This not-so-secret garden is, without a doubt, one of Sydney's most beautiful green spaces. Created by Wendy Whiteley, the widow of acclaimed Australian artist Brett Whiteley, the garden is a gorgeous testament to heartbreak and renewal. Channeling her grief into an artistic project, Wendy slowly transformed the abandoned railway dump in front of her home into what is now a public garden. With winding paths, benches, sculptures, and sweeping views over the harbour, this little slice of paradise offers a welcome respite from the chaos of the city. The garden's many quiet corners also make it the perfect place for a quiet picnic, or a little alone time. Image: Martin7d2 via Flickr.
One of Australia's most redeeming qualities is its ability to give good afternoon sun. There's something about its familiar glow that almost demands casual drinks – whether it's cracking open a cold beer after a day out, heading to the pub after a long day of work, or deciding on a whim that your backyard is perfect for having friends over. It's hard to imagine a city with better BYO potential than Sydney. We've got huge parks with panoramic views and tiny parks with secret gardens than any other Australian city. You name it, we've got it. Here's a list of spots in Sydney where you can BYO food and drinks. Knock off work, phone a friend, swing by a bottle shop and settle in to soak up the afternoon sun. SOUTH HEAD At South Head, you can take your pick of settings. Hang out beside candy-striped Hornby Lighthouse and contemplate your smallness against the dramatic cliff faces and crashing waves, or plan your next beyond-the-horizon adventure. If you're feeling active, sip as you stroll – the South Head Heritage Trail is a one-kilometre loop surrounded by epic views. If you're keen for a dip, follow the stairs down to clothing-optional Lady Bay Beach. PARSLEY BAY At Parsley Bay, your BYO experience comes with water dragons, a lush bush walk that ends with a waterfall and a dip in a shark-free swimming enclosure. That's why people have been visiting this impossibly cute park, which occupies a narrow valley in Vaucluse, since 1907. No one knows where the name came from - some say a savvy hermit called Parsley once lived in a cave nearby; others reckon that a parsley-like plant used to grow here. CENTENNIAL PARK Keen to take your extended family on your BYO extravaganza? There's oodles of space at Centennial Park. 189 hectares of it, in fact. Picnickers have been frolicking here since 1888, when Sir Henry Parkes declared the park public. Get into history with a wander around Federation Pavilion, acquaint yourself with some local bird life at Duck Pond or try out your labyrinth navigating skills a la David Bowie. Centennial Park is easy to reach, being a ten-minute bus ride from the CBD. WENDY'S SECRET GARDEN For the past two decades, Wendy Whiteley - partner of the late artist Brett Whiteley - has been creating an Alison In Wonderland-worthy garden behind her home in Lavender Bay. Dotted with sculptures, stone feature walls, Bangalow palms and a famous fig tree that appears in many of Whiteley's paintings, Wendy's Secret Garden welcomes wanderers, dreamers, artists and picnickers alike. Arm yourself with some friends and a six-pack or two and find a foreshore spot overlooking the Harbour Bridge. Or, hide yourself away in one of the many peaceful, shady corners. PARRAMATTA PARK Sydney's beaches get so much attention that it's easy to forget the many beautiful rivers our city is home to. Over the past few years Parramatta River has had a serious clean-up, and in January 2015, it became officially swimmable. One of the loveliest spots along the waterway for a sneaky beer is among the birds and green, green grass of Parramatta Park. While you're at it, have a gander around the grounds of Old Government House and pay a visit to the chatty grey-headed flying fox colony. BENTS BASIN The mighty Nepean River flows through Robertson in the Southern Highlands and goes just north of Penrith, where it joins the Grose to form the Hawkesbury. There are many gorges along the way and one of the most spectacular – and accessible – is Bents Basin, located about 50 kilometres west of Sydney CBD. Spend all afternoon lazing about and cooking up a barbecue feast to go with your BYO, or grab a lilo and launch yourself on the rapids. Should you happen to want to stay the night, there's a camp ground for sleeping over. PATONGA CAMPING GROUND Pack your tent along with your esky - you'll definitely want to spend the night here. The 200-person settlement of Patonga lies on the Hawkesbury River's northern bank and the cheapest way to experience it is in the Patonga Camping Ground. Catch the ferry from Palm Beach if you're not keen on driving. You can spend your time kicking back and taking in the views or get active with a spot of tennis, a paddling escapade or a stroll through the Brisbane Water National Park. [caption id="attachment_593190" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Instagram: @hannah.qnn.[/caption] MCCARRS CREEK RESERVE For a tranquil beer beside stunning Pittwater, head over to McCarrs Creek Reserve. You'll find it at Church Point, between 10 and 12 McCarrs Creek Road. There's a lovely sandy beach and a spotted gum forest which flowers through the winter. You can swim in the shallow waters straight off the reserve or journey upstream (in your car) to visit the Duck Holes. BURNUM BURNUM SANCTUARY Burnum Burnum Sanctuary is an unspoilt bush reserve on the banks of the Woronora River, which runs for 21 kilometres from the Illawarra escarpment to the Georges River, taking in sections of the Sutherland Shire along the way. Here, with beer in hand, you can rest and unwind by the water or conquer a bush trail or two, investigating some excellent lookouts as you go. Birds flock to this tree-filled spot, so keep an eye out for honeyeaters and robins. There are barbecues, too. BONNIE VALE CAMPING GROUND Just across the water from Cronulla lies Bonnie Vale, on the northern brink of the Royal National Park. It's do-able as a day trip, but once you're there, you're bound to want to stay over, so don't forget your tent. There's a massive sand spit which makes for easy swimming and gives a Pacific Island-esque sparkle to the water. If you find yourself in the mood for a paddle, hire a boat from Bundeena Kayaks and venture inland, up Port Hacking River. Alternatively, try your hand at fishing at nearby Jibbon Beach and fry up your catch on the gas barbecues provided.
Dubbed as the biggest night of the year for Sydney, the Mardi Gras Parade will fill the streets of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills on Saturday, February 29. Join in on the celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture and communities and watch the colourful array of 200 floats and performers as they make their way down Flinders and Oxford Streets from 7.30pm. If you want to cop a view, you'll have to arrive early (preferably with a crate in-tow), as tickets for seats in the viewing area are sold out. To check out exactly where the parade goes, check out the handy map below. Also sold out is the official after party, but thankfully, there are plenty of bars around town that will be open and keeping the party going into the night. So, if you're looking for a bar for before, during or after the parade, we've got you covered. The full Mardi Gras program has lots of other fun stuff in it too, and it runs until Sunday, March 1. Image: Jeffrey Feng
Don't want to queue in monstrous traffic jams to get to Bondi Beach on a scorching day? Need a drink and a swim, in equal measure? These inner-city oases will solve all your hot weather problems. Each and every one has everything you could need for summer — minus the sand and road rage. These pool bars — which are all accessible to the public, even if you're not staying at the hotel — have cocktails, beer, snacks, deck chairs, striped umbrellas, waitstaff and luxe swimming facilities. One even comes with inflatable flamingoes. Plus, unlike most beaches, they're flood-lit into the night. Grab your togs and get swimming across the city. LEVEL SEVEN, PRIMUS HOTEL, CBD There was a time when the Primus Hotel's sublime pool bar was the exclusive domain of sleep-over guests. But the hotel must've felt a pang of sympathy for us, the mere mortal general public, because earlier this year it swung open the bars sky-high doors to the public. Now, between midday and 10pm, Monday to Saturday (and until 6pm on Sunday), you can catch the lift to the seventh floor for rosé spritzes, Veuve Clicquot and, to make sure you stay cool in and out of the water, cocktail popsicles. Executive chef Daniel Menzies is in charge of snacks and, around sunset, expect to hear from local DJs. THE ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR The Island is a floating, European-style beach club that lets you pretend you're on holiday in the Northern Hemisphere, while watching the sunset over Sydney Harbour Bridge. The pool, accessible by a staircase, is a private, protected section of the Harbour. So, you can swim in the wild, without having to worry about sharks. To get on-board, grab a ticket online, which includes water taxi transfers to and from Double Bay, as well as a welcome drink. The Island is open most Saturdays and Sundays from 1–8pm — and for special events and gigs — throughout summer. ROOFTOP, INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, DOUBLE BAY This secretive bar and pool affords some of the eastern suburbs' most beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. You'll find it on the rooftop of the Intercontinental, a swish five-star hotel in downtown Double Bay. The bar opens to the public between October and March, Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am until one hour after sundown. The summery drinks menu includes an extensive selection of spritzes and signature Champagne-based cocktails, including the Golden Glamour (with Moët, Navan vanilla liqueur, passionfruit). The only catch is that, to actually take a swim, you must stay the night. POOL CLUB, IVY BAR, CBD Ivy Pool Club wants to transport you to some luxe Italian location. And for the most part, it succeeds. It has an exotic wine list featuring drops from Tuscany and Friuli, Aperol cocktails and pizzas cooked in a poolside oven by Italian chef Vincenzo Biondini. If you want a bit of privacy, book yourself your own cabana, which comes with a dedicated waiter. Just know that Ministry of Sound takes over on Saturday evenings. We recommend heading in Tuesday to Friday — when $29 buys a pizza and a glass of wine — or aperitivo hour between 5 and 6pm, which means complimentary antipasti. ATURA HOTEL, BLACKTOWN It's a long way from the western suburbs to the beach — especially during the summer holidays — so thank the powers that be for Blacktown's Atura Hotel. The pool is pretty difficult to miss — it's usually dotted with bright pink inflatable flamingos and oversized beach balls. There are deck chairs for relaxing waterside too, but if you'd prefer to keep an eye on the action from afar, claim a table in the Roadhouse Bar and Grill, which is well-stocked with whisky and tasty morsels, including popcorn prawns and burgers. Those not in a rush should settle in for high tea.
Cafes on the lower north shore often come with lots of greenery, space for dogs, generous dishes and in many cases, Sydney Harbour views. Less crowded and less frazzled than the Eastern Suburbs and the Inner West, this area gives you room to breathe and stretch your legs. Whether you tuck into mushrooms and burrata on the water at Kirribilli Wharf or into colourful plates at Balmoral, leave time afterwards to kick back in a park or explore a bit of the Harbour you haven't visited before. In partnership with luxury property company Aqualand and its new Blue at Lavender Bay development, here's your guide to ten of the lower north shore's finest cafes. THE LANEWAY CAFE, CAMMERAY Eight years ago, brothers James and Will Christopher (Ms Miller, The Public) took over a garage in a back laneway of Cammeray and turned it into a cafe. A peaceful escape from Miller Street's hustle and bustle, The Laneway Cafe offers shelter both inside and outside (there's a hidden courtyard). As at Sotto On West (see below), you'll probably find a dog or two at a neighbouring table, so feel free to bring your own pooch. The brekkie menu has standouts like the Good Morning Burger with bacon, egg, avo, hash brown, tomato, cheese, paprika and aioli, while the lunch menu covers salads, pastas, burgers and fresh ciabatta rolls. CELSIUS COFFEE CO, KIRRIBILLI Cafes don't get any closer to the water than Celsius on Kirribilli Wharf, right next to where the ferry docks. Claim a seat next to the window and you'll feel like you're bobbing on the Harbour. The coffee comes from ONA with two house blends, so whether you're a nutty type, or if you like your coffee a bit fruity, there's an option for you. Dishes on the local produce-driven menu include tasty treats like the sautéed oyster and shiitake mushrooms served with local burrata cheese and chimichurri, and the Super Greens Breakfast with kale, asparagus, lime avocado and poached eggs. BIRDWOOD, LANE COVE This neatly-designed cafe with a lovely, leafy view is from the team behind Marrickville's Double Roasters. Like The Laneway Cafe in Cammeray, this hidden cafe is up a laneway and away from Lane Cove's hectic main drag. If you like variety, you'll be impressed by their brew menu. On top of the famous Flight Path house blend, there's always a few single origins to choose from. For a tasty breakfast fix, go for the three-cheese croque monsieur with ham from local butcher, Black Forest. AVENUE ROAD, MOSMAN Another project by the Double Roasters crew. The coffee is great, but there's a bigger emphasis on food. Pretty much every time you visit you'll find a new temptation on the menu, be it chocolate, marscapone and banana muffins, or coconut waffles with coffee-infused gelato. With design features as comfort-focused as the food, the cafe features an assortment of quirky lamp shades, a teaspoon collection to measure up against your grandma's and chairs you can settle into all arvo long. SPROUT WHOLEFOOD, NAREMBURN Just walking into Sprout Wholefood makes you feel like you've done something good for your body. All the healthy things are here — cashew cream, quinoa, kale, black sesame seeds — and they're all transformed into tasty, tasty bowls and burgers. For coffee, there's Gabriel, but if you're off the caffeine, go for their Golden Milk turmeric latte with cinnamon, honey, black pepper and coconut oil, or one of their smoothies (Choco Bliss with cacao, mesquite, banana and almond milk). [caption id="attachment_616466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Facebook / 67 Union. St Deli[/caption] 67 UNION ST. DELI, MCMAHONS POINT Think lots of white paint, flowers, succulents, colourful throws and suspended teapots, 67 Union St is bright, fresh and beautifully designed. Sit inside around a communal table, or outside on a cushion-covered milk crate, and take your pick from the short, healthy menu. The cafe also offers up a tasty list of baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth. [caption id="attachment_616894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Instagram / @what_sarah_saw[/caption] SOTTO ON WEST, NORTH SYDNEY Opt to eat outdoors if you can score a seat on Sotto on West's lovely, shady deck. Otherwise, sit inside and check out the funky lighting — upside-down cups and saucers turned into lamp shades. Either in or out, you may be sharing the space with dogs — they're just as welcome as you are. The dogspotting is next level, the Allpress coffee is decent and the dishes are generous and imaginative. Recent creations include berry-coconut muffins with ginger, cacao nibs and turmeric, and roasted pumpkin salad with heirloom tomatoes, walnuts and chargrilled corn. [caption id="attachment_617202" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob Domjen Photography[/caption] THE BOATHOUSE, BALMORAL Even if you've never been to The Boathouse, you've probably seen it on Instagram. Balmoral is just one branch of The Boathouse tree, with sister cafes at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach and Whale Beach, and as at the others, here you can expect epic water views, piles of flowers, massive pot plants and dishes born for social media. The lunch menu is big on seafood, so expect to struggle looking past the cold seafood platter and a bottle of Bollinger. THE ROOTS ESPRESSO, NORTH SYDNEY Coffee nerds, this one's for you. Step into this stripped-back coffee laboratory, and go for a standard flat white or cappuccino, or experiment with a pour-over or siphon coffee. Order at the counter, and sip your coffee of choice surrounded by lots of concrete, pylons and glass vessels filled with brews. Start your day the healthy way with the grain and chia bircher with rhubarb, seasonal fruits, nuts and sesame snaps, and at lunch, get stuck into a sanga like the roast pork with crackling, fennel, slaw and apple sauce. BAY TEN ESPRESSO, LAVENDER BAY Hidden beneath the Harbour Bridge's northern approach, the best way to arrive at Bay Ten Espresso is by bike. Not only is that ride over the Bridge stunning, but you'll also want to bike over since the cafe shares its 10-metre high warehouse space with The Body Mechanic, a bunch of elite athletes who can give you a physio session while you wait for your coffee. Beans come from White Horse, with batch brews and cold drips sitting alongside your standard coffees. As for food? Simple, classic and fresh. Surround yourself with everything the lower north shore has to offer at Aqualand's Blue at Lavender Bay development. The best restaurants, cafes, bars and activities are all on your doorstep. Lead image: Jessie Ann.
If you've spent more than a few weeks in southeast Queensland, then you've heard someone wax lyrical about their last trip to Noosa. The Sunshine Coast may be filled with coastal towns and suburbs perfect for short and long stays, however, there's just something about the region around the Noosa River and Noosa National Park that continues to lure visitors in. Perhaps it's the siren's song that is Hastings Street, with its strip of shops and cafes located just a stone's throw from the beach (and no, we're not exaggerating). Perhaps it's the choose your own adventure factor of this vibrant, multifaceted area, which doesn't just offer up the more touristy experience seen in the main drag. Head to the North Shore, and you're in sand dune and bushland territory. Hop over to the other side of the river, and you may as well be in a sleepy little place with a much, much smaller population. Or, maybe it's the just fact that at 138 kilometres north of Brisbane, Noosa is far enough away to feel like you've been on a decent road trip, but still close enough to conquer in a couple of hours — exactly what you need to make a weekend of it. So, just what should you do after trekking up the Bruce Highway on a Friday evening? Here's how to spend a few days and nights there. EAT/DRINK Any place that boasts its own chocolate factory is all right in our books. Alas, the Noosa Chocolate Factory doesn't actually have a store in town — and while its factory can be found in Noosaville, that's not open to the public. Don't despair: there's plenty of other tasty things to eat, so you're never going to be hungry. Trust us, you'll forget all about your desire to relive Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in no time. In fact, run — don't walk — to Wasabi. The Japanese eatery whips local ingredients, as plucked from the owner's farm, into the kind of taste explosion that'll have you spending too long trying to pick from the menu. Luckily, they also have just the option for eager but indecisive diners: omakase, or 'let the chef decide'. Over your choice of seven or nine courses with optional matching wines, you'll discover the absolute best dishes the restaurant has to offer. We also recommend keeping an eye on their calendar of bespoke events for one-off offerings like sake brewing and ceramic-plated degustation. Of course, if you're hanging out near Hastings, you'll have no shortage of food options. In fact, you could spend your whole weekend eating your way along the street, one restaurant and meal at a time. Make sure beachfront haunt Sails is on your agenda if you're after a fancy bite with a fantastic view (plus the best potato bread you're likely to munch on). If you're a seafood fan, keep treating yo'self at Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita, while Locale has Italian-style feasts covered. Bistro C is an ideal brekkie spot, complete with the mouthwatering Yaddah's Breakfast of walnut and pomegranate hummus, olives, goats cheese, muhammara, boiled egg, heritage tomatoes and sesame crackers. And if you want something a bit greasier, you can't go past Betty's Burgers. It's not just the titular bundles of meat and bread that's the attraction here, but their Shake Shack-style frozen custard desserts known as 'concretes', which are available in everything from apple pie to strawberry doughnut to banana peanut butter cup flavours. So, that's your stomach taken care of, but what about your hankering for cheeky weekend beverage? If the salty sea air is making you thirsty, then Noosa Boathouse's Sunset Bar serves up $9 Noosa River Slings — and yes, it's a 'when in Noosa' kind of thing, obviously. Village Bicycle on Noosa Drive is your go-to low-key haunt, particularly if you want to pair a beer with some pub food, while just trying not to spend a whole boozy afternoon perusing the hefty beverage list at Noosville's Flux Lounge is pretty much impossible. But, if whiskey is your tipple of choice, there's only one place to drop into. That'd be Whisky Boy. Yep, this kitchen and bar delivers exactly what it promises. DO Seriously, where do we start? Or, perhaps the better question is: what kind of a weekend trip are you after? Let's kick off with the outdoors activities everyone heads to a beach spot for. Basically, in Noosa, you can select any stretch of sand and find something going on (or a form of water toy to hire), or just pick a nice patch to put out your towel, catch some rays and marvel at that deep blue sea. Or, given that Noosa is one of the country's national surfing reserves, take some surfing lessons and be on your way to pretending you're Keanu in Point Break in no time. Plus, if you time your stay just right, you might just get to see a pack of pooches do the same at the annual Surfing Dog Spectacular. Surefire golden memories come from making your own destiny, rather than following a prescribed plan, which is why just cruising around by foot, 4WD or boat really is the ideal way to spend a day or so here. Hikers should head to the coastal track in Noosa National Park, where you'll come across secluded swimming spots and perhaps even spy a few pods of dolphins or whales. Whether you've brought your own or you need to rent one, driving along North Shore's dunes in a 4WD is probably the closest you're ever going to get to feeling like you're in an action movie, with the added bonus of stunning scenery. And if you'd prefer to take to the water, we heartily recommend hiring a boat — the kind you don't need a license for, don't stress — and pottering around the Noosa River. It's the perfect way to go fishing and see scenic sights at the same time. Plus, most come with barbecues, so you can cook what you catch (maybe bring some lunch along with you, just in case). If you're an indoorsy type or just after something not so strenuous, you can still expect to have a heap of fun. Peruse galleries galore, both in Noosa itself and within the surrounding area. Making a Saturday morning trip to the famous Original Eumundi Markets may as well be compulsory if you're travelling by car — and it's a place where you can grab tasty food to take home with you, plus browse for all the arty trinkets your heart desires. And while we won't list all the other touristy activities on offer up and down the Sunshine Coast, we will nudge you in the direction of the Majestic Theatre in nearby Pomona. It's Queensland's longest-operating picture theatre, and it now dedicates its screens to showing silent movies. STAY Expect all types of accommodation in Noosa; it is one of the region's biggest tourist drawcards, after all. If you're happy living it up in the great outdoors, then embrace the experience that is camping at Noosa North Shore Campground. You really can't get much closer to nature than this — but make sure you book well in advance. Need more mod cons? That's okay, we understand. Keep in the thick of it by picking one of the many hotels on Hastings Street. Plenty of the options will test your bank balance, but hey, who doesn't want to stay in luxury on the beachfront every once in a while? On the Beach offers penthouses and suites with private balconies and spa baths, so that's as good a reason to check in there as any. Seahaven includes three heated pools in case it's too cold for a dip in the neighbouring ocean. And at the more affordable end of the scale, there's the cute, newly refurbished 10 Hastings Boutique Motel & Cafe. Yes, you can eat there as well. [caption id="attachment_580701" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS Noosa is a 90-minute drive north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. Trains from Brisbane stop at Nambour and Cooroy, with connecting buses available. Anyone looking to hop on a plane up from New South Wales or Victoria should book a flight to Sunshine Coast Airport, which is located 30 minutes away. Top image: Daisy R.
There is an abundance of Asian eateries in Kingsford, but Niji Sushi Bar stands out for all the right reasons. First of all, it looks good, is located on a corner and it's fully glazed. Timber battens create privacy and reference the restaurant's name (niji means 'rainbow' in Japanese), moving through a subtle rainbow palette as you look from one end to the other. Designed by Koichi Takada, the interior is equally sophisticated, with dark timber furniture and a welcome lack of fluorescent lights. It's also big, with tables for couples or groups, and a banquet room that can handle 20. And it cleverly caters to the local student population, with a sushi-train style bar wrapping around the open kitchen, as well as cashed-up diners with the a la carte option offering Japanese Izakaya. The Niji menu is extensive but the helpful waiters walk you through it all with ease (and the pictures next to each dish are also a big win for those of us who might get easily lost in a Japanese restaurant's menu). Start with a serve of seared salmon sashimi, tuna sashimi or an avocado mini roll — peoparing your palette for an onslaught of small and tasty dishes. The ingredients are fresh and light and the fish is particularly succulent here. But it's not all raw here. Plenty of plates come out steaming hot. Our favourites? The octopus karaage, the crumbed oysters and all usuall classics — think pork gyozas, karaage chicken and soft shell crab. Niji is a staple of Kingsford's emerging culinary scene and if you're going to be certain about one thing, let is be this: there are definitely many pots (plates) of gold at the end of this rainbow.
Murals have been painted, skate parks revamped, herb gardens built, and plenty of punters have a pretty damn great concert experience in their pocket. After 40 projects, 3000 volunteers and a lot of paint and hard work, Optus RockCorps has wrapped up for its third year with a huge concert at Luna Park's Big Top. Filled with 3000 volunteers who had volunteered their free time helping out their community in exchange for tickets, the Big Top saw hip hop superstar Wiz Khalifa perform alongside Canberran dance duo Peking Duk, Brisbane pop sisters The Veronicas and bright young Atlanta artist Raury. You couldn't buy tickets to this gig — everyone who attended had participated in DIY, hands-on projects at community centres around Sydney. Well earned, team. By the numbers, Optus RockCorps is a pretty impressive feat: 3000 volunteers took part, 12,000 volunteer hours were clocked up in Sydney throughout the initiative, 40 different community groups were helped out including youth groups, schools, community centres and environmental groups, 1446 litres of paint were used, 5180 muesli bars were given out, 4742 bottles of water were drunk, and over 100 x 50 litre bags of potting mix were dished out. Top notch.
"Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost; united and well matched they are as body and soul, living partners." Wine connoisseur André Simon's words couldn't ring any more true at the Hunter Valley's annual festival of gastronomical delights, the program for which is absolutely stacked with locals celebrating the fantastic food and wine coming out of the region. The events focus around pairing produce and wines from the area, like a two course meal where all ingredients are sourced from within 100 metres of the table. There are partnerships between local cafés and restaurants and wineries, like the Lovedale Long Lunch, and quirky tastings, like the Cabernet, Chocolate and Cold Drip experience. For those with a severe case of amour du fromage, the Cheese Lovers Festival "pays homage to cheese in its all flavours, textures and forms." Beyond the food and beverage, there's the Rock 'n Blues Revival, or En Plein Air, where participants partake in painting landscape in the open air. It's not like you ever need an excuse to get to the Hunter Valley, but this is a pretty darn good one.
Sydneysiders have been pretty damn stoked with their lofty tourist attraction, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, since it opened on March 19, 1932. Then, in 1998, Bridgeclimb Sydney let keen beans walk all over it — bringing even more sweet, sweet tourist dollar to the city. Even we walked over it. Now, Melbourne wants a piece of the high-flying action, with a brand new attraction planned for the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Confirmed by Sports Minister John Eren on 3AW Breakfast and reported by The Vine, the Victorian and Federal Government are planning to spend $3 million on a 'tourist walk' at the MCG, built high above the hallowed turf. Apparently you'll be able to survey your crickety kingdom from 70 metres up — the ultimate spot for one heck of a Classic Catch. The best bit? There are reports of a flying fox or zipline to send you whizzing across the MCG. A ZIPLINE FLYING FOX. Official plans and dates haven't been revealed as yet, but we can dream. Via 3AW and The Vine. Image: Sascha Wenninger.
After more than two years of public pressure to bring it back, Insert Coin(s), is returning to Oxford Art Factory with enough large pixelated Pac Men to satisfy any veteran arcade gamer. Presented by OAF and Reboot PR, in conjunction with Turn Left Distribution and QV Software, the night will have the patented Insert Coin(s) combo of good music, '80s-style arcade games, and in-demand new release games. For gamers this will include the 'first-ever Australian public hands-on' of the much-anticipated Street Fighter V, with prizes from Turn Left and QVS for those of you showing up in Street Fighter cosplay including free entry to future events. To keep up the energy levels you’ll need to beat that high score on pinball there will a Woofy’s hot dog cart serving grass-fed Angus beef hotdogs with all of the toppings, free candy and Street Fighter-themed cocktails — they won’t last all night though so get in quick if you want your red ‘Ryu’ or blue ‘Chun-li” concoctions. Doors open at 6pm.
Art buffs and those who enjoy being in the buff will love Nude Live, an orgy of art and dance put on by Sydney's peak cultural bodies, Sydney Dance Company and the Art Gallery of NSW. A ticket to Nude Live buys you entry into the gallery's current exhibition, Nude: Art from the Tate Collection, where you'll be confronted with fleshy masterworks by renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Bacon and Rodin. As part of the experience, you'll also be confronted by some real-life dangly bits too, as a troupe of naked dancers pose, parade and perform, responding to the themes explored in the exhibition. (It's all strictly artistic mind you, so leave the dolla bills at home yeah?) If you're already starting to feel a little constrained by your clothes, there's also a nudist session on Jan 23, which gives you plenty of time to book in that spray tan. Head along to the gallery after-hours for Nude at Night to complete your de-robed experience. This is a world premiere show at Sydney Festival 2017. Check out more world firsts coming to the festival over here. Images: Pedro Greig.
Next time you're catching up with mates for dim sum, take your outing to the next level. Learn to play an ancient Chinese game at the same time, at the Mahjong Room's Mahjong Playlunch. Every Saturday in February, the venue's Mahjong masters will be running three-hour educational sessions for newbies. You'll be sat down at a board, given an instruction booklet, fed a steady stream of dim sum, and let loose to play. All afternoon, your tutors will be on standby, doling out personal tips and tricks. Unfamiliar with the Mahjong Room? It was set up in 2002 by Hong Kong natives William Hui and Erika Chan, who wanted to share their childhood memories — consisting of fun, family, tradition and tasty, tasty food — with Sydney. The menu includes blue swimmer crab dumplings, tiger prawn and chicken wontons, and steamed XO rice paper rolls, among many other mouthwatering morsels. Note that you Mahjong takes four people to play, so bookings will be only accepted in multiples of four. You can brush up on your four times tables over here. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Sydney Fringe's 2018 program is ambitious — it features over 400 shows in more than 60 venues across six hubs and 21 postcodes. From the Oxford Street arts precinct — which will host 28 free gigs on opening night — to the Old 505 in Newtown to Friday night music events in Parramatta's CBD, the festival will have you zipping all over the city to cram in as much theatre, comedy, music and partying as possible in between September 1 and 30. There's a lot of ground to cover, but these events should help get you started.
In the wonderful world of booze, Drambuie is one of those quiet achievers. It's had a colourful history – it was invented by a Scottish prince in the 1740s and spent years in the spotlight as the key ingredient in classic cocktail The Rusty Nail. It's been a back bar staple for decades, but it often hides in the background, subtly sneaking into your cocktails without drawing attention to itself as the star. Just like all of the best old-school gems, Drambuie is making a comeback. Bartenders all over the city are getting creative and giving the whisky-based liqueur screen time in their contemporary cocktails, shaking and stirring it into popularity once again. Sydney jazz club The Swinging Cat is celebrating the notorious liqueur with A Night With The Nail, a series of Prohibition-themed pop-ups every Thursday night throughout October and November. Peter Fischer, owner of The Swinging Cat, tells us that Drambuie is infused with a blend of heather honey, herbs and spices. It's 40% alcohol per bottle (that's high), but it has a sweetness that balances out the intensity of the whisky and the alcohol content. Historically, Drambuie is a solo drink, usually served neat or on the rocks. For those keen to try out an old-school Drambuie fix at home, Fischer recommends serving 60mL on the rocks, with a lime wedge to cut through the liqueur's sweetness. Passionfruit or other citrus works brilliantly too. It's not a liqueur that's renowned for being used in cocktails, but that's something he is trying to change. Drambuie plays the starring role in the specially curated cocktail list served at A Night With The Nail. To help you acquaint yourself with Drambuie, Fischer has kindly provided us with a couple of cocktail recipes. The first is the Rusty Nail, in which Drambuie is mixed with a dark spirit like Monkey Shoulder whisky – the Swinging Cat's bartenders are tipping this as their personal favourite match. It's sophisticated and complex, yet simple enough for you to whip up at home after a long day at the office. The second cocktail is the Ella Fitzgerald – a blend of passionfruit and caramel. With it's vodka base, it's perfect for those curious to try Drambuie, but who aren't so keen on those dark spirits. So head to the bottle shop, grab a bottle of Drambuie for your cocktail cabinet and get experimenting. THE RUSTY NAIL 40ml Scotch Whisky 20ml Drambuie Lemon twist Method: Serve in a rocks glass. Build over ice in a rocks glass and stir. Garnish with a lemon twist. THE ELLA FITZGERALD 30ml Vodka 30ml Drambuie 20ml Passionfruit puree Dash Lemon juice Dash Apple juice Edible Orchid (for garnish) Serve in a Martini glass. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice, shake and double strain into Martini glass. Serve with an edible Orchid garnish. A Night With the Nail is on at The Swinging Cat every Thursday for three months from September 7.
Neither the cash nor inclination to hotfoot it to Byron Bay this Easter? Folks no longer willing to stash eggs in your backyard? Despair not. Take a staycation and get into some good ol' hometown fun. Find beachside shenanigans, live music, banquets and aqua egg hunts on the harbour. Say farewell to one of the last of the openair cinemas for the season, or take a bike tour along Sydney's foreshores. For those who like to spend their Easter weekend with a bucketload of hip hop and '00s R&B, there's more than one party for you.
If ever there were proof of the benefits of giving rent-free spaces to artists, it's Newcastle. A decade ago, the city centre was haunted by more than 150 empty shops — largely thanks to the 1999 closure of BHP's steelworks, which pushed unemployment to 12 percent. Fast-forward ten or so years. You could be mistaken for thinking you were in an inner suburb of Melbourne. Café seating spills onto pavements, where Novocastrians chat over blends roasted just a few blocks away. A sprawling microbrewery buzzes near old Tower Cinema. Brunchers lazily make their way through brekkie bowls. Shoppers browse windows crowded with homemade sculptures and jewellery and millinery. Locals lead visitors through laneways plastered with street art. Luckily, most chain stores are hidden away in big, loud shopping malls. This creative explosion is the work of local Marcus Westbury. In 2008, he returned home to a city that "felt like it was not merely slipping, but accelerating into decay". So, he persuaded a bunch of landlords to lend their vacant buildings to artists, thereby launching a nonprofit called Renew Newcastle. By 2011, Sydney's underrated sister city was one of Lonely Planet's top ten destinations in the world. Not only is it home to a thriving arts scene, it's also surrounded by water. On the northern side, there's the still beauty of the Hunter River and, on the southern, surf beaches and ocean pools and coastal walks — with plenty of shaded picnic tables and beach cabanas to keep locals sun safe. EAT AND DRINK In 2009, a self-described "rogue collective" of Novocastrian caffeine-obsessives dropped their day jobs to pursue a common goal: Newcastle's best and most environmentally-friendly coffee. They nabbed a heritage-listed building, where mad scientist John Winter built a revolutionary, waste-powered roaster, while law grad Chelsea Daoust got busy sourcing Rainforest Alliance certified beans. And so, Sprocket Roasters was born (68 Hunter Street; (02) 4009 1237). Many other premium coffee joints have opened since then, but this idiosyncratic, couch-dotted cafe is still serving some of the finest in town, as well as running a coffee school. In the West End, Silverchair's bassist, Chris Joannou, and barista Chris Johnston, have turned the warehouse that was Joannou's parents' laundry business into The Edwards (148 Parry St; (02) 4965 3845) It's a fun, unpretentious cafe-bar, with beer taps made from steam presses, lights made from tumble dryers and loads of space for ping pong matches, art exhibitions, live music and night markets. Generous, creative dishes are served nearly all day. For breakfast, we tuck into wood-smoked ocean trout with poached egg, zucchini and asparagus salad, labna and toasted quinoa; and French toast with berry compote, ricotta, passionfruit curd and pistachio chocolate crumble. The most summery views in the area are at Merewether Surfhouse (Henderson Parade; (02) 4918 0000). Perched on absolute waterfront, with floor-to-ceiling-windows, this architect-designed masterpiece looks over panoramas of Merewether Beach and beyond. Executive chef Ryan Baird has made fresh seafood king in the top-floor restaurant - from oyster samplers to a posh version of surf and turf (chargrilled pork cutlet, apple and thyme butter, half-lobster mornay, steamed greens, lemon) to pan-fried Daintree barramundi with panzanella salad and chargrilled sourdough. This joint has stolen a bit of thunder from neighbour and longtime rowdy local The Beach Hotel, but for now, the two seem to be enjoying symbiotic success with post-ocean-thirsty locals. Come evening, the buzzing Darby Street Village Precinct gives you a diverse choice of small bars and offbeat restaurants. At The Bowery Boys, executive chef Steven Zielke (Buffalo Dining Club, Chester White, Table for 20) and bartenders Ryan Hawthorne and Ethan Ortlipp (The Ivy, Sticky Bar, Coal & Cedar) are bringing a dose of 19th century New York City to 21st century Newcastle. Named after the notorious 1840s gang who, when not feuding in the streets, worked as butchers, the eatery specialises in all things pickled, smoked and cured. Photographs of New York City line the walls. Sweeney Todd-style cleavers hang alongside meaty delicacies. Cloudy brown bottles hide their contents (hint: top-shelf liquor). Pickles, olives, charcuterie, cheeses, spanner crab with chilli green mango coconut, spiced dutch carrots and ricotta gnocchi arrive on abundant share plates, matched with small-batch cocktails and exotic wines, like rioja, malbec and zinfandel. Also worth visiting if you've got the time: Darby Street's One Two Seven Darby for a kickass brekkie, 5 Sawyers for a tipple, Parry Street Garage for a damn good dinner, MoneyPenny for cocktails, The Lass for a bloody good beer garden, The Happy Wombat for craft beer, The Grain Store for drinks and nibbles, One Penny Black for insane pourovers, Roladoor for vintage-clad brunch, Goldberg's for a tried and true local, and Foghorn Brewhouse for locally-brewed beer. Or just take a picnic to Nobby's or Bar Beach — remember to slip, slop, slap y'all. SEE AND DO Despite having inspired Lonely Planet's admiration, Newcastle is yet to be detected by the mass tourism radar. You won't see glazed-eyed groups straggling behind flag-waving guides and you needn't fear overwhelming crowds — even on weekends. But, if you do want an insider's perspective, there's a handful of quirky tours to choose from. We meet Neroli Foster for an Underground Epicurean adventure. "There are so many great places for foodies in Newcastle," she says. "But they're not always easy to find." Rather than following a box-ticking itinerary, she takes a casual approach - we feel more like we're with a local friend than a tour guide. We sample gourmet doughnuts at Doughheads (where flavours include citrus cheesecake, Turkish rose and caramel toast); work our way through a wine flight curated from hundreds of bottles cellared beneath Reserve Wine Bar; and dessert on gelato overlooking the water at Estabar, among numerous other delicious stops. My favourite is The Tea Project, where tea expert Becci Fowler pours me the finest cuppa I've ever tasted. More than 70 teas are on the menu and they're all premium quality and beautifully blended. Beer and comfort food more your thing? Let One For the Road be your guide. When I say beer and comfort food, I mean a four-hour stroll through town, taking in ten craft beers and ten moreish, moreish bites. At Chook and Broosky, we discover the many ways in which beer and fried chicken can dance together; at Foghorn, we watch Newcastle's only onsite brewery in action, while feasting on pizza; and, at The Hop Factory, we explore a few of the 20 beers on tap, paired with mini-burgers. Along the way, our easy-going, funny guide fills us in on Newcastle's history — from the convicts who dug out the Bogey Hole (New South Wales's first ocean pool) to current disputes over the railway, which, by the way, has been cut at Hamilton for the time-being. Once you're fuelled up (or, in my case, thoroughly stuffed), you'll be ready to work it off. Slip a hat, slop on some sunscreen and meet Simone Sheridan for a street art tour. Former director of This Is Not Art (TINA) and passionate place maker, Simone shows us painting and drawings in the most unexpected of spots, as well as telling us stories behind the city's best known pieces, such as Adnate's portrait of an indigenous boy in Wickham, which was horrifically graffitied with a racist slur just a month after being completed in November 2013. Simone's tours run by foot or bicycle. We save the Newcastle Memorial Walk (aka ANZAC Walk) for sunset. If you're keen to tackle it by day, don't forget some skin-saving protection — the sun can get mighty hot. $4.5 million and 64 tonnes of steel went into this 450-metre-long walkway, which opened in April 2015 and spans the cliff tops between Strzelecki Lookout and Bar Beach, affording 360-degree views. For a more epic journey, make it just one part of a six-kilometre trek, from Merewether Ocean Pools to Nobbys Beach. Speaking of beaches, a trip to Newy's not complete without diving into the ocean. Closer to the city, Newcastle Beach is where you'll find the annual Surfest and the stunningly preserved Ocean Baths, while Nobby's is the big postcard-perfect beach (and home to Horseshoe Beach, the dog-friendly beach). Bar, Dixon and Merewether Beach is one long ocean crawl worth doing to the historic Merewether Baths, and you can even follow this line along to Glenrock Lagoon if you're feeling energetic. Burwood Beach is unpatrolled but great for surfing. If you're keen to venture out of the city centre a little, Redhead Beach is worth the trek, and even further is Caves Beach (which has literal caves on the beach). Meanwhile, for indoor escapades, there's the lively Newcastle Museum. Should you visit before 28 February, you'll find yourself face-to-face with ten tyrannosaurs. And, between 2014 and 2018, the First World War effort is being explored in Shadows of Sacrifice, an exhibition that changes every six months, reflecting how life in Newcastle changed as the war wore on. To check out the latest creations from the city's vibrant arts community, take a wander through the former David Jones store in the CBD, which is now partitioned into independent pop-up shops, or along aforementioned Darby Street (by day, rather than night). STAY After six years hiding behind a facade, The Lucky Country Hotel reemerged in 2014 like a rock star making a glamorous come-back jazz album. The (albeit controversial, ask a Novocastrian) McCloy Group poured six million bucks into giving it a good gutting, but kept the bits that worked, like the raw iron beams and warm, red brick work, and dropped the middle name. These days, the hotel is referred to on a first name basis, as The Lucky. What you notice first will depend on which way you enter. Head into the Drum Bar and an enormous chandelier made of an actual drum kit will be dangling over you. Peer into the courtyard and you'll be mesmerised by vast, dreamy light projections across the back wall, filled with flying birds and dancing figures. Wherever you sit in the 428-capacity pub, you can get stuck into a hearty serving of American barbecue, cooked slow over hickory wood for up to 14 hours; craft beers; and cocktails based on seasonally available ingredients. Upstairs, forty en-suite rooms spread over two floors. We catch the lift to a deluxe suite with a sofa. Ironically, for a hotel where the menu's pretty meaty, the wall art reads: "A rabbit's foot may bring you good luck, but it brought none to the rabbit", a quotation from American satirist Ambrose Bierce's 'Epigrams'. Each room shares a different philosophy on luck and fortune. Large windows let in plenty of sun, making the most of the bright, white walls. They're softened by dark carpet and furnishings in muted tones: gentle greys, charcoals, mustards, beiges and browns. The straight-forward, white-tiled bathroom is sparkling clean and the l'Occitane toiletries are a luxurious touch. Despite the positioning, close to the main road, sound proofing keeps out traffic noise. All in all, The Lucky makes for a comfortable sleep, in a neatly composed, refreshing space — just what you need before another day of sun, surf, art and feasting in Newcastle. LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS By car: Newcastle is about 160 kilometres, or two hours' drive, along the Pacific Motorway north of Sydney, or about ten hours' drive from Melbourne. By plane: Rex flies to Newcastle from Sydney at least once a day, with the flight taking 45 minutes. Both Jetstar and Virgin fly from Melbourne, taking 90 minutes. By bus/train: Sydney Trains travel direct from Sydney to Broadmeadow, taking about 2 1/2 hours. From Broadmeadow, connecting buses take you to Newcastle central. From Melbourne, it's a 14 1/2 hour ride. Jasmine Crittenden travelled to Newcastle as a guest of Destination NSW. Top image: Flickr. All other images Peter Saw.
Get outside for a little fresh air and exercise with a pack of marauding, flesh-eating zombies snapping at your heels. After pulse-racing chases around the US and Asia, undead obstacle course Run For Your Lives is headed to Sydney and Melbourne. Halfway between a marathon and a Romero movie, the rules for the event are relatively simple: participants navigate various obstacle, including a blood pit, a ropes course and even a Resident Evil-style 'laser grid', while trying their very best not to be eaten tagged. Every survivor gets three lives, represented by blood coloured flags tied to their waist. Lose all three lives and it's game over. You can also choose to play as a zombie, with a hair and makeup team on hand to help with your ghoulish transformation. Regardless of which team you’re on, don’t wear anything you won’t mind getting damaged, and make sure you bring a spare change of clothes, shoes... and a towel. And before you get any bright ideas, this is strictly a weapons free event, so leave the sawn-off shotgun at home. After the race, players will be able to attend an apocalypse afterparty, with dance music, live entertainment and zombie-themed activities. You'll probably need to let off some steam after this. Run For Your Lives hits The Dairy in the Western Sydney Parklands on Saturday September 5, before heading to a yet to be confirmed location in Melbourne on Saturday October 24. Tickets to the Sydney event are available now and start from $59. For more information, visit www.runforyourlives.com.au. View all Sydney Events.
It's official, Seadeck has finally made it to Sydney. It took 18 months, 10,000 nautical miles and a run in with Egyptian pirates to get her here, but Sydney's permanent floating venue is ready to set sail out of the harbour's Superyacht Marina. It's happening, people. The final product is a 42-metre, 450-passenger, handcrafted vessel — from the handmade tiles and custom-designed brass bar to the bespoke furniture from every corner of the glove, everything you see was tailored just for this experience. Even the palm trees, standing four metres tall, took a dozen specialists to make to the right specifications. Each of the three decks is connected by sweeping staircases and cast iron lace railings, an homage to Hollywood's golden age of the '20s, '30s and '40s. Yes, it's the epitome of swank. But don't hop into your flapper dress just yet, because the ship still isn't welcoming the public aboard. We know, mega bummer. Public cruises likely won't start before the end of 2016. As much has changed since word originally spread about Seadeck's existence, we sat down with the team behind this massive venture — that's managing partner Scott Robertson (Future Music Festival, DIVISION Agency), executive chef Drew Bolton (Vine Double Bay) and design director Alex Zabotto-Bentley (AZBcreative). To set the record straight, it's not the party boat everyone thought it would be. "It isn't a night club, it's all about impeccable service, beautiful food and nice drinks," says Robertson. Bolton is happy to help with that, bringing the Vine ethos to Seadeck. "At Vine, we reinvent modern European flavours with great respect for regional produce," says Bolton. "At Seadeck, our food will also be very produce drive but more casual and playful," he adds. The focus will be on bar friendly snacks, like fresh ceviche, oysters and lobster rolls, but patrons should still expect the refined food experience that Vine exudes. The music focus has unfortunately been cooled by the foreshore authority, which banned all water-based parties back in 2014. You'd expect this to be quite the blow to Robertson, who has eighteen years' experience in the music scene, but he takes it all in stride. "Seadeck is what Sydney needs and also fits into the current rigid framework," he says. "We have the most beautiful harbour in the world and we want to reflect that while providing a luxurious experience." Design-wise, this lap of luxury is the handiwork of Zabotto-Bentley, who radiates passion about the vessel. "Imagine it's the 1930s and you're cruising the Nile or the Dalmatia Coast," he says. "The people on board were seen to be on a floating oasis in the middle of the sea, and that's what we want to recreate here." Zabotto-Bentley went on to explain the vibe on board. "When you go to the bar you don't just order a glass of champagne. You feel like you're in a space where you should only ever be drinking champagne." We'll toast to that. For now, Seadeck is available for private hire only and will not be open to the public much before the end of 2016. Check the website for updates.
The soaring cost of living in Sydney is one of those recurrent news stories that dominate our news feeds every so often. This is not shocking for anyone who has ever forked out upwards of $25 for a cocktail. According to The Economist's Worldwide Cost of Living 2014 report, Sydney ranks as the fifth most expensive city – sitting not far behind our pricey friends in Singapore, Paris, Oslo and Zurich. We've all felt the strain on our wallets as we've handed over $5 for a bus ticket, or walked out of the supermarket having spent a small fortune on three measly items. To ease the pain just that little bit, we've devised the best ways to enjoy this beautiful city of ours without paying a single cent. Whether live music, trivia or a good old-fashioned stroll is your jam, it's actually not that hard to experience the city for the low, low price of free. Let your inner cheapskate shine with our week-long guide to the best free events in Sydney. TRIVIA AT THE LITTLE GUY Recount all that useless knowledge that you've accumulated over the years, compete against other people to see who has amassed more random tidbits for the chance to win money (in the form of alcohol) at The Little Guy's trivia night. Also, free popcorn. Trivia starts at 7pm every Monday night at the Little Guy in Glebe. MUSIC AND GAMES NIGHT AT 505 JAZZ CLUB Every Monday night, jazz venue 505 will be offering up jazz with a side of board games. Play against actual human beings in a social setting, instead of being beaten by your smart phone. Jazz Jam Session and Games happen every Monday night at the 505 in Surry Hills, doors open at 6pm. THE MONDAY JAM AT GINGER'S The genre will change every week, but the price tag will not. Free music sessions run every week at Ginger's in Darlinghurst. Starts at 9pm every Monday at Gingers in Darlinghurst (upstairs at the Oxford Hotel). MOVIE NIGHTS AT THE SODA FACTORY Mondays will see The Soda Factory transformed into a funky movie theatre (sans the smell of stale popcorn) with great drinks and even better vibes. Doors open at 5pm every Monday at The Soda Factory, Surry Hills. SONGWRITER'S NIGHT AT THE VIC Home to all things Aussie music, The Vic is handing over the mic every Tuesday. Come and show off your musical talent, or enjoy someone else's. Music starts at 8pm every Tuesday night at The Vic, Enmore. OLD SCHOOL FUNK & GROOVE NIGHT AT 505 Tuesdays at this beloved music mecca are all about old school jazz. Soak up some live funk as the groove bands take over the stage, with free entry every week. Old School Funk & Groove Night runs every Tuesday at the 505 in Surry Hills, doors open at 6pm. SYDNEY IDEAS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Tuesday is just one of the days you can listen to experts in their field debate some really interesting and controversial ideas, as The University of Sydney rolls out a bunch of free talks throughout the year. Talk dates vary, the timetable is available on the Sydney Ideas website. Talks are held on campus at the University of Sydney every week during semester. LIVE BLUES AND JAZZ NIGHT AT THE COMMONS Every week this cosy bar brings live Delta Blues, East Coast Jazz and Chicago Blues to Darlinghurst. Live blues and jazz night is held every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30pm at The Commons, Darlinghurst. TRIVIA AT THE KIRRIBILLI HOTEL Did you know that Tasmania is bigger than Sri Lanka? Did you know that gin originated in the Netherlands? The Kirribilli Hotel is all about these head scratchers every Wednesday night, with cash jackpots and confectionery to be won each week. Trivia starts at 7pm every Wednesday night at the Kirribilli Hotel, Milsons Point. ART AFTER HOURS AT THE ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Standing around in sterile art galleries for school excursions is a distant memory, with the Art Gallery of NSW opening its doors for free talks, music and film screenings every Wednesday night. Art After Hours will run until 10pm every Wednesday night at the Art Gallery of NSW. MCA AND LULULEMON SPRING YOGA SERIES Why go to the gym when you can hit up the MCA, who'll be hosting free evening Vinyasa yoga sessions under the sky from October 15 – January 28. The sessions are held on the museum's rooftop Sculpture Terrace, providing panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge while you're finding your centre. The spring yoga series is on at 5.30pm Thursdays. Bookings are essential via the MCA website. COMEDY NIGHT AT THE CROWS NEST HOTEL The first Thursday of every month is chuckle city at The Crowie. Let some local and international comedians win you over with some awkward anecdotes and only slightly inappropriate rants. Comedy night starts at 8pm and is held on the first Thursday of every month at the Crows Nest Hotel. FREE BOWLING AT THE STANDARD BOWL The classic gig venue has been transformed into The Standard Bowl, complete with 4 bowling alleys, a pinball machine and a bar – it's a winning combination. The Standard Bowl is open every Wednesday and Thursday night 9pm – 2am and 6pm – 3am on Friday and Saturday nights. SPOTLIGHT TALKS AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Like art? Like listening to passionate people talk about their favourite artworks? Then Spotlights Talks at the MCA is definitely going to be your thing. The permanent exhibition is free everyday. Spotlight Talks usually take place everyday at 3pm-3.10pm, but check the website as dates and times can vary. The MCA is open every day from 10am – 5pm and 10am – 9pm on Thursdays. CHINATOWN NIGHT MARKET Every Friday from 4pm, China Town comes alive. More than 65 stalls line Dixon Street, selling everything from clothes to handmade jewellery, and of course lots of tasty food. The Chinatown Night Markets run from 4pm to 11pm every Friday. SALSA DANCING AT THE CUBAN PLACE What better way to celebrate the end of the work week than by throwing on your dancing shoes. Once the Cuban Place live house band Lorenzo y su Swing pick up their instruments, the stress of the daily grind will be long forgotten. The music stars at The Cuban Place at 8pm Fridays, with free entry all night long. GLEBE MARKETS Get into those weekend market vibes, as the grounds of Glebe Public School are filled with aisles and aisles of antiques, artworks and second hand clothes. Glebe is just one of many great markets in Sydney – for more check out our guide to the best markets in Sydney. Glebe Markets run every Saturday, 10am-4pm. YOGA SESSIONS AT LENTIL AS ANYTHING Transferring the "pay as you feel" mantra to yoga, Lentil as Anything are holding yoga sessions at the Newtown location every Saturday of the month. Yoga classes run from 8:30am-10am every week at Lentil as Anything in Newtown. EVELEIGH FARMERS MARKETS If you can't get enough of market stalls, food testers and friendly banter, head over to the Eveleigh Farmers Markets for some fresh food and even fresher personalities. Eveleigh Farmers Markets kick off every Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm. MANLY TO SPIT BRIDGE WALK Pre-empt that inevitable hangover by getting off your keister and enjoying some fresh air and incredible views. The track runs for 10kms and will take you about three or four hours to complete depending on how many time you get lost looking out across the scenery. The trail for the Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk is well signposted, but if you want to plan your walk check out the Destination NSW guide. COOGEE TO BONDI WALK Lets be realistic here - it wouldn't be a Sydney list without a mention of the Coogee to Bondi Walk. These six kilometres of spectacular coastline are the first place you take out-of-towners, and for good reason. Fortunately walking is both free and good for you! Double win. For a guide to the walk there is a dedicated Bondi to Coogee Walk website. TERRACE COMEDY AT WORLD BAR Laughing has been proven to lower blood pressure and increase energy levels. So do your body some good by heading to Terrace Comedy at World Bar, which will run for free every Sunday evening. Terrace Comedy at World Bar in Kings Cross runs every Sunday night from 6pm. Entry is free, but it's a good idea to book a table by emailing comedy@theworldbar.com.
Sephora, aka the French-based perfume and cosmetics chain that has won fans the world over, has called Sydney's Pitt Street home for the past few years. Prepare to notice a few changes at the brand's flagship Australian store, however — with the CBD site relaunching on Wednesday, January 20 after a big revamp. Spanning across 470 square metres in the 135-year-old Soul Pattinson Building, the Pitt Street shop features over 75 exclusive brands — and houses all of its brands on one level. Also present: The Blow On-The-Go, a dry style hair service; Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar, for brow waxing and tinting; and two beauty studios complete with adjustable mirror lighting and multiple application stations. If you're keen to head by, the beauty product wonderland is putting on a heap of opening specials — and stopping by to boost your makeup bag on opening day is recommended. The first 100 customers who register to attend the launch will receive goodies from Fenty Skin and Sephora, while everyone who attends will get a Sephora face mask to wear. And, if you drop in before Sunday, January 24, you might even win something from the Sephora Vending Machine.
You'd be a real boob to pass on Redfern's arts bar and creative space, The Bearded Tit. Named after a moustachioed song-bird, this is a place where colourful characters flock. The Bearded Tit sits on the quiet side of Regent Street, surrounded by residential buildings, office spaces and convenience stores, as well as a couple of killer cafes and bakeries. That is, until you reach number 183. Inside, it's a museum of oddities, where the weird and wonderful come together in a circus of colour and activity. Leave your inhibitions at the door by the collection of crocheted penises (or whatever other alternative selection of items is on display when you visit). There are barber chairs, fruit chandeliers and a taxidermy boar playing the trumpet — you get the idea. For so much zaniness, the cocktail list is surprisingly sober, with a short selection of time-honoured classics and a few house signatures. On tap, take your pick from Philter XPA, Shark Island Lager, Grifter's Serpent's Kiss Pilsner or the Tit Ale which is the team's own specialty brew. While The Bearded Tit doesn't have a proper kitchen, it does plate up some pretty good food. Try the Starving Artist Plate which is described as "a fat serve of creative fuel on the cheap". It includes cheddar cheese, cabanossi, cured sausages, Sicilian olives & Jatz crackers. You can also try a classic hotdog or a vegan alternative, with a bunch of toppings added — think pickles, sauerkraut, cheddar and vegan cheese, chilli sauce and all your usual condiments. With a revolving cultural program of arts and music regularly released on the website, you can guarantee a good lark at The Bearded Tit. Images: Katje Ford. Updated Tuesday, March 21, 2023 Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney
Forty years ago, a filmmaker wanted to journey to a galaxy far, far away, and he needed a republic cruiser's worth of epic tunes to go with it. Enter John Williams and the theme everyone now knows. When the first notes of Star Wars: Episode VI — A New Hope's score started playing over the film's opening crawl, movie and music history was made. Neither Williams nor George Lucas could've known just what they'd unleashed, nor that Luke and Leia, Han and Chewie, and the next generation of wannabe jedis and empire lackeys would still be gracing cinema screens decades later. To celebrate not only the space opera saga's longevity, but the upcoming release of Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi in December, St Kilda's Palais Theatre is hosting the Star Wars event to end all Star Wars events: Star Wars: The Force Awakens in concert. We've got a good feeling about what promises to be a force-filled evening of sound and vision, with the last film in the franchise screened in all its Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver-starring glory, and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra picking up their instruments to perform the corresponding score. Conducted by Nicholas Buc, who'll be living out one of his dreams, they'll play Williams' Oscar-nominated music from the saga's seventh flick live across three concerts on December 8, 9 and 10. Following in the footsteps of the similar Harry Potter shows enchanting audiences this year, also featuring a score by Williams, this is not a trap — but BYO lightsaber, droid and wookie. And if you're a Sydney jedi master or Brisbane rebel who can't make it south, try taking Yoda's advice and trusting the force. The Melbourne gigs have been badged as the series' Australian premiere, so this mightn't be your only hope. Fingers crossed the show will jump on the Millennium Falcon and tour the rest of the country. Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens will screen at the Palais Theatre on December 8, 9 and 10, 2017. Grab tickets here.
As much as we like to pretend we are all digital natives who will soon have our consciousness transferred into a gel-like neural network and live forever on the I N T E R N E T, the truth is that underneath it allwe're just tactile creatures who can't help but cry at sunsets. There’s nothing we like more than having something we can hold in our hands – and the people behind the droPrinter know exactly how we feel. Developed in Melbourne(!) by Zhenxun Yu, the droPrinter is one of the first portable, wireless smartphone printers available on the market – and despite being new to the scene, it isn’t as prohibitively expensive as you’d imagine. Like all cool things these days, the production of the droPrinter is being funded via Kickstarter and has already raised $43,967 – nearly three times its initial target – since launching on July 7 (see, people really love tangible old-school paper). The device clocks in at a tiny 10cm wide by 2.5cm deep and is operated via an Android or iOS app. With a 120 hour battery life you can print out literal reams of information: anonymous love notes, shopping lists, lists of baby names, wanted posters or maybe just miles and miles of emoticons – the world is now your oyster. It can even be used as a mobile power pack to charge your phone. Best of all, the droPrinter is affordable. The printer is expected to retail for $99, but for a pledge of $80 or more you can reserve yourself a printer (with an expected shipping date of March 2016) and one roll of paper. Further proof that the droPrinter folk aren’t trying to steal your hard-won Simoleans is that the device takes standard thermal paper, which can be purchased cheaply in office supply stores or online. For more information, check out the droPrinter Kickstarter.
Japanese craft beers have only recently taken off in their home country, and already they’ve made their way to an izakaya near you. From the team behind Zushi, Biru Biru is a Japanese beer bar that prides itself on its carefully sourced range of craft creations, matched expertly to an array of tasty and varied sharing plates. A crisp Koshihikari Echigo rice lager ($15) starts things off grandly, accompanied by subtle salmon tataki ($18) encrusted with sesame and lifted with bursts of orange and a tangy yuzu dressing. Soft slices of charcoal-grilled wagyu steak ($29) melt away in your mouth; help them along with a bottle-conditioned Ishikawa Tokyo pale ale or a dry and nutty sake. Comfy lounge chairs and an atmospheric background groove complete the relaxed izakaya feel of the place; you’ll barely want to get up to head next door for a scoop or three of Gelato Messina (but we’re sure you’ll find a way).
Most Shakespearean protagonists have a fatal flaw, and people say that Othello's is jealousy. That's only half right. Othello's jealousy is definitely not cool, but his real problem is being such a dick about it. People also say that Shakespeare's stories transcend place and time to resonate with everyone, always. That's true on some levels but on others I'm getting real tired of your shit, Will. Othello is so unsympathetic. He doesn't level with Desdemona and allow her any right of reply, and while that might suit the plot line it's really annoying for a contemporary audience, especially after the week that last week was in Australian politics. Every time the guy started soliloquising my own internal monologue was going "shut up shut up shut up." Ivan Donato's performance is arresting enough that it often eclipses that infuriating plot flaw but really Othello, shut up. Good thing, then, that the villain, Iago, has a lot more stage time than the hero. Damien Ryan is masterful. He nails the text, beautifully and casually. This Iago is a believable bad guy, a sleazy and contemporary opportunist, and not a cartoon. The whole cast, actually, is strong. The director, Matt Edgerton, says he stuck to the script and chose exploration over reinvention. That's true for the most part, and this production is pretty straight. Edgerton has, however, inserted an unsettling opening scene to situate the script in a modern military setting, and it works. The stage is dimly lit, and a man lies still on a stretcher, his face covered. Another character pours a stream of water onto his head. And that brings us, finally, to all the water. It's everywhere! In the script, says Edgerton, and in the sound design, and, literally, on the stage. Venice is a sinking city, and that parallels neatly with Othello's undoing. Edgerton's creative team have poured puddles on to the specially-built stage, and the characters splash around on top of it. It kind of works; it looks a bit messy. But it is, for obvious reasons, carefully stage-managed, and as such doesn't come close to evoking the tumultuous storm raging in and around Othello. There are real limits to being too literal. Subtler elements, like David Stalley's sound design, dripping and echoing, articulate those ideas much more gracefully.
Last year, Pat Brassington’s survey show, A rebours was exhibited at Dark Mofo in Tasmania. Curated by Juliana Engberg, the title could have been a nod to the morbid decadence of JK Huysman’s 19th-century aesthete and antihero Des Esseintes. Although similarly “against the grain,” Brassington’s style is significantly less lavish. Over the past three decades, her body of work has danced to a slightly sinister tune. Ethereal and enigmatic, her photographs seem to stand just on the brink of normalcy, gradually tipping into strangeness. If we’re talking art history of the early 20th century, in search of the marvellous at Stills Gallery feels like a natural transition from A rebours. This exhibition takes its cue from surrealist writer Louis Aragon’s description of the marvellous as “the eruption of contradiction within the real”. Many of the works are set on two planes, creating different levels of depth. For example, in Gifted, there’s a blurred vase and a hazy pink bouquet with a few individual flower in focus. It’s almost like a sensory division — tactile petals hovering in the foreground while the backgrounded bouquet is more vague, like a wafting perfume. There’s a lot of doubling in this exhibition. For instance, there’s a pair of profile silhouettes in We meet in Bruges, the layered tapestry patterns of the paradoxically titled Asphalt, and the half portraits of Parasite 1 and 2. These latter works, a single face spread across two canvases, feel ever so slightly out of sync with the rest of the series. Up close, they almost look like a couple of Lichtenstein paintings. With bold outlines and rough textures, a lacy mask and a large insect appear to be stamped quite decisively on top. On this note of doubling, it should be noted that Brassington has mastered the double-take. Comprehension comes slowly as an arm and a leg seem a little too long and a little too straight. There's also a shiny pink bow obscuring a featureless head that seems more shapeless than it should be, almost like an enlarged thumb. These works are arresting in their ambiguity, stranded somewhere between real and unreal. in search of the marvellous dispenses with big and brash juxtapositions. It’s a subtler take on surrealism. And probably a more accurate one. There’s a sense of displaced beauty to these works, full of suggestive textures and narrative holes. With her considered compositions and deft use of colour, Brassington is restrained as always. Her style is more contemplative than communicative, making her exhibitions an inviting place to be.
Buying gifts for the men in your life can feel hard at the best of times. Whether you're buying for your brother, partner or dad, we've rounded up some of the top gifts for men with a little bit of help from Amazon to help you out. We've sought out goodies for tech lovers, outdoorsmen, and gamers, as well as the men who like a bit of luxury. Plus, if you've left gifts to the last minute, Amazon has some of the latest delivery days out there, which is good news for those of us who tend to resort to last-minute Christmas shopping. 1. Pocket Knife The ROXON M2 Mini Storm 14-in-1 Multitool is a man's dream come true. Made from premium stainless steel, with a smooth, lightweight design and ceramic glass breaker, this is the ultimate handyman's accessory. While small, it has 14 functions, including a knife, a nail file, pliers and wire cutters, just to name a few. 2. BOSCK Watch A casual watch that also looks the part, this classic business watch from BOSCK is a simple gift for those who love their accessories. The watch features a striking black strap made of stainless steel, is designed with five layers of hinges and a folding buckle and features a 40mm watch diameter, high-accuracy quartz movement and a classic three-eye dial design. Oh, and it's waterproof. Comfortable, convenient and durable. What more could you want? 3. Retro Game Console The ultimate blast from the past, this retro console from CZT takes us right back to endless days spent gaming days as a kid. Take it anywhere and play until your heart's content. The Tetris-esque game may be simple, but it's a formula that's survived for a reason. All you have to do is move and flip the blocks left and right to create a complete line. Choose from four colours including green, purple, pink and blue. 4. Gamepad 3D Illusion Lamp This one's for the more hard-core gamers out there. The Gamepad Illusion Lamp from the Attivolife Store is a lamp or night light in the shape of a game controller, made with laser engraving on an optical acrylic plate to create an epic 3D illusion. With 16 colours, four kinds of flashing and adjustable brightness, this little thing is the ultimate way to elevate a dark corner of a room or add some extra decoration. 5. Electronic Accessories Carry Case For the men in your life who need help when it comes to organisation, we got you. Enter the electronic travel organizer. It comes with three dividers, so you can organise all those chargers, batteries and hard drives in a way that works for you, with no more tangles. Made from Oxford Fabric and with a soft, spongey inside, the case will also protect all your prized gadgets. A perfect gift for men who travel a lot or are just a little OCD. 6. Camping Hammock A gift for the camping aficionados out there, this portable camping hammock from Lineno is the ultimate way to combine outdoor fun with a bit of relaxation. Simply find some trees to hook it onto and use it as a bed or perch in it for a momentary swing. And when you're not hiking or camping, the hammock also makes a nice addition to the backyard or balcony. 7. Beer Mug Does Dad already have more stubby coolers than he can keep track of? Why not mix it up with a beer mug? The Stanley Adventure Big Grip Beer Stein keeps beer cold for two hours and keeps iced beer cold for an impressive 20 hours. Made from stainless steel with a heavy-duty handle, this mug can hold up to two cans of beer, which is more efficient, really. It can also keep hot drinks warm for up to one hour, perfect for mulled cider or even a cup of coffee in the morning. 8. Nespresso Essenza Mini The De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini single-serve capsule coffee machine is a generous gift for the men in your life who may be known fondly as coffee snobs. The compact, sleek design of the machine is simple and easy to use, with a 19-bar high-pressure pump and fast heat-up system, so coffee is ready in under 30 seconds. Because Nespresso offers a wider variety of coffees, this machine is the way to go if you're not 100 per cent sure how your dad, uncle or father-in-law likes their coffee. And this is not something you want to just assume and, god forbid, get wrong. 9. Smart Ball A gift for all the football-lovers, soccer-lovers, or whatever you want to call it. This Smart Ball Bot is the next generation of the game – relying on state-of-the-art sensors to track and tackle the ball to test your football skills. There are three-speed modes to accommodate all skill levels, and it features an in-built LCD score tracker which keeps track of your current score and records your highest achievements. We can't think of any sports fanatic who wouldn't be happy seeing this under the Christmas tree this year. 10. Asēdos Perfume Often, the last thing he has on his list to buy, you can never go wrong with gifting a man a new perfume or cologne. This Spicy Pepper EDP Spray from Asēdos is our pick. Known for their inclusive, gender-neutral vegan fragrances, this scent features Calabrian bergamot and pepper, with middle notes of Sichuan pepper, lavender, pink pepper, vetiver, patchouli, geranium and base notes of ambroxan and cedar. It lasts between four to six hours and is small enough to keep in your pocket or bag. Images: Supplied. This article contains affiliate links, Concrete Playground may earn a commission when you make a purchase through links on our site.
When we say that Vivid is dishing up a taste of London in 2025, we mean it literally: chefs from two of the English capital city's top restaurants are on this year's Vivid Food lineup. From Lyle's, James Lowe is heading Down Under. From Josephine, so is Claude Bosi. One is spending three nights joining Mat Lindsay at Ester, the other has a two-evening date with Brent Savage at Eleven Barrack — and both are serving up must-try menus. Lowe and Bosi are part of the festival's 2025 Vivid Chef Series, which brings famed culinary names to the Harbour City for bucket list-style dining experiences. If you're keen on the Lowe and Lindsay combination, they're reteaming after the latter went to London for the former's game series, this time joining forces in Sydney to showcase Australian produce — fish and shellfish included — over eight courses. From Bosi and Savage, expect a mix of French gastronomy and Aussie creativity across six courses, complete with Bosi's camembert soufflé with winter black truffle, plus duck liver choux au craquelin from Savage. "I'm really excited to bring the food from my hometown in France to a new country. This is the first time Bistro Josephine has been outside the UK, and it means a lot to share something so personal with a new audience," said Bosi about his component of the Vivid Food lineup. "The dishes we serve are inspired by the flavours I grew up with, and I'm looking forward to seeing them reach beyond where it all started. I hope people here connect with the heart and simplicity of what we do." Neither Vivid Chef Series experience comes cheap. Taking place across Tuesday, May 27–Thursday, May 29, the Ester x James Lowe menu starts at $250 per person, with wine pairings $150 on top. You'll pay $185 for lunch and $285 for dinner — plus either $90 or $180 for vino — for the Eleven Barrack x Claude Bosi collaboration on Tuesday, June 10–Wednesday, June 11. Vivid Food has also locked in the return of Vivid Fire Kitchen, which will be easier on bank balances given that it's free to attend (but, of course, you will pay for what you eat). Running across 23 nights from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 — so for the full festival dates — this celebration of fire-based cooking will again take over The Goods Line in Ultimo. Expect pop-ups from a range of eateries and food trucks, including Ogni, Brazilian Flame, Plate It Forward, Flyover Fritterie, Hoy Pinoy, Burn City Smokers, Pocket Rocketz, Mapo Gelato, Mr Spanish Churro and Miss Sina Korean Donuts, alongside live fire cooking demonstrations. Jess Pryles and Nyesha Arrington are among the chefs on Vivid Fire Kitchen's program, as are The Apollo Group's Oscar Solomon, Firedoor's Lennox Hastie, Viand's Annita Potter, Aalia's Paul Farag, Sunday Kitchen's Karima Hazim and more. Barbecued seafood will score its own stand, a dedicated wine bar will hero New South Wales vino — and host Mike Bennie-led masterclasses — and First Nations nights will see Indigenous chefs take centre stage. Elsewhere, Vivid's edible spread for 2025 also spans Neon Dreams, with Shannon Martinez paying tribute to American diners of the 1950s with a plant-based menu and a roller rink; Hollywood Dreaming, a 23-night roster of events in the Hollywood Quarter in Surry Hills; and Nigella Lawson curating dinners in the Muru Giligu pedestrian tunnel. Vivid Sydney 2025 runs from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 across Sydney. Head to the festival website for further information.
Inside the towering frame of Crown Sydney, Sydney's most luxurious building by a long shot, is one particular hideaway, the Presidential Villa — Sydney's most expensive hotel room. It has welcomed the likes of Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey and Drake for $38,000 a night. You can get a taste of that luxury through Suite Sessions — an intimate concert series (think NPR Tiny Desk but with marble and all-the-way-to-the-horizon views instead of desks and bookshelves) that takes place in that very room. Kicking off the 2026 Suite Sessions series is Melanie C, aka Sporty Spice, who's booked the 88th-floor room for a one-night-only acoustic gig this Thursday, March 12. Split across two sessions (6–8pm and 8.30–10.30pm), the sessions welcome just 90 guests each, with food and drinks provided by Nobu. It's not just music, too; you'll be seated for a Q&A session with the former Spice Girl discussing her life and career in depth. Melanie C said: "I'm so excited to perform in such a unique setting as the Crown Sydney Presidential Villa. Having the chance to perform acoustically in a beautiful, intimate setting is such a special way to connect with fans and share some of my favourite songs over the years." Crown Sydney is making the most of the occasion with a Wannabe High Tea following the gigs, hosted at Teahouse from Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15. Expect luxe bites, Spice Girls-themed cocktails and plenty of bubbles in an experience that's sure to make your whole group zig-a-zig ah. Suite Sessions featuring Melanie C take place across two sessions this Thursday, March 12. For more information or to get tickets, visit the website.
As escapism goes, it's hard to top cinema, where worlds come alive and transport you away like nothing else can. Cinema feels timeless, even though it has only been around for 130 years. At first, films didn't have any sound; to fill the awkward silence, cinemas hired in-house musicians to sit at an organ or piano and play along to the screen - sometimes playing music written for the movie, but often improvising. As time and technology went on, the musical scores began to be recorded and integrated into the film itself. By now, film soundtracks have become an art form in their own right. Over the past couple of decades, live performances of these soundtracks alongside a screening of the film have become headline events for symphonic orchestras and concert venues worldwide. According to Dr Dan Golding, this trend has brought new life to the orchestral industry. "This is the primary exposure to an orchestra for a lot of people," said Dr Golding when chatting to Concrete Playground. "And it means that this is the way that a symphony orchestra is part of the cultural life of a city. I've been going to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since I was three. I love classical music…I've never seen an audience react to anything like they did to Home Alone when that was first performed by the MSO." [caption id="attachment_986870" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding (left) host the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nicholas Buc.[/caption] Dr Golding is a published author, critic, the Chair of Media and Communication at Swinburne University and a composer — having developed the soundtrack for the immensely popular indie game Untitled Goose Game. He's also a co-host of the podcast Art of the Score alongside Andrew Pogson and Nicholas Buc. Together, they'll be taking to the Sydney Opera House stage in September to dissect, discuss and dive deep into the music of Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi alongside the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Ahead of that, we spoke to him for his two cents on the music that makes movies come alive. On the Origins of 'Art of the Score' and Taking the Show Live "I didn't know Nick before [Art of the Score]. Andrew did. Andrew knew each of us independently of each other. And what would happen with Andrew and I is that we would meet up for lunch and about three hours later we'd be finished dissecting the latest soundtracks that we were interested in. The way that I understand it, the same thing would happen with him and Nick. I think Andrew just was like 'we should start a podcast to talk about this stuff', because at that point there weren't many good film soundtrack podcasts.. And we would do some talks for the MSO, when they were doing a film concert. But it's a different scenario. Winning over a crowd and feeling like you're not getting in the way of the music. That's really important because not everybody comes to see an Art of the Score show. They want to see the music, and that's the most important thing. So we're there to kind of help amplify that and help give someone a better experience, a more guided experience." On the Difference in Composing to Picture Versus Composing for the Concert Hall "I think that composing to picture, composing for video games, there's another need that you're taking into account, and that's the need of the media … although you can make the argument that when Mozart's composing for the King of Austria, the King of Austria is his number one audience, in the same way as maybe a director is in a film. I think about the audience a lot. With a classical piece of music, it's not to say you wouldn't think about the audience, but it's maybe a more holistically coherent work because you have that luxury of presenting just the music by itself. But I think that for games and for film, you're always bouncing off of something else. You're reacting to somebody else's creative vision. And often, especially in film, you're composing to, what we say in academic terms, a linear piece of media. That said, I don't think any of that makes it artistically more or less coherent or valuable. I'm not interested in the [argument] that film music is lesser or video game music is lesser because it's not as artistic as something composed for the concert hall. I just think that's so short-sighted." On the Role of Joe Hisaishi's Music in the Popularity of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli "You can think of Hayao Miyazaki and Joe Hisaishi as being one of the great composer-director relationships in film history. Truly the same category as Steven Spielberg and John Williams, or Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann. It's also the rare instance where I think all of Hisaishi's feature films have been done by Miyazaki, so they've developed a voice together. I think that Hisaishi's music is so full of emotion and a kind of vibrancy and life, while a lot of Miyazaki's images are quite still — there's a really beautiful kind of interplay between the two that creates a kind of audiovisual experience that's not really reducible to one or the other. It creates something more than the sum of its parts. I think Miyazaki and Hisaishi together create something that would be lesser without one or the other." On the Unifying Magic in Hisaishi's work "I think that there's something about the depictions of nature in the Studio Ghibli movies that Hisaishi's music really brings out. And then there are those melodies which are, you know, earworms sometimes in the case of My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo or Howl's Moving Castle. That tune has led a whole new life on TikTok and social media in the last couple of years." Is there a universal trait across his compositions? "Yeah, absolutely: piano. If I was to do a very silly reduction of his work: it's like a lush orchestral swell with a bit of rhythm out of it that sort of comes to a head, and then a very spare piano melody that comes out of that. The piano in his music just has a way of cutting through. I think that's also part of it being animation, [which] tends to have much more lively soundtracks. But his music calls attention to itself, which I love. It's not always in vogue with Hollywood, which loves to have music blend into the background." On What Audiences Can Look Forward to with 'The Music of Joe Hisaishi' "So we're there on stage as hosts, getting out of the way of the music, but also providing a bit of a guide to the music and helping audiences have some context for some of the pieces that they might not have heard before. The show has a lot of Studio Ghibli, of course, but because it's a concert portrait of the composer, we've also got a whole bunch of other stuff in there. We're going to have some work of his that isn't film music that might be drawn from other media. He's done some TV and video game work, some work for advertising and some work for the concert hall. So, [there will be music] illustrating the broader life of the composer and his creative work, but at the same time, [we'll be] finding a bit of fun in it as well. We like to get the orchestra to do something that they're not supposed to do — it gives you that insight into the creative process of these things." [caption id="attachment_986871" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tim O'Connor[/caption] 'The Music of Joe Hisaishi' will run performances from Thursday, September 25 to Saturday, September 27, at either 7pm or 2pm, produced in association with Concert Lab. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website.
Maybe you're reading this while wearing your warmest jacket. You could be scanning the page beneath all the blankets you own. Or, you might be perusing while shivering through record-breaking cold temperatures. Whichever fits, winter isn't just coming to Australia for 2023 — in many parts of the country, it feels like it has already arrived. Enter Aldi with perfect timing, announcing that it's bringing back its popular snow gear sale after taking a year off in 2022. Most years — except 2020 due to the pandemic, and then 2022 — Aldi puts a heap of snowfield-ready wardrobe items up for grabs, including everything from jackets and boots to face masks and beanies. Thankfully, 2023 is now one of those year, which is welcome news if you have a ski trip, snowboarding session of a stint building snowmen in your future, or you're simply keen to rug up at home. Mark Saturday, May 20 in your diary, make a date with your nearest Aldi supermarket, and prepare to have ample company. Every time this sale happens, it draws quite a crowd — and 2023's run includes more than 70 products, with prices starting from $4.99. Available at stores across the nation, and made to withstand extreme weather conditions, the latest range of gear includes ski jackets for $59.99, ski pants for $49.99, thermal underwear sets for $29.99, long-sleeved Merino wool tops for $39.99 and anti-fog ski goggles for $15.99. Kids clothing is part of the deal, too, if you'll be travelling with younger skiers — including being able to nab a childrens' jacket, pants, gloves, beanie and socks for a total of $97.95. Once you're all kitted out, you're certain to stay toasty no matter what frosty landscapes you have in your future. Prefer spending winter indoors? This year's selection has cosy attire for that, too, and the whole lineup spans different styles and colours to previous years. The Aldi Snow Gear Special Buys range is available from Aldi stores nationally from Saturday, May 20.
Whether you're shopping for Christmas gifts, birthday presents or simply treating yourself for surviving another shitty year, the inner west has it all. This diverse and thriving creative community sells everything from handmade pickles and First Nations art to craft beers and ethically-made clothing. And they've never needed our business more. In partnership with Inner West Council, we've rounded up the area's top shops to visit. Peruse the stores in person, sample some of the tasty treats and locally made booze, take part in creative workshops or buy yourself a new scented candle. Go on, you deserve a bit of retail therapy.
When you work in the most iconic building in the country, you need an eye-catching uniform to match. That'll soon be the case for the folks making sure that Sydney Opera House runs smoothly, with one of Australia's top designers given the task of coming up with their new threads. In Sydney to open Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, Lee was named as the fashion figure responsible for Opera House's next uniforms, which will be worn by more than 600 staff. Working closely with the venue's employees over the next 12 months, he'll come up with a fresh look for their tour guides, box office and front-of-house attendants. Given his acclaimed architectural and sculptural aesthetic, he couldn't be a better fit for the job. Indeed, Lee has long admired — and been inspired by — the famous structure. "I first visited the Opera House as a child to see theatre and contemporary dance and I have been a regular ever since," he said. "Meeting the needs of the Opera House's very diverse workforce and making sure the clothes combine elegance and utility, inspiration and practicality is critical. It is important that a cultural icon such as the Opera House projects an image that parallels the architecture of the building." Since 2010, Lee has displayed his wares at the Opera House on four occasions, starting in 2010 when he became the first designer to show in the Concert Hall Northern Foyer, and including this year's headlining Fashion Week show. Long pegged as one of the country's hottest young design talents, over the past seven years he has won the Woolmark Designer Award at Melbourne Fashion Week, the Qantas Spirit of Youth Award, and Best Designer awards for GQ and Marie Claire magazines, as well as designing a range for Target. Images: Dion Lee's 2010 Fashion Week show / Bowen Arico.
If 'social-distancing' is the phrase of COVID-19, then 'pivot' is the buzzword. This month, Sydney's bars and restaurants have turned on their heels with extraordinary speed, from welcoming a limited number of patrons to offering pick-up and delivery-only menus where they can. And, as our favourite local haunts reinvent themselves to keep up with government legislation, we'd like to keep supporting those hard-working bartenders who've always been there for us when we've needed a stiff drink and warm conversation. Next time you're dropping into Houseparty or Zoom for a socially responsible gathering, make sure you're ordering a couple of well shaken or stirred martinis from these seven Sydney venues. If you chose pick-up over delivery, make sure you check the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health before you leave home.
Mildura has been a magnet for artists for more than sixty years. So, even though international touring artists don't always make it to Australia's outback towns, it's no surprise that Lenny Kravitz is doing the honours. On 28 November, he'll take over the Mildura Sporting Precinct with his Blue Electric Light Tour, hot from London, Paris and Berlin. Skip the massive crowds in Sydney and Melbourne, and catch the legend with just a few thousand avid fans. You can expect classic hits like 'Are You Gonna Go My Way?', 'Fly Away' and 'It Ain't Over Till it's Over', as well as tunes from Kravitz's new album, Blue Electric Light. As he has for decades, Kravitz is still winning crowds with his catchy hooks, high energy and undeniable charisma. While you're in Mildura, go exploring with our weekender's guide. There's a lot to see and do – from Bruce Munro's dreamy, contemplative Trail of Lights to cruising on a 19th century paddle steamer to wine tasting on the banks of the Murray River.
MilkBar has big shoes to fill. Located smack bang next to the Dendy on King Street, this Newtown newbie inhabits the spot where the old Cinque used to be — the spot endowed with the responsibility of warming up serious moviegoers with a bit of grub. Fortunately, MilkBar doesn't disappoint. It opens out onto King Street, and passersby eagerly pop in for some takeaway; a famed Coffee Alchemy brew or a homemade blueberry muffin, moist and deliciously dense, is enough for punters to want to pull up a chair. The menu is popular with locals who can be found happily chatting away at one of the booths, tables, or quirky wooden wheel stools for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The eggs benedict ($10) sing out from the breakfast menu, with a thick, flavoursome hollandaise sauce that is complemented well by the avocado and feta add-on ($3 extra). The red omelette ($13) is a wholesome combination of chorizo, potato, spinach and Spanish onion in what may be one of the largest omelettes you've ever seen. While the omelette itself could benefit from some fresh herbs, there's always the buttery bread accompaniment. Can't go past a few morning carbs, we say. Lunch and dinner offers an assortment of burgers and pastas amongst a few exotic numbers. The pumpkin quesadilla ($14) lives on from the cafe's Cinque past, packed with pumpkin, capsicum, cheese, chilli, and coriander. The spaghetti meatballs ($16) are homely and warming. And vegetarians will surely find solace in the quinoa veggie burger ($14), served with chips or salad. But temptation really lies in the cake selection; mud cake, tarts, and a variety of cheesecakes, including a creamy baked ricotta cake, are served for $8 a slice. Enhance the richness of each mouthful with something from MilkBar's drinks menu, such as a decadent hot chocolate ($4.50). It can be flavoured by the likes Mars bar, peppermint, or Turkish delight, which you'll find swimming in the bottom of the glass. With attentive staff and atmosphere aplenty, MilkBar's our pick for a prolonged bite to eat before catching a flick. Be sure to get in early on the weekend, however, because the tables fill up quick.
The team behind North Sydney's The Greens and Camperdown's Acre are at it again. This time, they've expanded operations on the lower north shore with the opening of The Fernery: a rooftop eatery and bar in Mosman. As you might expect, the venue is far from any old rooftop. Located above Mosman Club, it offers extraordinary views of, well, everything: the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the heads and the city skyline. And you'll be gazing at them all while immersed in greenery. Interior designers Pony Design Co have transformed the main space into a greenhouse-inspired oasis. If you're up for a more intimate chinwag, head into the sleek gin room overlooking North Head. Also on the rooftop will be a kitchen garden, cultivated by Adrian Baiada, the man responsible for Acre's urban farm. That means head chefs Gavin Gray and Mitchell Davis have plenty of opportunities for experimenting with new plants and drawing on seasonal ingredients. They'll be doing much of their cooking over a high-temperature Josper grill. In addition to the gin room, where the focus is on Australian distillers, there's a bar devoted to rosé. And yes, it's very much pink. A handpicked selection of wines, served straight from the barrel, is on the drinks list, as is a collection of signature cocktails flavoured with just-picked herbs. The Fernery opens on December 1 above Mosman Club, 719 Military Road, Mosman. For more info, visit thefernerymosman.com.au.
Think you've seen all the beaches Australia has to offer? Maybe you have, but never like this (unless you're an Aquabumps fan). Shot from doorless helicopters, American photographer Gray Malin has captured your weekend days on the beach, from above. Feast your eyes upon the white sand dotted with colourful towels and big umbrellas. Malin has combined the beauty of Australian people, Australian beaches, culture and even ocean pools to make creative and interesting shots of a relatively ordinary day. These photos represent the perfect Australian summer day at the beach. Bondi Beach Swimmers Bondi Beach Bronte Beach Pool Gordons Bay Maroubra Beach Surfers
If bliss to you means peering at infinite reflections in lit-up mirror rooms, wading through brightly coloured ball pits and having pillow fights — plus hanging out in digital forests, watching tales told via shadows and hopping over musical tiles, too — then prepare to beam with joy when Dopamine Land arrives Down Under. The latest multi-sensory experience that's hitting Australia, it's being pitched as an interactive museum. Inside, you'll find themed spaces that you can mosey through, engage with their contents and, ideally, bask in nothing but pure happiness. With a name like Dopamine Land, it's immediately clear that contentment, glee, merriment and exuberance is the aim of the game here. So is evoking those feel-good sensations through nostalgia, because this is another kidulting activity — it's all-ages-friendly as well — and it's making its Aussie debut in Brisbane from Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Brisbanites, and anyone keen for a Sunshine State trip to revel in more than the sun's glow, can look forward to wandering around Dopamine Land at Uptown in the River City's Queen Street Mall. Locals know that the site was previously the Myer Centre — and, decades back, was home to a dragon-themed rollercoaster. So, it's a fitting venue to get everyone channeling their inner child, unleashing their imagination and, yes, hitting each other with cushions. Heading this way direct from London, the experience combines optical illusions, engaging soundscapes and more across its ten themed rooms. The ball pit is self-explanatory, but also takes its cues from Miami in the 80s, complete with a pina colada scent, an electro soundtrack and LED lights that pulse to mirror waves. The pillow-fight space also doesn't need much explaining; however, the decor is inspired by marshmallows and boxes of lollies, Mexican wrestling is also an influence and you can win the pillow-fighting championship. Fancy seeing stories play out via shadows? There's a room for that featuring a big top-style roof. If you try your hand at the musical tiles — well, your feet, to be more accurate — you'll create a melody as you jump around, with the lights changing as you go as well. And if getting as serene as possible is your aim, head to the Keep Calm Forest, which artificially recreates a woodland via LED trees, mirrors and sounds to match. There's even a room dedicated to the autonomous sensory meridian response, or ASMR, which goes big on projections and animations by Australian digital artist Cassie Troughton. As is always the case with these kinds of pop-ups — Fever, the company bringing Dopamine Land to Australia, has also been behind The Art of Banksy: Without Limits, The NBA Exhibition, Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience and Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience — there'll be ample opportunities to take photos. Accordingly, you know what you'll be seeing on your social-media feeds. There's no word yet whether Dopamine Land will head to other Australian cities beyond Brisbane, but expect it to be popular either way. Find Dopamine Land at Uptown, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane from Tuesday, May 28, 2024, with tickets on sale from 7pm on Thursday, April 11. For more information, or to join the ticket waitlist, head to the experience website.
Next time you walk through Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney's inner city, you'll be Welcomed to Country — but not in the traditional way. A large-scale video installation that honours and reimagines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremony has popped up at the entrance to the Cutaway. In honour of its namesake Kamaraygal heroine, Barangaroo has commissioned and unveiled the giant audiovisual piece. Opened on May 30, Wellama (meaning "to come back") was created by Walbanga and Wadi Wadi artist Alison Page and director Nik Lachajczak. It celebrates the rich history of the Eora Nation and its significant cultural rituals, which date back thousands of years. The film's narrative follows Barangaroo and a young Eora fisherwoman, as the former guides the latter through womanhood. It takes place both in the past and in modern day Sydney, during which Barangaroo teaches traditional medicinal practices to the young woman, recognising the depth of knowledge and commitment to land that is ever present among Aboriginal cultures. The work was inspired by the early paintings by Eora People in Sydney Harbour, which are an important cultural reference for the local Indigenous Australian communities of today. [caption id="attachment_726106" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] "It's important to remember that the Sydney foreshore was ground zero for the devastation of our culture," says Page in a statement. "Therefore, I think it's up to us to also make it ground zero for the healing of culture. The artwork is a reclamation of that culture and a reflection of the strengthening of our identity and the cultural revival we are seeing across Australia." The ten-minute video will remain on a continuous loop — an acknowledgement of the "unbroken and infinite" nature of time — so you can stop by anytime from 8am–8pm daily. But Wellama has only been commissioned through May 2020, so don't wait on it for too long. Wellama is screening until May 30, 2020 at the Barangaroo Reserve. It is free to watch, with no bookings required. For more information, visit the website. Images: Anna Kucera
Survivor, but a fictional thriller. Fyre Festival, turned extra savage. The Hunger Games meets Lost. Any survival-of-the-fittest scenario ever seen on screen (and there have been plenty), relocated to kind of scenic place usually reserved for tropical holidays. Throw in a bit of Westworld and The Matrix as well, and all of these descriptions seem to apply to Netflix's upcoming series The I-Land. Here, ten people wake up on an island with no memory of how they got there, or even who they are, only to find themselves forced to work through psychological and physical challenges — or die. Releasing on the streaming platform this month, the limited series stars Kate Bosworth (Blue Crush), Natalie Martinez (Under the Dome), Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike) and Kyle Schmid (Being Human), and will unravel its twists and turns over seven episodes. It shouldn't come as a surprise that nothing will be as it seems on this mysterious island — that's the entire premise — with the stranded folks all grappling with their best and worst tendencies in their quest to survive. Based on the just-dropped trailer, the show may just continue a trend that seems to be getting stronger on Netflix, taking cues from a heap of other hugely successful movies and TV series, cobbling them together into one new package and endeavouring to attract the widest possible audience as possible. That's not just a cynical view, with the service's algorithm already designed to serve up suggestions based on your viewing habits — and it's obviously using that data to inform what kinds of programs to make next. Given the huge success of Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened when it released on Netflix earlier this year, transforming that concept into a thriller is a logical next step — as the show's first teaser toyed with. Check out the initial teaser online and the new trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxpwiwOdMHk The I-Land hits Netflix on September 12. Image: Courtesy of Netflix.
At chic Barangaroo newcomer Astro, David Bae is celebrating Japanese nightlife and paying tribute to his childhood. The modern Asian BBQ restaurant takes cues from Seoul and Tokyo's food and drink scenes, and also from nostalgia — as seen in the retro theming, neon signs and sleek fitout, plus the fact that the venue is named after classic anime Astro Boy. "As a child, I was happily glued to the TV watching Astro Boy with friends and family. Fast forward to today and I feel we are all so glued to the hustle of the rat race that we've forgotten how to balance work with fun," said Bae. Settling into SOOT's previous space, Bae and Kolture Group's relaxed eatery — a bigger venture following the popularity of intimate omakase joint Matkim — blends the experience of izakayas with the familiarity of share-focused barbecue dining. The CBD newbie hopes to reinvigorate casual dining with its laidback approach, which comes with a soundtrack of Japanese 'city pop' hits from the 80s. Astro's casual fare is available for lunch and dinner services, with Matkim's Executive Chef Jacob Lee leading the charge. "I wanted to create a venue where you can unwind at lunch or after work eating incredible Izakaya style dishes, combining the communal atmosphere that yakiniku or Korean BBQ brings, while knocking down some refreshing highballs and just having a damn good time," Bae continued. Swing by for a relaxed long lunch and take your pick from a range of donburi served with soy broth and onsen tamago. Highlights from the vast selection include the BBQ beef tongue guytan bowl, miso salmon, gochujang pork, wagyu brisket and eel. Opt for dinner and you'll find small izakaya-style dishes from yakiniku, rice and oysters to an ora king salmon with yuja wasabi, grilled mochi and a truffle bulgogi sandwich among the menu options. Plus, you can also finish up with a sweet treat. You'll spot two desserts — a jeju mandarin and plum sorbet accompanied by a basil granita; and charcoal ice cream with boozy chestnut makgeolli cream and truffle ice cream to pair. For sips, there's an array of house cocktails, including a shisho-starring tipple; a boozy lychee green tea; and a fruity soju-centred sip. You can also opt for classics like highballs, sake and spirits, or mocktails if you're choosing to go dry. Find Astro at 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo — open for lunch from 12–3pm and dinner from 5–10.30pm Tuesday–Saturday.
Ever found yourself mid-Netflix binge with no plans for dinner? Maybe you've skipped your weekly grocery shop and are scurrying the pantry for a thrown-together meal more appetising than canned tuna and rice? If you're already cosy in your PJs, then dragging yourself to the shops is off the cards and the possibility of ordering takeaway grows more likely with every minute. If you're a Sydneysider, we're betting one of your go-to orders is Asian food. After all, in a city that's bursting with multiculturalism, you're never that far away from an A-grade pad thai, a steaming bowl of laksa or a perfectly crisp batch of pork and chive dumplings. Whether you're in the mood for a piping hot noodle soup or super crispy fried chicken, your dinner is guaranteed to impress from the comfort of your couch with these Asian food deliveries.
It's one of the city's best-known landmarks, so when the Sydney Opera House illuminates its sails, it stands out. You've seen the venue lit up for Vivid, to launch Mardi Gras and to support bushfire relief — and, as part of Badu Gili, the nightly showcase of First Nations artwork that was first launched in 2017. The harbourside spot is once again decking out its sails with projections every night from Friday, December 15 until the end of 2023 for its new Badu Gili series. This time around the series will be named Badu Gili: Celestial, focusing on artworks that explore themes of celestial navigation. This iteration will spotlight the works of artists Gail Mabo and Aotearoa's Nikau Hindin. The works from the pair of First Nations creatives being brought to life on the sails with animation from Yarnology, plus soundscapes by Nigel Westlake, Te Kahureremoa Taumata and Te Kuru o te Marama Dewes. [caption id="attachment_930377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gali Mabo, Sia Duff[/caption] "The sky is for everybody, the stories which connect people are different everywhere, but the stars remain," says Mabo. "At a time when people forget to look up, I hope my work brings the sky and the best of the world closer for us to see." You'll have five chances each night to catch the projections from December 15 — the only two nights when you can't catch Badu Gili in the second half of December are Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. As the sun sets each day, the Opera House's eastern Bennelong sail will illuminate with a vibrant six-minute animated projection. The animation will repeat four more times each night — at 9pm, 9.30pm, 10pm and 10.30pm. [caption id="attachment_803481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Badu Gili 2022[/caption]
Unless you have the greenest of thumbs, it's not always easy knowing what to do to keep your plant babies from going to plant heaven. But if you figure out how to do it well, you'll reap the benefits of living in an environment that's good for your health and highly attractive, for that matter. Founder and editor of The Planthunter, Georgina Reid, spoke to us about the important things to keep in mind when growing plants at home, while Dr Dominque Hes, director of Melbourne's Thrive Research Hub, provided us with her own research on how plants improve our wellbeing. It's easy to hoard plants, particularly if you're drawn to their natural aesthetic. And according to Hes, science has proven it's beneficial for your health to have heaps, too. "What's important is having a variety of plants of all shapes and sizes, colours and textures. The variety is what gives us the greatest benefits as it most reminds us of nature," says Hes. [caption id="attachment_647290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Georgina Reid of The Planthunter.[/caption] "It's part of a biophilic response left over from a time when humans spent more time outdoors than indoors, surviving based on a relationship with nature. Our brain is more relaxed and able to better deal with day-to-day activities if it feels in control," she says. "Parts of the brain still need to be connected to nature to feel that control. When this bit of the brain is relaxed, research shows that it allows improved concentration, communication, intuition, recollection, learning and creativity," she says. So, really, stocking up on your favourite plants is a win/win. Your place will look lush and your wellbeing will skyrocket thanks to plants' ability to take up fine dust particles, CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can come from new furniture, paints, carpets and clothes. Which plants are good for your space? We've taken you through choosing the best plants for your home, now here's how to make sure they (and, in turn, you) stay healthy and happy. Read on to learn how to take care of your favourite plants — and reap the benefits of having these green guys as housemates. SUCCULENTS We'll start with the easiest plant type to grow at home: succulents. They often have thick, fleshy leaves for storing water (so they also look kinda quirky) and generally aren't that needy. Because of their ability to store water, succulents aren't the thirstiest of plants. One watering each week is enough — but if the soil or potting mix around the plant is already moist, it won't need any. You can check how damp the soil is by putting your finger a couple of centimetres into the soil (this measurement can be used to test soil or potting mix moisture for other plants, too). Reid suggests putting them in full light as most succulents prefer outside life. However, if keeping plants outdoors isn't an option at your place, Reid says some succulents like jade plant (crassula spp.) and haworthia (haworthia spp.) will do just fine indoors. Plus, jade plant is a power plant. Hes explains that plants like jade plant with more stomata (like plant pores) are considered 'high removalists' because they're able to remove those fine dust particles, CO2 and VOCs at a much higher rate than other plants, meaning they are good for producing oxygen. FERNS Having spent millions of years evolving to survive in perpetually wet, humid environments, ferns are not exactly going to appreciate the drier climates of your house. If you give them a rainforest-like space to grow in they'll absolutely thank you for it. This could look like your bathroom or a shadowy part of the garden. Most ferns will require more watering than other plant types. And some ferns will need more drenching than others. But they all love nutrient-rich soil and organic liquid fertilizer is recommended for that extra nourishment. Ferns can be tricky to figure out and can differ a lot from one another, so it's not wise to put down any blanket rules. Reid confesses to having killed a fern or two. "Do your research and talk to specialist fern growers about providing the best situation for your ferny friend," she says. One fern to look for is the hare's foot fern. Also a high removalist like jade plant, hare's foot grows well in sunny environs, all while helping filter the air in your home. HERBS These guys love the sun so consider keeping them outside wherever possible. Annual herbs such as parsley, basil and mint can survive with a bit of shade (and plenty of water) but perennials such as rosemary, oregano and thyme come from the Mediterranean and want to soak up the rays — they need direct sunlight to grow. Perennials are more tolerant of drier conditions than their annual cousins. They thrive in the summer months and will need more watering then. "Water weekly in the warmer months, as this is generally their growing period," says Reid. "And water less so over winter." In order to keep them alive for as long as possible, pinch the flowers off parsley, basil and coriander. Similarly, try pruning herbs (cutting their tips off) for denser growth — it'll give them a bit more life. VEGGIES You don't need a background in agriculture and miles of fertile land to grow beautiful vegetables. All that's required is a planter box and a lot of sun (you'll need to give them at least six hours of sunlight each day). Most vegetables are annuals and will set seed after a year, meaning that they won't be able to produce anything good after this. The key to mouth-watering produce is rich, moist soil. "You want your soil to be as rich and nutritious as possible, to ensure your crops are juicy and delicious," says Reid. She suggests looking into compost and 'worm wee', both wonderful forms of nutrition. And, make sure that your veggie plants don't stay in soil that's too saturated or has been dried out for too long. Oh, and it's not just you that likes tasty produce. "Depending on where you live you may need to protect your veggie garden from hungry critters like possums and birds," she says. CACTI They're virtually the opposite of a fern and far better at soaking up sun rays than anything else you'll ever grow. If you can help it, avoid keeping them inside. In fact, if you're good at neglecting things, the cactus might be your match. It's imperative not to water a cactus more than necessary — if in doubt, it's better to hold back. "If they're not undercover, don't be fussed about watering them. Just rely on the rain," says Reid. "Otherwise, water your cactus when you remember — but make sure you don't remember too often." Now that you can go forth confidently knowing how to take care of your favourite plants, check out our guide to choosing the best plants for your home. And don't forget to add some of those home-enhancing high removalists like jade plant and hare's foot fern, as well as silver queen, pot mum, dragon tree and devil's ivy. Plant Life Balance is a new initiative designed to get Australians excited and confident about styling their homes with plants while promoting the healthy benefits plants bring. The initiative also delivers an Australian-first, virtual greening app. The Plant Life Balance app, asks Aussies to rate their space, then improve their health score by choosing a look for their room or outdoor area, grabbing a plant list and hitting the nursery. Download the app here.
