New Zealand entrepreneur Hamish Dobbie is in the final rounds of a Kickstarter campaign to fund Yolkr, a rather nifty egg yolk separator. 'Finally', I hear you say, a simple and incredibly good looking kitchen tool for separating those whites from the yolk, without scattering shells throughout your 'egg'cellent kitchen creation. Having been tested by his 90 year old Grandfather, who has one eye, wears glasses and shakes somewhat, along with numerous others, the Yolkr project reached its Kickstarter goal within 5 days, and there are still 54 days remaining. Move over Number 8 wire, a new and revolutionary Kiwi invention has arrived. And it will change the way you make your omelette forever.
Taking off on that overseas adventure just got much simpler and a whole lot faster, with electronic boarding passes for international flights now available at airports across the country. Changes made by the government today mean passengers will now be able to check into international flights via their smartphone, just as they've been doing on domestic routes. Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge announced the move this morning, and hopes the new system will reduce costs to airlines, save on paper and slash time spent moving through the airport. We're already dreaming about the extra sleep-in time we'll score for those early-morning flights. "Last financial year more than 21.4 million travellers were cleared through the border departing Australian international airports," Mr Tudge said in a statement. "These increasing volumes mean we are always looking for ways to clear legitimate travellers efficiently and seek out those of interest to law enforcement. This change will cut out the need to visit the check-in desk to show your passport and collect your paper boarding pass." The new mobile check-in system has already been trialled for international travel by Qantas, Air New Zealand, Emirates and Singapore Airlines, and is expected to be rolled out across all flights and airlines in the coming months. Check-ins could become simpler again, if biometric trials at Sydney airport are deemed a success. The trials, which started in May, saw some international travellers check into flights using a simplified six-step process using their face and fingerprints.
We've all been there — as you're getting ready for bed, you set your phone alarm with grand intentions of getting up and going to pilates, a spin class or a run before work. Then, when that absurd time rolls out, getting out of bed is a near impossible feat. Well, we may have found a cure for that. Undercard Boxing, Darlinghurst's newest concept gym, is hosting an event this Thursday, June 27, that'll put a pep in your sleepy step. The special pre-work session will give you a (free) taster of this new fitness craze developed by co-founders Kesava Commerford and Zach Vickers. It combines boxing, strength and metabolic conditioning training styles for a high-intensity workout to get your blood pumping — you'll forget that the temperature outside is teetering around the single digits in no time. This special session kicks off at 8am and is invite only — but, we've managed to spots for you and a mate. The event is said to be themed on the cult film Fight Club, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Like the film, Undercard involves heading underground and throwing punches in a dimly lit space. But that's pretty much where the comparisons end. The workout area is a super slick room, with orange-tinted lights, high-tech treadmills, free weights and a bunch of water-filled punching bags hanging from the ceiling. The class runs for about an hour and will test both your strength and endurance. The event will be bookended with exciting happenings from some of Undercard's lifestyle and wellness partners. Before the class, Paddington's Valonz hairdressers will be on-site offering hair braiding and there'll be free bottles of water from Just Water. Post-workout, you'll be able to get activewear styling tips from Style Runner and tuck into the delicious breakfast grazing table from Bondi's Porch and Parlour. A free workout, styling tips and a free breakfast — not a bad excuse to get out of bed, after all. To be in the running (pun intended), enter your details below. [competition]728029[/competition]
If you've got a passion for cocktails, you'll be happy to know the Maybe Cocktail Festival's 2025 lineup is stacked with a huge range of internationally renowned bartending talent. Bringing 20 of the world's best bars to our shores, you won't have a better chance to sample some of the very best concoctions you'll try anywhere, all from the comfort of several much-loved Sydney venues. Boasting seven bars that appear near the top of The World's 50 Best Bars 2024, the festival will welcome the likes of Seoul's Zest (#9), Barcelona's Paradiso (#10) and London's Connaught Bar (#13). Representatives from acclaimed venues in the Americas, Europe and Asia complete the array of talent. Between April 7-13, these innovators and tastemakers will put their skills on display through 25 fascinating events. You can expect signature cocktails, exclusive collaborations and world-class hospitality from some of the best in the world at world-class local venues including Maybe Sammy, El Primo Sanchez, Whisky Thief and Little Cooler. You might also be happy to learn this instalment of the festival is the most gender balanced to date, with more international female bartenders attending than ever before. If you're keen to get in on the action, you can purchase cocktail tokens at the door of each venue, with $50 getting you two tokens to spend on a curated selection cocktails from visiting bartenders.
These days, a simple flash of your smartphone can let you pay for stuff without tapping your debit card, see a gig without a hard-copy ticket and even split dinner bills without carrying around a heap of cash. For NSW residents, it can now also double as your driver licence. After a successful trials in Dubbo and the eastern suburbs, the digital version of licences have now been made available to the whole state, which means any NSW driver can now access a digital version of their licence via the Service NSW app on their smartphone. The digital licences will be accepted as proof of identity at police roadside checks; proof of age to get into bars, pubs and nightclubs; and can be used at petrol stations, supermarkets, convenience stores and tobacco retailers. There are a couple of rules, though: you can't access your digital licence when driving (even when stationary) unless asked to do so by a police officer, and your digital licence may be refused if your screen is cracked or dim. You don't have to hand over your smartphone to the person checking your licence, either, and the licences work even when you have no data coverage. https://www.facebook.com/ServiceNSW/photos/a.584446361616956/1634718353256413/?type=3&theater Service NSW has also suggested that you continue to carry your plastic card "while venues get used to seeing and accepting the digital driver licence as identification" and when travelling interstate and overseas. Plans for to make the switch to digital were first announced back in 2016, but South Australia has since beaten NSW to the punch, introducing digital licences in 2017. To activate your digital driver licence, you'll need to download the Service NSW app, login using your MyServiceNSW Account details and follow the prompts. You can also use the app to check your rego details, view fines and check on your demerit points, as well as download digital versions of your boat driver licence, RSA/RCG competency card and Working with Children check clearance. To download the Service NSW app, head to the Google Play or App Store. To read more about NSW Digital Driver Licence, head to the Service NSW website.
If you've ever wanted to witness a Lost Boys-style food fight (that may or may not conclude in slicing a coconut mid-air), you might want to mark this date in your diary. Part of the Museum of Contemporary Art's C3West program, FOOD FIGHT aims to raise awareness about food security in Liverpool and South Western Sydney through artist-led workshops, performances, cooking demonstrations and choreographed culinary combat. Set to take place in Liverpool's Bigge Park on the evening of Saturday, April 30, the event will be one big celebration of food. Expect cooking shows, projections and live performances, including a DJ set from experimental artist Mish Grigor. Don't expect your usual food stalls either; among a whole slew of culturally diverse snacks, there will be Laotian fare and even traditional Ukrainian food from artist David Capra and his mum and aunty. And all this deliciousness will culminate in a 100-seat al fresco banquet and an epic food fight performance. Artists Diego Bonetto and Branch Nebula (Lee Wilson and Mirabelle Wouters) — in partnership with the MCA and Genevieve Murray of Future Method Studio — will also collaborate with various local partners, including Foodbank, OzHarvest and Youth Food Movement Australia, on a series of community engagement workshops. According to recent statistics, roughly two million Australians rely on food relief programs every year, while close to a million children go without breakfast or dinner each day. "Our aim with this FOOD FIGHT project is twofold," said Bonetto. "We want to create a fun and engaging event that serves as a wake-up call and conversation starter on a hidden issue; whilst also celebrating the community champions and everyday heroes who fight for food security in the local area, one meal at a time." The event is free to attend as a punter, and if you want to get involved as a volunteer, you can sign up at the event website. If you don't live in the area, hop on a Bankstown-bound train — the park is only a short walk from Liverpool Station. We suggest you start practicing your hot dog hurling skills.
Vegan and deli may not be two words you put together, but perhaps you haven't been to Shift. Meet Shift Eatery, Sydney's first vegan deli. Opened on Commonwealth Street in September 2017, Shift is a sleek cafe and shop specialising in hearty, healthy food, sans animal products. The idea for the store was spawned by owner James Danaskos's own turn to veganism a few years back and his desire to create more places for people looking to eat less or no meat. The cafe has everything you would expect from a concept cafe in the age of Instagram: lattes of every hue (pink pitaya unicorn, blue pea, green matcha and golden turmeric), smoothie bowls and picture-perfect vegan sweets courtesy of Treat Dreams and Nutie. But outside of the colourful treats, the main food menu is a goldmine of casual, vegan fare. The sandwich and toastie menu features vegan twists on traditional sambos — ham and cheese, tuna and mayo and Steve, the Reuben's vegan brother stuffed with corned 'beef', pickles, kraut, cheese and russian dressing — with a few pun-filled monikers thrown in for good measure, like the No Whey Jose made up of Cuban 'ham', pulled jackfruit, vegan cheese and housemade sauce. Like any true deli, Shift is also stocked with ingredients to takeaway including kimchi, granola and vegan ice cream pints.
If you don't mind waiting 97 minutes for a really cute little animation at closing credits, then check out Filth. If waiting annoys you, then give this one a miss. If you must see it, do yourself a favour and read the book first. That might help. Adapted from the acclaimed novel by iconic author Irvine Welsh, Filth falls short of even the most casual of expectations. Directed by Jon S. Baird from his own screenplay, Filth stars James McAvoy with a supporting cast including Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, Imogen Poots and Eddie Marsan. McAvoy is Bruce Robertson. He's a tormented, bigoted cop who snorts, smashes and sleazes his way through the festive period. What he really wants for Christmas is a promotion and he'll do whatever he needs to get it — screwing wives, exposing secrets and trampling self-esteems is all in a day's work. The problem is, well, just about everything. Take Bruce. There's no descent into despair, no spiral out of control, no ride for us to belt up for and settle in. When we meet him he's an asshole, and he stays an asshole, with a few tears and moments on stairs with understanding colleagues thrown in. I laughed twice, once about a boat and once because the c-word was very well-placed. The characters are half-baked and predictable — when the next line is in your head before its spoken then something has gone very wrong. Any aspect of Bruce's personality or past we're even vaguely interested in gets resolved in a lazy tell-all monologue revealing just what we had figured out 80 minutes and two buckets of popcorn ago. And this is no Trainspotting situation; the violence is lame and without context, the sex is nothing to hang your hat on, the madness is stereotyped and disjointed and there's next to no opportunity for us to even begin to understand any of the two-dimensional characters or why they do all the annoying things they do. Except for the little piggy, right at the end, who is not annoying, and is completely adorable. Filth gets one small point for the smashing soundtrack and the animation and McAvoy's beard, which is very neat and coped well with all the jaw clenching. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tymWDB7gtK4
Fresh from premiering at 2023's Brisbane Festival, one of Sydney Festival's big 2024 highlights is a stage musical comedy from the songwriting team behind Muriel's Wedding The Musical: Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, who are taking the fest to Bananaland. Created by the pair after their success treading the boards with everyone's favourite Porpoise Spit resident, Bananaland focuses on 21-year-old Ruby. She has her own protest band called Kitty Litter, which accidentally becomes a hit with preschoolers. Penned by Nuttall and featuring a score composed by Miller-Heidke, with the duo joining forces on the show's musical numbers, Bananaland is a warmhearted but incisive exploration of chasing dreams — and an ode to performing live. Charting Kitty Litter's path to following in The Wiggles' footsteps, Bananaland is taking over Parramatta's Riverside Theatres until Sunday, January 14. Simon Phillips (Ladies in Black) directs, while Max McKenna (Jagged Little Pill) stars as Ruby. Production images: Darren Thomas.
What has happened to that once glorious Hollywood staple, the romantic comedy? Even at its most saccharine, it was a dependable genre, the type that left you in a kind of terrible movie heaven of enjoyably unlikely plot premises, clueslessly fated lovers, and fairytale endings. Trashy, sure, but reliably trashy — carefree and frothy and silly. Beautiful people, overcoming mindlessly familiar cinematic hurdles and falling in love — it's comforting stuff for hopeless romantics like myself who get most of their life philosophies from Michel Gondry films. But a genre that focuses more on seduction and courtship and the happily-ever-after, bridal magazine moments eventually leaves viewers craving something a little more substantial. After all, anyone who lives in the real world knows that the real work in relationships begins at the point where rom coms usually end: the kiss, the wedding, the honeymoon period, the beginning. The reality and ridiculousness and complexity of relationships and sex and romance — surely this is the kind of thing that mainstream film should finally start getting right. That's why I Give It a Year should work. British director Dan Mazer has styled it as a renovated, thinking-person's rom com, one that starts at the wedding and explores the difficulty of staying in love. It's a worthwhile project, and one that The Simpsons creative director James L. Brooks has made into a career. Broadcast News, Terms of Endearment, and even the cruelly critically maligned How Do You Know? all subtly inverted the rom com rules by showing more realistic characters with more realistic relationships. And they were funnier for their closer collision with real life. Mazer has his work cut out for him by Brooks. Rose Byrnes' highly strung Nat and Rafe Spall's man-boy Josh are not meant to be — they marry too quickly and are obviously more suited to the two supporting characters, played by Simon Baker (on charismatic autopilot) and Anna Faris (on tedious autopilot. Why is she a thing?). But ultimately the film refuses to bust out of the conventional rom com template. Its plot remains face-punchingly implausible, its characters straitjacketed by stereotype, and its humour terminally planted in Mazer's familiar ground of extreme awkwardness and feeble frat-boy crassness. This is, after all, the man who produced Borat and Sacha Baron Cohen's other cinematic mis/adventures. Oddly enough for a love story, I Give It a Year fails to get to any kind of genuine emotional core for the characters or their relationships. Perhaps the highlight of the film is Rose Byrnes' wardrobe, a procession of pastel cashmere sweaters and tailored designer clothing this reviewer will never, ever be able to afford. Yes, Byrnes and Baker are lovely to watch, but it is frankly demoralising to see them wasting their presence on such an eye-rollingly unfunny project. The Office's Stephen Merchant is particularly misused given his considerable comedic talents. Despite its admirable aims, I Give It A Year is a 102-minute exercise in endurance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3UgPWKPDlvA
Once a year, Sydney Living Museums hand their keys to the city over to the general public. For one glorious day, we can wander freely into more than 50 buildings that are usually rather tough to access, unless you're some kind of very important person. The Sydney Open list covers more than 200 years of architecture across a range of civic and private purposes. Included are a number of theatres, from the Eternity Playhouse, the former tabernacle where reformed alcoholic Arthur Stace may have been inspired to scrawl 'Eternity' on Sydney's streets, to the grandiose and gilded State Theatre; several present and past financial and political institutions, including the Reserve Bank and Government House; an array of contemporary marvels, such as Harry Seidler's 9 Castlereagh and 8 Chifley; and a bunch of artsy, creative spaces, like Alaska Projects at Stockton House and the William Street Arch, where Underbelly Arts works its magic. If you're keen to take an especially close look at any particular building and learn more about its history, or get inside a place that isn't on the main list, you can opt to take a guided 'Focus Tour'. Purchase your Sydney Open City Pass or book a tour before October 17 to go in the draw to win one of 100 Golden Tickets, which gives you access to an exclusive adventure inside the Queen Victoria Building's ultra-fancy dome.
The Heiresses, a Paraguayan film featuring a first-time actress and hailing from a debut feature writer and director, has emerged victorious at this year's Sydney Film Festival. After picking up two awards at this year's Berlinale — including best actress for star Ana Brun — Marcelo Martinessi's moving drama beat out 11 other contenders to win the 2018 Sydney Film Prize. That's no mean feat in any year, but given that this year's competition included Cannes prizewinner BlacKkKlansman; Sundance hits Leave No Trace and The Miseducation of Cameron Post; and fellow Berlin standouts Transit, Aga and Daughter of Mine, it's quite the considerable achievement. Telling the tale of Chela, who is forced to adjust when her girlfriend of more than three decades is imprisoned due to the couple's mounting debts, The Heiresses became the 11th feature to nab the festival's $60,000 award. Again, it's in fine company, with previous winners including On Body and Soul (2017), Aquarius (2016), Arabian Nights (2015), Two Days, One Night (2014), Only God Forgives (2013), Alps (2012), A Separation (2011), Heartbeats (2010), Bronson (2009) and Hunger (2008). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD_LxrE9vVA Comprised of Australian artist and filmmaker Lynette Wallworth, Aussie actor Ewen Leslie (The Daughter), Filipino producer and writer Bianca Balbuena (Season of the Devil), South African film composer and songwriter Chris Letcher and Tokyo Film Festival programming director Yoshi Yatabe, the jury dubbed The Heiresses a "provocative, layered and surprising film". "The film we chose carried us with restraint and confidence into a world still shielded by entitlement even as its structures crumble," explained Wallworth at SFF's closing night ceremony. "It revealed a delicately unfolding courage to release what we cling to, even when it is all we know, and let change come — within ourselves and within this collective frame that we build, that is society." The fest's other big 2018 prize — the $10,000 Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Australian Documentary — went to Aussie doco Ghosthunter by another first-timer, Ben Lawrence. In the kind of story that has to be seen to be believed, the documentary starts out as a portrait of Sydney security guard Jason King and his after-hours gig as an amateur ghost hunter. That's not how it ends up, however, with the film evolving over the course of its seven-year shoot to delve into King's troubled family history.
If you've had the words "bring on the Deadpool and Rob McElhеnney" stuck in your head since 2022, or "we've got Mullin, super Paul Mullin" instead — or as well — then you're either a fan of Welcome to Wrexham or Wrexham AFC, or both. It was back in 2020 that It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Mythic Quest's McElhenney bought the Welsh football club with Deadpool & Wolverine's Ryan Reynolds. Two years later, a documentary series about that huge move dropped its first season on Disney+. Success has followed both on the field and on the screen, including a run of promotions for the club and three more seasons of the series — the latest of which, the fourth, arrives on Friday, May 16, 2025. Thanks to a show that's not too far from an IRL Ted Lasso, Wrexham's fanbase has gone global. Hollywood's involvement will do that — but, as the series has chronicled to touching effect, Reynolds and McElhenney have always put revitalising the club, its stadium, and the town and community around it first. In 2025, Wrexham are heading Down Under, too, in a literal sense. The club has announced three games across Australia and New Zealand in July, visiting the two countries on its pre-season tour. "From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand," said McElhenney and Reynolds, announcing the Down Under trip, which will see the team play in Melbourne, Sydney and Wellington. "We could not be more excited to bring the Red Dragons to Australia and New Zealand, and we are particularly proud that this announcement features neither a Men at Work or Hugh Jackman joke. The latter of which took maturity and tremendous restraint. We're proud of Ryan. Of course, we make no promises going forward." Wrexham will face off against a trio of local squads: lining up against Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on Friday, July 11; taking on Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday, July 15; and competing against Wellington Phoenix at Sky Stadium on Saturday, July 19. For their past two pre-season tours, Wrexham have unsurprisingly journeyed to the US, including playing games against fellow UK sides Manchester United and Chelsea. Now, they're hitting Australia and Aotearoa as part of their plans to ideally be in the same league as both of those powerhouse English teams come the 2026–27 season. Since the 2022–23 season, Wrexham has been promoted every year under manager Phil Parkinson, first from the National League to League Two, then from the latter to League One — and next, in the 2025–26 season, they'll play in the Championship League, aiming to get promoted to the top-tier Premier League from there. If you can't make it to Wrexham's two Australian matches or one NZ game, they're being streamed via Paramount+. And for something to watch in the interim, check out trailer for Welcome to Wrexham season four below: Wrexham Down Under 2025 Fixtures Friday, July 11 — Melbourne Victory vs Wrexham AFC at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, from 7.30pm AEST Tuesday, July 15 — Sydney FC vs Wrexham AFC at Allianz Stadium, Melbourne, from 7.30pm AEST Saturday, July 19 — Wellington Phoenix vs Wrexham AFC at Sky Stadium, Wellington, from 5pm NZST [caption id="attachment_1003973" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Lord via Flickr[/caption] Wrexham's Down Under tour is taking place in July 2025. For more information, head to the Wrexham website — and for tickets, visit Ticketek in Australia and New Zealand. Welcome to Wrexham streams via Disney+, with season four arriving from Friday, May 16, 2025.
Yep, it's 60 or so moons since Astral People launched themselves onto Sydney with a founding party at Tone. Since then, they've tripled their management roster and toured more than 50 international acts. And, to mark their fifth birthday, Astral are asking you to join them at a mammoth gathering at the Oxford Art Factory, happening as part of MoVement Sydney. A bunch of favourite friends and family members will be along for the ride, including beatsmith Wave Racer fresh from Coachella 2016, young rapper Baro, lo-fi jammer Mall Grab and techno act Cliques. Check out the rest of the lineup over here. We asked Astral's Vic Edirisinghe and Tom Huggett to take a cheeky stroll down memory lane and pick out their five favourite memories over the last five years. They gave us six, which we'll take as indicative of a crew that isn't content to play by the rules. WAVE RACER PLAYING COACHELLA, APRIL 2016 "It's usually every managers' ultimate bucket list dream to have their act play Coachella and this year it came true for us when we had Wave Racer play," says Tom. "Made it even better to see him play in front of an incredibly packed crowd too." MISTER SATURDAY NIGHT AT SUMMER DANCE, JANUARY 2015 "Summer Dance is my favourite event we run," says Tom. "Mister Sunday (a New York party institution) is my favourite party in the world. For our second ever Summer Dance party at the National Art School we had the privilege of hosting Mister Saturday Night AKA Mister Sunday AKA Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin. It was an absolutely magical day and night of good vibes — and even better music." DZ EZ AT CIVIC UNDERGROUND, DECEMBER 2013 "We knew he was good but we sure didn't know he was that good," says Vic. "The minute we opened the doors to the little basement known as the Civic Underground, the energy in the room was unlike anything I've ever experienced in a club setting. You could see the sweat dripping off the roof and the minute he came on, the place blew up. One of those pure clubbing 'moments' we'll never forget and solidified to us why many call him one of the best to ever do it." RAINBOW CHAN RELEASING HER DEBUT ALBUM, AUGUST 2015 "It's sometimes easy to forget that artists go through to same day-to-day struggles each of us deal with," says Vic. "I watched Rainbow through her ups and downs when creating this album, and the emotional ride the album portrays was so very real. If you listen to the album carefully, you can pinpoint the exact feelings she went through (everything from sadness to pure joy) when putting this body of work together. It's a special piece of music and it just made me realise how lucky I am to work with such amazing, real people." [caption id="attachment_487247" align="alignnone" width="648"] Yes Please/Voena.[/caption] THE VERY FIRST OUTSIDEIN FESTIVAL, NOVEMBER 2012 "The first OutsideIn Festival was definitely a huge learning experience for us all here at Astral," says Tom. "At the time we had never put on an event that big and we were amazed to see it sell out in advance. It also helped that Flume dropped his debut album the day before the festival. Thom Yorke sitting side of stage sculling a tinnie while watching Shigeto and Africa Hitech was a pretty surreal moment for us also." ALRIGHT, ONE MORE: OMAR S AT SUMMER DANCE, JANUARY 2015 "Summer Dance was a huge undertaking for us," says Vic. "The venue [National Art School] had never been used for these types of events before and the costs of putting it on were astronomical. However, we believed Sydney was in need for something like this. A series of events that showed of just how beautiful our city can be and the strong cultural significance of day parties and the vibe they bring. We had our fair share of hiccups leading up to the series and the cherry on the top was the pouring rain on the day of the first party with Omar S. However, nearly 800 kids turned up despite all the odds and Omar S delivered a set like only he can! It was a huge reaffirming moment for us considering the amount of work we put in and we're stoked to say that Summer Dance is here to stay." Five Years of Astral is happening Saturday, October 22 at 9pm at Oxford Art Factory. Tickets here. It's also one of our top ten events you should check out this weekend during MoVement Sydney. By Shannon Connellan and Jasmine Crittenden. Images: Astral People unless otherwise specified.
Since opening at the end of 2018, Totti's has become a cult favourite among eastern suburbs locals and Sydneysiders citywide. With chef Mike Eggert at the helm, the Bondi eatery is a go-to for bowls of pasta and its highly popular wood-fire oven bread. In the years since, Totti's has been expanding westward, opening its CBD iteration Bar Totti's last year, and now popping up with its third Sydney outpost in Rozelle. This time, the Merivale venue has found a home in the beloved, temporarily closed inner west pub 3 Weeds. At Totti's Rozelle you'll find the expected assortments of favourites from the OG Bondi spot, including spinach pappardelle ($27) or chittara and clams pasta ($30). An assortment of charcoal oven treats are also on offer, including whole roasted fish ($42), half-smoked chicken ($28) and of course, the wood-fire bread ($12). Those looking to come in for a snack can take their pick from the antipasti menu which features kingfish crudo ($12.50), chicken liver parfait ($10) and burrata ($11), or if you've booked in with a large group of meat-eaters, split 1.5-kilograms of Brooklyn Valley rib-eye steak ($250). The drinks menu doesn't steer far from what you'd expect, but you'll still find an enjoyable array of classy cocktails and some fun natty wines that are sure to pair perfectly with a big bowl of pasta. Setting this inner west iteration apart from its counterparts is a new dessert bar with Italian classics like gelato, tiramisu ($14.50), coffee granita ($10), pistachio cake ($14.50) and panna cotta ($15) to finish off your night on a sweet note.
Chatswood just scored a big infusion of contemporary Chinese flavour, with elegant newcomer Mama Mulan opening its doors this week. Located in The Concourse, the 180-seater makes quite the impression, with its restaurant, bar and private dining areas boasting striking interiors by creative agency DS17. To match the polished, modern aesthetic, the kitchen is dishing up a culinary exploration of China, delivered through a mix of traditional techniques and new-school flair. Chef Marble Ng (Lotus, Chef's Gallery) has pulled together an approachable menu full of tightly executed dishes from a range of Chinese provinces. Wok-fried lobster is dressed in the restaurant's secret Szechuan sauce, dandan noodle soup is made with noodles hand-pulled before your eyes and roasted lamb ribs are cooked Mongolian style. The addition of duck drives a san choi bao into modern territory, while the Mama Mulan fried rice is supercharged with asparagus, wagyu beef and XO sauce. If you decide to look to the tanks for inspiration, pick out a live mud (or snow) crab and order it typhoon shelter-style, piled high with dried chilli and black beans. Headlining the dessert offering is a range of signature fried ice cream flavours, created in collaboration with Sydney's famed dessert masters, Duo Duo. A hefty selection of Chinese booze, clever cocktails and international beer rounds out the fun. Mama Mulan is now open at Level 1, The Concourse, Chatswood.
Has anyone ever cracked open a VB — stubby, tinnie, throwie or tallie, whichever takes your fancy — and not gotten the beer brand's "hard-earned thirst" jingle stuck in their head? Not since the late 1960s, they haven't. Even if you're not a fan of the company's brews, or you've had the hankering for a different type of beer, you've probably found yourself humming the tune to yourself anyway. You can get it lodged in your mind while you're talking, walking, lifting, shifting and any old how, after all, because it's that damn catchy. (Matter of fact, you're probably singing it to yourself now — aren't you?) You can also get that classic anthem stuck in your head while you're getting vaccinated, too, with VB releasing a new advertisement to encourage Australians to get the jab. You'll recognise most of the images, but the tune has had a bit of a revamp to note the impact of lockdowns on going to the pub and indulging that hard-earned thirst. "Right now you can't get it goalin', you can't get it bowlin'. You can't get it takin' a vow, or chasin' a cow," the new riff on the jingle says. "A hard earned thirst comes from being all over town. Not from being in lockdown," it continues. Obviously, it's all a bit daggy, because that's how the OG ad has always played. But the new twist on the song, and the ad, sees Victoria Bitter join a growing list of local companies that've been finding ways to encourage Aussies to get vaxxed so that restrictions and lockdowns can ease and life can look a little more normal again. Running the ad for at least a month to help support the national aim of getting 80-percent fully vaccinated, and therefore loosening more restrictions at that point, VB also joins campaigns by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, a heap of Australian hospitality figures and the local live entertainment industry to promote the country's vaccination rollout. Check out the VB vaccination ad below: You can also view VB's television commercial by heading to YouTube.
The last two years have been peppered with high-flying hotel openings, with the likes of Next, the W, AC Hotels and Movenpick just some of the brands that have come to make Melbourne home. But the city's next exciting accommodation addition comes not in the form of a sleek newcomer, but an old favourite reimagined. Rydges Melbourne is currently undergoing a top-to-toe transformation, slated to return in its next incarnation from autumn. And it's leaving the past well behind. You can push aside any existing notions you had of this long-running hotel brand — Rydges Melbourne 2.0 is a whole new kettle of fish. Set in the heart of the action on Exhibition Street, the hotel is set to reopen as a Rydges flagship complete with 370 freshly revamped rooms, including 35 suites, plus 25 new apartments catering to the business-leisure set. A completely overhauled look steered by the renowned Luchetti Krelle features soothing interiors of natural stone and pale timber complemented by loads of natural light. An impressive collection of local art has been curated by interior designer Janet Graham, and all the rooms are kitted out with Rydges' signature DreamBeds. Alongside all that, there's a hefty 1500 square metres of revamped event and conference spaces, including a lofty ballroom in the former Bobby McGees digs and a brand-new rooftop terrace. And there'll be more news to come soon about the property's signature restaurant, which is set to "celebrate the theatre of food". Rydges Melbourne is currently taking bookings from June onwards, with prices starting from $270 a night. Rydges Melbourne is set to reopen at 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne some time in autumn. We'll share more details about its offerings as they drop.
One of Sydney's best coast walks is this 6km trail, which gives tourists and locals alike a true sense of Sydney's coastal beauty. The trek's steep gradients are well spaced between the city's most loved beaches, making this trip part workout, part beach bum afternoon. While the walk could be completed in as little as a two hours, it is best enjoyed with long breaks by the ocean — or you can bail as early as Tamarama or Bronte. From late October, parts of the trail become extra majestic (and extra crowded) for iconic art event Sculpture by the Sea. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
In the era of stacked work calendars and social plans that feel like a game of Tetris, there's nothing better than a free weekend, an open road, and somewhere great booked on the other end. It's easy to wish away the kilometres and think the fun only starts once you get there, but we're firm believers that with a little bit of planning (and the right wheels), your next road trip can feel just as special as the getaway itself. So, to mark the release of BYD's SEALION 7, a premium electric SUV with luxury features baked in, we've pulled together a few simple hacks to help you make the most of the journey. Whether you're heading along the coast outside Sydney, inland into regional NSW, or somewhere in between, here's how to do it right. Plan Pit Stops Around Scenic EV Charging Spots If you're driving an EV, planning your route around convenient charging stops is a no-brainer. But it doesn't have to mean stopping somewhere dull. The trick is picking places you'd actually want to spend an hour or two. If you're going north from Sydney, Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin makes an ideal stop. Stretch your legs in the gorgeous gardens or sample local wines while your car charges at the EV stations nearby. Heading south? Pull into Bowral to grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and maybe even pick up a treat for the weekend. Your car can recharge while you do the same. Bring The Comforts of Home with V2L Tech Why settle for convenience store snacks and lukewarm drinks when you can bring all your favourite treats with you? The SEALION 7's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology lets you power anything from your mini fridge (hello, ice-cold bevs) to a sandwich press for on-road toasties or even a set of fairy lights to set the mood. Turns out a picnic doesn't need a table when you've got your whole car and all the comforts of home to play with. Tee Off at a Golf Club with Charging Stations If golf is your thing, it'd be rude not to make it part of the road trip plan. Luckily, some of the best golf courses around NSW are also great stopovers for EV drivers. Try Riverside Oaks in Cattai, a proper championship course with a bushland backdrop, Pacific Dunes in Port Stephens, or Cypress Lakes Resort Golf & Country Club in the Hunter Valley, where you can squeeze in nine holes while your car gets a top-up at the EV charging stations. Bonus: all courses are close enough to the city for a doable day trip. Treat Yourself at EV-Friendly Restaurants We're all for a cheeky roadtrip Macca's stop, but if you've got time and are near a charger, why not go for a proper meal? Thirroul's BÓVEDA does excellent Mexican and sits just a short stroll from local charging stations. Or if you're heading further north, Rick Stein at Bannisters in Port Stephens is a seafood classic worth timing your charge stop around. Settle in for a Luxe Movie Night at a Charging Stop If you've been staring at freeway lines for hours, sometimes you just need to stop and chill. The SEALION 7's 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen, heated seats and ambient lighting are basically begging to be turned into a portable cosy cinema. Park up in Berry, Kiama or any of NSW's many scenic charging spots, throw on a movie and settle in. Who said charging breaks had to be boring? It turns out the road trip itself can be the best part of the holiday, especially when you've got the right setup. From golf clubs and dining spots and roadside cinemas, a bit of planning and modern convenience at its finest can help you make the most of the ride. With a driving range of up to 482 kilometres (which, for context, is over two weeks' worth of driving for the average Aussie) and going from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just four and a half seconds, the SEALION 7 is built for weekend adventures. All that's left to do is choose a route. The all-electric BYD SEALION 7 provides power, performance and planet-friendly driving. With cutting-edge EV tech, a spacious interior and the ultra-safe Blade Battery, it's ready for school runs, road trips and everything in between. Want to see how it feels behind the wheel? Book a test drive to take the SEALION 7 for a spin on the BYD website. By Jacque Kennedy
Every Saturday until March (which, by the way, there are only two left), dig into Mexican-inspired eats accompanied by a welcome cocktail from Patrón and free-flowing bubbles. Gather your food amigos, because Double Bay eatery Mrs Sippy has teamed up with the tequila kings for a bottomless brunch with a twist of Mexican luxury. For $100 (or roughly the going rate of an avocado) brunchers will receive a welcome Patrón cocktail designed by the restaurant while they settle in for a five-course Mexican-inspired feast. Be sure to wear your stretchy pants, because for two hours, chefs will serve delicious, flavoursome numbers like platters of soft shell tacos piled with pulled pork, grilled corn and pico de gallo and garlic chicken pizza heaped with a trifecta of capsicum shades and fresh coriander — plus there'll be gluten-free and vegetarian options available. As you dig into the Mexi-influenced delights, your glass will be topped up with free-flowing brut or rosé sparkling for the full two hours. And if you want to sample the full cocktail menu, there are also Patrón XO Cafe espresso martinis and fresh citrus Palomas available to order in addition to the Tommy's Margarita. This luxe brunch takes place Saturday, February 17 and 24 from 11am–4pm, and it's expected to book up quickly, so reserve a spot ASAP here. If you can't make the brunch, never fear. Patrón has brought a slice of lush Mexicana to Mrs Sippy in the form of exclusive cocktails and décor for the entire month of February.
This article is sponsored by our partners, lastminute.com.au. So, you like wine? You love it? Well my friends, allow me to introduce you to one of the best wine regions in Australia: the Barossa Valley. Situated almost 60km northeast of Adelaide, the Barossa has the oldest Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cabernet vineyards in the world. The area is most commonly associated with its signature grape variety: Shiraz. However, the region does grow a number of other grape varieties, so if you're a fan of Riesling, Semillon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvedre, Mataro, Cabernet and even Merlot then you'll be wanting to book a getaway quick smart. So you can get your bearings, the main towns on the valley floor are Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Rowland Flat and Lyndoch. Nuriootpa is the larger of the four towns and seen as the commercial hub of the area, while Tanunda and Angaston have more attractions to cater for fans of sweet little antique stores — but more importantly wine bars, cellar doors and buzzing cafes. BAROSSA EATS Make sure you get yourself a full belly of food before you embark on any tasting tour of the region. Not only is the Barossa famous for its wines, it also prides itself on local produce with some of the best restaurants in the country. For something quaint, why not visit Maggie Beer's Farm Shop? It's the very place her ABC TV series, The Cook and The Chef is filmed. After you've taken an 'I'm on a TV set selfie' you can top up your shopping cart with some MB products and be on your way. FermentAsian is an incredibly reputable Vietnamese restaurant you can't pass by having recently won the Best Asian Restaurant in South Australia. Also worth noting is Hentley Farm Restaurant, where the team will pair their wines with nosh for you, and Appellation at The Louise for some world class dining reflecting the local growing seasons. Be sure to check out the Barossa Farmers Market in Angaston. Open every Saturday from 7:30–11:30am, this bustling market has a plethora of goodies from fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and small goods to oils, pickles, preserves, condiments, baked goods and delicious macaroons. You're spoilt for choice. BAROSSA SLEEPS Before you crack in to the wines you'll need a place to sleep off all this indulgence. Some of the wineries have accommodation on site but if you want a hotel, one of my top picks around is the Novotel Barossa Valley. If it's luxury you're after then look no further than The Louise, set upon an original heritage property atop the stunning Marananga hill top site. This place is pure indulgence. Top picks for B&Bs include The Lodge or the incredibly romantic 'Cupids Cottages' (which will earn you huge brownie points) sitting with a view of your very own lake at Stonewell Cottages. Check out lastminute.com.au for some pretty sweet deals. BAROSSA QUAFFS Now my friends, it's time to quaff! By visiting the Barossa website you can either plan your own trip with their online Trip Planner or book a wine tour with Taste The Barossa. For something different, you can also book bikes to 'taste by bike' from Barossa Bike Hire. They can either deliver your bike to your accommodation or you can pick it up from Nuriootpa. If you're feeling fit, take a detour up to the Barossa Sculpture Park by following Basedow Road to the Menglers Hill Lookout and you'll enjoy some amazing sculptures carved from local marble and granite, backdropped by a stunning view of the valley. With more than 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries in the Barossa, you could say the world is your wine glass. Check out my Top 20 below, in no particular order. Concrete Playground's Top 20 Barossa Valley Cellar Doors and Wineries: Artisans of Barossa Kind of like The Avengers of wine. John Duval (famed winemaker of Penfolds Grange) has teamed up with six other individual winemakers to keep small batch winemaking alive and well. Try what all seven wine makers have to offer in their tasting room. Henschke Famous for its 'Hill of Grace' Shiraz, this winery has a great range of premium reds and whites on offer Chateau Tanunda This place is worth the visit just to see Australia's oldest chateau alone. It's like being on the set of The Great Gatsby. Top wines too; the Noble Baron range is handpicked, basket-pressed and unfiltered. Seppeltsfield Superbly scenic. Well known for their Centennial Collection, which is an "unbroken lineage of Tawny of every vintage from 1878 to current year". Peter Lehman Big reds and a true five-star winery. Chateau Yaldara Another beautiful chateau worth checking out. Taste McGuigans Wines and perhaps grab a light meal at Café Y if you're peckish. Bethany Killer Rieslings. Great reds and food wines. Also get on board their delicious stickies and fortifieds. Pindarie These guys do a lovely range of wines including varietals like Tempranillo and Sangiovese. Penfolds This isn't the actual winery but a cellar door where you can purchase their Taste of Grange package or make-your-own blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre. Wolf Blass If you haven't heard of these guys you've somehow been living in a sealed-off cave. Wolf Blass have a massive range. Why not cleanse your palette and enjoy some of their lovely sparkling? Two Hands Their focus is primarily Shiraz but their Grenache also is exceptional. St Hallet Sensational reds. Get stuck in to their Shiraz, Shiraz Grenache or their big and dense Mataro. They also have a Christmas favourite, the Sparkling Shiraz. For white fans try their moscato style Gewürztraminer. It's like drinking lychee juice with bubbles. Saltrams Award winning reds and whites. A lovely tasting bar and restaurant onsite makes this place a definite go-er. Elderton The first red I ever let sit for over ten years was an Elderton Shiraz and it was incredible when I eventually opened it up, drank it and cheekily slopped a little in to my pasta sauce as it cooked. They produce some of the most highly regarded reds in Australia. Glaetzer The team do four reds and focus "simply on the production of small volume, super premium red wines." Mountadam One of Australia's pioneer Chardonnay producers. Kies Family Wines An 1880s-styled cottage cellar door with a chilled-out vibe and quality wines. Irvine Estate Jim Irvine loves Merlot. He also loves interesting wines like his Cabernet Franc called The Baroness or his Zinfandel red, which is not as big and bold as some. But you can't go past his Grand Merlot. Whistler I love their reds and their red blends. Their Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre blend is one I could happily slurp every day. Grant Burge Hot tip: Buy yourself some of the Holy Trinity GSM to drink while you wait for their Filsell Shiraz or the Meshach Shiraz you also bought ages to perfection. Enjoy! Get amongst that tasty tasty vino and book your getaway to the Barossa Valley now with lastminute.com.au.
Sydney's 120-year-old Queen Victoria Building has long been a haven of decadence, but it has taken things up a notch with the launch of its luxurious new bar. Since late March, the CBD shopping precinct is now home to a Champagne bar, Reign at the QVB. And in a win for that part of the city, it's open late, right up till 2am. A vision of marble, brass and musk pink, Reign is a regal sort of spot, taking over the space once home to the level one ABC store. It pours a sprawling selection of over 150 Champagnes and sparkling wines, with plenty of bubbly tasting flights on offer, alongside signature cocktails like the De Nonancourt: a blend of vodka, fig liqueur, cucumber and Champagne syrup. The snack menu is very broad and covers all bases, from the refined (plates of oysters, duck liver mousse and steak tartare) to the two-handed (meatball and cheese sliders and an okonomiyaki burger) to the straight-up late-night eat variety (dumplings and pork fried rice). Reign opens from 11am each day, surely to cater to post-shopping snacks and business lunches. Best of all, it still kicks on late, open for eats and drinks right up until 2am Thursday through Sunday. The venue is overseen by a team of hospitality guns, including Matthew Beaumont as Group General Manager of Beverage (The Star, Merivale), Damien Worthington (QT Hotels, The Winery) in the role of Executive Chef and Fabio Nistrio (Sokyo at The Star, Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room) heading up the tightly curated drinks program. Images: Damian Flanagan.
We were about two hours out of Sydney when the stars started to come out, getting brighter and brighter as we hurtled down the highway, leaving the city and all its pollution behind. It was late, and I was tired, trying desperately to squeeze in a quick nap before it was my turn to drive. And as I turned my head to rest on the seatbelt, my eyes flicked upwards, and caught sight of a shooting star, blazing its way through the middle of the Southern Cross. The Wee Waa Agricultural Show, now in its 79th year, is like Sydney's Easter Show for an audience of a couple of thousand instead of a couple of million. It is a celebration of the local community, acknowledging the wonderful things accomplished by the townspeople, from the produce to the livestock, from homemade jams, soaps and cakes to handmade floral arrangements, quilts and much, much more. For a number of reasons the album launch itself was not what it could have been, not least the fact that Sony had made the album available to stream online three days beforehand, gazumping Wee Waa’s premiere. Estimates from the night suggest that perhaps as many as half the anticipated 4500-strong crowd simply didn't bother to show up, and weeks of feverish speculation meant that whatever was planned for the night wasn't going to satisfy, except perhaps if Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo rode in to the Show on a Blue Ribbon heifer. But the main reason the launch was a bit low-key is that Random Access Memories is the least Daft Punk record yet released. It's an homage to the 1970s, with disco and soft rock the dominant moods, almost the polar opposite of the groundbreaking, apocalyptic, electronic crunch of Discovery. And although the lead single, 'Get Lucky', is as chilled and danceable a groove as you could hope for, there really aren't that many opportunities for getting your boogie on. And those of us who thought that the recent resurgence of electronic music — led by unashamed, brutally heavy party tracks from the likes of Skrillex, Nero and Avicii — would lead Daft Punk to double-down on their trademark sound were sorely disappointed, a fact made clear by the roars that greeted the classic Daft Punk tracks a DJ played after the album to make the moment last longer. But as we left the largest outdoor dancefloor in the world, underlit by thousands of LED lights, and went our separate ways, no one really had any complaints. And judging from the expressions on the faces of the crowd, everyone realised that they had just been part of something unique, and something that they were never likely to experience again. When it was first announced that Daft Punk would be launching their first album in eight years at the Wee Waa Agricultural Show, the resulting explosion of incredulity reached all corners of the internet. After the incredulity came the second-guessing, millions trying to figure out why Wee Waa was chosen over so many other places. All of this had at its heart the same premise: that choosing to hold this event in Wee Waa was inexplicable, and that somewhere, surely, there was an explanation that would make sense. But whether Bangalter, de Homem-Christo, Sony or any of the complainers realise it or not, Wee Waa couldn't have been a more perfect choice. This town is the beating heart of a huge industry — the Australian cotton industry, worth some $2.5 billion annually — producing a product that is exported all over the world. It's a town that is aggressively innovative in its field (and fields), with tremendous advances being made in how much cotton can be grown with limited amounts of water, as well investing heavily in the research and development of natural pesticides that have little to no impact on crops or on consumers. And it's a town, like so many country towns across Australia, where strangers are welcomed with open arms, open hearts and open minds. If Daft Punk can’t see themselves — global superstars of dance music, with their history of audiovisual innovation — reflected in the town and its people, then they clearly lack the imagination we've always ascribed to them. Wee Waa is a wonderful, beautiful, uniquely Australian place, with a strong connection to the land, to the water, and — thanks to the Australia Telescope Compact Array in Narrabri — to the skies. And despite some disappointment caused largely by unrealistic expectations (and a less-than-amazing album), this was a wonderful, beautiful event, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will always be special for how fleeting it was. Much like a shooting star in the country sky, blazing its way through the middle of the Southern Cross.
After dropping its music program for 2023 in late February, Alice Springs' luminous Parrtjima — A Festival In Light has unveiled the full lineup of installations, tunes, talks and more that'll be lighting up the Red Centre come April. On the bill: informative discussions, impressive flicks and must-try workshops, all in stunning surroundings. Some events are worth locking into your diary regardless of who's playing and what's brightening up the place, of course, and this fest is one of them. The Indigenous arts, culture and storytelling festival just might be Australia's most luminous event, as attendees will learn when it returns from Friday, April 7–Sunday, April 16. 2023's focus: 'Listening with Heart'. That's what this year's light-heavy installations, which were announced late in 2022, will focus on. Parrtjima's theme is inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart, with that piece depicting Uluru-Ku Tjukurrpa, the Uluru story of connection, as created by a group of artists from Multijulu as led by Maruku artist Rene Kulitja. So, Kulitja will work with other of artists for Parrtjima to turn the Statement from the Heart artwork into a large-scale immersive light and sound installation. That means that Parrtjima attendees will find themselves plunged in the world of the Aṉangu people of the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands surrounding Uluru. The idea is to feature ancient songlines, plus Indigenous viewpoints on Country, as well as connecting to First Peoples' strong links with the land, water and sky. Two things that are also on the bill: two of the festival's regular annual attractions, aka a huge artwork that transforms a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic, 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges, showering it with light each night of the festival; and Grounded, the installation projected over the red dirt at tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park. As for the music program, it overflows with First Nations talent, including Docker River Band, Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara, JK-47, KAIIT, Karnage and Paul Ah Chee. They'll be joined by Radical Son, Richard J Frankland, Discovering Leerpeen Mara, Rowdy Birds, The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and The Merindas across the ten days — and with a range of dazzling backdrops. The talks lineup features actor Steven Oliver, marathon hero Charlie Maher, media identity Naomi Moran, scientist Corey Tutt, Olympian Nova Peris and more, such as musicians Richard Frankland, KAIIT and Paul Ah Chee — doing double duty on stage and having a chat. Movie-wise, attendees can look forward to Westwind: Djalu's Legacy, Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky, Araatika: Rise Up and The Australian Wars. And, the workshops schedule includes dance, art and pottery. PARRTJIMA — A FESTIVAL IN LIGHT 2023 MUSIC LINEUP: Docker River Band Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara JK-47 KAIIT Karnage (DJ) Karnage n Darknis Paul Ah Chee Radical Son Richard J Frankland Discovering Leerpeen Mara Rowdy Birds (DJ) The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band The Merindas PARRTJIMA — A FESTIVAL IN LIGHT 2023 TALKS LINEUP: Steven Oliver Richard J Frankland Charlie Maher Naomi Moran Corey Tutt Nova Peris KAIIT Paul Ah Chee Rene Kulitja, Charmaine Kulitja and Christine Brumby Christine Ross and Roxanne Highfold Dean Parkin and Ursula Raymond Parrtjima – A Festival in Light will run from Friday, April 7–Sunday, April 16, 2023 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: NTMEC/Parrtjima – A Festival in Light. 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.
If you've ever tucked into a scoop of Gelato Messina's frosty wares, savoured not just the taste but the scent and wished you could soak in the latter for longer, the dessert fiends have good news. Now, you can enjoy the enticing smell of gelato at home, all the time, even when you're not eating any — all thanks to Messina's new candle range. In collaboration with perfumed candle outfit Maison Balzac, Messina's Creative Department has turned its attention to something other than inventive gelato flavours and impressive degustations. The result: two candles, both inspired by honey. The 'Miel d'Hiver' candle (which means 'winter honey' in French) is designed to conjure up the scent of plants pollinated by bees in winter, and features notes of smoke, thyme, lemon, cedarleaf, frankincense, nutmeg, tonka bean, palo santo and peru balsam. Or, you can opt for the 'Miel d'Ete' ('summer honey'), which combines bergamot, galbanum, hyacinth, jasmine, orris, lily of the valley and musk patchouli. Anyone that's been to one of the Messina Creative Department's meals will know that wild honey gelato — made from honey from the company's local Sydney apiary, Rosebery Honey — is a big feature, so it's no surprise that the company has taken inspiration from honey for its new candles. If you're eager to make your whole house smell like dessert, the Maison Balzac x Messina Creative Department range is available from Maison Balzac, and from Messina's stores in Rosebery, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Bondi, Tramsheds, Fitzroy, South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley — while stocks last. They come in two sizes, so you can go big with a 300-gram candle (which'll burn for around 70 hours) for $69, or opt for the smaller 55-gram version (which'll burn for approximately 18 hours) for $29. All Messina shops are also serving up a new 'miel' gelato flavour, too, so you can lick your way through a cup or cone of citrus-infused honey gelato with honeycomb and burnt honey caramel as well. Gelato Messina's Maison Balzac candles are available from Maison Balzac, as well as from Messina's stores in Rosebery, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Bondi, Tramsheds, Fitzroy, South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley — while stocks last. All Messina shops are also serving up its new 'miel' gelato flavour, again while stocks last.
The Efendy group transformed the former Tombik digs into Baharat — a triple-threat venue that is either cocktail bar, casual eatery and spice shop or all three. Taking its name from the Turkish word for 'spice', Baharat is headed up by renowned chef Somer Sivrioğlu, bar manager Emre Bilgin (ex-Geyik), and assistant bar manager Berk Abdullahoglu (ex-Kaia). The venue's layout, decor, music and rustic interior (refreshed by Jordan Design Studio), all pull inspiration directly from the spice shops and street bars in Taksim square. Upon entry, you'll spot jars of spices adorning the wall behind the bar, alongside bottles of house-made alcoholic liqueurs and syrups, and strings of deep red chillis. Paired with the psychedelic Turkish music from the 70s, the tone for your night is set, transplanting you to the bustling streets of Istanbul. When you visit, you'll want to try a little of everything, so start off with the snacks section of the menu. You can try the stone baked bread, which pairs well with the hummus, babaganoush, or the pastirma and condiments. Or opt for the ox tongue with kokorec spices and flatbread, or the Muvjer — the Turkish equivalent of a zucchini fritter — combined with feta, haloumi and dill. For mains, cast your eyes over the pide selection. Pick from crowd favourites like the lahamacun — flatbread topped with minced meat or vegetables, the zaatar, walnut and muhammara flatbread, the three Anatolian cheese pide or the pastirma and kashar cheese pide. Then there's the restaurant's signature dish: the lamb tandir is slowly roasted in a stone oven, and served with flatbread and pickles. When it comes to the drinks, pick from Baharat's specialty cocktails which put a Turkish spin on the classics with inspiration from the restaurant's own Spice Bazaar. Look out for the pickled shalgam Bloody Mary, the sumac and black salt margaritas and the barrel-spiced negroni. The house cocktails also include a range of spice-infused cocktails including the Belly Dancer — featuring mezcal, grapefruit, allspice dram and raki — and the Fisco Misco — featuring Pisco and maraschino with cumin, coriander and sumac. There are also Turkish beers and wines, plus non-alcoholic drinks on offer, including Efes' fruity non-alcoholic malts. Those who are curious, or who simply enjoy watching their food being made, can peer through the window into the kitchen and enjoy the view. And if you can't dine in, all menu items are available for takeaway.
When Hollywood isn't bringing back beloved television shows such as Daria and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or spinning off huge hits like Game of Thrones, it's taking successful films to the small screen. The Lord of the Rings is the next beloved property in the spotlight, making the leap from the page to the cinema to your TV, with a five-season series first announced in 2017, then receiving the official go-ahead in mid-2018. Amazon Studios is the driving force behind his return to Middle-earth, adapting a television version of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels with the Tolkien Estate and Trust, publisher HarperCollins and Warner Bros. Entertainment's New Line Cinema. And before you go thinking that this'll be a simple rehash, the show's twitter account has started unveiling details about your next favourite TV program. The big news: it doesn't look like it'll be remaking events already covered by the movies. For a few weeks, the social media account has been posting maps accompanied by Lord of the Rings quotes, such as "Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky" and "One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne. In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie". This week, it welcomed fans to the Second Age — as accompanied, once again, by a Middle-earth map. While that mightn't seem like the most significant piece of information, it's worth noting. With Tolkien's best-sellers and Peter Jackson's films taking place in Third Age, it reveals that the show will be focusing on stories set before both The Fellowship of the Ring and The Hobbit. https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1103656946509344768 Since the series was first announced, it has been widely expected that it would chart new ground rather than serve up the same details on a smaller screen. If you're a little rusty on your Lord of the Rings lore, the Second Age lasted for 3441 years, and saw the initial rise and fall of Sauron, as well as a spate of wars over the coveted rings. Elves feature prominently, and there's plenty to cover, even if Tolkien's works didn't spend that much time on the period — largely outlining the main events in an appendix to the popular trilogy. Exactly which tale Amazon's series will tell hasn't yet been revealed, and it's still way too early for even rumours about who'll be eating second breakfasts. But the show is moving ahead with JD Payne and Patrick McKay (writers with credits on the upcoming Star Trek 4 and Jungle Cruise) developing the series. "We feel like Frodo, setting out from the Shire, with a great responsibility in our care — it is the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime," said the lifelong friends when their involvement was announced. According to The Hollywood Reporter last year, Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke revealed that the series will be in production by 2020 — so expect to make a date with the first season in 2021. If you're so excited about the show that you'll settle for pouring over maps in the interim, you can do just that at Amazon's website for the series.
There's something so satisfying about pssssst sound made when cracking a tab on a canned beverage. That coupled with the fact canned drinks have in-built portion control, guaranteed freshness (with a delightful little spritz to them) and can be recycled, more winemakers, distillers and brewers are saying "yes, we can" to the can. Plus, they're perfect for a multitude of drinking scenarios — from a fruity pinot gris while sitting on your balcony at home watching the sunset to a super refreshing G&T at your mate's barbecue. So, we've scoured bottle shops and online retailers across the country for the best canned beverages in each category: boozy, caffeinated and alcohol-free. No glassware or garnishes needed — just crack open a can, throw on your best playlist and you've got yourself an instant party. WINE BLIND CORNER SOUTH WEST COOLER 2019 ($34 FOR A SIX-PACK) Straddling the line between wine and a cocktail, this newest creation comes from organic and biodynamic winemakers Blind Corner. The team's homage to the 80s is a wine spritzer (or cooler) made from their estate-grown shiraz grapes. A juicy, bright, red fruited nouveau-style wine, it's a must-have for any barbecue. Just add grilled meats (or grilled eggplant for the vegos). SITE WINE PINOT GRIS 2019 ($12) Site Wine's single-site Victorian pinot gris has been handpicked and naturally fermented to create a refreshing and vibrant wine with hints of tropical fruits. There's the unavoidable spritz — that you find in all canned wine — but it dissipates after a few sips. With 3.8 standard drinks per can, this little delightful little number is packed full of flavour, so drink slowly. INNOCENT BYSTANDER MOSCATO NV ($6) Many people's favourite "secret shame" drink from arguably Australia's best moscato producer, Innocent Bystander's moscato NV is now available in easy-to-slurp can form. Smells like fairy floss, rose petals and mandarin peel, and is filled with flavours of vibrant strawberry, red apples and a hint of jasmine flowers, with a well-integrated sweetness that jumps out of the can and into your mouth. In our opinion, it goes with any brunch scenario you want to throw at it — pavlovas; pancakes with lemon sugar; blue cheese, pear and candied walnut salads. COCKTAILS CURATIF TOMMY'S MARGARITA From the creative minds that brought you the negroni in a can (a collab with Four Pillars) and the espresso martini in a can (a collab with Archie Rose), Curatif's newest drink is a tommy's margarita made in collaboration with Tromba tequila. Curatif prides itself on making the world's best cocktails by sourcing only the finest ingredients from around the globe, and the tommy's is no different. It's made with Tromba's blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, agave syrup and salt. Simply pour over ice, and you've got instant summertime in a glass — all year round. At this stage, the Curatif Escape Series is only available at limited locations (Jackalope Hotel, Victoria; Pink Hotel, Coolangatta; Sails Motel, Brunswick Heads; and Pablo & Rustys, Sydney). However, the tommy's margarita (and a very delicious looking bloody mary in conjunction with Archie Rose) will be launched more widely come June 2020. MOUNTAIN GIN AND TONIC ($8.99) You can't throw a lime without hitting a new Australian gin distiller. However, not many have decided to pre-package the much-loved G&T in a can ready for your next barbecue. This is where the team at Mountain Gin (hailing from Victoria's Macedon Ranges) comes in with one of the most delicious and well-balanced canned G&Ts available. Each can includes 45 millilitres of its 100-percent batch-distilled gin, carefully blended with its recipe for low-sugar tonic, to bring forth the sharp citrus character of orange peel and lemon myrtle. The gin is inspired by locally foraged botanicals, and made using new growth pine needles and native pepperberry found throughout the area. The flavours in the gin are so crisp and clean — it's like taking a deep breath of fresh mountain air. LOVE CAN SPRITZ ($7.50) The complexity of a negroni meets the refreshing lightness if a spritz. Made with Mildura lemon juice, Poor Toms strawberry gin, Poor Toms Imbroglio orange amaro, the Sydney-distilled Love Can is also fairly low-calorie (if that's something you care about) at only 120 per can. If not, it's just another excuse to skip the gym and workout your drinking arm instead. The Love Cans — which also come in vodka yuzu and G&T varieties — are a collaboration between Marrickville's Poor Toms distillery and soda maker Strange Love. ALCOHOL-FREE SOBAH DAVIDSON PLUM GLUTEN-FREE ALE ($20 A FOUR-PACK) Indigenous Australian-owned Sobah is Australia's first non-alcoholic craft beer company. It's run by husband-wife team Clinton and Lozen Schultz, who are creating brews that are equal parts flavoursome and sustainably made. The duo's newest flavour is a light and aromatic gluten-free brew, that's sold out on the website, but our friends at Newtown bottle shop P&V currently have some on their shelves (plus the other styles in the Sobah range). It has an earthy aroma with musk and a touch of sweetness, the taste of davidson plum is tart ( similar to a cranberry) with some sourness and a slight bitterness. If you can't get your hands on this one, there are plenty of other flavours — including lemon aspen pilsner and pepperberry IPA — to try. FIRE TONIC SPARKLING SWITCHEL LEMON AND GINGER ($24 FOR A SIX-PACK) Based on an 18th-century rural American recipe, switchel is thought to be the 'original sports drink'. So, move over Gatorade — the ultimate hangover cure is here thanks to Victorian-based company Hilbilby. Bursting with good things, this can is refined sugar-free and only contains all-natural ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, ginger, raw honey and pink mineral salt. With so many non-alcoholic drinks and sodas on the market filled with excess sugar, this is the perfect drink for those wanting something a little more savoury. COFFEE MINOR FIGURES NITRO COLD BREW ($24 FOR A MIXED SIX-PACK) Brewed with a focus on sustainability and no dairy or added sugar, Minor Figures is our latest coffee obsession. What makes its brews so special is the process of nitrogen-infused cold brewing, which assists in producing a silkier, frothier consistency and a softer, but more flavoursome brew that's guaranteed to shake out the brain fog in the morning and wake up the senses. The cold brew comes in three caffeinated flavours: black, oat milk latte and oat milk mocha.
Luck, be a lady tonight: when Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's famed floating stage returns for 2025, Guys and Dolls will be sweeping audiences off to 50s-era Manhattan from the city's — and the country's — most-stunning performance venue. As one production does each year, the hit five-time Tony-winning musical will unleash its showgirls and gangsters, as well as its incredibly catchy tunes, against a helluva backdrop. Guys and Dolls will play the unique waterfront opera venue at Mrs Macquaries Point from Friday, March 21–Sunday, April 20, following in the footsteps of West Side Story in 2024, Madama Butterfly in 2023, The Phantom of the Opera in 2022 and La Traviata in 2021 — to name just a few shows that've gotten the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour treatment over the years. This time, expect a new version of a musical that first premiered on Broadway in 1950, then on West End in 1953, and has enjoyed many a revival in the seven decades since. The story, as also conveyed in the 1955 Marlon Brando- and Frank Sinatra-starring film — which was nominated for four Oscars — follows Sky Masterson as he endeavours to win big, then crosses paths with missionary Sister Sarah Brown. Also weaved into the narrative: the tale of Nathan and Adelaide, with the former also immersed in gambling and the latter his fiancé. [caption id="attachment_968005" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Opera Australia's Performance of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour 2019, Hamilton Lund.[/caption] Tunes such as 'Luck Be a Lady', also 'Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat', 'Adelaide's Lament' and 'I've Never Been in Love Before' will echo across the harbour in the latest take on Guys and Dolls. Helping make the season even more of a spectacle is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour veteran set designer Brian Thomson, who also demonstrated his talents on La Traviata, Carmen and West Side Story. As always, also included in this Guys and Dolls experience is not just the show on the overwater stage, but also fireworks each evening, dazzling Sydney skyline views and hitting up pop-up dining spots that are constructed onsite each year. [caption id="attachment_968004" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2019 — West Side Story, Hamilton Lund.[/caption] Top images: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2016 — Turandot, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2021 — La Traviata and Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2022 — The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton Lund.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZAQT0jTFuU AMMONITE Looking at an ammonite fossil is like putting your ear up to a seashell: in their ridged spirals, it feels as if a whole new world could exist. In the latter's case, each one is made from the remains of extinct molluscs from millions of years ago, and lingers now as a reminder of a different time and existence, its compact coils encasing all of its secrets. The striking specimens from the past provide the film Ammonite with its title, and with an obvious metaphor as well — but also an apt one that's brought to life with meticulous delicacy. In the second feature from God's Own Country writer/director Francis Lee, the two central characters in this patient yet always evocative 1840s-set romance are the product of centuries of convention and expectation, with society's engrained views about women both weathering away at them and solidifying their place. In a queer love story that once again arises organically in heightened circumstances, dives into a labour-intensive field with a resolute connection to the land, derives an elemental tenor from crucial locations, watches on tenderly as a new arrival upends the status quo and gifts two lonely souls a connection they wouldn't otherwise admit they yearned for, they're also as tightly wound as the historical remnants they tirelessly search for along the craggy, cliff-lined West Dorset coastline. Lee's impeccably cast, exquisitely acted, solemnly beautiful and moving film isn't just the lesbian counterpart to its predecessor, though. While the movies complement each other perfectly, Ammonite unearths its own depths and boasts its own strengths. Lee has made the concerted decision not just to focus on two women, but to fictionalise the relationship between real-life scientists who find solace in each other as they're forced to fight to be seen as anything other than housewives. Living in Lyme Regis with her ailing mother (Gemma Jones, Rocketman), Mary Anning (Kate Winslet, Wonder Wheel) is no one's wife, and doesn't want to be — but, working in the male-dominated realm of palaeontology, she's accustomed to being treated differently to her peers. As a child, she found her first ammonite fossil, which is displayed in the British Museum. Now scraping by running a shop that sells smaller specimens to rich tourists, she hasn't stopped looking for other big discoveries since. When geologist Roderick Murchison (James McArdle, Mary, Queen of Scots) visits Mary's store, however, he's after her services in a different way. In a casual reminder of just how dismissively women are regarded, she's asked to take care of his melancholic wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan, Little Women) while he travels abroad for work. Roderick thinks it'll be good for Charlotte to learn from Mary, to get outside daily and to have a sense of purpose, but Mary only agrees for the money. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZQz0rkNajo THE DIG When Ralph Fiennes first trundles across the screen in The Dig, then starts speaking in a thick Suffolk accent, he's in suitably surly mode, as he needs to be. But, playing forthright and hardworking excavator Basil Brown, the adaptable Official Secrets, Hail, Caesar!, Spectre and A Bigger Splash star also flirts with overstatement in his initial scenes. Thankfully, he settles into his role quickly — and this 1939-set drama about an immense real-life archaeological discovery finds its rhythm with him. Hired by Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman) to burrow into what appear to be centuries-old burial mounds on her sprawling estate, Basil doesn't unearth any old find. His kindly employer has always had a feeling about the small hills on her property, she tells him in one of their friendly, leisurely chats, and her instincts prove accurate, sparking national interest. Adapting the 2007 novel of the same name by John Preston, this graceful movie explores Basil's dig, Edith's fight to retain both recognition and the items buried deep in her soil, her increasing health woes, and the keen excitement of her primary school-aged son Robert (Archie Barnes, Patrick). It also follows the circus that kicks up when the British Museum's Charles Phillips (Ken Stott, The Mercy) insists on taking over, and the love triangle that arises between his married employees Stuart (Ben Chaplin, The Children Act) and Peggy Piggott (Lily James, Rebecca) and Edith's airforce-bound cousin Rory Lomax (Johnny Flynn, Emma). Whether you already know the details or you're discovering them for the first time, The Dig tells an astonishing story — and while a mid-20th century archaeological dig mightn't sound like rich and riveting viewing, this fascinating feature proves that notion wrong. As well as its true tale, it benefits from two important decisions: the casting of Mulligan and Fiennes, and the involvement of Australian theatre director-turned-filmmaker Simon Stone. After the anger and raw energy of Promising Young Woman, Mulligan finds power in restraint here. Once Fiennes finds his knack as Basil, he's a source of stoic potency as well. Their scenes together rank among the movie's best, although, making his first movie since 2015's The Daughter, Stone ensures that even the most routine of moments is never dull. The Dig abounds with sun-dappled imagery of Suffolk fields, their green and yellow expanse being carved into one shovel at a time, but it's a gorgeously lensed film in every frame. Stone and cinematographer Mike Eley (who also worked on The White Crow, which was directed by Fiennes) rarely shoot anything within view in the expected manner, resulting in a movie that steps back into the past, chronicles an historical discovery, appears the handsome period part, yet also looks and feels fluid and lively as it ponders the reality that time comes for all things and people. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-0w6yTt3lg MY SALINGER YEAR Cinema's recent obsession with JD Salinger continues, with My Salinger Year joining 2013 documentary Salinger, 2015 drama Coming Through the Rye and 2017 biography Rebel in the Rye. The reclusive The Catcher in the Rye author famously wouldn't permit his acclaimed novel to be adapted for the big screen, and that absence has clearly made the filmmaking world's heart grow fonder in the years since his 2010 death — although, in this case, Joanna Rakoff's 2014 memoir was always bound to get the movie treatment. In 1995, fresh from studying English literature at college and newly arrived in New York to chase her dreams, the wide-eyed aspiring scribe (Margaret Qualley, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) takes an assistant job at one of the city's oldest and most prestigious literary agencies. Landing the role requires lying about her own ambitions, telling her new boss, Margaret (Sigourney Weaver, Ghostbusters), that she isn't trying to become a writer herself. (That's one thing the seasoned agent won't abide; another: any new technology beyond typewriters and telephones.) Joanna soon finds an outlet for her talents, however, when she's asked to reply to Salinger's fan mail. She's advised to send a generic response to the author's aficionados, as has always been the agency's policy, but she's moved to both secretly read and pen personal responses to them instead. French Canadian writer/director Philippe Falardeau's Monsieur Lazhar, from 2011, was one of that year's tender, touching and thoughtful standouts. But My Salinger Year, which opened 2020's Berlinale almost a year before reaching Australian cinemas, is far more perfunctory — making an interesting true story feel far more formulaic as it should. The filmmaker retains a gentle hand, fills his script with affection for the enthusiastic Joanna, and literally gives a voice to those who've been moved by exceptional literature, and yet the end result spins an adult coming-of-age story just pleasantly and affably enough, rather than strikes much of a lasting chord. It also feels slight while proving overstretched, making obvious statements about art and commerce, the past and the future, and the eternal struggle to maintain a personal-professional balance (with Salinger, or Jerry as Margaret calls him, weaved throughout each point). At the same vastly different junctures in their careers as the characters they play, Qualley and Weaver are the feature's obvious highlights, however. They're placed in a well-worn Devil Wears Prada-style relationship, but their back-and-forth provides the film with its spark (and, for Weaver fans, even recalls her Oscar-nominated supporting role in 1988 workplace comedy Working Girl). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35jJNyFuYKQ THE WHITE TIGER Adapted from Aravind Adiga's 2008 Man Booker Prize-winning debut novel, The White Tiger shares an animal metaphor in its name; however, it's another, about roosters and coops, that truly cuts to its core. Like poultry in a cage awaiting slaughter, India's poor are kept in their place as servants, explains protagonist Balram (Adarsh Gourav, Hostel Daze) in the pacy narration that drives the film. At the mercy of cruel and ruthless masters, they're well aware that they're being treated thoughtlessly at best. They watch on as others around them are stuck in compliant lives of drudgery, in fact. But, ever-dutiful, they're unwilling to break free or even defy their employers. That's the life that Balram is supposed to lead, and does for a time — after he ingratiates his way into a driver position for Ashok and Pinky (Bollywood star Rajkummar Rao and Baywatch's Priyanka Chopra Jonas), the American-educated son and New York-raised daughter-in-law of the rich landlord (Mahesh Manjrekar, Slumdog Millionaire) who owns his village and demands a third of all earnings from its residents. The White Tiger starts with a car accident outside Delhi involving Balram, Ashok and Pinky, then unfurls in flashbacks from a slick, unapologetic Balram in the future, so it's immediately apparent that he won't always be kowtowing to those considered above him in his country's strict caste system. It's also evident that his tale, as cheekily told via a letter penned to 2003–13 Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, will take the audience on quite the wild journey. The White Tiger's framing device is a little clumsy, and its overt, blackly comic observations about the wealthy taking advantage of everyone they consider below them aren't new — but this is still a savage, compelling and entertaining film with something smart to say and an engaging way of conveying its central message. Thanks to 2005's Man Push Cart, 2007's Chop Shop and 2015's 99 Homes, Iranian American writer/director Ramin Bahrani is no stranger to street-level stories about everyday folks trying to survive and thrive under capitalism's boot, or to the twisted power dynamics that can ensue in society at large and in close quarters. Accordingly, he's a perfect fit for the material here, and brings a constantly probing eye to the narrative penned by his college classmate Adiga. Also ideal is Gourav. The actor is in excellent company, with Rao and Chopra Jonas each finding multiple layers in their characters' lives of privilege and eagerness to regard Balram as a friend while it suits. But as a bright-eyed but still calculating young man trying to work his way up in the world, and then as a cynical experienced hand who has seen much, endured more and knows how he wants the world to work, Gourav is electrifying. It's a performance that's bound to catapult him into other high-profile roles, and it's also the likeable and empathetic yet also ambitious and slippery portrayal this rollercoaster ride of a story hinges upon. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7OVB-7gjJ0 MUSIC Sia isn't the first musician to try her hand at filmmaking. Music is barely a movie, however. As co-penned with children's author Dallas Clayton, the scantest of cliche-riddled, Rain Man-esque narratives is used to stitch together ten whimsy-dripping musical numbers — packaged as brightly coloured and costumed insights into the unique way in which the film's titular character sees the world, but really just lavish music videos to new Sia-penned songs performed by the feature's cast. And, awash in rainbow hues, surrealistic outfits and jerky, stylised dance moves, these frequent video clips are actually the most subtle parts of the movie. Sia's regular dancer and muse Maddie Ziegler jumps from the singer/songwriter's 'Chandelier' and 'Elastic Heart' videos to play Music, a nonverbal teenager on the autism spectrum, with such pronounced mannerisms that her performances feels like a caricature from her first wide-eyed stare. As the girl's just-sober, on-probation, much-older half-sister Zu (and acting in her first screen role since 2017), Kate Hudson stamps around with a shaved head that's supposed to signify the character's alternative credentials — and, as her character scowls about her new responsibilities to her sibling, drops phrases such as "people pound" and flits around town dealing drugs to fund her dream of starting a yoga commune, she's just as forceful. Music starts with its headphone-wearing namesake's daily routine, which has been carefully established by her grandmother Millie (Mary Kay Place, The Prom), and is maintained with help from the kindly local community. But then tragedy strikes, Zu is called in to look after Music, and she quickly establishes that she knows far less about what she's doing and about her sister than Millie's doting neighbours, such as boxing teacher Ebo (Leslie Odom Jr, a Tony-winner for Hamilton) and building mainstay George (Hector Elizondo, one of Hudson's co-stars in 2016's also abysmal Mother's Day). The movie might bear Music's name, but it tells Zu's story. Controversy swelled around the film when its first trailer dropped in 2020, with Sia called out for the fact that the neurotypical Ziegler isn't from the autistic community — and it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the first-time feature director happily uses Music as a catalyst to spark Zu's growth, rather than as the movie's actual protagonist. Zu's journey involves learning not to resent her sibling or dump her on others (something that should be self-evident) and falling for Ebo, while Music becomes little more than her sidekick. By the time that Sia shows up, playing a version of herself and purchasing pills from Zu to send to Haiti as an act of charity, Music has already outstayed its welcome; however, her brief on-screen appearance hammers home not just the film's indulgence, but the fact that the movie is really just an advertisement for a concept album above all else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjLnk8YriCQ SHADOW IN THE CLOUD In Shadow in the Cloud, a passenger on a plane spies a gremlin peering at them from outside the aircraft — and science fiction fans will know that in 1963 with William Shatner, in 1983 with John Lithgow and in 2019 with Adam Scott, The Twilight Zone got there first. The second of those instances, in Twilight Zone: The Movie, was produced by filmmaker John Landis. In what's hardly a coincidence, the script for Shadow in the Cloud is co-credited to Landis' controversial son Max (Chronicle, American Ultra). Plenty of details have been changed here, with the second feature from director and co-writer Roseanne Liang (My Wedding and Other Secrets) set in 1943, primarily taking place on a B-17 bomber from Auckland to Samoa and focusing on Flight Officer Maude Garrett (Chloë Grace Moretz, Greta). From the outset, the film also endeavours to draw attention to gender politics. After its airborne scenes, it gets gleefully absurd, too. Still, after some initial intrigue, Shadow in the Cloud kicks into gear with a been-there, seen-that air that can't be shaken, even as the movie tries to fly into over-the-top B-movie territory. It doesn't help that, while endeavouring to mixing feminist sentiments with gonzo genre flourishes, it spends far too much time letting men voice their utter surprise that a woman could be caught up in this narrative. Those comments echo as Maude sits in the ball turret hanging beneath the aircraft. She's hitching a ride with an all-male crew (including The Outpost's Taylor John Smith, Hawaii Five-O's Beulah Koale, Love, Simon's Nick Robinson, Operation Buffalo's Benedict Wall and Avengers: Endgame's Callan Mulvey) for a secret mission that she isn't allowed to let them in on, and they're none too happy about the situation. So, that's the only space they're willing to give her. They're content to chatter away obnoxiously about her, though, and to dismiss her worries as hysterics when she spies a critter wreaking havoc outside. This part of the picture is enough to give viewers whiplash. In the tension-dripping creature-feature tradition, and as a Twilight Zone remake, Maude's experiences during the flight are the film's best. If her anxiety-riddled time with the gremlin had been stretched out to movie-length and packaged with example after example of how society overlooks women, they could've had real bite, too. And yet, the way the movie's sexist dialogue is used to make a girl-power point proves near-excruciatingly clunky and cliched, rather than clever or meaningful. Imbalance plagues the film over and over, actually — as evidenced in the 80s-style synth score that sounds great but doesn't quite fit, its constant tonal shifts, Moretz's performance, and the overall feeling that the movie thinks it has nailed the combination of out-there and astute. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30; August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27; September 3, September 10, September 17 and September 24; October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22 and October 29; and November 5, November 12, November 19 and November 26; and December 3, December 10, December 17, December 26; and January 1 and January 7. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves, The King of Staten Island, Babyteeth, Deerskin, Peninsula, Tenet, Les Misérables, The New Mutants, Bill & Ted Face the Music, The Translators, An American Pickle, The High Note, On the Rocks, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Antebellum, Miss Juneteenth, Savage, I Am Greta, Rebecca, Kajillionaire, Baby Done, Corpus Christi, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, The Craft: Legacy, Radioactive, Brazen Hussies, Freaky, Mank, Monsoon, Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt), American Utopia, Possessor, Misbehaviour, Happiest Season, The Prom, Sound of Metal, The Witches, The Midnight Sky, The Furnace, Wonder Woman 1984, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles, Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman and Summerland.
Pineapple on pizza is something you either love or abhor. Sorry, there's no in-between. Some folks won't eat a slice without it, which clearly means they're big fans of Hawaiian pizzas. Others won't touch a piece that's been anywhere near pineapple, and can't stand the variety dedicated to it. Yes, it's a polarising topping. 2022 happens to mark 60 years since the first Hawaiian pizza was apparently served up in Canada, and since that sweet-and-savoury combination had tastebuds either rejoicing or hankering for absolutely anything else. And, to celebrate that milestone, Pizza Hut is giving out freebies — just free pizzas in general, though. If you love pizza — as we all do — but don't like pineapple on top of it, you can still take advantage of this giveaway. It's running all month, from Monday, August 1–Wednesday, August 31, with a huge 35,000 free pizzas up for grabs. Here's how it works: every day this month, the fast food chain is running the promotion via its website — and it's a first in, first served affair. If you're one of the first 1000 people to hop online before 4pm AEST each day, you'll be able to claim a free pizza voucher. That's dinner sorted then, clearly. You can use the vouchers for Hawaiian pizzas, unsurprisingly, but also for super supreme, barbecue meatlovers, pepperoni lovers and cheese lovers varieties. And if you've noticed that there's 31 days in August, and 1000 pizzas a day doesn't equal 35,000, an extra 4000 free pizzas will be on offer on International Hawaiian Pizza Day — which, yes, is a thing. That falls on Saturday, August 20, in case you wanted to mark your diary. If you don't manage to nab a free pizza on any given day, there's an online Hawaiian pizza-slicing game that you can play on the Pizza Hut website after you try, too — and if you rank in the top ten on any day, there are Pizza Hut Hawaiian shirts to be won. Also, just hitting the daily game target puts you in the draw to win a family trip to Hawaii, as does ordering a Hawaiian pizza throughout August. Pizza Hut is giving away 1000 free pizzas daily from Monday, August 1–Wednesday, August 31. For further information, or to nab a pizza, head to the chain's website.
Potterheads, prepare to lose your gosh darn minds. To celebrate Harry Potter's birthday on July 31, a newly established group named Peeves' Gang are hosting three parties across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide (so you can expect a lot of silly wand waving). Just leave Dr Filibuster's Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks at home. It's dress-up (obviously) and Butterbeer, Fire Whiskey and Polyjuice Potion will be served up en masse so make sure you book a ticket on the Knight Bus to get you home safe. The parties are being held in some pretty big locations, including the King Cross Hotel in Sydney (July 1), the Castle of Brown Alley in Melbourne (July 29) and the Castle of Sugar in Adelaide (May 27). If you're feeling especially in the spirit, you might want to bring a cake: The HP fan world is more stupefied and damn well excited than usual lately (if you listen closely you can hear old sheets being cut up and crafted into dress robes). It could be because Brisbane held an entire Harry Potter market last month. It could be because every morning we still hopefully open the mailbox expecting a belated Hogwarts letter, or maybe because the official trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them just came out and we're feeling that familiar excitement building. There's also the West End play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I and II (the epilogue we all wanted); a sanctioned eighth 'book' has been announced based on the play and the Universal Studios Harry Potter World have just thrown their doors wide. It's a Harry Potter smorgasboard worldwide and we are damn sure going to feast. FYI this year we celebrate Harry's 36th birthday. We know this because HP nerds investigated, argued and deduced that JK Rowling began writing the series in 1990, when Harry was 10, so he was born 1980 and turns 36 in 2016. If you're looking for dress-up ideas, check in with Madam Malkin or borrow some mad swag from the staff: Grab your tickets to the Melbourne party here, the Sydney party here and the Adelaide party here. UPDATE APRIL 26, 2016: Sydney has added an extra date on Saturday, July 2, as the first party sold out quicker than the Basilisk petrified Colin Creevey. Get on it.
He has been gamboling around the Melbourne indie scene for years with Crayon Fields, but it is Geoffrey O'Connor's debut solo effort, Vanity Is Forever, that has garnered most attention since its release in October. The album, full of sultry synthesisers and insinuating stories, has gotten a lot of people talking, and more than a couple of girls swooning. Now, Geoffrey O'Connor is bringing his polite heartbreaker brand of cool to Sydney. Concrete Playground spoke with O'Connor ahead of the launch of his new album, Vanity Is Forever, at Goodgod on Friday, November 18, and his summer shows at Laneway Festival 2012. How long did it take to piece together Vanity Is Forever? Three long, blissful years. How has making a solo album differed from what you've done before with Crayon Fields and Sly Hats? The preparation was a lot different. I guess when you are developing a song with a band you become focused on presenting it in a particular way. I had the freedom to re-record and re-work these songs many times, often discarding months of work. It's something you can't really do in a group situation. There are a lot of '80s pop sounds on the record. Was that a deliberate move or did the '80s influence just come naturally? It was more that I deliberately set out to make a very synthetic sounding record, which I guess is why certain aspects of it evoke the '80s. Even the acoustic instruments on the record - such as the acoustic guitar, string sections and drums - have all been treated in such a way that they sound a little otherworldly and synthetic. A lot of the songs on Vanity is Forever are very romantic and tell stories of complicated relationships. Are the songs inspired by personal experience or is it all just made up? They are all based on personal experience and observations. I love speculating about people's lives, especially their romantic lives - it's how I get my kicks. There is a slight fantasy element as well, but that is only to spice things up. When drawing from personal experience I omit certain details and exaggerate others to make out I'm a cooler guy, but there is still a strong resemblance between what happens on and off the record. What was it like touring with Jens Lekman this year? One of the best experiences of my life. A lot of fun. The touring crew were really interesting, cool people and I really enjoy long drives through the US. We watched Australian coming-of-age movies in the van which was funny - Puberty Blues, The Year My Voice Broke. All the shows were in incredible venues too - a synagogue, an 'ethical society', and a Masonic Hall in Hollywood Forever Cemetery. What are you looking forward to most about playing the Laneway Festivals this summer? I love playing festivals, especially outdoors - you can wear sunglasses on stage and pour water on gigantic drunk guys. I'm really looking forward to seeing EMA, The Drums, The Horrors and Anna Calvi too. Even missing bands due to laziness or chattiness can be a blast too. I get a real kick out of drinking backstage, knowing the faint rumble in the background is a band I'd otherwise sell my mother to see. The video for 'Whatever Leads Me To You' is amazing. What inspired the whole aesthetic and the goldfish in a cocktail glass, amongst other things? Thanks! The goldfish in a glass was inspired by when I went to an opening party for a bar and they had oyster cocktails - which seemed equally decadent and disgusting. I'm interested in the way extreme decadence can often involve flirting with something that can seem otherwise quite repulsive - so I thought I'd make my own little concoction. What can we expect from your Sydney show at Goodgod? More specifically, will you be wearing the sunglasses on stage, because I'm sure that would please everyone. Ha! It's not something I normally do, but if I come across some shades on the night I'll put them on for sure. It will be me, duelling synthesisers and a set of kaleidoscopic laser beams to keep us all in time. https://youtube.com/watch?v=0fztmXL9INY
What's better than seeing an almost 150-year-old heritage-listed building given a new lease on life, and giving Sydneysiders three new spots to eat and drink in the process? Seeing all of the above happen right next door to the city's newest boutique hotel. Meet Porter House, the soon-to-open five-level bar and dining venue making this very situation a reality — and giving the CBD a new must-visit location. Come July, a trip to 203 Castlereagh Street will mean choosing between multiple bars and eateries (or, if you prefer, hopping between them all). In a structure that dates back to 1876, has been restored over the past four years — and was previously used as a tobacco factory, warehouse, furniture manufacturer and leather merchant — Porter House will feature a Euro-style delicatessen and wine bar, a brasserie, plus another bar. At Henry's Bread and Wine, which'll operate seven days a week on the ground floor, an all-day lineup will be on the menu. That'll include tucking into wagyu pastrami reubens with sour onions, prawn milk buns and blue-eye trevalla bagels — and also being able to pick between eating in and taking away for breakfast and lunch. Drinks-wise, expect to get sipping at a central bar surrounded by a four-metre wall of wine, mainly from Australia. And, flowers will fill another wall, all thanks to an in-house florist. [caption id="attachment_855876" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henry's Bread and Wine[/caption] Then, Dixson & Sons — which takes its name from the Dixson family, who originally built the site all those years back — will sprawl across nearly 200 square metres on the first floor. Seating 90, it'll skew relaxed but elegant, with banquettes, tables for two, a couple of semi-private dining spaces and a bar spanning six metres perched in the middle. On Executive Chef Emrys Jones' (ex-Fish Butchery, No 5, Qualia) menu: a big focus on New South Wales produce, and on using every part of each ingredient. As well as seafood, you can look forward to tasting your way through native flavours such as bush tomato, native thyme, lemon myrtle, dessert lime and macadamia dukkha. A sampling of potential dishes includes salt-baked beets with labna; roast lamb with eggplant and miso puree, brassicas and chocolate jus; and roast potatoes with bush tomato salt. Finally, opening in spring rather than winter, the 225-square-metre Spice Trader bar will take over the top level — complete with glass panels across more than half the roof to make the most of the natural light. Drinks will come served from a 16-metre sage marble bar, and expect to knock back cocktails aplenty, with the beverage list yet to be revealed. As for its other two floors, Porter House will fill them with private dining spaces and a number of function rooms. [caption id="attachment_855875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dixson & Sons[/caption] Fancy making a night of it? That's where the adjacent $94 million Porter House Hotel — MGallery comes in, which is also set to launch in July alongside Henry's Bread and Wine and Dixson & Sons. Featuring 122 rooms, it'll sit across the first ten floors of the 36-storey tower next door, with 131 residential apartments filling the other 26 levels. Linking the two buildings: a pair new walkways featuring glass balustrades and rails, with showcasing the contrast between Porter House's heritage features and MGallery's modern design a key aim. Actually, that's the overall aesthetic in general, as seen in the hotel's interior decor. Think: leather and pressed tin touches, gold and brass fixtures, wooden flooring, soft pink and grey tones, warm lighting, curves and arches used heavily, and mismatching modern and vintage furniture. Hotel guests will all get access to a rooftop garden and a 12.5-square-metre heated pool as well. And, decking out the exterior will be a 335-square-metre mural by Maria Fernanda Cardosa. Reaching up 11 storeys, Ripples and Droplets goes big on arches and circles, too — and is believed to be the largest public artwork by an Australian artist in the Sydney CBD. [caption id="attachment_855878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Porter House Hotel[/caption] Yes, you might've just found your next staycation spot. That said, with Sydney also just gaining Australia's first Ace Hotel, and the Waldorf Astoria also opening its first-ever Australian hotel in Sydney in 2025, your list of places for a night away from home just keeps growing. Find Porter House at 203 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, from July — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced. Images: artist impressions.
Parramatta, or Burramatta, is a Darug word meaning 'place of eels' and anyone who's taken a stroll along Parramatta River will have seen images etched into the pathway of this western Sydney suburb's history from its first people through to the communities who live here today. It's western Sydney's main hub, and the high-rise developments and new apartments show how much investment there's been into bringing international brands to this area — so it's not easy to know where to spend your time (and money) when you're shopping on Church and George Streets. The trick is knowing where to go. Take a walk down one of Parramatta's laneways and you'll find western Sydney's last remaining indie record shop, a craft brewery with water views, and a florist that's been bringing cheer to locals for more than three decades. With the help of American Express, we've picked out the independent shops, eateries and producers that are well worth a visit. Here's where to shop small in Parramatta with your Amex Card.
Parramatta might be smack bang in the middle of the Sydney metro area but it's home to a surprising amount of natural beauty. There are adventures of all kinds to be had — from swimming in wild water holes to strolling through ancient mangrove forests and discovering Indigenous bush foods. So, if you've been looking for new places to explore, here are eight ideas to launch you into action. Consider starting your day with a ferry trip: it's a one-hour journey from Circular Quay to Parramatta Wharf, which takes in all sorts of watery wonders, from Goat and Cockatoo Islands to Kissing Point and Homebush Bay. Once you've arrived, you have a bunch of ways to spend the day discovering something special. [caption id="attachment_703446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeffrey Drewitz via Destination NSW[/caption] SWIM IN LAKE PARRAMATTA After closing for 72 years, Lake Parramatta reopened for swimmers in 2015. You'll find it just north of Parramatta CBD, surrounded by 70 hectares of bushland. If getting in the water isn't your thing, try getting on it — specifically, in a rowboat which you can hire from Parramatta Rowboats. Grab a snack at Lake Parramatta Cafe or take your own and cook up a storm on one of the lakeside barbecues. There's also plenty of space to roll out a picnic blanket and relax. If you're feeling active, there are a number of walking tracks to conquer, from the 4.2-kilometre Lake Circuit, which follows the shoreline, to the 1.5-kilometre She-Oak Track. [caption id="attachment_748077" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CYCLE THE PARRAMATTA PARK LOOP One of Sydney's great city parks is Parramatta Park, which has 85 hectares of greenery. See the best from two wheels on a cycle around the Parramatta Park Loop. This easy, 3.2-kilometre route passes through pretty grasslands and mature treescapes. Be sure to check out Grey-Headed Flying Fox Camp, home to around 5000 endangered creatures. To extend your adventure, follow the connecting cycle path leading to Sydney Olympic Park along the Parramatta River. WALK BADU MANGROVE BOARDWALK Before European invasion, the Parramatta River was flanked by mangrove forests. These days, many of them are gone, but, on Badu Mangrove Boardwalk, you can still surround yourself with trees that are centuries old. Wandering among the twisting branches and above-water roots, you'll also see the many creatures that call mangroves home, from crabs to cormorants. Be sure to wander north to the waterbird refuge to see all sorts of birds, including Australian pelicans, black-winged stilts and sharp-tailed sandpipers. Take your binoculars with you. PLAY IN DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS Have a four-legged friend who wants to get in on your adventures? There's a stack of parks in Parramatta where he or she is welcome off the leash. Get started at Dan Mahoney Reserve, which just happens to be across the road from dog-friendly pub Albion Hotel. Also worth a run are Burlington Memorial Park in Northmead, Dan Moore Reserve in North Rocks and Cowells Lane Reserve in Ermington. Should you or your pooch work up an appetite, there's a bunch of dog-friendly cafes to choose from, including River Cafe on the waterfront and Social Hideout in North Parramatta. DO LAPS AT THE BRAND-NEW AQUATIC CENTRE Six years and $88.6 million in the making, Parramatta Aquatic Centre has been one of the most highly anticipated openings in the area. The 40,000-square-metre facility is now welcoming swimmers, just in time for summer. For the littles, there's an indoor learn-to-swim pool and water playground — and a creche, if you really need some 'me time'. Whether you want to get your heart pumping in the gym (or a group fitness class) or unwind in the sauna or steam room, you'll be able to cool off in the 50-metre outdoor pool, then treat yourself to a smoothie at the on-site cafe. MASTER A 1080 AT THE JAMES RUSE WATER AND SKATE PARK James Ruse Water and Skate Park is a great spot to hang out during the warmer months, with barbecue facilities, picnic tables and plenty of shade available. A generously sized playground and skate park provide entertainment for kids, both big and small, all year round. There is also a water playground active from September to May, 9am to 8pm — perfect for those sweltering summer days. HAVE A SHOT AT ARCHERY Get your Robin Hood on at Sydney Olympic Park's Archery Centre. Built for the 2000 Games, it's now an educational facility where members of the public can have a go at the mighty bow and arrow. Casual sessions happen at 10am and 2pm every Saturday and Sunday (plus again at 5pm in summer) and run for about 1.5 hours. All equipment, as well as introductory instructions, is provided. If you get a taste for the game, you can continue to the Silver Arrow Program, during which you'll learn ten top shooting techniques over three one-hour sessions. WANDER THROUGH A ROSE GARDEN There is plenty to check out in the sprawling Parramatta Park, but the Rumsey Rose Garden is undoubtedly the prettiest (and the best-smelling) part. The peak of spring (October-November) is the best time to visit when the area, which once served as a lumber yard and a bowling club before being transformed into a garden in 1995, is in full bloom. Here, you'll find one of the biggest collections of fragrant heritage roses in the country, including some species that are rarely found in Australia. Stroll through the gardens, stopping to smell some of the more fragrant buds, and then continue your refined adventure by visiting Wistaria Gardens. FOLLOW PARRAMATTA VALLEY CYCLEWAY Parramatta River begins just north of the Parramatta CBD and meanders east for 15 kilometres, before flowing into Sydney Harbour. Thanks to a shared cycle path, which follows the water, you can experience it at a leisurely pace on foot or bicycle. You'll begin at the river's head in Parramatta Park and can continue as far as you'd like. Along the way, admire the views of Parramatta Park and Sydney Olympic Park. If you need some fuel, there are a few waterside cafes and restaurants to try, including 1021 Mediterranean at the southern end of the Alfred Street Bridge or Sahra By The River for Mediterranean-inspired eats. And if you really want to stretch your legs, head to Armoury Wharf Cafe in Olympic Park. For more historical landmarks and things to discover in Parramatta, head this way.
Kangaroo Island is known for its spectacular coastal views, wildlife, wineries and pristine beaches. It's clear to see how it got on the New York Times list of the best places to visit in 2023 and our own list of the best islands to visit in Australia. To help travellers get the most out of a trip to Kangaroo Island, we decided to create this complete guide. It highlights the best places to stay, where to eat and drink and what special activities to book ahead of time — whether you're looking for adventure or a little bit of luxury. All you have to do is get yourselves there, either by ferry or plane from Adelaide. [caption id="attachment_759309" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bay of Shoals Wine by Meaghan Coles[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Straight off the ferry? Head to Millie Mae's Pantry for a full brunch made with ingredients from the kitchen garden, or pick up something to take with you for lunch while you adventure through the island. If you've stayed in Kingscote, start the day off with coffee from Cactus. It's well worth coming back later in the day for dumplings, tacos or whatever is on the menu that night. A winery tour is a must while you're in town, so make sure to hit Bay of Shoals Wines, which boasts the closest vines to the sea in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, there's also The Islander Estate Vineyards for vino made by a renowned Bordeaux winemaker and, for balance, Kangaroo Island Brewery where you can stop for lunch and try a few local cold ones. Also worth checking out on the far east side of the island is False Cape Wines — known for its minimal intervention drops — and Dudley Wines, which has incredible views and live music on the first Sunday of the month. But if organising this alone seems like too much hassle or you'd rather someone else drive you around, then wine tours are the way to go. This full-day wine and nature tour starts from Kangaroo Island and this alternative food and wine tasting safari starts from Adelaide. On each of these Kangaroo Island day trips, you'll taste great local vinos, eat some tasty local produce and get up and close with friendly Aussie wildlife. [caption id="attachment_759308" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Penneshaw Hotel by Adam Bruzzone[/caption] For the island's best fish and chips, we have to recommend KI Fresh Seafood in Kingscote. It's attached to a petrol station, but don't let that put you off — take away and enjoy on the water's edge. For a finer affair, head to dinner at Sunset Food and Wine. The modern bistro looks out over American Beach and is owned by Jack Ingram, former executive chef of Southern Ocean Lodge, a Kangaroo Island favourite that was sadly destroyed in the bushfires of 2020. The menu is stacked with fresh local seafood and produce, including rock lobster, kingfish sashimi and Kangaroo Island honeycomb. Otherwise, the Penneshaw Hotel is perched on a clifftop and offers a decent pub feed overlooking the wide open sea. And lastly, you should check out the monthly farmers and community market day at Penneshaw Oval, which also happens on the first Sunday of the month (between October and April). [caption id="attachment_759315" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chapman River[/caption] DO If you're arriving by ferry, you'll get into Penneshaw — and from there you can head straight to Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari to swim with dolphins. In Lashmar Conservation Park, you can also watch out for wildlife as you kayak along the Chapman River to Antechamber Bay, where you'll find a lovely private beach perfect for a dip. Making your way west, seafood lovers should spend an afternoon at American River, where The Oyster Farm Shop will sort you out with fresh local oysters, marron, abalone and King George whiting, before you explore the protected wetlands of Pelican Lagoon. Of course, one of the best things about Kangaroo Island is the beaches: crystal clear, blue waters, long stretches of glittery white sand and lazy days spent soaking it all in. The best ones? Emu Bay on the island's north coast, where you can drive your car right onto the four-kilometre stretch of white sand and spend a day in the tranquil waters, or — a little further west — Snelling Beach for an epic sunset. Spend a day exploring the shops and sights of Kingscote, the island's largest town, just south of Emu Bay. Stop in at the Spinners and Weavers Shop for handmade natural fibre treasures, take a tour of Island Beehive and pick up some local honey, shop art at Shep's Studio and Fine Art Kangaroo Island, and visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil distillery. Be sure to make time for a two-hour blend-your-own-gin experience at Kangaroo Island Spirits. Next, you should head southwest to Vivonne Bay for surf and to sandboard down Little Sahara with the help of Little Sahara Adventure Centre. Alternatively, you cab join a quad bike tour to explore the grass and bushland before heading to the Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided tour of the sea lion colony. [caption id="attachment_759307" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ecopia Retreat by Stirling West[/caption] STAY Kangaroo Island has lots of luxury accommodation and you can go off-grid in style at Stowaway Kangaroo Island. Imagine curling up in the window seat of a luxurious private cabin on the edge of Lathami Conservation Park and a privately owned sheep farm, soaking in views of the bush and ocean in the distance. Both of the cabins, aptly named The Nest and The Sleepy Hollow, come with a huge soaker bath with sweeping views, a hot tub out on the deck, a sauna and a local produce hamper. Otherwise, make yourself at home at Ecopia Villas on a vast property in the middle of the island, complete with exclusive access to the Eleanor River and hundreds of acres of wilderness. Or you can book an all-inclusive package with bespoke 4WD tours at the Sea Dragon Lodge and Villas, or fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs of the island's eastern-most point at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge within the Cape Willoughby Conservation Park. If you'd rather keep it simple (and cheap), pitch a tent at one of these gorgeous camping spots that are all mere steps from the beach and have their own toilets, barbecues and picnic facilities. These stunning sites help place Kangaroo Island on our list of the best camping spots in Australia, as voted by our readers. We aren't the only ones who love Kangaroo Island — you guys do, too. 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. All images courtesy of the South Australia Tourism Commission.
Deus Bar & Kitchen is the only show in town for the Camperdown dinner crowd – and they're getting a lot of love for it. The once Deus Cafe has been completely reimagined by Andy Ruwald (founder of The Bucket List) and James Prier, who were brought on board by Deus Ex Machina founder Dare Jennings to relaunch the dining space. While the cafe is still open for breakfast and lunch, the dinner service is a new niche for Deus — and the locals couldn't be happier about. The new digs embrace their corner location on Parramatta Road while also (somehow) blocking out the highway hustle and bustle. The leafy shrubs placed at each window — along with the warmly-lit, moody interior — help give the space a relaxed and welcoming nighttime atmosphere. But the biggest change at Deus is the dinner and drinks service. The concrete bar and open kitchen both have seating for casual patrons, and the custom-made, comfy bar stools are designed to withstand long conversations over more than a few drinks and bar snacks. The cocktail menu focusses on tweaking the classics, and is well-executed. While their version of a bloody Mary ($18) could (and did) convert a BM nonbeliever, the Scorpio VI ($18) is our personal favourite. A jalapeño margarita is given a cold weather spin with the addition of a house-made 'winter syrup', made with spiced rhubarb stalks from the kitchen. But it's the dinner menu that really lets Deus flex its newfound culinary muscles, with Head Chef Tom Walton (ex-Bistro Moncur) running the kitchen. The dishes stem from Walton's experience and upbringing; Middle Eastern flavours run throughout the menu, while his French training shines in dishes like the superb beef tartare ($17). A super delicate dish, it has a complex flavour and texture combination of harissa, almond and pickled onion. If you're lucky enough to have the option of the mussels special, don't skip it. Served in a broth of Young Henrys cider and with a side of shoestring fries perfect for dipping, it's a truly a knockout dish. Chef Walton is as creative as he is skilled, and this is evident in his chicken crackling ($14), which is inventively served as a cracker-like vessel for spoonfuls of fresh kingfish and smoky eggplant. The hummus is not exactly what you'd expect either — it comes gorgeously plated and topped with pomegranate seeds, almonds, feta, crispy chickpeas and mint ($16). If you're really going for a winter warmer, their roast Bannockburn chook is just that ($20 half, $39 whole) and a signature dish for the restaurant. The whole, slow-roasted quince dessert ($12) is another must-try winter menu item; tart and savoury, the dish is balanced by the silky sweetness of the crème fraîche. In this way, the food matches Deus' whole atmosphere: warming, welcoming, and simply well done.
If you truly want that Hollywood treatment, book an appointment (far in advance) at Bondi's Koda Cutters. It's run by Creative Director Diane Gorgievski, a celebrity and editorial hair stylist who styles fashion mag photo shoots for the likes of Elle and Vogue, as well as having an impressive background in directing runway looks for Melbourne Fashion Week. [caption id="attachment_780123" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yaya Stempler[/caption] This super sleek salon specialises in edgy, model-worthy cuts for women and men, with a bit of Bondi cool thrown in for good measure. Here, you'll get the deluxe treatment, with custom colour work and freehand colouring on offer. Haircuts start at $145, with blow dry appointments from $50. Images: Yaya Stempler
Penrith is the best-kept secret of the greater Sydney gastronomic scene. The eateries here aren't dishing up ho-hum suburban spreads. Hearty Italian fare with a chic, Riviera-style vibe. Classic Spanish tapas prepared with local and seasonal produce. Funky Mexican-inspired share plates. Casual bars where you'll feel like a local with extensive wine and cocktail lists to rival any in the city centre. And plenty of breweries to while away your afternoon on fresh, frosty froths. We've put together a hitlist of the top spots to eat, drink and be merry all day — and night — long in Penrith. We hope you're hungry, this is going to be one delicious outing.
Open all year round, Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre (named after the famous Australian Olympic Swimmer) has three indoor heated swimming pools with swimming classes for all fitness levels. It also houses a sauna and steam room and a fully equipped gym with fitness classes.
Fresh from starring in page-to-screen Australian series Invisible Boys, Aussie actor Joseph Zada is headed to the arena. Hunger Games fans, meet young Haymitch. When the franchise's latest book Sunrise on the Reaping becomes its next movie — with the latter due to hit cinemas in 2026 — Zada will be in its key role. Two crucial pieces of casting have been announced for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping: Zada following in Woody Harrelson's (Fly Me to the Moon) footsteps as Haymitch Abernathy, plus Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl) as the character's girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird. Together, they'll be helping take the saga back to 24 years before Abernathy met Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, No Hard Feelings) in the first The Hunger Games novel. The new film couldn't be in the works if Suzanne Collins hadn't entered the arena again, of course, stepping back into Panem and The Hunger Games' past — and into the tale of a well-known character from her initial three books in the dystopian franchise — with the saga's second prequel. After the author first went down that route with 2020's The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, her next jump backwards hit bookstores in March 2025. When the novel was announced, naturally a film was as well. It might've taken three years for The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes to become a movie, but Sunrise on the Reaping is hitting the big screen just a year after the book made its way shelves. This time, the focus is on the Second Quarter Quell, with Haymitch winning those games — and Sunrise on the Reaping's narrative kicking off on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games. Harrelson portrayed Haymitch in 2012–15 movies The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part II, with filmmaker Francis Lawrence helming every one of them since Catching Fire — and also doing the same on The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. He'll be back in the director's chair on Sunrise on the Reaping. For Zada, this isn't his only big post-Invisible Boys project. He's also treading where James Dean once did, playing the same character as the late, great icon in a new version of East of Eden opposite Florence Pugh (We Live in Time), Mike Faist (Challengers) and Christopher Abbott (Wolf Man) — and he has the page-to-screen adaptation of We Were Liars also on the way, hitting streaming in June 2025. There's obviously no trailer yet for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, but you can check out the trailer for all of the past Hunger Games movies below: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will reach cinemas on Friday, November 20, 2026 in the US — which will likely mean Thursday, November 19, 2026 Down Under. We'll update you with more details when they're announced. Via Variety. Top image: David Dare Parker, Invisible Boys. Hunger Games images: Murray Close.
UPDATE, December 11, 2020: The Prom is screening in select cinemas in Sydney, and is available to stream via Netflix. A word of warning to filmmakers eager to make the next big on-screen musical: cast James Corden at your peril. It may now seem like a lifetime ago that Cats proved a gobsmacking catastrophe, but that 2019 movie's horrors are impossible to shake — and while Corden's latest, The Prom, thankfully doesn't resort to repeating the word 'jellicle' over and over again to try to convince the world that it means something, it still follows in the feline-focused flick's paw prints as this year's all-singing, all-dancing misfire. The two films' common star is grating and relies upon gratuitous overacting in both features. He's hardly alone in bombing and flailing, though. In The Prom's case, a 2018 Broadway success with an important message about acceptance and being true to one's self has been transformed into an over-long star vehicle, as well as a movie that can't see past its sequin-studded pageantry and smug attitude to actually practise what it preaches. Miscast from the get-go, Corden plays Barry, a Broadway veteran playing second fiddle to multi-Tony-winning drama diva Dee Dee (Meryl Streep, Little Women) in Eleanor!, a new production about former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Initially, the pair is on top of the world after the show's opening night — but then the reviews start piling in and piling on. Distraught from the critical savaging as they drown their sorrows with perennial chorus girl Angie (Nicole Kidman, The Undoing) and Juilliard-trained actor-turned-sitcom lead-turned bartender Trent (Andrew Rannells, The Boys in the Band), they concoct a plan to get back in the showbiz industry's good graces. Scrolling through Twitter, Angie spies a news story about Indiana teenager Emma (feature debutant Jo Ellen Pellman), whose high school has just completely cancelled the prom because she wanted to bring her girlfriend. As quick as a burst of confetti, Barry, Dee Dee, Trent and Angie are on a Godspell tour bus to America's midwest to rally against this injustice and whip themselves up some flattering publicity. In the screenplay written by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, both of whom worked on the original stage production, this is all meant to be a joke: that fading, has-been and never-were celebrities shallowly and calculatingly try to use one young woman's horrific plight for their own gain, that is. But The Prom likes the gag so much that it misguidedly decides that favouring stars over substance is the best approach in general. No one is disparaging Streep, Kidman, Rannells or Corden's fame or status, or that of their fellow well-known costars Keegan-Michael Key (Playing with Fire) and Kerry Washington (Little Fires Everywhere). While Corden is terrible, some of his high-profile colleagues have their moments — a flame-haired Streep eats the often neon-hued scenery and loves every bite, for example. When there's a tale to be told about an ostracised queer teen who is cruelly rejected by her school's Parents and Teachers' Association and her peers, and who sees her quest to simply be treated like everyone else become a national scandal, though, that story is far more interesting than the arrival of a self-centred quartet of blow-ins from New York. Perhaps balancing the two parts of The Prom's narrative works on the stage; on the screen, Emma seems as much of an afterthought to director Ryan Murphy (Eat Pray Love, plus TV's Pose and American Horror Story) as she is to Dee Dee and company. Both the movie and the characters it chooses to focus on have their own senses of worth pumped up by even feigning to care about something else, but the fact that the film and its main players can all convince themselves they're great doesn't mean they can do the same with those watching. Again, this terrain is designed to fuel the feature's main gags. Case in point: we're supposed to laugh heartily and knowingly when Dee Dee interrupts the latest PTA meeting — where Key, as a caring principal, is battling Washington, who plays the conservative parent leading the charge against Emma — with a song called 'It's Not About Me'. Alas, almost everything about The Prom constantly falls so flat that its attempt at self-referential humour is as hackneyed as the concept that a bunch of celebs can solve homophobia with a few ditties, a splash of dancing, and some fabulous outfits and decor. When Rannells' Trent heads to the local mall and attempts to do just that on one occasion — pointing out that Emma's schoolmates are picking and choosing which parts of the bible they're faithful about upholding, all via singing and breaking out fancy footwork on an escalator — it does give The Prom one of its best moments. The scene in question also emphasises how far the film is from many better, smarter, savvier-executed musicals on-screen and on-stage, however. Rannells has sung about faith and its contradictions before as an original Broadway cast member in the brutally clever The Book of Mormon, a comparison The Prom really shouldn't be trying to conjure up in viewers' heads. With Glee, Murphy made an entire teen-centric TV show that nodded to pop culture influences it could never live up to, so The Prom really just sees the filmmaker do more of the same but worse. That said, when the film actually spends time with Emma, her secret girlfriend Alyssa (Hamilton's Ariana DeBose) and even their anti-LGBTQIA+ classmates — following in Glee's footsteps in another way — it's a better movie. But the temptation to value flash over meaning, and to think that simply saying 'discrimination is bad, here's some glitter', never subsidies. Although it's shot by the acclaimed Matthew Libatique (an Oscar-nominee for Black Swan and A Star Is Born), the film's continually, needlessly and irritatingly circling cinematography captures The Prom's struggles perfectly, because it's too caught up in shiny things, recognisable faces and disposable songs to let everything that should matter, including its message, have any real impact. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ0jBNa6JUQ
On the big screen, Marvel largely sat out 2024, only releasing Deadpool & Wolverine in cinemas. That might've left some gaps in the moviegoing market, but it still wasn't a great year for superhero and supervillain films from other studios, at least according to the 45th Golden Raspberry Awards. After both Madame Web and Joker: Folie à Deux notched up a heap of Razzie nominations, they've each collected multiple accolades. Only one could be named the Worst Picture of last year, though — the one that made the line "he was in the Amazon with my mum when she was researching spiders right before she died" famous via its trailer. Dakota Johnson's (Daddio) spin into Sony's Spider-Man Universe collected three Razzies, the most of any film, with its star dubbed Worst Actress and its script chosen as Worst Screenplay. Following his Oscar-win for the first Joker film, Joaquin Phoenix (Napoleon) avoided being named Worst Actor, but picked up the prize for Worst Screen Combo with Lady Gaga (House of Gucci) instead. Joker: Folie à Deux was also selected as the Worst Remake, Ripoff or Sequel. Only two other titles received multiple prizes at Hollywood's least-coveted accolades: Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis and Jerry Seinfeld-directed comedy Unfrosted. For his win for the former, the iconic filmmaker noted on social media that he was "thrilled to accept the Razzie Award in so many important categories for Megalopolis, and for the distinctive honour of being nominated as the worst director, worst screenplay and worst picture at a time when so few have the courage to go against the prevailing trends of contemporary moviemaking". "In this wreck of a world today, where art is given scores as if it were professional wrestling, I chose to not follow the gutless rules laid down by an industry so terrified of risk that, despite the enormous pool of young talent at its disposal, may not create pictures that will be relevant and alive 50 years from now," the director of The Godfather franchise, The Conversation and Apocalypse Now continued. "What an honour to stand alongside a great and courageous filmmaker like Jacques Tati, who impoverished himself completely to make one of cinema's most beloved failures, Playtime! My sincere thanks to all my brilliant colleagues who joined me to make our work of art, Megalopolis, and let us remind ourselves us that box office is only about money, and like war, stupidity and politics has no true place in our future." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Francis Ford Coppola (@francisfordcoppola) Nominated across the categories but going home empty-handed: Borderlands, Reagan, Dear Santa, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Argylle, Atlas, The Crow, Kraven the Hunter, Mufasa: The Lion King and Rebel Moon 2: The Scargiver. This year's winners might be tomorrow's Razzie Redeemer Award recipients, however, with the Golden Raspberries selecting someone each year who once graced its list but has gone on to better work. Its 2025 pick: Pamela Anderson, Worst New Star of 1996 for Barb Wire, picking up the Redeemer prize for her excellent performance in The Last Showgirl. Check out the full list of Razzie winners and nominees below: Golden Raspberry Winners and Nominees 2025 Worst Picture: Borderlands Joker: Folie à Deux Madame Web — WINNER Megalopolis Reagan Worst Actor: Jack Black, Dear Santa Zachary Levi, Harold and the Purple Crayon Joaquin Phoenix, Joker: Folie à Deux Dennis Quaid, Reagan Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted — WINNER Worst Actress: Cate Blanchett, Borderlands Lady Gaga, Joker: Folie à Deux Bryce Dallas Howard, Argylle Dakota Johnson, Madame Web — WINNER Jennifer Lopez, Atlas Worst Supporting Actor: Jack Black, Borderlands Kevin Hart, Borderlands Shia LaBeouf, Megalopolis Tahar Rahim, Madame Web Jon Voight, Megalopolis, Reagan, Shadow Land and Strangers — WINNER Worst Supporting Actress: Ariana DeBose, Argylle and Kraven the Hunter Leslie Anne Down, Reagan Emma Roberts, Madame Web Amy Schumer, Unfrosted — WINNER FKA Twigs, The Crow Worst Screen Combo: Any two obnoxious characters (but especially Jack Black), Borderlands Any two unfunny "comedic actors", Unfrosted The entire cast of Megalopolis Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Joker: Folie à Deux — WINNER Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller, Reagan Worst Director: SJ Clarkson, Madame Web Francis Ford Coppola, Megalopolis — WINNER Todd Phillips, Joker: Folie à Deux Eli Roth, Borderlands Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted Worst Remake, Ripoff or Sequel: The Crow Joker: Folie à Deux — WINNER Kraven the Hunter Mufasa: The Lion King Rebel Moon 2: The Scargiver Worst Screenplay: Joker: Folie à Deux Kraven the Hunter Madame Web — WINNER Megalopolis Reagan Razzie Redeemer: Pamela Anderson, The Last Showgirl For more information about the Golden Raspberry Awards, head to the accolades' website.
When you have so many huge musicals to your name, as Andrew Lloyd Webber does, one is always likely to be playing a stage somewhere. That includes in Australia, where the acclaimed composer's The Phantom of the Opera will start its latest stint Down Under in August — to be swiftly followed by Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. While the latest version of Phantom heads our way fresh from proving a huge hit in both the United Kingdom and the United States, this iteration Joseph makes the leap straight from London's West End. It also marks the first time that it's being staged outside of the UK, with seasons in Melbourne and Sydney locked in. Hailing from not only Lloyd Webber, but from lyricist Tim Rice as well, Joseph will enjoy its Australian premiere run at Melbourne's Regent Theatre from Friday, November 11, 2022, before heading to Sydney's Capitol Theatre from Saturday, February 11, 2023. If you live elsewhere in the country, cross your fingers that it adds shows in other capitals to its Aussie run. (No matter where you reside, perhaps cross your fingers that Cats isn't the next big Lloyd Webber musical to prowl across local stages.) Joseph's Aussie seasons will feature all the expected songs, of course — so 'Any Dream Will Do', 'Close Every Door To Me', 'Jacob and Sons', 'There's One More Angel in Heaven' and 'Go Go Go Joseph' will all get a whirl. Leading the cast: Euan Fistrovic Doidge (Saturday Night Fever, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Les Misérables and Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) as Joseph, plus Australian Idol contestant and singer Paulini as the Narrator. And if you're new to this particular sing-through show — and didn't catch the streamed 2000 adaptation back at the beginning of the pandemic, when Lloyd Webber was screening his hits via YouTube — it does indeed focus on the biblical figure, and was actually the first of Lloyd Webber and Rice's musicals to be performed publicly. That happened back in 1968 at a school concert, of all places, before it started getting more attention after Jesus Chris Superstar became such a success. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT 2022–23 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: From Friday, November 11, 2022 — Melbourne's Regent Theatre From Saturday, February 11, 2023 — Sydney's Capitol Theatre Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will hit Melbourne's Regent Theatre from Friday, November 11, 2022, before playing Sydney's Capitol Theatre from Saturday, February 11, 2023. For more information or to buy tickets — with the Sydney season on-sale from Friday, July 15 — head to the musical's website.
Discover the therapeutic qualities of Sydney's saltwater coastline at Wylie's Baths. The ocean pool was established in 1907 when the health benefits of sea bathing were the height of fashion. Casual visits are currently on hold under the Bath's COVID Safety Plan, but you can get multi-visit or annual passes, which give you access to the historic building and its unparalleled sea therapy — think soothing ocean waves, invigorating waters and stunning views of Wedding Cake Island and the blue Pacific. These baths are perfect for lap swimmers and casual pool-goers alike. Replenish your energy with kiosk snacks, or enjoy an outdoor massage on the decks at Massage by the Sea for an extra fee. Treat it like a spa day for body and soul — recharge, refresh and restore balance, naturally. Images: Destination NSW
