One of Sydney's rare heritage gems, and custodians of the former General Post Office (GPO) building, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney invites guests to experience its historic charm firsthand in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the iconic building it calls home. To celebrate, guests can indulge in a Heritage Afternoon Tea and a Heritage Stay package, each offering unique historical immersion alongside quality hospitality, available for bookings until Saturday, May 31. The Heritage Stay Package is an overnight retreat celebrating the heritage and history of the General Post Office (GPO). It includes a one-night stay in a Heritage Wing room and a buffet breakfast for two at The Place Restaurant, as well as a Heritage Afternoon Tea for two at The Bar and two bespoke Postmaster's Break cocktails. Guests will also be treated to a postcard-designed cake and a guided heritage tour (available from Tuesday to Saturday only), which offers a one-of-a-kind insight into the rich history of the building. The package is available for stays booked before Saturday, May 31. If it's the mention of afternoon tea that's got you most excited, you can head over to The Fullerton Hotel for just that, sans-stay. Inspired by 19th-century high society traditions, The Heritage Afternoon Tea will transport you back in time via your tastebuds. A curated menu combines British and Australian flavours (yes, that includes finger sandwiches) with a contemporary twist. This package is available daily from 12pm to 4pm until Saturday, May 31. For more information or to book your Afternoon Tea or Stay Package, visit the Fullerton Sydney website. Images: Supplied.
Four days, one coastal hotspot, and oh-so-much to see, eat, drink and do: that's your latest excuse to treat yourself to a trip to Byron Bay. Back in July, it was announced that the seaside New South Wales town was getting a brand-new festival that's all about food and culture — and now that event, Caper Byron Bay Our Food and Culture Festival, has announced its program. Firstly, yes, the fest has undergone a name change. Rather than just lapping up all that the region has to offer under its old title Revel, the new moniker now encourages attendees to go a-frolicking. But other than that one switch, the idea is still the same, spanning eating, drinking, checking out art, listening to tunes and being merry in gorgeous surroundings. Taking place between Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 13, Caper boasts a hefty culinary component as curated by Chef David Moyle, who has been Chief of Food at Harvest Newrybar since 2020. Highlights include bottomless oysters and bellinis at Balcony Bar & Oyster Co, natural wine-fuelled degustations at Supernatural, distillery tours at Brookie's Gin and a sourdough workshop with Bread Social. Soon-to-open newcomer Bar Heather is doing a five-course dinner with Palisa Anderson, while 100 Mile Table at Stone & Wood is hosting a backyard barbecue — and Treehouse on Belongil is opting for a mix of beats, bubbles and brunch. A farm-to-table feast with The Farm and Three Blue Ducks and The Hut's Spanish fiesta are also on the bill, alongside pop-up yum cha — with the Brunswick Picture House being taken over by Melbourne Chinatown diner ShanDong MaMa on the Saturday and Sunday. Also making the journey, but from Brisbane: Louis Tikaram from Stanley, who'll be part of a cabaret takeover at the same space. Another standout: celebrating embrace Bundjalung Nation's Indigenous culture via a walk on Country tour led by Explore Byron Bay owner and Arakwal woman Delta Kay, then a five-course lunch curated by Karkalla chef and owner Mindy Woods. An 'anti-bad vibes circle' with OneWave Fluro Friday; free exhibitions at Yeah, Nice Gallery, art salon Gallery 7, Gallery 3 and ThomGallery; and horse-riding followed by brunch or lunch at Zephyr Shack are also on the wide-ranging agenda, with more than 30 events filling out the program If you're keen to see where the day takes you in-between the official activities, head to the Caper Village, aka a massive food, beverage, music and art precinct that's set to sprawl across the whole North Byron Hotel in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate. It'll host live music, DJs and art installations, as well as workshops, panels and talks. Caper Byron Bay Our Food and Culture Festival runs from Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 13 at various locations around Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers region. For more information, head to the festival's website. Images: Jess Kearney.
A broad national network of mental health treatment centres, including up to 57 additional clinics for adults, is part of the Federal Government's landmark $2.3 billion investment in the mental health sector. It represents the single largest Commonwealth commitment to mental health and suicide prevention in history, according to the Coalition. Announced as part of the 2021–22 Federal Budget on Tuesday night, the new National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan brings the government's total estimated mental health spending to $6.3 billion in 2021–2022. The lion's share of spending ($1.4 billion) will go towards improving the accessibility of mental health services for vulnerable Australians. This includes improving access to community-based mental health services ($487.2 million) with an initial 32 new centres for adults, and expanding the existing Headspace network for youth aged 12–25 through the establishment of ten new dedicated clinics ($278.6 million). "The past twelve months have no doubt been some of the most difficult for many young people. It's not surprising that we've seen an increase in need across all parts of the mental health system," Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said in a statement. "We know increased investment in early intervention is key to supporting young people's mental health." [caption id="attachment_811701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pexels stock image: Anastasia-Shuraeva[/caption] Almost $249 million of the spend is allocated to prevention and early intervention, including investments into broadening the digital services available in Australia through a new, world-class digital platform. The system will be home to online professional counselling as well as offering peer and clinical support under Head to Health. A further $298 million is promised for suicide prevention, with the government committing more than half of this spend ($158.6 million) to ensuring Australians who attempt suicide receive continued care and support once they leave hospital. Another $107 million is dedicated to supporting vulnerable groups in the community, which includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific services such as a 24/7 crisis line run by Indigenous Australians. $202 million is also committed to training and growing the mental health workforce. "We have a monumental task ahead of us to ensure that our system levels up to our expectations, and treats people with the care and compassion they deserve," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement. "[This] is an investment for all Australians." Currently, one in five Australians experience mental health issues every year. 3,000 Australians lose their lives to suicide each year and it remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–44 years old. You can read the Federal Government's National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan online. A media release is also available to the public, or head to the government's website to view a range of available fact sheets.
The term "passion project" is usually thrown around when a filmmaker tries to make something near and dear to them, but doesn't quite achieve the success they'd hoped for. Fences clearly meets the first half of that definition, with Denzel Washington directing and starring in a stage-to-screen adaptation of the play he previously won a Tony award for on Broadway. With the aid of his co-star Viola Davis, who also follows the project from the theatre to film, Washington crafts a picture full of commanding lead performances and blistering drama. And yet, like so many passion projects, it's never quite everything that it could be. Just why that's the case is apparent from the outset, when Pittsburgh garbage collector Troy (Washington) returns home on a Friday afternoon with both his pay packet and a bottle of gin in his hand. The working week is over, and so he's jovial, tipsy, talkative, and cheekily playing up for his dutiful wife Rose (Davis) and his long term friend and work colleague Jim Bono (Stephen Henderson). It's the type of performance-centric opening scene designed to make an impact, and in a theatre it would certainly cause an immediate splash. On film, it simply offers the first of many reminders of the movie's origins on the stage. In a script written by the late August Wilson based on his own Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Troy unleashes his thoughts, problems and memories upon Rose, their teenage son Cory (Jovan Adepo), his first son from a previous relationship Lyons (Russell Hornsby) and his brother (Mykelti Williamson). He wants to become a driver, while Cory yearns to pursue a football career against his father's wishes, and Rose remains suffering but still poised in the middle. The more Troy talks as time passes, the more revelations are in store. Slowly, his bravado and bluster fades. The almost constant chatter continues, only quieter, with the characters weighed down by their mounting troubles. If that sounds like a whole lot of arguing, that's because Fences doesn't shy away from the spoken word. The script serves the film's cast well, and each player delivers their lines with passion and conviction. Above all else, this is an actor's showcase. Washington perfects the transformation from confident to wearied, while Davis charts the opposite trajectory. The space where they collide is the place where pride is undone, legacies are shattered, hearts are broken, and racial and socio-economic truths are exposed. Distilling all of that into their performances, it's almost enough just to watch them circle around each other for 139 minutes. Of course, the key word there is almost. As a filmmaker, Washington obviously believes in the strength of the scenario and the acting it inspires. In a way, that's the problem, since it means his direction ends up feeling rather stagey. Given that the film's characters are both fenced in and trying to burst beyond their confines, a sense of constraint comes with the territory. And yet, for all its attempts at intimacy, the end result still keeps viewers at a distance. Fences feels more like a great play captured on camera, rather than a great movie in its own right. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtkjUJoSPa4
It seems like the legends at burger joint Mary's don't just want us to be spoilt for choice, they want us to be absolutely swimming in it. This week, the Sydney group went ahead and launched a surprise attack, opening the doors to a brand-new Pitt Street venue, in a move that pretty much no one saw coming. The 60-seat table-service restaurant has made its home at the Surry Hills edge of the city and embraces a classic Mary's offering. Alongside tried-and-true favourites — like the signature Mary's burger, the 'shroom burger and that fried chicken number — this one's dishing up the same gangbusters vegan menu that first launched at Mary's Circular Quay earlier this year. Think, outrageously crispy fried cauliflower, plant-based mash and gravy, and burgers oozing with vegan cheese. To match, there's a high-energy soundtrack of blues and rock, a largely Aussie and New Zealand wine lineup courtesy of Mary's award-winning Group Sommelier Caitlyn Rees, and an all-new, rum-heavy cocktail list with a little something for all tastes. And if you're a planner, this newest Mary's outpost will really float your boat – unlike its siblings, the Pitt Street eatery actually takes bookings, for tables of 8 to party groups of 60. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2dkhQIFR8N/ In terms of decor, expect exposed bricks, comfy banquettes, a skeleton or two and chandeliers for swinging a la Sia (and Smyth, above). According to Smyth, the venue is a slightly more mature than its Newtown and Castlereagh Street counterparts. "Pitt Street looks, feels and tastes like Mary's, but one that may have taken some advice from two old fuckers that used to be young fuckers," Smyth said in a statement. This latest outpost marks Mary's third CBD venture and wraps up what must have been a pretty darn busy nine months for the crew. Owners Kenny Graham and Jake Smyth (also The Lansdowne, The Unicorn, Mary's Pizzeria) opened that new Circular Quay restaurant in April and took over the basement space below for new venue Mary's Underground a short while later. They even enjoyed a spin down to Melbourne somewhere along the way, for a two-month kitchen residency at cocktail bar Fancy Free. But hey, who's arguing? The more Mary's, the better – right? Head into Mary's Pitt Street between 5–6pm for the rest of opening week (September 18 to 20) and you can nab yourself a $5 burger to celebrate its arrival. Find Mary's latest venture at 410 Pitt Street, Sydney. It's open midday–midnight, daily. Top image: Mary's Newtown.
Queensland is known for more than a few things. Endlessly warm weather, fearsome footy, particularly wild wildlife and a bustling arts and culture scene to name a few. But it's also home to a long legacy of scientific discovery. This history — and that of the science community the world over — is celebrated annually at World Science Festival Brisbane, which is returning this March for its 2023 edition. Taking over several venues citywide over its five-day run, World Science Festival Brisbane is here to both delight and educate across a range of scientific fields. Just like last year, the event is coinciding with Curiocity Brisbane, which runs until Saturday, April 22 — so you're guaranteed a double dose of thought-provoking attractions. If you plan on seeing it all, you're in for a jam-packed five days. Head to QPAC for one or all of Professor Brian Greene's four conversation sessions, which are set to cover astrology, neurology, history and more. For a good laugh, visit QPAC on Saturday, March 25 for the live comedy quiz show Night of the Nerds, or Sunday, March 26 for a live recording of A Rational Fear, the award-winning podcast series that explores – and manages to laugh at – all the ways the world could end. Fascinated by the oceanic realm? Artistically inclined? Head to Brisbane Planetarium between Thursday, March 23 and Sunday, March 26 to catch a screening of the award-winning short film CORAL: Rekindling Venus. And, excitingly, Curiocity's city walk returns. From Wednesday, March 22 till Saturday, April 22, your stroll through South Bank will be dotted with 14 immersive artworks and displays that explore everything from cat-babysitting AI to T-Rex farts. Beyond all of that science-fuelled fun, the loggerback turtle hatchery is returning to Queensland Museum (a true fan fave), interactive experiments are popping up across Brisbane, there's the chance to picnic amongst prehistoric animals at the South Bank Piazza and more. For more information and to nab your tickets to World Science Festival Brisbane, visit the website.
Huge music tours are back on Australia's agenda — and they aren't just confined to chart-topping stars, iconic names and huge festivals. In the classical world, the London Symphony Orchestra is also coming our way to play a series of shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. And, the 2023 tour will mark only its fourth-ever trip Down Under. Famous for everything from being the official orchestra of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ceremonies through to recording the Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, Thor and The Shape of Water film soundtracks, the LSO held its first-ever gig in 1904. That means it's been picking up its instruments for almost 120 years — and in that time, it has only visited Australia on three occasions before now. The April and May shows at QPAC in the Sunshine State, the Sydney Opera House in the Harbour City and Arts Centre Melbourne in Victoria will also see the orchestra make the journey Down Under for the first time since 2014. If it's drama you're after, get ready to watch music director Sir Simon Rattle's baton fly as he conducts the orchestra during his final season with the organisation. The LSO is bringing 114 musicians our way for the tour, including two Australians: Naoko Keatley and Belinda McFarlane, both on violin. And, it's the largest orchestra it has ever toured to our shores. The orchestra will play three different programs — two each in Brisbane and Melbourne, and a third in Sydney as well. All cities will be treated to a night featuring John Adams' 'Harmonielehre', Claude Debussy's 'La Mer' and Maurice Ravel' 'Daphnis and Chloé Suite No.2', plus an entire evening dedicated to Gustav Mahler's 'Symphony No.7'. As for that extra Sydney gig, it'll feature Daniel Kidane's 'Sun Poem' and Anton Bruckner's 'Symphony No.7'. Before its 2014 tour, the LSO first came to Australia in 1966 and then again in 1983. LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR Friday, April 28–Saturday, April 29 —Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Monday, May 1–Wednesday, May 3 — Sydney Opera House Friday, May 5–Saturday, May 6 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne The London Symphony Orchestra will tour Australia in April and May 2023. For further information and to buy tickets — with on-sale dates varying per city — head to the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and websites. Images: Mark Allen.
Remember show and tell in primary school? The Maker Faire is a bit like a grown-up version of that, except it’s less about Disneyland vacation photos and more about science experiments and arts and crafts. Founded by the US-based Make magazine, the Maker movement is all about celebrating the DIY ethic, resourcefulness, innovation and imagination, and it’s coming to Australia in the form of the Mini Maker Faire. The first Australian event was held at the Powerhouse Museum in 2013, and it will return this year. The first Maker Faire was held eight years ago in San Mateo, California. Since then, the Maker movement has spread all over the world, with events in Detroit, New York, Newcastle (UK), Rome and Tokyo, and over 200,000 attendees worldwide. Whether you’re a scientist, artist or foodie, there’ll be something for you.
5 Loaves 2 Fish (5L2F to the cool kids) dishes up wholesome breakfasts, lunches and desserts until 4pm each day from its light, airy Neutral Bay space. The minimalist space — with white painted brick walls and greenery hanging from the ceiling — mimics the menu that celebrates punchy flavours with a clean-eating lens. Here, you can expect cafe classics with a twist — think scrambled eggs with XO sauce, blue swimmer crab and Korean chilli oil on Brickfields sourdough or corn fritters, with a turmeric kick, served with grilled halloumi, avo, smoked salmon and a poached egg. If you fancy something light and fresh, opt for one of the delectable salads, like the poke bowl with ponzu cured salmon, super grains, heirloom tomatoes and edamame or slow-roasted cauliflower and chickpea bowl with sweet potato tahini. The speciality coffees are praised by diners, so be sure to order one — dining at home means you can even decant it into your favourite mug.
Melbourne masquerades as New York in Predestination, the latest film from German-Australian directing duo Michael and Peter Spierig. Reuniting the twin filmmakers with their Daybreakers star Ethan Hawke, this slickly produced time-travel noir attempts to put its own distinctive spin on one of sci-fi's most thoroughly exploited sub-genres. There are plenty of intriguing concepts beneath the movie's stylish surface, although often their delivery leaves a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, some old-school vibes — and an astounding, career-making performance from actress Sarah Snook — ensures Predestination is worth your precious time. Adapted, and expanded, from Robert A. Heinlein's 13-page short story All You Zombies, much of the first half of the film takes place in a dive bar in New York, where a time-travelling secret agent (Hawke), on the trail of a terrorist mastermind, is working undercover serving drinks. One evening, he strikes up a conversation, seemingly at random, with a sullen young man named James (Snook), who bets the barkeep a bottle of whiskey he's got the best story the place has ever heard. And it's certainly a corker of a yarn. James, it would seem, began his life as Jane, abandoned by unknown parents on the steps of a Cleveland orphanage. A bright, tough young woman, Jane very nearly becomes one of the first female astronauts, only to be ruled out by an unexpected pregnancy. The father of the child abandons her soon after, although the shock is overshadowed by a revelation from her doctor: it turns out Jane has a second set of fully functioning (albeit internal) male reproductive organs, and that complication from her pregnancy will leave her no choice but to transition into a man. How James's incredible story is connected to Hawke's manhunt isn't immediately clear — although it's obvious from the cryptic way the brothers frame the flashbacks – always obscuring certain faces — that the cogs will eventually interlock. The second half of the film, wherein Hawke offers James the chance to travel back and change his past, is positively overflowing with time paradoxes and plot twists. The problem is, anyone with even a passing familiarity with time-travel stories will see them coming at least three scenes before they do. It's not that the revelations aren't interesting on an intellectual level; they just never result in the dropped jaws and shocked gasps that the Spierigs would obviously like. Still, if their script could use some polish, they succeed in delivering style. From Hawke's fedora and six-shot revolver to his portable time machine disguised as a violin case, the feel of Predestination is a particular brand of retro-futuristic cool. Likewise, the narrative device of two strangers swapping stories across the bar has an enjoyably hardboiled quality to it and helps disguise the fact that the entire first half of the movie is basically one giant dump of exposition. It also helps a great deal that Snook is the one who's delivering it. Hawke brings his typical mix of wryness and intensity, while Noah Taylor is dapper is his seemingly all-knowing handler. But it's the Adelaide-born actress who clearly runs away with the film, ranging from tough and emotionally guarded to devastatingly raw. So affecting are the scenes immediately before and after James' transition that you could almost do away with the time travel story altogether. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UVOpfpYijHA
In these tumultuous modern times — these times of Pottermore, Fantastic Beasts spinoffs and The Cursed Child — it's comforting to be able to take it back to basics. Basics, here, meaning the score of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone film played live by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. That's right — the SSO are taking us back to 2001 when the first of the eight Harry Potter filmscame out. It made us cringe (the acting — so bad but so good), marvel at how not hot Neville Longbottom was (boy, would we learn) and — most importantly — float away on a magical adventure thanks to the incredible score by John Williams. For two nights in April, you'll be able relive the magic all over again when the Sydney Opera House screen the film scored by a real, live orchestra in the Concert Hall. Maybe they'll release live owls! Maybe not because that would be chaos. Maybe they'll release live rats? Actually, absolutely not — we all know rats are secretly fat old criminals hiding from magical law enforcement and waiting for the Dark Lord to rise again (lookin' at you, Pettigrew). As you might imagine, tickets are selling like pumpkin pasties so get in quick or spend eternity griping about it like some Moaning Myrtle-type character.
There's never a bad day for oysters. Good thing it's almost certainly easier — and cheaper — to dine on them throughout May with The Boathouse Group's latest promotion. Serving up these coastal delights for $2 each all day, every day, eight of the group's venues are getting involved up and down the coastline. Made possible thanks to a partnership with East 33, a leading supplier of Sydney rock oysters, now is your chance to soak up the sun at Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach or settle in for a long lunch at Manly Pavilion. You might even opt for a day trip to The Boathouse Patonga or a leisurely stroll to The Boathouse Shelly Beach — an oyster feast is a worthy reward. Other venues serving these treasures of the sea for just $2 are The Mona Social, The Boathouse Balmoral, The Boathouse Rose Bay and The Boathouse North Wollongong. So, regardless of whether you're north or south of the city, indulging in cheap but quality oysters is made easy. Once you've ordered up a freshly shucked platter, all that's left to do is squeeze a little lemon and find the perfect drink to pair them with. Consider how much you're saving on the oysters, you wouldn't be blamed for splurging on a cocktail or two.
Everyone has seen a TV show about renovating homes, buying real estate, blitzing backyards and building dream houses, even if they're not your preferred kind of viewing. But no one has watched an entry in the home renovation genre quite like The Curse, a spoof arriving this spring that gets Emma Stone (Cruella) and Nathan Fielder (The Rehearsal) playing a couple hosting their own home improvement series — and having some bad luck. Unsurprisingly, Fielder doesn't just star but also co-created, co-writes and co-directs. And, also to the astonishment of no one, the end result looks like far from your average series. A home makeover show, but eerie: that's the vibe in the just-dropped first teaser trailer for The Curse, complete with unsettling tunes to match. There's also Stone's opening line in the sneak peek at the ten-part series: "did you know you can put out fires with the sun?". Spoken with the cheery tone that's only ever used by people hosting TV shows, those 11 words are as disquieting as the score by the Safdie brothers' collaborator Oneohtrix Point Never. And, yes, not just the talent that made Good Time and Uncut Gems sound so unnerving but the sibling filmmakers behind them are also involved in The Curse. Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer) co-stars, co-created, co-writes and co-directs, with Josh Safdie an executive producer. Fielder and Stone play Asher and Whitney Siegel, who host a show on HGTV — American pay TV network Home & Garden Television — called Fliplanthropy. Newly married, they're trying to have a baby, but find their plans disrupted. Cue The Curse's title, obviously. [caption id="attachment_920385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] (L-R): Emma Stone as Whitney and Nathan Fielder as Asher in THE CURSE, Season 1. Photo Credit: Beth Garrabrant/A24/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.[/caption] Benny Safdie plays their producer, with Barkhad Abdi (Little America), Corbin Bernsen (White House Plumbers) and Constance Shulman (Search Party) also featuring. Like everything almost everything of late, it seems — Close, Beau Is Afraid, You Hurt My Feelings, Past Lives, smash-hit Australian horror movie Talk to Me, fellow TV series Beef, the return of iconic Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense to cinemas, the Nicolas Cage-starring Dream Scenario — The Curse hails from A24. In Australia, it'll stream from Saturday, November 11 via Paramount+. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Curse below: The Curse will stream from Saturday, November 11 via Paramount+. Images: Beth Garrabrant and John Paul Lopez/A24/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
More than a quarter-century ago, a TV sitcom about six New Yorkers made audiences a promise: that it'd be there for us. And, as well as making stars out of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow, Friends has done just that. Sure, the hit series wrapped up its ten-season run in 2004, but the show has lived on — on streaming platforms, by sending an orange couch around Australia, by screening anniversary marathons in cinemas and in boozy brunch parties, for example. In news that was bound to happen someday — no pop culture entity truly comes to an end in these reboot, remake, revival and spinoff-heavy times — Friends is living on in a much more literal sense, too. First hinted at in 2019, officially confirmed in 2020 and just releasing its first teaser trailer (and announcing a US air date), the show is coming back for a reunion special on HBO's streaming platform HBO Max. Naturally, the whole gang is involved. Yep, it's 'The One Where They Get Back Together' — which is exactly how the trailer for Friends: The Reunion describes the special. That said, it's worth noting that the special is unscripted, which means that Aniston and company aren't literally stepping back into Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, Ross and Phoebe's and shoes. Instead, the actors behind the characters will chat about their experiences on the show — all on the same soundstage where Friends was originally shot. And, let's face it, the fact that they'll all be on-screen at the same time in the same place celebrating the series that so many folks love is probably enough for fans. Aniston, Cox and the gang will have a few other famous faces for company. More than a few, in fact. The guest list is hefty, and spans folks with connections to the show and others that must just love it — including David Beckham, Justin Bieber, BTS, James Corden, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga, Elliott Gould, Kit Harington, Larry Hankin and Mindy Kaling, as well as Thomas Lennon, Christina Pickles, Tom Selleck, James Michael Tyler, Maggie Wheeler, Reese Witherspoon and Malala Yousafzai. Initially slated to air last May — with those plans delayed due to the pandemic — the special will now stream via HBO Max in the US on Thursday, May 27. For folks Down Under, just when and where it'll surface hasn't yet been revealed; however, it's bound to be here for us sooner or later. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MedRN92V6lE Friends: The Reunion will be available to stream in the US via HBO Max on Thursday, May 27. It doesn't currently have an air date or streaming date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced.
For screen fiends who spend their winters indoors at their favourite picture palaces, there's one surefire way to know that better weather has hit: the arrival of outdoor cinema season. When Sydney's chillier temperatures give way to sunny days and warm nights, the city's spaces set up plenty of openair big screens showing flicks. One such spot: The Rocks Laneway Cinema. As you might know from past runs, this film-loving pop-up sticks around for half the year, screening movies every Wednesday night — and for free. Across the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024, mark Wednesday, October 4—Wednesday, March 27 in your diary for a date on Atherden Street. Also, get ready for different monthly themes. First up: comedy classics in October, which is where Bridesmaids, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Anchorman and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me come in. Then, November will deliver five films that'll get you singing as part of its music strand: School of Rock, The Sapphires, Almost Famous, Pitch Perfect and Mamma Mia!. While exactly what'll be on the bill from there hasn't yet been unveiled, December will naturally showcase Christmas classics and January will capitalise upon vacation vibes with holiday road trip-inspired titles. Then, February will go with a summer of love focus — again, 'tis the season for it — while March is all about 80s favourites. Laneway Cinema's movies screen from 7pm each week — and although entry is free, bookings are recommended because seating is limited. Heading along also means helping a good cause, with the proceeds from every $2 bag of popcorn sold going to charity. The beneficiary changes monthly, too, with Beyond Blue receiving the funds in October, Support Act in November and the rest of the lineup to come. If you're the kind of cinemagoer that needs snacks and sips, the venues around laneway have plenty to eat and drink on offer. That means making a date with spots such as Caminetto Restaurant, P'Nut Street Noodles, El Camino Cantina and The Mercantile Hotel. Obviously, you'll need your wallet for whatever tempts your tastebuds. Images: Anna Kucera / Cassandra Hannagan.
When the first Bourne movie premiered back in 2002, it was gratefully received as a dark and gritty counterpoint to the increasing absurdity of the James Bond franchise. While Pierce Brosnan's 007 was windsurfing an arctic tidal wave forged from the dislodging of a polar ice cap by a space laser (Die Another Day), Matt Damon's Jason Bourne was stabbing a man with a biro. While Bond was driving an invisible car through an ice palace, Bourne was being driven around by an unemployed German girl in a banged up Mini. The smaller, intimate scale of the films resonated with audiences no longer amused by special effects gimmickry, and pretty soon even Bond followed suit. Ten years and two films later, the main challenge for writer Tony Gilroy (who'd also penned the previous movies) was figuring out how to slot The Bourne Legacy into the franchise without actually featuring Jason Bourne. His nifty solution was placing Legacy concurrent with the events of Bourne Ultimatum, offering audiences continuity whilst also opening up new plots and characters. As a consequence, and even without the trademark shaky cam of Paul Greengrass, Legacy feels very much a part of the Bourne universe. Taking over the reigns from Damon is current action everyman Jeremy Renner. Part hit man, part chemistry experiment, Renner's character is every bit as capable, demonstrating the requisite Man vs Wild survival skills and MacGyver-like ingenuity that helped define the series. Where Legacy diverges is in its protagonist's motivation. Unburdened by the amnesia that underscored Bourne's ambition, Renner's character simply seeks the medication needed to sustain his above-average traits. It's less pedestrian than it sounds but also far less compelling or memorable than the earlier movies. In fact, less than a day after the screening, I couldn't for the life of me remember a single character’s name aside from Jason Bourne (who's not in it) and an incidental lab technician (who's, well…entirely incidental). That's not Renner’s fault, and in a roundabout way almost fitting for a film about nameless assassins. Joining Renner on his flight from the authorities is Rachel Weisz in a role not dissimilar from her fugitive scientist in 1996's Chain Reaction. Theirs is actually a more appealing relationship than Bourne's from the original, and it's refreshing to see a genuine male/female partnership in an action film rather than the traditional hero/damsel dynamic. Edward Norton is characteristically absorbing as the agent leading their pursuit, and the only real shocker is Aussie actor Shane Jacobson popping up in a cameo that offers the textbook definition of cultural cringe. Well-paced, full of action and with an engaging leading man, Bourne Legacy ensures we've not seen the end of the franchise just yet.
Usually when the Easter long weekend hits, music fans descend upon Byron Bay for five days of live tunes. Both in 2020 and 2021, that didn't happen — with Bluesfest cancelled last year when the pandemic began, then scrapped again this year after a new COVID-19 outbreak saw NSW Health issue a public health order to shutter the event. Thankfully for music lovers and festival devotees, the 2021 festival hasn't been ditched completely. More than a month after it was originally due to take place between Thursday, April 1–Monday, April 5, Bluesfest organisers have announced that it'll move to October instead. So, mark Friday, October 1–Monday, October 4 in your diary. That's another long weekend, although the rescheduled fest will be one day shorter than normal. Once again, the long-running festival will return to Byron Events Farm (formerly Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm) just outside Byron Bay. Originally, 2021's event was set to be headlined by Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts and The Teskey Brothers, but organisers haven't made any new lineup announcements yet. The fest will unveil its full new bill sometime next week, and revealed in a Facebook post announcing the new dates that it has "been adding more of Australia's absolute best talent". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bluesfest Byron Bay (@bluesfestbyronbay) Bluefest also advised that season tickets for the festival will go on sale next week as well, with one- and three-day tickets available before that — but no specific dates were provided. Eager music fans can sign up for the waitlist now, and will be notified when tickets drop. Current ticketholders will be contacted by Moshtix with all the necessary information about the new dates, rolling your existing tickets over and getting a refund if you can no longer attend. And, because five-day passes were sold for the April dates, Bluesfest organisers are promising "something very special" for folks with those lengthier tickets during the October dates. Yes, that'll also be revealed sometime next week. Bluesfest 2021 will now run from Friday, October 1–Monday, October 4 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. The new lineup announcement is set to be announced sometime next week — to register for the ticket waitlist, head to Moshtix. Top image: Andy Fraser
Back in July, it was revealed that Byron Bay was getting a brand-new festival that's all about food and culture. That event: Caper Byron Bay Our Food and Culture Festival, which has undergone a name change since it was first announced, but features a hefty program filled with eating, drinking, checking out art, listening to tunes and being merry in gorgeous surroundings. Taking place between Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 13, Caper boasts a hefty culinary component as curated by Chef David Moyle, who has been Chief of Food at Harvest Newrybar since 2020. Highlights include bottomless oysters and bellinis at Balcony Bar & Oyster Co, natural wine-fuelled degustations at Supernatural, distillery tours at Brookie's Gin and a sourdough workshop with Bread Social. Soon-to-open newcomer Bar Heather is doing a five-course dinner with Palisa Anderson, while 100 Mile Table at Stone & Wood is hosting a backyard barbecue — and Treehouse on Belongil is opting for a mix of beats, bubbles and brunch. A farm-to-table feast with The Farm and Three Blue Ducks and The Hut's Spanish fiesta are also on the bill, alongside pop-up yum cha — with the Brunswick Picture House being taken over by Melbourne Chinatown diner ShanDong MaMa on the Saturday and Sunday. Also making the journey, but from Brisbane: Louis Tikaram from Stanley, who'll be part of a cabaret takeover at the same space. Another standout: celebrating embrace Bundjalung Nation's Indigenous culture via a walk on Country tour led by Explore Byron Bay owner and Arakwal woman Delta Kay, then a five-course lunch curated by Karkalla chef and owner Mindy Woods. An 'anti-bad vibes circle' with OneWave Fluro Friday; free exhibitions at Yeah, Nice Gallery, art salon Gallery 7, Gallery 3 and ThomGallery; and horse-riding followed by brunch or lunch at Zephyr Shack are also on the wide-ranging agenda, with more than 30 events filling out the program If you're keen to see where the day takes you in-between the official activities, head to the Caper Village, aka a massive food, beverage, music and art precinct that's set to sprawl across the whole North Byron Hotel in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate. It'll host live music, DJs and art installations, as well as workshops, panels and talks. Images: Jess Kearney.
Regularly screening plays and musicals held by Sydney University students, this venue is the place the get your culture fix for a bargain price (and grab some autographs before the actors become famous).
Your 2023 getaways just got cheaper — and you'll have a new way to fly off on holidays, too. First announced in 2021, Australian airline Bonza will finally take to the skies in 2023, after securing regulatory approval. The soon-to-launch carrier's aim: opening up routes to more of the country's regional destinations, flying 27 routes to 17 locations, and offering low-cost fares in the process. Today, Thursday, January 12, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan announced that the airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). "This is an historic moment for Australian aviation as we get ready to launch the first high-capacity airline in more than 15 years, and the country's only independent low-cost carrier," said Jordan. "With the approval from CASA, 2023 is set to be the year of seeing more of your own backyard for less." With the required tick of approval now in place, Bonza can put flights on sale, starting with fares from its Sunshine Coast base — with flights from Melbourne, where it'll also have a base, set to follow. Passengers will hit the air in planes given names as Aussie as the airline's itself: Bazza, Shazza and Sheila. The airline hasn't yet announced when you'll be able to book, other than soon, but to do so you'll need to download the airline's app. One of Bonza's points of difference will be app-only reservations, unless you're booking via a registered local travel agent. Another: a previously announced all-Australian in-flight menu, spanning both food and craft beer. When it hits the air, the airline will service locations such as Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville and the Whitsundays in Queensland; Albury, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and Port Macquarie in New South Wales; and Melbourne, Avalon and Mildura in Victoria — with a big focus on regional destinations. The carrier's network will see it take passengers to places they mightn't otherwise been able to fly to, with Bonza advising that 93 percent of its routes aren't currently served by any other airline — and 96 percent of them don't presently have a low-cost carrier. Bonza is launching with the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which also has a hand in Canada's Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance. Its fares won't include baggage and seat selection, which'll you need to pay extra for — and it'll be cheapest to do so when you make your booking, rather than afterwards Bonza is set to start flying sometime in 2023 — we'll update you flights go on sale. For more information, head to the airline's website, or download its app for Android and iOS.
Fine dining be damned, hawker cuisine has increasingly earned its flowers from high-minded culinary perfectionists. That includes Keng Eng Kee, a 55-year-old Singaporean zi char stall-turned-restaurant whose home-style cooking has appeared in Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown and Netflix's Street Food Asia while winning recommendations in the Michelin Guide. Having recently launched their first Singapore outpost, the ice cream experts at Gelato Messina have also taken note of Keng Eng Kee. Serving up an international collaboration for the first time as part of its Messina Eats series, the legendary hawker outfit will host a two-day car park feast from Friday, October 10–Saturday, October 11, at Messina's Marrickville HQ. Featuring a tight, but tantalising menu, guests will discover Keng Eng Kee's coffee pork bites — tender pork wok-tossed in coffee, honey and apple jam sauce, then finished with roasted sesame seeds. There's also a chilli soft-shell crab burger, chilli crab meat served with golden fried mantou, and black pepper beef with garlic rice. As expected, the sweets are also unmatched. Grab a Milo Dinosaur Sundae, layered and sprinkled with Australia's favourite malty treat. And for those who can't make the main event, a limited-run gelato — Goreng Pisang — is available for one week from Thursday, October 9, offering fried banana gelato with peanut praline and gula melaka caramel.
Legendary London bar Dandelyan and Paddington's Charlie Parker's are joining forces this winter to bring you an evening of genius mixology and extreme botany. Think never-before-tasted cocktails infused with unexpected ingredients, put together by some of the world's best bartenders. Having recently added World's Best Cocktail Menu 2018 to its bevy of awards — which also includes World's Best Cocktail Bar at the 2017 Spirited Awards and ranking second on the World's 50 Best Bars 2017 list — Dandelyan certainly knows a thing or two about mixing. It will be represented Down Under by cracking team James Wheeler and Will Meredith. They'll be working with Charlie Parker's trio Sam Egerton, Mario la Pietra and Tim LaFerla. We can't give you details of the concoctions you'll be sampling, as they'll remain top secret until you arrive at the bar. We can tell you, however, that months and months of thinking, experimenting and mixing have gone into their making. But, to give you an idea of Dandelyan's imaginative powers, the bar's current menu features the BC3 Negroni (with gin, Dandelyan pollen vermouth, propolis, Sri Lankan coconut flower spirit Ceylon Arrack, Campari and aged honey) and Settling Stones (Maker's Mark, bitter aperitif, vermouth and 'coastal' fig). "Given that our drinks are led by stories, the strength of the story tends to dictate which way the drink will go," says Meredith. "If a cocktail can hold an identity or personality whilst appealing to as many people as possible, then you're on to a winner." Beam Suntory is presenting the event, so you can count on the involvement of some of its award-winning spirits, including the Japanese craft gin ROKU, Auchentoshan American Oak, Canadian Club 1858, Jim Beam Double Oak and Maker's Mark. The Dandelyan x Charlie Parker's collaboration will take place over two evenings: Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29. Each night will have two sittings (6pm and 8.30pm, and you'll be given the choice of just having drinks (two for $30 per person) or going all in, with three drinks and a selection of food by Danielle Alvarez of Fred's, for $80 per person. In case you won't be in Sydney in August, you might be excited to know that Dandelyan duo will also be sharing their wondrous skills at Maybe Mae in Adelaide, and Tiny's in Perth. It's not every day that two of the world's most applauded cocktail-makers breeze into town, so, chances are, spots will fill up pretty fast. To make a booking, contact Charlie Parker's via phone or website.
What do Sydney Film Festival, Taiwan Film Festival in Australia and Africa Film Fest Australia all have in common, apart from worshipping cinema and sharing that love with the Harbour City's movie fans? In 2025, each has films flickering in Sydney's most-famous venue. Australia's dedicated showcase of contemporary African cinema is the newest event of the three, only debuting in 2024. For its return this year, it's opening at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, September 4, then also playing at the iconic Circular Quay site on Friday, September 5 before hopping to Riverside Theatres in Parramatta until Sunday, September 7. Nigerian comedy-drama I Do Not Come to You by Chance is kicking off the second Africa Film Fest Australia, with the feature based on Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani's novel, telling of a university graduate and his uncle's email scams, and making its Aussie premiere at the festival. Also showing at Sydney Opera House: Fanon, which is similarly being seen Down Under for the first time, with Martinican-born philosopher and psychiatrist Frantz Fanon in the spotlight. Another impressive title on the bill is closing night's The Fisherman, also an Australian premiere, and the Ghanaian comedy that became the first film from the county to score official selection at the Venice International Film Festival. Before it wraps up the fest, audiences can catch the likes of biopic Samia, about Somali Olympic runner Samia Yusuf Omar; Berlin award-winner The Heart is a Muscle; documentary Nteregu, focusing on music in Guinea-Bissau; and fellow doco Sudan, Remember Us, with Sudanese youth activists at its centre. An initiative by Arts & Cultural Exchange, AFFA spans two short film programs, too — one animated and featuring a Q&A with Nigerian filmmaker Somto Ajuluchukwu — alongside a pre-screening opening-night Afrobeats shindig with DJ GNGR on the decks. Or, you can hit up a Screen Industry Forum. For African Australians aged between 16–25, there's also a two-day workshop about comics and visual storytelling.
A fire has broken out at the historic Mosman Rowers on Centenary Drive, with the incident starting in the fireplace on the building's second level. Emergency services were called to the site earlier this morning, with large plumes of smoke seen coming from the three-level harbourside building. Fire and Rescue NSW reported that several crews and trucks were on-site and have since controlled the blaze. The fire was was contained to the second floor, the newly opened Archie Bear cafe. According to Mosman Rowers, all staff and customers were evacuated and have been accounted for. No injuries have been recorded. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvxh6lFg3Nk/ Mosman Rowers is one of the oldest sports clubs in Sydney, and, after falling into disrepair, had reopened just last month under the Bird & Bear Group. The club announced via its Facebook page that the venue would remain closed until further. Mosman Rowers is located at 3 Centenary Drive, Mosman, and will remain closed until further notice. Image: Mosman Girl.
The City of Sydney has voted unanimously to waive fees on outdoor dining for businesses until the end of June 2025. The inner-city council has poured a mountain of support into helping encourage al fresco dining and events in the wake of the pandemic, with $5.7 million worth of funding set aside for the project last year and a series of street parties popping up across The City of Sydney over the last 12 months. The extension of this initiative sees the fee waiver for outdoor dining permits continue for an additional two years, a review of the permit system and an investigation into areas that can be permanently extended into the road for increased outdoor dining. The two-year waving of permit fees will cost the council approximately $4 million in foregone revenue. "Waiving outdoor dining fees was one of the first things we did when the pandemic hit Sydney," said City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. "We did this to make it easier for restaurants, bars, and cafes to operate while encouraging physical distancing. People have really embraced it, with participating businesses telling us they've taken on extra staff and seen increased patronage — a crucial aid to staying afloat in these difficult times." Moore cites a March survey that showed 91 percent of businesses participating in the outdoor dining program saw the initiative as crucial to the business and 39 percent had experienced a significant increase in turnover since the introduction of outdoor dining. Moore continues: "Having brunch with friends, a wine after work or grabbing a quick bite and watching the world go by are some of the best moments of urban life. Being able to shop, dine or drink on our footpaths and roadways makes it easier for us to enjoy those things and support local businesses in a COVID-safe way." Continuing this push for outdoor dining and events, a huge series of al fresco feasts are set to take over George Street next month. Titled Open for Lunch, the takeover of the bustling CBD area will see the likes of Merivale, YCK Laneways and Porteno's Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz hosting pop-ups throughout George Street. The City of Sydney has voted unanimously to waive fees on outdoor dining permits until the end of June 2025. Images: City of Sydney
It visited Melbourne in June and Brisbane in September, and now Australia's sweetest dessert museum is finally heading to Sydney. Called Sugar Republic and heading our way this February, the immersive pop-up brings sugary delights to folks with a sweet tooth, boasting an array of spaces filled with all things chocolate, confectionery and dessert-oriented. Taking over the sixth floor of Myer Sydney City, the Sydney pop-up features a huge bubblegum pink ball pit, a climbable candy rainbow, a sherbet-filled bridge and a life-sized gum ball machine (the sugary list goes on and on). You're also able to bask in nostalgia inside an old-school lolly shop, a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired garden and a house made from cookies. It sounds like the kind of place that Willy Wonka might own. Throughout the colourful exhibition, you'll find many edible treats, including Hubba Bubba, Halo Top, Wizz Fizz, Skittles and Starbursts, and will be able to visit a Sugar Republic cafe, which will be serving up a whole host of sugary delights. Don't tell your dentist. Worried the installation will be filled with littlies? Thankfully, it's opening on Thursday and Friday nights for adults only — so you can jump in the pit without fear of crushing a small one. Sugar Republic will pop up on the sixth floor of Myer Sydney City from February 10, 2019, and run through until the end of April. It is open from 10am–6pm every day except Wednesday, and adults-only sessions will run from 6.30–8pm on Thursday and Friday nights. Images: Lucas Dawson and Sherbet Birdie Photography. Updated: April 9, 2019.
The wall reads in a large font, "do more of what makes you happy." Especially if that involves drinking coffee just a mere bagel's throw from the beach. Okay, guys. It's as good as done. Freshwater (the suburb formerly known as Harbord) used to be a sleepy little beachside village with waves that only surfers knew about and absolutely frothed at. Everyone else had no idea where it was. Unfortunately for locals, the secret is well and truly out. Not only is the beach a thousand times better than Manly could ever be, but it's now gotten just a little bit funky with the influx of so many young couples. There's Stowaway Bar, the dodgy-looking but loveable chicken 'n' chip shop, and now there's Cruise Espresso. Finally, Freshie is not just a place for old grannies. Cruise Espresso, sandwiched between a hairdresser's and video shop, is on the main drag (if you could call it that) of the village. There are vintage chairs outside to perch on, or rustic, long share tables with benches inside. And the best part about inside? There's air conditioning for those sweltering summer days. Although they serve Belgium hot chocolate/mochas ($4.5) or soy chai tea ($4.5), this is a coffee place. A large drip coffee glass display should clear up any misunderstandings. And the beans? African (exact location not specified), an Indian blend and an Indonesian variety (although can vary). On a hot summer's day, go for a refreshing Five Senses cold drip coffee ($5) served on ice. The vanilla bean affogato ($4) is likewise worth giving a red hot go to cool down with. The turquoise cups and saucers (which come with vintage tea spoons, including one with royals Camilla and Charles), pot plants, chunky wood pieces, flowers and mags to read if you're sipping solo make the place an Instagram hit. Owner Sam Gibson has really ticked all of the boxes. You can even do a prepay pick up order. Although it's all about the coffee, you can have a power ball ($3) or a few other sweet treats, organic maple granola with honey, yoghurt, blueberries, strawberries, passionfruit and banana ($12) or a bagel. Now, these are the Brooklyn Boy Bagels (aka artisan, hand-rolled and authentically boiled bagels), so you know you're in good hands. They're served four ways, but it's hard to go past the salmon, cream cheese, dill and capers ($9). A tip is to sit on the same side of the bench as your friends, otherwise you'll have to compete with the tunes. Because, as these guys say "life's too short to miss out on good company and even better coffee." It's hard to argue with that. This is one to head straight to, although don't ask the locals for their opinion. They'll tell you there's still nothing much going on in ol' Freshie. Why not go hang at Bondi or Manly, they say.
Sydney has scored a sweet newcomer bearing a hefty price tag — and it's located right across from Tumbalong Park and Darling Square. Next time you're heading to the expansive park or the ICC for an event, you can now pop in and grab a beer at the new multimillion-dollar pub Darling Pavilion. The latest venue from the hospitality group the team behind Universal, Newtown Hotel and The Imperial is bringing casual luxury to Harbour Street, boasting an elegant design from Dreamtime's interior designer Michael McCann (Mr Wong, China Diner and Felix) partnered with a relaxed atmosphere. Seating over 350 guests, Darling Pavilion's interiors consist of timber-covered ceilings, textured feature walls and copious amounts of natural light with spots of greenery littered throughout. Residing in the centre is an eye-catching 20-metre stone and marble bar— the focal point of the indoor space. Opt to unwind in the huge outdoor terrace and you'll discover the perfect spot to soak up some rays — the cosy lounges. Plus, there are custom-built DJ decks offering up live tunes to accompany you throughout the day and well into the night. "Darling Quarter holds fond memories for many Australians. It's great to see the whole area evolve with time and we're excited to introduce Darling Pavilion to the mix," says Jim Kospetas from Universal Hotels. Darling Pavilion's menu has been jointly curated by Head Chef Kyle Quy (ex-Nola Smokehouse, 2007 Young Chef of the Year Award winner) and Group Executive Chef Dean Sammut. Expect familiar pub favourites like the beloved schnitty and Neapolitan-style pizzas to dishes pulling inspiration from the Mediterranean. A few stellar options include the braised lamb shank and the mushroom and truffle pizza. Plus, there are tempting weekly lunch specials that are sure to draw you in for a midweek feed. Pair your meal with a drink — take a look at the pub's drinks offering and you'll find yourself spoilt for choice. The venue's signature artisanal cocktails — ranging from classics like the spicy margarita and a stiff negroni to seasonal sips like the fruity Oh Darling martini — reside alongside an array of beers and wines, catering to any sip you find yourself in the mood for. Whether you head in for a quick midday break or leisurely drinks after work, you're guaranteed to enjoy an elevated pub experience. You'll find Darling Pavilion at 1 Harbour Street, Sydney. It's open 10am–3am Monday–Sunday.
UPDATE, JUNE 23: First-release tickets for LEGO® CON have sold out. More tickets will be released on Friday, July 1. The winter school holidays are fast approaching, which means parents and caregivers Sydney-wide will be looking for ways to entertain the kids, ideally with activities that the adults in attendance can also get a kick out of. Here's one option that nails the brief. Following two years of online-only events, LEGO® CON is coming to Sydney this winter for a live weekend-long edition. The two-day event comes as The LEGO® Group celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, so expect a bumper celebration of all things brick with plenty to see, do and build. On July 9 and 10, little and big kids alike can make their way to Sydney Showground for a huge lineup of activities spanning the worlds across the full range including LEGO® City, LEGO® Friends, LEGO® DOTS, LEGO® Technic and more. And it goes without saying that a little construction is on the cards, too. Guests can create and play with a range of sets and help build a top-secret large-scale LEGO® project. LEGO® CON will also host the Sydney debut of the extremely impressive life-sized LEGO Technic™ McLaren Formula 1™ Race Car, most recently on display at the Australian Grand Prix. Kids are also invited to join a session of Build the Change, an inspiring conversation where little LEGO® lovers can share their hopes and dreams for the future. LEGO® CON takes place from July 9–10 at Sydney Showground (Hall 5). Entry is free, but registration is required to enter. For more info on the event and to register, head to the website.
A couple with a secret invite another couple over for dinner. It’s a familiar premise. But unlike Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Mr Kolpert has considerably more laughs. And although there's plenty of colour in the set design, this play is pitch black on the spectrum of dark comedies. Fledgling company pantsguys have been racking up some success lately. We've had the stress-ridden sixth formers of Punk Rock and even more recently the melancholic family saga, On the Shore of the Wide World; however, Mr Kolpert, by German playwright David Gieselmann, offers an opportunity to loosen things up a bit. Under the charismatic direction of James Dalton, this play is a pretty wild ride. In a no-frills apartment, Sarah (Claire Lovering) and Ralf (Tim Reuben) are expecting guests. As they hurriedly tidy up, their conversation is strung together of half-sentences and unfinished thoughts. Then Ralf blurts out to visitors Edith (Paige Gardiner) and Bastion (Garth Holcombe) that they have murdered a co-worker. Though immediately palmed off as a joke, the question of the possibly deceased accountant, Mr Kolpert, keeps cropping up. It’s a wry party game that doesn’t quite feel like a game. Indeed, the tension of the play is built around the confusion between confession and elaborate practical joke. Lovering and Rueben are a good match as the would-be killers. They oscillate between cool and collected and outrageously over-the-top. Holcombe is wonderful as the prickly architect, Bastion, and Gardiner is simply hilarious as his co-operative wife, Edith. Brimming with faux innocence and gawkiness, she is magnetic even when not delivering lines. Both these characters have a psychotic edge and undergo something of a role reversal as the play unfolds.There’s also a pizza delivery guy (Edan Lacey) that gets sucked into the action, lending a deadpan humour. I wondered why Ralf and Sarah allow their secret to hover so close to the surface. But then, as thrill-seekers, it becomes apparent that each character is yearning to “feel something again”. And murky motives become less of a problem as the play spirals into a taboo-busting Tarantino-esque blood bath. It is fast-paced and truly unpredictable. When it comes to staging, Mr Kolpert feels like an ambitious project, but it's realised through some creative choices. The set is splattered with fluro paint, and there’s UV lights, smoke and bubbles. Taking the dinner party disaster genre to new levels, Mr Kolpert will keep you on your toes. Although the performances of Gardiner and Holcombe really stand out, the physical comedy is a collective effort and given the constraints of the space, it’s probably as fluid as it can be. In any case, this entertaining play is like being stuck inside an absurd practical joke that just won't end.
UPDATE: June 24, 2020: Mid90s is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. The skate movie is having a moment and it's doing so in perfect style, gliding into cinemas one leisurely film at a time. After the all-girl antics of Skate Kitchen and the insightful small-town musings of Oscar-nominated documentary Minding the Gap, Mid90s is the latest picture to profess its love for the board — and to roll along casually while making a big impact. All three kickflip-filled flicks are hangout movies, spending their time with friends who are both shooting and riding the breeze. They're also coming-of-age films, following kids navigating the reality of watching their childhoods slip by. Crucially, they're all slice-of-life pictures too, because nothing conveys the sensation of ollying in and out of adolescence like feeling as though you're right there with them. Thirteen-year-old Stevie (Sunny Suljic) wants nothing more than to join the local skateboarding crew. It's not just the thrill of idling down Los Angeles roads that appeals to the quiet teen, but having somewhere to belong. Ray (Na-Kel Smith), Fuckshit (Olan Prenatt), Fourth Grade (Ryder McLaughlin) and Ruben (Gio Galicia) are all older, however they instantly become family — the family Stevie can escape to when his elder brother Ian (Lucas Hedges) is giving him grief and his single mum Dabney (Katherine Waterston) is sharing her stress. When the quintet aren't tearing up the streets, they're partying as if there's no tomorrow, although you can't skate through life without more than a few stumbles. As summer ticks by, Stevie and his pals bide their time at the resident Motor Avenue skate shop, cruise around empty schools and test their luck with neighbourhood girls. They mouth off to security guards, stay out past Stevie's curfew, generally avoid going home and get in scraps amongst themselves. While they're getting into trouble, they attempt to forget their troubles — and it's this to-and-fro that makes Mid90s bubble along. Watching rebellious kids trying to fix their worries by falling into other woes isn't new or novel, but it keeps popping up on screen because that's how childhood works. Making his directorial debut as well as picking up his first scriptwriting credit, Jonah Hill understands this. In his hands, Mid90s is both an affectionate teenage dream and a devastatingly real reflection of youth struggles, tussles and hardships. As a filmmaker, Hill has two tricks up his sleeve: nostalgia and naturalism. They mightn't seem to be the most obvious combination, but the pair fit together like wheels sliding onto a set of skateboard trucks. Hill mightn't have strictly lived the same existence as Stevie and the gang, but he directs this blast from the past like someone who's been there, seen it all and knows exactly how every second of his film really feels. With his square-shaped frames, he serves up images so vivid that they could be memories. With his clear-eyed view, he doesn't shy away from the grit and grease that lingers behind even the happiest moments. Hill isn't just looking back fondly at his younger days. Rather, he's trying to capture the feeling of being a shy kid entering a new world and learning what getting older actually means. To do so, he needs the painstaking detail — the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sheets, Super Nintendo consoles, and the sounds of 'Kiss From a Rose', 'Pony' and 'Wave of Mutilation' — as well as the picture's stripped-bare performances. Hedges and Waterston might be Mid90s' biggest names, other than its director, but this movie is all about Suljic (The House with a Clock in Its Walls) and his first-timer co-stars. When Hill lets the camera sit and watch Stevie try trick after trick (and endure fall after fall) on his driveway, determination and desperation written across Suljic's face, that's Mid90s' heart. When the film roves around with the group, peering on as they do little more than skate away the hours with unbridled authenticity, that's Mid90s' oh-so-relatable soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoPYppF_e5c
Chat Thai is the worst kept secret amongst us Thai people living in Sydney. With a focus on Thai street food and dishes that are meant to be for Thai palates only, Chat Thai was meant to be a Thai person's Thai restaurant. But when you do the mainstay favorites pretty well, and at very, very reasonable prices, it's inevitable that the cat will get out of the bag. If you want to try something new, sample the yen ta for ($10.90, lunch menu only), a radioactively pink vinegary soup, served with very thick rice noodles, garnished with fried wonton triangles, fried soft tofu, blood jelly and your choice of animal (pork, chicken, beef, seafood). For those who are less adventurous, the chilli fried rice ($14), padt si-ew ($13) or ki mao ($13) are excellent. Chat Thai has 5 varieties of som dtum (green papaya salad), which personifies the balance between the salty, sweet, sour and spicy elements Thai cuisine has become known for. This dish is often the yard stick for how Thai people rate a restaurant as the authentically complex flavors require expert mortar and pestle technique, knowing how to obtain a balance from the strong flavours. For the uninitiated start with the som dtum thai ($12) and venture onto the pickled crab or fermented fish variants ($13) when feeling brave. Also remember to specify your level of spiciness because the default is often too hot for most. To drink, it would be hard not have Thai milk tea ($4), but Chat Thai has turned Thai people's love of Yakult (yes, the probiotic drink) into an ice blend ($5) which is embarrassingly hard to resist. Located across from the Capitol Theatre, the open desert kitchen welcomes you in, with the bare brick walls covered with crayon artwork by a famous Thai comedian. If you've arrived during the dinner rush hour expect to be waiting at least 45 minutes or longer for a table; try and get in early and they might be able to offer you dishes still made from the lunch menu as well.
This April, we were titillated with news of an upcoming collaboration, a long spanning art exhibition hitting Sydney in the coming years. The National: New Australian Art is a home-grown exhibition rolling out in 2017, 2019 and 2021 (all off-Biennale of Sydney years) and will feature a coordinated exhibition across the city's major institutions: the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Carriageworks and the Museum of Contemporary Art. It's some of the best news the contemporary Aussie art scene has had in years — and they've just announced the lineup for 2017. Artists across the three venues have been curated thematically and, obviously and wonderfully, they're all Australian. The AGNSW is focusing on art developed from field research or archival footage, grounded in history and featuring many Indigenous artists. Carriageworks is taking a more introspective view, curating their exhibition around self and relationships, with a focus on collaborative work. And the MCA is zooming in further still for its contribution, exploring iterative issues through time and their motifs. They've released an artist list but at this stage it's not clear where each artist will be exhibiting, only that the lineup is packed with potential. Exhibiting artists for 2017 include: Khadim Ali, Zanny Begg, Richard Bell, Gordon Bennett, Chris Bond and Wes Thorne, Matthew Bradley, Gary Carsley, Erin Coates, Megan Cop,e Karla Dickens, Atlanta Eke, Emily Floyd ,Heath Franco, Marco Fusinato, Gunybi Ganambarr, Alex Gawronski, Ghenoa Gela, Agatha Gothe-Snape, Julie Gough Alan Griffiths, Dale Harding, Taloi Havini, Gordon Hookey, Ronnie van Hout, Helen Johnson, Jess Johnson, Richard Lewer, Peter Maloney, Nicholas Mangan, Karen Mills, Archie Moore, Claudia Nicholson, Tom Nicholson, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Nell, Rose Nolan, Raquel Ormella, Alex Martinis Roe, Stieg Persson, Elizabeth Pulie, Khaled Sabsabi, Yhonnie Scarce, Keg de Souza, Simon Ward, Justene Williams, Jemima Wyman and Tiger Yaltangki. The National: New Australian Art will hit the Art Gallery of New South Wales from March 30 – July 16 2017, Carriageworks from March 30 – June 25 2017, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia from March 30 – June 18 2017. Entry is free to all exhibitions.
All too often the staggering numbers behind global atrocities render them abstract and untouchable — a regrettable yet perhaps unavoidable reduction of human suffering into statistics. We know this of war, famine and poverty, and sadly now the scale of human sex trafficking places it squarely on that same list. Recent UN estimates place the number of women and children being trafficked every year for the purposes of forced prostitution, labour and other forms of exploitation at anything between 700,000 and 4 million. Human trafficking has been identified as the fastest growing and second-most lucrative form of organised crime in the world (after drug trafficking), with annual profits for the illegal activity now exceeding $9 billion. It is a terrifying, escalating and global violation that undoubtedly merits greater awareness than is currently being afforded. So enters director Larysa Kondracki and her confronting debut film, The Whistleblower. The movie tells the 'based on true events' tale of Kathryn Bolkovac (Rachel Weisz), an American police officer who moved to Bosnia following the war in 1999 as a UN peacekeeper. Bolkovac's intelligence and determination quickly saw her promoted to Head of the UN's Gender Office, where she learned not only of the rampant sex trafficking trade around her but also of the shocking involvement by her fellow peacekeepers, UN workers and international police under the veil of diplomatic immunity. What follows are Bolkovac's dogged attempts to rescue as many of these victims as possible while exposing the UN's involvement and bringing those responsible to bear. Interwoven with Bolkovac's story is the tale of a hapless Ukrainian teenager named Raya (Roxana Condurache), whose horrific experiences remind us of the uncomfortable humanity within this most inhumane practice. Much like the girl in the red coat from Schindler's List, Kondracki uses Raya as a singular device to symbolise the wider plight of the faceless masses for both Weisz's character and the audience in a terrifying and tragic fashion. Together they encounter widespread corruption, corporate indifference, intimidation and unspeakable violence in the midst of a disturbing and baffling moral vacuum. Ultimately, The Whistleblower falls short of the standard one might expect from such a powerful true story and talented cast, though thankfully its subject matter (and Weisz's performance) will ensure it finds an audience. The screenplay in particular, which Kondracki also wrote, periodically stumbles under structural flaws, and the film's title rather clumsily negates the overall narrative suspense. Weisz, however, is at once fearless and impressive in her portrayal of Bolkovac, and she's capably (if not far too briefly) assisted by Vanessa Redgrave, David Strathairn and Monica Bellucci in supporting roles. If nothing else (and there's definitely 'else'), The Whistleblower offers an uncompromising look into the disturbing world of human trafficking and demonstrates the entirely preventable side to it, if only people are prepared to stand up and act. If you're interested in learning more about the problem, along with ways to become involved, check out the amazing Aussie not-for-profit Project Futures and their terrific Stella Fella campaign. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DSc3An5YYMQ
Easter is one holiday that can lose its sheen pretty quickly. Usually once your parents decree you're "too old" for Easter egg hunts. But with the four-day break and eating-centred celebrations (because you fasted for the last six weeks for Lent, right?), there's plenty to get excited for, particularly with the nearby Anzac Day turning this into a ten-day holiday for many.* While some venues shut, others turn on the charm. Only the best have made it into this list, our Ultimate Easter Weekend Itinerary. See you at the Fish Markets, Aqua Egg Hunt and hot cross bun burger queue. *Did you notice that we didn't say egg-cited? That took all of our effort. Friday 5am: Easter Feastival at Sydney Fish Market Sydney Fish Market is the place to be if you want some fresh Good Friday seafood. Expect lots of Easter-themed activities and prepare for massive crowds, as this is the market's busiest day of the year. Make your best fish face and tag it #seafoodieeaster. You'll be immortalised in a printed Polaroid available for pick up at SFM's Tag-n-Print box. Sydney Fish Market is open from 5am to 5pm on Good Friday. 1pm: Seafood lunch at The Bucket List It’s all well and good to kick back on the long weekend with a few well-earned brews, but getting home unscathed is always a priority. With this in mind, the helpful crew at The Bucket List in Bondi, a premium location to enjoy the Good Friday fish fest, are offering a courtesy car to five locations around Bondi, as well as the closest public transport hubs, operating all weekend. Ride on. Shuttle available all day. Drop off points include Seven Ways Bondi, North Bondi Bus Terminal, Bondi Junction Bus Terminal, Waverly Council, and the corner of Fletcher St and Bondi Rd. 6.30pm: Cruise around at Shipfaced Sydney is sorely lacking in places to drink on Good Friday. Luckily, a floating festival is there to fill the void, featuring two floors of music. Cruise around the harbour on a boat whilst sipping on cocktails and listening to some tunes. An array of DJs will be on deck to provide music, including Doctor Dru, Touch Sensitive and Triple J's Lewi McKirdy. Boat departs from King Street Wharf at 6.30pm. Buy tickets here. Saturday 8am: The Grounds of Alexandria Easter Market Come Saturday, the Grounds of Alexandria will be filled with fresh foods and handmade crafts galore. Gather ingredients for Sunday brunch and watch little people search for eggs. Enjoy the live music while waiting for your chance to pose for a photo with the resident Easter Bunny. 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria. The Easter Market is open Saturday through Monday from 8am to 3pm. 12pm: Easter chocolate shopping Head to Four Friends Coffee Chocolate & Tea in Crows Next to find some more unique Easter gifts — their chocolate bunnies are organic, and they do a wicked range of vegan chocolate made with all-natural ingredients and super foods like goji berries, sunflower seeds, and nuts. Or take a trip to Banksmeadow for the Haverick Meats Saturday Store and stock your fridge for weekend festivities. They'll be hosting pop-ups from Little General Olive Oil, Fine French Food and Infinity Bakery. 5/29 Holtermann Street, Crows Nest. Four Friends is open on Saturday from 9am to 5pm 2pm: Record Store Day As the music industry gradually moves online, it’s becoming more and more important to recognise and celebrate our local record shops — those guys that have the rare vinyls, the T-shirts and the posters physically in the shop. So, on the third Saturday of April, check out your local guy. Expect crazy specials, in store appearances and live music to accompany your browsing. At Mojo Record Bar, expect special releases, 'hidden' giveaways, a chance to win an oil painting, free play on the jukebox, drink specials and guest DJs. Everywhere they're lucky enough to have a record store. 6pm: See Mikelangelo for free at Shady Pines The Shady Pines Saloon will be getting extra dirtied up this Saturday night, when the dapper crooner, 'Bull of the Balkans' and sometime Amanda Palmer ally Mikelangelo takes to the stage with his perfectly sculpted quiff and rich baritone to soothe the soul. Not that Shady Pines normally lacks for atmosphere, but on this night it may be at its peak. As part of the 'Two-Faced Weekender', Mikelangelo will also appear at Frankie's on Sunday with band. 256 Crown Street. Show starts at 6pm. Sunday 4pm: Aqua Egg Hunt Who says Easter egg hunts are just for kids? Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is hosting an egg hunt unlike any other on Easter Sunday, with their inaugural aqua egg hunt for children and kids at heart alike. Suit up in your best snorkelling gear to find eggs littered on the sandy floor of Watsons Bay and win prizes like free seafood platters or a weekend stay at the hotel. They've got a whole weekend of festivities happening; this is just the pinnacle. 1 Military Road, Watsons Bay. Egg hunt starts at 4pm 9pm: Strictly Vinyl at Cliff Dive As the UNDER Ctrl crew have so delicately put it, before everybody in the world became a DJ, DJs used to spin records. In a collaboration with music bloggers Stoney Roads, the guys behind Not Another Boat Party are bringing a night of disc jockeys spinning their real-life actual discs to Cliff Dive. 16 Oxford Square, Darlinghurst. Show starts at 9pm. 10.30pm: The Rhythm of the Night at GoodGod It’s a fact universally acknowledged that we all miss the '90s. The style, the tunes, everything. So, if you’ve got ten bucks, head to GoodGod on Sunday night, where they’ll be cranking the very best that the '90s had to offer the music world . Radical. 55 Liverpool Street, Chinatown. Show starts at 9pm Monday 12pm: Recovery Brunch at the Beresford Hotel So, the long weekend was rough. There were drinks on Sunday night, which is just plain crazy. The only logical conclusion is to head to the pub for a brunch and a beer, and revel in the fact that work doesn’t start until Tuesday. To cater for this, the Beresford is hosting a recovery brunch to cure what ails you, which is probably a hangover. 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills from noon to 5pm. 1pm: Hot Cross Bun Burger Reuben Hills What better way to spend your Monday off than enjoying some good food? If you're still in the Easter spirit grab lunch at Reuben Hills and munch down on the too-good-to-be-true Bugs Burger. It's a beef burger served with pineapple and pickled zucchini. The crowning glory, however, is the fact that it's sandwiched between a hot cross bun, making for an experience that's both sweet and savoury. 61 Albion Street, Surry Hill. Open Mondays from 7am to 4pm By the Concrete Playground team.
2024's working year might've only just begun, but it's already time to book in a big overseas holiday. Put in that leave request ASAP. Block out your calendar. Bust out your suitcase, too, and make sure your passport is up to date. Your destination: the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, because Coachella is back for 2024 with a characteristically impressive roster of acts. Mark Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 14 and Friday, April April 19–Sunday, April 21 in your diaries — including if you you're just keen to check out the livestream. (Remember, Coachella was livestreaming its sets long before the pandemic.) The full bill is a jaw-dropper, as usual, with Lana Del Rey headlining the Friday nights, Tyler, The Creator doing the Saturday nights and Doja Cat on Sunday nights. Also, the reunited No Doubt are on the bill, but without a set day so far. Also hitting the stage: a stacked array of acts that also spans everyone from Blur, Ice Spice, J Balvin and Peso Pluma to Sabrina Carpenter, Grimes, Lil Yachty and Flight Facilities. Whether you're after new tunes, the biggest music names right now or dripping nostalgia, it's on offer at Coachella 2024. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) For music lovers planning to watch along from home, Coachella will once again team up with YouTube to livestream the festival. That's no longer such a novelty in these pandemic times but, given the calibre of Coachella's lineup, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a weekend. For those eager to attend in-person, you can signup for access to tickets over at the festival's website — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 19 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 20). At the time of writing, the festival advises that best bet for passes is the second weekend. Coachella 2024 runs from Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 14 and Friday, April April 19–Sunday, April 21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Find out more information and register for tickets at coachella.com — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 19 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 20). Top image: Casey via Wikimedia Commons.
One of Sydney's oldest hotels has undergone a lavish refurbishment — so the next time you head over to The Strand Hotel, it'll look a little different. Following a revamp in September, the heritage pub now boasts a brand-new look and a refreshed menu. At the helm of its revival is culinary talent Clayton Wells — Automata's previous Head Chef and co-owner and now PUBLIC Group's Creative Culinary Director, with Leigh McDivitt on Head Chef duties. The ground floor, now know as the Strand Bistrothèque, has undergone a contemporary design update with reflective black ceiling paired with eccentric art prints and pops of colour with inviting green velvet couches placed throughout the space. As for the menu, the relaxed French cuisine now takes a less-is-more approach while pairing unexpected flavour combinations. Highlights include the chicken liver parfait eclair accompanied by maraschino cherry and cacao, as well as a soufflé heroing gruyere cheese. "The food is a combination of my own cooking style of traditional French techniques and a nose-to-tail approach. When you find the quality produce that our farmers are passionate about sharing, you need very little interference from chefs to make the dish sing," said Leigh McDivitt. [caption id="attachment_922027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The wonderful chicken liver parfait eclairs[/caption] For sips, the ground floor offers a cocktail menu from the globally-renowned Maybe Sammy crew and a wine list that has been carefully curated by P&V's Mike Bennie. To top it off, the Strand Bistrothèque hosts weekly live music gigs. [caption id="attachment_922023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] (The Strand Hotel's Head Chef Leigh McDivitt & PUBLIC Group's Creative Culinary Director Clayton Wells.)[/caption] As for the rooftop bar, the openair space has been relaunched as a French and Mediterranean fusion called Kasbah. Balearic tunes accompany the cosy terracotta lounges, luxe Persian rugs and vibrant patterned tiling, which draw inspiration from Marrakesh's pastel tones. For bites, Kasbah serves French and Moroccan-inspired fusion cuisine in the form of grazing plates to the tune of ginger, turmeric and coriander spiced tiger prawns. To pair, there's an array of Mediterranean-leaning cocktails like The Silk Road and Ficus and a short offering of natural wines. "Leigh and the team have the expertise to provide a renewed experience in food and service across Strand Bistrothèque and Kasbah upstairs on the rooftop," said Wells."You'll be able to make your day or night whatever you want it to be at The Strand." Head to 99 William Street, Darlinghurst, to check out the new and improved pub. For further information and operating hours, head to The Strand Hotel's website. Image credit: Parker Blain
Suitcases at the ready, eager travellers: your dream Japanese getaway is back on. After two-and-a-half years of border restrictions due to COVID-19, the nation will fully reopen to individual international tourists from Tuesday, October 11 — and you won't need to book a package through a travel agency, or abide by the country's pandemic-era visa restrictions, to enjoy your holiday. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the news on Thursday, September 22 US time during a trip to New York, The Japan Times and Nikkei Asia reported. "We are a nation that has flourished through the free flow of people, goods and capital," the Japanese Prime Minister advised at a press conference at the New York Stock Exchange, as per Reuters. "COVID-19, of course, interrupted all of these benefits, but from October 11 Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US, as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel," he said. That means that visitors to Japan will be able to make their own travel arrangements — a huge change to the current rules, even though requirements were only altered recently. Until May, the country was closed to international tourists. Then, the Japanese government started trialling in letting strictly controlled package tours, including with Australian tourists. Next, in early June, it broadened those entry requirements to allow in visitors from a heap of nations under the same rules. And, since early September, it has permitted travellers, including from Down Under, to make the journey even when they aren't on guided tours, as long as they have organised their flights and accommodation through a travel agency. From October 11, dropping the visa requirement applies to visitors from nations that weren't required to obtain tourist visas before the pandemic — including from Australia and New Zealand. So, in several ways, heading to Japan will return to the pre-COVID-19 status quo. Japan is also ditching its daily cap on international arrivals, which is currently set at 50,000, on the same date. The timing is fantastic for Studio Ghibli fans eager to make a date with the animation house's upcoming theme park — which opens on Tuesday, November 1. Desperate to hit up a Super Nintendo theme park, too? Always wanted to walk across Shibuya's famous scramble crossing? Keen to sing karaoke in a ferris wheel — or simply eat and drink your way around all the ramen joints and izakayas possible? This is supremely welcome news for you as well. Japan's new border rules will come into effect on Tuesday, October 11. For further details about visiting Japan and its border restrictions, head to the Government of Japan website. Via The Japan Times / Nikkei Asia / Reuters.
Sydneysiders, if you're currently reading this from somewhere dry, warm and cosy, we suggest that you keep it that way for the time being. After an extremely wet few days, more downpours are expected until Tuesday, March 23, with the city likely to more than double its usual average March rainfall in just a six-day period. In the 24 hours to 9am today, Sunday, March 21, a whopping 110.4 millimetres of rain was measured at Sydney's Observatory Hill. To put that figure in context, Sydney's average rainfall for the entirety of March is 131.6 millimetres — so the city fell just shy of the entire monthly average in just a single day. Up to 130 millimetres of rain is forecast for the city between today and Tuesday, too, which means that the city faces another month's worth of rain in just the next three days. The torrents of water streaming from the sky started on Thursday, March 18, with 54.4 millimetres of rain measured at Sydney's Observatory Hill in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday, March 10. That was followed by 47.6 millimetres until 9am on Saturday, March 20. Another 15–30 millimetres is forecast for the rest of Sunday, between 25–50 is expected on Monday and between 35–50 is predicted for Tuesday. At a press conference today, BOM Senior Climatologist Agata Imielska confirmed that "over the last 24 hours, we have seen very large rainfall totals are across the Greater Sydney area into the Hunter and mid-north coast. That rainfall will continue". https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW/status/1373423963334963205 This isn't any old wet weather. The Bureau of Meteorology warned midweek that heavy falls were expected and, on Friday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian asked residents across the city and state to stay close to home over the weekend due to the downpour. A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and potential flooding was issued for Sydney on Saturday morning, and currently remains in place. Yesterday, Premier Berejiklian also called the current conditions a "deep-seated, extreme weather event" — as a result not only of the huge amounts of rain across the state, but also flooding along the mid-north coast. Elsewhere, the Parramatta River has once again broken its banks, flooding the proposed Powerhouse Museum site as it did in 2020. A mini-tornado hit Chester Hill on Saturday, too. And, Sydney's Warragamba Dam — the city's main water source — has also spilled over, starting on Saturday afternoon. Some areas in Sydney's northwest were also ordered to evacuate overnight due to rain levels in the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley area. BOM Flood Operations Manager Justin Robinson said today that "at Penrith, we are expecting river levels at Penrith to be levels near the 1961 flood. To give you some context, that is bigger than the February 2020 flood. It is bigger than the 1988 flood. It is bigger than the 1990 flood, and it is bigger than the 1964 flood — it is one of the biggest floods we are likely to see for a very long time". At the same press conference, Imielska advised that "over the next 12-24 hours, the focus will be on the mid-north coast once again". But, in some good news, "Wednesday is when we are expecting to see a proper break in the weather. There will still be a shower or two, a bit of activity, but significantly lighter rainfall. Wednesday will be the first day when we could see a bit of reprieve across the state". If you do need to head out in Sydney while the current conditions continue, don't forget to pack your umbrellas and raincoats, and to be safe in general. And, as usual with potential flooding, the SES recommends you don't walk, drive or ride your bike through flood water. As the weather conditions continue to develop, stay up to date with the latest forecast and weather warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology and the NSW State Emergency Service.
Exploring the world in person isn't on anyone's agenda at present, but that doesn't mean you can't improvise from your couch. After hitting up online tours of the planet's best museums and landmarks, then checking out a heap of travel live-streams, you can now journey around the globe via a heap of Netflix documentaries screening for free on YouTube. Viewers can watch all eight episodes of 2019 nature series Our Planet, which is narrated by Sir David Attenborough — and ventures to 50 countries to explore the huge array of different habitats present across the earth. Or, you can feast your eyes on documentary feature Chasing Coral as it follows a team's efforts to invent the first time-lapse camera that's capable of recording coral bleaching events as they happen. In total, ten different Netflix titles have made the leap to YouTube — meaning that, even if you don't have an account with the streaming platform, you can still watch. The move is part of the company's efforts to help teachers and parents find informative and educational options for children; however viewers of all ages can take advantage of the free material. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wGZc8ZjFY4 Other freebies include Ava DuVernay's Oscar-nominated documentary 13th, which explores race relations in America; Knock Down the House, about the campaigns of four women — all progressive Democrats — running for US congress; and the first season of Abstract: The Art of Design, featuring profiles of illustrators, architects, shoe designers, photographers, stage designers and more. Or, you can check out select episodes of Explained, spanning topics such as music, the world's water crisis and cricket, and Babies, which covers the obvious subject — or view three short films, including Academy Award-winner Period. End of Sentence., about access to sanitary products in India; The White Helmets, following volunteer rescue workers in Aleppo, Syria and Turkey; and Zion, about Zion Clark, a wrestler born without legs. To view Netflix's free selection of documentaries on YouTube, visit the streaming platform's YouTube channel. Top images: Our Planet, Netflix.
After a killer July bash — which mixed Tilda Swinton's signature perfume, international denim and coffee cupping workshops — Brewtown Newtown is bringing back their Attic Party for August. This time it will be held over both Saturday and Sunday upstairs at O'Connell Street Merchants. The party will be a way to mark the start of (what will probably be) a beautiful working relationship between Brewtown and Wooloomooloo's Smoking Gun Bagels. The two Sydney cafe powerhouses have collaborated to create the two-day party pop-up, which will be selling Smoking Gun's signature Montreal-style wood-fired bagels and Brewtown's great brews. It will all kick-off on 10am on both Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13, and run until 4pm each day. Local clothing brand Sydney Romantics will also be running a pop-up in the attic and if you're keen to evolve your coffee palate, join Brewtown's master roaster Chris Bonney for a free cupping workshop, which'll have you tasting your way around the world with a curated selection of single origin brews. DJ Josh Leenaars of newly launched Network Connection Records will be spinning live tunes as well. By Lauren Vadnjal and Jasmine Crittenden.
Acclainmed chefs Cuong Nguyen (Penelope's, Hello Auntie) and Jack Kulusai and Tanya Boonprakong (Porkfat) are joining forces for an exclusive two-night dinner series. Taking place on Monday, May 20 and Monday, May 27, Chu Fat marks the second iteration of Nguyen's Chef Series collabs. Diners can expect intense flavours and inventive combinations for $85 per person. [caption id="attachment_956129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Chad Konik[/caption] The menu begins with snacks and light bites such as tamarind wings with lime gel, garlic and chilli, and a Thai mortadella with toasted brioche 'pork toast'. Next, indulge in calamari noodles doused in a southern Thai-style curry sauce, and sweet pork and gkapi rice served in a clay pot, before moving to a main serve of dry-aged wagyu ribeye with smoked tamarind and a side of snake beans. You'll finish with a dessert of choux filled with a kaya sticky rice diplomat and pandan sherbet. Find out more about the collab at the Hey Chu website, and book your spot for either May 20 or May 27 via the reservations page. [caption id="attachment_956128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Chad Konik[/caption]
Hot on the heels of opening a 'DIY' restaurant in London, IKEA has Sydney pegged for its next activation. Presumably trying to make shopping for flatpack furniture a little less relationship-ruining, the Swedish company is setting up their next showroom inside one of Sydney Harbour's iconic ferries — and giving two people the chance to spend the night there. The IKEA Harbour Home (as it's so called) will be transformed into a "home away from home" and will undoubtedly be fully decked out with all things IKEA. Depending on how much you frequent the store, some things might look familiar. But the main drawcard here is obviously the harbour — the ferry will give you the chance to go nigh nighs and wake up on the water. Here's hoping for calm seas. Only one lucky person and a mate will get to spend the night on the ferry in October — you can enter here. The prize includes flights as well as a night on the ferry and all meals and experiences as per the final itinerary. If you're in the market for some new Swedish furnishings, it's a pretty sweet way to shop. And for anyone who's made the trek out to one of IKEA's behemoth locations, we can probably all agree that Sydney Harbour is by far the most aesthetically pleasing of the lot.
Schaübuhne Berlin is back. After setting the 2010 Sydney Festival alight with an improv-heavy and blackly humorous remix of Shakespeare's Hamlet, the Germans have returned for the 2019 festival. Beware of Pity is a collaboration with Simon McBurney from that other crew of mavericks, Complicité. The play is loosely based on a novel of the same name by Stefan Zweig (the man whose memoirs influenced Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel). The story follows an Austrian cavalry officer in a complicated relationship with a millionaire's daughter. Billed as a "prescient portrait of a Europe stumbling toward chaos", this will definitely be one of the brutes of Sydney Festival. Beware of Pity is part of Sydney Festival's dramatic and diverse 2019 program. Check out the full lineup here.
If you're thinking of heading to Tassie for Dark Mofo this year, this could be the clincher. MONA has just announced its next big exhibition, Zero — a celebration of Germany's radical artists of the 1950s and 60s. The show gets its name from the term the artists used, collectively, to describe themselves. They didn't identify as belonging to a movement, style or group, but instead felt connected by a "vision of the things", as explained by Otto Piene, one of the founders. "Zero's philosophical foundation was that art was not something to be painfully extracted in solitude, but assembled and constructed with others, using whatever materials came best to hand: metal, cardboard, glass, plastic, cloth, mirrors and smoke," says MONA's Senior Research Curator Jane Clark. "They banged nails, smashed bottles, poked holes and cut up each other's canvases." The show will feature artworks by original Zero artists, as well as those that have since absorbed their influence. These include Heinz Mack, Otto Piene, Günther Uecker and Adolf Luther from Germany; Lucio Fontana, Nanda Vigo, Grazia Varisco, Enrico Castellani and Gianni Colombo from Italy; with Marcel Duchamp, Yves Klein and François Morellet from France; Henk Peeters from The Netherlands; Christian Megert from Switzerland; Jesús Soto from Venezuela; and Yayoi Kusama from Japan. Given that these artworks were often ephemeral, many will be reconstructions. Expect sound effects, music, optical illusions, moving parts, shifting lights and reflective materials. There'll be a particular focus on vibration, which Mack described in 1958 as "resting restlessness…the expression of continuous movement, which we call 'vibration'…Its harmony stirs our souls, as the life and breath of the work." Taking care of curation is Mattijs Visser, founding director of the international Zero Foundation. "Zero is one of the most significant, yet largely forgotten, art movements since the Second World War...Zero needs to be discovered now, while several of their speakers are still with us," he says. Zero will open with a big party on Saturday, June 9 — and it's free for the public to attend (with registration). If you're in town for Dark Mofo — which will run from June 15–24 — it might be a good reason to head to Hobart earlier. The full lineup will be announced on April 6 — we'll keep you updated on that one. Zero will run at the Museum of Old and New Art in Berriedale, Hobart from June 9, 2017 until April 22, 2019. For more info, visit mona. Image: Gianni Colombo: Elastic Space, shot by Matteo Zarbo, courtesy of the Institute for Contemporary Archaeology.
Gelato Messina wants to bring you its sweet treats in style this weekend. The famed frozen treats brand has teamed up with Deliveroo to deliver gelato by speedboat to nine beaches and wharves around Sydney. Because, why not? This Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, beachgoers simply have to hang out at the beach and wait for the speedboats to show up — no pre-ordering necessary. Once you see the Deliveroo boat approaching, you just have to flag it down, wade into the water and retrieve your dessert — a strawberry pavlova choc top or a peach bellini 'Weissina' Bar. A lucky few will also nab a free beach towel alongside their gelato. On Saturday, the speedboats will head to Double Bay at around 11.30am, before heading over to Rose Bay, Nielsen Park, Milk Beach and Watsons Bay (spending roughly 30 minutes at each spot). The boats will have a similar schedule on Sunday, but will start at Manly Wharf then make their way across to Clontarf Beach, Spit Marina and Balmoral Beach. If hunger strikes while you're lazing about on one of the beaches, and it's a hunger that a choc top alone can't fix, you could also order savoury food from Deliveroo. It's now delivering food directly to 150 beaches around the country — but it will be via a regular ol' motorbike or scooter (and a determined human on foot), not a boat. Deliveroo will be delivering free Gelato Messina to nine Sydney beaches and wharves on Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16.
Make your way down the Princes Freeway to immerse yourself in a world of colour and sound at Geelong After Dark this autumn. Now in its sixth year, Geelong After Dark's exciting showcase of art, design and performance will return on Friday, May 3. As night falls, the Gateway City's laneways, hidden spaces and buildings will be filled with innovative art installations, projections, music acts and live performances. If ever there were an excuse to skip the end-of-week work drinks and head out of town, this is it. The festivities will take place across three zones in the CBD, from Johnstone Park, down Malop Street and stretching down to the waterfront. The full program is yet to be released, but this year's theme, 'heighten your senses', gives a small clue of what to expect. Artists have created a number of site-specific artworks to be unveiled on the night — all of which are designed to encourage spectator interaction via touch, sound, taste, sight or smell. One commissioned artwork that filled this brief, Sensory Portals, was built by the city's arts and culture team in conjunction with Deakin University. It involves three separate installations that visitors can step inside and immerse themselves within. Be sure to also keep an ear out for three original songs that will be sampled within a number of the After Dark installations. These songs were written and performed by local unsigned musicians under the Connecting Songs project as an homage to the area. As part of the scheme, these musical groups were also given mentoring opportunities with well-known Australian musicians, including Adalita (Magic Dirt), Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything and Mick Thomas and the Sure Thing) and Mark Wilson (Jet). Geelong After Dark will take place from 6–10pm on Friday, May 3. For more information, visit the website. Image: Reg Ryan.
Time to update your reading list: it's time for the latest edition of the Sydney Writers' Festival. One year shy of its 20th anniversary, this year's festival will run from Monday, May 16 through to Sunday, May 22, and will welcome more than 450 authors to Sydney to discuss their work and ideas in panels, lectures and workshops around the city. Standout guests from abroad include feminist icon Gloria Steinem, critically acclaimed author Jonathan Franzen (Purity), novelist, rapper and poet Kate Tempest (Brand New Ancient), and North Korean defector Park Yeon-mi (In Order to Live). They'll be joined by Man Booker Prize winners Marlon James (A Brief History of Seven Killings) and Julian Barnes (The Sense of an Ending), and overnight success story Paula Hawkins (Girl on the Train). The local contingent, meanwhile, includes numerous recognisable names, including Tim Flannery, Anna Funder, Magda Szubanski, Kerry O'Brien, Andrew Denton, Peter Garrett, Stan Grant, Sarah Ferguson and Annabel Crabb. The theme of this year's festival is bibliotherapy, with a focus on reading for its therapeutic effect. "I very much like the idea of bibliotherapy and its premise that you can improve your life," said festival Artistic Director Jemma Birrell in a statement that accompanied the launch of the program. "A good literary festival, like a good book, should bring real life benefits — joy, solace and a new understanding of the world."
