Your daily commute isn't something that normally screams festive cheer — unless you happen to board one of Sydney's most extra buses this month. Eight public buses currently doing the rounds have been decked out top-to-toe in Christmas finery, courtesy of some local primary school kids. Filled to the brim with colourful, handmade decorations, the select buses are cruising around on their usual routes, ready to surprise commuters with a whole lotta Christmas joy. It's an annual Christmas tradition for the city's bus operator State Transit, which each year invites different primary schools to pimp out eight buses — one from each depot — with tinsel, stickers, baubles and other shiny things. The eight buses will be parading their festive looks until December 31 — but since they'll be switching up routes regularly, finding one is a bit of a lucky dip situation. To see whether you'll be travelling on a festive bus on any given day, keep an eye on your go-to real-time travel app, where they'll be signified. If you're using NextThere, you'll spy a party and bus emoji next to the bus number (below). The best-looking bus is always judged by a patient from Sydney Children's Hospital — and this year, five-year-old Kai decided North Sydney depot's bus was the most impressive as it had "lots of tinsel and baubles". The whole thing is very wholesome and quite possibly the nicest thing about catching a bus all year. So if you're catching the bus this week, keep your eye out for one on your commute.
Set on the bustling high street of Military Road, Constant Reader has long been a fixture of the Mosman community. One of the longest-standing independent book retailers in Sydney, Constant Reader boasts nonfiction and fiction books on just about every topic you could imagine. The store is run by enthusiastic and incredibly well-read staff, so you'll be sure to find something to lose yourself in. Or, if you're in search of the perfect gift, the team's always more than happy to suggest titles that will please even the fussiest of readers.
A cracking view is usually pretty high on the priorities list when booking a sweet holiday pad, but you probably don't go into it expecting one quite like what Oman's newest accommodation has to offer. Luxury hospo and hotel group Anantara has just opened the doors to an epic new five-star resort, Al Jabal Al Akhdar — and, boy, does it have views. Sitting at a lofty 2000 metres above sea level on the edge of a canyon in Oman's mountainous north (about four hours from Dubai), it's the Middle East's highest retreat. It towers over the Saiq Plateau in a way that's sure to cause a few goosebumps on the drive up. Just look at it. Basically the height of luxury, Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is definitely worthy of a spot on the old if money was no object bucket list — the designer interiors reflect that eye-poppingly rugged terrain and each of the 115 luxury rooms lay claim to panoramic views. Of course, there's a price to pay for such luxury — rooms start at around 720 AUD a night and go up to 4000 AUD. Along with the rooms, there's six different restaurants and lounges, and the culinary situation sounds as interesting as the location. You can even get the best of both at Dining by Design, which sits on a cliff-edge platform named Diana's Point, after its most famous royal visitor. And if a peek from your room's window, or your dinner table, doesn't provide enough of an adrenaline rush, the resort also offers a 'via ferrata' climbing route, where you can boss up and actually scale the side of the cliff. If that's too much, you can always just take a dip in the canyon infinity pool, go mountain biking or get one of the hotel's 'mountain gurus' to take you on a hike of the area. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is located in the Al Hajar mountains, about 30 minutes from the ancient city of Nizwa in Oman. For more information on the hotel, visit jabal-akhdar.anantara.com.
Beyond the retail shopfront of the Balmain incarnation of Nature's Energy is a warm world of soaking, steaming and massaging magic. There are treatments to match your rejuvenation requirements, from deep tissue massages to restorative acupuncture and soothing facials. But it's the bathhouse that sets this spa apart. Get out of your comfort zone and get pruny, lounging beside bikini-clad strangers while you sweat it out in steam rooms and simmer in spa baths. Stay hydrated as you follow the wall-mounted instructions on when to jump between hot and cold pools, and you'll be rewarded with an airy feeling of ultimate freshness. You can combine this experience with other treatments, like a Turkish body scrub, or visit for a solo splash 'n' sweat starting at just $34 for 30 minutes.
One king. Six wives. Centuries of folks being fascinated with the regal story. Throw in pop songs as well, and that's the smash-hit SIX the Musical formula, as Australian audiences discovered in 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and can again in Sydney from Friday, October 26, 2024 at Theatre Royal. If you've ever needed proof that some stories never get old, the ongoing obsession with Britain's royal history provides plenty. In IRL, it's relentless. On screens and stages, a slice of regal intrigue is regularly awaiting our viewing, too, interpreting and remixing the past in the process. The Crown might've taken ample artistic license with reality, but it's got nothing on the empowering pop-scored twist on the 16th century that's been wowing audiences in SIX the Musical. This theatre sensation gleans a few cues from well-known history, adds toe-tapping tunes and makes stage magic. If you think that you know the stories of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr, then you probably do — even those with little interest in Britain's past kings and queens are likely aware that Henry VIII had six wives — but SIX the Musical's version isn't about telling the same old tale. First premiering back at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, then jumping to London's West End — and winning Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, plus a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album, along the way — SIX the Musical gleans inspiration from one of the most famous sextets there's ever been. It also finds its own angle despite how popular the Tudor monarch's love life has been in pop culture. So, move over 00s TV series The Tudors and 2008 movie The Other Boleyn Girl — and this one takes the pop part rather seriously. SIX the Musical is presented as a pop concert, in fact, with the Catherines, Annes and Jane all taking to the microphone to tell their stories. Each woman's aim: to stake their claim as the wife who suffered the most at the king's hands, and to become the group's lead singer as a result. Images: James D Morgan, Getty Images.
To the uninitiated, the shop at El Jannah's flagship store appears unassuming, like any other takeaway joint around. But you obviously haven't had the pleasure of licking their famed garlic sauce from your fingers. El Jannah has been slaking the hunger of western Sydney locals for nearly twenty years, steadily busting out quick, cheap and tasty food. The jewel in the crown though is some incredible charcoal chicken. Cooked to perfection with a healthy dose of garlic sauce on the side, that chook is more than worth the trip to get amongst those El Jannah poultry delights. Image: @kerensurja / Instagram.
The party never stops for Alison Wonderland. After hosting a slew of warehouse parties earlier this year, as well as playing just about every Australian music festival you can poke a stick at, Wonderland dropped her Calm Down EP featuring all new original songs. Wonderland’s DJ sets are known for their ability to ignite any dance floor, with her special mix of old school hip hop and modern indie dance. Wonderland has already performed the first few shows of her 'Rural Juror Touror', which is sending her to all corners of Australia. The desire to take on a national rural tour was sparked after performing at Groovin the Moo last year. As well as this string of regional dates, Wonderland is heading back home to her city digs to play at the Metro this Saturday. We were lucky enough to get Wonderland to sit still just long enough to tell us what we should look forward to with her new EP and her 'Rural Juror Touror' tour. Check out the interview here.
It was back in 2000 that the Gold Coast gained its own Versace-branded hotel, letting cashed-up guests and plenty of celebrities enjoy a five-star stay surrounded by the fashion house's aesthetic. Beyoncé and Jay Z, Paris Hilton and The Rolling Stones have all stayed there. Everyone in Australia has heard of it. But the Palazzo Versace is no more — instead, it's now the Imperial Hotel. In April, it was announced that Versace wouldn't be renewing its agreement with the hotel, which has been put up for sale multiple times during its existence. Now, since Tuesday, August 1, the site has unveiled a new name, plus plans for a refurbishment. That star rating remains, as does the venue's exterior and famed antique entryway chandelier, plus its lobby furniture and bespoke tableware. But the Imperial Hotel's 200 rooms will get a makeover as part of the rebrand — still surrounding guests with luxury, of course. "The Imperial Hotel will retain the essence of Palazzo Versace's grand legacy, and will continue to offer the highest standard of luxury and impeccable service, to ensure an unforgettable stay for our guests", said Imperial Hotel General Manager Richard Clarke. "With the dawn of the Imperial Hotel, we are committed to exceeding expectations and redefining the boundaries of luxury hospitality. We are thrilled to welcome our first guests, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for their support." Also changing: the menus at Imperial Hotel's restaurants. Exactly what signature eatery Vanitas, the seafood-focused Il Barocco and high tea-slinging spot Le Jardin will soon be serving is yet to be revealed. Obviously, the Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast Broadwater views aren't going anywhere, nor the option to stay in multi-bedroom condominiums including on the rooftop and with private plunge pools. And yes, as it has been for more than two decades under its past moniker, Imperial Hotel is still firmly a treat yo'self kind of getaway spot. Find Imperial Hotel at 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach on the Gold Coast — and head to the hotel's website for bookings and further details. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Victoria's Grampians National Park has long been home to world-class hiking trails, but it's just scored a giant new one that's a whole trip in itself. Start stretching, hikers, because this is a big one — a 160-kilometre trail that takes 13 days to traverse, in fact. Originally set to be completed in 2020, but finally officially opening to the public on Saturday, November 12 — just in time for summer, handily — the Grampians Peaks Trail connects some of the Grampians' best mountain peaks. If you start at Mount Zero in the north and start heading southwards, you'll pass over the summit of Gar (Mount Difficult), and then hit Halls Gap. You'll also mosey through and past Redman Bluff, Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, Signal Peak, Mount Abrupt and Mount Sturgeon en route to Dunkeld, spying panoramic views of the southern volcanic plains along the way, and winding through the park's low-lying greenery and waterfalls, too. Eleven hike-in campgrounds are situated along the trail, complete with raised tent pads and communal shelters, plus small huts at two sites. That said, the entire track has been designed so that everyone can get some use out of it — whether you're looking for a leisurely day trip or an overnight hike, or you're ready to commit to an epic two-week adventure. Gariwerd — as it's known by the land's Traditional Owners, the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples — is more than just its rugged, sandstone mountains. The park is heritage-listed for its Indigenous significance, including its ancient rock art paintings and shelters, as well as for its abundance of animal and plant life, plus its damn spectacular views. For the new trail, Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation all worked with Parks Victoria to guide the path's route — and to also have input into visitor information and stories, in order to help promote awareness of and respect for the cultural landscape. If you're now raring to get started, there are one-day treks at Mount Stapylton, the lower waterfalls of Gar (Mount Difficult), the Lake Wartook lookout, Signal Peak and from Lake Wartook lookout to Halls Gap. Overnight treks come with stopovers at either the Barigar and Bugiga campgrounds, while suggested three-day itineraries span Gar and Werdug, Bugiga and Barri Yalug, Duwul and Durd Durd, Yarram and Wannon, and Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug. Grampians Peaks Trail was funded via a $33.2 million project, including $23.2 million from the Victorian Government and $10 million from the Commonwealth Government via Horsham Rural City Council. The Victorian Government has also committed cash to other parts of Grampians National Park, with $7.76 million earmarked for upgrading the MacKenzie Falls visitor area, $5.8 million for Brambuk — the National Park and Cultural Centre and $5.5 million to add more access points to the trail. The Grampians Peaks Trail is now open. For further information, head to the Parks Victoria website. Images: Parks Victoria.
Last Easter, when social distancing and public gathering rules were in place across the country, KFC did everyone a solid by offering up free home delivery for the first time ever Down Under. While this year's four-day break will look quite different for much of the country — and hopefully for Brisbanites, with the city's current lockdown due to end at 5pm on Thursday, April 1 — the fried chicken chain is bringing back the deal anyway. Yes, joining the Easter Bunny this year to spice up this long weekend is another famous figure: The Colonel. So, it's time to round up your housemates again and tuck into those 11 secret herbs and spices. The limited-time offer is available nationwide and kicks off on Friday, April 2, then runs through until Monday, April 5. To get your hands on some finger lickin' good chook with no extra cost, head to Menulog's website or use the Menulog app. No promo code is needed this time — and there is no minimum spend either. And, while your food is on its way, you can meditate with KFChill, a wellness website that lets you unwind to the sound of chicken frying, gravy simmering or bacon sizzling away in a pan. Obviously, it'll make you hungry. KFC is offering free delivery across Australia on all orders via Menulog from Friday, April 2–Monday, April 5. To order, head to the Menulog website or app.
Surry Hills' late-night haunt Goros is celebrating its reopening in true Japanese izakaya fashion: a week-long party and dumplings for pocket change . From Tuesday, July 14 until Saturday, July 18, the Surry Hills bar will be serving up $1 chicken, pork and vegetarian dumplings — yes, every day — alongside free karaoke, boozy bubble tea and live DJs on the weekend. If you're happy to splash out a little more, you can also try dishes off its new menu, which include the likes of yakitori, wagyu burgers, and chicken karaage. On the drinks side of things, there are sake bombs, canned shochu highballs and that aforementioned bubble tea cocktail. Called Ice T Bubble T, it's made using gin, sour yuzu, blackberry and blueberry popping pearls. With current COVID-19 restrictions, there are limits on capacity, so bookings are highly recommended for both the restaurant and one of the three (free) karaoke rooms. You can make a reservation over here. Goros is open from 5pm–midnight Tuesday–Thursday and 5pm–2am Friday–Saturday.
The NSW Government loves a high line — or it at least loves to propose one. For the second time in as many years, Premier Dominic Perrottet and his government have announced plans to convert a section of Sydney into sweeping public spaces reminiscent of the famous New York High Line — this time earmarking the North Shore for the development site. The Lavender Bay high line would convert 3.3 kilometres of disused rail corridor along the Milsons Point foreshore to an elevated public park. The revamped area would connect landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge with existing parklands like Ball's Head Reserve and the Lavender Bay Parklands, and would boast panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the city's skyline. "Sydney is home to the world's most beautiful harbour, but for many years much of the foreshore has been left underutilised or inaccessible to the public," Perrottet said in a statement. "The Lavender Bay high line project will unlock another part of our city that has been hidden away for more than a century, transforming it into a beautiful public space and no doubt a tourism drawcard." Also included in the proposal would be a 300-square-metre expansion of Wendy's Secret Garden (one of Concrete Playground's top Sydney date spots). The picturesque green space was saved by local campaigners in 2015 when the North Sydney Council and NSW Government agreed on a 30-year renewable lease. Now, the harbourside oasis will be given a revamp and expansion if the proposal goes ahead. [caption id="attachment_722294" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wendy's Secret Garden[/caption] The announcement comes seven months after the government cited the Cahill Expressway as a future site for an NYC-style high line as part of the Circular Quay Renewal project. As part of the 2022–23 budget, the NSW Government committed $216 million to the planning process for harbourside renewal, which included a proposal to transform the elevated inner-city road into public space. No date has been announced for commencement on the Lavander Bay high line, with Perrottet and the government providing the caveat that they will only commit to the project if re-elected later this year. Head to the NSW Government website for more information on the proposed Lavender Bay high line project.
At 12 years old, Jaimee Krawitz looked like she was doing just fine. She had a supportive family, close friends and a strong academic record. But beneath the surface, something wasn't right. Like so many young Australians, she was quietly beginning a battle with an eating disorder — one that would reshape her life. When she eventually made it to the other side — through determination, support and perseverance — she knew she was one of the fortunate ones. What stayed with her, though, was a question: why is it so hard to talk about eating disorders before they reach crisis point? Motivated by lived experience, Jaimee identified what she saw as a critical roadblock: the language surrounding eating disorders. Reflecting on her own journey, she realised she hadn't known how to speak up — and those around her hadn't known how to ask the right questions. At 23, she founded Hide N Seek, a not-for-profit dedicated to changing the way we talk about eating disorders. The foundation is grounded in the belief that these illnesses are often missed not because people don't care, but because they lack the skills to recognise early signs and the tools to navigate difficult conversations. "I wanted to provide others with the help I wish that I had access to — not only equipping individuals with skills to manage an eating disorder, but also recognising the broader impact on families and caregivers. At the time, there were limited resources available, and this gap sparked the idea to focus on empowering caregivers with practical tools, safe language and early-intervention support." From the ground up, she built Hide N Seek to reshape the language around eating disorders and create a community where caregivers can find the confidence and clarity to support their loved ones. To underpin the work, Jaimee became a registered counsellor and gained experience within a psychology practice, deepening her understanding of empathy-led communication. She assembled a team of mentors and advisors — including doctors, ambassadors and accredited dietitians — to ensure the organisation was grounded in clinical expertise. "The organisation exists because there is a clear gap in how eating disorders are understood. They often remain invisible until they become severe, partly because everyday language has normalised harmful beliefs around food, bodies and self-worth. Behaviours and comments that are culturally accepted are not always harmless, particularly for someone already struggling. Hide N Seek focuses on that early window, long before crisis, where awareness and language can genuinely change outcomes," says Jaimee. The scale of the issue is sobering. Current Australian data estimates that more than one million people are living with an eating disorder in any given year — around 4 to 4.5 per cent of the population — with Australia reporting one of the highest prevalence rates globally. Only one in three seek help. For Jaimee, that statistic underscores the urgency of early recognition and clearer pathways to support. While Hide N Seek does not provide clinical treatment, it focuses on prevention and early intervention — implementing safeguards and tools designed to stop illnesses escalating into crisis. As Jaimee explains, "Eating disorders are the fastest growing mental health condition in Australia, yet many people delay seeking help for years due to shame, the normalisation of behaviours and the fear that they are not sick enough." Education quickly became a priority. Believing educators can be powerful advocates, she developed the Hide N Seek Eating Disorder Recovery Program. The program, already implemented by more than 1000 educators, caregivers and students, includes sessions on early recognition and safe language, alongside broader whole-school prevention and culture change. The aim is to give educators the confidence to recognise early warning signs and respond without judgment. "Early intervention significantly reduces severity, duration of illness, hospitalisation and long-term system burden. This is why Hide N Seek focuses so strongly on early recognition through language, long before a crisis." Jaimee is also conscious of the intersection between Hide N Seek's work and Australia's food, drink and hospitality culture. In cities where dining out is central to social life — amplified by social media trends and viral food culture — language around indulgence, balance and self-control carries weight. The line between celebrating food and moralising it can be thin, particularly for someone already vulnerable. "Food is social, which makes language around it incredibly influential. Social settings are where language is most powerful. They are where norms are reinforced and where people can feel either included or quietly isolated. None of this is usually said with harmful intent, but what we say around food can either include someone or isolate them. Your friend might be laughing at the table, but in fact be deeply unwell. This conversation is not about blame. It is about awareness." In 2024, Jaimee secured a $40,000 grant to expand the organisation's reach. As demand has grown, the program has extended into sporting clubs and workplace settings — reflecting how widely eating disorders impact individuals, families and communities. As International Women's Day approaches, Jaimee reflects on the gendered reality of body scrutiny and food moralisation. "This work feels especially important to me as a woman building this organisation from lived experience. International Women's Day is not only about celebrating women, but about examining the spaces women occupy and whether they feel safe, visible and supported within them. Women are disproportionately impacted by body scrutiny, food moralisation, pressure to justify pleasure and normalised self-deprecating language, particularly in social settings. My intention with Hide N Seek is not to restrict enjoyment or tell people how to eat. It is to protect the joy that comes from social connection without shame attached to it." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hide N Seek (@hidenseekfoundation) Jaimee's long-term goal is to create a world where access to help feels clear, connected and human. "My hope is to take Hide N Seek into every community where people live, learn, work and gather — schools, sporting clubs, workplaces, businesses and government spaces. I want educators, colleagues, and employers to feel confident responding to this widespread issue. I want the government to help shape systems that catch people earlier, not later. My dream is for Hide N Seek to become part of everyday culture, so no one feels unseen, unsupported or alone during this journey." Join the Hide N Seek community now to receive the Language of Seeking Help e-book, which is tailored to empower caregivers with practical advice and knowledge of how best to support loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available via Lifeline, Kids Helpline and The Butterfly Foundation. Images: Supplied.
Launched in early 2025, Potts Point upstart Salad Days didn't waste any time building up a cult following for its stacked bowls jam-packed with veggie-focused nourishment. Now the brand has sprouted a second location, opening in a larger storefront in Alexandria complete with a full-scale commercial kitchen. Making the most of this expanded space, the next chapter of Salad Days also comes with a new collaborative menu boasting serious culinary credentials. That's because the entire thing has been developed in partnership with Andrew Hardjasudarma and Yuvi Thu, the brains behind trendsetting Sydney cafes Room Ten and Pina. Built around 12 signature bowls, the duo haven't torn up Salad Days' budding formula. Striking the balance between freshness, texture and spice, reimagined favourites and inventive additions bring a new dimension to the menu. A highlight? The Taco Tuesday features harissa chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn chips and more, drizzled with a zesty lime, coriander and jalapeño dressing. "We wanted the bowls to feel simple but smart," says Hardjasudarma. "Food that's easy to eat every day but still has the flavour and balance we care about at Room Ten and Pina." Stepping into the Alexandria store, the design straddles the line between a neighbourhood hang-out and an operational hub. Equally well-served for quick lunches as late afternoon catch-ups, customers will encounter a modern industrial space brimming with good tunes, natural light and a steady hum of energy resonating from the open kitchen. While the rise of Salad Days throughout 2025 has been impressive enough, the crew isn't slowing down. In fact, the Alexandria opening marks the beginning of a wider expansion, with a new Sydney CBD store slated to launch next year. "This space brings our team, our food, and our vision together under one roof; it's where we'll grow from, create from, and continue to redefine what healthy fast food can be," says Salad Days Co-Founder Louie Abdullah. Salad Days Alexandria is now open daily from 11.30am–9pm at 88 McEvoy Street, Alexandria. Head to the website for more information. Images: Alana Dimou.
Back in 2011, Ben Quilty won the Archibald Prize for one of his most striking pieces — a portrait of fellow Australian artist Margaret Olley. Befitting his usual style, it fashions her likeness out of heavy yet purposeful brushstrokes and visible, tangible smudges of paint, bringing not just colour to the painting, but discernible texture, movement and vibrancy as well. When the octogenarian Olley sat for Quilty, it wasn't the first time that the pair had crossed paths. She presented him with the Brett Whiteley Travelling Scholarship in 2002, and a friendship blossomed. While Olley passed away in the same year that Quilty's portrait nabbed Australia's top art prize, the two titans of the local art scene once again sit side by side at the Gallery of Modern Art's latest dual exhibitions — with Margaret Olley: A Generous Life focusing on her prosperous career and Quilty highlighting two decades of his work. On display until Sunday, October 13, the two free showcases are filled with standout pieces, spanning delicate sketches of Brisbane from times gone by, striking still lifes, mesmerising Rorschach-style landscapes, contemplative portraits and creative sculpture, among other works. With more than 170 items decking the walls across both exhibitions, each one is worth your time; however it you're wondering which paintings to look out for, here are our six tips. MARGARET OLLEY: A GENEROUS LIFE [caption id="attachment_730009" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Victoria Bridge (1966), Margaret Olley. From the Moreton Bay Regional Council (Caboolture Art Gallery) Collection.[/caption] VICTORIA BRIDGE Living in the city on and off for much of her life, Margaret Olley turned many of Brisbane's streets and sights into art. Several pieces comprise an entire section of A Generous Life, not only offering a snapshot of the artist's work, but a time capsule of the city from five decades ago. Perhaps because it's such a crucial part of the CBD, or perhaps because it has changed significantly since Olley's 1966 work, her rendering of Victoria Bridge makes a splash. Linking the north and south sides of the river in the CBD, the overwater roadway is a functional crossing rather than anything spectacular to look at; however, in a simple inner-city landscape that combines pen and watercolour, this vivid piece will make you think otherwise. It actually depicts the previous version of the bridge, which was replaced by the current structure in 1969. [caption id="attachment_730007" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The banana cutters (1963), Margaret Olley. Purchased 2014 with funds from Drs Philip and Lenna Smith through the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA. [/caption] THE BANANA CUTTERS At GOMA's exhibition, separate areas are devoted to Olley's still-life paintings and her Indigenous portraits. Many straddle the divide — although, amidst bright pieces with eye-catching flowers and colourful fruit, The Banana Cutters stands out. Like her paintings of Brisbane as well, the piece captures Queensland history, showing a trio of the state's Indigenous workers plying their trade in the early 1960s. From a technical standpoint, it also achieves a significant feat as a detailed figure painting. There's much to marvel at in the intricate vision of three men making a living, as well as the window into the past that they represent. [caption id="attachment_730006" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Portrait in the mirror (1948), Margaret Olley. Gift of the artist 2001, © Estate of Margaret Olley. Photo: Diana Panuccio, AGNSW.[/caption] PORTRAIT IN THE MIRROR Olley, like many artists, wasn't afraid of using her own reflection as inspiration, as A Generous Life makes plain. Several of her self-portraits grace GOMA's walls, offering an evolution of her style in a microcosm — an overview within an exhibition already designed to provide an overview, all by focusing on Olley's own form. And just as her eyes were drawn to her own guise over and over again, attendees will be drawn to 1943's Portrait in the Mirror, which features the artist surrounded by chosen belongings. Many will be instantly recognisable to those who've wandered through the preceding pieces, given that fruit and flowers feature prominently. QUILTY [caption id="attachment_730010" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Margaret Olley (2011), Ben Quilty. Image courtesy of the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA. Photograph: Natasha Harth, QAGOMA.[/caption] MARGARET OLLEY While it sits on the A Generous Life side of GOMA's ground floor, rather than across the wide hallway in his own section, Ben Quilty's portrait of Margaret Olley is the centrepiece of both exhibitions — a fitting status for a work that won the 2011 Archibald Prize. When he emerged victorious, it was a case of seventh time lucky for the artist. When you take in his painting, it's easy to understand why. Here, the piece gets its own wall, as well as its own space to shine. Making the most of its placement, spending time with it and truly peering at every inch is recommended. You'll not only stare into the eyes of a woman rightfully celebrated as a great of Australian art, but, through his thick, almost sculptural globs of paint, you'll see her through Quilty's affectionate but unsentimental gaze. [caption id="attachment_730005" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Fairy Bower Rorschach (2012), Ben Quilty. Purchased with funds provided by the Patrick White Bequest Fund, 2012, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Courtesy the artist.[/caption] FAIRY BOWER RORSCHACH Comprised of eight panels and taking over an entire wall, this Rorschach-style piece recreates a scenic landscape. Instead of an ink blot, Quilty uses heavy paint, a mirrored composition, and soothing hues of green and blue to depict a picnic spot in Victoria. But the place and the image both hide a darker secret, with the spot reputedly the sight of a massacre in 1834, with Aboriginal Australian women and children killed. That's why Fairy Bower Rorschach doesn't just seem peaceful, but foreboding — and why its central waterfall can't wash away that feeling. A word of warning: it's one of several paintings in the exhibition to use the visual technique, and it's easy to lose track of time while you're standing before them. [caption id="attachment_730004" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ben Quilty. Top row: Reza (2016), Gift of Paul Walker and Patricia Mason in memory of Reza; Omid Masoumali (2016), Gift of Paul Walker and Patricia Mason in memory of Omid Masoumali; Omid Ali Avaz (2016), Gift of Paul Walker and Patricia Mason in memory of Omid Ali Avaz. Second row: Ali Jaffari (2017), Gift of Paul Walker and Patricia Mason in memory of Ali Jaffari; Mohammad Nazari (2017), Gift of Paul Walker and Patricia Mason in memory of Mohammad Nazari; Khodayar Amini (2017), Gift of Paul Walker and Patricia Mason in memory of Khodayar Amini.[/caption] LIFE VESTS Sometimes, the simplest things make the biggest statement. For a person searching for refuge in Australia, making the perilous journey across the globe by boat and putting their very existence at risk, a life jacket isn't a simple item; however, to the rest of the world, its symbolism is now well-understood. Known as an Australian leader in activist art, Quilty's series of 12 life vests draws attention to the country's asylum seeker policy. More than that, it dedicates each image to the memory of someone who didn't survive the process, all after making it to the border and enduring what came next. Placed next to each other, this dramatic dozen is disarming by design and demands attention. It shouldn't escape notice that, while they're all grouped together, each vest sits alone in a separate piece, which is how the people who inspired them must've felt at the end of their lives. Margaret Olley: A Generous Life and Quilty are both free and on show at the Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane until October 13. Top images: Margaret Olley: A Generous Life exhibition views at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane. Images courtesy the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Photographs: Natasha Harth / Chloe Callistemon, QAGOMA.
Before 2022, no one knew that they needed to hear David Attenborough talk about dinosaurs while watching spectacular photo-realistic recreations of the planet's ancient creatures. Then Prehistoric Planet arrived, giving Apple TV+ viewers a five-episode documentary series all about the extinct beasts paired with the perfect narration. It was pitched to audiences as a one-off, and instantly and unsurprisingly proved one of 2022's best new shows. Indeed, it was such a success that it's now returning for season two in May — and that new five-instalment run now has its first trailer. Get ready for a brand-new run filled with dino love, plus Attenborough's trusty voice talking us through it. The streaming service announced the roaringly great news about the show's return back in March; however, the trailer provides a debut glimpse at what's in store. In the words of the one and only Attenborough himself, expect "more adventure, more danger and more dinosaurs". Prehistoric Planet's second season is a five-part nightly event again. Across Monday, May 22–Friday, May 26, one instalment will arrive each day, serving up more informative insights and more of Hans Zimmer's soundtrack as well. This time around, the team at BBC Studios Natural History will be using photorealistic visual effects by MPC — the kind that series executive producer Jon Favreau deployed in his versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King — to focus on new dinosaurs, habitats and scientific discoveries. So, you'll spend time with the long-necked, plant-eating Isisaurus, which inhabited an extreme volcanic region; the feathered bird-like dino Pectinodon; and prehistoric flying reptiles Quetzalcoatlus and Hatzegopteryx, which were the biggest creatures ever to soar the skies. That said, the Tyrannosaurus rex will be back among other prehistoric favourites. Of course it will. What's better than one of the Attenborough siblings marvelling over our planet's ancient creatures? None other than David following in his brother Richard's footsteps, of course, just as it was in 2022. While the latter showed dinos some love back in Jurassic Park — with the now-late actor and filmmaker even uttering the iconic words "welcome to Jurassic Park" — his broadcaster, biologist and natural historian sibling largely surveyed the rest of the earth's living creatures in his iconic documentaries before Prehistoric Planet. With its first season, the show instantly earned its place among David Attenborough other doco highlights — a list that spans The Living Planet, State of the Planet, The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, Blue Planet II, Our Planet, Seven Worlds, One Planet, A Perfect Planet and Green Planet, as well as Planet Earth and Planet Earth II, plus documentary David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet), just to name a few. Check out the first teaser trailer for Prehistoric Planet's second season below: Prehistoric Planet season two will hit Apple TV+ across Monday, May 22–Friday, May 26, with a new episode available to stream each day. Read our full review of Prehistoric Planet season one.
It’s hard to tell what’s longer — the list of musical genres than San Francisco five-piece Thee Oh Sees could potentially fit in to, or the list of bands that their front man John Dwyer has belonged to. The Oh Sees are heading to Australia to rock the hell out of Melbourne’s Sugar Mountain Festival, but are also playing a run of side shows across the country. What started as an outlet for Dwyer to release his instrumental, experimental home recordings has blossomed (or, rather, exploded) in to a full band complete with vocals, keyboards, guitar and drums. Their latest album Carrion Crawler/The Dream showcases the band at their at their most powerful, and though it’s a hard one to describe using traditional genre tags the words “cacophonous”, “manic” and even “harmonious” are all equally apt. Thee Oh Sees’ energy is more than evident when listening to their recordings, but what they’re really famous for are their passionate live shows. So if you’re not afraid of losing your personal belongings in a sea of frenetic bodies or being kicked in the face by a crowd surfer, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
UPDATE 17 March, 2017: The first hip hop yoga class sold out in less than five hours. Luckily, we've released a second (and final) session. Get tickets here, quick. Some things were meant to be combined—for example, hip hop and yoga. After All of the Tights sold out two hip hop yoga sessions in Sydney and Melbourne (and you went crazy for the idea), we decided that we wanted to get involved and host a hip hop yoga session of our very own. On Tuesday March 28 we're presenting a session of All of the Tights at Beach Road Hotel in Bondi. Sydney-based yogi Naya Marie will teach the class and sassy Instagram superstar FlexMami will be the DJ. Expect to hear music from Kanye, Drake, Chance The Rapper, Beyoncé and Rihanna as well as inspirational prose from DJ Khaled—listen to the playlist below to get an idea. Even better than finding inner zen to Drake's 'Started At The Bottom' is the fact that 10% of the profits from the night will go to The Rough Period—a Sydney-based initiative providing women who are sleeping rough on the streets with safe and clean sanitary items. There will be a donation box at the event, so bring along any travel-size products you would like to give to someone in need—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap etc. If you're a dude and you're in need of some leggings for the session, high-fashion leggings brand Kapow Meggings are coming on board to sponsor the night, and the solid gold 24-carat style they'll be selling on the door for $20 (RRP is $50) are perfect. The below playlist might seem a little hectic for something so zen, but don't worry, the class will cater for yoga beginners as well as the more experienced. Be sure to bring water, a towel and a yoga mat (if you really don't have one, there will be a limited number available for purchase at the door). Tickets are $25 and limited—head here to snap one up quick smart. Poster: Jesse Hodge. Photography: Ian Laidlaw.
When Table 19 begins, it would have you believe that there's nothing worse than being stuck at the random table at a wedding. There is. It's watching a film about being stuck at the random table at a wedding. Sure, in both situations you're stranded in a place that you mightn't want to be. But at least one has food, drinks and dancing to help pass the time. For those sitting in the cinema, prepare for an experience that's awkward, tedious, cliched and sappy, as the newly single Eloise (Anna Kendrick) heads to her oldest friend's nuptials. She was once slated to be the maid of honour, but dropped out when she was dumped via text message by the bride's brother (Wyatt Russell). Relegated to the worst berth on the seating chart that she helped plan, she's soon sharing a table with a bunch of guests that "should have known to send regrets, but not before sending something nice off the registry". Eloise's fellow undesirables include an ageing former nanny (June Squibb) thrilled to have even been invited, a hormone-fuelled teen (Tony Revolori) whose mother has told him to look for love, the obligatory weird cousin (Stephen Merchant) who's kindly but has a secret, and a bickering couple (Lisa Kudrow and Craig Robinson) who don't know why they're there. Obvious revelations and cheesy life lessons follow, flowing as freely as champagne and hors d'oeuvres. We suppose you could commend director Jeffrey Blitz (Spellbound) and writers Jay and Mark Duplass (Jeff Who Lives at Home) for their effective recreation of an unpleasant situation, right down to the stylistic and structural choices that give the audience the same limited view of the main celebrations as the characters. No one should be rewarded for laziness, though, and if Table 19 excels at anything, it's that. The fact that everyone spends much of the movie arguing about what their table assignment means isn't the least bit amusing or entertaining, nor does it offer any real commentary about America's obsession with status. Instead, it simply feels like an attempt to pad out a by-the-book script that jumps between misfit comedy and rom-com, but doesn't stray from the familiar path with either. It won't come as a surprise that this slice of supposed hilarity peddles a message about the joy that can arise from unexpected connections and making the most of a bad situation. Alas, as great as Kendrick, Merchant, Squibb and company have proven in the past, here they're average at best, and in some cases downright awful. Without any signs of character development, Kendrick's signature persona wears thin; you really have seen her do this all before. She fares better than some of her co-stars, however, who might find themselves wishing they didn't RSVP for their parts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BrKGHl5EXQ
Tame Impala had a busy 2019, headlining Coachella festival (alongside Childish Gambino) and Byron Bay's Splendour in the Grass. And it looks like 2020 is going to be equally jam-packed for Perth's favourite psychedelic outfit, with the band announcing their biggest ever Australian and NZ tour. Kicking things off in Auckland in April, the band will then hit up some of Australia's big stadium arenas — performing at Brisbane's Entertainment Centre, Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, before heading to Adelaide and back to their Perth hometown. Led by Tame brain and frontman Kevin Parker, the band will perform songs off their highly anticipated fourth album The Slow Rush, which is set to drop on February 14, as well as their Aria chart-topping 2015 album Currents. In light of Australia's catastrophic bushfires, Parker has also announced that the band will donate $300,000 from the tour to bushfire relief charities. Such big shows deserve one heck of a support, too, and you'll get it in Texan instrumental three-piece Khruangbin. The trio's music is described as a mix of Thai-surf punk, Persian rock and 80s Algerian symphonia, and if you'd like to know just what that sounds like you can listen to their 2019 album Hasta El Cielo. [caption id="attachment_758160" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Khruangbin[/caption] TAME IMPALA 2020 AUSTRALIA AND NZ TOUR DATES Auckland — April 16, Spark Arena Brisbane — April 18, Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sydney — April 20, Qudos Bank Arena Melbourne — April 23, Rod Laver Arena Adelaide — April 25, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena Perth — April 28, RAC Arena Tame Impala Fan Club, Laneway Presents, Chugg members and Frontier members pre-sales kick off at midday on Thursday, January 23. General tickets go on sale on Tuesday, January 28 10am local time for Australia and midday local time for NZ. Top image: Neil Krug
How do you make a huge Charli XCX-headlined festival lineup even bigger? If you're Laneway Festival 2025, you add a piece of Stranger Things to the bill. Before general tickets for next year's events go on sale, organisers have added Joe Keery to the lineup as Djo, who'll be performing live in Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever. When the roster of acts initially dropped, it sparked a question: how much green will be seen at 2025's Laneway Festival given that it's bringing Brat summer Down Under? Now, here's another: how glorious will Keery's hair be when the 'End of the Beginning' talent takes to the stage? [caption id="attachment_728611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] Laneway has also announced another change, with the Sydney event moving locations. Instead of taking place at Sydney Showground, the fest's Harbour City stop is settling in at Centennial Park. For company when the event kicks off in Auckland on Thursday, February 6, the hits Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, Charlie XCX and Djo will be joined by Beabadoobee, Clairo, Barry Can't Swim and Remi Wolf. Also on the list: BICEP doing their CHROMA AV DJ set, Olivia Dean, Eyedress and Skegss — and STÜM, RONA, Hamdi, Joey Valence & Brae, 2hollis, Fcukers, Ninajirachi, Julie, Girl and Girl, and more. [caption id="attachment_975321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harley Weir[/caption] The event started by Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio in the mid-00s is playing Western Springs in Auckland, then hopping over the ditch to Brisbane Showgrounds, the aforementioned Centennial Park in Sydney, Melbourne's Flemington Park, Bonython Park in Adelaide and Wellington Square in Perth. Laneway joins the list of festivals locking in their comebacks after a tough year of cancellations across the live music scene, alongside Golden Plains, Bluesfest (for the last time), Wildlands, Good Things, Lost Paradise, Beyond The Valley and Meredith. Laneway Festival 2025 Lineup Charli XCX Beabadoobee Clairo Barry Can't Swim BICEP present CHROMA (AV DJ set) Djo Remi Wolf Olivia Dean Eyedress Skegss STÜM RONA Hamdi Joey Valence & Brae 2hollis Fcukers Ninajirachi Julie Girl and Girl + Triple J unearthed winners Laneway Festival 2025 Dates and Venues Thursday, February 6 – Western Springs, Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau Saturday, February 8 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane / Turrbal Targun Sunday, February 9 — Centennial Park, Sydney / Burramattagal Land & Wangal Land Friday, February 14 — Flemington Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri Biik Saturday, February 15 — Bonython Park, Adelaide / Kaurna Yerta Sunday, February 16 — Wellington Square, Perth / Whadjuk Boodjar St Jerome's Laneway Festival is touring Australia and New Zealand in February 2025. Head to the festival's website for further details, and to get tickets in general sales from 10am local time on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Top Djo image: Guido Gazzilli. Laneway images: Charlie Hardy / Daniel Boud / Maclay Heriot / Cedric Tang.
Misty mornings, roaring waterfalls, verdant Ireland-green meadows and a top-notch cheese collection — welcome to Robertson. This unassuming, 2000-person village found two hours drive southwest of Sydney feels a bit like it's on top of the world. Maybe that's why so many creatives live and work here, among them Ben Quilty, Carlos Barrios Miriam Margolyes and Anne Judell. Here's your guide to spending a couple of days in their neighbourhood. [caption id="attachment_615785" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Robertson Hotel.[/caption] STAY The Robertson Hotel is cause enough to visit the area in and of itself. Any chance you're a Babe die-hard? It's here that the vego-promoting film was shot. Built in 1924 in a spot chosen for its panoramas, the hotel nabbed the 'Most Luxurious Hotel in the Commonwealth' award in 1925. Since then, it's served as a WWII RAAF base, hospice and monastery (thanks, monks, for adding the glorious stained glass windows). New owner Con Kotis took over in 2015 and has been busy restoring the 40 rooms to their former heavenliness. Wandering around the 14 acres of fantastical, sculpture-dotted landscaped grounds, you'll feel like you're in a film that's part-Greek myth and part-Secret Garden. There are dreamy swimming pools, ancient rainforest groves, a pathway to the hotel's private (and working!) railway station and a statue of Mary from the Vatican (the actual Vatican). Inside, you'll be sinking into a goose down doona draped across a hand-crafted Egyptian bed and freshening up in a black-and-white mosaicked bathroom. There's also a bunch of shared spaces, including a lovely bar beside a crackling fire (where high tea can be served on request) and a high-ceilinged dining room. EAT AND DRINK If you find the willpower to leave the hotel, a myriad of adventures await. Make your first stop the Robertson Cheese Factory. Hang around the counter with a hungry face and the on-duty maitre fromager will treat you to a tasting, covering boutique creations from all over NSW and Victoria. Robertson's surrounding pastures were once prime dairy country. The gelato cabinet promises more milky goodness, whipped up on the spot. Next door, the emporium is packed with vintage objects, pre-loved clothing and second-hand books. Just 300 metres west — just past the Big Potato, which was recently saved by a Robertson local from being turned into a car park — is Robertson Inn. It's one of the last 100 percent wooden hotels in Australia. Head chef Jeff Henry, who trained in double-hatted establishments, is behind the quality gastropub offerings. The menu covers "share" dishes, such as the signature cured plate, and "don't share" options, including grilled crispy skin salmon with sweet potato, asparagus, saffron lime and mussel salsa. Another pub to pop into — mainly for its stunning beer garden — is Burrawang Village Hotel, a ten-minute drive west. [caption id="attachment_609536" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Peter Saw.[/caption] While you're in the area, you'd be a mug not to check out some local wineries. The Southern Highlands, being 600+ metres above sea level, is all about cool climate varieties, such as Pinot Noir and Riesling. To avoid driving, ask Highlands Chauffered Hire Cars to pick you up from your hotel. While you sit in the back of an air-conditioned Merc, James Halliday-ing over various drops, your driver will take you wherever you'd like to go. Our tour covered multi-award winners Tertini and Artemis, as well as Sally's Corner, a friendly little operation, where local couple Allen and Dawn Davies do everything, from growing the grapes to making the wines. Looking for a lunch stop on the way? At tranquil, leafy Bendooley, there are lots of books (it's Berkelouw's HQ) and innovative dishes driven by local produce, such as broccolini and asparagus, crispy kale, saffron emulsion and Avruga caviar. Meanwhile, at Centennial Vineyards, you'll get creative dishes, such as Highlands beef fillet with kipfler hash brown, pea puree, Centennial Merlot sauce and onion jam, and idyllic vineyards. Feel free — if not obliged — to sneak in a wine tasting at either. [caption id="attachment_609538" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bjenks.[/caption] DO Robertson is all about getting into the great outdoors. And, around here, they're great, indeed. A driving tour, taking in a trio of spectacular waterfalls, namely Fitzroy, Belmore and Carrington, is a good place to start. Should you be visiting in steamy weather, go for a dip at Nellies Glen or in Carrington Falls Pools. Given that you're more or less surrounded by national parks, hikes abound. For views and a decent workout, conquer the six-kilometre Clover Hill trail in Macquarie Pass National Park. For an easy saunter through rainforest, there's the 1.6-kilometre Rainforest Loop in Budderoo National Park. And to walk through a canopy — 50 metres above the ground — while soaking up extraordinary scenery, swing by the Illawarra Fly, where you can also terrify yourself on Australia's highest zipline. Keen cyclists will like the 24-kilometre Budderoo Track, which meanders through wildflowers and bloodwood forests. If you're a towny type, stick to wandering among the Southern Highland's many pretty villages, drinking coffee, perusing art and browsing in cute, independent shops. All the tips you need are in our guides to Bowral, Berrima and the Southern Highlands. Jasmine Crittenden travelled to Robertson as a guest of Robertson Hotel and Destination NSW.
For much of the DC Extended Universe, aka the film franchise based on DC Comics' stable of caped crusaders that started in 2013, it has often felt like the movie saga has been trying to play catchup with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That won't change when The Flash lands in theatres in mid-June, as the flick's just-dropped first trailer shows — because after the MCU went all in on multiple versions of Spider-Man in the same feature, the DCEU is doing the same with two takes on Batman. Yes, this is meant to be Barry Allen's (Ezra Miller, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) time to shine, with multiple iterations of the character also known as The Flash in the movie that bears his name. But bringing in the DCEU's existing Batman Ben Affleck (The Tender Bar) and Tim Burton-era Batman Michael Keaton (Morbius) was always going to monopolise attention. Everything is a multiverse these days, clearly, as viewers can see in The Flash's debut sneak peek. Here, Barry's actions cause worlds to collide, after he uses his speedy powers to travel back in time to change the past. You don't need to be a regular viewer of comic book-based films to know that that's never a good idea. In Barry's new reality, General Zod (Michael Shannon, Amsterdam) is back and keen to destroy everything, and superheroes are also nowhere to be seen. That said, if The Flash can convince a different Batman to pop on the cape and cowl, and team up with a Kryptonian — with Sasha Calle (The Young and the Restless) playing Supergirl — the universe might be able to be saved. Also featuring among the cast: Ron Livingston (The Estate), Maribel Verdú (Raymond & Ray), Kiersey Clemons (Somebody I Used to Know) and Antje Traue (Dark). Filmmaker Andy Muschietti directs, in his first flick after creeping cinemas out with IT and IT: Chapter Two. And yes, the DCEU is about to look a whole lot different, given that The Suicide Squad filmmaker James Gunn and film producer Peter Safran are now overseeing DC's movie output — in what's being badged as a reboot, apparently starting with The Flash. Check out the first trailer for The Flash below: The Flash releases in cinemas Down Under on June 15, 2023.
The concept of having a tipple with your trim certainly isn't new, but this hair salon has taken it to a whole other level — with caviar, oysters and cocktails to boot. Having recently closed its outposts in Surry Hills and the Ivy Complex, Christopher Hanna set its sights on a heritage-listed building in the CBD. The new space, located on Bridge Street, functions as an upscale hair and beauty salon with a twist: it has a luxe in-house bar. Owners Guy Binder and Sam Badawi enlisted the guidance of hospitality consultant Mikee Collins (NOLA, Ash St Cellar) and Sydney designer Melissa Collison to create the bar. And they've certainly gone all out, to say the least. Plush velvet seating lines the wall and the curved bar is awash with copper and black marble. Above, there's tiered shelving displaying a vast spirit selection and magnums of Champagne. While the primary function will be to offer patrons an indulgent salon experience — a head massage followed by a martini, if you please — the bar will also be open to the public. And its menu is fittingly extra. You can order an espresso martini (poured from a nitrogen draught tap) with a side of caviar, which costs between $145–250. If your budget is a bit lower, there's a selection of Australian, New Zealand and French drops that cater to most budgets and a few share plates too, like antipasti, charcuterie and chicken liver parfait. Next time you really want to treat yourself, this might be the place. Christopher Hanna is located at 13-15 Bridge Street, Sydney. For more info, visit christopherhanna.com.au
We can't think of a much better way to launch into the sunny season than a day spent on an island, gorging on delicious food and wine. With that we say bring on Wine Island 2019, which will take over Sydney's Clark Island for an indulgent weekend of wine tasting from November 1–3. As always, the well-loved food and wine festival promises a packed lineup, starting with the spritz you'll enjoy on the boatride over. The island itself is set up as the ultimate boozy adult playground, you'll be able to choose between the Rosé Imports' selection of pink drops from southern France, Jetty Road Brewery's cold beers, Brix Distillers' rum bar and Manly Spirits' many gin drinks. There'll also be a swag of masterclasses curated by the team at Wine Selectors, covering everything from the blind tastings to tongue twisters, and an espresso martini making session, too. Swing by the Napoleon Perdis Beauty Bar for a massage and a makeover or cruise the various wine stalls sampling a huge array of local and international drops — and enjoy some top-notch vino with even better views. And, to keep you fuelled for that big day of wine appreciation, expect food options galore, from oysters and cheese platters, to buns from your mates at Chur Burger. There are three Wine Island ticket packages available, starting with the $109 'five-star experience', which includes ferry transfers, five tastings, a souvenir tumbler and a spritz. Then there's the $209 'seven-star experience' — with more tastings, more food and a free massage — or, if you're feel extremely opulent, you can pay $299 and experience the whole thing from your own floating island, dubbed The Hamptons. Tickets go on sale at midday on Friday, August 9, with pre-sale from Wednesday, August 7 and group bookings from Thursday, August 1. Image two: Jack Toohey
Two decades ago, a new Christmas tradition was born: watching a whole heap of stars revel in romance, comedy and the festive spirit in what's now the quintessential British seasonal rom-com. It was back in 2003 that Love Actually debuted on the big screen, bringing with it familiar faces, songs and eight intertwined tales. Everyone knows how that went, especially given that no one has stopped talking about it since. When the end of the year hits, if you get 'Christmas is All Around' sung by Bill Nighy (Living) stuck in your head, then you're definitely aware of Love Actually's popularity. If you've ever held up a piece of cardboard to tell the object of your affection that to you they're perfect, you do as well. Missed it on the big screen 20 years back, whether you gave it a pass or weren't old enough to be interested in English romantic comedies? It's now returning to cinemas in December to celebrate its anniversary. Getting festive watching Nighy, Hugh Grant (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre), Liam Neeson (Retribution), Colin Firth (Empire of Light), Laura Linney (Ozark), Alan Rickman (Eye in the Sky), Emma Thompson (Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical), Keira Knightley (Boston Strangler), Martin Freeman (Secret Invasion), Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Man Who Fell to Earth) and Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead) in the same movie on the silver screen hasn't been absent from anyone's calendars of late. Outdoor cinemas give Love Actually a spin at this time of year, and an in-concert version does the rounds. But instead of getting one-off sessions here and there, the film is heading back to picture palaces in general release from Thursday, December 7. Accordingly, your December routine — one that's shared by many — can now include hitting up your local like it's 2003 again to revisit the Richard Curtis-written and -directed flick. Love Actually marked Curtis' first effort as a helmer after penning the screenplays for the Grant-starring Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones' Diary, and also writing for Blackadder and French and Saunders. On offer: interweaved Yuletide stories of romance, with Christmas and love all around everyone from rock 'n' roll singers, the Prime Minister of the UK and long-married couples to film stand-ins and school kids with crushes. Love Actually's anniversary season will screen the movie in a new 4K presentation, and feature ten minutes with the feature's cast and crew as they look back on their involvement in the film. Check out the trailer for Love Actually below: Love Actually will return to cinemas from Thursday, December 7, 2023.
No one makes neon-lit, red-hued, emotion-dripping tales of yearning and loneliness like Wong Kar-Wai, as everyone who has seen 2000's In the Mood for Love knows. It isn't the Chungking Express, Happy Together, 2046, Ashes of Time: Redux and The Grandmaster filmmaker's only masterpiece, but the 1960s Hong Kong-set romantic drama is utterly unforgettable as it unfolds its love story against a backdrop of festering societal tension. Viewers have fallen for the film for almost a quarter of a century now. Sydney Opera House clearly feels the same way. Back in 2020, it hosted and livestreamed dreamy song cycle In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong, which delivered exactly what its title promised. Come 2025, the venue will also welcome in the Australian premiere of In the Mood for Love in Concert. As everything from Batman, Back to the Future, Home Alone and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to The Lion King, The Princess Bride, Black Panther and Star Wars films has in the past — and plenty more — the iconic movie will return to the big screen while an orchestra brings its score to life. In this case, the film will flicker across Sydney Opera House's HD silver screen as conductor Guy Rundle leads a 39-piece group of musicians playing live. Ready to get audiences swooning, In the Mood for Love in Concert has locked in two shows on the one date, at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday, March 22. The BAFTA-nominated and César-winning film — which also picked up two awards at Cannes, including Best Actor — stars the great Tony Leung (Hidden Blade) and Maggie Chen (Better Life) as Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-zhen. In a complicated time and place, the two neighbours are drawn together when they begin to suspect that their partners are not only being unfaithful, but that they're having an affair with each other. While In the Mood for Love is rightly acclaimed for its affecting performances and evocative direction, as well as its gorgeously lush cinematography, its score is just as exceptional. Indeed, the filmmaker has called it "a poem itself". This is a stellar opportunity to find out why — and to discover why this movie, and Wong Kar-Wai, keep proving so influential. Check out the trailer for In the Mood for Love below: In the Mood for Love in Concert plays Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with ticket presales from Tuesday, November 5, 2024 and general sales from Thursday, November 7, 2024 — head to the Sydney Opera House website for more details.
As any Irish whiskey lover would know, one day just isn't enough to celebrate the spiritous amber liquor. So the folks behind Merivale's pubs and bars are doing us a solid and extending World Whiskey Day for an entire week and turning all its tap beers into boilermakers for just an additional fiver. This means alongside your cold beer, you can purchase a $5 shot of Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition — a whiskey finished in craft beer barrels — between Monday, May 13 and Sunday, May 19. As the Sydney hospitality empire has venues scattered all across the city, there are plenty of places to quench your fire-water thirst. If you're by the waterside, step into The Newport or Coogee Pavilion. In the inner west? Head into The Vic on the Park, The Queens Hotel or Mascot's Tennyson Hotel. In the east, you've got speakeasy Charlie Parker's, The Beresford or inside Oxford Street's trendy hub, The Paddington. If you're wanting a post-work beer with an added kick, your CBD options are almost endless with York 75, Hotel CBD, The Royal George, Palings Kitchen and Bar, various bars in The Establishment, the Angel Hotel, The Grand Hotel, Palmer & Co and The Wynyard all offering the beer and whiskey combo. And if you're feeling a bit peckish, you can grab or a slice of pizza at Pool Club or some Mexican tacos at El Loco at The Slip Inn or El Loco at Excelsior to complement your boilermaker. Merivale's World Whiskey Day promotion runs from Monday, May 13–Sunday, May 19. For more info, visit the website. Top image: Smelly Goat and Queens Hotel.
When Australia's international borders reopen to the world in November — and when Aussies are permitted to fly overseas for holidays again from Monday, November 1 — that'll only fix one problem when it comes to travelling the globe. Obviously, being allowed to leave the country for a getaway is a big step, especially after more than 18 months of doing exactly that being banned. But being permitted to enter whichever destination you're heading to is obviously just as important. Different countries have different rules about who can visit — and, crucially, the requirements also vary regarding vaccination status. Also, once you've made it into your destination, the conditions might also vary regarding showing you're vaxxed to step inside venues and attend events. Accordingly, proving that you've been double-jabbed isn't something you'll only need to do at home — in New South Wales and Victoria under their reopening roadmaps, for example. So, the Australian Government is launching an international travel certificate that shows if you've been double-vaccinated. It'll become available for use from Tuesday, October 19. As announced on Sunday, October 17, the 'International COVID-19 proof of vaccination' certificate will be provided to Aussies and Aussie visa holders — as long as you have a valid passport, and also your COVID-19 vaccination has been recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You will still need to request one, though, which you can do either by accessing your Medicare account through My Gov or using the Medicare Express app. If you're wondering how it'll work when you're travelling, the new certificate includes a secure QR code that border authorities around the world can access, letting them confirm your COVID-19 vax status. It'll also be marked with a visible digital seal for security purposes, and has been designed to meet the new global standard for these types of passes — as specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization and conforms with World Health Organization guidance. For more information about showing your vaccination status for international travel, visit the Services Australia website.
Circus advisor Preston Jamieson has a unique perspective on the musical Pippin, having performed in the first Broadway production and during the US national tour before working as a circus coordinator for the show's tour in Japan. "I've been involved in every single production," says Jamieson. "This is the first time I've done a new Pippin with completely new acrobats — and I'm really excited about that. They're champions, and I know we're going to wow." When Concrete Playground spoke with Jamieson, Pippin was only in its first week of rehearsals — and, unusually, the rehearsal studio for the show is precisely where you'll get to experience it: on stage at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. It'll be the first show to open at the Lyric in Sydney since the theatre temporarily closed due in March 2020. Its cast includes locals like Ainsley Melham (Aladdin), who plays the titular role, and Kerri-Anne Kennerley, who plays his grandmother. The role of Leading Player will be performed by US actor Gabrielle McClinton (pictured, below), who knows the story inside out from performing in its Broadway and US tour productions. [caption id="attachment_789195" align="alignnone" width="1920"] US actor Gabrielle McClinton plays the Leading Player, photographed during rehearsal by Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] The 2013 Broadway revival of Pippin was lauded for having a woman of colour cast in the Leading Player role, and it's now part of the show's tradition. The same production also won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival. But, though the Sydney version is based on the Broadway show, it doesn't mean you'll get to see a carbon-copy of the Broadway production when it opens on Tuesday, November 24. "Every iteration is unique because of the skills the acrobats bring to the table," says Jamieson. "Sydney's will be slightly different than any other version we've ever done before." [caption id="attachment_789193" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Though it's too early to confirm exactly what we can expect to see on stage, we do know there'll be hand-to-hand (partner) acrobatics, plus aerial and silk acrobatics, and a guy who can clamber up a ladder without any support. "If it's in the centre of the room, he can get to the top of the ladder," says Jamieson. During his time with the show, Jamieson has learned knife-throwing, as well as how to set the acrobatics within the key 'spots' allocated to each song, which includes tunes like 'Corner of the Sky' and 'Magic to Do', all composed by Oscar- and Grammy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked and Godspell). "We're also trying to find a spot for some hair hanging, too. One of our acrobats has hair-hanging experience, and, as crazy as it seems, they suspend themselves by their own hair. It's a [Pippin] first." There'll also be "a 67-year-old dangling by her feet, so there's going to be a lot of death-defying," he says. [caption id="attachment_789198" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ainsley Melham as Pippin, Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] On the surface, Pippin's medieval storyline might seem a little dated for 2020. But Jamieson says the most surprising thing about the production — no matter what stage it's on — is "how relevant and touching" the show is. Pippin is a prince struggling to find his identity and purpose in a life destined for the throne. "And, to have a show that has the wow-factor, but also the personal, intimate touch, is really hard to pull off. "It's everything that's been missing from our lives right now," Jamieson adds. "And, this show, more than any other, has the relevance of finding your fulfilment; doing something because it fulfils you. And we need a lot more of that in the world today." Images: Cassandra Hannagan
If your dream European holiday includes vineyard picnics, forest hideouts and mountainside stargazing, Tiny Away have got you sorted. The eco-friendly Australian accommodation brand, known for its off-grid stays locally and in Southeast Asia, has unveiled a cluster of tiny houses in France, Spain and Italy — and just in time for Euro summer. Designed for nature lovers, slow travellers and anyone looking for a different kind of escape, these compact retreats are at the meeting point of sustainability and comfort. The new European houses, like their Australian stablemates, are located in picturesque off-grid locations that give you direct access to seriously stunning natural surrounds, perfect if you're looking to switch off. In France, you can check into Loire River Tranquility, a peaceful riverside outpost near the historic city of Orléans, where you can spend your days exploring vineyards, castles and art galleries in the city of Joan of Arc. If enchanted forests are more your thing, La Tiny Alchimiste awaits in the verdant village of Cressanges in central France, where you can soak up views of rolling meadows from your terrace or explore charming nearby towns like Bresnay and Tréban. Spain's tiny homes bring a mix of mountain solitude and Mediterranean sunshine. De la Luz Ecolodge sits 400 metres above sea level in Andalusia, offering solar-powered serenity, pine-covered mountain trails and night skies made for stargazing — and that's in addition to the sweeping views across the region and out to the ocean beyond. Meanwhile, in Girona's Llémena Valley in northern Spain, Caseta Wald offers a minimalist woodland haven just a short drive from Costa Brava's beaches, the volcanic landscapes of La Garrotxa and Girona's famous Arab Baths, built in the year 1194. Over in Italy, Casa della Montagna Sila is providing alpine vibes all year round. Located in Calabria's Sila National Park, near Lake Arvo in the mountain village of Lorica, this cabin offers a year-round base for mountain hikes, lake swims and access to nearby landmarks, like I Giganti della Sila, Monte Botte Donato and the 11th-century Castello di Santa Severina. Plus, the rugged beaches and coastline of Isola Capo Rizzuto are just a short drive away. "With Europe summer getaways on the travel radar for Australians, Tiny Away's five new properties arrive at the perfect time," says Jeff Yeo, co-founder of Tiny Away. "Australian holidaymakers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly stays that allow them to connect with nature and local culture. By expanding our offering in Europe, we're bringing unique and sustainable accommodation options that align with the values of modern travellers — combining comfort, minimal impact, and a deep connection with place." Tiny Away's new European properties are available for booking now. For more information, head to the brand's website. Images: Tiny Away
For the first time in the award's 98-year history, a portrait of an Asian Australian has taken out the coveted Archibald Prize. The winner of the 2019 prize, announced today, is a painting of contemporary artist Lindy Lee by Sydney painter Tony Costa. Costa's oil painting, titled Lindy Lee, was chosen from 51 finalists, which include Tessa MacKay's Packing Room Prize-winning hyperreal portrait of actor David Wenham. In the portrait, Costa attempts to capture the energy of Lee — a practising Zen Buddhist and Taoist, who explores her Chinese ancestry and spirituality through her paintings and sculptures — through his use of minimal colour. "I have kept the colour minimal to avoid any visual noise," said Costa in a statement. "The challenge for me was to capture the energy of Lindy — the emotional over and above the physical. Costa said it was this energy — as well as her "wisdom, humility, courage, humour" — which attracted him to Lee, who was herself a Archibald finalist in 2002, and sat for portraits in 06 and 12. Costa's works are known for their distortion of form and colour, which he employs in this most-recent work. [caption id="attachment_721079" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindy Lee by Tony Costa.[/caption] In more good news, the winners of the Wynne and Sir John Sulman prizes were also revealed today. Sylvia Ken took out the former — which awards the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture — for her depiction of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands (Ken's homeland) and skies where the Seven Sisters story takes place. This is the fourth year in a row that an Indigenous Australian artist has been awarded the prize. [caption id="attachment_721082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seven Sisters by Sylvia a Ken. Photo by Jenni Carter.[/caption] The Sir John Sulman Prize goes to the best mural, subject or genre painting, and was this year awarded to McLean Edwards' work entitled The first girl that knocked on his door, depicting a young man looking for love. [caption id="attachment_721081" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The first girl that knocked on his door by McLean Edwards. Photo by Mim Stirling.[/caption] The winning portraits and finalists will be on display at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW from tomorrow — Saturday, May 11 — up until September 9. If you do't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2019 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney — May 11–September 9 TarraWarra Museum of Art, Victoria — September 14–November 5 Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre, NSW — November 15–January 12, 2020 Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, NSW — January 24, 2020–March 8 Bank Art Museum Moree, NSW — March 20, 2020–May 3 Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, NSW — May 15, 2020–June 28 Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, NSW — July 3, 2020–August 16 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website.
BTS ARMY unite: you've got a new must-visit getaway spot, and Airbnb wants to make your dreams a reality. Fancy getting a dream glow because you're holidaying in the dynamite South Korean estate where BTS filmed season two of their reality show In the Soop? Of course you do — and, if you nab the overnight stay, you obviously have permission to dance. The series' second season dropped back in 2021, so if you always have 'Butter', 'Heartbeat' or 'Fake Love' on rotation in your head, you've probably been eyeing off a stay in PyeongChang for a while. Your chance now comes via Airbnb, with the accommodation service adding to its lengthy list of pop culture-themed one-off experiences — which also includes the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge!, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine and The Godfather mansion in the past few months. The idea with this listing: letting two BTS fans relax in the South Korean countryside like their idols did. Even if you're not a diehard devotee, it looks like a mighty luxe place to stay. Clearly, you'll get more out of it if you live, breathe and worship the band, given that it's largely decked out as it was during their time there. That includes some of the furniture seen on the show, so you can kick back with a book like RM, float on a unicorn in the pool like Jin and hit the trampoline like Jung Kook. Also included: a karaoke machine, sound system and all of BTS' songs and albums, right up to their latest record Proof; and a specially catered menu, including charcoal grilled Korean beef and tteokbokki. And, because there's seven BTS members, the one-night stay costs just US$7 — which is just over AU$10 / around NZ$11. Sadly, if you score the booking, you'll just miss out on the best spring day ever, with the trip taking place on August 29. If you're keen to make it right all night and stay gold in the scenic estate, you'll need to try to nab the reservation at 12pm AEST on Tuesday, August 2. As with all Airbnb special listings like this, you need to take care of your own travel costs there and back, including airfares — although this one does cover the round trip by car from KTX PyeongChang station to the BTS In the Soop property. For more information about the BTS In the Soop estate listing on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 12pm AEST on Tuesday, August 2, head to the Airbnb website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Time of Blue.
Located on the second floor of the Hotel CBD, York 75 is a classic sports bar in the heart of Sydney's CBD, with an unrivalled twenty screens and reservable leather booths — perfect for game day with your mates. The walls of this upscale college-style spot are adorned with an eclectic mix of vintage sports memorabilia from sports books to rackets and trophies. A highlight for many sports fans are the 20 screens (two in 3D) and bookable eight-seater booths – each with personal LED screens, so you won't miss a minute of the action. York 75 also offers in-house sports betting and an on-site TAB, so you won't need to leave to place a punt. On tap, you'll find the usual favourites plus craft beer, non-alcoholic cans and an extensive wine list also on offer. For those that like some grub with their sports, choose between an extensive burger offering (including a beer-battered fish burger with Japanese mayo), beloved Aussie pub classics like fish and chips, steak and ale pie, chicken schnitzel and, of course, a chicken parmi.
If you're staying put in Sydney this Easter, but don't want to hide at home, we hear you. A lot of the city closes down over the long weekend, but that doesn't mean everyone's taking a break. In fact, there are stacks of adventures to take on – from axe throwing and mini golfing to cracking open the biggest Easter egg in Australia. On top of all that, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is heading into its 97th year. Between April 12–23, make tracks to Olympic Park to feast on dagwood dogs, rummage through show bags, meet prize-winning animals and take a whirl on tons of rides. Here's a bunch of places you'll find open across Sydney this Easter. And if you're looking for even more spots where you can eat, drink and make merry, add this list to your bag of tricks, too. CHANNEL YOUR INNER CHILD AT THE SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW This 97-year-old friend doesn't need any introduction. But its new food offerings do. First up, classics like dagwood dogs and meat pies have had mega makeovers. Try a dog infused with cheese, a meat pie stuffed with a cheeseburger or something called the Flurrito: a fairy floss burrito, packed with sweet treats. Secondly, there's now a food truck herd, featuring the likes of Greek Street, Birdman Korean chicken, American BBQ and Mr Tortillas. Before (or maybe after if you dare) eating, check out more the more than 100 rides set up for the show. But if you need to wait after eating all that carnival food, go cuddle baby animals in the Farmyard Nursery and watch some very clever working pups in action. GET A CHOCOLATY SUGAR HIGH AT THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA If, for you, Easter is mainly about mountains of chocolate, be sure to factor a visit to Alexandria into your celebrations. Every year, The Grounds presents a three-metre high, 300-kilogram gigantic egg — and you're invited to join in on cracking it open. (Yes, you'll get to eat it, too). The egg is the centrepiece of an epic, weekend-long celebration, which also involves Easter lunches, high teas, live music, appearances by the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt to raise money for the Sydney Children's Hospital. The Garden stays open until 5pm and the Potting Shed till 9pm, so you can fuel up in between festivities and when that sugar high starts to fade. [caption id="attachment_705409" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frenchies Bistro and Brewery.[/caption] TAKE YOUR MATES ON AN INNER WEST BREWERY CRAWL While many of Sydney's best bars and restaurants close up shop over the Easter break, there's one industry sector that is always there for you. Most of Sydney's ever-expanding list of craft breweries stay open throughout the long weekend, offering up specialty brews fresh out of the tank. Wayward Brewing Co. will release a different seasonal brew every day of the long weekend, one of which will be hot cross bun flavoured. Willie The Boatman is hosting a 'young and old' Easter egg hunt on the Sunday, and the Grifter pool table will be waiting for you afterwards, as will Sauce Brewing Co's expansive beer garden. If you're looking for something to kick off the weekend, Alexandria's Yulli's Brews hosts free jazz with $5 schooners every Thursday night. And while you're in the neighbourhood, stop by Frenchies Bistro for some craft brews and French fare. Just be sure to check with each brewery for exact opening hours, as times may vary. ENJOY VIEWS AND FROSÉ ALL DAY AT WATSON'S BAY HOTEL Want to take advantage of the outdoors while you're free from the office? Watson's Bay Hotel has you covered with an entire weekend's worth of Easter-related events happening across the waterside venue. The party will go down from 1pm each day of the weekend. Grab a seat under the blue-and-white checkered umbrellas with the restaurant's signature frosé in hand, while DJs spin the decks well into the night. There'll be plenty of Easter treats to keep you in the festive spirit, too — last year there were hot cross buns stuffed with scoops of ice cream so here's hoping there'll be treats that are just as extra. To check out all of the venue's Easter happenings, head here. [caption id="attachment_696740" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elise Hassey.[/caption] SWAP EASTER SWEETS FOR APERITIVO HOUR AT THE DOLPHIN If you're looking for a different way to indulge this Easter, head to aperitivo hour at The Dolphin. It lets you sample snacks from some of Australia's best chefs on the cheap. The weekly resident curates a menu of drinks and eats, which are available Sunday through Thursday from 5–7pm and priced at just $5-7 bucks, too. Taking over the Wine Room on Easter Sunday is canned-stuff specialists Continental Deli, who will be slinging its signature tinned cocktails and cured meats till April 25. Think locally made prosciutto and Iberico jamon alongside a 'Mar-Tinny' (tinned martini) or 'Can-Hattan' (canned manhattan). Whatever you order, this aperitivo hour lets you overindulge without breaking the bank. [caption id="attachment_676582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund.[/caption] SNAG $40 TICKETS TO WEST SIDE STORY ON SYDNEY HARBOUR Each year, Sydney Harbour comes alive with a special Handa Opera performance on the water. It's always a spectacular show that offers up stunning views to boot. This year, the floating stage will host West Side Story, a classic Broadway tale of star-crossed lovers. The show runs throughout the long weekend, with the final performance happening on Easter Sunday. Plus, you can now snag $40 tickets to the show with new app TodayTix. A limited number of cheap tickets are available for every performance from 9am on the morning of the show — all you need to do is to share a post about TodayTix on your social media to 'unlock' the rush tickets. We reckon it's well worth it to spend your Easter at one of the world's most stunning openair opera venues. [caption id="attachment_685611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugenia Lim, The Australian Ugliness (2018), photo by Tom Ross.[/caption] HIT UP ALL THREE VENUES OF THIS MAJOR ART EXHIBITION It's not always easy to catch all of the latest art exhibitions when you're stuck at your desk during the day. Lucky for Sydneysiders, a major installation has just started, and there's no better time to catch it than during the Easter long weekend. That's because The National 2019's extensive exhibition spans three-gallery — namely AGNSW, the MCA and Carriageworks — so you'll need a lot of daytime hours to see it all. It features work from a whopping 65 contemporary Australian artists and promises to be one of the best exhibitions of the year. If you're feeling really ambitious, you could try a gallery hop, spending one seriously art-filled, glorious day out of the office. DANCE GOOD FRIDAY AWAY AT THIS MARRICKVILLE BLOCK PARTY Now in its tenth year, the BAD Friday block party will return to Marrickville's Fraser Park for a live music-filled bash on April 19. For its anniversary, the lineup of local acts is especially strong — expect a DJ set by The Avalanches, plus performances by DMA's, DZ Deathrays, The Jezabels, Tropical Fuck Storm, Jungle and much, much more. It's the perfect excuse for an all-out party, seeing as you've got three more days off afterwards. Best to snatch up your tickets quick; the first two releases have already sold out.
World, say hello to the ultimate marriage of fashion and fine dining: a Gucci restaurant helmed by none other than Massimo Bottura, chef and owner of three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana. That's right, the internationally renowned high fashion label has forayed into the world of food, yesterday opening Gucci Osteria in the heart of Florence, Italy. Just as you'd expect, the 50 seater is a study in luxury, housed in the centuries-old Palazzo della Mercanzia building and with views across Piazza della Signoria. It forms part of the just-revealed lavish Gucci Garden, which also features a cinema room, a bazaar-style fashion boutique and exhibition spaces curated by fashion critic Maria Luisa Frisa. Diners at the all-day restaurant can expect to sit down to globally-inspired dishes like pork belly buns, Peruvian-style tostadas and Parmigiano Reggiano tortellini, dropping about €20–30 ($30–46 AUD) per plate. While it's hard to say how much he will be on the pans at this new location, Bottura says he drew inspiration from his travels when developing the lineup, mixing classic Italian flavours with clever, new-school twists. "Travelling the world, our kitchen interacts with everything we see, hear and taste," the chef explained. Gucci Osteria is the latest in a string of luxury fashion house food ventures, following the opening of Tiffany & Co's Blue Box Cafe in New York, and the announcement of parent company LMVH's plans for a second outpost of its gourmet Parisian grocery store La Grande Epicerie.
Skiing and snowboarding might be the headline events when you're talking alpine holidays, but they're far from the only show in town. In fact, to really experience the majesty of the mountains during the snow season, you've got to see the white-cloaked landscape from a few different angles — dog's eye, bird's eye and shut-eye among them. And you don't need to go as far as the ski resorts of Canada, Switzerland or Japan to do it. Some of the best features of these famous winter wonderlands have been adopted by the newer resorts of Victoria's High Country — and they're a lot closer to home. A long weekend, or a more luxurious week, is all you need to get a proper winter short break at Mount Buller, Hotham or Baw Baw, where snowfields meet eerie gumtree forests and icy adventures end with you defrosting fireside. Whether you ski or not, base your plans around some of the extraordinary snow experiences in this article, and you'll have a holiday that's truly memorable. GO DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW WITH HUSKY DOGS Here's a sight straight out of the Arctic Circle: groups of friendly husky dogs, at home in their preferred climate. These kinds of sled dogs were bred to help with the transportation of humans and goods across snowy terrain, but now the arrival of planes, cars and snowmobiles have taken most of the burden off them, dog sledding is mainly a recreational activity. Contrary to what you might expect, this is a quiet and peaceful way to explore the open plateaus and sleeping forests, as there's little sound beyond the drumming of paws on snow. Give it a go yourself with Australian Sled Dog Tours in Mount Buller. Their tours range from a brisk 30 minute introduction to a more strenuous 3.5 hours, during which you'll actually learn how to 'drive' a team of Siberian huskies. Importantly, all tours start with plenty of time for pats and cuddles, so you can get fully acquainted with your puppers. If you're on Mount Baw Baw, look up operator Howling Huskys instead. During the full moon, they offer a special three-hour night tour that ends with a campfire, wine and hot chocolate. They also run tours in Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain. Both of these operators treat their dogs kindly and care for them after their sledding retirement. But if you don't feel good about being carried by an animal, then Australian Sled Dog Tours does offer a meet-and-greet-only option with their huskies for just $20. Alternatively, plough onwards to other activities. GET AN AERIAL VIEW FROM A HELICOPTER If you've always wanted to treat yourself to a helicopter ride, the mountains are the destination to do it. Few landscapes are this dramatic. Rugged escarpments plunge into still-green valleys, mountain peaks rise right in front of you, and lonely stockmen's huts appear in isolated wildernesses. You'll have Instagram fodder for days. Alpine Helicopter Charter offers a number of scenic rides that are perfect in the winter season, including a three-hour "Rooftop Tour" of Victoria's highest peaks. The same company also runs a Mount Buller Express, if you want to fly rather than drive up the mountain and arrive at your lodgings with an entrance worthy of Kim and Kanye. If you're in Mount Hotham, look up scenic flights with Forest Air Helicopters instead. GET ACTIVE IN THE OUTDOORS Skiing and snowboarding aren't the only sports to do at this altitude; they're just the most serious. If you're more in the mood to let off steam than work up a sweat, try the Snowshoe to Fondue experience at Mount Hotham. Run by Alpine Nature Experience, the sunset trek is made easier by the provision of snowshoes, which keep you "floating" over rather than sinking into the snow. Best of all, once you arrive at your destination — a remote tipi hut with fireplace — you're rewarded with a long rest and a traditional Swiss fondue of melted cheese. For those who really want to cut loose, however, poking food with sticks is just a warm-up. You'll want to round up your friends and book a session of laser tag in the snowy outdoors. Operators Howling Huskys have courses set up in Mount Hotham, as well as Mount Baw Baw and Dinner Plain. You'll need a group of four to eight. DEFROST BY A FIRE IN A SKI CHALET Melbourne isn't short of après-ski-themed pop-up bars at this time of year, but nothing compares to the real thing. If you're in the prime après-ski spot of Mt Buller, head to Snow Pony, one of the town's more foodie establishments, for tapas in true chalet style (think log walls and antler chandeliers). Afterwards, savour a glühwein in the uber-Austrian surrounds of Herbie's bar at Hotel Pension Grimus and the hills will truly feel alive. When in Mount Hotham, make a beeline for the drinking and dining areas of Zirky's, the European-inspired lodge complex where Wednesday's schnitzel night is an institution. For drinks, check out Blizzard Brewery at nearby Dinner Plain. Not only is it a cosy spot to hang out, their beers are made with ultra-pure water of melted snow. Plus, you'll be able to say you drank at Australia's highest brewery (it's 1.5km above sea level). GET VERTICAL IN AN ONSEN OR SPA Any spa is good, but a Japanese-style onsen is glorious. Onsen hot springs are traditionally outdoors, and while Victoria's mountains can't naturally produce the geothermal heat of a volcanic island, the heated outdoor bath at Onsen Retreat + Spa in Dinner Plain gets pretty close to recreating the atmosphere. The shake-up you get dashing outdoors in your togs to get to the steaming pool is everything. Massages, beauty treatments and fitness classes are also available here, if you want to get even more healthful. On Mount Buller, meanwhile, a good option is the Breathtaker on High Spa Retreat. The treatments here are inspired, and use the spa's own signature Breathe oils and masks. Splash out on the 2.5-hour Mountain Escape Ritual — it starts with a foot massage before your body is given proper attention by way of a dry brush, mask and massage. To find out more and plan your winter adventures in the alpine villages, visit the Wander Victoria website.
Every summer since 1990, Sydney's northside dwellers have been relaxing into their weekends with good food and live music at Ted Mack Civic Park. Now in its 31st year, the Twilight Food Fair is back post-lockdown from Friday, December 4 through till March 5. Head down on Friday nights between 4.30–8pm to enjoy dishes from all over the world. Each week the lineup will change slightly, including Turkish gozleme, gelato, pizza, dumplings from Bamboo Story, Indian street food snacks and paella from Ola Lola. For the moment, because of COVID-19, there will musical performances from the likes of Greg Byrne, but no kid's entertainment. There'll also be a focus on takeaway good rather than dine-in, with plans to resume regular market programming when restrictions ease. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for updates. Twilight Food Fair runs from 4.30–8pm.
In its fleeting 70 minutes, David Gieselmann's The Pigeons will have you feeling like you've been slapped with a pickled herring. The German farce opens on an office Christmas party. It's also a ritzy living room, a restaurant and a psychiatrist's couch, among all else. The action moves with the pace of an Aaron Sorkin-orchestrated walk-and-talk — one walk-and-talking over space and time. Mercifully, the assembled players have clear, if conflicting, agendas: Business mogul Robert Bertrand (Laurence Coy) wants to orchestrate his own disappearance, his wife Gerlinde (Lyn Pierse) wants to move to Liguria, his son Helmar (Tom Stokes) wants to play Scrabble and foil his father, Holger Voss (Garth Holcombe) wants to quit his job, Natalie Voss (Ashley Ricardo) wants him to climb the career ladder (and to control her own anger), psychiatrist Dr Erich Asendorf (Fayssal Bazzi) wants to help her control her anger as well as sleep with her but not necessarily remember her name or how to tell her apart from his other patients (also mostly in the party), Heidrun Reichert (Paige Gardiner) wants to spice up the work day by emotionally tormenting Holger and sneaky Silja van der Vries (Clare Blumer) wants money and sometimes other things. This English language translation by Maja Zade (dramaturg at Berlin's Schaubuhne Theatre, who brought their Hamlet here earlier this year) has only previously been performed as a reading at London's Royal Court, making this Griffin Independent production it's first proper staging. And this is some staging. It takes a deft touch just to deliver this play with sense, and director Sarah Giles (fresh out of some assistant directorships and Red Stitch's That Face in Melbourne) has not only managed to craft an amazingly followable play, she has finished it with flourishes, smart movement and smooth visual gags. The actors — who never leave the stage yet have to insert and remove themselves constantly in the action — keep their energy high. Germans seem to be a touch defensive about their comedy (the Wikipedia entry for 'German humour' is preoccupied with explaining that Germans are actually funny — they just don't, for linguistic reasons, understand English jokes), and Gieselmann proves they have every right to be. You won't be left wanting for what's lost in translation here; The Pigeons is great fun and, in that way only the foreign can be, entirely unexpected. https://youtube.com/watch?v=n5XBMqCRbZM
Greek. Gypsy. Spanish. Portuguese. Senegalese. Afro-Peruvian. Mexican. Bulgarian. Balkan. Cafe Carnivale has a pretty full program this year. As a taster of globe-spanning goodness to come, it's brought together a collection of musicians to launch the 2011 Carnivale program with Fiesta! at Eastside Arts. The Cafe has been running ten years now, having grown out of the music program of the now-departed Carnivale festival. Sometime Mariachi Victor Valdez — recently seen supporting chicano músicos Los Lobos at the Sydney Festival — will play his surprisingly strong solo Mexican music on the harp. Mandie Vieira promises Fado — soulful Portuguese sound not unlike Flamenco singing — while Mousa Diakite will show off his hard-earned styles steeped in music from Mali and the Ivory Coast. Also present will be the Gypsy bass of John Maddock, Monsieur Camembert regular Eddie Bronson, and Uruguayan performer Jose Barroso. Cafe Carnivale musical director Justo Diaz completes the lineup, a talented musician himself, he has a staggering knowledge and collection of international instruments, many of which will join him on stage. So if you crave duende or other musical passions, get along to Eastside and join the party.
Waiheke is an island of rolling hills, gorgeous vineyards and white sandy beaches — a glittering jewel in New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf. As it's only a short hop from Auckland's CBD on a ferry and easy to get around, it should definitely be on your list of places to visit when planning that next short break over the pond. Once there, it's not hard to see why Waiheke regularly appears in travel polls as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It has a great reputation for relaxation and, most importantly, good food and wine. With over 20 vineyards to choose from, in the place locals affectionately call the Island of Wine, we've narrowed down some of the finest. Flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are super short — around three-and-a-half hours on average — and Air New Zealand offers great everyday fares from all three. That means you could be nestled up by the fire at one of these top spots in no time at all. MAN O' WAR VINEYARDS Located on the far east of the island, Man O' War vineyard definitely delivers the wow factor both for its location and its wine. The vineyards are set on slopes that surround the tasting room and restaurant, which sits at the edge of the water. It's the only beachfront cellar door on Waiheke and has amazing views over to the Coromandel Peninsula. The tasting room is a lovely place to sip and hear about the flagship and single-vineyard drops. Plus, there are platters and sharing plates available to make the most of the experience. From the big robust winter warming Dreadnaught syrah to the softer summer styles of the Pinque rosé and the Exiled pinot gris, there is something for all palates on offer at Man O' War. OBSIDIAN VINEYARD Located in Onetangi and hidden away in an amphitheatre amongst the vines, Obsidian's cellar door is a simple but beautifully relaxed setting. The 30-minute tastings are led by passionate, knowledgeable staff, and the wine is sublime. Obsidian is known for its deep and delicious Bordeaux-style reds, though it also makes a delightful rosé and chardonnay, too. Yields are deliberately kept low to maximise quality and, as a result, only a limited number of cases are produced each year. The vineyard runs a wine club membership and, as an 'Obsidianado', you'll get access to three tasting packages during the year, with each containing at least one bottle of exclusive vintage and variety. BATCH WINERY The Thomas family's vineyard restaurant and cellar door has one of the best views on the island, with stunning views across to the Coromandel and Auckland's Sky Tower. Let the crew know you're coming over and they'll pick you up from Matiatia Ferry to transport you to the beautifully designed Batch Winery. It was built with reverence — both of the relaxed Kiwi way of life and the traditional winemaking process. The restaurant offers a relaxed ambience to dine with friends and family. The menu takes its inspiration from Waiheke favourites, offering fish 'n' chips, locally sourced oysters and a take on the classic Kiwi onion dip served with potato sourdough. It's a wonderful place to while away an afternoon, drinking a glass or two of Fizz rosé and gazing out over Waiheke island. PASSAGE ROCK WINERY Passage Rock is Waiheke's most awarded winery, with over 60 gold medals earned since 2001, including 18 gold for its reserve syrah. As well as producing magnificent wine, it's also in the most picturesque setting, with Orapiu Bay in the background. After your wine tasting, make sure you spend an hour or two in the bistro, which serves delicious platters and woodfired pizzas. PODERI CRISCI Poderi Crisci offers a little slice of Italy on Waiheke with its old world-style restaurant full of Tuscan charm. A great believer in the Italian tradition of eating and drinking, Poderi Crisci has a four-hour Sunday long lunch that's well worth making the time for. But if you only have a few hours to spare, then the degustation or 'trust the chef' menu will suit you well. The wines are definitely European-influenced — highlights include the cheeky white Arneis and the red blended Viburno. These are produced in a beautiful cellar room that also hosts an annual opera night, which alone is well worth making the trip for. CASITA MIRO Situated above Onetangi beach, Casita Miro is a relaxed, vibrant place where you can take your time to enjoy some seriously delicious food and wine. The restaurant specialises in Spanish and Mediterranean sharing plates, with fine Iberian cured meat, cheeses, local oysters and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. The outdoor area also runs with the Spanish theme, featuring an evolving mosaic inspired by Gaudi's famous Parc Guell, not to mention views out across the Hauraki Gulf. The tasting room sits outside the restaurant in a colourful garden space, and here you can try a flight of five for $15, including the delightful fortified blend, the Madame Rouge. Book your flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand and start planning your next long weekend away. Plus, Vinomofo has released a case of wine featuring six delicious wines representing the diverse and unique sub-regions of Waiheke, Kumeu and Matakana. Every case has a one in 50 chance of winning return flights to Auckland (from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). T&Cs apply.
You've put in the hard yards: gone home early Friday night, or spent a night in, and now you wake bright and early on a Saturday morning. You're fresh and ready to make the most of your city. You're ready to do good. So, what next? Well, my suggestion would be that you head along to CarriageWorks. There'll be loads of people doing the same, attending workshops on things like gardening, bike safety tips and public art. This Saturday, you have three to choose from. 'Earthly Delights', which promises to help you train tricky soil, 'Getting Weedy', pointing out common weeds that can be used as food or medicine, and 'Reverse Robots', partnering with Reverse Garbage to enable you to create the ultimate robot mask. And if you do happen to weaken on your plan thanks to the temptations of Friday night, the good news is that this is a monthly do. Which means there's only so many excuses you can make before going along and digging in.
When you've already spent 2025 singing and dancing with Robyn at Saturday Night Live's 50th-anniversary concert, then releasing the Saoirse Ronan (Blitz)-starring first-ever music video for 'Psycho Killer' 48 years after the song's debut, what comes next? For David Byrne, the answer is a new album in September, plus a new world tour that kicks off the same month — and heads Down Under in January 2026. The iconic Talking Heads founder and frontman has dropped two huge pieces of news at once, revealing his impending latest record Who Is the Sky? and the live shows to support it. In Australia and New Zealand, he'll be playing his first gigs since 2018, when he brought his American Utopia tour — which none other than Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods) turned into a concert flick also called American Utopia, aka one of 2020's absolute best films — this way. [caption id="attachment_1008708" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shervin Lainez[/caption] If you're in Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and you're thinking "this must be the place", then you're right: Byrne is venturing to each of these cities. First, he'll hit up Spark Arena on Wednesday, January 14 on his sole NZ stop, before kicking off his Aussie dates on Saturday, January 17 at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. From there, he'll play ICC Sydney Theatre on Wednesday, January 21; Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne on Thursday, January 22; Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena on Saturday, January 24; and Perth's RAC Arena on Tuesday, January 27. If you caught his American Utopia gigs or watched the film, you'll recognise some other familiar faces on the Who Is the Sky? tour. Byrne is taking to the stage with 13 musicians, singers and dancers, some of whom were part of the American Utopia band. Just like in those famous shows, his fellow performers will all be mobile throughout Byrne's latest set. Like tour, like album: Who Is the Sky? isn't just Byrne's first set of live gigs since American Utopia, but also his first record since that Grammy-winning release came out in 2018. Launching on Friday, September 5, 2025 — with first single 'Everybody Laughs' out now — the new album features St Vincent, Paramore's Hayley Williams, The Smile drummer Tom Skinner and American Utopia percussionist Mauro Refosco among its guests. Byrne has long been a must-see live performer — and there's long been filmic proof of that fact. Forty-two years ago this December, he made concert film history with Talking Heads when he walked out onto a Hollywood stage with a tape deck, pressed play and, while standing there solo, began to sing 'Psycho Killer'. Then-future The Silence of the Lambs Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme directed cameras his way, recording the results for Stop Making Sense. David Byrne Who Is the Sky? World Tour Australia and New Zealand 2026 Dates Wednesday, January 14 — Spark Arena, Auckland Saturday, January 17 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Wednesday, January 21 — ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney Thursday, January 22 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Saturday, January 24 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Adelaide Tuesday, January 27 — RAC Arena, Perth David Byrne is touring Australia and New Zealand in January 2026, with ticket presales from 2pm local time on Thursday, June 12, 2025 and general sales from 1pm local time on Friday, June 13, 2025. Head to the tour website for further details. Live images: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Is The Internship an ad for Google? Sure. Should you care? No, not really. Well not unless you use Bing, in which case, who the hell are you anyway? Stop reading this review and go back to Friendster. Written by Jared Stern and Vince Vaughn (who also stars in, and produced, the film) it tells the story of two 40-somethings (Vaughn and Owen Wilson) who lose their jobs as salesmen and decide an internship at Google is their best chance for a new start. With the promise of employment for the top team of interns at the end of the summer, Vaughn and Wilson find themselves competing against an army of ultra-smart 21-year-olds, including those within their own team, as their age and lack of tech savviness see them quickly ostracised. Even the staff at Google are largely suspicious or dismissive of the duo, especially the work-absorbed Rose Byrne (who comes complete with Australian accent and all). Slowly but surely, however, Vaughn and Wilson begin to win over their skeptics thanks to a handful of '80s movie references and some unbridled old-school enthusiasm. It's been eight years since Vaughn and Wilson partnered up for the highly successful Wedding Crashers, and given the obvious charm of the duo it's remarkable it's taken this long to bring them back together. Both put in more subtle performances than audiences are accustomed to and the result makes for a far more enjoyable film. There's still some farce in there, and it's a tad too long, but by and large The Internship is a surprisingly old-fashioned and heartwarming comedy that invites you to indulge in barracking for the underdog.
Hip hop used to be associated with overt displays of machismo, but there has been a steady evolution since those days. Arguably, this advancement and modernisation is represented nowhere better than with the rise to prominence of Cakes Da Killa. Originating on New York's queer rap scene, Cakes Da Killa has earned plaudits for his fusion of hip hop, house and dance over the last decade, alongside acts such as Mykki Blanco and Le1f. With the beats from his latest album, Killa Essentials (2021), in tow, the game-changing creative's impending trip to Sydney is sure to bring an unforgettable evening to Oxford Art Factory. Images: Ebru Yildiz
Raunchy, dazzling and sharpy satirical, Siren Theatre Co's H.M.S. Pinafore is a romp of a remake that received rave reviews when it premiered at the Hayes Theatre in 2019. Now, as part of Sydney Festival, you can see director Kate Gaul's hilarious caper at Riverside Theatres over ten sequined shows that come with a content warning. H.M.S. Pinafore is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas, which features star-crossed lovers, tongue twisters and mistaken identity — plus all the classic tunes 'I'm Called Little Buttercup' and 'He is an Englishman'.
