For the better part of 80 years, a biannual charity event has been putting clothes on the backs of customers and vulnerable children alike. Hosted by Barnardos Australia and the Peter Pan Committee, the Peter Pan Winter Op Shop brings together donations from everyday Aussies as well as designer brands for a three-day event of clothing bargains. All the proceeds go to Barnardos, a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable children who suffer from abuse or neglect. The upcoming Peter Pan Winter Op Shop will be hosted at the Paddington RSL from Friday, June 2, to Sunday, June 4. On offer will be a massive haul of wearable items, including a surplus of designer goods, pre-loved favourites, vintage pieces or end-of-season stock from local retailers. Donations are still welcome and encouraged, so if your wardrobe is overflowing with outfits you never wear anymore, this is a great reason to send them to a new home. Your clothes will join a catalogue next to brands like Bianca Spender, Sass & Bide and Zimmermann. If you want to take it a step further, you can also volunteer to help set up, manage and pack away the event. Check the Barnardos website to find out how. The Peter Pan Winter Op Shop runs from 10.30am to 5pm on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, then 10.30am to 3pm on Sunday, June 4. For more information, visit the website.
When Australia's annual Spanish Film Festival returns this year, it'll offer cinephiles a two-for-one affair. Fancy seeing the latest and greatest movies from the European country? Keen to watch fresh flicks from Spanish-speaking Latin America too? They're both on the lineup. While Latin American cinema has received its own dedicated Aussie fest over the past three years, in 2019 the Cine Latino Film Festival will form part of the Spanish Film Festival. In short: this year's April–May fest presents the best of both worlds across a 32-title program that'll tour the country. It all gets started with the Aussie premiere of applauded and acclaimed Spanish comedy Champions, which picked up this year's Goya award for best film, as well as the best new actor prize for star Jesús Vidal. The feel-good flick follows an amateur Spanish basketball team comprised of players with mental disabilities and an arrogant coach who's sentenced to community service to help them bounce their way to glory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo_PDXou77c At the other end of the event is a bona fide classic: Pedro Almodóvar's Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. While the festival sadly hasn't snagged the Spanish director's latest, the Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz-starring Pain and Glory, it will close out the 2019 lineup with this 1988 black comedy — one of the movies that first helped bring Banderas to fame. Other program highlights include action-packed bank robbery drama 70 Big Ones, moody thriller The Uncovering, doppelgänger effort Ana by Day, character-driven melodrama Petra, and comedy Super Crazy, which focuses on a woman who suddenly can't stop speaking her mind. If you've ever wanted to know all there is to know about olive oil, there's also a documentary on the topic: Virgin & Extra: Jaén, The Land of the Olive Oil. And from the Cine Latino contingent, Argentinian title Royo delves into corruption before the country's mid-70s coup, while Tremors explores a Guatemalan family's secrets. The Projectionist also road trips through the Dominican Republic and comedy Looking for a Boyfriend... For My Wife reunites the cast of Chile's version of Married with Children. Across its full slate, the Spanish Film Festival also showcases 11 titles by female filmmakers, ranging from established talents to up-and-comers. Watch out for romance Carmen & Lola, which has proven a hit on the queer circuit; star-studded comedy-thriller Crime Wave, which stars Maribel Verdú, Javier Cámara and Luis Tosar; and the 1982-set The Good Girls, which follows the wives of wealthy Mexican men. The Spanish Film Festival tours Australia from April 16, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona and Palace Central from April 16 to May 8; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Balwyn, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from April 18 to May 8; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from April 24 to May 15; and Perth's Palace Cinema Paradiso from April 24 to May 15. For more information, visit the festival website
Ever since 2025's Sydney Film Festival first started revealing its program back in March, the event was on track for a huge year. How big? By the numbers, the fest screened 242 films, and put on 448 screenings and events. Among that massive lineup of sessions, more than 150 sold out. So, it should come as no surprise that this year's SFF also made history thanks to its 150,000-plus attendees. That hefty number of folks who spent some or all of the festival's 12-day run from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 in a Sydney cinema is an 11-percent increase on 2024's attendance figure. It also makes SFF 2205 the highest-selling festival in its history. As Sydney Film Festival CEO Frances Wallace described it, "this year has been extraordinary". "It's amazing that after 72 years, the Sydney Film Festival is stronger than ever. It's a tribute to the organisers and the tens of thousands of film fans who've turned out. This festival, its fans and its filmmakers have once again created an absolute highlight in Sydney's events calendar," said New South Wales Minister for the Arts John Graham about the fest's 2025 achievement. "As the curtain falls on another unforgettable Sydney Film Festival, we look back on and celebrate the bold storytelling, diverse voices and shared cinematic journeys that lit up our screens and sparked our imaginations," added Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. "I look forward to our continued partnership with the Sydney Film Festival and all that it brings to our fine city." The fest came to an end for 2025 with a closing-night gala that gave relationship comedy Splitsville its Australian premiere — and first screening anywhere beyond its Cannes debut — and announced this year's prizewinners. Receiving the $60,000 Sydney Film Prize for the most "audacious, cutting edge and courageous" movie in the fest's Official Competition: Jafar Panahi's It Was Just an Accident, fresh from taking home the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, too, and with the iconic Iranian filmmaker himself in attendance in the Harbour City. That said, the event that opened with body-horror Together, gave Ari Aster's Eddington its Aussie premiere and boasted DEATH STRANDING's Hideo Kojima among its guests isn't actually quite done for 2025 so far. The official festival itself has said goodbye until 2026, but it's also screening Back By Popular Demand encore sessions between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20 at Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas. Sydney Film Festival 2025 ran from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. The fest is screening four days of encores via Sydney Film Festival's 2025 Back By Popular Demand bonus screenings at Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas Randwick between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website. Jafar Panahi images: Tim Levy.
Get ready to embark on a tantalising culinary journey that will transport you straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Amalfi Coast — all without leaving Aussie soil. Together with Aperol, we've scoured every corner of this vast land to curate a guide to the bars and restaurants that capture the essence of coastal Italy's gastronomic wonders. From echoing laidback osterias to swanky harbourside bars exuding Riviera-style opulence, our roundup is a tribute to the vibrancy of Italian culture infused with an Australian twist. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an unforgettable expedition. Your table overlooking the azure seas awaits — no boarding pass required.
In April, Australia scored a promise of international hotel luxury, when global chain Waldorf Astoria announced plans to open its first Aussie outpost in Sydney in 2025. Then, we learned famed Marriott-owned hotel brand the Ritz-Carlton is set to open a sprawling property on the Gold Coast by 2026. But before that all comes to pass, it's Melbourne's turn for a slice of the action, with the Ritz-Carlton also gearing up to launch in the Victorian capital in March 2023. Perhaps best known for its iconic Manhattan hotel that overlooks Central Park and has starred numerous times on the big screen, the Ritz-Carlton will now be making its home on Lonsdale Street. And it's on track to be Australia's tallest hotel, soaring high at an ear-popping 80 storeys, with 257 guest rooms and suites. [caption id="attachment_881631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Gabriel Saunders[/caption] The hotel itself will have all the high-end trimmings you could imagine, including marble bathrooms, custom-made leather and velvet furniture, and a heated indoor infinity pool with views across the city. The glam lobby is perched all the way up on that 80th floor, too. It's also set to deliver some primo food and drink offerings, if the newly-appointed culinary team is anything to go by. Taking the reins as Executive Chef is the renowned Michael Greenlaw, who counts stints at London's Bibendum, Gilt in New York and Vue de Monde on his star-studded resume. Backing him in the role of Culinary Advisor is Aussie food legend, and the celebrated chef behind classics like Peninsula Bistro and Marque, Mark Best. The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne's upscale dining offering will include a restaurant perched high up on the 80th floor, open to both hotel guests and visitors. [caption id="attachment_881634" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Best and Greenlaw[/caption] Find the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne at 650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, from March 2023. We'll share more details as they drop.
Getting excited about 2025's Melt Festival has been easy for a few months now. First, the Brisbane LGBTQIA+ event announced that Broadway icon Bernadette Peters was making the River City her only Australian stop just for the fest. Then, it also confirmed that the River Pride Parade would float its boats for another year. After that came news of 1000 Voices, uniting singers from queer and pride choirs en masse. Need more? Melt is still over four months away, but it just unveiled its initial big program drop. Reuben Kaye, the Miss First Nation drag contest, a queer wrestle party, Femme Follies Burlesque: they're all on the lineup so far as well. Whether you're a Brisbanite or keen to hit the Sunshine State for the spring queer fling, pop Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9 in your diary and get ready to be spoilt for choice. [caption id="attachment_1007544" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claudio Raschella[/caption] Kaye is heading to the fest to give his cabaret show enGORGEd, which'll feature Camerata — Queensland's Chamber Orchestra, its Sunshine State premiere. Shining the spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drag queens, Miss First Nation is also making a date with Brisbane for the first time, bringing the finale to the city after putting on state heats around the nation in the lead-up. The Tivoli is your go-to for Melt's high-energy queer wrestle-party, while Femme Follies Burlesque will bring its sapphic moves to The Wickham. Or, you can catch The Lucky Country, a new musical about what it means to be Australian — and the myths and contradictions that come with it — in 2025. Malacañang Made Us and Whitefella Yella Tree are also treading the boards, the first about the Filipino Australian experience and the second telling a love story. [caption id="attachment_1007548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Kelly[/caption] There's also a queer boat party on floating venue Oasis; the return of Queer PowerPoint; and a drag Scream Queen shindig with Naomi Smalls and Yvie Oddly, plus Drag Race UK's Kyran Thrax. Or, check out a heap of instruments and performers suspended by rope to pay tribute to Brisbane's punk history, Gerwyn Davies' series of portraits in collaboration with Open Doors Youth Service's trans and gender-diverse young people, and Instagram imagery given a new life in Micah Rustichelli's Demon Rhythm. Melt has more program news on the way, because this fringe-style celebration of queer arts and culture goes huge as it fills Brisbane Powerhouse and spreads further across the city. In 2024, more than 120 events popped up in 70-plus venues across southeast Queensland, complete with a Wicked-themed Halloween ball, a pool party and plenty more. [caption id="attachment_1007543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Hickey[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1007545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1007547" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gregory Lorenzutti[/caption] Melt Festival 2025 runs from Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9. Head to the festival website for more details.
Welcome to the future of libraries, where it's about more than just books. Green Square Library has upped the ante and moved beyond the standard collection of pageturners. Within the swish new space, you'll find a high-tech lab, underground reading garden, amphitheatre, music room, cafe and meeting rooms. The building, which is located in Zetland – around three kilometres south of Central Station – is hard to miss, thanks to its six-storey glass tower, which emerges from a tree-dotted plaza. Behind the partially-subterranean architecture is Alexandria-based studio Stewart Hollenstein, whose design topped a 167-strong international competition held back in 2013. While books — and underground gardens in which to read said books — are still the central focus of the library, it also features many spaces dedicated to music. The sprawling music room has a baby grand piano, which can be hired out by Beethoven hopefuls stuck in tiny Sydney apartments, and the open air amphitheatre plays host to public gigs. As well as being an eye-catching piece of art itself, the library also contains two stunning installations. High Water, a series of massive LED screens that interpret local weather patterns in abstract colours, by Indigo Hanlee and Michael Thomas Hill dons the plaza, and Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro's Cloud Nation – a vintage aircraft with wings containing the miniature world of Laputa, from Jonathan Swift's novel Gulliver's Travels – hangs inside the library. Spending the day surrounded by art, with a book in hand, sounds like perfection to us. Green Square Library is now open at 355 Botany Road, Zetland. It's open 10am–7pm, Monday to Wednesday; 10am–6pm, Thursday and Friday; and 10am–4pm, Saturday. Images: Katherine Griffiths.
Strange though it might be to think that one of the world's oldest cities is having a moment nearly three and a half millennia since its recorded history began, Athens has always played by its own rules. And it's the buzzy, no-frills tavernas that line the streets of the modern-day Greek capital — rather than the blue-washed, nautical Cycladic dreamscapes often associated with Greek dining — that are channelled at Homer Rogue Taverna, now open in Cronulla courtesy of brothers Harry and Mario Kapoulas of neighbouring brunch favourite Ham. Much like the city from which it takes its inspiration, Homer zigs where others zag. In contrast to Sydney's slick, white-linen Greek spots, Homer is a deliberately laidback — and pared-back — affair, with a raw contemporary fitout that juxtaposes exposed brick and concrete, chicken wire glass and graffitied walls with elegant mid-century furniture, terrazzo flooring and a rocaro granite chef's counter that frames the stainless steel open kitchen. The 100-seat venue is primarily open for walk-ins — a spot, says Harry, "where you're welcome whether you're still in your thongs after a day at the beach, enjoying a family meal or celebrating a special occasion". [caption id="attachment_1015973" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] A similar disregard for the rules is evident in the menu — there are no starters or mains here, but instead a generous lineup of dishes designed to be shared as they're ready. You might begin with loukaniko- and haloumi-topped stone-baked flatbread, manouri cheese baked in kataifi and drizzled in honey or a playful take on stifado, which sees the traditional homestyle stew wrapped in a cigar-shaped chicken skin emulsion. Larger dishes include their mum's moussaka and a spanakorizo served with white fish, while the charcoal souvla — and what's on it — is constantly evolving. For dessert, the house-made mint ice cream with marinated watermelon already feels like a classic in the making. The open-plan bar, meanwhile, pours a selection of ouzo, creative cocktails (including a $10 martini mouthful) and Homer's Epic Lager, brewed exclusively for the restaurant in partnership with Young Henry's. Signature serves include the See Through Pornstar — a cheeky riff on the classic topped with champagne foam — and the Athenian Punch, a sweet and sour hit of strawberry, rum and citrus. Guests are encouraged to get up and explore the three-metre-tall, custom-built wine fridge stocked mainly with Greek and Australian varietals, including an old-vine savatiano, one of the world's oldest grapes. [caption id="attachment_1015972" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Got something cheeky in mind for Valentine's Day? Pier Dining can help you out with dinner and a 'fourth course' in the form of a provocative parting gift. From the lush waterfront venue at Pier One Sydney Harbour, this suggestive event kicks off with a glass of bubbly before settling into an aphrodisiac-inspired set menu. Featuring several share-style dishes designed to level up the romance; oysters dressed with fizzy raspberry vinegar, poached veal tenderloin and crab spaghetti alla vodka, the menu will set the mood for the rest of the evening. Rounding out this feast, indulge in the Pier Lova – a special Valentine's Day-inspired pavlova with strawberries and Valrhona chocolate. Before it's time to depart this dreamy spot by the water, there's still one more surprise for the so-called fourth course. Guests will take home a Bed Intentions natural water-based lubricant to make their Valentine's Day one to remember. Cheeky, right? Bookings are available now at $99 per person.
Words like 'hidden kingdom' and 'radio broadcast' don't often find themselves hanging out too often. But one of Nepal's most remote spots is now on air, broadcasting from one of the world's most stunningly designed stations to date. Nestled in one of Nepal’s most remote regions lies the 'hidden kingdom' of Mustang. Accessed on horseback via the old Salt Route of the Kali Gandaki River valley, Mustang sits on the border of Tibet and was one of the last parts of the country to encounter Westerners. Dubbed the best example of traditional Tibetan life in the world, Mustang’s surrounding Himalayan mountain range and isolation from major metropolises has kept things pretty traditional, centered around the kingdom’s Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The old king’s palace hasn’t been used in years and is falling into disrepair. But this tiny Tibetan kingdom, who hasn't changed much since the 15th century, is about to leap into the 21st century with an unexpected new development: a radio station. Being cheap as chips to set up, broadcast and listen to, radio is a super democratic medium. Isolated regions can stay on top of things, access crop and weather details and get news bulletins much quicker than the ol' hand delivery. But if you’re 8,400 feet above sea level and surrounded by the Himalayas, radio frequencies might give your town a miss. You'll also be at a bit of an environmental and sociopolitical disadvantage without radio so, according to Gizmodo, nonprofits like the Center For Rural Technology are helping to establish radio stations all through the region, with 144 existing to date in Tibet and Nepal. Now, the Mustang town of Jomson has landed its very first radio station, a stunning, gneiss-walled establishment that looks straight from Grand Designs. Although radio is celebrated as a cheap medium to set up, South Korean communications heavyweight MBC fronted up a whopping $930,000 to build the station. Why would a South Korean bigwig blink an eyelid at a tiny Tibetan community? MBC stated that "the radio station has been established to enhance the awareness of Nepalis in the rural area and assist them to live a quality life". Then the company claimed the station would be the world’s most beautiful broadcasting center. Well, they kind of nailed it. Architect Kim In-cheurl and his firm Archium took on the project, working with extremely temperamental weather, steep hillsides and Mustang’s isolated location. The resulting station is an elegant, modern space that seamlessly corresponds with Jomson’s existing architecture. Gneiss stone walls, sunken courtyards and sleek wooden pegs seats. The studio and event spaces live downstairs, protected by stone walls from Mustang’s extreme weather. The antenna, the heart of the station, has been adorned with prayer flags. So what will Mustang be crankin' up? Broadcasts, which will be sent to about 2,000 people in 98.9 MHz frequency, will cover news, weather, health, culture and the odd trekking tip for the Annapurna circuit. We’ll just have to wait to see if it makes it online, so we can brag to our friends about our love for sweet hidden kingdom radio. Via Gizmodo and Karobar Daily. Images by Taylor Weidman/The Vanishing Cultures Project and Jun Myung-jin/ArchDaily.
With events across the world being cancelled and postponed in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, the live music industry is being hit hard. According to website I Lost My Gig, as of 11am on Saturday, March 21, approximately 274,000 events and gigs have been cancelled, which has impacted 599,000 artists and crew, and equated to about $300 million in lost income. And that's just in Australia alone. To help raise money for some of those musicians out of work, a group of global volunteers has created Sofa King Fest. Dubbed an "emergency response online music and arts benefit festival", the website is a curation of all the best music live-streams happening around the world — all in one spot, all available to watch from the comfort of your sofa. Musicians are scheduled to perform at hour or half-hour intervals and have included the likes of Willie Nelson, Cypress Hill, Diplo, Big Freedia and A-Trak. On a more local level, all Aussie artists will be curated by the Mary's Group — who are behind cult-favourite Mary's burgers and the revival of two long-standing Sydney live music venues: The Landsdowne Hotel and Mary's Underground (formerly The Basement). [caption id="attachment_757840" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Lansdowne Hotel[/caption] While the artists are playing, you can donate directly to out-of-work musicians or to the artist's charity of choice, with all funds controlled by the artist and their team. Melissa Etheridge, who's performing today, Tuesday, March 24, for example, will be donating her funds to the World Food Kitchen. If you're an artist that's keen to be part of the live-stream, you can signup directly via Sofa King Fest website. As well as raising funds for musicians hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the website is a great way to get your culture and music fix while also practising social-distancing or adhering to self-isolation measures. Sofa King Fest is now live and accepting donations. Top image: Willie Nelson by BSC Photography. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
If you've ever raised an eyebrow at the idea of peanut butter and whiskey in the same sentence, you're not alone. But Skrewball — the Original Peanut Butter Whiskey — is full of cocktail-compatible surprises… and that's what makes it so damn good. Created in the US as a blend of American whiskey and natural peanut butter flavour, it's smooth, nutty and often the number one choice for bartenders who want to go a little wild. One of those bartenders is Sav Harrison, Skrewball's AU & NZ brand ambassador, who thinks too many people box it in before they've had a proper taste. "A lot of people get either caught up in the whiskey side or the peanut butter side and forget that we created a whole new category," Harrison says. "Don't just go for an old fashioned and manhattan. Skrewball is an opportunity to create something new altogether. Go nuts!" For Harrison, Skrewball cocktail creation starts with asking herself: what won't work? "Nothing is off the table with this bad boy," she says. "Recently I just discovered that Mumm Premium Sparkling Wine and Skrewball work when paired with raspberry and lemon." [caption id="attachment_1018328" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Finley Jones[/caption] And when it comes to serving up your delicious concoction, she recommends a rocks glass or coupe. "Nothing beats a Skrewball on the rocks and the versatility of a rocks glass means you can make anything from a margarita to an old fashion. With the occasional jump to a coupe glass [because] it's fun, playful and can do anything." Here are three of Harrison's standout recipes, each designed to show off what peanut butter whiskey can actually do in the right hands. The Nutty Sparkler Think PB&J, but fizzy. The raspberry plays into Skrewball's nutty sweetness, while the lemon juice cuts through with a tart edge. The Mumm gives it a lift, making the whole thing lighter and more refreshing than you'd expect. What's in it: 45ml Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey 15ml Raspberry Liqueur (like Chambord, or a homemade raspberry syrup for less sweetness) 10ml Fresh Lemon Juice (to cut through the richness) Chilled Mumm Premium Sparkling Wine Garnish: Fresh raspberries and a lemon twist Ba Ba Bramble The classic 1980's bramble combines gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. To give it a remix, swap the gin for Skrewball's natural sweetness, add in blackberries for a fruity twist and Chartreuse for a herbal note and extra kick. What's in it: 1½ parts Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey ½ parts Green Chartreuse ½ parts Lemon Juice 5 parts Blackberries Mint & Blackberries for Garnish Skrewball Old Fashioned If you're still suspicious of flavoured spirits, this is an easy entry ramp. The rye whiskey keeps things grounded, while the Skrewball adds a hit of smooth sweetness that'll keep you coming back for more. What's in it: 1½ parts Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey ¾ parts Rye Whiskey 4 dashes Angostura Bitters The bottom line? Creating a Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey cocktail can be as fun as you want it to be. "Every time I decide to play around with cocktails and Skrewball, I find out there's so much to Skrewball almost anything works," Harrison says. Find Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey at Dan Murphy's, BWS and Liquorland and start Skrewing around with cocktails at home. Explore more Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey recipes on the website. Skrewball is classified as a flavoured liqueur in Australia. Please enjoy responsibly.
There's more to the Canterbury-Bankstown region than just footy fanatics and stellar charcoal chicken. Keep your eyes peeled as you stroll down Burwood Road and you may notice Belmore Continental Bakery. As one of Belmore's many bakeries, this humble joint has remained a hidden gem. Its inviting open-plan shopfront allows you to walk right in and discover a plethora of pastries, shelves stacked with freshly baked bread loaves and the bakery's very own treasure chest: its banh mi stand. Not only is the local staple home to flaky pastries and golden-crusted pies — baked daily from 2am onwards — but it also boasts some of Sydney's best banh mi. Our recommendation: opt for the chicken roll with the lot, including the creamy mayonnaise and the flavourful paté. And be sure to ask for a generous topping of fresh chilli for the perfect, punch-packing bite. There are plenty of rolls to choose from, though, with the bakery's selection including pork, chicken, salad, meatballs, barbecue pork and tuna. Other store highlights include its array of meat pies spanning with classic flavours spanning from mushroom to curry — as well as its sausage rolls, custard tarts, cream- and jam-filled buns and danishes. They're all worthy of a trip to the west. To top it off, Belmore Continental Bakery's friendly staff provide top-notch service with a smile. If you become a regular visitor, you'll be aptly remembered along with your order. Head over to our Instagram for a more in-depth look at Belmore Continental Bakery.
We've all had less fresh air than we'd like this year, so, now that the sun is shining and restrictions are lifting across the state, there's no better time to head out and make the most of the incredible green space that our city has to offer. Western Sydney Parklands is Australia's largest urban park, stretching over 5,280 hectares of green space. The Parklands is home to everything from major attractions like Sydney Zoo and Sydney's biggest water park Raging Waters to a drag racing facility and an urban farm. On top of that, the Parklands has over 60 kilometres of tracks and trails, meaning you can get back to nature on a bushwalk this summer — all without needing to leave the city boundaries. You can cruise along easy loop tracks, passing by playgrounds and barbecue areas, or get your heart pumping on a challenging fire trail where you can spot plenty of wildlife along the way. So, next time you're wanting to conquer a bushwalk, put on your shoes and explore your own backyard. MOONRISE LOOP Challenging Moonrise Loop may be one of the more challenging schleps around Western Sydney Parklands, but it's proof that, in life, you get out what you put in. Those who traverse its 6.2-kilometre route are treated to a spectacular view from Moonrise Lookout over Sydney's CBD, nearly 40 kilometres away. If you're lucky, you may see some friendly roos and wallabies on your walk. Eagle-eyed walkers will also spot the memorial for Ginger Meggs, a kelpie who, in 1932, famously drove 500 sheep to Flemington salesyards alone when his owner had been hurt in a traffic accident. BUNGARRIBEE TRAIL Easy If it's a casual saunter you're after, the cruisy Bungarribee Trail takes you along four kilometres of sealed pathways through wetlands bursting with wildlife. Only 20 minutes' walk from both Doonside and Rooty Hill Stations, the track is sufficiently flat that it is suitable for wheelchair users, or people with mobility scooters and prams. Animal lovers are sure to be delighted given that 200-hectare Bungarribee Park contains one of Sydney's largest off-leash dog areas, plus you're only a stone's throw from Sydney Zoo. You're also extremely close to Blacktown International Sportspark: a multi-sports venue built for the 2000 Olympics Games and home of Australian Baseball League team, the Sydney Blue Sox. SPOTTED GUMS LOOP Challenging Located at the southern end of the Parklands in the Liverpool area, the three-kilometre Spotted Gums Loop is one for those who truly love bushwalking. Despite its relatively short length, this track, mostly on fire trail, heads deep into the bush near Cecil Hills, meaning opportunities for spotting intriguing wildlife are particularly high. It's still easily accessible though, with the West car park and its facilities grazing the border of the walk and, for those who want a bit more adrenaline with their hiking, the TreeTops adventure park, with 100 elevated obstacles, is close by for all your gravity-defying needs. BINYANG MATTA TRAIL Easy The longer variant of the Binyang Matta Short Loop, the Binyang Matta Trail is a track that's popular with walkers, runners and cyclists alike. Named after the Dharug word for 'place of birds', this trail is unsurprisingly rich in avian life. The Eastern Creek, which runs through this area of the Parklands, is a constant on your journey, as it weaves in and out of the hike, with several crossings of the water included in the steady seven-kilometre sealed path. Additionally, if you're in the mood for retail therapy — or just a chance to take a break — you can always sneak off part way round at the northwest corner of the walk for a trip to Dean Park Shopping Centre. SHALE HILLS LOOP Moderate Canine devotees will particularly love the 3.6-kilometre Shale Hills Loop, given it's right alongside a state-of-the-art dog park, which features a training circuit, an agility course and a sensory garden designed specifically for four-legged friends. There are even separate runs and areas for pooches that are particularly shy. Away from our furry companions, this moderate trek takes you through Cumberland Plain Woodland, past a public amphitheatre, picnic areas and beautiful bushland. This scenic loop is located towards the southern end of the vast Western Sydney Parklands between Middleton Grange and West Hoxton. PIMELEA LOOP Easy Ideal for families and those looking for a relaxing stroll, the 1.6-kilometre Pimelea Loop is a simple walk which circles Lizard Log, a playground that features a climbing wall, giant swings and multiple flying foxes amongst other attractions. There are also publicly accessible barbecues, periodic visits from an ice cream van and Saturday markets. Located in the Fairfield Area at the centre of the Parklands, Pimelea Loop is also an ideal jump-off point for the Saluti Café by Novella: a much-loved coffee and breakfast joint situated on the edge of the greenery. Stay and play in your own backyard this summer at Western Sydney Parklands. Start planning your next bushwalk over here.
Little gets in the way of Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art hosting a huge midyear food festival and taking a swim sans clothes to celebrate the winter solstice, not even giving Dark Mofo a year off. In 2023, the Mona team announced that it was pressing pause on its weird and wild June festival this year, using the time to plan for the future instead ahead of coming back better than ever in 2025 — but it also revealed that some of Dark Mofo's signature festivities would still return. Now, exactly when you'll be able to hit the Apple Isle to partake in both the Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim has been revealed. Mark your diary: tucking into a creative meal will run from Thursday, June 13–Sunday, June 16, then again from Thursday, June 20–Sunday, June 23, while enjoying a chilly dip is occurring on Friday, June 21. Winter Feast is headed to Princes Wharf 1, again focusing on food, wine and spirits from Tassie, and with an international guest chef that's still to be announced. In 2023, Chef's Table alum Ana Roš from two-Michelin-starred Hiša Franko did the honours. Nude Solstice Swim will return to Long Beach at sunrise after 2023's event attracted a record number of folks — and it has upped its capacity for 2024. They're not the only Mona events still on the calendar for this year even without Dark Mofo tying them all together. The Mona Gala will get everyone partying on Friday, June 14 to celebrate the opening of exhibition Namedropping. It will also move from strictly invitation-only attendance to dropping tickets to buy — but only a limited amount, which will be available from March — for an event that'll showcase artistic works about status, perception and trying to look good for others. If you went to Dark Mofo in 2021, you might remember Night Shift, which is making a comeback from Friday, June 21–Saturday, June 22. On the itinerary again: hitting the dance floor, getting debauched and making the absolute most of the early hours. Dark Mofo is set to return in 2025 as the full usual shebang — not that there's anything usual about the event. "Dark Mofo has established itself as a beacon of artistic exploration and challenging ideas for a decade, immersing audiences in the depths of darkness and the heart of winter," Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite said. "This year, by taking a fallow year, we are taking a crucial step in ensuring that Dark Mofo continues to be a catalyst for artistic innovation, cultural dialogue, and shared experiences for many years to come. "While the festival rests in 2024, the solstice does not, and we are excited to gather once more to present two popular pillars of the Tasmanian midwinter, along with some exceptional extra events," Twite continued. Mona's 2024 Winter Events: Thursday, June 13–Sunday, June 16 — Winter Feast week one Friday, June 14 — The Mona Gala Saturday, June 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025 — Namedropping exhibition Thursday, June 20–Sunday, June 23 — Winter Feast week two Friday, June 21 — Nude Solstice Swim Friday, June 21–Saturday, June 22 — Night Shift Dark Mofo isn't taking place in 2024, but Winter Feast, Nude Solstice Swim, Night Shift and the Mona Gala all return in June — head to the festival's website for further details. Winter feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
Paul Manser really puts himself into his writing. When reading the self-penned adventures and misadventures of the Melbourne-based travel scribe, you experience the destination and surrounds from his singular POV. The scenes he often sets have a shambolic, gonzo feel as though something is about to go terribly awry, with Paul giving huge main character energy as both narrator and observer. Things often do go terribly awry and those breakneck narrative zags make for great stories, many of which are featured in his recently published collection of travel mini-memoirs Life Plans On Dive Bar Napkins, a series of stories that include a profane interlude at San Francisco's disgracefully under-recognised Hunky Jesus Contest, stinking out Pamplona due to an unfortunate case of missing luggage, and other incidents that imply Paul is fortunate to be alive and/or not incarcerated. If you are planning a trip to Los Angeles in the coming months and would be interested in some sound, sensible advice on what to do, please do not read the following guide that Paul Manser kindly compiled for us. [caption id="attachment_875641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The author Paul Manser on a bike[/caption] PAUL MANSER: Los Angeles is the suggestive, shapely leg that slips out from beneath conservative Middle America's full-length skirt. It is the kind of leg that shows enough skin to let you know there are good times to be had, but that you could have your bank account cleaned out for your indiscretions. Not just a city built for good times, LA is also a magnet for aspiring movie stars who are drawn to the city like a mosquito, drunk on summer's blood, is to a caravan park's fluorescent blue bug zapper. You jump in an Uber and before you know it, you're listening to the CV of an out-of-work actor who played a lactose intolerant lifeguard in Baywatch for two episodes in the 90s, as they take you the long way from Santa Monica to West Hollywood just to make a few extra dollars. With so many people waiting to be 'discovered', it can be a little hard to find the real Los Angeles these days; the city the locals live. To help, here's my guide that you may (or may not) want to follow: [caption id="attachment_875639" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Santa Monica pier by Vincentas Liskauskas via Unsplash[/caption] WHERE TO GO On my first visit to LA I was told don't drink the tap water, avoid hiking Runyon Canyon in flip flops and don't ever, under any circumstances, be out in Downtown LA after dark unless you are so enamoured with acupuncture you're willing to let a teenager poke you with a blunt knife for the contents of your wallet. However, things have changed. These days Downtown LA is so cool the ice wouldn't melt on the sidewalk in a mid-afternoon heatwave. With some of the most innovative restaurants in the city like 71Above, amazing rooftop bars like Upstairs at The Ace, boutique designer hotels and an abundance of skinny-jeaned, bushranger bearded locals, downtown LA is now the place to go to eat, get rowdy and find a drinkable coffee the day after — which is no mean feat in America. [caption id="attachment_875643" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Upstairs at The Ace, The Ace Hotel Los Angeles via The Ace Hotel[/caption] WHERE TO DRINK If New York is the city that never sleeps, LA is where the beautiful people doze in seal-placenta face masks before spending their days doing hot yoga, discussing the latest colonic hotspot and looking fabulously bored poolside at one of the many party hotels of West Hollywood. While the city is undoubtedly glamorous, any self-respecting traveller with a thirst to quench will forgo the latest Insta-famous rooftop restaurant to trawl the city's bars of yesteryear. Sunset Boulevard's infamous Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and Rainbow Bar and Grill have seen stars come and go and given birth to many a road trip playlist's favourite band, including Guns 'N' Roses. Don't assume that because the venues are a little less polished, that your night will be devoid of celebrities, although the high-profile patrons may be less 'washed' and more 'washed up' these days. That is not to say that you won't be rewarded for seeking out a more sophisticated drinking environment. Located in downtown LA, The Wolves is a spectacularly overindulged Parisian-style cocktail bar featuring Tiffany glass ceilings. The dark, moody bar features more wood and dark leather than you'd find in a friendly neighbourhood BDSM swingers club. The Wolves draws an eclectic crowd on the weekends with a cocktail list as long as the security line at LAX, but if you really feel adventurous let one of the bartenders guide your evening. That way at least you'll know who to blame when you wake up in the morning full of regret. [caption id="attachment_875652" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Wolves at Downtown LA, image via The Wolves[/caption] WHERE TO EAT While sucking down a wheatgrass and kale smoothie next to Billie Eilish as she chews on a raw vegan lasagne at Crossroads Kitchen might seem peak Los Angeles, you're probably going to need something more substantial (and a bit greasier) to soak up the booze. Try the ramen burger at Tatsu Ramen (if it is on the menu at the time.) A glorious artery-clogging delicious patty of beef sandwiched between to ramen noodle buns. Five stars. WHERE NOT TO STAY Last time I stayed in LA, I awoke to sunlight piercing the soft mustard surrounds of a hotel room that self-proclaimed three stars, but that would soon be on the receiving end of a biting TripAdvisor review I was penning in my mind. Four paragraphs alone were to be dedicated to reporting the hotel owner to the war crimes tribunal in The Hague over the fluorescent purple shower curtain that would burn holes into the retinas of small children. Then I decided that a negative review was not enough. No. A parody webpage dedicated to a hotel room that went missing in the 1970's was more fitting. It would include photos and satirical descriptions for how best to recognise the room. "ATTENTION: Be on the lookout for a hotel room with a burn mark in the two-tone green carpet resembling a snake making love to The Leaning Tower of Pisa. A stain that looks like the outline of where a jockey had been murdered with an ice cream scooper. And a bible with a series of stunningly accurate genitalia drawn throughout." Honestly, I'd tell you where this hotel was in LA, but I don't want to be sued. So maybe just avoid every hotel in the city to be safe and stay in an Airbnb instead. This guest house looks pretty good: WHERE TO BE SEEN LA is one of those cities where you go not only to see, but to be seen. With more instantly recognisable faces big screen packed into a few square miles than anywhere else in the world, paparazzi-dodging-people-watching can resemble a bloodsport at times. But what fun is merely watching others get all of the attention? Where can you go to not only watch others, be a part of the action yourself? Chateau Marmont is a place of celebrity legend. It's where Led Zeppelin rode motorcycles through the lobby in the 1960s and one of the first places to ban Lindsay Lohan from entry. These days drinking poolside at Chateau still offers up a decent chance of lounging next to brutally hungover, non-communicative, blood-shot eyed celebrity. If the Chateau sounds like the spot for you, maybe pack a pair of reflective Ray-Bans so you can get a good look at everybody, without coming across as some crazed stalker. AND, WHERE TO ESCAPE TO Los Angeles is a hot mess. The city is impossible to cross at peak hour and realistically you shouldn't attempt using the public transport unless contracting dysentery is on your bucket list. Sometimes it's a city you just need to get away from. But where to? While the internet is plastered with images of celebrities escaping to sun themselves on the beaches of Malibu, those looking for a piece of old Hollywood glamour should head inland to Palm Springs. A playground for the icons of Hollywood in the golden age of cinema, Palm Springs was the place that fabled celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin came to escape Los Angeles. A sun drenched desert Oasis, these days travellers come to Palm Springs to admire its mid-century modern architecture, for mammoth music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach and relax and people watch poolside in one of the many impeccably styled hotels which appear to have jumped straight out of a photo-spread in a design magazine. [caption id="attachment_875657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Springs by Cody Board via Unsplash[/caption] Paul Manser's book Life Plans On Dive Bar Napkins is available from various book stores or you can order it from Dymocks. For more of Paul's travel tales visit his website. Main image by Jake Blucker via Unsplash.
Picnic season is upon us, so it's time to amp up your gear-game for the inevitable days spent feasting on foil-wrapped sandwiches and plastic cups of chilled wine. When shopping for picnic gear, you need to consider all the practical stuff like transportability, usefulness (don't forget a bin bag!) and practicality (can it get wet?). But it's also nice if it looks great. We've combined all those things into the following list for our picks of picnic must-haves. And every inclusion on this list is Australian-designed or made because we love to keep it local. SPEAKERS THAT DOUBLE AS ESKYS One of the only downsides to spending a day in the sun picnicking is the mandatory lugging of cooler boxes, picnic baskets, speakers and food from the car to the designated picnic spot. So, whenever possible, try find picnic gear that can do two things at once. Like this pretty and pink two-in-one cooler and speaker from Sunnylife for $199. It has a 15 litre capacity so it fits 16 cans with ice. It also has bluetooth, radio, connects to AUX and USB. If you're after something a little larger and don't require the most aesthetically pleasing cooler-box-speaker-hybrid at the beach, here's another one from Super Cheap Auto that holds 55 litres and will only set you back $60. [caption id="attachment_827827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Annika Kafacaloudis for Hattie Molloy X Curio Practice [/caption] WARM BLANKETS FOR SUNSET PICNICS Need something to wrap yourself in when the sun goes down and the spritzes aren't warming you up enough? Curio Practice is a female-owned small business making checkered and patterned blankets from the finest Australian Merino wool and made locally in Victoria. Curio Practice's blankets are of impeccable quality and beautifully made, plus, when winter rolls around the picnic baskets go into storage, they look pretty draped over lounge chairs or folded on the end of your bed. Win-win. MINI CUT-OUT TABLES FOR NO-SPILLS If you're on the clumsy side or have a penchant for sinking one too many rosés on the grass with your pals, Etsy store Noosh and Noo sells picnic tables with clever cut-out glass holders so your drink won't get knocked over and your cheese stays free of ants. The tables are handmade out of bamboo so they're light and durable, and you can have your name, initials or a symbol engraved. They're $100 and are made to order in Australia. Or, if you picnic in larger groups, Indi Tribe Collective has portable picnic tables with up to eight wine glass holes and two wine bottle holders for $259.95. PATTERNED RUGS FOR A VINTAGE VIBE Arguably the most important piece of picnic equipment is a durable but fun waterproof rug you can plonk yourself and your food on. Etsy store BreezeBoutique has loads of different colours and checks to chose from, with two size options ranging from around $89-$99. These blankets are made from acrylic and have little PU leather handles for easy travelling. If you want traditional tartan made with natural materials, Waverley Mills is Australia's oldest working textile mill and makes some of the finest Australian Merino wool picnic blankets around. They're crafted in Tassie, made to last and range from $229-$299. BEACH CHAIRS FOR THE PICNIC ELITE If you really want to take your picnic to the next level, purchasing portable fold-out chairs might be on your agenda. If you're after a stylish but comfy chair, Sunday Supply Co have designed luxe beach seats with fast-drying padded foam and fade resistant fabric. They have some very funky covers, including a sunny yellow and white striped number and a beachy black and white polka dot. If you're more low-key but still love a retro look, these striped plastic camp chairs are a throwback we can get around — especially for only $24.99. [caption id="attachment_827899" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Greta Mitchell for Porter Green[/caption] ECO-FRIENDLY REUSABLE CUPS Glassware and expensive ceramic tableware have no place at a picnic, but the over-manufacturing of single use plastics are wreaking havoc on the environment. Instead of plastic supermarket cups, go for reusable options like these stainless steal party cups with splash-less lids or this double wall insulated wine traveller set. The ones featured in the image above are unbreakable, foldable silicone tumblers from sustainable interiors brand Porter Green and are $27.25 for a pack of two. If you're partial to something sparkling, these reusable pink champagne flutes are only $24.99 for two. COCKTAIL SHAKERS FOR ON-THE-GO MARGS The number one way to impress dinner guests is casually shaking and pouring cocktails like you were born to do it while effortlessly maintaining vibrant conversation. Same goes for picnics. Picnic Folk are an Australian brand selling brightly patterned stainless steal picnic equipment like lunchboxes, tumblers and cocktail shakers that are hand painted by an older generation of artisans in Kashmir. If you're more of a minimalist, this cocktail set from Grand Cru Wine Fridges comes in black matte finish and has everything you need to make a basic cocktail for $59.95. PICNIC BASKETS THAT DOUBLE AS CHEESE BOARDS Picnic basket, cheeseboard, card table — we love a picnic basket that can do it all. The Beach People have designed specialised, handmade picnic baskets that have a wooden food grade removable cheeseboard lid and an insulated interior with a zip close for $199. They also have a 'seconds' section, where they sell the cheeseboard picnic baskets that have minor imperfections for $179. If you want something a little larger, Paragon Emporium has a fold out picnic basket that doubles as a table with optional legs that are tucked away when the basket is in its basket form, plus swing out wine glass holders. GAMES TO PLAY WHEN THE CONVO ISN'T CUTTING IT Sometimes a picnic needs an element of organised fun, and, if our national sports are any indication, there's nothing Australian's love more than a bit of competition on the grass. Check out this enormous wooden Jenga from Yellow Octopus or this two-in-one lawn games bundle from Living by Design. If you're vibing the things-that-double-as-other-things picnic tip, perhaps this games-board-slash-towel from Sunnylife is a win for your next beach picnic. [caption id="attachment_828069" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: KoolShooters via Pexels[/caption] VINTAGE FINDS FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND GEAR With so many new gadgets constantly being manufactured, it may also be on your mind to start a collection of vintage picnic gear for a more sustainable approach. South Australian based Etsy shop, Beach Kiosk Vintage, has vintage collectables that are perfect for outdoor use and your next picnic. It might take a bit of hunting, but from 80s ice coolers to enamel fondue pots, there's something for everyone. The Vintage Retro Guy is another Etsy shop, this time based out of Geelong Victoria. It usually has a great selection of original, colourful plastic cups, saucers, plates and containers for all your portable picnic needs. Happy hunting. Image: Annika Kafacaloudis for Hattie Molloy X Curio Practice
While nothing can quite compare to a trip over to Europe, there are a few places in Sydney that come close. So if you're keen to spend a few hours pretending you're on the other side of the world Circular Quay's Deux Frères should be at the top of your list. The restaurant has opened in the bustling Quay Quarter Lanes from the team behind Bouillon L'Entrecôte — one of our favourite French restaurants in Sydney — and brings the experience of a Basque pintxos bar to an inner-city alleyway. Located in a narrow ground-floor space on Loftus Lane, the busy seating arrangement keeps diners in close quarters and capture a lively, crowded energy. Colourful murals, a marble counter loaded with fresh produce and a menu of European favourites all combine to create an experience that feels authentically tied to the packed pintxo bars of Spain. The busy, compact space adds to the atmosphere — but if you're looking to stretch out, you can always nab a seat out in the laneway. As for what you'll be eating on a trip to Deux Frères, the best place to start is with a few toothpick-skewered pintxos and a glass of sangria. The brioche, foie gras and onion jam combo is a particularly indulgent start to the meal that you won't regret. The menu is kept simple, fitting on just one page. You can work your way through the selections of cheeses and croquettes or turn your attention to some of the impressive mains on offer. The chorizo is cooked on a hibachi grill and served atop a flaming pig-shaped terracotta pot, while the wagyu rump cap is paired with port wine glaze and confit shallot — both are must-tries. While you can shake things up with a coriander-infused negroni or a citrus gin and vanilla sour, vermouth is the star of the beverage list with nine red and four white varieties on offer. Round out your visit to Deux Frères with the blood orange sorbet. Served inside a frozen hollowed-out orange, the tangy dessert is as fresh as they come. Images: Jude Cohen
If you liked choosing your way through Black Mirror: Bandersnatch — or telling Bear Grylls what to do in interactive series You vs. Wild — then Netflix has more where that came from. Come Tuesday, May 12, you'll be able to decide what happens to everyone's favourite kidnapping victim turned wide-eyed New Yorker in a one-off Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt special. While the Tina Fey co-created, 18-time Emmy-nominated comedy finished up its regular run with 2019's batch of episodes, which closed out the show's fourth season, it's coming back this year to put viewers in control. Netflix has actually been in the interactive game for a couple of years thanks to its children's shows like Puss in Boots, Buddy Thunderstruck and Stretch Armstrong; however this'll mark the streamer's first interactive comedy. Always wanted to curb Kimmy's (Ellie Kemper) ample enthusiasm? Keen to steer ex-socialite Jacqueline White (Jane Krakowski) towards a few sensible decisions? Think that landlord Lillian (Carol Kane) could be more eccentric and misanthropic? Just love everything that aspiring actor and singer Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess) does? Then this is for you, obviously. If you're fond of Jon Hamm's Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne, too, you're also in luck — this interactive episode is called Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, after all. A whole heap of other famous faces co-star as well, including Daniel Radcliffe, Amy Sedaris, Fred Armisen, Chris Parnell, Jack McBrayer and Johnny Knoxville. Story-wise, few details have been announced, other than a wedding, a journey across three US states, explosions, an evil plan and potentially starting a war against robots. Announcing the special last year, Tina Fey explained that "fans will be able to make choices on behalf of our characters, taking different story paths with, of course, different jokes," in a Netflix statement. Check out a sneak peak below: https://twitter.com/KimmySchmidt/status/1250446252786847745 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend will hit Netflix on Tuesday, May 12. Image: Netflix.
Dance floors may currently feel like a distant memory for Sydneysiders, with clubs and bars being restricted to seated patrons since reopening in May. When it's time for us to meet again on the dance floor once again, however, changes to NSW liquor laws are set to make live music and dancing easier for venues to facilitate. The new amendment, which passed through NSW Parliament on Tuesday, November 17, is called the Liquor Amendment (24-Hour Economy) Bill 2020 — and it will remove several outdated restrictions, allowing venues to host live music with fewer overbearing limitations. Some of the outmoded restrictions named in the bill include limits on what genre music can be played, which venues can host a dance floor or what kind of decorations a venue can have. This means we'll hopefully see a lot more disco balls and thriving dance floors post-COVID-19. A 2018 parliamentary inquiry into the state's music and nightlife industry found that 669 NSW venues were subject to these "archaic" conditions — which have seen Surry Hills venue Goros being forced to remove its mirror ball as it would encourage dancing, the Terrigal Hotel being barred from having "rock music" performances and the South Dubbo Tavern being restricted to booking only cover bands. These examples were given by the Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy John Graham when he introduced a similar bill — called Liquor Amendment (Right to Play Music) Bill 2020 — in late September. [caption id="attachment_697914" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Goros[/caption] The bill is expected to make it easier for venues to apply for licences, and to reward those with clean records with ongoing discounted fees. Laws surrounding small bars, alcohol delivery services and outdoor venues have also been eased as part of the amendment, including temporary powers given to local councils to encourage the use of outdoor spaces for dining and performances. The government is hoping this bill will help revitalise the live music and night-time economy following a year in which venues have struggled and some have closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Speaking on the bill, Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said "the economy doesn't go to sleep after dark and we need laws that cater for a 21st-century economy. The hospitality sector has been brought to its knees this year and the new laws will give the sector greater certainty and flexibility." The Liquor Amendment (24-Economy) Bill 2020 passed NSW Parliament on Tuesday, November 17, and is predicted to come into effect from Tuesday, December 1. Top image: Frankies by Katje Ford.
Chrissy Flanagan, Sydney's 'Sausage Queen', is branching out. Not to other varieties of minced and stuffed meats, but to something different entirely: beer. While it seems a little bizarre at first, Flanagan says it makes a lot of sense — the two are a natural pairing. Flanagan, along with her business and life partner Jim Flanagan, has been matching homemade sausages with local Sydney beers at her Dulwich Hill Sausage Factory for over a year. "I'm a long-term beer lover," says Chrissy. "And as a manufacturer of sausages, and an owner of a restaurant, it has always been about beer and sausages." The meat monarch has turned her hand to making lesser-known styles of beer, and ones infused with native Australian ingredients — just like her sausages. "We use a lot of native flavours in our sausages and it's something we're doing with our beers," explains Chrissy. At the aptly named Sausage Queen Brewing you can pair kangaroo sausage, spiked with dorrigo pepper and aniseed myrtle, with the Native Gose, a briny and salty German beer made with desert lime and red gum smoked salt. The Native Gose is one of three beers Sausage Queen Brewing will initially sell. The other two are the Lemon Myrtle Saison — a big classic Belgian saison, with lemon myrtle complementing the beer's natural yeasty funk — and the Boss Ale. The latter is a cross between a Belgian farmhouse ale, a fruit-driven pale ale and a wheat beer. To make the beers, Chrissy and Jim have teamed up with two of their favourite up-and-coming Sydney brewers. Peter Giugni, of the relatively new Bottlebrush Brews, is working with the duo to make the Lemon Myrtle Saison and the Native Gose. Giugni started brewing beers in his shed at home, before taking home the silver medal at Frenchies' Brewers Unearthed Beer competition earlier this year. For the Boss Ale, the Flanagans have partnered with Jay Cook of Marrickville's Bucket Boys. The beer — a tribute to unconventional bosses — was first launched in March this year, as a one-off collaboration with the Marrickville beer shop and sometimes brewery, and Chrissy couldn't wait for it to return. "It's genuinely the best beer I've had in my life," she says. At the moment, the beers are being brewed offsite, while the team at the Sausage Factory awaits approval on a pending DA and wholesale producer licence. Once it's approved, a microbrewery will be set up inside the Dulwich Hill space. At first the small 250-litre tank will be fermenting beers for consumption in-store and for takeaway growlers and squealers only. Then — once they've got their "feet under the table" — Chrissy plans to start distributing cans and kegs to bottle shops and pubs, starting with her favourite: the Boss Ale. From there, you can expect Sausage Queen Brewing to expand pretty quickly, as Chrissy and Jim have done with the Sausage Factory — their snags are now stocked in more than 35 shops and supermarkets across Sydney. Find Sausage Queen Brewing at 380 New Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill. It's open Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm, and Friday to Sunday from 4pm. Images: Sarah-Jane Edis. Updated: October 29, 2018.
It has been just over six months since Amazon finally launched in Australia, promising an array of goods delivered quickly and affordably, as shipped from Melbourne. But you're probably still making purchases from the company's US and UK sites, aren't you? Given that Amazon's Aussie range and prices don't quite match its overseas counterparts, that's understandable. But, come July 1, that'll no longer be an option. In emails sent out to customers today, Amazon advised that purchases from its international platforms will no longer be shipped to Australian addresses once the new financial year hits. The new policy is the result of an upcoming change to the country's GST laws, with the standard goods and services tax of 10 percent set to be applied to all online overseas purchases. At the moment, GST only applies to transactions over $1000. "We have taken this step to provide our customers with continued access to [our] international selection and allow us to remain compliant with the law which requires us to collect and remit GST on products sold on Amazon sites that are shipped from overseas," advised Amazon in its correspondence to customers. Anyone in Australia trying to purchase from Amazon US, UK or elsewhere will have the option of buying from a new Amazon Global Store, launched today, which will apparently "provide customers with continued access to [Amazon's] international selection". Still, it won't quite be the same. The Guardian reports that the Amazon Global Store currently has around four million items, which isn't even one percent of the range available in the US. And while Amazon states that more than 60 million products are currently available on its Australian site, if you're a seasoned online shopper, you've probably come across more than a few gaps. Or, you've found the same goods on sale to Aussie customers for a much steeper price, even taking exchange rates and international shipping into account. Given that the ban applies to all Australian addresses, we're sorry to say that sneaking around the block with a VPN won't work. Using a shipping forwarding service — where orders are initially sent to an overseas address, then forwarded on to Australia (for an extra fee) — will be an option though. If you're worried that this could change online shopping in Australia, you're not alone. With the change in GST laws and Amazon's precedent, it seems inevitable that other online retailers will follow in the global retailer's footsteps.
When it makes its debut this June, Sydney's huge new arts and food festival will help kickstart winter in a big way. Live music paired with stargazing, country tunes in Newtown and moonlit kayaking from Darling Harbour are just some of the highlights among the just-revealed Sydney Solstice program, with the previously announced event slotting into Vivid's usual early-winter berth between Tuesday, June 8–Sunday, June 20. Aiming to reinvigorate the city's hospitality, music, arts and culture sectors after a tough 12 months, the new event will take place across four city precincts. Spaces across the CBD, Darling Harbour, Newtown and Oxford Street will host more than 200 events — in restaurants, bars, galleries, museums, music venues and outdoor areas. In the CBD, highlights include music, dance and theatre events in the YCK Laneways precinct; dancing and late-night dim sum at Mr Wong; International Pride Month events at Metro Theatre; and art installations and dance pop-ups in Chinatown. There'll also be after-dark parties at Sea Life Aquarium, where more than just the aquatic creatures will glow; a world-premiere work by celebrated composer and producer William Barton, which will soundtrack an evening of stargazing at Sydney Observatory; and Queen's Feast, Heaps Gay's multi-sensory dining and art experience at Sydney Town Hall. The latter will feature an all-female chef lineup, including Masterchef alum Sarah Tiong, pastry maven Anna Polyviou, Southside Charmers' Georgia Woodyard and Claire Van Vuuren of Newtown fave Bloodwood. The Sydney Opera House forecourt will become a hub of live music, talks and poetry readings for each night of Sydney Solstice. Head along at sunset, and you'll see this year's Badu Gili, too — a six-minute projection on the structure's eastern Bennelong sails. Or, for two food-filled days, make a date with Opera Kitchen and its Italian- and Japanese-focused festival. Nearby, Darling Harbour will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice-skating rink and German-themed chalets. If you'd prefer to hop onto the water, you'll be able to kayak by moonlight as well. Also making great use of the waterfront location: Harbour Garden, an installation of inflatables that's designed for attendees of all ages. Just outside of the CBD, Newtown will host the inaugural (and adorably named) Country and Inner Western Festival, which'll pop up in small bars, pubs and other venues to showcase emerging and established country, alternative country, bluegrass, folk, Americana and blues musicians. And, over at South Eveleigh, a big (and free) street festival will celebrate the growing food precinct — just as Kylie Kwong launches her new restaurant onsite. Meanwhile, fermentation will be in the spotlight on Oxford Street, with Bitter Phew celebrating brewers, winemakers, bakers and cheesemakers for the duration of Sydney Solstice. Plus, Hotel Harry's Altar Danceteria will throw a series of genre-hopping parties — so fingers crossed that dancing is back again by June. And, no, you won't be bored across the festival's 13-day run. Sydney Solstice will take place from Tuesday, June 8–Sunday, June 20. We'll update you with further details when they're announced — and you can keep an eye on the festival's website, too. Images: Destination NSW
Part music store, part school, part recording studio, this Alexander Street fixture is bursting with creative energy. Founded in 2009 as an instrument retailer, Big Music has since grown to become a centre for all things music, inspiring children and adults alike to take up an instrument. With a team of over thirty professional musicians as retailers, teachers and coaches, the business continues to grow and expand with its client base. Private lessons are available from Monday–Saturday for guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, piano and singing with top coaches. There are a number of camps, classes and programs available including the ever popular Rock Show in which teenagers are encouraged and coached by industry professionals and showcase their talent in a live performance. More of a community than a store, Big Music is the perfect place to start — or restart — your musical journey. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
Halloween is ghost season, so what better way to celebrate (or, maybe, commiserate) these lost souls than trying to find them. Once a quarantine facility for newly arrived migrants, Q Station in Manly has been consistently voted one of the most haunted locations in Australia, so you know it's going to be really, really creepy. North Head is dotted with gravestones and is the burial place of more than 572 bodies. Many of the spirits that roam the area are the memories of British convicts and settlers who suffered horrifically from infectious diseases en route Down Under. While ghost tours run throughout the year, the special Halloween tours are a cut above the rest. There's the always popular Ghostly Encounters — a two-and-half-hour storytelling experience for those that want the nitty-gritty details of the station's tragic history — and the 90-minute Halloween Scream tour through the infamous shower block, the haunted hospital and the dreaded morgue. There are two bars on site slinging haunted cocktails, and Frankenstein will be hosting (un)happy hour from 5.30–9pm on Halloween night itself. The team encourages you to dress up Halloween-style to really get in to the spirit (or to raise them from the dead), so come in costume. If you've got it, haunt it.
Pare back the impressive special effects and constant wisecracking in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and you soon come to realise...there's not a great deal of story to speak of. After a lifetime of searching, Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) finally finds himself face to face with his estranged father, Ego (Kurt Russell), from whom he quickly learns the truth about both the power and importance of his lineage. The question, though, is what's driving Ego's sudden appearance in Quill's life after such a long absence? Beyond that, there's actually very little going on in the film, aside from an entirely superfluous secondary plot involving a genetically-engineered race of conceited aliens (led by a gilded Elizabeth Debicki) who are hell-bent on killing the Guardians over a tiny spat from the opening scene. In the absence of plot, then, what drives this film and keeps it (for the most part) engaging are the relationships. For Quill, that means both a developing closeness with his father and an ongoing attempt to progress what he terms his 'unspoken thing' with the green-skinned warrior Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Gamora, in turn, is preoccupied with the increasingly complex and fractious relationship she has with her vengeful sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) – by far the movie's most compelling and nuanced dynamic. Close behind that comes the foul-mouthed Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), whose proclivity for sabotaging friendships and avoiding emotional closeness comes under the microscope in a surprisingly tender way. Less moving, but always entertaining, are the two remaining Guardians: Drax, the forever-literal powerhouse (Dave Bautista) and Groot, the tree creature turned sapling (voiced by Vin Diesel). Groot proved a fan favourite in the first Guardians film, so naturally he has a bigger role here. With those enlarged Disney ™ eyes and a propensity for dancing at inopportune moments, Groot represents at once the film's most consistent comedic device and tweaker of heart strings. To say his merchandise will sell well after the film's release might prove the single largest understatement of 2017. Of course, a review of a Guardians movie wouldn't be complete without mentioning its soundtrack. As in the first film, here we find a compilation of '80s tracks that well and truly earns the 'Awesome Mix Tape' tag. 'Mr. Blue Sky' by ELO, 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac and 'Surrender' by Cheap Trick are just some of the album's top-to-bottom highlights, used throughout the movie with such design that it's almost a character unto itself. Then there's Cat Stevens' 'Father and Son'. Already one of last century's most moving ballads, its deployment in the final stages of the film hits you in the feels so hard that you stand zero chance of wrenching your tear ducts shut in time. Admittedly, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 feels less innovative than its predecessor, with writer-director James Gunn mostly expanding upon existing plot lines, jokes and action sequences rather than inventing new ones. Still, it's an enjoyable ride, and there's clearly more to come (be sure to stay through to the end of the credits through which you'll catch a full five additional scenes and teasers). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hdv_6gl4gk
Art galleries don't just showcase great works by renowned talents on their own walls. They also loan out their collections, touring them to other sites around the globe. That's great news for Australians, who've been able to check out pieces from London's Tate Britain and New York's Museum of Modern Art in recent years, all without leaving the country. In 2021, you'll also be able to feast your eyes on two big collections of European masterpieces from two different overseas institutions: from New York's The Met, which is heading to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, and from London's National Gallery, which'll take over the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. The latter, called Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London, will hit the Australian Capital Territory from March 5–June 14, 2021. If you were looking for a reason to take a local holiday interstate this year, the NGA has not just one but 60, because that's how many works this huge exhibition will feature. The gallery isn't joking about the showcase's title, either. When you'll be exhibiting Van Gogh's Sunflowers, you can throw around the word 'masterpiece' as much as you like. Other high-profile works include Rembrandt's Self Portrait at the Age of 34, plus Vermeer's A Young Woman seated at a Virginal. And, artist-wise, Titian, Velázquez, Goya, Turner, Renoir, Cézanne, Botticelli, El Greco, Constable, Van Dyke, Gainsborough and Gauguin are all also on the bill. [caption id="attachment_792837" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Vincent van Gogh, Sunflowers 1888, National Gallery, London, Image courtesy the National Gallery, London[/caption] When peering at the exhibition's pieces, art aficionados will be taken through seven important periods in Western European art history, from a range that spans 450 years. That means exploring work from the Italian Renaissance, checking out the Dutch painting of the Golden Age, and feasting your eyes on British portraiture — as well as scoping out pieces from the 17th- and 18th-century Grand Tour, Spanish art from the 17th century, works that focus on landscape and the picturesque, and examining the birth of modern art. When Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London hits our shores, it'll mark a big milestone, too — as the largest batch of works to venture beyond the United Kingdom in National Gallery's 192-year history. Announcing the exhibition, National Gallery of Australia Director Nick Mitzevich mentioned exactly what you're probably now thinking — that is, that the showcase is a nifty way to see the world in a period when we can't venture far physically. "At a time when Australian audiences are unable to travel overseas, we are thrilled to be able to welcome visitors to Canberra to see this exclusive showcase of world-class art," he said. Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London exhibits at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra from March 5–June 14, 2021, with tickets on sale now. Top images: Installation view, Vincent van Gogh, Sunflowers, The National Gallery, London © The National Gallery, London; installation view, Anthony van Dyck, Lady Elizabeth Thimbelby and Dorothy, Viscountess, The National Gallery, London © The National Gallery, London; installation view, Giovanni Giralomo Savoldo, Mary Magdalene (far left), The National Gallery, London © The National Gallery, London.
Gone are the days when it was safe to assume that a long-running music festival would definitely return each year, as Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass' recent fortunes have underscored. As a result, when a fest announces that it's coming back, it's big news. Good Things is the latest to confirm a spot on 2025's calendar, and also its dates. Once again, the event will be starting off summer. As it has in past years, Good Things will hit up all three of its stops — Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane — across one huge weekend. There's no venues locked in so far, after the festival took over took over Flemington Racecourse, Centennial Park and Brisbane Showgrounds in 2024; however, you can mark Friday, December 5 in your diaries for the Victorian capital, then Saturday, December 6 in the Harbour City and Sunday, December 7 in the Sunshine State. As for who'll be on the bill, that hasn't been revealed as yet either, and neither has a timeline for future announcements. 2022's lineup dropped in June, while 2023's and 2024's each arrived in August, so expect to know sometime in winter if that pattern holds. Last year, Korn, Violent Femmes and Billy Corgan were on headlining duty, with Electric Callboy, Mastodon, The Gaslight Anthem, L7, Kerry King, Jet, The Living End, The Butterfly Effect and Killing Heidi among their company. 2023's fest featured Devo, Limp Bizkit, Corey Taylor, Pennywise, Bullet for My Valentine, Taking Back Sunday, I Prevail, Enter Shikari, Pvris, Behemoth, Sepultura, Spiderbait, Frenzal Rhomb, Jebediah and Eskimo Joe, among other acts. In 2022, the reunited TISM, Bring Me the Horizon, The Amity Affliction, NOFX and Millencolin led the roster. Good Things 2025 Dates Friday, December 5 — Melbourne Saturday, December 6 — Sydney Sunday, December 7 — Brisbane Good Things will hit the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in December 2025. We'll update you when the lineup is announced and tickets go on sale — head to the festival website for more information and to sign up for the event's mailing list in the interim. Images: Kane Hibberd.
Thought there was room in this town for just one retro-inspired line of Melbourne beer merch? Well, think again. VB has been dropping different collections and items over the past couple of years years, including Christmas sweaters and swimwear — and, after first releasing some sweet new merchandise of its own back in 2018, too, Melbourne Bitter has just announced its latest range. Once again, it's a collaboration with fuss-free menswear label Mr Simple. And once again, it's taking its cues from history. This time around, the collection draws upon Melbourne Bitter's archive, with four different graphics on offer. Melbourne Bitter's reputation as a hipster sip of choice should give you some idea of the vibe of this latest collection — think, vintage-style tees showcasing old-school logos, plus long-sleeved shirts, bucket hats and caps. Basically, now that Melbourne's pubs and bars have reopened, it's the perfect wardrobe choice. Unlike the largely unisex offerings of VB's range, this one's marketed more towards men — as Melbourne Bitter's first collab with Mr Simple was as well. Still, we think it can rocked by all beer lovers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZfw9lZTojQ For more information about the Melbourne Bitter x Mr Simple Pt II clothing line, head to Mr Simple's website.
Tasmania has firmly established itself as a go-to destination on Australia's culinary map. The island's verdant farmlands and inventive chefs produce some of the finest cuisine in the country. Plus, a budding collection of paddock-to-plate restaurants are helping visitors to better appreciate the island state's incredibly rich variety of produce. Here, we've teamed up with Tourism Tasmania to highlight a selection of incredible restaurants where almost everything you feast upon is locally grown and produced. Got a penchant for restaurants that champion sustainability and seasonality? It's time to push Tassie to the top of your travel list. [caption id="attachment_866855" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Van Bone[/caption] VAN BONE Set against the backdrop of Marion Bay's picturesque coastal landscape, Van Bone's eco-conscious philosophy ensures it stands out as a quintessentially Tasmanian fine dining experience. Led by chef Tim Hardy and his partner Laura Stucken, the venue offers seasonal and hyperlocal dishes with incredible vistas and refined architecture to match. Seating just 20 guests, the intimate venue sees diners gazing upon rolling green hills as the chefs prepare the daily degustation menu in an open kitchen. Much of the produce on offer here is grown in the kitchen garden and orchard, while nearby suppliers provide everything else. [caption id="attachment_865477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jarrad Seng[/caption] THE AGRARIAN KITCHEN EATERY Rodney Dunn and Séverine Demanet have long been fascinated by the relationship between everyday food and the earth that provides it. After opening in 2015, The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery has helped the couple explore this dynamic further, with their spacious venue in the rural community of New Norfolk serving local, seasonal cuisine that celebrates its origins. Many of the ingredients used across the restaurant's woodfired and hot-smoked dishes are grown on a nearby farm and showcase a relaxed expression of Tasmanian cuisine focused on local, small-batch makers and producers. Soon, the duo will share their skills via a new cooking school and kitchen garden which are set to open alongside the restaurant in October this year. [caption id="attachment_865491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nat Mendham[/caption] STILLWATER Set in a 19th-century flour mill overlooking a charming estuary in Launceston, Stillwater has been recognised as one of the country's top paddock-to-plate restaurants since its launch. Renowned for its casual fine dining, the venue boasts a highly seasonal menu with almost everything on it grown locally. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Stillwater delivers a distinctly Tasmanian dining experience that's only made better by its picturesque setting. Plus, the knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to walk you through where each ingredient is sourced, from the meat to the herbs. [caption id="attachment_868520" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Charles Hill[/caption] WATERLOO INN Overlooking the east coast of Tasmania about a 30-minute drive from Freycinet National Park, the Waterloo Inn offers simple, seasonal cuisine that reflects its stunning location in Swansea. Housed inside an unassuming hotel, Waterloo Point, the restaurant is guided by chef Zac Green's (ex-Movida) ode to cosy pubs that dot the island's often chilly coastline. Taking cues from the weather and the available local produce, the three-course Sunday set lunch changes by the week so it's best to keep an eye on the restaurant's socials for updates. Head along soon to experience this local favourite before it becomes a bona fide interstate icon. Booking are essential. [caption id="attachment_865478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liam Neal[/caption] FAT PIG FARM Matthew Evans and Sadie Chrestman (of Gourmet Farmer fame) have established Fat Pig Farm – a thriving working property that hosts a multi-course Friday Feast (as well as the occasional Thursday session) — on a 70-acre block in the Huon Valley. These long lunches almost exclusively showcase ingredients grown on the surrounding paddocks. Its heritage apple orchard, market garden, chooks, cows and namesake Wessex Saddleback pigs offer a communal experience for diners to explore the flavours of the Huon Valley. Matthew and Sadie even take guests on a guided tour of the farm between courses, bringing diners closer to the source of their food. [caption id="attachment_865479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kelly Slater[/caption] TIMBRE Just a short drive from Launceston in the Tamar Valley, Timbre offers an ever-changing seasonal menu that highlights the region's very best producers and growers. Plus, you can soak up the pastoral views and serene landscapes of the grounds of adjacent Vélo Wines as you enjoy a variety of woodfired dishes. You can choose from standard or deluxe banquets or opt for a selection of tasty shared plates. Although the offering is constantly changing, some recent highlights include pork rib with fermented manzano chilli and miso caramel mousse topped with honeycomb. With exceptional wine coming from the vines outside, Timbre is a must-visit dining destination to add to your Tasmanian food itinerary. Ready to plan a trip for your tastebuds around Tasmania? To discover more, visit the website. Top image: Tourism Tasmania and Peter Whyte
Update Wednesday, 9 February: More Splendour sideshows have been announce from Parquet Courts, Dayglow, Starcrawler, Surfaces & Tai Verdes. You can find all the details on how to purchase tickets to these shows via the Mistletone and Frontier Touring websites. Splendour in the Grass 2022 is a festival that has been three years in the making. After two years of cancellations and postponements, the festival is set to finally grace the fields of North Byron Parklands in July this year, with a lineup that closely resembles the set of acts it originally announced for its 20th anniversary edition back in 2020. If you couldn't score tickets to the three-day festival or haven't been able to get time off work to venture up to Byron Bay in the middle of the year, you're in luck: a heap of the international acts from the lineup have announced sideshows. Heading up the huge announcement is Oasis's Liam Gallagher who will be performing in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth; New York indie legends Yeah Yeah Yeahs popping up in Sydney and Melbourne; and rap sensation Jack Harlow who will be making appearances in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Joining these superstars on the list of sideshows: Duke Dumont, Yungblood, Jungle, Mura Masa, Aitch, Tom Misch, Oliver Tree, Orville Peck, Dillon Francis, Tierra Whack, Jpegamafia, Sofi Tucker, Still Woozy, Holly Humberstone, Biig Piig, Joy Crookes, Hinds and Renforshort, as well as UK viral sensation Wet Leg who will be supporting Yeah Yeah Yeahs on their run of shows. [caption id="attachment_748423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Orville Peck[/caption] Headliners Tyler the Creator, The Strokes and Gorillaz will also be setting out on their own previously announced sideshows, however tickets to these have already been snatched up, so if you don't have them already you may be out of luck. Sydney and Melbourne have predictably scored shows from all the acts on the roster of sideshows, Auckland and Perth will have the chance to catch a good chunk of the artists, while Brisbane and Adelaide have received one show each — Yungblood in Brisbane and Sofi Tukker in Adelaide. Brisbane is often hard done by when it comes to Splendour's touring gigs, presumably due to its proximity to Byron Bay. As for Adelaide, it's receiving its own Spin Off festival on Friday, July 22 featuring Glass Animals, Jack Harlow, Sapcey Jane, Ball Park Music and Oliver Tree. You can find all the details and the full roster of sideshows at Secret Sounds website. [caption id="attachment_842129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joy Crookes[/caption] Splendour in the Grass will take place at North Byron Parklands Friday, July 22–Sunday, July 24. The festival's sideshows are popping up across Australia and New Zealand in July. Tickets go on sale from 9am Monday, February 14.
Only a three minute drive from Avoca Beach is an old corner store housing specialty coffee cafe, Like Minds. It's evident, once stepping inside, however, that Like Minds is so much more than just a place to drink coffee. It's also an art gallery, creative hub, design venue and market garden — a community space to be used and enjoyed. Opened by local couple James Rolph and Melissa Morgan, the cafe has a focus on sustainability with a "zero waste" food policy. Local produce is also used where possible and herbs are picked every morning from the on-site garden. But, back to what we're all (most likely) here for: coffee. Like Minds' brews are made on beans by Sydney's Fat Poppy Specialty Coffee and come cold, hot, black, white, iced and spiced. Yep, if you're feeling adventurous, you might decide to order the chipotle mocha, made with a double shot of espresso, smoked chilli and dark chocolate.
Nineties kids, Disney fans and everyone who's ever cried over a lion cub that just couldn't wait to be king, it's time to climb onto a rock and yell your lungs out. The circle of life has struck again, and The Lion King is back. It's in live-action form this time around, and the first teaser trailer for the new movie has just dropped. Releasing in mid-2019, the film will once again tell the tale of Simba, who's set to take over the pride from his father Mufasa, only for his malicious uncle Scar to get in the way. You know where it goes from there — and while you're watching extremely life-like lions prowl around Africa, you'll be hearing the voices of Donald Glover as Simba, none other than Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as his childhood pal Nala, and James Earl Jones as his dad. Yes, the latter is reprising his role from the original film. Other big names attached include Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, John Oliver as Zazu, and Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as Timon and Pumbaa. Elton John is back working on the soundtrack with Tim Rice, as they both did on the first film. They'll reportedly have some help from Beyoncé, naturally, while The Jungle Book's Jon Favreau is in the director's chair for the entire production. If you're anxious about how it might turn out, it's worth taking Timon and Pumbaa's advice at this early stage — although this initial look should help get rid of your worries for the rest of your days. The Lion King hits Australian cinemas on July 18, 2019. Feel the love for the first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJbI5f3z3Po&feature=youtu.be
All those positive little jerks like the OK sign, peace sign and thumbs up are about to have a pesky new emoji neighbour — Microsoft has added a middle finger to your array of textual gestures, as announced by Emojipedia (it's a thing). Scheduled for released mid-2015 and only available in the latest update to Microsoft's upcoming operating system, Windows 10, the middle finger emoji has been long awaited by flirty teens, Twitter trolls and the rest of us angry, angry folk for years. But not all platforms are on board with flipping the bird, with most keeping to the more polite high-five signs in the arsenal. Looks like Microsoft users will be the only customers able to tell each other to fuck off with a middle finger which honestly looks like an appendage meets... an apple. Figures. The emoji isn't technically new either; according to Quartz it was added by the Unicode Consortium (the not-for-profit organisation responsible for keeping certain standards' in software, emojis included) last year. But then it's up to the individual companies behind the smartphone in your hot little hand (Apple, Google) and also social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to allow the emoji to show up. Apple and Google recently updated their emojis (with Apple especially making headlines for racially diversifying its range) but both left the bird out of it. No fun. Via Quartz.
Across four seasons and 36 episodes of Rick and Morty to date, Rick Sanchez has taken many forms. That's one of the joys of the animated show's multiverse. New universe, new Rick — and new Morty, Beth, Jerry and Summer as well. But while the labcoat-wearing, booze-guzzling mad scientist has been tiny, sported an afro and even been a wasp, one Rick stands out from the crowd. Regular Rick is great, of course; however, Pickle Rick has been an instant favourite since he was first sighted in a trailer for the series' third season. Now, Pickle Rick is taking a new journey — into doughnuts. This isn't the setup for one of the show's new episodes, but a menu item now on offer at Krispy Kreme. Taking inspiration from all things Rick and Morty, the bakery chain has launched a new R&M-themed lineup, including a Pickle Rick doughnut. It's green, obviously. It's filled with green-hued lemon creme and covered with green-coloured white chocolate. And yes, it features a picture of Pickle Rick on top. Because this is the way the news goes, Krispy Kreme's R&M doughnut range also spans Strawberry Smiggles and Simple Rick's Wafer Cookie varieties. Hope you like strawberry — the former is filled with strawberry filling, then covered with mini marshmallows, meringue pieces and confetti, while the latter is dipped in strawberry truffle and topped with a white chocolate wafer disc. There's a Fleeb Juice shake, too, which combines raspberry and vanilla, and tastes nothing like alien excretion (we hope). If you're keen to eat your Rick and Morty-loving feelings in doughnut form, you can find the new range in Krispy Kreme stores across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, Western Australia and Auckland until March 16 — and available via UberEats as well. You won't find them at 7-Elevens or BPs, though. Clearly, a szechuan sauce doughnut was too difficult to make. Also, let's admit it — it probably would've tasted awful. If you need something to watch while you're gorging on doughnuts, Pickle Rick has that taken care of below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSqi5s3rfqk Krispy Kreme's Rick and Morty range is available until March 16.
Is Black Mirror a sci-fi flight of fancy or a realistic window into the future? Does it take humanity's increasing reliance upon technology to the fictional extreme, or predict what's about to happen? Whichever train of thought you subscribe to, if you're a fan of the Charlie Brooker-created series, you've probably jumped at every possible chance to immerse yourself in the television series. First, there was the interactive Black Mirror exhibition that popped up in London. Then came a super bleak board game. Now there's a retro-style video game as well. Hot on the heels of the program's just-released choose-your-own-adventure movie, Bandersnatch, comes your chance to mash buttons while diving into Black Mirror's twisted realm. The video game is called Nohzdyve, and it's seen in the series' new flick. It's one of the hit titles created by Colin Ritman (Will Poulter), the programmer that Bandersnatch's 19-year-old protagonist Stefan (Fionn Whitehead) first idolises, then buddies up to. The two become colleagues at games development company Tuckersoft when Stefan tries to turn his own dream game into a reality. Avid Black Mirror fans will have spotted that Nohzdyve is a reference to the first episode of the show's third season, Nosedive, aka the Bryce Dallas Howard-starring tale about a world where social media controls life's ups and downs. It's also the episode that was turned into the aforementioned board game — and, clearly, it's one of the series' instalments with the most glaring real-world parallels. In Bandersnatch, the Nohzdyve video game was made in the 80s, which means that social media obviously doesn't rate a mention. Instead, the game involves falling through the sky while collecting eyeballs and avoiding buildings. If you're keen to play it, Nohzdyve can be downloaded from the Tuckersoft website; however there is a catch. It will only run on a downloadable emulator that recreates the ZX Spectrum home computer system from 1982 (aka a British equivalent to the Commodore 64). Still, if you've already worked your way through Bandersnatch's interactive story — deciding what path Stefan's tale takes, picking between branching narrative arcs, and looping back again and again to find all of the endings — you can trade one type of Black Mirror game for another.
Korean television made history in 2025, when season three of Squid Game broke Netflix viewership and ranking records. Parasite, Korea's big Oscar-winner, is in the spotlight at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival courtesy of new big-screen sessions with composer Jung Jae-il conducting and performing its score live. That movie's director Bong Joon-ho released his first feature, Mickey 17, since his most-acclaimed picture. They're just some of the ways that 2025 has already been excellent if you love Korean film and television. Here's another: from Thursday, August 21–Tuesday, August 26, the Korean Film Festival in Australia is returning for its latest run. Back in 2010 when it debuted, it did so in Sydney. The Harbour City remains the event's main home in 2025, too, at Event Cinema George Street. Hear Me: Our Summer is on opening duties. The romantic drama co-stars former Iz*One member Kim Minju, remakes Taiwan's Hear Me and sees a love story blossom via Korean Sign Language. Sydney audiences can also catch the South Korean spin on 2011 Colombian film Hidden Face, with Parasite's Cho Yeo-jeong among the cast; see a new take on Mary Shelley's masterpiece via Frankenstein Father; watch more K-pop stars, including An So-hee leading the Seoul-set The Daechi Scandal and EXO's Doh Kyung-soo feature in Secret: Untold Melody; and get a dose of crime thrills via Dirty Money. A 4K restoration of 1999's spy thriller Shiri is showing in the Harbour City as well. If you're keen to hear more about a number of titles on the lineup, Hear Me: Our Summer director Jo Seon-ho, Hidden Face helmer Kim Dae-woo and About Family's Yang Woo-seok are all attending the fest — and so is The Noisy Mansion's Lee Lu-da, plus actor Gyeong Su-jin. And if you're wondering about the last of those two movies, About Family is a dramedy about a chef discovering that he might have grandchildren, while The Noisy Mansion focuses on a tenant and her neighbours trying to discover why their building is plagued by strange sounds — and Forbidden Fairytale is about a children's book author who starts ghostwriting online erotica.
You've binged your way through HBO's excellent Chernobyl mini-series. If you're a Melburnian, or you've taken a trip to the Victorian city recently, you may have wandered through a recreation of the exclusion zone around the exploded nuclear reactor as well. Soon, you also might be able to sip shots of vodka from the region — made from grain from the Ukrainian area that has been off limits for more than three decades. The tipple in question is called Atomik Vodka. Brewed by a team of scientists from the UK and Ukraine, it's part of a three-year research project investigating the transfer of radioactivity from the soil to crops grown in the closed-off spot, as well as in the Narodychi District within the Zone of Obligatory Resettlement. (People still live in the latter location, but the land isn't officially allowed to be used for agriculture.) While the grain itself showed some signs, all traces of Chernobyl-derived radioactivity was lost in the distilling process, which inherently reduces impurities — leaving the vodka with the same level of natural radiation that you'd find in any other spirit. The vodka also uses local mineral water, sourced from a deep aquifer below the town of Chernobyl, around 10 kilometres south of the nuclear power station. It's been found to possess chemistry similar to water from limestone aquifers, like the one in the Champagne region of France, and was used to dilute the distilled alcohol to 40 percent. At present, only one bottle of the vodka exists. And, if you're curious about giving it a taste, it's not for sale. But the team behind Atomik hope that will change, and, that after clearing a few legal hurdles, they'll be able to begin a small-scale experimental run of the grain spirit by the end of this year. If they're successful in their efforts, they plan to donate 75 percent of Atomik Vodka's profits back to the affected Ukrainian community. It's also hoped that the research project will assist residents around the exclusion zone by showing that the land is now safe to be used for agriculture, opening up further investment and economic benefits. For more information, visit the Atomik Vodka website. Via the University of Portsmouth.
In a year that has already seen Australians spend plenty of time on their couches, Netflix is serving up a new reason to stay seated, get cosy and start your next binge. From Thursday, September 17, beloved US sitcom Friends will land on the streaming service — so if your sofa happens to be a Central Perk-style shade of orange, you'll have an extra reason to celebrate. All ten seasons of the show will hit at once, which means you'll have 236 episodes to work your way through. Obviously, that's a whole heap of time in the company of New York's most famous posse of pals. Whether you once had your hair cut like Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), spout catchphrases like Joey (Matt LeBlanc) or are known to sing about cats like Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) — or have spent way too much time thinking about Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler's (Matthew Perry) relationship, or about Ross' (David Schwimmer) pet monkey, too — you'll be in your element. In fact, you could even say your favourite TV mates will be there for you. https://twitter.com/NetflixANZ/status/1295843163123245057 Of course, Friends fans will already know that the show's entire run is currently available in Australia via fellow streaming service Stan, and has been for some time. If that continues to be the case, you'll now have two places to get your 90s and early 00s sitcom fix. The past few years have been eventful for Friends aficionados. An orange couch toured around Australia, anniversary marathons have screened in cinemas, boozy brunch parties have showered the show with love and trivia nights are still held regularly. A musical parody of the series is about to liven up Aussie theatres as well. And, at some point in the near future, the whole gang will even reunite for a TV reunion special — which was originally due to surface earlier this year, but has been delayed due to the pandemic. All ten seasons of Friends will hit Netflix on Thursday, September 17.
If you needed more evidence that teenagers are becoming even smarter at a younger age, look no further. A new trend has emerged in Midwest America, where teenagers are reportedly soaking candy in alcohol in order to get drunk. Long gone are the days when young hooligans would wait outside the bottle shop and desperately beg the first bloke with facial hair to buy them a case of Bacardi Breezers. Instead, candy is being soaked in spirits before being consumed in a seemingly harmless practice. These teenagers were even able to pick the cutest and most innocent candy as their method of intoxication: the gummy bear. Darcy Jensen from Prairie View Prevention Services works in South Dakota to stop underage drinking. She notes that whilst the problem has not yet become widespread, she has already sent out warnings to schools across the state about the dangerous new practice. "Maybe someone has offered the candy and they didn't even know. So telling the kids ahead of time this could be something to be aware of is important," she said. Darcy raises a valid point. Teenagers might think twice about accepting a drink from a stranger, but a gummy bear? Never. She notes that this new trend will provide parents with a good opportunity to talk to their children about the hazards of underage drinking, and describes the gummy bears as "a good conversation starter." Maybe confectionery giants should start selling candy in brown paper bags from now on. [via Keloland]
It's been a heck of a long time coming, but retail giant Amazon will this week open the doors to the first of its automated grocery stores in Seattle, USA. As reported by CNBC, the Amazon Go concept is out to shake up the retail industry, by doing away with the queues, checkouts and registers of traditional grocery stores. Instead, customers scan their Amazon Go app upon walking into the store, cameras and sensors are used to track which products are taken from the shelves and make their way into a virtual shopping cart, and shoppers are charged accordingly and emailed their receipt after leaving. But while it all sounds pretty nifty, there's always a swag of hype surrounding Amazon's new technologies and launches, and lately the company seems to have had some issues bringing them to fruition. The Seattle store was scheduled to open to the public back in early 2017, but was delayed for testing nearly a year due to kinks in the automated check-out technology. There has been speculation that Amazon is aiming to open bricks-and-mortar stores in Australia as well, namely its grocery service Amazon Fresh. But given the long-overdue launach of Amazon's Australian online retail service late last year, we won't hold our breath waiting for the Amazon Go concept to arrive Down Under for a little while. Via CNBC.
It's summertime, which means plenty of days hanging at the beach, or in the park, and relaxing in the sun. And while summer reads are an essential part of any good trip outside, some days we're left either squinting against the glare or fighting that inevitable sunglasses tan. On those days, reach for your headphones and check out one of these podcasts instead. From true tales of murderous doctors to mind-boggling stories of viral Reddit threads, these podcasts will keep you entertained and informed this summer — whether you're relaxing at the beach or commuting on a train. SERIAL SEASON THREE The cult-favourite podcast Serial returned for its third season in September 2018, having been silent since season two aired back in 2015. Season three focuses on the entire criminal justice system in the US — and, more specifically, on the inconsistencies and failures of the courts in Cleveland, Ohio. Host Sarah Koenig (This American Life) and her crew spent one year in the Cleveland courts, where they recorded not only in courtrooms but also in judge's chambers, prosecutors' offices and back hallways, plus outside the courthouse in family members' houses, streets and prisons. Koenig witnessed an onslaught of court offences, including extra charges, pressure to plead guilty, shabby police work, "eleventh hour" evidence and dozing jurors and a judge — all ending with outsized prison sentences. Again, the story unfolds week-by-week, but this time follows different cases each time in the nine-episode season. Listen to Serial Season Three here. SLOW BURN SEASON TWO A Slate Plus production, Slow Burn explores "subplots, strange details, and forgotten characters" of contemporary political history in the United States. While season one focused on Nixon's Watergate scandal of the 1970s, season two (released in August 2018) investigates the 1998 impeachment of President Bill Clinton — during which Clinton was accused of having sexual relations with his intern Monica Lewinksy, and was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice for lying about it under oath. Host Leon Neyfakh explores this story of political and sexual scandal in depth, finding modern-day parallels, including similarities to the #MeToo movement. Whether you remember the scandal or not, the podcast explores it in a new, 2019-appropriate, light. Listen to Slow Burn here. DR. DEATH Dr. Death follows the deeply disturbing true story of Christopher Duntsch, a Texas neurosurgeon who was convicted of gross malpractice and sentenced to life in prison in 2017. A whopping 33 of his patients were left seriously injured from his operations — two of which died on the operating table. Created by Wondery — the network behind another wildly popular podcast, Dirty John — and hosted by the award-winning health and science reporter Laura Beil, the ten-episode season finished this December. It explores a medical system that fails to protect patients and the horrors that can await in the operating room because of it. Listen to Dr. Death here. NO MAN'S LAND No Man's Land dives into stories of some of the most trailblazing and game-changing, yet lesser known, women of history. The first season aired in November, with five episodes out so far. Some of the women featured include mid-1900s poet Sylvia Plath; investigative journalist and civil rights activist from the late 1800s, Ida B Wells; and Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta. The latest episode examines the originators of women's social clubs, and the resulting groups' power and influence. Host Alexis Coe is also the in-house historian for the podcast's creators, The Wing — a networking company that runs community spaces for women. Listen to No Man's Land here. THE TEACHER'S PET A must-listen for fans of murder-mystery, The Australian-created podcast The Teacher's Pet looks into the 1982 disappearance of Lynette Dawson — the wife of rugby league player and teacher Chris Dawson. The podcast unveils large amounts of evidence that had not been previously collected or examined by police, including details of the couple's marriage, Lynette's disappearance and Chris Dawson's affair with a 16-year-old student. Late last year, the podcast was awarded the 2018 Gold Walkley Award, one of Australia's most prestigious journalism awards. Hosted by award-winning Australian journalist Hedley Thomas, the 14-episode podcast aired in May, with two additional episodes added at the end of December following Chris's arrest and release after being granted bail. More episodes are also expected to air as new leads are unearthed, so this is the ideal time to get into this podcast. Listen to Teacher's Pet here. THE WITCH HUNT SEASON TWO As the title indicates, The Witch Hunt investigates famous witch hunts in history, both "literal and metaphorical" — starting, of course, with Salem, Massachusetts in season one. In season two, which aired back in April 2017, the focus is on the 'satanic panic' of the late-1900s, when the imagined existence of satanic ritual abuse in the States led to a pandemic of fear and paranoia. The eight episodes feature interviews with the likes of award-winning investigative journalist Jordan Smith (The Intercept) and Historical Blindness podcast host Nathan Lloyd. The Witch Hunt explores scapegoating of all kinds, too, including topics like child abuse allegations and Dungeons and Dragons (yes, the board game). Listen to The Witch Hunt here. CALIPHATE The New York Times' podcast Caliphate follows reporter Rukmini Callimachi, whose career focuses on Islamic extremism. The investigative podcast centres around the fall of Mosul — when the Iraqi Army was defeated by the Islamic State in 2014. The ten-chapter season asks questions like "who is it that ISIS appeals to, and how?" and "who are we really fighting"? Callimachi speaks with recruits, former and returned ISIS members, and detainees, as well as enslaved victims of the Islamic State. Released in April 2018, the powerful series unveils the reality of being a terrorism reporter on the front line and sheds light on the nature of ISIS violence. Listen to Caliphate here. ENDLESS THREAD While some people like to focus on internet's ability to isolate, WBUR and Reddit have combined forces to explore the ways in which it creates shared experiences and connections between people — on all sides of the globe. Endless Thread digs through Reddit communities to uncover stories that reveal the true potential of the internet, and some of them are fascinating, hilarious and horrifying. The podcast is hosted by Ben Brock Johnson (Marketplace Tech, Codebreaker) and WBUR's producer Amory Sivertson (Modern Love: The Podcast). It launched in January 2018 and continues to air every Friday. It promises to be more than cat videos, but also full of cat videos, and covers everything from miraculous near-misses (including a pilot landing a plane sans windshield) to a viral flyer selling a Soylent sculpture. Whether you love or hate Reddit, this one is worth the listen. Listen to Endless Thread here. LADIES, WE NEED TO TALK Exploring topics of work, health and sexuality, Ladies, We Need To Talk is created by women for women. It's an ABC Radio Podcasts production and was the winner of the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards for Best Lifestyle and Heath Podcast. Hosted by Australian TV presenter Yumi Stynes, the ongoing episodes delve into topics like anxiety, hormones, being judged by looks instead of intelligence and society's obsession with youth. Styne — who's joined on the show by a lineup of influential female Aussies — shares personal stories and discusses the struggle for women to balance work and private life. Ladies, We Need To Talk also encourages listeners to call in and share their own stories. Listen to Ladies We Need To Talk here. HEAVYWEIGHT The award-winning podcast Heavyweight just completed it's third season in December and continues to be a firm favourite amongst audiences and critics alike. It's hosted by comedian and author Jonathan Goldstein (This American Life, WireTap), who considers himself something of a "therapist with a time machine". He presents an usual podcast that tells the stories of ordinary people who have a major regret in life. In each episode, Goldstein guides a different person back to a pivotal crossroad in their life and helps them confront and, hopefully, overcome it. For example, in the first episode, Goldstein attempts to reunite his 80-year-old dad, Buzz, with his older brother. Heavyweight also encourages email submissions for the show. So, if you have a moment in time you want to get back or change, might as well try your luck — who knows, we might be hearing you in a future episode. Listen to Heavyweight here.
After Christmas 2020 saw Australians explore their own backyards, 2021's festive season will welcome the return of a familiar end-of-year tradition. If your summer break usually involves venturing overseas, that'll be back on the cards again as the nation reopens to international travel from November. And if you're still eager to enjoy the sunny, beachy weather, you'll be able to head to Fiji. On Monday, October 11, Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced that the Pacific nation will reopen its borders to Australian tourists, with quarantine-free visits restarting from Thursday, November 11. Australia is on a list of travel partner countries — which also includes New Zealand, the US, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Qatar, Germany, Spain, France, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, and most Pacific Island countries and territories — that are being prioritised by Fiji due to their widespread vaccination status. There will still be protocols in place, however, so that's something you'll need to factor into your plans if you can now see a tropical holiday in your future. Firstly, there'll be a no jab, no fly policy, so you'll have to be double vaccinated with the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson and Johnson vaccines. You'll also need to test negative to COVID-19 within three days of departure — and, you'll have to download the country's Care Fiji app to your phone when you arrive. After that, tourists will also need to spend their first two days in Fiji in their hotels. You'll be free to use the facilities and amenities, but you won't be able to mosey any further until you take another COVID-19 test 48 hours after arrival. Once that comes back negative, you'll then be able to visit spots deemed 'safe-travel areas'. While exactly where these regions will cover is still being worked out, the Fiji Prime Minister advised that "they will be large enough for tourists to enjoy the best of Fiji, but restrictive enough to protect areas with low vaccination coverage." The two-day hotel period is expected to relax as more Fijians become double vaccinated. In response to Fiji's announcement, Virgin Australia was quick to reveal that it'll restart its flights to Nadi from Thursday, December 16. It'll fly return from Sydney up to twice daily, return from Melbourne once a day and return from Brisbane three times a week — and, it's doing a sale on fares from $289 one-way. Virgin's Fiji flights will mark its first relaunched international routes, ahead of restarting its services from Australia to New Zealand and Bali sometime in 2022. For more information about Fiji's reopening plan, head to the Fiji Government's website. For further details about Virgin Australia's Fiji flight sale, head to the airline's website.
Hidden down the south end of King Street in Newtown, Bloodwood is handy before an Enmore gig and easy to get to from the station. You can grab a seat in the bar or head to the dining area on the upper level of Bloodwood, where bare light bulbs hang both precariously and artistically from the ceiling. The menu, created by head chef and owner Claire Van Vuuren, is eccentric and inventive while still maintaining that homey, hearty feel. Most of the dishes are designed to share. A fan-favourite is the vegan pecan pâtê served with charred bread, they are also selling these by the jar to take home. There are plenty of other vegetarian dishes like a chickpea pancake with zucchini, peas and feta. Or, the sautéed butternut with cucumber, chilli, coconut and a crunchy hit of puffed rice. For carnivores, there's a hearty braised lamb shoulder served with peperonata, polenta and zhug (a green Yemeni hot sauce) and a fragrant grilled pork with cavolo nero. The wine list at Bloodwood is also a standout, boasting sustainable, natural wines on a list that's won more than a few critical acclaims. You'll also find several cocktails on the menu, plus beers of the local, international and 'fancy' varieties. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Fried chicken lovers: start drooling. KFC is set to unveil a brand new burger inspired by the flavours in Peking duck, but there's a catch: the only place you can get your hands on it will be at their new music festival on Cockatoo Island. The Colonel is throwing the music festival in the iconic Sydney Harbour spot with an all-star local lineup on Sunday, March 13, and yes, all tickets include free KFC Peking Cluk burgers. As for the headliners at the festival — it's Peking Duk, of course. The rowdy DJ duo are stepping up to help the Colonel as KFC's official burger spokespeople, and will be performing at the festival alongside beloved Yolngu rapper Baker Boy and Sydney favourite Thandi Phoenix. Attendees will be treated to Peking Duk's brand-new live show that they created over the last two years. The show has only been seen a few times at the likes of Field Day and features big party energy, remixes of previous material and plenty of synthesisers. "We've been in the bunker making the live set totally different, totally unique. It's going to be fun and it's going to be an experience that nobody's had before," Peking Duk's Reuben Styles told Concrete Playground. Adam Hyde of the duo put it more succinctly: "Get clucked, go cluck yourself, cluck off and have a clucking great time on Cockatoo Island with the boys."
In yet another major carbon-reduction move, London has just seen the completion of the world’s biggest solar bridge. The development follows plans to heat homes with the Underground and recycle sewer waste via a ‘fat plant’. Blackfriars Bridge has been covered with 4,400 photovoltaic panels, comprising 6,000 square metres. These will harness energy to power 50 percent of Blackfriars Station's needs, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 511 tonnes annually. That's equal to about 89,000 average trips in a car. In addition, the entire station has been revamped, acquiring four extra platforms and two new entrances, one providing access to South Bank and the other to New Bridge Street on the river's north side. The development is part of the US$10.7 billion Thameslink Programme, the goal of which is to increase the frequency and capacity of London's north-south railway line. "Our work at Blackfriars demonstrates two key benefits of solar," said Frans van den Heuvel, CEO of Solarcentury, the company that delivered the project. "First, it can be integrated into the architecture to create a stunning addition to London's skyline. Second, it can be integrated into the most complex of engineering projects; in this case being built above a construction site, over a rail track over a river. We are confident that future major infrastructure projects can and will benefit from solar.” The bridge was officially launched on January 22, 2014, with a massive hot beverage giveaway featuring Britain's biggest tea cup. Via gizmag.
When you're a kid, there's little that's more exciting than hopping into an inflatable pool in your backyard on a toasty summer day. When you're an adult, you've realised that filling a children's pool with ice makes a great esky — especially those clamshell setups — and you might think that your days of splashing around in a piece of vinyl are well behind you. No one is ever too old to cool down in a blow-up pool, though, so new Melbourne-based company Pool Buoy has made a range of inflatable numbers that look far more stylish than whatever plastic thing you had when you were a kid. Accordingly, they're designed for all ages — and, because they're made from non-toxic, heavyweight vinyl that's BPA, phthalate and lead-free, they're also environmentally friendly. Five styles currently sit in Pool Buoy's catalogue, so you can choose one that suits your mood, personality or outdoor decor. Or, just one that you'd like to escape the heat in — with a drink in your hand, with your pooch or with your mates. They all look the same in terms of shape and structure, but one comes in a flamingo pink hue with big orange splotches, and two different versions resemble terrazzo. There's also a peach number with a grid print, plus a design that things simple via a black squiggle across a white background. Whichever version takes your fancy, Pool Buoy's cute pools measure 165 centimetres in diameter and 35 centimetres high, and can fit two or three adults. They'll set you back $149 each — and, to inflate them, you can also buy a pump for $39. Because leaks happen, each pool also comes with a complimentary repair kit, and Pool Buoy will provide you with another one if you need to patch things up more than once. For more information about Pool Buoy's range — or to buy one of its pools — head to the company's website.
Have you launched a hospitality business that deserves some love? Think you could be Australia's next great business success story? Been in business for five years or less? Keep reading because you could be in with a chance to win a business-changing worthy prize. Here at Concrete Playground, we love championing the hospitality businesses that keep the country fed and entertained. We also understand that times are tough right now. That's why, in partnership with Square, Concrete Playground is giving away a marketing package worth $20,000. If you've been in business for five years or less, the Boost Your Business competition aims to shine a light on your brand. By entering the competition, you could be in with a chance to win a native editorial feature on Concrete Playground and get your business in front of our dedicated readers, as well as inclusion in Concrete Playground's hospitality directory. You'll also receive a social media push as we promote your business across various channels and help you reach engaged audiences with an eDM inclusion. Intrigued? Simply tell us in 25 words or less why your hospitality business is Australia's next great success story. For the full details, see the comp form below. T&Cs apply. [competition]1022571[/competition]
