Known mononymously as Nobu, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa oversees a restaurant and hotel empire that spans more than 40 cities, including Los Angles, Moscow and, come the end of 2020, Sydney. The legendary sushi chef's third Australian restaurant — and third inside a Crown resort, with Nobu outposts already located in Melbourne and Perth's Crown Towers — Nobu Sydney is set to open inside the controversial multibillion-dollar Crown Sydney this December. The restaurant, located on the edge of the harbour, is set to have panoramic views across the city, a modern industrial look and statement lights. Exact details of the food and drink menu are still being finalised, but you can expect to try many of Nobu's signature dishes, showcasing Japanese and South American flavours, that he's perfected at his 42 eponymous restaurants. The yellowtail jalapeño is sure to make an appearance, as will the black cod with miso — a dish that's said to be a favourite of Nobu's business partner, the actor Robert De Niro. Nobu opened his first restaurant in Peru back in the 70s, before eventually moving to Los Angeles and launching Matsuhisa, where he met Robert De Niro. Together with co-founders restaurateur Drew Nieporent and producer Meir Tepar, they opened the first Nobu in New York in 1994. The rest, they say, is history. [caption id="attachment_773848" align="alignnone" width="1920"] An artist's impression of Nobu in Crown Sydney[/caption] Nobu won't be the only high-profile chef making an appearance inside the Barangaroo casino and hotel, either. It'll be home to 14 bars and restaurants, including one by Clare Smyth, who's worked at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse's Le Louis XV (both three Michelin starred-restaurants), which is slated to open in February 2021. The rest are under wraps for now, but, if the first two announcements are anything to go by, expect some more legendary chefs from across the globe to announce Sydney openings imminently. Nobu is slates to open inside Crown Sydney, Barangaroo in December 2020.
Ignoring the short, dark days is easy at Salty's Bondi, where the summer vibes never seem to stop. In fact, July feels especially light and breezy at this SoCal-inspired spot, with the return of its annual Margarita Month helping guests get through the cool season. Now in its fourth year, this special occasion offers $16 signature margaritas, with eight Altos Tequila creations to explore. Featuring much-loved inventions like the Aperol Marg and Salty's Espresso, you're invited to sip for a great price all day, every day throughout the month. Plus, live DJs and disco beats will give the venue an energetic atmosphere until late. To help ramp the feel-good mood up even further, Salty's has given its interiors a cheeky Palm Springs makeover, playing on nostalgic beach days and sun-drenched surf and skate culture. There's even a spinning wheel offering daily prizes both in-venue and when booking online. Free margaritas, food and merch are up for grabs, so take a turn on the wheel to see if fortune favours you. Plus, there's a major prize you won't want to miss. Valued at $1400, the Surf & Sip Package rewards one lucky winner with a Surf Culture Surfboard and a Salty's Bottomless Margarita Package. Keep an eye on Salty's socials for entry details.
Later this year, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia will turn into an otherworldly space, all thanks to large-scale sculptures and architectural installations made out of brightly coloured fabric by South Korean artist Do Ho Suh. But that description also applies to its current exhibition Ultra Unreal, which is taking over the cultural institution from Friday, July 22–Sunday, October 2 — complete with hyper-real artworks that blend myth and reality into visions of the possible future. The free showcase has taken up residence on The Rocks venue's first level, heroing work by six artists and collectives: Club Ate from Sydney; Korakrit Arunanondchai and Alex Gvojic, who work across Bangkok and New York; London-based Lawrence Lek; Shanghai's Lu Yang; and Saeborg from Tokyo. And while using the traditional tales that humanity has long told itself as a way to explore what might come is an approach obviously loaded with potential both visually and thematically, Ultra Unreal's roster of talent are all concerned with worldbuilding and nightlife ecosystems. [caption id="attachment_862175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lu Yang, installation view, Ultra Unreal, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2022, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Anna Kučera.[/caption] Accordingly, when you walk through the exhibition, you'll be peering at multi-sensory works that reflect upon the kinds of worlds we have, do and want to inhabit — and what goes into them, and the tales that spring up around them. That examination covers everything from religion, neuroscience and ecology through to artificial intelligence, gaming and queer club cultures, too, as created by artists who are drawing upon their own experiences and politics. In pieces by Club Ate and Saeborg, for instance, the politics of the dance floor are pushed to the fore. Club Ate has crafted a video, sound and textile installation called Ang Idol Ko / You are My Idol, which finds inspiration in Filipinx mythologies and club cultures — while Saeborg's installation Slaughterhouse unsurprisingly gets dark, using a brightly coloured rural world filled with livestock that first began as a series of costumes and performances for Tokyo nightclub Department H, all to explore gender-based power and control. [caption id="attachment_862174" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saeborg, Slaughterhouse, 2020–22, installation view, Ultra Unreal, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2022, latex, wallpaper, synthetic polymer paint, sound, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Anna Kučera.[/caption] Also featuring: Saeborg's Pootopia, which has been dubbed a "dung beetle paradise"; Yang's new series of works, which are set in digital worlds filled with genderless avatars and include his latest avatar DOKU; Arunanondchai and Gvojic's immersive installation No history in a room filled with people with funny names 5, which comes to Australia for the first time; and Lek's Nepenthe series, including an augmented reality project that lets visitors enter new worlds on each of the MCA's levels. Ultra Unreal is kicking off with a weekend of artists events, too, including a night of club-inspired performances, music and screenings on Friday, July 22. [caption id="attachment_862178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Club Ate (Justin Shoulder, Bhenji Ra, and collaborators), ANG IDOL KO / YOU ARE MY IDOL (detail), 2022, installation view, Ultra Unreal, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2022, 2-channel video, HD, colour, sound, fabric, image courtesy and © the artists, photograph: Anna Kučera[/caption] Ultra Unreal is on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 140 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, from Friday, July 22–Sunday, October 2. Top images: Saeborg, Pootopia (detail), 2020–22, installation view, Ultra Unreal, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2022, latex, wallpaper, synthetic polymer paint, sound, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Anna Kučera. Korakrit Arunanondchai and Alex Gvojic (with Tosh Basco), No history in a room filled with people with funny names 5 (detail), 2018, installation view, Ultra Unreal, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2022, 3-channel video, HD, colour, sound, resin casts of Basco's head and Arunanondchai's grandfather's hands, seashells, plants, soil, mirror, laser, LED, haze, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Anna Kučera. Lawrence Lek, Geomancer, 2017, installation view, Ultra Unreal, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2022, single-channel video, HD, colour, sound, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Anna Kučera.
2021 has been a year for seconds. It's the second year in a row that Sydneysiders have spent months under lockdown. It's the second year of the pandemic, obviously. It's also the second year that Bluesfest and Splendour in the Grass were forced to completely skip their festivals. And, it's now the second year that Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks will only brighten up the sky once on December 31, with the City of Sydney announcing that they'll only be set off at midnight. So, just like when 2020 turned to 2021, this year's NYE fireworks won't be bursting with colour at 9pm. While that time slot is understandably popular with families, the City of Sydney has advised that the 9pm fireworks have been cancelled "to ensure the safety of residents, businesses, visitors and staff." "The fireworks always generate very large crowds and the two separate displays result in the crossover of large numbers of people leaving for one show and arriving for the next," the City of Sydney's statement continued. "In the current climate, limiting this mixing of crowds will ensure the event can be managed in the most COVID-safe way for all attendees and staff." When last year's 9pm fireworks were scrapped, it was in line with the Public Health Orders in place at the time, with restrictions in effect regarding travel and crowds. At present, it's unknown what rules Sydney will be under come NYE; however, with the city only set to come out of its nearly four-month lockdown in mid-October — when New South Wales hits the 70-percent fully vaccinated thresholds — it's safe to assume there'll still be restrictions in effect come Friday, December 31. (At this stage, the NSW Government has only outlined the first stage of post-lockdown conditions.) And if you're wondering why the announcement has been made now, the City of Sydney noted that "for an event the scale of Sydney New Year's Eve, contracts are signed and money spent months in advance. The difficult decision had to be made to follow the State Government's 2020 event for a limited, Covid-safe New Year's Eve." "We are advised that it is likely the delta virus will still be circulating in the community to some extent come the end of the year, so our plans will allow the event to remain resilient in the face of the changing health situation and Public Health Orders." Sydney's 2021 New Year's Eve fireworks won't light up the sky at 9pm on Friday, December 31; however, they'll still take place at midnight that evening. For further information, head to the City of Sydney website. Top image: City of Sydney
On the lookout for a dope new denim jacket? Or do you want to be rid of that weird-looking lamp taking up space in the living room? Then, by golly, you're in luck. The Garage Sale Trail works with local council partners Australia-wide to get as many trash-and-treasure troves happening on the same day as possible. This year, more than 300,000 Aussies are expected to take part at this festival of pre-loved stuff, and hold more than 11,000 sales. A huge array of events will open their doors to bargain hunters, selling millions items. And, when the Garage Sale Trail sprawls across two big spring weekends — between Saturday, November 12–Sunday, November 13, and then again from Friday, November 18–Sunday, November 20 — online garage sales will once again be part of the fun. According, whether you're buying or selling, you have two options: do so in person, or take the virtual route. It's only the third time ever that the Garage Sale Trail is going digital, too. And, digital workshops are still also on the bill, so you can learn everything from DIY wardrobe tips to hosting the best sale. Aside from the retro goodies up for grabs, the Garage Sale Trail is all about sustainability. Instead of ending up in landfill, unwanted clutter becomes a fantastic find. So get that tight pair of sunnies for peanuts and help the environment at the same time. The Garage Sale Trail began humbly in Bondi in 2010 and is growing bigger every year. There'll be a right slew of sales happening all around Sydney, so keep your eyes on the event website — or register online to make a quick buck from your old junk and hang out with the friendly folks in your hood. [caption id="attachment_783811" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jo Lowrey[/caption] Images: Garage Sale Trail.
Sydneysiders are blessed to live in such a multicultural city harbouring a plethora of different cuisines from across the globe. And when it comes to Asian food, we're downright spoilt for choice — especially in the city's inner east. If you're searching for an Asian feast, the Sydney's inner east, including Zetland's East Village, is packed with regional Asian-style eateries. In fact, you're spoilt for choice. So, to help you hunt down the perfect prawn dumplings, Singapore noodles or barbecue pork buns, here are our picks of the bunch. Plus, after 6pm, you can score free parking at East Village — which means you can spend that money on an extra serving of spring rolls and enjoy them without watching the clock. So, if you're looking for a tasty, Asian-inspired feed, whether it's very authentic or a little bit experimental, these are some of the spots to consider. HAVE AN AUTHENTIC YUM CHA EXPERIENCE AT EAST PHOENIX Sydneysiders love an all-you-can-eat deal, and yum cha has to be the peak. The theatre of the trolleys zooming past, saying yes to way too any steaming plates of food and only stopping when you're on the precipice of a food coma — what an experience. East Phoenix — the fifth member of Sydney's Phoenix Restaurant Group — delivers on all fronts. If you're planning a special occasion, there is a private dining room available, but we recommend sitting in the main area during your visit where all the action is happening. Aside from the huge a la carte menu, the restaurant also offers banquets, starting at $40 per person, featuring all the big hits — spring rolls, Peking Duck pancakes and crispy skin chicken. Meanwhile, yum cha is available from 11am–3pm on weekdays and 10.30am–3pm on weekends. For $30 per person (excluding drinks), you can indulge in steam barbecue pork buns, steamed Chinese broccoli, fried prawn dumplings and more. GRAB A QUICK (AND AFFORDABLE) LUNCH FROM P'NUT STREET NOODLES For dishes inspired by popular streetside stalls in Thailand, make tracks to P'Nut Street Noodles. The eatery serves up street-style noodles, soups or salads using authentic sauces that are made from scratch. For a tasty lunch that'll barely dent your wallet, P'Nut also has a pretty stellar meal deal — you can nab Singapore noodles, cashew nut stir fry with rice or nasi goreng for under a tenner. If you're just after a snack, opt for chilli squid with sriracha mayonnaise or the popcorn chicken with sweet plum sauce, served in a crispy waffle cone. BECOME A TOP CHEF AT TAISHO WAGYU JAPANESE BBQ The Japanese term taisho is used to describe a chef of certain esteem and skill — which should give you an idea of what to expect at this East Village eatery of the same name. The folks behind Taisho Wagyu Japanese BBQ are all about traditional flavours, fresh ingredients and meticulous technique. Head down any day between 11am–10pm to enjoy edamame, gyoza and tempura vegetables, before launching into the main event. Every table at Taisho is fitted with a barbecue, so you can grill everything from shiitake mushrooms and pork belly to premium wagyu beef short rib to your heart's (and belly's) desire. TUCK INTO A JAPANESE-INSPIRED BURGER AT UNAYA A little further afield is Unaya, a bright and colourful eatery on Gadigal Avenue in Waterloo. Here, you'll find Japanese share-style snacks — think tempura popcorn prawn, edamame and takoyaki octopus balls — alongside a menu of grilled meat and veggie skewers, Japanese-inspired burgers and wraps. Our pick is the chicken katsu burger ($14.90) with cabbage slaw and chilli mayo served on a brioche bun. Not keen on a burg? Unaya's signature offering is its rice bowls, served with your choice of meat (teriyaki chicken, grilled unagi or wagyu beef), plus two sides and soup. You'll get change from a twenty for most of these bowls, too. Unaya also has an extensive sake selection, including yuzu, peach and green tea-flavoured umeshu, alongside a very creative cocktail menu — including one with Yakult, vodka and condensed milk. For dessert, you can enjoy matcha churros with white chocolate sauce DOWN AS MANY DUMPLINGS AS POSSIBLE AT E-DRAGON DUMPLING BAR For when nothing but a quality handmade dumpling will hit the spot, E-Dragon Dumpling Bar, based off the tastes of Shanghai, has just what you need. Whether you prefer yours steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried or in a soup, this eatery has just what your belly desires. And, if you're feeling like a bit of something extra on the side of all tiny morsels of flavour, there are plenty of cold plates, soups, sides and noodle dishes, too — think Taiwanese sausages, spicy duck wings, soy beef and wonton soup. SLURP CREAMY NOODLE SOUP AT UMAMI STONE POT The opportunity to get interactive at mealtime continues at Umami Stone Pot. Per hot pot tradition, you can expect a communal pot bubbling away in the centre of the table filled with a punchy, spice-heavy broth, noodles, vegetables, tofu and some form of meat. But unlike other hot pot joints you'll find around the city, Umami's hot pot is prepared in a stone pot embedded in the table. Based on the traditional technique from the Yunnan province in China, the dish is covered with a chimney-shaped straw lid, which allows the broth and ingredients to steam and intensify in flavour. Umami has several bases available, including a sweet and sour broth, beef, mushroom and milky fish. You have the option to order just one flavour or half and half. Winter may be over, but a giant, steaming bowl of noodles is a fine meal in any season. BUILD YOUR OWN BOWL AT MÁ LÀ TÀNG Má là tàng gives you the opportunity to explore the flavours of southwest China. This bright and spacious eatery specialises in malatang, the traditional Sichuan-style street dish. It's essentially customised hot pot for one. You'll start by selecting your ingredients, which span everything from vegetables and sliced meats to noodles and broth. Send your bowl off to the kitchen and a few minutes later, you'll be presented with a piping hot bowl of soup. Not up for a (mostly) liquid lunch? Opt for chaung chuan xiang — skewers with your choice of grilled meats, vegetables or bean products — or one of the daily bento boxes. Really, the options are endless and all hot, spicy and extremely tasty. We promise you won't leave hungry. GET A CHILLI HIT AT YASAKA RAMEN As we have already established, steaming, brothy noodle soups surpass the seasons — and ramen is right at the top of our list of not just noodle soups, but dishes in general, that make for a winning order no matter the weather forecast. The inner-city is teaming with top ramen joints, including the original outpost of this very business in the CBD. But if you're craving a quality, spicy broth when you're hanging around the eastern suburbs, Yasaka Ramen reigns supreme. This Waterloo spot, which is signposted with the epic slogan 'No Ramen No Life' (something we heartily agree with), opened in late-2018 and specialises in a hearty, rich tonkotsu broth. You can choose from a range of options, like the black garlic ramen with squid ink or the kakuni ramen with a slow-cooked soft pork bone. If you can handle the heat, opt for the spicy ramen — you can select your level of spiciness from a scale. Round up the crew and eat your way around Zetland's top Asian restaurants. To learn more about East Village, head this way.
They're taking the hobbits to Isengard at Dendy Newtown this winter, with one movie marathon to rule them all. Round up the Fellowship, stock up on lembas bread for sustenance and hide your finest pipe-weed from the Southfarthing for a sitting of all three of Peter Jackson's beloved OG Tolkien film adaptations in their extended editions. Kicking off with The Fellowship of the Ring and ending with The Return of the King (with The Two Towers in the middle, of course), this cave troll of a marathon will see you making the cinema your home for almost 12 hours — with the journey starting at 11am on Saturday, July 6, and also taking place again on Saturday, August 24. If you make it through breakfast and second breakfast to the final handful of endings, you can pat yourself on the back and smash a ringwraith screech at the nearest person on your way home (note: do not actually screech at people). Tickets are the precious and come in at $35 for the whole ordeal in one of Dendy's regular cinemas, or $60 for a lounge session.
So, you've seen Nanette, then Douglas, then Body of Work, Hannah Gadsby's three most-recent stand-up shows — all of which hit stages, then Netflix. Next on your list to catch is Woof!, and in-person for now. The just-announced performance will premiere in Australia in autumn, confirming a run of dates in both Sydney and Melbourne, including at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. If you're wondering if Woof! will also get the streaming treatment, it's too early to say, so getting giggling in the New South Wales and Victorian capitals is your best bet if you're keen to check out Gadsby's new routine ASAP. In Sydney, the show will play the Roslyn Packer Theatre from Thursday, March 7–Sunday, March 17. When it makes the move to Arts Centre Melbourne, it'll run from Thursday, March 28–Saturday, April 20. [caption id="attachment_896516" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hannah Gadsby: Something Special. Jess Gleeson/Netflix © 2023[/caption] "Everyone else, sorry," says Gadsby about Woof!'s focus on just two Aussie cities in the social-media video that accompanied the stand-up show's announcement. Fingers crossed that's just the situation for now, and that the tour will also make its way around the country at some point. The comedian has a one-night gig in May in Los Angeles on their agenda after Sydney and Melbourne, with nothing announced after that so far. Woof! comes after Nanette became an international smash, travelling not only throughout Australia but also the UK, and winning awards at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Douglas then took comedy fans on a "tour from the dog park to the renaissance and back", including in Australia, NZ and Europe. And as for Body of Work, it embarked upon an extensive stint around Australia, as well as in Europe again. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Hannah Gadsby (@hannah_gadsby) Hannah Gadsby 'Woof!' Tour Dates: Thursday, March 7–Sunday, March 17 — Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay, Sydney Thursday, March 28–Saturday, April 20 — Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne [caption id="attachment_871296" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben King[/caption] Hannah Gadsby's 'Woof!' tour will kick off in Sydney and Melbourne in autumn 2024. For further details — and to buy tickets from 10am on Monday, February 5 — head to the comedian's website.
Sydney's most stunning concert venue Phoenix Central Park is back this month with its fifth season of free gigs. The Chippendale venue is dedicated to giving its audience an entirely unique experience. Whether you're catching a locally-loved act or a dark and mysterious jazz ensemble, performances are always elevated by the venue's stunning design, intimate setting and immersive light displays. And, best of all, everything it hosts is totally free. Season V features some of the biggest names the venue has ever hosted, including London eight-piece Superorganism whose breakout hit 'Something for Your M.I.N.D' has over 60 million streams on Spotify. Others on the lineup include fast-rising local acts like A.Girl and Agung Mango. In terms of other contemporary artists, you'll find the spooky sounds of Marcus Whale, electronic producer Corin and Kenyan-born Adelaide-based singer-songwriter Elsy Wameyo. Also on the lineup: a performance revolving around vibrations and feeling music through your skin composed by Damien Ricketson, experimental ambient sounds from Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 and Tim Shiel, the Ensemble Offspring performing the music of trailblazing avant-garde composer Iannis Xenakis and folk composer Andrew Tuttle performing his new banjo-heavy album Fleeting Adventure. [caption id="attachment_860341" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elsy Wameyo, Alain Pottier[/caption] The only catch is that there are a very limited amount of tickets, so audience members can only attend by winning tickets via Phoenix Central Park's ballots. So hot tip: the best way to approach each season of shows is to apply for anything and everything that you'd love to attend, and then see what tickets you can hopefully nab. If you want to head along, you can browse the full program and place your name on the ballot at the Phoenix Central Park website. Phoenix Central Park is located at 49 O'Connor Street, Chippendale. Season V will be taking over the venue from Wednesday, July 27–Thursday, September 22. Ballots for the free gigs are now open. [caption id="attachment_837012" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] Top image: Jordan Munns
It has been 12 years since RuPaul's Drag Race first premiered in the US, and its mission to unearth the next drag superstars shows no signs of stopping. Currently, the original series is reaching the pointy end of its thirteenth season, while international versions also exist in the UK — also hosted by RuPaul — plus Thailand, Holland, Chile and Canada. Next, it's finally making the leap to Australia and New Zealand. RuPaul's Drag Race already airs locally, but now it's being made here as well. The eight-part RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will focus on Aussie and NZ drag queens battling for supremacy, and will air on Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand. That was announced back in January, with the show's debut set for Saturday, May 1. If you've been wondering exactly what's in store, though, you've probably hanging out for a trailer. And, just a couple of weeks out from the show's arrival, a proper sneak peek is finally here — complete with drama and eye-catching outfits, naturally. While not all overseas iterations of Drag Race are hosted by RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under definitely is. RuPaul is also taking on judging duties, alongside show veteran Michelle Visage and Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson. Ten contenders will strut their stuff for drag supremacy, spanning seven Australians and three New Zealanders. So, prepare to see plenty of Art Simone from Geelong, Melbourne's Karen from Finance, and Sydney's Coco Jumbo, Etecetera Etcetera and Maxi Shield. Newcastle's Jojo Zaho and Perth's Scarlet Adams round out the Aussie queens, while Auckland's Kita Mean, Anita Wigl'it and Elektra Shock comprise the NZ contingent. Fans already know the format, which features fashion challenges, workroom dramas and lip sync battles aplenty. If you're a newcomer to all things Drag Race, you'll watch these Australian and NZ competitors work through a series of contests to emerge victorious, and join the likes of US contenders Jinkx Monsoon, Sasha Velour and Sharon Needles in being crowned the series' winner. Check out the RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdcgf5I6Qb8&feature=youtu.be RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will start streaming via Stan and TVNZ from Saturday, May 1, with new episodes airing weekly. Top image: RuPaul's Drag Race.
After expanding south to Melbourne late last year, Camperdown's Acre Eatery is heading north and opening a sprawling openair restaurant on the lower north shore. Like its siblings, Acre Artarmon will be designed to educate and inspire its visitors, while putting them back in touch with the terroir of their food. That said, it won't just be a restaurant, either. It'll also be a bakery, cafe, bar and functions space, surrounding by sprawling indoor and outdoor gardens. So, expect to eat the likes of strawberry danishes, potato-topped pizzas and mojitos made with produce that has been grown just metres away from where you're sitting. And it will be metres, too, with a function space located inside a large greenhouse and picnic-style eating areas. [caption id="attachment_754662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Acre Eatery Melbourne[/caption] Elsewhere in Acre Artarmon, a chicken coop will provide both eggs for the kitchen and fertiliser for the gardens and a sustainable composting system will help the plants thrive. And stay tuned for a program of masterclasses, markets, twilight gardening and other hands-on green-thumb experiences. If you want to know just exactly what to expect from the Artarmon opening, look to Camperdown and Melbourne. The former is a farm-to-table restaurant with a 350-seater dining room and a sunny terrace, while the latter is a 2000-square-metre urban farm on a shopping centre rooftop. With an opening slated for September, Acre Artarmon is set to be suitably verdant when it opens its doors to the public, too. Acre Artarmon is slated to open in September 2020 at 1 Frederick Street, Artarmon. Top image: Acre Eatery Camperdown by Trent van der Jagt
Turning 30 is a big occasion — for people, and for entertainment groups. And while reaching 31 doesn't normally get as much love, celebrations or parties, Ministry of Sound has never been one for sticking to expectations. Behold, its huge 31st birthday party, aka the return of Ministry of Sound: Testament — A Warehouse Experience at this year's Vivid. If cutting loose in a warehouse in The Rocks for three nights sounds is your ideal way to mark absolutely anything, this returning event is just the solution. As it did in 2021, Ministry of Sound has also found just the right way to celebrate the June long weekend, thanks to this huge multi-room event that'll have you making shapes to 90s, 00s and recent bangers. More than 70 DJs will be hitting the decks between Friday, June 10–Sunday, June 12 — and enticing you to hit the Campbell's Stores dance floor, obviously. It's a choose-your-own-adventure type of party, so fans of old-school tunes can dance to 90s house, rave, trance and garage tracks on Friday, and lovers of 00s electro and breaks can head along on Saturday. Finishing things up on the Sunday night: all the recent techno and house songs — and EDM anthems — that've been getting a spin lately. As a result, each evening will see different DJs working their magic, with big names on the bill across the entire lineup. Nik Fish vs Jumping Jack, Sugar Ray, Jade, Ming D, Abel, Lorna are among the 90s highlights, while Plump DJs, Krafty Kuts, Kid Kenobi, Bang Gang Deejays, Hoops, Midnight Juggernauts, Riot in Belgium, Kate Monroe are on the decks on Saturday night — before Anna Lunoe, Northeast Party House, Oliver Huntemann and Hydraulix head things up on Sunday. Each evening runs from 7pm–2am — and, ticket-wise, you'll need to book per night. MINISTRY OF SOUND: TESTAMENT — A WAREHOUSE EXPERIENCE 2022 LINEUP: Friday, June 10: The 90s RAVE Jade Lorna Clarkson Ming D vs Abel Nik Fish vs Jumping Jack Phil Smart Sugar Ray HOUSE Annabel Gaspar Antonio Zabarelli Declan Lee Kate Monroe Nick Law Simon Caldwell Tim McGee BACK TO MINE BizE Gemma Johnny Seymour Sveta ANTHEMS Alan Thomson Cadell Chip John Ferris Johnny Gleeson Sally Sound Trent Rackus Saturday, June 11: The 00s ELECTRO Bang Gang Deejays Hoops Jace Disgrace Midnight Juggernauts (DJ set) Riot in Belgium Starfuckers PROG Anthony Pappa Kasey Taylor Michelle Owen Robbie Lowe Sean Quinn Trent Anthony ANTHEMS Goodwill Kate Monroe Kyro Mark Dynamix Minx Sam La More Seamus BREAKS A-Tonez Kid Kenobi Krafty Kuts Phil Smart Plump DJs Ritual Sunday, June 12: The Now HOUSE Anna Lunoe Dave Winnel Little Fritter LO'99 Mell Hall Northeast Party House (DJ set) Stacie Fields LATIFA TEE PRES Baschoe Cabu Honey Point Isa Latifa Tee Sollyy Willo TECHNO Hoten Jebbi Manu Neves Oliver Huntemann Oliver Schories EIGHTY-SIX Eighty-Sixers b2b Artinium Heimanu Hydraulix Interupt Mincy SOL WA-FU Ministry of Sound: Testament — A Warehouse Experience will take over the Campbell's Stores warehouse in The Rocks from Friday, June 10–Sunday, June 12. For further details, and to buy tickets, head to the event website.
Following 11 years at Merivale's Sushi E, chef Nobuyuki Ura is moving to grand new digs. His eponymous restaurant, to be named Ura San, will open in The Rocks with panoramic harbour levels and next-level Japanese fare. Come mid-year, you'll find Ura within the 19th century sandstone magnificence of the Campbell's Stores building at Campbell's Cove, overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Bridge and the Opera House. The historic site is currently undergoing a $32 million restoration, and Lauren Cohen of Altis Architects will transform the 280-seater space into a paean to contemporary Japanese design, while celebrating its heritage-listed features. At its heart will be an open counter made of ash timber and black stone. Here, you'll be able to watch Ura and his masterful team in action as they create a traditional omakase menu. "When you go into a high-class sushi restaurant in Japan, omakase represents the best meal you can get," says Ura. "It means 'I'll leave it to you'". 'You' refers to the head chef. At Ura San, you won't pore over menus and make pain-staking decisions. You'll put yourself in Ura's trustworthy hands. "I go to the fish market every morning, to get the best fish...today, the tuna might be very good. Maybe tomorrow it'll be the scampi," San says. "All the produce and ingredients I use are the best — of the highest quality in Australia, New Zealand and Japan." [caption id="attachment_707018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A render of what the revamped Campbell's Stores site will look like.[/caption] So there'll be no predicting the menu. But you can count on Ura's expertise. Before working at Sushi E, he was head chef at the now-closed Kamogawa on Sussex Street for over six years. Before that, he headed Suntory on Kent Street for eight years, in the space that now belongs to Tetsuya's. Behind the bar, there'll be a selection of top-notch Japanese sake and whiskey. Ura is planning on showcasing some of his native country's finest winemakers and distillers. But, you'll also find an impressive list of Australian wines. In addition to the open counter, the restaurant will house five distinct dining bays and a private dining room featuring a 20-seater marble table. If you're only dropping by for a cocktail and snacks, you'll be welcome to hang out in the more casual lounge bar. Ura San is owned by Eddie and Bill Younes, a father and son team embarking on their first hospitality venture. "They've been eating my food for 13 or 14 years," says Ura. "Around three and a half years ago, we started talking about opening a restaurant together one day." That day has arrived. Ura San is scheduled to open in mid-2019 at Level 2, Bays 4-8, Campbell's Stores, 7– 27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks. Image: Nikki To.
At this stage in the pandemic, we're no longer spending all of our time at home. That doesn't mean we can't treat ourselves to impressive desserts when we are just staying in and kicking back on the couch, though. After serving up plenty of tasty specials during 2020's lockdowns, Gelato Messina is still tempting everyone's tastebuds with its limited-release sweet treats — and, if you've enjoyed its big Iced VoVo, Viennetta-style, choc-hazelnut and cremino tubs in the past, you're going to want to try its new basque cheesecake version. Initially, the gelato chain made a small batch of this dessert hybrid for Sydney's Firedoor; however, now it's scooping a heap more into tubs and making it available across the east coast. The catch: like all of its specials, it'll only be on offer for a short period. Wondering what exactly Messina's basque cheesecake tub entails? It combines basque cheesecake gelato, naturally, then tops it with a slice of toasted basque cheesecake. In other words, it's the ideal option for when you can't pick between gelato and cheesecake — a choice that no one ever wants to make. The latest release in Messina's new 'Hot Tub' series, the basque cheesecake tub can only be ordered online at 9am on Monday, May 17, with a one-litre tub setting you back $30. You can then go into your chosen Messina store — other than The Star — to pick up your tub between Friday, May 21–Sunday, May 23. Gelato Messina's basque cheesecake tubs will be available to order at 9am on Monday, May 17, for pick up between Friday, May 21–Sunday, May 23 — keep an eye on the Messina website for further details.
The list of luxurious stays near Sydney just keeps on growing. There's a new nature retreat and sculpture park, this fancy tiny-house in Kangaroo Valley, a secluded harbourside cottage in Vaucluse and six cottages you can reach by train. Now, joining the ranks is Jamberoo Valley Farm, which has just opened its first farm-stay set within its 65-acre property. Among its many features, it has a fireplace and outdoor hot tub — which means it's perfect for a wintry weekend escape. The six-person, two-bedroom cottage is located along the South Coast, just a two-hour drive south of Sydney. The Scandinavian-style fit-out is thanks to Evette Moran Interiors, a design firm that is also responsible for Sydney's ultra-luxe Sol Spa and The Botanica Vaucluse — a farm-to-table eatery which sources its produce from Jamberoo Valley Farm. The cottage's bi-fold glass doors open onto a wrap-around timber deck, which is covered in plush couches and a barbecue area. Adjacent to the deck is a Swedish hot tub (also a plunge pool during the warmer months) that offers sweeping views of the valley beyond — all the way to the ocean. Indoors, there's a fireplace, a standalone bathtub for luxurious soaking and a separate teal-tiled rainfall shower. Plus the telly comes complete with Foxtel, Netflix and a DVD player, so you don't need to forego your daily creature comforts, either. Beyond the cottage, guests are encouraged to interact with the surrounding organic farm — you can pick produce and herbs from your private kitchen garden, collect freshly laid eggs from the chook pen for morning brekkie and even help the staff feed the pastured-raised and grass-fed animals (cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens). Apart from the immediate surrounds, plenty of other local attractions are within driving distance, too — including the Minnamurra rainforest, the Jamberoo Action Park, the Kiama Blowhole and heaps of local beaches. Jamberoo Valley Farm is located at 185 Wallaby Hill Road, Jamberoo and is now open for bookings. Prices start at $420 per night with a two night minimum stay.
Kicking off the summer festival season at 128 BPM, Stereosonic will take over the Sydney Olympic Park again this November for a heated, fist-pumping day of electro, techno and house music. Maybe 'getting shredded' isn’t your cup of tea, but good techno, dance and house music is — you don't have to be a big ol' douche to enjoy a solid drop. This year's lineup should please unquestioning Stereo devotees and curious newcomers alike, with the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Major Lazer, Diplo and Duke Dumont heading up quite the 2015 lineup. Alongside international big guns like Sweden's Axwell & Ingrosso, French house producer Tchami, Swedish bro Miike Snow's new electro duo Galantis, British electronic foursome Clean Bandit and San Franciscan legend Claude Von Stroke, Stereo has placed an emphasis on local artists this year — and there’s no shortage of genuine talent. Canberran festival favourites Peking Duk will be playing live (they covered 'Sandstorm' at Field Day so expect anything), alongside former Flume duo What So Not (now Emoh Instead's flying solo), Sydney house producer Timmy Trumpet, up-and-coming Sydney lads Carmada, and Perth beatsmiths Slumberjack are all locked in. Sydney's immortal Hot Dub Time Machine is bringing his perpetually popular decade-hopping set to the table (one that overwhelmingly crushed it closing this year's Secret Garden Festival). Stereosonic kicks off at the Sydney Olympic Park on November 28 before heading over to Perth’s Claremont Showgrounds on November 29. Then it's on to both Melbourne Showground and Adelaide’s Bonython Park on December 5 as well, and Brisbane Showgrounds on December 6. Keen to get amongst it? Get a 24-hour headstart on buying Stereosonic thanks to MasterCard — making sure you don't have to watch the festival happen on social media. Pre-register here to get access to the exclusive MasterCard 24-hour presale, starting Monday, July 27. STEREOSONIC 2015 LINEUP: STEREO STAGE Armin Van Buuren Axwell & Ingrosso Major lazer (Live) Showtek Peking Duk (Live) Generik Galantis SONIC STAGE Diplo DJ Snake Duke Dumont (Live) Tchami What So Not Clean Bandit (Live) Carmada Shockone Jauz Slumberjack ATLANTIS STAGE Gareth Emery Andrew Rayel MaRlo Andrew Bayer Emma Hewitt (Live) Mark Sherry Jason Ross Headhunterz THE WOODS STAGE MK Claptone Claude Von Stroke Hannah Wants Patrick Topping Shiba San Cut Snake BEATPORT STAGE Carnage Will Sparks Hot Dub Time Machine Timmy Trumpet Snails Jessie Andrews Tigerlily Image: Stereosonic.
Nothing gets the party started quite like tequila. And, if anyone knows how to throw a fiesta, it's the agave experts at Sydney's Méjico — Australia's biggest tequila bar, with over 250 different varieties. With World Tequila Day (July 24) just around the corner, you can expect the Sydney bar to be extra festive this July. Partnering up with tequila maker Olmeca Altos Tequila, Mejico will be celebrating the day by giving away 50 of its signature margaritas mixed with Altos Tequila on Wednesday, July 24. In a month-long extravaganza throughout July, there'll also be weekly Altos tequila cocktail specials and a set menu of Yucatán fare, which can be matched with flights of tequila. To celebrate, we're giving you the chance to win an exclusive masterclass for you and nine mates with Altos ambassador Alice Newport. Giving you the lowdown on all things agave, Newport will teach you about tequila's origins, guide you through an Altos tequila tasting and help you make your own tequila-based concoctions. You'll also receive a cocktail on arrival, plus some Méjico canapes to keep you fuelled. [competition]727141[/competition]
If you're a seasoned traveller (of the armchair variety or otherwise) who wants to bring a touch of here, there and everywhere to your home, then look no further than ici et la, literally meaning ‘here and there’ in French. This Surry Hills homewares and furniture store plays host to an astounding array of antiques and found objects, many of which were sourced directly from private European collections. In true French style, ici et la is famous for the brightly striped deckhairs which herald its entrance. You can also expect to find vintage bikes suspended from the ceiling, mountains of dusty encyclopaedias and rare treasures from the time of Napoleon III’s reign. To make way for the arrival of new stock, ici et la is holding an onsite auction on September 1, where a selection of 19th-century garden furniture, industrial design and original decorative pieces will be up for grabs. If you'd like to have a sneak peak at the pieces prior to auction day, or just want to see how the other half lives, you can head to the three remaining viewing dates at the showroom on August 30, 31 and September 1 or simply open a new browser tab and head to their online catalogue.
Having run The Newport since March 2016, Merivale decided it was about time to add something new to the sprawling northern beaches venue. And this weekend it will open Bert's, a brasserie and bar brimming with oysters and lobster. As we've come to expect from Merivale, Bert's won't be doing anything by halves. Getting its inspiration from the 1930s — when hotel dining rooms were grand destinations — the restaurant will be an extravaganza of jade green and coral pink, with an open kitchen as its centrepiece. The menu, sorted out by executive chef Jordan Toft, aims to transport you to some fancy European seaside resort. Look out for a dedicated raw bar, crowded with oysters, mud crab and brioche canapés, and a larder loaded with charcuterie and salads. Among the decadent mains are lobster (straight from the tank, mind you), a few steaks and a whole fish, baked in a charcoal oven or cooked over the grill. "We want to create that sense of relaxed indulgence you experience on a coastal European holiday — to capture the feeling when you decide to order the fresh lobster or relax into the afternoon with champagne and oysters," said Toft. Walking in, you won't be able to miss the cellar of 750 wines, put together by master sommelier Franck Moreau. Its contents include a selection of European drops, an array of rose (including Jeroboam), plenty of Aussie classics and a bunch of left-field bottles from creative labels, such as Lucy Margaux 'Wildman' and Patrick Sullivan 'Windy Cottage'. Meanwhile, Sam Egerton and his team will be hard at work in the cocktail bar, mixing new versions of old classics using seasonal produce. Egerton's favourite is a take on the Royale, with vodka, ginger cordial, Champagne and finger lime caviar. Needless to say, Bert's comes with gob-smacking views, of both The Newport's expansive outdoor area and stunning sparkling Pittwater. This isn't Merivale's only northern beaches venue, either — the group is set to open The Collaroy (which it bought in August last year) nearby very soon. Bert's opened on Sunday, January 21 at The Newport, 2 Kalinya Street, Newport. It's open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information, visit merivale.com.au/thenewport. Updated: January 23, 2018
Among the highlights on 2023's Sydney Festival lineup sits WORD MADE FLESH, a new exhibition from one of Australia's most accomplished multidisciplinary artists, Paul Yore. If you're keen on colourful, immersive and otherworldly art, this showcase is running for free at Carriageworks from Thursday, January 5–Sunday, February 26. Here, Yore finds joy in the mess of society, and reimagines an alternative queer reality that has been forged out of the wreckage of the current world. Created in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), the mixed-media exhibition combines sculptures, found objects, collages, paintings, video, sound and light to create a fully immersive realm. The exhibition is one of two free artistic activations taking over Carriageworks as part of Sydney Festival and Sydney WorldPride 2023. While you're at the Eveleigh space, make sure to also drop into The Huxleys' new exhibition Bloodlines, honouring those lost to HIV/AIDS including the legacy of the legendary queer artist we lost to the epidemic — and dedicated to legendary artists such as Leigh Bowery, Robert Mapplethorpe, Keith Haring and Sylvester. Images: Paul Yore, WORD MADE FLESH, 2022, Carriageworks. Photo: Zan Wimberley
Local distilleries have become a regular facet of the Sydney hospo scene, and the latest of these will launch in Potts Point this spring. Kings Cross Distillery is set to swing open its doors in just a few months' time, headed by distiller Odelia Potts. Situated on Macleay Street near the corner of Darlinghurst Road, the new cocktail den will feature house-made gins, whiskies and vodkas — plus personality aplenty. As with many old buildings in the area, the venue's past lives are varied and salacious. These include a 1960s speakeasy, an illegal gambling den and an adult bookstore with a hidden vault. That vault is no longer home to questionable activities, but the distillery's precious bottles of gin. The fit-out will pay homage to the building's history, too — think pin-ups and plenty of tucked away nooks to sip cocktails in. The distillery's 200-litre pot still will also sit front-and-centre. Expect seats for 120 all up and a dedicated kitchen serving mezze-style bites like baked kibbeh, vine-wrapped sardines and harissa carrots. Apart from the gin, the distillery will also make its own vodka and whisky, and pour other artisanal brands from around Australia and the globe. Guests can even keep specially selected drops in personalised spirit lockers, where bottles can be stored between visits and then used in any concoction on the menu, including the bar's signature cocktail: the Aalto Martini, which features a dry vermouth rinse, a double pour of dry gin and a slice of preserved lemon peel. Eager punters can pre-purchase those spirit lockers (for a cool $400–1,350) and have one all ready to go for opening night. In the meantime, you can grab a bottle of the KXG classic dry gin ($115), which launched on the website today. It's been adapted from a 1930s recipe and is made using your typical London Dry-style botanicals, including juniper, coriander seed and cardamom pods, plus locally sourced organic lemons and native myrtles. Kings Cross Distillery is slated to open this spring at Shop 8, 127 Macleay Street, Potts Point. Keep an eye on this space for exact opening details.
Life drawing and classes all typically unfold in the same manner: a model disrobes, budding artists commit their likeness to paper, and a wealth of potential masterpieces all focus on the naked human form. But at Magnolia's Art Class, that's just part of the equation. The other part? The folks behind the easel are also encouraged to drop their clothes. Open to women and female-identifying participants, next taking place on Wednesday, May 15 at Dulcie's Kings Cross, this art session is also a bonding session. It asks artists to embrace their own bodies while they're sketching someone else's, and celebrates confidence, diversity and empowerment in the process. And, it also lets attendees strike a pose as well — while there'll be an art model leading the charge, everyone can trying their hand at standing in their place. Tickets cost $20, and the 30-person class kicks off at 6.30pm. Given the venue, there'll also be wine, cocktails and cheese available to purchase, which might help spark some inspiration. How naked you get is up to you, based your own comfort levels — and the section of the bar where the class takes place will be closed off, and solely served by female staff. All drawing skill levels are welcome, too, with the session's teacher taking you through the basics. Just BYO dressing gown, sketch book, and drawing or painting tools.
When André 3000 asked 'what's cooler than being cool?', he might have been prophesying what went down in Thredbo last week. Because it was ice cold when more than 200 brave punters stripped down to Budgy Smugglers for a mass ski and snowboard down the snow-covered mountain. The inaugural Kosci in Your Cossies event took place on Thursday, July 25, with the keen riders descended on Australia's highest bistro and bar — at the top of the scenic Kosciuszko Express Chairlift — just after lunch. Here, they changed into their teeny-weeny custom-made Kosciuszko togs and one-pieces before heading to the start of the country's third-longest ski run. The Supertrail covers a whole 3.7 kilometres of snow— which is a fair distance to travel in clothing better fitted for the beach, folks. Thankfully, the sun was out, the wind was minimal and the mercury hit a balmy five degrees when the riders carved their way down the mountain. After speeding down to the bottom, the scantily clad skiers were greeted with crackling fires, warm beanies and a Kosciuszko pale ale. As the sun set, the Kosci in Your Cossies Apres Party kicked off. Some (even braver) folk decided to keep their bathers on for a scarily long time as they danced to Joyride and Groove City, while others (smartly) decided to layer up with some warmer snow-appropriate attire. The night ended at the Kosciuszko Pale Ale Banger Party over at Keller Bar, where (fully clothed) snow bunnies danced till the wee hours to DJs and musicians — with a pint in hand. What the?!🤔❄️😱 Over 200 uni students took on the #KosciInYourCossies challenge! Who's in for next year? 😜💪🏄‍♂️Kosciuszko Brewing Company Posted by Thredbo Resort on Tuesday, 30 July 2019 Remember to Drinkwise.
Every December, the Geminids meteor shower lights up our skies. Considered to be the most spectacular meteor shower of the year, it's caused by a stream of debris, left by an asteroid dubbed the 3200 Phaethon, burning up in Earth's atmosphere. The shower is expected to be visible from around 10.30pm in Sydney, 11pm in Melbourne, 10pm in Perth and 9pm in Brisbane on Saturday, December 14 through to the early morning on Sunday, December 15. The best time to catch an eyeful will be after midnight, when the moon has set and its light will not interfere, and before sunrise. While some years you could catch as many as 120 meteors every 60 minutes, this year, unfortunately, there's almost a full moon (a waning gibbous), which will make it harder to see as many. [caption id="attachment_699423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Jeff Dai.[/caption] But the Sydney Observatory says it's "still worth a try". So, get as far away from bright lights as possible — this could be a good excuse to head out of the city to a clear-skied camping spot — and pray for no clouds. To see the meteors, you'll need to give your eyes around 15–30 minutes to adapt to the dark (so try to avoid checking your phone) and look to the northeast. The shower's name comes from the constellation from which they appear to come, Gemini. So that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. To locate Gemini, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also has a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Geminids. The Geminids meteor shower will take place during the night on Saturday, December 14. Top image: A composite of 163 photos taken over 90 minutes during the Geminids by Jeff Smallwood for Flickr.
Harmony Week is almost here for 2022 — and, come Sunday, March 20, Welcome Merchant is celebrating. From 10am–3pm, the not-for-profit organisation is bringing together refugee entrepreneurs and Sydney shoppers for its first-ever pop-up market. Taking place at Tortuga Studios in St Peters, the market will feature a wide variety of goods made by Welcome Merchants' network of refugees and asylum-seekers. Vendors will be selling African-origin art, Malaysian and Palestinian food, and other wares — so you could leave with a full stomach, something for your wall and something to wear. In addition to Harmony Week, the event is also celebrating Welcome Merchant's second birthday. The organisation's goal is to promote refugee and asylum-seeking entrepreneurs, as well as facilitate their connections within the broader Australian community. Tickets are $5, and $2 from each ticket sold will be donated to Newtown's Asylum Seekers Centre, which provides aid to people seeking asylum. Attendees can buy tickets online beforehand, or at the door.
Sydneysiders love a bottomless brunch, and whether you're looking for a classy breakfast fair or a pile of golden-brown chicken with your choice of drinks, you can find it in this city. Darling Square's Wingboy is facilitating a truly wild weekend affair with its new bottomless wing and drinks deal that's available Friday–Sunday. Head to the inner-city spot for all-you-can-eat wings, chicken tenders of cauliflower wings coated in your choices of the ten different sauces available at the restaurant. At Wingboy, the wings can be coated in a wide variety of saucy rubs and marinades ranging from spicy peri peri dry rub or honey Sriracha through to sweet and sour plum or a classic buffalo. Accompanying the wings will be fries, slaw and two-hours of free-flowing drinks. Pair your crispy-skin chicken with bottomless beer, wine or soft drink. The bottomless is available for groups of four or more and will set back each member of your group $70. To organise a reservation, just mention 'Bottomless' in the notes section of your booking when you secure a table online.
UPDATE, August 24, 2022: In the Wake of Progress will now open on Friday, August 26, rather than Thursday, August 25. This article has been updated to reflect that change. When January rolls around, Sydney Festival fills the city with a massive array of arts and culture events, and kickstarts each new year in style in the process. But sometimes there's something on the fest's bill that's just too exciting to hold back until its next season — and filling the Oxford Street Precinct with nine-metre screens showcasing stunning aerial industrial landscape images from a renowned photographer is one such event. Those photos hail from acclaimed Canadian Edward Burtynsky and, from Friday, August 26–Sunday, September 18, they'll be on display in Sydney's Taylor Square. Sydney Festival is setting up three screens as part of an installation called In the Wake of Progress, a free immersive multimedia piece which'll span 40 years of Burtynsky's work. [caption id="attachment_865568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Edward Burtynsky, Dyralaekir River on Myrdalssandur, Iceland, 2012.[/caption] Whether you're now keen to stop by specifically to see In the Wake of Progress, or you know you'll be walking past daily anyway, Sydneysiders are in for a huge and spectacular art treat — which comes to Australia after premiering at Luminato Festival Toronto in June this year. Burtynsky's snaps focus on a topic that should be near and dear to everyone's hearts: humanity's impact upon the planet, the legacy we're leaving and the chance to create a more sustainable future. Accordingly, expect to peer at everything from scenes of shipbreaking in Bangladesh through to hazardous nickel tailings in Ontario. [caption id="attachment_865566" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Edward Burtynsky, Shipbreaking 23, Chittagong, Bangladesh, 2000.[/caption] As well as the photographer's imagery, In the Wake of Progress includes an original score by composer Phil Strong, and is co-produced by Bob Ezrin (who has worked with Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed and more). That means that making a date to take in the full 22-minute sensory experience is highly recommended. "It's incredibly exciting to have In the Wake of Progress travel across the world to be presented by the illustrious Sydney Festival right after its world premiere in Toronto," Burtynsky said. "I'm so grateful to know that we are officially at the beginning of having this work seen by as many people around the world as possible at a time when awareness of and the need for action on the climate crisis has never been more urgent." [caption id="attachment_865565" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Edward Burtynsky, Aqueduct 1, Los-Angeles, California, USA, 2009.[/caption] If you saw 2018 documentary Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, which Burtynsky co-directed, you'll know exactly what kinds of mesmerising and moving sights are in store. The artist is also coming to Sydney for a series of talks co-presented by the Australian Museum and Sydney Festival between Thursday, September 1–Saturday, September 3, for Sydneysiders keen to hear more about his work and the impact that photography can have in exploring nature and the earth. [caption id="attachment_865567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Edward Burtynsky, Stikine River, Northern British Columbia, 2012.[/caption] Sydney Festival's In the Wake of Progress will display at Taylor Square, Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, from Friday, August 26–Sunday, September 18. Top image: In the Wake of Progress at COCT. © Jim Pano.
Before setting up Hampden Deli, owners Nick Gardner and Stevie-Lee Bounader spent years in fine dining restaurants. Head Chef Nick trained at Nelson Bay's Zest, before working at some of Sydney's best restaurants, including Quay and Tetsuya's, where he was sous chef. So when you slip into this cosy deli, cage and cooking school in Kangaroo Valley for brekkie, take high expectations with you. The tight menu — which offers just two or three dishes at one time — features classics transformed into gourmet delights. Among them are an bacon and egg roll, with brown sugar bacon, local eggs, cabbage, fermented chilli and, surprisingly, Kettle chips, and the Eggs Royale: a muffin layered with local eggs, smoked salmon, Avruga 'caviar', maple hollandaise infused with coffee beans and chives. Cruising by at lunchtime? Linger over a grazing board, loaded with meats, cheeses, breads, croutons and house-made pickles, accompanied by a glass of local wine. Or grab a takeaway snack and keep going — the counter is crowded with sangas, salads, quiches and some very impressive pastries that are made in-house each morning. If you're lucky, you'll time your visit with the deli's cinnamon cream buns or one of its salted caramel cube croissants filled with wattleseed cream. There's also a busy events schedule, with special dinners, masterclasses and workshops taking place every couple of weeks. Images: Tammie Seidel, Take Five Photography.
Trivia comps mean gathering your mates around, enjoying a few beverages and trying to convert your respective stores of knowledge into glory. At this particular trivia afternoon, you'll do all that, but there'll be a particular emphasis on your pals. Given that the topic of the session is a certain sitcom about a band of best buddies, celebrating your chums is the thing to do. Yes, Friends is in the spotlight at The Lansdowne's next battle of pop culture tidbits. If you think you know everything there is to know about the show that caused viewers to agonise over whether Ross and Rachel would get together, wish that Joey and Chandler lived next door and get their hair cut like Jennifer Aniston, here's your chance to prove it. Prizes are on offer, and if you wanted an excuse to break out those 90s and early 00s fashions, this is it. Remember, though, it has been 15 years since Friends was on TV, making the contest not just a test of trivia, but a workout for everyone's memories. No one told you that watching endless television reruns could turn out this way. The next session of Friends Trivia takes place from 3pm on Sunday, July 21, with tickets on sale now. Updated: June 20, 2019.
No doubt you've heard about western Sydney's multibillion-dollar development Parramatta Square, which is transforming the CBD into a thriving retail and dining hub. While there's some way before the project is completed, you can now dine at several new restaurants and takeaway spots, including new outposts from already popular burger and salad bowl chains to newbies from restaurateurs Maurice Terzini and Ibby Moubadder. In partnership with Parramatta Square, we've picked out seven dishes you should order when you're there — whether you're booking in for a feast or in need of a fast feed. [caption id="attachment_788544" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] CLAM FREGOLA AT CICCIA BELLA One of the most exciting additions to Parramatta Square is Maurice Terzini's second Ciccia Bella. Chef Nic Wong (The Apollo and Cho Cho San) oversees the menu at both the Bondi and western Sydney restaurants, which takes inspiration from southern Italian cooking. We suggest starting with a serve of the woodfired house bread and LP's Quality Meats mortadella, before opting for the Sardinian fregola with prawns, calamari and clams ($28). Make sure you leave room for a slice of the banoffee pie ($15), too. CHARCOAL WAGYU BEEF SKEWER AT LILYMU We could just as easily picked the tom yum prawn dumplings or the egg-topped mi goreng with black garlic at Lilymu, but our favourite dish at the new half-indoor, half-outdoor diner from Ibby Moubadder (Nour and Henrietta) has to be the charcoal wagyu beef tongue ($11). It's beautifully soft, has a delicate texture and works surprisingly well with one of Lilymu's spicy margaritas. And, as the menu here is designed to share, you can easily order all three dishes between two and still have room for a slice of tres leches cake to finish. [caption id="attachment_790073" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] A BENTO BOX AT SUSHI YUZEN This is the first Sydney outlet from head chef Hiroshi Shimizu, who has two Melbourne-based Sushi Yuzens and nearly four decades of experience under his belt. Sushi Yuzen does exactly what you'd expect: fresh, precisely prepared nigiri, plus bento boxes with options including chilli chicken and teriyaki salmon, all served with house-made sauces. As Parramatta Square is smack-bang in the middle of its financial district, with a university on its doorstep, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a quick feed al fresco. Sushi Yuzen makes a speedy lunch even easier with its online ordering system, too, so you can place your order at your desk and pop down when it's ready to takeaway. [caption id="attachment_790077" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] BEEF DIP SUB AT HARVEY'S HOT SANDWICHES Fluffy white bread, grilled beef fillet, horseradish mayo and grilled onions, with provolone cheese and gravy dipping — the beef dip sub ($16) is our top pick at newbie Harvey's Hot Sandwiches. The American-style diner makes its sambos thick, meaty and saucy, and any one of the subs, including the philly cheesesteak, buttermilk fried chicken, mortadella, slow roasted brisket and pastrami sandwiches are day makers. And, as it's open daily, you'll have every reason to sample them all. [caption id="attachment_788514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] CRISPY CHICKEN CAESAR AT BETTY'S BURGERS Brisbane-born burger shack Betty's has been serving up handheld feasts in Sydney since it first opened up in Darling Harbour in 2017. There are now ten locations across the city, including a new diner at Parramatta Square. You'll find Betty's Burgers in the walkway from Parramatta train station, and you can grab a burger to eat in or take away to the ample outdoor dining areas nearby. Our pick is the new crispy chicken caesar ($15): panko-crumbed chicken topped with a parmesan wafer, bacon, egg, fresh lettuce and dijonnaise sauce. Add one of Betty's famed frozen custard thick shakes and you'll be fuelled for the rest of the day. [caption id="attachment_790074" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] ANY TWO SCOOPS AT RIVARENO GELATO Whether you're craving sweet mango and strawberry, tart Sicilian lemon, dairy-free pistachio sorbet or piña colada granita, you know the intense flavours at Rivareno Gelato are thanks to the gelateria's commitment to making its icy treats in-house, every day. Owner Kieran Tosolini opened his third outlet of the Italian-style gelato shop in Parramatta Square knowing he'd be bringing scoops of joy to new and returning customers throughout the year. As all 26 flavours are seasonal, made using only natural ingredients, our tip is to seek out the specials board and start working your way from top to bottom. [caption id="attachment_788651" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] PUMP-IT-UP AT FISHBOWL You know the format by now. Select your base (rice, noodles or cabbage — or a combination of two), then select your toppings, from salmon and tuna sashimi to free range chicken, tofu and braised brisket. The beauty of Fishbowl, whether you're in Bondi, Chatswood or Parramatta, is that each Japanese-style salad bowl is freshly prepared using the same quality, minimal intervention ingredients you've come to expect from the fresh fast-food chain. When ordering at the Parramatta Square's outpost, we suggest ordering the roasted pumpkin as your protein, or the Pump-It-Up bowl. It comes with tofu, cabbage, beetroot, radish, chilli and coriander, lemon oil and almonds ($14.90). It's earthy, textural, and best enjoyed while sitting in the sunshine. Find out more about Parramatta Square's new dining options, here. Top image: Lilymu
The Central Coast has just gained a massive new hospitality precinct thanks to Australian entrepreneur extraordinaire John Singleton. He's done much to develop the high-end hospitality scene on the Central Coast, with his ventures include the award-winning Pretty Beach House and Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel. But the latest spot to receive the Singleton treatment is Gosford's 14-storey Bonython Tower, a luxury waterfront mixed-use building at Point Frederick. Singleton has transformed the building into a six-in-one venue, The Bon Pavilion — and it opens today, Friday, April 12. Longtime hospitality partners Brian and Karina Barry (Pokolbin Hunter Valley Resort) are in on the action, having also joined Singleton on Bells at Killcare, Pretty Beach House and the Bluetongue Brewery. In the kitchen is celebrity executive chef Sean Connolly, who is best known locally as the man behind The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room, but also operates highly lauded venues in Byron Bay, Auckland, Adelaide and Dubai. Connolly is all about ethically sourced produce and simple food done well, which will of course be on display across Bon Pavilion's many offerings. And we mean many. The enormous pavilion is split between six 'zones', each with a distinct offering. First up there's Bonfire, the venue's main dining room, which is open for lunch and dinner. Think freshly shucked oysters, seasonal fish and premium cuts of steak, plus an extensive wine list with a strong focus on Hunter Valley drops. For even more wine, head to the Bon Vin cellar door, which offers up premium wines from around the globe — including Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Spain and South America — with bottles ranging from $38 to a whopping $750. Then there's Bon Bar, open from midday until midnight, and slinging Australian and international craft beer on tap, a wide range of spirits and seasonal cocktails, plus late-night bar snacks. The public bar will be a more casual affair, open each day as well. For more casual fare, Bon Bon Espresso offers breakfast and lunch, along with a selection signature cocktails and house wines — a clear theme across the board. There's also separate private dining and function rooms for booking. Speaking of a many hats, Connolly is also the space's creative director and is also responsible for the fit-out, alongside design practice Alexander & Co. The impressive interior features a palette of burnt orange and sea greens, and diners will be joined by a huge mural by Lisa King of Biripi Nation woman Elsie Stuart. Worth a trip up the coast this weekend — especially as it's only an hour and a half away, both in the car or on the train. The Bon Pavilion is now open at 159 Mann Street, Gosford. The espresso bar will open from 6.30am daily, and the other venues will open from midday. Images: Jacs Powell Photography.
Spring, plus light- to medium-bodied red wine: what a pairing. It's the duo that not only sits at the heart of Australian wine-tasting festival Pinot Palooza, but has helped the vino-swilling event become such a hit. The weather is sunny, the tipples are heady, and sipping your way through a heap of the latter is on the menu — including in 2023. Earlier in 2023, the beloved wine fest announced that it was not only returning for 2023, but also settling back into that coveted spring timeslot. Now, it has locked in venues and put tickets on sale. The Melbourne-born wine tasting festival will celebrate its 11th year by hitting up Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane again. To close out winter, it'll also make its debut in Perth. On offer at Claremont Showgrounds in Perth, Sydney's Carriageworks, Brisbane Showgrounds and The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne: more than 50 winemakers slinging their wares. Pinot Palooza will spread the party over three August days in Western Australia, as well as three October days in the Sunshine State. In New South Wales and Victoria, it'll be a two-day affair. In its decade of life until now, the fest has welcomed in thousands of vino lovers. Indeed, an estimated 65,000 tickets were sold globally before its 2022 events. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the popular celebration was shelved for two-and-a-half years, before making a comeback last year. The response? More than 12,000 folks heading along around the nation. 2023's vino-sipping fun will cover organic, biodynamic, vegan and low-intervention wines, and more. Set to share their tipples among producers from Australia, New Zealand and further afield: New Zealand's Burn Cottage and CHARTERIS; Small Island, Ghost Rock and Meadowbank from Tasmania; M&J Becker from NSW and Moondarra from Victoria. The food lineup will feature cheese, salumi, terrines, patê, olives and other perfect vino accompaniments, with Tasmania's Grandvewe Cheese and Victoria's Mount Zero among the suppliers. And, while Pinot Palooza is a standalone fest only across the east coast dates, in Perth it's part of an already-announced collaboration with cheese festival Mould. PINOT PALOOZA 2023: Friday, August 25–Sunday, August 27: Centenary Pavilion, Claremont Showgrounds, Perth Friday, October 6–Saturday, October 7: Carriageworks, Sydney Friday, October 13–Sunday, October 15: John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds Friday, October 27–Saturday, October 28: The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne Pinot Palooza will get pouring around Australia from August–October 2023. For more information and tickets, head to the event's website.
Sydney institution Marigold Chinese Cuisine has been serving Sydneysiders its beloved Chinese dishes and yum cha for nearly forty years. Following a disastrous two years for hospitality due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the iconic Haymarket venue has announced that it is closing its doors to the public on Sunday, December 5 this year. It's shattering news for the city's recovering hospitality industry. Usually open daily for lunch and dinner, including the holiday period, Marigold is a yum cha and Christmas Day staple for Sydneysiders. "Dearest customers and supporters. With a heavy heart, we announce the closing of Marigold Restaurant," reads the statement on the Marigold website. The statement sites the pandemic, as well as plans to extend the Citymark Building as the reasons for its closure. "In the past 39 years, we have been very privileged to have served Sydneysiders and visitors from interstate and overseas, many of whom have become our friends," the statement continues. "The children and grandchildren of our customers have grown up with us and held their milestone celebrations in the restaurant." The devastating news comes just two months after it was revealed fellow iconic Sydney restaurant Golden Century had gone into administration. While there has been speculation that the venue could still be saved, the future for Golden Century remains unclear. If you want to experience Marigold one last time, the Haymarket spot is open seven days a week for yum cha and la carte 10am–3pm, and la carte dinner and dim sum degustations 5.30–9.30pm each day. You can also order takeaway by calling the restaurant on 9281 3388. Marigold is located at Level four and five, Citymark Building, 683 George Street, Sydney. It will close to the public on Sunday, December 5.
The spirit of cabaret is alive and well in Sydney, with one of the world's most-celebrated chanteuses lighting up Sydney Spiegeltent for two months. Her particular mix of debauchery, dark humour and biting social commentary make this one of 2024's must-see shows. German kabarett superstar Bernie Dieter — described as "an electrifying cross between Lady Gaga, Marlene Dietrich and Frank-N-Furter in sequins" — is bringing her infamous gin-soaked haus band and her troupe of bombastic bohemians to the Harbour City from Wednesday, May 29–Sunday, July 28. Gather your fellow deviants for this one. [caption id="attachment_841679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Johannes Reinhart[/caption] The show encapsulates the spirit of the notorious kabarett clubs of Weimar Germany, and features a vibrant lineup of international talent. The billing includes the dangerous art of hair hanging (we're getting split ends just from the mere mention of this one), flame breathers, gender bending aerial performances and plenty of strip teasing and pole dancing. The colourful show celebrates freedom and diversity in all its forms — Dieter herself describes it as "the ultimate party at the end of the world".
Not so long ago, Newtown locals went to the 'Townie' to drink and a handful of cafes to eat. Now there's a long list of options each quirkier, cleverer and more welcoming than the last. But one does not simply open a venue in Newtown. Its locals are fiercely loyal and discerning, known for having evicted a McDonalds back in the '90s. A bar or restaurant opening up in Newtown has to feel like it was made by Newtown, not just plonked down in it, and that's produced some excellent establishments that are loved by both locals and outsiders. Check out these ten standouts. Miss Peaches Soul Food Kitchen American food may be flavour of the month, but it's also the flavour of Newtown, as several recent openings attest. Step off Missenden Road and be transported to a pseudo-Louisiana where Miss Peaches and her Soul Food Kitchen are waiting. The spacious brick bar has old-school Southern charm with plenty of comfy booths, a balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of King Street below, plus a blues-infused vinyl collection to get any feet dancing. The menu is the antithesis of all diets and not for the faint of heart. Think cornbread sliders filled with deep-fried mac and cheese, chicken or beef short rib (3 for $18), crispy tater tots with maple bacon ketchup ($8) or flaky crawfish pies ($12). Cornerstone Like Tutankhamun's tomb, Carriageworks' food and drinks site seems to have had an ancient curse menacing it. Venues have come and gone (most recently John and Peter Canteen), perhaps banking on a more formal, sit-down crowd than they can reliably attract in a pre-show context. New bar and restaurants Cornerstone has a real chance of kicking this hex. It's grazing menu is masterminded by the Fresh Catering team, and it boasts a truly gorgeous fit-out that lures you in even if you're not spending the evening with a show at Carriageworks. The Garden Bar at the Marly The Marlborough Hotel has tried to banish the ghosts of first years past with its new fit-out, and it's doing surprisingly well. New owners John Singleton and Geoff Dixon have breathed new life into the pub by introducing the Garden Bar while still maintaining the old-school charm for which the Marly is known. back courtyard is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon catching some rays in the secluded, art deco-furnished terrace. The kitchen has gone Deep South, and not timidly. You gotta try the waffles — choose from crispy buttermilk deep-fried chicken, smoked pulled pork, cheesy BBQ sirloin or Mexican lentil toppings ($8). Soda Pony Newtown has always had a superlative cafe scene, and Soda Pony is the latest bearer of that tradition. Positioned at the south end of King Street, Soda Pony fits in seamlessly amongst the many second-hand vintage stores, invoking feelings of nostalgia with its mismatched chairs and antique posters. Try their epic choc-malt frosty thickshake ($5.50) — only for the courageous, but totally worth it. What's more of a bonus is that they're serving a mean Double Roasters coffee ($3.50) here, so reheating your mitts is taken care of. You may, however, have to take care of your landlord — you've found a new home. Mary's The fit-out is undoubtedly cool, a step up from some of the surrounding venues without a doubt. From the literally bottomless Jack Daniel's bottle light fixtures to the big, chunky, brother-made wooden table on the far right ground floor corner, it's clear a great deal of time and effort has gone into gutting what once was and tailoring it to suit Newtown's growing crowd of aesthetes. Luckily, judging from the diversity of said crowd, and much like the suburb itself, everyone and anyone seems to be welcome. The burgers are already famous — like Maccas in style, but with the fancy finger work of Powell on the grill, not to mention the fabulously now trashcan-lid-smoked bacon as an optional extra, the taste beats that shining yellow M any day. The Bank Hotel Beer Garden The Bank's got a reputation as being a boozy outer suburbs drinking den frequented by out-of-Newtowners and doesn't quite fit into the area's grungier vibe. Now the longstanding Sumalee Thai restaurant downstairs, which was serving Newtown's international cuisine of choice for about 20 years, has made way for a gourmet gastro pub grub kitchen. The nameless kitchen offers restaurant-standard meals rather than dishing out just burgers and chips (although that too is on offer, if renamed 'bun stuffers'). There's no reason why the Bank won't enjoy the same success as the Newtown Hotel, and there are plans to extend the terrace to a front balcony, like the Newtown (though some work needs to be done on the bland front bar to make the back garden, which is very inviting, to be more than a hidden secret). Osteria Russo & Russo Technically, this may be Enmore, but Russo & Russo's effect is definitely felt towards the Newtown end of the street. It's building up the local fine dining scene pioneered by Hartsyard, Spencer Gutherie and Sixpenny. Head chef Jason Saxby bent the norm at The Bridge Room with nice, quirky takes on traditional dishes, but he's free from the semi-corporate environment now. There are no Italian standards on the menu, but rather busy, fussy dishes such as the wild hare ragu intertwined with scarlet red, hand-rolled beetroot pasta ($24). The glazed beef cheeks with semolina gnocchi, broad beans and radicchio ($28) is a hit, too. Newtown Social Club It was a sad day for Sydney's live music scene when Newtown's beloved Sandringham Hotel was placed in receivership last June, and even sadder when it was finally forced to shut its doors in December. But there was also cause for cautious optimism, with word that the team behind two of Melbourne's most iconic venues, the Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club, would be taking over the site. Bands haven't started playing yet (the band room on the second floor needs renovations), but it's a nice place for a cheap pizza and beer in the meantime and has retained a lot of the old venue's spirit. Newtown Hotel Okay, this one's been open since October last year, but it's been such a pioneer of the Newtown Renaissance, it deserves a long celebration. The pub oozes Newtown; from local street artists' art adorning the walls, to the cinema on the second floor, which shows indie flicks during the week. And you may remember the pop-up bar Freaky Tiki, which operated in the hotel before the refurbishment? Well, the Tiki is well and truly alive too, with cocktails from the former bar that scream rock and roll. Try the Janis Joplin, chamomile tea-infused Jack Daniels, white crème de cacao, Cointreau and lemon ($16). Hartsyard Hartsyard may be the oldest venue on this list (one year old in May), but it's the kind of place that keeps surprising you anew. It's American food again, this time with the experimental touch of a fine diner. Start with the poutine ($23) for a no-holds-barred introduction to American cuisine that borrows generously from the Bible Belt, French Canada and the friction between urban and rural dining. Hartsyard prides itself on homegrown ingredients and traditional recipes reappropriated for a modern palette, and it delivers on all three fronts. So, grab your friends, order generously, and be prepared to use your hands and lick your fingers. By the Concrete Playground team.
Aqua Ignis Bathhouse is redefining communal bathing in Australia, as an architectural and cultural landmark in the Blue Mountains. Rooted in its cultural connection, Aqua Ignis positions itself as a ritual practice — one that is immersive and deeply sensory. Designed by Korean-born, Germany-raised architect Siki Im, the project serves as a departure from traditional Australian spa culture. Instead of framing bathing as a luxury escape, Aqua Ignis prides itself on offering a more elemental experience. The bathhouse, conceived as both a sanctuary and sculpture, sits low within the landscape, utilising stone and water to immerse guests in a spatial meditation on contrast and flow. The space invites guests to experience bathing as not an out-of-the-blue activity, but a journey that moves through the elemental transitions of stillness and sociality. Expert guides lead guests along two contrasting pathways inspired by the ancient Eastern philosophies of Yin and Yang. Yin flow represents a quieter, more reserved journey, featuring a steam room, a magnesium-rich thermal bath, and silent reflection zones. Yang flow begins with a dry sauna, followed by a cold plunge and communal rest spaces. Each space has been carefully crafted to engage the body through the use of temperature and texture. At the same time, the architecture amplifies the emotional experience, utilising natural light, acoustics, and materiality to heighten awareness of oneself and one's surroundings. The opening positions Aqua Ignis as one of the most significant new wellness destinations in Australia, and a powerful example of how architecture can shape not just space, but behaviour and emotion. Find out more about Aqua Ignis and make a booking. Images: Supplied
Located in the Sydney CBD's shiny new dining and business precinct Brookfield Place, Tenkomori Ramen House's Wynyard outpost has been serving up steaming hot bowls of brothy goodness in the heart of the city since opening at the beginning of the year. To celebrate the beginning of Vivid Sydney, Tenkomori is offering a ramen deal that's seriously good value. For one day only, the eatery is offering $1 ramen. Yes, you're reading that correctly. Break out the gold coins, because from 5pm on Friday, May 27 you'll be able to get a bowl of Tenkomori's signature ramen for just $1. The Tenkomori Ramen on offer as part of the deal is filled with steamed pork loin, pickled takana greens, a fish cake, dried seaweed and a seasoned boiled egg. Head after work and grab yourself a $1 feed before you head out to explore all the lights, art and music Vivid has to offer this year.
Purrfect news, feline fans: everything a dapper doggo can do, a cute cat can as well. While that's an accurate statement in general, as anyone who has ever shared their life with both a pooch and a kitty will know, it's also the thinking behind Sydney's returning animal event. From the folks behind the Dog Lovers Festival comes the mouser equivalent: the Cat Lovers Festival. If you wear the 'crazy cat person' label as a badge of honour, stop to pat every moggie you meet while you're walking down the street or spend your all of your spare time watching cat videos (or all of the above), then you'll want to block out Saturday, August 24–Sunday, August 25 in your calendar. Expect Sydney Showground to come alive with the sounds of meows, and expect pussy lovers to come out in force. On the agenda: feline-focused education and celebration. Before you go thinking about adorable kitties wearing glasses and sitting at desks, or popping streamers and wearing party hats (awwwwwwwww), humans will be doing the learning and rejoicing. Really, what's more informative and exuberant than entering the Pat-A-Cat zone and getting cosy with cats of all shapes and sizes — and possibly taking one home with you? If that doesn't tickle your whiskers, expect to meet more than 200 kitties, hit up a cat supermarket, listen to talks about felines, watch cat shows, see a fabulous feline performance on the WHISKAS Stage and grab a bite to eat — or even a glass of bubbles at the Purrr-secco Bar. Just remember: there'll be plenty of mousers in the Cat Lovers Show house, so you'll need to leave your own moggie at home.
Calling all Sydneysiders looking to get the jump on this year's silly season: have your holiday shopping list at the ready. Woollahra Hotel is once again hosting its pop-up Christmas Market — a one stop shop for unique holiday decorations, festive treats, special crafts and customised gifts. This annual market isn't just a chance to knock out your gift list. It's also a celebration of the wonderful Woollahra community. Over 20 local businesses will come together to offer exclusive deals that are only available for this event. Grab that perfect Christmas wine from Moncur Cellars, shop for bespoke jewellery with Mitchell Maker Jewellery and find artisan homewares by the good folks at The Bay Tree. When you're done shopping for others, be sure to treat yourself with a Christmas cocktail as you enjoy live music from the Arthur Washington Quintet at the top level of the hotel from 4pm until late. Whether you're shopping for others, looking to treat yourself or you're just getting into the holiday spirit, this pop-up market has it all. Support local businesses in the spirit of the season and mark your calendars for a merry night to remember.
If your resolutions for 2023 involve being your best self in the kitchen, this year keeps bringing folks Australia's way who can definitely help. First, Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi made his way around the country on a speaking tour. In May, Britain's Marco Pierre White is doing the same. And, also the same month, the one and only Nigella Lawson will enjoy her latest visit Down Under. Dubbed An Evening with Nigella Lawson, this tour will see the television and cookbook favourite chat through her culinary secrets — and food in general, her life and career, and more. If you're the kind of person who starts plotting your next meal before you've even finished the last, or loves eating more than anything else, Lawson's visit will help get right to the guts of your food obsession. And, the two Sydney events at the State Theatre on Sunday, May 21 — at 2pm and 7.30pm — will also feature a Q&A component so that you can ask Lawson whatever you've always wanted to yourself. Even when she isn't answering audience questions, Lawson will have plenty to cover — she has a hefty pile of cookbooks to her name, starting with 1998's How to Eat: Pleasures and Principles of Good Food and including 2020's Nigella's Cook, Eat, Repeat. When she hasn't been filling our bookshelves with recipes, she's been whipping through them on TV, too, on everything from Nigella Bites, Nigella Feasts, Nigella Kitchen and Nigellissima through to Simply Nigella and Nigella: At My Table. And, she's been popping up on Top Chef, MasterChef Australia and My Kitchen Rules as well.
When Suicide Squad reached cinemas screens back in 2016, it garnered plenty of attention. Critics largely hated it, fans loved it and some folks tried to shut down Rotten Tomatoes because of it. Come awards season, it picked up an Oscar (for best achievement in makeup and hairstyling) as well as two Razzie 'worst' nominations. The divisive reactions just kept coming, although there were two things that almost everyone agreed on. Firstly, most people rightfully loathed Jared Leto's interpretation of the Joker. Secondly, the majority of viewers adored Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. While the DC Extended Universe hasn't gotten a whole lot right in its attempts to emulate the Marvel Cinematic Universe (see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, for example), its powerbrokers did seem to pay attention to the super-sized Suicide Squad debate. In response, they're giving the world what it wants: more Robbie as everyone's favourite ex-psychiatrist turned antihero. In Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), Harley Quinn has moved on from the clown prince of crime (much like DC has moved on from Leto, at least for now, with Joaquin Phoenix playing the character in last year's standalone Joker film). In the aftermath of their breakup — an explosive event, as the film's just-dropped new trailer shows — she rounds up a crew filled with other fearsome Gotham ladies. Prepare to spend time with Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), the Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) as they try to thwart supervillain Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). Directed by Cathy Yan (Dead Pigs), also co-starring Chris Messina and Ali Wong, Birds of Prey marks Quinn's first solo cinematic outing — and as the both the first sneak peek and the new trailer demonstrates, it's going big, bold and over-the-top. Bright, vibrant, fun and frenetic are all terms that apply, too. When it hits theatres next month, expect plenty of colour, chaos and formidable gals wreaking havoc, in what's been rumoured to be the first in a Quinn-focused trilogy. With Suicide Squad getting a sequel in 2021, confusingly titled The Suicide Squad and helmed by Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn, the pigtailed prankster definitely isn't leaving screens anytime soon. Check out the new trailer for Birds of Prey below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygzqL60kvwU&feature=youtu.be Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) will hit Australian cinemas on February 6, 2020.
When the time came for Hannah Gadsby to follow up her international smash-hit show Nanette, that seemed a rather difficult task. After all, the one-woman stand-up performance copped serious praise on its 18-month travels across Australia and the UK, even scooping the top honours at both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe — and spawning its very own Netflix special. But, then Douglas was born, with the beloved Aussie comedian returning to the stand-up stage with a performance named after her own pet pooch. While Nanette pulled apart the concept of comedy itself, dishing up an insight into Gadsby's past, Douglas took comedy fans on a "tour from the dog park to the renaissance and back". It toured stages across Australia and New Zealand in late 2019 and early 2020, and then hit Netflix a year ago. Next on the agenda: following up both of those supremely popular shows, and doing so in-person. Between July and November this year, Gadsby will be doing just that thanks to her new stand-up set Body of Work. It'll tour Australia in 2021, before heading to the UK, European and North America in early 2022. Despite spending the past year sitting out the pandemic, as we all have, Gadsby's humour won't have lost its charms. She'll be kicking off her tour in Canberra, then heading to Albury, Newcastle, Hobart, Launceston, Darwin, Bendigo, Albany, Bunbury, Mandurah, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane. And yes, she'll be playing Sydney, too, although those dates and details haven't yet been revealed. https://twitter.com/Hannahgadsby/status/1391545052564914176 HANNAH GADSBY 'BODY OF WORK' TOUR DATES: July 23–24 — Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra July 26 — Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury July 29 — Newcastle Civic Theatre, Newcastle August 5–7 — Theatre Royal, Hobart August 15–16 — Princess Theatre, Launceston August 22 — Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin August 27 — Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo September 1 — Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany September 3 — Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury September 4 — Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah September 10–11 — Regal Theatre, Perth October 26–31 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne November 26–27 — QPAC, Brisbane Dates TBC — Sydney Hannah Gadsby's 'Body of Work' will tour Australia from July to November 2021. For further details — and to buy pre-sale tickets from Wednesday, May 12 and general tickets from 9am on Friday, May 14 — head to the comedian's website.
Darren Aronofsky may have been lauded for his portrait of The Wrestler, but he certainly doesn't pull his punches in the ballet world. Turning the dial up to 11, Aronofsky brings glorious new meaning to the term 'melodrama' as he refashions the tragic tale of the Swan princess into a sexy, haunting and sublimely over the top cinematic romp. Taking more than a few cues from Dostoyevsky's The Double, Roman Polanski's Repulsion and of course Powell and Pressburger's seminal The Red Shoes, Aronofsky and his screenwriters serve up Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a timidly ambitious ballerina desperate for perfection. When ballet company director Thomas (Vincent Cassel) ousts his prima ballerina (Winona Ryder) and instead selects Nina to play the lead in his revamped production of Swan Lake, the pressure immediately begins to take its toll on his new princess. Thomas knows Nina is perfect for the virginal White Swan, but he forces her to confront her lack of sensuality and wild abandon required for the sultry Black Swan. This role is better suited to the free-spirited new recruit Lily (Mila Kunis), and this perceived treat to her new reign fractures Nina's fragile psyche. Add to the mix a terrifyingly infantilising mother (a scene-stealing Barbara Hershey) and a history of stress-induced scratching, and Aronofsky has a veritable crucible of psychological factors to toy with on screen. And toy he most definitely does, leading his audience into the depths of Nina's psychosis via Portman's utterly spellbinding performance. She is simply exquisite, literally and figuratively flapping about on stage, rail thin and wild-eyed. It is a testament to her committed preparation that Portman looks at home in the ballet company, and similarly she seamlessly slips into Nina's protracted childhood amongst her wall-to-wall pink, plush toy filled bedroom. There's even a music box, complete with a twirling ballerina. Yes, everything is that black and white in Black Swan, and that's exactly how Aronofsky wants it. If you're searching for any hint of nuance or subtlety, you're in the wrong place. Aronofsky is more like a bull in a china shop, but therein lies all the fun. See Black Swan for Portman, for the production design and for the sheer, ballsy, maddening brilliance of it all. https://youtube.com/watch?v=5jaI1XOB-bs
When Mov'In Bed first launched, it helped solve a problem. Can't choose between hitting up an outdoor cinema or watching a film in bed? Here, you don't have to. Up and running since mid-January, Mov'In Bed's new outdoor beach cinema stacks on another layer to that equation like it's building a sandcastle. Can't pick between flicks under the stars, going to the beach or being cosy? Again, this is the solution. Because getting folks seeing films on a mattress — pillows, blankets and all — beneath the evening sky wasn't enough (or on a boat in Darling Harbour, or a car on Entertainment Quarter's rooftop), Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema's beach stint is taking to the sand at Harbour Park in Barangaroo until Sunday, April 14, 2024. And all those white grains that'll be beneath your feet? There's a huge 280 tonnes of the stuff, which the pop-up's 150 queen-sized beds sit atop. If you haven't had the chance to enjoy the experience, which features a 15-metre 4K screen, as yet, the pop-up outdoor picture palace has just revealed what's showing on its February and March lineup. The last month of summer kicks off with Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, then also boasts Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, John Wick: Chapter 4, Ferrari, Next Goal Wins, Wonka and The Iron Claw. Come autumn, All of Us Strangers, The Holdovers, Past Lives and Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron also feature. Where's the best place to see Sydney-shot Sydney Sweeney-starring rom-com Anyone But You? In Sydney near the water — which plays more than a small part in the movie — obviously. With the 2024 Academy Award nominations freshly announced, Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema at Barangaroo is also showing Killers of the Flower Moon again in the coming months. And on Oscars day itself, it'll screen whatever wins Best Picture (so, likely Oppenheimer). The night will also include champagne to celebrate, and attendees are encouraged to wear red carpet-ready outfits. Before marking Hollywood's night of nights, Mov'In will get into the mid-February spirit with the Mean Girls musical for Galentine's Day, The Notebook on Valentine's Day and Crazy Stupid Love on Singles Awareness Day (aka Thursday, February 15). Other retro titles across the newly unveiled flicks span go-tos such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Dirty Dancing, Notting Hill, When Harry Met Sally and Clueless. And, although it's only a couple of years old, Top Gun: Maverick has already become an outdoor cinema staple. Whatever you select to see, expect company, with January's sessions selling out. Expect DJ-spun tunes, focusing on songs from film soundtracks, upon arrival as well. No one wandering by will hear a thing once the movie starts playing, however, because Mov'In uses noise-cancelling headphones for every attendee. Gates open at 6pm, with movies playing from 8.30pm. And price-wise, tickets will range from $12–75 per person. Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema's beach stint runs until Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Harbour Park, Barangaroo. For further details or to book, head to the Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema website.
If the Venice Film Festival can dedicate an entire island to virtual reality, and Brisbane can host its own VR festival, then Melbourne's year-round cinema hub can make the interactive technology a permanent part of its collection. As well as launching a new limited-offering VR commission, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image is adding a VR Lounge to its screen-filled spaces. Come September 23, ACMI will not only say hello to Prehistoric VR, a free two-week step back in time, but will also ask visitors to get comfy in their newest addition. The former, called the first 360-degree VR puppetry experience of its kind, comes from performing arts company Erth Visual & Physical Inc and award-winning visual artist and filmmaker Samantha Lang, while the latter will showcase a rotating array of VR works. The third ACMI commission that has asked established performing artists to turn a live stage work into realistic 360-degree virtual reality, where Prehistoric VR is headed isn't a surprise — when it comes to interacting with creatures that no longer roam the earth, life finds a way. Until October 8, the immersive experience dives onto the ocean floor, and back 200 million years, to encounter the aquatic critters from the Ediacaran to the Cretaceous periods. On the permanent front, ACMI's new ongoing VR Lounge will form part of its free Screen Worlds exhibition, kicking off with mystical fairy tale The Turning Forest. Created by Melbourne-based VR company VRTOV, who also have space at ACMI's co-working space ACMI X, it premiered to rave reviews at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, even earning comparisons to The NeverEnding Story. ACMI's commitment to virtual reality isn't new, with the centre premiering the spooky Ghost, Toast and the Things Unsaid and immersive dance experience Stuck in the Middle With You in 2016. As ACMI Director and CEO, Katrina Sedgwick explains, "as the national museum for film, TV, games digital culture and art, ACMI is fascinated by the rapid evolution of VR and the new ways practitioners are engaging audiences through this platform." Image: Renee Stamatis Photography.
As it turns out, not even an electrical fire can keep Nomad down. Al and Rebecca Yazbek's acclaimed Surry Hills Mediterranean diner suffered extensive damage after a fire broke out in the restaurant's ceiling in early September, but the show's far from over. While the Foster Street restaurant site undergoes a hefty rebuild and some much-needed repair work, Nomad will keep chugging along, albeit in a slightly different forma. It has popped up around the corner at 85 Commonwealth Street for a three-month residency. This new space was previously home to modern Thai institution Longrain and most recently the much-hyped Orana in Residence pop-up, so it's safe to say Nomad is joining some pretty good company. Nomad Up The Road — as the pop-up is called — takes the form of a sophisticated 140 seater, decked out with much of the original restaurant's artwork and furniture. It has front-row seating along the open kitchen, as well as roomy, group-friendly tables, and a private dining area for 24. [caption id="attachment_748861" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay[/caption] Chef Jacqui Challinor continues to head things up in the kitchen, but, without Nomad's famed woodfired oven, expect a few changes to the food. On the menu, long-standing favourites like the kingfish ceviche, duck mortadella and that creamy cannellini bean hummus join a slew of new inventions. Kingfish croquettes are served with XO sauce and finger lime, ricotta dumplings are saucy and topped with shiitakes and calamari gets an Argentinian twist with chimichurri and fried potatoes. To finish, there's the famed olive oil ice cream sandwich, as well as an orange blossom sundae and a black sesame and white chocolate doughnut. Nomad Up The Road is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, and its ever-popular bottomless rosé lunches have made the move over, too. For $75 a head, you get 90 minutes of endless glasses of rosé and a five-course menu. Nomad's Foster Street space will open with a suite of upgrades early in 2020. Find Nomad Up The Road at 85 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. It's open from Monday–Saturday midday–3pm and 5.30pm–midnight. The OG Foster Street restaurant is slated to reopen in early 2020. Images: Petrina Tinslay
You can never have too many occasions to eat cheese, but this returning Australian cheese festival isn't just keen to shower cheese fiends with creamy goodness. A collaboration between Bruny Island Cheese Co cheesemaker Nick Haddow and the organisers of Pinot Palooza, Mould wants dairy lovers to explore and devour the mild, hard and soft bites that Australia's best cheese wizards have to offer. Returning for a fourth time in 2022 — after a chaotic couple of years, as all fests have endured — the cheesy event will paint Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney yellow for a couple of days in each city this winter. And there won't just be a few cheeses on the menu. More than 75 artisan cheeses from around the country will be ready and waiting for you to devour, spanning dairy from 27-plus producers. That lineup includes Bruny Island Cheese Co, naturally, plus Grandvewe, Milawa Cheese, Yarra Valley Dairy and Stone & Crow. There'll also be wares from Section 28, Red Cow Organics, Nimbin Valley Cheese, and newcomers such as Dreaming Goat, Long Paddock Cheese and Second Mouse Cheese. The 2022 events will span multiple days in each stop — running over three days in Brisbane and Melbourne, and two days in Sydney. For the first time ever, Mould is also headed to Hobart in October, if you feel like a cheese-eating trip to the Apple Isle this spring (with exact festival dates still to be announced). Alongside unlimited tastings of Australia's best cheeses, Mould will also feature flavoursome fare from cheese specialists that've been created just for the fest, too. Think of it as a cheese tasting trip around Australia without leaving the city. Of course, snacking on samples and purchasing slices and slabs to take home with you are just two ways to enjoy cheese. The fest will have cooking demonstrations, masterclasses and talks so you can stretch your cheese knowledge as well as your cheese stomach. And it wouldn't be a cheese festival without beverages to wash it all down with, so expect a bar serving Aussie wines, whisky, vodka, gin, beer, cider, cocktails and sake — all of which match nicely to a bit of cheese. Unsurprisingly, Mould is rather popular. Last year, attendees tucked into a one million samples across the fest's three cities, and also took home over 3.5 tonnes of Aussie dairy products. So, if this the kind of event that your cheese dreams are made of, you'll want to nab a $45 ticket ASAP. MOULD — A CHEESE FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: July 1–3 — John Reed Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills July 22–24 — The Timber Yard, 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne August 12–12 — Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh October TBC — Hobart TBC Mould — A Cheese Festival tours Australia from July. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the event's website.
It's a classic wine-lover's dilemma: you're keen on a restaurant's rare drop, but you can't get a sip without paying up for the whole bottle. P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants is looking to solve this quandary, at least temporarily, with the launch of a month-long tasting series presented at its P&V Paddington location. Teaming up with wine tech innovators Enomatic from Friday, June 27–Sunday, August 3, this series features the brand's wine serving system, where each glass is presented at the ideal temperature and freshness long after the cork is popped. With this specialised equipment at hand, P&V will delve into their deep cellar to pour ultra-rare, cult and small-batch wines. Without needing to stress about doing major damage to your wallet, this is your chance to sample highly coveted vino, with weekly in-store tastings and special appearances throughout the month. Expect scarce by-the-glass pours featuring Italy's barolo legends Rinaldi and Cappellano, jura icons Ganevat and Overnoy, and Australian wineries Sami-Odi and Wendouree. If you get involved, you're invited to settle into L'Avant Cave, the cosy wine bar attached to P&V's Paddington store. Here, the tasting experience is taken to even greater heights with a menu of snacks and small plates paired with these exquisite wines. With tastings available during regular store hours, guests will get a heads-up on the weekly wine lineup via the store's Instagram.
Wherever you are in Australia, you're never far from nature. But, when you really need to unwind, your best bet is to find somewhere remote — preferably, a place where emails, phone calls and bosses can't reach you. Plus, you should find some serious natural beauty on which to feast your weary eyes. To that end, we've taken a good look around the nation at some of the most spectacular spots — from the coral-filled waters of Queensland's Heron Island to the empty beaches of NSW's Mimosa Rocks National Park to the granite boulders of Tasmania's Bay of Fires. And just like us, Stoneleigh Wild Valley is all about celebrating the wondrous work of nature. The New Zealand winery follows a wild fermentation process for its wines resulting in flavours that are rich in complexity. So, together, we've scoped out five spots around the country where you can unwind — perhaps even with a glass of vino in hand. Next time you're planning a weekend getaway, make tracks to one of these beauties. Your overworked body and fatigued brain will thank you. [caption id="attachment_728904" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] HERON ISLAND, QLD 72 kilometres off Gladstone lies Heron Island, one of the Great Barrier Reef's most unspoilt islands. Just 800 metres long and 400 metres wide, it's mostly national park — fringed with white sands and, beyond that, coral reef. Between November and March every year, green turtles and loggerhead turtles (both threatened) nest here and you're welcome to watch them, as long as you stick to turtle watching guidelines. Any time of year, expect to meet seabirds a-plenty, plus many a sea critter if you go on a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion. There's just one place to stay: the eco-friendly Heron Island Resort, where you can choose from private rooms surrounded by pisonia forest, suites with incredible sunset views and a beach house with room for up to four guests. [caption id="attachment_728989" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aragunnu Walking Track via Destination NSW.[/caption] MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK, NSW Found on the NSW South Coast, around five-and-a-half hours' drive south of Sydney, Mimosa Rocks National Park is a land of empty beaches, rocky headlands and forests filled with wildlife. If you're keen to immerse yourself in nature, pitch your tent at a beachside campground, such as Aragunnu or Picnic Point. Prefer the comfort of four walls? Book the heritage Myer House. Either way, be sure to take a dip at Moon Bay, go for a stroll along Middle Lagoon Walking Track and check out the surf at Nelson Beach. [caption id="attachment_728931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Kuilenburg.[/caption] BAY OF FIRES, TAS Bay of Fires takes its name from its flaming colours. Granite boulders covered with bright orange lichen frame the coastline and, in contrast with the deep blue of the sea, create an extraordinary effect. The bay stretches for 50 kilometres along Tasmania's northeast coast, from Binalong Bay in the south to Ansons Bay in the north. Get back to nature in a tent at a free campground, sleepover at a luxe glamping site or sink into comfort at a B&B. Wherever you sleep, make sure you spend some time exploring on foot — whether you conquer the four-day Bay of Fires Walk or stick to day hikes. [caption id="attachment_688566" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trevor King via Destination NSW.[/caption] LORD HOWE ISLAND, NSW Take some time off the mainland at Lord Howe Island, a rugged paradise that's a two hours' flight east of Sydney with a population of just 382. To spend your entire break wrapped up in nature, embark on the Seven Peaks Walk, a five-day, 45-kilometre hike that takes in banyan forests, coastal cliff faces and magical beaches. If that sounds too long, there's a bunch of day walks to try, too. Alternatively, go snorkelling in clear waters, laze about on beaches or paddle board around. And forget all about crowds: no more than 400 visitors are allowed on the island at once. [caption id="attachment_719735" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] THE GRAMPIANS, VIC Clear your head with some invigorating mountain air in The Grampians, a mountain range three hours' northwest of Melbourne dotted with waterfalls, wildflower meadows and dizzying peaks. Begin your adventures at MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria's biggest waterfalls, before heading to mystical Silverband Falls, surrounded by lush ferns and flowers. For views that go on forever, drive to Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout or Mount William, which, at 1167 metres, is the highest peak in the range. Or, if you're keen to get moving, take a hike. A good place to start is The Pinnacle, accessible by a variety of walking tracks, which range from 2.1 to nine kilometres. Enhance your adventure through nature with Stoneleigh Wild Valley, whose 2017 sauvignon blanc recently won gold at the New York International Wine Competition 2019. Top image: Lord Howe Island.
