Everyone knows an online comments sections is a pretty toxic place to be, but artist Jason Wing knows that better than most. After winning the 2012 Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize for his bronze bust of Captain Cook wearing a balaclava, Wing became a constant target of online abuse. Of course, he wasn't alone in his examination of the English explorer; other artists such as Daniel Boyd have sought to reveal the hoodlum behind the 'hero' by using traditional forms to re-classify European settlement as theft. But, unfortunately for Wing, this political statement attracted a number of racist responses to his work. House Wigger, his latest exhibition at Alaska Projects, draws from this experience. Comprised of a number of small and subtle works, the exhibition takes the artist's real world abuse into the gallery. Wing uses a debossing technique to replicate the comments of his anonymous attackers, many of whom targeted his physical appearance and disputed his Aboriginal identification. Consisting of white text on white paper, these works are almost too elegant for their crude content. Needing close proximity in order to be read, it is as if these bigoted quotes are in the process of fading, sinking slowly into their backgrounds. On the other hand, the letters are also etched in like little scars. Wing draws upon a group of Andrew Bolt devotees who have an apparent obsession with blackness and a rigid view on what "passes for art these days". It's a fixation with skin colour over self-determination. This is what Wing hones in on: the right to self-identify when confronted with accusations that he is "cashing in" on culture or tasteless jokes about being "dipped in bleach". While we might dismiss this kind of cyber bullying as the ramblings of trolls and time wasters, it is surely indicative of the society from which it comes. Whether it be engaging or ignoring, everyone has strategies of dealing with the perpetual stream of online ignorance that tends to be more brutal than anyone would dare be in real life. Call it the darker side of democracy, but Wing highlights the kind of faceless racism that creeps into our daily conversation without repercussion. House Wigger is a subtle little exhibition which is probably more of an epilogue to Wing's original work, Australia Was Stolen By Armed Robbery. In addition to the paper works, there is an audio track mechanically reciting the quotes over and over, alienating their meaning. While vicious words can certainly carry weight, this exhibition sees Wing extract them from their original ownership and change their destination. Image: Australia Was Stolen By Armed Robbery by Jason Wing.
Over the past few years, the south coast's Shoalhaven region has gone through a bit of culinary revolution. Long the source of some of Australia's best oysters, it's now also home to a bunch of top-notch cafes, restaurants and eateries. And many of them come with views — from sweeping oceanscapes to rolling farmlands. In summer 2019/2020, however, the region was hit by devastating bushfires — with many local businesses taking a hit. So, grab some mates and head on a road trip this summer with hungry stomachs, an empty boot and money to spend. From coastal getaways to outback adventures, Australia is home to a wealth of places to explore. Every trip away offers the chance to not only reconnect and recharge, but also to support the communities that have been affected by bushfires. Your visit plays an important role in Australia's recovery, which is why we've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your next Holiday Here This Year. Some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans.
Artist Sidney Nolan is famous around the world for his paintings of Australia, particularly for his portraits of the outlaw Ned Kelly riding through an idealised outback landscape, complete with ochre-red soil and clear blue skies. But recent research by Nolan scholar Andrew Turley has revealed an almost-forgotten series of work that was inspired by a very different place: Auschwitz, the concentration camp in Poland where the Nazis murdered 1.1 million people during the Holocaust. From July 21 to October 23, the Sydney Jewish Museum is exhibiting 50 of these paintings in a new show, Shaken to his Core: The Untold Story of Nolan's Auschwitz. This is the first time these works have ever been shown in Australia and the first time most of them have been publicly displayed anywhere in the world. Roslyn Sugarman, Sydney Jewish Museum's Head Curator, introduces the series that Nolan made about the Holocaust — and explains what these paintings, which cover four distinct themes, reveal about one of Australia's most famous artists. [caption id="attachment_862131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] © The Sidney Nolan Trust all rights reserved, DACS / Copyright Agency 2022[/caption] ADOLF EICHMANN PORTRAITS The exhibition opens with a series of portraits Nolan made of the war criminal Adolf Eichmann. In 1961, Eichmann was put on trial in Israel for crimes against humanity, a case that was front-page news around the world. At the time, Nolan was preparing for a trip to Auschwitz with his friend Al Alvarez, a writer who was working on a story about Nazi concentration camps for London newspaper The Observer. Nolan had been asked to illustrate the article. In anticipation of the trip, Nolan followed Eichmann's trial closely and began painting him from photos he found in newspapers. "It's a repeat of the same face over and over again," says Sugarman. "It's easily recognisable that you're looking at Eichmann. He had a broad forehead, a receding hairline, and he wore thick, round glasses and had very thin lips." [caption id="attachment_862129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] © The Sidney Nolan Trust all rights reserved, DACS / Copyright Agency 2022[/caption] PORTRAITS OF HOLOCAUST VICTIMS After Eichmann was sentenced to death on December 12, 1961, Nolan turned his attention to painting victims of the concentration camps. He made more than 80 portraits of Holocaust victims in a frenzied six-day spell that December. "One of the most striking heads is sort of tortured and twisted. The mouth is open and screaming," says Sugarman. "It's not a particular person, it's more an idea of a victim, perhaps an exploration of the essence of a victim." To emphasise the sheer number of people who were killed, Sugarman has chosen to display these portraits of Holocaust victims in a large grid. "There is a mass of them," she says. "It's more profound when you see them together. How do you explore just one victim when there were 1.3 million victims, 1.1 million of them Jewish?" [caption id="attachment_862133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] © The Sidney Nolan Trust all rights reserved, DACS / Copyright Agency 2022[/caption] PILES OF SKELETONS The scale of the suffering was something that Nolan referenced in his next series, which features images of bodies and skeletons piled on top of each other, waiting to be taken to the crematoria. In one work, there are so many bodies thrown carelessly into a cart that some spill over the sides. "They are very powerful images," says Sugarman. "But you almost need to have a graphic warning for the viewer of what they're about to see." All the works in the show were made before Nolan went to Auschwitz, when he was experimenting with ways to convey the horror of the Holocaust before he started working on the paintings to accompany Alvarez's story. "You can see him really grappling with how to translate such inhumanity into paint," says Sugarman. "I think most people are familiar with Nolan's mythologising of the Australian landscape, but this exhibition is going to open a whole new world for people's understanding of the importance of Nolan. He was a very serious artist who took to heart the injustices and inhumanities of the world and expressed them in his work." [caption id="attachment_862137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] © The Sidney Nolan Trust all rights reserved, DACS / Copyright Agency 2022[/caption] THE CRUCIFIXION The fourth and final series of images Nolan made about Auschwitz feature images of a cross or crucifixion. "The images can be read in multiple ways, but one interpretation is that he included the cross as a universal symbol of suffering," says Sugarman. Nolan travelled to Auschwitz with Alvarez in 1962, but after the trip he changed his mind and refused to provide illustrations for his friend's article. Nolan never again made any images directly referencing the Holocaust, as the memory of his visit proved too traumatic. But the paintings he has left behind are an important record of the Holocaust — and a reminder of the power of art. "Nolan's visit to Auschwitz affected him deeply and as viewers we get a sense of that in the work," says Sugarman. "You can really feel his visceral response to the horror of the Holocaust. And I think that shows how important art is, to have an artist like Nolan bringing the history of the Holocaust to the forefront for us to consider now, years later." Shaken to his Core: The Untold Story of Nolan's Auschwitz is on at the Sydney Jewish Museum from July 21 to October 23. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the website. Entry into the museum and feature exhibition Shaken To His Core: The Untold Story Of Nolan's Auschwitz is complimentary on Sunday following a very generous gift to the museum from local community members Lisa and Danny Goldberg.
Four decades back, and three as well, Clown in a Cornfield would've stood out on a video store's shelves. It would've proven an instant hot rental, in fact. The slasher film just has that kind of title. The immediately evocative name comes from the page, where this tale of a killer jester sparking bloody mayhem rather than big laughs in a rural Missouri community initially appeared courtesy of author Adam Cesare. Not just for its moniker, the book won the 2020 Bram Stoker Award for Best Young Adult Novel. Eli Craig, the director of Clown in a Cornfield as a film — and its and co-screenwriter with Carter Blanchard (G vs E) — is no stranger to terrific titles himself. He was initially interested in this as his third feature due to its name, because who wouldn't be? That tracks across his career, however; his first two movies also had marvellous monikers. Fifteen years ago, Craig's Tucker and Dale vs Evil started earning horror- and comedy-loving devotees, and now is deservedly considered a 21st-century classic. When Little Evil arrived in 2017, it also had a title that stood out. How much stock does Craig put in a great name for a movie? "I think a great title is what gets people's attention more than almost any marketing. And it's very fun to me to mashup a title in a way that feels provocative — like you say, and unique. And feels like it tells the story," he tells Concrete Playground. "But then when you go see the movie, it actually has a lot more depth and complexity than the title gives you. So for Tucker and Dale vs Evil, it seems kind of silly and goofy — and, of course, it is a very heightened comedy. But it also has these layers of things it's about, and that is much deeper than you would think." "And it's the same with Clown in a Cornfield," Craig continues. "I think once people see it, they'll be like 'oh, this is actually saying a lot of things. It's not just a goofy movie about a clown and a cornfield'." Clown in a Cornfield is definitely a flick about a clown and a cornfield. It makes good on that promise. It also pushes horror further to the fore than Craig's past features did. This is equally a slasher that uses that high-concept premise to dig into generational divides, economic uncertainty, and both capitalism and the American dream gone wrong, though. As it follows high schooler Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas, Ginny & Georgia) and her widower father (Aaron Abrams, Children Ruin Everything) to Kettle Springs, where the latter is about to be the new town doctor — and where the existing resident adults, such as Sheriff Dunne (Will Sasso, George & Mandy's First Marriage) and Mayor Arthur Hill (Kevin Durand, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), yearn for the locale's past, while teens such as Arthur's son Cole (Carson MacCormac, Shazam! Fury of the Gods) are looking forward instead — it has societal bite to go along with its blood and gore. In Clown in a Cornfield, the character that lives up to the movie's moniker is Frendo, the mascot for the local Baypen Factory, which once kept much of the town employed. Since the corn outfit closed down, its harlequin has become a symbol of happiness and prosperity corrupted, embodying everything that Kettle Springs has lost — and sparking that chasm between its authority figures and everyone of their age with the next generation. In both the picture's 90s-set opening and its present-day bulk, a slicing-and-dicing Frendo is hardly a pal, then. It's positively homicidal, with dispensing with Quinn and her peers its aim. Craig himself has a phobia of them — "I'm terrified of clowns," he shares — but these makeup-adorned figures have long been both jovial and creepy characters in pop culture. His isn't the first feature to play up their eerie side, of course, including in the last decade. IT and IT: Chapter Two became huge box-office hits in 2017 and 2019, and a TV prequel is on the way to HBO. The currently three-strong Terrifier franchise has been getting gruesome on-screen since 2018, with a fourth flick in development. Is making a movie about a murderous clown cathartic when you're already afraid of them? Our chat with Craig started there. Also covered: Clown in a Cornfield's clear love for other slasher and horror films, what goes into a great scary-flick kill, and how the gulf between the film's younger and older characters also provides inspiration for some of its humour, including a pitch-perfect moment with a rotary phone — plus why Douglas was the right choice for Quinn, and fleshing out Sasso and Durand's parts. What does the affection now held by horror-movie lovers for Tucker and Dale vs Evil 15 years on, even if it wasn't the success that Craig was expecting when it released, mean to him, too? That was part of our discussion as well. On Being Afraid of Clowns While Making a Movie About Murderous Jesters — and No, It Isn't Cathartic "I've always found them to be very duplicitous and very not-trustworthy. And I always thought it was kind of funny that clowns would go to kids' birthday parties. I find magicians kind of scary, too. And we once had a magician to my son's birthday, but we elected not to have a clown. But in my last film Little Evil, I had a scene with a clown that spontaneously combusted on fire, because the kid had superpowers — and I really was thinking 'I have to do more with these clowns because they are just naturally disconcerting'. You'd think that maybe I'd have less fear of clowns now, but it's actually the opposite. I think Frendo has surprised me at various publicity events already, where he sneaks up behind me — and I'm always the one that's like 'aah'. So I haven't gotten over my fear of clowns, but there is something quite magical and fun about them, too. So it's that mixture of fear and loathing." On Clown in a Cornfield's Societal Bite — aka Making a Killer Clown Flick About Generational Chasms, Capitalism Gone Wrong and Economic Uncertainty "That was in the book, and that's why I wanted to make the movie, because I was really surprised at what Adam Cesare was able to get at about this generational anger, I think — and this divide between a younger generation that's more progressive and maybe cares about the earth and cares about their future, and maybe an older generation that just feels like they're just harvesting the earth for their own greed. And I thought that frustration is just really apropos to our time. And also, I would say the thing that's so interesting about using a clown to tell that story is that originally clowns were like court jesters, and they were the only ones that were kind of allowed to tell truth to power and to tell the king what maybe was really up — but they had to do it with a sense of humour and satire. So this movie, in a way, it's fun because it has these layers of truth underneath it, and it's a clown telling that story to people. That isn't necessary to love the movie. You could love the movie and not really care about anything deeper. But I think through humour and entertainment is a lot of the ways we get some of our ideas that break through the walls to meet us. So that was quite fun to play with." On Balancing the Film's Evident Love for Slasher and Horror Greats That've Gone Before with Being Its Own Addition to the Genre "I just want to embrace all the movies I saw as a kid. I grew up in the 80s and early 90s, and watched everything from the Halloween movies, Friday the 13th, all of Freddy Krueger stuff — and I also loved the comedy-horror movies like Evil Dead 2. And so a lot of it, to me, just lives in like this bouillabaisse inside my brain, and I don't necessarily know when I'm picking a trope from this movie or that, but they kind of live there. And it's funny to watch other people pick them out and say 'oh, you did this here and this here'. I just kind of feel the tropes and I start writing them, and I don't necessarily pick them all out. The one thing is Jaws, I did play directly to Jaws in this movie, because that is probably my favourite horror movie that goes under the radar as not really being a horror movie — but it definitely is. It scared the pants off me." On What Makes a Memorable Slasher-Movie Kill for Craig — and How Easy or Difficult That Is to Achieve "Well, I think a lot about how to heighten it, how to make it just a little bit more than say — I always love the Scream movies, but I find that Ghostface with this knife gets a little repetitive, so I'm trying to come up with a new way for each kill to be just slightly different. And what are the tools this farmer-type Frendo the clown might use? And so you come up with pitchforks and chainsaws and axes and sledgehammers and all kinds of tools, and then you just try to heighten that and make it something people will grin at and laugh and cheer, and also be freaked out about, all at the same time." On Skewing More on the Horror Side of the Scale Than Comedy Compared to Craig's Previous Features "I did a real comedy-first horror with Tucker and Dale, and then I did almost just a comedy with horror elements with Little Evil. And I really wanted to dive back into horror and do kind of a hard-R, gritty in some ways, horror film — but with some levity because that's just the way I am. I'm not a really dark person — and I like humour in my stories. And I think there's just humour in the darkest parts of life." On Layering the Film with Comic Touches That Also Get to the Heart of Its Generational Clash "When you have the opportunity to nail a joke that also is just inherent in the theme, it really makes me smile. It makes me really excited when I'm sitting there writing and I go 'oh, oh, this is going to be really good' — because you're not breaking out of the story to make a joke. It's just very much within the context of the film. So it's really exciting when those present themselves. I don't feel like I'm making a joke. I feel like comes to me out of the ether. And it just presents itself to me, and then that's the opportunity to do it. There's a few points in this movie that grabbed the theme and make a joke out of it." On Knowing That Katie Douglas Was Clown in a Cornfield's Lead "You'd be surprised — I wanted to cast her before even auditioning her. I had watched a ton of her work. I saw that she had been working since she was about six years old, and she actually has a ton of work under her belt — and all of the stuff I saw from her from, like Ginny & Georgia and also this show called Pretty Hard Cases, and she did some Lifetime movies and she did some short films, and I literally went in and I watched them all. And I just always saw this sort of grounded, natural performance with the toughness and an edge to her, and sort of a sarcasm to her, that I felt just was Quinn. She auditioned for it, and completely nailed the audition. And I couldn't have been more blessed to have somebody that was so ready for being number one on the call sheet. She was so ready to lead this film. And she carried the film — and she does a fantastic job." On the Kind of Guidance That You Give Actors Like Will Sasso and Kevin Durand When They're Tasked with Fleshing Out Horror-Movie Characters That Could Be Cartoonish in Other Hands "I tell them kind of exactly what you just said. I wanted this character to be deeper, and we talk about what their motivations are. So usually they're not thinking about the characters being a villain — they're thinking about them being justified. So every good actor is always justifying their hatred or villainy for their character, and it make has to make sense to them. So anytime it doesn't make sense, we have to work on it. But those guys are so talented. They brought so much of themselves to the role. Will Sasso, as the sheriff, was just fantastic because he's threatening and creepy, but he's also just funny. He just brings a sense of humour and life to everything he does. And Kevin Durand, I don't think I could get an actor that could be this role without playing into something that we've seen before. He really created a new character. And that was really important that we weren't like the Joker or something. He was really, really his own — and very grounded and more gritty and real — character." On the Response to Tucker and Dale vs Evil 15 Years on — and What It Means for It to Be So Beloved as a Horror-Comedy Cult Classic "It actually means I'm not crazy. So when I first made that film, I just believed in it naively, like with all of my heart. And I thought 'well, this is just going to be the biggest hit since Evil Dead 2'. And it wasn't that way. It didn't come out as a big hit. I thought I was making the next Shaun of the Dead or Evil Dead 2 — and it went to some great film festivals, but then once we came out, it kind of disappeared for a while. And then over the years, people discovered it, and it truly became what I always believed it would be by now. And it's kind of validated my own feeling of art and my feeling of 'what entertains me should entertain other people'. Because I'm just ultimately trying to make a film that that I want to go see. And if people start telling me they don't like what I would want to go see, it becomes much harder to make a movie. And now I feel like 'wait a minute, maybe, maybe my sensibility is a sensibility a lot of other people share'. So that means a lot." Clown in a Cornfield released in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Street food is something most Sydney-siders have only previously understood as a kebab purchased at two in the morning and eaten gutter-side under flickering fluorescent lights. But with the eminent introduction of food trucks into Sydney's night-time economy, that idea is set to be utterly transformed. These food trucks aren't like chico rolls and hotdog stands at the cricket - they're restaurants on wheels, with a commitment to making incredible food, with all the freedom of being mobile and serving customers at random times in random places. Back in January, the City of Sydney announced that a fleet of ten food trucks would be introduced as part of the Night Time City Policy. Food trucks are a regular feature of cities like New York, Los Angeles, London and Bangkok; places with vibrant and diverse late-night cultures which Sydney is hoping to replicate at home. Food trucks offer good food at affordable prices and at all times of the day, night and early-morning. They generate customer devotion and allow emerging chefs to present innovative food and create trends, while becoming visually arresting aspects of the urban streetscape. The contenders for Sydney's food trucks were chosen by food experts after a selection process, which included a Masterchef-style cook-off challenge, to ensure Sydney's food trucks will be of impeccable quality. Despite the promise of a March opening there have been the usual boring red-tape issues about zoning and planning. Now they look set to be on the roads from April onwards. To get you prepared for yummy things roaming the city's streets in the next few weeks, we've assembled all of the Sydney food trucks in one place, so you can check out what'll be on the menu and the amazing amount of creativity and innovation that's going into their creation. The City of Sydney is due to release a smartphone app any day now, which will allow you to track down the trucks from your phone, and we'll update you as soon as it's been unveiled. In the meantime, get hungry. Agape Agape is the food truck version of the eponymously named Botany restaurant, Sydney's largest organic restaurant and bar. Bringing the expertise and skills of their years in the restaurant, Agape is all about fresh, sustainable and organic food. Their fruit and vegetables are sourced from farms or organic distributors, and all the meat used by Agape is bought directly from farmers and broken down by the chefs themselves, which shows a remarkable commitment most omnivores would run screaming from. Star dishes on the menu are set to include the Gundooee Wagyu Beef Meatball Spelt Pizza and the Spelt Chocolate Brownie. Al Carbon After five or six years dreaming of a food truck scene in Sydney, Al Carbon's Attila Yilmaz is finally seeing fantasy become reality. Al Carbon are going to be serving up soft-shell tacos true to the flavours of Northern Mexico. Instead of trying to over-complicate the ultimate street food, Al Carbon are attempting to keep it simple and stay true to authentic flavours. Star dishes will include the Carne Asada, a traditional beef taco from the Sonora region, reinterpreted and cooked over charcoal, and the Al Pastor marinated pork tacos cooked on rotisserie, again over charcoal ('al carbon' means 'cooked over coal' in Spanish, guys). The tortillas will all be made fresh on the truck, and all produce is sourced from local businesses and market gardeners, except for the dried chillies, which come straight from Mexico. Check out our interview with Attila and one of the girls behind Veggie Patch. Bite Sized Delights Traditional Maltese baked goods will be the go when you stumble across the Bite Sized Delights truck. Think old school pastry pockets and pastizzi filled with, amongst other things, spinach and ricotta, salmon and dill, cherry and apple and chocolate mousse. Bite Sized Delights is the most enigmatic of the forthcoming Food Trucks, with a mysterious dearth of attention-hungry interviews given and not even a Facebook page to their name. Make of that what you will, but given my love of all things spinach and ricotta and my admiration for people with no digital footprint I'm anticipating impressive things from Bite Sized Delights. Burger Theory Burger Theory have been servicing the good people of Adelaide for some time now. As one of the pioneers of food trucks in Australia, the boys from Burger Theory know what they're doing, making sure to foster positive relationships with local suppliers, sourcing fresh local food, and keeping things simple and efficient in the narrow confines of a truck. The burger you purchase from Burger Theory is made from 100% Coorong Angus Beef, ground by the staff themselves. The meat is served in a Breadtop bun and accompanied by either lettuce, tomato American cheese and the non-specific 'truck' sauce, or crispy pancetta, onion confit and blue cheese sauce. There's also chips, drinks and a chocolate chip cookie on the menu. Cantina Mobil Cantina Mobil is a Mexican food truck run by Stephanie Raco and Rode Vella, emerging from a Manly restaurant a few years back and a regular feature on the Northern Beaches since. Given that they've been operating for a few years, they're well acquainted with the challenges of cooking in a mobile outlet with fewer staff. You might have caught them at the many festivals they help cater (they were due to show up at this year's ill-fated Playground Weekender). The Cantina menu features chilli corn - a traditional Mexican snack - as well as burritos and tacos of the soft or hard shell variety. You'll need to decide between three fillings - the chipotle beef with red cayenne chilli sauce and lime, achiote chicken slow-cooked with green jalapeno chilli sauce and coriander, or vegetarian pinto beans: not for those who fear spicy food. Eat Art Truck Eat Art Truck is the baby of former Tetsuya sous-chef Stuart McGill, and probably the best example of just how high-end the Sydney food trucks are intended to be. Eat Art food is set to serve affordable high-end style Korean and Japanese food with a bit of an American influence thrown in for good measure. Food will include pickled beetroot with puffed wild rice and seeds, grilled spatchcock, kingfish ceviche and twice-cooked steak, wrapped in butter lettuce and cooked Korean ssam-style. The truck will also host a strip of canvas on one side where artists will be able to show off their work, parading it around town as the truck makes its nomadic way around Sydney. Let's Do Yum Cha Let's Do Yum Cha are the product of a restaurant hailing from the oft-overlooked culinary wonderland that is Marrickville. As you'd expect from their cheerful name, they're going to be offering yum cha favourites, including barbecue pork buns, dim sims, spring rolls, Peking duck pancakes and vegetarian dumplings. Originally starting out catering corporate events, you may have sampled Let's Do Yum Cha before at music festivals and gigs around the country, where they often appear in the food stall sections. Their truck is set to be built in the style of old-Beijing with a couple of nifty twists, and will open up to a 360-degree kiosk reminiscent of the street food vendors you find in big Asian cities. Taco Truck The Taco Truck is a Melbourne import, and in the year since it opened down south it's gained a pretty stellar reputation. Started by Raph Rashid - the man who makes the number 1 burger in Victoria - for Beatbox Kitchen, the Taco Truck has gained a cult following for their fresh, seasonal take on Mexican street food, and many envious mutterings from Sydneysiders who've sampled their delicious goods on a visit. The Taco Truck menu has three choices - meat, fish and vegetable. All are served in soft corn tortillas garnished liberally with salsas and special sauces, crunchy radish and cabbage sald, fresh corn chips, guacamole and a Mexican soft drink on the side if you fancy it. Tsuru A visit to the Tsuru food truck is going to involve a particularly difficult choice between one delicious thing and another. With a pan-Asian menu, Tsuru will be selling steamed Chinese buns with fillings like roasted duck, BBQ beef and fried chicken,and onigiri (Japanese rice balls). Tsuru's signiature dish is called 'the PIG', essentially a piece of slow-braised and roasted pork belly sandwiched between house-made steamed buns. The head chef at Tsuru, Ellyn Tse, has for the last few years been volounteering her time cooking for Eat. Drink. Give., a not-for-profit that cooks for the city's more disadvantaged communities. With the same kind of charitable ethos at heart, the Tsuru food truck will have special days where a percentage of the truck's proceeds will go towards the Food Without Prejudice project, giving you even more reason to stuff your face with pork belly buns. Veggie Patch Veggie Patch is the vegetarian food truck, and arguably the most eco-friendly. Not only will the Veggie Patch truck be kitted out to look like a barn with a mural of a vegetable garden, the truck will run on vegetable oil and solar panels, there'll also be a herb garden on the roof, and all the waste will be composted. Inspired by the 'paddock to plate' movement, the Veggie Patch truck is the joint product of TMOD's Milenka Osen and Georgie Swift and Carl Kooney from Surry Hills vegetarian restaurant Yulli's, and will be dedicated to serving up all things organic, seasonal and locally sourced. Delivering delicious vegetarian versions of classic street food, you'll be able to score yourself the Ancient Grain Veggie Burger or snack on some gluten-free chips made from potato, kumera and beetroot served with wasabi mayo or aioli. There'll also be fresh juice, organic lemonade and homemade ginger beer to wash all the wholesomeness down. The City of Sydney recently announced the locations for the Food Trucks. Check them out here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=jwuhf9J6lHs
One of the city's most successful hospitality companies, Point Group, who also operate the ever-popular Shell House, has launched its second major dining destination in the CBD, featuring not one but three venues in the former Botswana Butchery digs. The International features a wine bar, a steakhouse-style fine diner and a rooftop watering hole showcasing a worldly array of culinary experiences that celebrate the diversity of flavours that are so essential to Sydney's restaurant scene. "We're excited for The International to become the cultural cornerstone of this lively and engaged part of the city," Point Group CEO Brett Robinson said. "Our approach will be simple: if it's fun, delicious and exciting, it's on the menu. Our team has had the opportunity to pull together this new project with total creative freedom and without limitations to define a new standard of big-city dining. The International is not just a restaurant; it will be a social and culinary destination where the only rule is that the food, the wine and the hand-crafted beverages must be delicious and of exceptional quality and the service dedicated, inspired and authentic." Sydney already has an excellent pedigree when it comes to pyro-powered cuisine, championed by the likes of Neil Perry at Rockpool, Lennox Hastie at Firedoor and Corey Costelloe at 20 Chapel. The Grill joins this impressive list of woodfired fine diners with culinary director Joel Bickford delivering a menu driven by provenance, high-quality produce, seasonality and simplicity. Custom mid-century furniture and bespoke joinery create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. Guests enter through a glossy walnut bar where they can enjoy artisanal martinis or a flute of chilled champagne. The dining room showcases striking geometric marble flooring and a cold bar of local seafood, complemented by an open kitchen where licks of open flame catch the attention of diners. Bickford says The Grill is a destination for celebrating special moments while also being somewhere guests can enjoy everyday pleasures through exceptional food and wine. "Ultimately, it's about the food; provenance, best-in-class produce, seasonality and simplicity with absolutely no cutting corners, delivered by the very best chefs in the city working to deliver a unique perspective on classic traditions, internationally renowned preparations and worldly perspectives," he said. The Wine Bar delivers a more casual (yet no less refined) offering, with a menu by Executive Chef Danny Corbett leaning on small plates inspired by worldwide cuisines. The venue comprises three distinct spaces: a 60-seat piazza-style courtyard restaurant with an outdoor bar, perfect for all-day dining and socialising; an intimate 40-seat wine bar with a terrace overlooking Martin Place and an open kitchen featuring a Marana Forni pizza oven; and a 60-seat circular dining room with plush decor, ideal for special occasions and wine tastings. In addition to the food offering, there is an extensive wine list, including generous by-the-glass options, curated by sommelier Alex Kirkwood. Finally, The Panorama Bar on the top floor of The International is a vibrant social hub, made for sun-soaked lunches, golden hour drinks and after-dark get-togethers. The bar will offer all-day dining and late-night drinking. Culinary Director Joel Bickford and Executive Chef Danny Corbett have created a menu of sharing plates and bar snacks, including cold bar options and Japanese bites prepared over Hibachi grills. Guests can enjoy a seasonal drinks list curated by award-winning bartender Josh Reynolds, including signature cocktails and an extensive champagne and chablis selection, perfect for a summer thirst-quencher. With views of the art deco architectural masterpieces of Martin Place and the bustling courtyard at the foot of Harry Siedler's iconic skyscraper, the outdoor terrace of the aptly named watering hole channels a glamorous yet playful vibe. Fire pits, comfortable loungers and leafy planting set an enticing tone while live DJ sets in the evening pump up the party atmosphere.
If you like nabbing bargains, then Christmas has come a month early in 2022. Black Friday is here, and sales, sales and more sales are popping up everywhere on and around Friday, November 25. So, maybe you're keen to treat yo'self to whatever is on your wishlist. Perhaps you're getting your festive shopping done early. Or, you could be getting a jump on your 2023 holiday planning. If it's the latter that has you most excited about Black Friday, here's a destination to add to your itinerary: the Northern Territory. Via Tourism NT and a range of holiday providers, you can now score $89 flights to Australia's Red Centre and Top End, plus up to 25-percent off holiday experiences. [caption id="attachment_846391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT[/caption] The specials are running for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and those $89 airfares will take you from Sydney to Uluru with Jetstar. The full range of flights includes discounts to both Uluru and Alice Springs from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns, with all fares under $150. Also on offer: packages via Flight Centre, some including airfares, all with hefty discounts. Flights, accommodation and a three-day cultural getaway at Uluru start at $1435, or you can get the same setup for a wildlife and desert ranges jaunt in Alice Springs from $1380. Hotel-only packages start at $503 per person for four nights in Darwin, if you're travelling as part of a couple — and, whether you're just nabbing flights, hotels or both, there's a heap of tours and experiences up for grabs for cheap as well, with discounts between 20–25-percent off. Fancy a self-driving tour of the Red Centre? That's on the list, too, and so are Kakadu jaunts, and hitting up waterfalls and national parks. Basically, if you haven't yet made the trip to the NT, this sale gives you zero excuses to keep it that way. To check out the Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday deals, head to the Tourism NT website. First top image: Tiwi Island Retreat, Tourism NT. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
You could travel to the Murray and do nothing but eat, drink and be merry. And you should. The region is jam-packed with incredible producers, innovative makers and chefs, old-school artisans and new-wave cuisine. Having access to some of the country's best farmers and makers gives these venues the luxury of a hyper-local, hyper-seasonal approach to food and drink. From swanky bistros and rustic wineries to experimental distillers and fire-focused chefs, the Murray region is an unmissable foodie destination. If you're a flavour-chaser, prepare yourself to get amongst it all: swirl small-batch wines, discover ancient flavours and native ingredients, and experience new locavore dining experiences and European-inspired eateries. Whatever your taste, whenever you decide to visit, there's someone in the Murray region putting their heart and soul into something delicious. [caption id="attachment_662395" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morrisons Riverview Winery and Restaurant[/caption] WINE AND DINE Trentham Estate Winery lies on the banks of the Murray, offering an award-winning cellar door experience. This much-lauded NSW Tourism Awards Hall-of-Famer boasts 45 sweeping hectares of vines producing French and Italian varietals. Officially established in 1988, it'd actually been in viticulture for decades beforehand, and it's still a family-run winery today. Snag a table at the restaurant to enjoy Modern European fare, or swing by the cellar door to just sit back and watch the boats slide by as you sip shiraz (also, unsurprisingly, award-winning). Morrisons Riverview Winery and Restaurant (pictured above) is more than just a darn gorgeous venue — this Moama winery also has a restaurant that should be on every foodie hitlist. The ever-changing menu is focused on local, seasonal produce with enough variety to suit all tastes. Sweetcorn bread with cashew sambal and burnt chilli butter sits alongside lamb backstrap with pickled cauli, greens, couscous and smoked eggplant puree, calamari caesar salad pimped with pork scratchings and garlic toast, and chips with kasundi, aioli and hop salt. The five-course 'Chef's Feed Me' option is the best way to sample the scope of these flavours. Enjoy it while sipping Morrisons' premium wine blends from its 15 hectares of vines — from chardonnay to moscato to shiraz. [caption id="attachment_893785" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old School Winery and Meadery, Destination NSW[/caption] SIP SOMETHING SPECIAL For something different, take a drive out to Monak Wine Co. Its first vintage was released in 2020 making it a younger winery (albeit with 25 years of winemaking experience to draw on). Here's what else you need to know: it's family-owned, works with local growers and applies exquisite attention to detail to its small-batch, handmade drops. It's an eclectic mix of wines — some minimal intervention, all very special. The cellar door opens on Friday and Saturday to slake your curiosity. The Old School Winery and Meadery (pictured above) is more than a classic winery. Sure, it makes a few small-batch, handcrafted reds, but the main point of difference is mead — traditionally fermented honey alcohol. On the site of an old Womboota school, this rustic venue offers a taste of history in more ways than one. It has been making mead for over 20 years, spearheading the honey-wine industry growth in Australia. Mead was a drink beloved by Vikings, but the unique flavour of Australian bush honey makes this unlike any European mead. Here, the team crafts everything from sweet and fortified meads to drier styles. They also make medieval mead beakers in the on-site pottery workshop. Bring a picnic and settle into the cellar door garden for an afternoon. [caption id="attachment_893783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, Destination NSW[/caption] GET SPIRITED AWAY Drink less, enjoy more: that's the ethos of Echuca Distillery, championing quality and character over quantity. Based in Echuca Moama, David De Vries and his wife Fiona have decades of experience in fragrance and flavour production science. Their fastidious research and passion for playing with gin botanicals lead to unique, expressive flavour profiles. Starting with a base of grain or grape spirit distilled in Lavender, their Italian copper still, they infuse classics like dry and navy strength gin as well as combos like yuzu and ginger, a five-citrus gin and a port barrel-aged gin. In addition to liqueurs, cocktail spirits, arak and agave, Echuca has now added a whisky to the lineup. Corowa Whisky and Chocolate (pictured above) began with an underdog story of three mates buying an abandoned flour mill for a dollar. With one of Australia's youngest head distillers, this business produces a true blue Aussie whisky. It uses local organic barley grains and Murray River water to make its signature dram, aided by the drastically fluctuating temperatures of the area which leads to faster maturation. The most popular whisky, Corowa Characters, honours the team behind it and is aged in American, French and Hungarian oak. There are other whisky styles that use ex-bourbon, ex-muscat and ex-sherry casks, as well as single barrel releases and a special collab with Bridge Road Brewers, distilled from unsold kegs of beer in 2020. For those with a sweet tooth, there are Belgian chocolates crafted in-house on offer that are the perfect complement to whisky. What more could you need? [caption id="attachment_894105" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yardbird[/caption] EAT ELITE Bistro Selle is a classic European bistro in the heart of a country city. There's a balance between comfortable familiarity, charming elegance and playful experiments. As well as freshly shucked oysters and smoked beef tartare, you'll find crispy tripe, goat ragu and a porcini-choc-fennel-malt dessert. Refined dishes are plated in an artistic, almost sculptural, way that's as pleasing to the eye as to the tastebuds. All are accompanied by an extensive wine list of Australian and European drops. The key focus of Yardbird (pictured above) is flame, from the Spanish Mibrasa woodfired oven in the kitchen to the roaring glass-fronted fire centrepiece of the dining room. It only opened in 2021, but it's been making a name for itself in the region. The decor is stylish yet warm and comforting: light-flooded, pale timber accents and post-industrial warehouse ceilings. The western European-inspired menu changes in line with the daily produce and opportunity, but can include whipped cod roe and flatbread; deep fried Crottin de Chavignol with figs, green beans and honey; bavette steak with bone marrow, persillade and green peppercorn; rosemary duck fat potatoes and mamasita-style fire-roasted corn; and poached cherry pavlova to finish. Now, imagine all that paired with a bright wine list of mineral-driven, minimal intervention vino. [caption id="attachment_893786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The River Deck Cafe, Destination NSW[/caption] OR KEEP IT CASUAL The River Deck Cafe serves Modern Australian cuisine in Albury, overlooking the tree-lined banks of the Murray. Local and native ingredients take centre stage here, so you can really taste the region, with its creative flourish on a farm-to-table menu. It's very seasonal. So seasonal that the menu changes every two to four weeks in line with the availability of the best produce. At breakfast and lunch, it offers comforting country classics like sourdough crumpets alongside the smashed avo and house granola any city slicker expects of brekkie, followed by hearty mains like a porterhouse steak, barramundi and chips and pasta dishes. The Albury offshoot of a locally loved Lake Mulwala restaurant, Blacksmith Provedore, has distilled that same European aperitivo hour aesthetic of the original into a space within the famously top-notch Harris Farm market. With a white and grey marble bar, hanging charcuterie and rows of delicious wines, it brings more casual riviera elegance than you might expect. Plus, being in the market, it has access to the finest ingredients. As well as local produce, expect prosciutto from San Daniele, San Marzano tomatoes from Salerno and buffalo Mozzarella from Shaw River. You can start your day with luxurious pastries, a Reuben toastie or fruit-topped chia puddings. Stop by later to get in on those famous woodfired pizzas with a three-day slow-fermented base. Pair it with a spritz or cocktail special, or opt for a wine from the truly delicious list. Located at the rear of Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), looking over the gardens, Canvas Eatery is a bright light-filled modern space offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Albury. It's open 8am—3pm daily but also opens on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm till late. It serves some of the best coffee in town, according to the locals. Not to mention craft beer and excellent wines. Food-wise, it's a fun, fresh menu, with Coco Pops, crumpets with honeycomb butter and raspberry cheesecake waffles for breakfast. An open bagel smørrebrød with herb creme fraiche, smoked salmon, avo and salmon caviar features on the lunch menu. Then by night, expect an eclectic mix of share plates, including smoked river fish croquettes, prawn toast banh mi, duck parfait with rye wattleseed waffle, and pizzas. [caption id="attachment_893788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paddle Streamer, Destination NSW[/caption] TAKE A TASTING TOUR Take a cruise down the river, capturing that old-timey charm on board an award-winning tour. Murray River Paddle Steamer's 'Wharf to Winery' premium cruise takes you along the Murray in an iconic, beautifully restored historic paddle steamer. The total tour is about three hours, accompanied by a captain's commentary on the history and culture of the area. Then it's time for a two-course lunch at Morrisons Winery and a guided tasting. On the way back, enjoy complimentary vino as you sail along the Murray in style. Nothing compares to meeting the folks behind the food, and The Eating, Drinking, Tasting tour with Albury Eating Travel allows you to do just that. A full-day tour of two to seven guests in a Mercedes van will take you around the region to chat with the experts themselves: small-scale, private farms, boutique wineries and distilleries. And each tour is unique and catered to your taste and the seasons. For more ways to enjoy the Murray region, check out our nature guide or history and culture guide. Or, to start planning your food pilgrimage to the Murray region, head to the website. Top images: Destination NSW (Corowa Distillery; Blacksmith Provedore, Albury).
Sydneysiders love pizza. Sydneysiders also love a bottomless deal. So it is cause for celebration that Harbour City folk can finally celebrate both these passions at once, courtesy of Surry Hills pizzeria, 170 Grammi. Luigi Esposito — the pizzaiolo who helped ignite Sydney's love of woodfired slices, most notably at his popular chain of Neapolitan restaurants, Via Napoli — is laying on a Roman feast every Friday lunchtime. From midday–4pm, diners can get their fill of Rome's most quintessential cuisine, including freshly fried suppli (Rome's answer to arancini), schiacciata, a traditional crisp flatbread loaded with slices of mortadella, and of course, 170 Grammi's pizza-fication of classic Roman mains, including the already-iconic carbonara and porchetta pizzas. Be sure to leave room for dessert. 170 Grammi's maritozzi (cream-filled Roman doughnuts) come in a range of styles, from classic flavours like traditional vanilla and pistachio to more contemporary twists, like Nutella and Kinder Bueno. During your 90-minute seating, you'll enjoy free-flowing Aperol spritzes, as well as a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks. And at $69 per person, inclusive of all drinks and food, not only is this one of the most delicious bottomless deals in Sydney — it's also one of the most affordable. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Before it was a restaurant, the heritage-listed structure that houses Ripples was used for secret military operations to defend Sydney Harbour. It's not difficult to understand why. From any table on the breezy waterside deck, spectacular views extend as far as the eye can see; Watsons Bay and Nielsen Park decorate one horizon, while the Northern headlands cradle the harbour on the other. Within closer range lies the pretty greenery of Clifton Gardens, bordered by white sand and the boats that bob merrily on the harbour. As an appetiser for the senses, the magnificent view is a hard act to follow. Ripples accepts the challenge gracefully, offering a well-priced feast that matches the vista in uniqueness and allure. A round of tomato and mozzarella arancini with a pickled tomato chutney ($10) and a glass of Antonini Cereso Prosecco ($12) will tide you over while you choose from the comprehensively scrumptious menu and wine list. The decadent truffle has been embraced throughout the menu. It is infused into the oil that dresses the wild mushroom bruschetta with sous vide egg ($18), adds deep flavour to the cream that is served alongside perfectly cooked beef tenderloins with marrow butter and cherry tomatoes ($32), and makes luscious cameos in the seasonal specials. Chestnuts, toasted Sardinian pasta, Packham pears and mustard fruits are among the other quality ingredients used to make the tasty, traditional dishes sing. Dessert continues the theme of traditional with a twist. Our pick is a rich, flourless chocolate cake drenched with salted caramel sauce and lifted with a generous scoop of apple pie gelato ($15). Closure is brought by a Frogmore Creek Iced Riesling and a round, fruity espresso. Ripples is the kind of place where time stands still; it's easy to while away a day here without noticing. Hearty Italian-style food, good wine, and a view that reminds us why we are just so lucky to live in this city are an unbeatable combination that we'll be back for time and time again.
There's only one thing better than a long, lazy brunch with free-flowing cocktails. And that's a brunch with free-flowing cocktails, plus spectacular Sydney Harbour views. The Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney's Altitude Restaurant now doing weekend brunch, with an extended, three-hour session on Sundays, so you can take your brunch game to the next level — literally. Located on the hotel's 36th floor, Altitude's brunch takes place every Saturday and Sunday. Book yourself a table and settle in for hours of endless food and drink. On Saturdays, you can opt for a two-hour sitting, from either 11am–1pm or 1.30–30pm. On Sundays, the brunch will run from 11.30am–2.30pm. Priced at $95 per person, the brunch includes food and as many bellinis and mimosas as you like. Or, if you'd prefer Veuve Clicquot, you can upgrade. In between sips, head to the buffet for mountains of fresh seafood, including Sydney Rock oysters and poached prawns, plus meats like mortadella, Berkshire ham and prosciutto. There's also a generous selection of breads, pastries, handcrafted local cheeses and honeycomb. On top of all that, you get an a la carte dish, too. Choose from smoked salmon with orange, chat potatoes and labneh or pancake soufflés with banana, cocoa, almond and ice cream. Come dessert time, you'll be heading back to the buffet for Anna's Sweet Garden, named after the hotel's executive pastry chef (and former guest judge on Masterchef Australia) Anna Polyviou. Here, you'll find a sugary heaven of lollipops, macarons, chocolates, banana bread, caramel slice and seasonal fruits. Altitude's brunch happens twice on Saturdays, from 11am–1pm and 1.30–3.30pm. On Sundays, you can indulge for three glorious hours, from 11.30am–2.30pm. To see the full menu and make a booking, head this way.
Sydney's claim to fame as the home of the southern hemisphere's largest dedicated beauty store is set to be short-lived. Mecca opened its huge Australian flagship shop — its first flagship site in general, in fact — in the New South Wales capital in 2020; however, the retailer has just announced that it's going one better in Melbourne come 2023. The Victorian city's Bourke Street Mall will welcome a huge new 3000-square-metre flagship Mecca that'll sprawl across both the ground and first floors at 299 Bourke Street. That's more than 1000 square metres larger than the Sydney shop, and also five times bigger than the chain's current next largest store at Highpoint Shopping Centre. It'll also span over 35 times more space than its very first store on Toorak Road did two decades back. When it opens its doors in two years time, the beauty retailer huge site will obviously boast oh-so-much room for products, including a curated range from over 200 top brands — featuring everything from Nars and Charlotte Tilbury to Drunk Elephant and Diptyque, plus Mecca's own signature lines Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Max. Exactly what else will fill its hefty floorplan hasn't yet been revealed but, if it takes a few cues from its Sydney counterpart, that could include a heap of beauty services; Mecca's dedicated labs for skin, makeup and brows; a Mecca gift-wrapping bar; and the Mecca concierge will help point you in the right direction as you're wandering around. The chain is calling its new store an "unprecedented beauty experience", so expect more than just a clone of Sydney's features. "After 24 years of opening stores across Australia and New Zealand, our flagships are the culmination of the past, present and future of Mecca as a business," said the brand's founder and co-CEO Jo Horgan. "We have a vision to create the world's most extraordinary, innovative and loved experiential retail destination where people can immerse themselves in the absolute best of global beauty." The new flagship announcement follows Mecca's recent move into the Northern Territory, opening its first store in Darwin — and reaching its 107th site across Australia and NZ. Mecca will open its new Melbourne flagship store at 299 Bourke Street, Melbourne, sometime in 2023 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Images: Mecca Sydney.
Just down the road from the local shops in Mosman, the Sunflower Lounge offers up healthy eats with a sunny, retro vibe. Alongside an extensive breakfast and lunch menu — think croque monsieurs with a three-cheese bechamel, quinoa lunch bowls and hot smoked salmon sandwiches — this cafe serves up brews with Paul Bassett's single origin blend. Plus, if you catch the ferry to Mosman, you can work up a proper appetite on the way or take a break and take in the views of the harbour foreshore in Reid Park. After you've had your fill (and if you're up for a longer walk), you can head up to Cremorne village, refuel at one of the local cafes or catch a flick at Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace.
Libertine Parfumerie, a leading destination for niche and luxury fragrances, invites scent lovers to an immersive day of olfactory discovery at Ace Hotel Sydney this September. Known for introducing some of the world's most prestigious perfume houses to the Australian market, Libertine is bringing its expertise out of the boutique and into an elevated series of masterclasses at the stylish Surry Hills hotel. Three unique experiences will take place across the day. Kicking things off is the Creed Discovery Masterclass, where ticketholders will be among the first to discover the historic house's newest fragrance alongside an edit of the 265-year-old brand's most celebrated scents. The Gourmand Masterclass may spark delicious sensory overload by pairing food-inspired perfumes with eight creative mini desserts. Finally, the Perfume & Cocktails Masterclass is an after-dark exploration of fine fragrance and mixology, where eight mini cocktails (including two mocktails) are matched with complementary perfumes, served with a selection of canapés. All sessions will be led by Lucy Borland, an internationally renowned fragrance expert with over 30 years' experience in the beauty and fragrance industry. Each guest will be welcomed with bubbles on arrival before embarking on their chosen sensory journey. Tickets also include a $69 voucher to redeem on purchases made during the event, plus a luxurious gift with purchase on qualifying perfume buys. Whether you're a seasoned perfume connoisseur or just fragrance-curious, this is a rare opportunity to explore the artistry of perfumery in a luxurious, experience-driven setting with one of Australia's foremost experts.
Thanks to home cocktail kits, how-to books and amassing a hefty spirits collection, anyone can whip up a top-notch boozy beverage without leaving the house. But sometimes you want that tipple shaken and stirred for you, and you don't want to venture too far. Enter UberEats new Bar in a Car, aka a travelling tavern that's brought to your door — but is only cruising the streets for a few days. Sydneysiders and Melburnians, this drink-sipping experience can be yours in January, with Bar in a Car hitting the road in both cities. Book in a slot and you won't just get cocktails poured in your driveway, however. You'll also score Stefano Catino of Sydney's Maybe Sammy — which is frequently named one of the best bars in the world — doing the honours by hosting onsite masterclasses. "On Uber you can go anywhere or get anything — including amazing experiences to share with your family and friends,"said Catino. "The Bar in the Car is the perfect way to extend summer at home for one last hurrah before you have to head back to the grind." Bar in a Car is doing the rounds in Sydney from Thursday, January 19–Tuesday, January 24, including two days in Manly, two in Bondi, one in Summer Hill and one in Parramatta. Then, it makes the trip to Melbourne from Saturday, January 28–Sunday, January 29, focusing on Richmond and St Kilda for one day each. Inside the vehicle, it truly does look like a tiny bar — a miniature neighbourhood pub, in fact. The Bar in a Car has taken over a former military vehicle and can fit in six, with sessions running from 3–9.30pm daily for $40. A huge caveat: booking ASAP is recommended, with some timeslots already sold out. If you nab a Bar in a Car visit, you'll receive a 30-minute cocktail experience, nibbles to snack on, limited edition goodies and a cocktail kit of your choice to make afterwards — spanning Messina choc hazelnut martinis, Brix spiced spritzes and The Gearshift, which is made with Hellfire Bluff's sloe gin. UBEREATS BAR IN A CAR SCHEDULE: SYDNEY: Thursday, January 19–Friday, January 20 — searchable in Manly Saturday, January 21–Sunday, January 22 —searchable in Bondi Monday, January 23 — searchable in Summer Hill Tuesday, January 24 — searchable in Parramatta MELBOURNE: Saturday, January 28 — searchable in Richmond Sunday, January 29 — searchable in St Kilda The UberEats bar in a car is hitting up Sydney from Thursday, January 19–Tuesday, January 24 and Melbourne from Saturday, January 28–Sunday, January 29. Hit up the UberEats app to book.
Despite the challenges of the past couple of years, the Sapphire Coast continues to be a much-loved holiday destination thanks to its stunning coastline, beautiful national parks and friendly locals. There's also a booming arts and culture scene in the region for you to explore if you time your trip right. To help you decide when to explore this picturesque part of the world, we've picked eight cultural highlights happening in the region that will give you plenty of reasons to plan a trip sooner rather than later. WANDERER FESTIVAL For an event in its first year, Wanderer Festival has one hell of a lineup. From international acts like Curtis Harding and The Dandy Warhols to breakout Aussie stars like Confidence Man and Jack River, the festival features a diverse group of artists. It's not all about the music, though. This multi-day event will also feature comedy, cabaret and circus alongside delicious local artisan produce at its idyllic location. There's also a strong focus on sustainability, with festival organisers implementing a 'leave no trace' policy to ensure there's minimal impact on the natural environment. Keen to head along? It's all happening from Friday, September 23 till Sunday, September 25. [caption id="attachment_861448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Rogers Photography courtesy of Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing[/caption] GIIYONG FESTIVAL Meaning 'come to welcome' in the local First Nations language, Giiyong is a festival that showcases and celebrates First Nations culture across music, dance, comedy, film, workshops and the spoken word each April. Since its inception in 2018, the festival has evolved into a Regional Tourism Award-winning event that hosts nationally renowned names such as Briggs and Baker Boy while continuing its community links. There aren't many arts festivals that include a local primary school dance group on its lineup, but it's performances like this that make Giiyong the memorable festival that it is. FAR SOUTH FILM FESTIVAL The Far South Film Festival shines a light on regional and remote filmmakers from across Australia. For this year's iteration, the festival is taking a hybrid approach, meaning films can be viewed online or in the theatres in Merimbula from August 19–31. From music videos to short films and feature-length productions, the program's highlights include a recording of a dance performance billed as "a pirouette through the turbulence of life," a spoken-word examination of female familial relationships, and a documentary about the Snowy Hydro scheme. MERIMBULA FESTIVAL AND YARN BOMBING Yes, it does look like we're recommending two completely unconnected events under one heading here. However, that's most certainly not the case. Merimbula Festival and Yarn Bombing is one of the most unusual but original attractions on the Sapphire Coast. The two-week event will take place from Saturday, August 20–Sunday, September 4. Organised by the Merimbula Historical Society, the festival begins with a day of food, stalls and displays in the local museum. Then, over the following fortnight, the museum grounds and surrounding areas will be adorned by a host of crocheted, knitted and woven art. Everyone is encouraged to add a little colour to the area to help wrap the town in wool for winter. [caption id="attachment_861449" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Marden courtesy of Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing[/caption] COBARGO FOLK FESTIVAL Having celebrated its 25th event earlier this year, the Cobargo Folk Festival is a long-established name on the folk and roots festival calendar. The event has been organised by the local Yuin Folk Club since 1996 and is staffed entirely by volunteers. In fact, any money the festival does make goes straight back into the local community. Folk musicians are known to break out into song at any opportunity, so you're just as likely to see a top-quality set in the middle of the campground as you are on one of the main stages. You've got a bit time to get organised for this must-do event — next festival is scheduled to take place from Friday, March 3 till Sunday, March 5, 2023. ART MONTH SAPPHIRE COAST This Sapphire Coast celebration kicks off with an art fair at the NIMO Motel on Friday, July 29, showcasing works from the best and brightest local artists. Following this, an entire month of events exploring visual art, dance, theatre and music at various venues across the region will take place. There are also partnerships with local eateries and accommodation providers, with the whole month geared towards helping visitors make the most of what the Sapphire Coast has to offer. Want to check it out? Book in a trip to the Sapphire Coast from Friday, July 29 till Wednesday, August 31 to see it for yourself. [caption id="attachment_861447" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing[/caption] SCULPTURE BERMAGUI Sculpture is one art form that really encourages us to consider our surroundings. And when those surroundings are the picturesque landscapes of Sapphire Coast, it's nothing but a treat. If you're a fan of Sydney's Sculpture by the Sea, Sculpture Bermagui will be a welcome addition to your Sapphire Coast holiday itinerary. Browsing the gallery of previous years' festivals shows a gorgeous landscape augmented by stunningly crafted artworks. You've got a bit of time to sort out your schedule to attend the event, the next one kicks off in March 2023. MERIMBULA JAZZ FESTIVAL Since 1981, the Merimbula Jazz Festival has been delighting jazz aficionados from the local region and beyond thanks to its roster of talented artists and its fiercely independent ethos. From the very beginning, the volunteer-run festival has prided itself on providing equal opportunity for jazz musicians and steering clear of paid advertising. Alongside the incredible independent music events at the festival, you can expect market stalls and a lakeside lantern walk and more. Want to head along? It takes place on the Queen's birthday long weekend each June, so you've got ample time to get prepped for next year's event. Keen to take a break on the Sapphire Coast? Want to pair it with Wanderer Festival? To peep the full lineup and book tickets, visit the website.
Music is about more than just a great tune — it also has the power to inform and inspire action. That's the idea behind the Environmental Music Prize — a $20,000 prize launched in 2022 awarded to artists exploring ideas around sustainability and conservation in their music. With voting open until Sunday, December 14, the public is invited to have their say on the tracks that get them reflecting on the importance of nature. Just choose three choice tunes and share them with your pals to help spread the word about music that speaks to the kind of world we want to live in. [caption id="attachment_1052482" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Debbie Hickey/Getty Images[/caption] "Music reminds us of what's at stake, but it also gives us hope," says Prize Founder Edwina Floch. "These songs capture the beauty of nature, the spirit of Country and the resilience of communities rising to protect it. Together, they form a powerful soundtrack for now." With the 30 finalist songs now revealed, each is jam-packed with lyrical meaning and taken to even greater heights with evocative music videos. Think King Stingray's Through the Trees, Angie McMahon's Mother Nature or DOBBY's Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya, alongside dozens more. "Music connects where other messages can't," explains Floch. "By voting and sharing these songs, fans can help amplify the voices of artists shaping a more sustainable culture, because change begins in the stories we tell and the songs we sing." With this year's prize announced on Wednesday, December 17, the highest voted artist will join much-loved past winners like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Xavier Rudd. Both donated the money to grassroots conservation initiatives, giving even more meaning to their songwriting prowess. Voting for the 2025 Environmental Music Prize closes on Sunday, December 14. Head to the website for more information.
To the uninitiated, costume shops and sports might seem like an odd pairing. But to anyone who has ever been to a Rugby Sevens tournament, you'll know that there's just something about dressing up as a Smurf that makes the competitive, festival atmosphere of the event that much more addictive. This February, when the best international players of Rugby Sevens descend on Parramatta for the HSBC Sydney 7s, the last thing you want is to be the only person at the party without a killer costume. So, we've pulled together a list of seven of Sydney's most well-stocked costumeries to get you all decked out for the big event. These joints will have you covered from masks to Mad Hatter get-ups — there's no particular theme this time around, so you've got free reign on your fancy dress outfit (but let's steer clear of cultural appropriation).
Gone are the days when discount shopping meant losing hours rifling through a dark, dusty warehouse for a hidden gem. The outlet stores themselves aren't extinct — in fact, they're thriving. They just look a little different now. Case in point: Incu's new outlet store. The multi-brand boutique, which twin brothers Brian and Vincent Wu first opened in 2002, recently unveiled its new outlet store in Rosebery, and it's a beauty. Incu enlisted Akin Atelier to design the chic minimalist space with light timber, ceramic tiles and plenty of light. Here, you can expect to find the same high-end international and local labels that are stocked in Incu's main stores — like Acne Studios, Rag & Bone, Saturdays NYC and Comme des Garçons — but it's all past-season collections at massively reduced prices. Images: Akin Atelier
Whether focused on steak joints, restaurants in general, bars, hotels, beaches or places to travel to, there's no shortage of rankings proclaiming the standout spots to spend your time, or just to live overall. Another one seems to pop up almost daily. In fact, one more has just joined the ever-growing array, and it's a hefty addition, with the first-ever Oxford Economics Global Cities Index naming the top 1000 cities worldwide. Use it as a must-visit list, a guide if you're thinking about a big move or to add fuel to one of Australia's enduring pastimes: arguing over which Aussie city tops the rest. According to the index, Melbourne earns the honours this time, coming in ninth globally. But just as the Melbourne-versus-Sydney debate starts firing up again, the latter didn't do badly at all, sitting in 16th. Australia has six cities in the top 51, with Perth ranking 23rd, Brisbane in 27th place, Canberra taking out 44th and Adelaide just missing the top 50. The nation scored seven cities in the top 100 and also in the full 1000, thanks to the Gold Coast placing 81st. To make its selections among the planet's largest 1000 largest cities — which you'll find in 163 different countries — Oxford Economics looked at five broad factors: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. It also outlined a top ten for each category, with Down Under spots earning some more love there. While no Aussie cities placed in the top ten for economics, environment or governance, Sydney came eighth in human capital, which considers educational attainment, universities, population growth, age profiles, the diversity of the population and corporate headquarters among its indicators. The second-best place in the world for quality of life, which takes into consideration life expectancy, income per person, income equality, housing expenditure, recreation and cultural sites, and internet speed? Canberra, the only Australian city in the top ten there. The Gold Coast placed 95th, Perth 135th, Brisbane 146th, Adelaide 152nd, Melbourne 185th and Sydney 230th. Over in New Zealand, Auckland placed highest at 59th on the complete list of 1000, followed by Wellington at 69th and Christchurch at 87th. All three ranked NZ cities also earned a position in the environment top ten (which covers air quality, emissions intensity, natural disasters, and temperature and rainfall anomalies) and took out the three top spots in the governance top ten (where institutions, political stability, business environment and civil liberties are assessed). Back to the overall rundown, New York emerged victorious over the other 999 cities in the index, followed by London in second. Returning to the US, San Jose came in third. After Tokyo in fourth and Paris in fifth, the next three places were again American cities, with Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco receiving the nod. And rounding out the top ten after Melbourne is Zurich. For more information about the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index for 2024, head to the organisation's website.
Stephen King's literary output contains multitudes. Horror, which the author has been best-known for since his 1974 debut Carrie, is just one genre on his bibliography. Accordingly, a life-affirming tale about the fact that we all also contain multitudes — Walt Whitman's poem Song of Myself is naturally quoted — isn't a surprise from the writer. Filmmaker Mike Flanagan bringing King's novella The Life of Chuck to the big screen might've been less expected, though, if the director behind recent TV must-sees The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass and The Fall of the House of Usher wasn't again exploring characters not initially appreciating, then slowly dawning upon the fact, that the choices they're making aren't necessarily ones that are making them happy. Flanagan has adapted King's work before, first with 2017 film Gerald's Game, then with 2019 The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep. Neither was a fantasy/drama that celebrates life's wonders and small joys — and just relishing existing for the time that we each have in general — however. That's The Life of Chuck through and through, with Flanagan's characteristically perceptive version of the King story that was first published in 2020 compilation If It Bleeds proving one of the most-heartwarming viewing experiences of 2025. Consider the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival's People's Choice Award-winner if not an antidote then a helpful reminder whenever minor annoyances blight your days: this picture understands that revelling in the delights, not the dramas, is a more-fulfilling mindset. Being a part of the film's cast was an instant yes for Karen Gillan (Douglas Is Cancelled), who initially starred in Oculus for Flanagan. The 2013 horror movie brought the Scottish actor to the US before playing Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and rolling the dice in the Jumanji franchise joined her resume. And yes, The Life of Chuck immediately stood out, she tells Concrete Playground. More than that, the picture's thoughtful examination of relishing tiny, everyday wins and treasures, and discovering what and who truly light up your life, is "such an interesting thing to dive into just as a human being," Gillan advises. "It's a great question to ask yourself." "I found myself asking myself this in preparation for the film, and after having watched the whole film. I asked myself 'how am I spending my precious time on this planet in the way that I want to?' and 'am I doing the things that make me truly happy?'. And 'if it were to all end tomorrow, what would I go and do that I've been too scared to do?'. And it was such an interesting way to reflect on how I'm living my life. So I just found it really moving on just a human level." [caption id="attachment_1017401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amy Sussman/Getty Images[/caption] In The Life of Chuck, Tom Hiddleston (Loki) portrays the titular character, as do Jacob Tremblay (Queen of Bones), Benjamin Pajak (Honeypot KK) and debutant Cody Flanagan at various stages, all as the flick steps through its namesake's existence in reverse. The movie begins as the end of days approaches, with society crumbling with it. Think: the internet disappearing forever, the sea enveloping cities, ordinary routines proving pointless and the hospital where Felicia Gordon, Gillan's character, works being inundated with those unsurprisingly unable to face the fast-ticking clock put on everything they know. Confusion reigns, including about a particular new development that Felicia's schoolteacher ex Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy) also notices: TV and billboard advertisements filled with Charles Katz's image and thanking him for his "39 years of service", and radio ads as well. While there's nothing like being forced to confront your mortality to spark a reassessment of what's important in life, who matters, and how you want to spend the time that you have and direct your energy towards, that idea echoes in The Life of Chuck's following chapters, where nothing apocalyptic lingers in the narrative's timeline. And, it buzzes and hums in a movie that is anything but standard in digging into a concept that is no stranger to the screen. Spontaneously answering the call to dance, developing and embracing your passions, carving out time for life's pleasures where you can, treasuring your loved ones: in a picture also featuring Mark Hamill (The Sandman) as Chuck's grandmother and giving Ferris Bueller's Day Off great Mia Sara (Dorothy and the Witches of Oz) a rare screen part as his grandmother, these moments and realisations are essential. Everyone from Annalise Basso (Blind River), David Dastmalchian (Murderbot), Harvey Guillén (Companion) and Matthew Lillard (Five Nights at Freddy's) to experienced Flanagan cast members such as Kate Siegel, Rahul Kohli, Samantha Sloyan and Carl Lumbly (all most recently in his The Fall of the House of Usher), plus also Violet McGraw (Doctor Sleep), similarly get their time to shine in The Life of Chuck. Gillan receiving hers also added to her parts beyond Guardians of the Galaxy and MCU fare — to a filmography already overflowing with them, of course, going back to her first on-screen role in Rebus; then to The Kevin Bishop Show, The Well, playing Amy Pond on Doctor Who and more in the UK; and also the Jumanji films, NTSF:SD:SUV, Selfie, 7 Days in Hell, In a Valley of Violence, Gunpowder Milkshake, Dual, Late Bloomers, her feature directorial debut The Party's Just Beginning and other titles since. It is indeed refreshing when Gillian isn't donning the Nebula makeup for a role. "I would say that the biggest difference is that I just kind of feel like I'm at the spa every morning when I'm not in the Nebula makeup. Because the Nebula makeup is intense. And it's so cool and it's so worth it, but they've got the scalpels and stuff. It's not one of those spa-like experiences. And then any other job, it just feels so luxurious in comparison," she shares. "So I love playing Nebula, but it is really nice to just have a normal face." We also spoke with Gillian about reteaming with Flanagan, playing someone trying to look after everyone else as the world disintegrates, fleshing out a complicated relationship alongside Ejiofor in their brief screentime together and The Life of Chuck as a source of inspiration — and also being a King fan starring in a King movie, swinging from big franchises to more-intimate projects and the film's feeling of quiet urgency, among other topics. On the Unique Prospect of a Film That Celebrates Life and Its Wonders, the Multitudes That We All Contain and Treasuring the Small Moments "The script completely stood out to me. So I've worked with Mike Flanagan before, on a movie called Oculus. He's actually the whole reason that I moved from Scotland to America. And so it was one of my first roles in Hollywood. So when I got the call for this project, I was ready to sign up having not even read the script because I was so excited about working with him again. And I love all the Stephen King adaptations that I've seen. So it was a bit of a no-brainer. But when I actually read this script, it was like 'this is like nothing else I've ever read before'. It's so unique — even just the structure of it. It's told in reverse and the whole first chapter is the end of everything, and then you learn that that's all a metaphor for one man's life, Chuck. And it was just such a beautiful exploration into an ordinary man's life, and really focusing on those smaller moments that don't usually get screentime in movies — and showing the beauty of those moments." On What Excited Gillan About Stepping Into Felicia's Shoes "There were so many things about the character that I thought was really interesting. I really was intrigued by the fact that she had taken on this caretaker position in everyone's lives around her. And I kind of filled in a whole backstory as to why that would be the case — because it's not really explored so much in the short story or the film. But it was a really interesting character to dive into, because she's this real caretaker-type, and you can see that in her relationship with her ex-husband Marty. But then we throw her into the end of the universe, the end of everything, and you can just see how much she's still trying to fulfil that position and keep everybody going — and maintain optimism when everyone is just giving up around her. And I thought that was such a beautiful character trait." On Fleshing Out a Complicated Relationship Alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor in Their Brief Amount of Screentime Together "We didn't actually do so much reading the scenes with each other or anything like that. We just spoke and had conversations, and we did that both separately with Mike Flanagan to really flesh out characters and backstories, and then talked together. But the first thing that we ever shot together was the long phone call scene, and it was his side of the phone. So we made sure that we were present for each other — and so I hid in a bedroom upstairs and would just call him on the phone, and then we would film his side of the scene. So I was just in some random person's bed in the house, no one else was there in the house that we were in, just kind of talking to him on the phone. And that brought such a sense of authenticity to the whole thing. And then he did the same thing for me when I filmed my side of the conversation. What was nice about that was having not done it over and over again prior to that — like, the first time he properly heard that scene would have been through the telephone." On If a Film About Life's Quiet Wonders and Being the Centre of Your Own Universe Gets You Thinking About Those Ideas in Your Own Life "Yeah, it's so true. And this film really reminded me of that. And I found myself being really filled with gratitude for all the little things that sometimes you can take for granted. And yeah, I think honestly, it was just such an existential experience watching the film when it was all finished. I came away from it crying, but they were happy tears. And I just think that's so rare that film does that to its audience." On the Film's Tonal Balance — Proving Heartfelt and Sweet, But Also Clear-Eyed About the Truth That Life Is Fragile and We're All Only Here for a Short Amount of Time "I think you just have to trust Mike. He has it. And all I really tend to do is just try to approach each scene from the most-truthful place possible — and ask myself the question 'how would I genuinely feel if this was happening?'. And then what I do is I think of a time when I genuinely felt that emotion, and try to access it so that I don't really have to act — if that makes any sense — because I'm generally feeling something. And that's all I'm focused on. I'm not necessarily like 'how does this fit into the bigger picture?'. I think that, for me, is the director's job, and I'm just there to bring some authenticity and to genuinely feel things." On Starring in a Stephen King Adaptation When The Shining Is One of Your Favourite Films "I know — a non-horror one, which feels even more rare and unique. It was just mindbending. I'm like 'what? I'm in a Stephen King thing?'. That just seems like, to me, as big as it gets. And actually he loved the film, which was so cool — because I know that he wasn't a fan of The Shining, and he loved The Life of Chuck. And I got to meet him, and he came and supported the film, and came to the premiere at the Toronto Film Festival — and I met him and I was pregnant, and he told me to have a good one, and I'm never going to forget that." On the History Among the Cast and Crew of The Life of Chuck — and Not Just Gillan and Mike Flanagan's History Together "So I had such a good time on Oculus. Really, that's one of the best experiences I've ever had on a film. And then I found myself really wanting to have that experience again. Because I visited set, I visited Mike when he was filming The Haunting of Hill House, the series. And I was looking around and I saw all the same crew members as Oculus, and I was like 'I want to do this again'. And I was like 'put me in something'. And then he did. And it's The Life of Chuck. And it was just so great to reteam with him and see how he's evolved, and actually how he's exactly the same — which is mainly how I experienced it. He hasn't changed that much, even though his career has gone into the stratosphere. He's still the same old Mike. But he has evolved in ways as a filmmaker, and that's really cool to see. I just loved it. I had the best time." On the Ease That Comes with Repeat Director Collaborations "Definitely. It's just like any person that works with a new colleague or one that they've got a shorthand with. It's exactly that. You sort of have to feel each other, figure out each other's rhythms a little bit, get on the same frequency — and it's just so nice when you don't have to do that introductory period every single time. You can just dive back in. Some of the directors I've worked with have very distinctive ways of working, and sometimes you have to recalibrate and be like 'okay, so this director likes to give notes over a giant megaphone thing. This one is going to want me to improvise. This one's going to want me to stick to the script'. And so it's nice to just know what you're getting into again. And also they know how you work and can get the best out of you — because the best directors, in my opinion, are different directors to each actor, because each person needs something slightly different. And so it's nice when they really understand how I work as an actor." On the Impact That Working with Flanagan the First Time on Oculus Had on Gillan's Career "It really did bring me over to the States. It literally got me a visa to be able to stay in the States, which meant I was available for auditions and that's how I managed to have a career over in the States. So it just kickstarted everything for me. And it was a massive challenge for me as an actor to lead a film. I was young at the time and it was quite a demanding role. And so that made me have to level up and up my game. And so for my development as an actor, it really helped me get a lot better." [caption id="attachment_888782" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.[/caption] On Being Able to Swing Between Big Franchises Such as Guardians of the Galaxy and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Plus the Jumanji Films, and More-Intimate Projects "That just feels like such a treat as an actress. I'm like 'that's so great to not be completely pigeonholed, and to get to do projects of all different sizes and genres'. I mean, that's my dream. I would hate to be bound by typecasting or anything like that. [caption id="attachment_756013" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jumanji: The Next Level[/caption] I think I'm just looking for great characters and great stories, and it truly doesn't matter if it's a $200-million film or $200,000 film. It's like 'I don't care'. It's about making good cinema at the end of the day, and I just feel really lucky that I've had a variety of experiences." On If You Tap Into Something in Particular to Bring The Life of Chuck's Feeling of Quiet Urgency — That Life Needs to Be Lived Urgently to Be Lived Fully — to the Screen "I would say so. I was definitely asking myself questions about how I'm living my life. And I started to have these visuals — like, 'imagine if I just had an hourglass with the sand falling through it for my whole life, what level of the sand would it be at?'. And it's something so wild to think that it's constantly dwindling away. And you kind of forget that as you go about your day to day, and you think 'oh, that's not going to happen to me' and 'that's never coming' — but it is. None of us are getting out of this. And so, yeah, I think it's first of all really important to remember from time to time in your life. And I really had to think about that in terms of the character and what she would do in the moments where she knew that those were her last. Who does she want to reach out to? And I think what I learned is so much of the stuff that we focus on in our lives would just fall away in those final moments. Like, we think we focus on accolades, achievements, money — and none of that matters at the end of it all. What matters is being around the people that you love and love you. And that's definitely what I've found in the character." The Life of Chuck opened in Australia cinemas on Thursday, August 14, 2025 and in New Zealand cinemas from Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Melbourne isn't the only patch of Victoria that's gaining a new place to celebrate creativity in 2025, and adding something different and welcome to Australia's cultural scene in the process. While the state's capital city is set to become home to the Australian Museum of Performing Arts in December, championing the nation's contribution to music, theatre, opera, circus and dance in a city that's never short on any of those artforms, Halls Gap at the foothills of Gariwerd/Grampians National Park is gaining the National Centre for Environmental Art before winter is out. Again, the venue's focus and its location match perfectly. If you're going to open an Aussie-first gallery that's dedicated to works about the natural world, doing so in stunning surroundings is a must. The National Centre for Environmental Art is the brainchild of the Wama Foundation and, as it hones in on artistic narratives heroing the earth, will form part of the organisation's new art and environment precinct. When it begins ushering patrons through its doors — at a yet-to-be-revealed midyear 2025 date — the National Centre for Environmental Art will launch as stage one of the broader hub, alongside the Gariwerd/Grampians Endemic Botanic Garden, plus new artwork around the grounds. From there, immersing art within the landscape will continue to be a highlight of stage two, which will also boast a sculpture trail. So, you'll be enjoying the site's affection for both creativity and nature indoors and out. Inside, Western Australian artist Jacobus Capone will be in the spotlight at the centre's debut exhibition, with End & Being contemplating the planet's warming, the crisis as a result and the influence that humans have had upon the situation. The Fremantle-based artist creates everything from paintings and video installations to photos and performances — and will take visitors to Bossons Glacier at Mont Blanc in France without leaving Victoria, all by documenting a performance staged above and beneath the icefall. [caption id="attachment_1006306" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Astrid Muller[/caption] "Our program, encompassing new commissions, group exhibitions and nationally touring shows, will be rooted by a spirit of inquiry. Our take on the genre of environmental art is expansive, offering ample space for both playful exploration and deep contemplation," explains Wama Foundation CEO Pippa Mott of the National Centre for Environmental Art's aim. "Jacobus and I are deeply honoured to be part of Wama's inaugural exhibition and to present a project that, like Wama, seeks to foster a dialogue between art, humanity and the environment," added curator José Da Silva, who is also UNSW Galleries' Director and previously was part of the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art's team in Brisbane, including leading the Australian Cinémathèque. "Capone's work, with its profound sensitivity to environmental change and human vulnerability, speaks directly to that mission, and has guided our decisions to present this particular project." [caption id="attachment_1006309" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Astrid Muller[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1006310" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacobus Capone and Moore Contemporary[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1006311" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacobus Capone and Moore Contemporary[/caption] Find the Wama Foundation and The National Centre for Environmental Art at 4000 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Halls Gap, Victoria, Australia sometime from winter 2025 — head to the Wama Foundation website for more details.
WOMADelaide is returning to Adelaide's Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla from Friday, March 6 to Monday, March 9, 2026 — and the festival's first lineup announcement has landed, featuring 49 artists from around the globe. Headlining the 29th edition are Yothu Yindi, Obongjayar and Marlon Williams, with a program that will span from Bhutan to the Kimberleys, Cuba to Ukraine, and far beyond. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WOMADelaide (@womadelaide) Yothu Yindi will celebrate 35 years of Tribal Voice, while London-based Nigerian artist Obongjayar — known for his feature on Fred again..'s hit 'adore u' — will bring his blend of Afro-funk to Adelaide. Marlon Williams will perform alongside Kapa Haka group Ngā Mātai Pūrua, and Indian-American artist Ganavya will showcase her fusion of spiritual jazz and South Asian classical music. Other highlights include 82-year-old First Nations gospel singer Kankawa Nagarra, Cuban Grammy-nominee and Buena Vista Social Club alumnus Roberto Fonseca, Palestinian DJ Sama' Abdulhadi (returning after seven years), and soul sensation Jalen Ngonda, fresh from his Glastonbury debut. The festival will also feature Australian exclusives, including Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker's groundbreaking Rosas danst Rosas, Ukrainian-Canadian project Daughters of Donbas, French electronic act Orange Blossom, and Bhutan's first-ever representatives, the Bhutan Balladeers. They join previously announced acts including Yolngu rapper and dancer Baker Boy, US singer-songwriter Iron & Wine, Irish folk group Beoga and Pacific Break winner Mantis from Vanuatu. Since its debut in 1992, WOMADelaide has become one of Australia's most beloved festivals, celebrating music, arts and dance from across the world. The 2026 event will also see the return of Taste the World, WoMarkets, KidZone, Planet Talks and The Sanctuary Restaurant, alongside Around the Park performances scattered throughout the site. "Few festivals in the world are able to showcase the breadth and diversity of music, arts and dance on such a large scale while appealing to all ages and tastes," says WOMADelaide Director Ian Scobie. "It's a glorious opportunity to discover new sounds and embrace artists you love." WOMADelaide 2026 will run from Friday, March 6 to Monday, March 9 at Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla in Adelaide. Head to the WOMADelaide website for tickets and the full lineup. Images: Supplied
Scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a breathtaking experience — both because of the stunning views and the 1332 steps it takes to reach the summit. But to fully appreciate this icon and the surrounding region, you need to understand the Indigenous culture and history it stands within. Burrawa, meaning 'upwards' or 'above' in local language, is a bridge climb led by Indigenous tour guides. As you ascend the Coathanger, your guide will explain the significance of Indigenous landmarks around the harbour, share local Dreamtime stories and detail the history of prominent First Nations figures, like Bennelong, Barangaroo and Patyegarang, who interacted with early European colonists, sharing knowledge, language and resistance. Images: Destination NSW
When temperatures soar, sometimes heading to your nearest beach is the only way to get relief. But when seemingly everyone else in Sydney has the same idea, the thought of battling the crowds for a tiny patch of sand suddenly doesn't sound so appealing. According to new research from Country Road, more than 10 percent of Aussies say a blocked beach view is their biggest pet peeve at the beach. Fortunately, the lifestyle brand is here to help, hosting a free one-day towel takeover on the notoriously bustling Balmoral Beach. Happening from 9am–1pm on Saturday, November 15, beachgoers will discover 100 Country Road towels laid out on the sand featuring uninterrupted views. This way, visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery, no cabana required, while scoring a free towel to take with them on every beachfront adventure this summer and beyond. Conceived as a tongue-in-cheek response to frowned-upon beach habits — think overly loud music, shaking out sandy towels and crowding the view when no one's around — this is your chance to relish one of Sydney's top shorelines without any annoying distractions ruining the serenity. [caption id="attachment_838835" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory, Destination NSW[/caption]
If there's one thing the crew at this play-on-words beachside cafe is famous for, it's grilling some serious burgers (and being snapped on Instagram the city over). There are at least 16 different versions to choose from at Bare Grill, covering everything from the classics to chicken, vegetarian and fish — so whatever your preference, you've always got at least a few options. And if you think delicious cheesy towers like these don't come cheap, then you'd be mistaken, because The Original — with a beef patty, American cheddar, gherkins, caramelised onions, American mustard and ketchup served on their famous Bare Grill-branded bun — will only set you back $10. If you're feeling particularly famished you might want to tackle The Grizzly Bare: four beef patties, American cheddar, bacon, Bare sauce and a side of fries for $25. But the fun doesn't stop there. If your goal in life is to claim victory in a man versus food comp, then the 'Death by Burger' challenge ($45) has your name on it. All you have to do is swallow ten beef patties, ten slices of American cheddar, ten pieces of bacon, Bare sauce, two buns and a large chips in half an hour. If you do it, you'll become the third person in Bare Grill's history to complete it, and you'll score yourself a T-shirt and a free meal. Glory is a bonus. However, we can't give all the glory to the burgers alone, because their fries ($4 small) are damn good too. Perfectly golden chunks of potato smothered in a seasoning so good you can't stop eating — that is, until you see a basket of their 'epic' fries ($15) come out of the kitchen. That's when food envy sets in. Waffle fries are smothered in pulled pork, cheese, spiced aioli, Carolina sticky BBQ sauce, bacon and shallots. It's basically a meal in itself, so we'd recommend ordering smaller items to go with it, or nothing at all. And then there are the signature and extremely indulgent Gaytime and Malteser Bare shakes, which have to be seen (on Instagram) to be believed. Jam-packed with confectionery, syrups and ice cream; these guys certainly know how to shake things up. But don't be fooled into thinking this is just another fast food joint. There's also ribs ($30 for half a rack), seafood and salads on the menu for those not necessarily feeling burgers. And with the picturesque Bare Island fort as the backdrop, it's no coincidence this local gem is bright and relaxed with openair bar seating and shades of yellow and turquoise. Even little touches like newspaper-printed burger wrappers make for an old-school Aussie seaside experience. And even if you haven't been to Bare Grill yet, but don't want to bus it to La Perouse, then you're in luck, because their second cafe in Surry Hills is proving to be just as popular. Images: Katje Ford.
What do Byron Bay, Busselton, Bali and Bangkok all have in common? Alongside everywhere from Launceston, Newcastle, Uluru, Cairns, Darwin, The Whitsundays, and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts through to Singapore and Phuket, you can nab a cheap flight there and back as part of Jetstar's latest sale. This time around, fares start at $33. The one catch: you'll need to be a Club Jetstar member (but you can sign up now to get in on the bargains). There always seems to be an airline sale popping up, but this one has a heap of discounts on a huge number of fares, with 100,000 flights on offer. You do need to get in quick, however, as it's running for just 48 hours. The cheapest domestic price, $33, gets you between Sydney and Ballina/Byron, but Launceston–Melbourne is only $43, Brisbane–Whitsunday Coast and Newcastle–Melbourne are both $49, Gold Coast–Sydney is $50, Sunshine Coast–Sydney starts at $52 and Hobart–Melbourne begins at $58. To get from Brisbane to Cairns, you'll pay $76 — and from Sydney to Uluru is $105, Melbourne–Busselton / Margaret River is $135 and Darwin–Sydney is $156. The list goes on, including for overseas jaunts, where the Perth–Singapore route starts at $139, Melbourne–Singapore begins at $189, Adelaide–Bali is $215, Sydney–Phuket kicks off at $279 and Brisbane–Bangkok starts at $285. If you're keen, the sale runs from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, March 19–11.59am ADST on Friday, March 21, 2025 — or until sold out, if snapped up earlier. And yes, if you're eager for a holiday at reduced prices, you'll want to get in quick. Travel periods vary, but you should find dates betwen late-March 2025–early-February 2026 across the full spread of specials. You'll pay extra for checked baggage if you need it, however, or you'll want to travel super light. Club Jetstar membership costs $65 a year, which you can join online while making a flight booking, and also gives you 20-percent off checked bags and seat selection. [caption id="attachment_976497" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Shaw Photography[/caption] The Club Jetstar March member-only sale runs from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, March 19–11.59am ADST on Friday, March 21, 2025 — or until sold out, if snapped up earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
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 five-star, adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive five-night travel deal — including a discounted room rate, complimentary massages and a bunch of extra goodies. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? There are so many islands in Fiji to choose from when holidaying to this tropical part of the world, but this particular private island offers up a totally kids-free travel experience. And, Tokoriki Island Resort is all about luxury — with the proof in the countless awards the spot's won for its lavish offering. If you're looking to really treat yourself on your next vacay, staying here is sure to do the trick. THE ROOMS The entry-level accommodation at Tokoriki Island Resort comes in the form of small beachfront bures. These 60-square-metre freestanding rooms look fairly rustic, but come with aircon, modern furnishings and a gorgeous outdoor tropical shower surrounded by lush gardens. You even have a cheeky hammock outside your bure for post-swim hangs with a book and glass of vino in hand. Then there are the upgrades: go for your own bure with a private plunge pool or one of the larger villas that come with or without a pool. No matter which accommodation you choose, you'll be surrounded by nature and have uninterrupted views across the surrounding beaches and coves. THE DINING When you're staying on a private island, you are fully dependent on your accommodation to provide food — so it better be good. Thankfully, these guys don't miss a beat on the dining front. For breakfast, we recommend ordering the floating champagne breakfast. When lunchtime rolls around, head to the restaurant, dine on your own balcony or get the team to make you a beach picnic hamper. This stellar offering is nothing compared to the long list of dinner options. Get around the à la carte menu championing South Pacific and Asian cuisines — using locally sourced ingredients — or splash some cash on one of the extra-special dining experiences. There's the four-person teppanyaki feast, the champagne and sashimi degustation out on the jetty or the romantic private sunset dinner. Each and every meal served at this luxury Fiji resort comes with a side of sweeping beachfront vistas. You really won't get tired of these views. [caption id="attachment_877271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook Sabin, Cloud 9 floating bar courtesy of Tourism Fiji.[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA Tokoriki is one of the many picturesque Mamanuca Islands in Fiji — and it has been privately owned for over 25 years. That means you won't find hordes of tourists here. It's a sanctuary surrounded by wild natural surrounds. And it's pretty easy to get to as well. If you jump in a chopper from the main airport on Nadi, you'll arrive in about 15 minutes. Or if you go by boat (which is included in the deal we are slinging on Concrete Playground Trips), it will take about an hour. Once you're here, you can explore the long white-sand beaches and lush rainforest or jump on a boat and tour around the neighbouring islands. There are over 20 islands located in this tropical archipelago, with a few floating bars also dotted about for good measure. It's in a prime position for guests who want to do a little island hopping in Fiji. THE EXTRAS This is a five-star tropical island resort, meaning you'll find extras aplenty. You can do the usual snorkelling around the local reefs or learn to scuba dive, or you can do something a little different — think fishing trips on a catamaran, small-group tours to nearby islands and a series of bespoke couple's activities. And if you book our five-night stay at Tokoriki Island Resort, you're set to receive loads of extras. This includes complimentary massages, cocktail tastings, daily afternoon tea, snorkel trips around the local reef and return transfers by boat. It's all sorted for you — just book your flights, pack your bags and get ready for one incredibly luxurious holiday in Fiji. 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.
Staircases are structures which most of us use everyday without a second thought. But like most pieces of design, a healthy dose of intelligence and inventiveness can always be injected. With a little creative flair, staircases can become the focal point of a room, a structure of dual purpose with storage capabilities, or even a type of artistic sculpture, which goes above and beyond and it's simple architectural function. Here are ten of the most innovative and incredible staircases in the world. Jagged Wooden Staircase This staggered staircase is a highly effective use of space as it not only includes storage areas within each step, but the size of the rise is also twice that of the run. Despite appearing somewhat dangerous, these stairs made by Swedish architects Gabriella Gustafson and Mattias Stahlbom are actually both comfortable and safe. Storybook Staircase Adding the spines of your favourite storybook classics to your household staircase is a fantastic and original way to add some flavour to an otherwise boring structure. Share your stair-climbing adventures with Tom Sawyer, Peter Pan or Mowgli to ensure you never have a dull ascent of the stairs again. Lello Bookshop Staircase This beautifully ornate staircase appears in the Lello Bookshop in Portugal. The smooth lines of the stairs and railings glide seamlessly over each other as they part and rejoin and fold over each other to create a magnificent grand staircase. Tate Modern Slide Staircase Carsten Höller is an incredibly unique designer who has undertaken many exciting and interactive projects such as flying machines, frisbee houses, and sliding staircases. The above photo depicts Höller's spiral staircase at the Tate Modern Exhibition in London as part of the Unilever series. Höller is interested in the spectacle of watching people spiral down these 'slides for adults', as well as the 'inner spectacle' one has as they hurtle down the delightful structures. Light Bulb Staircase Captured perfectly by Dennis Fischer, this staircase is a marvel of art, architecture and ingenuity. Bookshelf Staircase This white bookshelf staircase provides the perfect storage space for books and ornaments. Rather than having the awkwardly sized cupboard under the stairs or a wall of wasted space, this bookshelf is a much more effective and aesthetically pleasing solution of what to do with the area beneath a staircase. Void Staircase Chic, clean and seemingly floating in mid-air, this void staircase designed by Guido Ciompi provides a novel way for guests at The Gray Hotel in Milan to ascend and descend stairs. Whilst also providing its functional purpose, the staircase is a pioneering design that is becoming much more popular in residential settings. Spiral Staircase to Nowhere This spiral staircase in Munich goes exactly where its name suggests. Wall Stairs Not only an effective use of space, these wall spaces are also a clever way to block off upstairs areas from unwanted visitors. The disappearing staircase design from Aaron Tang arose when he was asked to 'define what a door was and could be'. Undulating Steel Staircase The fluid strips of hot-rolled steel in the flagship Longchamps store in New York City were designed by Thomas Heatherwick, who is renowned for his unorthodox solutions to architectural problems. Here, he aimed to attract shoppers to the above-street-level store through the striking steel strips flowing smoothly upstairs. Tansu Cabinet Staircase This organic staircase is a seamless integration of functional stairs with a wooden cabinet set. The structure assimilates perfectly to the warm decor of the room, thanks to the inspired design by Dan Morsheim from Dorset Custom Furniture. Flying Roller Coaster Staircase This roller coaster staircase is a a public art sculpture in Duisberg, Germany named 'Crouching Tiger and Turtle'. The intricate structure takes visitors on a wild spin - and pretty intense workout - over and around the steel and zinc construction to take in the sights of the surrounding area. We can thank Ulrich Genth and Heike Mutter for this innovative design, which took eight weeks to assemble.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon. Images: Destination NSW
A new Korean fried chicken shop has arrived at a corner terrace in Chippendale, offering a range of flavoursome fried chook as well as affordable loaded burgers and special one-off chicken flavours on Abercrombie Street. Owner Kay Hwang is a Sydney hospitality stalwart, moving to Australia from South Korea 19 years ago before being professionally trained and opening Sergeant Lok in The Rocks in 2020. During the pandemic, Hwang stepped away from Sergeant Lok and shifted focus to a life-long love: fried chicken. According to Hwang, Joy Korean Fired Chicken was born from a love of snacking. The idea for the shop was based on a longing for a fried chicken spot where customers could order just one or two pieces instead of a whole or half chicken. That's exactly what you can get here at the new Chippendale opening — crispy fried chicken pieces for $4.50–5.90 a pop, plus boneless pieces in 180-gram serving sizes, both accompanied by coleslaw and pickles. Your hardest decision at Joy is deciding what flavour to get. The regulars on the menu include sweet and spicy, honey soy, lemon and parsley, and bulgogi. Plus, Hwang is always concocting exciting new limited-time flavours, adding a cranberry flavour for Christmas, and with a jalapeño green goddess flavour in the works. Hungrier patrons can place their chicken on a bun, with all of the flavours available in burger form, or combine it all into a joy box which includes fried chicken, a burger, coleslaw, pickles, chips and a drink for under $20. Plus, if you're having some fellow fried chicken lovers over, you can opt for the Party Meal, a packaged deal featuring 12 fried chicken pieces, four chips, six drinks and sides for just over $70. Hwang promises that Joy has more exciting flavours coming soon, so make sure to keep your eyes on the shop's Instagram so you don't miss out. Joy Korean Fried Chicken is located at 67 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale — open from 11.30am–2pm and 5.30–9pm Monday–Friday.
If you've ever queued for Mr. Wong, things are about to get a little busier at Merivale's two-hat Cantonese restaurant. Usually celebrated as a late night haunt, Mr. Wong is set to launch yum cha brunch this Saturday, October 4, prompting squeals of delight from regular Wong-goers. Made for early weekend brunchtime, Mr. Wong's yum cha will be available every Saturday and Sunday between 10.30am – 12pm — set amongst the colonial, bamboo-focused furnishings of the '30s Shanghai-inspired eatery. Feast on Eric Koh’s top notch dim sum selection, featuring tobiko, scallop and prawn shumai; abalone, snow crab and white rice bamboo rolls; and poached pork, prawn and black truffle dumplings. The launch of Mr. Wong yum cha marks a new adventure for the award-winning restaurant, hatted in the 2014 and 2015 Good Food Guide Awards alongside the likes of Porteno and Ester. We're expecting pretty high demand for something as novelty as this, so book ahead for your yum cha escapade. Find Mr. Wong at 3 Bridge Lane Sydney. Yum cha runs between 10.30am and noon. Contact details and more info here.
The inner west certainly has no shortage of breweries, but, in our opinion, you can't have too much of a good thing in one place. So, beer lovers will be happy to know that they'll soon be able to add another stop to their Marrickville brewery crawl, when Philter finally opens the doors to its very own brewbar along Sydenham Road come early 2020. First launched back in 2017, the gypsy brewery has become well-recognised for its throwback tinnie branding and sessionable styles. It's led by one of Australia's first female brewers (and former Young Henrys head brewer) Samara Füss — who is, fittingly, a bit of a legend in the local beer scene — and Marrickville neighbours and beer lovers Michael Neil and Stefan Constantoulas. Set in an old yoghurt factory opposite Wicks Park, the location is very well placed — it's just down the block from Batch and close walking distance to Sauce, Wildflower, Grifter and Willie The Boatman. Yeah, it has turned into one massive brewery crawl indeed. Despite its proximity, Constantoulas promises that the fit-out will differ from the other beer venues around town. Though no details have been released just yet, Constantoulas says the space will "live up to Philter's unique branding". Punters can also expect heaps more limited and seasonal releases from the brand going forward, with a 25-hectolitre brewery pumping out more Philter than ever before. Oh, and they'll of course be slinging plenty of the fan-favourite XPA, too. The Philter brewery and taproom will open on Sydenham Road, Marrickville in early 2020. Keep an eye on this space for updates. Images: Liz Ham
Brisbane comes alive in summer. Riverside bars and restaurants fill up with people taking advantage of longer days, barbecue smells waft throughout the city's parks and arts and culture venues host all manner of summer events. Yes, you can certainly run away to beaches along the coast for spectacular nature-filled getaways. But when you want a city break, this is the ultimate way to do it. From sunup till sundown, here's how to spend a weekend in the River City when you're treating yourself to a weekend break, whether it's your first time visiting or you're a Brisbanite looking to make the most of what the city has to offer. [caption id="attachment_698056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane Powerhouse's Wonderland Festival[/caption] FRIDAY Kick off your weekend Brisbane break by finding a premium sunset spot. We have two easy options for you. First off, there's Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Head up here to watch the sun go down over Brisbane's skyline, so BYO picnic hamper. Another one of our favourite ways to experience Brisbane's vibrant sunsets is by heading down to the water. You can walk alongside the river or hang at one of the many bars that dot its banks, but we think you can go one step better by going on a leisurely sunset kayaking tour. Operators like Adrenaline and River Life have guides who'll take you to the best sunset viewing spots. An unbeatable sunset view is an ideal prelude for an evening experiencing Brisbane's thriving arts and culture scene. Head to Fortitude Valley comedy bar Blute's Bar to see big Aussie names working on new material as well as newbies who may just surprise you with true silliness, Brisbane Powerhouse for a diverse array of both international acts and the best of Brisbane's local alternative arts scene, or QPAC for a big-ticket stage show. [caption id="attachment_875466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Motion Dining[/caption] SATURDAY If you didn't go too hard the night before (or if you stayed up all night long), we say you should sneak in a sunrise viewing from Mt Coot-tha. Seeing Brisbane and its surrounds slowly wake up to the sun's golden glow is a magical experience — and one that's only a 15-minute drive from the CBD. From here, make your way to the Powerhouse Farmers Markets, and browse over 120 stalls showcasing all kinds of foodie delights. Expect fresh farm produce, flowers and artisan products, as well as food trucks and coffee kiosks — more than enough, in other words, to set you up for a big day of exploring. Next, take your bounty to the adjacent New Farm Park (pictured below). This is one of Brisbane's oldest and largest parks, so you won't struggle to find a secluded spot where you can graze well into the afternoon — while doing some sly people watching as well, of course. [caption id="attachment_876238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael (Unsplash)[/caption] Suitably fuelled, hop on the ferry from New Farm Park and head to South Bank and the impressive Gallery of Modern Art. Here you'll find a whole host of exhibitions and film screenings showcasing the work of local and international artists as you see firsthand just how far Brissie's arts and culture scene has come in recent years. If you're wanting to take a glimpse at Brisbane's burgeoning local arts scene, head up to Fortitude Valley to spot some eye-catching street art. We recommend you take it at your own pace, exploring the local area with a self-guided tour. Once you've got your art fix, the sun will be starting to dip and you'd have likely spent a lot of time on your feet. Our tip: unwind in style with cocktails and bar snacks at The Charles', set within the luxurious surrounds of The Westin Brisbane. Settle in for a sundowner at this sleek lobby bar an antipasto platter that'll whet your appetite for dinner. Once you've warmed up the cogs of your stomach, it's time for dinner — and why not treat yourself to an evening of local produce? You can do just that at the stylish Motion Dining, where executive chef Peter Iwanczyk oversees a diverse menu that puts locally sourced ingredients front and centre. Whether you take a seat at the chef's table overlooking the theatre of the grill or you nab an al fresco riverside table, you'll be treated to some of Queensland's freshest seafood, premium steaks and more. [caption id="attachment_827832" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Three Blue Ducks[/caption] SUNDAY Sundays are made for taking it easy. That's why our go-to Sunday morning activity in Brisbane is a leisurely stroll through the City Botanic Gardens. This centrally located park is an oasis of calm located right on the river. Take your time wandering the grounds, taking in the views with a necessary coffee in hand. For brunch, it's all about Three Blue Ducks. This restaurant's ethos centres around paddock-to-plate dining — that means everything you get is locally sourced, seasonal and respectfully prepared. It's also pretty damn tasty, so you'll quickly understand why this is one of Brisbane's favourite breakfast destinations. Walk off your brunch by visiting Brisbane's much-loved Riverside Markets. Every Sunday, this patch of the riverbank transforms into a mini festival with live music, food trucks and stall after stall selling local wares. Pick up a few last-minute souvenirs here, bringing some memories of this Brisbane city break back home with you. Looking to make the most of your next city break? Find your home away from home with Marriott Bonvoy. Book your stay now at the website. Top image: Brisbane Local Marketing (Unsplash)
Any Penrith local you come across can tell you everything you could conceivably want to know about The Log Cabin. The historic pub has stood on the shores of the Nepean River since 1826, hosting passing travellers looking for a cup of tea or a stiff drink (travellers like Charles Darwin, if the stories are to be believed) until an electrical fire saw it come down in 2012. In 2022, the beloved pub was rebuilt and reborn, and it brought a brand new offering to travellers and diners alike: the upper-level dining room, Sinclair's. Named after Ross Sinclair, the custodian of The Log Cabin from 1983 to 2021, over a year later the space remains one of the best-kept secrets in Penrith. But we're not about to gatekeep. The atmosphere is one of relaxed luxury, with a vaulted interior dining room shaped by wood-cladding walls, a central fireplace in walnut hues, brushed brass fixtures and fittings, and soft, neutral plush furnishings. The walls are adorned with artwork by Bermudan artist Meg Walters depicting the landscapes of the Nepean River and surrounding mountains — landscapes that can be taken in by diners on the adjacent panoramic river deck. That love for the Nepean and surrounding region extends off the walls and into the kitchen. Head Chef Scott Mills and Laundy Hotels Group Executive Chef Jamie Gannon have built the menu on a simple ethos: source local. A vast majority of the produce used in the kitchen is sourced from suppliers within a 50-kilometre radius of the restaurant. Examples of that ethos include zucchini flowers sourced from fourth-generation farmers in the Hawkesbury and paired with buffalo mozzarella, garlic chives and local honey; or the cow's milk stracciatella (sourced from Marrickville's Vannella Cheese) with heirloom tomatoes from Golden Fields Growers in Wallacia and 'zero-waste pesto' made in-house out of surplus herbs and greens. The summer menu also includes signature Hawkesbury steak tartare with hen yolk, pecorino and crisps; line-caught snapper with Schofield Orchard citrus, capers and almond; hefty cuts of wagyu, scotch fillet and tomahawk cooked over hot coals and ironbark; signature beef fat-cooked potatoes and more. On the drinks front, an impressive wine list is backed by a series of signature cocktails, each (you guessed it) doing a part to champion local suppliers. Said signatures include a riverside strawberry sour (gin, strawberry, local citrus, and sugar) and Sinclair's margarita (Blanco tequila, agave, local citrus, activated charcoal). If you aren't already a convert of this terrific restaurant, go experience it and you'll more than likely become one yourself. Sinclair's is open for lunch every Friday to Sunday from 12–3pm and open for dinner every Wednesday to Saturday from 5–10.30pm. Visit the website for booking details.
It only takes one run for an event to establish itself as a much-loved addition to its city. The River Pride Parade achieved that feat in 2024. Last year, for the first time ever, boats went floating through Brisbane to give the Queensland capital a LGBTQIA+ celebration cruising down the city's main waterway. Held as part of Melt Festival, the flotilla's debut was such a success that the event is also locked in for a 2025 return. Sydney has the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, which takes over Oxford Street for a night of celebration. Melbourne has the Midsumma Pride March, its equivalent in Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. Brisbane's show of pride is the only one that requires a watercraft, but that fits the River City. In 2025, River Pride Parade will help close out Melt on Saturday, November 8. This time, colourful, sparkles-adorned and flag-waving vessels will venture from West End to Brisbane Powerhouse, again embracing everything that a pride parade should be — just on the water. More than 50 boats and other watercraft are expected to take part, accompanied by daytime fireworks and a mood-setting playlist. You can register now to hit the river, or you can mark your calendar and make plans to score a prime viewing spot at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane Powerhouse and New Farm Park. 2025's Melt Festival runs from Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9. So far, River Pride Parade isn't the only event on the lineup, after Brisbane Powerhouse announced that Broadway icon Bernadette Peters is coming to the fest for an Australian-exclusive show. "River Pride Parade is fast becoming a cornerstone event of Melt Festival — a much-loved community celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility and unity that floats through the heart of our city. After making waves in 2024, this year's parade will be bigger and bolder, with some fun surprises along the way," said Emmie Paranthoiene, Melt's Executive Producer. "We're thrilled to open Melt Festival with Broadway royalty Bernadette Peters and close it with a river-wide celebration of pride. It's the perfect way to bookend three extraordinary weeks of queer art and culture." Melt returns in 2025 after being reborn in 2024 as a fringe-style celebration of queer arts and culture that not only fills Brisbane Powerhouse, but spreads across the city — and onto the river, clearly. Last year, more than 120 events popped up in 70-plus venues across southeast Queensland, complete with a Wicked-themed Halloween ball, a pool party and plenty more. Melt Open 2024 will run from Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 10, with the River Pride Parade taking place on Saturday, November 9. Head to the festival website for additional information, and to register for the parade. Melt Festival 2025 runs from Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9. Hit up the festival website for more details. Images: Markus Ravik.
There's no need to shake off that Swiftmania, Australia. The world's biggest pop star right now has hit the country, unleashed the first three nights of the Aussie leg of her Eras tour, broken records and given everyone an enchanted time. There's no way that you could not know that Taylor Swift has arrived Down Under, with Melbourne her first stop. That trio of initial gigs even means that she makes more appearances at the MCG in 2024 than most AFL teams, in fact. So, you went along and it was gorgeous, and you're still keen to get your Swiftie on. Or, you're hitting the Sydney concerts at Accor Stadium from Friday, February 23–Monday, February 26 and want to get the full lowdown. Missed out completely? Eager to figure out how to cope? We can help you with that as well. We were lucky enough to hit up an Eras show in Melbourne, so we have the details. We've outlined logistical tips if you're watching Swift's three-hour spectacular in Sydney, too — plus Swift-related events across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. And yes, the Eras concert film will help fill that blank space in your calendar. Here's our Australian Eras tour 101: [caption id="attachment_941681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] The Show (and Yes, It's as Sensational as You've Heard) Before even getting to the show, most fans have memorised the setlist, seen most of the performances on social media and created perfect recreations of Swift's Eras tour costumes. They know what's to come. But are they ready for it? Absolutely not. From the moment that Swift enters the stage — emerging from the giant flower petals that everyone has seen in countless videos of already — the MCG loses its shit. It's the feeling of being a part of the international tour that's been obsessed over for so many months that draws up the excitement. We don't need to be surprised. We just want to be a part of these legendary moments. Swift doesn't disappoint, on any level, for none of the three-hour show packed with hits. She runs through each of her albums, spanning 18 years of music, ticking off the bangers as the crowd screams the lyrics along with her — no matter what era they come from. She doesn't lose breath or miss a beat for a moment. She's done this show god knows how many times now and knows exactly what she's doing. She's a total pro. [caption id="attachment_941679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] But while Swift soars in her most upbeat hits, the more-emotional ballads show her real vulnerability. The walls seem to really come down for a few moments. This is best seen in her ten-minute version of 'All Too Well', captivating the audience for the entire song while it's just her on stage with a guitar in a stunning red-and-black sequinned coat. She gets visibly angry, is particularly pointed with some harsh lyrics and takes the audience with her on the journey of hating the celeb we all know this song is about. From start to finish, Swift repeatedly reminds you why she is an icon — and that she's got plenty of more eras to come. Let's just hope that she brings them back Down Under to smash some more records and give us another (or first) chance to see her IRL. [caption id="attachment_941680" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] Tips to Help Make Hitting the Gigs as Gorgeous as Possible When it comes to the kit you'll be wearing, most Swifties go down one of two routes. You can sequin the house down and be inspired by her tour looks, or try to recreate one of her iconic music-video ensembles. Glitter is almost a must, even if it covers your bathroom at home for months afterwards. And friendship bracelets. You've got to invest in some if you want to participate in those sweet community feels at the concert, when everyone is swapping bracelets with one another, sharing their excitement for what's to come. It couldn't be more wholesome. While heels might go with your outfit, flats are probably the smartest choice. Everyone gets a seat, but you'll be standing and dancing for over three hours. Everyone in the crowd tries to sit down in between eras when the stage gets changed over and Swift quickly swaps into a new outfit, but it's not enough to save your poor feet (especially as there isn't that much time between albums). Beyond that, be sure to bring a portable battery for your phone. Even if you say you won't take videos, you likely will. And there are plenty of times during the night when fans turn on their camera lights and sway along to the slow jams. For most of us, this will kill our batteries in an hour. [caption id="attachment_940691" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] If you're heading to one of the four Sydney shows, it's time to start planning your journey. Gates open at 4.30pm, and everyone has assigned seating, so there's no need to camp out overnight to secure the best spot. The show will kick off around 6.20pm, with Sabrina Carpenter handling opening duties. Get down early to see what she rhymes with Sydney during her iconic 'Nonsense' outros. While there is car parking available, it's almost fully booked up already, so public transport is the optimal option for heading in. Travel on PT is included in your ticket, and both express trains and major event buses are running each night to deal with the masses of Swifties making the pilgrimage to Sydney Olympic Park. If you're attending on the Friday or Saturday, leave yourself some extra time — Blink-182 is performing at Qudos Bank Arena on both these days, so there will be two lots of music lovers travelling to the same spot. Everyone's journey in will be a little different, of course, but if you head to Central, Redfern or Strathfield Station, you'll be able to get a direct train. While there are a couple of spots to eat near Accor Stadium, it's not exactly a cornucopia of food and drinks. Consider hitting up a venue near one of these key stations for an early dinner or a couple of celebratory cocktails. City Oltra is a perfect pitstop for a few slices of some of the city's best pizza and a glass of orange wine just metres from Central Station. If mimosas on a rooftop are more of the vibe, consider stopping over at The Old Clare Hotel. As for Redfern, The Sunshine Inn, RaRa Ramen, Redbird and BrewDog are all stellar options for a pre-gig feed. Or, if you're just after a few top-notch drinks, Arcadia Liquors always does the trick. Plus, Strathfield is filled with plenty of standout dining options. Our picks for a cheap and cheerful meal: Korean fried chicken and a bottle of soju from the no-frills CC Train, or a big brothy bowl from Hansang. Not Going? How to Play Along Elsewhere Look what you made Australia do, Swifties: put on Taylor Swift-themed festivities everywhere and anywhere, to prolong the lavender haze swirling not just around Melbourne and Sydney, but Brisbane as well. From candlelight tributes and colourful cocktails to painting pottery and showing off your knowledge of Swift trivia, you have options. Sydney: Sydney well and truly has Swift fever, so if you're a Lover lover but you're not heading to Accor Stadium, there are plenty of Taylor-themed events happening all across the Harbour City. There's Taylor Swift bottomless brunch at both Harry's by Giuls and Above 319, Eras-themed doughnuts at Miss Sina, and limited-edition cocktails at Moxy Sydney and Alibi Bar and Dining. Crown Sydney is hosting a Swiftie High Tea at Teahouse until Sunday, February 25. The extravagant afternoon activity features a lineup of sweet treats representing some of Swift's most beloved albums — like the 1989, a lavender ganache with yuzu and almond streusel — as well as some savoury mouthfuls like whisky teriyaki wagyu and Sichuan miso-baked toothfish. If you want to flex your knowledge, Taylor Swift Trivia is popping up across Western Sydney, including Guildford on Sunday, February 25 and Penrith on Wednesday, February 28. The Argyle is getting in on the action with a Taylor Rave on Thursday, February 22 and, if you think you'll be full of energy after the show and you're looking to kick on with some more big TS sing-alongs, Oxford Art Factory is hosting a series of unofficial afterparties on the nights of the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows. [caption id="attachment_940473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paolo Villanueva via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Melbourne: While most of the Taylor Swift-themed parties and events in Melbourne took place just before or during her time in the city, there is one way to still join in the fun in the week following: Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift. The hour-long concert features Swift's music played by a string quartet. It's running at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday, February 24 at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. The moody candlelit performance is a brilliant chaser for any Swiftie who went to the shows, or even those who couldn't nab the hotly fought-over tickets. Brisbane: Every Brisbane Swiftie, and most Brisbanites in general, is well aware that T-Swift isn't bringing Eras to the Queensland capital. To commiserate, you can calm down in a number of ways — including at Fritzenberger South Bank's Swift-themed trivia night on Wednesday, February 21, then at a tribute party on Saturday, February 24 at Fortitude Valley's The Sound Garden, where a DJ will be spinning all the requisite tunes. Also on Saturday, February 24, head to Clontarf's The Craft Haven to make and paint Taylor Swift-inspired pottery. Then, on Sunday, February 25, Fluffy is taking its cues from the singer back in Fortitude Valley. And, come March and April, Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift will help you embrace your Swift love story at Grand on Ann, too. [caption id="attachment_922251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trafalgar Releasing[/caption] How to Enjoy Eras Whenever You Want Back in October 2023, singing and dancing along to the Eras tour without actually attending the Eras tour became possible. That's when Swift released concert film Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour, which took in over $260 million at the worldwide box office when it hit the big screen. It also got everyone excited when it arrived on digital. Its next stop, if you're ready for it: Disney+ from Friday, March 15, complete with five extra tunes — 'cardigan' and four acoustic tracks — that haven't featured in other versions of the movie. You don't need to be a Swiftie to enjoy the film. In fact, watching it might turn you into one no matter how you feel about the pop superstar going in. There's no denying that the singer knows how to put on a helluva show — and the cinematography on display, plus the energetic direction by Sam Wrench (Billie Eilish Live at the O2), gives viewers an intimate experience across 169 minutes while also stressing how massive the Eras tour gigs are. The feature was shot over three concerts at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium in August 2023 — so, not at Swift's largest-ever gigs of her entire career at the MCG across Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, 2024 — and everything about it is dazzling. That includes the costume changes, choreography and setlist, and the fact that the tour and the film both exist as an ode to Swift's knack for reinvention. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour plays Australia until Monday, February 26. Head to the tour website for further details. Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour will stream via Disney+ from Friday, March 15, 2024. Read our review. Taylor Swift Australian Eras tour images: TAS Rights Management.
It's rare that I find myself passionate about a bar, but the Fox Hole deserves to have its praises sung. Perched on the corner of Kent and Erskine Streets in the CBD, here's what I believe epitomises an unpretentious drinking hole. The front room is cosy with patrons bunked down at hazily candle-lit tables sipping their wine as they watch the world go by through large windows. Wooden stairs lure me into the basement, where the only windows are high along the roof, and my eyes catch glimpses of heels as people stroll past on the street above. Many small bars try for that speakeasy feel yet so few actually manage to accomplish it. To my delight, the Fox Hole's basement has been gutted and stripped back to expose brick walls and the ceiling rafters, making for a room offering an intensely underground cool. Bare bulbs hang from the roof and the room is occupied by a seamless blend of antique furniture. The bar shelves are stocked with wine, liquor and crystal glasses while vintage blues wafts through the air to create a sultry den-like ambiance. Expect table service delivered by friendly staff, because that's what's on offer. And let it be known that these guys are experts in their field, too, so don't shy away from asking for a recommendation. Deciding against my companions' choice of Little Creatures Pale Ale ($7) I went for the 2009 St Johns Road Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley ($10 glass) suggested by my waiter. The food? Dumplings ($6 for four), with Korean-style spicy chicken and vegetable soup ($8) and a share plate of cheeses, cold cut meats and other antipasto treats ($15) rounding off the menu. We select the mixed dumpling plate ($10.50 for seven) and the share plate. The straightforward fare is exceptional in execution, presented simply with a rich dollop of originality. My tipple of choice to accompany the food was the 2010 Dowie Doole Merlot from Mclaren Vale SA ($11 glass), which is light at first, then rounded off full-bodied. Also worth noting is the fact that the Fox Hole supports local artists by offering the space as a gallery free-of-charge, with no commission on sales. The artist in residence changes monthly and a launch is held on the last Tuesday of every month. The Fox Hole is a cosy-hidey hole from the hustle and bustle of Sydney's city that roars above.
Cocktails, wine and bubbles are best when free-flowing. So, if you're partial to a drop or two, it's good to know where the best bottomless offerings are. If you're in and around the Darlinghurst area, the folks at Fortuna Drink and Eat have a sensational package. With lively music and plenty of warmth, the team behind this brightly hued Italian diner have mastered the art of entertainment alongside bottomless drinks and tasty plates. Now, they're bringing that spirit to a brand new weekend celebration: bottomless karaoke. This party-powered meal will be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 2–4pm, and will only set you back $99. For two hours, you and your fellow diners will belt out ballads, bop along to the latest pop and serenade each other — with prosecco, vino and select cocktails (like everyone's favourite brightly hued spritz, negroni sbagliatos and mimosas) on pour. When you book, opt for a standard bottomless package. There'll be house-made focaccia and burrata as delicious starters, as well as antipasti, pastas and pizzas aplenty — and maybe dessert to finish. So when you get there, all you have to do after curating your track list is eat, drink and lean into a joyous arvo. At the end of every session is a bingo draw with one lucky winner. The prize is different each week, but it could be anything from a booking discount to a round of shots for the table — there's only one way to find out, and that's to book. Fortuna Bottomless Karaoke will be taking over the stellar Darlinghurst spot every Saturday and Sunday from 2–4pm. For more information and to make your booking, visit the website.
Auburn scores a new tasty hang-out with the opening of FRO-BOWL. Proving that the froyo craze continues, this new, sleek spot offers premium frozen yoghurt made in-store daily, with signature toppings and sauces aplenty. Owner Haydar Rady, who grew up in Auburn, says he knows "what it's like to want something fun and fresh in your own neighbourhood, a place that gets you, I'm there every day, handing out samples, chatting to locals". Rotating froyo flavours include mango, toasted coconut, and pistachio, with a dairy-free option always available. Load up with crumbles, cookies, fruit, fudges and syrups. In an unexpected collab, FRO-BOWL offers Australia its first taste of Brooklyn Beckham's popular Cloud 23 Hot Habanero Sauce. Rady says the fiery citrus tang of the hot sauce pairs surprisingly well with the creamy froyo. "It's the kind of flavour that surprises you, and then becomes a craving. It's the winter kick you didn't know you needed." Images: Supplied.
SXSW returns to Sydney this October, with another stacked lineup of keynote speakers, thought leaders and visionary innovators ready to explore the bleeding edge of technology, cinema and music. So, with so much to see and do, you'll need a few handy spots where you can catch your breath between thrilling gaming exhibits, debrief about fascinating conference speakers and rest your feet before the next round of live music acts. SXSW will take over various venues around Chippendale, Ultimo, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, the CBD and Surry Hills for film screenings, conferences, gaming events, gigs and expos from Monday, October 14 to Sunday, October 20. There's no shortage of incredible diners in the SXSW precinct where you can refuel and recharge. So to help you navigate your options, we've put together this list of top places to eat for every budget, from cheap bites to baller blowouts.
Adult life involves too much responsibility — groceries, rent, inter-personal relationships, democracy. I often wish I could return to those carefree primary school days of Zooper Dooper ice blocks (I preferred bubble gum flavour), canteen lunch orders in brown paper bags, and poring over Hanson interviews in Smash Hits (yeah, I know, piss off). The days when my greatest anxieties were whether or not the librarian's son wanted to marry me, and, of course, whether I'd retain my handball crown next lunchtime. The folks behind Ghetto Handball understand this. The "rising star of the outdoor scum scene in Sydney", Ghetto Handball will be hosting a special Election Day Edition this Saturday at 12pm. Vote, buy yourself some beers, and get on into a chalk square to play some ball. Remember guys — a flicked wrist and a strong arm will never fail you, and get down low before you slog. The official after party will take place at The Shannon Hotel, 87 Abercrombie St, Chippendale, where you can either celebrate or commiserate the election with the likes of Kitty Munroe, Nickels & Dimes, and Gadgets on the decks. The official Ghetto Handball rules are as follows: The Hierarchy: King, Queen, Jack, Dunce. If it is a four-square game, all players apart from King are immediately out if they mess up. If it goes to six-squares, King and Queen stay in and go to Dunce if they get out. New King must serve it to Old King. If you forget to follow this rule as New King you are immediately out. Not to Dunce — GONE. Back of the line, fool. If you would like the ball first at a point of service, you are encouraged to call "Service". If at that point you would also like to state you want the ball played to you in a favourable manner, you are encouraged to further call “Service Decent”. Please note King then decides if you are to receive the "Service", and if it will indeed be "Decent". Lines is a replay. Rolls is a replay. Deal with it. If the players on court can’t decide on a decision, it goes to the bench. The bench's decision is final. You must be physically lining up next to the court to be included on the bench. If there is interference to play (e.g. a car, dog, streaker) "INNO'S" must be called. As soon as "INNO'S" is called, any further shots are not counted. Alliances, teams, dress-ups, heckling are all welcomed.
We're going to hazard a guess, you've almost definitely heard of ButterBoy by now. Australia's cookie king, perhaps nearing Messina levels of iconic, has its smiling logo as a standard fixture on any sweet treat lover's social media feed. Whenever ButterBoy speaks, the city — actually, the entire state now, since the brand opened its first-ever non-Sydney store last year — listens intently. And the latest news is very interesting indeed. It's not another pop-up or a new permanent store, but something that can be enjoyed by customers at all five of ButterBoy's NSW stores (Manly, Brookvale, Broadway, Chatswood and Byron Bay) for a limited time. From Thursday, February 19 to Wednesday, February 25, ButterBoy will be serving up a mystery: a brand new flavour that's called…well, it's top secret. So we don't actually know. It's a closely guarded secret, kept under lock and key, we just know what it looks like — see above. Got any suspicions as to what it is? Following the launch, you can submit a guess online, whether or not you've tasted it, but you're obviously going to have more luck if you've sampled it. If you manage to guess correctly — you'll win a year's supply of cookies and the chance to create your own flavour for the stores, so guess away. Importantly, it's not allergen-free, so if you have dietary requirements, you're just going to have to get very creative with your guesses. It's the latest chapter in a long story for ButterBoy, founded by owner James Sideris started who was selling muffins and cookies to nearby cafes out of his home kitchen while at uni, before jumping on the chunky cookie trend with a bakery in the Manly arcade, just next door to two other Manly icons: Rollers Bakery and Norma's Deli, before expanding into a flagship store on the Corso in 2022. Now, ButterBoy produces thousands of kilograms of cookie dough to be sold both in its stores and distributed to wholesale partners across the country. Including this time-limited mystery flavour, which you'd better go try asap. For more information, visit the ButterBoy website or Instagram.
Shopping local has become much more than a passing trend — it's a way of life for many Sydneysiders. Having a go-to bakery, produce shop, deli, cafe and boutique in your neighbourhood is a must nowadays. And in the busy north shore neighbourhood of Chatswood, it's easier than you think to navigate its many small businesses. You can grab your fresh fruit from one spot, pastries from another and stop at a local cafe in between. To make navigating the area's thriving shopping scene, we've put together this list of the best boutique stores in Chatswood. Whether it's for locally made threads, washed-rind cheeses or freshly baked artisan bread, you can shop at any of these Sydney shops. Recommended reads: Where to Shop Like a Local In and Around Darlinghurst Five Things to Do in Chatswood When You Want to Try Something New Where to Shop like a Local In and Around Sydney CBD
"I never expected that my work would amount to anything," says celebrated Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee in conversation with Concrete Playground. "One dreams, but I never dreamed that I would ever have a proper career in art," she says. It's a humbling statement from the artist whose retrospective Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop opened at MCA Australia earlier this month. Celebrating her dynamic and often experimental 40-year practice, with more than 70 works including paintings, flung metal pieces and immersive installations, the exhibition is one of the most exciting events in Australia this summer. If you're not familiar with Lee's art, she says her work is never about giving off a message or trying to explain something. "But rather [to create] an experience for the viewer where they find themselves whittling out questions and curiosities," says Lee. "Art exceeds what anyone can say about it. When viewing it, it is almost self-reflective." The multidisciplinary artist has a playful approach to her art in which process is as important as the finished piece. There are Lee's early photocopy works from the 80s, wax paintings and whole-room installations. And there's the dazzling steel sculpture 'Secret World of a Starlight Ember', made up of thousands of tiny perforations and located in the Museum's forecourt, which you'll want to catch at night — and undoubtedly take a selfie. But there are also six artworks that are particularly close to Lee's heart, which, according to the artist are not to be missed. For Lee, they represent different points of her practice, direction and philosophies — and they're pretty great to look at, too. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 'NO UP, NO DOWN, I AM THE TEN THOUSAND THINGS' Lee's practice is deeply rooted in Daoism and Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism philosophies, with her works often examining the connection between humanity and the cosmos. But it wasn't always so, which is why her work 'No Up, No Down, I Am the Ten Thousand Things' is such a seminal piece. "[It] was the first work that I ever created with a direct intentional relationship with Zen philosophy," says Lee. 'No Up, No Down, I Am the Ten Thousand Things' takes over an entire corner of the Museum, with approximately 1200 colourful photocopies, marked with flung ink (an ancient Chinese art form), scattered across the walls and floor. The bold work first exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW in 1995 and has been recreated by Lee thanks to the MCA's Director and exhibition curator Elizabeth Ann Macgregor — her first curated exhibition since the MCA's 2012 Anish Kapoor show. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ken Leanfore[/caption] 'MOONLIGHT DEITIES' This massive, immersive piece of art was commissioned especially for the exhibition and is made up of 31 perforated paper discs, varying from two to ten metres in diameter. So expect the wow-factor when walking through this one. Predominantly black and white with "the silvery light you get on a full moon night", 'Moonlight Deities' has a sense of otherworldliness to it. On the surface, it's all about dark and light, silhouettes and shadow, with moon crater-like projections dancing across the room. There's little difference between the discs and the shadows they cast, which, as you walk through the room, create a sense of liminality — all connecting back to Ch'an buddhism. "I have a fascination with time. In Zen philosophy, the thing I find immeasurably fascinating is the notion that time is actually an ingredient of what we are," says Lee. "We're all impermanent. And in the universe everything changes." [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 'BIRTH AND DEATH' 'Birth and Death' is Lee's most personal work in the exhibition. "It remains one of the most important works I've ever done," says the artist. Created as an homage to her late nephew Ben after he passed away aged 22 from cancer, 'Birth and Death' touches on political and cultural themes such as migration, Chinese culture and the White Australia policy. "But the essential purpose of this piece was to honour Ben and give him his place in five generations of family," she says. "It's about paying honour to someone I cared very much about." The work is made up of 100 accordion books, with books dedicated to members of Lee's family at various stages of their life. Using red, the work evokes an association with blood as much as it does with China. It is as visually impactful as it is evocative. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 'STRANGE CONDENSATIONS' Lindy Lee is no stranger to experimentation in art. In fact, it is a major part of her process and with 'Strange Condensations' she surrenders to it. Her flung bronze works came about from seeing accidental bronze drippings on a foundry floor and, naturally, she wanted to turn it into art. By taking molten bronze and flinging it at surfaces, the artist creates almost cosmic constellations — in a hazmat suit, no less. Again stemming from her Buddhist beliefs, 'Strange Condensations' — and its making — is symbolic of the universe as an infinite net, constructed and dependent on everything within it. "What I love about [flung bronze] is that it's uncontrollable. Everything that exists in that moment makes that mark," says Lee. "Each shape is unique and it is absolutely about the conditions of the time that creates them. And thus it is with life." [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 'OPEN AS THE SKY' AND 'UNNAMEABLE' If you thought splashing 1200-degree metal around was experimental, think again. Wanting to make her flung bronze works three-dimensional, Lee turned to a litre of Pauls custard — as a cooling substance to drop molten metal into. With the metal rolling into itself while cooling, it creates spontaneous forms that Lee then scales up. The end result is a series of gnarled, pitted sculptures like 'Open As the Sky' and 'Unnameable'. As well as being the product of a cool science experiment, these works are the artist's own version of gonshi (ancient scholar's rocks) and, in turn, celebrate her Chinese heritage. "It takes an immense energy of geological transitions and force over thousands of years to make [gonshi]. That's why they're admired; they literally contain the movement of the universe through them. So, you know, I wanted to make my own." 'Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop is showing at MCA Australia until February 2021. The gallery is currently open 10am–5pm, Tuesday–Sunday, with COVID-19 measures in place. Entry is free and unticketed. For the latest info on NSW border restrictions, head here. If travelling from Queensland or Victoria, check out Queensland Health and DHHS websites, respectively. Top images: Anna Kucera.
Durex is about to launch its Naked Box project, a design competition that will let your work be seen by naked people everywhere. Specifically calling for young designers, the Naked Box competition offers a rare opportunity for emerging artists to work with a global brand and have their work showcased around the world. If you're quite keen on drawing, design, or otherwise have an arty bone in your body (pun gleefully intended), Durex wants you to help them out by designing their new condom pack, to be sold globally. This means your designs could be the first thing people turn to during critical moments in bedrooms from Brisbane to Bratislava. While you're not allowed to be too rude and have to mind your language, the Naked Box competition website offers tools like Vibrating Pencils and Ribbed Rollers to help you out in the design process. There's also a design gallery where weekly winners are announced so that you can see what you're up against. Aside from the grand prize, there's also a bunch of other assorted cool stuff you can get your hands on, including iPads, underwear, t-shirts and other non-specific Durex paraphernalia. To enter, all you need to do is submit your design through Facebook. Entries open on March 7 and close on April 17 at midnight GMT, so there's plenty of time to get designing. Punters can also vote on Facebook for their favourite designs and evaluate each entrant's hard work for themselves.
