Artbank understand us so well that they've packaged up their latest exhibition in one thing always guaranteed to turn our heads: sex. Conjuring up the perforated pages of a naughty mag, this bastion of Australian contemporary art is giving us the Sealed Section exhibition — a chance to ogle at the juiciest bits of our recent art history as it has wrestled with those most indecent of subjects: sex, politics and religion. Included are works by ?Brook Andrew, Penny Byrne, ?Abdul Abdullah, ?Sarah Contos and ?Richard Larter. Established by the Fraser Government, Artbank is government-funded and dedicated to keeping Australian contemporary art thriving. Collecting and curating more than 10,000 works of Indigenous and non-Indigenous works over the years, it sustains itself by leasing out these works to government and corporate institutions or even members of the public to hang in their homes (should that kind of thing be in your budget).
Buy the ticket, take the ride, strap in for an onslaught of frenetic locomotive-bound fights: that's high-octane action-comedy Bullet Train on- and off-screen. Set on a shinkansen hurtling from Tokyo to Kyoto, in as stylised a vision of Japan that anyone not named Quentin Tarantino has ever thought of, this neon-lit adaptation of Kōtarō Isaka's 2010 page-turner Maria Beetle couldn't be more onboard with its central concept. That premise isn't snakes on a plane, but rather assassins on a train — plus one snake, one of nature's hitmen, actually. Cramming all those killers onto a single engine sparks mayhem, banter and bodies, not to mention chaotic frays in the quiet car and almost every other space. And when it works, with John Wick and Atomic Blonde's David Leitch steering the show, Tarantino and Guy Ritchie alum Brad Pitt as his main passenger, and a lifetime's worth of references to Thomas the Tank Engine slotted in, Bullet Train is as OTT and entertaining as it overtly wants to be. It doesn't always completely work, however; every journey, zipping along on a high-speed train or not, has its dips. Still, there are plenty of moving parts trying to keep the movie in motion — and plenty of plot, for better and for worse in both instances. In his second 2022 action-comedy after The Lost City, Pitt plays Ladybug, who is back riding the hired-gun rails after a zen break packed with new-age self-help platitudes. That's what he spouts to his handler (Sandra Bullock, The Unforgivable) by phone, in-between rueing his bad luck, as he tries to carry out what's supposed to be an easy job. All that Ladybug needs to do is take a briefcase, then disembark at the next station. But that piece of luggage is being transported by British assassin double-act Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, The King's Man) and Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry, Atlanta), as they escort a Russian mobster's son (Logan Lerman, Hunters) home. To up the hitman ante, the shinkansen is also carrying The Prince (Joey King, The Princess) and Kimura (Andrew Koji, Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins), who have their own beef, as well as the revenge-seeking Wolf (Benito A Martínez Ocasio aka Bad Bunny, Fast and Furious 9). As is always the case whenever anyone asks "are we there yet?" IRL, there's more: more twists and turns to the narrative, more bickering, more familiar names facing each other down, and a mass of flashbacks to events minutes, hours, days and months earlier, most of which make the leap from the page via Zak Olkewicz's (Fear Street: Part Two — 1978) screenplay. Wondering if the scribe and Leitch have seen Kill Bill, or the Pitt-starring Snatch, or the 90s attention-grabbers that were Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as they bring Isaka's novel to the screen is thoroughly pointless. But, after The Gray Man, Bullet Train is the second big, star-studded, midyear action flick that's pieced together from familiar components, only to boast the cast and visual spectacle to carry it off more often than not. What a treat Pitt is, and has been for more than three decades — because that's how long it's been since Thelma & Louise thrust him to fame. Bullet Train draws upon his Ocean's Eleven brand of chattering, casual, happy-go-lucky charisma, even with Ladybug grappling with an existential crisis over his chosen profession. Pitt is comic, but never reaches Burn After Reading's goofiness. Amid the navel-gazing and bromides, he's still calm, collected and supremely capable at holding his own, but never to a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood extent. Although Leitch doesn't give Pitt his own John Wick or Atomic Blonde, it's as crucial a piece of casting. Neither of those two flicks would be the gems they are without their specific stars, and Bullet Train similarly wouldn't have hit the marks it does without its bucket hat-wearing biggest name and his detailed performance. While they fill their scenes trading words and blows, the best of Pitt's co-stars inspire the same reaction — including Hiroyuki Sanada (Mortal Kombat) as a veteran yakuza, Michael Shannon (Nine Perfect Strangers) as a pivotal powerbroker, and Taylor-Johnson and Henry particularly. A visually mismatched pair who quip and sling crosstalk with every breath, the latter duo have cookie-cutter comedic-relief supporting roles on paper, yet bring flair, scene-stealing commitment, and a genuine rapport and weight to their characters. It's thanks to Henry as the blonde-topped Lemon that popular culture's most famous train among pre-schoolers not only plays such a sizeable part, but becomes a life-guiding creed. That's a bit taken directly from the source material and, yes, it could've proven both clunky and cringey on-screen. Bullet Train isn't concise at 126 minutes, and giving its Thomas gags a bit too much steam is just one of its repetitive touches, but that whole gambit would've derailed fast in other hands. Leitch knows banter, and how to direct it; see also: Deadpool 2. While he also knows how to overdo a winking, nodding, smirking vibe that overflows with references to entertainment elsewhere — see also: Deadpool 2 — Bullet Train never feels like it's merely and smugly laughing at its own jokes. And, although not every gag lands, or even the tone from station to station, it's gleeful about how silly it can skew, as its impressively choreographed and inescapably ridiculous action scenes show. Leitch also knows stunts, given that's where he famously started out. In Fight Club, Spy Game, Ocean's Eleven, Troy and Mr and Mrs Smith, he was Pitt's double. It's little wonder that the dynamic confrontations — which involve everything from that key briefcase, laptops and water bottles through to knives, guns, swords and the snake — bounce across their train-bound setting, and the screen, as vividly lensed by Leitch's regular cinematographer Jonathan Sela (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw). Bullet Train's highlights gleam and flow, just like the film's sleek look and feel, but even when you're happily strapped in, bumps can bubble through. There's never a moment where it isn't a lot, which it's well aware, although luckily — the audience's, and Ladybug's — it's never having less than a hyperactive, cartoonish blast with everything it throws at the screen. Henry's Atlanta co-star Zazie Beetz, playing another of the feature's killers, deserves a better, more fleshed-out character, and more screentime. The ideas of family, trauma and fate at the story's core are often just scaffolding around the repartee and setpieces. Spotting the picture's influences is as plain to see as Tokyo's twinkling lights, and as blatant as the Japanese covers of 'Stayin' Alive' and 'Holding Out for a Hero' on the soundtrack. Buy the ticket, take the ride, settle into the movie's rhythm, let Pitt be your guide: that's still Bullet Train, though, too.
AI is here, in the real world and changing everything as we know it: that's the timely premise of the third TRON movie Ares. What happens when artificial intelligence from the digital realm enters reality? And when it comes in the form of the first AI beings? Also, when those figures are hailed by big tech as super soldiers? The new trailer for the third film in the TRON franchise ponders this exact situation. "The grid. A digital frontier. I tried to picture clusters of information as they moved through the computer. What did they look like? Ships? Motorcycles? Were the circuits like freeways? I kept dreaming of a world I thought I'd never see. And then one day, I got in." If you've watched 1982's TRON and its 28-years-later sequel TRON: Legacy in 2010, or listened to the latter's sublime Daft Punk-scored soundtrack, then you've heard those words. But what if everything that Jeff Bridges (The Old Man) describes as Kevin Flynn wasn't relegated to the virtual realm, TRON: Ares asks. Come Thursday, October 9, 2025 Down Under, viewers will discover the answer when the program that shares the TRON: Ares' moniker makes the jump from digital space to physical. Amid heavy lashings of laser-red hues, the first trailer for the feature had a monster-movie vibe when worlds started to collide, complete with flesh-and-blood folks such as Greta Lee (The Studio) staring up, then beginning to flee. The just-dropped new full sneak peek is also ominous — and shows Flynn back on the grid. While things happen quickly in the digital arena, flicks about it clearly don't always earn the same description, given that it has now been over four decades since the first TRON film made its way to cinemas, and 15 years since its first sequel. A third movie was announced the very same year that TRON: Legacy released, in fact, but TRON: Ares has taken time to eventuate. For much of the past decade and a half, it's been one of those pictures in the "I'll believe it when I'm actually sitting in a theatre watching it with my own eyes" category, until Disney not only announced that the feature had a date with picture palaces in 2025, but also dropped a first image from it. Cast-wise, Jared Leto (Haunted Mansion) plays Ares, aka the threatening face of AI, with Bridges back as the software-company employee who first found himself in the digital world in the initial movie. Evan Peters (Agatha All Along), Hasan Minhaj (It Ends with Us), Jodie Turner-Smith (The Agency), Arturo Castro (The Vince Staples Show), Cameron Monaghan (Shameless) and Gillian Anderson (Sex Education) co-star in TRON: Ares, while Joachim Rønning (Young Woman and the Sea) directs. The new TRON: Ares trailer does more than give viewers a fresh glimpse at the film to come — it also debuts 'As Alive as You Need Me to Be', a new song by Nine Inch Nails. Following on from Daft Punk's masterpiece of a score for TRON: Legacy was always going to be a tough feat, but TRON: Ares clearly isn't skimping on musical talent, adding to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' run of film work (see also: Soul, Mank, Bones and All, Empire of Light, The Killer, Challengers, Queer and The Franchise just in the 2020s alone). Check out the full trailer for TRON: Ares and lyric video for 'As Alive as You Need Me to Be' below: TRON: Ares releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Images: Leah Gallo / courtesy of Disney. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Every gig should be its own distinctive experience, even if a band is hitting city after city on a massive national or international tour. But there's unique concerts and then there's Sigur Rós' latest run of shows. While there's nothing quite like seeing the Icelandic band live in general, they'll be doing something different on their next trip to Australia: taking to the stage with live orchestras. Jónsi Birgisson, Georg Hólm and Kjartan Sveinsson will play with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and more when Sigur Rós' current orchestral tour makes its way Down Under. Across the rest of 2024, fans across the US and Nordic countries can catch the group joining forces with a 41-piece orchestra. Then, come May 2025, it's Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane's turn to witness quite a few new members temporarily join the band. Sigur Rós have a one-night date locked in in Adelaide to kick off their Australian visit, and then will play Melbourne for two nights, Sydney for three and Brisbane for one. ÁTTA, their 2023 album, will be in the spotlight, as the last time they toured Down Under was in 2022, before it was released — and it was was recorded with arrangements featuring a 32-piece orchestra. Fans can expect tracks from their 1997 debut Von onwards, however, spanning tunes from fellow records Ágætis byrjun, ( ), Takk..., Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, Valtari and Kveikur. [caption id="attachment_974235" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alive87 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] That last — and soldout — trip this way was part of the group's first tour in five years, but clearly they haven't left the same gap go by between then and their next tour. Sigur Rós first started doing the rounds with an orchestra in 2023, playing a limited number of gigs, before expanding the experience further. Next stop: Australia. [caption id="attachment_974239" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Goatling via Flickr.[/caption] Sigur Rós Australian Orchestral Tour 2025 Saturday, May 17 — AEC Theatre, Adelaide Monday, May 19–Tuesday, May 20 — Hamer Hall, Melbourne Friday, May 23–Sunday, May 25 — venue to be announced, Sydney Tuesday, May 27 — QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane Sigur Rós is touring Australia in May 2025, with presale tickets available from 10am local time on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 and general sales from 10am local time on Friday, October 4. Head to the band's website for further details. Top image: Kathryn Parson Photography via Flickr.
Huge news for convenient, cheap grocery enthusiasts this morning; specifically those of you outside Victoria and the ACT who haven't already been enjoying the fruits of ALDI's partnership with DoorDash. As of this morning, New South Wales became the final state to welcome the grocer onto its DoorDash systems, following WA, SA and QLD, making delivery now available from most ALDI locations nationwide. Over 1800 products are now available (at the grocer brand's signature low prices) at the click of a button, even cheaper if you're the proud owner of a Prime Video subscription — link it to your DoorDash account and you'll get a year of $0 delivery fees and more, you're welcome. [caption id="attachment_1024795" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Esteban La Tessa[/caption] Some of the first ALDI orders placed when the now nationwide partnership was in its trial phase showed that it's a welcome avenue of emergency supplies when Aussies need it most. Two of the earliest orders were for nappies and wipes, then cat food and toilet paper. It's certainly a lot easier than carving out time to go to the shops yourself. Essentials are on the regular rotation of most orders, with items like milk, eggs and fresh produce being in a quarter of all orders so far, and a third of all orders are placed on the weekends — somehow the best and still the worst time to go grocery shopping. Sadly, the famed Special Buys (AKA the middle aisle) remains an in-store exclusive. Simon Rossi, Vice President of DoorDash APAC, said: "Our partnership with ALDI is all about delivering our customers greater convenience, choice and value. ALDI's much-loved exclusive and value-driven range combined with DoorDash's reliable, on-demand delivery technology means shoppers around the country don't have to go too long between ALDI shops. We are proud to help enable this new level of accessibility for Australians." Download the DoorDash app for free on the Apple Store or Google Play. Find your nearest ALDI via the store locator.
In great news for online streaming fans who feel as though their options are limited now that Netflix has cracked down on that whole VPN thing, there's now another streaming service to add to your rotating repertoire. After quietly and somewhat inexplicably making their Prime Video streaming service available to Aussie customers in mid-November, Amazon has gone and made it all official, with the online shopping behemoth last night launching their film and television streaming platform in 200 countries including Australia and New Zealand. So if you signed up for a Prime Video account last month, it now has the offical stamp of approval from Amazon — but don't expect the number of titles that you can watch to change dramatically just yet. Amazon's first round of titles represent their efforts to dip a toe in the waters of online streaming, but the company still has to navigate around existing local rights deals for some of their original content. Basically, if it's already available on another platform — such as the most recent seasons of Mozart in the Jungle and Transparent, which are linked to Stan in Australia and Lightbox in NZ — then you won't find it on Prime. What you will find is an introductory deal of USD$2.99 per month for the first sixth months, with the cost rising to USD$5.99 monthly after that. And yes, Amazon is keeping their prices in US currency. So, go forth and stream, film and television fiends, whether car-focused banter on the highly anticipated The Grand Tour, catching up with the first seasons of Amazon Original Series such as Red Oaks and The Man in the High Castle, or diving through a host of movies takes your fancy. Next year, additional efforts such as Woody Allen's Crisis in Six Scenes, David E. Kelley's Goliath featuring Billy Bob Thornton, and Sneaky Pete, which is produced by Bryan Cranston and stars Giovanni Ribisi, will join the global lineup. Amazon Prime Video also boasts offline downloads, which Netflix only recently introduced. Alas, as for how you can watch it, you'd best get used to viewing on it on a phone or tablet (sorry, anyone who likes watching television actually on their television). At the time of writing, the service is supported by Android and iOS phones and tablets, plus Amazon's own Fire Tablets, but only on LG and Samsung smart TVs. For more information about Amazon Prime Video, visit PrimeVideo.com.
Stay tuned. More info on its way.
Dust off your best flapper dress or pinstriped suit, because a monthly prohibition party is headed to Sydney shores. The Blind Barber is a speakeasy-style pop-up by the Beyond Cinema folk — who also brought The Greatest Showman circus soirée to a secret Sydney location, an extravagant Great Gatsby party to a mansion in northern Sydney, the Mad Hatter's tea party to the Botanic Gardens and recreated Titanic on Sydney Harbour. Now, the group will throw its first non-film-inspired party, and it'll go down every month starting on Saturday, October 19. There will be casino tables to gamble at, bootleg cocktails to sip on and dancing all night long — with live bands playing jazz and throwback 1920s hits. And you can expect to bump into some of the period's most notorious characters, gangsters and crooks while you're at it. [caption id="attachment_711479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beyond Cinema's Great Gatsby event.[/caption] As with all Beyond Cinema events, lavish dress-ups are a must — for this one, think flapper dresses, bob hairdos, feather boas, pinstriped suits and suspenders. While the party's exact location will be kept under wraps (as usual), we do know that it'll be near North Sydney in an underground space, with plenty of secret rooms and tunnels to explore. Entry is $30 per person, or you can nab one of two packages on offer: canapés and cocktails for $65 per person, or the VIP dining experience, which takes place in a secret underground chamber and includes a three course feast for $90. The October edition of the Blind Barber will be the first in a monthly series of these secret parties. To be the first in the know and to purchase tickets, sign up here. The first Blind Barber pop-up will take place on Saturday, October 19. General admission tickets with go on sale at 9am on Friday, June 7 via the website.
UPDATE, November 6, 2020: A Cure for Wellness is available to stream via Netflix and Prime Video. When you're sitting through a bland attempt to remake a decades-old radio series, or a spate of diminishing sequels in an average-at-best franchise, you can forget that filmmakers don't just make movies — they also watch them and love them. With The Lone Ranger and the first three Pirates of the Caribbean flicks on his resume, it's rather easy to do just that where Gore Verbinski is concerned, but every now and then he does something to remind you. Back in 2011, the Oscar-winning animated western Rango did the trick, ensuring every viewer knew just how fond Verbinski is of the genre. Likewise, with A Cure for Wellness, his first horror film since The Ring, Verbinski wears his inspirations on his sleeve. And while it mightn't stand out as a landmark scary effort, it still makes for intriguingly creepy viewing. For the record, the veteran filmmaker appears to have seen and adored Rosemary's Baby, The Shining, Shutter Island and Crimson Peak, as well as countless '30s gothic fright fests, '70s Italian giallo films, '80s body horror flicks and everything Alfred Hitchcock ever made. Over the course of 146 minutes, A Cure for Wellness plays like the kind of feverish dream you might have after marathoning all of your favourite spooky movies, with your brain trying to mash everything into one over-the-top package. A labyrinthian sanitarium filled with complacent patients, eerie lullaby-like singing, ravenous eels no one else seems to see, and a history of unrest and incest: you can already spot how some of those filmic influences come into play, can't you? Along with a mysterious young woman (Mia Goth), this is what Wall Street up-and-comer Lockhart (Dane DeHaan) finds when he makes the trip to a wellness centre in the Swiss Alps looking for his company's CEO (Harry Groener). Lockhart thinks that he'll be in and out within 20 minutes, but after an accident he's stuck in plaster and unable to head home, which seems to suit the water therapy-loving doctor-in-charge (Jason Isaacs) quite nicely. There's no missing the fact that all of the folks seeking some rest and relaxation are high-flying business executives. Verbinski, who came up with the story with his Lone Ranger screenwriter Justin Haythe, isn't particularly subtle with some of the movie's ideas — and that's without even getting into a subplot involving pure bloodlines. But he's also largely unconcerned with splashing around in anything other than H20 galore, a mood of dread and tension, and gorgeously unsettling visuals in pale, icy shades. Diving deep into all three results in the cinematic equivalent of a gloriously macabre synchronised swimming routine; an intricately choreographed sight to behold that keeps the most interesting parts on the surface. And what a surface it is. Mastering a tone of unease, serving up a sleek, sinister feast for the eyes, and throwing in a wealth of affectionate nods to genre greats mostly keeps the feature afloat. Mostly. Unsurprisingly, A Cure for Wellness struggles with thin characterisations, and even more so when the predictable yet twist-heavy plot tries to wrap up its stretched-out antics. Still, if you've fallen down its well of unhinged delights you'll probably find them part and parcel of the fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mcVodJmBlU
Sydney's about to score a world-first. Launching Thursday, October 30, Solaré is a 150-foot classic superyacht reimagined as a full-service restaurant, cocktail bar and Mediterranean-style beach club — a floating escape where long lunches, sunset spritzes and daybed lounging all live on the same vessel. "Solaré is about reimagining what's possible on Sydney Harbour," said Founder Scott Robertson. "We've created a world-first, a restaurant, cocktail bar, and beach club onboard a 150-foot superyacht designed entirely around leisure." The yacht unfolds across three distinct levels. The Dining Room is a refined, sit-down restaurant built for leisurely progressions; the Terrace Deck lifts the tempo with share plates and cocktails; and the open-air Sun Deck nails the beach-club brief with custom daybeds, a panoramic bar and uninterrupted skyline views. Designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley (AZB Creative) leans into 70s-tinged Mediterranean glamour — think sunflower yellows, burnt oranges, teak and green marble. "Every detail is designed to evoke a glamorous, sun-soaked escape," says Zabotto-Bentley. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas (Totti's Bondi; two-hatted Ortiga in Brisbane) teams up with Head Chef Nick Mathieson (Compa, Bistecca, Otto) on a coastal Italian menu with a seafood focus. The Dining Room runs as a set journey — begin with oscietra caviar over house potato crisps and cultured cream, then roll into snacks like a vinegar-and-bottarga-dusted potato scallop with chives and caviar, plus deep-sea royal red prawns with finger lime and bisque mayo. Bigger moments include reginette with Moreton Bay bug, crustacean butter and chilli, and market fish with clams, saffron butter, fregola and spring veg. Tables can add a Bistecca alla Fiorentina as a supplement. Upstairs, the Terrace and Sun Deck are made for graze-and-gather afternoons. Expect Queensland spanner crab tartlets crowned with herbs and salmon roe, a Moreton Bay bug sando with crisp iceberg and cocktail sauce, and spaghettini tossed with spanner crab, tomato, chilli, garlic and salmon roe. Desserts keep the coastal mood: lemon and mascarpone sorbetto served in a carved lemon, or fior di latte ice cream finished with an indulgent spoon of oscietra caviar. Venue Manager Mikey Hamilton (Bistecca, The Gidley, Banksii) steers service, bringing big-league polish to the harbour. Drinks are led by Ed Loveday, who builds a harbour-ready list of crisp Mediterranean wines, lively rosés and seasonal cocktails. Expect aperitivo-leaning spritzes, martinis, margaritas, daiquiris and champagne numbers — plus a Martini Trolley in the Dining Room for bespoke, tableside ice-cold pours. Art threads through the space, too, with commissioned works by Daimon Downey, Jeremy Kay and Tiarna Herczeg adding sculptural colour and texture between decks. Solaré will operate Thursday to Sunday with two cruises daily. Book a Dining Room reservation ($185 per person), reserve VIP Tables on the Terrace Deck, secure Booths or Daybeds on the Sun Deck, or opt for a Cruise Pass ($50 per person, with access to the Terrace Deck, Dining Room Bar and Harbour Platform). Bookings are now open via the Solaré website. Images: Jonny Valiant | Jason Loucas
Sydney's no stranger to world-class drinking dens, but even we're due for a few surprises when one of the world's best, and most enduring, speakeasies hits Aussie shores next month. Since the first Employees Only bar opened its doors in New York back in 2004, it has picked up a whole swag of accolades — including ranking among The World's 50 Best Bars for ten years running, this year coming in at 26 — and its founders have successfully taken the concept global, launching outposts in Singapore, Hong Kong and Miami. And now, they're headed Down Under, taking over a heritage basement space in Sydney's CBD and bringing in Sydney native Anna Fang, for the bar's much-anticipated Australian debut. Here, Employees Only is sticking to its original principles, promising memorable cocktails and sophisticated fare in a beautiful space. But it'll also be rounded out with a distinctly local edge and a healthy dose of Sydney style. The Sydney outpost is being run by EO co-founder Dushan Zaric, along with EO New York bartender Robert Krueger and Fang as venue manager. And it seems no one is deterred by the city's ongoing lockout law woes, with Krueger saying, "We're excited to work with the incredible local bar community, together helping to reinvigorate Sydney's nightlife and bring it back onto the global stage." To that end, expect a cocktail offering that lives up to the hype, with some of the New York outpost's favourites sitting alongside a slew of new, Sydney-exclusive creations. Must-try classics that will appear on the menu include the Amelia, crafted on vodka, elderflower liqueur, puréed blackberries and fresh lemon, and the Provençal, with lavender-infused gin, vermouth and Cointreau. Meanwhile, the kitchen is taking its cues from classic New York bistro fare, the menu sporting a mix of Employee's Only favourites — think house-made pork sausage cavatelli, bone marrow poppers with bordelaise sauce, and the now legendary steak tartare, here done with hand-cut filet mignon — and Head Chef Aurelian Girault's latest Australian-inspired creations. Enter beneath the signature neon "psychic" sign, pull up a seat at the curved, brass-topped bar and get ready for some pretty exceptional boozing. Employees Only Sydney is slated to open in November at 9 Barrack Street, Sydney. Images: Robert Krueger and Anna Fang, by Joe Cheng.
When a movie character complains about the flimsiness and predictability of the world, it helps if the film they're in doesn't share the same traits. The character in question is Margo Roth Spiegelman (Cara Delevingne), while the feature is Paper Towns. She's the resident high school cool girl that the boy across the road, Quentin — or Q (Nat Wolff) — has spent years pining over. She's also the central mystery in the latest page-to-screen adaptation based on the work of novelist John Green. Those with a memory for melancholy teen fare might remember the last Green-penned effort to reach cinemas: cancer romance The Fault in Our Stars. Swap illness for aloofness, and a visit to Europe with a drive to upstate New York, and you know the kind of earnest drama you're in for. The same writers bring both films to fruition, and Wolff also features in each — then as the sidekick, now as the star. Here, his Q fondly remembers his younger days palling around with Margot before they grew up and into different cliques, only to feverishly relive them after she climbs through his bedroom window seeking his help for a revenge-fuelled adventure. The morning after, still buzzed from pranking Margot's cheating ex-boyfriend and the friends who knew about his philandering ways, Q thinks his life will change — only to find that the object of his affections has gone missing instead. Cue an attempt to track Margot down sparked by a series of clues she has left behind, with the smitten Q certain that they're signs she wants him to do just that. And cue a film that wears not just its heart on its sleeve, but its fantasies about halcyon high school days where important life lessons are learned. You've seen and heard them all before: try new things, follow your dreams, be yourself, cool kids have problems too, don't pin all your hopes of your teenage crush. The list goes on. Paper Towns barely gives anyone older than 18 a passing glance. Yet as it cycles through the usual house party, road trip and prom moments, it feels more like the calculated, nostalgic product of adults looking backwards than an authentic reflection of youth. That's the territory Green plays in — and while director Jake Schreier cultivated genuine emotion in his previous effort, Robot and Frank, just as writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber did in The Spectacular Now, the author's formula here is clearly at work. Hence the insubstantial and obvious narrative, the hardly memorable characters, and the other cookie-cutter elements — warm tones, a wistful soundtrack and standard performances included. An amalgam of everything those remembering their adolescence wish to recall, as well as everything those going currently through it wish to experience, Paper Towns just wants to be pleasant and neat. And that's what it achieves — however at-odds with its underlying "don't get boxed in" mantra that may be.
When an actor adds new movies to their resume quickly — popping up in new flicks every couple of months or so — there's a chance they might run out of worthy on-screen opportunities. The one actor that'll never apply to: Nicolas Cage. He's prolific, he stars in far too many terrible films, and yet he always has something interesting around the corner. Across his now four-decade on-screen career, the inimitable actor has made many a must-see. Sometimes his films are simply excellent all round, or he's flat-out fantastic in them. Sometimes his movies are pure cinematic chaos, and his performances as well, but they nonetheless demand to be seen. But one of the next flicks on his slate really does promise to plunge him into new territory — because he'll be playing and parodying himself. By now, we've seen Cage break out of Alcatraz, sing Elvis songs, run around the streets convinced that he's a vampire and let his long hair flap in the wind. We've watched him voice a version of Spider-Man, drive fast cars, swap faces, fight space ninjas steal babies, too. In just the past six months, he's shouted expletives from Netflix, battled demonic animatronics and teamed up with one of Japan's most out-there filmmakers. Sometime in the near future, viewers will learn what happens when he dons Joe Exotic's blonde mullet. Staying in his own shoes stands out, though. The film in question: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Due to hit the cinemas in America on April 22, 2022 — with release details Down Under yet to be confirmed — the movie will follow the on-screen, fictionalised Cage as he accepts an offer to attend a super fan's birthday. He needs the money, but he's also recruited by the CIA along the way. Yep, that sounds about right. As well as Cage playing Cage — not to be confused with his work in Adaptation, where he played two characters — The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent will feature Pedro Pascal (Wonder Woman 1984) as the aforementioned Cage devotee, Tiffany Haddish (Like a Boss) as the CIA operative, and also Sharon Horgan (This Way Up) and Neil Patrick Harris (It's a Sin). Are We Officially Dating? filmmaker Tom Gormican sits in the director's chair, because if there's anything this story needs, it's the director of a Zac Efron and Michael B Jordan-starring rom-com pivoting to total Cage worship. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent doesn't have a trailer as yet but, in the interim, here's the Adaptation trailer if you'd like to see twice as much Cage as usual in one frame: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is set to release in the US on April 22, 2022. Australian release details haven't yet been revealed — we'll update you when they are. Via: Deadline. Top image: Wild At Heart
Adelaide's beloved Fringe festival is undoubtedly one of city's main highlights throughout February and March. If you do plan to head down south for the event make sure you carve out some time to explore the city beyond the riches of Fringe. The South Australian capital boasts a storied history, exceptional wine regions and stunning beaches, so we've put together eight adventures that'll give you a taste of what the region has to offer. While some of these venues will play host to events during the festival, they're open to visitors year-round, so you can experience these classic Adelaide sites long past the Fringe. [caption id="attachment_935120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Marks[/caption] POPEYE RIVER CRUISES Head on down to the Riverbank Precinct to experience the joys of cruising along the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri. Enjoy the river in style with Popeye River Cruises, which offers an informative sightseeing cruise or a Devonshire Tea Cruise. For something a little stronger than Earl Grey, opt for the High Tea Cruise, Kangaroo Island Spirits Gin Cruise or Chalk Hill Wine Tasting Cruise. During Fringe the Popeye will transform into the lively Dream Boat, with local bevvies on offer and Endless Grooves on the decks. ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKET Home to world-renowned wine and food producers (including gourmet icon and national treasure Maggie Beer), South Australia has long been considered an epicurean haven. Discover some of the region's top providores and local traders under one roof at Adelaide Central Market. This fresh produce market is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Open Tuesday to Saturday, the place buzzes with locals and visitors alike. Dive deeper with a guided tour on the history of the market, or, if you prefer to roam on your own, let Fringe ambassador Adam Liaw and co-host Katie Spain lead you on a self-guided audio tour. DAY TRIP TO HAHNDORF A short 30-minute drive out of Adelaide takes you to Hahndorf — a unique German village in the heart of South Australia. The charming settlement traces its history back to the early 19th century and features restaurants slinging German fare, various wineries and breweries, artisan stores with German crafts, charming galleries and German-style architecture. For a cultural fix, uncover the stories of the First Nations Peramangk people and German settlers at the Hahndorf Academy or visit Hans and Norah Heysen's artist studios at The Cedars. MIGRATION MUSEUM Delve into South Australia's diverse history at the Migration Museum. The museum sheds light on migration patterns and stories through artefacts, artworks, photographs, clothing and technology, providing insights into the valuables that mattered most to migrants and how they contributed to the new place they called home. While you're there, check out some of the Fringe shows at the museum, too. ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDEN With six Fringe shows hosted in the sweeping Adelaide Botanic Garden — including the spectacular Natural Wonders — it's likely you'll find yourself here anyway. So why not take some extra time to explore the expansive grounds dedicated to celebrating the diversity of native and international plants. Check out the Santos Museum of Economic Botany to get to the roots of the plants and their various uses. And if that inspires you to do some gardening of your own, the Diggers Garden Shop is on hand with plenty of heirloom seeds and plants. DAY TRIP TO THE FLEURIEU The Fleurieu is one of Australia's most breathtaking coastlines (and that's really saying something). Just a forty-minute drive from Adelaide, you can easily spend a day luxuriating around the coast, from sipping wines in the globally renowned McLaren Vale region to swimming in the pristine waters. For a low-key, hassle-free way to see the region, join along for the Willunga Wander tour by Hither and Yon. The self-guided tour includes a planned trail, three tastings and a wine glass souvenir to bring home. [caption id="attachment_935049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Macmahon[/caption] SILVER SANDS BEACH CLUB While you're in McLaren Vale, stop by for a drink at the Silver Sands Beach Club on Aldinga Beach. Perch in a primo waterfront location, enjoying the view of the sparkling waters while you sip on a schooey or cocktail. The kitchen slings a broad selection of seafood-centric dishes and pub cravings, including pizza, burgers and schnittys. It's also well worth the drive to check out the Fringe shows they're hosting, including a Fleetwood Mac tribute band that'll have you rocking out by the seaside and side-splitting comedy act Granny Flaps. ADELAIDE GAOL If true crime is your thing, visit the Adelaide Gaol to learn about the history of the city's prisons since the early 19th century. Explore mugshots from the archives, an art installation based on infamous tales, an archaeological dig site and an interactive exhibition with artefacts — you'll even be able to try on some handcuffs and leg irons, which serve as a stark reminder to stay on the good side of the law. Book your FringeTIX now at the Adelaide Fringe website.
From humble food truck beginnings, Melbourne Greek doughnut-slinger Lukumades opened its first bricks-and-mortar spot in West Melbourne in 2017. Now, it's about to bring its deliciously chewy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside dessert to Sydney. Slated to open on Thursday, May 2, the Lukumades Sydney outpost will be located in DUO Central Park — the plant-covered skyscraper opposite the eyesore that is UTS Tower —dishing up a modern spin on traditional Greek loukoumades. Cult favourites such as the Oreo Balls smothered in white chocolate and served with a scoop of cookies and cream gelato — and the White Nutella Balls topped with salted caramel sauce and crushed biscuits — will be on the menu, as well as more traditional doughnuts dusted with icing sugar or dipped in honey and cinnamon. To drink, Lukumades specially roasted blend of coffee by Sydney-based William De Nass roasters will be available, as well as milkshakes, traditional Greek soft drinks and tsikoudia — a Greek grape-based spirit. Lukumades is not just expanding to Sydney, either. As well as Perth and a second store in Melbourne, the brand has its sights set globally — thanks to its recent franchising — with stores in the United States and Cyprus anticipated to open by the end of the year. Lukumades is slated to open on Thursday, May 2 at Shop 2, DUO Central Park, 38 Broadway Chippendale. It will be open from 10am–11pm daily.
So, your home's in need of a sprucing but you're dreading the thought of trawling through endless shelves or pages of products to get the bits and pieces you need. Thankfully, Top3 has your back this weekend, hosting a hefty warehouse sale in Crows Nest, from Friday, August 3, until Monday, August 6. Making life a little easier and minimising those tough decisions, Top3's online store runs to a unique concept, only featuring three quality items within each product range. It heroes original designs from all corners of the globe. And for this sale, the team's pulled together a sprawling array of discontinued lines, floor stock and sample pieces, all going cheap at 30-70 percent off. Score one-off bargains on goodies for your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and bar, across top brands like Georg Jensen, Missoni Home, MoMA, Basil Bangs, Normann Copenhagen, Noritake, Snurk and Design House Stockholm. Top3 Warehouse Sale is opening from 12–5pm Friday, 10am–5pm Saturday, 10am–4pm Sunday, and 10am–5pm Monday. Not all items in the top image are for sale.
For years now, picking something to listen by hitting up Spotify — or letting the service choose your tunes for you — has become a familiar routine for many folks. Prefer audiobooks instead of music or podcasts? Want to break up your soundtrack? The audio streaming service has just brought its new literary library Down Under, so you can now get more than 300,000 books pumped into your ears. Spotify launched its audiobooks service in the US in September, but it has just become available in Australia and New Zealand — and the UK and Ireland as well — since Tuesday, November 22. That timing means that your lazy summer days can now include listening to Aussie hits like The Dry and Boy Swallows Universe on the sand, with the local rollout coming with relevant homegrown titles. Given the size of the library, however, there's clearly plenty more books to choose from. Other titles include Harry Potter books, Stephen King's weird and wonderful bibliography, and everything from Where the Crawdads Sing and My Policeman through to tomes by Hannah Gadsby and Michelle Obama. The range is broken up into genres, and covers both fiction and non-fiction — so whether you want to catch up with Sally Rooney's Beautiful World, Where Are You or hear the late, great Archie Roach speak through his memoir, you've got options. There is one big caveat, though: to purchase audiobooks, you do need to head to Spotify's website. No, you can't buy them via the app. That said, once you've forked out some cash for whatever titles you're keen on, you can listen to them in the app. Spotify users can also download audiobooks, so that you can listen to them offline. And, so that you know where you're up to, there's an automatic bookmarking feature that saves your place. Fancy picking up the pace — the audiobook of speed reading — or slowing things down? There's a speed control function as well. "We've always believed that the potential for audio is limitless, and we've been saying for a while now that our ambition is to be the complete package for everyone's listening needs," said Nir Zicherman, Spotify's Vice President and Global Head of Audiobooks and Gated Content, when Spotify launched its audiobooks offering in the US. "Audiobooks are next to come into the picture because we see a substantial untapped market: while audiobooks represent just a six-percent–seven-percent share of the wider book market, the category is growing by 20 percent year over year. But what we're really excited about is providing a great new experience for listeners — introducing audiobooks to an audience of people who may never have tried them otherwise. By bringing audiobooks to Spotify, we have the opportunity to both grow the space as a whole and enrich listeners' lives." For more information about Spotify's audiobooks library, head to the platform's website.
Sticking around in Sydney this Easter? There's plenty going on – from a buffet lunch at Sailmaker and a banquet at Toko to, of course, the Royal Easter Show. Now, we can tell you that Chiswick is hopping into the fun. Swing by the Woollahra restaurant anytime over the Easter weekend to feast on egg-cellent seafood dishes put together by Head Chef Samuel Rozsnyoi, including a whole John Dory with wakame, mussel butter and lemon – ideal for sharing. Also on the menu is a bunny-inspired cocktail. Dubbed the 24Carrot, it's a refreshing concoction of Grey Goose vodka and Aperol, sweetened with rambutan and kiwi, given a herby touch with chamomile, and finished off with lemon and a carrot curl. Plus, if you're celebrating with kids (or kid-ults), you can join in the community Easter egg hunt on Sunday morning. Chiswick's idyllic kitchen garden and grounds will be dotted with chocolate treats and Easter characters will be on hand to help with the search.
Some days, the only way to break free from the 9-to-5 grind is with some wings and a drink. Winghaus hopes that you feel like that most days, actually — but from Monday, July 25–Friday, July 29, it's giving you an extra incentive to head into its Barangaroo and Circular Quay joints as soon as quittin' time hits. The occasion: National Wing Day, one of those dates that's all about a particular food, and is always jumped on by the places that serve them. Clearly, Winghaus fits the bill on this culinary celebration. While the day itself falls on the Friday, the bar chain is extending its wing-fuelled festivities across the entire working week. The more wings the merrier, naturally. Drop by between 5–7pm, which is when Winghaus does Wing Hour, and you'll be able to nab wings for just ten cents each. You do need to purchase a beverage, though, and there's a limit of ten per drink. Want more? Get sipping again. Winghaus is also doing six limited-edition special flavours, so you can expand your wing repertoire. On the menu, and included in the ten-cent offer: lemongrass and ginger, XO, Szechuan pepper and honey, honey mustard, satay and chilli beer varieties.
The hair, the hips, a whole lotta shakin' and Tom Hanks in a far less friendly role than usual: they're all part of the just-dropped trailer for Baz Luhrmann's Elvis. After a nine-year absence from the silver screen following 2013's The Great Gatsby, the Australian filmmaker returns to cinemas with a biopic about the world's most famous blue suede shoe aficionado, with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Dead Don't Die's Austin Butler sporting Presley's pompadour. Shot in Australia with a cast that also spans a wealth of local talent — Olivia DeJonge (Better Watch Out) as Priscilla, Richard Roxburgh (Fires) as Presley's father Vernon, newly minted Oscar-nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog) as singer Jimmie Rodgers, and David Wenham (The Furnace) as country artist Hank Snow, for starters — Elvis clearly has a big story to tell. Charting the king of rock 'n' roll's rise to fame, exploring the role that manager Colonel Tom Parker played in that success and examining how Presley became the enduring symbol of rock 'n' roll that he still remains now, 45 years after his death, as everything from touring exhibitions to his enduring status in popular culture keep showing: that's all in the movie's remit, too. As Parker, Hanks also has a significant task. In the trailer, the News of the World and A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood star's first words set the mood for his character: "there are some who make me out to be the villain of this story". Launching Elvis' initial sneak peek, Luhrmann explained that Hanks' role obviously isn't quite that simple. "He ran towards that. It's interesting because 'villain' is too easy to wrap it up," the filmmaker advises. "He tells the story, [but] he doesn't go on to tell the story that says 'and they're right'... It's a device, because when it comes to a historical character, there's only ever someone's telling of that story. Even in life, if you lived with an Elvis, it's your memory — your version of their life." From its first trailer, Elvis is unmistakably a Luhrmann movie. As everything from Strictly Ballroom and Romeo + Juliet to Moulin Rouge! and his Netflix series The Get Down have already shown, the Aussie director doesn't hold back when it comes to style, flair, and embracing the look and feel of whichever world he's diving into. Describing his process, Luhrmann goes a step further. "I am the ultimate outsider. I come from a very small country town, not dissimilar to Tupelo [Mississippi, where Presley was born] — where I come from, Tupelo would've been called the big smoke or a city because my town was so small, like five houses. But I'm the ultimate outsider, so when I go and do Moulin Rouge! and it's in Paris, I come as an outsider and live it. If I do The Get Down, I come as an outsider and live it. If I do The Great Gatsby, I come as an outsider and I live like [author F Scott] Fitzgerald — I probably got a little bit too much into some of the things that Fitzgerald did — but I do live it, it's a real truth." "That's why I make films so infrequently. So the greatest joy for me is to make films and to live it," he explains. For the writer/director, who works here with a script also credited to his regular co-screenwriter Craig Pearce, plus The Get Down's Sam Bromell and The Killing's Jeremy Doner, Elvis isn't just about its namesake. "A great biopic is terrific, but something like Amadeus, for example, it's not really about Mozart — it's about jealousy. And the truth is is that in this modern era, the life of Elvis Presley could not be a better canvas on which to explore America in the 50s, the 60s and the 70s," Luhrmann notes. "It's a mythical life that he lived‚ very young, 42 years. But that 42 years is is three great lives put into a short period of time. And what's extraordinary about it is that that life is culturally at the centre of the 50s, and socially the 60s and actually the 70s. And it's a great canvas on which to us explore America. So that's what drew me in — that and a guy called Colonel Tom Parker, who I always like to say was never a Colonel, never a Tom and and never a Parker." Check out the trailer for Elvis below: Elvis releases in cinemas Down Under on June 23, 2022. Images: Hugh Stewart.
When Michael Shanks began writing Together over half a decade ago, he didn't start casting in his mind at the time. He didn't pen it thinking that a real-life married couple would play Tim and Millie, his debut feature's protagonists, either. To fuel the Australian filmmaker's leap from YouTube, shorts and TV — including Time Trap, The Wizards of Aus, The Slot, Parked and Rebooted, as well as visual effects on 2019 miniseries Lambs of God— to becoming the talk of Sundance 2025, scoring the first major sale of this year's fest, then playing SXSW in Austin and opening the Sydney Film Festival, however, Shanks was thinking about long-term relationships. They couldn't be more at the heart of his delightfully wild and smart body-horror must-see. So, enlisting two leads who've been together since 2012 and wed since 2017 is indeed perfect. Those stars, and also producers of Together: Alison Brie (Apples Never Fall) and Dave Franco (The Studio), adding another joint project to a shared list that already featured the latter's directorial efforts The Rental and Somebody I Used to Know, as well as the likes of The Little Hours, The Disaster Artist, BoJack Horseman and Krapopolis. Initially, though, Shanks drew upon his own romantic situation — one that owes a debt to the Aussie end-of-school rite-of-passage that is Schoolies. When an Australian thinks of that week of typically Gold Coast-set revelry playing a part in a horror film, a picture about falling for someone, sharing a life with them, commitment and co-dependency isn't a concept that naturally springs to mind. But that's Together, which is also a movie about love sticking. It takes that concept literally. Franco's Tim and Brie's Millie kick off Together as enmeshed in each other's existence as a couple generally, usually, normally can be. A big move, also literal, is their next step by each other's side: relocating for Millie's job as an elementary school teacher. But their going-away party turns awkward when a marriage proposal doesn't quite go as it should — and as aspiring musician Tim begins gleaning how shifting out of the city for Millie will practically impact his ability to play gigs and keep chasing his dreams. Tension accompanies the pair to their leafy new regional surroundings, then, where greenery-lined hiking tracks beckon, Shanks' key duo fall into a cave and the two find themselves even more linked, and unable to be apart, than ever. What if bonding with your other half had a physical dimension beyond cohabiting, sex, other displays of affection and the standard couple details? What if deciding to always be one of a pair was a corporeal connection right down to your flesh? Of the two big 80s music classics with "tear us apart" in their title, think INXS' Triple J Hottest 100 of Australian Songs-topping 'Never Tear Us Apart' over Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' — and not just because Together was shot Down Under, in Melbourne where Shanks is based. How love can change you, the anxieties that it can cause and the resentments that it can spark, and what it truly means to join your existence with someone else's: these are the ideas that Together ponders as it explores transformations inspired by fluttering hearts in its own distinctive and compelling way. Confronting painful real-life situations, while never being afraid to carve its own path into horror tropes such as unsettling new locales, creepy trips into bushland, eerie isolated houses and more: Together does this, too, as it spins a tale that favours life over the horror staple that is death, grief and loss. And in a picture that's firmly a body-horror flick with searing-into-your-brain setpieces to prove it, but is as much a romantic drama as well — and that always anchors its spectacle in the story, never getting gory purely for the sake of it — Franco and Brie are firmly "a dream cast", as Shanks describes them to Concrete Playground. The word "dream" earns a few mentions in our chat. "It's really, really insane," he tells us of Together's journey so far this year, even before reaching cinemas in general release on Thursday, July 31, 2025 Down Under and the day prior in the US. "Getting the film made just alone was a dream coming true, and then it getting into Sundance was a dream come true. And then it playing Sundance and selling to Neon was a dream. So it's kind of hokey to say, but it's sort of this dream that just keeps coming true. It's what every filmmaker dreams of." "When we played at Sundance for the first time, we'd spent months in post-production, just basically myself and an editor [Sean Lahiff, Territory] and an editing assistant, working on the film. We didn't do test screenings. It was just us in a little room. And then we thought it was maybe pretty good — like, we were pretty happy with the movie. And then at Sundance, we were in this theatre of 1000–2000 people, and it's like 'this is literally the first audience that's going to see it. We've got no idea. It's a midnight screening. It's a packed house. Here we go'," Shanks continues. "Five minutes in, there's a little scare, and we could feel the audience gasp — and we went 'oh'. And a few minutes after that, there's this little joke and the audience laughed, and we just felt like 'oh wow, this is going well, I think'. And fortunately it did. And now it's played SXSW and it played a couple of festivals in Italy, and it played in Mexico. And I'm traveling the world in a way I never thought I'd be able to just off the back of a film. It's an incredible privilege. It's been an amazing year," he advises. With the filmmaker that's given Australia another example of YouTube-to-worldwide horror feature success after Talk to Me and Bring Her Back's Danny and Michael Philippou — and whose script for HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL featured on the Blacklist — we also contemplated that Schoolies link, dug into Brie and Franco's pivotal involvement, examined why making Together without an IRL couple as its stars might've been a nightmare and discussed the movie's vivid body-horror imagery, among other subjects. On How Schoolies Played a Part in Inspiring a Horror Film About Falling in Love, Commitment and Codependency — and When the Idea for Together Came to Shanks During His Long-Term Relationship "Oh, it was many years in. Because yeah, we met at Schoolies. I would have been 17, I think. And then we didn't start dating until a few months — we became friends, and we started dating a few months after. And then we've been together now — that was 16–17 years ago, so we've been together that long. I'm 34 now, I was writing the script in my late 20s. And that was about when we were moving into our second home together, and we were really beginning to amalgamate our lives, I guess. It really became true that we've been together for so long, we only had the same friends. The Venn diagram of our friendships was just a circle. And we went to all the same events, we listen to the same music, ate the same food, breathed the same air. And now we were living in a second house together. We had a cat. And I was like 'there is no part of my life that's separate from this person'. And likewise. And I started to, I think, confront something that a lot of people go through, of realising 'oh, do I still have independence while I'm committing to this forever-monogamous relationship' — and 'our lives are so intertwined, do I really know where I end and she begins?'. The Radiohead song 'Where I End and You Begin' probably helped dislodge that idea as well. And that was where this jumping off point was — where you already are committing to sharing a life with somebody in such totality, what if you took that even further into a physical, flesh-bound sharing, to take a real relationship and intertwine it in a physical way. That just felt like such an over the top and interesting, operatic exploration of those themes, that also would satisfy the kind of genre-filmmaker obsessive that I am." On Making a Horror Film About Love Instead of Genre Staples Like Grief, Loss and Death "It just felt really natural to me. I mean, the jumping off point to me was honestly just the idea of 'oh, what if people sharing a life started to get so close that they started to share flesh?'. That was sort of that simple. And then it was when I started to fill in the details of that story, and realising that I was putting so many specifics from my own life and the observations I've made of the couples around me in my friendship circles, that I realised that 'oh, this really is a love story' — and a dark, twisted love story. When the actors, Dave and Alison, came onboard, they paid me a great compliment — which was that they said 'reading the script, if you would pull out all the horror, it would still work as a relationship drama'. Which I was really pleased to hear that, despite all the crazy scenes of nastiness and body horror and stickiness and puppets and practical effects and insanity, it's all bound to a character journey and these two people that start in these very different emotional places. And where, like in most romantic movies, rom-coms or rom-dramas, we're basically there to see 'can they can they put this aside and realise that they love each other?'. Or, 'do they realise that they don't love each other and they need to extricate themselves from what has become perhaps a toxic relationship?'." On Casting Real-Life Partners — But Not Actually Penning the Film with That in Mind "No, I kind of wrote it just generically, just set in Australia, because why not? I think it was originally sent Trentham, because I have a friend who makes wine out there — and I was like 'aah, that's my kind of rural in Victoria'. But then I had a chance meeting with Dave, because I had another script of mine that was being passed around Hollywood people in LA. And off the basis of that, I got a meeting with Dave, and we just connected. So I already had the script, and I was like 'hey, maybe have a look at this — maybe you'll like it'. And he read it and loved it and gave it to Alison. And then within a couple of days, we were on a Zoom, the three of us, and kind of figured it out. So that was amazing. Them separately, just as actors and performers, were a dream cast. But them together as an actual married couple, it adds so much to the performances, to the metatextual elements of the film, as well as just an ease of working with them. We needed them to be so physically and emotionally intimate across this film, and the fact that they have such comfort being vulnerable with each other, it created an ease of work as well as an emotional truth that I don't think we could have done with any other actors." On How Pivotal Casting an IRL Couple Proved to Be to the Film "It would have been, especially if they didn't get on, it would have been a nightmare. There was a day on set where they basically had to be fully nude the whole day in front of each other. It's like 'okay, well that's easier to do when they're a husband and wife'. There were days on set where they had to be physically joined via a prosthetic appendage that we didn't have the budget to make a second of — so we couldn't remove it. So if they needed to go to the bathroom, they weren't allowed to separate. We needed them to go to the bathroom together. And of course, you could never impose that on actors, but because they were producers on the film and they're married, they would just be like 'oh, yeah, no worries. Definitely, definitely. We'll just do that'. It was so great. Dave said something in some interviews that I think is really sweet — is that he also said that working with Alison, he feels like it makes him give the best performance, because she knows him so well that he can't be fake in front of her. So he really has to go for it or she'll call him out. Which is — not that I witnessed any calling out, but they worked so well together and it was a huge honour to work with them." On What Brie and Franco Brought to Their Performances — and Shanks Being Able to Benefit From Not Just Their Relationship But Also Their Experience "Thankfully, because they were onboard as producers, I had a lot of time with them even before they arrived in Australia to do the shoot. We had lots of sessions over Zoom, really going through, going over the script and going over the character journeys, and tweaking little things here and there — even intellectually rather than performing it, just kind of speaking it out. And then in pre-production, we had a few days of rehearsal, which were just more read-throughs. And when you're on set, time is money like crazy, particularly for an independent, low-budget film like this. So thankfully when we were on set, it's kind of like — our cinematographer, Germain McMicking [Ellis Park], was amazing, and you tell him what you want and he'll do it. And then he doesn't require much direction because he's a pro. He's so good at it. And same with Dave and Alison, as they're just such pros and they understood the material so well that my job as a director, in terms of their performances, was just ever-so-slightly giving them notes just to tweak. They were always, always in the right area because of the amount of prep that we'd done and the professionalism. And that was great to lean on as well, because I've been working in this industry since I was 17, but this is by far the biggest, longest and most-dramatic thing that I've ever worked on. So having these people that have been doing it for just as long on a much grander scale really, really helped." On Always Anchoring the Film's Body-Horror Setpieces in the Story "I think it was that I just know from being a genre filmmaker. I was really confident in all the horror and all the setpieces. That's what I'm most practised as. And so when I was breaking out the script, I was breaking it out not in terms of the horror, but just in terms of an emotional journey. And just dotting out in character arcs and knowing, because of the nature of the story, that it would be so easy for me to have this journey be interrupted by or enhanced by the horror setpieces. And also, I think something that some people are being surprised by when they walk out of the movie is how much fun it is and that it's quite funny — because again, when I sat down to write it, I was thinking I was writing romantic drama/horror. Scary, you know, serious. I've got this comedy background, but as the situation gets more and more out of hand, it was just impossible to resist — 'well, this is what would actually happen in that scenario' — and lean into something that's fun. So hopefully you'll laugh, you'll cry, it will change your life." On Crafting Horror Imagery That Leaves an Imprint "Well, I get frustrated sometimes with horror films — or with any films in general — when there's not unique images that come out of it, when there's no setpieces that stick with you, when things are just a bit generic. And I also thought the specificity of this concept meant you can only do this once. And I don't know if as a filmmaker, if I'll ever make a horror film again — if I'll ever make body-horror film again. I'd like to. But I certainly could never make this premise again. So if this is the premise, I really was thinking to myself 'you've got to squeeze as much juice out of this as possible'. And so, 'if this is the premise, great, what are ten setpieces that you can only do with this premise' — and just making sure that that's the case. And just really wanting to — really wanting to — leave the audience with something memorable. I hope people, when they leave the cinema, will say that they had a good time and that they've never seen a film quite like this." Together opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Images: Germain McMicking / Ben King.
You can always tell when spring is inbound. When the air warms, chefs and winemakers answer with fresh seasonal menus and wine releases. Pepito's celebrates with a one-night-only takeover by fearless women from opposite ends of the world — an acclaimed from Madrid and a cult winemaker from the Adelaide Hills. [caption id="attachment_1019364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] This marks the highly anticipated spring drops from Amber Ochota, the woman behind cult label Ochota Barrel. At the forefront of Australian minimalism, the wine studio has produced youthful vinos with whimsical names for spring. These include a textured white Gewurz, 'Weird Berries in the Woods', a bright wild-fermented grenache named after The Green Room Vineyard in Onkaparinga Hills and a balanced Chardonnary vintage, 'Control Voltage'. The Peruvian taberna-style spot is handing the kitchen over to Chef Danitza Gabriela of Manifesto 13, who is putting together a special five-course Italo-Peruvian tasting menu for the event. The exact dishes are still under wraps, but expect big fusion flavours — think a salsa-spiced ox tongue carpaccio with Sardinia flatbread, 'salsa carapulcra' guanciale gnocchi and sweet potato stracciatella. [caption id="attachment_1019363" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption]
The idea behind The Lume was always a stunner, giving Australia its first permanent digital-only art gallery. When the Melbourne venue started welcoming in patrons in 2021, it lived up to its immersive, multi-sensory promise, initially with a spectacular Van Gogh exhibition that let visitors feel like they were walking right into the artist's work, and then with the French impressionism-focused Monet & Friends Alive. The next showcase set to grace the site's agenda has those past shows beat, however, heroing First Nations art and music. When Connection opens on Friday, June 23, it'll feature more than 110 Indigenous visual and musical artists in a dazzling fashion. At this Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre gallery, the art gracing its walls tower over patrons, with the space filled with large-scale digital pieces. And Connection will be full thanks to more than 550 works — digitals and originals alike. Set to feature: art by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Tommy Watson, Anna Pitjara, Lin Onus, Sarrita King, Kate Constantine, Wayne Qulliam, Clifford, Gabriella and Michelle Possum Nungurrayi, and many more, in a walk-through exhibition that'll present its pieces through the themes of land, water and sky Country. Their work will score a soundtrack by Yothu Yindi, Archie Roach, Emily Wurramara, Gurrumul, Alice Skye, Baker Boy and others, plus composers such as William Barton. Grande Experiences, the company behind The Lume and its touring exhibitions — Van Gogh Alive made its way around Australia, and Monet in Paris is about to do the same from June — says that Connection will boast the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled. It'll span over 3000 square metres, and its remit is just as sizeable: highlighting pieces by past and present artists, and surveying the entire country and Torres Strait. Shining a spotlight on emerging talents while showing their work alongside their inspirations is another key mission. "The technology Connection uses breaks down a lot of barriers to entry," says Constantine, a Gadigal artist of the Eora Nation. "A lot of people like Aboriginal art because it is colourful or pretty, but a lot of people are quite challenged by Aboriginal art too, by not knowing or understanding how to interpret it or not feeling like they have permission to be involved. Connection is just so inclusive." "I see Connection as this beautiful collection of storytellers sharing our culture with the world the way that our ancestors have taught us to do," adds Professor Wayne Quilliam, a NAIDOC Indigenous Artist of the Year, who is contributing digital storytelling via drone, photography and art to the exhibition. If it sounds familiar, that's because a smaller version premiered at the National Museum of Australia in 2022, with Grande Experiences joining forces with the Canberra gallery. Connection also benefits from an advisory panel featuring Constantine, Quilliam, King, Aboriginal art specialist Adam Knight, the National Museum's lead Indigenous curator and academic Margo Ngawa Neale, arts executive Rhoda Roberts AO, and designer and film producer Alison Page. Fingers crossed that Connection takes its show on the road, too, after thoroughly wowing The Lume. Connection opens at The Lume, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne, on Friday, June 23 — head to the venue's website for tickets and further information.
The last of Red Rock Deli's Secret Supper series is just around the corner. Giorgio Distefano, the chef behind Cremorne's celebrated Italian eatery Ms. Frankie, is hosting the next mouth-watering feast and will be cooking up a storm on Thursday, October 17. But what's on the menu? You might have guessed it, but there's an element of secrecy to this whole Secret Supper thing. Not only is the event to take place at an undisclosed Melbourne location, but we have no idea what kind of creative dishes Distefano will be serving up. All we know is the menu will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's new Chilli, Roast Garlic and Lemon Oil Deluxe Crisps. Add to this the event's theme of 'elevation of the senses' and we can probably expect some pretty big flavours. To find out more, we had a chat with the man himself to suss out what his favourite Melbourne restaurants, chefs and dishes are and where he draws inspiration from. "For me, food is all about bringing people together and creating connections," Distefano says, explaining that at the supper he wants to spark curiosity in diners and encourage them to get to know the people around them by sharing a menu of colourful and delicious-smelling foods. [caption id="attachment_608218" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Trattoria Emilia, Brook James[/caption] It's clear all the senses are important to Distefano, as all his favourite restaurants speak to him through more than just the food. He loves the "welcome and homely feeling" of Trattoria Emilia on Little Collins Street, where he enjoys the "earthly and delicate flavours" of dishes like the tuna tartare. Distefano mentions Chinatown's Seamstress for its shared menu (and the combo of fish and fruit in the spanner crab, papaya and mango salad), and Tipo 00 for the way the restaurant centres on shared entrees and homemade pastas. We're betting the chef's "simple yet authentic and flavourful Italian" style of cooking will shine through in some sharing plates during the supper. [caption id="attachment_725693" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tipo 00[/caption] You might also have to get your hands a little dirty, if Distefano's love of interactive food is anything to go by. "I like the idea of people helping themselves to create their own dishes," he says, referencing Supernormal's bao with twice-cooked duck leg, plum sauce and vinegar. Distefano praises the Flinders Lane restaurant for its balance of Asian flavours in modern dishes and the way diners get to be involved with assembling their own food. He heads out of the city to Niddrie for his favourite open souvlaki at local restaurant Nobel Greek Tavern, which he loves for its big, flavourful portions. Praising the restaurant's simple approach to food, Distefano adds, "I enjoy the embedded flavours of herbs in the meat and the exceptional cooking of the meat on the spit." From homely traditional restaurants to the "sophisticated and flavourful cooking" of Neil Perry's Rockpool Bar & Grill ("I always order their aged beef with homemade potatoes"), Distefano draws inspiration from right across the spectrum of Melbourne's colourful culinary community. Taking pity on us in our quest for the hot menu gossip, Distefano reveals we can expect an interactive dining experience and "flavours which many would associate with home-cooking", hoping to get minds whirling and childhood memories back to the surface. To register for tickets to Giorgio Distefano Secret Supper, head over here. And, while you wait for the big night to roll around, you can get cracking on this Distefano-certified recommendation circuit. Top Image: Parker Blain.
Haven't experienced Holi before? You've undoubtedly seen images of this vibrant event, also known as the Festival of Colours. Marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, South Eveleigh's Holi Hai Festival offers the chance for everyone to get involved in this cultural display of unity and happiness across two sessions. Of course, the headline event is the traditional powder-throwing festivities, where you're invited to paint the town and each other red, not to mention every other colour imaginable. Also in attendance will be talented henna and turban-tying artists, with the masters of their craft giving guests a spruce up with intricate designs. Then, it's time to climb into a rickshaw for an exhilarating ride around South Eveleigh. Also on the schedule is the Rangoli Kids' Corner, where little ones can express their creativity by producing their very own Rangoli patterns. The festival's soundtrack is bound to be a fun one too, as DJ Parmi spins traditional Bollywood tunes with modern remixes, while bhangra dancers, dhol drummers and the NG Dance Group featuring Sivamsan take to the stage for electric performances. With so much activity on the agenda, you're going to need somewhere to fuel up. Fortunately, the festival also includes pop-up cuisine certain to delight your tastebuds. If you get down early, the first 200 customers per session will enjoy a complimentary scoop of mango or coconut gelato from the popular Anita Gelato.
Feel like startin' something? Now's the time to finally perfect your moonwalk—a celebration of Michael Jackson's unique artistry has hit Australia in the form of multiple Tony Award®-winning MJ the Musical, with the Australian Premiere now playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. The global touring musical's Sydney stint is brought to you by director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, supported by Destination NSW. [caption id="attachment_991797" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied.[/caption] Centred around the making of The King of Pop's 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ the Musical offers a rare look at the creativity and collaborative spirit that landed Jackson legendary status. You'll be out of your seats in no time. The musical features 25 hits, including all your favourites like Beat It, Billie Jean and Bad, plus plenty more. If you want the full VIP experience, why not go in the draw to win a bunch of epic experiences? Lucky winners will score four A-reserve tickets to a performance of MJ the Musical on select nights from Sunday, March 9 onwards, two nights of accommodation at Novotel Darling Harbour for a group of four, and a pre-theatre dinner at the Ternary for four people on one night. Winners will also get their hands on the official MJ Program and Merchandise pack and be treated to a backstage tour and meet and greet with some of the cast. Not in Sydney? No worries. We will hook you up with return flights from the nearest capital city. The competition is only open to those in Victoria, Queensland, ACT and New South Wales, and all prize elements are subject to availability. [competition]991802[/competition] Images: Original Broadway Cast, supplied. For more information on MJ the Musical, visit the website.
If you're looking to break up your work week with a luxe lunch trip to one of Sydney's best restaurants, inner-city French diner Restaurant Hubert is offering up the perfect excuse with the return of its Three Martini Lunch. Head to the Blight Street spot from midday Wednesday–Friday to enjoy martinis for just $11. You can order your martini with vodka or gin, shaken or stirred. The Hubert team will make it however you prefer. Elevating the lunchtime special is live jazz and the option of adding steaks and half lobsters to your midweek meal. Hubert's a la catre menu and specials will be on offer for lunch, plus there'll be daily performances from local jazz musicians. The Three Martini Lunch is a tradition that sprung up in New York with mid-century Wall Street types indulging in these lavish lunches. Former US President Gerald Ford even called them "the epitome of American efficiency". To ensure you nab yourself a spot, book a table at the Swillhouse website. [caption id="attachment_673758" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] Top image: Daniel Boud
Sydney Fringe Festival has today begun to unveil the details of its 2019 program, which will be both its 10th anniversary and its most ambitious to date. From 1–30 September, the state's largest independent arts festival will head to the CBD for the first time, taking over the three-storey City Tattersalls Club. It'll be transformed into a multi-faceted events and arts space with three theatres, a pop-up basement bar and a multi-level dance party. Held on the closing weekend, Dance All Night will culminate in a Footloose-inspired flash mob (time to schedule a re-watch and start practising your dance moves). At the other end of the program, on September 7, there'll be a Dance All Day event in Leichhardt, where you can literally do just that — spend the day dancing with some of the country's (and the world's) best dance instructors and performers. Sydney's CBD is one of the areas impacted by the city's strangling lockout laws, which have contributed to the closure of bars and live music venues. While there have been other efforts to revitalise the area, Sydney Fringe CEO and Festival Director Kerri Glasscock said in a statement that the festival is thrilled to help "bring life back to the streets" and "continu[e] Sydney Fringe's passion for enlivening Sydney's unused spaces and providing audiences unique experiences". Glasscock has previously criticised and proposed solutions to the government's "onerous red tape" that is "strangling Sydney's creative sectors" in a report released last year entitled An Anthology of Space. [caption id="attachment_724701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Fringe Festival's 2018 Fringe Club.[/caption] As well as heading to CBD, the festival will also descend on a slew of other postcodes. There'll be more than eight hubs spread across the city, including one in Western Sydney, a new one in Paddington (with events held underneath Oxford Street's Verona Cinemas), an Emerging Artist Hub at Erskineville Town Hall, a Comedy Hub at the Kings Cross Hotel and an excitingly named Circus Hub in Lillyfield run in collaboration with with physical theatre company Legs on The Wall. In Lillyfield, we're promised a "world premiere development season of a new immersive experience" — we'll let you know when more details drop on that. The full lineup will not be announced until August, but Glasscock is calling it "our most ambitious festival program to date". If it is indeed bigger than last year's festival — which had over 400 shows in more than 60 venues in 21 postcodes — it's going to be huge. Start clearing your calendar for September. Sydney Fringe Festival will run from September 1–30. The full program will drop in August — we'll let you know when it does. Top image: Seiya Taguchi.
Circular Quay is looking a little more stylish, as wharf-side icon Cruise Bar & Restaurant has reopened following an extensive renovation. Decked out with a fresh look and innovative menus, this well-known celebrity haunt invites budding socialites to indulge in its unmatched Sydney Opera House views and brand-new rooftop bar. Who knows, maybe you'll catch past guests like Kylie Minogue, Fleetwood Mac or Justin Bieber relishing the vistas. Transformed by award-winning design firm Luchetti Krelle, the space is now effortlessly breezy, with beachy hues and floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of Cruise's stunning vantage point. However, the most attention-grabbing change is the addition of Melba's Rooftop, a chic haven with panoramic harbour views named after iconic opera singer and jet-setter Dame Nellie Melba — perhaps Australia's first global celebrity. "Sydney has changed a lot in the past decade, but there's always been a place for a venue like Cruise," says Cruise Bar General Manager John Harvey. "It's got history, it's got views that stop you in your tracks, and now it's got an elevated experience to match." The menu has received a sizeable makeover too, with Head Chef Han Chen (a'Mare, Felix) shaping modern Australian cuisine informed by the country's native larder. Inspired by diverse landscapes, some of the most eye-catching dishes include bush tomato butter mussels, pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi with macadamia cream, and confit duck risotto with butternut squash and crispy saltbush. The cocktail menu strikes a similar theme, as barman Tom Bulmer (Margaret, O Bar, Jane) pushes native botanicals in fun and engaging directions. For instance, the Lily Flower combines raspberry, lilly pilly, Casamigos tequila and hibiscus, while the Afternoon Fashion reinvents a classic old fashioned with croissant-washed whisky and toasted wattleseed. Meanwhile, the Berry in Sight goes bold with a blend of mulberry, bush apple, blended whisky and desert lime shrub. "We've carefully curated an offering that reflects Sydney's evolving food and drink culture. From the menu to the design, every detail has been considered to create an experience that feels fresh, exciting, and uniquely Cruise. This isn't just a comeback — it's a statement, and we can't wait to welcome Sydney back," said Harvey. Cruise Bar & Restaurant has reopened Sunday–Thursday from 11.30am–12am, Friday from 11.30am–1am, and Saturday from 11.30am–3am at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay. Head to the website for more information.
Perhaps one of the most ambitious venues to open in Sydney in recent years, the OAF is inspired by Andy Warhol's seminal Factory, and intends to operate as a focal point of music and the arts in Sydney. The main room caters to larger and international acts, such as The Dead Weather, Digitalism and Warpaint. The Gallery Bar showcases local acts, with a feature wall repainted frequently by guest artists. Between the two lies the Glass Cube, an exhibition space that regularly features live performance art.
Western Sydney has scored a massive new destination for secondhand shopping, with the opening of a brand-new Savers superstore in Auburn. This new site, which opened on Thursday, May 15, is the third New South Wales outpost the global thrift giant has unveiled in just a year, joining the existing Hoxton Park and Oxford Street locations. You'll find the new store smack bang in the thick of Auburn's retail hub on Parramatta Road, a stylish new addition that sits alongside major retailers, shopping centres and homemaker precincts. As with other Savers stores, it's stocked with thousands of new-to-you items arriving daily across clothing, accessories, homewares and more — with most pieces clocking in at under $10. "We've seen an incredible response to our Hoxton Park and Oxford Street stores, and Auburn is the perfect next step in our expansion," says Michael Fisher, Managing Director at Savers Australia. "The store will offer a one-of-a-kind thrift shopping experience, giving Western Sydney shoppers access to quality secondhand goods at affordable prices – all while making a positive impact on the planet." That's not just lip service — as always, sustainability and community remain a core part of the Savers mission. The Auburn store will contribute to the millions of kilos of textile waste diverted from landfill through Savers' Australian operations just last year alone — plus, shopping secondhand has been shown to conserve water, reduce pollution and minimise energy consumption, so you can feel good about doing your bit for the environment as well. On the community side, the retailer's not-for-profit donation partnerships are also expanding —the opening of the new Auburn store sees Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation (DIIF) join the Savers charity network, which already includes Red Nose Australia, Diabetes Victoria and Wounds Australia. As with the brand's other stores, Savers Auburn will accept donations on behalf of its non-profit partners to help them fund local community initiatives. Of course, you don't just have to shop to make an impact. Savers has set up a Community Donation Centre within its new Auburn store, where you can drop off quality clothing and household items. Each time you donate, Savers will pay DIIF for your goods, both giving them a second life while contributing to community charity efforts — a proper win-win situation for all sides. Savers Auburn is now open at 315 Parramatta Road, Auburn. For more info, head to the Savers Australia website.
At first glance, mid-week raving and healthy living don’t seem to go hand in hand. The energetic people behind Morning Gloryville are here to turn that preconception on its head with their ingenious way to start your day in style. From 6.30 to 10.30am on the last Wednesday of the month at Paddington Uniting Church, Morning Gloryville will host a monthly all-ages, drug- and alcohol-free rave to kickstart your day. Music will be pumping with an eclectic mix of '90s dance, jungle beats and soul tunes; you’re encouraged to jump around and shake those cobwebs loose before heading to work. Local DJs Klue, DJ Tricky and Person Three will be storming the decks, along with a dance team to get the party going. But it’s not just the furious dancing that's helping you start your day off on the right foot. The Morning Gloryville sessions will also include yoga, massage, fresh smoothies and healthy food. The recommended dress code is simply 'dress to sweat', but loads of colour and festivalwear is also encouraged — anything to help you seize the day. The only real rule is sobriety; let your inner dance monster show the world what it’s made of unimpeded by plonk. The Morning Glory rave was started in London’s Shoreditch — where else — by Sam Moyo and Nico Thoemmes. "We’ve noticed the habit that when people start getting really serious jobs or have a family, or if they want to live free of alcohol and drugs, then they almost stop partying and stop dancing in that way. We thought that was a shame," says Thoemmes. "Morning Glory is a revolution of conscious clubbing. For us it’s really important to get people embodied and dancing and moving freely." It has since gathered a global following with offshoots in Barcelona, New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam and now Sydney.
With a fresh (an exclusive) Hiroshi Sugimoto exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), now is the perfect time to indulge in some Japanese culture right here in Sydney. MCA is known for its world-class art exhibitions and is a leading cultural destination for tourists and locals alike. The Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine exhibition is now at the MCA until October 27. This exclusive exhibition is the largest display of Sugimoto's work ever presented and his first in the southern hemisphere. Featuring nearly 100 of his most iconic and rarely-seen pieces, it showcases over 50 years of the artist's groundbreaking photography. Organised in collaboration with London's Hayward Gallery and supported by Destination NSW, Time Machine is set to be a highlight of the MCA's calendar. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or simply curious, Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine is a must-see event on your Japanese-themed tour of the city. [caption id="attachment_952847" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kahii Kissaten Match, KWPhotography, Matthew Wong[/caption] Morning Start your day with a taste of Tokyo in Surry Hills. Wander over to Parami on Alberta Street, where breakfast comes in the form of onigiri, humble but oh-so-satisfying rice triangles. Whether you go for the wagyu, salted salmon, or a breakfast favourite like bacon and egg, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever settled for avo on toast. Pair that with a matcha latte, and you're set. For a sweeter start to your day, head to the cult-favourite Gram Cafe's CBD outpost and indulge in its famous soufflé pancakes. [caption id="attachment_972871" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hiroshi Sugimoto, installation view, Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2024, image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, © the artist, photograph: Zan Wimberley[/caption] Now that your belly is happy, it's time to feed your artistic soul. Make your way to the MCA for Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine, an immersive exploration of Sugimoto's work. As one of the most renowned photographers of our time, Sugimoto has made an indelible mark on contemporary art. He captures ethereal and contemplative images that challenge the boundaries of time, history and reality. The MCA has curated a dynamic program of talks, workshops, family-friendly activities, and film screenings, all designed to further engage visitors with Sugimoto's unique vision. Mark your calendar for Friday, October 11, when the museum will host a special 'Up Late' event, celebrating Japanese culture through art, music, and performance, offering an unforgettable evening experience. [caption id="attachment_972870" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hiroshi Sugimoto, Opticks 195, 2018, installation view, Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2024, chromogenic print, image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, © the artist, photograph: Zan Wimberley[/caption] After soaking in Sugimoto's art, refuel at Kahii Kissatten in the CBD. A nod to Japan's traditional tea rooms, this spot is part of the buzzing YCK Laneways precinct but with a much more serene vibe. Here, you can savour a house-roasted small-batch coffee, sip on Uji-sourced matcha, or go all out with a black sesame cloud drink. Pair your bevvy with one of their Japanese-inspired pastries (we're talking banana tiramisu pastries and almond croissants), and you're all set. Afternoon With your caffeine cravings satisfied, it's time to channel your own inner artisan with some traditional Japanese art. Head to Kintsugi Australia, and try your hand at kintsugi, the Japanese practice of mending broken pottery with lacquer and gold. It's all about celebrating imperfections, a philosophy that'll have you looking at life's cracks and flaws in a whole new light. Kintsugi Australia offers a range of courses, whether you are looking for something modern, traditional, beginner or intensive. After flexing your creative skills, enjoy a satisfying sushi lunch at the sleek underground sushi restaurant Toko on George Street or head out to Ume Burger in Barangaroo or its outpost in Darling Harbour for delicious Japanese burgers, lotus chips and crisp Japanese lager. No day of Japanese culture would be complete without a little retail therapy. Head to Kinokuniya, Sydney's best Japanese bookstore, for everything from manga to art books. Then, swing by Muji and Uniqlo to pick up minimalist homewares and effortlessly stylish clothing that'll have you embracing the Japanese principle of 'less is more.' And, of course, make time for a quick stop at a Gacha Gacha machine — who doesn't love a capsule toy surprise? — there are numerous Gacha Gachas dotted throughout the CBD. [caption id="attachment_887361" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bay Nine, Declan Blackall[/caption] Evening As the sun sets, treat yourself to a luxe Japanese dinner at Bay Nine Omakase in Circular Quay. Here, you'll be spoiled with a chef's selection of seasonal dishes crafted with the finest ingredients in the tradition of omakase dining. Prefer something more casual? Check out Nakano Darling for an izakaya feast. For dessert, head over to LeTAO for a luxurious slice of Japanese cheesecake. Still have some energy left? Slide into Rekodo, a vinyl bar at Barangaroo where tunes meet Japanese whisky — an ideal combo for a laidback evening. Or, if you're feeling more lively, pop into Bancho in Haymarket for a cocktail and a nightcap. Finally, no Japanese-inspired day would be complete without a karaoke session. Head to Goros in Surry Hills, where you can belt out your favourite anthems while sipping on sake in one of the private rooms, challenge your mates to arcade games or dance the night away at the popular Japanese dive bar spot. Whether you're diving into art, sipping on matcha, or singing your heart out, Sydney's got all the ingredients for a Japanese day out that's anything but ordinary — no passport required. Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine runs from August 2 until October 27, 2024. Tickets can be purchased from MCA's website. Tickets cost $28 for adults and $20 for concessions, excluding booking fee. Entry is free to MCA members, youth (13–17 year-olds) and children (12 year-olds and younger).
In 2020, the inaugural Great Southern Nights saw more than 1000 gigs take place across 300 NSW venues. This year it's coming back throughout March and April with a heap of live shows from artists both emerging and bonafide iconic. That first iteration of the initiative saw more than 75,000 tickets sold across the 1100 gigs. "Great Southern Nights was designed with COVID-safety in mind, supporting shows of all sizes, in all kinds of live music venues, and giving the industry a leg up to get back to work," Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said. Last year we were treated to the first six acts of the lineup including indie-pop sensation Amy Shark, Yolngu rapper Baker Boy and DJ duo Peking Duk joining Australian music royalty Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins and Jessica Mauboy. Now, we've been treated to the full program featuring nearly 100 established and up-and-coming performers taking to stages across the state. Some of the beloved local acts, musical legends and festival favourites heading up the lineup include Archie Rose, Ball Park Music, Violent Soho, Hoodoo Gurus, Courtney Barnett, The Whitlams, Confidence Man, Youngn Lipz, Mallrat and Sneaky Sound System. Elsewhere on the lineup you'll find First Nations trailblazers Briggs and Nooky coming together with special guests, a Moree Block Party thrown by Kobie Dee, drill sensation Hooligan Heffs, viral hitmaker Masked Wolf, meme-heavy DJ Partiboi69 and throwback queens The Veronicas. "The live music scene makes a significant contribution to our social and economic wellbeing. As part of our roadmap to recovery it is vital that we get it back on its feet," said Ayres. "This will create jobs for artists and crew, revenue for venues and drive visitation to large parts of regional NSW that have done it tough over the past few years." Head to the Great Southern Nights website to check out the full lineup and all the details for when you can catch all your favourite acts performing. [caption id="attachment_636228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bec Taylor.[/caption]
That staple of summer, Maltesers Moonlight Cinema, is back for its 19th season of open-air cinema from December 11 to March 29. It's the casual, picnicky solution to all your summer cinema dreams. After the daytime bustle of joggers, personal trainers and cyclists subsides at Centennial Park, hire a beanbag or simply sprawl out on the grass under the stars. Don't forget some delicious snacks and a few beverages to complete your cinematic experience. It's the perfect way to unwind after a hard day and usher in those balmy summer nights. There's also the option of 'Gold Grass' tickets, which gets you a bean-bed in the front rows and designated waitstaff. The December–January portion of the program is basically a hit list of the summer's biggest flicks. Guardians of the Galaxy and Interstellar will make for perfect viewing under the vast night sky. Ladies will be taking a leading role for a fair portion of the action with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 1, Lucy, and the controversial Gone Girl. Then the latest comedy will be lightening the mood with Dumb and Dumber To, Horrible Bosses 2, and The Interview which sees Seth Rogen and James Franco basically going to war with North Korea. There are a few lesser known titles to watch out for too. The yet-to-be-released Birdman will see Michael Keaton poking fun at his days as the caped crusader alongside a stellar supporting cast, the heartbreaking Still Alice has Julienne Moore tipped for a Best Actress nomination, and The Gambler sees Mark Wahlberg front an adaptation of a '70s classic.
The Words, a story within a story within a story, hinges on a moment in time that changes the lives of its protagonists and connects them across time. The three stories that comprise the film are as follows: Clay Hammond (Dennis Quaid), a well-known author, reads from his new book, The Words, to an admiring New York audience. The book is about a young aspiring writer, Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper), who, not for lack of talent, struggles to make it in the literary world — that is, until he finds a manuscript in an old briefcase bought for him in Paris by his new wife, Dora (Zoe Saldana). Back in New York after their honeymoon, Jansen makes the discovery and retypes the manuscript in one feverish night, not with the intention to steal it but because he wants to feel what it is like to write something so brilliant, something he, in reality, couldn't write. But the temptation overwhelms him after Dora reads the retyped manuscript and tells him how proud she is. The story is about a young American man (Ben Barnes) who settles in Paris after having met the love of his life there during the war. After experiencing tragedy, he too writes feverishly over a few days, completing a book about his life — about love, escape, and devastating loss. Much like how Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley, lost a manuscript of his on a train, the young man's wife loses his. And so he and Rory are tethered. Rory's life spirals out of control after he meets 'The Old Man', about whom I will reveal little here, and the pleasures of fame and fortune are drowned by the consequences of stealing another man's words. The Words is an interesting, if flawed, meditation on truth and fiction and a lushly shot film. https://youtube.com/watch?v=gjmrDDD9o_k
Babekühl have creative juices flowing out of every orifice. Inspiration for these designers comes from everything from Bjork to Disney which has culminated in an aesthetic that speaks of both fine art and street culture. They've applied their striking level of detail to a variety of different projects over the past year, including a concept store, a burger, a toy, a limited-edition t-shirt for Adidas and a self-published book. Last but certainly not least (we may be biased here), they designed Concrete Playground's inaugural Summer Guide (coming very soon). We told you they were heroes. To celebrate such a productive year, they are throwing an all-mighty, exclusive Christmas bash, called 'Techno Colour,' at The Atrium. Part rave, part exhibition, the usual refreshments (booze) will be served alongside an installation, a new series of artworks and a limited edition zine. Tunes will be supplied by Gus da Hoodrat and a merry time will had by all. The good news doesn't stop there. Babekühl are also offering one very lucky Concrete Playground reader a Christmas hamper, which includes a tote bag, both the Babekühl books, a tee, a toy and a limited edition zine. Stop drooling, start typing. Send your RSVP to design@babekuhl.com and be quick about it, places are strictly limited. To win the Christmas hamper by Babekühl, make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au by Thursday 15th December, 2011 by 5pm. Winners will be notified by email soon after.
Best Coast was the band on everyone's lips when they released their first album in 2010, Crazy For You, with Popfrenzy Records. Whack their CD in your player and the speakers will radiate pure, golden sunshine. Their upbeat indie sound is laced with surf rock, with Bethany Cosentino's fantastic voice (she backs herself as well) carrying each song to glorious, summery heights. The lyrics may at times seem simple but they communicate honest sentiments that are often darker than the happy melody indicates. "I Want To" perfectly captures that sexy feeling of summer when you're longing for someone so god damn badly that you can't have. They are currently working on their second album with producer Jon Brion, which according to Cosentino will be slower and a little more emo. This means you will more than likely get a sneaky preview of some of their new tunes. I doubt they'll ever take themselves too seriously if their video to "When I'm With You" is anything to go by, thankfully. After spending the last two years playing gigs around the world and collaborating with Johnny Marr, Weezer, Vampire Weekend and Wavves the duo, Cosentino and Bobb Bruno, will this time be playing as a four piece at Big Day Out 2012 as well as doing two sideshows. Catch them in Sydney at Manning Bar on January 25, otherwise you might miss out seeing them in summer; in July just wouldn't be the same. Win a double pass to see Best Coast, courtesy of Popfrenzy Records.
A 24-year run is a stellar effort in anyone's books. Still, the time has come for change at Opera Bar, as Applejack has taken over the restaurant from Matt Moran and his Solotel hospitality group. Perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour, this attention-grabbing spot will soon be under new management following "a highly competitive tender process." Applejack will operate Opera Bar for at least the next 10 years as part of the new agreement. Plus, it's taking charge of House Canteen — the restaurant's neighbouring all-day hawker-style diner. No strangers to leading high-profile Sydney venues, Applejack is also behind the likes of Bopp & Tone, Forresster's, June's Shoppe, Taphouse, RAFI URBNSURF and more. "To be entrusted as custodians of venues at the Sydney Opera House — the world's most iconic cultural stage — is both humbling and inspiring," say Applejack Co-Founders Ben Carroll and Hamish Watts. "We can't wait to share the exciting new concepts we've developed for both locals and visitors while honouring this extraordinary location." With this in mind, Applejack will officially take over the reins of Opera Bar in mid-September, while the House Canteen changeover is expected in mid-November. Meanwhile, the hospitality group plans to commence refurbishments in 2026, once the bustling summer season has come to a close. As for Moran and Solotel, Sydney Opera House Chief Customer Officer Jade McKellar expressed gratitude to the renowned chef and his general manager, John Gallas, for their contributions to the venue over the past two-and-a-half decades. Together, they helped shape Opera Bar into one of Sydney's most prominent venues. "The Solotel team has been instrumental to the success of these iconic Sydney venues, creating unforgettable experiences for locals and tourists over decades and contributing to the vitality of Sydney's hospitality scene," says McKellar. "We thank them for their significant contribution and acknowledge their lasting legacy." Applejack will take over Opera Bar in mid-September, with House Canteen to follow in mid-November. Head to the website for more information.
Western Australia's Beerfarm brewery is a go-to for locals. Now, for the first time, you can get cases of its brews delivered straight from the farm to your door — even if you live on the other side of the country. And while there are things we shouldn't be stockpiling right now, if you're spending more time at home than usual, you may as well have some cold ones in the fridge. The environmentally focused, independently owned brewery is located on an old dairy farm in the Margaret River region and strives to do things a little differently. There are a few cows roaming around the property and it's almost entirely run on solar power. So, if you're a fan of funky, fermented tipples and the environment, this one's for you. And you'll be supporting a small homegrown business which, in these times, is more important than ever. It's got a tasty range of brews suited to any occasion and palate, from sessionable lagers to complex IPAs, sours, cider and saisons. Its Asam Boi Gose, which is a salted plum sour, took home a GABS award last year — so, if you've yet to try it, we recommend getting a case of it stat. Luckily, now you can. To celebrate its new farm-to-door delivery service, we've teamed up with Beerfarm to offer you $10 off your first carton. Just head here to make your purchase and enter the one-off code CPBFF20 at check out. Delivery is available nationwide, with varying shipping costs. This story includes affiliate links, which means Concrete Playground may receive a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. This does not influence our editorial recommendations or content. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Since late in 2019, when Disney launched its own streaming platform, fans of its animated classics, beloved hits and many, many super-popular franchises have been able to binge their way through the Mouse House's back catalogue from the comfort of their couch. At the end of March and throughout April, however, movie buffs are being asked to leave their houses to check out a selection of the company's famed titles — all thanks to the pop-up Disney+ Drive-In that's returning to Sydney. Yes, a streaming service is running a drive-in. Or, to put it another way, a product designed to get everyone watching on small screens at home is now endeavouring to lure viewers out to watch its flicks on a big screen from their cars. That's a very 2020–21 situation, with Disney+ first teaming up with Openair Cinemas to make it happen last year, and now bringing it back again. The drive-in will arrive in Sydney — at the Northern Private Carpark of Bankwest Stadium, to be specific — on Wednesday, March 31, screening films every night until Thursday, April 29. As for what'll be screening, the Disney+ Drive-In is working through the Mouse House's hits, screening single features each night. It's also drawing upon movies from the streaming platform's new Star expansion, too. On the bill: throwback titles like 10 Things I Hate About You, Mrs Doubtfire, Freaky Friday and The Devil Wears Prada; crooning tunes to The Greatest Showman and The Rocky Horror Picture Show; and Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok; and Leonardo DiCaprio in both Titanic and Romeo + Juliet. If you really love your Disney movies, you can also expect animated versions of Aladdin and The Lion King, as well as sing-along Moana, The Little Mermaid and the first Frozen film. Plus, Marvel fans can look forward to Guardians of the Galaxy and Deadpool. Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available onsite — or you can bring your own. It's strictly a no-alcohol affair, though. And, ticket-wise, you'll be paying per car; however, prices vary depending the number of people in your car.
While the rest of Sydney spends its summer on the white sands of Bondi Beach, do one better, and slip away to The Pacific Club on Campbell Parade for kombucha coladas in the sun and freshly shucked rockies from the dedicated raw bar. The art deco 'sandcastle', propped just opposite Bondi's golden shores, has made the most of its million-dollar waterfront space with a luxe fit-out by Michael McCann from Dreamtime Australia Design, the studio behind Mr Wong, The Argyle and Felix. Cash has well and truly been splashed ($2 million, to be exact) with grand timber columns, marble slabs and shiny brass fixtures brightening up the soft, cream-coloured space. We wouldn't recommend waltzing in with a surfboard, sandy feet and dripping natural dreads. Heading up the kitchen is executive chef Bret Cameron (ex-Four in Hand and Harvest Newrybar) who has put together an outback-inspired menu, peppered with bush foods and native goodies. Breakfast impresses, even in this part of town, with woodfired crumpets ($15) — their bubbly, burnished centres just begging to be spread with the house-churned wattleseed butter, whipped white chocolate and a drizzle of bush honey. The campfire theme continues with an upmarket egg in a hole ($23), paired with smoked belly bacon and a kangaroo and bush tomato banger. A serve of smashed avo ($15) is given an eastern suburbs makeover, starting with a feathery crumbed charcoal bread lathered with a luscious macadamia ricotta, avocado slices and zesty pops of finger lime caviar. Just one slice feels a little stingy, but that's the seaside surcharge for you. As the sun moves further across the sky, The Pacific Club's raw bar comes to life with freshly shucked oysters ($4.50 each) and ceviche bathed in buttermilk, fresh apple and dill fronds ($23). Sourced from Ballina, giant prawns are torched on the open hearth, their white bellies basted with kelp butter and picked sea lettuce. Still here? In the evening, a brass fire pit at the entrance is lit up, Survivor-style, the flames fuel the night time party vibes. Pretty young things gather around the floating bar, clutching kombucha coladas, native strawberry gum spritz and other alcoholic tonics. All that's needed is an outdoor area to truly bring the beach club theme to life. From what we understand, council approval is already on the way. Images: Caroline McCredie
Dotted with galleries, theatre and places of Indigenous cultural significance, Parramatta is a must-visit city for culture vultures. If you've got a free day up your sleeve, journey deep into local history on a walking tour, then see an experimental exhibition or a brilliant new play. Whatever your thing is, you're bound to find it in Parramatta. If you're travelling from the Sydney CBD, begin your adventure with a relaxing one-hour ferry ride up the Parramatta River from Circular Quay, or by hopping on a train at Central. Then, after your day of arty adventures, stick around for a cocktail or top-notch feed. WARAMI MITTIGAR TOUR Parramatta takes its name from the traditional owners of the land, the Darug people. They called the area burramatta, which means 'place of eels'. And you can find out why — and learn more about Darug history — on a Warami Mittigar Tour. This free, two-hour adventure takes you along the river and through Parramatta Park in the company of a local Aboriginal custodian. Expect to learn about connections to Country, medicinal plants, hunting strategies and many other aspects of Darug culture. The tour leaves from PHIVE once a month at 11am. Be sure to book online in advance. [caption id="attachment_755602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kalanjay Dhir by Andrew Vincent[/caption] PARRAMATTA ARTIST STUDIOS Since opening in 2006, the Parramatta Artists' Studios has been a hub of creativity. The collective supports a range of artists across different art forms, from sculpture and sketching to filmmaking, screenwriting and video game design, and helps them further their craft through the likes of public art commissions, performance works and digital programs. Though PAS doesn't have a set exhibition space, budding artists can attend talks, workshops and pop-up exhibits across Parramatta. Keep up with PAS and find out more about their programs here. RIVERSIDE THEATRES Every year, Riverside Theatres attracts more than 180,000 guests to 750-plus shows. The annual program includes everything from contemporary dance and live bands to operas and musicals, and covers both local and national touring productions. Conveniently located in the Church Street precinct, the venue is a stone's throw away from numerous lively restaurants and bars, so there's no better spot for dinner and a show. Check out upcoming events and book tickets here. PARRAMATTA SQUARE PRECINCT The heart of the city is the Parramatta Square Precinct. Not only can you take your pick of diverse eateries and restaurants, but you can also take in art installations between bites, both in the square and at the new community and cultural hub, PHIVE. As you wander through the square, take a minute to admire the two large-scale sculptures that reflect the history of the area: Place of the Eels by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro and Where Eels Lie Down by Reko Rennie. For more art, explore PHIVE for animated projections and vibrant murals, or the lobbies of 4, 6 and 8 Parramatta Square for artworks by renowned artists such as Michael Johnson, Chris Kenyon and Yaritji Young. ARTS AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE Since 1984, the Arts and Cultural Exchange has worked with communities all over western Sydney on creative projects. The initiative focuses on youth, migrants, refugees, First Nations people and people with disability. On the program, you'll find all sorts of happenings, from training courses to book clubs and dance performances. Students, artists, freelancers, non-profits and businesses are also welcome to rent the facilities and equipment, which include a green-screen room, audio-recording studio and event space. [caption id="attachment_753929" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Discobolus' by Robert Owen[/caption] SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK Sydney Olympic Park isn't just about pools, running tracks and tennis courts. There are more than 50 public artworks to explore — each specifically commissioned for the site. In Stockroute Park, you'll find Discobolus by Robert Owen. Set within a grove of eucalyptus trees and five-column drums, you'll see this large disc set in the ground. The work is an homage to the classic Greek sculpture, Discobolus by Myron, with a contemporary twist. At the northern end of Olympic Boulevard, look out for Osmosis by Ari Purhonen — a light sculpture that interacts with water, creating an ever-changing spectrum of colours. And this is just the start of your arty adventures. [caption id="attachment_583618" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Alex Jones[/caption] PARRAMATTA CLAY AND ARTS Create art, instead of just enjoying it, at Parramatta Clay and Arts. If you're not ready to commit to a course, test the waters with a Friday night or weekend workshop. Unwind after a hectic work week with two to three hours of clay-making, after which you'll be able to go home with a work of your own, like a Christmas tealight, Japanese bowl or Hawaiian Tiki jar. Should that whet your appetite, you can then sign up for a four to eight-week term class or become a member, which gives you independent studio access. To discover more cultural hotspots in and around Parramatta, head to the website. Top Image: Destination NSW.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your text trip. In this instalment, we take you to the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, where they have just launched their new lavish beachfront pavilions. We've even teamed up with Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort to bring our readers a great deal. Head to Concrete Playground Trips here, to book a three-night stay in the Premium Lagoon Room (including all transfers and breakfasts). WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Spend a few nights in your own luxury retreat located on a private island's shoreline. You can roll out of bed and slide right into your own plunge pool in mere seconds. THE ROOMS When staying at the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort's new pavilions, you are located right on the beach. The beach isn't a short walk down a path. Just step off your private terrace and immediately feel the sand in between your toes. This place is about achieving absolute relaxation in the most luxurious of settings. And that means no kids. It's an adults-only accommodation for those who need a break from hectic youth energy and noise. Each standalone room has a generous living area, a plush king bed, an ensuite with a free standing bath and separate shower area as well as your very own plunge pool overlooking the beach. Yes, these luxury accommodations come with a fairly steep price tag but at the Intercontinental you very much get what you pay for. FOOD AND DRINK We get that you won't want to pull yourselves away from your private paradise, but you'll want to indulge in the excellent food and drinks program on offer. The resort has five distinct restaurants and bars, serving up all the best local produce to guests. But it's their private dining options which are most impressive. They organise private picnics on remote beaches including Langford Island and Blue Pearl Bay (where you'll be served premium honeymoon vibes along with the champagne). They also have poolside cabana lunches and hands-on chef's table experiences. It is proper decadence. [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA Hayman Island is the most northerly of the famous Whitsunday Islands, off the coast of Central Queensland. Once you arrive on Hamilton Island, you'll then need to get either a boat or helicopter to Hayman Island. Once you're here, you've got all the best nature experiences at your fingertips. You can walk into the tropical forests full of wildlife or find your very own remote beach away from the other resort goers. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the private island are also full of coral and tropical fish — making this ideal for diving and snorkelling. Editor's tip: if you're looking for an epic way to experience The Whitsundays then book one of these exclusive getaways through Concrete Playground Trips (including a sunset cruise, scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, luxury accommodation and a tour of Whitehaven Beach). THE EXTRAS The Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort has a huge range of activities available to those seeking to either relax or go out on an adventure. On the island, guests can go on nature-bound walking trails, picnics on the beach, immersive wildlife tours, fish feeding trips, cultural weaving classes and take part in a whole host of sports and fitness activities. These guys can also organise a bunch of expeditions by air. Helicopter tours and private seaplane charters will take you above Whitehaven Beach's iconic turquoise swirls and gaze over the world-famous Heart Reef. And lastly, you can go exploring the Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands by sea. Get on a daytime tour of the reef (full of snorkelling or scuba diving), work up a sweat during a sea kayaking excursion, head on a fishing adventure by boat or fully relax on a sunset cruise. Heaps of premium sun-soaked activities are on the menu here. Feeling inspired to book a getaway unlike anything else out there? Only through Concrete Playground Trips, our new travel booking platform, can you now purchase holidays specially curated by our writers and editors. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips at destinations all over the world.
Everyone is picky about their coffee, and once you've find the perfect spot, nothing else tastes quite right. This St Peters coffee spot, however, is doing things a bit differently. Describing itself as 'The Most Inconsistent Cafe in Australia', the pop-up prides itself on its constantly changing coffee offering. Run by Collective Roasting Solutions (CRS), a shared roasting facility in Alexandria used by a slew of industry experts, the pop-up features an all-star lineup of Sydney roasters, including Edition, Skittle Lane, Harry's Bondi and Grace & Taylor. Each week there'll be a new rotation of blends and roasters available, meaning every time you head in, you'll be welcomed with a different coffee experience. While most cafes try to get their coffee as consistent as possible, the idea behind the CRS pop-up is to show off the variety of flavours and depth in coffee beans. CRS, which ran a similar pop-up in Enmore back in 2016, has also partnered Marrickville's Labld Cafe for the occasion, so you can pair your coffee with a breakfast or lunch bento box. Locally sourced pastries will also be available to snack on and, until September 16, Smoking Gun Bagels will be peddling its wares, too. You'll find the likes of Chick Don't Kale My Vibe, with kale cream cheese, candied walnut and poached chicken, and the Netflix and Dill, with house-cured salmon and pickled zucchini. In a move that should improve your morning commute (if only ever so slightly) the pop-up is right next door to St Peters train station. So you can grab a bagel and a much-needed coffee — and maybe even watch some dogs frolicking in the park — before you head off to your 9-to-5. The pop-up is open from 7am–2pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Whatever holiday plans you had for 2023, they're changing. Apologies to whichever island trips or European jaunts you'd been dreaming about — you're now going to Japan. That's the only way to react to Jetstar's latest flight sale, which is solely focused on visits to two cities and two cities only: Tokyo and Osaka. Even better — whichever you decide to fly into, the Australian carrier's new special will bring you home without bothering your bank balance. Yes, Jetstar is doing one of its big 'return for free' sales. In fact, it's the first time in four years that the airline has launched a Japan edition of this popular excuse to buy airfares and lock in getaways, and you've got just three days to snap up tickets. Running for 72 hours from 12am AEDT on Tuesday, February 28–11.59pm AEDT on Friday, March 3 — or until sold out — it really is as straightforward as it sounds. Whatever flights you opt for as part of the sale, covering direct flights from Cairns or Gold Coast, plus connecting flights out of Sydney, Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Brisbane, you'll get the return fare for nothing. You do need to nab one of Jetstar's starter fares, and you'll then get a free return starter fare for zilch. Also, you'll have to fly in and out of the same arrival and departure port — either Narita in Tokyo or Kansai in Osaka. Plus, as is usually the case with Jetstar, checked baggage is not included. Still, expect the flights to get snapped up quickly when they go on sale. If you're a Club Jetstar member, you'll get the jump on the special via access from 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, February 28 until midnight. Wondering when you'll be travelling? Dates vary per route, but there are a few windows, including from late April through to late June, and again from early October to mid-December — all in 2023. Jetstar's Japan 'return for free' sale runs from 12am AEDT on Tuesday, February 28–11.59pm AEDT on Friday, March 3 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
A group of ten popular Sydney and Melbourne venues and creatives are throwing big food-, art- and music-filled bashes in November with support from fashion juggernaut Adidas. The brand is currently celebrating creatives across the world as part of its new brand campaign that states: "We gave the world an original. You gave us a thousand back." The parties will run across three weeks this spring, with Baba's Place, Valentinas, the One Day crew, Mannequin Hands and Babekuhl all getting in on the action in Sydney. Babekuhl will kick things off on Saturday, November 4 with the Babekuhl Lab. The multimedia art hub will be popping up at 182 Redfern Street, Redfern between 6–10pm, showcasing the creative team's colourful works of art. The following week, Marrickville cafe Valentinas will be relaunching its Valentinas Nights program as part of the event series — and it's offering free food. There will be cheeseburgers on the house with a side of beef tallow fries and a post-dinner ice cream sundae from 5pm between Thursday, November 9–Saturday, November 11. Rounding out the Sydney activations are Baba's Place, Mannequin Hands and One Day Sundays. Baba's will be lighting up the midweek with a Wednesday night party on November 15. Head into Prim Haus in St Peters on Friday, November 17 or Saturday, November 18 for an exhibition and pop-up press-on nail salon from nail artist Mannequin Hands. And, on Sunday, November 19, the One Day crew will host a ten-year anniversary mini festival at The Factory Theatre, with a huge lineup of musicians and DJs taking over the courtyard from 1pm. Down in Melbourne, A1 Bakery, Haus of Dizzy, Good Sport Magazine, Migrant Coffee and XFLOS are the teams joining forces with Adidas for the citywide takeover. In Melbourne, A1 is kicking off the celebrations with free wraps at its Brunswick outpost on Sunday, November 5. Make a bee-line to Brunswick to grab a chicken or falafel wrap on the house between 10am–12pm. The following weekend, things are really being taken up a notch. Kick off your Saturday on November 11 with lifestyle portraits at Go Sport Magazine from 11am, followed by a community workshop and afternoon feast at XFLOS from 2pm, and a block party and barbecue at Migrant Coffee from 5pm. Rounding out all the fun is Haus of Dizzy, which will be celebrating Indigenous pride and community through an all-ages birthday party that will include markets, workshops, food and music on Sunday, November 12. If you want to give yourself the best chance of attending, make sure to RSVP to the events you're interested in ASAP. Adidas' takeovers are happening from Saturday, November 4–Sunday, November 19 in Sydney and Sunday, November 5–Sunday, November 12 in Melbourne. Head to the Adidas website for a breakdown of all of the events, and to RSVP.
Inner West residents looking for a new favourite swimming spot can rejoice, with summer dips returning to Bayview Park. Sydney has some of the world's most picturesque bodies of water, whether it's our white sand beaches or some of the more unconventional swimming holes. Despite this, we're always on the lookout for new places to submerge ourselves — with city councils proposing ways to make the harbour swimmable, new pools opening up and, now, the City of Canada Bay revealing plans to reintroduce swimming to a section of the Parramatta River. "After years of hard work, I'm thrilled we're finally able to see visitors safely swimming at Bayview Park again for the first time since the 1960s," City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said. The announcement arrives just in time for a wave of warmer weather that's hit Sydney, with swimming set to return to the section of the river on Sunday, November 13. This will mark the first time it has been permitted at Bayview Park in 53 years. The Inner West beach first became a popular swim spot in the 1930s, but was closed and has remained unswimmable since 1969. Accompanying the reopening is a range of new facilities. Bayview Park is currently being fitted with a netted swimming enclosure, picnic facilities and outdoor showers, all of which will be ready to go for the November 13 launch date. "Our older residents have fond memories of taking to the Parramatta River on hot days, and younger residents would have heard the stories of their grandparents' days. This summer, we are taking these moments out of the old black-and-white photo albums and bringing them back to life," Tsirekas continued. The reintroduction of swimming to Bayview Park is the result of a $700,000 revitalisation project from the City of Canada Bay, Sydney Water and the Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG), with help from NSW Government funding. Following this extensive work, tests have shown the site is safe for swimming — but if you're still a bit sceptical about diving into Parramatta River head first, you can check daily water quality updated on the PRCG Our Living River website. A community open day will be held at the park on Sunday, November 13 to celebrate the project's success. Plus, a more extensive upgrade of Bayview Park will be commencing in 2023 to complement the swims. This facelift will include improvements to parking, expanded picnic facilities and upgrades to the park's landscaping. Bayview Park will become one of five Parramatta River swimming spots, alongside Dawn Fraser Baths, Cabarita Park Beach, Chiswick Baths and Lake Parramatta. PRCG has also earmarked the likes of Bedlam Bay, McIlwaine Park and Putney Park as possible new swim sites along the river. Swimming will be reintroduced to Bayview Park from Sunday, November 13. Find out all of the details via the City of Canada Bay's website.
It was true in the first season of Nine Perfect Strangers, and it appears accurate in season two as well: for the guests invited to stay with wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko (Nicole Kidman, Holland) at her choice of luxe retreat, little is what it seems. This time, the Austrian Alps is the group's destination. The setting has changed, and the nine perfect strangers are also all different; however, as the just-dropped trailer shows, this series is still plunging its characters and viewers into a mystery. While the initial season of Nine Perfect Strangers was shot in Byron Bay, the second definitely wasn't, given that the Australian spot can't double for frosty European climes. The cast around Kidman in season two starts with Henry Golding (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare), Lena Olin (The Darkness), Annie Murphy (Fingernails), Christine Baranski (The Gilded Age), Dolly de Leon (Jackpot!) and Mark Strong (Dune: Prophecy). Murray Bartlett (The Last of Us) also features, after starring so memorably in The White Lotus' first season. Also joining him and the above actors: Lucas Englander (The Day of the Jackal), King Princess, Maisie Richardson-Sellers (Wolf Hall) and Aras Aydin (To Betray). The storyline again charts the titular cohort as they're summoned by Masha to a transformational wellness retreat —" because sometimes, you shouldn't deal with pain gently", she tells them. Healing her guests, and helping them recharge and "rediscover inspiration", isn't the only thing on the agenda. The group unsurprisingly have their questions and suspicions. As proved the case in season one, too, their host is also on her own quest. Call Nine Perfect Strangers season two's arrival — from Thursday, May 22, 2025 Down Under via Prime Video, dropping weekly episodes — a case of great timing if you love watching things going awry at lavish resorts on super-scenic getaways, plus digging into star-studded small-screen mysteries. Call it a trend repeating as well. In 2021, within the space of mere months in the middle of the year, the debut season of The White Lotus hit, followed by the first season of Nine Perfect Strangers. Four years later, The White Lotus is a season ahead of Nine Perfect Strangers, but they're both back. David E Kelley (Presumed Innocent) remains one of the driving forces behind Nine Perfect Strangers — and author Liane Moriarty (The Last Anniversary), who wrote the novel that the first season was based on, is one of its executive producers again. As a result, Kidman continues her link with both. Kelley was also behind Big Little Lies, which, like Nine Perfect Strangers, also adapted a book by Moriarty. While The Undoing didn't initially stem from the Australian writer's pen, it did connect Kidman and Kelley. Nine Perfect Strangers' new on-screen lineup follows in the footsteps of an equally starry group: Melissa McCarthy (Only Murders in the Building), Michael Shannon (The Bikeriders), Luke Evans (Weekend in Taipei) and Asher Keddie (Fake), plus Bobby Cannavale (Unstoppable), Regina Hall (O'Dessa), Samara Weaving (Azrael), Melvin Gregg (Fight Night), Grace Van Patten (Tell Me Lies), Tiffany Boone (Mufasa: The Lion King), Manny Jacinto (The Acolyte) and Zoe Terakes (The Office), who all starred in the first season. Check out the trailer for season two of Nine Perfect Strangers below: Nine Perfect Strangers season two streams from Thursday, May 22, 2025 in Australia and New Zealand via Prime Video. Images: Prime Video / Reiner Bajo.
