If you haven't already, now is about the time to lock down your Italian summer plans. While exploring heaving cities like Rome, Florence and Milan should be high on your agenda, there's another way to experience the country. Founded in 2018, Tiny Away invites globetrotters to slow down their travels, focusing on eco-friendly tiny homes situated in stunning regional locations. Rather than spending more than a few nights in a cramped hostel, your Euro adventure could be a lot more restful tucked into one of these stays. Now offering five new tiny homes across Italy, these small yet smartly designed spaces offer a nature-led alternative to an everyday trip, providing a chance for travellers to trade the city for a picturesque regional stay. So, what's now available? Set in the charming commune of Mompeo, Olivo Nomade sees guests stay amid an organic farm dotted with over 400 olive trees. Located high on a hillside overlooking the surrounding valley and the distant peak of Mount Terminillo, it's only about 80 kilometres to Rome, meaning you can relish the outdoors and still hit up the city's storied streets. To the south, an hour from Naples and easily within reach of the Amalfi, Monteleone is another peaceful farm stay, featuring sweeping views towards Capri and the chance to soak up rural life without sacrificing creature comforts. Even further south, Casa della Montagna places guests on Lake Arvo's doorstep, alongside historic castles and forested hiking trails. Tucked into the heel of Italy, Il Nostro Sogno Madonna is ready to provide you with a peaceful base for experiencing traditional Italian life. Flanked by wild prickly pear trees and an ancient olive grove, this tiny home is also close to the Adriatic's idyllic beaches at 15 kilometres from the whitewashed town of Ostuni. Plus, you have access to the host's pool when you don't feel like moving more than a couple of metres. Rounding out this collection of new tiny houses is Dolce Casa — a serene stay perched on the outskirts of Arezzo in Tuscany. Think rolling hills, lush vineyards and access to storied villages like Rigutino. Equipped with everything you need for a picture-perfect stay, you'll be sipping local wines in total serenity as the sun sets on one of Italy's most beautiful regions. For more information, head to the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
Tax time is about to get a whole lot easier. The 2026 federal budget has confirmed a new $1,000 instant tax deduction for working Australians, allowing eligible employees to knock $1,000 off their taxable income at tax time — without saving a single receipt. Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the measure in his 2026–27 budget speech as part of the budget's broader tax reform package, framed as making the system "simpler for workers." According to a Treasury media release and ABC reporting, around 6.2 million workers — roughly 42 percent of taxpayers — will benefit, with an average tax saving of $205 each. The deduction covers the same broad category of expenses workers already claim — car and travel costs, tools and equipment, uniforms, work-from-home expenses, self-education and similar work-related costs. And if you already spend more than $1,000 a year on work-related stuff, the door isn't closed: you can still itemise your deductions the usual way, keeping receipts and claiming the full amount. The $1,000 instant deduction is for everyone else who would rather skip the spreadsheet. There's one catch worth flagging up front: it doesn't apply to the return you'll be lodging this winter. The instant deduction applies from the 2026-27 income year, which means workers will see the benefit when lodging their tax return in the second half of 2027. The change is subject to the passage of legislation, though the draft legislation closed for consultation on 01/05/2026 — so it's well-progressed. It's worth keeping in mind that the $1,000 figure is a deduction — not a flat refund. The actual cash back depends on your marginal tax rate, which is how Treasury arrives at the $205 average figure. For most workers, that's still a real saving, and it's likely to be welcomed by anyone who's spent the last few years scrambling to keep track of work-related receipts at tax time. The deduction is one part of a much broader tax package handed down in the 2026 federal budget, which also includes a new $250 Working Australians Tax Offset for 13.3 million workers — what Chalmers called "the biggest cost-of-living measure in this budget" — alongside the negative gearing and capital gains tax reforms also confirmed in the speech. Averaged out, the government says its full package of tax measures puts roughly $54 a week back in the average earner's pocket. Lead image: iStock Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground Newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
The steaks are high, as the list of the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026 is revealed. Building on last year's already impressive stats, we can now reveal that 22 Australian restaurants have featured on the globally renowned list. Now that's something to celebrate. So did your favourite steak restaurant make the cut? While many Australian eateries across several states made the 2026 ranking, it was a Sydney favourite that made it (almost) all the way to the top. Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years and have somehow missed the remarkable success of Neil Perry's Margaret, it likely won't come as a surprise that it took out the coveted second spot on the list this year. Most of the Australian restaurants that made the cut last year did so this year — and, incredibly, Margaret has secured its second-place ranking for the second year in a row. Yes, the Double Bay venue has proved again that it is not only the best steak restaurant in Australia, but almost the best in the entire world. [caption id="attachment_1001992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay.[/caption] "We're absolutely thrilled that Margaret continues to be recognised as one of the world's best steak restaurants, and to see Gran Torino make the list in its debut year is very exciting for us," says Neil Perry. "This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication behind our family-run restaurants - from sourcing outstanding beef from outstanding producers like Blackmore Wagyu and CopperTree Farms, to ensuring every cut served is meticulously dry-aged and perfectly cooked. It's also fantastic to see 22 Australian restaurants represented on the list this year, which highlights the exceptional quality and reputation of Australian beef on the world stage," says Perry. Taking out the number one spot was La Cúpula de El Capricho in Jiménez De Jamuz, Spain, and after Margaret comes another Spanish hotspot, Laia Erretegia in Hondarribia, Spain. London's Ibai came in at number seven, and Singapore's Burnt Ends came in at number nine. Remarkably, two more Sydney restaurants cracked the top 15, with Firedoor ranking 11th and Aalia 14th. Don't fret, it wasn't just Sydney who made headlines this year, with other Australian capital cities holding their own on the list. "Australia has firmly confirmed its position as a leading power in the global steak scene. With 22 restaurants featured in the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2026, Australia shines brighter than ever and demonstrates remarkable strength across the ranking. This achievement speaks not only to the exceptional quality and provenance of Australian beef, but also to the expertise, consistency and cultural confidence with which the country's leading steak restaurants operate. Australia is no longer simply setting benchmarks domestically — it is helping define excellence on a global stage." The list is the result of a meticulous evaluation of 1200 restaurants, judged against 29 detailed criteria including meat quality, cooking technique, sourcing, ageing, authenticity, ambience, service and wine list. Making the cut for Melbourne were the likes of Steer Dining Room at 29th, Victor Churchill at 31st, Gimlet at 62nd and Grill Americano at 95th. Brisbane impressively had two inclusions on the list, with Agnes coming in at number 20 and SK Steak & Oyster at 77th. Adelaide's fire-driven diner Arkhé must have made a striking impression, coming in at sweet 16t. Several other Sydney and Melbourne restaurants rounded out the 22 Australian restaurants that made the 2026 list. [caption id="attachment_1001993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_699842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] [caption id="attachment_844448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] [caption id="attachment_956587" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_675814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_860199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Earl Carter[/caption] For the full rundown of the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026, head to the list's website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Feature image: Petrina Tinslay.
When it comes to lavish harbourfront experiences, climbing aboard The Jackson — a 60-metre superyacht — is a fledgling summertime tradition. But despite the weather getting a little chillier, the onboard experience is only getting more impressive, with The Jackson set to present an exclusive dinner alongside the Sydney Symphony Orchestra during the height of Vivid festivities. Spanning two showstopping nights — Saturday, May 23, and Saturday, May 30 — a crowd of 200 guests dressed to the nines will settle in for a three-hour cruise featuring a five-course degustation set menu. Paired with Penfolds wines, vintage drops and high-end spirits, this luxe feast alone offers plenty of reasons to spend an evening on the harbour. However, the night only gets better, as an ensemble from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra presents a rare and intimate performance for guests aboard The Jackson. Complemented by one of the world's most famous skylines illuminated by Vivid light installations, this exclusive encounter takes luxury in Sydney to even greater heights. "Vivid Sydney is one of the most exciting cultural moments in the world, and this year we wanted to create something truly historic on Sydney Harbour," says Holly Vaughan, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Jackson Sydney. "It brings together everything we love about this city — world-class artistry, exceptional dining and the magic of the Harbour at night." Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
Each of Sydney's best Italian restaurants is different in its own way. Many of the old-school institutions have been serving the same tried-and-trusted dishes for decades — after all, there's no need to reinvent food that's already been perfected. The service at these classic diners can either be laidback and homey or refined and romantic — simply choose your preferred vibe. And then you have the new wave of Italian eateries in Sydney. Treat yourself to fine dining degustations in converted lofts. Sip on negroni sbagliatos while your basil pesto is freshly made at your table. Or sample some innovative fusions as Italian fare is blended with cuisines from around the world. Whether you're craving tiramisu served by the scoop, pasta dishes swimming in rich sauce or fresh-baked focaccia still warm from the oven, these are the Sydney Italians that can give you your fix. Recommended reads: The Best Pizza in Sydney The Best French Restaurants in Sydney The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Wine Bars in Sydney
Drop whatever it is that you're doing: the ticket ballot for the 26th Meredith Music Festival is officially open. Running from December 9-11, the latest edition of the much-loved dickhead-free music festival will take place at its usual digs, Meredith's Supernatural Amphitheatre, which has gone and gotten itself a brand new sound system "tailor-made for the dynamic undulations of the Amphitheatre at all times of Magic O'Clock". Other changes for this year's festival include additional camping space, hundreds of new trees planted as part of Uncle Doug's Native Planting, and – perhaps most importantly – extra dunnies in the campground. Aunty, meanwhile, has been working hard on the lineup, which she promises will be announced "soonish". Standouts from last year included Father John Misty, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Ratatat, The Thurston Moore Band, Tkay Maidza, Neon Indian and Big Daddy Kane. The Meredith Ballot will be open from now until 10.26pm on Monday, August 8. Head on over to the festival website to sign up.
Another in the series of budget-friendly dumpling joints within the Prince Centre, Chinese Noodle House sits just across the way from Chinese Noodle Restaurant, both luring you in with their 'grapes on the roof'. Similar to its neighbour, it's the plates and baskets of dumplings that attract the crowds, and while some love the sticky special braised eggplant at Noodle Restaurant, others prefer the crispier fried version here. Beyond the beloved doughy parcels, you can dig into bowls of house-made noodles in a huge selection of broths, fried noodles and all the garlic and fish sauce-covered Chinese broccoli you can manage. The restaurant has also expanded in recent years to include a number of outdoor dining tables, meaning you won't have to push and shove for a seat any longer. Getting the attention of a waiter is not always easy, but with plenty to keep you distracted around Haymarket, you won't be sitting there bored. We recommend a serving of pork dumplings, braised eggplants, flat noodles and salt and pepper squid. The food is consistent at Chinese Noodle House and is always delicious. One of the best things about the restaurant is that it's BYO, so head on over to Market City beforehand and grab a couple of long necks or a bottle of hearty red and give in to the excesses of Chinatown. Images: Trent van der Jagt
There are baths, and then there are baths. And, we're sorry to say, your questionably clean five-foot bath with a view into your neighbour's backyard just isn't going to cut it after you've been exposed to the beauty of Japan's many bathing houses — no matter how many 'winter forest'-scented candles you burn. The ritual of visiting an onsen is one that's intrinsic to Japanese culture. As well as the healing and meditative qualities of the baths, it's pretty special to be able to sink into a hot body of water (naked, of course) with nothing but a view of a snowy Mount Fuji to distract you. People have been bathing naked in the natural hot springs of Japan since way back, and while it's basically second nature for its inhabitants, tourists are welcome to jump on board (as long as you can respect and adhere to their customs). There are over 2000 onsen in Japan, and Steve Wilde and Michelle Mackintosh visited a whole heap of them as 'research' for their new book, Onsen of Japan. While they've collected handy information about 140 onsen across the country, we've pulled out ten of the more secluded, snow-surrounded, totally idyllic spots that you should pencil in for your next trip to Japan. GOTENBASHI ONSEN KAIKAN, GOTEMBA Day or night and in any season, Gotemba offers you a knockout view of Mount Fuji that you don't have to shell out the big yen for. At around one‑and‑a‑half hours from Toyko, Gotemba makes for an excellent day trip. A shuttle bus from Gotemba Station will whisk you to an onsen where, for a rock‑bottom price, you can get the full Fuji‑san view that would cost a bomb at a ryokan or designer hotel. KAWAYU ONSEN, WAKAYAMA One of the three onsen to make up the Hongu onsen-kyo area, Kawayu stands alone due to its popular Oto-gawa River bathing. Deep in the forest, this remote, majestic river bath was discovered in the mid-1600s when a local was tipped off to its existence by an enigmatic stranger. Fast forward hundreds of years later to a township that now has actual roads and hotels, but somehow manages to maintain its reputation as an esoteric and remote haven. SHIMA TAMURA, SHIMA ONSEN Founded in 1563, Shima Tamura is a ryokan experience that shows you just how the Japanese have elevated hospitality into the realm of an art form. The building itself is beautiful, with a traditional and inviting wood–entrance and sliding doorway under a thatched peaked triangle roof that looks almost like it has grown organically from the mountain slopes around it. Shima Tamura features an outdoor bath by a waterfall and seven hot-spring baths nestled in the forest; if you've dreamed of an onsen girded by foliage, hidden from the world and touched with the scent of forested glades with woodland creatures flitting among the cypress, Shima Tamura exists to make your dreams a reality. ZAO ONSEN, YAMAGATA In winter, Zao Onsen (a 40-minute bus ride from Yamagata station) is one of Japan's top ski resorts and the trees become pudgy with snow, so much so that they are known as 'ice monsters', snow-smothered conifers that take on the appearance of a crowd of glacial goblins that huddle together on the mountains as if plotting to take over civilisation (don't worry, they're way too cold to bother). In other seasons, the abundance of nature, greenery and the changing hues of the foliage make Zao popular with lovers of the great outdoors. TSURUNOYU, NYUTO ONSEN A fairytale onsen village hidden beneath low-lying clouds among mountains thick with beech trees, Nyuto Onsen is famous throughout Japan, and the seven hidden onsen all have something magical to offer. Catch the onsen bus (it has a model onsen bath on the roof) that ferries you around to each different hot spring. We've featured Tsurunoyu, Taenoyu and Kuroyu, but everything here is something special. Ogama Onsen is housed in a picturesque old wooden building that was once a school. Ganiba Onsen dates back to 1846 and has a beautiful outdoor unisex bath hidden in a beech forest. HOSHI ONSEN CHOJUKAN, MINAKAMI Hidden in the depths of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Hoshi's dreamily beautiful building with a stunning dark wooden exterior accented by flecks of green foliage, flowers, leaves or snow, will transport you to simpler, quieter times. Inside you'll find winding corridors with low ceilings showing faded photographs of times gone by, taxidermied local fauna and small mementos of the building's past – all in glass cases. The 140-year-old Hoshi is a Meiji-period onsen featuring six baths of equal size under an awe-inspiring vaulted wooden ceiling. The architecture echoes the waiting rooms and stations of the railway boom of the 19th century and its beauty has earned it status as a protected 'cultural property'. MANZA PRINCE HOTEL, MANZA ONSEN With more than a hint of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's horror flick The Shining, the Manza Prince, set along an alpine ridge, is a sprawling hotel that has acquired the well-deserved description of 'grand' over the years. The world surrounding the Manza Prince is a snow-dressed highland in winter (skiers flock here), an ocean of rusty gold in autumn, and intense greenery in spring and summer. Like the lord of the peaks, the Manza Prince perches serenely among the clouds surveying all before it. The hotel has a memorable bathhouse alongside its labyrinthine corridors and abundant rooms, and they happily throw their doors open to day visitors. TAKARAGAWA ONSEN, MINAKAMI Takaragawa means 'treasure river'. Legend has it that the Yamato-dynasty prince Takeru fell ill on his journey east and a hawk led him to this hidden spring where he was miraculously healed. Today you can heal your metaphysical wounds in this hidden forest retreat. Sheltered in deep, wooded groves, Takaragawa's outdoor mixed baths are perched on the banks of the Takara River and encompassed by hewn rock, weathered wood, stone monoliths and a vista of charming traditional Japanese buildings. SATONOYU-WARAKU, KUROKAWA ONSEN Kurokawa Onsen is Kyushu's heart, a 300-year-old onsen town, lost in the mountains, barely touched by modern life and channeling the true spirit of the Edo era. Twenty-four inns line the Chikugo River, housed on winding lanes with small bridges, narrow pathways, moss covered stones and lazily spinning waterwheels. It's here you'll find the onsen, as most of these ryokan open their doors to day bathers. Many of the inns have private baths for an extra cost, giving you choices usually reserved for ryokan guests. HAKONE YURYO, HAKONE The free shuttle bus from Hakone‑Yumoto Station takes you on a steep winding ride into the mountains, delivering you to this contemporary, ultra‑stylish onsen nestled among some of Hakone's most beautiful mountainside foliage. This is the perfect city day escape, a bath in a forest, surrounded by Japanese nature at its finest. The range and quality of the outdoor baths is excellent, the pinnacle being the cypress bath that extends out over the forested glade. The many spacious rock baths are perfect for lying back and gazing at trees towering into the sky while you listen to insects as they lazily drone by. Solo baths give you your own space, and well‑spaced‑out benches allow you to kick back and be nude in nature. This is an edited extract from Onsen Of Japan by Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh published by Hardie Grant Travel, RRP $29.99. The book is available in stores nationally and online.
There are 8222 islands within Australia's watery borders. You could spend your entire life hopping from one Aussie island to another and never quite make them all (well, unless you're very, very quick). So, we thought we'd save you some time by teaming up with Jim Beam and handpicking 12 of the best islands in Australia. That should at least get you started. Next time you start imagining you and your best mates on a white-sanded beach with quokkas close by, sea lions in the distance and your desks a few hundred kilometres away, these are the spots to catch a boat, plane, or ferry to. Remember: an adventure like this is best enjoyed together. Right? Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Beaches in Australia The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia [caption id="attachment_688591" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coral Coast Tourism[/caption] Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia The Houtman Abrolhos isn't just an island, it's an archipelago. 122 isles make up the marvel, more or less clustered in three groups across 100 kilometres. They lie 60 kilometres off the Coral Coast, west of Geraldton, which is four hours north of Perth. Lose yourself snorkelling or diving among colourful coral, spotting Australian sea lions and looking out for more than 90 species of seabirds, including majestic white-breasted sea eagles. For mind-blowing views, jump aboard a scenic flight and see the best Australian island from a bird's eye view. [caption id="attachment_688571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Ewart for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] North Stradbroke Island, Queensland Located 25 minutes by ferry off the Queensland coast, Stradbroke Island is an easy day trip from Brisbane. It's the second biggest sand island in the world after K'gari (more on that Australian island later). For swimming in gentle waves, head to idyllic Cylinder Beach; for wilder surf, make your destination the 38-kilometre-long Main Beach. Overnight stays include beach camping, as well as an array of cottages, hotels and B&Bs. Just north of Straddie is Moreton Island, a wonderland of long beaches, clear lakes and a national park. Consider sleeping over at Tangalooma, an eco-friendly resort where you can hand-feed wild dolphins and swim around a shipwreck. [caption id="attachment_773788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Archer, Destination NSW[/caption] Lord Howe Island, New South Wales Just 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Lord Howe, a two-hour flight east of Sydney, is explorable within a few days. Whenever you travel on this top Australian island, you won't have to fear tourist crowds: only 400 visitors are permitted at any one time and the population is just 382. Prepare to have pretty beaches, spectacular diving sites and rugged terrain all to yourself. Among the best adventures are the Mount Gower Trail, a steep, eight-hour trek that carries you 875 metres above sea level, and Erscott's Hole, a natural wonder where you can snorkel among staghorn coral, bluefish and double-headed wrasse. With all this natural beauty, it's easy to see why it made our list of the best islands in Australia and best overall places to visit in Australia. [caption id="attachment_770035" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Bruny Island, Tasmania Bruny feels completely remote, yet it's just a 20-minute ferry ride from the coast and, with driving time added, 50 minutes from Hobart. The beauty of this proximity to the city is that, despite all the wilderness, you can find some top nosh: for fish and chips head to Jetty Cafe; for pub grub swing by Hotel Bruny; for cheese visit Bruny Island Cheese Company; and for a tipple, there's the Bruny Island House of Whisky. Meanwhile, nature lovers will find white wallabies at Inala Nature Reserve, windswept headlands at Cape Bruny Lighthouse and head-clearing watery views at Cloudy Bay. [caption id="attachment_688568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Khy Orchard for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Magnetic Island, Queensland There are hundreds of islands in the Great Barrier Reef area, offering everything from secluded campsites to five-star luxury resorts. But, for convenience, outdoor adventures and, most importantly, koala spotting, Magnetic Island is hard to go past — found just 20 minutes from Townsville. Get active with sea kayaking tours and yoga classes, get artsy at beachside markets and galleries or relax at stunning beaches like Horseshoe Bay. If you're keen to venture further, jump aboard a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, diving or sightseeing tour. [caption id="attachment_688400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isaac Forman for SA Tourism Commission[/caption] Kangaroo Island, South Australia With a whopping 509 kilometres of coastline, Kangaroo Island could have you exploring for weeks. To get there, take a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula — around 100 kilometres south of Adelaide. Then gear up to share your holiday with sea lions, fur seals, little penguins, echidnas, koalas and, you guessed it, kangaroos. The Australian island is a haven for creatures who've struggled to survive elsewhere, especially local sea lions, who were hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are numerous national parks and conservation areas, and the almost 5000-strong population is big on food and wine. You also can't talk about this Aussie island without mentioning the spectacular beaches — our favourite being the one and only Stoke's Bay. [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] The Whitsundays, Queensland In total, The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands. It's hard to choose the best, especially as each depends on what kind of holiday you're after. You can go camping on the famous Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, live it up at The InterContinental Resort on Hayman Island or even escape to an adults-only oasis like Elysian Retreat on Long Island — one of the best adults-only accommodations in The Whitsundays. From any of these small islands in Australia, you can easily get to the Great Barrier Reef and countless other stunning natural landscapes. This region is also one of Australia's national parks, so it will continue to be preserved for many years to come — even if the reef itself does die off. [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] Rottnest Island, Western Australia Rottnest Island is a 90-minute ferry ride from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, or 25 minutes from Fremantle. Like Kangaroo Island, Rottnest has given a big dose of much-needed love to Australia's wild creatures, particularly quokkas, which now number 12,000 or so. Dedicate some time to spotting them (though please don't go touching, patting or feeding) before visiting pristine beaches, such as The Basin, where you'll find an underwater playground, and Little Parakeet Bay, backdropped by striking rock formations. The best way to explore the Aussie island is by bike, but we are also big fans of getting on a sea kayak for the arvo as well. Prefer to stay here longer than a day? We recommend spending a few nights in Discovery Rottnest Island's luxe glamping tents by the beach. Phillip Island, Victoria Phillip Island's biggest drawcard is its penguin parade. Every night, at sunset, the island's resident little penguins return to their terrestrial homes, having spent the day out and about fishing. Beyond wildlife watching, go wine and craft beer tasting, bliss out with a massage or spa treatment or conquer a trail on foot, such as the Cape Woolamai Walk, which traverses dramatic clifftops along Phillip's southernmost point. Follow the links for suggestions on where to eat and drink and the best outdoor activities on Phillip Island. Unlike most of the other Australian islands on this list, you can reach this one by road: it's around 90 minutes' drive south of Melbourne, making it one of the most accessible islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_911608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort[/caption] K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) is the biggest sand island in the world. There are 184,000 hectares of the stuff, made up of 72 colours and mostly in the form of magnificent dunes, much of which are covered in rainforest. If you've time on your hands, take on the Great Walk, an eight-day epic that visits many of K'gari's 100 freshwater lakes. If not, jump aboard a 4WD and cruise along 75 Mile Beach (one of our favourite adventure experiences in Australia), take a dip at Champagne Pools along the way and pay a visit to awe-inspiring Boorangoora(Lake McKenzie), a perched lake made up of rainwater and soft silica sand. [caption id="attachment_688583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Wilson for Tourism Tasmania[/caption] King Island, Tasmania You might have no idea where King Island is, but may have seen its cheese at the supermarket. King Island Dairy's decadent triple cream brie is an Aussie gourmet staple. But it's far from the only treat you'll be sampling in this lush place, which lies in the Bass Strait, halfway between Victoria and Tassie. Count, too, on super-fresh seafood, flavourful beef and a cornucopia of produce from local growers. When you're finished feasting, stroll along the white sands of Disappointment Bay, visit a 7000-year-old calcified forest and go horse riding by the sea. This under-the-radar travel destination is undoubtedly one of the best islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_856441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Bribie Island, Queensland Bribie Island isn't that far from Brisbane (a little over one and a half hours), but is a haven for local wildlife. That's because this Australian island is home to the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park where you'll find dugongs, turtles, dolphins and a diverse range of birdlife. All the classic Aussie land animals will be found all over the island, too. And, of course, the beaches are just stupidly beautiful. Whether you're a local or tourist, this island offers all the quintessential Australian sites you must see. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top images: K'gari Island, courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
There's no shortage of Japanese restaurants in Sydney, but Barangaroo's AORI takes a slightly different approach. From the team behind Alegre and Callao, the 240-seat King Street Wharf venue marks a natural evolution for the group, leaning into traditional Japanese craft with contemporary touches, including a nod or two along the way to the Nikkei flavours that put Callao on the map. Head Chef Kim Chi (Saké Restaurant & Bar) and Head Sushi Chef Eric Lee (Nobu, Sokyo) oversee a menu built around raw seafood, premium meats and charcoal cooking. Expect dishes like koji-marinated Glacier 51 toothfish with ponzu, daikon oroshi and wasabi, Tasmanian lamb rack with miso eggplant and black garlic butter, and Australian and Japanese wagyu served simply with jus, freshly grated wasabi and black garlic purée, with the option to add house chimichurri. The raw bar balances classic technique and subtle creativity. Local tuna, kingfish and salmon headline the sashimi offering, sitting alongside more composed plates like wagyu beef tartare with iburigakko, macadamia, smoked almond and chilli oil, and tuna nigiri topped with egg yolk purée and sesame oil powder. Japanese whisky and saké lead a drinks program by Bar Manager Owen Glover (ex-Merivale), while an international wine list and guided tasting flights play a strong support role. Cocktails follow the same ingredient-led approach as the kitchen, with highlights like the Yamazaki 12-based Aori Old Fashioned, smoked tableside with applewood and shiitake, and a shared frozen Roku gin and prosecco cocktail finished in front of guests. While there's a neat throughline of restraint and precision, AORI leans into moments of quiet theatre: a sushi ferris wheel presents the raw bar selection, a roaming trolley offers tableside steak service, and ceviche arrives with a flourish of dry ice. It all takes place in an expansive, open-plan dining room that draws on ryokan and onsen design, combining timber, stone, warm lighting, and sculptural finishes with impressive views of Darling Harbour. In addition to the main dining area, arranged around an open kitchen, AORI also boasts a balcony and bar spaces, private and semi-private dining rooms and a resident DJ who shifts the mood from relaxed daytime dining to a more energetic evening service.
Instantly recognisable in its freeform design and luminescent colours, Dinosaur Designs has become somewhat of a household name when it comes to homewares and jewellery. The Redfern store, Extinct, is the outlet and sample store, where you'll find discontinued designs. It is one of nine outposts for the brand, which also has stores in London and New York. The designs, spearheaded by creative directors Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy, have received acclaim via designer collaborations from the likes of Jac + Jack and Louis Vuitton. Resin remains its core material, with products — necklaces, bangles, bowls, jars, vases — meticulously handcrafted so not one object is ever the same as another.
If you've been craving a show that can actually captivate you in 2026, then the horror mystery series FROM is just what your attention span needs. But don't just take our word for it — there are millions of viewers of the show globally (which is still releasing on Stan), consistently racking their brains for answers in this mystery world, especially as we dive into the fourth season of the psychologically testing show. Created by John Griffin (Magic: The Gathering, Crater), FROM is MGM's most-watched original series in the network's history, has a 96 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and consistently trends in Stan's Top Ten. The addictive series is a perfect blend of horror and mystery, centring around a town that traps all those who enter it. While that feels mind-boggling enough, residents must also dodge creatures that surface to torment (and kill) them at night, and they're equal parts terrifying and confusing. Led by Harold Perrineau (Romeo + Juliet, Lost, Matrix Reloaded) as Sheriff Boyd Stevens, the residents must figure out why they have seemingly been chosen for this nightmare postcode, why these monsters torture them every night, and how the hell they can escape this geographical prison before it ultimately kills them. It's a mystery that feels unexplainable, but what's special about FROM is that with every episode, viewers are drip-fed more information, which leads them closer to finding out the answers they desperately crave. If you were a fan of Lost in the early 2000s, it has the same mystery-box DNA and even comes from the same producers, Jack Bender and Jeff Pinkner. And with 10 episodes per season, the addictive nature of the show means it's not uncommon for fans to bang out an entire season in one weekend (or, for those having a particularly horizontal day, one sitting). Once you watch it, theorising reasons for the town's suffering becomes second nature. There are several fan forums surrounding FROM on Reddit, with the more popular of the bunch boasting over 150,000 followers. With Season four available on Stan from April 20 and dropping weekly, Subreddits are expected to surge, and the traditional viewing experience (where you watch episodes at the same time the rest of the world does) will bring the "Fromily" — both new and existing — together for every revelation. The "Fromily" fandom name was born early on in the show's run, blending "From" and "Family" together as the series had tongues wagging almost instantly on X and Reddit. Considering the show centres around a group of strangers coming together as one makeshift family in order to survive, it's a fitting portmanteau which further solidifies as seasons go on. While the bonkers storyline is what pulls you in — that confronting first episode really does a number on everyone who presses play — the diverse casting is so brilliant, that the curiosity around their personal journeys, and the friction between the residents keeps viewers hooked on an emotional level. Once you dive into the series, you're in for the long haul. While the Matthews family — father Jim (Eion Bailey), mother Tabitha (Catalina Sandino Moreno), daughter Julie (Hannah Cheramy) and son Ethan (Simon Webster) — kick off the show as the newest residents, we meet more people as the show goes on, and gradually understand more about those who are already trapped there. From the town's longest-surviving resident, Victor (Scott McCord), who has been there since he was a child, to arrogant tech billionaire Jade (David Alpay), who arrives on the same day as the Matthews, the conflict between old and new neighbours is consistently at the forefront of both drama and survival on FROM. So, if you're looking for something to get stuck into, something you can watch in real time with a fandom serious about finding answers, FROM is the cultural phenomenon that will reactivate that twisty TV-induced brainwork we've been missing. Seasons 1-3 are already available only on Stan, and Season four is dropping weekly now, ready for you to become part of the global obsession. The brand new season of 'FROM' is streaming now, only on Stan. Image credit: Supplied
Time, money, energy — most of us are short on one or more of these. So, when you head out for dinner and drinks, you're not just investing in what goes down your gullet, but the experience as a whole. Increasingly, interior design is what transforms a good time on the town into a great one. And to see who measures up, the Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) has unveiled its shortlist of 226 top-notch projects. Spotlighting work across residential, commercial and public sectors, AIDA is now entering its 23rd year, and is widely regarded as the industry's leading benchmark for excellence and innovation. With the winners announced on Friday, June 12, at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney, we've picked out a few choice hospitality and commercial projects featuring wall-to-wall stunning design. [caption id="attachment_991816" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Baker Bleu, Cremorne[/caption] In Melbourne, the shortlist is stacked, with Merivale Design Studio getting the nod for LB's Record Bar — a retro-leaning, vinyl-only hang-out led by hospo heavyweights Michael and Zara Madrusan. Collingwood-based architecture and interior design studio IF Architecture gave us the Kobini-inspired Suupaa and Baker Bleu, Cremorne. Nearby, Wardle is in contention for Yiaga — Hugh Allen's landmark fine-diner in the Fitzroy Gardens. For a design-led stay, Flack Studio's Hannah Street Hotel certainly earns its spot on the shortlist. For Sydneysiders, the representation is just as strong. Studio Shand put itself in award contention with Surry Hills' S'Wich, just as Luchetti Krelle has with their colourful Med-leaning design for Cibaria Manly. Surry Hills design studio Akin Atelier transformed the new-look Club Rose Bay, while 3XN GXN, BVN Architecture and Aspect Studios all helped deliver the Sydney Fish Market — described as the Harbour's most significant addition since the Opera House. [caption id="attachment_1079531" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Yiaga, East Melbourne[/caption] Further north, Brisbane and the Goldy are also home to several new and incredibly designed venues. Alexander &Co took charge of LiTO and Haven at Mondrian Gold Coast, while Studio Collective remagined healthcare design for Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. In Newstead, think elevated neighbourhood trattoria for Studio Plenty's Bar Monte. Then, lean into J. AR Office's reborn 'grand old dame' for Marlowe, with the renowned studio also shortlisted for Brisbane's Golden Avenue, featuring a statement-making open-air courtyard. With so many exceptional venues contending for each award, the winners aren't selected haphazardly. Featuring a panel of eight leading voices in Australian interior design, the judging process is anonymous, transparent and confidential. But why should the experts have all the fun? Check out a choice local spot and see if the interior experience makes getting out of the house that much more worth it. [caption id="attachment_1084007" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Fortitude Valley.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1027796" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Marlowe, South Brisbane[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1025305" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Bar Monte, Newstead[/caption] Winners of the Australian Interior Design Awards 2026 will be announced on Friday, June 12. Head to the website to see the full shortlist. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Top image: Suupaa, Cremorne.
The Surry Hills shopping experience is a rite of passage for Sydney locals. There's something distinctly cosmopolitan and a little bit magical about wandering the streets of Surry Hills, looking for your next purchase. One of the harbour city's most thriving cultural hubs, the suburb is known for its vibrant collection of shops that have everything you need, from artisan cheese to designer threads and rare books, as well as plenty of coffee. But with so many places to choose from scattered across a labyrinth of streets and lanes, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of where to shop like a local in and around Surry Hills to help you navigate the quaint corners of Bourke Street and bustling crowds of Crown Street like a seasoned professional.
If life's chaos has made your world feel a little small of late, what better antidote than to head outdoors and catch a few of the world's biggest creatures frolicking majestically in the sprawling blue ocean? Watching whales swim around, complete with tail-slapping acrobatics and clouds of water sprayed from blowholes, is sure to instil a sense of wonder and release. When it comes to whale watching, us Aussies have it made. Not only are we surrounded entirely by water, but our east coast is a route favoured by many whales on their annual migration to and from Antarctica. And that means ample opportunity to spy these gentle giants in action — either from atop dry land, or right out there beside them on the water. From the scenic lookouts of Eden to a boat cruise around Wilsons Prom, we've rounded up nine of Australia's best spots for whale watching. Grab your binoculars and venture coastward for a whale spectacular. Recommended reads: The Best Whale Watching Spots Along the NSW Coast The Best Beaches in Australia Eight Epic Holidays for Animal Lovers You Can Book Now [caption id="attachment_772713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Melbourne[/caption] Bass Coast, Victoria From May to October, the waters of Gippsland's Bass Coast come alive with migrating marine mammals — mostly humpback and southern right whales, but also the odd orca flashing its distinctive black and white markings. And you'll find plenty of opportunities to catch them all in action by embarking on a jaunt along the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail. Running the perimeter of Phillip Island and around to Inverloch, this coastal stretch is peppered with primo whale viewing points, most decked out with informative signage so you can dabble in some history and knowledge along the way. Some of the most popular pit stops include Cape Woolamai and the soaring cliffs of Pyramid Rock. [caption id="attachment_772704" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Warrnambool[/caption] Warrnambool, Victoria Located at the end of the Great Ocean Road, the coastal hub of Warrnambool is a renowned spot for scoping out these majestic creatures, as scores of female southern right whales descend on the waters of Logans Beach to calve between June and September. A dedicated platform located in the dunes often offers the best vantage point for views of this 'whale nursery', and you can call ahead to the Visitor Information Centre to check up on any recent activity before you visit. Got some time up your sleeve? Make a road trip of it by following the Whale Trail west through more viewing spots near Port Fairy and Portland. [caption id="attachment_772711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildlife Coast Cruises[/caption] Wilsons Promontory, Victoria The secluded beaches and rugged wilderness of Wilsons Promontory have made it a favourite destination for hiking and camping, but the waters surrounding its scenic coastline also happen to pull their fair share of humpback whale visitors, stopping by on their southerly migration between late August and October each year. For a shot at seeing a few of these majestic travellers up close, opt for a day on the water with the Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise, helmed by the team at Wildlife Coast Cruises. Departing from Port Welshpool Jetty, this informative six-hour boat trip takes you past stunning coastal hotspots like Refuge Cove, promising a high chance of spying at least one or two new whale friends. [caption id="attachment_772705" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jervis Bay Wild[/caption] Jervis Bay, New South Wales Sitting halfway along the whales' annual 5000-kilometre migration route, Jervis Bay on the New South Wales South Coast is known to be a favourite pit stop for humpback and southern right whales. Between May and November, the region's calm, still waters are an aquatic playground of choice for many of these supersized creatures, as they take some time out from their lengthy journey to rest up and play with their babies. For some great whale spotting, with views across the Jervis Bay Marine Park, try the Cape St George Lighthouse or the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse — where a lookout towers 90 metres above sea level. Otherwise, you can opt for an on-water whale experience with a renowned operator like Jervis Bay Wild. [caption id="attachment_772830" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Park for Destination NSW[/caption] Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park, New South Wales Promising striking sandstone clifftops, sweeping ocean views and an excellent vantage point for the passing pods of humpback whales each June and July, Cape Solander makes for a worthy winter day-trip destination. Located in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, this scenic coastal spot has been known to notch up over 100 whale sightings in one day, with the gentle giants frolicking as close as 200 metres from the shore. A dedicated viewing platform features plenty of whale-related information, and there are usually a couple of knowledgeable volunteers there sharing facts and tallying up the day's sighting count. Southern right whales also make an appearance here, along with the odd orca and minke whale. [caption id="attachment_772710" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Eden[/caption] Eden, New South Wales The Sapphire Coast town of Eden is a whale-watcher's paradise. After all, the surrounding waters of Twofold Bay are known as the 'Humpback Highway' — so numbered are the humpback whales that swim through here en route home to Antarctica each year. You'll spy plenty of these mighty creatures between September and November, while pods of baleen and toothed whales make their own similar journeys in early spring. The town itself is chock-full of great vantage points for shore-based whale spotting, not least of which is the Rotary Park lookout, set right out on the point. And for those braving the water, there's no shortage of charter boats offering a variety of whale-watching tours. Also, head here in October and you can hit up the Eden Whale Festival, an annual event celebrating the whales' migration. [caption id="attachment_772707" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stradbroke Island[/caption] Minjerribah, Queensland For some breathtaking whale-watching action just a quick ferry trip from Brisbane's bayside, lock in a trip to Minjerribah, aka North Stradbroke Island. Between late May and early November, the region welcomes scores of its most majestic annual visitors, with up to 200 humpback whales passing through each day on their journey between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Perched at around 35 metres above sea level, the headland at Point Lookout offers a top-notch view of these creatures breaching and tail-slapping in the balmy waters. Hervey Bay, Queensland Located across from K'gari, the protected waters of Queensland's Hervey Bay entice thousands of humpback whales each year, so your chances of scoring a sighting are solid. It is the world's first Whale Heritage Site, after all. The ocean giants are usually spotted here between mid-July and November, frolicking and launching themselves spectacularly into the air as they teach their young the tricks of the trade. For the ultimate close-up, your best bet is to head out on the water yourself, joining one of the many local whale-watching tours. If you're feeling brave, the crew at Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters even offers the chance to jump in and swim right alongside these mega-sized mammals. Bruny Island, Tasmania While our whale populations drift close to the cliffs up and down the mainland, they also give locals a chance to catch a glimpse as they scoot past Tasmania. Down here, humpbacks usually make the trip between May and July, and September and November, while Southern right whales arrive about a month later. Though the Tasman Peninsula and D'Entrecasteaux Channel are also stellar spots for whale watching, heading to Bruny Island might be even better. Bruny Island Cruises serves up a whale-watching experience, with smallish boats for about 40 passengers departing from Adventure Bay and offering an up-close encounter. Top image: Whales at Hervey Bay by Visit Fraser Coast. 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. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Cabramatta Moon Festival is back and celebrating its 25th anniversary this September. On Sunday, September 28, to help celebrate the mid-autumn festival, Cabramatta's Town Centre will transform into a cultural hub with mouth-watering food, local market stalls, rides, free kids activities and live entertainment. On the activities front, there'll be the favourite children's chopstick challenge, pho and mooncake eating competitions, as well as an awe-inspiring lantern parade. This year, there'll also be an Australian-first with the National Lion Dance Competition taking place across the weekend. Cabramatta is bringing together the country's top teams for a fierce and colourful showdown that helps to celebrate southeast Asian culture. You can get a first-hand glimpse at the competitors during their team greet on Friday, September 26, from 4pm–6pm at Pai Lau Gate/ Freedom Plaza. The competition will take place over both days of the weekend at Hughes Street Car Park, Cabramatta. Other events and performances include a performance by the Cambodian Living Arts & Culture, live music from Alicia Varas, Jason Tran and Michelle Sutton, as well as free face painting and balloon animals with Kozi &Pinky, so the kids in your life can make some wholesome memories. The Cabramatta Moon Festival is all about celebrating the community that's made it shine for a quarter of a century. The Cabramatta Moon Festival is family-friendly and free to enter. Festivities begin at 11am. For more information, visit the website.
Last year, the two distinct festivals Mould and Pinot Palooza teamed up for the first time, showcasing — as you can probably guess — the best of Australian cheese and wine. Well, the combined experience was such a hit, this crowd-pleasing duo is running it back once more, bringing together a massive celebration of fromage and fermentation. Presented by Revel, Mould x Pinot Palooza is touching down in five capital cities, including Adelaide for the first time and Sydney after an 18-month hiatus. Meanwhile, the 2026 program will also run four sessions over three days, adding Sundays to the lineup at every leg of the tour. That gives you even more opportunity to explore over 100 Australian cheeses and wines ready to be paired and savoured. On the cheese front, expect the full spectrum of flavours, from funky blues to creamy bries and plenty of stinky samples, accompanied by a huge selection of pinot. So far, the confirmed names for 2026 include festival favourites Milawa Cheese and the bold flavours of Rub-a-Dub, alongside low-intervention innovators Ohkela Wine and sustainable Victorian standouts Mulline Vintners. Beyond the cheese and wine, bars spread throughout each venue will pour top-notch beers, spirits and cocktails, while a host of food producers will be on-site offering ready-to-eat bites, pantry staples and grazing essentials. "Cheese and pinot naturally belong together, and this format gives people the freedom to explore both at their own pace, talk directly with producers, and enjoy the experience without it feeling over-programmed or precious," says Head of Revel, Jess Audus. Mould x Pinot Palooza 2026 Dates: Brisbane: Friday, May 22–Sunday, May 24 at John Reid Pavilion, RNA Showgrounds Sydney: Friday, June 12–Sunday, June 14 at The Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park Melbourne: Friday, July 3–Sunday, July 5 at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Perth: Friday, August 7–Sunday, August 9 at Silver Jubilee Pavilion, Claremont Showgrounds Adelaide: Friday, August 28–Sunday, August 30 at The Queens Theatre
When you want a stay that feels unique and personal, sometimes an Airbnb offers something that hotels often don't. Now you'll know which stays offer the best of the best experience, as the short-term stay giant has revealed the winners of its 2025 Host Awards — its annual accolades that celebrate "the creativity, care and community impact of local hosts." With six awards up for grabs, these honours cover everything from the best family-friendly stay to the best design experience. Spanning heritage-listed Hobart bakeries, bold coastal escapes on the Sunny Coast and serene Kangaroo Valley retreats, the winners come from far and wide, meaning an award-winning stay might be closer than you think. Host of the Year: Braithwaite (Hobart, TAS) There's no shortage of deserving hosts, but there can only be one Host of the Year. In 2025, that's Alix and John from Braithwaite — a heritage-listed former bakery in Sandy Bay. Wonderfully restored, this courtyard apartment is the perfect base to explore the cultural hub of Salamanca Place, with its restaurants and art galleries just two kilometres away. According to judge Sarah Huang: "[Alix and John] don't just provide a stay, they create a moment in time that's deeply meaningful." Best Family-Friendly Stay: Sassafras (Southern Highlands, NSW) You don't have to trek hours into the wilderness to discover a country retreat when it comes to Sassafras. Set on 98 acres in Kangaroo Valley, this five-bedroom farmhouse carefully balances rustic charm with modern features, offering all the creature comforts you desire alongside a sandstone fireplace and unbeatable valley views. And at just a two-hour drive from Sydney, this peaceful stay is primed for weekend escapes. Best New Host: The Nook (Adelaide, SA) Some Airbnbs have become synonymous with luxury stays over numerous years. Yet others have just begun to earn their reputation. The Nook is the latter, with owners Erin and Rory taking home the Best New Host award in 2025. Set on their family property, guests encounter a modern cottage featuring an airy open-plan design made for easygoing entertaining. Plus, the outdoor terrace is the ideal spot to admire the cottage's surrounding greenery. Best Nature Stay: Ligo (Wolgan Valley, NSW) While living in a tiny house forever might not appeal, Ligo in the Wolgan Valley might convince you it's more than possible. Hosted by Eddie and Ange, this award-winning retreat in the shadow of the Blue Mountains National Park is built from materials reclaimed from bushfires, offering an off-grid stay rich in warm interiors, passive sustainability and bushland views. Take a bath beneath the stars and roam the nearby walking trails when you need to reconnect. Best Room Stay: Short Stay Made Simple (Sydney, NSW) The best Airbnb experiences don't have to be exclusive. In fact, sometimes the warm hospitality of the host can make the mutual enjoyment of a space that much more special. Short Stay Made Simple's Caroline and Daniel received the award for Best Room Stay, with the peaceful upstairs retreat of their Sydney home celebrated for its spotless presentation, full kitchen access and generous touches, like late-night train station pickups and welcoming shared meals. Best Design Stay: Banksia House (Sunshine Coast, QLD) The interiors are impressive enough at Banksia House, but the winner of the Best Design Stay really comes into its own when you consider its outdoor features. Designed by hosts Toni and Kirsti, the latter brought her experience as a landscape architect to conceive the magnesium pool, bocce court, fireplaces and al fresco bathrooms immersed in lush gardens. "Guests highlight its Scandinavian simplicity, earth tones, and calming energy. This is a masterclass in 'rugged luxury,'" says Huang. Looking for more information on the winners? Head to the website to get all the details. Images: Rachel Tagg.
Sydney has no shortage of beautiful neighbourhoods vying for attention. One gleaming gem in its crown, however, is Potts Point. Just east of the Sydney CBD, and close to the historic Kings Cross, the neighbourhood is a blend of heritage architecture, leafy streets, boutiques, bars, galleries and more. If you're looking to stay in the culturally-rich precinct for the weekend, Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point offers front-row access to the best parts of the neighbourhood. [caption id="attachment_1032369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point[/caption] With its boutique rooms, quirky interiors, and views overlooking the beautiful Rushcutters Bay, Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point situates you right in the heart of the action and luxe Sydney lifestyle. Here's how to plan your next weekend exploring the neighbourhood. [caption id="attachment_1032350" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Begin With A Wander And Coffee Potts Point is a beautiful walkable neighbourhood that's dotted with some of the city's heritage 20th-century architecture. Enjoy an early morning stroll around the suburb to orient yourself and soak up the view. After a wander, head to Piña for a coffee and breakfast. Located down Llankelly Place's laneway, Piña is a buzzy local café that offers outdoor seating, so you can people-watch while sipping on your flat white. Room Ten, located across the road, is also a popular café destination for locals. Be sure to enjoy some breakfast and fuel up for browsing. [caption id="attachment_652937" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Potts Point Bookshop[/caption] Browse The Boutiques Potts Point is a mecca of independent stores and designers. Macleay Street in particular offers a range of boutiques for you to peruse. Potts Point Bookshop is a destination for any bibliophile. Macleay on Manning is another eclectic Potts Point staple that's been around for over two decades. Here you'll find design books, ceramics, candles and fashion to inspire. If you're looking to pick up some new threads, Locale features clothes by both local and international brands such as Elka Collective and King Csila. [caption id="attachment_654859" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Fratelli Paradiso[/caption] Long Lunch After window shopping (or dropping some cash), you've probably worked up an appetite. The Apollo is a Greek restaurant that specialises in the art of the long lunch, while across the road, Cho Cho San serves modern Japanese cuisine. If Italian is more your style, enjoy casual European dining at Fratelli Paradiso. Top off your lunch date with a wine from Dear Sainte Éloise. Also located in the laneway of Llankelly Place, the wine bar features over 350 bottles to choose from, all in a sophisticated Potts Point setting. [caption id="attachment_623519" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Dear Sainte Éloise[/caption] Bar Hopping Post-aperitif at Dear Sainte Éloise, you may want to continue enjoying the buzzy atmosphere of Potts Point. The neighbourhood has always known how to do nightlife. From its King's Cross heyday to the modern and glamorous cocktail bars, there's no shortage of venues to select from. If you enjoy your cocktails with a side of New York City sophistication, drop in to The Roosevelt. Jangling Jack's offers live music and a mean martini, while Dulcie's gives you a glimmer of Sydney's past with its underground cocktail parlour. [caption id="attachment_791596" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ezra[/caption] Dine Like A Local Looking for a dinner spot for your Potts Point stay? There are several venues for you to head to after exploring the neighbourhood. Ezra serves bold Middle Eastern flavours with a Mediterranean twist in a relaxed setting. Its small plates are perfect for sharing with friends or your date. Meanwhile, Bloom is a café by day and an Italian-inspired restaurant by night. If you're craving some mouth-watering pizzas, check out Bloom's sourdough bases. If you're the traveller who likes to make the most of the hotel, Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point is home to Luc-San Restaurant. With a menu crafted by renowned chef Luke Mangan, the casual dining bar offers a blend of French and Japanese-inspired cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, you can just hop the elevator back upstairs once finished. Easy. [caption id="attachment_1032368" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point[/caption] The Perfect Base When you're done wandering (and eating) for the day, Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point is ready to welcome you back. Home to stylish rooms with views across the city, and filled with nods to the neighbourhood, the boutique hotel offers a plush place to relax and gather your energy before more exploring tomorrow. [caption id="attachment_1034131" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point[/caption] Want to stay in the thick of it? Find out more about Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point here. Lead image: Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point
Sydney may be well-known for its sand and surf — from beachy, bleachy Bondi to the Harbour's numerous secluded coves — but Sydney waterfalls don't often receive the same attention. Our shores are home to some of the best, whether that's within a national park or set right along the coast. Here are five waterfalls in and around Sydney to tick off your swim list this summer. At each, you can cool off in crystal clear pools while marvelling at the rush of water above you. And, since many are lesser-known, you might just have it all to yourself. Recommended reads: The Best Ocean Pools in Sydney The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Swimming Holes in Sydney The Best Rivers for Swimming in Near Sydney [caption id="attachment_784927" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Rainbow Falls, Macquarie Pass National Park A two-hour drive south of Sydney in Macquarie Pass National Park, you'll find a hiking track scattered with waterfalls. Walk through the rainforest, eucalypts, Illawarra flame trees and ferns of Clover Hill trail to find a big waterfall — Rainbow Falls — and three smaller falls upstream on the Macquarie Rivulet, which you can swim under. But, bring a towel and a brave face — the water can be very chilly. The whole walk will take you about two-to-three hours, plus swimming time. Want to ignore the words of TLC and continue chasing waterfalls? A five-minute drive away, you'll find the easy Cascades walking track, which takes you along a creek to the stunning Cascade Falls [caption id="attachment_784921" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Goran Has via Flickr[/caption] Collins Beach Waterfall, Spring Cove If it weren't for the occasional passing ferry, swimmers at Collins Beach could easily be fooled into thinking they were in the middle of nowhere. Located in Spring Cove (near North Head), it's one of Sydney's least-visited beaches despite being just 1.3-kilometres from the Manly Wharf. The trick is, it's only accessible on foot — or by boat. You can't exactly swim under the waterfall, but you can partake in the slightly surreal experience of standing in it — or behind it — while looking out at Sydney Harbour. Visit shortly after the rain to see the waterfall at its best. You may just catch a few fairy penguins sunbathing on the rocks while you're visiting the Sydney waterfall, too. [caption id="attachment_703777" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scott Brown via Flickr[/caption] Wattamolla, Royal National Park As far as watery day trips go, Wattamolla has everything — not only a waterfall but a lagoon and a beach to boot. It's a bit of an adventure to reach the seven-metre high waterfall, requiring a 50-metre swim from the lagoon's edge to start. Some people attempt a shortcut by jumping straight in, but that's actually against National Parks and Wildlife regulations. After a swim, relax in the shade of cabbage tree palms, take a bush walk or spend the rest of the day looking out for sea eagles and oystercatchers. Set in the eastern section of the Royal National Park, Wattamolla has the added benefit of being about a one-hour drive from the Sydney CBD. [caption id="attachment_703779" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Harvey via Flickr[/caption] Winifred Falls, Royal National Park To reach Winifred Falls, you'll need to take the one-kilometre, occasionally steep Winifred Falls Fire Trail, which begins near Audley at Warumbul Road. This more difficult track might sound like a bit of an effort, but it's worth it. Seven metres in height, the falls tumble down a series of steps before hitting a deep, forest-green pool. If you want to continue your adventure, you can take the track the rest of the way (about another three-kilometres in total), continuing on to the South West Arm Pools and Anice Falls. We suggest you travel during the week, when there's every chance you'll have one of the best waterfalls near Sydney all to yourself. [caption id="attachment_703780" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Martyvis via Wikicommons[/caption] Nellies Glen, Budderoo National Park You'll find this misty, magical swimming hole in the Budderoo National Park, near Robertson in the Southern Highlands — about a two-hour drive from Sydney. Home to lush, ferny vegetation, brightly coloured orchids and satin bower birds, Nellies Glen is like a scene from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, a two-hour 'hike' (it's part bush-bash, part rock scramble) will take you to the base of the spectacular 50-metre-high Carrington Falls. Note that this trail is unmarked and therefore unsuitable for inexperienced walkers. For those that do not boast the experience, the other option is to drive to Carrington Falls picnic area. Top image: Macquarie Pass National Park by Destination NSW
One underground restaurant dedicated to steak wasn't quite enough for Bistecca's James Bradey and Warren Burns. The Liquid and Larder directors, and minds behind The Wild Rover and Grandma's Bar, then opened The Gidley — an opulent basement restaurant inspired by old-school New York and London steakhouses. The subterranean setup means there are no windows and no distracting "beautiful harbour views", says Bradey. Lack of distractions is a passion of the restaurateur duo, who banned phones at the table at their original steak spot Bistecca. The same goes here, too. [caption id="attachment_751378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] Instead of Instagram, you'll be soaking up the lusciously designed space, by Darlinghurst studio Tom Mark Henry, which was made to feel like a "rabbit warren" that you could lose yourself in. Split into several rooms, including a lounge, dining area, wine bar and private room, the restaurants seats about 120 all up. Expect lots of velvet (both drapery and furnishings), along with dark timber veneer, herringbone floors and plush leather lounges — aka all those vintage steakhouse feels. Linking the space back to its home shores is the ornate wallpaper, which depicts native Australian flora and fauna. Overseeing the menu, that has its own notable throwbacks, is Bistecca Head Chef Pip Pratt. Taking inspiration from supper clubs and steakhouses, the menu heroes one dish: the Riverine black angus rib eye. Here, it's done three ways: chargrilled on-the-bone, a bourbon-glazed chop (300 grams) and a hard-to-come-by spinalis steak. To finish your steak off, douse it in your choice of roast chicken gravy, homemade barbecue sauce, cafe de Paris butter or garlic butter. While the rib eye is the star of the show, unlike Bistecca, steak isn't the sole dish vying for your attention at The Gidley. Other mains include jerk spiced charcoal squid with squid ink taramasalata, kangaroo loin with saltbush and cafe de paris and lion's mane mushroom with green peppercorn sauce and onion rings. It wouldn't be a traditional steakhouse without a burger, either — this one has a double beef patty with cheddar, pickles and optional bacon and egg. There's also a raw bar serving up the likes of oysters, caviar and prawn cocktails for starters, plus heaps of sides and salads — sizeable orders come in the form of seafood towers and a quarter suckling pig with confit potato, seeded mustard, thyme, iceberg and radicchio salad, homemade barbecue sauce, apple puree and cider jus. Desserts come with a bit of nostalgia, too, with the likes of corn and apple doughnuts, bourbon baba and buttermilk ice cream. Prefer drinking your desserts? There are plenty of sweet cocktails on offer too — take the Grasshopper Pie, made with Bulleit Rye, Archie Rose Double Malt, mint, cacao, Creme de Menthe, caramel and bitters. Since no steak is complete without a good glass of red, there's, thankfully, plenty of that. The extensive wine program is looked after by The Gidley's sommelier Seán McManus, with the 23-page list featuring many well-made drops from many well-known brands, many of which are bio-dynamic and sustainable. Bartender extraordinaire Jonothan Carr (Archie Rose, Kittyhawk, Door Knock, Burrow Bar) is pouring a "straight and stiff" array of batched and bottled cocktails at The Gidley. Expect all of your usual suspects and more creative options, including negronis for two and martinis served on silver trays. Images: Dominic Loneragan Appears in: Where to Find the Best Burgers in Sydney Where to Find the Best Steak in Sydney
Summer is upon us, which means beautifully balmy days that are perfect for a stroll by the sea are right around the corner. But with so much shoreline right on Sydney's doorstep, which coastal walk should you choose? To help you solve this eternal conundrum, we've picked out our favourite trails that are just a stone's throw from the city. These 11 stunning walks have it all: sparkling harbourside views, wild bushland with native flora and fauna, hidden pathways, and heaps of historic sites. And they range from easy one-hour treks to epic multi-day adventures. Grab your sneakers, your mates and your sunnies, and get walking. Recommended reads: The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Ocean Pools in Sydney The Best Walks in and Around Sydney The Best Bike Rides in Sydney BEST HARBOUR VIEWS: BRADLEY'S HEAD TO CHOWDER BAY You'll find some of the best Sydney Harbour vantage points tucked away on this lower-North Shore coastal walking track. This leisurely four-kilometre beachside walk in Sydney begins at Taronga Zoo Wharf and extends to Mosman's charming Chowder Bay. The trail hugs the coast tightly, and its proximity to the harbour allows for unobstructed views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and city skyline. The trek also boasts military relics and an amphitheatre at Bradley's Head. it is easily one of the best coastal walks in Sydney. Once you work up an appetite, have a well-deserved lunch at one of the Bay's many cafes and seafood restaurants — Ripples being a local favourite. [caption id="attachment_754226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BEST MULTI-DAY ADVENTURE: BONDI TO MANLY Launched in late 2019, the 80-kilometre Bondi-to-Manly walk stretches along the east coast and harbour shore, between the two eponymous beaches. The multi-day coastal walk in Sydney meanders past all of the expected highlights — think secluded coves, spectacular views, bushland, clifftops, and landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge — as well as significant Indigenous sites such as Aboriginal engravings at Grotto Point, and the ancestral reburial site and rock art at Reef Beach. Plus, while you're moseying, you can follow your journey on the walk's app which is available to help you plan and track your walk. As the name makes plain, it starts and ends at Bondi and Manly beaches, but there's plenty to see in between. And if you're wondering how long it takes, suggested itineraries split the walk into two, three, four, five and seven-day routes, although you can obviously make the journey along one of the very best coastal walks in Sydney however you see fit. [caption id="attachment_838835" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory, Destination NSW[/caption] THE HIDDEN GEM: WYARGINE RESERVE TRACK Only accessible during low tide, this hidden track runs from Chinamans Beach to Balmoral Beach, and is an unexpected adventure. Start out at the historic Parriwi Lighthouse, then follow the trail along steep steps to sudden views of Middle Harbour. After arriving at Chinamans' tiny and peaceful shore, the (approximately) one-kilometre trek to Balmoral is quick but difficult, as it weaves directly along the rockshelf. Along the Sydney coastal walk, you'll spot gorgeous beachfront properties and impressive yachts aplenty. If you take the walk in the opposite direction, it'll eventually link up with Spit Bridge to the north. [caption id="attachment_838836" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] MOST CHALLENGING TREK: ROYAL NATIONAL PARK COAST TRACK If you're looking for more than a day trip, this 26-kilometre track around the Royal National Park boasts a combination of rugged bushwalks, sandy beaches and sandstone headlands with views across the Tasman Sea. This two-day coastal hike starts at Bundeena and concludes at Otford, with an overnight stay at North Era campground — be sure not to miss sunrise that morning. The campground and some areas of the hike are unfortunately closed at this time, so it's best to check the NSW National Parks website before heading out and just tackling a section of the hike if the whole thing isn't possible. Other highlights include the stunning Wattamolla Beach, the views at Eagle Rock lookout and the crystal-clear waters at Curracurrang Cove. Time your trip right (between May and October) and you might even spot a migrating humpback whale at some point across the 48 hours. [caption id="attachment_653090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BEST COASTAL BUSHWALK: NORTH HEAD While this historic Sydney coastal walk does contain a driving path, the true beauty of this trail is seen through the dirt road bushwalk. Begin your trek at North Head Sanctuary, three kilometres south of Manly Beach. Walk through the former North Head Army Barracks before heading out to the bush, where echidnas and bandicoots lurk in the burnt orange and yellow brush. Then, the wild path opens suddenly to a mix of coastal views, with the best located at the Third Quarantine Cemetery — which looks across to Middle Head and Manly — and the Fairfax Walk, which looks far out over the Tasman Sea. From here, it is easy to end your afternoon at Manly Beach, stopping at the petite Collins and Little Manly Beaches along the way. Some areas of the North Head coast walk are currently closed for upgrades. Check the National Parks website for up-to-date details. [caption id="attachment_781774" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] NOT JUST FOR TOURISTS: MANLY TO SPIT BRIDGE This ten-kilometre coastal walk in Sydney is often recommended to tourists for good reason. Begin at Mosman's Spit Bridge, where you'll follow the Middle and North Harbour shoreline paths along Fisher Bay to Clontarf Beach. From here, you'll enter the Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock, and later hit Grotto Point, where you can view Indigenous rock engravings. Gorgeous views at Arabanoo Lookout and plenty of Sydney beachside walks are also on the docket. Finish off with a dip at Manly Beach before taking that picturesque ferry ride back to Circular Quay. If ten kilometres isn't enough for you, the track continues down to Chowder Bay and can be linked up with the Bradley's Head track too. [caption id="attachment_754225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] BEST PANORAMIC VIEWS: MIDDLE HEAD While the multiple World War II batteries located at Middle Head certainly set this walk apart, it's the expansive views of the eastern suburbs, Middle Harbour and Manly that really make this trek worthwhile. The two-kilometre coastal walking circuit is bordered by North and South Heads and set along sheer cliffs. Climbing through underground tunnels and gun pits on the edge of the coast is a big part of the thrill here. You'll find these ruins throughout the Middle Head Fortification, and the surrounding cliffs give the remnants an eerie and significant impact. After you your walk, you can head to nearby Cobblers Beach to unwind. The track is also being extended to connect with the Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk, so keep a look out for a more expansive version of this coastal trail by the end of the year. [caption id="attachment_781771" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ethan Rohloff via Destination NSW[/caption] BEST HISTORIC SIGHTS: COCKATOO ISLAND A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cockatoo Island has an illustrious history — including housing a prison, a ship-building facility, a reform school and a wartime boat repair port. Haunted history tours are on regularly, as are other events, talks and art exhibitions related to the island's environmental and historical past. It's also been earmarked for a vast transformation that'll see it become a sprawling arts and culture district. Set off the shores of Balmain and Birchgrove, the island boasts 360-degree views of the Parramatta River and is perfect for picnics. We suggest making a weekend of your Cockatoo getaway, with a waterfront campground and heritage holiday houses available for hire. [caption id="attachment_781761" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory via Destination NSW[/caption] BEST FOR PICNICS WITH A VIEW: BALLS HEAD RESERVE Set on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, Balls Head Reserve affords exceptional views of the Harbour Bridge from the north, along with unbeatable picnic views overlooking the CBD. The reserve offers several coastal bushwalking tracks (including one with wheelchair access), and highlights include an Indigenous waterhole and foreshore caves cut by squatters in the 1930s. Once you're done exploring, head to the secluded park where public barbecues are at the ready. When you've finished grilling up your snags, head back over to the rocky area and enjoy your picnic while watching the harbour boats mosey by. End it all by strolling along the beachside walk, digesting all that great barbecue grub. [caption id="attachment_781768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund via Destination NSW[/caption] SYDNEY'S MOST ICONIC TRAIL: BONDI TO COOGEE The Bondi to Coogee walk is easily the most iconic coastal walking trail in Sydney. This six-kilometre trek gives tourists and locals alike a true sense of Sydney's coastal beauty. The hike's steep gradients are well spaced and hit each of the city's most loved beaches along the way — making this trip part-workout, part-beach bum afternoon. Apart from the namesake beaches, the trail also hits Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly. While the walk could be completed in as little as two hours, it is best enjoyed with long breaks by the ocean. Keep an eye out for the announcement of the next instalment of the trail's popular Sculpture by the Sea which finally returned in 2022 after a few years off. THE NEWEST ADDITION: BARANGAROO FORESHORE WALK The final section of the Barangaroo foreshore walk opened in April 2021 completing the 11-kilometre stroll along the harbour. You can now meander from Woolloomooloo to the Anzac Bridge through sections of the foreshore that were previously inaccessible to pedestrians. Along the Sydney coastal walk, you'll be treated to views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Opera House and all the new delights that Barangaroo is offering up. Included in the path is the Wulugul Walk which takes you around Barangaroo Reserve and The Streets of Barangaroo's range of bars and eateries. The Waterman's Cove part of Barangaroo foreshore is also set to welcome a pavilion made from recycled Sydney oyster shells, which is sure to make quite an eye-catching addition to your future strolls, jogs and bike rides. Top image: Destination NSW, James Horran
This June, the award-winning Bangarra Dance Theatre is performing three powerful works in one with Sheltering at the Sydney Opera House. Bangarra Dance Theatre — celebrated for its dynamic First Nations storytelling that blends breathtaking dance, music, and design — is taking over the Joan Sutherland Theatre for a limited two-week season from Wednesday, June 3 to Saturday, June 13. Audiences can expect a triple bill of three powerful contemporary works: Keeping Grounded choreographed by Indjalandji-Dhidhanu and Alyewarre woman Glory Tuohy-Daniell is an exploration of our energetic connection to the earth and ancestral land. Brown Boys is a groundbreaking dance film by Gomeroi and Tongan man, Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper that delves into the experiences of young Indigenous men, exploring identity, belonging, and cultural connection. The program ends with Sheoak, choreographed by Mirning woman and Bangarra's Artistic Director Frances Rings, with haunting music by Munaldjali and Nunukul man and renowned composer David Page. It explores themes of resilience, connection to country, and cultural identity, and draws inspiration from the sheoak tree, a powerful symbol of strength in First Nations culture. In this triple bill, the concept of shelter is reimagined as a sacred, transformative space: a haven of protection, connection, and the sharing of stories across generations. Each work is rooted in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and culture, reminding us of the enduring connections between people, land, and spirit. Experience three poignant performances in one with Sheltering at the Sydney Opera House this June. Image Credit: Supplied
Sydney, like most of Australia, is multicultural by design, and that includes our hospitality scene. One cuisine that you won't find to be up to the same bar as others, though, is Mexican. Truly excellent Mexican restaurants are rare, but one of the few true greats is Marrickville's favourite taqueria — San Pancho. This isn't a cutting-edge reinvention or reinterpretation. San Pacho means to represent Mexico, not reinvent it. Founders Umesh Datwani and Chef Roberto Garcia wanted to capture a simple idea in the restaurant: deliver the taste of real Mexico, one filled with noise, laughter, community and bold, honest flavours. "We're not here to reinvent Mexican food," García reaffirms. "We're here to represent it, to show people the beauty of the original. These are the flavours of our childhood, the dishes from our Abuela's table, and the spirit of the taquerías that bring people together every day." The dishes include plenty of street-style classics — there's al pastor, carne asada, baja fish, birria, and nopales tacos; each of which represents a different regional flavour of Mexico. Everyday classics like ceviche, chilaquiles, enchiladas, papas fritas and tres leches star as well, prepared exactly as they would be back in Mexico. Plus, mezcal lovers will be delighted when diving into the drinks list, with spins on margaritas and a house concoction that sells itself as a "spicy, weird but delicious mix of sauces, lime and beer." It all has a casual, authentic feel. The restaurant's name is taken from a beach town in western Mexico, and from its namesake it borrows a warm, sun-soaked spirit — encouraging diners to abandon fancy plates and to get their hands covered in flavour in a communal setting that feels far more alive than a heavily manicured fine dining restaurant.
The Rover has returned — dropping its "wild" moniker and with it, the jungle wallpaper — emerging as a sophisticated Surry Hills dining and drink destination tucked behind the same green door at the end of Campbell Street. It may have shed its dive bar energy but there are still hints of its Irish-themed past remaining with a plethora of whiskies on the drinks list, freshly shucked oysters, the repurposed train board listing and the Irish coffee on the dessert menu. The wine list — curated by Liquid & Larder head sommelier Kyle Poole — features over 50 interesting drops, highlighting complex but approachable organic and biodynamic wines. Seasonal cocktails join the drinks list curated by 2019 Australian Bartender of the Year Alex Gondzioulis. Plus, the aforementioned plethora of whiskies includes drams from America, Ireland, Scotland, Japan and, of course, Australia. It doesn't stop at the extensive drinks menu. In addition to the freshly shucked oysters, famous lamb sausage roll and fish finger sandwich on the New-England-inspired bar food menu on the ground level, you'll find a refined seafood bistro upstairs — the brainchild of British-born executive chef Pip Pratt. He explains "We wanted to elevate the restaurant experience for our guests with dishes that let seafood shine. This is fresh and fuss-free coastal fare best enjoyed with friends and great drinks in hand." Highlights of the menu include a daily rotation of crustaceans, a whole flathead served with lashings of garlic and clams, Nick's fisherman's pie with smoked trout and potato gratin and eel pate served with horseradish jelly and a glazed crumpet — a modern take on a traditional East London dish dating back to the 18th century when jellied eels were once a primary source for the city's working class. The revamped Rover is part of the Liquid & Larder hospitality group along with Grandma's, Bistecca and The Gidley. Reservations for the seafood bistro are available between 5–9pm, Monday–Saturday, as well as from 12pm for lunch on Saturday. Reservations can be made through the website or phone. Updated May 2, 2023. Images: Dominic Lonergan
When it comes to the development of Sydney's beachside suburbs, Cronulla has admittedly taken a bit of a backseat. But it's slowly making up for lost time. And a driving force behind this are Harry and Mario Kapoulas. The brothers, whose Greek-inspired cafe and deli HAM is somewhat of an institution for Shire residents, are keeping the wheels turning with their newest venture Rushi. The pair joined forces with another longtime Cronulla establishment, Chain Reaction Bicycles, to launch this small eatery inside the store earlier this year. While this type of hybrid may not be an altogether fresh idea for Sydney (see: Rising Sun Workshop, Deus Ex Machina), it is for Cronulla. For the new cafe, the Kapoulas duo brought in friend Lucy Brenton, from Paddington institution Jackie's. And with her, Brenton brought chef Derek McMullan, sous chef Yopi Tjandra and a collective passion for Japanese cuisine. The cafe's Japanese influence starts with the branding — "rushi" is the Japanese translation of "Lucy" and the logo, which kind of looks like a smiling emoji, is one of the Japanese characters from the name. You'll see the 'smile' straight away when you enter the cafe — it's on the floor tiles at the door — and it's a good sign of what to expect service-wise, too. Nestled into the front corner of the bike store, the cafe is compact, with the open kitchen and counter on one-side and a wall of jarred spices on the other. The approach to seating, we think, is to put them wherever there is space — including under the stairs that lead to an office above. The size of the kitchen calls for a succinct menu, but all the major Aussie brunch favourites are present, albeit with a Japanese twist. A standout is the egg yariman roll (we'll let you do that translation yourselves). It's a decadent combo of parmesan scrambled eggs, avocado, bacon and Sriracha mayo served on a soft milk bun. The ricotta hotcakes and Forbidden Rice — warm sticky black coconut rice pudding with seasonal fruit —are good choices for sweet tooths. For lunch, expect a tataki salmon poke-style salad, a yuzu steak sandwich and an almost-permanent special, the Phomen: a pho-ramen hybrid. The coffee is a custom blend from local roasters White Horse Coffee, but, if you're tempted to experiment, the range of 'alternative lattes' is fairly appetising — with raspberry cocoa, charcoal and mint slice options. In this new spot, the Kapoulas duo and Brenton have together created a beachside eatery that stands out from the rest — for more than one reason. And they're about to do it all again — the team is working on a new 'concept chicken shop', named CC Babcoq, which will join Salts Meats Cheese in Cronulla's new development The Banc in November. Stay tuned for details.
A beloved staple of the meeting point between Marrickville, Enmore and St Peters in Sydney's Inner West, West Juliett shut its doors in 2023. Luckily for all of the fans of this corner cafe, the original founders were already cooking up something big, opening Agnes a five-minute drive away. John and Kathryn Stavropoulos swung open the doors to their new cafe on Meeks Road and for the new venture the duo enlisted an all-star crew, with Agnes team members repping experience from Flour and Stone, Black Star Pastry and Cross Eatery. The cafe offers White Horse coffee, plenty of baked treats, and a hefty breakfast and lunch menu which can be taken away, enjoyed inside or paired with some Vitamin D out on the laidback al fresco tables. Pastry chef Etta Napier's focaccia features heavily throughout the menu. For breakfast, you can order it with a simple spread, stacked with avocado and feta, or as the basis for a loaded breakfast sandwich. Come 11am, there are five sandwiches on offer including a sensational charred miso eggplant with crunchy slaw and pickled red onion, or a classic crumbed chicken sambo partnered with nori and fermented chilli mayo. And it's only right to treat yourself to a little something sweet. Expect blueberry, lime and cheesecake tarts, plus West Juliett's famous pink salt chocolate-chip cookies that have made a comeback (or protests may have been arranged). The Agnes team is also committed to keeping things local and in-house, with the honey, jams, pickles and milkshake syrups all made right there at the cafe, or at John and Kathryn's apiary. Even the bacon is smoked locally.
News just in that old-favourite smoothie bar, Boost Juice, will partner with Australian specialty coffee brand ST. ALi, to bring you an amped-up range of caffeinated bevs to make your mornings better. Available nationally from now until May 31st, the collaboration will bring together Boost's signature ingredient-led drinks and ST. ALi's premium cold brew, creating a menu of inventive iced coffees and coffee smoothies. "Partnering with ST ALi Coffee lets us bring the best of Melbourne's craft coffee culture together with Boost's signature DNA — real fruit, real ingredients, made fresh. Together we're delivering a new standard of high-quality iced coffee and smoothies, combining bold flavour with feel-good energy for customers right around the country," says Sarah-Jane Finlayson, Head of Marketing at Boost Juice. The partnership was designed with a younger generation of coffee consumers in mind. With Gen Z and Millennials favouring cold, more refreshing drinks, the menu is built around ST. ALi's Wide Awake Cold Brew Concentrate to feel balanced and light. "Cold coffee has shifted from being an alternative to becoming a format in its own right. People want something that's refreshing, easy to customise and consistent every time. Our concentrate range is designed for exactly that. It gives you a clean, high-quality base that can flex across different drinks, whether that's a simple iced coffee or something more layered, like what we've created with Boost," says ST. ALi CEO, Lachlan Ward. The new menu items available at all Boost Juice Stores include a Strawberry Iced Coffee, a Maple Pink Salt iced Coffee, a Salted Honey Coffee Smoothie and a Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie with banana, dates, whey protein, milk, vanilla yoghurt sorbet and ice. "Every drink in this range was built around flavour, with an energising function in mind. We've used real ingredients like fruit, honey and maple syrup to create cold coffee drinks that feel genuinely refreshing and enjoyable," says Zoe Nunez, Head of Beverage Innovation at Boost Juice. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
While everyone's been wining and dining in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Newtown, Crows Nest has been sitting on one of Sydney's best-kept foodie secrets. Hailing itself as "the best dining experience north of the bridge" (big call), Annata brings inventive Italian dishes from an exciting young chef and an unbridled love of wine to its humble neighbourhood surrounds. Unlike many of the other long, narrow spaces on Willoughby Road, this one doesn't sell hand soaps or cardigans. Instead, you'll find a hatted brick-walled wine cave serving seasonal produce-driven food with a perfectly paired drop patiently waiting. Owner John Bligh brought his passion for hospitality to the restaurant when he took over operations during the pandemic, pushing the menu to more intriguing places with the help of the new Head Chef Jordan Garcia. Garcia's menu changes every six weeks, ensuring it's built around fresh seasonal produce, delivered daily. Italian sensibilities run through the dishes, but the Anatta team isn't afraid to stray from the classics. While each time you visit, you'll be presented with a fresh selection of eats, you'll be treated with a mix of the expected — like marinated olives, Bass Strait beef tartare or ricotta and chilli fregola — and the unique — like toast soldiers with smoked eel, coffee-cured ocean trout or Japanese cheesecake. The simplest way to approach the menu is to opt for the five-course sampler which guides you through that six-week period top picks for $95, or $185 with wine pairings. If you can afford it, the wine pairings are a must — this is a haven for one of the most impressive collections of bottles on this side of the bridge. Whether you decide to indulge in the pairing experience or just after a solitary glass, Restaurant Manager and Sommelier Cisco Ramirez and the Annata staff can guide you through the possibly intimidating 250+ wine list personally curated by Ramirez. Bligh's ownership has also brought with it a push for Annata to be a neighbourhood mingling spot, introducing events like the Wine Lover's Club tasting afternoons, regular wine-driven degustations highlight drops from specific regions, and Chef's Tuesday Tasting, at which you can be the first to sample the latest dishes Ramirez has been whipping up. Adding further to the community feel is the ongoing art auction running on the walls of Annata. Bligh and the team invite local artists to exhibit their works in the restaurant with price tags, so if you see a piece you like as you're enjoying your duck breast, you can take it home with you.
You could've been forgiven for thinking that Bentley's former Crown Street shopfront was a corner pub. Of course, once you walked inside the darkly lit, restaurant-bar with designer Pascale Gomes-McNabb's famous wire mesh petal light shades, it was evident you were in one of Sydney's best fine diners. At their new digs in the heritage-listed Radisson Blu Hotel building with its grand entrance off O'Connell Street, there's certainly no mistaking Bentley for your local. Gomes-McNabb has been at it again, painting over a perfectly good ceiling rose with black and grey triangles straight out of a marvel comic strip. She's flung a bunch of black metal scaffolding through the space and has lit it with an assortment of diamond frosted shades, as well as a large revolving cube light installation at the entrance. In fact, walking into Bentley feels like you're stepping into a cubist painting to find, serendipitously, that freeze-dried foie gras with scallops is the order of the day. It's not a bad way to finish off the working day, which is what hordes of punters, solo and in groups, are already doing on a Monday night. So Brent Savage's food can be fussy, and who needs to freeze-dry foie gras anyway? Well, someone who wants to pair it with an otherwise texturally unsuitable Queensland scallop ($14). Foie gras crystals, brioche crumb and raspberry powder comprise the necessary contrast to make the scallop shine. A bowl of cold pea soup with frozen buttermilk and hidden spanner crab ($24) is oddly out of step with the rest of the excellent tasting menu. Quail with smoked celery and white soy ($28) is a neat little number and the pork cheek with jamon crumb that follows has a classic sweet match not in fruit but with charred leeks and crispy radicchio. A main of kangaroo ($42) with purple carrot has a kind of Australian Christmas feel to it, with a riberry jus that's all cloves and booze. The star accompaniment of the meal is Iggy's bread, the kind of sourdough that will make your teeth happy, with its chewy crust and tangy, savoury wholesomeness. There's been a delicious efficiency gain in the pastry section, with the replacement of finicky petit fours with one large honeycomb crunch landing on the table at meal's end. I don't speak French but if this is 'petit' I'll eat my mini oven. The service at Bentley 2.0 is decidedly friendlier than the Crown Street haunt, which had a bit of a Nick Cave Appreciation Society vibe. With Yellow and Monopole well and truly established as late-night Potts Point favourites, the addition of Bentley in the city means the Savage-Hildebrandt combo have this city covered for smart, grown-up dining. Photo gallery by Lindsay Smith.
Although it sits outside the CBD, Newtown has everything you could want from a city centre. The inner west suburb — and its bustling bloodline, King Street — is packed with thrift shops, live music venues, pubs, vegan spots, nurseries, rooftop bars and even a cinema. No matter what you enjoy doing in your spare time, Newtown can deliver it — wander through one of the many vintage clothing stores and catch a limited release film at the Dendy, then, when night falls, grab a bottle of pét-nat to take home or join locals and uni students at the pub for a happy hour pint. If there's one thing Newtown has too much of, it's choice. So we've joined forces with American Express to create a guide to the must-visits — the stores that locals love. These eight shops sell everything from vintage Levis to indoor plants, and you can shop small up and down King Street with your Amex Card.
Along the 1200 kilometres of coastal glory that stretches between Perth and Exmouth, you can dive with whale sharks, meet some of the friendliest dolphins you'll find anywhere, visit the oldest living fossils in the world, get to know sea lions, lose yourself snorkelling in beachside coral gardens and drink as many cocktails at sunset as you can handle. With all the spectacular views, but much less of the population of Australia's east coast, the Coral Coast provides one wild, beautiful road trip. Here's our guide to making the most of seven days behind the wheel. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are limitations on where you can go on a holiday. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_773124" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] DAY ONE: PERTH TO GERALDTON, 420KM From Perth, follow Indian Ocean Drive north. Two hours brings you to the white-sanded fishing village of Cervantes. From here, you can stroll among meadows crowded with wildflowers, nip out to local islands to laze about with sea lions and marvel at The Pinnacles — 30,000-year-old limestone formations within the desertscapes of the Nambung National Park. For the next 200 kilometres, the road hugs the coast, slipping through a collective of laidback beachside towns. Once you hit Geraldton, you'll be ready for a windsurfing lesson among ideal conditions and an over-water sunset, accompanied by a good dose of western rock lobster. It's arguably the freshest, tastiest seafood in Australia. [caption id="attachment_773133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australia's Coral Coast[/caption] DAY TWO: GERALDTON TO CARNARVON, 480KM By the time you reach your next destination, Carnarvon, you're in tropical WA. On the fertile plains of the Gascoyne River, more than 170 plantations produce over 4000 tonnes of bananas and 1300 tonnes of mangos annually, plus tomatoes, grapes, capsicum and more. That's why Carnarvon is known locally as the 'salad bowl of Western Australia'. Wander through lush farms before heading to a local restaurant to indulge in the seafood of your choice: prawns, scallops, crabs and fish are delivered to your plate direct from the sea. Your evening should also include a sunset stroll along the fascine. If you're there on a Saturday morning between May and October, visit the Growers Market, where farmers and producers pour in from all over the region to peddle their wares. [caption id="attachment_773142" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY THREE: CARNARVON TO EXMOUTH, 370KM Make your first stop the Quobba Blowholes, just 75 kilometres north. Slamming against the coast with a mighty force, the swell is pushed through narrow rock openings and sea caves, creating spectacular water jets that spout as high as 20 metres. To decompress afterwards, pop just one kilometre south, where you'll discover a calm coral lagoon, known as The Aquarium, for swimming. Once you reach Exmouth, you're on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef. Kick back on idyllic beaches, jump aboard a glass bottom boat tour, join a snorkelling expedition or, if you're there between March and July, go diving with whale sharks. This would be a good point to treat yourself to a night of comfort at the Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort or go all out with a night at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Safari Camp. [caption id="attachment_773135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY FOUR: EXMOUTH TO CORAL BAY, 150KM Your return journey south starts with a short day on the road. There's so much to do along this section, it's best to keep driving time to a minimum. What makes the tiny town of Coral Bay so special is that an extraordinarily beautiful section of the Ningaloo Reef is accessible just a few metres offshore. Make tracks to Five Fingers Reef, then simply pop on your snorkelling gear and dive in. To step the action up a notch, take a 20-minute walk from Main Beach to the shallow waters of the local reef shark nursery, where hundreds of sharks gather between October and March. [caption id="attachment_773146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY FIVE: CORAL BAY TO SHARK BAY, 580KM Follow the Northwest Coastal Highway as far as the turn-off to the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive. Your first adventure along here — the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool — transports you 3.5 billion years back in time. You're looking at the oldest type of living fossils to be found anywhere on the planet. Also definitely worth a stop are the 70-kilometre-long Shell Beach and the dazzling views from Eagle Bluff. Come evening, Monkey Mia has a friendly school of bottlenose dolphins waiting to make your acquaintance, and there are ample opportunities for waterfront cocktails. [caption id="attachment_773139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nature's Window, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY SIX: SHARK BAY TO KALBARRI, 390KM At Kalbarri, the Murchison River runs into the Indian Ocean. Hop aboard a river cruise and go kayaking or canyoning among the steep gorges of the National Park. Hikers will enjoy the eight-kilometre Loop Track, which begins and ends at Nature's Window. Short on time? Visit the two new skywalks, which project 17 metres and 25 metres over the rim and 100 metres above the gorge. Alternatively, stay coastal with your own beach house at Kalbarri Seafront Villas and enjoy stunning walking trails, the legendary Jacques Point surf break and, between June and November, humpback whale spotting. Finish up your day at an outdoor cinema and start the next one with pelican feeding. [caption id="attachment_773950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oakabella Homestead, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY SEVEN: KALBARRI TO PERTH, 570KM Your seventh and final day brings you an inland experience in the form of the National Trust town of Northampton. Reach it via the coast, taking in the magnificent ocean views south of Kalbarri, or cut straight east through the Kalbarri National Park, keeping a lookout for thorny devils as you go. At Northampton, you can check out a bunch of renowned Western Australian attractions, including the state's oldest public railway and Oakabella Homestead and Tea Rooms. Afterwards, return to the coast and take your pick of sleepy villages for exploration, including the twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison, and the tranquil harbour of Jurien Bay. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Tourism Western Australia.
With so many incredible stays opening every year, it takes a surprising amount of work to stay on top of the very best new hotels. Having just published its 20th edition, Travel + Leisure's 'It List' is a helpful starting point, with 100 outstanding properties from around the globe making the final cut, giving you a head start on planning your next luxe getaway. But don't think you have to jet-set overseas to experience the world's best accommodation. In 2026, four Australian stays placed on the list, spanning creative inner-city hotels to far-flung island escapes. If the latter sounds more appealing, The Sundays demands your attention, offering a truly luxe retreat on Hamilton Island amid the Great Barrier Reef. Think sunrise yoga and award-winning dining — guided by Josh and Julie Niland, no less — overlooking the Coral Sea. [caption id="attachment_1095744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sundays, Hamilton Island. Credit: Supplied.[/caption] Yet this headline-grabbing destination wasn't the only new stay to land itself a sought-after recommendation. Back amongst the inner-city action, 1 Hotel Melbourne is housed inside (and on top of) the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5, the last of the unrenovated 1800s goods sheds that once made up Melbourne's busiest port. Nature-led in design, this waterfront property is also home to From Here by Mike — chef Mike McEnearney's produce-driven, low-waste fine diner. In Sydney, staying in town has likely never been so good, with 25 Hours The Olympia making Travel + Leisure's list. Years in the making, the wait was worth it when the doors finally opened, with the Paddington hotel's eclectic design paying tribute to the halcyon days of cinema, inspired by the grand theatres that once stood on the same site. Meanwhile, four standout food and drink venues, organised by culinary director Mitch Orr, help shape an unforgettable visit. [caption id="attachment_1013302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1 Hotels Melbourne, Docklands. Credit: Mikkel Vang.[/caption] Edging back towards the tropics, Mondrian Gold Coast marked the global chain's first Australian property, finding a sun-drenched home in Burleigh Heads. Featuring 208 rooms, suites, beach houses and residences, this sprawling hotel invites guests to relish the idyllic scenery, then head to its assortment of food and beverage venues, spanning the Italian summer vibes of LiTO, the elevated coastal cuisine of Haven and the cocktail-forward Haven Pool Club. Across the ditch, two of New Zealand's recent hotel launches also received special nods. While Taupo's Huka Lodge opened in 1924, an expansive $22-million renovation has taken the property to a whole new level of luxury. Then, in Queenstown, Roki Collection offers an opulent stay perched on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, featuring 15 suites that provide sweeping glacier and alpine views — with the price to match. [caption id="attachment_1069491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 25hours Hotel The Olympia. Credit: Justin Nicholas.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1063390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mondrian Gold Coast. Credit: Mietta Eve.[/caption] For more information, head to the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Top image: The Sundays, Hamilton Island.
Organic and sustainable ingredients are carefully curated to create a Scandinavian-inspired menu at Funkis Köket, which mirrors the calming rustic yet minimalist aesthetic of this Paddington haunt. Straddling the line between cafe and garden, this eatery offers a wide range of tasty, nutritious items. Grab Skagen-inspired salmon consisting of creme fraiche, smoked salmon, dill, and mayo — all whipped together — alongside lemon-soaked zucchini slices and freshly toasted sourdough bread. We also love to add a cheeky poached egg to this affair to make that extra bit brunchy. Seasonal granola, avocado on toast and simple eggs on toast are also featured on the short but sweet breakfast menu at Funkis. And if you're in a rush, look no further than its freshly baked cardamom buns. They're some of the best in Sydney. Love all the plates and bowls your breakfast is served in, too? Check out its adjoining homewares store to take some home with you. Here, you'll also find women's clothing, handmade kitchen utensils, and plenty of textiles, accessories and books. It's all very well curated and worth a browse after hitting up the Funkis cafe — or while you wait for your coffee. Images: Cassandra Hannagan Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
If the idea of health-conscious eating conjures up images of boiled vegetables, soggy tofu or a cut-everything-that-actually-tastes-good-out diet, you're doing it all wrong. In a city like Sydney, where a slew of restaurants are dishing up wholesome food in innovative, delicious ways, healthy eating is honestly as easy as (gluten-free) pie. That's good news for those among us who want to treat our bodies right without having to go through the hell of detoxes or cleanses. Yes, our bodies are our temples, but that doesn't have to mean days of exclusively ingesting kale smoothies. To help get you started, we've teamed up with American Express to pick out the best spots to go when you want a healthy feed with zero compromises on flavour. Whether you're looking for a new vegan spot or a place more suited to the healthy carnivore, we've got the place for you. From premier farm-to-table eating to some of Sydney's best sushi, these eateries make grabbing a healthy meal a total breeze. Grab your Amex and kiss that cleanse goodbye. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
King Island can feel, at first, like a place slightly out of step with the rest of Australia. Not in a quaint or nostalgic way, but in the sense that many of the habits metropolitan life takes for granted — endless choice, constant access, imported convenience — simply never became the island's organising principles. Freight is expensive, margins are slim and distance has a way of clarifying what is worth the effort. As a result, much of what you eat and drink here is grown, made or caught close by, and much of the best of it stays close to home. That logic runs through almost every part of a stay on King Island. Sustainable practices do not announce themselves with much fanfare, because they were never designed as branding exercises. They emerged because waste is expensive, because byproducts need a second life, because making do has always required a degree of imagination. Spend a little time here and you begin to sense a version of localism that feels older and less performative than the one sold back to us elsewhere — a place where resourcefulness still reads as ... common sense. [caption id="attachment_1094320" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Melbourne Bay, King Island — Andrew Wilson[/caption] The landscape deepens that feeling. King Island has a kind of elemental intensity that seems to pull everything back to first principles: wind, salt, rain, pasture, rock, sea. The colours and textures can feel almost pre-human in their arrangement, as though the island has been only lightly negotiated with rather than fully tamed. There are pillow-soft moss beds, natural springs and enormous swells that hit the shoreline with such force they seem to erase any illusion of control. Even the gentler-looking parts of the island carry some trace of that exposure. Which is why a weekend here works best when it is not over-programmed. King Island rewards people willing to plan enough that the practicalities fall away, then leave space for weather, appetite and mood to take over. This is a place for reading by a picture window while the ocean lashes itself into a frenzy outside; for structuring a day around cheese, beef or crayfish because that happens to be what the island does especially well; for walking into the wind until you understand, physically, what sort of coastline you are dealing with. A trip here is rarely about ticking things off. It is about bearing witness. [caption id="attachment_1094324" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kittawa Lodge — Emilie Ristevski[/caption] STAY Kittawa Lodge If there is one stay that best distils King Island's particular mix of wildness and care, it is Kittawa Lodge. Set on a remote stretch of coastline in Pearshape, the off-grid retreat sits lightly within old sand dunes and open ocean country, giving you the sense of being deeply embedded in the landscape without ever having to rough it. The architecture keeps the outdoors visually close at all times — glass, timber, sky, weather — so that even from inside, you remain in active conversation with the island. What Kittawa understands especially well is that luxury on King Island works best when it feels inseparable from place. The hospitality is thoughtful without becoming fussy, the provisions and pantry draw heavily on island and Tasmanian produce, and the whole experience has been designed around privacy, immersion and a certain kind of delicious withdrawal. You can venture out, of course, and should. But there is something deeply persuasive about returning to a lodge where the bath faces big weather, the hot tub sits ready for an evening soak, and a quiet hour with a book can feel as transportive as anything you might have driven to. Perfect for: travellers who want their stay to feel deeply tied to the landscape around them. [caption id="attachment_1094985" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Island Distillery — Jasper Da Seymour[/caption] EAT Dining on King Island asks for a little more forethought than most Australian holidays, but that extra effort is precisely what makes it memorable. This is an island where convenience has never really been king, and the food culture reflects that. You need to decide what sort of trip you want to have. Do you want to nest, cook and stay close to your accommodation? Or do you want someone else to take the lead while you simply turn up hungry? Either way, the reward is the same: produce of startling quality, handled with a kind of proximity that makes the whole experience feel more direct. If you are staying at Kittawa, self-contained dining feels less like a compromise than part of the pleasure. The provisions are generous, the kitchens are beautiful to use and the lodge's own approach to catering leans into the island's strengths, which means your meals are likely to be built around exactly what you came here for in the first place. In Currie, you can also assemble your own version of the island pantry, whether that means a stop at the gourmet suppliers, a supermarket run for a quiet night in, or a slower browse for ingredients that will make staying close feel better than going out. [caption id="attachment_1094326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Boathouse, The Restaurant With No Food — Jasper Da Seymour[/caption] Then there is The Boathouse, the island's much-loved "restaurant with no food", which may be the most King Island dining experience imaginable. There is no menu, no front-of-house choreography, just a beautiful old harbour-side building and the understanding that you will bring what you need. For something like this, Salt & Thyme makes perfect sense, catering beautifully whether you want to eat there or take something home to heat up later. The food story on King Island often works like that: part planning, part trust, part allowing the island's scale to shape your appetite. In terms of what to build your meals around, the answer is fairly obvious. Crayfish and beef are central to the island's food identity, and both are best treated as anchors rather than occasional indulgences. The famous crayfish pie from the bakery in Currie has become a rite of passage for good reason, and one of the quickest ways to understand the island's relationship to produce: modest in presentation, very serious in flavour. King Island Dairy belongs in the same category. The island's sea spray and salty pastures have a hand in the flavour profile of its milk, which reaches its highest expression in cheese. Structuring your meals around these things — cheese, beef, crayfish — is less a gimmick than a sensible response to place. DO On King Island, the most memorable things to do are really just different ways of understanding the landscape. You can taste it, you can move through it, or you can sit still long enough to let it reveal itself. However active you plan to be, the island keeps insisting on the same lesson: nature still holds the upper hand here. [caption id="attachment_1094984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Island Dairy — Stu Gibson[/caption] Taste A stop at King Island Dairy is, of course, about cheese, but also about climate, pasture and the slow accumulation of local skill. The island's sea spray and salty grass are part of the flavour story, and tasting the cheeses on-site gives you a more immediate sense of how thoroughly place works its way into the finished product. The Dairy is one of those rare food experiences that feels both iconic and genuinely informative, a chance to understand the island through something rich, familiar and quietly precise. The same goes for a visit to the Brewhouse or a tour through Raff Family Farm. At the Brewhouse, the setting among grazing country keeps the island's agricultural life close at hand even while you are holding a beer. At Raff, the story of pasture-fed Angus starts with the conditions that allow grass to grow year-round — mild temperatures, steady rainfall and the maritime influence that shapes almost everything else here — long before it reaches the plate. These are all, in their own way, lessons in terroir. [caption id="attachment_1094328" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seal Rock — Jasper Da Seymour[/caption] Go The island's maritime history is one of the clearest expressions of its power. Bass Strait offered ships a useful shortcut, but the price was often catastrophic. Reefs, poor charts, violent weather and a coastline lined with jagged rock made these waters notoriously unforgiving, and King Island, sitting at the western entrance, bore the consequences again and again. The Cataraqui wreck of 1845 remains Australia's deadliest civilian maritime disaster, with hundreds of lives lost within sight of shore, and once you stand out there yourself — in the full force of the wind, looking at the same broken water — the story takes on a physical clarity that no museum panel could replicate. That is what makes the island's maritime trail, memorial cairns and museum in Currie so affecting. They deepen your understanding, certainly, but the coastline does the real interpretive work. Beauty and danger are so tightly bound together here that one seems to sharpen the other. Follow the stories of the Neva, the Netherby and the Cataraqui, and a pattern emerges: this is a place where the sea is not so much something to swim in, but something powerful to behold. [caption id="attachment_1094329" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ocean Dunes Golf Course — Dearna Bond[/caption] The same is true when you set out on foot. Walking on King Island feels right because the terrain remains so under-smoothed. There are tracks and boardwalks, certainly, but the island never feels overly interpreted or overly managed for the visitor. The Calcified Forest has that strange, time-warped quality that makes it feel half geological site, half fever dream, while the cliffs and sea spray around Seal Rocks make it clear that this landscape is best encountered with your body, not just your camera. Even easier walks around Currie carry something of the island's force, whether that is kelp-strewn shoreline, shifting light or the steady reminder that the weather is never simply scenery here; it is an active participant. Golf belongs in that same conversation. Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes may be the famous names, drawing pilgrims for rankings and bragging rights, but what makes golf on King Island memorable goes well beyond the scorecard. The courses are so exposed to the elements, and so thoroughly shaped by the coastline, that the game begins to feel like a negotiation with wind, cliff edge and open sea. The island has a way of making golf look less manicured and more elemental, as though even here, at its most polished, the landscape has reserved the final say. [caption id="attachment_1095037" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kittawa Lodge — Emilie Ristevski[/caption] Witness King Island does not demand constant activity. In fact, part of understanding it means knowing when to stop seeking out the next thing and simply stay put. Kittawa is especially good for this, because the architecture has been designed to keep the outdoors visually close even while you remain protected from it. The baths face enormous skies and ocean through picture windows; the hot tub sits outside with the weather still palpably present; the property's placement among old dunes and private coastline means that reading a book indoors can feel strangely eventful when the sea is throwing itself around just beyond the glass. It may not look like an activity in the traditional sense, but on King Island, bearing witness is part of the itinerary. The wind rises, the light shifts, the ocean crashes imposingly against the shore — the whole island keeps reminding you that it has always answered first to the elements, and to us second. Concrete Playground stayed as a guest of Tourism Tasmania. Images: Tourism Tasmania Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.
If you're after authentic dumplings, you go to Haymarket. And similarly, if you want real, bona fide Vietnamese food, you head to Cabramatta. The suburb has the largest concentration of Vietnamese in the state, and thus also has some of the best Vietnamese food in the state, making a trip to Cabra well worth it. The footpaths on John Street are lined with shops hawking fundamental ingredients for the cuisine, alongside a slew of restaurants that specialise in a particular dish, or simply Vietnamese cuisine as a whole. No need to hunt down reviews, just head down, pick a spot and hope for the best. It usually works out. Image: @tom_cyh / Instagram.
Sex: we all know what it is. If you don't, stop right here because this isn't the article for you. Sex on-screen has become commonplace. TV and films frequently include spicy scenes for many different reasons, but as perceptions about sexuality rapidly evolve off-screen, the on-screen representations have to keep up. In 2023, the wide and wonderful world of romance and sex is bigger and more inclusive than ever. A TV series that has embraced that fact is Erotic Stories, a brand-new drama anthology from SBS On Demand, it's the latest addition to a fantastic range of drama programs available on the platform, all of which are completely free. Across eight episodes, Erotic Stories tells stories of love and intimacy in modern Australia with on-screen protagonists that aren't always written as sexual leads. We've watched it, and we're here to rank all eight episodes from least to most spicy. First, a quick disclaimer: this article contains mild spoilers, but it isn't a review of Erotic Stories. This is a ranking of how 'spicy' we believe the episodes to be. Spiciness and sexuality are subjective to every individual, so we strongly encourage watching the series and deciding for yourself. VANILLA: EPISODE 6 — 'IMPERFECT PAW PAW' What happens? 'Imperfect Paw Paw' star Zahra Newman (Thirteen Lives) as Leila, a woman from Sydney who works in marketing for a vitamins company; she's overworked and dealing with significant stress in her personal life. When she heads to the Gold Coast on a work trip, she has a chance encounter with a group of locals, including an attractive surfer who encourages her to abandon her commitments to join them on a free-spirited night out. Watch this episode if you like: stories about seizing the moment and embracing spontaneity. Why the rating? Spice in this episode is minimal. The majority of spice is built up through sexual tension over the course of the night out. When the spice kicks in, it's short but hot. SEASONED: EPISODE 1 — 'PHILIA' What happens? 'Philia' stars Catherine McClements (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) as Sam, a single mother of a teenage girl who works in digital publishing. With her job on the line against a fellow writer, she is assigned an advertorial story — a review of a new smart sex toy for couples. With no partner to help her review the male side of the remotely operated machines, she turns to George, a longtime family friend, for help. One problem: he's a married father of two. Watch this episode if you like: a side of comedy with your spice. Why the rating? Spice is definitely present in 'Philia', offering an insight into modern sex tech, but it isn't overtly explicit and isn't the key focus of the episode. BIT OF A KICK: EPISODE 5 — 'WALKING GAMBIT' What happens? 'Walking Gambit' stars Yuchen Wang (Safe Home) as Patrick, a man out for an after-dark walk with his beloved staffy Gambit. He arrives at a secluded bushland park where men gather at night, in secret, to hook up. After enjoying the company of another attendee of the park, Patrick returns to Gambit to find him missing without a trace. With the help of his new companion, Patrick searches for his dog while dealing with a previously hidden grief. Watch this episode if you like: stories about the complexities of grief and the unconditional love of dogs. Why the rating? 'Walking Gambit' gets spicy early on and, while short, it's more explicit than our previously ranked episodes. The rest of the episode is spice-free. SPICY: EPISODE 4 — 'POWERFUL OWL' What happens? 'Powerful Owl' stars Rarriwuy Hick (Wentworth Prison) as Kiarra and Googoorewon Knox (Black Snow) as Drew, a First Nations couple living in Sydney. Kiarra has a challenging but successful legal career, while George travels around Australia on contract work. After remarking their connection to the lifetime bond of the native Aussie powerful owl, Kiarra and George find their relationship on the rocks when faced with the complications and temptations of long-distance intimacy. Watch this episode if you like: stories about true love. Why the rating? 'Powerful Owl' keeps the spiciness consistent throughout the episode, but at different levels of explicitness over the course of the story. SMOKING: EPISODE 2 — 'THE DELUGE' What happens? 'The Deluge' stars Kate Box (Rake) as Cara, who shares most of her life with her best friend Ginger (Danielle Cormack, Wentworth Prison). Together, they practice shibari, a Japanese style of bondage, for Ginger's photography career, while Ginger encourages Cara to break her sexual drought. Once Cara turns to dating apps to find a new partner, she has a passionate encounter with a younger woman, but that passion quickly leads to unexpected ramifications for everyone involved. Watch this episode if you like: stories about meaningful connections. Why the rating? 'The Deluge' is spicy throughout, with some very intimate and descriptive scenes spread throughout the episode. Ultimately, though, that's not the main focus of the episode. RED HOT: EPISODE 8 — 'MASC UP' What happens? 'Masc Up' stars Bernie Van Tiel (Jade of Death) as non-binary lesbian Cal and their new partner Mish as the two join Cal's friends on an annual New Year's holiday to a luxurious homestay. All the members of the group are extremely close, challenging Mish to find her place among them. Cal faces a challenge of their own when the talent they pride themselves on, making partners climax, is much harder than usual with Mish — testing their relationship and forcing Cal to face long-buried insecurities. Watch this episode if you like: stories about overcoming self doubt. Why the rating? With 'Masc Up', Erotic Stories enters its top three spiciest episodes. This episode is very spicy, thanks to explicit scenes and dialogue throughout. BURNING: EPISODE 3 — 'BOUND' What happens? 'Bound' stars Joel Lago as CJ, a gay man living with disability that impedes his mobility and who has a preference for less-than-ergonomic positions during sex. While travelling from a doctor's appointment, CJ is sexually propositioned by an older man, who invites him to an exclusive and spicy nightclub. What happens that night challenges CJ to confront the intersections of disability, sex and self-respect. Watch this episode if you like: stories about knowing your own worth. Why the rating? The spicy elements of 'Bound' revolve around sexual kinks, consent and objectification, and feature lots of bondage. DEADLY: EPISODE 7 — 'COME AS YOU ARE' What happens? 'Come As You Are' stars Frances Ann O'Conner (The End) as Annabel, a woman who holds a senior role in a corporate office. She lives a life of routine and deals with trauma from a past relationship, but all that changes after a chance encounter with an intern named Florian. His confidence and free-spirited nature opens up a new world of sexuality for Annabel, but forces her to decide where she draws the line and how she can maintain control of her own desires. Watch this episode if you like: stories about sexual exploration and self-confidence. Why the rating? 'Come As You Are' is the spiciest episode of Erotic Stories since the spiciness involves both sexual tension and outright steamy scenes throughout the episode. All eight episodes of 'Erotic Stories' are streaming now for free alongside other great drama series on SBS On Demand. Images: SBS On Demand.
There's a new Italian spot right on the waterfront in Brighton-Le-Sands, fitting into the niche of those slow, drawn-out meals that start in the afternoon and somehow turn into dinner. Benetti's has opened inside The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection on The Grand Parade. The kitchen is led by Puglia-born chef Mariocristian Carella, and the menu sticks to Southern Italian staples. There's house-made pasta, woodfired pizza and a solid run of seafood. Pasta is made fresh each day using a La Monferrina machine and flour from Molino Casillo, while pizzas come out of a Marana Forni oven. Peruse the menu, and you'll find chitarra allo scoglio with mussels, clams, prawns and calamari, plus spaghetti with king prawns, garlic, chilli and pangrattato. There's also a simple fusilli with baked tomato, basil and ricotta salata. On the pizza side, it's a mix of classics like margherita and capricciosa, plus a house number topped with nduja, hot honey and gorgonzola. The rest of the menu leans coastal. Think kingfish crudo with pomelo, burrata with tomatoes, veal Milanese, snapper acqua pazza and a seafood stew. For dessert, tiramisu is finished at the table, and there's a Nutella pizza with banana, ricotta and hazelnut praline. The kitchen runs from noon to midnight every day, with a format built around sharing, meaning you can order a few things, pass them around, sip, rinse and repeat. Or if you're just coming off the beach, there's a takeaway window facing the promenade for a quick slice or something easy to carry. Drinks sit in the aperitivo camp. The menu covers spritzes, a negroni made to share, and a few lighter cocktails designed for long afternoons. The space, designed by Paul Papadopoulos (Alpha, Nour, Bel & Brio), keeps things in that coastal Italian palette with soft peach, textures of brushed whitewash and marble, flexibly shifting into a lower-lit setup as the night goes on. Benetti's joins the growing lineup at The Brighton, alongside Ammos Brighton by Peter Conistis, Coco's on the Beach, Sands Bar and Anita Gelato. More venues are on the way, including a Japanese restaurant, a pan-Asian spot, a steakhouse and a patisserie, all due to open by the end of 2026. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
One of the best ways to disconnect from the city and connect with nature is a leisurely soak in one of the best hot springs in New South Wales. Scattered across the state, most of these natural pools are sourced from the Great Artesian Basin — a massive underground supply of freshwater — and are renowned for their many health benefits, like melting away that muscle tension. Found tucked into the Blue Mountains or out in the vast expanse of central NSW, these hidden gems provide an opportunity for ultimate rest and relaxation. So grab your swimmers and get your body into one of the best natural hot springs near Sydney. Recommended reads: The Best Spas in Sydney The Best Ocean Pools in Sydney The Best Glamping Spots Near Sydney The Seven Best Out-of-Town Ocean Pools Near Sydney YARRANGOBILLY CAVES THERMAL POOL It's not hard to see why this thermal pool in the Kosciuszko National Park is a local favourite. Quiet and secluded, with heaps to explore in the surroundings, it's the perfect destination for an early autumn adventure or a crisp winter's day. Filled with water from a NSW natural hot spring, the 20-metre pool remains at a perfect 27 degrees all year round. Get there via a short (but steep) 700-metre walk from the nearby car park, or wind your way along the three-kilometre River Walk. If the temps aren't too frosty, have a post-swim feed in the adjacent picnic area before exploring the surrounding caves. Where: Snowy Mountains Highway, Kosciuszko National Park, Tumut. LIGHTNING RIDGE HOT BORE BATHS Located just outside the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, these delightful baths are surrounded by remote bushland and are gloriously removed from all signs of civilisation — plus they're open 24 hours a day. You can soak in the hot waters of this NSW hot pool at sunrise, sunset, or any other time your little heart desires throughout winter. Night swims are particularly recommended as you can float in the 40-degree water while taking in the stunning expanse of the starry sky. A popular meeting place for Lightning Ridge residents, the baths are also a great place to get a feel for local life. Best of all? Entry is totally free. Where: Pandora Street, Lightning Ridge. BURREN JUNCTION BORE BATHS Want to extend your hot spring adventure into a relaxing weekend (or week) away? Pack a tent and head for the Burren Junction bore baths and campground. Camping is $6 per vehicle, and there are barbecue facilities, filtered water and electricity. Open 24-hours between April and November, the baths offer the opportunity to spend your days and nights soaking in the circular pool's 38-degree waters. Once you've melted away the week's tensions, head into town for a beer and a meal at the bustling Junction City Hotel for a taste of country town life just 2 kilometres away. While you're in the area, you may as well visit another natural bore bath in Pilliga. It's a half-hour drive from Burren Junction, and you can pitch your tent in the camping ground for $5 a night and, although the facilities are very basic, it's well worth it for proximity to the lovely baths. Recent upgrades have added a roof over the pool area, lighting for night bathing and a barbecue and picnic area. It's clearly one of the best natural springs in NSW to visit. If you'd rather rest your newly rejuvenated bod in a proper bed, book into the Pilliga Pub, three kilometres away from the baths. Where: Kamilaroi Highway, Burren Junction JAPANESE BATH HOUSE When relaxation is the name of the game, these peaceful baths on the outskirts of Lithgow are the perfect escape for anyone in need of a little R&R. Taking its cues from centuries-old Japanese culture, this picturesque bath house in NSW boasts indoor and outdoor onsen, as well as massage services, traditional gardens, public baths and accommodation all surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Mountains. The natural mineral water here flows from 300 metres under the surface into the serine baths above ground. Book for a casual visit or a full day, or make the most of your relaxation with an overnight stay in one of the Japanese-inspired rooms celebrating the simple, unobtrusive beauty of the shibusa aesthetic. And don't bother bringing a phone charger, by the way — there's no wifi on the property and reception in the area is patchy at best, so you can unwind without any external distractions. Where: 259 Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive, South Bowenfels Top image: Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool by Murray Vanderveer.
Few restaurant openings in Sydney had as much hype surrounding them as The Lucas Group's Sydney outpost of its Melbourne mainstay Chin Chin back in 2017. Owner Chris Lucas is considered such a master of industry spin, marketing and branding that his concepts are almost always elevated into cult territory. So the question always was: would this translate to the Sydney market? In today's restaurant scene — which is, arguably, largely influenced by the success of the Melbourne restaurant's model — there's nothing unusual about the components that make up the Chin Chin concept: loud music, industrial design, strong branding, and punchy, super fast Asian fare. But the queue of people snaking down Commonwealth Street on a weeknight suggest otherwise. The food model is undoubtedly a smart one. Supported by a huge production kitchen downstairs, the well-oiled 'show kitchen' pumps out snappy Asian dishes at lightning speed, particularly if you order the 'epic feast' menu. Order a few beers and you'll likely get your pulled pork 'roll-ups' — that is, pancakes with slaw and plum sauce — before your beers arrive. Like most menus of Chin Chin Sydney's size, there are hits and misses in every section. The iceberg lettuce salad is too spicy for our palates and the squid too fried, but the egg noodles with prawn meat are more on the money. This dish has a nice balanced dose of chilli, and it doesn't last long on our table. The rotisserie and curry dishes are more reliable, so order one or two of these. The Griffiths Teas Building that the restaurant sits in has great bones and lots of natural light, booth seating and pale timber tones with splashes of Chin Chin's signature neon. The adjoining bar GoGo — where you'll probably have to kill time while you wait for a table — is a contrast to the restaurant with more mood and black velvet booths. The 'Chef's Table' offers an intimate private dining space for small groups, while groups of up to 120 people can be accommodated elsewhere. The Asian-style cocktail offering and approachable wine list mean that, when you do get a seat, you can have a fun, boozy time without blowing hundreds of dollars. And if this is what you're going in for — and you don't mind having to yell at the person sitting next to you or potentially overdosing on chilli — you'll leave satisfied. But if you've been privy to the hype, you may not be so willing to let even a few disappointing dishes slide. The problem with hype is expectation, and if you head to Chin Chin Sydney — a restaurant that's no longer so fresh — with a fistful of it, you might be a little disappointed. Images: Leticia Almeida and Tom Ferguson.
Of all the watery cities in the world, Sydney has one of the longest coastlines. By the time you count up all the beaches, the entire harbour and the scattering of islands, you've got a serious stack of kilometres behind you. We've brought you secluded beaches, outdoor pools and waterfalls. Now we're adding a dash of adventure to the mix, with 11 of the most unusual swimming experiences to be had in and around our city. A quick dip above a waterfall, with sweeping national park views? Check. An adrenaline-pumping frenzy in a wild, exposed ocean pool? Check. A deep plunge into a limestone gorge, bordered by steep marble cliffs? Check. Whether you want rapids, waves, rock scrambles, views, art, secrecy or nudity with your swim, we've got them all. Right here. Recommended reads: The Best Kayaking Spots in Sydney The Best Snorkelling Spots in Sydney The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Coastal Walks in Sydney [caption id="attachment_880449" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Harvey[/caption] FOR SECRETIVENESS: GLEDHILL FALLS, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK For a long time, the Gledhills were like ghosts. A few people said they'd seen them, but finding proof was difficult. These days, there's more information floating about, but the forest-encircled falls — and the ten-metre-wide pool into which they tumble — are still tricky to find. Set in the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, you'll need to do your research before you head out in search of this swimming spot near Sydney. First, pack your rock climbing shoes. Then, drive your car from Mona Vale Road, onto McCarrs Creek Road, until, after about 4.5 kilometres, you reach the teeny-tiny, easy-to-miss bridge that crosses McCarrs Creek. Initially, the track is clear, but, nearing the water, prepare to scramble. [caption id="attachment_703447" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] FOR WAVES: MAHON POOL, MAROUBRA BEACH Of all the rock pools wedged between the city and the mighty Pacific, Mahon Pool is the most adrenaline conducive. It's set at the base of the Jack Vanny Reserve along Maroubra Beach. From Maroubra's northern clifftops it's hard to spot, but make your way down the staircase from the Marine Parade carpark and you'll soon spy it among the exposed rocky outcrops. An inter-tidal position often means fierce invasions from the ocean, so adventure seekers should visit when the water's high and the wind's a-blowing for the biggest waves and the most fun. It goes without saying, though, to be careful when visiting this Sydney swimming hole. [caption id="attachment_703445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory / Destination NSW[/caption] FOR SECLUSION: RESOLUTE BEACH, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK Despite its five million-strong population, Sydney is home to a number of secluded beaches. But Resolute Beach takes isolation and wildness to the next level. That's because the only way to reach it is by taking on the six-kilometre Resolute Loop Track, which turns off many a lazy beach-goer. Those with the stamina to handle it are, however, amply rewarded with an unspoiled, empty stretch of sand that's surrounded by Ku-Ring-Gai National Park and affords uninterrupted views over Pittwater. The hike to this Sydney swimming spot, which begins at Resolute Picnic Ground, also takes in a few other remote beaches, as well as the Red Hands Cave. [caption id="attachment_880453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Canada Bay[/caption] FOR FRESHWATER: BAYVIEW PARK, CONCORD In November 2022 swimming was reintroduced to Bayview Park for the first time in 53 years. The Inner West beach first became a popular Sydney swim spot in the 1930s, but was closed and has remained unswimmable since 1969. However, thanks to work from $700,000 revitalisation project from the City of Canada Bay, Sydney Water and the Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG), this patch of freshwater is once again a hotspot for community swims. Accompanying the reopening is a range of new facilities which include a netted enclosure, picnic facilities and outdoor showers. We're so glad to see how this spot has been reinstated as one of the best swimming holes in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_703448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Evelyn Proimos[/caption] FOR NUDITY: LADY BAY BEACH, SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK Thanks to Lady Bay's existence, you can be completely suited up in the middle of a work meeting at Circular Quay at 5pm, yet utterly naked amid all kinds of wildness by 5.30pm. Tucked into a calm cove near Watsons Bay, it's one of Australia's oldest nudist beaches — which first became legal in 1976, thanks to Neville Wran's blessing. Located within the Sydney Harbour National Park between South Head and Camp Cove, Lady Bay Beach offers views across to Manly and Middle Head, as well as top-notch vistas of the city skyline. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy pre- or post-swim, and keep an eye out for whales (seasonally) when visiting this idyllic swimming hole in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_880457" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] FOR RAPIDS: BENTS BASIN, BENTS BASIN STATE CONSERVATION AREA Pack your lilo — Bents Basin has rapids. Spend your day throwing yourself down them if you're the type that likes a slightly out of control swim. Otherwise, keep to the still water — it's one of the deepest swimming holes in New South Wales. A dramatic, wooded escarpment provides the backdrop, which means there's ample views for picnickers, too. Bents Basin is part of a Nepean River gorge and lies between Penrith and Camden, about 70 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. If you don't want to limit yourself to just one afternoon by the basin, opt to camp overnight in the State Conservation Area. Update Tuesday, November 29: Bents Basin is currently closed due to localised flooding. Check the NSW Parks and Wildlife Services website for current information. FOR INDIGENOUS ROCK ART: REEF BEACH, BALGOWLAH HEIGHTS You'll pass heaps of beaches along the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, but one of the most secluded is Reef Beach in Balgowlah Heights. It's best to make your way here after the tide has gone out, because that's when Indigenous Australian carvings become visible in the rocks. This Sydney swimming hole is also just an incredibly tranquil section of Middle Harbour, offering excellent views of Manly and Sydney Harbour's northern section. If you don't feel like trekking the ten-kilometre track just for a swim, you can alternatively drive to Beatty Street — Reef Beach is just a short walk from the car park. [caption id="attachment_880448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phillip Terry Graham[/caption] FOR THE BUSHWALKER: KARLOO POOL, HEATHCOTE On the western end of the Royal National Park (a brilliant spot for kayaking, by the way), a tributary runs into the Hacking River. Known as Kangaroo Creek, it begins in the park. To reach the best swimming spots, take the Karloo Walking Track, a five-kilometre walk starting at Heathcote Station. Karloo Pool is the most popular — the round swimming hole offers pristine, turquoise waters fed by the cascading waterfall above. If it's busy, make tracks downstream, where you'll find more pools to explore. You can enjoy a picnic here, or mosey onward to Uloola Falls. If you have the time, continue on through the Uloola Walking Track, which finishes at Waterfall Station. FOR THE LAGOON LOVERS: WATTAMOLLA BEACH, ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Wattamolla Beach is like something from your most picturesque lagoon-swimming, bushwalking, beach-picnicking dreams. The Sydney swimming spot's the emerald-clear water isn't enough to get you jumping in the car and driving an hour south of Sydney, then the Royal National Park it lies in is sure to be. There's also a picnic area — so bring some snacks and plonk yourself down under one of the cabbage tree palms for an entire day of eat, swim, repeat. The beach has some serious fishing spots too, with water so incredibly calm it's a family favourite for snorkelling and liloing. If you fancy yourself a hiker, check out the Royal Coast Track, which links up to a camping spot if you're keen on an overnight stay.
There aren't too many shoes we'd put in our own mouths, but Nike's latest release is a top contender. Set for release on April 2, Nike SB's new edition of the Dunk High takes inspiration from the ultimate fusion of fried savoury goodness and dessert breakfast — chicken and waffles. Screw inspiration, it literally looks like the damn dish, with textured waffle imprints, syrup drips and insoles covered in waffle-chicken illustrations. Only available at select Nike SB stockists, the 'Chicken and Waffles' Dunk Highs will walk out the door with hungry sneaker fans worldwide on April 2 at 10am EDT. Feast on these close-ups in the meantime and pass the napkins. Via Sneaker News. Images: Nike, SN and Dollar Photo Club.
