts (to almost $3 billion) and delays galore, due to everything from awry overhead wires and a discovery of thousands of Indigenous artefacts. It was initially meant to be completed in early 2019, but that was pushed out to March 2020. It's not the first time trams have run through Sydney's CBD — just the first time in almost 60 years. The old tram tracks were ripped up back in 1961. The new L3 Kingsford Line runs from Circular Quay to Kingsford, via Kensington and Anzac Parade, while the L2 runs from Circular Quay to Randwick. Trams on both lines will continue operating from 5–1am daily, with services every 4–8 mins in the CBD and 8–12 mins in the south east from 7am–7pm, for the time being. Public transport is currently deemed an essential service by the NSW Government and you're allowed to catch it if you're leaving the house to shop for what you need — such as food and other essential supplies; for medical care or compassionate reasons; to exercise, in-line with the new two-person limit; and for work or education if you cannot work or learn remotely. If you're not leaving the house for an essential reason, you risk getting a $1000 on-the-spot fine, with maximum penalties of $11,000 and six months in jail. As many of are now working from home and cannot experience the new light rail, you can catch glimpses of it on this less-than-riveting live cam or watch some videos over on the Sydney Light Rail Facebook page. There's also this flashback to training of tram 'conductresses' back in 1942 from the Sydney Tramway Museum: https://www.facebook.com/518209841638929/videos/783812858707083/ Commuter services are now running on both the L3 Kingsford and L2 Randwick Lines, with more info available via the Transport for NSW website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
If you're programming an openair cinema by the beach, which movies are a must-see? When Sunset Cinema hits Bondi Pavilion from November 2023, Jaws, Blue Crush and Finding Nemo tick the oceanside picture palace boxes. If you're showing flicks in the lead up to Christmas, what else has to get a whirl? Cue Home Alone, Die Hard and Elf, of course. And, if you're setting up shop in a year where Barbie had Ken declare that his job is "beach", you really need to show that as well. Get ready, Sydney cinephiles — all of the above are covered in Sunset Cinema's debut Bondi program. As first announced in September, cinema will join sun, surf and sand as one of the best things to enjoy at Bondi from Friday, November 17, which is when Sunset Cinema heads to Dolphin Court. There'll be bean bags to sit on. There'll be a bar serving boozy beverages, food trucks dishing up bites and popcorn as a snack option. There'll be movies under the stars, of course, with the full lineup just dropping. [caption id="attachment_883146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bondi Pavilion[/caption] The season will get started with My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, then also show recent releases such as Asteroid City, A Haunting in Venice, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Past Lives. They aren't out yet, but Saltburn and The Marvels will be by the time that Sunset Cinema rolls around. Among the water-themed titles, Ground Swell: The Other Side of Fear and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl are also on the bill. And, amid the festive flicks, so are The Holiday, Love Actually and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Also going retro: Dirty Dancing. In other words, there's plenty to watch — all under the beachside sky. Sunset Cinema is no stranger to Sydney. Over the summer of 2022–23, it screened in St Ives and also North Sydney, with a season at the latter also on the itinerary again from January 2024. Getting its projectors spinning at Bondi Pavilion is a brand-new addition to its lineup, however, and an exciting one. Film lovers can get their al fresco flick fix until Saturday, December 23, with Sunset Cinema screening from Monday–Saturday. "We are excited to bring our unique brand of entertainment to the Bondi community this summer," said Sunset Cinema's General Manager Brad Garth, announcing the Bondi Beach season. "The Sunset Cinema movie experience is all about delivering quality entertainment that everyone can enjoy. We can't wait to launch the perfect summer event at Australia's most iconic beach." Sunset Cinema will take its openair flicks to seven locations across Australia's east coast over the summer of 2023–24, including Wollongong, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. At all stops around the country, BYO picnics are encouraged; however, the event is fully licensed, which means alcohol can only be purchased onsite. And if you don't pack enough snacks, that's where the hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn, come in. Sunset Cinema will hit Dolphin Court, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach from Friday, November 17–Saturday, December 23 — screening from Monday–Saturday. Head to the Sunset Cinema website for further details and tickets. Top image: Brett Boardman Photography.
Being a Barbie girl in a Barbie world wasn't just a 2023 trend, back when Greta Gerwig's (Little Women) Margot Robbie (Asteroid City)-starring — and Oscar-nominated — film became one of the biggest and pinkest movies to ever hit cinemas. The 2025 way to get your Barbiecore fix Down Under from late June through till summer 2026: by enjoying ice cream floats served in a pink Barbie convertible car at the Malibu Barbie Cafe, plus sipping fairy floss-topped cocktails at the Ken Kabana bar, all at The Social Quarter at Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne. The Malibu Barbie Cafe has been popping up across the US, with New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, Austin and Houston all welcoming the venue. From Friday, June 27, 2025, it'll next make its first-ever appearance in Australia. This is also the cafe's debut stop beyond America — as well as Melbourne's second temporary big-name pop culture-themed addition in the same month, after Melbourne Museum's Star Wars Galactic Cafe opened its doors in early June. Pink hues? Beachy decor? Kicking it back to the 1970s, when Malibu Barbie initially debuted, at the onsite watering hole? A rollerskating rink lined by artwork of palm trees? A life-sized Barbie box? An installation that celebrates how Barbie as a brand has changed over the years? That's all on offer at the Malibu Barbie Cafe. So is merchandise that you won't find anywhere else, if you need a memento from your visit — although, with that in mind, we're sure that you'll fill your phone with plenty of photos. Ken's job isn't just beach here, given that his name adorns the cocktail-slinging upstairs bar in the two-storey site. On the drinks menu: that gin and lemonade concoction with spun sugar on top; themed takes on mojitos, margaritas, cosmopolitans, espresso martinis and old fashioneds; and more. If you're keen on a booze-free version, some of the tipples are available as mocktails. There's also a snack range, including fries with pink mayo, prawn cocktails, sushi and baked brie. Does putting your skates on appeal? You'll find that on the second level, too. Downstairs, Malibu Barbie Cafe's menu is an all-ages-friendly affair, with that ice cream float just one option. Sticking with sweets means choosing from doughnuts, pink cookies, cupcakes, ice cream sundaes, fruit and marshmallows. If you can't decide, the dessert sampler dishes up a mix of picks on a Barbie boat for between four and eight people. Savoury dishes span the same small bites as at the Ken Kabana, plus burgers, poke, garlic prawn linguine, beer-battered fish tacos, club sandwiches, grilled cheese, mac 'n' cheese and salads. Or, tuck into avocado toast, açai bowls, bacon and eggs, parfait or pancakes from the all-day brunch selection. Then, to drink, milkshakes, pink lemonade and pink lattes are among the options. If you're thinking "come on Barbie, let's go party", party packages are indeed a feature — including three-hour adults-only private-dining experiences from 6.30pm Thursday–Sunday. "We're delighted to partner with Bucket Listers and Chadstone, in collaboration with Mattel, to bring the Malibu Barbie Cafe to Melbourne," said Matt Gudinski, Chief Executive of The Mushroom Group, which is helping to share the Barbie fun with Australia. "At The Mushroom Group, we're always exploring new immersive live experiences and working with the world's biggest brands — few are as iconic as Barbie." Find Mattel's Malibu Barbie Cafe at The Social Quarter at Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Malvern East, Melbourne, from Friday, June 27, 2025–summer 2026. Head to the cafe's website for more details.
Every year, the World's 50 Best Bars ranking outlines the innovative drinking spots and watering holes that should be on everyone's must-visit list, with three Sydney bars — Maybe Sammy, Cantina OK! and Bulletin Place — making the cut in 2020. That's one way of scoping out the top establishments and folks currently doing their thing in the hospitality industry; however, the organisation behind that rundown has just come up with another: the 50 Next, which picks the standout next-generation leaders currently shining bright in the food and drink world. The inaugural list has just dropped, and Australia is represented here, too — with four Aussies named as part of the class of 2021. Fish Butchery's Josh Niland, ex-Oakridge Wines pair Jo Barrett and Matt Stone, and agriculturalist and farmer Josh Gilbert have all been highlighted as part of a selection that includes people from 34 countries. The 50 folks were chosen from a pool of 700 candidates, as sourced via applications, nominations and by scouting done by the Basque Culinary Centre. Sydney's Niland — who is fresh off of winning the James Beard Book of the Year Award in 2020 for The Whole Fish Cookbook — has been showcasing his seafood prowess to Sydneysiders for more than half a decade. The chef first opened restaurant Saint Peter in 2016, then launched fishmonger Fish Butchery in 2018. Nose-to-tail seafood is his focus — so using not only the usual parts that end up in dishes, but the rest that's often disregarded as waste. Niland was named in the 50 Next's 'gamechanging producers' category. [caption id="attachment_771911" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rob Palmer[/caption] Jo Barrett and Matt Stone scored nods in the 'hospitality pioneers' field, with the acclaimed chefs considered among the forefront of change in the industry. In their current project, Future Food System, they're working with artist, activist and zero-waste restaurant pioneer Joost Bakker to reconceptualise the way food is grown, all in an attempt to move away from the reliance upon large-scale agriculture. That's meant living together in a house in Melbourne's Federation Square, and serving a daily dish from ingredients grown on the property. Hailing from Gloucester in New South Wales, Worimi man Gilbert has been dubbed one of 50 Next's 'empowering educators' thanks to his focus on interweaving Indigenous knowledge and generational learning into farming practices. His work spans his senior consultant role with Pricewaterhouse Cooper's Indigenous Consulting program, and his efforts as an advocate for agricultural, environmental and Indigenous change — including busting stereotypes and demonstrating how the food industry can help battle climate change. 50 Next lists its fifty impressive next-gen leaders, but doesn't rank them, and aims to promote "positive, sustainable and visionary thinking". As well as the aforementioned categories, it recognises hospitality figures it deems 'tech disruptors', 'entrepreneurial creatives', 'science innovators' and 'trailblazing activists'. This year's selection features 24 women, 19 men and seven groups, with everyone included aged between 20–35. Check out the full 50 Next lineup via The World's 50 Best website.
As the state capital and one of the region's most vibrant cities, Sydney is bursting at the seams with diverse cultural happenings. Luckily, we're here to guide you. We've rounded up a trifecta of the most thrilling and culturally important experiences over the coming months.
If you've been following Dark Mofo's 2023 lineup announcements, you'll have spotted that the Tasmanian winter festival knows how to serve up multiple courses. First, it announced Florentina Holzinger's dance theatre performance A Divine Comedy back in January. Then, it followed up with the full boundary-pushing lineup in March; however, there was still more to come. So, the fest added a few fresh events in mid-April, and unveiled the huge roster of talent for this year's Night Mass as well. Next on the menu: announcing that Ana Roš is hitting the Apple Isle to headline Dark Mofo's annual Winter Feast. For Dark Mofo newcomers, Winter Feast is all about tucking into local produce by the fire while listening to tunes and just generally enjoying an evening of revelry. It's one of the Hobart-based festival's annual highlights, returning for the 2023 event across eight nights — from Thursday, June 8–Sunday, June 11, then again from Thursday, June 15–Sunday, June 18. [caption id="attachment_898569" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ana Roš | Dark Mofo 2023.[/caption] Attendees will head to Salamanca Lawns and Princes Wharf Shed 1, where 90 stallholders will set up by the feast's blazes. (Concrete Playground Trips' Dark Mofo accommodation package might come in handy — it helpfully includes Winter Feast tickets.) Roš, who folks might know from Netflix documentary Chef's Table, heads to Australia with plenty of well-deserved fanfare. She's the owner of Slovenia's two Michelin-starred restaurant Hiša Franko in Kobarid, and was named the world's best female chef by The World's 50 Best Restaurants academy in 2017. The World Tourism Organisation have also given her the title Ambassador of Gastronomic Tourism. [caption id="attachment_898571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo and City of Hobart Winter Feast. Photo Credit: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Dark Mofo 2018.[/caption] At Dark Mofo, she'll get cooking in a newly built 50-seat structure just for cooking and dining, and she'll have company: Stephen Peak and Rodney Dunn, both from New Norfolk's The Agrarian Kitchen. Peak is the eatery's Head Chef, Dunn is its co-founder, and together they're a key part of a spot that was named Regional Restaurant of the Year at the National Good Food Guide Awards — and also earned two hats in the process. They're particularly passionate about supporting local producers, as well as about ethical and sustainable farming, which will come through on the Winter Feast menu. That spread is set to span four courses, taking its cues from the dishes that that Roš and Peak whip up in their own kitchens. So, expect Slovenian-inspired fare, but made with Tasmania's top seasonal produce. [caption id="attachment_898570" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stephen Peak | Dark Mofo 2023.[/caption] "Both Ana Roš and The Agrarian Kitchen have elevated regional dining in their respective countries by taking a bold and innovative approach to their food. We're thrilled to be able to highlight such incredible artists of the culinary world," said Winter Feast Food Curator Amanda Vallis. As for who'll be taking care Winter Feast's stalls — and what'll be on their menus, and which installations will surround them — that's all still to be unveiled. Expect more details mid-May, ahead of Dark Mofo 2023's Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 dates. [caption id="attachment_898572" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo Winter Feast. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Dark Mofo 2023 runs from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania, with tickets on sale now. Top image: Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2022. Photo credit: Jesse Hunniford, 2022. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2022. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world — including our Dark Mofo tickets and accommodation package.
It has been a tumultuous year for Sydney's hospitality scene. We've said farewell to some short-lived favourites, we've lamented the changes to the 457 visa and the hospitality sector's staff shortage and we continue to fight the lockout laws. But where there have been closures, innovative new ventures have risen from the ashes. We've seen the opening of a slew of new bars, restaurants, cafes, pubs, spaces and events — and they're not all from the big players, independent ventures are flourishing. The cafe culture is stronger than ever, too, with new cafes not only guaranteeing a stellar cup of Joe, but also innovative lunch snacks and sleek interiors that'll really make you reconsider that desk sandwich. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented vanguards pushing Sydney to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new cafes, opened in 2017, were nominated for Best New Cafe in Concrete Playground's Best of 2017 Awards.
If you're planning to head to the Art Gallery of NSW this month to check out the free major exhibition Quilty before it closes on February 2, you don't want to go in without the background info. Covering 15 years of Australian contemporary artist Ben Quilty's career, the exhibition is made even better if you know the stories behind his works, which include intimate self-portraits and sombre reflections on injustice and displacement. With a storied career, including time spent as a war artist in Afghanistan in 2011, his friendship and advocacy with Bali Nine pair Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, his trips to meet Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Lesbos and Serbia, and his exploration of Australian history, there is much more to Quilty's works than just paint on canvas. [caption id="attachment_757618" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'Self-portrait after Afghanistan' (2012), Dr Dick Quan, NSW, © Ben Quilty[/caption] SELF PORTRAIT AFTER AFGHANISTAN (2012) Quilty spent three weeks in Afghanistan in 2011 as an official war artist. His pieces from this time aren't the typical military landscapes one might expect; in the first room, you'll find a series of dark, vulnerable portraits of returned soldiers, which were painted in his Bowral studio. But it's Self portrait after Afghanistan that draws the most attention — a dark and swirling representation of his turmoil after returning from the Middle East. As the artist puts it, "My work is about working out how to live in this world. It's about compassion and empathy but also anger and resistance." [caption id="attachment_757628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'Self Portrait, the executioner' (2015), Gift of the artist 2015. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, © Ben Quilty. Photo: Mim Stirling, AGNSW[/caption] SELF PORTRAIT, THE EXECUTIONER (2015) Continuing his personal responses to harrowing experiences, Quilty painted a series of pieces about his friendship with Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, who were sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking in 2006. As part of a campaign to save the lives of Chan and Sukumaran, Quilty gave them art classes. Unfortunately, the campaign was unsuccessful and Quilty painted this self portrait the day after their execution in April 2015. Curator Dr Lisa Slade says Quilty, the exhibition, shows how art has the capacity to instigate change. She says, "He wields paint to draw attention to our responsibility as critical citizens in an increasingly fraught world." [caption id="attachment_757624" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'Flowers for Heba' (2016), Private collection, Adelaide, © Ben Quilty[/caption] FLOWERS FOR HEBA (2016) In the same room of the exhibition, you'll find works inspired by Quilty's experiences in Lebanon, Greece and Serbia with acclaimed writer Richard Flanagan. What immediately draws your attention is a series of life jackets named for refugees who died while trying to seek asylum in Australia, but Flowers for Heba tells the story of when the artist was inspired by a little girl he met in a refugee camp. Quilty had shared his art supplies with children at the refugee camp and, when prompted to draw a picture of her home, Heba carefully drew her house with a bomber flying over it and two bloodied bodies on the ground, who she said were her parents. Her heart-wrenching drawing can be seen upstairs at the gallery as part of the exhibition Belonging. [caption id="attachment_757659" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'Irin Irinji' (2018), Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, Gift of the Art Gallery of South Australia, Contemporary Collectors, Jane and John Ayers, Lipman Karas and Tracey Whiting 2019 © Ben Quilty[/caption] IRIN IRINJI (2018) Quilty's Rorschach series is a play on the inkblot test that was commonly used as a psychology test in the 1960s. The first in the series, Bedford Downs Rorschach, was painted in 2008 and represents a Western Australian cattle station that was the site of an Aboriginal massacre. Ten years later, Quilty was taken by local artists to the site of another massacre, in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia. Though you won't find Irin Irinji on any map, it's captured here by Quilty across 12 panels covered in thick, textured paint and feathery white spaces that represent ghost gum trees or falling spirits. [caption id="attachment_757622" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'The Last Supper' (2016), Private collection, © Ben Quilty[/caption] THE LAST SUPPER (2016) The final room of the exhibition sees Quilty attempting to make sense of the world, beginning with a piece painted the day after the US election in November 2016, which saw Donald Trump elected as the 58th president of the United States. The Last Supper (2016) is the first of a few works of the same name and sees Trump acting as the Jesus-like figure. Presiding over the table in all his floppy-haired glory, Trump is surrounded by screaming, disembodied features and piercing eyes. Fun fact: we're told Quilty has a rubber Trump mask lying around his studio. Head curator of International Art, Justin Paton, says Quilty's works find "new ways to grapple in and through the issues that stir him.'' Quilty is showing at the Art Gallery of NSW until February 2. Admission to the exhibition is free. Top image: Ben Quilty by Daniel Boud.
Reach the top of one of Australia's most iconic structures and then celebrate with a song. For the second year in a row as part of Sydney's Chinese New Year's celebrations, BridgeClimb Sydney are offering Karaoke packages at the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Karaoke Climb will run throughout the first three weeks of February, with climbs departing at 9.30am, 3pm and 7.30pm each day. Once you've reached the top of the bridge, you'll be given a selection of Chinese and K-Pop songs to choose from, for you and your friends to belt out at the top of your lungs. Your performance will be captured on an eight second video – although whether you want to share it will probably depend on your singing ability. Now before you go out and book yourself a spot, you should know that these climbs are being run exclusively in Mandarin. Still, we're hoping they offer an English option down the line, if only because we've got about fifty different song ideas. Starting with this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjGoJFgI71I If you're not much of a singer, Bridge Climb will be offering a number of other themed experiences this year, including climbs for Mardi Gras and Vivid Sydney. You can even get married up there, although how you're expected to keep your hair straight we just don't know. For more information about the Karaoke Climb, go here.
Following in the footsteps of Toshiro Mifune, the Japanese acting icon and frequent Akira Kurosawa collaborator, isn't an easy job. But enlisting Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick: Chapter 4) to tread where the Rashomon, Seven Samurai and Yojimbo star once did is a genius move in television's second adaptation of Shōgun. James Clavell's bestselling 1975 novel has reached the small screen before, in 1980. Back then, with Mifune as war hero Lord Yoshii Toranaga, it told its tale in five movie-length parts. Now, boasting the resolute and restrained Sanada in the role (and also as one of the show's producers), it returns 44 years later as a sweeping, dazzling and thrilling ten-episode miniseries — streaming on Disney+ Down Under from Tuesday, February 27 — that perfects many things, its casting high among them. Sanada has equally well-chosen company; picking him, Cosmo Jarvis (Persuasion) and Anna Sawai (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) as Shōgun circa 2024's leads is a masterstroke. The 17th century-set series makes plenty of other excellent decisions, but getting its core trio right is still pivotal. Richly detailed, the samurai series knows how to thrust its viewers into a deeply textured world from the outset, with complex performances at its centre an essential anchoring tactic. Sanada's Toranaga is among the political candidates vying to steer the future of the country. Jarvis is John Blackthorne, a British Protestant sailor on a Dutch ship that has run aground in a place that its crew isn't sure is real until they get there. And Sawai is Toda Mariko, a Japanese noblewoman with her own complicated history, who is also tasked with translating for the Englishman. Each of Shōgun's three key characters encompasses much more than their basic descriptions, of course. The portrayals that bring them to the screen make that plain from the moment they're each first seen. Weight and heft have long lingered in Sanada's layered performances — be it in his turns in J-horror's original Ringu films, or in Sunshine, Lost and Westworld — which befits a regent with his own plans for his nation, separate from his fellow council members, a year after of the death of the last supreme ruler. He cuts a contemplative but determined figure, who is as canny with strategy as with seizing opportunity; Blackthorne's arrival sees him in both modes. Reminiscent of Tom Hardy (Venom: Let There Be Carnage), Jarvis brings raw bluster and astonishment to his part at first, then slowly dawning understanding. As for Sawai, she exudes duty, stoicism, shrewdness and sorrow as a woman whose choices are so rarely her own. When it opens, Shōgun finds feudal Japan in crisis mode given its heir is to young to rule, Toranaga facing enemies and Blackthorne among the first of his compatriots that've made it to the nation, the latter much to the alarm of Japan's sole European inhabitants, all Catholic and from Portugal. While it is indeed still a story where a Westerner enters as an outsider, then becomes enmeshed in the daily goings-on, this Shōgun doesn't ever present Blackthorne's as the only or chief perspective. Sanada is the show's first-billed talent. The series' devotion to unravelling its narrative with Toranaga, Mariko and Blackthorne evenly at its heart never wavers. And, nor does its exploration of perspective — because what a splintering Japanese society means to one of its leaders, an interloper fresh to its shores and someone accustomed since childhood to be at its whims ("we live, and we die; we control nothing beyond that," Mariko says more than once) is completely different. Early in, creators Justin Marks (Top Gun: Maverick) and Rachel Kondo (on her first TV credit) don't let the fact that "barbarian" is flung around by almost everyone escape attention. Usually it refers to Blackthorne, as used interchangeably with "anjin", the Japanese term for pilot. Toranaga swiftly gleans how handy the Brit's 500 muskets and 20 cannons will be if the acrimony directed his way by his regent counterparts results in war. His new vassal lives at his direction, then, as does Mariko. She'd prefer to surrender her life than exist without her disgraced family or stay with a warrior husband (Shinnosuke Abe, Keiji Shichinin) that she feels nothing warm for, but honour dictates otherwise. It's obligation, too, that has her convince her spouse's niece-by-marriage Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi, Turn to Me Mukai-kun) to submit to a heartbreaking decree, which is how Mariko is introduced. In another of the dialogue's aphorisms, people are compared to pebbles that are pushed here, there and everywhere by the elements. It isn't just the metaphor that lands, but also the granularity; Shōgun looks and feels intricate, and is staged and plotted to match. Spies, love, loyalty, courtesan life, gardening practices, earthquakes, rabbit stew, duplicitous allegiances, ambition in a variety of forms, how gravely one's word can be taken: they're all weaved in. In its overarching narrative, Toranaga is beckoned to Osaka, where his main rival Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story) wants to put him in his place to snatch up overseeing the country for himself. That's truly the framing, however, as is Blackthorne initially washing up in a fishing village. Although Toranaga declares several times that he's not after the titular position, Shōgun is another series for the streaming pile that's about fighting for supremacy, as Game of Thrones and Succession both famously were. As with just the former, it's another grand and gripping epic. While it's impossible not to see those links, knowing that both battling over who'll grasp power and traversing sprawling worlds are among pop culture's favourite things right now (and for some time) doesn't make Shōgun any less impressive. Rather, Marks and Kondo's spin on Clavell's book is a reminder of how magnificent and mesmerising such efforts can be when they're at their very best. The scale is immense, and yet there's no skimping on intimacy. With authenticity as its guide, the minutiae is meticulous, demanding that the utmost notice is paid to everything at all times. The scenery alone is so exquisitely and sumptuously shot that it'll doubtless inspire tourist pilgrimages. Shōgun is visceral, too; gore is also no stranger from the get-go, when being boiled alive proves one way to deal with Japan's newcomers — and frequently from then on, including via seppuku. This is potent, thoughtful and immediately engrossing viewing, and lavish and precisely made also. As skilled at giant setpieces as it is at plunging into political scheming and emotional yearning, Shōgun makes getting drawn in instantaneous. Check out the trailer for Shōgun below: Shōgun streams via Disney+ from Tuesday, February 27. Images: Katie Yu/FX.
After a two-year hiatus and a cancelled 2024 run, Groovin the Moo is officially returning — though not quite in the format longtime fans might remember. Rather than its traditional multi-stop regional tour, the festival will stage a single-day, single-stage event in Lismore on Saturday, May 9. Organisers have described the move as a "deliberate and considered return", signalling a slower, more sustainable rebuild for one of Australia's most-loved regional music institutions. "Starting with a single stage and single-day show allows the festival to rebuild with care, while staying true to its regional foundations," organisers said in a statement. For nearly two decades, Groovin the Moo has been a rite of passage for regional music fans — bringing major international acts and emerging Australian talent to towns often skipped by big-city touring circuits. Past lineups have featured everyone from Billie Eilish and The Kooks to Gang of Youths, Amy Shark and The Veronicas, alongside breakout local artists who've gone on to headline their own tours. But like many Australian festivals, GTM has faced mounting pressure in recent years. Rising production costs, shifting audience habits and challenging ticket sales led to the cancellation of its 2024 edition just weeks after the lineup announcement. At the time, organisers cited insufficient ticket sales and a need to rethink the festival's long-term model. Now, with support from Great Southern Nights, the NSW Government and Destination NSW, the comeback show aims to test a more financially viable structure — while still honouring its regional DNA. "The festival belongs to regional Australia," said Fuzzy CEO Adelle Robinson. "Returning with a one-off show allows us to focus on doing it with the care and responsibility it deserves while the festival industry continues to navigate rising costs and increased pressure." ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd echoed the sentiment, describing the return as "a genuinely special moment for Australian music" and highlighting the importance of regional centres like Lismore in the broader live music ecosystem. For now, the message is simple: Groovin the Moo is back — just smaller, more intentional and (hopefully) built to last. The full lineup and ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks. This article first appeared in Rolling Stone Australia. Images: Supplied
Joining the ranks of North Sydney's flourishing food and beverage scene is Bar Lettera, a lavish new venue sporting a modern Australian and Italian fusion menu. As of this month, North Sydney has officially established itself as a new dining precinct with the launch of UpTown — the CBD's up-and-coming district set to revitalise the area — and restaurant launches like Bar Lettera to expand the district's dining options. Opening its doors on Saturday, April 27, the North Sydney newcomer will boast an all-day food and drink offering from inside the lavish Citadines Walker North Sydney hotel. Led by Head Chef Ryan Perry (ex-The Bridge Room and Momofuku Seiobo), the aim is to celebrate the best of Australian produce. "North Sydney is a brilliant place to do an opening as there's a real opportunity to elevate the local dining scene," said Perry. "Bar Lettera is all about honest ingredients, there's no hiding." The concept behind Bar Lettera's menu is to revamp Italian classics, curating inventive dishes where local produce shines. Perry's take on a caprese salad features heirloom tomato with kombu oil and Geraldton wax, while the fritto misto is a deep-fried bay bug paired with a semolina crust and XO sauce. The Head Chef's personal favourite is a Wollemi duck rag rigatoni accompanied by a Davidson plum gin sauce. The drinks selection offers sips that also reimagine the classics using native Australian ingredients and art-fuelled inspiration, while the wine list consists of local drops honouring their European heritage. Expect the likes of a Granjoux Chardonnay from Beechworth and a Joshua Cooper Cabernet Sauvignon. As for the fitout, Sophie Jordan, the director of Jordan Design Studio, has brought the chic 90-seat space to life. Also drawing from North Sydney's local artistic heritage, the restaurant takes inspiration from Australia's first female sculpturist, Theodora Cowan, and the apartment of a modern-day artist. Bar Lettera dons an inviting light pink hue, taking reference from the Aussie landscape, paired with smooth marble, raw hardwood and ceramic sculptures. "We use pendants within the canopy to throw a welcoming warm glow in tandem with inviting table lamps," said Jordan. "Intricate lighting fixtures illuminate the travertine stone bar to infuse a sense of warmth, inviting guests to linger and savour every moment." You'll find Bar Lettera on the mezzanine floor (level 5) of the Citadines Walker North Sydney at 88 Walker Street, open daily from 7–10.30am for breakfast, 12–2.30pm for lunch and 5–8.30pm for dinner. Image credit: Born Social.
The finishing touches are currently being put on a colourful new hotel with multiple dining options just metres from Sydney's Oxford Street. ADGE Hotel + Residencies is the ambitious new transformation of the Riley Street building formerly known as Cambridge Hotel. The new hotel will open in August with 93 guest rooms before expanding to 242 in early 2023 — all of which will be bursting with creativity and colour thanks to SJB. The Sydney-based practice has been in charge of the interiors as part of the $65-million transformation and has reinvented the space from a straight-and-narrow accommodation provider to a space filled with bold flourishes and personality. On entry to the lobby, you'll notice bright carpets, eye-catching furniture and a huge mural from Australian artist Adrian Hing. These standout features foreshadow what you'll find upstairs in your room, with each suite equipped with more retro-influenced carpets and plenty of colourful, one-of-a-kind light fixtures and eccentric pod-style bathrooms. Down in the lobby, you'll also find one of Surry Hills' best cafes, Soul Deli. The Korean favourite recently relocated from down the road, with owners Daero Lee and Illa Kim transforming its original 185 Campbell Street into a new wine and Korean tapas bar. Soul Deli brings Korean staples to the classic Australian cafe menu. Hotel guests and Sydneysiders alike can stop into the new lobby location for sticky fried chicken, house kimchi toasties, specialty coffee and Korean fried doughnuts. Joining this inventive breakfast and lunch spot within ADGE is longstanding eight-seat omakase restaurant Raida Noda's Chef Kitchen and a soon-to-open Italian restaurant with a high-profile chef set to be in charge. Bookings are now open for the hotel with rooms starting from $199 a night. ADGE Hotel + Residencies is opening in August at 222 Riley Street, Surry Hills.
With international travel set to be off the cards until mid 2021, many Aussies are looking to explore their own backyards a bit more. One of the ways we're doing that is by hitting the trails and mountain paths. While your regular trainers and favourite leggings are probably all good for a one-day hike (depending on terrain), if you're looking to do something a bit longer — like a multi-day adventure across NSW, Victoria of Queensland — you might want to invest in some slightly more serious hiking gear. This can usually cost a pretty penny, but, thankfully, good ol' Aldi is about to drop a heap of adventure gear that won't empty your bank account. Available at stores across the country from Saturday, July 4, the gear includes everything from down jackets to hiking shoes and backpacks. You can snag headlamps for just $4.99, wool hiking socks for $11.99, $12.99 gloves , shoes for $29.99, a $34.99 30-litre backpack, merino thermals from $26.99 and a waterproof jacket starting at $39.99. There's also an Ultralight down jacket, which is water repellent, insulated and can be packed into a easy-to-carry pocket, is on offer for just $49.99 — still less than a pineapple — as well as some outdoor-appropriate technology such as binoculars ($39.99), handheld radios ($49.99) and GPS watches ($79.99). Once you're all kitted out, it's time to start planning your adventure. We suggest you aim high (literally) and tick off these ten epic mountain walks across Australia. The Aldi Adventure Range is available from Aldi stores nationally from Saturday, July 4. From 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 1, until at least Wednesday, July 29, stay-at-home orders have been reintroduced in ten Melbourne postcodes, which means their residents can only leave for one of four reasons: work or school, care or care giving, daily exercise or food and other essentials. For more information, head to the DHHS website.
