With over six decades under its belt, Surry Hills' The Forresters has quite the watering hole history. While the Foveaux Street site has housed a pub since the 1950s, in recent years you'd be more familiar with its $10 steak nights, value-packed happy hour deals and laidback hangs in those plaid-upholstered booths. Following an extensive $1.5-million renovation, this Surry Hills stalwart — now officially called Forrester's — has entered a whole new phase of its life under new owners. You'll probably recognise Applejack Hospitality as the group behind CBD newcomer Hester's, though Applejack is also responsible for popular venues including Neutral Bay's SoCal, bar and restaurant Bopp & Tone and Endeavour Tap Rooms in The Rocks. The latest Surry Hills takeover will mark the group's eighth venue. Forrester's now houses three distinct dining spaces: Phylli's restaurant, a public bar and an upstairs entertainment venue. Unlike the kitschy fit-out of old, Phylli's gives off luxe vibes aplenty. Think heaps of greenery and natural light paired with fresh timber finishes and a botanical mural by Sydney artist Mielo. The public bar, on the other hand, maintains a bit of that old-time pub feel, with the exposed beams, hardwood floors and tri-folding timber sash windows all kept in tact. Head upstairs and you'll find a third bar and dining space sitting alongside separate booth seating. This area is primed for the venue's weekly trivia and comedy nights. [caption id="attachment_788402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yasmin Mund[/caption] For eats, patrons can enjoy a menu of snacks and share plates across all three venues. But it's not the classic Aussie pub fare you're used to — apart from that $10 steak special, which will return every Monday night. Instead, Head Chef Jon Barrios and Executive Chef Jason Roberson have created a menu that focuses on flavours from North, Central and South America. Think beef cheek empanadas (422), fried crab cakes ($24) with Creole-style tartare, crispy chicken wings ($18) doused in Louisiana hot sauce and pork belly cubano sandwiches ($24). In Phylli's, a succinct menu of larger plates is also on offer, and those include the grilled barramundi ($29) topped with a pumpkin mole and the slow-cooked lamb barbacoa ($69) served with freshly made corn tortillas. A few fancy steaks make the menu too, including a $39 wagyu rump and a $34 chargrilled sirloin. Phylli's also boasts its own dedicated spritz menu (all $18) that will change seasonally. At the moment, varieties include ginger, mandarin, blood orange and mixed berry. Otherwise, the three venues share a menu of classic cocktails with a twist, like the spiced grapefruit margaritas ($18), coconut espresso martinis ($18) and cold brew manhattans ($22). The public bar also focuses on Aussie craft beer, with local legends Grifter, Sauce Brewing Co and Willie The Boatman all up for grabs. Images: Yasmin Mudn
Sydneysiders, your summer plans now include a date with the biggest name in street art there is: Banksy. The mysterious artist isn't there. Or, if they are, no one will know anyway. More than 160 works are showcasing Banksy's art, however, including infinity rooms and simulations that play with some of Banksy's most famous creations. The Art of Banksy: Without Limits has finally hit Sydney Town Hall, displaying from Wednesday, January 24. A massive collection of pieces by the art world's chief enigma — including the darkly satirical, overtly political work that has turned the stencil-loving artist into such an infamous icon — the exhibition's hefty array of artworks include Banksy's certified art, prints on a heap of different materials, plus photos and sculptures as well. For an immersive experience, there's installations, physical and digital, alongside murals and mapping shows. One such installation: a simulation of Dismaland Bemusement Park. Another: that mirrored infinity room. Banksy's murals in Ukraine also get a nod, and one space is devoted to the MV Louise Michel, the 30-metre-long high-speed lifeboat funded by Banksy that patrols the Mediterranean to rescue refugees. Attendees can also peer at reproductions of Banksy's works that have been made exclusively for this exhibition, recreating some of the artist's pieces using — of course — stencils. Flower Thrower, Kissing Coppers and sculpture Phone Booth make an appearance — and spray painting your own shirt is an option. Adding Sydney to its list of stops alongside Istanbul, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Bucharest, Cluj and Budapest, plus Riyadh, Vienna, Warsaw, Seoul, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, Chile, Seattle and Mexico City, The Art of Banksy: Without Limits will run daily and take between 45–60 minutes to wander through. And yes, you can snap away for the 'gram while you're there.
They're small, they're located off the beaten path and they're nestled among nature — and they're your next reason to make your way to Byron Bay. You probably don't need an excuse to head to the popular New South Wales town now that the country is opening back up, but Unyoked's new tiny cabins in the surrounding hinterland are as good a motivating factor as anything else, especially if you're keen to end 2020 or start 2021 with a stint of seclusion. If your idea of a perfect escape is a remote cabin, surrounded by wilderness with no Wi-Fi, this news may just have you hitting 'book' straight away. The Aussie startup already has a number of compact cabins located around NSW, Victoria and Queensland, but it has just launched its first two in NSW's Northern Rivers region — about an hour out of Byron Bay, at the end of a valley and surrounded by citrus trees (and plenty of quiet, obviously). Like its other properties, newcomers Ashi and Pana have been placed in secret patches of wilderness on private properties, in the middle of nowhere. Ashi is located next to a creek, and both tiny houses boast their own outdoor bath. So, yes, they're perfect for summer stays. [caption id="attachment_794493" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] trentandjessie[/caption] The exact locations are still under wraps as Unyoked aims to make sure your stay is a bit of an adventure, by only revealing the address for your chosen house two days before you're due to set off. It has revealed that it's upping its food game, though — with Unyoked launching packages called 'Food Sorted' to help take care of your sustenance needs while you're switching off. A collaboration with Ragazzi Pasta and Wine and Fabricca, they're available for Sydneysiders to pick up before they head to their chosen cabin, and include Ragazzia pastas, toasted sandwiches, a range of meats and cheeses, and pre-prepared restaurant-style desserts in jars. Everything is designed to be cooked over the fire or in the tiny house, too. [caption id="attachment_794498" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] If you're wondering about Unyoked's story in general, it was founded and is run by twins Cam and Chris Grant, with the company's off-the-grid cabins bring you the convenience and comfort of four solid walls — alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. With the help of Fresh Prince, the brothers have designed and built Unyoked's houses, and they're all sustainable and solar-powered. Bookings for the two new spots are already open, so we suggest you hover over the website if you're keen to book one in. Once you've booked on in, all you need to do is jump in your car, disconnect and recharge. The two new Unyoked cabins are located across in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, and are available to book via unyoked.co. Looking for more off-the-grid escapes? Check out our favourites in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Top images: trentandjessie,
The best restaurants in Sydney's CBD are hard to nail down. For one, we have so many outstanding places to eat in the city centre. They range from cheap eats haunts and old-school dining institutions to more contemporary fine diners with views for days — all pumping out some of the best food in the city. The Sydney CBD is also a difficult area to draw a line around. But for the purpose of this list, we've decided not to include Haymarket or Quay Quarter Lanes, for they deserve their own individual praises. Also, this list of the best Sydney CBD restaurants is long enough as it is. So, if you do find yourself wandering around the city centre in need of a good feed, read on and find the best places to eat and drink the day away. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Pubs in Sydney
Henry Lawson once quipped that "beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer". While the Australian writer's final years were spent tramping around the streets of Sydney, penning poems for a pittance, there was an earlier, brighter time when he was known for enjoying a casual drink with his bohemian set in some of Sydney's famed pubs and hotels. Some of which, somehow, still stand. Sydney has a fetish when it comes to knocking down the old for the new — or if not knocking down, then refurbishing until it resembles an airport cafeteria designed by an IKEA intern. But, a few unlikely establishments have managed to maintain an old-fashioned charm, which makes for a brilliant place to down a schooner. So if you're nostalgic for an age gone by, there are still some watering holes that will deliver. A hundred years since Lawson met his untimely demise, here are ten of the best inner-Sydney pubs where you can wallow in the threadbare velvet of Victorian Sydney and wonder if you're sitting with the ghost of our most beloved, and possibly tragic, writer. The kind of place where you just might pen a poem, as Lawson surely did. [caption id="attachment_816379" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arvin Prem Kumar[/caption] THE HERO OF WATERLOO, 1843 Several pubs in Sydney claim to be the oldest, and while The Hero of Waterloo almost certainly isn't, none transport to the early days of Sydney with as much authenticity. Standing for 179 years, the Waterloo serves as a guide to our dark colonial past. Be it the hand-chiselled sandstone walls or the smuggler's tunnel leading to the harbour, which is a Historic Australia Landmark as classified by the Heritage Council and The National Trust. It's not just a living museum but a wonderful place for a drink. It's also as haunted as a pub gets. MARBLE BAR, 1893 Once above ground and now thoroughly below, George Street's Marble Bar was not a victim of a sinkhole, rather a rare story of development done well. Built in 1893 by man-about-town George Adams, it would eventually be dismantled and reassembled underground when the Hilton arrived in 1973. Crafted from the finest marble in Africa and Belgium, it cost a fortune but it gave Sydney something it lacked — an establishment to rival the finest saloons of Paris and London. Liza Minnelli once battled through a schooner here but I'd opt for a cocktail. A martini or a sazerac for the finest room in Sydney. THE LONDON, 1857 Once the local of literary heavyweights Germaine Greer and Clive James, Balmain's London Hotel is among the finest examples of convict-era pubs. With its sandstone exterior, an interior decked out in South Australian timber and a brass-lined bar, it doesn't matter where you pull up a stool, you're bound to be enchanted. For a true Balmain experience, turn up on a sunny Sunday afternoon and wrestle your way to a spot on the balcony or the street-side beer garden. If you manage a piece of Sydney's finest real estate you'll soon understand why this 1857 landmark is the jewel of Darling Street. SHAKESPEARE HOTEL, 1879 Rising out of the backstreets of Surry Hills like a pirate ship run ashore, the Shakespeare is a Sydney treasure. Built in 1879 there's a kegful of charm here, be it the blue tiles cascading down the bar or the Victorian-style rooms above, every nook and cranny has a story worth telling. Famed for journalists, skaters, actors and all the bohemians Surry Hills could conjure, it's the kind of place where you can bring your dog, have a Reschs on the street and a schnitty at the bar — everything a pub ought to be. For a genuine experience, grab a drink before catching a Bunnies vs Roosters match up the road. [caption id="attachment_779851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] THE EAST SYDNEY HOTEL, 1856 It's hard to say what most impresses about the East Sydney. It could be the fact it's pokies-free, the live jazz on Sundays or its effortless country charm. Regardless, it's a wonderful place to indulge yourself on an afternoon, especially since they offer up their own craft beer and have revitalised their bistro. Dating back to 1856, it's a landmark pub in a suburb of landmark pubs, but what stands out is its simplicity. No bells and whistles here, just a genuine nineteenth-century inn, with a commanding wooden bar, copper nail floorboards and an interior decked out like the Parisian Salon. It's a bush poem come to life. THE NAG'S HEAD, 1865 Glebe might be the finest suburb in Sydney for a pub crawl, and if you're so inspired be sure to finish at The Nag's Head. Built in 1865 and named for God-knows-what reason, the true essence of the Nag is found on the second-floor balcony while enjoying a schooner. With its elegant front bar, a wonderful bistro and regular live music, if this ends up being your local then you're doing better than the rest of us. [caption id="attachment_822238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andy Mitchell[/caption] THE BALD ROCK HOTEL, 1876 Complimenting the tranquility of its native Rozelle, The Bald Rock is a delightful pub designed to spend an easy and unassuming afternoon. Built in 1876 in the Victorian-classical style, the hotel retains its original sandstone interior, which gives it a bygone feel you just can't fake. With a storied history of booze-smugglers and drunken horses, it's now a family-friendly venue with a leafy courtyard and a high-quality bistro. Swing by on a Sunday night for live Irish music and the best guinness in Sydney. THE CARLISLE CASTLE, 1876 Somewhat sheltered from the madness of Sydney's most eclectic suburb, if you're lucky enough to stumble across the Carlisle Castle then prepare to be floored by Australia's best-looking old-school bar. Built in 1876, the Carlisle was refitted by Reschs in the twenties to include a glorious (and damn expensive) marble bar from Italy. It became the centrepiece of a hotel long adored by artists, musicians and locals. There's also a pool table, a dartboard, a piano parlour and more often than not, a dog on a stool enjoying a pint (of water). It's perfectly, unashamedly, Newtown. THE LORD WOLSLEY, 1881 Gone are the days when this Ultimo institution was frequented by the movers and shakers of Sydney's criminal class. Now it's all craft beer and garden jazz on Sundays in New South Wales' narrowest pub. Standing tall since 1881, The Lord Wolsley boasts a killer bistro and a leafy ambiance brought to life with classic wooden finishes and suitably blood-red carpet. [caption id="attachment_624441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elise Hassey[/caption] THE LORD DUDLEY HOTEL, 1895 Enjoying a pint outside the Lord Dudley in Woollahra, the late, great Anthony Bourdain fell in love with a uniquely Aussie tradition. "Daytime drinking is really underrated," Bourdain observed. And we agree, few things are better than a pint of ale on a sunny Sydney afternoon and there are few places better than this eastern suburbs classic. Since 1895, this Tudor-like pub with creeping-vine exterior has been a drinker's paradise (a foodie's too, with scotch eggs, Guinness pies and lamb-fry). And if the sun ain't shining then park yourself by the ornate wooden bar, the dartboard or the open fireplace. Top image credit: East Sydney Hotel Woolloomooloo by Cassandra Hannagan, 2020.
Summer is just a state of mind, and March has everything you need to stay in it. Outdoor festivals, swims, Caribbean barbecues and the biggest street parade of the whole year — it's all on the schedule for early autumn late summer.
Five years after closing, and following two unsuccessful attempts to revive it (as Cali Club and Kings Cross Pavilion), World Bar is returning to Sydney — but just for one night. The legendary Kings Cross nightclub was a key part of Sydney's nightlife and live music scene for 18 years before it closed in 2018 following the disastrous consequences of the lockout laws. Now, the team is getting back together for a takeover of Kings Cross Hotel. It's all going down on Saturday, November 18, nearly five years to the day that the original club closed. The takeover will be bringing throwback tunes to all four levels of the William Street pub — and, most importantly, there will be teapots. Whether they will be at 2018 prices is yet to be seen. Each level of Kings Cross Hotel will be celebrating a different iteration of World Bar, with club nights like The Wall, Banquet, Mum and Cake all being given their own floors. The lineup of DJs, producers and live musicians features plenty of World Bar regulars, including sets from Stoney Roads DJs and Under CTRL DJs on the Cakes level; a b2b set from The Wall mainstays Badrapper, Enschway and Made by Tsuki; a secret special guest on the Banquet level and the World Bar All-Stars at the Main Bar. The takeover will kick off at 8pm and rage on until the early hours of the morning. Whether you were a regular at The Wall or you never had a chance to experience the storied multi-level club, this is a reunion you don't want to miss. Tickets have sold out online, but there will be limited door spots from 8pm — so get down early and you'll be able to sneak in.
Paddington's favourite tapas and wine bar Caness is turning one, and it's throwing a party that doubles as a bit of a give-back. On Sunday, May 24, the Oxford Street spot is handing over the kitchen to a crew of chefs for an afternoon of $15 bocadillos. From 12–4pm, Vinicius Oliveira (ex-Bar Vincent and Estela in New York), Diego Duarte from Shaffa, Damir Mujanic of Refettorio and OzHarvest, plus Caness head chef Jorge Alcala, will each be serving their own take on the fabled Spanish sandwich. Mujanic's version leans into his work with OzHarvest. He's stacking house-made ricotta with charred eggplant and cauliflower, ajvar, fermented pickles and green salsa, with a focus on using every part of the ingredient. One dollar from each of his bocadillos, and from every non-alc Conscious Drink sold, will go to OzHarvest, where each dollar helps deliver two meals to people who need them. The rest of the lineup covers a bit of ground. Oliveira's "The Samba" is built around black pudding, fried egg and pepper salsa, drawing on his time working across South America. Duarte's "The Levant" brings in pulled lamb, herbs, and sumac, onion and amba aioli, while the house-made "El Clásico" keeps things closer to Spain with butifarra sausage, dijon, salsa criolla and pickled piparras. There'll be wines by the glass pouring all afternoon, alongside gin and tonics, $12 Spanish beers and a live jazz duo. If you're sticking around for something sweet, the halva Basque cheesecake is making an appearance too. It's free to get in and walk-ins only. The first 50 people to grab a bocadillo will score a glass of sparkling, and there'll be a few dining vouchers up for grabs while you're there. Everybody wins. For more information head to the Caness website here. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Imagery: Joana Sousa
It's back. A CBD institution known for facilitating many a late night has reopened following a multimillion-dollar transformation. Jacksons on George's ambitious rebuild and redevelopment was first announced back in 2018, with the Circular Quay space being completely reinvented over the last five years — re-emerging under the guidance of Maurice Terzini (Icebergs, Re-) and his DTL Entertainment Group partner Michael Broome. "I tip [the rooftop bar] as being a place to be this summer," says Terzini. "Great food and drinks intersect with contemporary art and music across all three levels to create a vibrant, contemporary venue." There are indeed three distinct areas in the new Jacksons on George: a ground-floor public bar, a flash new French bistro and the sleek cocktail-fuelled rooftop bar. Leading the charge across all three levels is Head Chef Steven Sinclair, who arrives at the venue with a wealth of experience in world-renowned kitchens. Alongside time spent overlooking Bondi Beach at Icebergs, he's also cut his teeth at two of Ireland's top restaurants, The Old Schoolhouse Inn and The Potted Hen. Wander in from George Street and you'll find a classic pub sporting a fresh fitout from Sydney-based studio Richards Stanisich. Both here and up on the rooftop, you can expect the tried-and-true combination of pub feeds done well, house twists on classic cocktails and perfectly poured local beers. Some of the unexpected turns you'll discover on the pub menu include slow-cooked duck sausage rolls, Moreton Bay bug buns and roast chook cooked over charcoal. Plus, there's a signature dessert on offer: the Jacksons banoffee sundae. Changing things up above the public bar is the 120-seat Bistro George, a European-inspired diner that champions local produce. Clams casino, beef tartare, salt-crusted wagyu ribeye and gin rigatoni all grace the menu at the date night-ready first-floor restaurant. "The ethos at Bistro George is all about recognisable bistro classics, elegantly executed with quality ingredients," says Sinclair. "Meanwhile, everything on the public bar and rooftop menu is designed to be accessible and familiar. Think: pub and bistro classics, elevated with the best produce and on-point service, regardless of what dish you order and where you dine." From Friday, September 22, Bistro George will transform into a cocktail bar later into the night, with a reduced supper menu and live music led by house jazz trio The Jacksons All Stars. This is the kind of place that you can slip into for an after-dinner drink or a late-night snack. Throughout the venue, you'll also find an impressive art collection including a series of works from Archibald and Sulman Prize finalist and Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey, who injects her award-winning blend of traditional Anangu art and pop culture into the space. And, if you're on the hunt for an intimate spot to host your work Christmas party or a milestone birthday, Bistro George also boasts a 30-guest private dining room, translating the luxury of the restaurant into a secluded corner of the venue. Find Jacksons on George at 176 George Street, Sydney from Monday, September 11 — operating 10am–late Monday–Sunday. Photography: Tom Ferguson and Toby Peet.
A new Japanese spot is touching down at Barangaroo House this May, slinging Japanese snacks, sandwiches and bowls from the ground floor's House Bar. Rekōdo Katsu Kanteen is upstairs restaurant and listening bar Rekōdo's little sister. To commemorate its grand opening on Wednesday, May 15, the casual eatery will be giving out free sandos (sweet potato, prawn or chicken katsu) to the first 100 guests from 1pm. Headed up by Barangaroo House Head Chef Michael Dabbs, the menu spotlights Japanese comfort food. Standouts include the market sashimi with pickled ginger and wasabi, crispy eggplant with pickled chilli, and soft-shell crab baos topped with pickles and hot sauce. For something more substantial, there are options like bang bang chicken salad, wagyu donburi with wagyu tataki, and a wafu salad with your choice of protein. Of course, the main sandos are available in the form of prawn and crab katsu with cabbage and tartar sauce, pork katsu with an omelette and bulldog sauce, two chicken katsu options, and a vego-friendly sweet potato miso katsu. Rekōdo Katsu Kanteen will open to the public on Wednesday, May 15. Head to the website for more details.
If the benefits of waking up at sunrise (like better sleep, less stress) aren't enough to entice you to set an early alarm, perhaps Shangri-La Sydney's opulent Sunrise Lobster Breakfast will. The lavish hotel in The Rocks already has a reputation among night owls for Blu Bar on 36 and its spectacular vantage over Sydney harbour. But guests who make a morning booking (6.30–8am) for the Sunrise Lobster Breakfast at its restaurant Altitude from Thursday through Sunday, can enjoy a decadent serve of lobster, sparkling and a window seat (that's hopefully doused in sunshine). Specifically, if you make it out of bed at those hours, your $109pp bill will have you watching the sun rise over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, while devouring an omelette that heroes West Australian lobster (the freshest, of course). A creamy lobster bisque, fresh rocket salad of candied walnuts, orange braised fennel and avocado and toasted Sonoma sourdough joins your lavish eggs — as does an ice-cold glass of Veuve Clicquot. You can upgrade with Black Oscietra Caviar and blinis, or elevate an already exceptional glass to a pour of Dom Perignon. Still hungry? Don't forget to weave through the buffet of treats — such as scrumptious pastries, artisanal cheeses, luscious salads and charcuterie — also included in the price. Consider all excuses to hit snooze put to bed. Shangri-La Sydney's Sunrise Lobster Breakfast is offered from 6.30–8am, Thursday through Sunday. To make a booking, head to the website.
This foreshore Pyrmont park, named after what the area was known as to the local Eora People, is a favourite among visitors and locals alike. Located within a sheltered bay, it overlooks the quieter side of Darling Harbour as well as the Anzac Bridge to the west. The grassy, 1.8-hectare park offers heaps of shaded space for picnicking, plus barbecue facilities and a playground. There's also an onsite cafe (set adjacent to the playground) for those who are too lazy to pack a picnic. When you're not lounging in the grass, go for a walk along the waterfront, or grab a seat on the steps and cool your feet in the sparkling water. On a warm day, be sure to bring along your swimmers for a full dip, with a designated swimming hole available. Image: James Horan, Destination NSW
You will find Australia's largest telescope about a six-hour drive out of Sydney. Located in Coonabarabran, Siding Springs Observatory is the place to be for any stargazer. The observatory has a range of tours and events to work with your schedule and budget. Enjoy an hour-long self-guided walking tour through the app led by astronomer Fred Watson for just $7.50 (used across up to three devices). Or, get inside the telescope and see the amazing portal to outer space up-close in a 90-minute tour for $30 per person. While the observatory is closed after dark, you can still appreciate the magical night sky within the greater Warrumbungle Dark Sky National Park. Check out pristine night skies free from light pollution and gaze upon an unforgettable sea of stars with an After Dark tour for $30 per person. Images: Destination NSW
The rooftop at The Royal Hotel in Paddington has long been a favourite among pub-goers and Paddo locals for about as long as cold beer's been coming out of taps. After a decent trek up a few flights of stairs, juggling coldies, you're rewarded with an outstanding view of the city, the bays and the harbour — an impressive setting to watch the dusk wash over Sydney. You can't eat up here, so you'll have to head downstairs to one of the pubs other large spaces — perhaps the main bar or the verandah bar where you can eat on the wrap-around balcony. The menu features traditional pub food at a decent price with a regular board of specials. Either way, get in there early, because the rooftop isn't big, and it fills up quickly for summer sun downs. Appears in: The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney
The start of the new year brings many exciting restaurant openings to Sydney, including an old-school Italian joint coming to The Rocks. Grappa, a beloved Leichhardt establishment, is set to open its second outpost in early 2026, in an iconic building within The Rocks. Charlie Colosi and his father, Antonio, opened Grappa in 1999. Ever since, it has been serving classic Italian food, and a healthy selection of wines with a cellar boasting over 300 bottles. And no surprise given its moniker, the venue also specialises in grappa, with over 100 varietals to sample. Now, Charlie and his wife Virginie are bringing their well-known old-school hospitality, warm service and timeless food to a vibrant new spot in the CBD. "The Rocks has an energy we've always loved, and bringing Grappa there just felt right, especially in the iconic building that housed the first Rockpool. We're all about old-school hospitality: making guests feel at home the second they walk in. The food will always be our pride and joy — all pasta, pizzas, bread and desserts are made in-house, and the wood-fire oven will bring the same flavour people know from Leichhardt, with the addition of custom wood-fired grills from the Brick Chef to cook amazing seafood, meats and vegetables," says Charlie. While the new venue will resemble its predecessor in its food and hospitality offerings, it will be elevated with a cocktail bar and al fresco dining with enviable views of the harbour bridge. Charlie says, "We want guests to feel like they've had a night in Italy without leaving Sydney. Great wine at fair prices, a standout grappa list, and an amazing vintage bar upstairs where people can go and unwind after a big meal. We can't wait to open the doors and start looking after people the way we do best." Images: Supplied.
Sometimes, when you're a kid, Shakespeare ain't that much fun. It's bad enough that you may not understand what they're saying without having to worry about all the tragedy you have to witness. Then there are the seats you have to sit on and the rules of silence out have to obey. Dang, there are so many rules in Shakespeare when you're a kid! But what if you're in a park — Centennial Park? Hmm, this already seems to have improved my 8 year-old self's impression of the event. Then, while you're busy roaming around there while mum and dad and all the other couples in skinny jeans are eating fancy home made picnic hampers on sweet picnic rugs, these mysterious and mischievous characters like Puck and Bottom emerge. The whole way through the play they make you giggle until at the very end a couple of lovers kiss and make up (eww!). That actually sounds like something you could easily drag my 8 year-old self to and, in fact, you could also drag my 25 year-old self to. I guess it's lucky then that Wild Rumpus Productions is staging a Spring season of A Midsummer Night's Dream in Centennial Park — it's Shakespeare without all the rules. A Midsummer Nights Dream will be performed every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30pm
Métisse in Potts Point is a restaurant that's been conceived and designed specifically for special occasion dining. The culinary genre here is best described as haute cuisine — artfully presented, meticulously constructed food delivered with white glove service within a moody atmosphere created by intimate low lighting. The restaurant, which opened in 2019, is helmed by the charismatic owner, chef and restaurateur Opel Khan who will greet you at your table and give you a personal introduction to each course of the degustation (there is 'the Journey' degustation and 'the Earth' a planted-based degustation — both $175 per person, and the Luxury degustation which is $300 per person). Before any food even gets to the table a bowl of rose water with fresh rose petals is presented at each place setting as the amuse bouche course is eaten by hand. [caption id="attachment_900092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chef, restaurateur and creative director Opel Khan[/caption] The amuse bouche is presented on a series of porcelain objet d'art, commissioned specifically by Khan to pair with each dish. Each inclusion is a single mouthful, each incredibly light (as in: it doesn't weigh much) and each dispatches astonishing flavour. The caviar with white truffle custard served on a small white vessel is something special. A very promising start. Cold lobster meat wrapped in paper thin cucumber carpaccio on "avocado snow" is a terrific showcase of the sweetness of the shellfish. One of the most photogenic courses is called 'Mosaique', raw bluefin tuna, ocean trout and kingfish presented to look like stained glass and generously bathed with a burnt butter beurre noisette. The dish is more beautiful than it is a taste sensation but the construction is inspired; the 'vegetable carbon' between each piece of fish is made from the unused vegetable parts that aren't the hero of the dish, just one example of the focus on sustainability that is a driving inspiration behind the workings of the Métisse kitchen. The 'Fruits de Mer' course is particularly special — a bowl with four types of seafood, prepared with such simplicity to show off the flavour of exceptional produce. The Yamba prawn and the scallop are among the more delicious you'll try. Similarly, the 'Canard' course is very bloody good — a perfectly rendered rectangle of duck breast with crisped skin, served alongside a duck "cigar" a luxurious pie made from the leg meat. [caption id="attachment_900094" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The 'Fruits de Mer' course at Metisse[/caption] Chef Opel Khan's approach to the menu is "no boundaries" and what is delivered to the table really does stretch the boundaries of luxury fine dining. It's food as high art, combined with technique and — critically — delicious, satisfying food.
Finding a way to brave the cold nights and avoid three months on the couch is a wintertime necessity. Luckily, galleries and venues across Sydney host late-opening exhibitions, workshops, artist talks and live music, all in the resplendent warmth of indoors — so your night doesn't have to start and end with Netflix. We've partnered with Samsung to bring you the finest Sydney cultural institutions that invite your night-time custom. Samsung's new Galaxy S9 and S9+ phones have brilliant low-light abilities, so you can capture all your artsy discoveries, no matter the hour. Spend your evening moseying around these five spots, phone in one hand, drink in the other. 4A CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ASIAN ART Based in Haymarket and run by the Asian Australian Artists' Association, 4A exhibits Asian-Australian contemporary art and stays open until 8pm on Thursdays. Its mission is to support emerging artistic talent, facilitate cultural dialogue between Australia and Asia and highlight Australia's place in the Asia-Pacific. Stop in after 29 June to see Jason Phu and John Young Zerunge's exhibition The Burrangong Affray. It traces the events and repercussions of racially motivated riots that took place in the Burrangong goldfields in the 19th century. These riots eventually led to Chinese immigration restrictions, known as the White Australia Policy. 107 PROJECTS Rambling Redfern creative space 107 Projects serves the community with a host of night-time cultural events to keep you busy all winter. The venue includes not only a gallery but also a co-working space and rooftop garden. This is the spot to come for everything from wine-enhanced life-drawing sessions to beginner-friendly dance workshop Groove Therapy, live music gigs and a biweekly creative hangout, which encourages locals to get together and work on personal projects. Catch exhibitions on their opening nights — coming up is No Where=Space, where five interdisciplinary artists promise to transform the gallery into "a physical embodiment of an abstract nowhere space". Sounds like the kind of trippy visual you'll want to capture in photographic form for posterity. SYDNEY OBSERVATORY Stargazing may seem like a sport best reserved for balmy summer evenings, but a clear winter's night is actually the perfect time to explore our southern sky. The nights are longer and the sky is clearer, making the Milky Way look all the more magnificent. While it's generally recommended to steer clear of well-lit areas when gazing upwards, for those times a city escape isn't feasible, the Sydney Observatory has you covered. Each night, it runs two tours starting at 6.30pm and 8.30pm, plus an additional 9pm tour on Fridays and Saturdays. The 90-minute tours consist of a visit to the Planetarium and dome plus a viewing on one of the three working telescopes. You'll be able to spot stars, the moon, a nebula and even a planet or two, weather permitting. Camera Tip: A longer exposure will capture the light at night and create a dynamic motion effect. Adjust your settings by swiping your S9 into Pro Mode. Lower the ISO, increase the shutter speed and keep very still as you take your shot. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART The Museum of Contemporary Art is well known for its over-18s ARTBAR event. A quintessential night of creative discovery and bonkers Instagram fodder, it's held on the last Friday of every month from 7pm. But did you know the MCA actually stays open until late every week? On Wednesdays until 9pm, you can roam the gallery, experiencing images and ideas from some of today's leading artists. This is the time to catch a Mystery Tour to discover lesser-known creators, or search out art of the non-visual kind with live music series Sounds on the Terrace. If you become an MCA member, you will be invited to an introductory tour — with bonus wine and food — plus monthly night tours and dinner events. ART GALLERY OF NSW It is little wonder that the Art Gallery of NSW stays up late on Wednesdays, given how much it has going on. The restaurant, gallery shop and members lounge stay open until 9pm, the cafe until 9.30pm and exhibitions until 10pm. Head to the stately venue during winter to see the ever-popular Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize shows, photography display Hold Still and Unpainting, a selection of abstract paintings from the gallery's collection. As part of the Art After Hours program, the gallery also hosts guided tours, live music, film screenings and artists talks. Instead of spending your winter nights on the couch, discover all the after-dark happenings in your city here — and don't forget to document it all on the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, designed especially for low light so you can capture your best moments no matter what. Images: Cole Bennetts.
If films like The Darjeeling Limited or Slumdog Millionaire weren’t enough to convince you that India should be your next travel destination, cyber architect James Law's new concept is sure to challenge your stance. The Aquaria Grande is a breathtaking residential complex design thought up by Law for real estate company, The Wadhwa Group, in Mumbai, India. Aesthetically and architecturally stunning, the signature features of the facility are the floating pools located at the edge of each apartment’s balcony. Although the pools may not be ideal for those of us who are prone to vertigo, The Aquaria Grande boasts 37 storeys of 200 luxurious, eco-conscious, energy efficient apartments. In the densely populated city of Mumbai, it provides a fresh new outlook on the direction of the architectural industry in India where there are increasing pressures on the land. Designs like James Law's are not only innovative but necessary to provide sustainable living in a increasingly developed city like Mumbai where cars and high rise buildings make the prospect of eco-friendly living fragile. By raising the bar on architectural aesthetics and design, the Aquaria Grande is sure to place India on the map in terms of the international architectural scene. Now all we need is someone to build one of these complexes in Australia.
Circular Quay welcomes a new rooftop bar into its ranks as the Salt Meats Cheese team opens Bar Ombré on the top level of the Gateway Dining Precinct. The bar boasts house-made cheese, a dedicated spritz menu, a daily happy hour, free bar snacks and sunset views across the Harbour Bridge. And it has opened just in time for Vivid. Expect a bright fit-out with heaps of greenery and colourful furnishings to greet you as you enter the bar on the third level. Inside, you'll find stretched cheese —made onsite daily — along with antipasto plates of cured meats, burrata and wood-baked focaccia. Share plates include marinated white anchovies with tomato, fried calamari with crumbed zucchini and prosciutto with grilled eggplant, basil and rocket pesto. If these snacks don't quite touch the edges, you can head downstairs for a heartier meal — woodfired pizza or a big bowl of pasta, for example — at the Circular Quay outpost of Salt Meats Cheese, which is located on level two of the dining precinct. To drink, the European-inspired cocktail menu includes the likes of the Forget Me Not (gin, lychee and elderflower liqueurs, egg white and plum bitters) and the Smokin' Nights (amaro, mezcal, Angostura bitters, cream and cinnamon), as well as a pear and maple old fashioned and a vanilla and grapefruit barrel-aged negroni. You can also choose from five different spritzes and a drop off the wine list, which focuses on Italian drops and local biodynamic, vegan and organic labels. [caption id="attachment_723368" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] We recommend stopping by after work to catch the sunset and the daily happy hour, which runs from 4–6pm. Nab $5 beers, $10 spritzes and $20 cocktail carafes (including Aperol spritz, sangria and margarita jugs). Then, from 6–8pm, punters can enjoy free bar snacks — similar to Venetian cicchetti. Expect truffled pecorino, roasted peppers with salsa verde and wood-fired crackers with pesto, plus smoked olives, cured pancetta and truffled popcorn all on offer (for free). This is the 13th venue for Salt Meats Cheese co-founders Edoardo Perlo and Stefano de Blasi, with other recent openings including SMC outposts in Dee Why and Brisbane's South Bank. Bar Ombré is now open at Level 3 Gateway, 1 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay. Opening hours are Monday through Saturday from 11.30am until late. Images: Kitti Gould
When it comes to cafe fare, true tastiness and robust healthiness do not always collide. However, Black Seed Eatery has perfected the match. Opened in June 2018, this sleek eatery is bringing dishes made with fresh produce and spiked with super foods to Parramatta's rapidly evolving food scene. Designed by Al & Co Haus of Design, the space is a naturally lit refuge, filled with shiny mirrors, Scandi-inspired blonde timbers and lush pot plants. To start your day right, tuck into the quinoa salsa — asparagus, sweet corn kernels and avocado, topped with a fried egg and shallots on organic sourdough — or a baked field mushroom layered with crispy pancetta, poached egg, rocket, balsamic and parmesan on organic sourdough. That said, the menu isn't only about looking after your vital organs. Come lunch time, you can get a bit more indulgent with a Black Seed Beef Burger (beef, onion, cheese, cos lettuce, tomato and house-made sauce) or buttermilk fried chicken with slaw and spicy mayo. There's also a bunch of artisanal baked goodies, created in partnership with Luxe Bakery. Meanwhile, Toby's Estate is supplying the coffee beans and has spent many hours working with the Black Seed team to come up with a smooth, rich, unique house blend. Images: Terence Chin
A bootery, a boarding house and an opium den. These are just a few of the past lives of 77–79 George Street, but The Doss House is the latest moniker for this heritage-listed building — and this time round, it'll focus on whisky. And we mean a lot of whisky — 150 bottles, to be exact. This enormous whisky collection is showcased in American oak cabinets throughout the venue and spans international regions from Australia, Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the States. Rare whiskies on offer include 30-year-old Hibiki and Glenglassaugh, as well Nikka 'Taketsuru' Fortune 80 and a GlenDronach bottle from 1994. Whisky flights will be introduced in the coming months so you can maximise your breadth of tastes. If you're not one to drink whisky neat, The Doss House has also got all the classic cocktails on offer, along with signatures like The Dusky Scotchman (Laphroaig 10-year, Branca Menta, honey and saline), a blackberry and lemon myrtle fizz (blackberry-infused Stolichnaya, lemon myrtle, fresh lemon and Cynar) and My Name Is Earl (earl grey-infused gin, peach aperitif, orange marmalade, fresh lemon and basil). For whisky-induced snacking, the kitchen is putting together share platters featuring a selection of pickles, chutney, cheese and meat, with the Aussie-themed platter specifically including emu prosciutto and kangaroo salami paired with native cheeses. Guinness and oyster pairings are on the horizon, too. The basement bar boasts five distinct spaces that each pay homage to a past tenant. The exposed sandstone walls and renewed original fireplaces are paired with brass fittings, antique mirrors, luxurious orange velvet banquettes and an antique chesterfield sofa. The custom-made leather armchairs in one room are offset by high bar stools in another, plus it's got a revitalised outdoor courtyard to boot. The soft lighting completes the vibe, giving off the dark and cosy feel of an old Irish pub. Which makes sense, considering the two owners, Colm O'Neill and Eoin Daniels (who's the founder of Top Knot Carpentry and Joinery), are Irish expats and childhood mates. Daniels boasts quite the Sydney resume — his carpentry business has fitted iconic venue interiors at Opera Bar, The Old Clare Hotel, The Clock Hotel and The Golden Sheaf. The duo is joined by local heavy hitters, including bar manager Alex O'Brien (Bar No. 5, Archie Rose) and Bobby Carey (Big Poppa's, Shady Pines, Riley Street Garage), who consulted on the menus. Images: Alana Dimou Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
What do Cher, Frank Sinatra and Neil Perry share in common? Much like the Goddess of Pop and Ol' Blue Eyes, the revered chef and restaurateur isn't much good at sticking with retirement. In July of 2020, after nearly four decades as one of Australian dining's brightest guiding lights, Perry announced that he would be stepping down as Culinary Director of Rockpool Group and hanging up his apron for good, much to the dismay of his many foodie fans. Just over a year later, however, Perry backflipped on this supposed farewell, making his comeback in spectacular fashion with what would be the first site of his now four-venue-strong Double Bay empire. While we now know that Perry had a lot more to show Australian diners (although he insists that his recently opened martini lounge Bobbie's and the sprawling three-storey Cantonese diner Song Bird, also in Double Bay, really are the last ventures of his career), when it opened in 2021, Margaret was pitched as the chef's final swan song. Named in tribute to his mother, it would be the first restaurant launched by Perry without any outside financial backing, giving him the freedom to create a fine diner entirely of his own making — a deeply personal ode to his years in the kitchen, free from the pandering pressures of expectant business partners. The menu reads like an autobiography, showcasing the cuisines that have defined Perry's career. His love of Asian flavours is writ large with dishes like Perry's delicate signature Thai-style salad — fragrant and fresh with shreds of blue swimmer crab meat and sweet pork, the textural foil of green mango and crushed cashews, and a thrill of heat from sliced red chilli. A spicy, kimchi-inspired Korean-style tartare is another Eastern standout, with generous cubes of bigeye tuna tossed in a sweet-yet-bold gochujang sauce and finished with sesame and the bright zing of house-made pickles. Surf and turf, kissed by flame, has long been an idée fixe of Perry's previous venues, so it's little wonder that the char and complexity of woodfired cooking is another key pillar of Margaret's offering. Seafood lovers are well served with red throat emperor with peanut salsa; southern garfish with an Asian tilt, spiked with yuzu and fermented green chilli; and Eastern Rock lobsters, served dressed with either a sparkling lime and sambal sauce or mornay style, with a bubbling topping of cheese and garlic. Slice into a perfectly cooked wagyu fillet or bone-in sirloin and you'll see that it's not for nothing that Margaret was declared the second-best steakhouse in the world by the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurant rankings in 2025. While the skilled team under Perry's veteran eye are experts at achieving just the right sear and smokiness from every cut on the grill, it's also the provenance of Maraget's steaks that make them world-leading. Indeed, the relationships Perry has carefully cultivated over decades with the nation's finest producers underpin this menu's magic — the likes of small-scale, low-impact fishers Bruce Collis and Anthony Heslewood, and organic beef producers CopperTree Farms and Blackmore. With such a kaleidoscopic range of world cuisines represented, navigating Margaret's menu could seem daunting. Rather than sticking to either Asian fare or committing to the more Euro-leaning dishes, we suggest a more cohesion-be-damned approach. Perry is offering diners the chance to colour outside the lines, hopscotching from one spectrum of flavours to another within the same meal. An extensive wine list, with by-the-glass options paired upon request by the restaurant's superb sommeliers, help blur the edges, but what really brings it all together is the vision and passion of a once-in-a-generation chef displaying the full gamut of his technical powers, his understanding of what makes food great, and a love of cooking that even retirement couldn't contain. Images: Petrina Tinslay
Worimi National Park is one of the biggest drawcards to the Port Stephens region, particularly for thrillseekers. Most of the credit is given to Stockton Beach, and deservedly so. It's the longest beach in New South Wales at 32 kilometres, and the enormous mobile sand dunes are primed for quad biking and sandboarding adventures. But the journey to get there is well worth some attention, too. Worimi Forest Walk begins at the car park on the Fern Bay Access Trail. From here, it's an easy 1.4-kilometre stroll (one way) through the Worimi Conservation Lands — a forest of native greenery, including coastal sand apple blackbutt trees, swamp mahogany paperbark trees and old man banksias. Eventually, you'll pop out at the southern end of Stockton Beach, an area rich with Aboriginal history, including campsites and burial sites. Image: Destination NSW
The ultimate cinematic experience, whether it's outdoors or indoors, has a few key mandatories. Screen and sound quality, a strong snack selection and in our opinion, privacy — if you talk at full volume inside the cinema, you can see yourself out, thank you. It's not always easy to make all of those stars align, especially outside of your local picturehouse, but the harbourside hotel Pier One is making it happen with its latest room offer. Picture a movie night. Now add in a big projector screen and accompanying sound setup, some cosy lighting, a spread of couches, pillows and blankets, million-dollar views of Sydney Harbour, a trolley bearing your pick of popcorn and Yo-Chi and exclusive room service menus. This is the kind of experience you can only find at Pier One. This luxurious package is exclusive to Pier One's Harbourside Cinema, a transformed take on the hotel's Sunset Balcony Suite designed for cinephiles, luxury lovers or couples in need of a seriously special date night. It's also time-limited, levelling up your movie nights for the duration of the colder months, with bookings available from now until Wednesday, September 30. You can screen a film of your choosing from your own personal streaming service accounts, stream it onto the projector and pair it with your choice of Yo-Chi, delivered with a selection of toppings, and popcorn — this is still a movie night, after all, and some rules just weren't meant to be broken. If you want a full dinner to come before, after or during your movie, you can preorder items from a curated Cinema Specials Menu — think charcuterie boards, gourmet hot dogs, wagyu cheeseburgers, loaded fries, beetroot and buckwheat burgers or baked brie with toasted sourdough. You've also got access to the entire PIER BAR menu, should the exclusives not hit the spot. The bookable package, which is a $150 add-on to the suite fee, includes an overnight stay in the suite, breakfast, valet parking and aforementioned goodies for two. If you want to invite the crew along to enjoy the movie, you can do so for an additional $50 per person. Pier One's Harbourside Cinema is available for bookings from now until Wednesday, September 30. For more information or to make a booking, visit the Pier One website. Images: supplied
There's something uniquely satisfying about buying vintage. The thrill isn't just in the sustainability credentials, it's in the surprise and storytelling of it all. Like rummaging through your nan's wardrobe — you never know what might be tucked between the pencil skirts and mothball-scented knits. A YSL pantsuit? Burberry scarf? An Hermes Kelly bag? (One can dream.) Whether you're chasing a bargain-bin dopamine hit or splurging on archival designer, Sydney has no shortage of vintage gems. From eclectic Newtown to the laidback Northern Beaches, these are the best vintage stores in Sydney to add to your crawl. Zoo Emporium Unit B/180 Campbell St, Surry Hills View this post on Instagram A post shared by @zooemporiumvintage Go on a sartorial safari at this Surry Hills staple, renowned for its funky frocks, oversized eyewear, and luxury glam. For over 35 years, Zoo Emporium has welcomed vintage enthusiasts through its kooky doors — promising a time capsule of sorts, with some of the best (and boldest) finds from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Upstairs, you'll find some rarer designer pieces — Vivenne Westwood tartan skirt, anyone? — while downstairs is an assortment of grandpacore garments, bargain bins, and sale bits and bobs. If you're short on time, Zoo Emporium is an essential stop. Storeroom Vintage 294-296 Crown St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 View this post on Instagram A post shared by StoreRoomVintage (@storeroomvintage) The '90s and noughties expert, Storeroom Vintage, radiates "I'm with the band" energy. While its legendary Surry Hills retail store just recently closed, you can still get your vintage fix online. There's everything from Harley Davidson and band tees — Billie Eilish picked up a Green Day shirt during one of her many visits — to oversized streetwear, preppy polos, and designer shoulder bags. With stores in both Newtown and Surry Hills, it's an easy addition to your vintage crawl. That — or keep a close eye on Instagram, where curated drops regularly appear (and disappear just as quickly). Potts Point Vintage 2/8A Hughes St, Potts Point View this post on Instagram A post shared by Potts Point Vintage (@pottspointvintage) If you've got an eye for the eccentric and a penchant for period drama, Potts Point Vintage is the place. A long way from its Katoomba roots, fashion enthusiast Arnold Kieldgaard opened the pint-sized emporium just off Macleay Street in 2014. Specialising in vintage occasion wear — from bridal dresses (with over 40 in stock) to finely-tailored men's suits — plus leather goods and quirky accessories, it's a favourite among stylists and film industry insiders alike. If your vintage obsession extends beyond clothing, you'll also find collectible mid-century Italian glass art, oil paintings and curated Art Deco china. Reunion Shop 2/112 Enmore Rd, Newtown View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reunion (@reunionstore.co) You've heard of SWOP, but do you know Reunion? Founded in 2023 by SWOP's Beth Wicks, this Enmore Road space brings more pre-loved fashion to spirited environmentalists and sentimentalists alike. Devoid of fast-fashion, the 2023-founded venue's all about repurposing and re-loving high-quality, contemporary and vintage wares. One week, you might spot a Celine Phantom bag on display; the next, a Juicy Couture tracksuit. There's also a dedicated size 16+ section, plus online and Instagram shopping for those who prefer to shop from home. Fabrique 1 Wilson St, Newtown 127 Oxford St, Darlinghurst View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fabrique Vintage (@fabriquevintage) Looking for the perfect Canadian tuxedo? Fabrique's got you covered. Expect every kind of denim wash and cut, classic Americana motifs — from Western boots to chunky belt buckles — leather staples, and a dollop of French-girl favourites like Breton stripes across its Darlinghurst and Newtown stores. Sourcing from Europe and the US, the edit feels well-travelled without veering into kitsch territory. Axl Studio 12 Macleay St, Potts Point View this post on Instagram A post shared by AXLSTUDIO (@axlvintageandart) There's no (vintage) place quite like Paris — but Axl Studio comes close. Not only channelling Marais charm (bonjour, red-and-white pinstriped awnings and Persian rugs), the Potts Point store also offers a curation to satisfy the French-girl chic. Founder and artist Athena Levendi scours the world's major fashion cities for one-off designs and modern luxuries, from Issey Miyake to Oscar de la Renta. Don't be dissuaded by the labels — current and archival pieces are often more accessible than you'd think. Route 66 Shop 2/82-84 Enmore Rd, Newtown View this post on Instagram A post shared by Route 66 (@route66store) Inspired by the iconic North American highway, this Newtown gem is the brainchild of Tina Lowe and Ross Waddington. After spending time on the cinematic road, the duo created their own Americana affair — a goldmine for denim, cowboy boots, Western shirts and trucker hats. What culminates is an experience that feels far more authentic than costumed, making it hard to leave empty-handed. Di Nuovo 92 William St, Paddington View this post on Instagram A post shared by Di Nuovo (@di_nuovo_paddington) Among the colour-splashed boutique and content-creating Instagrammers of William Street sits Di Nuovo — meaning "to start again" in Italian. Set within a gorgeous Victorian terrace (it's Paddington, after all), the intimate vintage mecca houses some of Sydney's most curated designer brands and styles. Expect everything from Chanel ballet flats to silk maxis by The Row, as well as tailored Scanlan Theodore pantsuits. If you leave with a goodie, wear it — this is very much a see-and-be-seen postcode. SWOP 219 Oxford St, Darlinghurst View this post on Instagram A post shared by SWOP (@_swop) It's always worth a look in SWOP. The nationwide favourite (with outposts in Melbourne and Brisbane) offers some of the best pre-loved, high-quality pieces — swapped for cash or in-store credit by everyday tastemakers. Expect on-trend and archival finds at their Darlinghurst store, from Dries Van Noten, Acne Studios, and Comme des Garçons — and don't skip the accessories. The occasional Fendi Baguette does pop up. Reseller 16B Lawrence St, Freshwater 26 Darley Rd, Manly View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reseller (@resellerstoreau) If you're not on the Northern Beaches, Reseller might not be on your radar — but it should be. With stores in Manly and Freshwater, locals are encouraged to drop off their designer wares and sophisticated staples, meaning you'll find plenty of summer-coded and boho looks, from SIR to Zimmermann, alongside vintage Levi's and elevated basics. Unsurprisingly, there's also a chic selection of sunnies to top things off. Irreplaceable Store 411 King St, Newtown NSW View this post on Instagram A post shared by IRREPLACEABLE STORE (@irreplaceablestore) On any given day, you might spot a streetwear obsessive — or Zendaya, she was there — hunting for rare sneakers here. Specialising in covetable sneakers, from Nike Dunks to Balenciaga Tracks, Irreplaceable Store also stocks chore jackets, camo, and graphic tees. There's also a ton of vintage paraphernalia, from VHS tapes to vintage books. Absolute chicken soup for the nostalgic soul.
If you're planning to head to the Art Gallery of NSW this month to check out the free major exhibition Quilty before it closes on February 2, you don't want to go in without the background info. Covering 15 years of Australian contemporary artist Ben Quilty's career, the exhibition is made even better if you know the stories behind his works, which include intimate self-portraits and sombre reflections on injustice and displacement. With a storied career, including time spent as a war artist in Afghanistan in 2011, his friendship and advocacy with Bali Nine pair Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, his trips to meet Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Lesbos and Serbia, and his exploration of Australian history, there is much more to Quilty's works than just paint on canvas. [caption id="attachment_757618" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'Self-portrait after Afghanistan' (2012), Dr Dick Quan, NSW, © Ben Quilty[/caption] SELF PORTRAIT AFTER AFGHANISTAN (2012) Quilty spent three weeks in Afghanistan in 2011 as an official war artist. His pieces from this time aren't the typical military landscapes one might expect; in the first room, you'll find a series of dark, vulnerable portraits of returned soldiers, which were painted in his Bowral studio. But it's Self portrait after Afghanistan that draws the most attention — a dark and swirling representation of his turmoil after returning from the Middle East. As the artist puts it, "My work is about working out how to live in this world. It's about compassion and empathy but also anger and resistance." [caption id="attachment_757628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'Self Portrait, the executioner' (2015), Gift of the artist 2015. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, © Ben Quilty. Photo: Mim Stirling, AGNSW[/caption] SELF PORTRAIT, THE EXECUTIONER (2015) Continuing his personal responses to harrowing experiences, Quilty painted a series of pieces about his friendship with Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, who were sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking in 2006. As part of a campaign to save the lives of Chan and Sukumaran, Quilty gave them art classes. Unfortunately, the campaign was unsuccessful and Quilty painted this self portrait the day after their execution in April 2015. Curator Dr Lisa Slade says Quilty, the exhibition, shows how art has the capacity to instigate change. She says, "He wields paint to draw attention to our responsibility as critical citizens in an increasingly fraught world." [caption id="attachment_757624" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'Flowers for Heba' (2016), Private collection, Adelaide, © Ben Quilty[/caption] FLOWERS FOR HEBA (2016) In the same room of the exhibition, you'll find works inspired by Quilty's experiences in Lebanon, Greece and Serbia with acclaimed writer Richard Flanagan. What immediately draws your attention is a series of life jackets named for refugees who died while trying to seek asylum in Australia, but Flowers for Heba tells the story of when the artist was inspired by a little girl he met in a refugee camp. Quilty had shared his art supplies with children at the refugee camp and, when prompted to draw a picture of her home, Heba carefully drew her house with a bomber flying over it and two bloodied bodies on the ground, who she said were her parents. Her heart-wrenching drawing can be seen upstairs at the gallery as part of the exhibition Belonging. [caption id="attachment_757659" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'Irin Irinji' (2018), Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, Gift of the Art Gallery of South Australia, Contemporary Collectors, Jane and John Ayers, Lipman Karas and Tracey Whiting 2019 © Ben Quilty[/caption] IRIN IRINJI (2018) Quilty's Rorschach series is a play on the inkblot test that was commonly used as a psychology test in the 1960s. The first in the series, Bedford Downs Rorschach, was painted in 2008 and represents a Western Australian cattle station that was the site of an Aboriginal massacre. Ten years later, Quilty was taken by local artists to the site of another massacre, in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia. Though you won't find Irin Irinji on any map, it's captured here by Quilty across 12 panels covered in thick, textured paint and feathery white spaces that represent ghost gum trees or falling spirits. [caption id="attachment_757622" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Quilty, 'The Last Supper' (2016), Private collection, © Ben Quilty[/caption] THE LAST SUPPER (2016) The final room of the exhibition sees Quilty attempting to make sense of the world, beginning with a piece painted the day after the US election in November 2016, which saw Donald Trump elected as the 58th president of the United States. The Last Supper (2016) is the first of a few works of the same name and sees Trump acting as the Jesus-like figure. Presiding over the table in all his floppy-haired glory, Trump is surrounded by screaming, disembodied features and piercing eyes. Fun fact: we're told Quilty has a rubber Trump mask lying around his studio. Head curator of International Art, Justin Paton, says Quilty's works find "new ways to grapple in and through the issues that stir him.'' Quilty is showing at the Art Gallery of NSW until February 2. Admission to the exhibition is free. Top image: Ben Quilty by Daniel Boud.
Merivale's Mr. Wong further dispels the myth concerning Sydney's lack of serious post-midnight dining options and in epic proportions. With room for over 200 guests, Mr. Wong could very well put an end to the kebab-eating rituals of CBD drunkards by offering them a class act alternative. And an alternative that, thanks to the business' signature design team, is exceptionally pretty to look at. Head chef Dan Hong (Ms. G's, MuMu) serves up authentic Cantonese fare in plush 1930s Shanghai-inspired surrounds. Contributing to the reawakening of laneways across Sydney's centre, Mr. Wong's guests enter via Bridge Lane; an exemplar laneway vouching for our city's fondness of pocketed, back alley dining. Guests are seated over two levels – on the upper level if they're walk-ins or on the lower level if they've booked in advance – and with atmospheric buzz aplenty, are likely to experience more than just a few things sizzling hot. Service included. The steamed dim sum platter including scallop shumai, jade seafood dumpling, har gau and Chinese mushroom dumpling is a solid option to start as is the yellowfin tuna served with kohlrabi, sweet wasabi, soy and ginger dressing. Both standouts on Mr. Wong's large Cantonese repertoire, the dishes reflect the intricate technical skill required by the maestros behind it. Tail this with a half serve (8 pancakes) of the peking duck pancakes and the braised asparagus, broccoli and sugar snap peas with garlic and rice wine and you'll quite openly celebrate the fact that you've over eaten. It was for a good, and indulgently flavoursome cause. For dessert try Mr. Wong's deep fried ice cream served with butterscotch sauce, vanilla or chocolate or the green apple ice, osmanthus jelly, water chestnuts and coconut sorbet Expect an entertaining contrast in textures from the former and a refined delicacy from the latter. And with an accomplished wine list by Merivale's Group Master Sommelier, Franck Moreau, Mr. Wong ticks the tipple box, too. As a serious addition to hospitality tycoon Justin Hemmes' dining empire, Mr. Wong will stride forward with might. Whether you're there for the dim sum or a more involved eating experience, this place guarantees one thing: satisfaction.
Gone are the days when a lobby was just a lobby. Now, you'll find all sorts of great cafes, wine bars and coffee nooks jazzing up the bottom of office buildings and residential complexes all over Australia. And for Sydney, one of these is cafe Lobby Boy, which has made its home in Northpoint Tower, right in the middle of the action of the North Sydney CBD. Spurred by the success of the original Lobby Boy over in Commonwealth Bank's Eveleigh site, this northern counterpart is once again the work of Ramzey Choker — the mind behind hits like The Grounds of Alexandria and The Grounds of the City. The result of another collaboration with design studio Acme and the Cromwell Property Group, Lobby Boy North Sydney is decked out with rustic timber flooring, soft lighting and splashes of musk pink and deep green. It's a warm and relaxed space, designed to act as a chilled out meeting place for the buzzing Miller Street office block above. From the kitchen comes a contemporary daytime offering, flecked with international influences. You'll spy the likes of a brioche brekky jaffle stuffed with maple-glazed bacon, roast tomato, egg and smoked barbecue mayo, and a brown rice chirashi salad starring tuna tartare, edamame, charred avocado and salted kombu. A ploughman's-style sandwich is loaded with leg ham, cheese, pickles, heirloom tomato and relish, and a lineup of small plates features the likes of Asian-style South Australian mussels, fried school prawns and an heirloom carrot and buffalo mozzarella tart. Of course, coffees are pumping all day. To match, there's a range of shakes and smoothies, and a line of house-made sodas in flavours like Berry Minty and Pine Passion Fizz. Choker and his team also have plenty more big things in the works, including a huge new dining precinct, espresso bar and coffee research lab opening in South Eveleigh next year. So stay tuned for that one.
From casual after-work meetups to private events surrounded by fairy lights and garden scenery, the Shelbourne is one of the CBD's favourite spots for unwinding with good company. With different settings to explore — like a garden bar with forest-like foliage — and an interesting fusion menu, the Shelbourne is a great place to add some flair to your weekdays and enter the weekend on a high. It even has a rooftop bar with stunning views over Darling Harbour. When it comes to eating, you can be adventurous with a peking duck pizza ($19) or stick with the classics, like fish and chips ($20) or chicken schnittys ($19.50). Wine offerings include a plethora of regional options with fresh flavours to treat your taste buds. During the week, you can expect specials like $10 espresso martinis, yes, please. On the weekend, join in the dance parties hosted by Sydney's finest DJs.
Deus Bar & Kitchen is the only show in town for the Camperdown dinner crowd – and they're getting a lot of love for it. The once Deus Cafe has been completely reimagined by Andy Ruwald (founder of The Bucket List) and James Prier, who were brought on board by Deus Ex Machina founder Dare Jennings to relaunch the dining space. While the cafe is still open for breakfast and lunch, the dinner service is a new niche for Deus — and the locals couldn't be happier about. The new digs embrace their corner location on Parramatta Road while also (somehow) blocking out the highway hustle and bustle. The leafy shrubs placed at each window — along with the warmly-lit, moody interior — help give the space a relaxed and welcoming nighttime atmosphere. But the biggest change at Deus is the dinner and drinks service. The concrete bar and open kitchen both have seating for casual patrons, and the custom-made, comfy bar stools are designed to withstand long conversations over more than a few drinks and bar snacks. The cocktail menu focusses on tweaking the classics, and is well-executed. While their version of a bloody Mary ($18) could (and did) convert a BM nonbeliever, the Scorpio VI ($18) is our personal favourite. A jalapeño margarita is given a cold weather spin with the addition of a house-made 'winter syrup', made with spiced rhubarb stalks from the kitchen. But it's the dinner menu that really lets Deus flex its newfound culinary muscles, with Head Chef Tom Walton (ex-Bistro Moncur) running the kitchen. The dishes stem from Walton's experience and upbringing; Middle Eastern flavours run throughout the menu, while his French training shines in dishes like the superb beef tartare ($17). A super delicate dish, it has a complex flavour and texture combination of harissa, almond and pickled onion. If you're lucky enough to have the option of the mussels special, don't skip it. Served in a broth of Young Henrys cider and with a side of shoestring fries perfect for dipping, it's a truly a knockout dish. Chef Walton is as creative as he is skilled, and this is evident in his chicken crackling ($14), which is inventively served as a cracker-like vessel for spoonfuls of fresh kingfish and smoky eggplant. The hummus is not exactly what you'd expect either — it comes gorgeously plated and topped with pomegranate seeds, almonds, feta, crispy chickpeas and mint ($16). If you're really going for a winter warmer, their roast Bannockburn chook is just that ($20 half, $39 whole) and a signature dish for the restaurant. The whole, slow-roasted quince dessert ($12) is another must-try winter menu item; tart and savoury, the dish is balanced by the silky sweetness of the crème fraîche. In this way, the food matches Deus' whole atmosphere: warming, welcoming, and simply well done.
Australia's hospitality industry has been quietly cracking. A record 11.2 percent of business failures over the past year have been in hospo, according to CreditorWatch data reported by the AFR, and venues that have stayed open have been getting creative — Melbourne operators including the Elpiet Group have been running "fuel on us" deals to coax customers back out of the suburbs. Last night's federal budget responded with something close to a multi-part lifeline. The headline change is the return of "loss carry-back" — a Covid-era mechanism that lets businesses claim back tax they paid in past profitable years against current losses, generating cash refunds from the ATO. In his 2026–27 budget speech, Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed a permanent two-year loss carry-back for all companies up to $1 billion in turnover — meaning eligible businesses can apply current losses against tax paid in the prior two years. Chalmers said the change would "bolster resilience and risk taking." When the same mechanism ran during the pandemic, refunds were estimated at up to $5 billion nationwide, according to The Australian. https://youtu.be/_mbnxt05SeA?si=eHsm51RUWG_XSPDD That sits alongside three more measures targeted at the cost pressures hospo has been complaining about for years. The instant asset write-off for small businesses is being made permanent (useful for fitouts, equipment and kitchen upgrades), the fuel excise has been more than halved, and the heavy vehicle road user charge has been cut to zero — the latter two designed to ease the freight costs that have been pushing up the price of everything from beer kegs to fresh produce. Chalmers also put petrol companies "on notice" by doubling the consumer watchdog's maximum penalties and ramping up enforcement. Why it matters: as the AFR reported, hospo has been bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis — and a recent string of high-profile shutdowns across Victoria, the Sydney Morning Herald reported, includes restaurants that had been running for decades. The industry has been asking for direct intervention for two years. In CreditorWatch's April Business Risk Index, the firm's CEO Patrick Coghlan said "small businesses are facing a much tougher operating environment than they were a year ago, and the pressure is showing in cash flow, payment defaults and tax arrears. Rising costs and higher interest rates mean even small shifts in business conditions can have outsized effects." The new tax measures don't undo the past two years, but they meaningfully tilt the playing field for venues currently still standing. Read the 2026 federal budget in full. Lead image: Jack Carlin Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground Newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
For half a century, no trip to the Sunshine Coast has been complete without visiting a 16-metre-high pineapple. In 1983, even Princess Diana and the then-Prince Charles went there, as throngs of tourists have before and since. Stop by now and you'll still see a giant piece of tropical fruit, but one that's had a revamp, with the Queensland big thing officially reopening after undergoing renovations. Plenty of changes have been floated for The Big Pineapple and its 165-hectare site over the years, with a craft brewery, water park, and places to stay via an RV park, an eco resort and a hotel all among the ideas under the attraction's master plan. For now, however, owner Peter Kendall and his company CMC Property have focused on repairing and restoring the main highlight itself, as well giving the location's train the same treatment. The Big Pineapple has also scored a new cafe, new viewing platform and new children's playground. If the towering sight looks extra shiny — and ready to gleam in the obligatory snaps that everyone takes while they're in its presence — that's thanks to sandblasting, repairs and marine paint by the hundreds of litres. To get a good glimpse, that's where the new viewing platform comes in. Dating back to the 50s, the train now has a similar sheen after a restoration process, including to its carriages and track. "We are awaiting some final certification for the train and hope to start public train rides soon, providing rides across the property including access to Wildlife HQ," said Kendall, also mentioning the zoo with 200-plus species of animals that's been onsite since 2014. Stopping by The Big Pineapple hasn't just been about its fibreglass namesake for some time, given that TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast and its high-ropes courses and ziplines also calls it home. So does coconut foods producer COYO, as well as Sunshine & Sons distillery. Come October, The Big Pineapple Festival — the locale's music festival — will return for the first time since 2021. The fest started in 2013, then ran annually surrounded by pineapple fields until its present three-year break. Getting a ticket isn't just about seeing live tunes in the location's natural amphitheatres in such close proximity to The Big Pineapple, but also pitching a tent at event's 4000-person campground. [caption id="attachment_944026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Pineapple, Alpha via Flickr[/caption] "The Big Pineapple is undoubtedly the most-recognisable tourism icon of the Sunshine Coast and so I am very proud of the team's work to restore the pineapple to its original glory," said Kendall. "This is just the first stage of the regeneration project. Our number-one priority was to reopen the main pineapple structure and cafe, and to get the train running again." "Our next priority is to complete the renovations to the inside of the pineapple structure itself and we hope to reopen it for tours later on." [caption id="attachment_698027" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anne and David via Flickr[/caption] Find The Big Pineapple at 76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye, Queensland — open 8.30am–4pm daily. For more information, visit the attraction's website.
If you haven't already, now is about the time to lock down your Italian summer plans. While exploring heaving cities like Rome, Florence and Milan should be high on your agenda, there's another way to experience the country. Founded in 2018, Tiny Away invites globetrotters to slow down their travels, focusing on eco-friendly tiny homes situated in stunning regional locations. Rather than spending more than a few nights in a cramped hostel, your Euro adventure could be a lot more restful tucked into one of these stays. Now offering five new tiny homes across Italy, these small yet smartly designed spaces offer a nature-led alternative to an everyday trip, providing a chance for travellers to trade the city for a picturesque regional stay. So, what's now available? Set in the charming commune of Mompeo, Olivo Nomade sees guests stay amid an organic farm dotted with over 400 olive trees. Located high on a hillside overlooking the surrounding valley and the distant peak of Mount Terminillo, it's only about 80 kilometres to Rome, meaning you can relish the outdoors and still hit up the city's storied streets. To the south, an hour from Naples and easily within reach of the Amalfi, Monteleone is another peaceful farm stay, featuring sweeping views towards Capri and the chance to soak up rural life without sacrificing creature comforts. Even further south, Casa della Montagna places guests on Lake Arvo's doorstep, alongside historic castles and forested hiking trails. Tucked into the heel of Italy, Il Nostro Sogno Madonna is ready to provide you with a peaceful base for experiencing traditional Italian life. Flanked by wild prickly pear trees and an ancient olive grove, this tiny home is also close to the Adriatic's idyllic beaches at 15 kilometres from the whitewashed town of Ostuni. Plus, you have access to the host's pool when you don't feel like moving more than a couple of metres. Rounding out this collection of new tiny houses is Dolce Casa — a serene stay perched on the outskirts of Arezzo in Tuscany. Think rolling hills, lush vineyards and access to storied villages like Rigutino. Equipped with everything you need for a picture-perfect stay, you'll be sipping local wines in total serenity as the sun sets on one of Italy's most beautiful regions. For more information, head to the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
Gaming and esports are coming to Harbour City in a big way. From Saturday, April 8, Chippendale's Central Park Mall will welcome Fortress Sydney, a multi-level centre devoted to computer, video, console and tabletop gaming. When it launches, it'll become a bigger sibling venue to Fortress Melbourne — which opened in 2020 to become the largest site of its type not only in the country, but in the southern hemisphere. Fortress' second Aussie outpost, this 1000-person venue will be a seven-days-a-week haven for Sydneysiders eager to mash buttons with their mates somewhere other than their lounge room — or beyond your respective homes while connected online. Head to this sprawling spot for gaming PCs, suites dedicated to consoles, an arcade and a fantasy-themed tavern. And, for feeling like you've walked into gaming heaven, clearly. If you take your favourite pastime a bit more seriously, you'll definitely be in the right place. The esports arena turns playing into a competitive spectacle, and there's also broadcast and production facilities. Unsurprisingly, Fortress Sydney will host events year-round, such as live tournaments and international playoffs. Elsewhere, function rooms with their own computer setups will be available to hire for private events and parties — and there'll be a merchandise store onsite as well. When it comes to kicking back after a few games, that's where that tavern comes in, serving both drinks and food. Monday nights on-site will be all about trivia over beverages, while Wednesdays will focus on board games, letting patrons work their way through the venue's hefty board game library. On Fridays and Saturdays, there'll be late-night gaming sessions. And Sundays will host Dungeons and Flagons, self-contained D&D sessions guided by an expert Dungeon Master — and with a drink, stationery and character sheet all included, and all experience levels welcome. Whether you're a Super Smash Bros lover or a Counter Strike fiend — or maybe you just love Uno, the card game of champions — Fortress Sydney aims to appeal to everyone, catering for casual fans, competitive gamers and esports diehards, as well as families and after-work crowds. It arrives at a stellar time for gaming culture — The Last of Us is one of 2023's best new TV shows; Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, The Super Mario Bros Movie and Tetris are heading to screens big and small; and there's always obviously something new to play. Fortress Sydney will open at Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale on Saturday, April 8 — head to the venue's website for bookings and further details.
Since 2011, DJ Tom Loud's travelling dance party Hot Dub Time Machine has ripped up stages the world over, offering a rolling crossfade of the last six decades of pop-music. But seeing as you can't go out and party at a club or even a vineyard at the moment due to the Government's ban on mass gatherings, Hot Dub is bringing the good times to your living room instead. Expect everything from 50s rock 'n' roll tunes to disco hits like ABBA's 'Gimme Gimme Gimme' and Donna Summer's sultry 'I Feel Love'; ballads and some glam rock from the 80s; Alex Dyson cutting aerobics-style moves to 90s hit 'Steal My Sunshine'; Darude's epic 'Sandstorm'; and Britney's 'Toxic' — you get the idea. Sure enough, this online dance party will have you pushing your furniture aside and heating up a makeshift at-home dance floor in no time. To add to the vibe, there'll be disco lights and a live chat going so you can socialise with other partygoers, plus Loud's family dancing in the background, keeping things wholesome. Hot Dub at Home occurs every second Saturday, kicking off a 6pm, and can be viewed on Twitch. Hot Dub has also launched podcast Decades by Hot Dub Time Machine which will keep you grooving till the next online boogie fest rolls around. Top image: Pat Stevenson
If life's chaos has made your world feel a little small of late, what better antidote than to head outdoors and catch a few of the world's biggest creatures frolicking majestically in the sprawling blue ocean? Watching whales swim around, complete with tail-slapping acrobatics and clouds of water sprayed from blowholes, is sure to instil a sense of wonder and release. When it comes to whale watching, us Aussies have it made. Not only are we surrounded entirely by water, but our east coast is a route favoured by many whales on their annual migration to and from Antarctica. And that means ample opportunity to spy these gentle giants in action — either from atop dry land, or right out there beside them on the water. From the scenic lookouts of Eden to a boat cruise around Wilsons Prom, we've rounded up nine of Australia's best spots for whale watching. Grab your binoculars and venture coastward for a whale spectacular. Recommended reads: The Best Whale Watching Spots Along the NSW Coast The Best Beaches in Australia Eight Epic Holidays for Animal Lovers You Can Book Now [caption id="attachment_772713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Melbourne[/caption] Bass Coast, Victoria From May to October, the waters of Gippsland's Bass Coast come alive with migrating marine mammals — mostly humpback and southern right whales, but also the odd orca flashing its distinctive black and white markings. And you'll find plenty of opportunities to catch them all in action by embarking on a jaunt along the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail. Running the perimeter of Phillip Island and around to Inverloch, this coastal stretch is peppered with primo whale viewing points, most decked out with informative signage so you can dabble in some history and knowledge along the way. Some of the most popular pit stops include Cape Woolamai and the soaring cliffs of Pyramid Rock. [caption id="attachment_772704" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Warrnambool[/caption] Warrnambool, Victoria Located at the end of the Great Ocean Road, the coastal hub of Warrnambool is a renowned spot for scoping out these majestic creatures, as scores of female southern right whales descend on the waters of Logans Beach to calve between June and September. A dedicated platform located in the dunes often offers the best vantage point for views of this 'whale nursery', and you can call ahead to the Visitor Information Centre to check up on any recent activity before you visit. Got some time up your sleeve? Make a road trip of it by following the Whale Trail west through more viewing spots near Port Fairy and Portland. [caption id="attachment_772711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildlife Coast Cruises[/caption] Wilsons Promontory, Victoria The secluded beaches and rugged wilderness of Wilsons Promontory have made it a favourite destination for hiking and camping, but the waters surrounding its scenic coastline also happen to pull their fair share of humpback whale visitors, stopping by on their southerly migration between late August and October each year. For a shot at seeing a few of these majestic travellers up close, opt for a day on the water with the Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise, helmed by the team at Wildlife Coast Cruises. Departing from Port Welshpool Jetty, this informative six-hour boat trip takes you past stunning coastal hotspots like Refuge Cove, promising a high chance of spying at least one or two new whale friends. [caption id="attachment_772705" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jervis Bay Wild[/caption] Jervis Bay, New South Wales Sitting halfway along the whales' annual 5000-kilometre migration route, Jervis Bay on the New South Wales South Coast is known to be a favourite pit stop for humpback and southern right whales. Between May and November, the region's calm, still waters are an aquatic playground of choice for many of these supersized creatures, as they take some time out from their lengthy journey to rest up and play with their babies. For some great whale spotting, with views across the Jervis Bay Marine Park, try the Cape St George Lighthouse or the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse — where a lookout towers 90 metres above sea level. Otherwise, you can opt for an on-water whale experience with a renowned operator like Jervis Bay Wild. [caption id="attachment_772830" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Park for Destination NSW[/caption] Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park, New South Wales Promising striking sandstone clifftops, sweeping ocean views and an excellent vantage point for the passing pods of humpback whales each June and July, Cape Solander makes for a worthy winter day-trip destination. Located in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, this scenic coastal spot has been known to notch up over 100 whale sightings in one day, with the gentle giants frolicking as close as 200 metres from the shore. A dedicated viewing platform features plenty of whale-related information, and there are usually a couple of knowledgeable volunteers there sharing facts and tallying up the day's sighting count. Southern right whales also make an appearance here, along with the odd orca and minke whale. [caption id="attachment_772710" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Eden[/caption] Eden, New South Wales The Sapphire Coast town of Eden is a whale-watcher's paradise. After all, the surrounding waters of Twofold Bay are known as the 'Humpback Highway' — so numbered are the humpback whales that swim through here en route home to Antarctica each year. You'll spy plenty of these mighty creatures between September and November, while pods of baleen and toothed whales make their own similar journeys in early spring. The town itself is chock-full of great vantage points for shore-based whale spotting, not least of which is the Rotary Park lookout, set right out on the point. And for those braving the water, there's no shortage of charter boats offering a variety of whale-watching tours. Also, head here in October and you can hit up the Eden Whale Festival, an annual event celebrating the whales' migration. [caption id="attachment_772707" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stradbroke Island[/caption] Minjerribah, Queensland For some breathtaking whale-watching action just a quick ferry trip from Brisbane's bayside, lock in a trip to Minjerribah, aka North Stradbroke Island. Between late May and early November, the region welcomes scores of its most majestic annual visitors, with up to 200 humpback whales passing through each day on their journey between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Perched at around 35 metres above sea level, the headland at Point Lookout offers a top-notch view of these creatures breaching and tail-slapping in the balmy waters. Hervey Bay, Queensland Located across from K'gari, the protected waters of Queensland's Hervey Bay entice thousands of humpback whales each year, so your chances of scoring a sighting are solid. It is the world's first Whale Heritage Site, after all. The ocean giants are usually spotted here between mid-July and November, frolicking and launching themselves spectacularly into the air as they teach their young the tricks of the trade. For the ultimate close-up, your best bet is to head out on the water yourself, joining one of the many local whale-watching tours. If you're feeling brave, the crew at Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters even offers the chance to jump in and swim right alongside these mega-sized mammals. Bruny Island, Tasmania While our whale populations drift close to the cliffs up and down the mainland, they also give locals a chance to catch a glimpse as they scoot past Tasmania. Down here, humpbacks usually make the trip between May and July, and September and November, while Southern right whales arrive about a month later. Though the Tasman Peninsula and D'Entrecasteaux Channel are also stellar spots for whale watching, heading to Bruny Island might be even better. Bruny Island Cruises serves up a whale-watching experience, with smallish boats for about 40 passengers departing from Adventure Bay and offering an up-close encounter. Top image: Whales at Hervey Bay by Visit Fraser Coast. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Along the 1200 kilometres of coastal glory that stretches between Perth and Exmouth, you can dive with whale sharks, meet some of the friendliest dolphins you'll find anywhere, visit the oldest living fossils in the world, get to know sea lions, lose yourself snorkelling in beachside coral gardens and drink as many cocktails at sunset as you can handle. With all the spectacular views, but much less of the population of Australia's east coast, the Coral Coast provides one wild, beautiful road trip. Here's our guide to making the most of seven days behind the wheel. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are limitations on where you can go on a holiday. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_773124" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] DAY ONE: PERTH TO GERALDTON, 420KM From Perth, follow Indian Ocean Drive north. Two hours brings you to the white-sanded fishing village of Cervantes. From here, you can stroll among meadows crowded with wildflowers, nip out to local islands to laze about with sea lions and marvel at The Pinnacles — 30,000-year-old limestone formations within the desertscapes of the Nambung National Park. For the next 200 kilometres, the road hugs the coast, slipping through a collective of laidback beachside towns. Once you hit Geraldton, you'll be ready for a windsurfing lesson among ideal conditions and an over-water sunset, accompanied by a good dose of western rock lobster. It's arguably the freshest, tastiest seafood in Australia. [caption id="attachment_773133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australia's Coral Coast[/caption] DAY TWO: GERALDTON TO CARNARVON, 480KM By the time you reach your next destination, Carnarvon, you're in tropical WA. On the fertile plains of the Gascoyne River, more than 170 plantations produce over 4000 tonnes of bananas and 1300 tonnes of mangos annually, plus tomatoes, grapes, capsicum and more. That's why Carnarvon is known locally as the 'salad bowl of Western Australia'. Wander through lush farms before heading to a local restaurant to indulge in the seafood of your choice: prawns, scallops, crabs and fish are delivered to your plate direct from the sea. Your evening should also include a sunset stroll along the fascine. If you're there on a Saturday morning between May and October, visit the Growers Market, where farmers and producers pour in from all over the region to peddle their wares. [caption id="attachment_773142" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY THREE: CARNARVON TO EXMOUTH, 370KM Make your first stop the Quobba Blowholes, just 75 kilometres north. Slamming against the coast with a mighty force, the swell is pushed through narrow rock openings and sea caves, creating spectacular water jets that spout as high as 20 metres. To decompress afterwards, pop just one kilometre south, where you'll discover a calm coral lagoon, known as The Aquarium, for swimming. Once you reach Exmouth, you're on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef. Kick back on idyllic beaches, jump aboard a glass bottom boat tour, join a snorkelling expedition or, if you're there between March and July, go diving with whale sharks. This would be a good point to treat yourself to a night of comfort at the Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort or go all out with a night at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Safari Camp. [caption id="attachment_773135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY FOUR: EXMOUTH TO CORAL BAY, 150KM Your return journey south starts with a short day on the road. There's so much to do along this section, it's best to keep driving time to a minimum. What makes the tiny town of Coral Bay so special is that an extraordinarily beautiful section of the Ningaloo Reef is accessible just a few metres offshore. Make tracks to Five Fingers Reef, then simply pop on your snorkelling gear and dive in. To step the action up a notch, take a 20-minute walk from Main Beach to the shallow waters of the local reef shark nursery, where hundreds of sharks gather between October and March. [caption id="attachment_773146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY FIVE: CORAL BAY TO SHARK BAY, 580KM Follow the Northwest Coastal Highway as far as the turn-off to the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive. Your first adventure along here — the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool — transports you 3.5 billion years back in time. You're looking at the oldest type of living fossils to be found anywhere on the planet. Also definitely worth a stop are the 70-kilometre-long Shell Beach and the dazzling views from Eagle Bluff. Come evening, Monkey Mia has a friendly school of bottlenose dolphins waiting to make your acquaintance, and there are ample opportunities for waterfront cocktails. [caption id="attachment_773139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nature's Window, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY SIX: SHARK BAY TO KALBARRI, 390KM At Kalbarri, the Murchison River runs into the Indian Ocean. Hop aboard a river cruise and go kayaking or canyoning among the steep gorges of the National Park. Hikers will enjoy the eight-kilometre Loop Track, which begins and ends at Nature's Window. Short on time? Visit the two new skywalks, which project 17 metres and 25 metres over the rim and 100 metres above the gorge. Alternatively, stay coastal with your own beach house at Kalbarri Seafront Villas and enjoy stunning walking trails, the legendary Jacques Point surf break and, between June and November, humpback whale spotting. Finish up your day at an outdoor cinema and start the next one with pelican feeding. [caption id="attachment_773950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oakabella Homestead, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY SEVEN: KALBARRI TO PERTH, 570KM Your seventh and final day brings you an inland experience in the form of the National Trust town of Northampton. Reach it via the coast, taking in the magnificent ocean views south of Kalbarri, or cut straight east through the Kalbarri National Park, keeping a lookout for thorny devils as you go. At Northampton, you can check out a bunch of renowned Western Australian attractions, including the state's oldest public railway and Oakabella Homestead and Tea Rooms. Afterwards, return to the coast and take your pick of sleepy villages for exploration, including the twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison, and the tranquil harbour of Jurien Bay. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Tourism Western Australia.
Surry Hills trattoria Mille Vini (which means a thousand wines in Italian) emerged from Sydney's lockdown with an updated menu and a knockout refurb that should put it back on your radar when Italian food and wine and a vibe is calling. The restaurant-bar has achieved borderline institution status as a stalwart of refined casual dining along Crown Street and, in its new iteration, will bring back the principles of Italian hospitality and food (genuine, simple and beautiful) with a noticeable facelift. The design overhaul has swapped out the rows of empty wine bottles that once lined the walls (presumably now recycled) for swanky boudoir-meets-Belle Epoque vibes where brass and draped velvet details live comfortably alongside the building's 1840s sandstone walls. But, to the food! With a refreshed menu, Mille Vini Head Chef, Francesco Di Gioia, (Fred's, Charlie Parker's) has maintained the venue's classic Italian roots, emphasising recipes from all Italian regions and the requisite servings of freshly handmade pastas, alongside signature dishes like poached octopus salad, battered zucchini flower, truffle pecorino with blossom honey and a selection of freshly made crostini stracciatella. The wine list is a generous selection of Italian wines and local producers, plus an adventurous offering on the cocktail list. And if you need help getting through the menu, on the mezzanine level, the private dining room can comfortably accommodate eight guests. All images: Kitti Gould
There are only a handful of soundtracks that can make millennials' hair stand on end — one of which is Harry Potter™. If you've ever wanted to hear John Williams' instantly recognisable Oscar-nominated score live, you're in luck as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone™ In Concert is about to cast a spell over Sydney. To celebrate 25 years of witchcraft and wizardry on screen, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is performing the entire film soundtrack live. Running across five performances from Wednesday, December 2 to Saturday, December 5, the film that began the series will be screened in high definition, while the orchestra brings John Williams' epic score to life. See the first Hogwarts letter being delivered, the beginnings of Harry, Ron and Hermione's friendship, a troll running amok, and the story that inspired a generation, all backed by an expert live orchestra. Whether you're a Potterhead yourself or are introducing the magic of the film to someone for the first time, you can expect to experience a whole new level of enchantment at the Sydney Opera House this December. Book your tickets now. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone™ In Concert is rated PG. Please note: children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times when attending concerts at the venue. All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
Think of Brisbane coffee, and you may envision iced latte walks by the river or packed sidewalk cafes serving flat whites in trendy Tenerrife. But, in an industrial suburb in Brisbane's north sits Fox Coffee: a coffee roastery and family business that has evolved into one of the city's largest operators, using around 130 kilos of beans every week. Fox Coffee was born in 2016, after coffee roaster James May returned to Brisbane from Melbourne, where he had worked for Campos Coffee. After learning about the industry (in the peak of the specialty coffee boom), James asked his parents, Peter and Susan, to go into business together and do Brisbane coffee their way. The plan began modestly. The family decided to build a "small" roastery with an espresso bar attached to see if they could gain traction in the wholesale market. They initially looked across Brisbane's inner suburbs before landing on an out-of-the-box contender. A rough-around-the-edges warehouse in Geebung. "Geebung at the time was not a particularly popular suburb," Peter tells Concrete Playground. "But what we did realise is there were loads of people that lived in the area, and there wasn't much around." Located between Chermside's Westfield shopping centre and the major Sandgate Road, the May family opened the roastery Monday to Friday. That wouldn't last long. "Some of the customers that started coming in used to say, 'Gee, if only you were open at the weekend, we might come in'. The rest is history," says Peter. Fox Coffee began opening its doors on Saturdays (followed quickly by Sundays) until the weekend became the small roastery's busiest period. Families, cyclists, dog-walkers and tradies all flocked to the warehouse in Geebung to enjoy the specialty coffee that's usually reserved for the inner city. Brisbane-Style Coffee After experiencing Melbourne's fanatical coffee industry first-hand, James knew the Brisbane market deserved something different. Something uniquely Brisbane. Unpretentious, uncomplicated, and flavour that focuses on chocolate over exotic fruits and batch brews. "It wasn't that people didn't like coffee up here. It's just they didn't care what people were doing in Melbourne," says James. "When I was leaving Melbourne in 2015, I was tired of drinking milky sour water because it was all light roasted, funky, and that's just not what we want up here. The clientele was different." Fox Coffee were happy to fill the gap in the Brisbane market, and their wholesale blended beans now fly off the shelves. Crafted is their best-seller. It's a smooth, easy-drinking coffee with sweet notes of milk chocolate, toffee and hazelnut. Dusk is slightly heavier and bolder, and as James describes it, "big on the mud cakey kind of flavours". Finally, Hunter has a slight fruit edge, with milk chocolate and marmalade notes. Fox Coffee's wholesale beans are a staple of the family-run business, and after ten years of growth, with thousands of kilos of beans and shots served at its espresso bar, the team decided it was time for a renovation. Fox's New Era With the growth of Fox's reputation and the Geebung area itself, the warehouse couldn't keep up with demand. The May family wanted to improve the space without stripping away the industrial character that made it what it is. The result is a smarter, more functional layout: clearer ordering points, better flow, more room to wait, and faster service, all while keeping that raw, roastery feel intact. "When you're doing that sort of volume of coffee, then you need to get the flow going better," says Peter. The brand-new espresso bar has been designed by local interior designer Collectivus and features new espresso equipment, including two La Marzocco machines, six Markibar grinders, and two Übermilk frothers. The upgrade also includes upgraded retail shelving and an on-site kitchen that will serve Fox Coffee's existing menu of snacks, including focaccia toasties, brioche Vegemite scrolls, muffins, quiches and more. Remaining Local While Fox Coffee has grown exponentially from its humble Geebung warehouse beginnings, the team insists they're not chasing rapid expansion. "We don't want to be bigger just for the sake of being big," says Peter. "I don't see it going from 150 kilos to 250 kilos. That's not the sort of business we want to be." In a way, Fox Coffee tells the story of the Australian Dream. A family-run business that's seen local community success. It doesn't aim to be flashy or a leader in the hyper-competitive coffee industry. Instead, they want to continue focusing on their roastery and the local customers who've supported them from the start. The ones who helped turn a humble Geebung roastery into a community hub and cafe. "We're serious about the business, but we're not too serious about ourselves. We want to have a good business that makes customers happy." In a landscape that often leans toward the overly curated or overly complicated, that balance might just be Fox Coffee's biggest strength. Visit Fox Coffee at 3 Ellison Rd, Geebung, QLD 4034.
Cabramatta Moon Festival is back and celebrating its 25th anniversary this September. On Sunday, September 28, to help celebrate the mid-autumn festival, Cabramatta's Town Centre will transform into a cultural hub with mouth-watering food, local market stalls, rides, free kids activities and live entertainment. On the activities front, there'll be the favourite children's chopstick challenge, pho and mooncake eating competitions, as well as an awe-inspiring lantern parade. This year, there'll also be an Australian-first with the National Lion Dance Competition taking place across the weekend. Cabramatta is bringing together the country's top teams for a fierce and colourful showdown that helps to celebrate southeast Asian culture. You can get a first-hand glimpse at the competitors during their team greet on Friday, September 26, from 4pm–6pm at Pai Lau Gate/ Freedom Plaza. The competition will take place over both days of the weekend at Hughes Street Car Park, Cabramatta. Other events and performances include a performance by the Cambodian Living Arts & Culture, live music from Alicia Varas, Jason Tran and Michelle Sutton, as well as free face painting and balloon animals with Kozi &Pinky, so the kids in your life can make some wholesome memories. The Cabramatta Moon Festival is all about celebrating the community that's made it shine for a quarter of a century. The Cabramatta Moon Festival is family-friendly and free to enter. Festivities begin at 11am. For more information, visit the website.
Australians can now send emoji-filled text and online messages featuring illustrated boomerangs, the Aboriginal flag and other visual representations of the country's Indigenous culture. As first announced earlier this year, Ingenous Studios has created a set of Indigenous images that are now available to download on both Android and iOS platforms — marking the first such collection of emoji-like symbols that celebrate the nation's first peoples. Called Indigemoji, and originally slated to feature 19 pictures but now spanning a whopping 90, the set was developed on Arrernte land in Mparntwe, aka Alice Springs, by Central Australia's young Aboriginal people. The Northern Territory residents were asked to design new emojis that were relevant to their culture and lives, with symbols that feature the Aboriginal flag on crowns, hands and hearts among them. Other images include animals, plants, landscape, vehicles, faces, gestures and symbols. Each of Indigemoji's images also feature their name the Eastern and Central Arrernte language, which is spoken around Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Amoonguna, Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa and Titjikala. And while the set of symbols features the term 'emoji' in its name, they function as stickers — because getting any new emoji approved by overseeing body Unicode, let alone a set of 90, is an extensive and difficult process. If you're keen to start adding them to your messages, that means that they don't officially feature in your phone's inbuilt emoji keyboard. But, once you download the Indigemoji app from the App Store or Google Play, you can share them to text messages, WhatsApp, Messenger and social media platforms. The Indigemoji app is now available to download from the App Store and Google Play. For further details, visit the Indigemoji website or Facebook page. Image: Ingeous Studios.
After plenty of patience waiting for the doors to open, Grappa has just opened at 107-109 George Street in The Rocks. The beloved Leichhardt institution, which has operated since 1999, has opened its second outpost at the former Rockpool site, which has been vacant since 2022. Since Charlie Colosi and his father, Antonio, opened Grappa many decades ago, it has served classic Italian cuisine, a healthy selection of wines, and a cellar boasting over 300 bottles. No surprise, given its moniker, it has maintained a specialised focus on grappa, with over 100 varietals to sample. At its core has always been a strong emphasis on warm, welcoming and genuine hospitality. "We're all about old-school hospitality: making guests feel at home the second they walk in. In a way, hospitality is like inviting people into your own home, so that's how we want the guest experience to feel," says Charlie Colosi. They say if it ain't broke, don't fix it, so the menu at the new spot will stay true to the Leichhardt offering — classic Italian dishes of pastas, breads, pizza and dessert, all made in-house, showcasing premium Australian produce. Head Chef Adam Nicholls, who has worked with Colosi since 2001, will be joined by Pasta Chef Antonio Ruocco, hailing from just north of Naples, Pizza Chef Alessandro Penna, who brings an authentic Roman touch, and Pastry Chef Bonnie Hong. Expect signature Leichhardt classics such as the tuna carpaccio and the rock-salt-crusted snapper, alongside new additions such as White Rocks Veal and a creamy fior di latte soft serve with olive oil and salt. "I've always wanted a restaurant in the city, but it had to feel right. When we walked into this building, we felt it straight away — the bones, the history, the energy. It's an iconic space," says Colosi. Spanning 300 seats across the dining room, upper-level bar, private event spaces, and an outdoor terrace opening later this year, Grappa at The Rocks is set to be a bustling addition to the Sydney dining scene. Images: Steven Woodburn. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
The Love Tilly Group has been championing small bars for years now via the tiny Love, Tilly Devine, which is hidden in a Darlinghurst back street; the CBD's Ragazzi, a haven for pasta and wine; and Redfern's Spanish vermouth and snack bar La Salut. The accomplished hospitality crew has won over Harbour City hearts with its intimate and singular venues— including several spots on our lists of Sydney's best bars and restaurants. But, the group has outgrown the cosy settings of its previous ventures with its most ambitious space yet: the 120-seat Palazzo Salato on Clarence Street. This inner-city spot for all things pasta and wine is located in the heritage-listed former Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe building and pulls inspiration from New York's Gramercy Tavern and the trattorias of Rome. Food-wise, handmade pasta is at the core of the menu, as also proved the case with previous Love Tilly openings like Ragazzi and Fabbrica. Potato-stuffed scarpinocc, spanner crab mafaldine, and bottarga and egg yolk spaghetti alla chitarra each grace the menu alongside other less carb-focused highlights like blue-eye trevalla with pipis, flat-iron steak topped with salato butter, and raw black and white garlic tri-tip. An impressive 600-bottle wine list has been curated to complement the classic Ragazzi-style pasta menu, pulling together drops from across the world. Expect a wide span of varieties and blends, ranging from the expected through to vintage 60s and 70s amari, plus rare Italian wines, with 30-plus drops available by the glass at any one time. Inside, the heritage-listed space has been transformed with brass pendants, leather banquettes and luxe velvet backrests. Framed artwork and silk prints add a burst of colour, while the branding featuring otherworldly characters injects a playful touch to the restaurant. The team has worked with an all-star team of designers and tastemakers to bring Palazzo Salato's lavish interior to life with illuminated signs, ceramic tiles, wine maps guiding you through what you're drinking and a Louis Wayling mural at the bar. All of this combines into the logical next step for the award-winning venue group as it continues to expand without losing its charm. Images: Nikki To. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? If 50 of the world's most renowned street artists transform a derelict, glamorous 19th-century bathhouse-turned-nightclub into a temporary gallery space but no-one sees it, does it even exist? Paris's historic Les Bains-Douches building is steeped in history — built in 1885 as a civic bathhouse where Marcel Proust reportedly enjoyed a morning dip, the grandiose space became a pumping discotheque in the late '70s, until some overzealous renovation attempts led to the iconic club's closure in 2010. It's set to reopen as a mystery venue in 2014, but for now owner Jean Pierre-Marois has invited a stable of prominent urban artists, commissioned by the Magda Danysz Gallery, to reimagine the soon-to-be demolished space. Les Bain's fleeting metamorphosis as a gallery space will never open to the public; instead it's memorialised exclusively in the online exhibition platform Un Artiste Un Jour ('One day one artist), as captured by photographers Stephane Bisseuil and Jerome Coton. Perhaps a throwback to the pleasure-seeking days of disco when Les Bains was a playground for the debauchery of Andy Warhol, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Grace Jones, Kate Moss, Mick Jagger and Johnny Depp, the beautifully decaying artwork is here for a good time, not a long time. Hedonistic? Perhaps, but what is art if not beauty for beauty's sake alone. Take a sneak peek below, no fake ID necessary. Lek and Sowat Thomas Canto Jeanne Susplugas Joachim Sauter Sten Lex Zeer Image credits: Sambre, Lek and Sowat, Thomas Canto, Jeanne Susplugas, Joachim Sauter, Sten Lex, Zeer by Jerome Coton and Stephane Bisseuil. See more images here.
