What was once a CBD institution for late-night revellers as the final stop on a night out before you were forced to head home, has reopened as a flash multi-storey and multi-concept pub. Jacksons on George reemerged after years in the wilderness in September 2023 following a multimillion-dollar renovation under the guidance of Maurice Terzini (Icebergs, Re-) and his DTL Entertainment Group partner Michael Broome. There are three distinct spacews in the new Jacksons on George: the ground-floor public bar, a flash new French bistro and the sleek cocktail-fuelled rooftop bar. Leading the charge across all three levels is Head Chef Steven Sinclair, who arrives at the venue with a wealth of experience in world-renowned kitchens. Alongside time spent overlooking Bondi Beach at Icebergs, he's also cut his teeth at two of Ireland's top restaurants, The Old Schoolhouse Inn and The Potted Hen. Wander in from George Street and you'll find a classic pub sporting a fresh fit-out from Sydney-based studio Richards Stanisich. Both here and up on the rooftop, you can expect the tried-and-true combination of pub feeds done well, house twists on classic cocktails and perfectly poured local beers. The ground-floor public bar even has Hard Solo on tap. Some of the unexpected turns you'll discover on the Jacksons on George pub menu include slow-cooked duck sausage rolls, tempura prawn rolls and roast chook cooked over charcoal. Plus, there's a signature dessert on offer: the Jacksons banoffee sundae. There's also a happy hour in the Public Bar every weekday between 4–6pm offering $7 beers and wine. Changing things up above the public bar is the 120-seat Bistro George, a European-inspired diner that champions local produce. Framed by a sea of high rises, this first-floor restaurant offers an abundance of charm and is an ideal date-night or pre-theatre destination. If you're heading to the bistro, our tip is to order a bunch of starters for the table. The wood-fired potato bread, clams casino, beef tartare, chicken liver parfait and salmon gravlax on a sourdough crumpet are all supremely impressive. Throughout Jacksons on George, you'll also find an impressive art collection including a series of works from Archibald and Sulman Prize finalist and Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey, who injects her award-winning blend of traditional Anangu art and contemporary pop culture into the space. And, if you're on the hunt for an intimate spot to host your work Christmas party or a milestone birthday, Bistro George has a 30-guest private dining room, translating the luxury of the restaurant into a secluded corner of the venue.
UPDATE: MARCH 30, 2020 — When you're mostly living on pantry staples, a treat is more than deserved — and you can't go past this Clovelly patisserie's insane creations. You can order savoury pies, bread, eclairs and chocolate-dipped croissants to your doorstep via the Bopple app. It is currently closed to dine-in customers. When you're mostly living on pantry staples, a treat is more than deserved — and you can't go past this Clovelly patisserie's insane creations. You can order everything from savoury pies and bread to eclairs and chocolate-dipped croissants to your doorstep via the Bopple app — or takeaway from the store if you do want to venture outdoors.Sydneysiders with a sweet tooth should make tracks to Clovelly, where renowned pastry chef Yves Scherrer is now pumping out his goods at new patisserie and bakery Madame & Yves. Scherrer — who's opened the venue with partner Jennifer — has worked across several of Sydney's fine dining institutions, creating stunning desserts at the likes of Sokyo and now-closed restaurants Est. and Ananas Brasserie. He also recently coached the Australian World Pastry Cup team — which went on to win sixth place worldwide — and is the man responsible for Sake's much Instagrammed dragon egg dessert. While the dragon egg will not make an appearance at Madame & Yves, a few of Scherrer's other famed creations will grace the menu — including the salted caramel eclairs from Ananas and the white sesame gelato from Sake. The leaves room on the menu for a whole heap of new creations, like the matcha yuzu roll (matcha sponge, mascarpone yuzu cream, yuzu whipped ganache, shiso leaf gel and choux pastry) and the piña colada tart (coconut mousse, lime curd, rum-flambéed pineapple and sweet pastry). Expect cakes, tarts, fresh bread and pastries aplenty. There is a whole host of croissants, from the classic ham and cheese, to a Ferrero version filled with hazelnut and dipped in chocolate. There's also a sizeable list of handmade gelato and sorbet on offer, including vanilla bourbon, pineapple yoghurt and lemongrass varieties. You'll also notice a focus on native and seasonal Aussie ingredients here, with no artificial colours or additives to speak of. Patrons can see an environmental focus elsewhere in the shop, too — notably in the biodegradable plant-based packaging and the Green Caffeen swap-and-go cup cups. For those coffees, the patisserie has teamed up with social enterprise Madding Crowd Coffee, a small-batch Sydney roaster which donates a portion of profits back to charity (and whose beans come in reusable tins). The Clovelly Road shop is small, which means you can watch the team of pastry chefs in action from the open kitchen as you order at the counter. There are a few outdoor tables, too, made for morning coffees and croissants. Find Madame & Yves at 343–345 Clovelly Road, Clovelly. It's open daily from 7am–5pm.
Everyone should play tourist in their own town. For fans of horror movies in the Harbour City, everyone should see Sydney's historic spots in a whole new light while a frightening flick rolls and Haus of Horror throws a party. That's the immersive cinema outfit's setup, and it has both the winter solstice and the Old Darlinghurst Gaol in its sights next — plus getting eerie with the American remake of The Ring. In the past, for over a year, Haus of Horror has popped up everywhere from Parramatta Gaol and Camperdown Cemetery to Cockatoo Island, showing The Exorcist, the OG Scream, Beetlejuice, A Nightmare on Elm Street and more. Now, before you truly get into the winter spirit, you'll see The Ring inside a cellblock with a full moon in the sky outside. You have two sessions to choose from, both on Saturday, June 22 (technically a day after 2024's winter solstice, but this kind of event was always going to be more fun on a Saturday instead of a Friday). So, either head through the doors at 5pm for a 7pm screening, or mosey through at 7.15pm for a 9.15pm showing. Either way, a date with Samara is only a portion of the party. Prior to the movie flickering through the projector, you'll be given time to explore the site — a place that dates back to the 1820s, housed prisoners from 1841–1914, then became a technical college and later the National Art School. The old gaol has turned the former women's prisoner wing into a theatre, which is where you'll be watching. If you need to peel your eyes away from the screen, look out for remnants of the space's previous use etched onto the walls. Haus of Horror is also setting up scare zones, a photo booth, and markets selling handmade and vintage wares. A fortune teller will get clairvoyant with attendees, a DJ will be spinning tunes, good vendors will have bites to eat on offer and a bloody-themed cocktail will be available at the bar. The crew behind the event is calling this their inaugural winter solstice shindig, aiming to turn it into an annual tradition — meaning that 2024 is the only time that you can say that you were there when this party began. Haus of Horror's Winter Solstice Party featuring The Ring takes place on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Head to the Haus of Horror website for tickets and further details.
Eleven days of soccer action kick off in Darling Harbour this month. Held on a floating football pitch in Cockle Bay, the Big Issue Street Football Festival will bring together players and fans from across the country. The inaugural event in 2011 welcomed 600 participants in no less than 148 football matches, and this year's festival promises to be even bigger. Incorporating government, corporate and junior events, the festival spans a range of competitions, including the national championships of the Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program. The program supports disadvantaged people who are experiencing homelessness, disability and long-term unemployment. Check out the full event program for dates of and details on other matches.
The northern beaches has a bit of a reputation for being an area of Sydney that people never leave. But spend some time exploring this picturesque coastal strip, and you'll understand the appeal of the bubble. Avalon is the gem in the centre of Sydney's northside crown, filled with great local shops and a heartwarming community feel. A wander through these shops makes for the perfect end to a day on the beach, particularly when you have everyone guessing where you bought your new linen set or woven basket. Whether you are a local or a visitor, be sure to pack your swimmers and a towel, arm yourself with your American Express Card, and spend the afternoon exploring the unique clothing boutiques, handmade homewares stores, and artisanal food shops. In partnership with American Express, we've curated a selection of great local businesses to help you get the most out of a day of shopping small in this northern beaches suburb.
Cult skincare fave The Ordinary is touching down in Bondi for the drop of its latest product, just in time for sunny spring. The Soothing Barrier and Support Serum features a knockout combo of vitamin B12, niacinamide, ceramides and gallic acid derivatives and is designed to repair and protect the skin barrier in as little as two hours. And the fun part? It's naturally pink. Stop in at Campbell Parade opposite Hall Street between 11am–4pm from this Friday, September 1 to Sunday, September 3 to learn about the product and get treated to a free soft-serve. You could also win one of 350 products — look for the pink sticker.
Beyond the retail shopfront of the Balmain incarnation of Nature's Energy is a warm world of soaking, steaming and massaging magic. There are treatments to match your rejuvenation requirements, from deep tissue massages to restorative acupuncture and soothing facials. But it's the bathhouse that sets this spa apart. Get out of your comfort zone and get pruny, lounging beside bikini-clad strangers while you sweat it out in steam rooms and simmer in spa baths. Stay hydrated as you follow the wall-mounted instructions on when to jump between hot and cold pools, and you'll be rewarded with an airy feeling of ultimate freshness. You can combine this experience with other treatments, like a Turkish body scrub, or visit for a solo splash 'n' sweat starting at just $34 for 30 minutes.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the Woodland Cabin, one of three luxe lodgings at Logan Brae Retreats in the Blue Mountains. With room for only two, any one of the cabins is an ideal getaway for when you need space, solitude and something a little fancy. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? The magical quality of this escape starts well before check in. If you're heading here from Sydney, you'll start your journey by winding your way through Hazelbrook, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath (stopping off for deli provisions and vino, so there's no need to interrupt your imminent immersion in nature) before you're welcomed by expansive views across Megalong Valley. Once you pull into the gravel driveway and make your way up to the Woodland Cabin, you'll immediately be consumed by calm. Warmly hued festoon lights, wildlife wandering freely, a round plunge pool perched alongside your deck, a vista to rival most: everything is special here. THE SPACE Although there's only room for a pair at the Woodland Cabin, the lofty open-plan design, towering windows and pared-back earthy palette delivers a space that's anything but small. You'll arrive to an already-built fire in the hearth with logs aplenty stacked alongside — all you need to do is strike the match. There's a deep stone tub to soak in, which when married with that view makes for a deliciously spent afternoon. And in the bathroom? A wide double shower, stone-topped vanity and gold fixtures, a lineup of lush products from Apotheke, plus style-heavy towels and robes adding a transportive touch of luxe. Outside, deck chairs beckon you for a morning coffee, as does a breakfast bar and outdoor dining set. While the deep plunge pool ensures you can beat any country heat. FOOD AND DRINK As a delightful touch to start your trip, a basket of snacks, vino, chocolate and light breakfast supplies waits on the dining table for you. Then, in the kitchen, you've got all the essentials. An oven, gas stove and nice wide sink join all the usual suspects (fridge, microwave, toaster, pots and pans); and you've covered for both olive oil and salt and pepper. Caffeine a pre-requisite? You've got a dedicated coffee bench, you lucky thing. Espresso machine? Tick. Plunger? Tick. Percolator? Tick. You can even make your own drip coffee. There's freshly ground beans, milk — cow only, so BYOM(ilk) if you're an almond or oat drinker — plus a 12-strong selection of teas. If you don't want to cook, you can get catering from Lavender Hill Graze. There's breakfast boxes, barbecue and salad packs and grazing platters ideal for by the pool. You can even have a picnic basket (complete with bubbles and rug) delivered to your doorstep. THE LOCAL AREA The Blue Mountains is a classic choice for a Sydneysider's weekender. And it's with good reason. There are hikes up to world-class views and secluded waterholes, buzzy breweries and cosy restaurants — all surrounded by that fresh clean country air. Nearby your lodging are farmers markets (in Blackheath on the second Sunday of the month), Euro-inspired saunas and the option to explore the area atop a horse. And if you want to stay close, stroll to the staggering cactus plant or stick to the private Woodlands Walk for a top-notch spot to take in the sunset. Got a book? Head to the tree hammock and while away your time suspended among the trees. THE EXTRAS Beyond the fact that this spot is clearly a winner, the family-run stay boasts delightfully personal touches too. Take the props adorning the walls: hats fit for seasoned bushmen and a whip. You two holidaymakers can stage a shoot, ensuring you have more than happy memories when you leave. There's a set of vintage binoculars for spotting faraway critters and all the deets for you to organise an in-room spa treatment. You can even organise flowers on arrival, from the locally loved micro flower farm Floral by Nature. It's just about time you booked a stay, dear reader. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Located directly across from the beach in Collaroy, Stay Grounded Café and Diner is the ideal place to stop by after a surf or if you're catching up with friends for brunch. There's tasty food, great coffee by Single O and a relaxed and welcoming vibe. For brekkie, try the poached eggs with roasted field mushrooms, caramelised onion and chilli, or the oats and chia bircher muesli with fresh berries and coconut yoghurt. For lunch, the grounded bowl with falafel, beetroot hummus, cauliflower, pumpkin, avocado and green goddess dressing will keep you going all day. Stay Grounded is now also open after dark. So, you can head in for a cocktail, a local beer and dishes such as barramundi tacos, chorizo and halloumi skewers and chicken wings with buttermilk dressing. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
What's huge, oval-shaped, usually confined to the realms of fiction, belongs to a creature that's played a key part in the biggest TV series of the past decade, and currently sitting in Melbourne this very instant? A dragon egg, of course. What can you mosey over to Federation Square to see for the next two days in all of its four-metre-tall glory? What's surrounded by dragon eyes and the flying, fire-breathing critters' silhouettes across buildings around the Victorian capital? That very egg — to the joy of wannabe Targaryens, naturally. Always felt like you belong in the Game of Thrones House with an affinity for scaly beasts? Keen to live out your George RR Martin fandom in any way you can? Need something to do before the Iron Throne visits Melbourne in September? Just so excited about GoT prequel House of the Dragon that you don't know how to cope until it starts airing on Monday, August 22?Here's your answer. If you live elsewhere in the country, though, you'll want to do one of two things: plan an impromptu trip this weekend, or get one of your mates to go along so you can live vicariously through their photos. Either way, the towering egg is only on display at Fed Square from 10am–7pm on Friday, August 19 and 8am–7pm on Saturday, August 20. And, as well as seeing it, taking snaps next to it and peering upwards to spy signs of dragons around Melbourne, you'll want to keep your ears pricked as well — there's a soundscape filled with the calls and noises of dragons echoing around the place, too. The reason for this ovoid pop-up? Promoting House of the Dragon, of course. The series is finally coming after years of speculation, development and announcements about various spinoffs are under consideration (including a Jon Snow-focused sequel) — and this egg is here to prove it. If you've somehow missed all the House of the Dragon news, the show is set 200 years before the events of GoT, and focuses on House Targaryen. Yes, that means that dragons are obviously part of the series — again, hence this giant egg. Also pivotal: a Succession-style battle over who should sit on the Iron Throne, because it wouldn't be a Game of Thrones prequel without it. Anyone in the vicinity of Fed Square can head over to see the egg for free, and get a taste of Australia's latest pop culture-themed installation — after a barber giving out The Gray Man-style goatees and moustaches also did the honours in Melbourne recently, and an Everything Everywhere All At Once-inspired multidimensional laundromat before that. Cinema Nova also decked itself out The French Dispatch-style last summer, while Sydney has seen the giant 'Red Light, Green Light' doll from Squid Game made an appearance by the harbour, and a Stranger Things rift open up on Bondi Beach. This isn't the dragon egg's first local stop, actually. It first arrived at Anglesea, on the beach, on Thursday, August 18 — which clearly would've made quite the sight. Then, it travelled along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, ready for two days of GoT devotees in Fed Square. Check out the full House of the Dragon trailer below: Find the House of the Dragon dragon egg at Federation Square, the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets, Melbourne, from 10am–7pm on Friday, August 19 and 8am–7pm on Saturday, August 20. House of the Dragon will start airing on Monday, August 22 Down Under via Foxtel and Binge. Images: Aaron Walker Photography.
There was a time (and not so long ago, either) when a Sydney restaurant serving seasonal, locally sourced produce and dotted with greenery and touches of millennial pink would barely cause us to bat an eyelid — but The Botanica Vaucluse takes these well-practised trends to a new level. And it's beautiful. The restaurant boasts one of Sydney's most eye-catching fit-outs, beginning with an entrance by landscape designer Charlie Albone (Selling Houses Australia), marked by a copper archway draped with hanging succulents. Inside, the airy, light-filled dining room — the vision of award-winning designer Evette Moran — lands somewhere between greenhouse and dreamhouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a lush garden, while custom floral wallpaper and cleverly placed greenery create a sense of natural abundance. Plush pink velvet armchairs and invitingly soft carpets complete the upscale tea party feel. And that's before we get to the luxe on-site spa next door (but more on that below). There's plenty of substance behind the style, though. The menu, from co-head chefs Abby James (Quay) and Thai Sams (Bentley Restaurant + Bar), is entirely gluten-free, built around farm-to-table ingredients like veggies from the restaurant's own kitchen garden, sustainably sourced seafood and free-range meats. Highlights include stracciatella with charred greens and leek oil, Glacier 51 toothfish with buttermilk and smoked hock and Margra lamb with kombu, buttermilk and pea blossom. Cocktails also speak to seasonality, with bright, fruit-forward cocktails and a dedicated spritz menu joined by a tight wine list of Australian and European varietals, plus a solid lineup of non-alc options. Next door is Sol Spa, a tranquil, lemongrass-scented retreat where therapists use botanical-infused products, minerals and active compounds to revitalise guests through a suite of old- and new-world treatments. So where exactly did they find the space for this opulent garden restaurant and spa? It's actually part of Mark Moran Vaucluse, a $115 million luxury aged care residence on Old South Head Road. Not that it feels like one — the restaurant and spa have their own entrances, while the vibe is more tropical resort than retirement retreat. [caption id="attachment_666632" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Top images: Nikki To
Whether you're a fan of the season or can't wait for it to disappear, the time has come to give winter a stylish send-off. And what better way to do so than at The Governor Hotel's rooftop bar, where they've assembled an alpine-themed one-night-only bash. Taking over the space from 12pm–late on Saturday, August 30, this winter wonderland will feature wall-to-wall mountain-inspired fun. Think snow machines, giant igloos, fire pits and winter cocktails that rise above your average mulled wine. Of course, every good blowout needs the live entertainment to match. Apres DJs K-Time and Helena Ellis will light up the dance floor from 5pm, while drink specials like Aperol spritz snowcones and espresso martini slushies will be served throughout the night. Then, get ready to experience even more heat amid the winter fun. The crew from Fireball have put together an ice luge with spicy shots flowing down cinnamon slopes. Plus, there's a Fireball bubbler to face head-on. Don't worry, you'll protect yourself with a ski mask. Meanwhile, spin the wheel to see if you win sponsored merchandise. Bringing a flavour hit to the snowy madness, The Gov has also cooked up a selection of food specials for guests. You'll encounter hot pretzels paired with Fireball dipping sauce, Canadian-style loaded fries and freshly baked cinnamon cookies. Keen? This raucous event might be your last chance to don your favourite winter outfit and indulge in some winter escapism.
For the past 30 years, the Terminus Hotel, a 177-year-old pub in Pyrmont, has been an enigma to passersby, its facade overgrown with vines, its windows boarded up and its doors bolted. Yet, back in the 1840s, it was one of the city's most boisterous drinking spots. Situated at the very end of the tram line (hence the name), the pub was a favourite stop for workers keen for a beer — or several — after a hard day's yakka. In 2016, business partners David Mathlin and Binu Katari decided to bring the old girl back to life. Downstairs, drop an elbow on the marble-topped Tram Bar and order a craft beer, such as a signature Terminus Lager or a French sparkling wine. Alternatively, head into the cosy courtyard. Either way, you'll be able to watch the open glass-walled kitchen in full flight. Upstairs, there's a classy cocktail bar named after Vera Dempsey, a tough, buxom woman who ran the Terminus in the 1930s. The light-filled space spills out onto a roomy, sun-dappled terrace, with a retractable rooftop, for when those all-too-familiar Sydney downpours suddenly hit. And, should you just so happen to find yourself partying like it's the 1840s, you can stay the night in one of the Terminus's cute boutique budget rooms, bookable via Airbnb. Heading up the kitchen is Turkish-born chef Bektas Mustafa Ozcan, who's worked at Anason, Chiswick and Jamie's Italian. His menu features both fancied-up Aussie pub classics and moreish Mediterranean share plates. There are three ways to eat at the Terminus. If you're peckish, go for a bar snack, such as a rolled cigar 'borek' (pastry filled with mushroom and three cheeses) or grilled sumac-cured calamari with chickpeas and sorrel. If you're starving — but don't want to share — choose a poshed-up pub classic, like fried flathead with chips and aioli or the mighty Terminus burger. And, if you're ready to settle in with some friends, order share plates. The slow-roasted, oyster-cut lamb shoulder with smoky eggplant caviar and pickles is hard to go past. Meanwhile, the cocktail list is made up of creative takes on classics. The Terminus Sour, for example, is Chivas 12 Whisky and Pernod Absinthe, shaken with fresh lemon juice and house-made thyme syrup, then strained over ice. Then there's the Blood Orange Margarita: Altos Plata tequila, Solerno Blood orange liqueur and Campari shaken with fresh lime juice and a dash of agave syrup, then strained. You're welcome to drink your favourite cocktail wherever you like, but, if you're looking for the best spot to linger and chat, climb up the staircase to Vera's. Images: Kitti Smallbone
Buddy's in Newtown is the suburb's first-ever self-service bar, taking over the site formerly occupied by Lentil As Anything. The King Street spot will have your beer-pulling skills on display, with each beverage you consume — whether that's a hoppy craft brew or a sweet and sour cocktail — coming from one of the 30+ self-serve taps around the venue. This two-storey boozery is the brainchild of co-owners Jimmy Roe and Duncan McGeoch, who've kept the fit-out relatively simple with ample seating, polished brick, and a heap of natural light, as well as playful custom artwork by Newtown artist Paul Tooth. The considerable drinks lineup comes from a carefully curated selection of local craft beer, natural wine, house-made cocktails and non-alcoholic options, all of which are stored in kegs. And the storage choice is purposeful. Roe and McGeoch are committed to reducing their environmental impact, ensuring that lowering waste and minimising the business's carbon footprint is top of mind and steers their business practices. Roe told Concrete Playground: "We want to offer an experience without the wastage that can be traditionally generated at hospitality venues." If you're wondering how exactly the self-serve system works (and how it isn't an RSA minefield), here's the general gist. You start by procuring a Buddy's venue card upon entrance and pre-load it with your desired amount to spend. From there, you head to the beverage wall where you grab a glass and select your booze of choice, tap your card to activate the tap and pour to your heart's content. The system tracks volume limits and is responsible for card reactivation, so you'll be kept in check. It's not all booze, though. If you're feeling peckish, Buddy's has partnered with the local crew from Rub-A-Dub seasoning and has a snack-heavy sharing menu on offer. You'll find a bunch of beer-friendly options like nachos, flatbread Italian pizzas and Rub-A-Dub's famous chicken ribs, alongside Aussie classics like fairy bread. And if you're catering to a larger group — or just up for an insane personal challenge — opt for the one-metre long bruschetta.
Are you ready, Sydney? Madame Truffles is opening her pop-up shop for the fourth truffle season running, bringing city folk black truffles sourced from Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and Western Australia. These 'gourmet mushrooms' will be available from June 14 until September 2 at the Madame's pop-up shop — which is setting up at a new location at 28 Kensington Street, Chippendale. As well as straight-up truffles, the shop has an array of truffle-infused goods for you to fill your pantry with, this year using French black truffles. The 2018 store will be stocked with both ravioli of both the truffle and potato and truffle and porcini mushroom kinds, plus truffle salt, truffle ice cream, truffle butter and truffle honey. This is made with extra grade black truffle and pure Australian honey from Victoria that's good enough to eat straight out of the jar. If you live in a sharehouse, you might want to hide this from your housemates. Truffles sold in-store are harvested fresh each week, so you know you'll get that fresh truffle smell when you pull them out at dinner (or breakfast, for that matter). The Madame Truffles pop-up shop will open from 9am–5pm Thursday and Friday, and 9am–4pm Saturday and Sunday.
UPDATE, May 12, 2021: Doctor Sleep is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. A river of blood cascading from an elevator. Creepy twins eager to play forever. The eerie woman in room 237. Since Stanley Kubrick brought Stephen King's horror novel to cinemas in 1980, these images have become synonymous with The Shining, as has the word 'redrum' and frosty hedge mazes. But, really, this story owes a debt to ice cream. That's not how King's 1977 book starts, or Kubrick's masterpiece; however Dick Hallorann's (Scatman Crothers) telepathic offer of dessert to five-year-old Danny Torrance (Danny Lloyd) is one of the movie's pivotal moments. It's when audiences learn what the film's title means, and discover they'll be spending time in the duo's heads while they communicate without moving their lips. Doctor Sleep — which hit bookshelves in 2013 as a King-penned sequel to The Shining and now reaches theatres under the direction of Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) — latches onto that idea. In its predecessor, the Overlook Hotel that Danny and his parents (Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall) temporarily called home also had a "shine", turning it into a ghostly battlefield — but in Doctor Sleep, the characters' minds become a combat zone as well. Danny is now Dan (Ewan McGregor), a drifter who finds the straight and narrow in a small New Hampshire town, yet remains haunted by his boyhood experiences. He connects with fellow telepath Abra (Kyliegh Curran), a teenager whose powers eclipse his own. They initially chat without chatting, until Abra glimpses a sinister group of nomadic quasi-immortals who possess the same extrasensory gifts and consume the essence of psychic folks. Led by the malevolent Rose The Hat — who's played with menacing relish by Mission: Impossible – Fallout's Rebecca Ferguson, complete with Babadook-style headwear — this death cult earns Doctor Sleep's considerable attention. Sometimes, they recruit their potential victims. Mostly, they kill them, inhaling their shine or "steam". In Abra's case, the group is ravenous for — and frightened by — her potent power. As a face-off looms, Dan, who is still mentored by the spirit of Hallorann (now played by Carl Lumbly), adopts the same role for Abra. While the film takes its time teasing out Dan and Abra's individual stories, bringing them together and depicting Rose's twisted reign, it's always headed in one direction: to the Colorado hotel that has lingered over cinema history for nearly four decades. In a movie where getting into someone's head is crucial — and thriving on what you extract out of it, too — Doctor Sleep does the filmic equivalent with The Shining. King famously hated Kubrick's adaptation, even scripting his own TV version in the 90s. By writing Doctor Sleep, he attempted to reclaim his own story and put it back on his preferred path. Flanagan, however, has no such qualms about one of the best horror movies ever made. On the screen, Doctor Sleep begins with notes from The Shining's main theme, and the nods and winks only continue. He recreates scenes, mirrors visual motifs, uses snippets of the original, and finds aesthetic, narrative and thematic ways to allude to Kubrick's film. The picture's nostalgia is never as gratuitous and empty as Ready Player One's reference to the movie, thankfully, but it still traces its predecessor's footsteps more closely than it needs to. It can't be easy, making a sequel to an iconic book-to-film adaptation that also adapts the follow-up novel addressing the author's issues with the first movie. It's to Flanagan's credit that Doctor Sleep wholeheartedly tries to juggle these competing aims. An accomplished horror writer/director/editor with fellow King adaptation Gerald's Game to his name, he infuses Doctor Sleep with growing dread and gnawing unease. Never just trying to ape Kubrick, he crafts his own standout images — involving Rose and her cronies at their most frenzied, and literally stepping inside Dan, Abra and Rose's minds. Also boasting top-notch lead performances, a thoughtful exploration of childhood trauma and its impact, and an unnerving score, Doctor Sleep builds its own momentum and intrigue. Inevitably, though, it starts chasing The Shining's tail too blatantly and feverishly. Doctor Sleep was never designed to stand alone, but by remaining so beholden to The Shining, it can feel like a missed opportunity. It doesn't need to prop itself up so forcefully, or to imitate Kubrick so stringently, and proves a much better film when it's doing neither. In rare scenes where the sequel interrogates rather than apes the original movie, Doctor Sleep is far more convincing in linking the two. When Dan admits to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that he drank because that's how he connected to the memory of his dad, it's the picture's most powerful moment — and shows why McGregor is perfectly cast to wade through Dan's niggling pain. It's also a way to take viewers both into the character's head, and into The Shining, without being so overt. The film still shines more often that not, but if only the bulk of Doctor Sleep had that same gift. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oCTK2U5lpc
Established property is already a rare commodity in Sydney's inner west, but the first actual empty block of land in years is officially on the market on Forbes St in Newtown. First reported by Domain, the 256.6 square metre space was originally the backyard of a previous lot and was locked down tightly for the last three decades. The land is, according to listing agent May Aoun, a prime position for an inner-city dream home. Aoun told Domain, "You could build two terraces and live in one and rent or sell the other, or develop them and sell them both." [caption id="attachment_1076795" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Crystal Realty[/caption] The Domain.com.au listing describes it as "A rare opportunity to secure a perfectly level ready-to-build land parcel in one of North Newtown's most exclusive pockets. Surrounded by high calibre homes and heritage terraces, this is an ultra-scarce blank canvas with the scale and configuration to build a luxury bespoke residence or explore a dual-terrace concept (STCA)." "With rear lane access and ideal proportions for flexible design outcomes, this is one of the last undeveloped sites in this tightly held blue-chip location - footsteps to King Street dining, cafés, Sydney University, elite schools, transport links and green open spaces." Aoun also told Domain that the land is a "good size" for the area, where the average block is "around 150 square metres." The currently listed price is $2.95 million, a million dollars above the median house price for the area, which grew by eight percent in the last year (and about $1.7 million above the local price of a driveway, according to one recent determined buyer). Though the land offers promise for savvy buyers, home ownership is a distant dream for many young Australians, as the prices of homes (and apparently land) in the heart of capital cities continue to climb — Australia's cheapest property sales of the year so far are limited to regional towns and run-down sites. Images via Crystal Realty
Since long before holidaying in our own backyards and socialising outdoors as much as possible became the status quo, Sydney has been a mighty fine city to see via foot. You can mosey around in general, or you can put one foot in front of the other near the water — and now you can also stroll the entire 11 kilometres that makes up the Barangaroo foreshore walk, too. Being able to wander along this part of the harbour isn't new, but it has just received a pivotal upgrade thanks to the opening of a just-added 300-metre walkway. Launched this week, on Monday, April 12, it's the very last piece of the walk. So, you can now meander from Woolloomooloo to the Anzac Bridge without stopping. You'll also be stepping along a spot that was once completely inaccessible to Sydneysiders. The new curved path hugs the harbour, spans 15 metres in width and turns the new section into a tree-lined boulevard, with landscape architect Peter Walker — who also worked on Barangaroo Reserve — behind the design. Completing the lengthy walk, the new stretch of path follows last year's new amphitheatre-style boardwalk at Waterman's Cove — which extended the Wulugul Walk that runs along The Streets of Barangaroo's 13 eateries. Come late 2022, the Waterman's Cove part of Barangaroo foreshore will also welcome a pavilion made from recycled Sydney oyster shells, which'll make quite an eye-catching addition to your future strolls, jogs and bike rides. The full Barangaroo foreshore walk is now open, stretching from Woolloomooloo to the Anzac Bridge. For more information about the area, head to the Barangaroo website.
When the end of July hits, the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games will kick off, with the finest athletes from Commonwealth countries competing to take home shiny medals. That's all well and good and interesting; however, we've found a much cuter display of sportsmanship that's also popping up this July. At 1pm on Thursday, July 21, viewers can watch four adorable guide-dogs-to-be participating in their very own Puppy Games. Yep, that's a thing and we're definitely here for it. If it sounds familiar, that's because it has been held for the past two years, too — but clearly this is the kind of adorable event that needs to be held annually. Once again, the folks at Seeing Eye Dogs have teamed up The Petbarn Foundation to host the canine-centric games — and, this year, with pet food brand Royal Canin as well. The results will be streaming on a device near you via the event's website. No matter where you're located in Australia, it sounds like perfect lunchtime viewing. How do the Puppy Games work, you might be asking? The event will see young trainee guide dogs Sandler, Tambo, Rani and Tom tackle a series of skill-testing challenges, with their every move captured on camera. They'll be helped through their tasks by their trainers — Abi, Jack, Lina and Paige, respectively. Accordingly, you can watch the young pups hurtle through a time trial, take on a 'puppy patience' food bowl challenge and battle it out for glory in the 'dogstacle distraction course'. And they are very much just pups — Tambo and Tom are the youngest at 11 weeks old, while Rani is the comparative veteran of the competitors at 15 weeks old. The project aims to support fundraising efforts for the annual Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, of course, but also promises a much-needed boost of dopamine and general happy feels all round. Viewers can donate to the cause by hitting the link on the event's website. This year, the appeal is shooting for a goal of $1 million to help cover the costs of breeding, training and caring for at least 20 Seeing Eye Dogs. Can't make Thursday's viewing? Fear not, the full event will be up on YouTube to rewatch any time you need a mood boost. The 2022 Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs Puppy Games will stream via the event's website from 1pm on Thursday, July 21.
Whether you're a Marshmallow or just a soul naturally curious about one of the most high-profile Kickstarter success stories around, you'll be happy to learn that the new Veronica Mars movie will be made available to rent or buy online on March 14 — the same day it hits cinemas in the US. Usually, there's at least a 90-day window between theatrical and DVD or VOD releases, but Warner Bros. is in a position to bypass it this time around, since they don't have a standard distribution deal and are instead renting the theatres that will screen the movie. They see a big market in couch-dwelling non-cinemagoers for this TV-to-film crossover, and they're tapping it. It's just one more way Veronica Mars is doing things differently. After becoming the most widely supported Kickstarter campaign in history with more than 91,000 backers, it has kept fans involved in the process throughout and will make its world premiere at SXSW on March 8. The Australian digital release date has not yet been confirmed, but it seems possible it'll be March 14 here too, and Moviehole is reporting it as so. You can preorder the movie on iTunes, or wait for a definite date before you plan your downloading strategy. As for whether anyone else is listening to consumer requests for timely, legal, convenient access to content, it's not looking so good. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wq1R93UMqlk
For a lot of us, this year has been a time of reflection, much of which saw us reliving the glory days while we wait for life to get back to normal. For the arts lovers among us, that probably meant harking back to all your days watching live theatre, catching a panel discussion, head-bopping to live tunes and throwing shapes in sweaty mosh pits. Here at Concrete Playground we've been reminiscing about some of the standout gigs we've been to in past years and it's gotten us pretty damn excited for the new memories we'll be making come 2021. So, we've teamed up with Sydney Opera House to celebrate its reopening. The iconic Aussie arts venue is inviting you to share the most memorable moments you've had there — either within its walls or on its steps. Then, in January, a selection of the best moments will be projected onto the sails. All you need to do is share your favourite memory via the website, email or social media along with #MySydneyOperaHouse. We jumped on board, too, so if you need some inspiration, check out nine of our most memorable Opera House events over the past five years. Then, take your own trip down memory lane for the chance to have your moment splashed across the sails for all of Sydney to see. [caption id="attachment_793882" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miku, Daniel Boud[/caption] DANCE RITES, 2019 It's only been running for six years, but the annual dance competition has become a firm favourite on Sydney's events calendar. First Nations dancers and musicians travel from north-east Arnhem Land, the Torres Strait and just down the road to perform in a temporary sand pit positioned by the Opera House steps in a celebratory exchange of cultures. Hundreds of performers compete for various prizes, and in 2019 the top gong was presented to local dance group Muggera, from NSW. You might know its founders Darren and Jax Compton from NITV's Move It Mob Style or Yabun Festival. Seeing Darren and Jax's group recognised at the city's iconic building was a moment of local pride. Emma Joyce, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_793876" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] SOLANGE, 2018 The force that is Solange was evident when she first took to the stage at Sydney Opera House. Sure, we knew it before, but not quite like this. The gig was visually arresting, with movement as much a part as the music. Combine that with the show's main songbook, A Seat at the Table, and its themes of race and womanhood and it was one hell of a gig. Each song bled into the next, making for one super-slick, seamless sonic delight, only to be heightened by the monochromatic costumes, perfectly timed dancers and dramatic red light swathed across the stage. Having been to both of Solange's sell-out Sydney shows, I left both astounded by her genius. The 2018 gig was a feast. The 2020 one? Well, it was one of the last big gigs Sydney saw this year, which holds a weight of its own. Cordelia Williamson, Branded Content Producer [caption id="attachment_793874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clare Hawley[/caption] 'IN THE HEIGHTS', 2019 Without trying to trivialise all the bad things that have happened this year, the delayed release of the In the Heights screen adaptation was a huge disappointment. But it made me all the more grateful for having seen the Blue Saint Productions tour for Sydney Festival. I only managed to nab standing room tickets, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise — because as soon as the show began, with the colourful mix of Latin rhythm, rap, hip hop and soul music, you wanted to be on your feet grooving along. It was captivating and joyful — and, at times, searing, as the characters deal with themes of loss, racism and identity. If I wasn't already convinced of Lin Manuel Miranda's genius from listening to the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat, witnessing this revolutionary show (and learning he wrote the first draft in college) was the final stroke. Melanie Colwell, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_793877" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Keith Saunders[/caption] DAWN CHORUS, SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIRS, 2020 Despite 2020 being the year of minimal gigs, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' Dawn Chorus is one that stands out from more than a decade of gig-going. The one-off concert took place on the Monumental Steps and, despite being at the crack of dawn (literally) and the pretty grim weather, it drew quite the crowd. I hadn't woken up that early for a while — 5.30am after a night out ain't easy for some. But, huddled for warmth on a summer's morning, we all stilled as soon as the a cappella voices echoed through the dark. It was a no-frill performance; pure vocals backdropped by the Opera House sails and using the naturally theatrical lighting of sunrise. I can't recall if the sun actually burst through the clouds at this moment but, as the choirs sang Dolly Parton's gospel-style ballad 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning', it sure felt as if it did. Cordelia Williamson, Branded Content Producer [caption id="attachment_793879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] TEN YEARS OF FUTURE CLASSIC, 2015 It was only five years ago, but 2015 feels like another age. Touch Sensitive's 'Pizza Guy' was on heavy rotation. Chet Faker was still chill with his stage name. And baby-faced Harley Streten was riding high off the back of his debut album Flume. It was an exceptionally good time for Redfern-based record label and artist management company Future Classic — the glue sticking these artists (and many others since) together. For Future Classic's ten-year anniversary, it was awarded prime real estate during Vivid Festival on the Western Broadwalk for an openair gig packed with partygoers and supporters. And what a way to blow out the candles. Sydney had recently adapted to its new lockout laws, but there was a sense that the party spirit couldn't be dampened. Emma Joyce, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_793881" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] KAMASI WASHINGTON, 2019 If you're a fan of the dizzying afrofuturist neo-jazz genius that is Kamasi Washington, then you'll probably already know how good his 2019 gig in the Opera House Concert Hall was — even if you weren't there. The LA tenor saxophonist has played at the House a couple of times, taking to the stage with his eight-piece band. Last year, it was all about Heaven and Earth; Washington's two-and-a-half-hour double album that gets to the belly of progressive improvisational jazz. The solos were some of the most exciting and raw musical experiences I've had, particularly the two drums. It was a mind-blowing, quasi-cosmic performance of freeform jazz, funk and hip hop. It left no question that Kamasi Washington is an artist in his prime — and of his time. Cordelia Williamson, Branded Content Producer [caption id="attachment_793875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] 'BARBU', CIRQUE ALFONSE, 2017 When I went to see Quebec-based troupe Cirque Alfonse perform Barbu in 2017, I was, somewhat (naively it turns out) anticipating something akin to Canada's most famous circus export. But Cirque du Soleil this was not. It started fairly predictably — trampolining, trapezing, juggling — before descending into utter, yet carefully choreographed, chaos. There were four men roller skating while pulling each other along by their luscious beards. Someone dressed in a mirror-ball spinning around the circular stage inside a giant hoop. The two female acrobats performed a contortionist duet on a pole and an elder gentleman performed comedic skits in platform heels with his rodent accomplice. And most of this happened with the ensemble wearing barely anything — and, at some points, nothing at all — soundtracked by the increasingly frenetic stylings of a live three-piece band (a DJ/violinist, a guitarist and a whip-clad, corseted drummer). On the screens around the room, video footage played of naked people running through meadows. Despite it happening in The Studio, one of the Opera House's smallest spaces, it was impossible to know where to look. Barbu was astonishing in many ways, from the impressive strength of the performers to how each feat was more random, bizarrely erotic and death-defying than the one before. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before — or since. Melanie Colwell, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_793878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] THE DEEP PURPLE POOL HALL, 2015 We can thank Ben Marshall for a lot of fond memories at Sydney Opera House over the years — including seeing Tame Impala perform by the steps, blissing out to Sufjan Stevens and chanting back at The Preatures' cover of The Angels' 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?'. But one of the quieter wins of his reign as curator of Vivid Live was introducing a space at the House where we could get a well-made cocktail and shoot the breeze with our besties. In 2015, Marshall invited the team from Tio's and The Cliff Dive to create a pop-up bar in the Concert Hall's northern foyer with pool tables, soft furnishings and DJs. It's where we debriefed. Where we formed new friendships and solidified old ones. It's where we fell back in love with Sydney and its capacity to transform the city's landmarks in winter. Emma Joyce, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_793883" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] PAUL KELLY AT THE FORECOURT, 2017 It doesn't get much more Aussie than seeing our country's bard performing at the foot of the Opera House. Paul Kelly's music is loved because it is Australia put into song. Though he was promoting his latest album Life Is Fine, his hits were what really entranced the crowd. He indulged us, too, playing songs like 'To Her Door' and Australia's Christmas anthem 'How to Make Gravy'. But, for me, it was 'When I First Met Your Ma' that made this one of the most memorable gigs in my young lifetime. What I deem to be one of the greatest love songs had me crying. But it wasn't just the tune, rather the sum of its parts — the setting sun, the glistening Sydney Harbour, the Opera House sails behind me and Kelly's live tunes sung unapologetically with an Aussie twang. At the risk of sounding completely sappy, it was a moment of true pause; one where you forgot about what's on next or that thing you messed up two days ago and you're just there — absolutely loving it. Cordelia Williamson, Branded Content Producer Relive your most memorable Sydney Opera House moments and share it via social media with the hashtag #MySydneyOperaHouse. Or, submit your entry to the competition via the website, email to myhouse@sydneyoperahouse.com. It can be a photo, video, drawing, a written story, an illustration or an audio — just get creative. Submissions close Thursday, December 31 2020. Top image: Hamilton Lund
There may be a lot of prospects for high speed travel, like Elon Musk's Hyperloop, but when we can travel between continents without the agony long haul flights, that's when we'll know the future is well and truly here. And while we wait for teleportation to make it to the molecular mainstream, we'll have to settle for second best: high speed supersonic air travel. Looking to bring back supersonic travel to the people, Sir Richard Branson is set to make high speed transatlantic passenger flights (relatively) affordable and accessible. Working with a Colorado aviation startup called Boom, Branson — under The Spaceship Company (an arm of Virgin Galactic) — wants to create a new plane that can fly at supersonic speeds of up to 2335 kilometres per hour. That would see the flight from NYC to London take a mere three and a half hours (rather than the seven hours it takes now). That's essentially a Sydney peak hour commute. Supersonic air travel has already been achieved by the passenger plane the Concorde, which provided flights between London and Paris to New York, Washington and Barbados between 1969 and 2003. It was decommissioned due to the $20,000 per trip price tag; by comparison, the Boom is set cost only $5000 USD. According to Boom founder and chief executive Blake Scholl, this new plane will be more cost effective by having have less seats and being more fuel efficient. Scholl also told The Guardian that, aside from the London to NYC route, they would also be concentrating on getting up trips from San Fran to Tokyo and LA to Sydney. It's all very ambitious, but the first Boom plane is expected to be tested by the end of 2017. Via The Guardian. Image: Boom.
Long before social distancing was on anyone's radar — especially when heading out to see a movie — drive-in theatres were ahead of the game. When you're watching a film in your car with only your friends and family in the same vehicle, you're instantly keeping away from other patrons. Accordingly, it's hardly surprising that the concept is attracting plenty of interest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enter the Drive-In Movie Club, a pop-up that's setting up its big screen at a secret Sydney location for four nights. From Thursday, August 6–Sunday, August 9, it'll play beloved retro films while attendees get cosy in their cars with their nearest and dearest. Showing one movie per night, the lineup includes Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Then, the laughs keep going with Mean Girls — and, although it isn't screening on a Wednesday, you can obviously still wear pink. Elsewhere on the program, Dirty Dancing will hit the screen, as will Back to the Future (so if you happen to have a DeLorean handy, prepare to exclaim "great Scott!" a whole heap). Tickets are not yet on sale (we'll let you know when they are), but will cost $35 per car, which covers up to five people. You can also spend an extra $20 per person and have snacks — a drink, popcorn and candy — brought to your vehicle. https://youtu.be/qvsgGtivCgs Top image: Thomas Hawk via Flickr.
With its golden beaches, lush rainforests and abundant green valleys, North Coast NSW has all the tools to recharge the weariest of souls — or those just in dire need of a holiday. It's also home to some of the state's most renowned producers, who are busily pumping out wine, beer and spirits — which you can sample at cellar doors aplenty — as well as award-winning eateries serving up excellent local produce in stunning locales. So you can make the most out of your next North Coast NSW trip, we've done the hard yards and planned out four adventure-packed holidays. And right now, you can score $100 off select North Coast NSW accommodation when you book through Trip.com. [caption id="attachment_856861" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie, Destination NSW[/caption] FLY INTO PORT MACQUARIE TO MEET WILDLIFE AND RIDE WAVES When you're in Port Macquarie, whichever direction you point your compass towards you'll find entrancing rainforests and beaches backing onto sprawling national parks. After touchdown at the city's conveniently located airport, secure a rental vehicle and scoot over to the coast to explore the rainforest canopy and sheltered coastline of Sea Acres National Park. You're bound to spot an ark of critters including goannas, diamond pythons, brush turkeys and even a koala or two. Then, take a free self-guided tour of the Koala Hospital for more cuddly sightings and greater insight into the lives of these beloved marsupials. Motor an hour up the coast to find a marine menagerie in Hat Head National Park. Korogoro Creek is a pristine snorkelling spot where you can spy hermit crabs, flat head, mullet and octopus below the water line, while whales and dolphins might occasionally surface through the waves, too. You'll find excellent surf breaks for experienced riders just south at Crescent Head. And if you're a beginner? Learn to tackle the region's famous tubes with On Point Surf School. After a day on the water, you'll likely need to refuel — venture inland to Bago Maze and Winery to enjoy a wine tasting paired with local cheese and charcuterie before meandering through the venue's carefully sculpted lilly pilly hedge maze. A stay on the Hastings River at Rydges Port Macquarie provides plush interiors with water views, as well as easy access to some of the city's best dining options. Tuck into fresh seafood at The Stunned Mullet or Bills Fishhouse and Bar, which both showcase seasonal local produce. Ensure you leave enough room for dessert, with the creamy artisan scoops at Blue Cow Gelato a tip-top option. [caption id="attachment_856161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Opal Cove Resort Coffs Harbour, Destination NSW[/caption] FLY INTO COFFS HARBOUR TO EXPLORE ANCIENT RAINFORESTS AND REMOTE COASTLINES Alight the plane at Coffs Harbour Airport with your adventure shoes at the ready. In classic Aussie family holiday tradition, you'll need to kick things off with a choccy-covered banana and a quick round of laser tag at the Big Banana. Then, unwind in the spacious suites at Opal Cove Resort. This expansive seaside venue provides everything you need to relax and recharge, from a sauna and spa to a fully equipped gym and an arcade games room. Start your grand expedition into the great outdoors by ambling through national parks and nature reserves along the Solitary Islands coastal walk. Those tackling the full 60-kilometre trail will move from windswept headlands to undisturbed beaches and lush rainforest paths over three or four days of hiking and camping (depending on your pace). There are also plenty of day-trip opportunities, with spots for ocean fishing, swimming and picnicking. For even loftier views, head to Sealy Lookout (Niigi Niigi) and walk along the Forest Sky Pier which dramatically juts out over the canopy of Orara East State Forest. To put the stunning view into historical context, join a Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience tour and learn about the cultural practices and stories of Traditional Owners, the Gumbaynggirr people. If that's still not enough nature for you, head an hour out of Coffs to the otherworldly Dorrigo National Park, where you can walk among 600-year-old trees in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. The small township of Bellingen is a perfect pit stop on the scenic drive here along Waterfall Way. Savour a lunch of shared plates in the artfully restored church that houses Cedar Bar & Kitchen, or stop in at Black Bear Cafe for a quick coffee in the heart of town. [caption id="attachment_856170" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Angourie, Destination NSW[/caption] FLY INTO BALLINA FOR A SURFING AND PADDLING SAFARI Flights landing at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport are often packed with holidaymakers headed for Byron Bay's star-studded beaches. But if you're keen to take the road (slightly) less travelled — that offer equally glorious seaside adventures — head 90 minutes south to the relaxed township of Yamba. Along the route, stop in at Razorback Lookout in Evans Head for spectacular sightlines up the coast before exploring the varied landscapes of Bundjalung National Park. Pack a hiking lunch and walk the ten-kilometre Jerusalem Creek loop, or book a rejuvenating forest bathing tour, which involves Japanese-inspired mindfulness movements honouring different natural elements, with Iluka Nature and Soul at Woody Head campground. Make Yamba Sun Motel your base once you reach town. The comfortable rooms come in a number of configurations and can accommodate both couples and larger families. The Sun also places you in the heart of this close-knit community, with beaches, friendly cafes and local attractions all within walking distance. Start your day with an Allpress Espresso coffee from eclectic local fave Yum Yum Angourie Cafe and General Store, or tuck into a hearty Turkish-inspired breakfast at the charming Beachwood Cafe. Get active on the water with a Yamba Kayak tour, and paddle around the islands and mangrove mazes of the Clarence River. Or, wetsuit up and tackle the Angourie Point surf break. Even if you're not confident on a board, you'd be remiss not to catch the dramatic right-handers roll in at this renowned spot from the safety of the sand. [caption id="attachment_856169" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fingal Head, David Kirkland[/caption] FLY INTO THE GOLD COAST AND HEAD SOUTH TO CHASE WATERFALLS AND LOCAL FEASTS After touchdown, find yourself some wheels and scoot over the border to explore the nearby NSW coastline. Head southward and you'll immediately hit the Tweed Shire. Here, you'll find fine-dining spots hidden among rolling green valleys, myriad beaches to suit towel-snoozers and wave-riders alike, picturesque cruises along the Tweed River and plenty of cultural experiences to fill up your holiday itinerary. Be sure not to miss the Tweed Regional Gallery and Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, before visiting the seemingly never-ending sandy expanse of Dreamtime Beach. For liquid sustenance, head to the cellar door at Husk Distillers, home of the chameleon-like Ink Gin. Then enjoy the hearty fare served up at Potager — much of what you taste in your miso pumpkin and potato gnocchi with coconut ricotta and warrigal greens has been plucked directly from the onsite garden. Less than an hour on the road and you'll be in the heart of Byron Bay. Set yourself up at the glamorously renovated Byron Springs beach house, tucked away on a palm-lined cul-de-sac with easy access to sprawling Tallow Beach and Arakwal National Park. If you can tear yourself away from the hotel's sun-drenched therapy pool, book a tour with Trip.com to uncover natural gems and native refreshments. The Chasing Waterfalls tour will ferry you between glistening cascades, quiet bushlands and rarely visited swimming holes, while the Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session will introduce you to locally concocted craft beers and fragrant spirits. With $100 off select North Coast NSW accommodation via Trip.com until June 21, now is the ideal time to explore all that the region has to offer. Top images: Destination NSW
If the only thing that's been holding you back from packing up and making a home in the middle of nowhere has been the lack of electricity (and the desire to not live out of a tent), you might want to start plotting your escape. Architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) have designed a 3D-printed pod home that not only looks 100 percent epic, but can function entirely off the grid. The sustainable structure works in conjunction with a companion vehicle, which is also printed using 3D technology. Solar panels built into the pod's curved pavilion-stye roof powers it by night, and the vehicle generates its own power too through a hybrid electric system. The two share their power — get this — wirelessly through a closed-loop battery system to ensure you're not left in the dark when the sun doesn't peek out behind those clouds. The pod has been developed with the geniuses at the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of the Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy (AMIE) project. The pod, which is largest of its kind at 11.6m long, 3.7m high and 3.7m wide, has been developed with the aim to illustrate "the potential of a clean energy future for a rapidly urbanising world by demonstrating the use of bidirectional wireless energy technology and high performance materials to achieve independence from the power grid at peak-demand times". 3D printing has given us everything from a chewable toothbrush, 60-second cupcakes, and titanium sculptures, but this has to be the most dream-worthy 3D printed possibility yet. Via Dezeen. Image: SOM.
Busby's soft lamp-lit ambience and velvety red carpets are the perfect match for a pasta and wine night, complete with spinning records. And the experience is even more enchanting when heading out to dinner won't put undue stress on your wallet. Priced at $30, every Monday–Wednesday evening at the restaurant is now marked with a trio of pasta dishes ready to ramp up your midweek mood. Featuring two menu favourites and a weekly rotating pasta special, your dish is paired with a house red, white or rosé. Ready to dine? Your options include rigatoni with winter greens, kale pistou and pecorino, or baked ziti with white bolognese and béchamel sauce. Meanwhile, you're invited to head along each week to discover what special dish the chefs have cooked up in the kitchen. Situated inside Oxford House, aka Paddington's first lifestyle hotel, this welcoming brunch spot transforms into a laidback wine and hi-fi bar after dark. So, plan your next date night or catch up with friends to the sound of clinking glasses and vinyl crackle. [caption id="attachment_924011" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jonny Valiant[/caption]
When a major arts festival drops its latest program, as Sydney Festival just has for its massive 2023 event, it's easy to start playing the numbers game. The figures are impressive, with the event's second year under Artistic Director Olivia Ansell boasting 748 performances across 54 venues. The lineup also spans more than 100 unique events, 26 of which won't cost attendees a thing. And, there'll be 18 world premieres and 14 Australian exclusives — aka shows that you'll need to travel to Sydney to see if you don't live there, because they won't pop up elsewhere. All of these stats do indeed tell a story, conveying how widely the festival crew has scoured for top-notch shows; how jam-packed the resulting calendar of performances, gigs and exhibitions is; and how busy the 25 days from Thursday, January 5–Sunday, January 29 are going to prove. And, they help express the most important message there is for audiences: if you're looking for not just a culture fix but to bathe in art, theatre, music and all-round exciting festivities for weeks on end all around Sydney at the start of 2023, then you'd best block out your diary now. There's no shortage of highlights in the program, no matter what kind of cultural experience take your fancy. Here's perhaps the most surprising one: turning Sydney Town Hall into a beach courtesy of 26 tonnes of sand. No, you won't be able to swim there — but you can watch Lithuanian opera Sun & Sea, which won the Venice Biennale's Golden Lion in 2019, stage its sandy work in the round. The end result explores the climate emergency, is certain to make for a memorable show, and is one of Sydney Festival's Australian exclusives. Also unlikely to be forgotten quickly: the Australian premiere of Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon, a multi-sensory art experience dedicated to the iconic Mexican painter. Think: the immersive Vincent van Gogh showcase that's being doing the rounds, or the new Monet one headed to Melbourne, but all about the one and only Kahlo. Hailing from Spanish digital arts company Layers of Reality, alongside the Frida Kahlo Corporation, it'll take over the Cutaway with holography, 360-degree projections and live performances of traditional Mexican music, as well as a virtual-reality system that'll let you step inside the artist's iconic pieces. [caption id="attachment_874188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Other standouts include Bonobo hitting the decks at the Masonic Centre, and turning its banquet hall into a unique dance party; performance piece In Chamber, which literally takes place in a safe in the basement of the Margot Kimpton Hotel; ROOM, the latest surreal theatre piece by James Thiérrée; and Tracker, which sees choreographer-director Daniel Riley combine dance, ceremony and text. Or, there's also 16 days of live music inside the 70s-era underground bar beneath Martin Place's Harry Seidler-designed Commercial Travellers' Association building (yes, the mushroom building). That subterranean space remains unrenovated, so expect The Weary Traveller, as the fest-within-the-fest is called, to serve up a huge blast from the past (plus tunes by Alice Skye, Astral People, Automatic, June Jones, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Lil Silva, Party Dozen, Tom Snowdon, Moktar, Two Birds with Bayand, Coloured Stone, HTRK and Potion). In the same structure, the 28-room hotel itself is being taken over by American artist Kelsey Lu. You'll want to check in for this one, and stay the evening — because In The Lucid: A Dream Portal to Awakening is an eight-hour audio journey. [caption id="attachment_874185" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Wallis[/caption] Heartbreak High fans will want to catch Blue, and fans of homegrown theatre as well — it stars and has been written by Thomas Weatherall, and will enjoy its world premiere at Sydney Festival. Or, for something completely different, a Shinjuku-inspired magic bar will pop up at Darling Harbour, transporting you to Tokyo if you haven't already made Japan holiday plans now that the country has reopened its borders. The list goes on, including Bloodlines, an exhibition paying tribute to artists lost to HIV/AIDS; The Party, which'll celebrate Sydney's LGBTQIA+ nightlife and party culture between 1973–2002; and Retrosweat hosting a big 80s pool party that, yes, will involve aqua aerobics. Or, there's flamenco dancer Sara Bara in Alma at the Sydney Opera House; Dead Puppet Society and Legs On The Wall's take on the Trojan war in Holding Achilles; drag brunch show Smashed: The Brunch Party hosted by Victoria Falcone; and Prinnie Stevens singing tunes by superstars like Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé. Plus, Sydney Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Lunar New Year outdoors at Parramatta Park; Polar Force at Carriageworks explores the extremes of ice and wind by pairing Antarctic field recordings with live industrial percussion; and Restless Dance Theatre's dance piece Guttered is set in a real-life bowling alley. And, Lego lovers can check out a new Brickwrecks exhibition, which recreates shipwrecks with the plastic bricks. Also, ENESS, who was behind the 2022 fest's Airship Orchestra, is back with Cupid's Koi Garden — which'll give Tumbalong Park a six-metre-tall immersive water-play park right in the middle of summer. [caption id="attachment_874184" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Roberts Photography[/caption] Sydney Festival 2023 runs from Thursday, January 5–Sunday, January 29 at venues across the city. For further details and to buy tickets, visit the Sydney Festival website. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, October 19. Top image: Andrej Vasilenko.
Organic and sustainable ingredients are carefully curated to create a Scandinavian-inspired menu at Funkis Köket, which mirrors the calming rustic yet minimalist aesthetic of this Paddington haunt. Straddling the line between cafe and garden, this eatery offers a wide range of tasty, nutritious items. Grab Skagen-inspired salmon consisting of creme fraiche, smoked salmon, dill, and mayo — all whipped together — alongside lemon-soaked zucchini slices and freshly toasted sourdough bread. We also love to add a cheeky poached egg to this affair to make that extra bit brunchy. Seasonal granola, avocado on toast and simple eggs on toast are also featured on the short but sweet breakfast menu at Funkis. And if you're in a rush, look no further than its freshly baked cardamom buns. They're some of the best in Sydney. Love all the plates and bowls your breakfast is served in, too? Check out its adjoining homewares store to take some home with you. Here, you'll also find women's clothing, handmade kitchen utensils, and plenty of textiles, accessories and books. It's all very well curated and worth a browse after hitting up the Funkis cafe — or while you wait for your coffee. Images: Cassandra Hannagan Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Roll up, roll up to Cirque du Soleil's big top, with the acclaimed circus company heading back to Sydney with its newest show. Called KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities, this acrobatic extravaganza steps inside a fantasy world in the latter half of the 19th century. If you think that normal Cirque du Soleil performances test your perception of reality, then you won't be disappointed — not quite believing your eyes, using your imagination and peering beyond the expected is part of the story. Specifically, KURIOS delves into the tale of the Seeker, who happens to be in possession of a larger-than-life curio cabinet, and also happens to think a hidden world is lurking inside. After world premiering in Montreal back in 2014, the production has been touring the globe since, and now it's setting up shop at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter from Wednesday, October 2. The show marks Cirque du Soleil's 35th since it was formed in 1984, and features 47 artists from 17 countries. Basically, prepare to stare and drop your jaw as gymnasts, acrobats, contortionists, puppeteers, yo-yo wizards, clowns, actors and musicians do their thing. Performances will take place on Tuesdays–Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 1pm and 5pm. UPDATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2019 — KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities has been moving heaps of tickets, and the season has been extended until December 29. After that, the show will move onto Brisbane. Tickets would make great Christmas presents, we might add. Images: D-CORD Costumes: Philippe Guillotel © 2018 Cirque du Soleil.
Taking over Kogarah's Belgrave Street from Friday, June 27–Sunday, June 29, the Uncontained Arts Festival returns to South Sydney with another massive program. Now entering its fifth edition, expect a sprawling open-air gallery featuring three days of immersive installations, interactive art, live music, delicious food and more. Free to attend, this family-friendly event has become a popular creative showcase in recent years, attracting over 25,000 people ready to get absorbed by a series of bold creative experiences. Think silent discos, live mural-making, neon paint life-drawing and an LED tunnel — each more kaleidoscopic than the last. "I encourage everyone to visit Kogarah during Uncontained for some free winter fun," says Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg. "Since our first festival in 2021, Uncontained has grown to become a landmark event in our community." While much of the program is yet to be revealed, a handful of sneak peeks are bound to excite. Artists Samuel Kim and Lawrence Liang will present their ANINA installation — a vibrant zen cat inspired by Tibetan Buddhism that responds to nearby sound, movement and rhythm. Meanwhile, Anastasia Parmson's I Drew a Line and Called it Home invites guests into an intimate space consisting entirely of three-dimensional black-and-white drawings. Alongside drawing workshops powered by UV lights and vinyl DJ soundtracks, the program also features tasty bites and brews, like Drippin Desserts' crispy doughnut fries and the Mediterranean street-food flavours of Teta's Pitas. Plus, on the opening night, the bar will be adorned with an impressive Uncontained ice sculpture. Don't worry, there's plenty of heating and seating so you can still cosy up on a cool evening. "It is more than just a festival — it's a vibrant celebration of artistic expression, imagination, and connection," Borg describes. "With something for everyone, it invites people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, create, and be inspired together." Uncontained Arts Festival runs from Friday, June 27–Sunday, June 29 at Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street, Kogarah. Head to the website for more information.
If Vincent van Gogh can do it, and Claude Monet and his contemporaries like Renoir, Cézanne and Manet as well, then Frida Kahlo can also. We're talking about being the subject of huge, multi-sensory art exhibitions — the kind that takes an artist's work and projects it all around you so you feel like you're walking into their paintings. First came Van Gogh Alive, which has been touring the country for the last few years. On its way next is Monet & Friends Alive, launching at Melbourne's digital-only gallery The Lume at the end of October. And, after that, Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon is heading to Sydney as part of the hefty Sydney Festival program for 2023. Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon will make its Australian premiere in the Harbour City — and display only in the Harbour — from Wednesday, January 4, 2023. For two months, it will celebrate the Mexican painter's life and work, taking over the Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve with holography and 360-degree projections. The aim: turning a biographical exhibition about Kahlo into an immersive showcase, and getting attendees to truly understand her art, persistence, rebellion and skills — and why she's an icon. Visitors will wander through seven spaces, and get transported into the artist's work — including via virtual reality. That VR setup will indeed let you step inside Kahlo's pieces as much as VR can, although the entire exhibition is designed to cultivate that sensation anyway, with digital versions of Kahlo's paintings expanding across every surface. The showcase hails from Spanish digital arts company Layers of Reality, alongside the Frida Kahlo Corporation, and will feature historical photographs and original films as well — and live performances of traditional Mexican music. As part of the interactive component, attendees will also be able to make their own flower crowns, and turn their own drawings into Kahlo-style artworks. And, you'll be able to immortalise the experience in souvenir photos, too.
When the newly engaged Lauren (Miranda Tapsell, The Surfer) and Ned (Gwilym Lee, SAS Rogue Heroes) made a whirlwind visit to Darwin in 2019 film Top End Wedding, it was to get married. Six years later, the two key characters from the hit rom-com are heading back to the Northern Territory capital. Meet Top End Bub, which is extending the world of the flick by picking up again with its central couple — this time with an added child, and by unfurling the next chapter in the pair's tale via a streaming series. Tapsell not only starred in Top End Wedding but co-wrote the script. With Top End Bub, she's in both roles again — and also co-created and executive produced the series with fellow returnee Joshua Tyler (100% Wolf: Legend of the Moonstone). Their new story: sending Lauren and Ned to the NT again, away from their settled life in Adelaide, to become the guardians of their orphaned niece Taya (debutant Gladys-May Kelly). First confirmed in 2024, Top End Bub is set to span eight episodes — and you'll be watching it soon. The series hits Prime Video from Friday, September 12, 2025. Ursula Yovich (Troppo), Huw Higginson (Ladies in Black), Shari Sebbens (The Moogai), Elaine Crombie (Invisible Boys), Rob Collins (Austin) and Tracy Mann (Home and Away) are also making the leap from Top End Wedding to its new spinoff, while Brooke Satchwell (Triple Oh!), Guy Simon (The Secrets She Keeps) and Clarence Ryan (Territory) are among its fresh additions. "Words can't describe how excited I am to bring Lauren, Ned and the Top End back to your screens. We all love a happy ending, but what happens after happily ever after? We can't wait for you to find out!" said Tapsell back when Top End Bub was initially announced. "It's been fun to dive back into the world of Top End Wedding, a world that means so much to us and to our audience. A romantic setting full of funny characters who face heartbreaking challenges in heartwarming ways. I am thrilled to be collaborating with such an incredible team," added Tyler. There's no sneak peek at Top End Bub yet, but you can watch the trailer for Top End Wedding below: Top End Bub will stream via Prime Video from Friday, September 12, 2025. Images: John Platt / Prime Video.
In case you don't already have enough reasons to attend SXSW Sydney in 2025, here's more: the event's Music Festival keeps adding to its lineup, with over 50 new performers joining the bill, plus a heap of presenters as well. The latest round of names follows past announcements across all things SXSW Sydney for this year, spanning speakers, an initial batch of local and international acts, high-profile guests, more bands and folks getting chatting, Paul Feig and a 14-hour Freaks and Geeks marathon, and Tumbalong Park's free programming. Even beyond all of the above so far, there's also still lineup drops to come. Ninajirachi, 2charm, Drifting Clouds, Whitney, Picture This, Le Boom, Sonic Reducer, xiao xiao, Angela Ken, Maki, Modern Cinema Master, Lex Amor, Amy Gadiaga: they're now on the Music Festival bill, taking to the stage across Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19. As for where you'll be catching them, SXSW Sydney's already-hefty range of venues is expanding, too, with The Eveleigh Hotel, Embassy Conference Centre, and outdoor stages at the Seymour Centre and on Kensington Street among the new places to hit up. Laneway Festival Co-Founder Danny Rogers, ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd, Support Act Wellbeing Content & Programs Lead Ash King, Skillbox Founder and CEO Anmol Kukreja, Backlash Productions's Tour and Production Manager Jamal Chalabi, UNIFIED's CEO Jaddan Comerford are just some of the speakers adding a little more conversation to the bill — and so are Tickets for Good Founder and CEO Steve Rimmer, Strawberry Fields Director Tara Medina and others. SXSW Sydney has also confirmed that a lengthy list of organisations will be putting on events, including American Apparel, APRA AMCOS, British Music Embassy, College of Hip Hop Knowledge, GYROstream, Impressed Recordings, Laneway Festival x Outside Lands, Moshtix, NPCC presents Taiwan Now, Rolling Stone, Virgin Music and more. The last dedicated Music Festival reveal came in June, and featured the likes of Rashmeet Kaur, Vandelux, The Thing and August Wahh, plus Tenxi & Jemsii, Holly Hebe, Munan and Yasmina Sadiki. In total, this year's fest is due to feature more than 300 music performances. Before that, the festival had already announced Jasmine 4.t, Freak Slug and Ristband + Pivots from the UK; Slowwves from Thailand; Japan's Suichu Spica 水中スピカ; New Zealand's Serebii and Tusekah; and Cardinals from Ireland; and Autralia's Jamaica Moana, JJ4K, RICEWINE, Sacred Hearts, Swapmeet and BADASSMUTHA. SXSW Sydney 2025 runs from Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Select SXSW Sydney images: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney // Jess Gleeson.
The dream of home ownership has been quietly slipping out of reach for a generation of Australians, and the 2026 federal budget has just moved to change that. Treasurer Jim Chalmers' budget speech confirmed a sweeping overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax (CGT) discount — two tax breaks that have shaped the Australian property market for more than two decades — alongside a new minimum tax rate on capital gains. The government estimates the changes will help around 75,000 Australians achieve home ownership. From July 2027, negative gearing will be limited to newly built homes, and the 50 per cent CGT discount will be replaced with inflation-adjusted indexation — what Chalmers described in his budget speech as a way to "restore the taxation of real gains." Both changes apply prospectively, meaning existing property investors will be grandfathered into the current arrangements. New builds will also retain the option to use the existing 50 per cent discount, as a sweetener to keep investment flowing into fresh housing supply. There's a less-flagged piece in the package: a new minimum 30 per cent tax rate on capital gains kicking in from July 2027, with the same minimum rate extending to discretionary trusts from July 2028. The change applies across asset classes — meaning the reforms reach well beyond residential property into the wider investment market. In his speech, Chalmers framed the changes as long overdue. "Since 1999, house prices have risen over 400 percent, more than twice as fast as average incomes," he said. Earlier in the day, the Treasurer told reporters in Canberra that "the status quo in the housing market and in the tax system is not working for too many Australians." So what does it actually mean if you're trying to buy your first home? Senior economist Saul Eslake told the Nine Network's Today show that the changes weren't a "magic bullet" but could "remove some of the competition" young homebuyers are facing. Eslake said 80 percent of lending to property investors currently goes to existing homes, where investors are "effectively outbidding homebuyers and therefore forcing them to rent." A Parliamentary Budget Office analysis cited by the ABC found 80 percent of CGT discount benefits flow to the top 10 percent of salary earners, while 60 percent of negative gearing benefits go to the top 20 percent. Not everyone is convinced. At a news conference reported by the Guardian, Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said "the Australian people have woken up to the new taxes on the self-starters of this nation", accusing the government of breaking its election promise not to touch negative gearing. The budget also includes $2 billion for councils and state utility companies to deliver the roads, pipelines and wires needed to support construction of 65,000 new homes over a decade. The full 2026 federal budget is now available, with the new property tax rules taking effect from July 2027 — giving would-be investors just over a year to act under the existing rules. Lead image: TBC — editor to source. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground Newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
For home-style cooking that'll transport you to a family dining table in Lebanon, look no further than Baba Ghanouj. The Parramatta outpost of this restaurant (which has sibling venues in Dural, Castle Hill and Kirrawee) boasts a broad menu of traditional plates, desserts and imported drinks. The warm space is ideal for group outings, with large tables set among dramatic arches and chandeliers. Even more charming is the outdoor dining area where you can enjoy your next date night on a tree-lined street under draped strings of fairy lights. The menu is divided into cold and hot mezza, small pans, salads, mashawi (grilled skewers) and wraps (available until 4pm). For the mains, choose from plates such as chilli prawns with tahini, red capsicum, onion and vermicelli rice; pan-fried barramundi with coriander, lemon, paprika and garlic; or slow-braised lamb with spices, rice, nuts and yoghurt dip. Banquet options are available for couples or groups, which include 9–12 mezza and three meats. If that's still not enough and you can't find your favourite Lebanese dish on the menu, have a chat to the kitchen and they'll prepare it for you. Baba Ghanouj is open mornings every day and until 11pm on Tuesday–Sunday, so you can drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and satisfy any cravings between meals.
Channelling the cultural and creative breadth of Japan's 47 prefectures, this six-venue hub, contains four restaurants, a patisserie and a whiskey bar by the award-winning team behind Sydney institution Maybe Sammy. The flagship venue, Garaku, offers a traditional kaiseki experience — Japan's answer to the degustation. Ex-Tetsuya Executive Chef Derek Kim has crafted an exquisite and theatrical concept, with each dish offering an elegant interpretation of the four seasons. Meanwhile upstairs, Ibushi is a lively robata restaurant serving up smoke, skewers and sake while summoning shades of the bustling streets of Tokyo, led by Head Chef Chris Kim and Executive Chef Takashi Yamamoto. The most exclusive venue on the site is Omakase, an intimate eight-seat diner aiming to set a new gold standard for the classic Japanese chef's table experience. Master of omakase sushi, Akira Horikawa and Tomoyuki Matsuya from Hatted restaurant Kame House, will be feeding the lucky few who manage to bag a seat at their coveted bar. There are also plans in the works for a rotation of celebrated Japanese sushi masters to visit as guest chefs. Exploring the ways Japanese cuisine has influenced dining cultures around the world is FIVE, featuring a modern European menu reimagined with Japanese flourishes conceived by Head Chef Hiroshi Manaka, formerly of Charlotte Bar & Bistro. The name is inspired by the five core fundamental elements expressed in the menu: taste, colour, cooking, moderation and the senses. The latest venture from Maybe Group is Whisky Thief, a bar for both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers to the amber dram. Expect an impressive list of aged drops alongside the kind of creative cocktails the Maybe Sammy team is famed for. Finally, Dear Florence, a classic patisserie, is serving up delectable sweet treats and refined desserts created by Executive Pastry Chef Aoife Noonan. Top image: Anson Smart
If Melbourne's famous for anything, it's a sense of discovery. Nothing beats the absolute thrill of ducking down a laneway, following the scent of coffee, and stumbling into something you didn't even know you were looking for. In one particularly special part of the city — Little Collins street — that discovery will bring you to Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins. The hotel and its close neighbours are stitched together from historic buildings that once housed everything from Turkish baths to grand music retailers. Inside, things get even cooler. Its interiors are threaded with local stories, from a statement spiral staircase inspired by the drapery sold by Sidney Myer (yes, the founder of the eponymous department store) to a huge lobby mural by renowned Melbourne artist Lisa King. Best of all, the hotel's position on Little Collins street puts you right in the centre of Melbourne's CBD. Here's how to plan your next weekend exploring the neighbourhood. Begin in the Laneways Forget Google Maps for a while. The best part of this Melbourne neighbourhood is its grid-like layout, meaning it's almost impossible to get lost. In fact, the laneways around Little Collins are best explored without a plan. Hosier Lane is the obvious icon, its walls splashed with artwork and graffiti. But veer off course and you'll also stumble upon AC/DC Lane with its nod to Aussie rock, or Centre Place where tiny cafes and restaurants are packed with the local lunch crowd. Take Coffee Seriously It might sound cliché, but in this neighbourhood coffee really is the fuel that keeps everything moving. Pellegrini's, which opened in 1954, is a time capsule of Melbourne's espresso beginnings, when Italian immigrants kickstarted the city's coffee culture. Nearby, Brother Baba Budan is instantly recognisable for the chairs hanging from its ceiling, and Dukes on Flinders Lane is where the locals queue for their morning fix. Staying nearby means you're never more than a few minutes from a genuinely great cup. Dine Like a Local Melbourne is nothing if not a food city and around Little Collins, you'll find flavours from every corner of the globe within walking distance. Fern Bar and Dining, tucked inside Hotel Indigo, is a slick all-day spot where menus lean into seasonal Victorian produce and good vibes. It's perfect for a pre-theatre bite or early-morning brekky. Venture outside the hotel and you're spoiled for choice: Cumulus Inc serves refined share plates in a converted warehouse, Grossi Florentino is your go-to for old-school Italian, and Embla is the best place to crack a bottle of natural wines and seriously good bar food. Our best advice? Come hungry. Soak Up The Architecture From gothic banks to Victorian-era buildings and Art Deco beauties, Melbourne's skyline is a result of decades of boom and reinvention. Design lovers will want to check out the Gothic Revival spires atop the Manchester Unity Building, look up at Gaunt's Clock in Royal Arcade, and explore the intricate mosaic floors inside the Block Arcade. If you're planning a trip for next winter, Open House Melbourne also gives you the rare chance to peek inside heritage buildings usually closed to the public. Around here, even the spaces between buildings are just as interesting as what's inside them. The Perfect Base When you're done wandering, Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins makes for a fitting place to land. Home to 179 modern, stylish rooms, it's built in a historic building and filled with nods to the neighbourhood. With a beautiful lobby area, luxe outdoor courtyard garden, and views across the city from almost every window, the space feels less like a cookie-cutter hotel and more like a continuation of the streets outside. Want to stay in the thick of it? Find out more about Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins here.
Having recently opened its doors in Redfern's bustling Wunderlich Lane precinct, Regina La Pizzeria is bringing authentic Italian cuisine alongside a welcoming atmosphere to the party. Guided by co-owners Matteo Ernandes and Michela Boncagni, this laidback eatery pairs mid-century sophistication with an easygoing menu rich in flavourful options. Perfect for communal dining, the venue's thoughtful polish elevates it high above standard takeaway fare. At the heart of the kitchen is the first Fazzone oven in Australia, designed and built in Naples, aka the birthplace of pizza. Centred on a volcanic pizza stone, this wood-fired innovation offers remarkably hot and consistent temperatures, while a smaller door makes it highly efficient. For customers, that translates to a crispier crust, a tender interior and toppings cooked to absolute perfection. "The Fazzone oven allows us to elevate our pizza to an entirely new level. It's a perfect reflection of our commitment to authenticity and quality," says Ernandes. Regina also has an uncompromising vision for what goes into and onto every pizza. With a steadfast belief that quality ingredients improve every bite, Matteo only works with stone-ground, unbleached flour and top-notch organic vegetables. This way, each slice delivers a wholesome experience that goes toe-to-toe with the best pizzamakers back in the old country. So, what can you expect on the menu? The classic section features familiar names like margherita, capricciosa and diavola. The names are also familiar on the signature menu – only these pizzas acknowledge Italian legends. For instance, the Versace with king prawns, candied tomatoes and confit garlic is named for the fashion icon, while the Rossi combines fior di latte with pumpkin, pecorino, cavolo nero and sausage to honour the boldness of motorcycle racing champion, Valentino. Also of note are pan-baked pizzas. You might be more familiar with Chicago-style deep dish, but this contentious creation has played a role in Sicilian and Calabrian cuisine for much longer – now is the perfect time to give it a shot. The beverage menu is mindful, with several organic and sustainable options. Here, an all-Italian wine menu pairs with a selection of negronis and spritzes. Meanwhile, refined local and Japanese craft brews bring something different. "Regina is more than just a pizzeria — it's an experience where quality, tradition, and community come together," says Matteo. Regina La Pizzeria is open Monday–Saturday from 5pm–10pm and Sunday from 12pm–8pm at Wunderlich Lane. Head to the website for more details.
When cinemas were forced to close their doors back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry had to adapt. Some individual films started moving to streaming and video on demand, while a number of picture palaces created their own online viewing platforms. Following in the footsteps of Sydney's Golden Age, as well as the teams behind the city's Ritz and Melbourne's Lido, Classic and Cameo cinemas, national chain Palace Cinemas is now making the leap to digital — with its new Palace Home Cinema venture launching during this year's Italian Film Festival. Palace Home Cinema will focus on world cinema, and on a curated movie lineup; however, when its first films become available to watch on Thursday, October 15, they'll all hail from the 2020 IFF program. The chain is calling its debut selection the 'IFF Piccolo', with eight movies on offer to watch on a pay-per-view basis until Wednesday, October 21. Cinephiles around the country can check out IFF's opening night film, a live-action, whimsy-heavy version of Pinocchio from Gomorrah and Dogman filmmaker Matteo Garrone — or watch its two special presentation flicks for this year, The Goddess of Fortune and Martin Eden. Also on the bill: comedies Once Upon a Time... in Bethlehem and Say It Loud, dramas Bad Tales and Ordinary Justice, and the family-friendly The Most Beautiful Day in the World. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rIcXgMx7hU&feature=emb_logo Prices vary — with Pinocchio costing $20 to view and the rest of the program costing $14 per title. Once viewers make their purchase, they can watch their chosen film or films at any time during the seven-day IFF Piccolo window. That said, after you first press play, you'll have to finish watching within 48 hours. The Italian Film Festival is currently showing physically in cinemas in Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth — but if you're a Melburnian eager to get your fix while theatres are still closed, you live in a regional area or you can't attend in-person, you now have an at-home way to enjoy the fest. While Palace hasn't revealed what else will screen on the Palace Home Cinema platform, the service will focus on the kind of films shown in the chain's venues. "People look to Palace for a special kind of entertainment. We want to accompany them on their journey, making fine cinema easy to find and play, even as we spend more time at home than ever before," said Palace Cinemas CEO Benjamin Zeccola. Palace Home Cinema is available via the service's website. The Italian Film Festival Piccolo is available to stream from Thursday, October 15–Wednesday, October 21.
One king. Six wives. Centuries of folks being fascinated with the regal story. Throw in pop songs as well, and that's the smash-hit SIX the Musical formula, as Australian audiences discovered in 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and can again in Sydney from Friday, October 26, 2024 at Theatre Royal. If you've ever needed proof that some stories never get old, the ongoing obsession with Britain's royal history provides plenty. In IRL, it's relentless. On screens and stages, a slice of regal intrigue is regularly awaiting our viewing, too, interpreting and remixing the past in the process. The Crown might've taken ample artistic license with reality, but it's got nothing on the empowering pop-scored twist on the 16th century that's been wowing audiences in SIX the Musical. This theatre sensation gleans a few cues from well-known history, adds toe-tapping tunes and makes stage magic. If you think that you know the stories of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr, then you probably do — even those with little interest in Britain's past kings and queens are likely aware that Henry VIII had six wives — but SIX the Musical's version isn't about telling the same old tale. First premiering back at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, then jumping to London's West End — and winning Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, plus a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album, along the way — SIX the Musical gleans inspiration from one of the most famous sextets there's ever been. It also finds its own angle despite how popular the Tudor monarch's love life has been in pop culture. So, move over 00s TV series The Tudors and 2008 movie The Other Boleyn Girl — and this one takes the pop part rather seriously. SIX the Musical is presented as a pop concert, in fact, with the Catherines, Annes and Jane all taking to the microphone to tell their stories. Each woman's aim: to stake their claim as the wife who suffered the most at the king's hands, and to become the group's lead singer as a result. Images: James D Morgan, Getty Images.
Heading to an outdoor music festival normally means hoping for fine and sunny outdoor weather. At Snow Machine, you'll be praying for one thing: yes, snow. Because spending a day or several dancing to tunes in the open air isn't solely synonymous with summer, this event embraces its wintry setup, combining live music with a ski trip — as Japan first experienced in 2020, and New Zealand has been enjoying since 2022. The Japanese fest takes place for 2025 in March, but you'll want to mark September in your calendar if you're keen on the Aotearoa event. The hottest festival for the colder months is unleashing its avalanche of music and adventure at two mountain-topping NZ ski resorts between Tuesday, September 9–Sunday, September 14 this year. The snow-filled attraction has also just dropped its impressive lineup. On the Thursday night, Claptone and Hot Dub Time Machine will be headlining. On the Friday, Amyl and The Sniffers are playing an exclusive New Zealand show, with Mallrat also on the bill. Come Saturday, Netsky and Luude are doing the honours. Also helping to give Snow Machine's NZ winter wonderland a thumping soundtrack across the fest: Argonaut, Baby J, Ben Silver, Beverly Kills, Body Ocean, Boogs, Brian Fantana and Casey Leaver — plus Dannika Peach, Jimi The Kween, Lenni Vibe, Mell Hall, Montel2099, Odd Mob. And, then there's Bribera, Savage, Spacey Space, T-Rek and What So Not. As the hefty roster of talent demonstrates, attendees are in for a helluva few days, including hitting the slopes and partying at après ski events on both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. How much dancing, skiing and sipping you want to do is up to you — as is how many other adventurous activities you'd like to add to your itinerary, such as heli-skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, canyon swinging and skydiving. Snow Machine's official welcome party is also on the agenda again, taking place at AJ Hackett Bungy Kawarau Bridge. So is another annual highlight: the Polar Bare, which endeavours to set a world record for the most amount of people heading down the slopes their swimwear. Alongside the wintry backdrop and the fun that comes with it, one of the things that sets Snow Machine apart from other music fests is being able to book your entire getaway with your ticket. Packages span both five and seven nights of accommodation, and include a four-day festival ticket, plus multi-day ski pass. If you'd rather make your own way or pass on the skiing, there are ticket-only options — and VIP packages if you really want to do it in style. Snow Machine 2025 Lineup Amyl and The Sniffers Argonaut Baby J Ben Silver Beverly Kills Body Ocean Boogs Brian Fantana Casey Leaver Claptone Dannika Peach Hot Dub Time Machine Jimi The Kween Lenni Vibe Luude Mallrat Mell Hall Montel2099 Netsky Odd Mob Bribera Savage Spacey Space T-Rek What So Not Plus stage takeovers from: Poof Doof Ski Club Thicks as Thieves Revolver Sundays Electric Rush Snow Machine 2025 takes place from Tuesday, September 9–Sunday, September 14 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Presale tickets go on sale on from 1pm AEDT / 12pm AEST / 3pm NZDT on Monday, February 24, 2025, with general tickets available from 1pm AEDT / 12pm AEST / 3pm NZDT on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. For more information, visit the festival's website. Images: Han Lowther / Amee Freeman / Luke O'Keefe.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we hop aboard PS Emmylou on the Murray River. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? According to the PS Emmylou team, this is the world's only accommodated woodfire paddle steamer. You'll slowly float along the Murray River in this newly kitted-out boat, stopping off at small towns and natural sites to do some light exploring. It has to be one of the very best ways to see this part of Australia. THE ROOMS There are just eight luxe cabins on board the PS Emmylou — it's a proper small-group cruise. You can either opt for the twin cabins with two single beds or one of the double or queen cabins. Each of these is above deck and comes with its own ensuite bathroom, wifi, aircon and windows to let the fresh country air right into your room. There's also one larger suite (that you can book on the Concrete Playground Trips website) with double doors opening directly onto the verandah, where you can relax with a drink in hand and take in the ambience as you cruise the Murray River. This is for those wanting the full luxury experience. FOOD AND DRINK At the back of the paddle steamer, you'll find a covered deck that's set up for meals every day. Whenever you dine, stunning views will surround you. And there are stacks of great meals included. In the morning, you can fill up on a full English Breakfast or go continental — tucking into pastries, cereals and fresh fruit. Your caffeine fix is also sorted with barista-made coffee included. The onboard chef also makes a daily morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for all the guests, ensuring your belly won't grumble at any part of the trip. Then there are the special multi-course dinners celebrating local produce (with house wine and beers also included). And depending on the itinerary you choose, you can experience gourmet picnics and riverside barbeque dinners under the stars — with live entertainment. [caption id="attachment_894062" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kayaking on the Murray River, Barmah National Park. DNSW.[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA There are two itinerary options available to those who jump aboard the PS Emmylou, taking you to the same parts of the Murray River region but spending more or less time at each. The three-day cruise starts at Echuca and stops off at Layfield Lane, Deep Creek Marina and Torrumbarry Weir. You'll be taken for tastings at Morrisons Riverside Winery and get a tour of the lush Pericoota Station gardens. Plenty of nature hikes are also available. There's also the seven-day cruise. This begins and ends at Torrumbarry Weir. It hits the same spots as the shorter cruise but takes more time to explore each part — that means you can go deeper into the remote areas on guided tours and hikes (and sneak in a few more cultural experiences and winery visits). THE EXTRAS This is an all-inclusive cruise. Return V/Line train fares to Echuca and local transfers to and from the boat are included as well as all your meals, coffee, alcohol and local guided tours. You'll also save about $500 when you book the three-day cruise through Concrete Playground Trips in the spacious Queen Suite. This deal gives you a pretty great reason to jump on board PS Emmylou and explore the mighty Murray River region in total comfort. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Images: DNSW
What turns a house into a home? Opinions vary. It could be precious memories, it could be building it with your own hands, it could be a renovation, or it could simply be turning a room into a space that's shared with the people you love most — and doing so with your own special flair. For Sophie Biet, co-owner and designer at Marrickville furniture studio and showroom So Watt, it's the power to make a space your own through big and small means. Alongside her co-owner, director and husband Jonathan, she has created a bespoke studio that helps clients transform unassuming materials and spaces into something more than the sum of their parts: into a home, through and through. With the studio celebrating its 10th anniversary, we spoke to Sophie to learn about their journey, their shared love for sustainability, as well as what So Watt does differently, and the dos and don'ts of interior design. Turning Childhood Dreams Into Professional Degrees Childhood is spent with a certain spark in one's eye about how we could end up living our lives. Maybe you wanted to be a racecar driver, an astronaut or a famous singer. For many of us, it's a dream we never got to see through — but not for Sophie or her husband, who each turned childhood dreams of becoming inventors into professional careers in design and manufacturing. "I was convinced it was possible to build a two-storey cardboard cubby house to allow me to move into my own home at nine years old, while Jono took to the go-kart track competing against the other kids and tinkering away on his pee-wee motorbike in his spare time. This passion never went away, so eventually, we were both off to university to study Industrial Design, mine at RMIT and Jono at UNSW." Two dreams, manifesting differently over the years, aligned into one story when the two met on an exchange program in the prestigious Dutch engineering university, TU Delft. The North Star of Sustainability Sophie and Jonathan knew So Watt would need an edge to stand out in the furniture industry. Furniture and other manufacturing industries generate a large amount of waste, so for two recently graduated designers, a sustainably focused store was non-negotiable. While that may seem broad for a business approach, it's resulted in a store experience and catalogue unlike anything else in the area. "There was never an 'ah-ha' moment when it came to our sustainability focus, it was more something that grew from the early introduction to sustainable design at uni and the observance of the increased need for all of us to be making it a critical part of anything we do. When it came our time to launch our own company, it was more of an assumption that it would be focused on sustainable practices." "One of our most unique traits is that everything we do is manufactured in-house, at our workshop below our showroom. For a company of our size, that's pretty unusual, as the manufacturing is more commonly done in larger off-site locations or overseas. This means we truly are an Australian-made company, not just designed in Australia and made overseas." The Ups and Downs of Making Customers' Dreams Into Reality So Watt isn't a run-of-the-mill furniture chain showroom. While there are a variety of products on offer and an in-store experience to be had, the mission of So Watt is one of guidance. Instead of pushing goods to whoever wants them to meet a bottom line, the So Watt team takes clients through it all, from aesthetic tips to full-blown custom furniture builds. "No two days are ever the same! We have such big dreams for So Watt that there are always new product designs on the go, or new system designs to improve the experience for our clients and streamline the workflow for our team. Because we offer custom furniture and joinery, there are always interesting project briefs being sent our way." Is there a common mistake in briefs that makes you cringe? "White! We always have a small cringe response when clients want us to build something completely white and cover all the ply up as much as possible … Nothing beats a beautiful sheet of ply with all its timber grain swirls on show. You can't beat a natural material, but you can definitely make it pop with complementary colours or textures across the whole project." Turning Simple Spaces Into Something Special with IKEA Hacks When considering furniture, the most recognisable name in the game is IKEA. The So Watt team bounces off the Swedish brand's success and service in a surprising way: hacking (not literally) their custom kitchen service into something sustainable and, perhaps most importantly, affordable. It's simple enough: Measure out your kitchen (thoroughly), build out a placeholder project with the online IKEA Kitchen Planner, and then take your shopping list of parts to the So Watt catalogue. You can book a free discovery call to scope it out with the pros first, or even let a design team take care of the whole process on your behalf for a fee. "We started to have enquiries from clients for a more built-in concept or larger fit-out that continued the styling of our furniture, and this began our joinery service. Being built-in, we took control of all the site measures, design concepts and drawings as well as the install so it could only be offered to our Sydney metro-based clients. Adding the 'IKEA Hack' offering has allowed us to expand into joinery projects Australia-wide, allowing customers as far away as Perth to create bespoke-styled built-in joinery with the classic So Watt details and materials." Any final words of wisdom for aspiring customers out there? "Stay open-minded! It's great to have an idea of what you want, but it never helps the outcome if you try and force things to adhere to a preconceived idea. Also, the most helpful thing a client can bring to the table is some well-thought-through consideration as to how they will store their belongings. There's nothing worse than commissioning your dream bespoke home office only to forget about a spot for that laminator you use daily." "After ten years, we feel like this is still only the beginning … We've been learning and watching, and are excited to be working on some pretty big concepts to crack the industry open and allow homeowners a more accessible option for custom furniture and joinery that isn't complicated and won't break the bank." If you're interested in browsing the So Watt collection before you head in store, the team have curated their favourite designs into a ready-to-order catalogue, starring favourites like Speckle Billi Stool and Hardwood Peg Collection. Browse the options, pick a colour option and the team will begin on your piece in the workshop. For more information on So Watt, to shop their collection or to book a consultation, visit the website.
In news that won't surprise Melburnians, the city has been ranked Australia's number one night-time economy hotspot. From Fitzroy's buzzing bars to the fine dining restaurants in the CBD, Melbourne is doing its part for the economy by enjoying life after dark. This is according to the Visa Australia Night-time Economy Index 2025, a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, venues open and even the amount of nightworkers boosting the economy after dark. Trailing just behind Melbourne is Sydney's CBD, which came in with a night-time Vibe Score of 74.3. So close. [caption id="attachment_1029745" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Martin Vlnas[/caption] The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, reveals that the Victorian capital is dining out at restaurants more frequently than other cities after dark. The report surveyed 2,009 Australians to learn how we spend our evenings (and how much cash we splash on a night out). [caption id="attachment_912072" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Nick & Nora's[/caption] Who's going out after dark? While Australians may be proponents of morning run clubs and coffee catch-ups pre-work, it turns out that there are a few of us who still make the most of the evenings. According to the report, nearly half of Australians are going out at night at least once a week, with an average of 5.8 night-time outings per month. Not bad. Gen Z is at the head of the pack, with 73 per cent of the demographic making it out at least once a week. Millennials are right behind their younger siblings with an average of 7.2 nights out per month. Melbourne and Sydney may be leading the night-time charge, but other cities aren't glued to their couches all week. People in Wollongong and the Gold Coast are keeping the night alive, with an average of 6.3 nights out per month, followed closely by Brisbane at 6.1 nights a month. [caption id="attachment_868653" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] What are we up to on a night out? In good news for business owners, the majority of nights out are spent in our world-class restaurants. While most Australians prefer to keep their dining local, Gen Z is maintaining its adventurous reputation by being the demographic more likely to try cuisine in a new suburb. Outside of restaurants, 46 per cent of Australians are heading to the cinema to watch a movie after dark, with night markets and bars and pubs also ranking high on our evening activities. How much are we spending? With so many Aussies enjoying a night out with friends, the report finds that the majority of us are factoring evening activities into our spending. More than half of Gen Z actually consider spending after dark an essential part of their budgets. According to the report, the average we're forking out for an evening on the town is $120 or less per person. On the other hand, 66 per cent of respondents reported that cost is one of the main barriers to heading out for the evening. Feeling safe is also a major factor in shaping how, when and where Australians go out. [caption id="attachment_1026041" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] The future of the evening economy Sadly, many Australians feel their local nightlife isn't as vibrant as it could be—and want to see councils and businesses invest in making it better. Whether it's the after-effects and behavioural changes post-pandemic or the cost of living crisis, the report shows that nearly half of Australians believe their local nightlife needs investment to feel more vibrant. The report notes that Australians are asking for more night markets and festivals, affordable night-time options, and safer public spaces over the next two to five years. Despite Australians' reputation for being morning people, it's clear we're doing our bit for the economy by seeing our friends for a meal out, sipping on a pet nat in a Collingwood wine bar and enjoying the night markets in Sydney. So, consider this your sign to do your part and book an after-dark experience this weekend. Discover the vibe near you. Lead image: Getty/ Prasit Photo
Back in simpler times, say about 30 years ago, it felt like every special occasion was topped off with a slice of Viennetta. Call it nostalgia, but this frozen treat seemed like the height of culinary indulgence, at least compared to the usual scoop of the most generic Neapolitan ice cream imaginable. However, things have changed in the world of dessert, especially since serious ice creameries like Gelato Messina hit the big time. Now that most of us have somewhat higher expectations when it comes to rounding out our meals, inspired creations like the Milo Messinetta offer a throwback bite with a lot more quality. Conceived as the ultimate Aussie summer dessert — and playing on the once-loved Viennetta — the experts at Messina have teamed up with the malt-based favourite to serve a reimagined frozen dessert featuring Milo gelato layered with Milo fudge and chunks of baked Milo cheesecake, finished with Milo crème chantilly. As malty as it sounds, the Milo Messinetta is available for pre-order online from Tuesday, October 14, or for pick up in stores from Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19. For those seeking even more Messina-Milo goodness, the crew has also whipped up a decadent Milo Dinosaur Sundae for its Keng Eng Kee collaboration.
With their third studio LP, Wilder Mind, in hand, Mumford and Sons are heading our way this November. Their Sydney performance, happening on November 14, will take the form of a mini-festival in The Domain, personally curated by Marcus and his band mates. Titled Gentlemen of the Road, the event is an Australian extension of the tour that has been taking the Brit rockers to small, off-the-beaten-track towns all over the UK and the US. So far, they’ve invited the likes of The Flaming Lips, James Vincent McMorrow, Primal Scream and the Foo Fighters to join them. Their Sydney lineup is bringing us a slew of big names, both local and international. From far away, there’ll be UK songwriter and 2015 NME Solo Artist of the Year Jake Bugg, in his only Australian show; synth poppers from Baltimore Future Islands; and UK indie pop rockers The Vaccines. And three lucky local acts have also scored spots on the bill — Brisbane’s The Jungle Giants, who are currently touring their second album, Speakerzoid; 2014 triple j Unearthed Artist of the Year, Meg Mac; and Brisbane’s Art of Sleeping, who’ll be opening the show with their compelling folk-rock.
When you don't have time for an overnight getaway, but desperately need a minute's break from traffic and deadlines, then heading to one of Sydney's vast, lush parks for a picnic is the perfect remedy. Given that Sydney and its surrounds are home to dozens of national parks, you're never far from an idyllic forest clearing, a sheltered beach, a rock pool or a lookout, where you can spread out your blanket, unwrap your cucumber sandwiches and crack open a bottle of bubbly (or sparkling water — make sure to check those BYO rules). And after your picnic, clean up any mess you may make — always leave the park how you met it (or even better). We've spent hours lazing about, eating and drinking in various national parks across the metro area to bring you a handpicked selection of the very finest picnic spots. Some are reachable only by boat, some by walking and some by car. However you travel, be safe in the knowledge that after an afternoon spent kicking back, immersed in trees, water and sunshine, you'll feel a whole lot less stressed. [caption id="attachment_647274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Parks NSW.[/caption] CLARK ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK Turn your picnic into a Robinson Crusoe-style escapade with a trip to Clark Island. Its hectare of harbour-encircled, inviting grass and shady trees lie just off Darling Point. There are footpaths to explore and mesmerising views of the Harbour in every direction. To get here, you'll need to book a water taxi or, if you're after some extra adventure, paddle your own kayak — just make sure you slip, slop, slap before you get out in the water. The island gets its name from Lieutenant Ralph Clark who, in the 1780s, picked it out as a top spot to cultivate a veggie patch. Keen to get to know some more of Sydney's islands? Check out our handy guide. Note: all vessels (including kayaks) need to pay a $7 landing fee per person by calling 13000 PARKS. Also, don't forget to bring plenty of water with you. [caption id="attachment_649049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Finn.[/caption] THE BASIN, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK Another picnic spot that's best reached by boat is The Basin on the western shores of Pittwater in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. You can catch a ferry from Palm Beach, but if you're looking to be a bit active, take the 2.8-kilometre Basin Track, which starts just off West Head Road. For swimmers, there's a protected beach and lagoon where you can snorkel through seagrass, meeting seahorses, starfish, bream and leather jackets. Meanwhile, walkers might want to do some adventuring along the Bairne Track. Should you find yourself having too good a time, stay overnight in The Basin Campground. BURRAWANG REACH, GEORGES RIVER NATIONAL PARK Pack your kayak; this pretty spot along the Georges River in the Sutherland Shire is ideal for a paddle. In fact, you can arrive by boat or drive to the nearby car park. The roomy, grassy picnic area provides stacks of space, and there are loads of large, shady trees to keep you sheltered on hot days. In between feasting, go exploring on the Ridge Walking Track. Along the 1.6 kilometre track you'll be able to take in some impressive rock formations and river views before you reach another picnic area, Cattle Duffers. There's also quite a few fish around, so you could think about taking your rod and catching your picnic yourself. JINGGA WATERHOLE, DHARAWAL NATIONAL PARK You'll need sturdy legs for this one; it's a steep, one-kilometre walk to Jingga Waterhole, a short trip from Campbelltown. However, the effort will be well rewarded, as you'll be picnicking alongside a freshwater rock pool, complete with waterfall — in Dharawal language, jingga is an adjective that means 'fresh' when referring to water. Several threatened species, including potoroos, have discovered the health-giving properties of this spot, so keep a lookout for them. Even though the water is fresh, drinking it isn't a great idea; be sure to carry in plenty. Also, always make sure to check for park alerts before heading out for a walk or swim. DAVIDSON PARK, GARIGAL NATIONAL PARK Davidson Park lies on the banks of Middle Harbour Creek, a pretty waterway that travels north from Mona Vale Road to join Middle Harbour. Here, it flows through Garigal National Park, near Roseville Bridge in Forestville. There's a car park, tons of space for picnic blankets and croquet matches, plenty of leafy eucalypts and free barbecues. When you're done eating, go for a paddle or take a stroll. If you're fit and have half a day to spare, conquer the 6.8-kilometre-long Natural Bridge to Davidson Walk or the easier 5.2-kilometre trail to Stepping Stone Crossing. Most of these picnic parks charge an entry fee, so ensure you've brought your wallet. Also, make sure you plan ahead for any trip to the national parks to ensure you have the best and safest experience. Check for park alerts, take care along any tracks as not all are signposted and there may be fragile native plant and animal communities nearby and ensure you bring proper gear and plenty of water. Find more information on park safety here. For more inspiration to get outside and explore, visit National Parks NSW and check out their Instagram @nswnationalparks.
A Sydney stalwart on the bike scene, Albion Cycles in Waverley is run by Frank Conceicao, who brings a wealth of experience in international cycling to his business. He was a competitor, mechanic, coach and manager of cycling professionals around the world. [caption id="attachment_777014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yaya Stempler[/caption] Don't be intimidated by the shop's pedigree, as it caters to the entire community — commuters, beginners, weekend riders, professionals and children alike. Albion Cycles is a Trek concept store, stocking only Trek Bicycles, alongside top-notch accessory brands including Abus, Mavic and Look. Images: Yaya Stempler
Over the past year and a half, A.P Bakery has built a cult following among Sydneysiders through its renowned bake sales. Initially popping up across Sydney before finding a home on the rooftop of Paramount House Hotel with A.P House, the team has been winning over locals for 18 months with its bread, pastries, pies and egg rolls. Now, A.P. has arrived in Newtown with its inaugural standalone venue, A.P Town. The bakery and cafe is tucked away behind north King Street on Bucknell Street in a quaint red-brick inner west building. Open 8am–2.30pm Wednesday–Sunday, the new outpost is sure to be a hit with inner west residents heading down for their morning coffee, a mid-week baked treat or weekend breakfast. The response has already been huge, with A.P Town selling out before midday on its first day of operation. The menu is simple. There are pies filled with pastrami, pork belly or native Warrigal greens. There are two toasties, too, a tuna melt and a next-level cheese toastie filled with onion, tomato, mustard, gruyere, asiago and cheddar. And there's an Aleppo and chickpea soup served with a buttered A.P. baguette. [caption id="attachment_858741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chimichurri Choripán[/caption] Then there's the Baked Today section of the menu, featuring pastries like buttermilk croissants or Aleppo pepper and asiago cheese scrolls; cakes including a chocolate and liquorice tart; and bread ranging from seeded rye loaf and baguettes through to chimichurri choripán and hazelnut, fig and apricot fruit loaf. As for the drinks, you'll find coffee supplied by Reuben Hills, tea is by Teacraft, Strange Love sodas and West End's juices and smoothies. With lines out the door expected, it's best to keep up to date with how things are selling and what new creations the A.P team is cooking up over at the A.P Bread Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by A.P Bakery (@a.p.bread) A.P Town is located at 1a Bucknell Street, Newtown. It's open 8am–2.30pm Wednesday–Sunday.
