Almost a quarter-century has passed since Keanu Reeves uttered four iconic words: "I know kung fu". The Matrix's famous phrase was also the entire movie-going world's gain, because watching Reeves unleash martial-arts mayhem is one of cinema's purest pleasures. Notching up their fourth instalment with the obviously titled John Wick: Chapter 4, the John Wick flicks understand this. They couldn't do so better, harder, or in a bloodier fashion, in fact. Directed by Keanu's former stunt double Chad Stahelski, who helped him look like he did indeed know wushu back in the 90s, this assassin saga is built around the thrill of its star doing his violent but stylish best. Of course, The Matrix's Neo didn't just know kung fu, but gun fu — and Jonathan, as The Continental proprietor Winston (Ian McShane, Deadwood: The Movie) still likes to call him, helps turn bullet ballet into one helluva delight again and again (and again and again). The John Wick movies — the first blasting into cinemas in 2014, John Wick: Chapter 2 hitting the target in 2017, John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum shooting straight in 2019, and now this striking four years later — seem like they should be oh-so simple. Slip Keanu into a black suit, let his 90s grunge-style hair frame his face, get him next to an array of dazzling backdrops, let him raise hell against whoever is thrown his way: that's the basic formula. And, wanting nothing more than a quiet life with the dog left to him by his deceased wife, then the pets that've replaced that pooch since, the eponymous Wick doesn't like to overcomplicate anything. Witnessing a John Wick film, though, means seeing how much stunning action choreography, energetic cinematography, lightning-fast editing and stellar production design goes into making these pictures flow so smoothly. Reeves is so in his element that he'll always be remembered as John Wick (and Neo, Bill & Ted's Theodore 'Ted' Logan and Point Break's Johnny Utah), but the John Wick movies are spectacular technical achievements. All that gun-fu mastery spins through a story — one that is similarly straightforward, but also meticulously constructed to look and play that way. Initially, the happily retired but recently widowed John got dragged back into the hitman life over that aforementioned puppy and a full-hearted quest for revenge. Since then, that move keeps sparking consequences in an action franchise that mixes the western genre's gunslingers and crusades for vengeance, plus their strong, silent types and scenic use of backgrounds, with a musical's rhythm, steps and set pieces. So, Jonathan tried to stay out of the game. Then, he endeavoured to escape the death-for-hire business after its powers-that-be, aka the High Table, started meting out punishment for breaking their rules. Summing up the situation brings another epic crime saga's words to mind: "just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!". Picking up where its immediate predecessor left off, John Wick: Chapter 4 saddles its namesake with the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård, Barbarian), the High Table's emissary, as his new adversary. After Wick puts the assassin realm's head honchos on notice during an early trip to the Middle East, the series' latest nefarious figure wants rid of him forever, wasting no time laying waste to the few things left that John loves. The Marquis has company, too — seeking a big payday in the case of the mercenary known as Tracker (Shamier Anderson, Son of the South), who has his own devoted dog; and due to a familiar deal with Caine (Donnie Yen, Mulan), a martial-arts whiz who is blind, and an old friend of John. That said, Wick has pals in this clash between the hitman establishment and its workers, which doubles as an eat-the-rich skirmish, including Winston, the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne, All the Old Knives), and the Osaka Continental's Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada, Bullet Train) and Akira (Rina Sawayama, Turn Up Charlie). Retaliating against the High Table, and just trying to stay alive, involves jumps to Japan, Berlin and Paris — starting from New York, naturally — and shooting, stabbing, slicing and battling through hotels, nightclubs, apartment blocks and more. In the latter category sits two of the saga's most ambitious locations yet, where two of its most glorious fight scenes take place: the traffic circle around the Arc de Triomphe and the 222 steps up to Montmartre's Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Indeed, with Stahelski a four-film John Wick veteran, cinematographer Dan Laustsen (Nightmare Alley) up to three, and editor Nathan Orloff (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) dropping in seamlessly as a newcomer, all 169 minutes of John Wick: Chapter 4 is an action marvel. More John Wick has long been a good thing, whether more movies or more in those movies; the last hour here, as Wick and the Marquis' conflict sprawls across Paris, is the franchise's pièce de résistance. With frenetic frays such a focus, and so expertly and inventively executed — doorbell sensors and bulletproof vests have significant parts, gun fu becomes car fu, and filming flats from above is mesmerising — it'd be easy for anyone new to the ways of John Wick to assume that the plot is secondary. Or, that screenwriters Shay Hatten (returning from Chapter 3) and Michael Finch (American Assassin) have built John Wick: Chapter 4's narrative around the onslaught of carnage, not vice versa. These are lovingly crafted films, however — and layered and thoughtful, as seen when Winston name-drops Ned Kelly and his supposed last words "such is life". The John Wick series is deeply steeped in its own mythology, which swirls around John aka the Baba Yaga, the High Table's workings and love of retro tech, the various Continentals, and all the regulations that underscore the to-ing and fro-ing that leads to such a massive body count, so referencing an IRL figure also steeped in myth is a smart and knowing move. Casting has always worked comparably, drawing upon McShane's Deadwood standing, Lance Reddick's The Wire pedigree, Franco Nero's history as the OG Django in Chapter 2 and Skarsgård's time as Pennywise, for instance. No one is as immaculately cast in the John Wick universe as Keanu, who continues to invest everything into his stoic-faced character by playing it just right — never adding anything superfluous, never undercooking his performance, and always dancing through the franchise with the weight and agility it needs. Still, Yen is his absolute equal, to zero astonishment given that he's Donnie Yen. Physical feats so fleet that they stand out even in this highly physical flick, charm and wit in spades, pitch-perfect doses of comedy: they're all on show. Yen also delivers a gleaming Point Break nod, and owns John Wick: Chapter 4's debt to Japan's swordplay-heavy Zatoichi pictures (a homage he knows well thanks to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, but he's not repeating himself). No matter how a John Wick movie finishes, it ends with viewers wanting more — and this is no exception, including more of Yen as Caine alongside Keanu.
One of Sydney's favorite cafes, Edition Roasters has added an exciting new element to its Haymarket offering. The sleek minimalist coffee shop has been serving up top-notch brews in Haymarket since it opened its second cafe in 2018 (before closing its OG Darlinghurst venue shortly after). Now, with more cafes in World Square and Wynyard, the Edition team has also introduced a new dining experience focused on sake and classic Japanese favourites. From 5.30pm four days a week at its flagship Darling Square cafe, the cafe puts away the beans and the oat milk — transforming into Edition Izakaya. This new nighttime venue is now open Wednesday–Saturday and joins a host of renowned dining options like XOPP, IIKO Mazesoba, Nakano and Tsuki Yo at Darling Square. On the menu, you'll find a range of Japanese favorites: garlic edamame, teriyaki fried chicken, kingfish sashimi, king prawn udon with black garlic butter and soy butter clams with crispy potatoes. There's also a specific charcoal grill menu frying up saikyo salmon ochazuke and an array of yakitori. Order your choice of chicken thigh, mb5+ Angus beef, king brown mushrooms and marinated quail eggs, all given the charcoal grill experience. Sake lovers rejoice, there's an extensive list on offer including spiced pear and orange hot sake — joined on the drinks menu by a reserved selection of Japanese whiskey and Asahi. Plus, the Edition team has also transitioned their cake and pastry experience to Edition Izakaya, creating a dessert menu that's sure to tempt you into making room for just one more thing. The basque cheesecake is infused with yuzu and the tiramisu is a miso, coffee crystal and chocolate delight — how could you say no? Edition Izakaya is open 5.30pm–11pm Wednesday–Saturday at 60, Darling Drive, Haymarket.
A butler who’d make the Fawlty Towers crew look competent, a bride who bolts and couch potatoes who can’t stop thinking about pizza are just some of the characters that have been inspired by this year’s Tropfest signature item: 'Mirror'. To be screened on Sunday, December 7, in Centennial Park, the 16 short films that have made the finals are promising the funniest, craziest and most bizarre program we’ve seen yet. And that’s saying something; Tropfest isn’t exactly known for being run-of-the-mill. The films will kick off at 7.30pm, as the sun’s disappearing, but you’d do well to head in earlier, not only to stake your claim over a patch of grass but also to check out the introductory live music, which starts at 5pm. Scheduled acts include foot-stomping, folk duo Pierce Brothers; psychedelic sampler Ego, who mixes music with video art; soul-influenced, teenaged singer-songwriter Thelma Plum; and creative electronica whiz Elizabeth Rose. Alternatively, make an entire, festivalised day of it by arriving when the gates open at 11am. Daylight hours are more focused on family fun, with the screening of the world’s biggest short film festival for kids and by kids, Trop Jr, as well as mini golf, kite flying, a flower wall set up by Moonlight Cinema, an interactive art installation from SBS 2, Cirque du Soleil’s Totem Turtle and more.
Since 2010, Sydney has been home to the Korean Film Festival in Australia. While 2025's main fest hits the Harbour City in August, you can also join in at Parramatta's Riverside Theatres across Friday, September 26–Saturday, September 27. One pivotal difference between the regular festival and the regional KOFFIA Touring Program: head to the latter and everything that you see from its four-title lineup is free. Catch About Family, a dramedy about a chef discovering that he might have grandchildren — and The Noisy Mansion focusing on a tenant and her neighbours trying to discover why their building is plagued by strange sounds. Parramatta audiences can also watch Forbidden Fairytale, about a children's book author who starts ghostwriting online erotica. Plus, Hear Me: Our Summer is one of the highlights, with the romantic drama co-starring former Iz*One member Kim Minju, remaking Taiwan's Hear Me and seeing a love story blossom via Korean Sign Language.
For everyone who has ever had a cringeworthy boss, annoying co-worker or soul-crushing office job, one sitcom franchise has understood for more than two decades now. It was back in 2001 that the original UK version of The Office arrived, introducing the world to the literally paper-pushing David Brent. And, in 2005, an American series featuring the also-awkward Michael Scott hit the small screen as well. More international takes on the show have followed, including an in-the-works Australian series that'll mark the 13th iteration beyond Britain to-date. Next, so might a big return, with the US version reportedly set to score a reboot. Might, could, apparently, rumoured, possibly, hopefully: they all fit this news, which Puck dropped in the wake of Hollywood's current writers' strike looking like it is nearing its end. "Greg Daniels is set to do a reboot of The Office," the publication noted in its wrap-up of where things stand now that the Writers Guild of America has reached a provisional deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. That sentence, naming the US version of The Office's creator (who has also been behind Space Force and Upload), is all there is to go on for now; however, it hails from an outlet that's all about insider conversation in Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Washington. As for how a restocked take on the Dunder Mifflin-set The Office might work, who'd star, if any of the OG cast will return, if it'll still feature Scranton in Pennsylvania, how many desk supplies might get put in jelly and all the other burning questions that everyone has right now, there's no answers as yet. On its first go-around, the American The Office proved one of the rare instances where a TV remake is better than the original. It was also immensely easy to just keep rewatching, as fans have known since the 2005–13 show finished its run. Of course, that's what you get when you round up Steve Carell (Asteroid City), John Krasinski (Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan), Jenna Fischer (Splitting Up Together), Rainn Wilson (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story), Mindy Kaling (Velma), Ed Helms (Rutherford Falls), Ellie Kemper (Happiness for Beginners), Craig Robinson (Killing It) and more in the same show, and let all of them break out their comedic best. As for The Office Australia — which comes after everywhere from Canada, France and Germany to Israel, India and Poland have similarly given the idea a go — it's on its way in 2024 thanks to Prime Video. In the Aussie series, it will be Hannah Howard's turn to become the manager that no one wants but everyone has worked for. Played by actor and comedian Felicity Ward (Wakefield), she'll oversee a packaging company called Flinley Craddick. And, when she receives news that head office is shutting down her branch — with everyone working from home instead — she's determined to keep her team together. Obviously that won't go smoothly, or there'd be no sitcom antics to be had in The Office Australia. Joining Ward is a hefty cast spanning Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess), Shari Sebbens (Preppers), Josh Thomson (Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows), Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve), Susan Ling Young (Barons), Raj Labade (Back of the Net), Lucy Schmit and Firass Dirani (House Husbands). There's no sneak peek yet at whatever the US reboot of The Office pans out to be, and no trailer yet for The Office Australia, either. But, in the interim, you can check out a couple clips from the US version below: The rumoured reboot of the US version of The Office doesn't have a release date yet — we'll update you with more information when it is announced. The Office Australia will stream via Prime Video sometime in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced.
Lennox Head is an ideal location for hang gliding, watching surfers and spotting the odd dolphin. If it is whales you're after though, head to the top of Lennox Point at Pat Morton Lookout. The expansive views over the Pacific and Seven Mile Beach are where you'll spot the migration — and it's also the best point from which to see surfers catch the famous right-hand break down on the beach. Pack a picnic for this grassy knoll as you'll want to stay a while. Image: Flickr
Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) directs How I Live Now, a film adapted from Meg Rosoff's 2004 novel of the same name by a team of writers including talented British playwright Penelope Skinner. Startlingly mature Irish actress Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, The Way Back) stars as Daisy, a strong-willed New York teenager sent to stay with English relatives one summer. Just as she's settling in and falling in love with her cousin Edmond (George MacKay), a nuclear bomb is detonated in London by an anarchist group and all hell breaks loose. The boys are conscripted into the army; the girls are taken to an evacuation camp, which is soon attacked by "the enemy". Forced to flee, Daisy faces an arduous journey to survive, get home and be reunited with Edmond. Featuring a largely young cast of up-and-comers, How I Live Now sounds a little bit like John Marsden's Tomorrow, When the War Began series, albeit set in England and with a much bigger budget. If you like your films on the adventurous side with a splash of romance and an impressively resilient heroine, then this could be right up your alley. How I Live Now is in cinemas on November 28, and thanks to Madman Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
Any show of Henson’s works is always going to be worth a visit. He’s one of our most successful artists, and with good reason – dude takes a seriously good picture. Bill Henson: cloud landscapes is snack-sized but provides a pleasing survey of his body of work. What will strike you first is the current of sameness running throughout the show. Yes, the later works are perhaps slightly more refined and a little more painterly (fancy art speak for "it really looks like it was painted"), but the similarities among them all are startling. The same smoky palette of enveloping blacks, blues and faded neutrals; and the same meditative, melancholic tone emanates from each work. Such consistency is impressive. He recently made the shift to digital printing processes, but the change is indiscernible. Henson’s work can be filed pretty neatly into two categories: landscapes and figures. Both are characterised by a sense of deep reverie, and all his works are beautifully executed, but his ability to capture the human form is what he does best. There is a vim and vigour present in his bodies that seems to be somewhat absent in the landscapes. Unsurprisingly, the curators have neglected to include any of the works responsible for garnering the controversy of a few years back (Henson found himself in hot water over images he had taken of nude children but was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing). There is one picture featuring a young-ish boy, but he does look old enough to legally drink and made his own bad decisions. His work is synonymous with a masterful treatment of darkness and light. In a 2004 interview with art critic Sebastian Smee, Henson explained: ‘In some respects not even being able to see the whole structure is partly what the work is about — the way in which things go missing in the shadows. Shadows can animate the speculative capacity in the viewer in a way that highlights can’t. It’s often, to my way of thinking, what you don’t see in the photograph that has the greatest potential to transmit information’. Bill Henson: cloud landscapes is yet another reminder that Bill Henson is an artist working at the top of his game.
On Saturday, October 26, prepare to experience Australia's largest LGBTQIA+ Halloween party. A haunting takeover of Liberty Hall will go from dusk till dawn (6pm–2am), so get ready for a night full of eerie excitement, spine-tingling surprises, and ghostly good vibes. Brought to you by Sydney based LGBTQIA+ events company, GAYM Entertainment, this spook fest will star local artists and international headliners in the DJ booth, including Dani Brasil, John Course, Mario Beckman, Nat Valverde, Sam Gee and Tommy Trash. Two custom-built stages, both indoors and outdoors, will deliver a high-energy mix of house, tech, tribal, and circuit beats. Expect scream-worthy performances and blood-curdling roaming characters to keep the thrills and chills alive throughout the night. To keep you fuelled up for the festivities, food trucks will be dishing up tasty bites all night long and the signature scare tunnel is making its return, offering spine-chilling frights just like in previous Horrorween events. Final tickets are on sale now, so don't delay in securing your spot at this strictly 18+ party.
Going out is great: whether it's a rowdy birthday dinner with mates, a dance party that went until sunrise or a hot date where a few too many drinks were had, we love a big night out as much as the next person. Not so great? That next morning, where pounding headaches and parched throats put a vicious end to all the good vibes of the night before. Thankfully, after a few too many Sundays spent hiding under our doonas in sweatpants, we discovered an infinitely more pleasant way to recover from a big night out. Yep, there's nothing quite like a big brekkie or lazy lunch that's all about comfort food and guilty pleasures. In collaboration with American Express, we've found the best places in Sydney to take your hungover self after a massive night on the town. Each of these spots has a menu featuring tried-and-tested hangover cures (think juicy burgers, massive bowls of pasta or dim sum), and an excellent coffee to perk you right back up, plus they're just casual enough for you to show up looking a little less put-together than usual. And they also all accept Amex (so you can stock up on points). You'll be feeling human again in no time. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Look, lockdown wasn't the best of times. But that's not to say there weren't some perks — no commute, perfecting that sourdough starter and the knock-off wines had in the garden were pretty good, too. Not to mention the comfortable and inventive fashion choices we made when working from home (WFH). While many may be ready to ditch the Uggs and trackies, there are still a great many of us who have embraced the WFH aesthetic — and totally nailed it. So, even though we're back in the office (at least sometimes), we don't want to forgo all those stellar outfits. Together with American Express, we've come up with a list of wardrobe essentials that can take you from your morning coffee, into the office and right through to the end of the day where all you want to do is flop on the couch. Take a peek at these eight comfy-but-oh-so-chic threads and level up your work wardrobe. You'll just have to leave those fuzzy slippers at home.
If you've been making an effort to be kinder to the planet, chances are your daily coffee habits have had a bit of a shakeup of late. Maybe you've said farewell to your last takeaway coffee cup, switched to drinking only fair-trade beans, ditched environmentally harmful coffee pods, or all of the above. Well, now local company Pod & Parcel could just see you change up your coffee game once again. The start-up is the brainchild of three Melbourne business consultants, Ben Goodman, Elliott Haralambous and Jai Felinksi, who wanted to combine the ease of a coffee pod with the quality of specialty coffee — without leaving a nasty impact on the planet. The trio developed a special plant-based pod that is fully biodegradable and compostable, taking just six months to break down, as opposed to the 500 years of its competitors. With an estimated two-to-three million coffee pods consumed daily in Australia alone, that's a whole lot of reasons to switch. Another is the coffee itself. Far from skimping on quality, the trio has collaborated with local coffee roasters to develop its product, so you can enjoy that cafe-level cuppa from the comfort of your home. Choose from a single-origin Guatemalan — with notes of creamy vanilla and blood orange — or a toffee-noted blend of Colombian and Tanzanian beans, among many others. Because it's specialty-grade arabica coffee, it has a back-story, too. Consumers can find out where it came from, how it travelled and exactly when it was roasted. Consider this a budget-friendly alternative to those exxy brews from your local specialty coffee shop, that also challenges big name pod manufacturers like Nespresso. Pod & Parcel's creations come in a swag of different flavours and intensities, available online from around 86 cents per pod. If you fancy saving even more, you can sign up to its Coffee Club, which delivers pods straight to your door.
You don't need an excuse to visit Bali — the endless sun, world-class beaches and enchanting cuisine are easily enough reasons to head straight to the airport. Yet add one more to the list as Lyvin Melasti, a new boutique collection of villas and suites, has opened its doors. Sure, there's no shortage of luxury stays on the island, but this refined take on barefoot luxury is more thoughtful — and plush — than most. Perched on three lush acres above the white sands of Melasti Beach, think minimalist architecture, sweeping ocean views and non-stop relaxation. Tucked into the limestone hills of Bali's Bukit Peninsula, 18 ocean-facing villas with private pools dot four cliffside levels drenched in greenery. Designed to integrate with the landscape, each villa's green roof is a terrace for the accom above, while pathways through the stay flow with the coast's contours. Inside each villa, the finishes combine Scandinavian and Balinese design philosophies. Chosen for their inherent calmness and textural quality, you'll find locally sourced Sulawesi marble floors, custom teak furniture, soft neutral tones and floor-to-ceiling windows inviting stellar Indian Ocean views. "We designed Lyvin Melasti to feel both grounding and expansive — a space that invites rest, reflection, and reconnection," says Lyvin Properities Co-Founder and Product Director Victoria Sokovykh. "Everything is intentional, but never overdone. It's a place to breathe." While already appealing, this luxe addition to Bali's accommodation scene is set to get even better. The stay will launch 20 ocean-view suites in December, with plans for a signature restaurant and wellness spa to open in the near future. Lyvin Melasti is now open in the Uluwatu region of Bali. Head to Instagram for more information.
If you compare theatre to sports, opera will sit somewhere at the Olympic level. The statement "I've got tickets to the opera" is so laced with cultural flavour that it's practically a four-course meal. There are some stellar opera venues in Sydney including a certain world famous House. But if you're looking for an experience that will make you the star of the "did you have a good night?" chats at work the next day, look no further than Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. They're preparing for their next season, when the iconic Madama Butterfly returns to the outdoor stage with a suitably iconic vista, truly a ticket worthy of your hard-earned funds. So, what sets this opera apart from the rest? And why should you, the audience member, be interested? Well settle in, dear reader, and prepare to find out. The story: An opera that has inspired and enchanted audiences worldwide Madama Butterfly is, at its core, a tragedy. But it's also a story about personal growth and extraordinary determination. The original opera was based on a short story written in 1898 – it follows a Japanese geisha who falls in love with a wealthy American named Pinkerton and enters an explosive, whirlwind romance with him (for better or worse). Italian composer Giacomo Puccini adapted the story from a one-act play to an opera that premiered in 1904 and initially the show was unsuccessful. After several revisions it finally became a global success with the premiere of the enduring fifth version in 1907. It's the most commonly performed iteration of the opera and is the version that inspired this show, with contemporary influences. For example, historically the Pinkerton character is a naval officer and in this production he's a property developer. The venue: An outdoor stage with room for a show to soar As mentioned, the Sydney Opera House traditionally dominates the opera scene but other fantastic opera venues are scattered across Sydney, chief among them the Fleet Steps at Mrs Macquaries Point. The epic outdoor venue has massive seating capacity, jaw-dropping harbour views and a range of dining options onsite. The dining: Al fresco dining and themed menus to bring wonder to your taste buds The Fleet Steps bring the views and the entertainment, but you can't bring your own food into the event area. Fret not, because the menus here top whatever you can fit into a picnic basket. There are five bar and restaurant areas to choose from so let's dig in. For the maximum experience, book a table at the HSBC Platinum Club operated by the Kitchen By Mike team and is as luxe as it sounds. Here, you have access to two or three courses on the Japanese-inspired menu (think steamed coral trout served with pickled cucumber, avocado and a black bean and ginger sauce) before the show and a VIP drink voucher for the interval. Beyond that, you can also get a pre-show feed at one of the other eateries — serving up everything from katsu chicken burgers to teriyaki tofu bowls and cheese and charcuterie boxes. The dining options all open from 5pm, which gives you a two-and-a-half-hour window to get your food fix plus the interval for topping up your champagne flute. The costume and production design: A performance that evolves in front of your eyes During interval, you can also watch the stage transform from one spectacular set to the next. This isn't a simple spruce with moving furniture and changing the lights — there is heavy machinery involved in the transformation. It is production design and staging of this enormity that has made Madama Butterfly stand out among its peers. Not only does the set evolve midway but you'll see 'floating' suns and moons and a literally explosive finale. As well as an evolving stage, pay close attention to the costume design. As the protagonist Cio-Cio San goes on her journey, you'll see her emerge from figurative and literal cocoons alike. Costume designer Lluc Castells said: "Through the costumes, I want to narrate the cultural shock that Cio-Cio San feels and all their consequences, such as the loss of her identity and the dependence on a dominant culture that blinds her." The cast: Powerhouse creatives behind a powerhouse production A killer production is nothing without a killer team to bring it to life. The behind the scenes talent is led by director Àlex Ollé of renowned Spanish theatre group La Fura dels Baus, joined by equally talented (and also Spanish) revival director Susana Gomez and set designer Alfons Flores. Conductor Brian Castles-Onion, a veteran of over 500 opera performances, will be leading the orchestra and steering Puccini's iconic compositions. On stage and in complete view of the audience is a cast of performers who have each performed on global stages, including in past editions of Madama Butterfly. Karah Son and Eva Kong perform the role of Cio-Cio San, Diego Torre and Thomas Strong star as Pinkerton, Sian Sharp and Agnes Sarkis as Suzuki and Michael Honeyman and Luke Gabbedy as Sharpless. For more information on Madama Butterfly, the production and the experience, or to secure your tickets, visit the Opera Australia website.
Usually when Cirque du Soleil hits cities around the world, it has audiences rolling up to its big top to see stunning acrobatic feats. But with the Montreal-based circus company's latest show, which also marks a pioneering display for the organisation, viewers will be hitting up arenas instead — because CRYSTAL takes place on ice. Cirque du Soleil's first-ever ice show, CRYSTAL still features all the trapeze, juggling, aerial acrobatics and more that fans have seen and loved across the company's past 41 productions — seven traditional circus acts, in fact, including banquine and hand balancing — but then adds a frosty surface rather than its usual stage setup. And, it includes figure skating and extreme skating into the spectacle as well, two disciplines that've never been featured in a Cirque du Soleil production before now. Even better: CRYSTAL will make its debut Down Under in 2023, kicking off in — when else? — winter. Sydneysiders, get ready for frosty wonders from Thursday, August 3–Sunday, August 13 at Qudos Bank Arena. This'll mark Cirque du Soleil's first visit since KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities in 2019 and 2020, although that production's run was interrupted by the pandemic. Also part of CRYSTAL, and another Cirque du Soleil first: remastered pop songs, including Beyoncé's 'Halo', U2's 'Beautiful Day', Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and Sia's 'Chandelier', in the company's only touring show so far to use such tracks. CRYSTAL has been doing the rounds worldwide since 2017, with more than 1.8-million people in 115 cities in 12 countries checking it out over the past five years. The all-ages show takes its name from the production's protagonist, who acts as the audience's guide as she follows her destiny to become herself.
If you managed to nab a ticket to Paul Kelly's Making Gravy tour in Melbourne last year, then you were one of the lucky ones. If you weren't and have been lamenting ever since, you can stop. The songwriting legend has just announced that he'll be performing the show all over again this December, in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. As in 2017, you can expect to hear a stack of songs from Kelly's four-decade long career. Listen out for all the hits, from "Dumb Things", from the album Live, May 1992, to "Love Never Runs On Time" from Wanted Man (1994). The Christmas classic "How To Make Gravy", first released in 1996 on an eponymous EP, is on the menu, too. Chances are, you'll also hear some tunes from Kelly's new album, Nature. Due out on 12 October, it features poems by Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman, Sylvia Plath, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Phillip Larkin, alongside original poems and songs. Last year, his 23rd studio album, Life is Fine, topped the ARIA Albums Chart, becoming the first of his albums to do so. Kelly won't be hitting the road alone: he's inviting a bunch of special guests. He'll be joined by Angus & Julia Stone, playing tunes from 2017 album Snow, Alex Lahey at all shows, with Angie McMahon and D.D Dumbo joining the lineup in Sydney, and Mojo Juju jumping on board in Melbourne and Brisbane. All three shows are outdoors and all-ages. Paul Kelly Making Gravy presale tickets will be available from 2pm on Monday, August 20. General sales will kick off at 10am on Thursday, August 23. Paul Kelly Making Gravy will hit Sydney's Domain on Saturday, December 15; Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Friday, December 14; and Brisbane's Riverstage on Friday, December 21. Image: Cybele Malinowski
If a photograph has ever been able to transcend the visual, been able to be heard, then Bill Henson’s current exhibition contains some serious contenders. In his characteristic sombre style, Henson’s images encompass the portrait and the landscape, combining fragile human studies (for which he has become renowned), epic vistas and enigmatic ruins. Shot in large-scale and installed without framing, ensuring an intimate view, Henson’s photographs totally transform the gallery and make a powerful statement, working two angles at once. A lone, rocky island is at once familiar and otherworldly, broken stories dripping from the recognisable ruins, while the portraits — in particular the one showing a girl in profile, her head held by another’s hands, affecting the movement of a baptism — are delicate yet potent. The image that really sings is the one of the waterfall; you can hear the water as it falls, almost feel the spray, and, in the masterly style that has made Henson one of Australia’s premier photographers, he captures the power of the gushing water without detracting from the diaphanous quality of the veil of water.
You've listened your way through multiple seasons of Serial. You've tuned your ears to plenty of other similar podcasts, too. And, when you've been sat on your couch, you've watched your way through the seemingly non-stop array of shows about real-life cases as well — whether you're more interested in lurid stories such as Tiger King, or shows with a more personal focus like I'll Be Gone in the Dark. If all of the above applies to you, you're clearly a fan of true-crime tales. It's a great time to be interested in the subject, because more and more cases gone by keep getting the podcast or small-screen treatment. Dropping on Stan on Sunday, November 29, After the Night is the latest. And, if you feel like you've already seen and heard every story there is — especially regarding US crimes — this one focuses on an Australian serial killer. Known as 'The Night Caller', Eric Edgar Cooke terrorised Perth in the early 1960s. He's known to have murdered eight people, and he also assaulted and tried to kill many more, but local police took their time in connecting him to his horrendous acts. As created and directed by Perth-born filmmaker Thomas Meadmore (The Spy Who Fell to Earth), After The Night explores the details across a four-part series — spanning Meadmore's own return to Perth and also featuring interviews, including with two men wrongly convicted of Cooke's crimes. Viewers can expect a true-crime investigation with plenty of twists and turns — which is exactly what the genre always promises, of course. Here, though, you'll also watch your way through a series that ponders not only Cooke's heinous deeds, but the quest for justice they inspired and the impact the whole ordeal has left on the local community. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqQSfltwvuk&feature=youtu.be After the Night will be available to stream via Stan from Sunday, November 29.
They played the first game of their 2023 Women's World Cup campaign in Sydney. They took on Denmark there in the round of 16, then England in the semi-final loss. The next reason that the Matildas will hit the Harbour City: a match against China PR on the way to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and also for goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and coach Tony Gustavsson to take to the Vivid stage. The duo are on the already-packed Vivid Sydney 2024 lineup for a Vivid Ideas session at Sydney Town Hall on Monday, June 10. At Champions of Change: Mackenzie Arnold and Tony Gustavsson, the pair will have plenty to talk about — all things Matildas, of course, including the team's achievements over the past year, the challenges along the way, the squad's impact, the pressures and the coach-athlete dynamic. What has the last 12 months been like for the Matildas? How does it feel to represent your company on the global stage? What do the Matildas' successes — and the love showered their way — mean for women's sport? They'll all get a mention, too. Arnold and Gustavsson's addition to the Vivid lineup comes after Amy Poehler recently also joined the bill, to discuss her career and the upcoming Pixar sequel Inside Out 2.
A 42.8ha reserve located along the southern shoreline of Narrabeen Lagoon, Jamieson Park provides a perfect backdrop for your next picnic catch up with friends or family. There's a 2.3km walking trail beginning at Jamieson Park that goes to South Creek where you can wander through native bushland while spotting wildlife and soaking in the scenic views over the lake. If you're feeling adventurous, hire equipment for paddle boarding, pedal boating and kayaking. Or, stay dry and enjoy lunch at one of the site's picnic tables and BBQ areas. The large paid carpark makes driving there a good option, though it does fill up fast on sunny days — so be quick. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
Lunar New Year is just around the corner, running from January 25–February 8. Ring in the Year of the Rat and celebrate Chinese culture by hitting up a street party in Haymarket, watching dragon boat racing in Darling Harbour and gawking at large-scale lanterns of the 12 lunar zodiac animals, plus a gold tower of nine 2.8m-tall robotic rats in Circular Quay. After your cultural fix, it's time to tuck into a feast. For those looking to ring in the New Year in style, you can head to one of the city's best restaurants — Aria — which is serving up Chinese-inspired dishes in celebration. Executive Chef Joel Bickford's specialty menu will be on offer from January 22–29, so you can either start the festivities early or head there after a day of exploring the many lunar events around Sydney. You'll be feasting on chilled lobster and potato salad topped with oyster emulsion and caviar; slow-cooked pork jowl, greenlip abalone, king oyster mushrooms and greens in XO sauce; steamed red emperor fish with creamed miso eggplant and shellfish oil; and cherry-glazed organic duck breast, aged in-house for seven days. Then, for dessert, a blood plum sorbet and a white chocolate, lychee and mango pudding. And, of course, it's all accompanied by sweeping Opera House and harbour views. This decadent six-course menu will cost you a cool $260 per person, with additional wine pairings ranging from $128–328 (or opt for a non-alcoholic drinks pairing for $78). After all, the Year of the Rat is one of wealth and surplus. Aria's Chinese New Year Celebration menu is available for lunch and dinner, from January 22–29. To book, head here. Images: Cole Bennetts, Steven Woodburn and Kitti Gould.
On the long list of things that were bound to happen after the success of Stranger Things, seeing Dungeons & Dragons roll back into cinemas has always been right at the top. The role-playing game has already sparked three movies, with the first dating back to 2000 — but none of them starred Chris Pine, Rege-Jean Page, Michelle Rodriguez and Hugh Grant (or were well-received, whether they hit the silver screen or went straight to home entertainment). Another D&D film has been in the works in some shape or form since before the world saw a bunch of kids in Hawkins, Indiana play the game, unsurprisingly. Thanks to the success of Game of Thrones, fantasy epics have become a huge Hollywood cash cow (see also: the return of The Lord of the Rings as a streaming series later this year). Whether the new D&D will become one of the genres hits or misses is clearly yet to be seen — Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves doesn't reach cinemas until March 2023 — but the just-dropped first trailer certainly looks like it's aiming to start a franchise. Released to coincide with San Diego Comic-Con, which is currently on now, the initial glimpse at Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves introduces its motley crew of characters. "Here's the thing, we're a team of thieves," Pine (All the Old Knives) explains, if the title wasn't already obvious enough. This crew, which spans Page (The Gray Man), Rodriguez (Fast & Furious 9), Justice Smith (Jurassic World Dominion) and Sophie Lillis (IT and IT: Chapter Two), too, "helped the wrong person steal the wrong thing". Cue the greatest evil the world has ever known, unleashed unwittingly, which this band of thieves now endeavours to stop. Dragons pop up, of course. So do dungeons, to the astonishment of no one. Other fantastical animals, fights, flaming swords, fireballs: they're all included as well, as are Grant (The Undoing), fellow cast members Chloe Coleman (Marry Me) and Daisy Head (Wrong Turn), and Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love'. Behind the camera, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (Game Night) are in the directors' chairs, and co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Gilio. And yes, films based on Hasbro properties don't have the best record — the Transformers series, the GI Joe flicks, Battleship, Power Rangers — but if you're a D&D devotee, you'll be hoping this one changes that. Check out the trailer below: Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves opens in cinemas Down Under on March 2, 2023.
Back in May, when Australia started to look past social distancing and public gathering rules to a less-restricted future, Falls Festival announced it was powering ahead with plans for its New Year's festival. But a couple of months is a long time in 2020 — and today, Wednesday, August 26, the event has announced that it will not longer be taking place this year. In a statement released via Facebook, festival organisers advised that "given the current status of things and border restrictions in place, it won't be possible to hold Falls Festival in our regular New Year's timeframe". It's worth noting that the post doesn't say that the next iteration of Falls is completely cancelled, however. "Consider this a raincheck, and please know we will be back with more information as it comes to hand," the statement notes. As for what that entails, Falls will "work with government stakeholders and key agencies to get Falls Festival back in the calendar". Clearly, given the way the past few months have shaped up — including with Victoria's reimplemented restrictions — there are a hefty range of factors to navigate. https://www.facebook.com/fallsfestival/photos/a.103842988679/10158800587688680/?type=3&theater If it had gone ahead in its usual December/January slot in 2020/2021, the summer festival had planned to implement some big changes. Usually taking place at Tassie's Marion Bay, Lorne in Victoria, North Byron and Fremantle, it was set to feature an all-Aussie lineup this year — which, with Australia's borders currently closed and even travel between just Australia and New Zealand "still some time away", seemed the smart choice. It also had the added bonus of helping Aussie musicians, many of which have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown. When the festival does go ahead, it's still fair to expect that it might look a little different — at least in terms of punters numbers. Falls Byron usually has around 25,000 attendees, while Falls Lorne has 9000, for example, figures that seem particularly large in today's social-distancing world. Last year, the music festival was impacted by the bushfires, with the Lorne leg cancelled one day in because of extreme and hazardous weather. Falls Festival will no longer go ahead in December 2020/January 2021. We'll let you know if and when more details are announced.
You've found it! The perfect gift. You go to hit 'add to cart' and then you see it — a Christmas shipping deadline date that has long since sailed past you, leaving only that sinking feeling of losing something that was never yours. But there's an easy way to avoid that mini tragedy: shop local, and shop good old-fashioned bricks and mortar. The unique gifts right here at home are sure to please even the most difficult, seen-it-all giftees. For more great Sydney stores, check out our shops directory. STERLING BY GAFFA GALLERY Focusing a bunch of contemporary Australian and New Zealand artists and designers into one space, Sterling, the Gaffa Gallery retail store, offers unique jewellery pieces and objets d’art as well as giving you a bit of insight into how they were made. Each piece is handcrafted and gives your loved one a chance to wear a little piece of art everyday. Or, if you’re more interested in giving experiences rather than objects, why not invest in a seven-week jewellery-making course for that special someone? Pop next door and you’ll find Kakawa, the mouth-watering chocolate boutique, for chocolate Christmas decorations. Can’t lose. 281 Clarence St, Sydney PUBLISHED ART BOOKSHOPS Basically the hub of all coffee table books, Published Art stocks everything and more on art, design, photography and architecture. You’re unlikely to just stumble into this stuff anywhere else. Every book on the shelf goes through a careful screening process, each being hand-picked and directly sourced by the store manager, Rebekah Lawson. Expect to find titles such as Henri Cartier-Bresson: Here and Now housed alongside children’s books of full-colour Pinocchio illustrations. Prices won’t break the bank either; most items can be bought for under $100. Level 1, 52 Reservoir St, Surry Hills MITCHELL ROAD ANTIQUE AND DESIGN CENTRE This graffiti-clad emporium is what you’d if you crammed together a year of Saturday garage sales, binned the dud items, and arranged the gems in one enormous warehouse in Alexandria. There are over 60 different stalls within the Centre’s walls, stocking all the vintage, industrial and retro furniture, knick-knackery and ephemera you’ve ever fantasised about, with a range from Victoriana through to 20th-century design. Searching for something specific? Use their ‘wish list’ feature to have the Centre’s dealers try to hunt it down for you. 17 Bourke Rd, Alexandria KAKAWA CHOCOLATES You can’t go wrong with chocolate. You just can’t. Kakawa, the gluten-free chocolatiers, make chocolate masterpieces with only natural ingredients and have a whole heap of goodies just for Christmas. Get your hands on a Christmas tree decoration, a chocolate Bambi along with a forest of chocolate Christmas trees for him to frolic in, or go all out and splurge on a ‘ginger breadless house’ made entirely out of chocolate (hold the gingerbread). And for the especially cool character in your family, a chocolate cigar is all they’ll need at the end of a big Christmas lunch. 5/147 William St, Darlinghurst BERKELOUW BOOKS There are a few Berkelouw stores and we like them all, but if we had to pick our favourite it would have to be the landmark Berkelouw Books on Oxford Street. Three storeys of new, second-hand and rare books complete with a cosy cafe and wine bar. The super helpful staff will only bother you if they have a better recommendation than what you’ve got open, and the selection of knick-knacks, stationery and vaguely literary novelties is as good as at any gift shop. 19 Oxford St, Paddington REPRESSED RECORDS If you’ve got a loved one who’s losing all their funds supporting the local Sydney music scene and buying the latest LP from the newest punk/alt act, why not help them out this Christmas by getting something they actually want — a gift or voucher from Repressed Records. The guys at Repressed are champions of Australian independent music and always have something amazing in stock they can’t wait to get you listening to. Introduce your mate to their new favourite band or get them a voucher and help feed the habit. DINOSAUR DESIGNS Instantly recognisable in their freeform design and luminescent colours, Dinosaur Designs has become somewhat of a household name when it comes to homewares and jewellery. So when it’s time for Christmas gift shopping, they’re always the kind of place you can rely upon. Each of their items – necklaces, bangles, bowls, jars, vases – are meticulously handcrafted from coloured resin so not one object is ever the same as another. 339 Oxford Street, Paddington SORRY THANKS I LOVE YOU Sorry Thanks I Love You is a deftly curated online stores of handmade accessories, homewares, gourmet foods, fresh flowers from boutique florists and craft beverages sourced from around the world. And now you can see and try out all these goodies for yourself at Sorry Thanks I Love You’s pop-up store in Martin Place, open right up until Christmas. The store will feature tons of products, including knives carved from Scandinavian reindeer antler, hand-woven Kashmiri scarves, wheels of Bruny Island cheese and premium single malt whisky distilled in highland Tasmania, which you can taste test in the store. Sorry Thanks I Love You Pop-Up, Shop 2, Ground Floor, GPO Building, 1 Martin Place, Sydney THE SOCIAL OUTFIT Make the gift you give really mean something by buying it from The Social Outfit, where each purchase means you're supporting hyperlocal industry (the main product line is made right there in the store) and helping welcome new migrants into the community (through training and employment in the organisation). This isn't the Oxfam Shop, though we love them too; the fashion and accessories here have a contemporary Australian aesthetic that would be at home in any Paddington boutique. Check out the donated prints from the likes of Ken Done and Dragstar. 353 King St, Newtown THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA The Grounds of Alexandria is not strictly a shop, but it's also so many things that it's not not a shop. And there's only one gift you need from the massive cafe and mini city farm this year: their Santa Sack, aka the hamper to end all hampers. Filled with goodies like homemade jam in paint tubes, tins of 'Farm Friends' cookies, Egyptian ice tea and indulgent black truffle salt, they're priced at a very reasonable $120. If you need yet more foodie gifts after that, just head next door to Salt Meats Cheese. Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria Find more unique gifts by browsing our shops directory. By the Concrete Playground team.
Across the Central Coast, venues have been hand-picked for a free outdoor screening of Disney family classic Lilo & Stitch. Catch a screening between Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 20, at Memorial Park in The Entrance, The Village Green in Toukley, Kibble Park in Gosford and The Chapman Lawn in Wyong to enjoy an evening of family fun and watch a beloved movie in picturesque surrounds. It's not just a film screening, though—two hours before the main event, there will be lawn games, circus fun and face painting to get the kids in the mood for an animated adventure. A limited number of chairs and picnic blankets are available, so it's recommended that you bring your own. There is also a wide range of food options close to each of the four sites. Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley have their share of foodie havens (Wyong even has a Foodie Day Tour you can embark upon), so there's no excuse not to make an outing of it and experience an evening under the stars. Outdoor Movie Nights will take place at Memorial Park in The Entrance on Friday, April 12, The Village Green in Toukley on Saturday, April 13, Kibble Park in Gosford on Friday, April 19 and The Chapman Lawn in Wyong on Saturday, April 20. For more information or to get tickets, visit the website.
Home may mean different things to different people but, in Monsoon, Vietnam doesn't mean home to Kit (Henry Golding). He was born there, in the aftermath of the war. He spent his earliest years in the Asian nation, with his parents caught up in the aftermath of the conflict. But when he was still a child, his family left for a refugee camp in Hong Kong and then moved permanently to London. Now, as an adult who has lived the bulk of his existence far away, he returns for the first time to bring back his mother's and father's ashes. He's instantly thrown off balance upon his arrival, whether he's driving through moped-filled streets or walking around crowded markets. Little of what he remembers is the same — his old house and his neighbourhood stomping grounds, particularly — and he doesn't recall as much as his childhood best friend Lee (David Tran), who stayed behind, would clearly like. Of what he does recollect, some crucial details clash with Lee's versions, too. As Kit roves around Saigon and then Hanoi — his place of birth and his parents' original home, respectively — he's searching for a connection. He'll make one, but not in the way he expects. Monsoon tells a noticeably slight tale, but Cambodian-born Chinese British writer/director Hong Khaou (Lilting) is keenly and overwhelmingly aware that a sense of belonging doesn't simply come with one's birth certificate. Kit wants to feel like he's where he's supposed to be. He wants to appreciate his homeland, and its significance to his mum and dad, as effortlessly as he appreciates his online dates. But it takes time, immersion and a true willingness to feel an affinity to the place he's supposed to call home. It takes falling in love with one of those online dates, American ex-pat Lewis (Parker Sawyers), too, and hearing about the object of his affection's complicated relationship with Vietnam as the son of a soldier who fought for the US during the war. Khaou is a minimalistic filmmaker, in a sense. He delves into straightforward scenarios, and knows that he needn't layer them with too many external complicating factors. In other words, he's cognisant that merely examining how a person copes — even in a very commonplace situation — can deliver several lifetimes worth of complexity without a wealth of other narrative roadblocks or setbacks. Here, that means tagging along as Kit flits around Saigon, sorts through his awkward baggage with Lee, and makes a pilgrimage to Hanoi in search of the perfect resting place for his parents. It also means watching as he befriends local art curator Linh (Molly Harris) and follows her home to join her relatives as they make lotus tea, and soaking in the neon-lit bar hues and misty seaside cafe views on Kit's dates with Lewis. Monsoon revels in these moments, and in what they reveal about its protagonist, all while showing how Kit himself recognises that he's changing and connecting with each experience and realisation. As a result, both Khaou and Monsoon ask a significant amount of Golding — more than his previous charisma-driven roles in Crazy Rich Asians, A Simple Favour and Last Christmas have combined. Viewers of those three films already know that he can radiate charm like few other actors currently appearing on-screen. Indeed, because he served up such a magnetic presence in that trio of flicks, it's easy to forget that he only has seven movies to his name to-date (six of which hail from the past three years, in fact). But Monsoon requires Golding's soulful best; at every moment, he's tasked with conveying the potent thoughts and jumbled emotions swelling inside Kit, and with doing so largely without dialogue. It's a quietly powerful performance, and it's one that the movie steadfastly needs. Actually, it's one that Monsoon depends upon. All of the film's key players are superb — including second-time actor Tran (Farewell, Berlin Wall), the also charismatic Sawyers (who played a young Barack Obama in Southside with You) and Harris (Artemis Fowl) as the pragmatic Linh — but Golding is its emotionally saturating core. While it might be light on talk, making its chatter count whenever it flows either freely or nervously, Monsoon is big on atmosphere. Alongside Khaou's delicately pared-back approach and Golding's tenderly gripping performance, that's one of the film's strongest assets. Even if you've never roamed far beyond the spot where you entered this world, everyone can relate to feeling like an outsider somewhere where they think they shouldn't — and Monsoon nails and expresses that sensation again and again. That's how Khaou and cinematographer Benjamin Kracun (Beats) approach the movie in their naturalistic visuals, too. Whether staring down at the daily hustle and bustle, or dwarfing Golding via his surroundings, it views Vietnam as someone might view a childhood memory that's slipping from their mind. Accordingly, Monsoon feels comfortable and intimate and eye-opening and new all at once, like it's seeing a familiar sight properly for the first time. Of course, that's Kit's journey, as it is for anyone embarking upon a homecoming that feels foreign — and it proves immensely affecting viewing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETK0fOKwJNQ
When the COVID-19 pandemic first started spreading across Australia and the country went into lockdown, New South Wales did not close its borders to domestic travellers. But when cases started rising again in Victoria, it first banned Melburnians from hot zone" suburbs, and then closed its border to the entire southern state — for the first time in more than 100 years, since 1919 during the Spanish Flu. With both Victoria in general and the metropolitan Melbourne area specifically now easing out of the most recent stay-at-home restrictions, and with case numbers low throughout the state, NSW has announced today, Wednesday November 4, that it'll be reopening its border to its southern neighbour. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian advised that "we need to keep moving forward as we live with COVID-19. I have confidence that everyone will continue to work hard to keep everyone safe". https://twitter.com/GladysB/status/1323777523293933568 The change will come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, November 23, meaning that Victorians can enter NSW and vice versa from that point onwards (and just in time for both summer holidays and Christmas, too). NSW residents were already permitted to visit Victoria, as Victoria didn't shut its border during its lockdowns; however, NSW's border rules meant that residents were then required to quarantine upon their return — unless they had a special permit, or lived in the strict border zone that also required permits. Announcing the border reopening, Premier Berejiklian said that the move was based on NSW Health advice — and noted that Victoria "may have, because of the lockdown, actually gone down a path of having eliminated it [COVID-19] at this point in time". Victoria has reported zero new coronavirus cases for the past five days, while NSW has reported 27 over the same period. Also today, Premier Berejiklian announced that all NSW hospitality venues will be required to use QR codes to track patrons from November 23. "We believe the dual strategy — of opening up our borders to all Australian citizens, all New Zealand citizens, in addition to making use of QR codes compulsory for hospitality businesses — is an important step forward," she advised. You can find out more about the status of COVID-19 at the NSW Health and Victorian Department of Health and Human Services websites. Top image: Mulwala Bridge by Yun Huang Yong via Flickr.
Who said we were running out of space in our urban centres? Berlin has found enough room for a farm in the heart of the city, large enough to supply its inhabitants with tons of fresh produce each month. What better place for a vegetable garden than the roof of an abandoned malt factory, or a fish farm in the factory's empty cylinders once used to dry barley? The 'Fresh From The Roof' project aims to plant 7,000 square metres of crops in this haven above the urban sprawl, fertilised entirely by the excrement of the city-slicking fish below. In return, the plants work to purify the fish tank water, making it the ideal venture for regions suffering water shortages. If only all apartment dwellers could work out how to reside in such utter harmony with their neighbours. The three German entrepreneurs behind Fresh From The Roof have already seen small-scale success, producing lettuce and tomatoes from their prototype for the urban farm built out of a recycled shipping container. But while the large-scale project won't be guzzling too much energy, there's no promise that it won't guzzle plenty of cash. The running cost of the rooftop farm is estimated at a whopping $6.7 million. But with an increasing consumer demand for organic, home-grown produce, and of course that pressing need to get creative in the way we use our space, hopefully this little farm will produce a positive return on investment.
It was one of the biggest celebrity scandals of the 90s, and it's now heading back to screens. When a sex tape featuring Baywatch star Pamela Anderson and her then-husband Tommy Lee was stolen from their home in 1995, then leaked online, it fuelled tabloid headlines (and internet downloads) for years and years. Now, the whole saga has been turned into a drama called Pam & Tommy — starring Lily James (The Pursuit of Love) as Anderson and Sebastian Stan (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) as the Mötley Crüe drummer. Even better: streaming platform Disney+ is bringing the eight-part show Down Under in February and, after dropping the first teaser for the series in 2021, it has just unveiled the full Pam & Tommy trailer. James obviously dons the red swimsuit that Anderson was so famous for wearing for 76 episodes of everyone's favourite 90s lifeguard drama, because you really couldn't make a series about her without it. Also, given that the focus is squarely on the couple's intimate recording, how it became public, and the impact it had on Anderson and Lee, things clearly get chaotic rather quickly. In both sneak peeks so far, a mullet-wearing duo played by Seth Rogen (An American Pickle) and Nick Offerman (Devs) can't quite believe what they've stumbled across. That's the main focus of the first trailer, alongside Anderson and Lee's reaction when the tape makes its way out into the world — and the second trailer goes big on the latter. Pam & Tommy's stars firmly look the part — calling James' appearance a transformation definitely fits — and the trailer sports an expectedly hectic vibe. Australian-born director Craig Gillespie has jumped into larger-than-life true tales before with I, Tonya, so he's in somewhat familiar territory. He also keeps being drawn to decades gone by: the 90s here and in I, Tonya, the 80s in aerobics-focused dark comedy series Physical, and the 70s in 2021's live-action Cruella as well. Disney+ will start streaming Pam & Tommy in Australia and New Zealand from Wednesday, February 2, dropping the first three episodes on that date and then streaming the rest week-to-week afterwards. Yes, there's something to add to your 2022 must-see TV list. Check out the full Pam & Tommy trailer below: Pam & Tommy will start screening via Disney+ Down Under from Wednesday, February 2.
Music fans, assemble. If you're the one your mates turn to for music recommendations and gig suggestions, consider heading to The Rocks this weekend to catch live tunes from musicians on the rise at Songwriters @ The Rocks as part of Sydney Solstice. It's a sure-fire way to preserve your status as the go-to friend for music recommendations. And the best part, it's all free. On Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19, 20 singer-songwriters will take to the stage at various venues in The Rocks in an attempt to make it to the all-important Songwriters @ The Rocks finale. Four finalists will be selected by a panel of industry heavyweights to battle it out in the grand final on Sunday, June 20. Here, they'll play alongside Aussie musicians who have already made their mark in the industry including Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson, Boo Seeka and Tia Gostelow. To catch the final, head to First Fleet Park from 1–4pm on Sunday, June 20 and find out who will be crowned the next big thing in Aussie music. As this is a licensed event, all underage attendees must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Songwriters @ The Rocks will take place from Friday, June 18–Sunday, June 20. For more information, visit the website.
Something delightful is happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are starting to reopen — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney and Brisbane (and, until the newly reinstated stay-at-home orders, Melbourne as well). During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made over the past three months, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loGLiMU5fuI TENET Christopher Nolan has never made a Bond film. He certainly didn't helm The Matrix franchise, either. But pick and twist aspects of each, including narrative tropes, sci-fi trickery and special effects wizardry, and the writer/director's latest slick, bold, mind-bending action-thriller Tenet is the end product. Spy flick elements are evident from the outset, thanks to a tense, taut, supremely well-executed opening attack on the jam-packed Kiev Opera House. When a gun fires during the chaos, but the bullet returns to the weapon rather than shooting out from it, Tenet's nods to late 90s and early 00s sci-fi are apparent, too. Soon afterwards, a scientist (Clémence Poésy) talks the film's CIA operative protagonist (BlacKkKlansman's John David Washington) through some of the nuts and bolts of the shadowy situation he finds himself in, explaining that inverted objects being sent back through time from the future, that a war is coming, and detailing the reverse trajectory of the bullet — and the Protagonist, as he's literally called, exclaims a Keanu-esque "whoa!" that's particularly memorable. Armed with the relevant background — tidbits the film wants viewers to pay close attention to as well — the Protagonist must hop around the world to stop life as everyone knows it from ending. He has suave handler Neil (Robert Pattinson) for company, but if Tenet's premise sounds a tad vague and convoluted, well, that's the movie's wavelength. As obsessed with time, space, existence and consciousness as much of Nolan's work, the cerebral feature doesn't get any less tangled or labyrinthine, or try to. It boasts the kind of plot that is actually quite straightforward, yet is told in an overly complicated fashion to keep viewers puzzling. Nolan likes messing with audiences' heads, so this shouldn't come as a surprise; however he jumps even beyond Inception's leaps, The Prestige's magic tricks and Interstellar's temporal dilations. As a result, as entertaining and downright spectacular as it is when it's at its action-packed best, there's also a sense that Tenet is bounding forward in some ways, while also needlessly looping back on itself in others. It's stirring, but also laborious. It's designed to overwhelm viewers in an inventive head trip, yet it makes the audience feel like they're working. It's intricate and exacting, and also messy and repetitive. It's a Nolan film through and through, in other words — usually to a mesmerising degree, but too indulgently as well. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIsEZ2tTavU&t=6s LES MISÉRABLES Almost 160 years since Victor Hugo immortalised the Montfermeil commune in Les Misérables, first-time feature writer and director Ladj Ly heads there to tell a different story. Or, to be exact, his Cannes prize-winning, Oscar-nominated crime-thriller that's also called Les Misérables stops by the spot to explore comparable themes in contemporary France — and to interrogate the reality of life in the Les Bosquets housing estates in one of the capital's banlieues. The latter and their communities have featured in the likes of 1995's La Haine and 2014's Girlhood before, two hands-down French movie masterpieces, but the approach here is especially inspired. Drawing parallels with a globally known, much-adapted, long-popular classic to shine a spotlight on modern-day class and cultural clashes is smart and savvy and, in the hands of a filmmaker from the area who is already known for making documentaries about the area, results in an especially compelling and confronting piece of cinema with revolution at its heart. Every neighbourhood bubbles with stories. So, focusing on Les Bosquets, Ly relays as many tales as he can. With propulsive and fittingly restless energy, his film flits between the locale's cops, kids and gangs — with troubles between all three groups reaching boiling point over the course of two summery and eventful days. The catalysts: familiar prejudices, long-held beefs, a stolen lion, a wrongful shooting and some controversial drone footage. The fallout: considerable. Unrelentingly terse and unafraid to filter real-world unrest through every frame, this Les Misérables is not always subtle; however, given the complicated terrain that it traverses, it needn't be. As a portrait of social tensions drawn from real-life situations, this is a movie of explosive emotional and visceral power even when it's clearly lacking in nuance. As an examination of how one event can escalate, detonate and spark a chain of chaos, and, Hugo-style, how insurrectionary acts come about, it hits hard. This definitely isn't a musical, but Ly's gripping, evocatively shot, deftly choreographed and impressively acted feature is still a rousing cinematic song of angry Parisians. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtCmpNdsA44 THE EIGHT HUNDRED The first Chinese film shot entirely on IMAX cameras, The Eight Hundred delivers exactly what that status demands. That'd be an impressively staged and shot spectacle, and plenty of it. Indeed, this big-budget dramatisation of the October 1937 Sihang Warehouse standoff during the Second Sino-Japanese War (which also formed part of the Second World War) is filled with fights, frays, combat and bloody confrontations to an almost relentless extent. Of course, that's the war movie formula, with the genre routinely endeavouring to steep viewers so deeply in the minutiae of the action that they feel both the mass and the personal toll. In The Eight Hundred's case, that means spending the bulk of its lengthy 147-minute duration with the 400-plus soldiers from the 524th Regiment of the National Revolutionary Army's 88th Division, who hold their ground for four days as the Imperial Japanese Army closes in on and wages an assault on the building — with the latter already overpowering Chinese forces at large during the Battle of Shanghai, and the former now representing China's last stand in the city. Complicating matters tactically, at least for the Japanese, is the warehouse's location. Adjacent to Suzhou Creek, and therefore across from Shanghai's International Settlement, the structure is in full view of the neutral zone. For writer/director Guan Hu (Mr Six), however, that gives the film an extra opportunity to dazzle visually. On one side of the waterway sits carnage; on the other, luxury, shining lights and streets filled with well-dressed onlookers all beckon. Yes, The Eight Hundred is that blunt. Yes, it takes every opportunity to be as blatant as possible on as many levels as possible, too. This is a feature that uses a white horse galloping through the mayhem as one of its overt metaphors, after all, and deploys 'Londonderry Air', aka 'Danny Boy', as its emotive song of choice. Also among its sizeable list of heavy-handed touches: repeatedly making the case for sacrifice and bloodshed in the name of China's glory and greater good, visibly adoring solider point-of-view shots, and offering little in the way of depth amongst its heaving roster of characters. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas, check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13 and August 20 — and our full reviews of The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves, The King of Staten Island, Babyteeth, Deerskin and Peninsula.
On the night of the 12th, the incident that makes that date worthy of a movie's moniker happens quickly, heartbreakingly and horrifyingly so. It's October 2016, in the French Alps-region city of Grenoble, and Clara Royer (Lula Cotton-Frapier, Mixte) is walking home alone after an evening at her best friend Nanie's (Pauline Serieys, Grown Ups). It's 3am, the streets are quiet, and she's giddy with affection, sending a video message telling her pal how much she loves her. All it takes is a hooded figure emerging from the dark, whispering her name, dousing her with liquid and sparking a lighter, and Clara will never arrive home. Before this occurs in The Night of the 12th's opening scenes, director and co-writer Dominik Moll (Only the Animals) shares details just has distressing and dismaying: the French police are tasked with solving 800 murders a year, 20 percent of them never can be and, sadly, the case in this feature is among the latter. It might seem a strange decision, giving away the film's ending before it even begins; however, while The Night of the 12th is about the search for Clara's killer, it's never about the murderer. Instead, as it adapts 30 pages from Pauline Guéna's non-fiction book 18.3 — A Year With the Crime Squad, takes a Zodiac-style procedural approach and opts for a Mindhunter-esque survey of interrogations as well, it makes clear how easy and common it is for situations like this come about, especially in a world where women are slain at men's whims with frequency (then typically blamed if any of their own actions can be wrongly perceived to have put themselves in danger). Alongside David Fincher's serial killer fare, Bong Joon-ho's Memories of Murder casts a shadow, too, as detective Yohan Vivès (Bastien Bouillon, Jumbo) and his partner Marceau (Bouli Lanners, Nobody Has to Know) scour the area for suspects and answers. "The problem is that any one of them could have done it," Yohan observes after potential culprit after potential culprit fields their queries and flouts their engrained misogyny. Was it the bartender boyfriend (Baptiste Perais, The Companions), who saw Clara as nothing more than a fling on the side? The gym buddy (Jules Porier, Simone Veil, a Woman of the Century) that's guffawing seconds after the cops bring up the killing, all while bragging about a friends-wth-benefits setup? A rapper (Nathanaël Beausivoir, Runaway) knew the police would come calling because he wrote a song about setting Clara alight, while an awkward local squatter (Benjamin Blanchy, Spiral) welcomes the attention. By the time that her dalliance with an older man (Pierre Lottin, Les Harkis) with a violent past and convictions for domestic abuse comes up, one of Yohan and Marceau's colleagues is joking about Clara's taste in men. Judgemental views about women don't just fester among the interviewees; how many cases have been hindered by such prejudiced perspectives, The Night of the 12th silently gives viewers cause to wonder. Played as meticulous and passionate by Bouillon, the newly promoted Yohan isn't one of those chauvinist officers. More prone to splashing his feelings around in Lanners' hands, neither is Marceau. The film's central duo is dutiful and dedicated, and their efforts turn The Night of the 12th into a chronicle of devoted and hard-working people doing what they're supposed to — and well, and with care — even if viewers instantly know they won't achieve their desired outcome. In the script by Moll and his regular co-scribe Gilles Marchand (Eastern Boys), both men find the case impacting them in different ways, though, including the fact that their obsessive endeavours don't and won't wrap up the case. Amid chasing leads, making enquiries and sitting down with the men in Clara's life, Yohan lives a spartan existence in his spick-and-span apartment and in his relationships. Marceau is navigating a marriage breakdown, and his emotions run high personally and professionally. It might seem strange, too, crafting a movie about a murdered young woman that's actually about men. (If that one word hadn't already been used as a film title this year, also for a Cannes-premiering flick about the terrors that haunt a patriarchal society, it would've fit here). But as Moll puts it, and as won't come as a surprise to anyone watching for a second, The Night of the 12th's focus on male cops and assailants is simply and mournfully realistic. Still, his feature is as committed to ensuring that Clara is never a mere statistic as its main duo are to trying to find the person responsible for her death. The reality this story is based on has made her one of many unsolved cases, but that Clara lived, loved and was loved is never in doubt within the movie's frames. (Among the picture's many supporting performances, Cotton-Frapier's leaves an imprint.) Also indisputable: Nanie's contention that her friend only died, and in such an appalling manner, because she was female; plus Yohan's reflection to a magistrate (Anouk Grinberg, Deception) overseeing the proceedings years later that "there is something seriously amiss in the relationship between men and women." The Night of the 12th's details express these sentiments anyway, and Moll prefers to let the story and its minutiae do the talking, but overtly stating such notions never feels forceful. That's the film from start to finish, in fact, because this is a richly elaborate piece of cinema that lets its presence be known in a lived-in way, including via Patrick Ghiringhelli's (Only the Animals) crisp cinematography and Olivier Marguerit's (Méduse) brooding score. The Night of the 12th is a feature to sleuth along with, as Moll's second whodunnit in a row, but it's also a picture to sink into as its stark truths inhabit everything seen and heard. Three choices, all contributing to much of the striking imagery, perhaps encapsulate this patiently powerful affair best — and all that it aims to convey. Yohan and Marceau's interrogations span a varied lineup of spaces, from dank bedrooms and crumbling shacks to bars and airy apartments, inherently stressing how pervasively threats to Clara's existence have lurked. A moodily lit velodrome gives Yohan his sole outlet from the case, offering a much-needed physical coping mechanism, and all that pedalling around and around is innately symbolic. Then there's the mountainous Grenoble and the Maurienne valley setting overall, moved from Versailles where Guéna spent a year in the Criminal Investigation Department, and not just naturally gorgeous but picture perfect and easy fodder for scenic French holiday dreams. Something atrocious, complex and unsolvable happens there, just as it can and does anywhere — and shaking that, and the tightly wound, deeply piercing movie overall, isn't easy.
One of Japan's most visionary mixologists is making a rare appearance in Sydney. For one night only on Wednesday, October 8, Shuzo Nagumo will be crafting cocktails during a special appearance at Suntory Bar. Shuzo Nagumo is the founder of the acclaimed Folklore, the Tokyo bar that defines what Japanese cocktails are on a cultural level. The name is inspired not just by traditional Japanese stories but also by the inheritance of customs, beliefs, and techniques. This ethos drives the bar's mission: to define what a Japanese cocktail truly means. [caption id="attachment_1026022" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Folklore Bar[/caption] Renowned for his futuristic cocktail techniques, Shuzo is heading to Suntory Bar's takeover of Whisky Thief in Sydney's Prefecture 48. Shuzo will unveil his bespoke menu, which reimagines the highball and other iconic beverages into avant-garde cocktails. The menu represents Shuzo's signature blend of precision, creativity, and artistry as well as Folklore's fresh vision for the future of Japanese mixology. Expect creations like the Marble Lactic Highball, which layers caramelised yoghurt-washed Suntory Toki Whisky with Chablis, pimento dram and elderflower. Or the Genmai and Eucalyptus Shandy, a refreshing fusion of genma tea-infused Roku Gin, eucalyptus and pale ale, plus many more. Shuzo's cocktails blend centuries-old Japanese ingredients with cutting-edge technique to create a boundary-pushing menu. All cocktails on the menu are $28. [caption id="attachment_1017291" align="alignleft" width="1800"] Suntory Bar[/caption] It's one of Suntory Bar's takeovers you won't want to miss. Shuzo's career spans time at Tokyo's most cutting-edge bars, Nobu London, and across Europe, making him a truly global influence on the bartending industry. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or are looking to try something new for your midweek date night, Shuzo Nagumo's one-night-only takeover at Suntory Bar is one to add to your diary. Walk-ins are available; however, this one is expected to be busy, so make a booking now to experience one of Japan's most influential bartenders in the flesh. Suntory Bar runs from Friday, August 8–Saturday, November 8 at Whisky Thief in Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street, Sydney. Shuzo Nagumo's takeover is on Wednesday, October 8. For more details and bookings head to the website.
When Heartbreak High returned in 2022, the Sydney-set series benefited from a fact that's helped Degrassi, Beverly Hills, 90210, Saved by the Bell and Gossip Girl all make comebacks, too: years pass, trends come and go, but teen awkwardness and chaos is eternal. In its second season, Netflix's revival of an Australian favourite that first aired between 1994–99 embraces the same idea. It's a new term at Hartley High, one that'll culminate in the rite of passage that is the Year 11 formal. Amerie (Ayesha Madon, Love Me) might be certain that she can change after the events of season one — doing so is her entire platform for running for school captain — but waiting for adulthood to start never stops being a whirlwind. Streaming from Thursday, April 11 and proving as easy to binge as its predecessor, Heartbreak High 2.0's eight-episode second season reassembles the bulk of the gang that audiences were initially introduced to two years ago. Moving forward, onwards and upwards is everyone's planned path — en route to that dance, which gives the new batch of instalments its flashforward opening. The evening brings fire, literally. Among the regular crew, a few faces are missing in the aftermath. The show then rewinds to two months earlier, to post-holiday reunions, old worries resurfacing, new faces making an appearance and, giving the season a whodunnit spin as well, to a mystery figure taunting and publicly shaming Amerie. The latter begins their reign of terror with a dead animal; Bird Psycho is soon the unknown culprit's nickname. Leaders, creepers, slipping between the sheets: that's Heartbreak High's second streaming go-around in a nutshell. The battle to rule the school is a three-person race, pitting Amerie against Sasha (Gemma Chua-Tran, Mustangs FC) and Spider (Bryn Chapman Parish, Mr Inbetween) — one as progressive as Hartley, which already earns that label heartily, can get; the other season one's poster boy for jerkiness, toxicity and entitlement. Heightening the electoral showdown is a curriculum clash, with the SLT class introduced by Jojo Obah (Chika Ikogwe, The Tourist) last term as a mandatory response to the grade's behaviour questioned by Head of PE Timothy Voss (Angus Sampson, Bump). A new faculty member for the show, he's anti-everything that he deems a threat to traditional notions of masculinity. In Spider, Ant (Brodie Townsend, Significant Others) and others, he quickly has followers. Their name, even adorning t-shirts: CUMLORDS. Only on Heartbreak High — or on Sex Education, which it continues to resemble — can a faceoff between SLTs (aka sluts) and CUMLORDS fuel a season-long narrative. For Bird Psycho's campaign against Amerie, the warring factions also provide a handy backdrop, as well as a distraction that has most of the school looking the other way. But Quinni (Chloe Hayden, Spooky Files), who is running for vice captain, is determined to work out who's masterminding the vehement vendetta. Almost everyone is a suspect, especially after an attack comes during the grade's annual camp — well, nearly everyone among the dozen-ish Hartley students that earn the series' focus. The season's romantic threads also push Amerie to the fore, rekindling her romance with last term's newcomer Malakai (Thomas Weatherall, RFDS) until Dubbo export Rowan (Sam Rechner, The Fabelmans), the latest arrival, gets a love triangle burning. Darren (James Majoos) and Ca$h's (Will McDonald, Blaze) relationship has roadblocks to overcome, such as jail and libidos at vastly different speeds. Missy (Sherry-Lee Watson), Sasha's ex, finds herself attracted to someone that she'd never expect. Zoe (Kartanya Maynard, Deadloch), another of season two's additions, spearheads a Puriteen movement that advocates celibacy. As she pieces her life back together after grappling with some of the show's heaviest past storylines, Amerie's best friend Harper (Asher Yasbincek, How to Please a Woman) now has Ant pining over her. Hartley's principal Woodsy (Rachel House, Our Flag Means Death), plus Ca$h's nan (Maggie Dence, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) and criminal pal Chook (Tom Wilson, Last King of the Cross), round out the season's key players, on a character list that's as jam-packed as the antics filling the series' frames. Heartbreak High is in its lean-in era, where nothing is off the table. Drug-induced declarations, sex in school stairwells, pregnancy and abortion storylines, surprise redemptions, stalkers, childhood traumas, moving out of home, the utter cartoonishness of Voss (who dubs the school a "woke snowflake nightmare", and is the least successful element in the new episodes), busting out the Nutbush: they're all included, as is dancing from OTT to earnest and silly to serious. For creator Hannah Carroll Chapman (The Heights), who is behind the show's 2020s comeback — and also for her writers (Paper Dolls' Marieke Hardy, Sara Khan and Thomas Wilson-White; Safe Home's Jean Tong; Totally Completely Fine's Keir Wilkins; and The Heights' Megan Palinkas) and directors (Seriously Red's Gracie Otto, Mother and Son's Neil Sharma, and Why Are You Like This duo Jessie Oldfield and Adam Murfet) this time around — there's meaning in the season's tonal rollercoaster. Whether skewing light or heavy, entertainingly riffing on Rage or charting the constant quest to work our who you are that everyone endures in their teen years, or bringing Euphoria or the OG Heartbreak High to mind, all of the series' pinballing around explores a formative time when everything keeps seesawing and swinging by intentionally mirroring it. As was true during its debut Netflix stint to awards, acclaim and worldwide viewership, not to mention three decades back when 1993 movie The Heartbreak Kid sparked Heartbreak High to begin with, an excellent cast can ride every up and down that the show throws their characters' ways. Weatherall, Yasbincek and McDonald continue their thoughtful and layered portrayals of Malakai, Harper and Ca$h from 2022. Watson and Chapman Parish benefit from meatier storylines and deeper dives into Missy and Spider. Madon, Majoos and Hayden give Amerie, Darren and Quinni walk-right-off-the-screen energy. Rechner makes a meaningful imprint as Rowan, who is never a one-note enigmatic outsider. Investing in them, just like bingeing Heartbreak High season two, is always something that secondary schooling never is no matter what decade you're hitting the books, then the parties: easy. Check out the trailer for Heartbreak High's second season below: Heartbreak High season two streams via Netflix from Thursday, April 11, 2024. Read our review of season one. Images: Netflix.
Whether you're at a brewery, a vineyard or a distillery, it's a true delight tasting your way through a producer's wares right where they made them — often partnered with first-hand knowledge from the team themselves. While residents of Sydney's Hills District still have to travel to taste some wine from the source, they now have their very own local distillery right in their backyard, creating and sampling spirits next door to the area's brewery. Located just metres away from The Australian Brewery is Hills Distilling Co, a new purveyor of gin and vodka that officially opened on Friday, March 15. The intimate two-storey venue is here with gin tastings, masterclasses, guided tours and dumplings from an acclaimed Sydney chef. Head inside and you'll find the ground floor gin bar and cellar door, boasting tables for up to 12 guests seated and another ten standing. Head up the stairs and that's where the magic happens, with the mezzanine playing home to the blending tanks and ageing barrels. If you want to get your hands on a bottle of Hills Distilling Co gin, just drop into the retail space. Or else, there are just two opportunities to experience the distillery each week. It all kicks off on Thursdays, when the crew runs appointment-only guided tours between 3–6pm. These weekday afternoon peeks behind the curtain include a masterclass guiding you through the process of distilling gin, as well as cheese and charcuterie to snack on throughout. If you'd rather drop in after work on a Friday, you can kick off your weekend at the cellar door, open from 3–6pm one day a week. For these three hours, you can nab a table and enjoy tastings with a selection of mixers and cocktails of your choice. Plus, Friday dinner is sorted thanks to a lineup of dumplings courtesy of Sebastian Tan, the acclaimed Head Chef at the Macquarie Park Cantonese restaurant and yum cha joint JINJA. The distillery comes from Momento Hospitality, a group of Hills locals that first teamed up to open a Baulkham Hill bottle shop back in 1976. In the nearly five decades since, the team has extended its reach all across Sydney, opening venues such as Hillside Hotel, Bella Vista Hotel, Nags Head Hotel, Fire and Brimstone, and the home of JINJA, The Governor Hotel. Hills Distilling Co is located at 9/1 Capital Place, Rouse Hill. Head to the distillery's website for more info. Images: Steven Woodburn
Daniel San is steaming up a whole new meaning to Wednesdays. They're serving up all-you-can-stuff-your-face-with dim sum for $24.50pp weekly. The menu includes mixed veg dumplings, pork and cabbage dumplings, scallop dumplings, chive gow gee and har gow. And though you may need to be rolled out like Violet Beauregarde by the time you're finished, we can't think of a better way to get over those midweek blues. Daniel San's kitschy dojo transforms the Sydney beachside into Tokyo's crowded blocks, and the menu of street food mimics this vibe. To book, email info@danielsan.com.au or 9977 6963. The offer is on from 5pm to closing. View all Sydney Restaurants.
The secrets trade is booming. Julian Assange and WikiLeaks have proved the incredible consequences of when confidential information shows up where it's not supposed to, as well as the accompanying newspaper sales spikes. Rupert Murdoch no longer wants to rely on the whims of a third party and last week introduced the Wall Street Journal's SafeHouse. SafeHouse is News Corporation's online attempt at replicating the success of WikiLeaks. The website aims to increase whistle-blowing on wrongdoing, whether that be individual, corporate or governmental. The site encrypts your personal information so that your leaking of documents doesn't get back to you (anonymity is offered but not preferred as oftentimes information without a background is useless from a journalistic standpoint). If your information is juicy enough it will get coverage in the Wall Street Journal. So what's the catch? Questions over the motives of establishing such a site have been raised. Rupert Murdoch and his broadcasters have traditionally treated WikiLeaks and Assange with incredible disdain, with Fox News broadcaster Bill O'Reilly saying Assange "is a sleazeball...bent on damaging America". Why the sudden turnaround? Is the Wall Street Journal slighted over the New York Times traditionally getting the better (read: more scandalous and destructive) information from WikiLeaks? Or, as security analysts and conspiracy theorists alike think, is it all a trap? Security analyst, Jacob Appelbaum, was quoted as saying that the site had a "laundry list of amatuerish security flaws", with no guarantee your personal details or anonymity are safe. The website also holds the dubious disclaimer that your identity as a source is anonymous except under "extraordinary circumstances". With no definition of "extraodinary circumstances" provided, what does it entail? Does it include getting asked by the government to give up the information? Does it include selling the source's details to the highest bidder? The absense of such fine print flexibility is what made WikiLeaks what it is - a safe haven for the tell tale and leaker. If not a deliberate trap, the security concerns and disclaimers could make SafeHouse a fruitful hunting ground for a US government who's had enough of people knowing their confidential goings-on. Either way, if Murdoch wants more secrets, he might have to start being a bit nicer to Assange. [via Fast Company]
Short of physically volunteering your time, there aren't many ways you can help those in need over lunch. But Sydney-based social enterprise food company Two Good is trying to change that, with their buy-one, give-one lunch delivery model. After launching in Melbourne in September last year, Two Good has continued to deliver delicious salads through Deliveroo in the two cities — and for every one sold, a meal is donated to domestic violence shelters in both. They're not just any old salads either. After working with Yotam Ottolenghi and renowned Melbourne chef Andrew McConnell last season, the Two Good guys — Rob Caslick and Cathal Flaherty — have teamed up with Melbourne's Ben Shewry of the 33rd best restaurant in the world Attica to create a lunch option that far surpasses any soggy salad you were planning on making in your office's kitchenette this afternoon. The kimchi, chicken and soba noodle salad will be available to order for lunch through Deliveroo for $14 each Tuesday starting today, which is a pretty standard price for a salad in this town. And, considering for each salad you order Two Good will donate a meal to a domestic violence shelter in your city, it's an incredibly low-cost way to feed yourself and help someone who needs it. Meals are donated to shelters around NSW and Victoria. What's more, Two Good also employ women from the shelters they work with in NSW, and are looking to do the same in Victoria in the near future. If you want to buy a salad, you can place an order through Deliveroo between 11am and 2pm in Melbourne and Sydney. For more information on Two Good, go to twogood.com.au.
In its entire concept, Sydney Opera House's All About Women has always pushed girls, ladies and women to the front. So, the fact that the 2023 version of its key feminist festival will feature riot grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill couldn't be more perfect. That in-conversation event is just the beginning of the event's program, however, with the complete bill also going big on high-profile guests — such as child actor-turned-I'm Glad My Mom Died author Jennette McCurdy and human rights barrister Jennifer Robinson. Former iCarly star McCurdy will chat through her experiences, including growing up in the spotlight, finding her independence and the events that led to her New York Times best-selling memoir, in an Australian-exclusive conversation. After successfully representing Amber Heard in Johnny Depp's UK libel case, Robinson will feature in a panel called 'The War on Women', about fighting for both rights and lives, alongside Egyptian American journalist Mona Eltahawy, Pakistani author and journalist Fatima Bhutto, and Mununjali Yugambeh and South Sea Islander Professor Chelsea Watego. Running from Saturday, March 11—Monday, March 13, All About Women's 2023 festival marks its 11th, and sees the event held across three days for the first time ever — growing again after it only just expanded to two days in 2022, in fact. And, in another significant change for this year, the event's lineup is guided by four festival co-curators. Doing the honours: author, podcast presenter and gender equality advocate Jamila Rizvi; Gamilaroi academic and Tell Me Again author Dr Amy Thunig; feminist social commentator, novelist and writer Jane Caro AM; and Sydney Opera House's Head of Talks and Ideas Chip Rolley. Their full program includes 25 events featuring 60-plus international and Australian artists, thinkers, and storytellers, starting with an evening of storytelling, poetry, dance and music for the fest's Opening Night Gala, hosted by Clare Bowditch and featuring actor Eryn Jean Norvill (The Picture of Dorian Gray), "mother of African contemporary dance" Germaine Acogny, Iranian Australian singer and instrumentalist Gelareh Pour, and Fatima Bhutto. And, it also spans Cult Classic author Sloane Crosley chatting about modern dating with journalist Maddison Connaughton — and a romance and reality TV-focused discussion between Bachelorette Brooke Blurton, Just The Gist podcaster Rosie Waterland, and Gamilaroi and Torres Strait Islander writer and actor Nakkiah Lui. In a session about neurodivergence in women and gender-diverse people, 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, Heartbreak High's Chloe Hayden, and research psychologist and activist Dr Jac den Houting will talk with Thunig — and a panel examining trying to achieve justice in sexual abuse claims, and the trauma the process can bring, will feature sexual assault law reform advocate Saxon Mullins, criminal lawyer Katrina Marson, Yorta Yorta woman and survivor advocate Amanda Morgan, and lawyer and author Bri Lee. Or, attendees can look forward to Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies scholar Kylie Moore-Gilbert hosting a session on the women-led revolution in Iran, as joined by Pour, scholar and poet Dr Saba Vasefi, and author and journalist Shokoofeh Azar; plus a panel about the body positivity movement's struggles to be genuinely inclusive, featuring Wadjanbarra Yidinji, Jirrbal and African-American former model Sasha Kutabah Sarago, body love activist and podcaster April Hélène-Horton aka The Bodzilla, fashion editor and queer rights activist Deni Todorovič, disability rights campaigner Elly Desmarchelier, and comedian and broadcaster Tanya Hennessy. The list goes on, covering Clementine Ford exploring the history of demonising single women, a session on women's activism through a First Nations lens, diving into starting a family in a modern world, unpacking gendered emotions, and turning Eltahawy's FEMINIST GIANT newsletter into a panel. The Girlboss movement, making tough decisions, the shame often imposed on women and girls, leading movements, a Bikini Kill gig: they all get their time in focus, too. Just like in 2022, the festival will host its sessions in-person for Sydneysiders, and will also live-stream to viewers both around Australia and worldwide — which is ace news if you live outside of the Harbour City. [caption id="attachment_875442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] Top image: Jacquie Manning.
Before there was a Marvel Cinematic Universe, there were Fantastic Four movies. The first two to earn a big-screen release arrived in 2005 and 2007, with the latter hitting the year before Iron Man kicked off the MCU. Now, add the Stan Lee- and Jack Kirby-created superhero quartet to the list of characters who are being brought into the Marvel fold. The next Fantastic Four is set to reach cinemas in 2025 as part of the franchise's sixth phase. That Disney has been planning to bring Fantastic Four into the MCU isn't new news. In fact, it's been on the cards for a few years, enabled by the Mouse House buying 20th Century Fox. But since it was announced, it's sparked a whole heap of speculation about casting Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm — aka Mister Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Thing and The Human Torch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney (@disney) Exactly who'll be getting fantastic this time around has just been revealed, with Disney dropping the news for Valentine's Day 2024 in the US. It's a starry list, starting with Pedro Pascal — who adds the MCU to his resume alongside the Star Wars realm (thanks to The Mandalorian) and game-to-TV smash The Last of Us — as stretchy group leader Richards. He's joined by Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), who'll bend light as one of the Storm siblings; Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), who'll get fiery as the other; and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), who is no one's cousin here, but will instead get huge, rocky and super strong. Directed by WandaVision, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Succession's Matt Shakman, the new Fantastic Four is now set for a Thursday, July 24, 2025 release Down Under. [caption id="attachment_885020" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Last of Us via HBO[/caption] Pascal and company are taking over from two past big-screen takes on the superhero team. In the 2005 and 2007 movies, Ioan Gruffudd (Harrow), Jessica Alba (LA's Finest), a pre-Captain America Chris Evans (Pain Hustlers) and Michael Chiklis (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) starred. Then, in 2015, Chronicle filmmaker Josh Trank gave the group a spin — still outside of the MCU — with Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick), Kate Mara (Black Mirror), a pre-Black Panther Michael B Jordan (Creed III) and Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers). As everyone who caught this year's Super Bowl trailers knows — so, everyone — Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds, Ghosted) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, Faraway Downs) are also joining the MCU in Deadpool & Wolverine, and also thanks to Disney purchasing Fox. Since dropping on Monday, February 12, the debut trailer for the film has become the most-watched trailer ever. There's no trailer for the new Fantastic Four yet, obviously, but you can check out the sneak peeks for the past three Fantastic Four movies below: Fantastic Four is set to release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Top images via HBO, Apple TV+, Netflix and FX.
When it premiered at Sundance in January this year, Spaceship Earth wouldn't and couldn't have seemed as topical as it does at present. The documentary's subject: Biosphere 2. If the name isn't familiar, it refers to a biodome in the Arizona desert that played host to eight inhabitants for two years in the early 90s — all isolating themselves from the world by choice, in the name of silence, to see if a closed-off, fully self-sustaining vivarium could work. Yes, it sounds like pure sci-fi. We can guarantee that this is 100-percent reality, however. Exploring a tale that has to be seen to be believed, filmmaker Matt Wolf takes viewers through the unusual and fascinating experiment — wth the help of a treasure trove of archival material, as well as present-day interviews from many of the folks involved at the time. While it would've been very easy to play up the outlandishness of the whole project (indeed, as seen in media clips from the era, many an onlooker did), this doco approaches Biosphere 2 and the passionate people who made it happen with thoughtfulness and appreciation, in what proves a supremely interesting and engaging film. And, if you'd like to check it out, you can do so for without paying a cent as part of the new Visions, Speculations and Dystopias: A Deep Dive Into Spaceship Earth event hosted by The Capitol in Melbourne. There are multiple components, all free and all online — and streaming the movie is one of them. You'll need to RSVP to get sent the details, and then you can view it at your leisure in the lead up to three virtual events. The first, a watch party, takes place at 7.30pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 4. After that, you can catch a panel about whether humanity should leave earth, as held at 5.30pm AEDT on Thursday, November 5, and then check out a masterclass with Spaceship Earth's director Matt Wolf at 10am AEDT on Friday, November 6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGvYFB6GHRY
In the last 13 years, Black Star Pastry has expanded into five stores across two cities, created storybook dessert creations and had its Strawberry Watermelon Cake crowned the 'world's most Instagrammed cake'. Through all this, the bakery has stuck by its original Newtown store. That is, until this week. The beloved Sydney dessert specialist has finally outgrown its quaint Australia Street digs, with the original Black Star Pastry serving up its last slice of cake after more than a decade. While the cult-favourite dessert maker is no longer tucked away behind Beach Burrito, it hasn't abandoned its Newtown roots, opening a brand new store just down the road. The new store has opened in the heritage building at 325 King Street, just 100 metres from the old spot. This new-look Black Star Pastry has high ceilings, marble bench tops and an installation of rolling pins hanging above the counter. The spacious new front room is awash in sunlight from the arched storefront windows. Outside the fresh look, not much has changed at the new Black Star location. You can still find all your favourite cakes, alongside breakfast favourites and tasty snacks such as quiches, pies, croissants, egg and bacon rolls and coffee. Staying true to the brand's Newtown roots was important when moving on from the original store, according to Black Star's General Manager Josef Murray. "Newtown is incredibly special to us, as it's where Black Star Pastry's journey began all those years ago," Murray said in a statement. "Long before the strawberry watermelon cake and its legion of fans, it was Newtown's locals who first embraced this budding bakery." Find Black Star Pastry at 325 King Street, Newtown from 7.30am–5.30pm Monday–Sunday.
Sometimes it feels like there are just so many new restaurants and bars popping up across Sydney that there isn't enough time to try them all. And there certainly isn't enough cash coming in to pay for all those dinners and cocktails, especially this close to the silly season. That's why we're giving you the chance to score dinner for you and five of your best mates — or take the fam for extra brownie points — at the recently opened XOPP in Darling Square. Better yet, it's worth a cheeky $500. From the crew behind Haymarket institution Golden Century, XOPP is located in the brand-new Exchange building and it delivers a more contemporary dining experience than the original restaurant or its sister venue in Pyrmont. The 160-seat restaurant has a sleek fit out with floor-to-ceiling windows and leather banquettes, which you could soon be settling into to enjoy Golden Century's famous pipis in XO sauce. The bar is slinging cocktails, plus a casual 250 wines. Food-wise, you'll be tucking into dishes like hiramasa kingfish with finger lime, prawn rolls, southern rock lobster, crispy pork rib with red bean curd and jasmine bubble tea panna cotta. So, expect to leave satisfied (and with the urge to unbutton your jeans). Afterwards, you can have a post-dinner stroll around Darling Square, which now connects Haymarket, Ultimo and Darling Harbour with plenty of shops, bars and eateries among its many laneways, including Electric Treat Street and Steam Mill Lane. To enter, see details below. [competition]749394[/competition] Images: Steve Woodburn.
Get Ugged up, rugged up and ready to embrace all things chilly at the Bathurst Winter Festival. The two-week event runs from Saturday, July 6 to Sunday, July 21 and celebrates the magic of the colder months. Sure, summer's great, but there's something about cosying up with a hot chocolate or medium-bodied glass of red that just hits differently come July. Located three hours northwest of Sydney, the city of Bathurst will light up in a blaze of colour and light as interactive installations are projected onto the town's historic architecture. Head along to the Winter Playground where you can enjoy live music, comfort food, warm drinks, wine events, show rides and an outdoor ice skating rink. The events and activations are spread across Bathurst and much of the festival is free — including a huge food and drinks festival, a pet parade and more. Either way, it's a great excuse for a weekend away this winter. The Bathurst Winter Festival runs from Saturday, July 6 to Friday, July 21. For further details, head to the website.
Just about everyone loves a picture-perfect sunrise. Now you can admire one for a little longer, perhaps while standing in your own kitchen, as Nutella has released a limited-edition collection of labels featuring the most breathtaking sunrises across Australia and New Zealand. From Kangaroo Island to Sydney Harbour, dreaming about somewhere you'd rather be just got easier. At the same time, Nutella has also crafted a handful of Aussie and New Zealand-inspired breakfast recipes, pairing some of our most cherished local ingredients with chocolate-hazelnut goodness. Think macadamia banana bread, Anzac breakfast tarts, and orange and kiwi fruit pikelets. To celebrate these feel-good labels and recipes, Nutella is hosting the Café Nutella Pop-Up for one day only. Taking over Caffe Gigi in Circular Quay on Saturday, May 17, Nutella fans will undoubtedly go nutty as day breaks, with a taste of these special creations best had right by one of the locations featured on the new jars. Those who make the trip and dine in will receive a tasting paddle of three different Nutella-inspired bites, while takeaway visitors will be gifted a grab-and-go snack. While walk-ins are available, booking ahead of time is recommended if you're keen to soak up the event with a table — at sunrise or otherwise.
The last time that Black Mirror released new episodes, no one had ever heard the terms COVID-19 and ChatGPT, the world hadn't been through a huge lockdown due to a pandemic, Succession was only one season in and Twitter had a far less chaotic owner. They're just a few ways to answer the show's new question, with Charlie Brooker's dystopian sci-fi hit getting tweeting for the first time since 2019 to start teasing its upcoming sixth season. That social-media query: the very apt "what have we missed?". Obviously there are plenty of ways to respond, which Black Mirror creator quickly Charlie Brooker did. 🤔 — Charlie Brooker (@charltonbrooker) April 25, 2023 Those four words from the official Black Mirror Twitter and that one emoji from Brooker is all that's been pumped out into the ether about the show's return, but it's enough to get excited about given that it breaks the series' four-year silence. Wondering when you might be staring at your own black mirror again to watch Black Mirror? That still hasn't been announced. News about Black Mirror's next go-around isn't new, of course, and has been doing the rounds since 2022. Last year, Variety also named a heap of cast members, including Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), Paapa Essiedu (Men), Josh Hartnett (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre), Aaron Paul (Westworld), Kate Mara (Call Jane), Danny Ramirez (Stars at Noon), Clara Rugaard (I Am Mother), Auden Thornton (This Is Us) and Anjana Vasan (Killing Eve). Back when the sixth season was confirmed, how many more grim dystopian tales were on their way hadn't been revealed, however, and that's still the case now. That said, it's expected that the new season will run for more than season five's mere three episodes — and apparently each new instalment is being treated as an individual film. Black Mirror fans will know that the series has also released a direct-to-streaming movie, aka the choose-your-own-adventure-style Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, back in 2018 between seasons four and five. How exactly will the series manage to be even more dispiriting than reality over the past few years? That's increasingly been one of its dilemmas — and noting that something IRL feels just like Black Mirror has become one of the cliches of our times — but this'll be the mind-bending effort's first round of episodes following the pandemic. No one has ever watched the Brooker-created series for a pick-me-up, though. Since first hitting the small screen in 2011, Black Mirror has spun warped visions of where technology may lead us — and, no matter what tale the show has told so far across its 22 instalments (including that interactive movie), the picture has usually been unnerving. So, imagine what the program will cook up after what we've all been living through since it last aired. Brooker has already riffed on COVID-19 in two Netflix specials, actually: Death to 2020 and Death to 2021, which offer satirical and star-studded wraps of both years with mixed success. For something completely different, he also jumped back into choose-your-own-adventure content with animated short Cat Burglar, which hit Netflix back in 2022, has viewers play through it as a thieving feline called Rowdy and gets you to answer trivia questions to advance the story. While you're waiting for Black Mirror's sixth season to arrive — and a release date for it — check out a trailer for season three episode San Junipero below: Exactly when Black Mirror season six might hit Netflix is yet to be revealed. We'll update you when further details are announced.
At two locations in Victoria, and over in New Zealand as well, the Peninsula Hot Springs crew have made bathing in relaxing warm water reason enough to book a holiday. Now, the team wants travellers to think about hitting the outback Queensland town of Cunnamulla in the same way. The spot has just become home to Cunnamulla Hot Springs, which the local Paroo Shire owns but Peninsula Hot Springs Group is running. If your idea of bliss is a lengthy soak in a stunning location, you have a new getaway spot to pop on your agenda, then. Perched right by Warrego River for the ultimate in scenic surroundings, Cunnamulla Hot Springs boasts seven geothermic pools. First announced in 2023, it launched at the beginning of February 2024. The $11.7-million, five-star site — which came to fruition with contributions from both the federal and Queensland state governments — is the largest-funded project that the Paroo Shire Council has ever undertaken. Getting Peninsula Hot Springs Group to look after day-to-day operations means capitalising upon its expertise honed elsewhere, however. As well as Peninsula Hot Springs, of course, it has Metung Hot Springs in East Gippsland to its name, plus Aotearoa's Maruia Hot Springs. In Cunnamulla, bathers slip into pools surrounded by native trees, and featuring mineral- and vitamin-rich water taken from and heated naturally by the artesian basin underneath. Learning about the latter around your soak is also part of the experience — calming your body and feeding your mind at the same time. Each of Cunnamulla Hot Springs's bathing spots sport different temperatures, so you can get steamy, opt for a stint in the chilled plunge pool or both. One has been specifically built to be shallow, so that folks sitting in it can gaze at the stars in the most immersive way possible. In the state-of-the-art complex, a sauna and a steam room is also part of the setup, as is an area for salt scrubs and clay masks. Fancy taking a dip by sunrise or sunset? That's on offer as well, to make the most of day's cooler temperatures. Dawn bathing starts at 6am, while a twilight soak is on offer from 5–9pm on weekdays. Patrons aren't merely surrounded by Cunnamulla's landscape as they sit; everything about Cunnamulla Hot Springs has taken its cues from its environment, with Cox Architects on design duties. Think: earthy colours, and using stone and ironbark timber among other natural materials — plus the thermal waters, of course. When it was announced last year, Cunnamulla Hot Springs was named as a highlight on the Outback Queensland Traveller's Guide, which is filled with things to do inland in the Sunshine State. Queensland isn't just about beaches, rainforests and the tropics, even if that's what it's best known for. So, the bathing venue joins everything from starlight river cruises in Longreach and Winton's Australia Age of Dinosaurs Museum through to the Southwest Queensland Indigenous Cultural Trail and a heap of national parks (and other outback spas and baths, including in Julia Creek, Bedourie, Quilpie, Mitchell and Yowah). If you're now planning a trip to Cunnamulla, it's around a nine-hour drive west from Brisbane, with flights via Rex, and also boasts an outback river lights festival; the Artesian Time Tunnel, which explores the Artesian Basin's history; and safari-style glamping — among other attractions. Find Cunnamulla Hot Springs at Lot 5 Ivan Street, Cunnamulla, Queensland — head to the venue's website for bookings and further information. 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.
Sydney residents will be donning their gardening gloves and taking to the streets in an attempt to vivify the city’s increasingly banal footpaths. The City of Sydney has instigated a new gardening initiative, designed to increase the flora next to our city's streets, and thereby protecting local habitats, improving air quality and filtering storm water run-off. University of Technology urban ecologist, Dr Jane Tarran, revealed that increasing urbanisation and lack of vegetation throughout the city has caused a loss of connection with birds and wildlife and a gradual decline in contact with nature in general. Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP believes that “trees and other planting help absorb carbon pollution and help cool our city” and will thus help counteract the negative effects of urbanisation. The Footpath Gardening Policy has been developed in order to allow the public to establish a garden or nature strip without a development application. Council adopted the recommendation to allocate an impressive $50,000 for seeds and plant boxes to help kickstart this important process for the first six months. As well as having positive effects on the natural ecology, the increase in trees is also expected to be beneficial for human wellbeing as Dr Tarran says “they have a restorative power..., providing recovery from mental fatigue and information overload”.
Parramatta is Sydney's second CBD, but it doesn't sit in the shadows of its harbourside sibling — particularly when it comes to food and culture. The multicultural suburb has a rich history and it's growing fast, which means it's home to both sparkly new sky-high bars and 30-year-old shops. It has globally renowned streetwear stores to visit when you want to refresh your wardrobe, famous south Indian restaurant chains for your next group feast and musical instrument stores for when you want to pursue a new hobby. In fact, it has a must-visit spot for pretty well every occasion. Together with American Express, we've rounded up our picks of the western Sydney spots to visit when you're planning your next date night, looking for a quick dinner or wanting to buy a gift for that aunt who has a thing for healing crystals.
