Odd Culture Group, the hospitality team behind the likes of The Duke of Enmore, The Old Fitz and its namesake bar (one of our 20 favourite bars in Sydney), has just unveiled the plan for its next exciting venture. First announced late last year with plenty of fanfare around the space's late-night license, Odd Culture's soon-to-open underground live music bar is set to arrive as early as August under the name Pleasure Club. Pleasure Club will open on King Street with the first 4am license issued in Newtown in 100 years. The 120-person basement bar will boast a commitment to hosting live music and entertainment until late seven days a week, with Odd Culture's Group Operations & Entertainment Manager Sabrina Medcalf (The Duke of Enmore, ex-Frankie's) in charge of curating the nightly program. "We plan to blow up the status quo of what your average live music bar is presenting, especially late-night offerings in entertainment," says Medcalf. "You know when you have friends that visit from overseas — Berlin, LA, NY, wherever? And you kind of get stuck on where to take them? They have experienced it all. You want to please them, right? Be proud you showed them something different. This is what I feel Pleasure Club will be able to do. It will be able to perform all acts." Based on longstanding and innovative gig rooms in US cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans, Pleasure Club will be a stripped-back space with a heaving sound system and an exciting drinks menu spanning natural wines, a sizeable spirits list with a particular focus on agave, a rotating list of craft beers and special uniquely Odd Culture surprises, with the likes of an absinthe fountain being teased. "The concept is based on a fever-dream amalgamation of good fucking tunes, the baptismal effect of southern hospitality and kindness to the soul, and the yearning for social sanctuaries and places to unburden ourselves of worldly pains," says Odd Culture Creative Director Nick Zavadszky. The announcement comes at a crossroads for both the hospitality group and Sydney's live music landscape following the loss of the legendary Frankie's, as well as smaller community venues like the Giant Dwarf Theatre and HiWay Bar. As for Odd Culture, its beloved Enmore Road haunt The Duke of Enmore has blazed the trail for this new underground bar, with the pub currently celebrating the milestone of hosting 666 days of live music since Odd Culture took over operations in 2020. The team also recently stepped away from The Oxford Tavern and is currently gearing up to open its first Melbourne venue. [caption id="attachment_873974" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Duke of Enmore[/caption] Pleasure Club is set to open on King Street, Newtown as early as August. You can sign up to the mailing list to be the first to know when more info comes through. Top image: King Street, Cassandra Hannagan.
Since a US remake of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's vampire sharehouse mockumentary What We Do in the Shadow was first hinted to back in 2017 — then confirmed in May the following year — three brief teasers have dropped. Now, finally, us mere mortals have been blessed with a full two-minute trailer. The ten-episode American version is set to air in the US this March, and has been written by Clement and directed by Waititi. It follows three vampire flatmates living in New York City. Despite being written and directed by Clement and Waititi, the duo won't be starring in the new-look series (but may make guest appearances — we hope), instead it'll feature Toast of London's Matt Berry, Four Lions' Kayvan Novak, British stand-up comedian Natasia Demetriou, The Magicians' Harvey Guillen and The Office's Mark Proksch. Unfortunately for Aussie fans, an offical release date has not yet been announced — but it's looking like we will get to see the series. According to ads aired frequently during Foxtel's Golden Globes broadcast, the show is headed to the pay TV network's Fox Showcase channel at a yet-to-be-revealed date. In New Zealand, the ten-episode mockumentary will air on Sky TV's SoHo2 in March. Here's the first full What We Do in the Shadows trailer in all its glory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWUiU3t5udM The US remake is just the latest addition to the What We Do in the Shadows universe, too. A follow-up, We're Wolves, is in the works, focusing on the undead bloodsuckers' Rhys Darby-led lycanthrope enemies. And television spinoff Wellington Paranormal, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural, debuted its first season last year and has a second season in the works. What We Do in the Shadows will debut in America on FX on Wednesday, March 27, with a New Zealand screening scheduled on SoHo2. We'll update you as soon as further release dates have been announced.
This retailer rewards those who find it, secreted away on Crown Street, with quality streetwear and amiable service. Everything in Above the Clouds is carefully curated, with an emphasis on coveted brands. Local designers like Sydney's Pseushi and Melbourne's Butter Goods sit alongside international labels such as Casablanca, Dickies and Soulland. There's eyewear from Monokel and fragrances from the cult Swedish brand, 19-69. The sneaker game is also strong here, you'll find Adidas Originals, Nike, New Balance, Converse and more fresh kicks to walk away in.
Often, the best summer getaways are the ones you don't spend months planning. It's when you spot a cheap airfare and simply go ahead and book flights, or you say yes to joining your mates on a last-minute road trip — free of all the back and forth on Whatsapp. Whatever the case, there's nothing quite like an impromptu adventure. But, one of the key things you shouldn't rush is what to pack. Arriving at that out-of-town cabin without a bottle of wine, or a set of headphones, can really put a dampener on things. We've teamed up with Sunglass Hut to bring you an essential list of what to chuck in your bag before you hit the road. We've covered all bases, from keeping you safe in the sun, to maximising your fun times. Keep one of these six goodies in your bag or car and you'll be half way to a cracking getaway. PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS Summer isn't summer without a super-relaxing soundtrack. Whether you're hanging in your hotel room or hitting a private beach, you don't want to have to hide the party in your headphones. So, throw a portable bluetooth speaker in your bag and you'll be ready to rock out wherever you go. And, if you're planning lots of sand, surf and swimming, make sure it's water resistant. Ticking all these boxes – while providing top-notch sound and weighing just 540 grams – is the Bose SoundLink Color II. It's also pretty tough because of its silicone covering, which comes in a range of colours. LIGHTWEIGHT, SAND-PROOF TOWEL Gone are the days when your travel pack has to weighed down by a wet, sandy towel. Thanks to advancements in materials technology and ambitious entrepreneurs, there's now a bunch of lightweight, yet effective, alternatives. Chances are your Instagram feed is already flooded with turkish towels, famous for their social media-friendly colours and prints. Also worth considering is the sand-proof towel. Our pick is Tesalate. The full-sized beach towels start from $79 and they can absorb over one litre of water, but still fit neatly into your bag. But the truly impressive part is that it repels sand, so you don't have to worry about taking half the beach home with you when you leave. GIANT (OR TRAVEL-SIZED) JENGA With a lot of laying in bed and even more lounging around by the pool to do, you'll need some inspiration to get moving. So, why not include a pack of giant jenga on your list? If you're travelling by vehicle, and have plenty of space, this Giant Jumbling Tower from Sunnylife ($69.95) will do the trick. If you're flying, and running out of kilos, go for the nifty travel version ($19.95). Jenga not your thing? How about pick up sticks ($9.95 — also available in a backpack-friendly edition) or an old-fashioned four-in-one ($19.95), which includes cards, dominoes and dice? PARASOL Want to avoid sunburn, but don't want to cover up your beautiful face with a hat? Shelter from the sun with a parasol — an umbrella, but for the sun. In fact, parasols are much, much older than the umbrella; the earliest known parasols date all the way back to ancient Egypt and ancient China. And, in the 18th and 19th centuries, they were a crucial element of any serious fashionista's get-up. But, if you're looking for a more modern version, you might consider Sunbella, a parasol developed by Australian mother and daughter duo Jillian and Casey. The Coast Sun Parasol, pictured, is $54.95. SUNNIES Of course, you want to look good while you're on your holidays, and you can't go wrong with a pair of designer sunnies. If you want to try on a stack without having to travel from store to store, then Sunglass Hut is the place to go. Look out for Persol, which takes its name from "per il sole", which means "for the sun". Pictured above are the Persol polarised lenses for $390. Also winning a lot of love this summer is Versace, with its classic and elegant unisex designs. For a bold look, with just the right amount of bling in the form of Versace's medusa, check out the VE4376B ($379.95). WATERMELON KEGGING KIT Can't fit an entire keg into your break bag? Fret not. Invest in a kegging kit instead, and, when you get to your destination, pick up a watermelon (or similar fruit). Slice said fruit, so it can stand up on a flat surface, remove the flesh so you have a hollow cavity, fit the tap, then fill with your beverage of choice — may we suggest the Watermelon Smash Sour Beer by Stomping Ground or Serpents Kiss Watermelon Pilsner by Grifter Brewing Comany. And voila! You're ready to drink in style. The watermelon kegging kit is available at Peter's of Kensington stores for $16, and it comes with everything you need — except watermelon and booze. Face your summer head on with new shades from Sunglass Hut. Top image: Cristofer Jeschke.
Some say it smells like rotting flesh. Others detect a hellish whiff of sulphur or the unmistakable funk of cheesy feet. What everyone who has had the chance to smell the Bunga Bangkai — also known as the Corpse Flower — can agree on is that the odour is one of the rankest produced by any plant in the world. Its spectacular stinkiness aside, the Corpse Flower is also remarkable for its size and rarity. Native to the rainforests of western Sumatra, this endangered plant produces just a single flower every few years, which can tower to 3.5 metres in height — the largest of any plant. Once unfurled, the flower opens for just 24 hours before wilting, making it not only one of the planet's most striking botanical wonders but also one of its most fleeting. It is all but impossible to predict how long a Bunga Bangkai plant will go between blooms, but various specimens at Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens have flowered in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010. Now, after a decade-and-a-half hiatus, a Corpse Flower is preparing to bloom once more for Sydneysiders. On Friday, January 10, the Royal Botanic Gardens released a statement saying its horticulturalists had noticed the tell-tale signs that one of its Bunga Bangkai plants — nicknamed Putricia — might be entering the flowering stage. Since then, the flower has sprouted and grown more than 40 centimetres, adding around 10–15 centimetres in height every day. Describing the plant's extraordinary stench, the Royal Botanic Gardens Manager of Volunteer Programs, Paul Nicholson said: "If you've got some wet teenage socks, throw that into a blender, then you get some cat food you've left out in the sun, whack that in your blender, and then get some day old vomit. Put that in the blender, blend it all up, rip the lid off. That's the kind of smell you're getting." And yet, despite this olfactory assault, there is an undeniable beauty to the mighty Corpse Flower, which has a leathery, arterial-red frill, known as a spathe and a large, pointed growth, the colour of bleached bone, at its core. The exact date the bloom will begin is yet to be determined, but the spadix (the large pale spike in the centre of the plant) is growing rapidly. Once this spurt in growth slows, in all likelihood within the next week or so, the plant will be moved to a public area of the gardens for Sydneysiders to see (and smell), but also so that insects, attracted by the scent of carrion, can pollinate the plant, completing its life cycle and resetting the countdown until another Corpse Flower gifts Sydney with its famously foul fug.
The Dialug, a 2011 iF concept design entry, is a beautifully designed plug and socket that has an integrated timer so that it knows when to turn itself off, meaning you no longer need to wonder whether or not you've unplugged all necessary electronic devices as your bus trundles into work. After all, no one wants to come home to a blown fuse or fire because they left their hair straightener plugged in and on their bed. From designers DanBee Lee, JangSoo Kim, KyoYeon Kim and WooRi Kim, the Dialug not only saves power but also charges your devices for the right amount of time, which is handy because overcharging damages the life span of lithium charged electronic devices. [via Technobob]
When 2022 ends and 2023 begins, Woodfordia in southeast Queensland will host the Woodford Folk Festival for the first since 2019 gave way to 2020. Thousands of music and arts lovers will descend upon the Moreton Bay Hinterland spot, and plenty of them will be camping. It's an annual tradition — if you live in southeast Queensland and you haven't camped at Woodford to see out the year at least once, do you really southeast Queensland? — and, timed perfectly for the upcoming fest, the site's accommodation options just levelled up. Woodfordia has already been home to Lake Gkula for the past three years, with the conservation and recreation habitat part of the event's 500-acre parkland. To take advantage of the site, it's been hosting camping beyond Woodford's usual dates, too. Adding onsite glamping tents was always in the works — and now they're here. Twenty luxury tents are now up and running, joining Woodfordia permanently. Each one features a fully furnished room for four, complete with a queen bed, bunk beds, sofa, dining table and chairs, fixed ensuites and kitchens, and sits in the existing camping grounds around Lake Gkula — close to the General Store. To start with, glamping will be offered at at the Woodford Folk Festival and across Easter in 2023, aka when camping at Lake Gkula is happening anyway. The plan, however, is to welcome in glampers year-round, and give holidaymakers a new getaway option. "The glamping tents will be booked for events ranging from the iconic Woodford Folk Festival to the two-week Lake Gkula Camping period in Easter 2023," said Woodfordia Inc General Manager Amanda Jackes. "Ultimately, these gorgeous glamping tents will be available for bookings year-round during either festivals and events, or for private functions or short-term holiday stays." "Accommodation has always been an issue at Woodfordia, with the most recent festival selling out all our 120 premium luxury bell tents along with the 250 tent city tent motels. These luxury glamping units will bring a new level of indulgent offering for our patrons." Upon launch, prices start at $305 per night with a three-night minimum booking. Even for Easter, some tents are already sold out — so if you're already thinking about your autumn vacation, getting in quick is recommended. Located 75-minutes north of Brisbane by car, Lake Gkula provides quite the scenic backdrop for a holiday. The man-made spot is teeming with fish and plant life, with than 16 species of native freshwater fish and crustaceans are swimming in its waters. For plenty of greenery, over 8000 plants have been planted in and around the lake to-date. Crucially for both the lake's biodiversity and for human swimmers, the entire body of water is chemical-free, using pumps and injectors to keep both a constant water flow and high levels of oxygen. The water is pushed through two wetlands, which act to purify the lake while also encouraging microorganisms to thrive. For more information about glamping at Woodfordia's Lake Gkula, visit the Woodfordia website. The 2022–23 Woodford Folk Festival runs from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Sunday, January 1, 2023. For further details, head to the Woodford Folk Festival website. Images: Waterscapes / Gain Ryan / Jen Quodling, Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
Little in cinema gets bigger than Godzilla, even if the iconic kaiju's size can change from movie to movie. Soon, little on streaming will be as giant as the famous creature, either, with new American series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on its way. Slotting into the Monsterverse — aka the US franchise that also includes 2014's Godzilla, 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters and 2021's Godzilla vs Kong, with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire joining in 2024 — Monarch: Legacy of Monsters arrives in November. If you're a fictional movie or TV character facing a towering critter, any amount of Godzilla is usually too much Godzilla. If you're a creature-feature fan, however, there's no such thing as too much Godzilla. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters not only expands its own saga, but comes just as Japanese film Godzilla Minus One is about to hit as well, although the latter doesn't yet have a Down Under release date. In Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which stampedes onto Apple TV+ from Friday, November 17, the Monsterverse is going the episodic route via a story set across generations and 50 years. It's also expanding its kaiju story with help from Kurt Russell (Fast and Furious 9) — and Wyatt Russell (Under the Banner of Heaven), too. The IRL father-son pair play older and younger versions of the same figure, with army officer Lee Shaw drawn into the series by a couple of siblings attempting to keep up their dad's work after events between Godzilla and the Titans in San Francisco in the aforementioned 2014 film. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters also involves unpacking family links to clandestine outfit Monarch, events back in the 50s and how what Shaw knows threatens the organisation. So, there'll be monsters and rampages, and also secrets, lies, revelations and mysteries. Giving audiences two Russells in one series is dream casting, as both the just-dropped first teaser in September and the newly released full trailer now shows. Also appearing on-screen: Anna Sawai (Pachinko), Kiersey Clemons (The Flash), Ren Watabe (461 Days of Bento), Mari Yamamoto (also Pachinko), Anders Holm (Inventing Anna), Joe Tippett (The Morning Show), Elisa Lasowski (Hill of Vision) and John Goodman (The Righteous Gemstones). Behind the scenes, Chris Black (Severance) and Matt Fraction (Da Vinci's Demons) have co-developed Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, while Matt Shakman (The Consultant, Welcome to Chippendales) helms the opening pair of episodes — and all three are among the series' executive producers. Check out the full trailer for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters below: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters streams via Apple TV+ from Friday, November 17, 2023.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to Epvalis Hotel in Greece, a picturesque, openair delight overlooking the water on the sunny island of Santorini. If you're dreaming of a sun-soaked Mediterranean adventure this summer, think about spending a few nights here. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Epvalis is a four-star hotel that overlooks the village of Kamari on the famous Greek island of Santorini. The area is known for its volcanic black beaches — and you'll feel be able to finally find that sense of inner calm while gazing out at the azure waters of the Aegean sea. THE ROOMS The 45 rooms available at Epvalis are designed in the Cycladian style that Santorini is famous for. Think neutral whitewashed walls, rounded external corners, flat roofs and stone-paved floors. Each room has all the amenities you'll need, as well as private balconies overlooking either the gorgeous Santorini architecture or the sapphire bay below. Sound like a bit of you? Not only are the rooms gorgeous, but we've got an epic deal to make your Santorini snoozing even sweeter. Book the Epvalis through CP Trips and you'll knock a huge chunk off the price for a five-night stay — and nab perks like free cancellation and parking. [caption id="attachment_888518" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Karl Solano - Pexels[/caption] FOOD AND DRINK If you're headed for Santorini, you're probably prepared for a hearty Greek feed or three. You could choose to stay in and dine at the deli, or order a meal to your room to enjoy with sunset views. Every guest also will get to enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast, which is open for three hours daily. In terms of onsite drinks, there are two bars: one an indoor lounge and the other a poolside bar. Epvalis is tucked away in the far south corner of Kamari, which keeps you away from the noise, but it does mean a night out is a roughly 15-minute beach walk away. Hey, all the more reason to stop and take in the waves. THE LOCAL AREA Kamari is a bustling seaside village on the southeast coast of Santorini, which is famous for its volcanic black sand beach. Along said beach are all the bars and cafes you could ever need to fuel your Mediterranean getaway, as well as thousands of beach chairs and umbrellas for hire. Looking for an activity? No worries — you can choose from watersports, art studios and even an openair cinema. [caption id="attachment_888517" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dimitris Mourousiadis - Pexels[/caption] THE EXTRAS One of the most popular destinations in Kamari is Mesa Vouno, the second-largest mountain on Santorini. Epvalis lies on the foothills of the peak, which puts you within driving or walking distance of the ruins of Ancient Thera, a large Greek city that dates back as far as the 8th century. The ruins stretch across the top of the mountain and as far down to the beach, where a small shrine to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, keeps watch over swimmers. On the summit, you'll find ancient excavated theatres, markets, temples, bathhouses and more. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
The hotel industry is highly competitive, and nailing the guest experience makes all the difference in keeping rooms full. However, that means much of the industry is caught up on the idea of newness, where design must keep up with the ever-evolving demands of travellers. However, a reimagined room at the four-star Song Hotel Sydney is showcasing a more sustainable approach to hotel design, one that might signal a different way forward. Created in collaboration with DIY and upcycling designer Jaharn Quinn, The Reclaimed Room proudly steers clear of the latest and greatest fixtures and fittings. Yet what it's missing in pristine condition is replaced by Quinn's characterful refurbishments of existing pieces, along with an assortment of secondhand finds and done-up details. Now complete, it shows pre-loved spaces can feel fresh and elevated without a top-to-bottom makeover. "I wanted the room to feel calm, easy, and lived in, a place to settle into after a busy day in the city," says Quinn, who has more than 25 years of experience in upcycling and hands-on design. "It is also about showing how reclaimed materials can work beautifully in commercial spaces and where hospitality design should be heading." The result is a hotel room that feels noticeably more grounded and welcoming. Layered with warm tones and complementary textures, Quinn conceived a space that carefully balances intention with restraint. For guests, that means the makeover hasn't left the room feeling overly curated. Instead, it's an adaptable palette that maintains its lived-in quality while feeling cohesive and functional in all the ways that a satisfying hotel room should. The updates are obvious from the moment guests enter. By the entrance, Quinn added a hanging rack made from reclaimed wood, fabric and vintage brass hooks. The existing bedhead was upgraded with the simple addition of walnut panels, while the bedside tables look new after wooden half beads were glued to the fronts. Meanwhile, a thrifted ottoman replaced the tired desk stool, and a fresh coat of paint gave the entire space a calming lift. Now accepting guest bookings, The Reclaimed Room also leans into Song Hotel Sydney's profit-for-purpose ethos, where 25 cents from every dollar supports YWCA Australia's programs across the nation. Plus, as a conversation starter, the project speaks to the hotel industry's need to reduce waste and meet a growing demand for value-led travel. Leaving behind the idea of aesthetic obsolescence, elevating what already exists can be just as special. The Reclaimed Room is now available for bookings at Song Hotel Sydney, priced at $250 per night, including breakfast. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
New year, new adventures. It's time to start planning trips to hidden beaches while summer's still kicking, city breaks during quieter months of the year, and regional desert getaways when the temperature drops down south. And we get the "I'll put off travelling around Australia till I'm older" mentality. But enough of that. There's so much greatness in our own backyard that we shouldn't keep pushing local trips further down the line of must-visit places. So, read on to find a few Aussie destinations that should be added to your 2023 travel bucket list. Then go ahead and book a few trips before the opportunity passes. TASMANIA [caption id="attachment_883574" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zachary Ferguson (Unsplash)[/caption] BRUNY ISLAND Tassie's Bruny Island feels totally remote but it's a short ferry ride from the coast and, including driving time, is just 50-minutes from Hobart. The beauty of this proximity to the city is that, despite all the rugged wilderness, you can still find luxury accommodation, amazing food and all kinds of local produce (think fine cheese and whisky). But consider Bruny Island a destination for when nature is calling. You'll find white wallabies at Inala Nature Reserve, windswept headlands at Cape Bruny Lighthouse and head-clearing watery views at Cloudy Bay. A trip to Bruny Island should be an essential addition to any Tasmanian vacation along the state's south-eastern coast. If you're a serious gourmand, you can experience all the island's finest delights in style with a gourmet tasting and sightseeing day trip from Hobart which includes award-winning cheeses, premium wines and beer, freshly shucked oysters, handcrafted fudge and mead, local honey and a lunch at Pennicott's beachside restaurant with sweeping views of Adventure Bay. Book it now at Concrete Playground Trips. [caption id="attachment_728931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Kuilenburg, Tourism Tasmania[/caption] BAY OF FIRES This region is ripe for exploring and one of the most photogenic regions in Tassie. There are hiking trails through bushland full of native Australian wildlife as well as pristine white sand beaches with orange-hued granite boulders that the Bay of Fires is renowned for. Come any time of year to enjoy the area, staying for a few days at one of our favourite glamping sites in Australia or simply pass through while road tripping around Tasmania's North East region. [caption id="attachment_718786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia and Graham Freeman[/caption] HOBART Hobart is booming. Increasingly, Australian travellers and international folk are taking the trip down south to Tasmania's seaside city. The city's brilliant food scene (which has totally transformed in the past ten years) draws visitors, as well as the city's singular cultural institution MONA. This museum is home to world-class art and installations from owner/mastermind David Walsh's private collection of works that are anything but stuffy. The art is served alongside a fabulous selection of locally-focused food and wine. And then there is the Mona Foma music and arts festival. The dates of this year's festival are Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19, 2023 in Launceston, then the weekend of Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Hobart, and both weekends boast cracking lineups. If you haven't secured your tickets, you can still book one of our exclusive Mona Foma travel packages which includes Posh Pit ferry pass to the museum, tickets to see Peaches return to the Mona stage on Friday, 24 February, plus two nights in a luxe hotel. VICTORIA [caption id="attachment_883577" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Weyne Yew (Unsplash)[/caption] THE WYE RIVER Victoria's Great Ocean Road is always worth travelling down — but finding places to stop for a few nights can be a much harder task. The classics of Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay are always great options, but we prefer the sleepier town of Wye River. The small regional town has its own beachside caravan park, an absolute stunner of a general store as well as plenty of beaches for surfing and swimming. Get away from the crowds down here. If you're keen to explore this area in style, book our Great Ocean Road road-tripping holiday here (which includes car rental and accommodation so all you need to do is get behind the wheel and enjoy the iconic views). [caption id="attachment_755967" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Watson and Visit Victoria[/caption] WILSON'S PROMONTORY No matter how popular Wilson's Prom gets, you can always find your own private cove or headland. Either stay at a nearby town and then drive to a beach or hiking trail or get even further off the beaten path by camping, taking your time to go on long treks that'll distance you from the hustle of metropolitan civilisation. It's hard to find more stunning surrounds in Victoria, let alone Australia. You have tree-covered mountains that roll down to small coastal inlets where you can truly escape the outside world. [caption id="attachment_831273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] BALLARAT This regional Victorian city was booming back in the Gold Rush era and has recently had another renaissance of sorts — brilliant restaurants, bars, galleries and hotels are the new gold. These treasures, paired with its proximity to Melbourne (it's about an hour and a half drive or train ride away), help make Ballarat an even greater travel destination for 2023. QUEENSLAND [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] THE WHITSUNDAYS This may just be Australia's most up-market national park in the country. Luxury adult's only resorts and eco retreats are scattered all over the Whitsunday islands. This tropical paradise is where the rich and famous go to treat themselves to exclusive trips around the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. But you don't have to break the bank to enjoy these waters and beaches — so much of the area is considered a national park so you can go camping right up on many of the shorelines. Whitsunday Island, Hook Island and Henning Island all have campsites for those who want to properly get in touch with nature. Just make sure you book your campsite ahead of time because numbers are capped. If you are into a more luxurious stay, you can currently get 20% off the ultimate Whitsundays experience (think sunset sailing, scenic flights and a luxury resort stay) on this exclusive trip which you can book now. [caption id="attachment_876264" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Maisch (Unsplash)[/caption] MUNGA THIRRI NATIONAL PARK Now off to somewhere entirely more remote. Munga Thirri is country that belongs to the Wangkangurru and Yarluyandi people, formerly known as the Simpson Desert National Park. It is the largest national park in Queensland and is also one of the toughest to explore. This is proper Australian outback territory. You'll see sand dunes stretching for kilometres (rising as high as 90 metres) and experience some of the best stargazing in your life. But, if you're not an experienced outback traveller without a decent haul of gear it can be a challenging area for camping. So, in light of that, if you lack the more hardcore camping chops it's best to book stay somewhere like The Birdsville Hotel which will organise tours into the desert. They'll take you on scenic flights, show you epic 4WD tracks and help you organise other local adventures. Just be aware that Munga Thirri is closed for a decent chunk of time in summer due to extreme heat — so be sure to check out the park's opening times on the Queensland national parks website. NEW SOUTH WALES [caption id="attachment_771536" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] NEWCASTLE Newcastle has undergone a huge cultural transformation in the past 15 years. Sydney's sister city hasn't always been a getaway destination, but we have been won over by its newfound charm. It has terrific beaches, an impressive street art scene that rivals Melbourne (well, don't say this around Melburnians), microbreweries, galleries, small bars, cafes aplenty and several good boutique hotels including a flashy new QT that opened in mid-2022. It really deserves to be added to your 2023 Australia travel bucket list. [caption id="attachment_773788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Archer, Destination NSW[/caption] LORD HOWE ISLAND Just 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Lord Howe, is fully explorable within a few days. And thanks to visitor limits (only 400 people are permitted at any one time), it's one of Australia's best islands to visit when you want to get off the mainland. Prepare to have these long beaches, idyllic diving sites and rugged terrain all to yourselves. It's also just a short two-hour flight east of Sydney or, if you have the means, you can access the island by your personal yacht. [caption id="attachment_882177" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Novotel Wollongong Northbeach[/caption] WOLLONGONG You'll find some of the most stunning beaches along this part of the south coast including Bulli and Austinmer. But this isn't your average sleepy beach town. The city of Wollongong has undergone its own transformation over the past few years, becoming a hub for great food and drink and cultural activities. After a day of swimming or hiking, either hit up the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre or the Wollongong Art Gallery before dining at some of the excellent restaurants in the area. This little city has a lot going for it. This year, Wollongong will also host the For The Love music festival on Sunday, February 24 with headliners Charli XCX and Duke Dumont. Concrete Playground has teamed up For The Love on curated one-of-a-kind VIP packages for those wanting the ultimate experience. Book your package here — it includes two VIP festival tickets, two nights stay at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, a Grey Goose gift pack in your hotel room and late check-out so you can sleep in after the party. [caption id="attachment_883578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jake Charles (Unsplash)[/caption] BYRON BAY Byron Bay is a classic Australian travel destination, much loved for its bohemian beach culture and world class yoga and wellness retreats scattered about the region. Nature lovers can also go sea kayaking around some of the most breathtaking beaches or hike within the national parks. And the foodies must experience Byron Bay's diverse grassroots drinking and dining scene that is growing impressively every year. And who knows, you might just run into one of the Hemsworth brothers while you're there. Book a four-day wellness holiday for under $400 through Concrete Playground Trips here (including accommodation, yoga classes and two seperate sea kayaking and snorkelling tours). WESTERN AUSTRALIA [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] ROTTNEST ISLAND If you want to take a selfie with a quokka then Rottnest Island is the only place to do it. These amusing little mounds of joy wander all over the island, ready for locals to respectfully stop for a snap. But that's not the only reason to visit this Australian island, located just a short 90-minute ferry ride from Perth. Come to these parts for pristinely kept beaches, shallow shores that are perfect for snorkelling in and plenty of great places to stay for a range of budgets (from high-end hotels to well-appointed campsites). A trip to Rottnest Island is a must for anyone making their way to Perth for a few days. If you're wanting to get the most out of your next jaunt to Perth, book our five-day Perth holiday here (including your accommodation, a day trip to Rottnest Island and visit to the Pinnacles). [caption id="attachment_883580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isabelle Truong (Unsplash)[/caption] THE KIMBERLEY This remote region in Western Australia is one of Australia's most impressive natural landscapes. It's known for its abundance of local wildlife that roams the rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges with hidden swimming holes and the semi-arid desert planes. It's a Tourism Australia ad everywhere you go. It's also one of the best places to visit when you want to keep the summer dream alive — boasting wonderfully warm weather throughout the colder months of the year. [caption id="attachment_807814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sal Salis, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] NINGALOO REEF Fun fact: Ningaloo Reef is the only large reef in the world that you can access right off the shore. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, you don't need to book a spot on a large boat that takes you out to the reef with a bunch of other tourists. Here, you simply park by the beach and get straight to snorkelling around vibrant coral gardens, dolphins, turtles and manta rays. You'll find the UNESCO heritage-listed wonder 1,200 kilometres north of Perth, from where it runs north along the coast for 260 kilometres, between North West Cape and Red Bluff. Pick a point to explore on your own or hit up local guides who will show you the best parts. SOUTH AUSTRALIA [caption id="attachment_664008" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Kruger[/caption] ADELAIDE HILLS South Australia is famous for its many wine regions that pump out case after case of spectacular vino. You've got McLaren Vale, the Barossa and Clare Valley, but we are all about the Adelaide Hills in 2023. First off, this is one of the easiest wine regions to reach — located just a 30-minute drive away from the centre of Adelaide. It's also home to some of our favourite cellar doors. We suggest you start in Woodside, where you'll find stunning cellar doors from Bird in Hand, Petaluma, Barristers Block and Golding Wines. And while you're there, don't miss Lost in a Forest which serves up woodfired pizzas and natural wine from local label Ochota Barrels in a 130-year-old church. Get the most out of your trip to this region by booking our Adelaide Hills escape here including two nights' accommodation, transport around local wineries, daily yoga classes and most of your meals. [caption id="attachment_883581" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Skopal (Unsplash)[/caption] WILPENA POUND Wilpena Pound is the holy grail of the Flinders Ranges National Park, characterised by its dramatic rocky mountains. The entire region is vast and truly remote, located about a five-hour drive from Adelaide. But don't let the distance scare you off. There's much to see and do here. Go on 4WD treks through the bush, take scenic flights over the mountain ranges and go on guided hikes to see some of the best-preserved Aboriginal rock art while learning of the local Adnyamathanha people's rich history. [caption id="attachment_883583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Denu (Unsplash)[/caption] EYRE PENINSULA This coastal region in South Australia is foolishly overlooked by both Aussies and international travellers. It is the state's own version of Victoria's Great Ocean Road, and it might just give that famous stretch of coast a run for its money. Head to Eyre Peninsula to swim with dolphins and sea lions or simply relax on long sand beaches backed by rugged cliffs as you look out for passing whales. Dreamy stuff. Then you can hit up any of the local townships to try Eyre Peninsula's legendary oysters and freshly caught seafood or head inland to do some winery hopping. You'll quickly discover why it's one of our favourite stretches of coast in Australia. NORTHERN TERRITORY [caption id="attachment_826027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT[/caption] KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Kakadu is an unmissable Australian travel destination, but its perceived remoteness seems to put a lot of travellers off. Don't let it. Kakadu is only a three-hour drive from Darwin and it's well and truly worth the journey. Once you're there, you have an enormous natural playground to explore and some genuinely life-changing scenery and experiences ahead of you. We recommend hiring a 4WD with a pop-top tent or camper for the week and see where the road takes you. Organise an itinerary to hidden swimming holes and incredible rainwater waterfalls, epic mountain ranges or local wildlife sanctuaries and cultural experiences with the local Indigenous people to learn the ancient history and dreaming stories of the area. [caption id="attachment_883588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Banubanu, Tourism Australia[/caption] BREMER ISLAND Run away to the Northern Territory's fairly unknown Bremer Island for a super chill tropical island holiday. It's well and truly off the beaten path, so you'll be away from the crowds, surrounded only by well-preserved wilderness. There aren't many places to stay on the island, but we are big fans of Banubanu Beach Retreat — a glamping site located right on the water. Spend your days kayaking along the coast or snorkelling in the warm waters before eating some fresh-caught seafood. It's a really laid-back place to visit, away from the crowds and influencers. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top images: Sal Salis on Ningaloo Reef
The CBD has welcomed an impressive new boutique hotel with an attached wine bar and bistro ideal for after-work drinks. Unlike some of Sydney's other landmark hotel openings (see: the recently opened Capella and the soon-to-arrived W Hotel), Bar Morris is a more low-key affair, tucked away on Pitt Street just by Chinatown with 82 stylish rooms. The property originally opened in 1929 and was the tallest hotel in the country for more than 30 years. Now under the guidance of Accor, the inner-city stay has been given a massive makeover that maintains the charm of its historic Italian renaissance influence. The exterior has been refurbished to retain the original design, with a bold white and red sign proudly exclaiming 'Hotel Morris' out the front. Inside, the art deco-influenced suites welcome guests with Jarrah wood accents and custom furniture that pays homage to the history of the building. Downstairs, Bar Morris continues the building's vintage Inter-War Palazzo design with a sleek 40-seat space built around pink marble, delicate chandeliers and vibrant flourishes of red. The bar serves as an all-day CBD stop-off for a quick drink and snacks or a no-holds-barred feast. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can pop in for Industry Beans coffee and Sicilian pancakes in the morning, the daily pasta or panini special at midday or a lavish Italian dinner led by fast-rising Head Chef Rosy Scatigna. At just 30 years old, Scatigna has already worked across Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and the UK after studying at Alma International School of Italian Cuisine. On the after-dark menu, you'll find rich, flavour-packed starters and mains like mussels gratinate with saffron aioli, cheesy 'nduja madeleines paired with preserved lemon and guanciale, marinated prawn and pumpkin risotto, and flank steak topped with a signature Café de Morris butter. Natty wine enthusiasts will be excited by the wine list which is made up of nearly entirely Australian and Italian producers and boasts an extensive range of skin contact drops both by the glass and the bottle. Swap your usual glass of riesling for a skins-y Hunter Valley fiano or start your night with a glass of rosé pét-nat in place of your usual sparkling. If you're heading in with mum, never fear, there's still plenty of traditional tipples to be had across the extensive 50+ bottles on offer. And, if you prefer to pair your spaghettone with something a little stiffer, you're in luck: classic cocktails, an entire page of amaros and inventive blends are all on offer. After something a little different? Try the Salted Stars which combines chilli, grapefruit, amaro Montenegro, lemon sorbet and Archie Rose vodka. Hotel Morris and Bar Morris are now open at 412 Pitt Street, Haymarket. Bar Morris is open for breakfast until 10am on weekdays and 10.30am on weekends; lunch 11am–2.30pm Monday–Sunday; and dinner 5.30–10pm Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Steven Woodburn
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations, giving you inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to Scottsdale, Arizona — a vibrant city on the edge of the state capital in the 'Valley of the Sun' for a luxurious stay at Mountain Shadows Resort. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Mountain Shadows Resort is a recent addition to the Scottsdale resort scene but actually dates back to the 1950s. Having originally opened way back in 1959, Mountain Shadows became immensely popular and a regular destination for celebrities and politicians of the era. It closed sometime later and underwent a four-year renovation from the ground up before reopening in 2018. But that was years ago. What is it now? The name (unchanged since day one) is linked to its location, as the resort sits in full view of Camelback and Mummy Mountains, and the property now boasts hundreds of guestrooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, two quality dining venues, two pools, a gym, an art gallery and several event spaces. THE ROOMS You have your pick of rooms big and small, with 180-plus rooms and 40-plus suites available to visitors. The rooms overlook the pools, the mountains and the golf course, and vary from the stylish signature to the picture-perfect premiums. And if you're really looking for luxury, fork out for a private, multi-storey suite. The rooms have an eye for urban aesthetics (high ceilings, concrete floors and geometric lighting) and are comfortable as can be. Plus, new arrivals can be met with a cocktail cart, leading to the glorious moment of kicking off your shoes, dropping your bags and fixing yourself a margarita in front of the desert scenery. FOOD AND DRINK Dining at Mountain Shadows is spread across several venues, but heroed by Hearth 61'. This glitzy restaurant stars floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio and an exhibition kitchen. Said kitchen is built around the titular hearth, bringing a smoky touch to many dishes. Executive Chef Charles Wiley champions organic local produce across the menus. Hearth 61' is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also boasts a bar and a 'living room' for those looking for a quick and casual experience. Across the property and against the golf course is an alternative, Rusty. This indoor-outdoor hybrid eatery is the perfect spot to start (or finish) a round on the short course and boasts a refreshing roster of food and drink. Hot tip: tradition demands that the highest score of the game (aka the loser) buys the drinks. THE LOCAL AREA Mountain Shadows sits in Paradise Valley, which is a part of the city of Scottsdale. This is the playground of the valley, home to activities for all. A ten-minute drive from the resort takes you to Old Town Scottsdale (pictured above), which boasts a wide range of dining picks and shops to grab some southwestern USA souvenirs. We'd recommend booking a tour with Arizona Food Tours to get a comprehensive (and delicious) understanding of the town. Slightly further out, you can get your gaming on at Mavrix, take a trip through the world of music at the Musical Instrument Museum or challenge yourself with a desert hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Scottsdale is adjacent to the state capital of Phoenix, so is easy to get to on arrival or a great locale to explore before a flight home. THE EXTRAS Arizona boasts plenty of drawcards for plenty of visitors, but one of its most popular pastimes is golfing. As mentioned, Mountain Shadows has an 18-hole course, which offers a variety of packages for guests to enjoy the course with food and drinks. There is also a partnership with the nearby Camelback Golf Club, and guests can enjoy a complimentary chauffeur ride to the 36-hole course if they can't put down their club. For culture vultures, keep a look out for the art gallery between the lobby and meeting spaces to get a glimpse of local artists' work and a collection profiling Mountain Shadows in its 20th-century golden years. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel has undergone more than a few changes over its enduring history, with the property dating back to 1886, when it was known as the Palace Hotel. Now this luxe harbourside destination is ready to enter its next era, as it's set to undertake a $3-million renovation of its much-loved top and mid decks. Set to launch in October 2025, Sydney-based interior design and spatial research studio Etic Design is leading the refresh. Bringing a little Hamptons elegance to Watsons Bay, expect a brand-new destination for weddings, celebrations and standout social moments. And for those who love the hotel's boutique accommodation and waterfront dining, like the legendary Beach Club and the upstairs Sunset Room, all will remain open throughout the renovation. "We wanted every detail to blend the relaxed spirit of Sydney's coastal living with the elevated sophistication of the Hamptons," says Etic Design Director, Emilie Delalande. "The result is a space that feels fresh, refined, and grounded in its waterfront setting." Drawing inspiration from the bay's natural palette, the new space will feature sun-bleached timbers, crisp whites, layered textures and subtle nautical touches. Meanwhile, expect high-end organic materials, custom detailing and generous open spaces to make the most of the hotel's stunning location, while bringing guests closer to the landscape. For regulars, the finished renovation will still feel like home, just with a renewed blend of luxury and comfort. "Designing the Hamptons-style renovation for Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel was a collaborative and creative journey," explains Delalande. "We want every design element to reflect a refined yet relaxed atmosphere — one that seamlessly blends timeless Hamptons elegance with the laid-back spirit of Sydney's beachside living." While the waterfront setting might not be so warm in winter, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel still makes for an enticing visit. The cosy Sunset Room's soothing fireplace makes it an ideal spot to soak up the views as you dine on a host of fresh winter specials, like a seaside Sunday roast decked out with all the trimmings. Midweek visits are also getting a boost, with Monday fish pie specials, Tuesday pizza and pinot sessions, and Wednesday burger and beer combos elevating your next waterfront feed. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel's top deck and mid deck are expected to reopen in October 2025. Head to the website for more information.
It is hard to watch Life in Movement without wanting it to tell a different story. A documentary, it is the tale of German-born choreographer Tanja Liedtke and her journey towards scoring the amazing prestige of artistic directorship at the Sydney Dance Company at the age of 29. Directors Bryan Mason and Sophie Hyde construct this part of her story with a combination of private footage — the scratch recordings made by Liedtke in bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms and the corners of dance studios — and recordings of her two feature-length productions. The sheer talent and energy of Liedtke is undoubtable from this footage. Her precision of movement, her sense of humour and her surreal imagination are clear markers of a talent that deserved the accolades she collected, and it is here that Life In Movement is likely to break many a viewer's heart. For Liedtke was killed by a garbage truck one night in 2007, a tragedy that impacted on not only her immediate family but also the dance community at large. This event is at the epicentre of the second part of Life in Movement — what came after, when her collaborators, all set to work for the next few years as part of her company in Sydney, were suddenly orphaned. Told through interviews, candid videos and performance recordings, this aspect of the documentary you cannot help but think of as being an Australian equivalent to Wim Wenders' Pina. There is certainly a link between the two films in that they are tributes, except that the story of Liedtke, her family and her collaborators clearly is a cord cut short. Where Pina's Tanztheater Wuppertal company are hagiographic, the voices of Paul White, Kristina Chan, Solon Ulbrich and others describe a companion and colleague who was utterly human and may still be dancing in the next room. Given this, Life In Movement often takes on a subtly spiritual mood. Footage of Liedtke performing sequences from her shows is edited into sequences from posthumous performances, which Mason and Hyde use to illustrate just how much of Liedtke remains in her work and her collaborators. So too is Liedtke's partner, Ulbrich, contrasted with her presence — we are shown his efforts to remount Twelfth Story and Construct as tribute to her memory, but it is clear that in spite of his energy and passion, there is something irrevocably absent from these rehearsals. As a tribute and a biography of the late Tanja Liedtke, Life in Movement is an honouring and heartbreaking piece of cinema. Yet it is also a fascinating and important insight that is often forgotten when discussing the production of art — there are human beings behind those moving bodies, with all manner of emotions, personalities and ambitions. No great work springs forth from a vacuum, and even if it does not provoke a stirring of loss, Life in Movement will certainly reveal the warmth of this neglected side to Australian dance. Screening at Hoyts Cinema Paris and Dendy Opera Quays. https://youtube.com/watch?v=M0tBys_8vlI
Sydney might have forgotten to bring summer this year, but hearing the beautiful psychedelic pop of San Francisco’s Girls is a pretty much guaranteed way to make you forget you’re not lazing around on a sun-soaked beach somewhere in California. After a solid debut album and follow-up EP, Girls’ latest album Father, Son, Holy Ghost has proven that these two are capable of delivering tunes fuelled by far more than just heartache and various kinds of drugs. Moving seamlessly between catchy pop and smooth psychedelia, Father, Son, Holy Ghost is like a mixtape of retro awesome spanning from ‘60s soul to spiritualising gospel. Though thanks to singer and songwriter Christopher Owens’ haunting vocals and Chet “JR” White’s rich production, all tracks are set firmly in the present. Girls have a 40-minute set at Laneway on Sunday, but if they’re planning on playing the almost-epic length 'Forgiveness' or 'Vomit' — and hopefully they’re planning on playing both — then that’s only, like, six tunes. If you want more (you do) don’t miss out on their side show this Thursday.
Love is strange. What moves one person to singing questionable verse leaves another unmoved with a dry taste on the lip. While the most beautiful people are usually whoever you love, the person sending out the affection can be equally astonishing to watch as love transforms them inside and out. Taking this approach to matters of the heart, artist Joanne Saad has collected everyday people from across western Sydney, across languages and across culture. Caught on camera they sing into a microphone about love, explaining themselves in her new show, I Want to Know What Love Is. No stranger to finding moving stories in the world of the everyday, Saad has explained the cramped history of newly-arrived migrant families living in the garages of fifties Wollongong and the same city's love affair with the car. Joanne's subjects have an energy inside, which she finds hidden and makes visible. Love from the old, the young, the stylish and from beautiful dorks: if this appeals as a subject of artistic survey, take a train down to the Powerhouse (next to Casula Station) and firm up your ideas of amore. I Want to Know What Love Is launches at 7pm on March 29. RSVP for the launch to 9824 1121 or email reception@casulapowerhouse.com Image by Bonnie Eliot.
According to the laws of physics, time travel is an impossible travesty of causality and physics. Well, probably. But according to the Compound — a normally forbidding-looking arts workshop strung between Serial Space and the White Rabbit — time machines are not only possible, they’ve got one upstairs. They’re showing it for one night only during Chippendale’s Art Month party in the form of Cassandra Scott-Finn’s sculpture Infinity. Her literature describes the Infinity sculpture as Tardis-shaped, though only one actually had the transparent prism vibe in the late–80s bits we don’t talk about any more. Better than its art-department predecessor, Scott-Finn’s sculpture follows through with such things’ deeper ambitions by disappearing into its surroundings. Evidence of its existence remaining in the warped, angular distortions you can see through it. If you’re planning to knock around Chippendale, lurching between the Compound’s bigger brethren and a quick nip at Fredas or the Rabbit, there’s a tube of art — prepared earlier — that might warrant a moment of your time.
Recycling, learning to mend and the meticulous saving of energy. Wartime rationing seems a long time ago, but the strictures of home front life feel pretty familiar in a world pondering the financial crisis, global warming and the fashionableness of yarn bombing. Sydney's World War II home front was a world with fewer men, women getting a taste of independence, a glut of fit GIs and fear of invasion. The Museum of Sydney is bringing back these memories, good and bad, as it plays host to an exhibition about life in Sydney under the shadow of war, Home Front. Taking in the period from Prime Minister Robert Menzies' 1939 announcement to the surrender of Japan in 1945, the show will feature photos from the Sydney of the period and parts from the midget submarines that attacked Sydney harbour in 1942. The Historic Houses Trust will also be running Sunday film screenings and its popular yearly take over of Elizabeth Bay House. This year's party will be a GI Ball — a somewhat more expensive evening's analog to Jurassic Lounge. If you'd like to see how Sydney skulked and buzzed as it collided with life during wartime, the Museum of Sydney has something to show you. Image: Troops of the 6th Division wave goodbye, Sydney 1940 (c) Australian War Memorial
Finding a female language has been one of the great challenges of our time, one to which women writers, artists and not least filmmakers have risen with great gusto over the last century. But the fight for women's equality is not over, and the film industry is a very demonstrative battleground. Doubt it? Consider these Oscar-timed stats: Just 14 percent of Academy Awards Best Picture nominees in the last four years have been by female directors, and 77 percent of Academy voters are men. Four women have been nominated for Best Director ever. We're so used to male-centred tales, even our favourite films can fail the Bechdel Test without us noticing. In this cinema landscape, the return of the WOW (World of Women's Cinema) Film Festival for its 18th year is most welcome. The festival will be showcasing the best in women's creativity with short films from Australia and overseas, covering fiction, documentary, animation and experimental pieces. Of the 39 films featuring, there are 13 world premieres, 10 Australian premieres and 5 Sydney premieres, with events at Dendy Opera Quays, Parliament House Theatre, Surry Hills Library and UTS. International Women's Day will be celebrated on March 8 with the WOW Awards Night at the Dendy Opera Quays, commencing with drinks at 6pm. It's presented by Women in Film and Television NSW (WIFT NSW), which is committed to improving the status of women, both on and off the screen, by supporting and advancing women working in the film, television and related screen industries. To see more fabulous works by women, check out the Seen and Heard film festival. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NyJTY68asL0
Founded in 1998, the National Young Writers' Festival is this year celebrating its sweet sixteenth. Of course this doesn't mean they'll be spending the whole festival talking about blogs and feelings while chugging cheap champagne. Although, come to think of it, there is this panel on blogging and this thing all about feelings. And okay, sure, this fake formal is bound to have some Passion Pop on hand. But contrary to the testimony of anyone who's actually met a 16-year-old, being around for that long does give you a bit of wisdom. NYWF consistently delivers an appealing free program and offers amazing insight, advice and assistance to young creatives from all over the country. Like migration, hundreds of wide-eyed literary types descend on Newcastle for it each year — Moleskines in hand. From October 3-6, this year's festival will host 75 free events featuring over 100 young artists including the likes of Tom Ballard, Lorelei Vashti, Benjamin Law and Anna Krien. Three days with the best and most relatable voices in Australian writing will be well worth the trip. Check out our full festival guide here.
Everyday Fantasia is a fundraiser for medical charity Young Centenary Foundation with the secondary aim of breaking down barriers between artists and art buyers. The show is hosted by Redfern new kid 107 Projects and curated by emerging curator Hollie Black. Fundraising aside, its aims are to get its long list of street artists (including local luminaries like Deb and Beastman) into the gallery and give nascent art buyers their first taste of purchasing power. Even if the $50+ prices are a little rich for your blood, there’s still plenty of party on the night to go with the art, including Beach Burrito catering, drinks, and music by Ash & Andy from Strobe Records.
If you figured cemeteries were nothing more than gloomy resting lots, think again. For some of Sydney’s finest design folk, one cemetery in particular serves as an unlikely breeding ground for cutting-edge sculpture, and for the fourth year running they’re out to prove that our cherished deceased still manage to inspire. Launched in 2009, Hidden: A Rockwood Sculpture Walk is basically a stroll through grave sites that have been dressed up with thought-provoking sculpture. Staged inside the grounds of Rockwood Cemetery, the biggest resting ground in the Southern Hemisphere, everything from cement tombstones to bushy scrubland is temporarily transformed into remarkable, and sometimes even vividly colourful, artworks. In an attempt to highlight the site’s rich history, which runs all the way back to the 1800s, the walk includes things like gelato-toned birds perched high in tree branches (that can’t help draw attention to the estate's impressive greenery) and lacquered pieces of furniture, like chests of drawers and side tables, placed beside graves, luring the curious to spots that may normally be overlooked. A tombstone in the shape of a cross has been given a crocheted onesie further along the trail. Artists were asked to consider themes of loss, love, death and memory and the results are captivating. To ensure nobody gets lost, organisers have even knocked up an iPhone app to help steer visitors in the right direction throughout the grounds. But, whatever you do, take your time with this one — it’s not every day you find this type of living beauty in the home of the departed. Details on how to get to Rookwood by public transport are on the Hidden Visitor's Guide. The exhibition is open sunrise to sunset.
Forget the deluge of shmick festivals and late-night events with their familiar PR sheen. The Sydney Underground Film Festival is an honest-to-God fringe festivity — an intelligently curated counterculture weekend of weird, wack and unearthed cinephilia. The SUFF team pitches itself as "the purveyors of provocation, dissent, and civil disobedience". And rightly so. They've pulled off some crazy-as-hell nights in the past, and this year's program looks just as great. Festival opening night is always excellent — not just great new films but a big party with delicious food and drinks. Francophenia (Or: Don't Kill Me, I Know Where the Baby Is) is a hybrid doco/fiction which chronicles James Franco's work in General Hospital and the absurdity of celebrity culture. For politics junkies, there's Wikileaks: Secrets and Lies by UK director Patrick Forbes. And Mr Doodleburger, the murderous, redubbed alter-ego of Home and Away's Alf Stewart, will be unveiling his latest Summer Bay slaughter and doing a live Q&A. Warning: things are going get kooky.
Booze and fashion go together better than booze and art, so it's fitting that this year's sartorially themed History Week is kicking off with a round of talks at Sydney's best small bars. Squeeze into Grasshopper on the 22nd to unravel the innately intertwined realms of fashion, consumption and nationalism with 'Cold War Couture?: The Alternative Consumer Culture of American Vogue, 1945–1960' (or, as it could have been titled, 'How French Couture was Watered Down to Accommodate the Stingy Shopping Habits of American Women'). Closer to home, Since I Left You will partake in a little visual rummaging through the belongings carried from Britain to Australia by early settlers, drawing on pictorial and material sources to draw (well-founded) conclusions on the history of family life. And, of course, there's no way the unsurpassably dubbed Shirt Bar could avoid participation, so head to Sussex Lane on the 11th to unpick the threads of late-colonial larrikins over a single malt whisky.
Freshly squeezed is how I like my juice — pithy, colourful and frothy on top. It’s a good start to the morning. But how do you get the creative juices flowing? Sydney-based hybrid art collective stagejuice are onto it. Launched in 2010, freshly squeezed brings together some of Sydney’s most exciting emerging artists to mix, whip, taste and test new ideas, interdisciplinary art forms and collaborations in workshops with peers and mentors. Over a dozen artists are involved in freshly squeezed 2012, culminating in stimulating performances of experimental and raw ideas and pithy new work for all to see. 'Island' is this year’s springboard to stimulate inspiring, collaborative work and new thinking. The theme is responded to in any form, literally (or not) by artists including multiple-choice- theatre- making Carolyn Eccles, dancer Raghav Handa and web zombie Lara Lightfoot. Can’t wait for your fix? Check out some of the smoking new works on the freshly squeezed artists' blog. Freshly squeezed performances are on at 7pm on both days and also at 2pm on Saturday October 20. Tickets can be bought at the door or reserved via admin@stagejuice.com.au
Last year, Queen Street Studios helped launch Peep Show AR. It was an augmented reality tour of the 2010 postcode's art and history you could follow on your phone around the Sydney streets. In 2012, as part of Art and About, Show and Tell Open House is returning to the same fertile ground, this time inviting you to meet and explore the tenants clustered around the Oxford Street Cultural and Creative Spaces, including notables such as He Made, She Made, the Oxford Street Design Store and the (further off) Writers Room. All of the venues involved will be open to visitors from 11-2 (in the case of venues like Object and the Surry Hills Library, a little more open that usual), inviting you to stop in, knit, learn, chat or enjoy. Most of the venues involved are pretty friendly places, but its rare that many of them throw open their doors to the public at large. Who knows, what you hear about life as a Sydney creative worker, upcoming shows or live artists might keep you coming back on quieter days. Image by RachelH_.
In Flight of the Conchords he got famous for being one of the most shithouse managers in existence, but in real life Rhys Darby has proved he can put together a pretty choice show at a pretty impressive venue. Darby's next conquest will be the Sydney Opera House. As part of Just for Laughs 2012, he'll be taking it over with the Australian debut of Rhys Darby and Friends, which boasts a mean-as lineup of other funny guys equally unfazed about whether they're being laughed with or laughed at or whether there's really any difference between the two. They include the Pot Noodle guy, Brendhan Lovegrove, Ben Hurley and Chris Brain, and also present on the night will be Lucy Lawless-approved lady wisecracker Urzila Carlson. Since appearing in Flight of the Conchords, Rhys Darby has starred in a multitude of indie and blockbuster films, including Yes Man (2008), The Boat That Rocked (2009) and Love Birds (2011), and with Kiwi Gala he's now snapped up a Fred Dagg award for Best NZ Show at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. Tickets for it are selling heaps fast, so don't be a munter and get yours now.
If you have seen the new single, 'Ballad of the War Machine', from Midnight Juggernauts, you might not know what to think. The throw-back, surrealist video clip had tongues wagging and mouths salivating a few weeks back for the return of the Melbourne trio, yet no one expected their return to be this covert. Like Cold War-era secrets, information on the new Midnight Juggernauts material was kept secret, as different versions of the video were distributed through blogs and discussion boards. The responses to this method of viral promotion were varied, yet the end result is a memorable experience that has only made anticipation grow in the bellies of fans. Since releasing their previous albums, Dystopia and The Crystal Axis, Midnight Juggernauts have been touring the globe before taking time off to gather inspiration for their next effort. If this lead single is anything to go by, Midnight Juggernauts will still be pushing boundaries and matching expectations. Their national tour takes in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne before the trio play at Groovin' the Moo. https://youtube.com/watch?v=VMeuC_aGuoo
Hannah is a mousy-haired, slightly pudgy young woman trying to negotiate life in the big city, with her three not-always-supportive friends at her side. Sound like a story you like? Well, it will be, but it's not the one you think, and the similarities with honest comedy (hon-com?) Girls end there. The Hannah in Girl in Tan Boots, a new play by Sydney writer Tahli Corin, has disappeared. She is represented on stage by one of those hauntingly blank missing-person mannequins. We learn about Hannah vicariously, through the eyes of Detective Carapetis (Linden Wilkinson), a Jane Lynch-esque figure soon consumed with empathy for the girl who vanished after getting on a train at Wynyard Station but has always been a bit invisible. After chatting to Hannah's work colleagues (Zindzi Okenyo, Madeleine Jones and Francesca Savige in fine form), a chorus of adult women with high-school popular-girl mentalities, Carapetis gets a lead: Hannah was obsessed with the personal ads in the commuter rag and looking for her own mystery man, Grey Suit. That's right, Girl in Tan Boots is so far the only play inspired by mX's Here's Looking at You column — and inspired richly. As a mystery, the play really keeps you guessing, and it also draws real meaning and depth from its set-up. If it has the aura of chick lit around it, it's only in so far as chick lit is written by women, about women and regularly has its literary value overlooked. Girl in Tan Boots is truly a funny and thoughtful dramedy that will entertain any kind of human being for its full hour and a half. As a statement on anonymous-yet-surveilled city living, it's poignant. There's a creative, flowing sense to Susanna Dowling's direction here that really works. The team has also incorporated sleights of hand (thanks to magic consultant Bruce Glen) that some might call novelty but that are actually awesome. Not only are the magic tricks fun, they're unnerving, and they hit the right note as the feeling that things are not as they seem builds and builds. Read more about Girl in Tan Boots in Zindzi Okenyo's Hidden Sydney interview here.
Art plus bar. This almost universal gallery opening deal is a pretty tasty mix already. But the MCA adds extras to this time-honoured tradition with its now SMAC-winning series ARTBAR. They're evenings of strange and interesting things at play among the art, recurring monthly and curated by a rotating cast of local artists. This month the MCA is defying the dangers of the gymnasium and taking a poll of nine performance artists on the subject of the Workout. All nine artists will bring their creative exercise to the gallery floor. So get ready for an evening of activity for the brain, the body and the drinking arm. Image courtesy and © the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Photograph: Catherine McElhone.
Stills Gallery can do no wrong, in my eyes. Their roster of artists is impeccable, and their exhibitions are always wonderfully thoughtful and beautifully curated. This new show is no exception. Featuring the work of Tim Hetherington and Doug Rickard, the exhibition is a collaborative effort between Stills Gallery and Yossi Milo Gallery, New York, and is part of the Head On Photo Festival. A New American Picture presents a series of American street scenes lifted from Google Street View. Over the course of four years, Rickard trawled the website, searching for downtrodden, economically devastated areas of the US. Once a suitable vista was found, Rickard would photograph the computer screen. The result are faded, grainy pictures that look like quite cinematic. Given that they're screenshots, the images lack any great definition and many feature people and children with their faces blurred out, giving them a cool, surrealist vibe. They're terrifically interesting photographs, particularly when you consider the idea of a Rickard as a documentary photographer working remotely. My favourite works were those by Tim Hetherington. A photojournalist, he is perhaps best known for his work as co-director on the documentary film Restrepo (2010), for which he was nominated for an Academy Award. Hetherington's works capture American soldiers slumbering peacefully, taken while he was stationed in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley during 2007-08. The photographs themselves are sweet and beautiful, but it feels strange to look at images of these men. They look so serene as they sleep in quite childlike positions, and then you remember that they are in a profession of supreme violence. It's an incredibly jarring contradiction. Hetherington is able to shift perspectives on war and human suffering, which is no mean feat. Sadly, he was killed on April 20, 2011, by shrapnel while covering the frontlines of the conflict in Libya. Both Rickard and Hetherington are virtuosos of the genre and both have contributed greatly to contemporary film and photographic practices. Their images, though dramatically different, work well together. If you're a photography buff (and these days, really, who isn't?) then this is the show for you. Image: Tim Hetherington, Kim, Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan © Tim Hetherington, courtesy Yossi Milo Gallery, New York.
English producer/singer/songwriter James Blake will be bringing his fantastical electronics and boldly introspective melodies down under for two special Australian shows. The announcement follows the release of Blake's new single 'Retrograde', a piano-backed slice of rhythmic electronica further emphasising the BRIT-nominated 24-year-old's love of soaring vocals and R&B samples. It's the first track off his upcoming album Overgrown, due out on April 5, a wildly anticipated 11-track effort featuring collaborations with the legendary RZA and Brian Eno. These shows will let fans lift the veil on the magic in an intimate live setting. Tickets go on sale March 11 at 9am via Ticketek. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6p6PcFFUm5I
The Art Gallery of NSW brings a bit of historic disorder to in its Wednesday night Summer in Soho series, accompanying the Gallery’s foray into the world of Soho resident Francis Bacon. This Wednesday, the speakers get personal for Valentine's, as curatorial assistant Macushla Robinson talks about Bacon and love, Katie Noonan sings about love (balanced by Brian Campeau's anti-love songs) and Barbara Dawson talks about the near-archaeological feat of moving Bacon's famously-messy workshop piece-by-piece from the UK to Ireland. Photo of Francis Bacon in his Reece Mews studio. May 1970 by Michael Pergolani. Dublin City Galley, the Hugh Lane.
Earth Hour is a symbolic action. Although there is carbon saved by turning things off, the point is the unmissable demonstration that a huge chunk of the world's population caring about the same thing at the same time. If we can manage this for Earth Hour, why not for grander environmental things? The Hour started in Sydney in 2007, and has become an international event in the years since. There are Earth Hour events in Kenya, India and Ireland these days, but you don't need to travel so far afield to find a way to join in this time around. At its simplest, all you need to do is stay home and turn off the lights. But if you'd like to have a more social darkened moment, you can head to a candlelit restaurant or one of a raft of other lights-off events. If you're in Newtown for Sydney's hour this year, the Fringe Festival is also putting on some entertainment up and down King Street while the lights are gone. Details and a map are here. Image of Earth Hour Switch Off 2010 by Sewell / WWF.
If you've ever held a snow globe in both hands, shaken hard, and wished yourself into the midst of the tiny snowflakes that float back down, you're in for a treat this season at Thredbo. Smirnoff is celebrating two new creations, Smirnoff Honey and Smirnoff Coconut, with one final massive dance party beneath the shelter of an enormous snow dome. Featuring the likes of WHAT SO NOT (DJ set), Sampology (AV show), Sufur (Rufus DJs), SOSUEME DJs and Purple Sneaker DJs, Smirnoff will be turning up the heat on one more sub-zero night on Saturday, 31 August with live snow graffiti, light projections, ice sculptures, glow-in-the-dark bubbles and a host of other late-night surprises. And the best part of all? Entry is as free as you'll be feeling on the slopes the next day skiing the 70cm of fresh snow that has fallen in the past 7 days. So kick off your snow boots, grab a honey and coconut cocktail, and transport yourself into the dome. Drink responsibly. This event is for individuals 18 years and over in age only. https://youtube.com/watch?v=kNdnGlF6YEY
Deep in the woods of an Argentinian forest, Pedro (Viggo Mortensen) leads a simple life. He lives on his own in a cabin, tends to his bees with local girl Rosa (Sofia Gala) and is involved in less legitimate activities with childhood friend Adrian (Daniel Fanego) and the latter's slow-witted godson Ruben (Javier Godino). But when he begins coughing up blood, he knows he is quickly succumbing to cancer and he decides to make a rare trek into the city to see his brother. Meanwhile, in the city, his identical twin brother Agustin, a paediatrician, leads a comfortable but unhappy life and feels only numbness when his wife tells him they can adopt a baby. When the scruffy, chain-smoking Pedro visits unexpectedly and offers him a cash reward for treatment, Agustin seizes a chance to take his sibling's life and kills him, leaving his body to fake his death, enabling him to return to the cabin in Pedro's place. Agustin soon realises his brother's life was no idyllic backwater breeze, however, as he has to feign his sibling's ailments while piecing together his estranged brother's life and figuring out how to extract himself from the kidnapping scheme Pedro got himself involved with. The bees which make their way into his unfamiliar beekeeping suit turn out to be the least of his problems as he inherits a vendetta with the owners of a local general store, further isolating himself from the remote community. He also has to navigate an uneasy relationship the gun-toting, bible-quoting Adrian and convince Rosa that he hasn't been acting strange since he returned from the city. Everybody Has a Plan is a ponderously paced though richly atmospheric affair, its picturesque setting all broody swamps, hazy sunsets and fields speckled with ghostly trees. But a strong sense of place isn't matched by the story, which is thin and difficult to ever really care about. Similarly, the romance with Rosa feels underdone. The main reason to see this, a debut picture from Argentinian Ana Piterbarg, is Mortensen, who turns in not one but two intense and convincing performances, in Spanish no less. Mortensen remains a great screen presence, but he needs a better avenue for his considerable talents. https://youtube.com/watch?v=cJ8W01suq-c
Philadelphia indie-rockers The War on Drugs have revealed they will play a Sydney sideshow alongside their Australian debut performances at Falls Festival and Southbound. Devoted fans will no doubt be crossing their fingers that some material from their much-awaited third album will be unveiled during the tour. The War on Drugs emerged onto the scene back in 2005 as a musical collaboration between frontman and creative honcho Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile, who has since left to pursue a solo career with his backing band The Violators. If you've never heard of them but you like your rock and roll a little bit classic (think a bit of Petty, a splash of Springsteen and, vocally, a whole lot of Dylan), then you may want to grab tickets to a show.
This article is sponsored by our partner The City of Sydney. With Sydney summer approaching, it's time to ponder the best ways to reveal a bit more skin. Enter Sydney is Fashion. Uniting Sydney's sartorial villages and fashion events throughout August and September, the festival presents the perfect way to ogle new garb, rediscover the experience of bricks-and-mortar retail and have bundles of aesthetically pleasing fun. Starting things off is the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival. This four-day fashion celebration, running from August 21-24, offers you front-row seats to the trends of spring/summer 2013/14 with fashion shows and sales throughout the city and online. General Pants Co. will kick off proceedings with an exclusive preview of their latest buys (think RVCA and new label B.BAM) as well as model Stef 'Bambi' Northwood-Blyth's debut collection has us on tenterhooks with promises of eclectic street fashions. Seems her fiancee Dan Single, of former Ksubi fame, has rubbed off on her — his latest DAAN collection will also feature in the show. Once the models have cleared out, ticket holders will be the first in Australia to shop the new looks, and will also receive a 10 percent discount in-store and online. Pick up tickets at select stores, and check out the website for details. Grab some shopping inspiration from the two world-class fashion shows that will run nightly throughout the festival. A highlights show from this year's fashion week, The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Trends event features local talents like Emma Mulholland, Romance Was Born and the effortlessly athletic HAN. For your glamour hit, head to the InStyle Red Carpet Runway, where gowns from Alex Perry, Collette Dinnigan and other high-end favourites will dominate the runway. Other events to look out for include shows from Sportscraft and Market HQ, and a styling session with Kash O'Hara, one half of the sibling-run OHARA label. Styling at the Tea Salon will dish up dressing for your shape tips with a side of champagne and scones, before your half-hour professional stylist consultation and then round the day out with a stylist-assisted 30-minute 'power shop'. That last bit sounds like a Moet et Chandon fuelled mini-Boxing Day brawl, but it is sure to be one of this festival's more hotly contested tickets. Image: Bec & Bridge, photography by Lucas Dawson.
If you’re one of those creative types (or want to be) and love the handmade aesthetic, Object's Make.Play workshops in March and April that might make your ears prick up. Object is already focused on all things design-y, so it makes sense to make some new goods within their walls. Stefanie Ingram (who has appeared in Frankie magazine) will teach you how to create your own terranium (like those ones on etsy), artist/graphic designer/food styler Bianca Spiegel will show you the art of folding, cutting, stenciling, oragami and all things paper in her Paper Love workshop, or you could transform an ordinary plastic shopping bag into a 3D object with Reverse Garbage. There are also courses on bike care, macrame garden accessories, lampshade making, and more. So when someone compliments your new macreme plant holder you can respond with “oh that old thing, yeah, I made it. No big deal.” And wait for the compliments to pour in.
Aerial acrobatics, light projections, synchronised crowd 'fireworks', and the big ones — those world-famous Sydney Harbour fireworks. Be clever about it; pick a vantage point, (according to the Sydney NYE website there are 71), plan your food, drink and toilet options (usually no BYO alcohol), and be prepared for the crowds. The action starts at 6pm, and this year creative ambassador Kylie Minogue has chosen the pretty colours and things. Download a free smartphone app to be part of the mobile phone ‘fireworks’ on the night.
Neil Gaiman jumps genre easily, and casually knocks off any number of impossible things before breakfast. As a young journalist his rediscovery of comics lead to an award winning-run on Sandman that effectively redefined the medium to something with mainstream appeal. He’s a blogging pioneer, who helped bring Miyazaki to western screens well before Spirited Away and has staked out a career as a novelist with books like the soon-to-be-adapted-by-HBO American Gods. Not to mention that he’s also Mr Amanda Palmer and writes some of the best Doctor Who scripts (spoilers) around. With a chocolate, mid-Atlantic fusion of midwestern and English vowels, his live readings tend to seduce the ear, even as they also tend to scare you senseless. This so-called Master of Modern horror is returning on one of his now semi-regular visits to Australia to promote his upcoming novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane at An Evening With Neil Gaiman, presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival. Although you can console yourself with a trove of his free work online, get in quick if you want a closer look at the flesh. His readings sell out in a blink. Tickets should go on sale at the City Recital Hall website from 9am, Wednesday December 19. Doors open at 7pm for an 8pm start.
Some striking new art tech and an emerging informal nightlife: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s art captured two twin changes of his times and pinned them together in glorious motion. His knack for kinetic postering is the subject of a retrospective exhibition, Toulouse-Lautrec, Paris and the Moulin Rouge, at the National Gallery of Australia down in Canberra that opened this week. As part of the pre-show, pre-Christmas shopping season the gallery is setting up shop in a pop up on Oxford Street with Parisian gifting in mind and a few exhibition tickets also on sale. As well as the opportunity for early-season gifting, the shop will be host to a little live performance in the vein of the Moulin Rouge Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The only thing better than seeing one of your favourite new bands in a tropic-themed dance hall for only $12 is seeing two of your most deservedly hyped bands in a topic-themed dance hall for only $12, and it’s the latter combination Goodgod are throwing together this Thursday. World’s End Press are the ones you’ll know from the bassy, synthy, funk-pop single they’ve had circulating on triple j since mid-year, and they’ll be playing a slew of new stuff from their upcoming debut album. Collarbones are the ones that are impossible to define in pretty much any respect, making things sound as complex geographically (Sydney’s Marcus Whale and Adelaide’s Travis Cook met on the internet and compose the majority of their music by sending digital files back and forth) as they are sonically (their music blends electronica with RnB and ghost noises). Somehow it all works though. You’ll also get a taste of super-chill disco duo Polographia, who are giving away download of their Sunsets EP here.
'Success' in the music world isn't the easiest word to define (being only slightly less tricky than 'indie rock'), but it's hard to think of a description that Bloc Party would fall outside the parameters of. They've released four commercially successful albums (the most recent being last year's assertive Four), they defy decades with a unique blend of razor-edged sonics and catchy pop hooks, and they're still really cool. This March the East London art rock quartet are hitting Future Music Festival (where they sit directly opposite Steve Aoki near the top of the impressive line-up), and have just announced a string of satellite shows too. It'll be the band's first appearance following a hiatus in 2009 when singer/guitarist Kele Okereke moved to Berlin to focus on his solo work. Four marks a return to the sound that first shot Bloc Party to fame nearly ten years ago, which means angular guitars on top of anthems on top of anthems. https://youtube.com/watch?v=p1CSMdDIRGg
Tired of queuing up for outdoor cinemas over in the eastern suburbs and only managing to secure, like, a 4x4cm patch of grass? Well, fret no longer, outdoorsy-types. Over on the other side of the bridge, North Sydney's Starlight Cinema is returning for a full season of killer films, and the best bit is there's grass aplenty for your picnicking pleasure as it's staged on A SPORTING OVAL. Chillax over a stack of films we've fallen in love with this past year, including feelgood hit The Sapphires, the surprising Oscar-contender Beasts of the Southern Wild, and the Ang Lee stunner Life of Pi. But what we really love is the ample parking available on site, not to mention the fancy Star Class seating, which offers prime film viewing, reserved deckchair seating, drinks wait-service, and a food hamper filled with dinner and dessert. FYI, it’ll set you back $55 per person, but if you're out to impress, it’s worth every penny. Gates open at 7pm and screenings start at sundown. That's around 8.30pm in January and 8pm in February and early March.
There’s a plethora of first person narrative around the traps lately. If it’s not the Campfire Collective, then it’s Yarn or Tell Me a Story. Sydney’s story right now is being told, one person at a time, at small bars, former warehouses and late night libraries. Not to mention international storytelling blow-ins like Ira Glass and Mike Birbiglia. One venue that has been toying with the same idea is the near-virginal Opera House, which has dabbled occasionally in first person narrative, but over the summer it’s planning on going all the way. The gentle, funny and awkward off-Broadway production My First Time is coming to Bennelong Point with a local cast bringing its gentle, funny and awkward stories of virginity lost. Stories are drawn from submissions to the venerable, confessional website MyFirstTime.com. Never heard of it? There’s a first time for everything.
What would a grandmother have to say who, in her time, has been a revolutionary, an Aboriginal activist, beaten nearly to death in her home country and an architect of its current power-sharing deal? The Sydney Peace Prize is giving you the chance to find out this year by inviting 2012 winner Senator Sekai Holland to give its annual Sydney Peace Prize Lecture: A Story of Courage and Peace at the Sydney Town Hall. Zimbabwe’s political history is a tough and difficult topic to catch up on. But you don’t need to be an expert to want to hear Holland speak. And let the complexities this important, but struggling, country come to you.
The term 'media circus' might have been coined to describe the hoopla that accompanies the US presidential election every four years. Manning Bar at the University of Sydney is hosting an Election Day Spectacular where for $12 ($8 concession) you can have a front-row seat for all the shenanigans. In partnership with CNN International, live coverage of election results will be shown on the big screen. If you're bi-partisan curious, experts from the US Studies Centre will be on hand to explain the complex process and offer blow-by-blow analysis. Surround yourself with fellow news junkies and root for your team. There will be prize giveaways and the opportunity to have your photo taken with the candidates. Counting millions of ballots sure can raise an appetite, so your ticket also gets you US delicacies including popcorn, a hot dog lunch, and fairy floss — which you should order by its American English name, 'cotton candy'. Uncle Sam says he wants YOU to attend.
As any Sydney seafood aficionado should know by now, The Morrison has a constant focus on the not-so-humble oyster. But in August, when the month-long Oyster Festival takes over, that focus turns into an overwhelming obsession. One of the major drawcards is 'Oyster Hour'. Between 6pm and 7pm every single day, you'll be able to eat as many oysters as you can handle at just $1 a pop. If you fancy something a little, well, fancier, you can opt for a 'Wine and Oyster Flight' (three wines and three matching oysters). Plus, throughout the month, seafood expert and chef Sean Connolly will be conjuring up his favourite oyster dishes, from carpetbag steak to chowder. What's the ideal number of times to chew an oyster? Brush up on your knowledge of the mollusc with our Bluffer's Guide to Oysters.
