Home on Darley is not to be missed on a trip to Mona Vale, especially if its 14,000 followers on Instagram are anything to go by. The light and bright homewares store is family owned and run and has been providing the area with beautiful designs since 2012. Find organic bamboo bedding, coastal-themed prints, linen throws, cactus silk cushions, vintage woven rugs, and more than enough quirky gifts to tick off your entire Christmas shopping list. Home on Darley embodies that cosy, seaside vibe you'll see throughout Mona Vale, making it a great local spot to pick up prezzies for friends and family, or a few new pieces for yourself to make your home feel like a luxury beach house. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
If you said Darlinghurst was hiding stand-out Mexican food behind a sandwich shop, people might not believe you. But, like a certain billionaire-turned-vigilante, at night, Mrs Palmer Sandwich dons a cape and boots to become La Farmacia, dishing out less justice and more tacos and red-hot chilli cocktails. La Farmacia — translating to 'the pharmacy' — is about making folks feel good. There's a 16-strong margarita menu and, for the daring, the Reaper — a sip that mixes Carolina Reaper-infused tequila and doubles it down with a habanero rim. Food-wise, there are all the regulars — like grilled corn, guac and tacos — plus ceviche, cactus salad and queso fundido (a Oaxacan cheese pot topped with grilled chorizo or mushies). On Tuesdays, all tacos are half price — that's $3, people.
The luxe Central Coast surf retreats at Surfaris can shift like the tides to meet your seaside whims. You can pack your stay with a structured itinerary of surfing classes, yoga and pilates sessions by the pool and 4x4 driving expeditions through the sandy bush backroads. Or, live a sleepy summer lizard life sipping cocktails and dining on an ever-changing roster of snacks from the on-site bar and cafe that are stumbling distance from your plush room. It's all hidden between the bush and waves with a zen summer camp ambiance that meet the relaxation and adventure desires of summer children all grown up.
The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), curated by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin, are annual awards for First Nations artists from across the country. This year, NATSIAA award winners will be announced online — and all Australians can get to know the nominees via a virtual gallery — as well as vote for their favourites in the Telstra People's Choice Award. Each year, the awards celebrates contemporary artworks across a broad range of disciplines. Think paintings, craftsmanship, photography and textile works. There are 65 finalists from across the country, and what makes the awards so special is the diversity in storytelling; there are perspectives from coastal regions, desert towns, cities and everywhere between. [caption id="attachment_776094" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Telstra Bark Painting Award Winner 2019, Noŋgirrŋa Marawili. Photo: Fiona Morrison[/caption] For 37 years, Telstra NATSIAA has represented the art of the nation — culturally, geographically and historically, as well as looking to our future. And long-standing partner Telstra has been part of the awards for almost three decades. For those who plan to visit the Northern Territory, you can also experience the artworks in person at the Telstra NATSIAA Exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory from Saturday, August 8. And it's good news for those of us who'd usually miss out on the awards ceremony, as this year's presentation (usually held on the grounds of the museum) will be broadcast online. You can join host Brooke Boney on Friday, August 7 to find out which artists have won by visiting the Telstra NATSIAA website from 6pm. While you're there, check out the fully interactive, virtual gallery and chuck a vote in for your favourites.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor — a lifelong local, a recent denizen of the city, a regular traveller, first-time tourist or anything in-between — walking around Melbourne, and also spending that time talking to friend, is one of the best ways to soak in the Victorian capital. Even if you're snapping photos and recording video along the way, most people aren't making a film while they amble and chatter, however. Fwends is about Em (Emmanuelle Mattana, Videoland) and Jessie (Melissa Gan) strolling through and around the inner city. Their journey is the movie's filmmaking journey, too. The feature debut of writer/director Sophie Somerville after shorts Peeps and Linda 4 Eva, both of which picked up awards at the Sydney Film Festival, this walk-and-talk comedy completely improvised its dialogue and also shot in order. Discovering a flick as it unfurls is usually just the audience's experience; for Fwends, which premiered at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, won the Caligari Film Prize for its innovation and had its Australian debut in the Harbour City on the way to the Melbourne International Film Festival, that applied as much to everyone making it. We've all had the kind of day, night and weekend — one at least, likely several — that Em and Jessie navigate in Fwends. The former is a junior lawyer in Sydney with a workaholic's dedication to her career, in no small part because of the effort it took to get there. The latter is an ex-stripper who spent time in Europe before returning to Melbourne, and is fresh from a breakup. They haven't seen each other for years when Jessie meets Em at Southern Cross Station, so catching up is built into their wanderings. Step by step, story by story, they mosey and meander and babble and banter, and it feels to them — and to viewers — that anything can happen. Lingering just as strongly: the sense that nothing, whether getting coffee or dinner, or repeatedly running into strangers, or making plans for the evening, will turn out as either Em and Jessie expects. Deep bonding happens on jaunts like these. Truths and secrets are shared. Revelations are gleaned — about each other and about where you're sauntering. Rambling happens in both senses of the word. Sleep is forgone. Only the moment matters. And the main event is the walking and talking and bonding and exploring, regardless of what else is supposed to be on the itinerary. For Em and Jessie, they're digging into how work-life balance, the cost-of-living crisis, climate change, mental health and sexual harassment touches their existence — alongside sifting through their hopes, dreams, yearnings, fears, failings and regrets. Somerville is diving into the ups of downs of friendship as well, and of life, plus the fact that we all simply just want to connect. Fwends' guiding force is certain that the chronological approach to making the film is a key to why it resonates with audiences as such a relatable slice of life. "Part of why it feels so real is because we shot the film in order. So normally when you shoot a film, all the scenes are out of order and you'll be like 'oh, we do that scene, and then we jump forward and we do that scene'. But for this one, we were just telling the story while we shot it," Somerville notes to Concrete Playground. "So we would go to one place and then be like 'okay, so we shot that part, and we're going to use that take. So we'll go to the next thing and we'll talk about these things'. So it was this very living process." [caption id="attachment_1018129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Berlin International Film Festival[/caption] "And it's the kind of luxury that you can have in filmmaking when you have no money at all, or when you have millions and millions of dollars. But because we had no money at all, it meant that we could create that freedom. That's why it feels so relatable and so alive — because we were living it while we were shooting it," she continues. This is a film about anxiety and life's mess and existential dread, too — but, as Em and Jessie keep trekking, it's also literally about putting one foot in front of the other and keeping on going. "I didn't think of it that way, but that's really cool," Somerville says. Having the tiniest of budgets and relying on free filming permits meant not contemplating about where and how Fwends would makes its way to audiences when it was finished as well. 2025 from the Berlinale onwards has been "pretty up and down", then, Somerville reflects. "After we got back from Berlin, it was chill for a little while — and then we had Sydney Film Festival, and then it's just been film festivals and then overseas, and now I'm back in Melbourne and more film festival, and then more film festivals after that. So it's just — it's crazy." Fwends' Melbourne homecoming is a proud moment. "It is such a Melbourne film in the sense that all the crew are emerging young people, and there's such an amazing community of young filmmakers here who help each other out," Somerville shares. "And it's a real success story for that whole culture. So we're just super proud, and hopefully this means that people like me and people who are young and bold and making innovative, exciting films have more belief and money and time invested in them." We also spoke with Somerville about everything from improvisation as a filmmaking technique, the importance of having the right cast willing to go on this excursion with her, and being unafraid to get dark and reflective, to shooting Melbourne in a realistic but loving way, plus being another example of Australian filmmakers going the DIY route to features and international recognition (see also: kickstarting careers via YouTube, as Talk to Me and Bring Her Back's Danny and Michael Philippou and Together's Michael Shanks did). On the Fwends Experience So Far for Somerville — From Premiering in Berlin and Winning an Award to the International Embrace of the Film and Bringing It Home to Australian Festivals "I feel very lucky that it's not just me going through it on my own — it's been everyone who made Fwends with me. So we've been going through it together. We were all together in Berlin when it came out, and it was a very nice time. And then after that, when we played in the Opera House in Sydney, it was a very insane moment in our lives — because we just never imagined that was possible with our tiny film. So I feel very glad that our friends made our film and our friends have been supporting us through our film coming out." On Not Having Expectations for Fwends' Future While Somerville Was Walking Around Melbourne Shooting It "Because the film was made with so little money, we didn't really have any expectations of 'oh, this will set us up, this will ... '. We didn't really think of it that way. We were just being like 'here's our chance to experiment and try all these innovative techniques of filmmaking, like with improvisation and not having a script and being guerrilla-style and having that kind of freedom that you can't have when you have people with money riding on the film'. So the lack of expectation is the reason the film is the way it is — because we didn't set out having this very judgmental kind of feeling of like 'oh, this needs to make or break anything'." On Whether Somerville Anticipated That Fwends Would Resonate So Strongly with Audiences, Including Around the World "No, we were just wanting to be heard in whatever way we could be. When the film played so well in Berlin, we were all very amazed because we were like 'wow, they really connect with these Australian girls'. And then when we thought about it, we were like 'yeah, of course they do, because the problems they're having are the same ones that people in Berlin are having and that people in so many cities feel'. It's weird now, trying to think back to the headspace we were in when we were making the film, but I think really we were just trying to recreate the depth of the experiences of those two characters, and we were just absorbed in that journey, that process." On Improvisation as a Filmmaking Technique "Working with improvisation is a technique that me and some other filmmakers have been talking about for a little while and experimenting with. And I made a short film called Peeps with five teenage girls in it, which was my graduate film when I was at VCA. I did a bit of improvised filmmaking with those kids, because I knew that it would free them up and make them be quite funny and loose. And I became super interested in it as a way of working just because it just a really surprising, refreshing thing to watch — it feels more alive than a more-scripted thing. And so then I did another short film with Melissa Gan, which was also improvised. And I learned a lot about how to work with that as a filmmaking style. Then with Fwends, I was like 'let's just fully take the risk and improvise the whole thing. Let's see what happens'." [caption id="attachment_1018130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Berlin International Film Festival[/caption] On How Important It Was to Find the Right Leads to Go on Fwends' Journey with Somerville "People have asked me 'oh, did you have an elaborate casting process?'. And the answer is actually no. I just messaged two really talented people on Instagram because we didn't have the money or the time to do a big complicated long casting process. But I was super lucky to connect with Emmanuelle through Melbourne filmmaking adventures — and they are one of the most-talented actors in the world and they're absolutely killing it at the moment. So it was really, really awesome to work with both Melissa and Emmanuelle, because they're so talented." On Ensuring That Fleshed Out, Recognisable, Everyday Characters Are at the Movie's Heart "I really wanted to have that feeling that there's this real depth to these two people, more so than a traditional film. And I also think just authenticity is a real buzzword these days, and it's something that younger audiences really want out of their entertainment. They want to see realness and they want to see honesty. And I think it's a really exciting way of making a film, because you challenge the actors to make themselves more vulnerable, which makes it a more interesting thing to watch." On How the Film's Tiny Budget, and Using Free Filming Permits, Helped Shape the End Result "You kind of have to adjust your mindset, because when you normally make a film, you'll have a script and then you'll be trying to find all the components after the fact, after the script's been written. But with the way we made this one, it was very much being adaptive and responsive to the things we had available, and then being completely willing to be like 'okay, we can't do that scene in this way, so we're going to do this scene using that over there instead'. So some of the best moments in the film weren't storyboarded or thought of beforehand, they were just decided in the moment. They were just like 'oh look'. Like that star scene, that was just there the night we were shooting and it looked amazing, so we were like 'okay, we have to go do something with that star'. But we didn't plan that." On Giving Voice to the Fact That Everyone Just Wants to Connect — But Doesn't Want to Admit It "I guess it's just a thing that was on my mind and something I feel about my relationships, where you just constantly want to tell them how much you love them, and it's always awkward and shit, and embarrassing and doesn't come across very well. I think their friendship is one that is like that. It's messy and they have moments of deep connection, and then they have to go away and we don't know when they'll see each other again. Love is important." On Fwends Being a Fast-Talking Buddy Comedy That's Also Unafraid to Get Deep, Dark and Existential "I think all my films gravitate towards this feeling of wanting to address real, dark stuff, but then somehow find a way to package it in a way that's entertaining — as a way of digesting your real experiences and being like 'but then this funny thing happened'. But I think that's how real life is. I think with Fwends, we were really trying to convey this feeling of realness and authenticity, and so to be like 'yeah, there's all this bullshit, there's bad shit happening, but there's also all this joy and all this life, and they're totally coexisting all at the same time'. And just to try to live with the complexity of that experience, rather than being sucked into 'everything sucks' or being all delusional and escapist — trying to just live with the complex dimensions of our experiences." On the Walk-and-Talk Genre and Fwends' Influences "I know Before Sunrise is the film it's being compared to a lot, but I intentionally didn't watch it before I made this one because I didn't want to feel like I was too absorbed by the Linklater-y thing. I think when I was making the film, I wasn't thinking about it in terms of 'where does this sit in the constellation of cinema?'. I try not to get too sucked in thinking about that kind of thing, because I think it distracts you from what you're really doing when you're making a film — which is 'how do I show this particular person's journey?'. I love all kinds of films and Fwends is definitely influenced by my own taste, which is a field of movies from the French New Wave and slacker films and all kinds of cinema, really." On Whether It's Rewarding Making an Improvised Film — and Taking an Inventive, Problem-Solving Approach to Budget and Resource Constraints "Yeah, for sure. Because filmmaking is so prohibitive. It can feel so out of reach to people who don't have access to a lot of money. And none of my films were ever made with lots of money because I didn't have any. My short films were made with really, really small budgets as well, where it was just a problem-solving thing of being like 'how do we make cinema out of nothing at all?'. So Fwends was a combination of all those skills, of being like 'how do we make this thing feel bigger than it is using the very limited resources that we have?'. I guess I'm very lucky because I'm in today's day and age, where it is possible to make a great movie on your laptop. And I really hope that we can — I don't think we should be ashamed of the fact that we're making a film with no money. I think it's a powerful thing and it can be used to your advantage." On Somerville's Approach to Showing a Realistic — But Still Affectionate — Version of Melbourne "I didn't want it to look too pretty and too ugly. I wanted to strike a middle ground between 'this is a real place' and also wanted to frame it quite lovingly. Because we were shooting the world out there, just regular people walking around, and so I think when you do that you owe the city a kind of respect. So I hope that it t does come across that way, because we do love living here. And I think I was just trying to just show it the way it is — and also find a romance and a beauty in the messiness of the real world." On Fwends' Journey Around Melbourne, Including Both Planned Stops and Surprises Along the Way "Some places were very planned. Carter [Looker, an alum of Peeps and Linda 4 Eva] and I, the cinematographer, we did a lot of walking around — and a lot of 'oh, we really want to do a shot there'. The shot in the rainforest where they walk around, that was always, very early on, something that we were going to do, because we were very excited about this idea of doing this long take where they weave around the whole place. So it's a real mixture. Some of the nicest shots in the film were not planned at all, and then others were totally imagined and planned out and storyboarded. I mean, that's the beauty of making a film — some of it is totally planned and it doesn't even work, and then some of it is fully improvised in the moment and it's the best thing ever." On How Shorts Helped Prepare Somervile for Making the Leap to Features "I wouldn't have been able to make Fwends if I hadn't made those two short films. It's so important that you experiment and try things. And those two short films, they're very different — really, really different aesthetically. But I think there is something about Fwends that they join in the middle a little bit. Then I hope with my next one, that it'll be even more of a joining together of all these different vibes. And I'm super lucky to have worked with some really generous, talented people for my short films." On How Somerville Plans to Build Upon Both Fwends and Her Shorts for Her Next Feature "Our next thing, we want to make with proper funding and all that stuff. So it's an interesting conversation now to try to bring all these methods that came out of working in the DIY space and bring them into a professionalised environment. But I think it's going to be so exciting. Because I think we've proved, because of how well Fwends has done, we've got real proof that filmmakers like me who are taking bold experiments deserve to be given trust. So I'm really excited to make the next one." On Being an Example of Australian Filmmakers Taking the DIY Path to Features and International Recognition "That's very, very cool. I hope that lots more films get made with no money — and I know how hard it is, but I think that it's super important that you have a space to experiment. And sometimes the only way you can find that space is by doing things yourself and taking those risks." Fwends screens at the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival. MIFF 2025 runs from Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31. For further details, visit the MIFF website.
If a fresh bread roll, an expertly grilled patty and a slice of melted cheese is your idea of a perfect meal — or some variation of the above — then you probably have May 28 permanently marked in your diary. Each and every year, that's when the world's burger-lovers celebrate their favourite food. We're not saying that burgs will taste better on that date, but if you just can't get enough of the trusty dish, it's definitely time to celebrate. This year, to mark the occasion, 100 restaurants across Australia are offering up to 50 percent off burgers for two days via Deliveroo. On Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, you can get burgs delivered straight to your home or office — or home office — for cheap. Lunch, sorted. Melburnians have 35 burger joints to choose from, including Royal Stacks, Hello Sam, Egg Fix's four locations, Chew Burger, LA Burgers and Carl's Jr, while Sydneysiders have 21, with the likes of Johnny Bird, Belly Bao, Moo Gourmet, Bondi Relish and Outback Steakhouse all getting on board. Brisbanites have eight options for their half-price burger fix: Hashtag, Moo Free, Big Roddy's in Fish Lane and The Valley, Brunchbox, The Burger Joint, Seoul Bistro and The Columbian Coffee Dealer. You can check out the full list here. To get your fix, all you need to do is jump on to Deliveroo and find your closest burg favourite and order. [caption id="attachment_556040" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Royal Stacks[/caption] Top image: Johnny Bird by Parker Blain
February 14 means different things to different people — but if you're a fan of Yellowjackets, that date in 2025 is now all about just one thing. Two years after its second season, the survivalist thriller will return on Valentine's Day to kick off its third round, again following the survivors of a plane crash both in the immediate aftermath and a quarter of a century later. As viewers discovered when it debuted in 2021 and became one of the best new shows of that year, the instantly intriguing (and excellent) series follows a New Jersey high school's girls soccer team in the 90s after their plane plummets into the forest, and also checks in with everyone that's left 25 years later. Across two seasons so far, life and friendship have proven complex for Yellowjackets' core quartet of Shauna (The Tattooist of Auschwitz's Melanie Lynskey as an adult, and also No Return's Sophie Nélisse as a teenager), Natalie (I'm a Virgo's Juliette Lewis, plus MaXXXine's Sophie Thatcher), Taissa (Law & Order's Tawny Cypress, and also Scream VI's Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Misty (Wednesday's Christina Ricci, as well as Atlas' Samantha Hanratty). The full setup: back in 1996, en route to a big match in Seattle on a private aircraft, Shauna, Natalie, Taissa, Misty and the rest of their teammates entered Lost territory. The accident saw everyone who walked away stranded in the wilderness — and those who then made it through that ordeal stuck out there for 19 months, living their worst Alive-meets-Lord of the Flies lives. As well as announcing the show's return date, Yellowjackets dropped a first teaser trailer for season three, although it's brief at just 15 seconds in length. In quick flashes, the sneak peek does feature violent altercations, screaming and mask-wearing figures among the 90s-era group, however. So, business as usual, then. [caption id="attachment_894499" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Colin Bentley/SHOWTIME.[/caption] After swiftly getting picked up for a second season because its first was that ace, Yellowjackets was then renewed for a third season before that second group of episodes even aired. In Australia, viewers will be heading to Paramount+ come Friday, February 14, 2025. In New Zealand, the series streams via Neon. In season three, the returning cast — which includes Simone Kessell (Muru) as the older Lottie and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) as the older Van, characters played in their younger guises by Australian actors Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Liv Hewson (Party Down) — will be joined by Hilary Swank (Ordinary Angels) and Joel McHale (The Bear). Check out the first teaser trailer for Yellowjackets season three below: Season three of Yellowjackets will start streaming from Friday, February 14, 2025 via Paramount+ in Australia — and streams via Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one and review of season two, plus our interview with Melanie Lynskey. Via Variety.
First, Grapevine Gathering locked in its 2022 dates and hosts. Now, the vino-fuelled Australian festival has announced exactly who'll you be watching when you're sipping plonk and dancing in a winery this October. Leading the bill: The Kooks, Peking Duk and The Veronicas, giving music and wine lovers plenty to say cheers to. Also hitting the stage: Ball Park Music, Gus Dapperton and Jack River, as well as Confidence Man, Alice Skye, Nyxen and Becca Hatch. And, as previously revealed, Aussie sketch comedians and Instagram celebrities The Inspired Unemployed are on hosting duties. As they did at the last Victorian Grapevine Gathering, they'll be charged with keeping the audience entertained between musos — and also hitting the decks as well. That's who you'll be seeing over one grape-filled day. As for where you'll be headed, the fest will return to Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, of course — hitting up Sandalford Wines in Swan Valley, Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley and Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley, respectively. In 2022, for the first time ever, Grapevine Gathering is also debuting in Queensland and South Australia — at Sirromet Wines at Mount Cotton and Serafino Wines in McLaren Vale. Love heading to a scenic spot to dance to live tunes? Adore sipping wine, too? This is clearly the fest for you. Naturally, sipping vino is a huge part of the attraction. As always, attendees will have access to a heap of wine given the fest's locations, plus an array of yet-to-be-announced food options. GRAPEVINE GATHERING 2022 LINEUP: The Kooks Peking Duk Ball Park Music Gus Dapperton Jack River The Veronicas Confidence Man Alice Skye Nyxen Becca Hatch hosted by The Inspired Unemployed GRAPEVINE GATHERING 2022 DATES: Saturday, October 1 — Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley, Western Australia Sunday, October 2 — Serafino Wines, McLaren Vale, South Australia Saturday, October 8 — Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, Victoria Saturday, October 15 — Roche Estate, Hunter Valley, New South Wales Sunday, October 16 — Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, Queensland Grapevine Gathering will tour Australia in October 2022. Tickets go on sale from 12pm AEST Thursday, May 26 — with presale registrations open now till 3pm AEST Wednesday, May 25, and presales starting at 6pm AEST that same day. For further information, head to the festival's website.
A long time ago in this very galaxy, a whole year passed by without a new Star Wars movie hitting cinemas. That year was 2014, with Disney delivering a fresh trilogy of flicks and two spinoffs to big screens for five years straight between 2015–19 — introducing the world to new lightsaber-wielding characters, farewelling old favourites and delving into stellar side stories. Alas, in 2020, that run is coming to an end. More Star Wars movies are planned, because of course they are; however, wannabe Jedis won't be watching them just yet. But that doesn't mean that the force won't be with us this year, with The Mandalorian's second season heading to Disney+ from Friday, October 30. For those that missed it or need a refresher — the Star Wars universe certainly does sprawl far and wide, both within its tales and in its many different movies, shows, books and games — the Emmy-nominated show follows the titular bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal). In the series' first season, which was set five years after Star Wars: Episode XI — Return of the Jedi and aired last year, that meant tracking his latest gigs. And, it also involved charting his encounter with a fuzzy little creature officially known as The Child, but affectionately named Baby Yoda by everyone watching. Also on offer the first time around: Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito playing villain Moff Gideon, aka the ex-Galactic Empire security officer determined to capture The Child; everyone from Carl Weathers and Taika Waititi to Werner Herzog playing ex-magistrates, droids and enigmatic strangers; and plenty of planet-hopping. Yes, it was firmly a Star Wars TV series, and yes, it plans to continue in the same manner. As the just-dropped first trailer for The Mandalorian's second season shows, it also plans to once again focus on one of television's best pairings. Not only is Mando back, but so is the oh-so-adorable Baby Yoda. The duo's quest to return to The Child's home planet continues, and they aren't parting ways on the journey — "wherever I go, he goes," Mando advises. In addition to showering viewers in Baby Yoda's cuteness, the eight-episode new season will see Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) pop up — it is a show about a bounty hunter, after all — plus Timothy Olyphant and Rosario Dawson join the cast. Behind the lens, directors include showrunner Jon Favreau, Jurassic World star Bryce Dallas Howard, Dope's Rick Famuyiwa, Ant-Man's Peyton Reed and Alita: Battle Angel's Robert Rodriguez, as well as Weathers doing double duty on-screen and off. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LkkaL-y6Hc&feature=youtu.be The Mandalorian's second season hits Disney+ on Friday, October 30. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Top image: Disney+
Barunah Plains is nowhere near the Gold Coast, but a taste of the Glitter Strip will hit Hesse in Victoria to farewell 2024 and welcome in 2025. Beyond The Valley is back for another massive end-of-year party, with the music festival giving former pro surfer-turned-DJ Fisher — a Grammy-nominee for 'Losing It', too — its top slot. With multiple days to fill, taking place across Saturday, December 28, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Beyond The Valley goes big with its lineups. This year's just-dropped full roster pinballs between nations, music genres and eras, resulting in a bill where Ice Spice sits alongside Tinashe, Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield — and Chase & Status, Marlon Hoffstadt, Royel Otis, Sammy Virji, AJ Tracey and Denis Sulta, too. Just from those names alone — and there's plenty more — that gives festivalgoers 'Munch (Feelin' U)', 'Nasty', 'Push the Button', 'These Words', 'Backbone', 'Call Me', new versions of 'Murder on the Dancefloor' and 'Linger', 'If You Need It', 'Bringing It Back' and 'World of Flies' to look forward to. Also on the lineup: Confidence Man, BARKAA, Teenage Dads, NEIL FRANCES, Lola Young, Ghetts and The Rions, as well as Kita Alexander, The Grogans, Billie Marten, The Terrys and Sycco. And yes, the list still goes on from there. After supporting Fred again..'s whirlwind Australian tour earlier in 2024, JOY (Anonymous) is on the electronic side of the bill, alongside everyone from horsegiirL, KI/KI, DJ BORING, SG Lewis and Tinlicker through to Ben Hemsley, Avalon Emerson, Sam Alfred, Sally C, LB aka Labat, Chloé Caillet, and Flowdan & Neffa-T. Music is the main focus of and drawcard at Beyond The Valley, but this fest knows that tunes aren't all that its punters listen to — and that dancing to them isn't the only way to have a blast. First, enter the dedicated podcast stage, this time with Dan Does Footy, It's Layered, The Hook Up, No Hard Feelings and The Psychology of Your 20s getting chatting. Next, there'll also be drag bingo with Poof Doof, hidden parties popping up and swimming pools for a summer splash. The fest is also aiming to give back via donating $1 from each ticket to Igniting Change and offsetting emissions via Treecreds. Beyond the Valley 2024 Lineup: Fisher Ice Spice Chase & Status Marlon Hoffstadt Tinashe Royel Otis Sammy Virji Sugababes AJ Tracey Denis Sulta Natasha Bedingfield horsegiirL Confidence Man Teenage Dads KI/KI DJ BORING SG Lewis JOY (Anonymous) Tinlicker (DJ set) Ben Hemsley NEIL FRANCES Lola Young Ghetts Flowdan & Neffa-T Avalon Emerson The Rions BARKAA Kita Alexander The Grogans The Terrys Sycco Malugi Sam Alfred Hannah Laing Girls Don't Sync Oden & Fatzo (live) Fish56Octagon Sally C LB aka LABAT Franck Chloé Caillet Odd Mob Anna Lunoe Billie Marten Nick Ward Jersey Sarah Story Luke Alessi Nina Las Vegas Half Queen MESSIE Vv Pete Laura King Little Fritter Jimi The Kween Djanaba tiffi Ollie Lishman WOLTERS Marli Ned Bennett Stev Zar Denim Liz Cambage Jewel Owusu SOVBLKPSSY DIJOK Kimboclat Eva Brown Suga Princess Podcast stage: The Hook Up Dan Does Footy It's Layered Luke & Sassy Scott No Hard Feelings The Psychology of Your 20s Beyond The Valley will run from Saturday, December 28, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Barunah Plains, Wentworths Road, Hesse, Victoria. Ticket presale registrations are open now, closing at 3pm AEST on Tuesday, August 27 — with festival presales from 6pm on Wednesday, August 28. General sales kick off at 12pm AEST on Thursday, August 29. For more information, head to the fest's website. Beyond The Valley images: Alex Drewniak, Mitch Lowe, Duncographic, Ash Caygill, Josh Bainbridge, Chloe Hall.
From architecture and interiors to world-class contemporary craft, this Canberra festival covers all things design. Running from Monday, November 9 through Sunday, November 29, Design Canberra celebrates our capital as a global design hub. As the city is home to top-notch food, wine and brews, too, it's the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway. The festival will see more than 150 (mostly free) events, exhibitions, talks, tours, collaborations, artist studios and workshops take place across 21 days. The program celebrates Canberra's epic design history, including the city's renowned 50s architecture and its thriving community of artists. Returning this year are the popular Open Studios, which will run every Saturday of the festival. You'll get to step inside the studios of some of Canberra's top makers and designers, where you can support local talent by directly purchasing handmade ceramics, furniture, jewellery, textiles, glass and more. [caption id="attachment_734024" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Design Canberra[/caption] Other program highlights include art installations and performances, behind-the-scenes tours of iconic architecture, hands-on workshops, a pop-up wine bar and a photography exhibition celebrating the streets of suburbia. With so much art, architecture and new design popping up in Canberra this spring, we suggest you pack a bag, take a trip south and spend a couple of days eating, drinking and exploring the capital. Design Canberra 2020 is taking place from Monday, November 9 to Sunday, November 29. For the full program, head here. Top image: Open Studios, Five Foot Photography For the latest info on ACT border restrictions, head here.
Thought bingo was for your nan? Think again. Hijacking the traditional format of bingo and combining it with raves, conga lines and lip sync battles, Bingo Loco is 50 percent one of those strange dreams you get after eating too much cheese and 50 percent just a walloping good time. And it's returning to Sydney in partnership with DesignMyNight for its biggest edition yet on Saturday, July 10. This time around, a lineup of well-known comedians will take on MC duties, while confetti showers and smoke cannons go off throughout the evening. Plus, UK-based EDM and hip hop hero Example will be joining in the fun with a special guest performance. On the night, an anticipated 3000 bingo ravers will compete for ultimate glory (and prizes) over the course of multiple rounds — this is Bingo Loco XXL, after all. In between the traditional bingo games, you'll be expected to groove to classic 90s rave bangers, partake in dance-offs amd battle others for lip sync queen titles. Basically, be prepared for many high-octane, energetic activities — gone are the days of simply raising your hand when you've got a full sheet of numbers. Some pre-bingo muscle stretches and vocal warm-ups are well-advised. You'll vie for prizes, which in the past have included Coachella tickets, mobility scooters (nan, listen up), trips to Vegas and convertible cars among other goldmines. Bingo Loco has been running across the globe for a few years and is now in the middle of an extended Aussie tour, with show proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation Australia. Bingo Loco XXL will hit The Dome at Sydney Showgrounds on Saturday, July 10. Tickets cost from $65 per person and can be purchased here.
The next time that you see Hannah Gadsby on your screen, they'll be in feel-good mode. There's a wedding to talk about — their own, to their producer Jenney Shamash — after all. And, you'll be seeing the Australian comedian share the details, and dive into the politics around nuptials, plus homophobic bakers, queer domesticity and bunnies, too, very soon: on Tuesday, May 9, in fact. Get ready for Something Special, Gadsby's new comedy special — and their third with Netflix following smash-hit Nanette and then Douglas. Based on their recent stand-up show Body of Work, announced in 2022 and filmed at the Sydney Opera House that same year, it's being pegged as "their first feel-good romantic comedy show" — but still with Gadsby's usual wit, insights and sense of humour. "I didn't say who it's a feel-good show for," noted Gadsby's in Netflix's announcement. "I feel real good." It's been a huge few years for the Tasmanian-born talent, and they keep going from strength to strength onstage — and on-screen. Indeed, when the time came for Gadsby to initially follow up international smash-hit show Nanette, that seemed a rather difficult task. After all, the one-performer stand-up set 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, of course, spawning its very own Netflix special. But, then Douglas was born, with Gadsby returning to the stage with a performance named after a 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 made its way across stages around Australia and New Zealand in late 2019 and early 2020, and then hit Netflix in 2020 as well. After that came Body of Work — first as a live show again, and now as Netflix special Something Special, too. It's the first release in Gadsby's new a multi-title deal with the streaming platform that is also set to span a new multi-comic special featuring gender-diverse performers. Something Special doesn't yet have a trailer, but you can check out Nanette and Douglas' sneak peeks in the interim below: Hannah Gadsby's Something Special Netflix special will be available to stream from Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Images: Jess Gleeson/Netflix © 2023.
A few years ago, many drinkers would have thrown out their beers after the first sip if they were sour. But 2017 saw a rise in the prevalence of — and preference for — these tart and acidic brews that are bound to get your tastebuds tingling. While it seems to be a relatively new style of beer, its origins can be traced back to the first beers ever brewed, where wild yeast and spontaneous fermentation were key. Fast forward a few hundred years and sour beers exist in many different varieties, with American wild ales, berliner weisse, gose and lambics being those favoured in the Australian craft beer scene. Today in Sydney, most craft breweries have either a limited release or core range sour. Wayward Brewing Co's 'Sourpuss' Raspberry Berliner Weisse was one of the first sours to become widely available on tap in venues across Sydney. Then came Batch Brewing Co's range of 90s hip-hop themed sours. These beers — such as Plum DMC, Mango Mathers, 2Peach Shakur and the charmingly named Pash The Magic Dragon passionfruit and dragonfruit sour — helped to secure the sour ale as an idiosyncratic fixture on Australia's brewing scene. Perhaps the biggest development in terms of sour beer, however, is Wildflower Brewing & Blending in Marrickville. Not a brewery as such — the beer is brewed at Batch nearby — Sydney's first 'blendery' has captured the hearts and tastebuds of sour lovers with its unique and tart ales, which feature Australian botanicals in their yeast cultures. Wildflower has released a number of beers since opening in 2017, but its standout brew is the sour Wildflower Amber. Released in batches (each one with a slightly different development in flavour) and aged in French oak barrels, this amber ale sits at six-percent ABV and features a complex palate of malt-accented notes with a light acidity. The most recent release, Wildflower Amber #10 ($22 for a 750-millilitre bottle), is available from the cellar door at 11–13 Brompton Street in Marrickville or online. SHOPPING LIST Wayward Brewing Co Sourpuss Raspberry Berliner Weisse, 330ml, $5.50 each or $17.99 for four (also available at the brewery) Batch Brewing Co Pash The Magic Dragon, 640ml, $12.50 each (also available at the brewery) Wildflower Amber #10 and #11, 750ml, $22 each Hop Topics is our new bi-weekly beer column keeping you up-to-date with the latest beer trends happening around the country. Dominic Gruenewald is a Sydney based actor, writer and self-proclaimed beer snob. Between gigs, he has pulled pints at all the right venues and currently hosts Sydney's longest running beer appreciation society Alestars at the Taphouse, Darlinghurst.
When it comes to winter family getaways, Sydney is often overlooked in favour of snowier spots further south. But the Harbour City is full of unexpected wintry delights—both indoors and out. Think cosy corners, hearty pub fare, awe-inspiring exhibitions, and close-up wildlife encounters. Add kids into the mix, and it becomes even more magical. From spotting humpbacks along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk and soaking up Harbour views aboard the iconic Manly Ferry to sampling global eats at Hay St Market, we've rounded up some of the best family-friendly activities to help you plan your next escape. Plus, if you're keen to stay in the city, Marriott Bonvoy is offering 10% off your stay across six hotels—all you need to do is sign up (for free). It's also the perfect excuse to extend your stay. Pack your puffer and rally the little ones—here are nine top family-friendly things to do in Sydney this winter. Wander Through Hay St Market If the weather turns grizzly or you're facing decision paralysis over what to eat, Hay St Market—Sydney's newest hawker-style foodie hub—is an ideal spot for the whole family to explore. Bringing together 48 traders and over 25 international cuisines under one roof, the market buzzes with lively, aromatic stalls serving everything from freshly-baked sourdough and creamy cannoli to juicy citrus, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, and premium cuts of meat. To keep the food adventure going, walk across to Spice Alley in Chippendale—just a short stroll from Four Points By Sheraton Sydney, Central Park. Picnic In the Royal Botanic Gardens While many botanical gardens around Australia boast magnificent, manicured grounds, few compare to Sydney's historic Royal Botanic Garden. Home to more than 27,000 plant species and boasting uninterrupted views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, it's the ultimate spot to roll out a picnic rug and absorb some precious winter rays. There are plenty of things to keep the little ones entertained, too. Wander through the aromatic herb garden, the vibrant wildflower meadow, and the sun-drenched succulent garden—or book the kids into a nature-inspired craft workshop. Spot Whales Along Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk Revered as one of the most picturesque walks along Australia's east coast, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a year-round favourite—but it's especially popular from May to November during the annual humpback whale migration. The walk stretches about six kilometres one way, is suitable for all fitness levels, and offers vantage points aplenty, including Ben Buckler Point, Clovelly Beach, Waverley Cemetery, and Gordon's Bay. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot whales, which often breach close to shore—but bring a pair of binoculars to get an even closer view of the action. Ride Sydney's Iconic Manly Ferry Keen to check out one of Sydney's iconic beaches? Jump aboard Sydney's historic Manly Ferry. Departing regularly from Circular Quay, the 30-minute journey is packed with spectacular Sydney Harbour views, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and Kirribilli House. A must on any first-timer's Sydney itinerary, Manly offers plenty to explore once you arrive, with viral eateries like Norma's Deli, Butter Boy, and Chica Bonita regularly drawing crowds daily. Plus, the ferry terminal is just a quick stroll from Sydney Harbour Marriott, Circular Quay making it the perfect day-trip if you're staying close by (and scoring 10% off your stay). Run Amok at Luna Park Speaking of ferries, hop aboard the Milson's Point Wharf ferry at Circular Quay and spend a day exploring Luna Park—one of Sydney's most iconic amusement destinations. The heritage-listed theme park blends vintage carnival charm with modern thrills like the sky-high Coney Island Devil's Drop, the gravity-defying Rotor, the classic Ferris Wheel, and The Big Dipper—the world's first-ever double-launch single-rail rollercoaster. Get Up-Close with the Animals At Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo is a playground for all ages that rolls education and fun into one, and has offered unforgettable wildlife encounters for over 100 years. Committed to wildlife conservation, the zoo is home to 4,000 animals across 350 species, including majestic African lions and Western Lowland gorillas, playful fairy penguins, and adorable pygmy hippopotamuses. To kick the adrenaline up a notch and see some wildlife from a new perspective, strap in for a climb on the zoo's thrilling high ropes course. Adventure Underwater at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Home to over 4,000 animals across more than 300 species, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a sample of the seven seas right in the heart of the city. With immersive themed zones like Jurassic Seas, Shark Valley and Penguin Expedition, it showcases the world's largest variety of Australian aquatic life—and has become a rite of passage for Sydneysiders and young visitors alike. Highlights include Pig, the resident rescue dugong, up-close shark scuba encounters, and a walk-through tunnel where rays and sharks glide overhead. Plus, it's just moments away from W Sydney, making it well within reach for an easy yet exciting day out. Tour Sydney's Historic Cockatoo Island Once a convict gaol and shipyard, Cockatoo Island is now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site just nine minutes by ferry from Barangaroo Wharf. The largest island in Sydney Harbour, it offers a fascinating mix of historical tours suitable for all ages, plus regular cultural exhibitions and events. After exploring, pull up a seat at one of the family-friendly waterfront cafes and watch a flurry of boats glide past—and if you're staying at Pier One Sydney Harbour, take the scenic route back and wander through Barangaroo. Get Inspired at Sydney's Art Galleries The Art Gallery of NSW is a cultural cornerstone and arguably one of the most significant art galleries in the state — if not the country. While it's known for showcasing a program of both local and internationally acclaimed artists, it also offers a mix of compelling creative activities for the little ones, including Australia's first children's art library on lower level 3, weekly Storytime sessions, and interactive exhibitions. This winter, check out the annual Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize (on display until August 17), and the Young Archie finalists. Down by the Harbour, The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is the only public museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art in the country. A must-visit for modern art lovers, it hosts a rotating lineup of globally acclaimed artists—including Cerith Wyn Evans' monumental light sculptures, on display from June until October. Families can also enjoy drop-in drawing classes, and unstructured creative art play for kids under five. Ready for a jam-packed family adventure? Book your Sydney escape before September 30 to access 10% off your stay and dining with Marriott Bonvoy. All you have to do is sign up as a member—and it's completely free. With access to exclusive member rates, your stay will also earn points towards free nights at over 30 hotel brands around the world. Book your stay here. T&C's apply and vary by participating hotels including blackout dates, cancellation restrictions and more. Offer may not apply in properties not participating in the award and redemption of Marriott Bonvoy.
When spring hits in the northern hemisphere, so does one of Japan's most famous annual periods: cherry blossom season. Trees start blooming with pastel pink flowers, and tourists start flocking to the Asian country. While there's no shortage of things to do in Japan, or bright and colourful attractions for that matter, there's nothing more disappointing than popping something on your holiday itinerary, looking forward to it for weeks or months, and then not being able to cross it off. And that's often a very real issue for folks hoping to immerse themselves in cherry blossom season. Nature, like the rest of life, doesn't always stick to a schedule. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has been doing its part with regular forecasts, which are updated frequently. Covering more than a thousand locations across the country — spanning from Hokkaido to Kagoshima — it tracks when the blossoms are expected to start to flowering, as well as when they should reach full bloom. But for those eager to take their planning to the next level, JMC has also released the Sakura Navi app, which updates flowering dates, sends notifications to users about their chosen spots, and helps you find the best viewing places in your vicinity. Running since 2016, the app costs 360 yen, or approximately AU$4.60. And while travelling overseas can spark a new app free-for-all, if you're visiting Japan during between March–May and you have your heart set on stepping into a pink floral wonderland, it'll help ensure you don't miss out on a blooming good time. Based on current forecasts — the sixth for this year — cherry blossoms are expected in Tokyo between March 21–29 and Osaka between March 25 and April 1, then move further north until May. And if you're wondering about the service's accuracy, it also highlights a deviation period for each location. At present, it notes that flowers might start blooming up to seven days before their predicated date, or a maximum of two days afterwards. For further cherry blossom forecasts, and more information about Sakura Navi, visit the JMC website.
A huge 1908 entries were submitted for the the 2022 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes. From that hefty number, 52 works were shortlisted for the Archibald, 34 for the Wynne and 29 for the Sulman. But only one artwork in each category can be named the winner of these three prestigious Australian art awards each year — and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the prizes' hosts, has just unveiled the 2022 recipients today, Friday, May 13. All three decisions were unanimous, and they provide an impressive snapshot of the Aussie art scene right now. Taking the big gong, the Archibald Prize — which is Australia's most prestigious portrait award, has now reached its 101st year and hands out $100,000 to its annual winner — is Blak Douglas' Moby Dickens. The painting depicts Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, who lives on Bundjalung Country in Lismore, and is designed as a metaphor for northern NSW town's floods earlier in 2022. And yes, the title references Moby Dick. Douglas — a Sydney-based artist with Dhungatti heritage, who was born Adam Hill — made history, too, as the first New South Wales First Nations artist to win with a painting of a New South Wales First Nations artist. "I'm elated," he said, accepting the award. "It's a major historic win." Douglas has been an Archibald Prize finalist in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, all with portraits of Aboriginal sitters. "I'm making up for lost ground in the failure to memorialise First Nations people," he said, accepting the 2022 award. 'In the past I've considered each entry to the Archibald Prize a memorial to that individual and that's why I only paint First Nations people." Measuring three metres by two metres, Moby Dickens stands out in another way, too: it's the largest Archibald painting in this year's exhibition. [caption id="attachment_853908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.[/caption] Also picking up some love from the Archibald's judges: Jude Rae, who was highly commended for The big switch, a portrait of scientist, engineer and inventor Dr Saul Griffith. For the Sir John Sulman Prize, 491 works were submitted, with Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro winning for Raiko and Shuten-dōji. The first collaborative duo to do so to win the award — which is presented to the best mural, subject or genre painting — they nabbed the prize for their rendering of the battle between the warrior and the demon that gives the colourful piece its title. [caption id="attachment_853910" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Sulman Prize 2022, Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro. Raiko and Shuten-dōji, acrylic gouache, jute and tape on helicopter shell, 159.5 x 120 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] With the Wynne Prize — which recognises the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture — Nicholas Harding emerged victorious from 601 entries with painting Eora. The artist has a long history with the awards, being shortlisted for the Wynne nine times, and also for the Archibald 19 times, including winning the latter in 2001. Two artists were highly commended among the Wynne Prize finalists, too: Lucy Culliton for painting Mooresprings, a good season, and Juz Kitson for sculpture An unwavering truth. She walks in beauty, of the night and all that's best of dark and bright. In memory of the wildfires. And, the Roberts Family Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Prize — an annual prize of $10,000 awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist who is a finalist in the Wynne Prize — went to Sally Scales for Wati Tjakura. [caption id="attachment_853909" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Wynne Prize 2022, Nicholas Harding. Eora, oil on linen, 196.5 x 374.8 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] Also a winner, but announced last week, on Thursday, May 5: Sydney-based artist Claus Stangl, who picked up this year's Packing Room Prize. He won for a portrait of the one and only Taika Waititi, because there really is nothing that the Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok filmmaker can't do. The winning portraits and finalists will now be on display at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW from Saturday, May 14, up until Sunday, August 28. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, July 27. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2022 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — May 14–August 28, 2022 Bunjil Place, Melbourne, Victoria — September 2–October 16, 2022 Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, NSW — October 22—December 4, 2022 Grafton Regional Gallery, NSW — 17 December, 2022–29 January, 2023 Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, NSW — 10 February–26 March, 2023 Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, NSW — 8 April–21 May, 2023 Western Plains Cultural Centre, NSW — 3 June–30 July, 2023 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Top image: Excerpt of winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.
In 2020, the inaugural Great Southern Nights saw more than 1000 gigs take place across 300 NSW venues. This year it's coming back throughout March and April with a heap of live shows from artists both emerging and bonafide iconic. That first iteration of the initiative saw more than 75,000 tickets sold across the 1100 gigs. "Great Southern Nights was designed with COVID-safety in mind, supporting shows of all sizes, in all kinds of live music venues, and giving the industry a leg up to get back to work," Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said. Last year we were treated to the first six acts of the lineup including indie-pop sensation Amy Shark, Yolngu rapper Baker Boy and DJ duo Peking Duk joining Australian music royalty Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins and Jessica Mauboy. Now, we've been treated to the full program featuring nearly 100 established and up-and-coming performers taking to stages across the state. Some of the beloved local acts, musical legends and festival favourites heading up the lineup include Archie Rose, Ball Park Music, Violent Soho, Hoodoo Gurus, Courtney Barnett, The Whitlams, Confidence Man, Youngn Lipz, Mallrat and Sneaky Sound System. Elsewhere on the lineup you'll find First Nations trailblazers Briggs and Nooky coming together with special guests, a Moree Block Party thrown by Kobie Dee, drill sensation Hooligan Heffs, viral hitmaker Masked Wolf, meme-heavy DJ Partiboi69 and throwback queens The Veronicas. "The live music scene makes a significant contribution to our social and economic wellbeing. As part of our roadmap to recovery it is vital that we get it back on its feet," said Ayres. "This will create jobs for artists and crew, revenue for venues and drive visitation to large parts of regional NSW that have done it tough over the past few years." Head to the Great Southern Nights website to check out the full lineup and all the details for when you can catch all your favourite acts performing. [caption id="attachment_636228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bec Taylor.[/caption]
Feel like an island is calling your name? There's a good chance it's Cockatoo Island, now that Mode Festival has dropped its latest euphoric lineup. While you'll be leaving behind the mainland to get involved, don't think you'll be jet-setting to distant lands. Instead, it's a short ferry ride to this industrial haven amid Sydney Harbour, where a springtime playground will host some of the world's top producers and DJs on Saturday, October 11. Tucked away from prying eyes, it's the ideal spot to get caught up in primal grooves. It's a stacked lineup in 2025, with celebrated names like Four Tet and X Club filling earholes with future-facing tunes. Gripping the dance floor like few others can, expect these local and international legends to deliver sonic bliss crafted from the deepest of cuts and crowd-pleasing bangers. Also on the agenda, Floating Points pairs his meticulously composed house and IDM tunes with a special audiovisual show, while IN2STELLAR, KiNK, Skee Mask and Rødhåd serve up ground-shaking electronic performances that exist on the cutting edge of creativity and innovation. General release tickets are on sale from Thursday, June 26 at 6pm. Images: Jordan Munns.
Paddington's Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery has nabbed a solo exhibition by one of Australia's most lauded contemporary artists — and you can see it in person right now. Running from Thursday, August 20–Saturday, September 19, Patricia Piccinini's The Gardener's Eye showcases new works that ask the viewer to reimagine their relationship with nature. At the centre of the installation is a hyper-realistic, life-sized sculpture entitled Sapling (2020). It depicts artist Dennis Daniel with a 'fleshy plant creature' over his shoulder. The unusual sculpture was inspired by a Wurundjeri group's effort to save a 300-year-old tree that was growing outside a petrol station near Melbourne, as well as a women named Margit who fosters orphaned tree kangaroos in Queensland. For Piccinini, both situations — and the sculpture — represent the relationship between humans, animals and plants, which is a central theme in the artist's work. Sitting in the gallery space alongside the artwork are a series of smaller creature-like sculptures titled Shoeforms (2019), which explore the 'naturalisation of technology'. Finally, the walls are adorned with a collection of drawings that explore the artist's fascination with birds and human hair. If you can't make it to the gallery in person, a virtual viewing is also available through the website. Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery is open from 10am–6pm Tuesday–Friday and 11am–6pm Saturday. Images: Installation view, Patricia Piccinini: The Gardener's Eye, Rosyln Oxley Gallery, Sydney. Photos by Luis Power.
Hopping between boutiques and galleries may be the sport of choice for many Paddington residents and visitors, but those really wanting to get the blood pumping head to White City Tennis. "I love having a hit at White City Tennis courts. It's steeped in so much history and the grass courts are surrounded by lots of greenery," says CP reader Alison Tanudisastro. Established in 1922, White City Tennis played a pivotal role in Sydney and Australia's tennis scenes. Until the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre opened in 2000, it was host to the NSW Championships (now Sydney International). Boasting 16 grass courts, six synthetic grass courts and six hard courts, it remains a go-to for tennis enthusiasts. A $60 million redevelopment of the site into a multipurpose recreational facility, featuring a gym, basketball courts, a soccer field and 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, has been in the works for several years. [caption id="attachment_798508" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Located a stone's throw from Newtown and just down the road from the Vic on the Park, The Factory Theatre is one of Sydney's often under-appreciated live music establishments. The multi-space venue offers up stages of all different sizes for musicians and comics. Every Sunday, it takes full advantage of its openair courtyard with a series of free gigs titled Free-kin Weekends. For the month of February, The Factory has announced a program of four live music day parties featuring an array of local talents spanning a slew of genres. Kicking things off on Sunday, February 6 is a triple-header of fresh faces in the Sydney indie rock and pop scene staring Georgia June, Salarymen and Green Screen — the latter of which features members of the bands The Buoys and Baby Beef. Other exciting acts you'll find on the February lineup include punk rockers Crocodylus and Dick Dudley, reggae rockers Rum Jungle and the soothing sounds of Wollongong favourite Stevan. While audience members won't be able to sing or dance during February due to current NSW restrictions, you'll still be able to catch some live music, sample craft brews from the venues bar and grab a bite to eat at one of the courtyard's food trucks.
Only a week after Sydney hospitality giant Merivale announced its foray into the Melbourne food scene, those expansion plans have been put firmly on hold. With 70 NSW venues in its stable, the group was scheduled to bring its newly launched delivery service Merivale at Home to Melbourne this August. But, after some less-than-enthusiastic responses from some of the city's already struggling hospitality businesses, it's decided to hit pause on a local launch for the time being, with a Merivale spokesperson telling Concrete Playground the move was "an oversight". The platform delivers dishes from some of Merivale's most popular restaurants for diners to enjoy at home. Sydneysiders can order rotating menus from the likes of Italian diner Totti's, renowned Cantonese haunt Mr Wong and farm-to-table favourite Fred's, dropped to their door "nearly ready to eat". And Melburnians were soon to be offered the same choices via a local rollout of the service. But given that COVID-19 restrictions and a second round of Stage 3 lockdowns have left much of Victoria's hospitality scene struggling, the interstate company's decision was called out by many as being tone-deaf. A since deleted launch announcement posted to Merivale's Instagram page drew plenty of ire from local operators. While a few fans showed excitement at the prospect, most gave it a resounding thumbs down, labelling the move "selfish and immoral" and "insensitive". https://www.instagram.com/p/CDF4n_7AXUm/ "It was a wak [sic] move and I'm glad they've pulled the pin on it," 1800-Lasagne's Joey Kellock told Concrete Playground. "Just so tone-deaf and out of touch with what is happening in Melbourne. A very poor reading of the room." Other local hospitality names echoed the sentiment, including chef-owner of Annam and Bia Hoi, Jerry Mai. "When I first heard, I was both angry and surprised," Mai told CP. "I know we are all trying to survive right now, but there is a delicate ecosystem in this industry that was overlooked." Mai also pointed out the potential impacts such a decision might have for local growers, farmers and producers, with Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes suggesting the Melbourne launch would support the group's existing suppliers. "I was saddened by not only Merivale's timing on this but the fact that produce from another state would be getting shipped into Victoria at this time, with our local producers doing it tough," Mai said. What is clear is that Melbourne's hospo industry sure could do without the extra interstate competition right now. Recent data from a City of Melbourne survey showed a worrying 15 percent of inner-city hospitality businesses either won't reopen or aren't sure they'll be able to, highlighting the industry's need for as much local support as possible. Merivale has heeded the response from down south and announced its Melbourne plans have been postponed, with the Merivale spokesperson telling Concrete Playground, "We didn't anticipate the unintended consequences of expanding into Melbourne at this time." "It was an oversight on our behalf and as soon as we heard from some of the local operators, we hit pause and decided to hold off launching Merivale at Home until Melbourne is back on its feet and hospitality venues are open again," the spokesperson said. A new launch date is yet to be determined. In the meantime, you can continue supporting local hospitality businesses by dining with them at home. Here's our latest round-up of takeaway and delivery options here in Melbourne. To find out more about Merivale at Home, head to the website. Top image: Mr Wong
Spring is a time for light-hearted adventure, fresh flowers and produce and renewal — like brushing up on some new skills. And this season at Tramsheds, you'll be able to enjoy all of the above at its new spring festival. RAW by Tramsheds rings in the new season with tempting food offers that do some good, pop-up gardens, workshops and even a free spritz bar. Spend some solo time or get a group together, and enjoy all the art, culinary and cultural happenings at Forest Lodge's dining district. ARCHIE ROSE SPRITZ BAR If spring had a flavour, then we're willing to bet it's gin. Celebrated for its native botanical-forward reinterpretation of the classic drop, Archie Rose is bringing its gin talents to Tramsheds at the RAW launch on Saturday, October 27 and serving up some top-notch gin spritzes. From 4–10pm at the pop-up spritz bar, you're invited to choose the garnishes for your drink from those on offer that reflect and pay tribute to the cultural cuisines of the Tramsheds. And the best part? The spritzes are completely free. Of course, you'll still need to be sensible, so there is a limit of one per person. Also from 10am–10pm during the launch, there will be live music playing all throughout the space, including performances by genre-defying Alphamama and her curated lineup of musicians. EDIBLE SPRING GARDEN Sprouting up in Artisan Lane also at the launch of RAW, the Edible Spring Garden will present a delightful way to help you focus on tasty, fresh herbs and healthy ingredients this spring. Curated by local nursery team Worm Ticklers and under the direction of Iku Wholefoods co-founder Holly Davis, this three-metre-long garden will hold lemongrass, basil, spinach, mint, poppies and chamomile — and that's just to name a few. Davis will also be there on the day to give you tips, tricks, tasters and recipes to help you use more fresh herbs — and maybe inspire you to make your own home garden. Pro tip: stay till the end, and you'll be able to take a piece of the garden home with you. EXPERT PUMPKIN CARVING While Australian spring doesn't quite have the same autumnal charm that the Halloween season does in the Northern Hemisphere — complete with changing leaves, chilly eves and cornfield mazes — there's no reason we can't indulge in at least a few of the festive traditions. From 10–11am during the RAW launch, head to Supamart for a display of some of the finest pumpkin carving outside of The States. Get in nice and early, and you might even get a chance to ask resident pumpkin carver Tony to carve a personalised pumpkin just for you and your stoop (or windowsill). Otherwise, browse the pre-carved pumpkins for purchase and get some inspiration for some DIY carving projects at home. Whole pumpkins will also be available to purchase on the day. ART AND DINING WORKSHOPS If one day of activities just isn't enough for you (we don't blame you), there will be a number of workshops running to help you upskill throughout the season. Highlights include a hands-on introductory cheesemaking course where you'll learn all things creamy, pillowy burrata and bocconcini, all while sipping bubbles. Also not to be missed is the watercolour workshop with Sydney artist Yakultboyy, complete with small tasters from selected Tramsheds restaurants. And then, of course, there's the dumpling-making workshop with Fish & Co and food blogger Vanessa Miles, who'll show you how to make wild prawn and pork dumplings from scratch for you to then enjoy with a glass of wine. DINING FOR A GOOD CAUSE While the recent rain may have dampened your springy spirits, the weather has been a much-welcomed change throughout NSW, which is considered to still be over 99% in drought or drought affected. And none have felt the pinch more than our farmers. So, the Tramsheds family has teamed up with the Drought Angels charity to help support Aussie farms. From the RAW launch on Saturday, October 27 to Friday, November 30, Tramsheds vendors will be donating a percentage of their sales to support drought relief. That means you can enjoy your pasta from Flour Eggs Water, a Messina shake (with ingredients straight from the Messina Dairy Farm), a plate of wings from Belles and a pint of house brew from Redline, all while doing a bit of good. Moe & Co has also committed to the cause, so you can also get your next haircut while supporting the farmers. Other participating businesses include Naked Foods, Heritage, The Butcher and the Farmer, Osaka, Fish & Co, Bekya and Supamart, with more to be announced closer to the launch. Kick off spring at Tramsheds on Saturday, October 27 for the launch of RAW, and head to the website to discover more happenings around the dining district this season.
The perfect blend of eastern suburbs bougieness meets inner city living, Paddington has long been a destination for art, culture and fine dining. Visitors and locals alike are sure to enjoy a day of ambling along Sydney's iconic Oxford Street exploring the bars, shops, cafes, galleries and cinemas that call the leafy suburb home. On the hunt for something specific? To make things a little easier for you, we've teamed up with American Express to put together a shortlist of places both new and old that should be your first port of call, no matter the occasion.
In Sydney, luxury hotels and superb hospitality venues go hand in glove. There's Mitch Orr's pyro-powered Kiln on the top floor of the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills, the monochrome elegance of Bentley Group's Brasserie 1930 at Capella Sydney and a whole host of fine diners at Crown Towers, including world-famous sushi joint Nobu and renowned chef Clare Smyth's Oncore, to name only a few notable examples. So, it should come as no surprise that top-of-class bars and restaurants are a major focus of the mammoth $60-million renovation of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, currently underway in the CBD. House Made Hospitality will oversee a four-venue hospitality precinct within the newly upgraded hotel, with Elliott Pinn — who has previously overseen House Made's other major multi-venue Sydney site, Hinchcliff House — named as the Sofitel Precinct's Executive Chef. Christian Blair, formerly of Rockpool Bar & Grill and Eau De Vie, has been appointed as the precinct's Beverage Manager while House Made Hospitality's Director, Jason Williams, will deliver the cocktail concepts for all four venues in the hotel. [caption id="attachment_965182" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tilda[/caption] On the ground floor, Tilda will be a luxury 110-seat diner heroing Australian-sourced seafood, including fresh and dry-aged fish and shellfish, roasted over charcoal. Head Chef Nathanael Marchant (ex-Bently) has created a menu that features native ingredients like myrtle and saltbush, incorporated into dishes that nod to Australia's multicultural culinary heritage, such as Fraser Island spanner crab ravioli in a roast potato dashi with saltbush and daikon and butterflied West Australian king prawns with curry leaf, black lime and sorrel butter. Sommelier Paul Sadler (ex-Chophouse) will also favour locally produced drops, with major vineyards sharing the cellar with small-batch, contemporary and progressive makers. [caption id="attachment_965183" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Tilda[/caption] Also on the ground floor, Bar Tilda will be a glamorous cocktail lounge summoning the vibes of the lively jazz bars that were common in Sydney when the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth opened as the city's very first five-star hotel in 1966. The cocktail menu of the 90-person bar will also have a mid-century spirit inspired by historic events. The Dollars and Cents — a bright and refreshing mingle of London dry gin, pineapple jam, pepper, macadamia and lime oil — memorialises Australia's departure from the pound, while the Lost At Sea — a blend of vodka, tea tree, citrus and green apple — recalls the infamous sea-bound disappearance of Prime Minister Harold Holt. Australian-made whisky will also be a drawcard, with a 100-strong whisky library housed in a striking armoire, available for personalised whisky tastings and curated flights. [caption id="attachment_965184" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Delta Rue[/caption] Perched on the fifth floor of the hotel, Delta Rue will be a Vietnamese-French fusion diner that also draws inspiration from yesteryear, evoking the opulence and excess of Hanoi's Old Quarter in the 1920s. The 150-seat dining room opens out to a 60-seat terrace which will feature lush planting, while at the restaurant's entrance, a small champagne bar will offer guests the option for a flute of bubbles to start their evening as they mean to go on. While the food menu will be largely focused on the flavours of Vietnam — expect plenty of chilli, fresh herbs and nuoc cham — the wine list will lean French. [caption id="attachment_965185" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wentworth Bar[/caption] Also on the fifth level, guests can escape to an expansive rooftop oasis at Wentworth Bar, a 250-capacity al fresco terrace that will showcase Sydney's first 'cocktail explosions' — showstopping concoctions, made famous at New York's NoMad Hotel, designed to serve up to 10 people. Expect pumping DJ sets, extravagant beverages and bar snacks, supplied by Delta Rue, featuring Vietnamese street-eat favourites. The nostalgia-driven charm and heritage decor that will be a feature in all four venues — each conceived by Karen Morris from Fender Katsalidis — chimes with the vision for the hotel's broader renovation, which hopes to revive the same air of class and charisma that attracted royalty, diplomats and celebrities when it first opened almost 60 years ago, but tempered with the modern finishes and luxury touches that 21st-century guests demand. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (@sofitelsydney) All four venues in the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Precinct are set to open in September 2024, when the hotel welcomes its first guests. An exact date for the opening is yet to be announced.
While seeing fruit mince pies in your local shopping centre in October feels downright disturbing, there's one Christmas treat that no one ever minds arriving early: Four Pillars' annual Christmas Gin. The latest iteration of the Healesville distillery's seasonal sip is coming in strong, set to hit shelves on Tuesday, October 26. It's the delicious result of a yearly tradition that sees a bunch of Christmas puddings handmade with distiller Cameron Mackenzie's mother's recipe — the 1968 Australian Women's Weekly recipe, in fact — and distilled with various festive botanicals to create a sought-after tipple that pretty much screams December 25. The flavours of an Aussie Christmas are captured in notes of cinnamon, star anise, juniper, coriander and angelica. The Christmas gin is then blended with some earlier gin that's been carefully ageing in 80-year-old muscat barrels. It's all finished with a hit of Rutherglen muscat for a bit of added richness and complexity. Each year, a new unique label is chosen to wrap up this Christmas creation, setting out to evoke that same festive spirit. The 2021's bottle design is the work of Cairns-based artist Andrea Huelin, who has taken inspiration from the immensely Aussie pairing of prawns and pavlova. Known for her fondness for fruit, glassware and everyday household items, Huelin combined all of the above — and a cheeky glass of Australian Christmas Gin — in a photo that now graces the tipple's label. The distillers recommend you sip the limited-edition gin neat; mix it with ginger ale, lime and bitters; or whip up a pavlova punch with the festive gin, passionfruit, muscat, berries and your choice of sparkling. Or you can just splash a bit of it on your own Christmas pudding — or pair it with Four Pillars' own Christmas gin puddings, which'll also be available to buy from Tuesday, October 26. If you want to nab a bottle, have your fingers poised over the 'buy' button when they go on sale online next week. Alternatively, you can stop by the Four Pillars HQ in Healesville, Victoria (if restrictions allow, of course) or the brand's Surry Hills shop. Bottles are $100 a pop and would make stellar Chrissy pressies, if you're already thinking about that. Four Pillars Christmas Gin is available to buy online, from the Healesville distillery and Surry Hills shop from Tuesday, October 26. But you'd best be quick — there's only a limited amount of bottles.
How good at Pictionary would Sky Ferreira be? Would the doodles of Earl Sweatshirt be found in an art gallery? How would London Grammar go in a life drawing class? Sydney's FBi Radio intended to find out, by inviting a list of over 30 musicians to try their hand at a handdrawn masterpiece. Bringing back their wildly successful 'Brush With Fame' art auction, FBi asked a serious banquet of bands, rappers, ARIA-nominees, folksters, singers and beatmakers to create drawings on canvas especially for the station, ready for auction from 9pm Tuesday, November 25. All proceeds raise funds for the independent, not-for-profit, top notch station. Kudos to FBi for one of the best group show lineups around, y'ready? You (YOU) can own a handdrawn work by: Alt J, Ásgeir, Banks, Buck 65, Chali 2NA, Chet Faker, DARKSIDE, Dustin Tebutt, Earl Sweatshirt, Ears, El-P, Glass Animals, Holy Fuck, Ice Age, Four Tet, The Jezabels, Jon Hopkins, Killer Mike, Little Dragon, Little May, London Grammar, Lee Ranaldo, Megan Washington, Midlake, Mount Kimbie, Okkervil River, Phantogram, Phoenix, Sky Ferreira, Sly & Robbie, St Vincent, Veronica Falls, Warpaint. Phew. That's a bloody lineup. All works are on display over here. The online auction launches globally tonight at 9pm (AEDT) via eBay with bids starting at just AUD$50. Each piece comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity from FBi. The auction closes on Monday December 2 at 9pm (AEDT) and works will be shipped the following day — we're talking seriously perfect Christmas gifts right here. Here's a couple of our favourites in the bunch, that you'll have to furiously outbid us on. Again, the FBi 'Brush With Fame' online auction launches globally tonight at 9pm (AEDT) via eBay and closes on Monday December 2 at 9pm. Go! RUN!
When 2018 comes to a close, the National Gallery of Australia will be home to both a permanent Yayoi Kusama infinity room and a short-term showcase of pre-Raphaelite masterpieces from London's Tate Britain — but 2019 looks set to be even bigger for the Canberra venue. The gallery has revealed its full program for next year and it's filled with huge names from the art world, with exhibitions showcasing the work of Monet, Matisse and Picasso coming to the nation's capital. Hitting the NGA between June and August, Monet: Impression Sunrise, will be focused around the artwork that gives the exhibition its title. Painted back in 1872, Impression, Soleil levant is credited as the source of the term 'impressionism' and rarely travels outside of the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. In fact, it has never visited the southern hemisphere before. In collaboration with the French institution, the NGA will display other world-famous paintings by the artist — as well as works by other impressionist talents inspired by Monet, such as JMW Turner. From December 2019 to April 2020, the NGA will then play host to to Matisse / Picasso, which will give art fans to see iconic creations by two major artists in the same space. Drawing pieces from more than 40 collections around the world, the exhibition will highlight the great rivalry between the two figures, and how they responded to each other in their work. The NGA's fondness for Picasso shouldn't come as a surprise — the gallery is already home to a rare set of 100 of the artist's pieces, called The Vollard Suite, which has been touring the country with stops in both Brisbane and Victoria. Among its other highlights for 2019, the NGA will also become home to a new four-metre high wax 'candle' sculpture by Swiss artist Urs Fischer from March, and will unveil a major new work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in October. Monet: Impression Sunrise will display at the National Gallery of Australia between June 7 and August 18, 2019, while Matisse / Picasso will display between December 13, 2019 and April 13, 2020. For further details, visit the NGA website. Image: Claude Monet. Impression, Soleil Levant. 1872. Paris, Musée Marmottan Monet.
Byron Bay is known for many things, including beaches, Hemsworths, a stunning lighthouse and, sadly, a terrible reality TV show. From October, the crews behind existing favourite Luna Wine Store and natural wine importers Lo-Fi Wines are hoping that the coastal town draws folks in for another reason: Bar Heather, their new Paris-inspired natural wine go-to. A restaurant as well as a watering hole, the soon-to-open venue sees owners James Audas and Tom Sheer (ex-Noma, Oscillate Wildly and LP's Quality Meats) team up an impressive staff list: chef Ollie Wong-Hee (ex-Ester, Sixpenny and Franklin), sommelier Ollie Smith (formerly at 10 William St) and restaurant manager Amalia Oxley (previously Agrarian Kitchen). They'll oversee a 68-seater on Johnson Street, located just across from Luna, that'll pair some of the best vinos from around the world with a locally focused food menu. "Over the years we've collected some very special bottles and always thought that if we ever opened a drink-in venue this is where they would go," says Sheer. "We only plan to do this once, so we figured we better do it right." Those drops will include from wine names such as Matassa, Alessandro Viola and Gut Oggaua — with vino by the glass starting at $14 and bottles from $50. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bar Heather (@heather.bar) Both the wine list and the culinary lineup will rotate frequently; however, diners can look forward to a range of snacks, small dishes and larger share plates among Wong-Hee's offerings. Think: a potato chip, comté and shiitake combo; duck confit with betel leaf and kohlrabi; and grilled king green prawns in a sauce made from the seafood's shells. And, price-wise, snacks will start at $8, mains at $32 and desserts from $16. Seaside vibes might breeze through Byron by default, but Audas and Sheer are nodding to their French inspiration in Bar Heather's decor, which'll include an attention-grabbing, mortadella-coloured, marble horseshoe bar. Patrons will also spy French wooden flooring, green leather banquettes with an aged appearance and hanging art aplenty. And, as a soundtrack, afro beats, funk and late disco will set the mood. Bar Heather will open evenings from Wednesday–Sunday, and keep part of its seating — 60 of which will be found indoors, and eight outside undercover — open for walk-ins each night. Find Bar Heather at G9 Jonson Lane, 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay from early October — with reservations currently open from Wednesday, October 19. It'll operate from 5pm–12am Wednesday–Sunday. Images: Jess Kearney.
Last August, Melbourne's Yarra Council made waves when it unanimously voted to stop recognising January 26 as Australia Day. Now, Sydney's Inner West Council wants to follow suit, as it becomes the first in the city to formally consider dropping its Australia Day celebrations, with Greens councillor Tom Kiat planning to move the motion at next week's council meeting. The proposal is in support of the Greens' national campaign to change the date of the holiday, though, as The Sydney Morning Herald reports, it looks to be a futile one. It's likely Labor will block the motion, to save the council from being stripped of its right to hold citizenship ceremonies altogether, as has been the case for interstate counterparts who've dumped their own Australia Day celebrations in the past. Councillor Kiat's pushing for an Indigenous-led commemorative event in place of the usual January 26 festivities, also calling for the council to stop referring to January 26 as Australia Day and to actively lobby the federal Government to change the date. Labor's expected to vote against Councillor Kiat's proposal, in favour of an opposing motion by Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne (who is also Labor). This means it's very unlikely the Greens will get enough votes to pass their motion. Mayor Byrne's calling for Australia Day to remain on January 26, while also proposing an Indigenous affairs package, involving a $5000 funding grant for an Aboriginal languages pilot program and a memorial to recognise the Indigenous victims of British colonisation. Via The Sydney Morning Herald. Image: Kimberley Low.
Sibling duo Alexander and Rebecca Fuchs opened Fuchs Hair in 2018, bringing a long family tradition all the way from Switzerland to Alexandria. Here, the interiors are intimate and warm with neutral tones and gentle lighting giving a relaxed yet professional vibe. Fuchs has curated an equally thoughtful service experience with extra details that make a world of difference — a warm towel and welcoming tea, comfortable basin chairs and extra indulgent head massages. Not only are stylists incredibly skilled, but the team also makes an effort to practice sustainably with ethically sourced products and a focus on waste management. Plus, Fuchs is part of The Dresscode Project, a program that helps salons create inclusive spaces for LGBQTIA+ clients to feel seen and empowered.
The black parade is coming back to Australia — finally. After their last attempt to head to our shores was thwarted due to the pandemic, the reunited My Chemical Romance is set to tour along the country's east coast in 2022. Hopefully the second time will prove the charm for Gerard Way and co, and for music lovers eager to grab their eyeliner, don every black piece of clothing in their wardrobe, relive their angsty emo teenage years and let out three cheers. The new tour will mark ten years since MCR last came to our shores for the 2012 Big Day Out — and comes after the US group went their separate ways in 2013, then reformed in 2019. Fans will be pleased to know that MCR are headlining their own shows on this tour, too, rather than leading a festival bill as they were slated to do in 2020. First, they'll play the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Monday, March 14, before hitting up Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne a few days later on Thursday, March 17. Then, they'll wrap things up on Saturday, March 19 at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. Back in late 2019, when MCR announced that they were literally getting the band back together, they sold out their first reunion gig in Los Angeles quick smart — so expect tickets to their Australian gigs to prove mighty popular, especially after last year's cancelled tour. The group has been trying to take its new show on the road ever since that big announcement, but, thanks to the pandemic, that has obviously proven much trickier than anticipated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRKJiM9Njr8 MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE 2022 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Monday, March 14 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, March 17 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Saturday, March 19 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney My Chemical Romance will tour Australia's east coast in March 2022. For further information — and for pre-sale tickets from 11am on Wednesday, May 26, and general tickets from 12pm on Thursday, May 27 — head to the tour website. Top image: My Chemical Romance performing by NBSTwo via Flickr.
Gaming and esports are coming to Harbour City in a big way. From Saturday, April 8, Chippendale's Central Park Mall will welcome Fortress Sydney, a multi-level centre devoted to computer, video, console and tabletop gaming. When it launches, it'll become a bigger sibling venue to Fortress Melbourne — which opened in 2020 to become the largest site of its type not only in the country, but in the southern hemisphere. Fortress' second Aussie outpost, this 1000-person venue will be a seven-days-a-week haven for Sydneysiders eager to mash buttons with their mates somewhere other than their lounge room — or beyond your respective homes while connected online. Head to this sprawling spot for gaming PCs, suites dedicated to consoles, an arcade and a fantasy-themed tavern. And, for feeling like you've walked into gaming heaven, clearly. If you take your favourite pastime a bit more seriously, you'll definitely be in the right place. The esports arena turns playing into a competitive spectacle, and there's also broadcast and production facilities. Unsurprisingly, Fortress Sydney will host events year-round, such as live tournaments and international playoffs. Elsewhere, function rooms with their own computer setups will be available to hire for private events and parties — and there'll be a merchandise store onsite as well. When it comes to kicking back after a few games, that's where that tavern comes in, serving both drinks and food. Monday nights on-site will be all about trivia over beverages, while Wednesdays will focus on board games, letting patrons work their way through the venue's hefty board game library. On Fridays and Saturdays, there'll be late-night gaming sessions. And Sundays will host Dungeons and Flagons, self-contained D&D sessions guided by an expert Dungeon Master — and with a drink, stationery and character sheet all included, and all experience levels welcome. Whether you're a Super Smash Bros lover or a Counter Strike fiend — or maybe you just love Uno, the card game of champions — Fortress Sydney aims to appeal to everyone, catering for casual fans, competitive gamers and esports diehards, as well as families and after-work crowds. It arrives at a stellar time for gaming culture — The Last of Us is one of 2023's best new TV shows; Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, The Super Mario Bros Movie and Tetris are heading to screens big and small; and there's always obviously something new to play. Fortress Sydney will open at Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale on Saturday, April 8 — head to the venue's website for bookings and further details.
Where do partygoers go when the party's over? Well, so far, it's been Hugo's Lounge, where DJs and indefatigable punters have gathered every Sunday to deny the weekend's demise. Now, 13 years on, Sydney's long-running dance night is moving around the corner to new club, Santa Barbara. Though the change has inspired some controversy, Sneaky Sundays devotees need not be concerned. Founders Black Angus and Miss Connie Mitchell (aka Sneaky Sound System) intend to continue in the spirit that has ensured the night's longevity, with all their favourite DJs being made well aware of the new location. And why not mark a change of address with a launch party? On February 24, Sneaky Sunday's loyal DJ talents, including Sam Francisco, Cassette, Jimmy 2 Sox, Ajax, Dangerous Dan, Jonny Pow and, of course, Sneaky Sound System, will be warming up their new home.
Strong, simple and undeniably stylish, the martini is one of the world's most popular cocktails for good reason. Now you can sample a great version alongside a host of high-end bites, as Four Pillars returns for the third edition of its Martini Collective, running until Sunday, June 22. To do so, they've teamed up with some of the best bars and restaurants across Sydney, with each serving up a mini martini made with Four Pillars' Olive Leaf Gin. However, each venue has come up with its own snack pairing, giving you the chance to see which one couples best with your drink. Ten venues have joined the Martini Collective for its 2025 run in Sydney, including returning favourites like Shell House, The Charles, Le Foote and NOMAD. Meanwhile, newcomers include Bar Julius, Bistro Grenier, Bopp & Tone, Chophouse, The Grill at the International and NOUR. So, what snacks are up for grabs? Some of the most enchanting include Shell House's cruller topped with whipped fish roe and white anchovy, and Bar Julius' charred focaccia with macadamia and rosemary cream, green olive crumb and lemon myrtle. Don't forget, World Martini Day falls on Saturday, June 21, so get your pals together for a cocktail-driven celebration. Images: Declan Blackall.
Absolut Vodka is joining forces with Heaps Gay to bring back one of Sydney's most beloved queer celebrations. The iconic Heaps Gay Street Party is set to return on Saturday, November 29, marking twelve years of what the organisers call "chaos 'n' community." This year's event will unfold at a secret location in Marrickville, adding an extra layer of excitement to a day already known for colour, creativity and wide-open dance floors. Absolut has a long history of supporting LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide, and the partnership with Heaps Gay feels like a natural continuation of that commitment. The Street Party is expected to draw in thousands for an inclusive, high-energy celebration that moves from sunshine to sundown. The event will feature three open-air stages, each with its own mix of DJs, live performers and dance crews. The lineup spans a wide range of musical styles, including house, nu-disco, pop and experimental electronic, ensuring that everyone will find their own corner of the party. Heaps Gay is known for spotlighting both emerging talent and established queer artists, and this year's list is packed with standout names. International guests Reysha Rami from the United States and ISAbella from Spain will join a strong line-up of local performers that includes 2charm, Vv Pete, Cosmo's Midnight, Cat and Calmell, Djanaba, Maz and many more. The programming reflects the event's mission: an ever-expanding community celebrating expression, artistry and unapologetic joy. With its secret location, bold lineup and lively spirit, the Heaps Gay Street Party promises to be one of the most anticipated events of Sydney's summer. Further details will be announced closer to the date, but the message is already clear. It's time to gather, dance and celebrate twelve years of queer community at its most vibrant. Images: Supplied
The crew responsible for Taylor’s Social’s Saturday night parties is adding an extra shindig to the schedule this holiday season. On Boxing Day — right when you’ll be looking the post-Christmas blues in the face — Taylor's Rooftop and Danceetc will come to your rescue with CLASSICSetc: an afternoon-evening party packed with disco, ‘90s house and ‘00s electro. Headlining the adventure is house guru Kaz James, who's spun tunes all over the planet, including at Coachella and Ibiza. Meanwhile, Kid Kenobi will be taking on 15 years’ worth of electro history, playing classics you’d forgotten existed. Then there’ll be Goodwill with his enormous disco and house collection and Mark Dynamix, who’s been responsible for some of the Ministry of Sound’s most popular compilations and will take you time-tripping back to 2002. Before these assorted legends hit the decks, a handful of locals, including John Glover, Alex Taylor and Toby Neal, will be warming up the dance floor with a stack of their favourite tracks. Thanks to a collaboration between CLASSICSetc and Campari, Negronis will be on special all night long. And getting your travel sorted is a cinch with goCatch — enter the code CLASSICS15 for a $25 voucher. First release tickets have been snapped up already, but if you get in quick, you might nab one in the second release.
It's time to get the word "Jellicle" stuck in your head once more: to mark 40 years since it first hit the stage in Australia, Cats is prowling through theatres again in 2025. Back in July 1985, Aussie audiences initially experienced Andrew Lloyd Webber's acclaimed production, which turned a tale inspired by poems from T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats into an award-winning theatre hit. The place: Sydney, aka where Cats plays again from Tuesday, June 17. Four decades ago, the show pranced through Theatre Royal Sydney — and the new season is scampering across the boards there again, too, to help you make some new Cats memories. If you're new to Cats, it spends its time with the Jellicle cat tribe on the night of the Jellicle Ball. That's the evening each year when their leader Old Deuteronomy picks who'll be reborn into a new Jellicle life by making the Jellicle choice. And yes, "Jellicle" is uttered frequently. Of late, audiences might be more familiar with Cats as a movie. In 2019, the musical made the leap from stage to screen with a star-studded cast including Idris Elba (Hijack), Taylor Swift (Amsterdam), Judi Dench (Belfast), Ian McKellen, (The Critic) James Corden, (Mammals) Jennifer Hudson (Respect), Jason Derulo (Lethal Weapon), Ray Winstone (Damsel) and Rebel Wilson (The Almond and the Seahorse) playing singing, scurrying street mousers. If you ever wanted to see Swift pouring cat nip on a crowd of cats from a suspended gold moon, or were keen to soothe your disappointment over the fact that Elba hasn't yet been James Bond by spotting him with whiskers, fur and a tail, this was your chance. For its efforts, the Tom Hooper (The Danish Girl)-directed film picked up six Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture. But while the movie clearly didn't hit the mark, you can see why this feline-fancying musical has been such a huge theatre hit thanks to its Aussie stage comeback. Images: Alessandro Pinna.
Beloved pub The Alexandria Hotel will reopen to the public after half a decade, with new owners Merivale to unveil a new dog and family-friendly outdoor dining space called Backyard at The Alex. The official opening date has yet to be announced, but the new outdoor area is set to feature food trucks, pop-up bars and live entertainment. "What we're trying to do with the indoor space is kind of flip the traditional concept of you get your drink inside and you head outside to the beer garden," The Alexandria Hotel General Manager Sam George told Concrete Playground. "We want to make this the backyard of this community. A place where you go, have fun, relax, listen to some good music, have some good drinks, eat some good food." Backyard at The Alex will be open for lunch and dinner Wednesday–Sunday and will share similarities to Merivale's fan-favourite beer garden at the Vic on the Park with long communal tables, grandstand seating, a basketball court and a large outdoor screen for sports. Local musicians and DJs will also be on hand to provide your spring and summer dose of live music. Food trucks will provide a rotating roster of culinary eats, beginning with chicken schnitzel specialist Wholly Schnit and Firepop, a Yakitori-style bamboo skewer vendor. A pop-up kitchen and container bar will also serve favourites from Merivale's other pub menus and a classic array of tap beers, wine and cocktails. [caption id="attachment_828453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Merivale Group Beverage Manager Keven Peters and Merivale General Manager Sam Egerton[/caption] When plans were unveiled in 2015 to bulldoze 150-year-old pub in order to turn it into an apartment complex, the community banded together to save the pub. The result of a public push to maintain the venue resulted in the purchase of The Alexandria by Merivale in 2016. "Institutions like this must be preserved, they reflect our history and help shape our culture — especially when they mean as much to their local community as The Alex does," Merivale owner Justin Hemmes said back in 2016. Following the acquisition, The Alex sat vacant for nearly half a decade. At the time, Merivale asked for input from the local community on how they'd like to see the pub take shape which George says they've taken inspiration from. "We definitely listened to what the community wanted and we are trying to respond to it as much as we can," he says. George hinted that Merivale has bigger plans for The Alex in the future, but has confirmed that the new outdoor dining area will remain the focus as Sydney begins to open up. The Alexandria is located at 35 Henderson Road, Alexandria. It will be reopening soon from 12pm–12am Wednesday–Saturday and 12am–10pm Sunday. We'll bring you more details as they become available. Top image: Newtown Graffiti
Backyard cricket, barbecues and water sports are all Aussie summer clichés for a reason: they're good, wholesome fun. Another one? Outdoor cinemas. And we're here to tell you the very good news that North Sydney's version of this al fresco activity is returning for another season. Sunset Cinema is once again taking over North Sydney Oval from Thursday, December 16–Saturday, March 26. Whether you're planning a cosy date night or easy family outing under the stars, this season's program has something for everyone — with the cinema releasing its lineup in batches. So far, the film selection spans December through til mid-February kicking off with Christmas flicks ('tis the season to watch Home Alone, Love Actually and Die Hard under the stars, clearly). Other titles getting a whirl include Dirty Dancing, Don't Look Up, Encanto, The Greatest Showman, The French Dispatch and The Card Counter — plus No Time to Die, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, West Side Story, House of Gucci, Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Spider-Man: No Way Home, too. BYO picnics are encouraged, but if you want to enjoy a sparkling, cocktail or brew throughout the film, the onsite bar will be serving a range of drinks. Didn't pack enough snacks? There'll be hot food options, which you can order online and then pickup, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn. Tickets start at $21 for adults, and you can hire a foldout chair for $6, a bean bag for $10 and a lawn lounge for $22.
As far as publicity stunts go, this one is as literal as it gets. For its next big fundraising/marketing venture, Aussie company AMP is pulling out some transparent but undeniably ambitious moves, announcing plans to launch a mildly terrifying-sounding building-to-building zipline in Sydney this October. Dubbed The AMP Foundation Big Zipper, the 125-metre zipline is set to stretch between AMP's two CBD skyscrapers, perched 75 metres above Circular Quay, and propelling riders through the air at up to ten metres per second. Registrations are now open for the casual plummet, which will be held on October 20 and 21. It's not a cruisy public affair though. To be involved, participants will need to raise at least $5000 in funds for one of The AMP Foundation's 15 non-profit partners like Wesley Mission, The Stroke Association of Victoria or Cancer Council NSW. If you reckon you can make that kind of coin for charity and want to actively participate in a major corporation's marketing campaign, sign up here.
Live your Lion King dreams at Symbio Wildlife Park. While the park's 16 acres of manicured gardens on the Illawarra escarpment are home to fearsome species like cheetahs, alligators and snakes, you'll usually be set up with a fluffier (and friendlier) playdate on a behind-the-scenes experience (starting from $125 per person). Meet rare and secretive Nepalese red pandas as they descend from the trees to pluck snacks from your hands and enjoy a belly rub. Or, learn about the complicated social lives of meerkats as the inquisitive mob scurries around your feet, ready for a feed. Fulfil a childhood dream by dedicating a full day to the animal kingdom and interacting with numerous zoo inhabitants while shadowing a zookeeper. You'll get to prepare food, clean habitats, provide animal enrichment toys and learn about each unique species as you explore the park. Images: Destination NSW
The White Cockatoo — or The Cock, as it was affectionately known — is the latest in a string of old fogey pubs to be torn apart and put back together, for Gen Y's drinking pleasure. So pull up a seat, order a beer and get reacquainted with the pub in its new incarnation as West Village, a brand new 130-year-old hotel in the heart of Petersham. The much-loved Cock was snatched up late last year by Goodtime Hospitality, a newly established hospitality group consisting of entrepreneur James Bodel and Locky Paech (ex-The Norfolk and The Forresters). Over the last year they've had a thorough overhaul, championing the original heritage details and laying waste to anything that was awkward and ugly. In one heroic gesture they demolished the old pokies room (hurrah!) and replaced it with a light-filled courtyard (double hurrah!). Now known as the 'patio', this area is soon to operate as a standalone cafe, so you can expect to see lots of smiling commuters getting on at Petersham station, coffee in hand. The West Village pub menu consists of modern Australian share plates and main dishes put together by Paech and head chef Sam Thomson (ex-Catalina). Undoubtedly, some will lament the exit of the legendary monster schnitzels from the good ol' Cock days, and as a peace offering, West Village are serving up a darn good veal schnitty, pan-fried in lemon and caper burnt butter ($22). But if you can't be consoled, you can track down the old ones at The Goni's Schnitzelria in Marrickville. One of the main indicators used to determine a good pub is the steak test. At West Village you can choose between an ethically-farmed fillet steak ($28) or porterhouse ($20). Both are branded with dark caramelisation, evenly cooked and plump with juices, thanks to a highly refined technique. Each steak comes with a choice of side dish. I went for the crispy potato spuds in truffle oil and parmesan, but you can opt for peas, mint and feta, spiced kale chips, coleslaw or seeded mustard potato mash if you think you know better. The one dish on the menu that's raising eyebrows is the kimchi poutine ($12). That’s right, I said kimchi poutine. It's a serving of fries covered with kimchi (fermented cabbage, chilli, carrot, radish and spring onion) topped with melted cheese and sour cream. While it's hardly the food pairing of the century, it still gets top marks for originality and a participation ribbon for giving it a go. A safer bet however would be the blue swimmer crab roll filled with avocado and celery ($12) or the deep fried crumbed camembert, served with chargrilled sourdough, a sweet balsamic reduction and rocket. As far as the drinks go, there's a stellar wine list on show, which has been curated by Andrew Jamieson Wine Merchants, coupled with a wide selection of craft beers and negroni on tap, for those who need their cocktail in five seconds flat. Welcome to the neighbourhood, old friend. Images: Alana Dimou
What started as a small boutique in an old Perth arcade has expanded across four states. Pigeonhole now boasts seven locations all up, one of which is — fortunately for Sydneysiders — in Chippendale. Founder Johann Kim is known for hand-collecting unusual finds from across the globe. Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, you're sure to find it here. The offering ranges from fashion, accessories and jewellery to homewares, beauty items and even lifestyle options like books, board games and wellness gifts. If you can't get to the shop, Pigeonhole's online store brings the best of their fashion and gifts to the masses.
Tim Key is a bad poet. A bad, terrible, awful poet. Or so he would have you think.Key's show, The Slutcracker, is actually a deadpan stand up act masquerading as a sincere piece of performance poetry. A carefully constructed shambolic mess. It begins with him lurching on stage, drinking a can of beer to change into his dishevelled suit in front of the audience and ends with a bare-foot party game. In between he reads his awful (very good) poems, screens his pretentious (funny) art-house movies and bickers (banters) with his off-stage sound man Fletch.The comedy hinges on Key's droll onstage persona â€" like a mix between a very dry Daniel Kitson and a super-pretentious Bill Murray. The show was a smash hit at this year's Edinburgh Fringe where it won the Comedy Award. It’s now on at The Sydney Festival as apart of their ‘About An Hour’ program, which presents hour-long, world standard, Fringe theatre for only $30.https://youtube.com/watch?v=dLjTwh6s53c
Oh, 2023. You've been an interesting one. With the cost of living through the roof hitting during a time when we were desperate to head out and enjoy our post-lockdown lives, it's been a real rollercoaster. If you want to send off this year in style, you're in luck. There are plenty of places celebrating New Year's Eve in Sydney with events big and small. After all, Sydney loves NYE. Whether you're eager to see the back of 2023 with a few champagnes in hand, or looking to start 2024 on a boogie-filled high with DJ sets and a good ol' d-floor session, a slew of Harbour City bars, pubs and restaurants are happy to help. We've compiled a list of the best Sydney spots to ring in the New Year with style — no matter your budget. While lots of events have officially sold out, there are still plenty of memorable parties that you can score tickets to at the last minute. And, if you've still got some fight in you, there are some cheeky New Year's Day kick-ons included. [caption id="attachment_798924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] FREE Cafe Freda's: The Oxford Street iteration of this Sydney institution opened on New Year's Eve 2019/20, so the day holds a special place in the Freda's team's heart. As such, the corner wine bar is one to throw an end-of-year celebration, and this year is no different with its free NYE/third birthday party. Going down from 5pm–2am, there will be DJ sets from a host of Freda's regulars. Entry is free, and it's walk-in only. Barangaroo House: DJ sets, cocktails, water views and tasty eats will be available across all three levels of Barangaroo House this New Year's Eve. House Bar, Smoke Bar and Rekodo will all be hosting parties, with each space celebrating a different era, including the 70s, 90s and noughties. Free entry to all three levels means you can move between spaces throughout the night. If you want to secure a spot, you can make a booking — plus, you can also pre-purchase a bottle of champagne for the midnight countdown. Parramatta Park: A family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration is popping up in Western Sydney's Parramatta Park. There will be food trucks, a 9pm fireworks display and a pop-up bar. You'll also be able to send off the year to hits like 'UFO' and 'Pictures' thanks to a headline set from Sneaky Sound System. The Bank: Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a huge night of celebratory tunes at The Bank courtesy of a b2b set from Dom Alessio and Adam Lewis. The best part? Entry is free all night, and the party won't stop until 4am. Marly Bar: The Marly is going neon across all three levels this New Year's Eve. The beloved Newtown pub will be throwing a free UV NYE Party from 8pm–4am with DJs filling the dance floor on all three levels of the venue, including its underground rave cave Tokyo Sing Song. The Newport: Up north, you can spend NYE waterside with the Barney Cools DJs and two fireworks displays at The Newport. The venue's also offering $7 schooners of beer and $10 schooners of boozy pub squash. Get down early, entry is free all afternoon, with a $25 cover charge kicking in at 6pm. UNDER $50 The Abercrombie: After eight years in the wilderness, The Abercrombie reopened with its 24-hour license intact this time last year. One year on, it's throwing a huge first birthday party on Saturday, December 23, and backing it up with a New Year's Eve celebration on December 31. Catch Human Movement, Troy Beman, DJ Macaroni, Flexy Ferg and Raquel, among a huge lineup of DJs running over multiple levels of the club. Tickets are $34–42, which includes up to ten hours of partying, with the tunes continuing way past the countdown, all the way until 7am. The Lansdowne: The beloved City Road pub and live music venue is closing out the year with a party catered towards anyone who attended the recent Paramore tour or regularly attends Good Things. The Lansdowne's cleverly named NYEMO Heaven & Hell Emo Night will kick off from 8pm on December 31 with emo DJ sets, themed drinks and a prize for best dressed. Tickets are $30. Harbord Hotel: Local favourites Set Mo will be ringing in the new year at the Harbord Hotel to close out 2023. The party kicks off at the Northern Beaches favourite at 5pm, with sets continuing until 2am. Tickets are $35. Club 77: Sevs will be running its Sundays at 77 program for NYE with Berlin-based DJ Claire leading the lineup. You'll be able to spend your New Year's Eve in the heart of Sydney partying from 10pm–4am at the beloved underground rave cave. Tickets are just $10 if pre-purchased or $25 on the door. Crowbar: Sydney stalwart Crowbar is bringing two of the hottest rock bands out right now to Parramatta Road with duel headline sets by Dear Seattle and Teenage Joans. The Toothpicks and Great Job! will be in support, rounding out a New Year's Eve lineup primed for local pop-punk and indie-rock lovers. Tickets are $46. UNDER $200 Dear Sainte Eloise: Dear Sainte Éloise is hosting a special New Year's Eve party so you can bid adieu to 2023 in style. The Potts Point diner will be open from midday, serving a seafood-heavy menu and hard-to-find wines. The set menu, designed by DSE's new Head Chef Elias Selloum, kicks off with small bites like kangaroo tartare and oysters, before moving on to French Provençal-style bouillabaisse, stuffed with seafood galore. You'll also be sampling drops throughout your meal from DSE's well-curated wine cellar. Tickets are $130. Manning Bar: The party crew behind Cockatoo Islands' beloved MODE Festival will be taking over Manning Bar with an eight-hour openair rave. International DJs CCL, Maara and Objekt will be joined by local legends Moktar and Mazzacles for the Camperdown dance party. Tickets are available through Resident Advisory for $81. Ivy: Merivale's multi-storey mega club is hosting two NYE parties. Carl Cox is headlining Defected Sydney in the main space, while LF System will be bringing their global smash 'Afraid to Feel' to the Ivy Pool Bar for an NYE Pool Party. Tickets to Cox alongside Danny Howard and Riva Starr will set you back $153, while passes to the poolside shindig are on offer for $67. Lady Banks Rooftop: Bankstown's sky-high bar will be hosting dinner at 6.30pm featuring honey truffle focaccia, roasted chicken, cauliflower, salads, gelato and canapes. Before DJ sets kick off from 8pm, continuing the party until the early hours of the morning. If you're looking for a spot in Western Sydney with panoramic views stretching from the Blue Mountains to the CBD, this one's for you. You can secure a spot for $179. Odd Culture: The beloved King Street wine bar is hosting a moody candle-lit celebration in its mezzanine level. There will be a banquet dinner and a one-night-only menu of rare and vintage cuvees. A seat will set you back $150, which includes all of your food and a drink on arrival. The Old Fitz: Wooloomooloo mainstay The Old Fitz is hosting a jazzy end-of-year party with Coucou Zazous providing the soundtrack. For $120 you'll be treated to champagne on arrival; a set menu featuring oysters, raw tuna, wagyu bavette steak and chocolate mousse; and live music. BLOWOUT Dean & Nancy on 22: Maybe Group's sky-high hotel bar Dean & Nancy on 22 is hosting a New Year's Eve party tucked into the Sydney skyline. There are a few packages ranging from $200 per person to $2100 for a booth of six to seven. Each booking includes a signature cocktail on arrival, champagne at midnight and a curated menu featuring jamon iberico, kingfish ceviche, scallop ravioli and octopus. FBi Radio's Jack Shit and Liz Ham will be providing the entertainment for the night on the DJ decks. Make a booking at the Dean and Nancy website. Hickson House: The building housing The Rocks' Hickson House is no stranger to a celebration, with the working distillery and destination cocktail bar set in the former Saatchi & Saatchi garage – the location of many infamous warehouse parties. For $320, tickets to this extravagant Sydney New Year's Eve party include an array of canapes, DJs providing the music and a premium three-hour beverage package featuring the venue's own gin, as well as wine, craft beer and house spirits. Best of all, you'll also get access to The Rocks precinct with views of the Harbour Bridge fireworks from Hickson Road. Whalebridge: Waterfront French diner Whalebridge is making the most of its vantage point right by the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a huge NYE dinner. Guests will be treated to a shared four-course menu, champagne on arrival and a deluxe wine package. Steamed Murray cod, aged wagyu rib-eye, caviar and creme fraiche tars, lobster rock oysters and raspberry vacherin will all make appearances at the feast. Tickets to the harbourside celebration range between $600–1000, depending on where you're seated. View Sydney: When people think of prime viewing locations for the fireworks, their minds often go straight to the CBD, but there are plenty of panoramic views to be enjoyed on the other side of the bridge. View Sydney is making the most of its vantage point and throwing an end-of-year soiree. The no-hold-bar cocktail event features four food stations — seafood, Texas barbecue, Asian eats and dessert — plus a full beverage package including Manly Spirits cocktails, Australian wines and beers. This view-heavy party will set you back a pretty penny. Get set to drop $636 on your ticket if you want to secure your spot. Bennelong: Wondering what the most expensive New Year's Eve experience is in Sydney? From what we can tell, it's Bennelong, Peter Gilmore's iconic diner below the Sydney Opera House where a booking will set you back between $1600–2220. If you have that kind of money to splash on a single night, you'll enjoy a four-course menu from the Bennelong kitchen, a premium drinks package, a glass of champagne on arrival and at midnight, and live entertainment. W Sydney: Much-hyped wave-shaped hotel W Sydney is now open, and it's sending off 2023 in style at its rooftop bar. There are a few packages you can purchase here. $550 tickets will get you into Level 29 and include a four-hour beverage package, canapes, a live hibachi grill and oysters. If you want to celebrate one floor higher, entry to Level 30 will set you back $899, with an oyster and caviar bar and after-midnight snacks provided alongside free-flowing champagne. Browse all of the packages to determine how you want to spend NYE. NEW YEAR'S DAY Field Day: New Year's Day tradition Field Day is back with another genre-bending dance-ready lineup for the first day of 2024. RÜFÜS DU SOL, Central Cee, G Flip, Genesis Owusu, Sub Focus, Ross From Friends, Claptone and Destroy Lonely are all on the lineup alongside fast-rising local DJs like Logic1000 and Dameeeela, plus The xx's Romy bringing her Fred again..-backed dance project to Sydney. You can still nab tickets for $217. Club 77: After partying until 4am on New Year's Eve, Seventy Seven is backing it all up the next day with another late night. On January 1 the William Street club will be hosting Dave Stuart, Trinity and Magda Bytnerowicz, with music pumping until 4.30am. Tickets are $10 if pre-booked or $25 on the door. Greenwood Hotel: Noth Sydney fave Greenwood is welcoming in 2024 with four stages of dance music, including a headline set from none other than Basement Jaxx. NYD 2024 Day One: Reverence will see more than 30 electronic tastemakers behind the decks from 1–11pm. Tickets are $104. Manly Pavilion: If you want to start the year dancing by the water, head up to the Northern Beaches for a DJ set from Winston Surfshirt. Alongside the local funk and pop kings, there will be DJ sets all afternoon long, and your $60 ticket includes a complimentary drink on arrival. Woollahra Hotel: Anyone with a sore head on New Year's Day can head to the Woollahra Hotel for the pub's Monday meal deal. You'll be treated to $15 mixed-dozen dumplings, the perfect recovery brunch from a big night of celebrating.
Oh, 2023 — you've been an interesting one. With the cost of living through the roof during a time when we were all desperate to head out and enjoy our post-lockdown lives, it's been a real rollercoaster. Keen to send off this year in style, no matter what it's brought your way? You're in luck. There are plenty of places celebrating New Year's Eve in Sydney with events big and small. After all, Sydney loves NYE. Whether you're eager to see the back of 2023 with a few champagnes in hand, or looking to start 2024 on a boogie-filled high with DJ sets and a good ol' d-floor session, a slew of Harbour City bars, pubs and restaurants are happy to help. We've compiled a list of the best Sydney spots to ring in the New Year with style, regardless of your budget. While lots of events have officially sold out, there are still plenty of memorable parties that you can score tickets at the last minute. And, if you've still got some fight in you, there are some cheeky New Year's Day kick-ons included. [caption id="attachment_798924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] FREE Cafe Freda's: The Oxford Street iteration of this Sydney institution opened on New Year's Eve 2019–20, so the day holds a special place in the Freda's team's heart. As such, the corner wine bar is one to throw an end-of-year celebration, and this year is no different with its free NYE/third birthday party. Going down from 5pm–2am, there will be DJ sets from a host of Freda's regulars. Entry is free, and it's walk-in only. Barangaroo House: DJ sets, cocktails, water views and tasty eats will be available across all three levels of Barangaroo House this New Year's Eve. House Bar, Smoke Bar and Rekodo will all be hosting parties, with each space celebrating a different era, including the 70s, 90s and 00s. Free entry to all three levels means you can move between spaces throughout the night. If you want to secure a spot, you can make a booking — plus, you can also pre-purchase a bottle of champagne for the midnight countdown. Parramatta Park: A family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration is popping up in Western Sydney's Parramatta Park. There will be food trucks, a 9pm fireworks display and a pop-up bar. You'll also be able to send off the year to hits like 'UFO' and 'Pictures' thanks to a headline set from Sneaky Sound System. The Bank: Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a huge night of celebratory tunes at The Bank courtesy of a b2b set from Dom Alessio and Adam Lewis. The best part? Entry is free all night, and the party won't stop until 4am. Marly Bar: The Marly is going neon across all three levels this New Year's Eve. The beloved Newtown pub will be throwing a free UV NYE Party from 8pm–4am, with DJs filling the dance floor on all three levels of the venue — including its underground rave cave Tokyo Sing Song. The Newport: Up north, you can spend NYE waterside with the Barney Cools DJs and two fireworks displays at The Newport. The venue's also offering $7 schooners of beer and $10 schooners of boozy pub squash. Get down early — entry is free all afternoon, with a $25 cover charge kicking in at 6pm. UNDER $50 The Abercrombie: After eight years in the wilderness, The Abercrombie reopened with its 24-hour license intact this time last year. One year on, it's throwing a huge first birthday party on Saturday, December 23, and backing it up with a New Year's Eve celebration on December 31. Catch Human Movement, Troy Beman, DJ Macaroni, Flexy Ferg and Raquel among a huge lineup of DJs running over multiple levels of the club. Tickets are $34–42, which includes up to ten hours of partying, with the tunes continuing way past the countdown, all the way until 6am. Harbord Hotel: Local favourites Set Mo will be ringing in the new year at the Harbord Hotel to close out 2023. The party kicks off at the Northern Beaches favourite at 5pm, with sets continuing until 2am. Tickets are $35. Club 77: Sevs will be running its Sundays at 77 program for NYE with Berlin-based DJ Claire leading the lineup. You'll be able to party from 10pm–4am at the beloved underground rave cave. Tickets are just $10 if pre-purchased or $25 on the door. Crowbar: Sydney stalwart Crowbar is bringing two of the hottest rock bands out right now to Parramatta Road with duel headline sets by Dear Seattle and Teenage Joans. The Toothpicks and Great Job! will be in support, rounding out a lineup primed for local pop-punk and indie-rock lovers. Tickets are $46. UNDER $200 Dear Sainte Eloise: Dear Sainte Éloise is hosting a special New Year's Eve party so you can bid adieu to 2023 in style. The Potts Point diner will be open from midday, serving a seafood-heavy menu and hard-to-find wines. The set menu, designed by DSE's new Head Chef Elias Selloum, kicks off with small bites like kangaroo tartare and oysters, before moving on to French Provençal-style bouillabaisse stuffed with seafood galore. You'll also be sampling drops throughout your meal from DSE's well-curated wine cellar. Tickets are $130. Manning Bar: The party crew behind Cockatoo Islands' beloved MODE Festival will be taking over Manning Bar with an eight-hour openair rave. International DJs CCL, Maara and Objekt will be joined by local legends Moktar and Mazzacles for the Camperdown dance party. Tickets are available through Resident Advisory for $81. Ivy: Merivale's multi-storey mega club is hosting two NYE parties. Carl Cox is headlining Defected Sydney in the main space, while LF System will be bringing their global smash 'Afraid to Feel' to the Ivy Pool Bar for an NYE Pool Party. Tickets to Cox alongside Danny Howard and Riva Starr will set you back $174, while passes to the poolside shindig are on offer for $67. Lady Banks Rooftop: Bankstown's sky-high bar will be hosting dinner at 6.30pm featuring honey truffle focaccia, roasted chicken, cauliflower, salads, gelato and canapes. DJ sets kick off from 8pm, continuing the party until the early hours of the morning. If you're looking for a place in Western Sydney with panoramic views stretching from the Blue Mountains to the CBD, this one's for you. You can secure a spot for $179. Odd Culture: The beloved King Street wine bar is hosting a moody candle-lit celebration in its mezzanine level. There will be a banquet dinner and a one-night-only menu of rare and vintage cuvees. A seat will set you back $150, which includes all of your food, plus a drink on arrival. The Old Fitz: Woolloomooloo mainstay The Old Fitz is hosting a jazzy end-of-year party with Coucou Zazous providing the soundtrack. For $120, you'll be treated to champagne on arrival; a set menu featuring oysters, raw tuna, wagyu bavette steak and chocolate mousse; and live music. BLOWOUT Dean & Nancy on 22: Maybe Group's sky-high hotel bar Dean & Nancy on 22 is hosting a New Year's Eve party tucked into the Sydney skyline. There are a few packages ranging from $200 per person to $2100 for a booth of six to seven. Each booking includes a signature cocktail on arrival; champagne at midnight; and a curated menu featuring jamon iberico, kingfish ceviche, scallop ravioli and octopus. FBi Radio's Jack Shit and Liz Ham will be providing the entertainment for the night on the DJ decks. Make a booking at the Dean and Nancy website. Hickson House: The building housing The Rocks' Hickson House is no stranger to a celebration, with the working distillery and destination cocktail bar set in the former Saatchi & Saatchi garage — the location of many infamous warehouse parties. For $320, tickets to this extravagant Sydney New Year's Eve party include an array of canapes, DJs providing the music, and a premium three-hour beverage package featuring the venue's own gin, as well as wine, craft beer and house spirits. Best of all, you'll also get access to The Rocks precinct with views of the Harbour Bridge fireworks from Hickson Road. Whalebridge: Waterfront French diner Whalebridge is making the most of its vantage point right by the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a huge NYE dinner. Guests will be treated to a shared four-course menu, champagne on arrival and a deluxe wine package. Steamed Murray cod, aged wagyu rib-eye, caviar and creme fraiche tarts, lobster rock oysters and raspberry vacherin will all make appearances at the feast. Tickets to the harbourside celebration range between $600–1000, depending on where you're seated. View Sydney: When people think of prime viewing locations for the fireworks, their minds often go straight to the CBD, but there are plenty of panoramic views to be enjoyed on the other side of the bridge. View Sydney is making the most of its vantage point by throwing an end-of-year soiree. The no-holds-barred cocktail event features four food stations — seafood, Texas barbecue, Asian eats and dessert — plus a full beverage package including Manly Spirits cocktails, Australian wines and beers. This view-heavy party will set you back a pretty penny. Get set to drop $637 on your ticket if you want to secure your spot. Bennelong: Wondering what the most expensive New Year's Eve experience is in Sydney? From what we can tell, it's Bennelong, Peter Gilmore's iconic diner below the Sydney Opera House where a booking will set you back between $1600–2220. If you have that kind of money to splash on a single night, you'll enjoy a four-course menu from the Bennelong kitchen, a premium drinks package, a glass of champagne on arrival and at midnight, and live entertainment. W Sydney: Much-hyped wave-shaped hotel W Sydney is now open, and it's sending off 2023 in style at its rooftop bar. There are a few packages that you can purchase here. The $550 tickets will get you into Level 29 and include a four-hour beverage package, canapes, a live hibachi grill and oysters. If you want to celebrate one floor higher, entry to Level 30 will set you back $899, with an oyster and caviar bar, plus after-midnight snacks and free-flowing champagne. Browse all of the packages to determine how you want to spend NYE. NEW YEAR'S DAY Field Day: New Year's Day tradition Field Day is back with another genre-bending dance-ready lineup for the first day of 2024. RÜFÜS DU SOL, Central Cee, G Flip, Genesis Owusu, Sub Focus, Ross From Friends, Claptone and Destroy Lonely are all on the lineup alongside fast-rising local DJs like Logic1000 and Dameeeela, plus The xx's Romy bringing her Fred again..-backed dance project to Sydney. You can still nab tickets for $217. Club 77: After partying until 4am on New Year's Eve, Seventy Seven is backing it all up the next day with another late night. On January 1, the William Street club will be hosting Dave Stuart, Trinity and Magda Bytnerowicz, with music pumping until 4.30am. Tickets are $10 if pre-booked or $25 on the door. Greenwood Hotel: North Sydney fave Greenwood is welcoming in 2024 with four stages of dance music, including headline sets from none other than Basement Jaxx and Faithless. NYD 2024 Day One: Reverence will see more than 30 electronic tastemakers behind the decks from 1–11pm. Tickets are $104. Manly Pavilion: If you want to start the year dancing by the water, head up to the Northern Beaches for a DJ set from Winston Surfshirt. Alongside the local funk and pop kings, there will be DJ sets all afternoon long, and your $60 ticket includes a complimentary drink on arrival. Woollahra Hotel: Anyone with a sore head on New Year's Day can head to the Woollahra Hotel for the pub's Monday meal deal. You'll be treated to $15 mixed-dozen dumplings — the perfect recovery brunch from a big night of celebrating.
Sydney, we know you love your secret cinema. So we’d like you to meet a new friend. Curious Cartel is a new, imaginative events company specialising in film. And from May, it’ll be bringing a immersive experiences and movie-inspired happenings to various locations in Sydney. The first event, to be held on May 9, has been dubbed Popcorn Therapy. Attendees will be asked to meet at 6pm at a clandestine location, to see a mystery film, the identity of which won’t be revealed until they’re sitting in front of the big screen. There might be clues along the way, but there won’t be any definitive revelations. We can tell you, however, that, besides a movie, the evening will also involve music, food, a licensed bar, a supporting cast of characters and interactive activities. Curious Cartel has also hinted that screenings will be taking place in unique and unexpected spots and that cult films will feature. Tickets for Popcorn Therapy are not cheap, at $60, but hopefully that means there's production value to match. Buy yours at Ticketbooth. The event is strictly 18+.
