If you're unable to resist the charms of Lightning Ridge and need to take a piece home with you, head to the more traditional — but no less colourful — John Murray Art Gallery. Here you'll find the exclusive home for works by the celebrated eponymous artist. Murray's works showcase the beauty and the character of the Australian outback with wit and whimsy. Stop into the gallery to see Murray's photorealistic works up close, and exit via the gift shop where you can pick up original paintings, prints, cards and souvenirs. Murray is also the creative mind behind Lightning Ridge's newest mascot, Stanley the Emu. Unveiled in 2013, Stanley is an 18-metre-tall steel emu made primarily from VW Beetle bonnets and doors, and is an unmissable sight that greets visitors just 10 kilometres out of town. [caption id="attachment_843122" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vance Bagwell (Flickr)[/caption] Top image: John, Flickr
Sydney's dining scene is set to score a glamorous new addition this spring, as Chris Lucas, the celebrated Melbourne restaurateur behind zeitgeist-defining venues such as Chin Chin, Yakimono and Maison Bâtard, brings his Venetian-inspired brasserie Grill Americano to the Harbour City. And while we announced the news when it broke in February, new details have now been revealed about the opening — including an official launch date. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 19, when Lucas' second Sydney restaurant opens at No. 1 Chifley Square, perhaps better known as the heritage-listed Qantas House building. Grill Americano Sydney will channel the same old-world Italian elegance and theatrical flair that's made the original one of Melbourne's hardest-to-book restaurants since it debuted on Flinders Lane in 2022. [caption id="attachment_1030742" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] But don't expect a carbon copy. Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini — whose resume includes stints at Michelin-starred kitchens Ristorante Reale, Le Calandre and Mugaritz, and who's helmed Grill Americano Melbourne since 2024 — has worked closely with Lucas Restaurants Head of Culinary Damian Snell and Lucas himself to create a menu that pairs Grill Americano signatures with new dishes designed exclusively for Sydney. A clutch of the new additions lean into Sydney's love of fresh fruits of the sea. Among them: prawn panzerotto with Oscietra caviar, tuna 'nduja and anchovy crostini and a Sicilian-style seafood risotto laced with saffron and chilli. A dedicated raw seafood bar will spotlight oysters, crustacea and daily-changing crudo selections. [caption id="attachment_1030741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] Naturally, many of Grill Americano's Melbourne favourites will make the trip north, including the scampi alla veneziana on saffron pilaf and the show-stopping tiramisu, which is served tableside. The kitchen's famed bistecca offering, featuring 15 premium cuts and specialty beef dishes, will also demand attention, from the bistecca pepe e verde Angus Chateaubriand with cognac and green peppercorn to a 700-gram New York Cut Striploin of grappa-infused, dry-aged Chauvel beef. Chef Simone Giorgianni, who has led the restaurant's acclaimed pasta program since day one, will bring a lineup of daily handmade favourites to Sydney. Expect pillowy ravioli, silky pappardelle and a luxurious lobster tortellini finished with sauce américaine. To match, Master Sommelier Paolo Saccone has curated an extensive wine list — Melbourne's cellar houses over 2000 bottles — while the classic-leaning cocktail list includes a tribute to the bellini from Harry's Bar, Venice's legendary 1930s cocktail den. Designed by Chris and Sarah Lucas with longtime collaborator Samantha Eades, Grill Americano Sydney will feel familiar to fans of the Melbourne original thanks to its signature blue velvet banquettes, a 30-metre-long marble bar and an open kitchen anchored by a Josper grill and woodfired oven, all framed by the building's existing soaring ceilings and expansive heritage windows. Reservations open mid-October — and with buzz already building, this is shaping up as one of Sydney's biggest restaurant openings of 2025. [caption id="attachment_1030743" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Dillon[/caption] Grill Americano Sydney is set to open on Wednesday, November 19, at 1 Chifley Square, 68–96 Hunter Street, Sydney. Reservations, which open from mid-October, can be made on the Sydney reservations page. For more information about the restaurant, visit the Lucas Collective website.
It is hard to know what to expect from stores with acronym monikers. In the case of The DEA store, the title represents both a yardstick by which items are chosen for sale and what a customer should expect to find: products that will please the 'delicate eye area'. The store takes a minimalist approach — a wash of white, grey and timber — placing the focus on the pieces on display. The range features carefully curated homewares and jewellery from global and local artisans. There's favouritism towards Japanese designs in the ceramics, tableware and glassware. Local artists such as It's A Public Holiday and Sharon Muir are also stocked plus a range of ceramics designed by Australian ceramicist Peter Anderson exclusively for the store. The DEA store achieves the ideal balance between whimsical, stylish and functional that will please your eyes and your home. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
It's safe to say, restaurants like Meu Jardim don't come around every day. After all, this dramatic new Skittle Lane venture from restaurateur Ussi Moniz Da Silva not only boasts a heady $4.1 million dollar fitout, but also a huge firepit and a three-metre-high indoor waterfall. A futuristic nod to the natural elements of fire and water, the two-level, 330-seat space delivers a striking vision of glossy white angles and turquoise neon finishes. White pearl walls supposedly pull inspiration from the Dordogne Valley in France, while an impressive curved block staircase connects the two floors. [caption id="attachment_764760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Upstairs is dedicated to a high-end contemporary French restaurant, its entrance marked by that flowing sheet of water and an oyster shucking station, and its open kitchen set artfully behind glass. Here, Executive Chef Jason McCauley (Banc Restaurant, Carpaccio Leichhardt, Eatalia) is plating up modern reworkings of classic fine French flavours. It's a lineup that's both considered and totally decadent, kicking off with bites like escargot in garlic, butter and champagne, Western Australian lobster tail and a wagyu tartare starring quail yolk and Tasmanian summer truffle. Mains might include a duck a l'orange featuring turnip, green olive and an orange gelee, or the blue eye trevalla and mussels done with plenty of white wine and cream. There's even a 1.2-kilogram grass-fed tomahawk steak, which you can pimp out even further with the addition of some gold leaf for an extra $60. If decisions aren't your strong point, a five-course degustation is also on offer for $100 a head, which will take you from scallops with caviar through to fillet and an apple tarte tartin served with smoked honey yoghurt ice cream. [caption id="attachment_764757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] A more casual (and affordable) affair awaits you downstairs, where snacks, shared plates and bistro fare take centre stage. Expect to tuck into creations like the chicken liver parfait served with a port gel and sesame lavash, salt cod beignets and the restaurant's signature 'crodogs' — a croissant-hot dog hybrid — filled with the likes of pulled pork, lamb and mint or strawberries and cream. You can also pull up a seat by that 40-person firepit to settle in with a cosy tipple. There's a wine selection heroing drops from across Australia and France — go for a glass of the 2018 Domaine Paul Blanck pinot blanc from Alsace, perhaps — and a cocktail lineup starring forgotten classics alongside signature creations. Stay on theme with something lush, like the Vuju De — a fusion of Monkey 47, sherry, Dom Benedictine, Lillet Blanc, creme de violet and orange bitters. Opening just weeks before COVID-19 forced the closure of all Sydney restaurants, Meu Jardim isn't quite running like it first intended. Instead of 330, the restaurant can currently fit 50. You'll also need to record your details when you dine, and follow its social distancing and hygiene procedures — but, if you've gone out since restaurants were allowed to reopen in mid-May, this will be nothing new. Find Meu Jardim down Skittle Lane, Sydney. It's currently open 12pm–12am Monday–Thursday and from 4pm–12pm Friday–Saturday. Bookings are recommended. Images: Kitti Gould
Streetwear store Culture Kings opened in Parramatta in 2018, and like the other CK stores across the country it has hundreds of sneaker brands across Vans, Nike, Adidas and Puma, and even more caps, accessories and clothing from brands like Champion, 9Five and 10Deep. Right now, Culture Kings has face masks from street style gurus, Carré, Saint and Last Kings, too. The store, found on the corner of Church and Macquarie Streets, is designed to make you want to hang out in store with your mates; it has a DJ, half a basketball court and arcade games to keep you playing and testing out your new kicks. You can also book in for a half-an-hour style session with staff, which costs nothing, and you'll be kitted out in the latest releases and hear what's coming in store soon.
Hotel William, a historic four-storey hotel on Darlinghurst's William Street, has reopened after a big round of renos as Hyde Park House — and it now boasts a public bar, cocktail parlour and lounge. But we're already heading up to the hotel's top level, where Slims Rooftop offers views across Hyde Park, izakaya-style eats and Asian-inspired drinks. The bright fit-out starts with retro frilly orange and pink umbrellas covering all-white furnishings, which include a mix of low and high tables, along with a few picnic-style benches. Heaps of tropical greenery and potted cacti add to the lush surrounds. It's no secret that cocktail-sipping and rooftops go hand-in-hand, and Slims follows suit with a selection of classics like Aperol spritzes and margaritas ($16–$18), sitting alongside signatures such as the Million Dollar Mermaid (vodka and lychee liqueur) and the Social Call (grapefruit vodka, Cointreau and dragon fruit) for $19. A mostly Australian wine list and local brews by Balter, Modus Operandi and Young Henrys are also up for grabs. The menu focuses on modern Japanese-inspired small plates — think sushi rolls and poké bowls, along with snacks like truffle oil edamame ($9), pan-fried pork or veggie gyoza ($10) and wasabi karaage chicken ($17). If you're looking for larger dishes to share, there's a traditional teppanyaki slinging grilled goods like salmon teriyaki ($30), miso eggplant ($19) and barbecued prawns ($29).
Tucked between Burwood's bustling streets, Ford Lane has undergone a transformation that's turning heads. Once an overlooked laneway designed around cars, it's now a vibrant place to gather, celebrate, and discover something new. Complete with large-scale murals and impressive lighting installations, it's quickly becoming one of Burwood's must-visit destinations. And now, the story continues. This spring, it'll transform again into Sydney's newest outdoor live music venue with the launch of Fridays at Ford Lane, a free series of live music, food, and cultural events designed to transform Friday evenings into something extraordinary. Each edition will have its own flavour, kicking off with an eclectic showcase of sounds inspired by Asia's thriving pop scene. Local selectors DJ Hideoboo and DOOFus will be on the decks, and they'll be joined by singer Venice Qin and dance crews TODAY&ALWAYS and DanceKool. Expect a night of C-Pop, K-Pop and hip hop fusion, with street eats and a pop-up bar keeping things fuelled. Future instalments are already locked in. Roll up on October 31 for a hip hop block party with DJ Rydeen, MC Mari and beatboxer Voltak. On November 28, gypsy jazz and world beats will take over with performances by turntablist DJD and Scratch Band, plus multi-instrumentalist Marcus Holden + Friends. Each outing is designed to spotlight local talent and celebrate the suburb's cultural diversity, with lineups curated by DanceKool, creative incubator opnsrc.co and Burwood Council. The series is part of Burwood Council's Ford Lane Transformation Project, backed by Transport for NSW's Permit Plug Play Pilot Program. The initiative has activated the laneway as a permanent stage for arts and entertainment, framed by large-scale commissions by artists including Drez, marking the Melbourne creative's first Sydney artwork, Georgia Hill and Okto Studio. Upgrades like a new power supply and removable bollards also mean the laneway is fully equipped for regular events like the new Friday night series. And if you're looking for a unique backdrop of your own, Ford Lane is now a bookable space ideal for everything from private events to video shoots. Just get in touch with Burwood Council if you're keen. Entry to Fridays at Ford Lane is free, but capacity is capped. Walk-ins are limited, so the best way to ensure entry is to register at the event's website.
There are your regular neighbourhood delis and butchers — and then there is Bexley North's German Butchery Deli & Cafe. This place stocks everything you'd expect from a German butchery and deli, from cold cuts, sausage links (yes, including bratwurst) and pâté to traditional German smallgoods and bread. If you've got a craving for a particular German delight, perhaps while reminiscing about that trip you took a few years back or reconnecting with old family traditions, this shop should have it. You'll find knödel (potato or bread boiled dumplings), sauerkraut, gherkins and, of course, salt pretzels. You may also stumble across some products that are common on European supermarket shelves, but not so much here, including curry ketchup, Austrian Almdudler herbal lemonade and Czech Kitl flavoured syrups. Planning a party? The team here can put together platters that'll set you back as little as $8 a head, too. Image: Trent van der Jagt.
Chatswood Cellars is a one-stop-shop for all of your boozing needs. Perusing its many shelves, you'll find it fully stocked with a large range of wine, liquor and beer. For those looking for something a little different, the shop has an interesting focus on sake and vodka, stocking labels you won't see at every bar around town. There are also regular manager specials of local and international wine producers, plus a wide range from big Hunter Valley names, including Brokenwood and Tyrell's. The staff are knowledgeable and welcome a good chat, so don't be shy. Plus, Chatswood Cellars is open until 9pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 10pm Thursday to Saturday, for when you're late to dinner or need to pick something up after work. Image: Trent Van der Jagt.
Finding a spot that appeals to everyone can be tough. Sometimes you're hankering for a pét-nat, but your evening's partner in crime would scoff at the lack of prosecco on the Love, Tilly Devine list. Well, if you're looking to be a little adventurous but you're hanging out with someone who, when asked "do you want an orange wine?", would respond with "I prefer a drop from Mudgee", look no further than Now and Then, Clarence Street's new bar that's serving up new-age drinks and tried-and-true throwbacks in equal proportions. The underground CBD bar comes from Natalie Ng, the mind behind another intimate inner-city fave Door Knock, alongside co-owner Locky Peach. Ng calls her new venue "predominantly a cocktail bar without the wank", basing the offerings around a simple crowd-pleasing concept. The drinks menu at Now and Then is split into two distinct sections. You guessed it: the 'Now' and the 'Then'. On the modern side of the menu you'll find funkier wines — whether that be a skin contact or a chilled red — as well as more boundary-pushing cocktails, craft beers and Mango White Claws for all of the seltzer fans. Over on the more traditional section, you'll discover seasonal sherry cobblers, caipiroskas, Coopers Sparkling Red Ale and a selection of more traditional vinos including sav blanc, pinot noir, rosé and Perrier-Jouët Brut by the glass. "Some people love a buttery chardonnay or a big Barossa Valley shiraz, and some love natural, minimal sulphur/preservatives or orange wines. Here, the choice is broken down easily for you," says Peach. Adding to the experience at Now and Then is a short and snappy list of bar snacks. The lobster and prawn vol-au-vent, the panko-crumbed ham hock croquette and the Moroccan lamb cigars will all hit the spot for anyone looking to treat themselves to a satisfying bite while enjoying the drinks. Ng is even offering personally curated snack and cocktail pairings — ideal for afternoon catch-ups and Friday drinks. Kick off your night with the Manhattan United made with bread- and butter-washed whiskey, sweet vermouth and walnut, partnered with the hot ham hock croquette, served with mustard aioli, all for $30. Rounding out the offerings here is the Now and Then commitment to bringing some fun back to its corner of Clarence Street. Each Friday and Saturday you'll find live music and DJ sets from 9pm–2am. To stay up to date with the venue's nightlife, just follow the bar on Instagram. Now and Then is located at 222 Clarence Street, Sydney. For more information and to make a booking or browse the menu, head to the venue's website.
The team that made Sydney fall in love with the Taiwanese street food gua bao have a new home. Following jaunts on the food market scene and at Hudson Ballroom, Belly Bao have settled at a standalone shop on King Street. With a bigger kitchen up her sleeve, owner Sylvia Tran has expanded the menu. Whereas, at Goodgod/Hudson Ballroom, there was just one baoger offered each night, four options are now available all the time: The Baoger (Angus beef patty, cheese, cos lettuce, onion, pickled radish, Baoger sauce), as well as one with eggplant, chicken and chopped cheese. A baoger, in case you're unfamiliar with it, is a Western hamburger, but served Asian-style, with bao as bread. Newtown's vegan crowd are well-catered for across all menu categories, including the bao noodles. "They're made with exactly the same recipe as bao, but rolled out, shaped into noodle form and boiled," says Sylvia. "We're serving them with house-made satay chill oil,". For dessert, the famous Gaytime bao makes its return alongside pandan baonuts. Its liquor licence is pending so for now, the venue is BYO. Regardless, the food bill won't be a shock: the namesake belly baos are only $7. The space itself is warm and inviting: think browns, oranges and greens. There's an L-shaped bar, a banquette for large gatherings and round tables for twos and threes, surrounded by old-school Chinese restaurant chairs, newly upholstered. Keep an eye out for the Mahjong table and the dreamy, tropical-inspired feature wall by local artist Simon Wheeldon.
Three Blue Ducks long ago found itself a third nest to call home. Adding to its eateries in Bronte (that is now sadly closed) and Byron Bay, the team opened within the heritage-listed Koskela warehouse in Rosebery back in 2016, formerly known to locals as the beloved Kitchen by Mike. Since then, it has become a Sydney institution and a mainstay of the Sydney culinary scene. If you've not been before, then prepare to be blown away by the grandeur of the venue. There's a front deck, two dining spaces and a courtyard, and they're all fitted out with an industrial chic design you can't help but love — even though it's all been done before. With its exposed bricks, beams and ceiling insulation, garage roller doors and concrete floors, it feels like you're walking into a very fancy garden shed. This is all well and good — but much like your ordinary backyard shed, it's quite cold and draughty in the evening, which, while it's still chilly at night, takes away from the relaxed vibe it's going for. Aesthetically, yellow tints dancing beneath huge woven basket light shades help warm the enormous space — but if you're one to feel the cold, we recommend you request to sit next to one of the few gas heaters they've got fired up. [caption id="attachment_834387" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Three Blue Ducks, Rosebery[/caption] The heating situation might not be quite worked out (Kitchen by Mike never figured it out either), but the dinner menu is a different story. You're in good hands with chefs and co-owners Darren Robertson, Mark LaBrooy and MasterChef 2012 winner and judge Andy Allen looking after things in the kitchen. There's a real focus on seasonal produce and sustainability, while its smoke and fire theme — fuelled by its woodfired oven, charcoal pits and Argentinian grill out in the garden — is represented throughout each course. But even if you're not in the mood for rich, smoky flavours, there are plenty of other dishes that'll impress. Keep it light and simple with some fresh-as-they-come oysters with ginger and shallots and perhaps yellowfin tuna with tostada, lime, cucumber and pickled ginger. Of the small share plates, the Schezuan pepper and salt squid with roast chilli and lime is a must-order. Wash it down with a schooner of Young Henry's Newtowner pale ale or a Welder Dog's 'Farmhouse' ginger beer if you're after something sweeter. If you're really hungry, we recommend tucking into a few extra starters because a potential 45-minute wait between entree and main course is a long time to ponder on your hunger pangs. Luckily, top tunes play in the background, which makes the wait for your slow-cooked lamb shoulder with pickled red cabbage and charred herb salsa an enjoyable one. A side of crispy potatoes with confit butter and rosemary salt completes the meal in style. Finish with one of the cocktails, like a spicy margarita, and there you have a mighty fine dining experience. Images: Monica Buscarino. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Interpersonal relationships are all about compromise. I'll cook, you clean. I'll be designated driver this weekend, you can do it next weekend. Still, quite possibly the biggest source of compromise – or conflict – is choosing where to go for dinner. Fortunately for residents of and visitors to south Sydney, this is all about to change. The culprit? Highfield Caringbah, the Sutherland Shire's first "vertical pub", offering up a bevy of themes and dining options under one roof. With their newest offering, the Feros Group have quite literally built on the success of Ugly Pizza and Huxley's Sports Bar. Both existing venues remain on the ground floor at the MacKay street site, with new venues The Public House and The Botanical opening up top. No-fuss joint Ugly pumps out its New York-style pizzas for dine in or takeaway. Huxley's, meanwhile, serves as a shrine to the USA, offering up diner staples – burgers, hot dogs, mac'n'cheese – to an overlapping soundtrack of American sports playing on dozens of TVs. On the middle floor, The Public House sticks to standard Aussie pub traditions: a TAB, domestic and craft beers on tap, and a menu featuring good old schnitties and steaks. And if you're looking to add a touch of elegance to the evening, rooftop hangout The Botanical offers a dedicated cocktail bar, a living green wall and food prepared on a Japanese-style Robata grill — not to mention spectacular views of the city skyline. Find Highfield Caringbah at 22-24 MacKay Street, Caringbah. For more information, visit their website.
Located just outside the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, these delightful baths are surrounded by remote bushland and are gloriously removed from all signs of civilisation — plus they're open 24 hours a day. You can soak in the hot waters at sunrise, sunset, or any other time your little heart desires. Night swims are particularly recommended as you can float in the 40-degree water while taking in the stunning expanse of the night's sky. One thing Lightning Ridge has in spades — stars. Let the warm water engulf you as you look up to discover more stars than you thought possible. A popular meeting place for Lightning Ridge residents, the baths are also a great place to get a feel for local life. Best of all? Entry is totally free. Images: Destination NSW
Just north and around the headland of Long Reef Beach, you'll come to a top-notch location for some friendly beach games: Collaroy. Collaroy has the benefit of being slightly sheltered, so playing games that involve lightweight or excess equipment is often pretty good here, such as spikeball and frisbee. Plus, it stretches into Narrabeen Beach, giving you just over 3.5 kilometres of continuous beach to play on. After you've worked up a sweat, you can head to one of the beach's many barbecuing and picnic areas or head into The Collaroy for a cold beer. And be sure to stick around for sunset, as this beach offers some of the best.
It looks like it's going to be a while longer yet before you can jet off on that next sunny holiday to the Greek islands. So why not let them come to you? A breezy new Greek meze bar has opened its doors in the heart of Bondi Beach, named and inspired by the tiny Aegean island of Ikaria. Here, husband-and-wife duo Joaquin Saez (Alberto's Lounge, Cho Cho San, co-owner of La Palma) and Emily Abay are bringing a taste of the Mediterranean coast to Sydney's own stretch of beachside paradise. You're invited to step through the door and embrace the Ikarian philosophy of life, centred around celebration, happiness and enjoyment. Fashion photographer Abay has helmed the design, creating a tranquil vision of archways, whitewashed walls and neutral-toned tiles, framed by sweeping views across the water. It's a holiday vibe, to be sure. Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Robert Young (Quay, Born by Tapavino, the UK's Restaurant Martin Wishart), who is turning out a share-focused menu peppered with plenty of Mediterranean flavours. You'll find the likes of an Ikarian-style taramasalata served with warm pita for dipping ($7), saganaki finished with chestnut honey ($19) and crisp zucchini chips matched with tzatziki ($11). Octopus is grilled, and teamed with lukanika (a type of sausage), radicchio and endives ($28), while salsa verde finishes a dish of Greek-style lamb meatballs ($26). Ikaria's wine offering is diverse for its size, featuring mostly European labels, alongside a handful of local beers and Greece's Mythos lager ($10-12). But if you're really embracing those vacation feels, expect to be tempted by the cocktail list, which stars sips both classic and original. There's a riff on the martini, crafted with olive gin and rosemary thyme vermouth ($22), and the striking Blue Zone ($23) — a fusion of tequila, blue curaçao, cucumber agave and rosemary smoke.
Is there any activity that KFC doesn't think could be improved by fried chicken? Given that the fast-food chain has put on weddings, opened a pop-up nightclub, held a music festival and hosted an 11-course degustation, there clearly isn't. The next to join the list is holidays. Even better, the chook-slinging brand is serving up free holidays. Always wanted to know what KFC dishes up in other countries? Now you can head there to find out on the brand's dime. KFC is calling its giveaway Kentucky Fly Chicken, naturally. Is Kentucky on the destination list? That hasn't been revealed, because exactly where you could be spending time is being kept a surprise. The promotion starts on Tuesday, February 20, runs through to Monday, March 18, and includes giving away trips over four weeks. Each week's winner scores a jaunt to somewhere around the world were fried chicken is definitely on the menu, of course. To enter, you do indeed need to buy some KFC first. Wannabe travellers can hit up the KFC app, then look for the international products among the usual range. They'll stand out in terms of what they're dishing up, but they're hidden. Locate them, spend at least $1 on an order, then cross your chicken-loving fingers that you emerge victorious in the winners' draw. Whatever the special meal is that you're looking for on the app, the nation that it's from is where you'll be flying to if your name is picked. And while there's only four trips on offer now, the campaign unofficially started with a fifth getaway which has already been won. It was to Tokyo, and involved spotting the wafu cutlet burger on the Aussie app, then jetting to Japan to try it in-person. The four folks who receive the rest of the prize getaways will get business-class flights, four-star accommodation, plus $6000 in total in cultural experiences and spending money while you're there. KFC is calling the promotion a travel service, because arranging your itinerary is covered. Depending on the destination, this might be an excuse to break out your KFC sweater — or your bucket hat from the chain's 2023 couture line. To enter the Kentucky Fly Chicken promotion, head to the KFC app between Tuesday, February 20–Monday, March 18, look for the international products among the menu and spend at least $1 on an order. Visit the KFC website for more details.
Next time you're in Bondi, don't miss the chance to mosey up Campbell Parade to Ben Buckler Cellars. Locals know this spot as a wall-to-wall wine haven, with a wide range of both Australian and imported wines on offer. Plenty of family-owned labels are on display here from little known wine regions, and the staff is very knowledgeable, offering wine-drinking tips and direct access to winemakers. Expect regular specials and rare wine styles to grace the shelves — like durif, nebbiolo and viognier — so if you're on the hunt for something super specific, this may be where you'll strike gold. You'll also find a selection of locally made spirits here, too, including Manly Spirits' gins and botanical vodkas. Images: Yaya Stempler
Hyderabad House reflects the region's Arabic take on Indian food — a result of having been ruled by the Turkish for 1000 years. This western Sydney institution is lauded by those in the know for its biryani. And, to prove its expertise, it has seven different flavour options all available in single serves, family serves (for between 4–5 people) and jumbo serves (for 10–12 people). Take your pick of meat — prawn, fish, egg, goat are available, but we recommend the chicken 65 (battered, spice-laden fried chicken) — and it'll be mixed through and fried off with the surprisingly complex and aromatic rice. You'll find rich curries, Chinese-style noodle dishes, kebabs and over a dozen bread options on the menu to round out your feast. And the best part? Plates rarely creep above $15 each. When it comes to spiciness, there are three levels available for each dish. As it's all made to order, you can simply choose the level you'd like. When we speak to owner Rehan Ali, we ask how he likes his spice level: "Being Indian, I can't even eat level three. If you're ordering for the first time, go with medium. Once you have it spicy, you can't turn it down". So, proceed with caution. Images: Cassandra Hannagn
In the Annex is proof that Forest Lodge — that half suburb in between Annandale and Glebe, whose main drag Ross Street left much to be desired until now — is slowly catching up to its neighbours. The 30-seater joint's got the cafe trifecta: a bang on coffee dispensary manned by barista babes, a compact menu based on fresh, seasonal produce and conversation-worthy decor. And if our recent visit was anything to go by, we're not the only ones who've been charmed. Flodge's newest kid on the coffee shop block's got it going on in large part due to the beans — Umami beans. A blend is used for milk-based coffee while a single origin, roasted slightly lighter, is used for black. The delivery of your morning pick-me-up is just as considered — flats and caps come in teacups while lattes come in science beakers. And while we're on the liquids, there's plenty more worth noting. In the Annex offers a colourful selection of freshly squeezed juice, frappes and smoothies with unique flavour combos akin to those you'd expect to find at some dreamy beachside resort. Try the grapefruit, ginger, tonic and honey frappe ($8) for fresh citric goodness; the kale, banana, coconut and chia smoothie ($8) for a taste of suburban Tropicana; or the almond, macadamia, cinnamon and rice milk smoothie ($9) for nutty indulgence. And who's banging about the pans? That's a certain Joey Astorga (ex El Capo) whose seasonal menu caters for a number of tastes. Astorga's dishes are well executed and demonstrate a great understanding of portion control and ethical food processes — all eggs are free range and meats sustainably farmed. The best part? Chef's food is delivered by only the most amicable service. Win win. The breaky burrito ($10) — scrambled egg, rice 'n' beans with guac and jalapenos — is perhaps the least inventive on the menu, but caught my eye nonetheless. For something more carnivorous, go for the cured duck, roasted Brussels sprouts, brioche and duck egg ($16). This baby looks like something you'd see served in a hatted restaurant and clearly demonstrates chef's inventive presentation, but the best part? You're free to dig in sans any obligation to do so with the refined poise often expected at aforementioned swank fest. Then there's the crumbed egg with bubble and squeek ($14), which is the hero dish in my opinion. Slice into the crumbed egg and warm yolk oozes out to provide the desired mess — a yolky mess to be mopped up by remaining mash, whole baby potatoes, peas, green beans and heirloom carrots. Lest we forget to mention one more thing. It's a must you check out the In the Annex's goodie cabinet up front. A selection of sambos and sweet treats are readily available for those on the go. And if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a few Hubba Bubba-flavoured lamingtons. Yeah, that's right. I just said Hubba Bubba-flavoured lamingtons. Do it. Alas, no longer is Ross Street a cultural wasteland swarming with vacant shopfronts and barefooted students. In the Annex has amped things up and seems to be vibing on something along the lines of, "I've done this before, I know how to please you and I'm doing it for your own good." And to that I say thank you. Cue In the Annex: You're welcome.
Great Southern Nights has just dropped its lineup for 2026, confirming the return of the multi-city festival of Aussie-made music for its fifth run, and showcasing a list of huge names and a mix of genres that will bring it to life in 2026. If you've never paid it any mind before, a TLDR: where most venues pick one venue to roll with, GSN picks hundreds. Hundred of venues calls for hundreds of gigs, and 2026 will see over 300 performances take place on stages from the South Coast up through Sydney, out as far west as Dubbo and all the way up to Byron Bay, from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 17. The lineup is just as expansive, too, bringing legends and rising stars alike together across the state. [caption id="attachment_1070441" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jesse Thompson[/caption] First up is a 2026 GSN first: Live Fest. The curated, single-day event is first taking place in Dubbo, featuring country and folk icons Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins and Kasey Chambers, indie rockers The Cruel Sea, funk legends The Cat Empire and rising genre-defying songwriter Jess Hitchcock. Then the fun heads to Tamworth with indie pop and local rock talent like Jet, The Living End, Kita Alexander, Thelma Plum and Lime Cordiale. For the rest of the statewide program, well, you can imagine there's plenty of artists to pick from. Some of the standout names are Jessica Mauboy, Peking Duk, Genesis Owusu, Ball Park Music, The Whitlams, Playlunch, Jack River, Meg Mac, Young Franco, Gordi, Keli Holiday, The Grogans, WILSN and many, many more. [caption id="attachment_1070442" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Matt Jelonek[/caption] Great Southern Nights is organised in part by Destination NSW and ARIA, helping to drive visitation to cities across the state, instead of just piling crowds into the same Sydney venues and regional fields year after year. Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said, "Great Southern Nights shows the power of live music to bring people together and create energy in communities right across NSW. When you see local venues buzzing and artists performing in towns big and small, you really feel the impact these experiences have beyond the stage". [caption id="attachment_1070443" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Georgi Griffiths for Destination NSW[/caption] CEO of ARIA Annabelle Herd added, "Great Southern Nights is about connecting audiences of all ages across NSW with the unique joy of great live music and showing up for the places that support it. Bringing iconic artists to multiple regions across NSW creates big, shared moments for local communities, friends, and families". Visit the Great Southern Nights website to browse the full program and start planning your trip to any one of the participating cities.
There's nothing in life more simultaneously stressful and exciting than a costume party. Don't worry though — Bexley's renowned Sydney Party Shop has you covered from vampire fangs to princess tiaras. When we say it's a one-stop shop for all your party needs, we mean it — you'll find all manner of costumes, balloon arches, tableware, piñatas and over fifty different types of confetti. You can also sort out catering here, too, with everything from snacks and salads to finger food, prepared meals and cakes on offer. The shop also hires out helium tanks if you want to be super extra for that birthday party — or, you know, just a rainy Saturday afternoon. You really have no excuses to not go all out and make your event the party of the year, but if you need some guidance, the in-house party consultants will sort you out. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
University students might be accustomed to pairing their education with a few alcoholic beverages; however most don't expect their tertiary institution to have its own tipple. That rings particularly true when one of the most famous and prestigious universities in the world is involved — but, as well as teaching bright minds, Oxford University is bursting boundaries. The British uni has just added an official brand of gin to its list of achievements: Physic Gin, aka an especially aptly named juniper spirit. It's a product of The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD), which is located in the same city, but is separate from the university. With their collaboration — the result of one of TOAD's distillers meeting one of Oxford's botany professors — they've created the first gin made for the university and bearing its name. Branding isn't Physic Gin's only Oxford connection. It's also flavoured using plants from the uni's botanic garden. Founded in 1621 to help teach herbal medicine, the patch of greenery in question is the oldest of its kind in the country. In total, 25 botanicals grown and foraged in Oxford's garden are used in the tipple, most of which were listed in a catalogue kept by its first keeper back in the 1640s. According to TOAD master distiller Cory Mason, anyone keen on a sip should expect a rich, earthy taste thanks to ingredients such as wormwood, rue and sweet woodruff — which "bring a deeply complex flavour to bear and take us back to the time when plants formed the base of all medicine." TOAD also use ancient, organic, super-sustainable grains in their production of Physic Gin, plus their original Oxford Dry Gin and Oxford Rye Vodka. For more information, visit www.spiritoftoad.com Via The Guardian. Image: The Oxford Artisan Distillery.
The food and drink revolution of Circular Quay continues with a new venue from the Hinchcliff House team opening just across the road from the OG. Only a few days after the bustling waterfront suburb welcomed Lotus Dining Group's sleek new Cantonese restaurant Pearl, an expensive new Mediterranean-inspire terrace has arrived at Quay Quater Tower from House Made Hospitality. Martinez Terrace is the first element of a two-pronged new offering from the acclaimed hospitality team. The colourful 160-person outdoor bar will be joined by the vibrant Martinez dining room on Thursday, October 12. For now, the attention is all on the openair watering hole, which you'll find slinging spritzes and oysters at the end of a quick elevator ride up from Young Street. "We want Martinez to capture the relaxed style of drinking and dining that is synonymous with holidays on the Mediterranean coast, and for the Terrace Bar to give you memories of drinking the afternoon away in a seaside spot," says House Made Hospitality Director Scott Brown. House Made Hospitality's producer-led approach to wine continues at Martinez, with a selection of drops that the team has had a hand in making themselves sitting alongside a variety of Australian and European whites, reds and rosé. The terrace is also the kind of venue that encourages you to just get the bottle to share with your friends. There's even a whole page of the extended drinks list dedicated exclusively to magnums of wine. As a little opening celebration, the bar is encouraging you to make a group booking and go big, offering a rotating selection of rosé magnums for $99 a bottle until 4pm Monday–Saturday throughout October. Elsewhere on the beverage selection, you'll find a wide variety of craft beers and five signature cocktails on tap — including a vodka, coconut and mango spritz primed for warm afternoons out on the terrace. To partner with your magnum of wine, the food menu is also designed to be shared. Executive Chef Alex Wong (Lana) suggests the baguette with cultured butter and caper salt, sesame seed fougasse, whipped roe with bottarga, LP's saucisson and Ortiz anchovies with seaweed persillade butter on a Grana baguette. Chilled mussels with Yarra Valley roe, duck terrine and a next-level ham, mustard and fennel sandwich are among the other highlights on the snack side of Martinez's menu — while there are a few heftier options including steak frites and grilled swordfish. Emilie Delalande of Etic (Barangaroo House) has led the design work across the venue, with both the terrace and the dining room containing odes to artist residencies in the south of France. The bar is designed to facilitate any occasion — there are intimate two-person tables and long benches designed for group catch-ups. And if you're lucky, you might even nab a spot with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Martinez Terrace is now open at Quay Quarter Tower, 50 Bridge Street, Circular Quay. Its adjoining restaurant is set to open on Thursday, October 12. For more information head to the Martinez website. Images: Steven Woodburn and Jason Loucus.
When it comes to an island filled with dinosaurs, humanity just won't learn. Since Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park hit bookstores in 1990, spawning not only Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster film, but two direct sequels and the recent Jurassic World spin-off trilogy, people just keep clamouring to share the same landmass as re-animated prehistoric beasts. Now they're about to do so all over again in a just-announced animated Netflix series. Headed to the streaming platform in 2020, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous will hail back to the events of 2015's initial Jurassic World flick — and to the franchise's familiar setting, Isla Nublar. This time, six teenagers have been chosen to attend a new adventure camp on the other side of the remote deathtrap. If you've seen the movie, you already know that the dinos break loose (of course they do), which'll leave the plucky youths fighting to survive. Executive produced by Spielberg — as well as Jurassic World executive producer Frank Marshall, plus two-time series director Colin Trevorrow — the show will help fill the gap until the live-action Jurassic World 3 releases in 2021. It's being overseen by Scott Kreamer (Pinky Malinky) and Lane Lueras (Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny), and forms part of Netflix's family slate, so you can probably expect less scares than usual (although the teaser below is a little creepy). Given that it's aimed at all ages, you can probably expect more (albeit friendlier) dinosaurs, however. Just who'll be voicing Camp Cretaceous' characters has yet to be revealed. The same remains true for everyone's two burning questions: whether a few familiar Jurassic World talents will pop up, and if any of the old-school Jurassic Park gang will lend their vocals. Our wish, and it's an obvious one, is for more Jeff Goldblum. If you're keen for the briefest of sneak peeks of Camp Cretaceous, check out the first teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkFrNm5M_Ck Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous doesn't have an exact release date as yet, but it's expected to hit Netflix in 2020. We'll keep you updated with specific timing when it comes to hand.
Acclaimed Sydney restaurants, award-winning cookbooks, global kudos, a sustainable seafood restaurant in Singapore: championing a fin-to-tail approach to the ocean's finest, Josh and Julie Niland's culinary footprint spans all of the above. From April 2025, their first-ever Queensland eatery will also join the list, as part of the new The Sundays hotel that's opening on Hamilton Island. The Nilands' Sunshine State debut doesn't yet have a name, but it will form part of the 59-room hotel at Catseye Beach's northern end — and serving the pair's seafood dishes to the entire family will be on the menu. While The Sundays is a luxury boutique hotel, being family friendly is part of its point of difference. That mindset will apply to the new restaurant, too, with catering to family holidays a guiding principle. "Julie and I fell in love with the entire vision behind The Sundays. It reflects so much of what we value — bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings. We can't wait to introduce a dining experience that feels connected to the island and its incredible natural environment," said Josh. The Nilands have four children, so whipping up menus to suit both adults and kids is nothing new for Josh and Julie. Alongside whole-fish seafood dishes, the restaurant will feature local ingredients and span beyond the sea for its protein sources. Also, when diners tuck in, they'll do so with views of the ocean. When it opens on Thursday, May 1, 2025 — with reservations available now — The Sundays will feature an oceanfront swimming pool surrounded by private cabanas as well, alongside a pickleball court and tropical gardens. Room options include balcony and terrace, plus interconnecting family rooms, all decked out in relaxing hues. Hamilton Island Enterprises, which is also behind qualia, is running the show at The Sundays. Bookings still don't come heap, however, with a launch deal on offer for four nights for $3564, which includes a 10-percent discount on accommodation. Nab the deal and you'll also receive a $500 voucher for the Nilands' restaurant. Josh and Julie's new restaurant will open at The Sundays, Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island, from April 2025 — with the hotel launching on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Keep an eye on the hotel's website for more details in the interim. Images: Hamilton Island Photography, Sharyn Cairns, Adam Rikys, Nick Leary.
There's endless potential for a quick and relatively healthy lunch when you're hankering for a sanga. This simple lunch staple has the ability to stoke the flames of nostalgia almost instantly. Whether it's a white bread sandwich that takes you straight back to the schoolyard quadrangle, or a swish and fun grown-up take on the global lunchbox favourite; they are fun, easy and damn delicious. We popped into Sydney's top cafes to seek out delicious things between bread (with extra points for those that champion the humble egg) so you can level up your lunch game with an excellent sambo that's also good for you. In fact, there are 11 different vitamins and nutrients packed into only 300 kilojoules in every egg. Australian Eggs recommends opting for whole eggs to get the most out of this little package of goodness. Read on for our picks of where to find tasty lunch options that are better for you than you might think.
This year has been one of the most challenging faced by Sydney's hospitality industry in decades, eclipsing even the turbulent and uncertain periods during the COVID-19 shutdowns and the gruelling months of trading restrictions that followed. The industry has been rocked by a drastic downturn in revenue driven by a number of factors, but chiefly the soaring cost of living, which has forced many consumers to give up dining out regularly. Josh and Julie Niland, the hospitality heavyweights behind celebrated low-to-no waste seafood venues including Saint Peter and Fish Butchery, have already lost two venues to the closure crisis: the OG Fish Butchery in Paddington and their fast-casual concept Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay, which both closed in April. Now, another Niland restaurant has been forced to close permanently. [caption id="attachment_983665" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petermen[/caption] Petermen, which opened in St Leonards on the North Shore in February of 2023, will serve its last service on Sunday, December 15. In a statement, Josh and Julie Niland cited the challenging economic conditions hammering the hospitality sector as the main reason for shuttering the business. "Our time on Chandos St, St Leonards, has brought a lot of joy to us and our team, and we have welcomed the most incredible guests. However, the past 12 months have been extremely challenging for independent businesses within the hospitality industry." the statement reads. [caption id="attachment_826356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay[/caption] "Sadly, Julie and I have had to make the decision to close Petermen. Our last day of trading will be Sunday, December 15. We wish to thank the local community for all their support. We are incredibly grateful to our team, who will continue with us at Saint Peter and Fish Butchery. A big thanks to our suppliers, incredible guests, and everyone who has assisted in making Petermen a special restaurant to dine in." While this is no doubt a disappointing outcome for the Nilands, 2024 hasn't been all bad for these leading lights of Australian dining. In August, the couple's flagship restaurant, Saint Peter, relocated to The Grand National Hotel, expanding its dining room substantially. In November, the pair also announced the opening of a new restaurant at the new luxury Hamilton Island resort The Sundays, expanding the Niland's Australian footprint beyond NSW for the first time. [caption id="attachment_739656" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fish Butchery. Image by Cody Duncan[/caption] Petermen will open for its last service on Sunday, December 15. For more details and to make a booking, visit the Petermen website.
Sydney, it all comes down to this. After a whirlwind international tour, The British and Irish Lions are coming to Accor Stadium to take on the Wallabies for a finale showdown. If you're one of the 80,000 fans flocking to the stadium, there's one stop you'll want to add to your plan for the big day: getting a free facial hair trim inspired by your favourite Aussie sports icons. On Saturday, August 2, Philips is setting up outside the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park hotel with a pop-up facial grooming experience ahead of the match. From 1pm–9pm, the OneBlade Barbershop will be open for walk-ins, with two barbers on hand to give your beard or moustache a trim, edge or close shave using the Philips OneBlade. You'll get to choose from the icons board of AFL, Rugby, NRL, UFC, Cricket stars to inspire your cut, from Honeybadger and Nick Kyrgios, to Bailey Smith and Volk. There's no need to book ahead, just drop by and scan the QR code to secure your spot on the day. While you're waiting for your shave, you can also spin the prize wheel to win extra goodies to take home. Whether you want to head to the game looking sharp or just want to try the OneBlade for yourself, this is your chance. Catch the OneBlade Barbershop pop-up outside Novotel Sydney Olympic Park hotel on Saturday, August 2 from 1pm–9pm. For more info, head to the website.
The celebratory brunch. It's for when you've finally scored that long-awaited promotion, for your birthday, or even when you're just in the mood for some fancy weekend fun. Whatever the occasion, nothing screams baller status quite like fluffy eggs topped with caviar, free-flowing bubbles and a cart of cocktails — all before midday. Going for an extra decadent brunch has to be one of the all-time best weekend activities, especially when there's something worth celebrating. We're not talking about your average pastry and glass of orange juice topped up with some sparkling. This is about heaps of shareable plates you'd never be able to make at home, top-notch coffee, and of course, a healthy dose of pre-noon alcohol. To take the stress out of planning your bounteous brunch, we've partnered with American Express to find some solid-gold spots in Sydney for getting those snazzy morning vibes on. At these Amex-accepting restaurants, you'll find original takes on your brunch favourites, gorgeous fit-outs perfect for a special occasion and — in many cases — the all-important bottomless booze setup. Plus, you'll add extra points to your Amex balance at the same time. Cheers to that. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Most kids love a school camp — the sense of camaraderie, having a giant sleepover with your best friends and doing fun things that you wouldn't experience at home. But these feelings are usually captured between the ages of ten and 17, and can be hard to replicate once you're an adult with responsibilities. Thankfully, Snow Machine is here to flip that idea on its head. Snow Machine is a five-day extravaganza dedicated to playing hard and partying harder, with the New Zealand leg set across the mountains of picturesque Queenstown. Here, adventure- and music-loving folks ski all day and party all night. What was 2023's fest like between Tuesday, September 5–Sunday, September 10? And why is Snow Machine more than just another festival? Here's everything that you need to know. WHAT IS SNOW MACHINE? Snow Machine is so much more than a multi-day concert. Instead, it creates an institution of fun that has punters returning year after year. The sense of community is something that the team behind Snow Machine are experts at, and is incredibly important to festival creator Chris 'Muz' Murray and fellow director Quentin Nolan. There's nothing that Muz loves more than a serious hat, fun costumes and bringing people together, and he's combined these three passions in the Machine festival series. Snow Machine takes place in Queenstown and Japan, Dream Machine in Bali and Wine Machine throughout Australia. Muz's personal goal for each Machine is to "exhaust" his patrons in a good way, with the five-day schedule jam-packed with everything that Queenstown and a fest has to offer — whether it be skiing down The Remarkables half-naked, indulging in a Fergburger or zipping around Shotover River on a speedboat, festivalgoers can choose to do as much or as little as they like. For Snow Machine 2023, tickets started at $929, which covered the bulk of an attendee's expenses — including accommodation (which is available in different tiers), a five-day ski pass at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, access to the party areas on each mountain, and a ticket to the main Snow Machine arena each night. These are just the basics, with patrons able to add any of the other experiences that Snow Machine has to offer, such as after parties in Queenstown clubs, a VIP long lunch halfway up Coronet Peak and a recovery cruise at the end of the week to top it all off. FIVE DAYS AT THE MACHINE Snow Machine's 2023 Queenstown schedule started small and built up throughout the week, with each day busier than the previous. The festival officially kicked off on Tuesday, September 5 with an opening party at Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Local DJs took to the decks as punters got the week started with a dose of adrenaline — and one guy set the tone for the upcoming days by taking the plunge in his birthday suit. Wednesday, September 6 was the first day up the mountain for many of the patrons, as DJs and artists started their rotation of sets throughout both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, with each mountain having two stages. That night was the first of many side parties at Canyon Brewing, a brewery just outside of Queenstown with stunning views across the Shotover River. These side parties continued each night, with after parties taking over three Queenstown nightclubs. The next two days were the most jam-packed of them all, with the main festival arena swinging into action and the infamous Polar Bare (emphasis on bare) taking place. As you may be able to glean from the title, this is a ski run like no other, as punters strip off to ski down The Remarkables wearing anything from a brightly coloured bikini, a mankini or even some fancy lingerie. Just one rule rang out over the loudspeaker on the day: "the lifties will not let you on if you're naked". Friday saw one of the more exclusive events take place, a VIP long lunch. Before 2023, it had never been open to the public — and this year's sold out instantly. The ski-in, ski-out experience featured a three-course meal and endless rosé thanks to Whispering Angel wines, as enjoyed at long tables adorned with pink decor and lined with fur-covered seats. SNOW MACHINE'S MAIN ARENA The main arena, assembled near Queenstown Airport, was open for business as of Thursday night, with Hilltop Hoods and Shapeshifter drawing the biggest crowds. For those who wanted a little more luxury in their festival experience, Snow Machine offered VIP tickets, which included access to an impressive two-storey marquee with rustic fake fires, comfy couches and — perhaps most importantly in a festival environment — very fancy toilets. Everyone's favourite social media lads The Inspired Unemployed were on the scene to oversee their Better Beer pop-up, a lager that they launched in New Zealand in 2022 and were shilling successfully to their adoring fans, with Red Bull vodkas and Odd Company RTDs joining the drink selection. To soak it all up, festivalgoers had multiple food trucks to choose from, with options including pizzas, kebabs, Chinese savoury pancakes and dumplings. That evening was even bigger than the last, with New Zealand's national treasure Benee owning the night with her set, and almost getting lost in the crowd when she attempted to crowdsurf in the middle of a song. Peking Duk closed out night two, with the Aussie duo always ready for a party and bringing the crowd along with them, screaming at the audience to get on each other's shoulders despite security being vehemently against it the previous night. WHY SHOULD I GO? Muz's message of bringing people together doesn't just include the patrons themselves, but the crew who puts it all together. This huge group of fun, like-minded and kind people are doing it all just to make sure that people have a good time — and, wandering around the festival grounds and up the mountain, you can see that they've passed that test with flying colours. There's no doubt that nostalgic sense of camaraderie has been achieved, as festivalgoers run into each other on the ski chairlift and the mosh pit, surrounded by their party people all week. That feeling is why so many of the punters are repeat guests, because that vibe is hard to appreciate before seeing and feeling it for yourself. Snow Machine Queenstown 2023 ran from Tuesday, September 5–Sunday, September 10 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Head to the Snow Machine website for information about Snow Machine Japan, and keep your eye out for early-bird registration to Snow Machine Queenstown 2024. Images: Chris Kay / Pat Stevenson / Han Lowther / Daniel Hilderbrand.
As far as pastimes go, staring upwards ticks a heap of boxes. The sky is always there, the stars put on a show every night of the year, plenty of special celestial events like supermoons and meteor showers keep popping up, and everyone can do it — without or without specialised equipment. But if you've ever had the experts talk you through the wide blue yonder come evening, including at Sydney Observatory, you'll know that the inky heavens take on a whole new dimension when you get the lowdown from folks who study it. That's one of the key ideas behind Sydney Observatory's soon-to-launch new late-night series — because chatting attendees through the atmosphere's wonders is one part of the program. Set to kick off this spring, the free events will pair astronomy talks with stargazing, as well as tunes, performances, and drinks and bites to eat from leading New South Wales producers. [caption id="attachment_866238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Haese[/caption] The debut session on Saturday, October 8 doubles as the launch of Dr Nick Lomb's Australasian Sky Guide for 2023, too. It's the go-to resource about the southern night sky, complete with details of starry happenings to look forward to, viewing tips, and monthly sky maps. In this latest version, there's also an article on Wiradjuri constellations by Wiradjuri woman and PhD astrophysics candidate Kirsten Banks — and she'll be there on the night as part of the lineup of speakers, who'll chat between telescope views of Saturn, Jupiter and the moon. From there, Sydney Observatory's late-night program will return monthly — except in December, when the city is too busy looking at Christmas lights rather than the shining heavens. The November date, on Tuesday, November 8, is timed for a total lunar eclipse, while the Sunday, January 22 event will celebrate Lunar New Year, the Wednesday, February 22 session links in with World Pride, and the Saturday, March 25 fun will coincide with Earth Hour. Dates have been set until mid-2023, in fact, including a rare daytime event on Thursday, April 20 for the partial solar eclipse, backing it up a few weeks later on Saturday, May 6 for the full moon, and returning on Thursday, June 22 for 2023's winter solstice. While entry is free, bookings are still essential — everyone loves peering upwards, no matter what Hollywood satires tell us, so expect tickets to be popular. You'll be paying for whatever you eat and drink, of course, and also hanging out in one of Sydney's historic and most important spots. The Observatory dates back to 1859, sits on the highest point of Sydney Cove and keeps the time for NSW. It's also pivotal for meteorology and astronomy Australia-wide, and has catalogued 430,000 stars of the southern sky's stars. Sydney Observatory's late-night program launches on Saturday, October 8. For more information, or to book a free ticket, head to the venue's website. Top image: Scott Donkin.
Call it wild, weird and wonderful. Call it surreal and sublime, too. Whichever terms you want to sling Dark Mofo's way, there's no other event quite like it on Tasmania's cultural calendar — or Australia's. 2024 felt the winter arts festival's absence, after it sat out the year to regroup for the future ahead. Get excited about 2025, however, because Dark Mofo has confirmed that it'll be returning in June. "Dark Mofo is back. For our 11th chapter, once more we'll bathe the city in red and deliver two weeks of inspiring art, music and ritual," said Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite, announcing the event's 2025 dates, and advising that limited pre-release tickets for Night Mass, which fills downtown Hobart with art and music, will be on offer from 10am on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. "Night Mass is a beast, and this year it will evolve once more — worming its way through the city with new spaces, performances and experiences to dance, explore or crawl your way through," Twite continued. Not only Night Mass is returning, but so is the full Dark Mofo setup, largely taking place across Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025. The one exception: the Nude Solstice Swim, one of the festival events that still went ahead in 2024. Next year, it'll get everyone taking a dip on Saturday, June 21. Winter Feast, which also took place in 2024, will be back in 2025 as well — as will the Ogoh-Ogoh, plus a yet-to-be-announced (but sure to be jam-packed) art and music program that'll be revealed next year. If you spent a few days in 2023 attending a Twin Peaks-inspired ball and seeing a giant teddy bear with laser eyes — watching a stunning new take on Dante's classic examination of hell, purgatory and paradise, too — then you went to Dark Mofo's most-recent full run. Organised by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, the winter arts festival fills Hobart with all manner of surprises every year, other than its gap year in 2024. When the break was announced, it was done to ensure that event could "move forward in a viable manner", said Twite at the time. "The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025" was the promise, and it's being lived up to. The year off came after a hit 2023 run that saw Dark Mofo smash it with attendances and at the box office — notching up record figures, in fact. Despite the event's success, the crew behind it have been working towards "a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025, and set the foundation for the next ten years", taking rising costs and other changing elements into consideration. Dark Mofo returns from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025 and for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21. Head to the festival's website for further details. Winter feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
2026's Down Under live music calendar already boasts David Byrne, Lorde and G Flip, to name just a few big-name acts hitting the stage. Now, in another of the year's must-see tours, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds have announced a slate of shows in Australia and New Zealand in January and February. The group's Wild God tour is finally making its way to this part of the globe, after dates across UK, Europe and North America in 2024 and 2025. Fans can get excited about a two-and-a-half-hour show focused on the band's 2024 record Wild God, but also spanning their four-decade career. 'Red Right Hand' and 'Into My Arms' have indeed been on the set list so far. Fremantle Park in Perth will host the first Aussie gig on Saturday, January 17, with Cave, Warren Ellis and company then heading to Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, January 20. Two shows will take over The Domain Sydney on Friday, January 23–Saturday, January 24, before a single-night stop at Victoria Park in Brisbane on Tuesday, January 27, then three concerts on Friday, January 30–Sunday, February 1 at Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne. In New Zealand, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds are headed to TSB Arena in Wellington over Thursday, February 5–Friday, February 6, in their only NZ gigs — which are taking place in association with the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts. "I can't wait to get to Australia and New Zealand with The Bad Seeds and to bring you our epic Wild God show. It's been a long time coming, and I've missed both Australia and New Zealand very much. It will be a wild and mighty joy," said Cave, announcing the Aussie and NZ leg of the tour. Cave and Ellis last hit the stage Down Under sans the rest of The Bad Seeds on the Aussie run of their Carnage tour in 2022, supporting the 2021 album that shared the tour's name — which actually marked Cave and Ellis' first studio album as a duo. Bandmates across several projects since the 90s — including Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, and Grinderman — Cave and Ellis are Aussie icons, with careers spanning back decades. Together, they also boast more than a few phenomenal film scores to their names as well, including for The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Road, West of Memphis, Far From Men, Hell or High Water and Wind River. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds Wild God Australia and New Zealand Tour 2026 Saturday, January 17 — Fremantle Park, Perth Tuesday, January 20 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Friday, January 23–Saturday, January 24 — The Domain, Sydney Tuesday, January 27 — Victoria Park, Brisbane Friday, January 30–Sunday, February 1 — Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne Thursday, February 5–Friday, February 6 — TSB Arena, Wellington Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds' Wild God tour hits Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2026. Tickets go on sale at 10am local time in each city on Friday, August 29, 2025 — for more information, head to Nick Cave's website. Images: Megan Cullen.
One of the Southern Highlands' most storied properties is getting ready to begin a new chapter. Milton Park — the 1910 country manor that's long been a local landmark — is being transformed by Salter Brothers Hospitality (Spicers Retreats, Bannisters) into Ardour Milton Park Bowral. Set to open in early 2026, the estate will serve as the flagship retreat for the group's new Ardour Hotels & Estates brand, which will bring a collection of similarly immersive escapes to some of Australia's most picturesque regional destinations. The estate will be anchored by two distinct dining concepts: Horderns Restaurant and The Polo Bar. Both venues are housed within the grand homestead and led by Executive Chef Mark Holland (ex-Nomad, The Paddington Inn, Michelin-starred The Box Tree, UK), who joined the group in 2024. And while those names might be familiar to those who know the estate, the venues will be entirely reimagined under Holland's direction. Horderns Restaurant (pictured above) will move into an expansive, sun-washed new space overlooking the estate's manicured gardens, nearly tripling its capacity from 38 to 102 seats. Holland's refined pan-European menu will spotlight seasonal Southern Highlands produce through communal dishes and tableside theatre, with select dishes served family-style and finished in front of guests. A new open kitchen pass will add to the sense of performance and bring diners closer to the action. The Polo Bar (pictured below), meanwhile, will offer a relaxed yet sophisticated all-day setting for small plates and hand-cut charcuterie. A dedicated charcuterie room will showcase cured meats and artisan cheeses from producers across the Southern Highlands, the South Coast and beyond, complemented by a drinks program starring classic cocktails, regional wines, deluxe single malts, fine ports and aged cognacs. The reimagined interiors, designed by Sydney firm MAC Design Studio, take cues from romantic European country manors while weaving in contemporary touches — vibrant greenery, jewel-toned seating and cascading pendant lighting are balanced by botanical motifs, terracotta and ochre tones, sculptural timber detailing and plush chocolate leather finishes. It's all part of a multimillion-dollar refresh that sets the stage for a new era at this historic estate. Ardour Milton Park Bowral is slated to open in early 2026. For more information, head to the hotel's website.
The Whitsundays is a stunning holiday destination. Thanks to its gorgeous natural surroundings, vacationing at the Sunshine State spot is rarely solely driven by wanting to dine at a particular restaurant, then; however, on Hamilton Island, that might be the motivation now. If any eatery and bar is worth planning a getaway around, it's the brand-new Catseye Pool Club. First announced in 2024 and open since late April 2025, it's Josh and Julie Niland's latest venture — and their first ever in Queensland. When the pair revealed that they were launching their debut Sunshine State restaurant on Hamilton Island, it was huge news. Indeed, this is one of the big culinary openings of 2025. Catseye Pool Club is part of The Sundays, the also brand-new 59-room hotel at Catseye Beach's northern end that's all about luxury, but also boasts being family friendly as part of its point of difference. This Niland venture stands out from the duo's other restaurants for a few reasons. There's the location, of course — and eating here does indeed mean dining at an oceanfront tropical destination. Then there's the fact that Catseye Pool Club isn't a seafood joint. Whenever Josh and Julie's names come up, it's usually in the same breath as their preferred form of protein. Acclaimed Sydney restaurants, award-winning cookbooks, global kudos, a sustainable seafood restaurant in Singapore: championing a fin-to-tail approach to the ocean's finest, their footprint spans all of the above. Whole-fish cookery remains a feature at Catseye Pool Club, but it's just one part of the menu. This restaurant and bar heroes Australian ingredients and celebrate shared dining, with dishes designed to be tucked into communally. Taking your time in the sun, making the most of the fact that you're on an island and relaxing in general are also key aspects of the vibe — and the pool club part of the restaurant's name says plenty. Yes, the eatery is by the pool, so expect to peer at water from multiple sources. "Whilst 'family-style' or 'share-style' dining is very much a way restaurants have operated for many years, the Catseye Pool Club approaches its menu with each item very much designed to be enjoyed as a whole table, with all the trimmings coming with each dish," explained Josh back in March. The opening food and drink lineup spans 14 pages, starting with rock oysters with pepperberry mignonette, pizza bread, and a selection of wild raw fish and scallops for two. Almost everything edible from there is for at least a pair of diners, whether battered and fried wild fish tacos, Tweed Heads rock lobster, roast pork, Bowen mud crab pie, sirloin on the bone, lamb cutlets or line-caught trout tempt your tastebuds — or raspberry and coconut trifle, chocolate cake or flambé pineapple tart among the desserts. The one exception: the neapolitan sundae is just designed for one. Catseye Pool Club is also serving up breakfast just for hotel guests — and patrons can be enjoy its range of meals if they're hanging out by the pool rather than sitting at a table. At a hotel run by Hamilton Island Enterprises, which is also behind qualia, guests can also make the most of that oceanfront swimming pool surrounded by private cabanas, alongside a pickleball court and tropical gardens. Room options include balcony and terrace, plus interconnecting family rooms, all decked out in calming hues. "The Sundays brings something truly special to Hamilton Island — an elevated boutique escape that welcomes families and reflects the warm, laidback, uniquely Australian style of hospitality Hamilton Island is known for," advises Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling. "The Sundays is part of Hamilton Island's ongoing evolution — reimagined for today's traveller on the site of one of the island's original hotels. Over the years, we've evolved our accommodation, dining and experiences to reflect what our guests are looking for. Those who've been returning for decades know that you don't need to travel far to tick off a bucket-list destination — the Great Barrier Reef is right here on our doorstep.' Find Catseye Pool Club at The Sundays, Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island — and head to the hotel's website for more details.
With the end of Summer almost in sight, it's time to make the most of those long lazy afternoons. And what better way to do that than with a few cold drinks in a relaxed, comfortable outdoor setting — AKA, a lush beer garden. So we've rounded up the best lesser-known beer gardens in the inner west, where you can soak up some rays and brews this summer (without struggling to find a place to sit).
Achieve a social good and feast on one slice after the next, as Divide 8 St Leonards hosts a charity drive on Saturday, June 14, from 12–3pm. With all donations going towards Canteen Australia — a charity that's supported young people impacted by cancer for nearly 40 years — a contribution of your choice will earn you a free pizza. Divide 8 is something of a charitable bunch, having put their pizza-making prowess to good use in previous years. For example, they've helped raise over $5000 for charities like MS Australia and Angel Flight, ensuring their slice does a little more for society. Excited to get involved? Just sign up for Divide 8's newsletter, make a donation to Canteen Australia and follow Divide 8 on Instagram to claim your pizza. There's a delicious trio to choose from, but note there's a one-pizza limit per couple or two per group. Score yourself a Pepperoni², stacked with double pepperoni, roasted capsicum and mushrooms, or indulge in the Miss Marg, featuring fresh tomato, buffalo mozzarella and 16-month-aged Grana Padano. Lastly, the Gr8 Deb8 offers layers of Lucas Meats leg ham, maple bacon, fresh-cut pineapple and 16-month-aged Grana Padano.
We love our friends. Really, we do. But sometimes we just need a little me time. And when the urge for a few solitary hours strikes, one of our favourite things to do is take ourselves out on a little solo lunch or dinner date. But, with many restaurants and bars set up for dates or groups, finding a place to go solito can often be a bit of a challenge, tempting you to get that alone time by skipping lunch with the colleagues to eat a wilted salad at your desk or holing up at home with takeout and a series. To make sure that doesn't happen, American Express has helped us find nine spots, all Amex-accepting, where eating by yourself is both totally acceptable and incredibly fun. Equipped with single tables or bar seating, and with food so good you wouldn't want to share it anyways, these places make solo dining perfectly, deliciously comfortable. Whether you want a quiet break from the office during a particularly hectic day or are on the hunt for a bar you can go to when you don't feel like being with the mates, we've found the perfect place. Bring a book and you'll be well-prepared to linger over dessert and a few glasses of vino. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
If you're looking for a stay in the heart of Western Sydney, consider SKYE Suites Parramatta. A splash of luxury means you'll be sitting pretty during your stay, but the real charm of this bustling accommodation is its proximity to the city-best dining, drinking and culture on offer in Parramatta. The rooms have the feeling of a new apartment with stylish but understated furniture, and walls dividing the bedroom from the kitchen rather than your classic open-plan hotel suite. On arrival, you'll be greeted by all of the luxuries you can expect from any up-market stay: free wifi, espresso machine, a smart TV and a mini-bar packed with quality snacks and bevs. The hotel's picturesque outdoor deck boasts a 25-metre swimming pool and adjoining spa — an idyllic spot for summer dips. And inside there's a modest gym and a series of conference rooms, positioning SKYE as a one-stop spot for everything from family vacays to business retreats. As with any good hotel, you'll be tempted to spend your stay soaking in all of the in-house luxuries, but if you can tear yourself away from the pool deck there's plenty to discover within walking distance. Head up the elevator to the top level of the building for your first stop of the night — a drink at Parra's beloved rooftop cocktail and champagne bar Nick and Nora's. After you enjoy burnt butter old fashioned with panoramic views of Sydney, our recommendation for dinner is Lilymu in Parramatta Square — one of our picks for the 20 best restaurants in Sydney. Other standout spots on your doorstep include the library and community space PHIVE; one of the best cafes in Sydney in Circa Espresso; and, of course, the towering Westfield Parramatta for your shopping and cinema needs. If you're staying at SKYE Suites Parramatta, make sure to check out our Parramatta guides on where to eat and drink, the best cafes, outdoor activities and how to get your cultural fix. [caption id="attachment_691230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick and Nora's, Jiwon Kim[/caption]
For over a century now, HOYTS has been connecting Aussie audiences with all the big screen hits they've ever needed, and for the cinema chain's 116th birthday, it's giving a little something back to weekend moviegoers. In every HOYTS cinema around Australia this weekend, all day and night, tickets will be going for just $8, or $25 for HOYTS LUX tickets — now's the time to try watching a movie in recliner seating with cocktails, wine and gourmet food delivered straight to your seat. With 49 cinemas across the country, this is a treat we can all make the most of. HOYTS General Manager of Customer Engagement Brad Eaton said "We're extremely proud of our long legacy in cinema and this weekend is all about celebrating with our loyal guests. Whether you're after a new blockbuster or a fun experience with the family, there's something for everyone so all can take advantage of this exceptional offer." [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkgMaS5gbaA[/embed] So what's worth watching? New releases include Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman at their dysfunctional best in The Roses, Austin Butler getting caught in a crime caper in Caught Stealing and Liam Neeson saving the world (absurdly) in The Naked Gun. Not one but two small-screen series are getting big-screen finales at the moment, with Downton Abbey: The Final Chapter and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- Infinity Castle both screening this weekend. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAtUHeMQ1F8[/embed] Prefer something to get your pulse pounding? Settle in for The Conjuring: Last Rites, The Long Walk or Weapons. If you've got kiddos in tow, they might be keen for Sketch or The Bad Guys 2. And if you missed any of this year's winter blockbusters — Superman, F1 The Movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Jurassic World: Rebirth are all still wrapping up their theatrical runs. Find your nearest HOYTS cinema and get tickets to a screening of your choice here.
Would you rather spend your hard-earned pennies on a funky piece for your house than on new clothes? Are you the kind of friend that your mates come to for interior decorating advice? Then, you're also probably the kind of person that shudders at monstrous televisions that often break, not make, a living room's feng shui. Thankfully, we've teamed up with Samsung to give one lucky design geek a brand-new The Serif. This stylish TV was designed to be a focal point in the living room, and to complement interior aesthetics instead of being an eyesore taking up space in the corner. Developed through a collab between two of the world's most esteemed industrial designers — Paris-based brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec — The Serif TV features an iconic 'I' shape when viewed from the side. Its seamless form means it looks good from any angle. So, you can position it on its own legs, on a counter or on a traditional TV cabinet, and it'll not only integrate seamlessly into your home but also transform it into something resembling those chic spaces you drool over on Instagram. The major prize winner will receive one 43-inch The Serif TV and one limited-edition artwork by the Bouroullec brothers. We've also gotten our hands on 99 more of those artworks to share as runner-up rewards. To be in the running, enter your details below. To find out more about The Serif, visit the Samsung website. [competition]831045[/competition]
Shadow Baking, the Darlinghurst bakery headed by three Messina chefs, and Messina's sprawling Wonka-esque headquarters came into this world in sync in late 2023, so perhaps the decision to combine them was always going to be the natural progression. Don't worry Darlinghurst locals, Shadow's specialty baked goods aren't passing into memory, as the original store will continue to run out of its Victoria Street digs. But now, you can go to Marrickville to get these treats, too. Messina HQ is always worth the trip. It's home to 40+ flavours of their viral gelato, plus cakes, cookie dough, merchandise and pretty much anything a member of Messina's culinary or marketing teams ever dreamed up. Including a creative degustation space, which has also been swept up in the HQ upgrades, now existing as the new home of Erin, Messina's very own wine bar. Let's break down these changes one by one. First, Shadow Baking. The bakery isn't losing any of the trimmings, and it's bringing some much-needed new touches to Messina HQ with its arrival. Chief among them is air conditioning. Say goodbye to sweltering in the parking lot; now, you can park up on a comfy chair and get out of the heat on any summer (or unseasonably hot autumn) day. Once you're sat, enjoy fresh-baked pastries, exclusive gelato collabs, coffee and even affogatos made with Messina gelato — be sure to try the exclusive pistachio praline or fudge flavours. Coffee and affogato will be available during Messina's opening hours, and as of Thursday, March 20, a new afternoon and evening offering comes in the form of Erin. Named for Messina's country Victorian farm in Erindale, this new space will continue to serve all of the degustation favourites in slightly expanded digs, as well as the come-and-go pre-existing snack bar offering. Erin also holds the self-claimed title of Australia's only restaurant inside a gelato store, and we've yet to hear from anyone who says they did it first. The intention is a creative but relaxed experience, with set menus and à la carte bookings available nightly. The produce, seasonally sourced from the aforementioned farm with a paddock-to-plate ethos, ends up in some appropriately delicious-sounding menu items, often including creative spins on gelato. Think gnocco fritto with jamón serrano and parmesan gelato; Messina jersey beef tartare with parsley, buckwheat and horseradish snow or kaffir lime gelato with dessert lime, lovage snow and garden herbs. On the drinks front, we'll give you a moment to guess. If you guessed gelato cocktails, your prayers have indeed been answered. The starting lineup is strong, including a spicy watermelon margarita, the Nicky Glasses martini (with salted caramel and coffee), a salted coconut and mango daiquiri and even a pepperoni negroni. Beyond cocktails, there's a healthy offering of local wine and beers and a wine launched in collaboration with Doom Juice — a Gewürztraminer and Vermentino blend named Moo-Tang. All in all, an already scrumptious space has reached new, tastier heights, and who knows where Sydney's undisputed lords of gelato will go next. Find Messina HQ at 1 Rich Street, Marrickville – open from 12pm-10.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 8am-10.30pm Thursday, 8am-11pm Friday to Saturday and 8am-10.30pm Sunday. Head to the website for more details.
It's official: Pad Thai has replaced pizza as Sydneysiders go-to dish of choice. As our culinary tastes reorient to the East, Concrete Playground explores some of Sydney's best Thai eateries, from the stalwarts to the style-setters and everything in between. 1. Senyai Regent Place has just given birth to its very own lan-caar bo-rancor (old Thai shop), Senyai. A laneway eatery resembling what one might expect to find in Bangkok's steamy back streets. Inside, the walls are scattered with colourful decorative plates, framed Thai pop stars and royal family, and cabinets full of vintage Thai paraphernalia. In the faux outside area you'll find a metal fence strewn with graffiti and posters. Yep, it feels just like the real deal. Start with a serve of miang kham ($6) — betel leaves topped with diced lime, red chilli, dehydrated prawns, nuts, red onion, and coconut sauce. Next try the po pia jaan ($12) — crispy prawn pancakes covered in layers of super-fine deep-fried rice paper, with an almost spongy inner texture. Let your Thai eating journey begin ... 486 Kent St, Regent Place; 02 9283 8686; www.senyai.com.au 2. Chat Thai Chat Thai is the worst kept secret amongst us Thai people living in Sydney. With a focus on Thai street food and dishes that are meant to be for Thai palates only, Chat Thai was meant to be a Thai person's Thai restaurant. But when you do the mainstay favorites pretty well, and at very, very reasonable prices, it's inevitable that the cat will get out of the bag. Located across from the Capitol Theatre, the open desert kitchen welcomes you in, with the bare brick walls covered with crayon artwork by a famous Thai comedian. If you’ve arrived during the dinner rush hour expect to be waiting at least 45 minutes or longer for a table; try and get in early and they might be able to offer you dishes still made from the lunch menu as well. 20 Campbell St, Haymarket; 02 9211 1808; www.chatthai.com.au 3. Spice I Am Spice I Am? It almost sounds like a challenge, or at least a state of mind. If there's anything to assist you reaching that state, it's red-hot Thai food. Where are you going to find it? At Spice I Am in Darlinghurst. And it's not just the food that's hot. This place is all style: exposed brick walls, another wall of expertly arranged clay pots, and a black and gold leaf bar. Drawing from north-eastern Thai cuisine, head chef Sujet Saenkham has concocted dishes away from the stir-fry stereotype. 296-300 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst; 02 9332 2445; www.spiceiam.com 4. Thai Pothong A Newtown institution since the '90s, Thai Pothong has gone from a cosy diner to a cavernous 350-seater restaurant with a quirky gift shop attached (anyone fancy a miniature model of the Predator?). Now offering dedicated gluten free and vegan menus, this inner-west stalwart only goes from strength to strength and continues to impress with its speedy service, group dining and authentic Thai cuisine. 294 King Street, Newtown; 02 9550 6277; www.thaipothong.com.au 5. Tapioca It's a far cry from the sandstone walls of Sailors Thai Canteen in the Rocks and the inner-city buzz of Sailors Thai Potts Point, but chefs Pacharin Jantrakool and Krongthong Akkachitto are still weaving their magic. Only this time they're doing it north of the bridge in Cremorne. On any given night Tapioca's smart, airy diner is filled with families, couples and canoodlers all clamouring for northern Thai favourites like the miang kum (betel leaves with smoked trout and roasted coconut). 318A Military Rd, Cremorne; 02 9908 1588; www.tapioca.net.au 6. Sailors Thai The doyenne of the Thai dining scene, Sailors Thai ushered in a wave of stylish Thai diners the likes of which Sydney hadn't seen prior and spawned a generation of talented chefs. Go back to where Sydney's love affair with classy Thai dining started at this heritage listed building in The Rocks where Thai favourites like Gang ped yang (red duck curry) continue to delight the palate. Want something casual? You'll find Sailors Canteen downstairs, renowned amongst other things for making communal dining de rigueur. 106 George Street, The Rocks; 02 9251 2466; www.sailorsthai.com.au 7. @Bangkok Stumble into @Bangkok late on a Friday or Saturday night and you might mistake it for a karaoke bar. You wouldn't be entirely wrong either. Late in the week this Capitol Square restaurant, launched six years ago to cater for the city's growing Thai community, doubles as a karaoke bar and pays homage to Thailand's favourite pastime. Sweet, sour, salty and spicy, you'll find your favourite Thai dishes alongside some lesser known but equally delectable offerings. Shop G 11, Capitol Square, 730-742 George Street, Sydney; 02 9211 5232; www.atbangkok.com.au 8. Longrain If Sailors Thai brought style to Thai dining, Longrain made it achingly hip. Set in a 100 year old converted warehouse with a sleek basement bar, the vibe is contemporary and upmarket. Head chef Martin Boetz has created a modern menu which reflects Longrain's inner city locale to a tee. Cocktails are sharp and zesty, like the lemongrass martini, whilst dishes like the crisp caramelised pork hock with chilli vinegar once sampled, are rarely forgotten. 85 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills; 02 9280 2888; www.longrain.com.au 9. Alphabet Street The folks who brought Thai fusion diner Rambutan to the Oxford Street strip — Oriana De Luca and Joe Natale — have headed south to work their charms on The Shire. Just like Rambutan, at Alphabet Street offer gorgeous cocktails like the spicy, kaffir lime-flavoured Thai Bloody Mary and a menu that straddles the staples and fusion dishes with ease. All set in a white-washed, industrial-chic venue with Cronulla Beach crowing distance away. 5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla; 02 9544 0756; www.alphabetst.net Photo credit: he needs food. 10. House You can't go past a north-eastern Thai diner that promises a dessert called Better than Sex, can you? A slice of a fried bread covered in sugar and caramel and covered with coconut ice cream, we're not sure how Better than Sex fits into House's Isaan-style cuisine but it definitely offsets the spicy heat of the menu. With the culinary backing of Spice I Am's head chef and co-owner, Sujet Saenkhan, this is one Thai experience not to be missed. 202 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills; 02 9280 0364; www.spiceiam.com/house-surry-hills
Taylor Swift has already played Australia in 2024, as the entire country knows. Billie Eilish will hit the country's stages in 2025. Arriving in-between: Olivia Rodrigo, with the former Disney talent — see: Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series — bringing her huge GUTS world tour Down Under in October 2024. When we say huge, we mean it. With the addition of four Aussie dates alongside new gigs in Bangkok, Thailand, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore, the tour now spans 82 concerts around the globe. In Australia, Rodrigo has a two-night date with Melbourne and then another two with Sydney. Fans elsewhere, you'll be needing to travel. Touring in support of her second studio album that's also called GUTS, three-time Grammy-winner Rodrigo is hitting Rod Laver Arena Wednesday, October 9–Thursday, October 10 to start her Aussie visit. The next week, from Thursday, October 17–Friday, October 18, she'll play Qudos Bank Arena. In both Sydney and Melbourne, New Zealand singer-songwriter Benee will also take to the stage in support This is 'Drivers License', 'Good 4 U' and 'Vampire' singer Rodrigo's first arena tour, as well as her first tour Down Under — and she'll have her debut album SOUR to work through as well. The GUTS tour started in Palm Springs in February, saw Rodrigo do four shows at Madison Square Garden in April, and is currently making its way around the UK before heading to Europe, back to the US, then to Asia and Australia. Olivia Rodrigo GUTS World Tour 2024 Australian Dates: Wednesday, October 9–Thursday, October 10 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Thursday, October 17–Friday, October 18 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olivia Rodrigo is touring Australia in October 2024. Ticket presales start at 1pm on Wednesday, May 15, and general sales at 1pm on Thursday, May 16 — head to the tour website for further details. Images: Chris Polk, Polk Imaging.
Huge birthday, huge program, huge list of reasons to spend an entire year at the Sydney Opera House. Come October 2023, the iconic Australian venue will reach its 50th birthday, and it's doing what everyone does when it hits a massive milestone: celebrating for as long as possible. In fact, the Opera House is dedicating 12 whole months to its 50th-anniversary shenanigans, starting a year in advance. From October 2022, the acclaimed Sydney Harbour venue will kick off the festivities in the most fitting way — with From the Sails: Light Years, a nightly projection series featuring new art by Sam Doust and Art Processors, which'll adorn the structure's famous sails from Wednesday, October 19–Sunday, 30. Obviously, that's just the beginning of a hefty program, with the already-announced Amadeus starring Michael Sheen taking over the site's newly revamped Concert Hall from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Saturday, January 21, 2023, too. Also on the bill: a full lineup that spans 230-plus performances, events and experiences, covering outdoor concerts, community events, First Nations storytelling, tours, public art, exhibitions and more, and happening in the venue's theatres, on its forecourt and online. From Thursday, October 20–Sunday, 30, that includes From the Steps: Voices at Dusk, which'll see local community choirs — as curated by resident company Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' Artistic Director Brett Weymark OAM — sing free open-air choral performances on the Opera House steps. Also outdoors, this time running from Thursday, November 10–Saturday, November 19, is a concert series at the Opera House's forecourt featuring Tim Minchin, New Zealand's Fat Freddy's Drop and two shows by Vance Joy. There'll be two free gigs, too — one dedicated to Yolŋu music and culture with Djakapurra Munyarryun, Dhapanbal Yunupingu, the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and more on the lineup, and another that'll see Ngaiire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra join forces. [caption id="attachment_871449" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ngaiire[/caption] While Sydney Opera House hasn't unveiled the full program yet, with further events set to be announced in the coming months, the rest of the lineup so far features two big festivals: Inside/Out at the House and Open House Festival. The first will arrive at the beginning of May 2023, heroing performances by the London Symphony Orchestra, Australian Ballet, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and Australian Chamber Orchestra. Each show will take place inside either the Concert Hall or the Joan Sutherland Theatre, but you'll also be able to watch in the forecourt, where they'll be broadcast to an openair cinema setup. At the second, Open House Festival will live up to its name across the entire month of October 2023. That means hosting performances, events and activities in every part of the Opera House, and also holding an open day where attendees can go exploring. [caption id="attachment_871446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ken Leanfore[/caption] Plus, Bangarra Dance Theatre will unveil the world premiere of a new production in June 2023, under incoming Artistic Director Frances Rings. Sydney Theatre Award-winning play The Visitors will receive a new staging, directed by Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch — and the Opera House will present Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert in conjunction with Sydney WorldPride 2023. Also, the Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir (CAAWC) — which hails from six remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory — will unleash their vocals in the Concert Hall, German operatic tenor Jonas Kaufmann and an international cast will perform La Gioconda, and Mad Scenes by Jessica Pratt will showcase the Australian talent. [caption id="attachment_871445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Marking a full-circle moment given that it was part of the Opera House's opening in 1973, Sydney Dance Company will stage three works. And, there'll be a revamped Opera House tour that highlights past performances and historic moments. Clearly, this year-long party is going to be massive — it's supported by the NSW Government's Blockbuster Funding initiative, and 'blockbuster' is the right word for it. [caption id="attachment_871453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] Sydney Opera House's 50th anniversary program kicks off in October 2022 and runs for a year. For more information, head to the Sydney Opera House website. Top images: Prudence Upton / Keith Saunders / Anna Kacera.
Australia's hot springs fiends and bathing connoisseurs have a lot to be excited about — if a trip to Victoria is in your future, or will be now. First, we learned the much-loved Peninsula Hot Springs crew was planning a new wellness and bathing precinct for East Gippsland, the Metung Hot Springs. Then, a proposal for a 900-kilometre trail linking the state's hot springs and other bathing spots was unveiled. And now, it's time to actually start planning those Gippsland-based bathing adventures, because the Metung Hot Springs has announced an initial launch date, with bookings to open in a matter of days. The first phase of the $100-million precinct's long-awaited grand opening is slated for Saturday, October 29 — and you can jump online to book a visit from Monday, September 19. Much like its Mornington Peninsula sibling, the Gippsland site is set to be one giant haven of wellness and indulgence, nestled on 25 acres surrounded by coastal bushland and located within strolling distance of the quaint lakeside village of Metung. Guests will be able to soak in cliff-top barrels overlooking Lake King, let off steam in various architecturally designed saunas (including a floating one), pamper themselves at the day spa and rejuvenate while bathing in pools filled with geothermal water. There'll be bush walks to wander, plunge pools to get your blood pumping, and all-day dining options to refuel in between dips, too. Located four hours out of Melbourne, Metung Hot Springs will also feature onsite accommodation, including safari-style glamping tents each decked out with its own private balcony and geothermal bathing barrel. As announced earlier, the bathing precinct is also joining forces with — and renovating — the nearby former Kings Cove Golf Course, soon to relaunch as the Metung Country Club. It'll have its own resort-style accommodation and facilities, and a revamped clubhouse and restaurant, with 'stay, bathe and golf' packages on offer across the two sites. [caption id="attachment_869322" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Metung Hot Springs glamping[/caption] Meanwhile, those looking to indulge in some 'me' time can immerse themselves in the offerings of the onsite day spa, centred on authentic Larn'wa Aboriginal Lore wellness rituals incorporating native botanical spa products. The hot springs project is being brought to life with the help of $1.5 million in funding courtesy of the Victorian Government's Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package, as well as an additional $1.5 million from the federal and state governments' Local Economic Recovery Program In other related news, Victoria's proposed bathing and hot springs trail is set to start taking shape over the coming summer months, with the latest map and venue updates available to scope out online. Keen on multiple trips south to hit the hot springs? Back on the Mornington Peninsula, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is on track to open its own doors in a matter of weeks, now taking spa and bathing bookings from September 26 onwards. Metung Hot Springs will open to customers from Saturday, October 29 at 73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung, Victoria. Online bookings are open from Thursday, September 19.
Leichhardt’s supine pub scene has been given an overhaul with the newly renovated The Royal bringing back the historic hotel’s charm and charisma. The Royal Botanical, situated upstairs, is the schmick new dining room, bar and garden terrace that is offering up not only an appealing new menu, but also a welcoming venue at which to sample this fare. The layout of the main room is traditionally bistro-style, yet freshened up with hanging baskets and framed botanicals on the wall, as well as views over the district, should you nab a window seat. The sophisticated outdoor terrace is a horticulturalist's heaven — wall-to-wall plants and greenery make the covered space a verdant, airy alternative — especially in the warmer months. Those seeking a change from Norton Street’s Italian flavour will be rewarded with a jazzed up menu that hasn’t boycotted the usual pub culprits. To start with, sharing plates such as the salt & pepper squid ($14) is a staple that can’t be missed, nor the potato wedges ($8) with sweet chilli sauce and sour cream (a match made in heaven). Even more tempting is a 1kg bucket of hot chicken wings ($17.50) — get your napkins ready, with flavours of coriander, chilli and lemon punching through, these are tasty sticklers. For the main fare, hearty pub grub lives up to its name with the classic schnitzel ($19), or dressed up with chunky tomato sauce and melted cheddar to turn it into a parmi ($21). The royal burger ($17.50) is indulgently royal: with everything you could want in a burger, plus more, same with the pulled pork roll ($16.50). The sirloin steak ($24) will curb any appetite — nothing like a 300g Black Angus steak served with gravy and green beans on a bed of mash. As for something more refined, crispy skin salmon ($23) is perfectly seared, yet hungrier bellies may be craving that bed of mash to really hit the spot. If you’ve got room for dessert ($11), go for it — the chocolate trifle will convert anybody who detests the old favourite. But our bet is that you’ll want to get started on the cocktails — the decent list has got numerous tantalizing options, all at reasonable prices. The Quince Cup ($14) is a sweet and fragrant blend of gin, pear, quince and lemon but it’s the Ginger Nut ($13) that’s the standout — Frangelico with vodka, apple juice, lemon and bitters shaken through, topped with ice cold ginger beer ($13). The bar also has a solid selection of craft beers and top notch wines from Australia- a Mr Riggs shiraz from McLaren Vale is a tasty drop at $8 a glass and the Margaret River Semillon sav blanc ($8/$38) is delicate, yet balanced with a fresh acidity. Needless to say, the hotel — which has been a part of Leichhardt’s fabric since 1886 — has been spruced up a notch, yet managed to stick to its customary roots with class.
Since 2020, fans of cowboy-themed ice cream have had two options: lick your way through a classic ol' Bubble O'Bill on a stick as you've always done, saving the bubblegum nose for last (of course), or tuck into a Bubble O'Bill tub. That's all well, good and tasty, but frozen desserts can't keep a lasso over the fictional, confectionery-based Old West figure — because Bubble O'Bill Easter eggs are now a sweet treat that truly exists. Set to hit the shelves at Woolworths on Wednesday, March 16, the 160-gram chocolate eggs aren't shaped like their namesake, however. They're regular old egg-shaped, but with swirls of strawberry marbling, pieces of caramel and chewy berry pieces mixed into the Chocolatier Australia chocolate. Love the gumball part of Bubble O'Bills? Of course you do. And they're still included in the Easter egg version, with five found inside once you crack open all that chocolate. Turning a beloved Streets ice cream into an Easter egg isn't just the domain of Bubble O'Bill, either. Returning to both Woolies and Coles this year is the Golden Gaytime Easter egg, which sports the same toffee flavour as the frosty dessert and comes coated in Golden Gaytime crumbs. And, it's available now. Yes, Easter is still more than a month away — hitting on Sunday, April 17 in 2022 — but that just means you've got plenty of time to stock up, or to mark the occasion for weeks in advance. Being an adult means eating Bubble O'Bill and Golden Gaytime Easter eggs whenever you like. Find Bubble O'Bill Easter eggs at Woolworths stores from Wednesday, March 16, costing $10 each. Golden Gaytime Easter eggs are available at both Woolies and Coles now.
Musicals don't get much bigger than Les Misérables. That's been evident on the stage for more than four decades. When the production has been adapted for the screen, too, it's also been clear. In Australia, next comes Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular, which will put on a show set in 19th-century France on a three-city tour from April 2025. Do you hear the people sing? Audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane definitely will when the production gets the music of the people, plus the songs of angry men, echoing. A stacked cast and a 65-plus-piece orchestra will bring Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular to life at ICC Theatre, Rod Laver Arena and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, with the format heading Down Under after playing the UK and across Europe. Starting on Wednesday, April 30 in the Harbour City, Australia is getting a five-week-only run, before the show travels through Asia — including Japan, Taiwan and China — and then returns to Europe, with American and Canadian seasons also planned. What makes this an arena spectacular, other than the venues that it's playing? The production isn't just taking the stage iteration of Les Misérables as is to sizeable sites — as a concert, it has been specifically created and designed for such locations. Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular was born to celebrate a hefty milestone for the song-filled theatre take on Victor Hugo's famous 1862 novel: the London production of Les Misérables reaching its 40th year in 2025. Yes, it's West End's longest-running musical. But the arena spectacular's origins hail back earlier, to not long after Les Mis debuted on the stage in 1980 — and also have ties to Australia. "I have long dreamt of taking an Arena Tour of Les Misérables around the world, but I am especially thrilled to be bringing it back to Australia where the outrageous of idea of doing Les Mis as a concert began," explains producer Cameron Mackintosh. "When I first did the stage production of Les Misérables in Sydney in 1987 — with the wonderous Marina Prior as Cosette (only two years after its London opening) — we were invited to do a concert in Sydney's Domain in January 1989 as part of the Sydney Festival. It was very early in the life of Les Misérables, so we had no idea if anyone would turn up, let alone know the music, as the show had only been playing for a year in the 1000-seat Theatre Royal. But, to our astonishment, 135,000 people turned up and embraced the show with a mighty roar — it was a night I will never forget, and the concert was born." On its three Aussie stops, Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular will star Tony-winner Alfie Boe and British talent Killian Donnelly sharing the role of Jean Valjean, while Michael Ball — who featured in the original London 1985 production — plus Bradley Jaden are doing the same with Javert. Prior is back as Madame Thénardier, as part of an international cast that also includes Little Britain's Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine, Jac Yarrow as Marius and Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette. Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular Australian Dates 2025 From Wednesday, April 30 — ICC Theatre, Sydney From Wednesday, May 14 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne From Wednesday, May 28 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular is touring Australia from April–June 2025. Ticket presales start at 1pm local time on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, with general sales from 1pm local time on Friday, November 29, 2024. Head to the production's website for more details and to sign up for the waitlist. Images: Danny Kaan.
