For a country that's girt by sea, as our national anthem reminds us, Australia has become rather obsessed with waves of the artificial kind in the past few years. Melbourne has its own Urbnsurf surf park, Sydney is set to score one this year, and the brand is looking to set up shop in Brisbane and Perth as well — while Melbourne also boasts a theme park with a wave pool, and other different man-made spots have also been earmarked for Sydney's north and the Gold Coast. Oh, and Kelly Slater is meant to be opening a surf ranch on the Sunshine Coast, too. Indeed, "who needs real beaches?" seems to be the current line of thinking — and it's also behind Surf Lakes, a regional Queensland surf park that's been up and running for a few years, but only for testing. Now the operation has been given the go-ahead to develop its Yeppoon site by both the Queensland Government and the Livingston Shire Council, which puts it on-track to add facilities for the public. Yes, that means that within 12–18 months, it'll ideally be welcoming in anyone and everyone to live out their Point Break dreams beyond the ocean. The Capricorn Coast venue was built as a prototype facility designed to give a new kind of technology a whirl, and uses a central mechanism that sends waves from the middle of its 200-metre by 150-metre lake towards the edge. With the water lapping over eight distinctive breaks, it produces more than 2000 surfable waves per hour, including some measuring more than two metres in height. When it launched in Yeppoon, Surf Lakes also had some high-profile support, with Aussie surfers Mark Occhilupo and Barton Lynch the park's two ambassadors. But opening to the public was always floated as part of the venue's overall mission — and, depending on timing when it does open its doors to everyone, it might make it the first operational surf lake in the world. Wannabe Johnny Utahs (because we all want to be Keanu, admit it) can expect a spot that'll cater for beginners and pros alike, covering folks who've never hopped on a board before — including via learn-to-surf lessons — plus those well-experienced at hanging ten. The site is also set to include shops, places to nab food and drinks, and other outdoor and fitness activities around the lake. And, for those making the trip north for a holiday, there'll be glamping-style accommodation as well. Announcing the news, Surf Lakes International Chief Executive Officer Aaron Trevis said "our long-term aim has always been to take our wave-making technology to the world, allowing people from all walks of life to be able to experience the joys of a surfing life in a safe environment. We hope the Yeppoon site can be one of, if not the first Surf Lake open to the public." Surf Lakes is aiming to open its Yeppoon site at 662 Yeppoon Road, Mulara to the public within 12–18 months — we'll update you with further details when they're announced, and you can head to the company's website for more information in the interim.
Everyone has different priorities when it comes to planning a holiday. For some, it's a jam-packed itinerary of outdoor adventures. Others may be looking for a place to kick back and relax. But for you, it may be all about seeking out good food and drinks. Hey, we don't blame you. You've got to keep fuel in the tank for that sightseeing. Canberra is one city that delivers all of the above on a silver platter. A weekend here can be filled with wondrous epicurean delights, plus a hell of a lot of life-affirming tasty vino. You'll find everything from fine dining establishments and cosy wine bars to bustling markets and top-notch wineries. Throw in a few more unique food experiences that you're unlikely to find in your city and you've got yourself a pretty amazing food-filled weekend. If you're guilty of planning every single meal in advance, right down to the dishes you (and your travelling companion) will order, we've got you covered. Read on to discover five spots around the capital that you must make a stop at on your next trip. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Since it kicked off in 2015, Melbourne clothing not-for-profit HoMie has been one of the most genuine 'feel good' brands on the market. Their clothes look great, and their mission – combatting homelessness – is more important than ever. Now, HoMie has joined forces with global mega label Champion to launch a very special winter capsule. Dubbed 'Champion Change', all profits from the new campaign will go towards HoMie's mission of helping young people experiencing homelessness or hardship. You might remember other capsules from these guys. HoMie and Champion have technically been collaborating since 2019, and previous collections have all been absolute winners. It's HoMie meets Champion — what's not to like? Champion Change features six bespoke apparel pieces and accessories, all designed to keep you warm this winter. You'll notice the logo isn't the normal HoMie badge: they've co-designed a new-look design with Champion. There are genderless hoodies, crew jumpers and an eye-catching reversible parka in camo print. A little something for everyone. 100% of profits will go towards training, clothing and job opportunities for young people experiencing homelessness. The capsule is available for a limited time, or until stock runs out, so get around it. You can shop the new look here. Images: Supplied
Have you been known to look at a doughnut and think "you belong with me"? Do you consider sweet treats your karma? Does happiness to you come in round orbs of pastry? Do you have your eyes open for all things Taylor Swift — or just for free doughnuts? The pop superstar has hit Australia, finally bringing her Eras tour Down Under thanks to three shows in Melbourne and four in Sydney. Her Aussie stint starts today, Friday, February 16. And to celebrate, Krispy Kreme is getting in on the action to give out free doughnuts to Swifties, and also to anyone — as long as you're wearing a friendship bracelet when you head into its Australian or Auckland stores. The chain is known for giving away its round treats, including handing out 100,000 of them each National Doughnut Day. In 2023 for Halloween, it also doled out freebies if you went in in costume. So, it's thoroughly unsurprising that it's linking in with Swiftmania. To snag yourself a signature glazed freebie, make a beeline to your closest Krispy Kreme store in Australia or Auckland on Friday, February 16 while wearing a friendship bracelet. The last part isn't optional. You'll then receive one original glazed doughnut per person, and you don't have to buy anything else to nab the treat without paying a cent. This is a while-stocks-last giveaway, so getting in as quick as someone trying to nab Taylor Swift tickets is obviously recommended. That gives everyone a heap of places to flock to: 38 in Australia and six in New Zealand. Sydneysiders are able to hit up stores stretching from Penrith to the CBD, Victorians can visit locations from Chadstone to Collins Street, and Queenslanders have Albert Street in the Brisbane CBD and Surfers Paradise among the choices. For residents of Perth, Hay Street, Cannington and more await. In Aotearoa, all options are in Auckland — including at Newmarket, Chancery Square and the domestic airport terminal. Krispy Kreme's Taylor Swift giveaway is taking place in-store on Friday, February 16 in Australia and Auckland. To find your closest shop and check its opening hours, head to Krispy Kreme's Australian and New Zealand websites.
If you were wondering where Sydney's underground art scene is, Underbelly Arts Festival has made it accessible for you. The Festival is unique, not just in Sydney's mainstream art scene, but in the alternative one too. Not only does it offer you a day of the complex, strange, new, and experimental, but for a week beforehand you can come in for free and check out the artists in process. And sometimes help them make their art as well. The mysterious J Dark stalks and is stalked, Complicit brings you wall-robots, Ngoc Nguyen creates a Vietnamese flower festival, the turbine hall is taken over by acrobats, and all the while five artists knit together a new society. For the first time this year, the festival is spreading out over Cockatoo Island. The Underbelly Arts Festival has its festival proper on July 16, where you can enjoy the results of weeks of preparation. Beforehand, from July 3 to 12, the artists open their doors to strays in the Lab. You can help them do their thing, join in a tour, or sit in on a workshop (like this Toydeath-related one). Early bird tickets to the July 16 Festival are $10. Later on they go up to $15, or $20 on the day. Image by Dave Keeshan.
If your ideal holiday is being poolside, cocktail in hand, in sunny Palm Springs, then get ready to book yourself in for a vacay in Albury. Yep, a retro-style Palm Springs-inspired resort is set to open in the regional town that straddles the NSW and Victorian border, making it the perfect pitstop on your next road trip. Sure, it might not be the same desert oasis in California, but it'll save you a whopping airfare. And, considering international travel is expected to be off the cards until at least 2021, you can go on your well-deserved getaway a whole lot sooner, too. Albury's old Astor Hotel Motel is currently undergoing a massive multimillion-dollar revamp, which is slated for completion by September; however, the first stage is set to reopen as early as July. The pub and motel was bought by hotelier Peter Griffiths back in 2019, with the major renovations happening at a time when domestic travel is more sought after than ever. Pitted to be a huge project for the town — and region — the renovated Astor is sure to bolster tourism, whether for a stop-in visit or as the destination itself. Designed by leading Melbourne design firm Technē, the development will see the 1960s building transformed into a resort with pastel hues, leafy decor and plenty of old-school Hollywood cues. The Astor will retain key structures from the OG building, but expect far more than just a lick of paint from the reno. It'll house 45 rooms, a bar, a restaurant, an airy beer garden and multiple function spaces. Located equidistant from Sydney and Melbourne, Albury is home to the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), the award-winning Library Museum, landscaped lawns at the Botanic Gardens and weekly farmers markets. You'll also find Taco Bill — a Tex-Mex chain that's been around since the 60s — which will help add to the southern Cali vibes. The town sits right on the Murray River and is a short drive from Falls Creek Ski Resort, too. In short, there's plenty to do if you're looking to do more than just pass through. The Astor Hotel Motel's multimillion renovation is slated for completion in September, 2020, with the first stage set to reopen from July.
Held in the grounds of Glebe Public School every Saturday from 10am–4pm, pick up some homemade jewellery from local artists or vintage wares whilst munching on fresh produce and listening to live music.
Petersham's newly revamped stalwart The Oxford Tavern is going full sour next month — and not just with its beers. The inaugural Rise 'N Brine festival will take over the pub on Saturday, November 16 with pickle-themed food, booze and even entertainment. To start off, the bar will offer a few pickle-flavoured beers, which have been brewed for the day by local craft legends Batch and Yulli's Brews. Other booze options include a full pickleback menu, which features the classic — aka a shot of Jameson chased with pickle juice — and even a slushie version of the drink. And the pickling doesn't stop there, either. The pub's Executive Chef Richard Price has also created a special menu of pickle-inspired barbecue eats to tuck into — think pickle-brined wings, fried pickle hot dogs and pickle pops. A honky-tonk band, pickle eating competitions hosted by local favourite McClure's Pickles and roaming pickle mascots are also on the docket. If you'd like to sign up for the comp, you'll need to email hello@theoxfordtavern.com.au with "Pickle My Pie Hole" (yes, really) as the subject. Entry is free, so just rock up and get stuck into the pickles.
Quietly keeping us all tied firmly to Planet Earth, gravity is the mighty scientific force taking centre stage at Penrith Regional Gallery's latest group exhibition, Gravity (and Wonder) — where art and science make waves. Think three months of artist and scientist residencies, live performances and out-of-this-world digital projections from some of the top guns in both fields. For the first time, PRG joins forces with the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, the University of Western Sydney and Penrith Observatory, bringing together a collision of art and science like Sydney's never seen before. Blue Mountains visionaries David Haines and Joyce Hinterding will present the first attempt to record sound falling from space, with their haunting audio-visual display Descender, while Amy Joy Watson will get your head spinning with her huge floating installation. They'll be mega-scale works from American artist Richard Serra, Dreamtime paintings of The Moon and Universe from Indigenous brother-sister duo Mabel Juli and Rusty Peters, plus a one-day gravity-defying performance on November 5 at the Gallery's Lewers House (transformed into the exhibition's House of Wonder). Prepare to have your mind blown.
Sometimes the ideas just ain't flowin'. You want the paragraphs to flow freely. You'd like that band to start itself. You'd appreciate if your inner Iron Chef would just come out already. Sometimes it takes a little inspiration to get the creative juices flowing, but you've got to know where to start the quest. Teaming up with our buds at Kirin — who've just unleashed a whole ton of creative collaboration with their newest line of inspired cider — we've trawled through Sydney's alleyways, secret music venues and fresh food markets to find the best spots in the city to get inspired. After a tour through these babies you'll have enough inspiration to found All The Labels, write All The Plays and master All The Sous Vide. Get amongst it. For Street Artists: Mays Lane Street artists with a slight writer's block should scoot over to Mays Lane in Petersham. The legal graffiti thoroughfare is somewhat of a Mecca for Sydney graf crews. Take design cues, find your own spot of wall and get painting — knowing the po-po won't shut you down. For Art Enthusiasts: Alaska Projects Budding artists and curators, if you're lacking for inspiration in the art department the team at Alaska Projects will make you rethink Everything. Turning curatorial endeavours on their head and finding a regular exhibition space in the Kings Cross carpark, AP specialise in installation projects, performances, talks and straight-up gallery hangs that make you revisualise possibility. Plus, they throw killer openings — solid frosting. For Design Addicts: Koskela Feeling uninspired by your less-than-stylin' apartment? Learn how to make your abode look like one o' dem glossy magazines at Koskela. The Roseberry-based furniture and homewares company not only sells the slickest home-wants in the business, they also run baller workshops. Take Gemma Patford's rope basket workshop, or dye your hand at the Shibori indigo dyeing workshop. You'll be holding your own crafternoons in no time. For DIY Go-getters: Work-Shop Holding your little paw while you step outside your comfort zone, Work-Shop is your gateway to inspiration for all those projects you've either put off or haven't even thought of yet. With 89 artists teaching 103 programs, Work-Shop can teach you everything from how to make kickass kimchi to making your own bottle lamp. Want to do public speaking like a boss? Always yearned to make origami jewellery? Feeling like you're the next big street artist? There's a class for that. Peruse The Makery to check out the pure genius you could be. For Fashion Fiends: Somedays Feeling the need for a creative impetus on more levels than one? Fusing fashion and art in a nifty retail/exhibition loft space, the Somedays crew know what's up when it comes to the designers, photography, collections, art and cider-fuelled launches you should know about. Whether it be reams of jeans in store or entire exhibitions of live music photography, Somedays will leave you wanting to seize creativity by the haunches and make your own mark. For Culinary Wizards: Gastro Park In case you haven’t heard by now, Gastro Park is as inspiring as food gets. Food lovers around Sydney are fixated on how bad the name is and how incredible the food is.The slogan rings true: Gastro Park is indeed 'a fairground of deliciousness'. They'll take a spot of snapper and craft it into a modernist delight. They'll construct an entire dinner themed around Game of Thrones, with edible candles and handwritten letters to boot. If this place doesn't inspire you to get innovative with your own culinary masterpieces, you haven't ordered enough calamari crackling. For Unstoppable Gardeners: Wendy's Secret Garden Perfect for finding perspective and gaining some creative inspiration from one of the greats, Wendy's Secret Garden is a small testament to heartbreak hidden amongst the skyscrapers that line the city's foreshore. The garden was created by Wendy Whiteley, the wife of one of Australia's most celebrated artists, Brett Whiteley. After Brett's death of a heroin-overdose in 1992, Wendy got hold of the derelict land adjacent to their house and restored the grounds, transforming it into a beautiful, secluded space laced by winding paths, fig trees, antiques and esoterica all against the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Hard not to get a little inspired here. For Budding Twangers: Hibernian House Are you a solo guitar-touting musician with not a songwriting idea in your little ol' dome? Head along to a gig at Hibernian House and you'll be scrawling and twanging in no time. Home to reams of lit candles, intimate 'stage' space, actual residents and all the lounge roomy vibes, the not-so-secret-anymore Hibernian House has long been a staple of the unconventional, always rewarding gig roster. For Architecture Tragics: Rose Seidler House Architectural inspiration comes from the most unlikely of places, but why not force the point and wander through the modernist hallways of the iconic Rose Seidler House in Wahroonga. Open on Sundays for a small $8 entry fee, you can check out designs by iconic mid 20th-century designers Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen and Ferrari-Hardoy, and Harry Seidler himself — then run around the garden for a spell, crack open a cider and redesign your own dream house when you get home. For Pantry Raiders: Bondi Farmers Market If you're keen to get creative with the possibilities of pickling, the potential of pastry art or just creating something different for dinner, Bondi Farmers Market is your inspiring produce hub. A super chilled Saturday venture for many a Bondi local, the markets take over Bondi Beach Public School (including the canteen) with seasonal produce, organic meats, homemade jams and honey, baked goods, cheeses, olive oils, fresh flowers, street food and live music, with some vintage fashion and countless local pups thrown in for good measure. You'll be unleashing creative fury on your pantry in no time. For Crate Diggers: Title Sick of your Spotify playlists? Want to get in to some real crate digging? Crown Street's Title store is full of inspiring and unexpected little gems that are as niche as they come. Run by Fuse Music upstairs, Title has all your restorations, reissues and limited editions to reinvigorate your love for tunes. Justin Vernon buys his records here when he's in Sydney, so if it's good enough for Bon Iver it's good enough for us. For Antique Aficionados: Doug Up on Bourke Antiquing has never been so fly. Boasting one of the largest collections of rustic antiques and hardcore collectables in Sydney today, Waterloo's Doug Up on Bourke is a bonafide treasure trove of everything you never knew you needed. Find inspiration for your latest interior design project, or just brighten up your drab old lounge room with some vintage bowling pins, wooden hot dog stands or antique merry-go-round horses. For Multi-Hat Wearers: 107 Projects Redfern's most versatile creative space is simply made for inspiring. One of Sydney's best spots for new, innovative theatre, book launches, exhibitions, food pop-ups, performances and general creative collaboration, 107 Projects ticks many a potential-realising box. Now you're sufficiently inspired, reward yourself with a crispy beverage — check out Kirin's range of Japanese-inspired ciders over here. Top image: sexyninjamonkey via photopin cc.
Newcastle is an all-timer as a destination for a quick and easy getaway out of Sydney. Take the bustling local hospitality, stunning coastal attractions and ever-expanding waterfront entertainment precincts — plus the plenty of fantastic stays on offer. One of those stays, Little National Hotel Newcastle, is celebrating its first birthday this month. With an on-site offering that resembles an inner-city coworking hub and rooms packed with everything you need for comfortable stays, you should remember this destination for any upcoming Newcastle sojourns. What can one expect at a stay like this? Situated on Honeysuckle Drive, a stone's throw from the Newcastle Transport Interchange, Darby Street dining precinct and Hunter Street light rail, the 181-room property sets you up in a prime perch to explore the rest of the city. There's plenty of luxury to be enjoyed on-site, since each design-focused room is packed to the rafters with amenities. Every room includes a super king bed, for starters, plus motion-sensor lighting, in-room tablets, Bluetooth audio and Byredo amenities to add a dash of extra relaxation. Planning a lengthy stay? The hotel keeps several apartment suites with additional floor space for a home away from home. Beyond the room and within the building, you'll find a 24-hour gym stacked with state-of-the-art equipment, and a two-storey coworking-style library and lounge atrium that offers complimentary drinks and snacks for those who need to get some work done. Once you start feeling peckish, you can hit the ground floor cafe, Monte, for breakfast and lunch, or just a quick coffee to go. The lounge bar offers evening drinks and a range of snacks which can be enjoyed in-room, but you wouldn't need to wander far for a feed in the surrounding offering of Newcastle venues. Interest piqued? Since the hotel is celebrating its birthday, it's offering Concrete Playground readers a free night's stay. To redeem this rare opportunity, you'll have to be among the first 20 readers to use code 'CPLNFREE' to book a minimum two-night stay between Monday, May 19–Sunday, May 25, with the free night valid for stays until Sunday, August 31. Little National Hotel is located at 44 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle. For more information or to make a booking, visit the Little National Hotel Newcastle website. For a chance to win a complimentary night's stay at the Little National Hotel Newcastle, you'll have to be one of the first 20 readers to use code CPLNFREE when booking a minimum two-night stay between Monday, May 19–Sunday, May 25 — with the discount available for stays until Sunday, August 31.
Stay tuned. More info on its way. Image: Destination NSW.
October is made for weird, wild and wonderful movies filled with shocks and scares. 'Tis Halloween season, after all. So, the world obliges, including on screens big and small — and, in 2023, via the return of Australia's genre film festival Monster Fest, which is dedicated to flicks of the spooky, dark, twisted, offbeat and out-there variety. Monster Fest doesn't always pop up in the month when everyone is worshipping pumpkins and thinking about costumes; however, the timing obviously couldn't be more perfect. In Sydney, it's heading to Event Cinemas George Street between Friday, October 27–Sunday, October 29. On the lineup: the latest and greatest in genre filmmaking, spanning horror, sci-fi, comedies with elements of either and all-round unnerving movies. Standouts titles on the 2023 program include Suitable Flesh, which stars Heather Graham (Extrapolations) as a doctor going mad, takes its inspiration from HP Lovecraft and boasts Joe Lynch (Creepshow) behind the lens; The Last Video Store, a horror-comedy set, yes, in one of the last video stores; and Norwegian flick There's Something in the Barn, about a gnome uprising that plagues an American family (including Party Down's Martin Starr) who've relocated to Scandinavia. Or, there's also sci-fi comedy Time Addicts, Australian slasher Bloodmoon getting a 4K restoration 33 years after its OG release and Trim Season's nightmarish trip to a weed farm.
From towering mountains and serene fiords shrouded in mist, to black sand beaches and forests housing some of the world's oldest trees, Aotearoa New Zealand's natural landscapes truly are something else. No matter when you visit, you'll feel the wairua (spirit) of New Zealand's landscapes drawing you in as you're immersed in them and they envelop you. This is scenery you'll feel, rather than merely 'view'. Winter transforms vistas as the skies darken, mountains rising from the horizon are dusted in snow and the seasonal passing by of wildlife occurs. During autumn and spring, you'll be bathed in warmer temperatures and lingering sunlight that casts a different light over the landscapes. We teamed up with 100% Pure New Zealand to unveil some of the most awe-inspiring scenery New Zealand has to offer each season, so you can plan a trip that's made all the more memorable by these breathtaking encounters. Flick the switch for our top picks of experiences to have in autumn, winter and spring and see how New Zealand changes with the seasons. Jump to switcher
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes Pinot Noir as 'sex in a glass', while winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. One of the most challenging grapes in the world of vinification, it's also one of the most surprising and rewarding. No wonder Bottle Shop Concepts — the good folk who bring Game of Rhones our way — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things Pinot Noir. For just one day, Sydney wine connoisseurs will have the chance to sample more than 100 drops, direct from the Southern Hemisphere's best producers. Think Ata Rangi, Curly Flat, Marlborough's Greywacke, Yabby Lake, Shaw + Smith, Mount Difficulty — and that's just the first few leaves on the vine. Whether you're a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a Pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there'll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. You'll even be able to vote for your favourite. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you'll be catered for. There'll be food from Belles Hot Chicken and Bodega, beer from Young Henrys, and the epic Burgundy Bar – a kind of Pinot Noir mecca where you'll be able to sample some seriously good (and spenny) bottles at cost price. Expert sommeliers will also be on hand to help you make selections. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (as well as their tastebuds) can spot $95 for a VIP pass. For that you'll get pre-event access (two hours before those pesky crowds), a food voucher, a tasting at the Burg Bar and a one-on-one with one of the event's sommeliers, who will personally curate your Pinot experience for you. Pinot Palooza will hit Carriageworks on Sunday, October 9. Tickets are $60, which includes tastings and a take-home Plumm Vintage glass.
There's no single reason why Newtown is considered the indie hub of Sydney. Rather, it's the sum of its parts: a thriving arts scene, a wonderfully diverse food and retail offering and dozens of late-night haunts. And the byproduct? The eclectic personalities who call the area home. No matter what time of day you're in the area (or what the weather is like), the opportunities for things to do are endless — from grabbing a coffee at first light from Fleetwood Macchiato in neighbouring suburb Erskineville to last drinks at Earl's Juke Joint. In between, you can shop for vintage wares along King Street, admire street art, see an indie film at Dendy and catch a gig at The Vanguard. And we haven't even touched on all the stuff you can eat. To celebrate some of the small businesses that keep the streets of Newtown and Erskineville buzzing, we've teamed up with City of Sydney to ask you — Concrete Playground readers — what businesses you love to support in the area. Here are your picks. Read on to discover some of the most popular picks to visit during the day. Then, flick the switch above and we'll dim the lights to show your favourite things to do once the sun goes down.
2024 is a double Dune year. First, Dune: Part Two brought the science-fiction franchise back to the big screen with help from director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), plus stars Timothée Chalamet (Wonka) and Zendaya (Euphoria). Next, television's Dune: Prophecy will arrive before spring is out. A six-part prequel series from HBO, it's set 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides — and, as the latest teaser trailer for the show advises, this is a time when sacrifices must be made. Dune: Prophecy marks this book-to-screen universe's return to the small screen. Over the past four decades, the saga started on the page by Frank Herbert has hit cinemas three times so far, including David Lynch's 1984 film and Villeneuve's 2021 standout Dune: Part One. In the 00s, it also spread sandy across TV via two miniseries. Everything in pop culture has to span both movies and television at the same time these days, however, hence Dune: Prophecy — even though the tale of Paul, aka sci-fi's spiciest man, is set to continue in a third Dune film that doesn't yet have a release date. Come November, including via Binge in Australia, Dune: Prophecy will follow the sect that gives rise to the Bene Gesserit, aka the sisterhood that secretly sways the universe. In the debut sneak peek back in May, the narration explained how the faction formed, and was "assigned to the great houses to help them sift truth from lies" — but also noted that that power comes with a price. The new glimpse doubles down on the costs and chaos. Across both trailers, cue plenty of plotting, lurking in dramatically shadowy spaces, schemes, rituals, battles and marriages. The focus falls on two Harkonnen sisters — part of the same family that includes Stellan Skarsgard's (Andor) Baron Harkonnen, Dave Bautista's (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) Rabban and Austin Butler's (The Bikeriders) Feyd-Rautha in the movies — who are attempting to sure up humanity's future. Dune: Prophecy is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson's novel Sisterhood of Dune, and features Emily Watson (Small Things Like These), Olivia Williams (The Crown), Travis Fimmel (Boy Swallows Universe), Jodhi May (Renegade Nell), Mark Strong (Tár), Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (The Colony), Josh Heuston (Heartbreak High) and Jessica Barden (You & Me) among the cast. HBO is as keen as most Dune characters are about spice on turning films into TV shows at the moment, with The Batman spinoff The Penguin, IT prequel series Welcome to Derry and a Harry Potter remake as a television show all also on the way. Check out the latest teaser trailer for Dune: Prophecy below: Dune: Prophecy will stream from in November 2024, including via Binge in Australia — we'll update you when an exact release date is announced. Read our reviews of Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, and our interview with cinematographer Greig Fraser.
The Opera House will welcome a new addition to its existing suite of waterside restaurants and bars, when House Canteen takes over Opera Kitchen on Thursday, 13 October. Headed up by Matt Moran in collaboration with hospitality giant Solotel (ARIA, Barangaroo House, Opera Bar), House Canteen offers a seasonal, pan-Asian menu underneath the iconic Opera House sails. "It's hard to beat this waterside location at the Opera House," Moran says. "We're thrilled to continue being part of such an iconic location for our city with House Canteen. It's a relaxed and welcoming offering with plenty of crowd favourites on the menu." [caption id="attachment_873096" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Alana Dimou[/caption] Sydney locals and interstate visitors will enjoy Single O coffee alongside pastries sourced from the city's best bakeries, while the lunch and dinner menu will run to an eclectic Asian-fusion offering. Sashimi and sticky chicken served with shallots and sriracha is a strong way to start, while a mix of steamed dumplings spanning prawn, vegetable, chicken and pork with chives is served with black vinegar and a hit of chilli oil. A Japanese-style beef sando is paired with cabbage, kewpie and chips, and a range of lighter poke bowls rounds out the all-day offering. Mochi in matcha, strawberry, peach and tiramisu flavours are set to make an ideal post-show snack, too. [caption id="attachment_873097" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Alana Dimou[/caption] Australian producers are championed throughout the curated wine list, but beers and a boutique selection of cocktails are also available. The native peach sour with St Agnes brandy, Disaronno amaretto, peach and egg white is a real highlight. [caption id="attachment_873100" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Steven Woodburn[/caption] House Canteen will open on Thursday, October 13, Monday to Sunday from 7.30am–11.30pm. Top images: Steven Woodburn and Alana Dimou.
Cavalier is a bustling espresso bar championing small-scale local produce. Not only does it churn out specialty coffee, but also has next-level sandwiches and baked goods. The coffee comes way of a number of local independent roasters including (but not limited to) Five Senses, Stitch, Market Lane and Double Tap. So, it's great spot for a morning coffee as well as spot of lunch, and there is a particular focus on some truly spectacular toasties. The team has also opened a second space dubbed Cavalier 2.0. The second outpost is more of a restaurant, but still has the same sustainable and local ethos. It's got more of a fine dining menu, alongside a smart list of minimal intervention wines. Both Cavaliers have a relaxed, neighbourhood feel and are easily accessible from the heart of Crows Nest. Images: Samantha Andison at Studio Sojourn
It's a Tuesday night, you're dragging your feet through the fluorescent corridors of your local supermarket. The recipe in your hands calls for rump steak. You trawl through the packaged meat stacked on the shelves, bumping shoulders with other desperate customers. But there is none to be found. You opt for scotch fillet and convince yourself it's close enough. Waiting behind a tired queue for the self-service checkout you notice everyone around you is clinging to various packaged food items. You stand in the queue and wonder why we spend so much of our time in soulless supermarkets waiting for food that is wrapped in (lots of) plastic and just OK quality. But what if it was different? Enter Sydney's independent merchant renaissance. The food and beverage scene in Sydney is changing. While a lot of us still cling to our routine (daily, weekly) supermarket shop, specialty stores that pride themselves on restaurant-quality produce, education and excellent chat are becoming more and more popular. If you want to avoid the above scenario — or, in the words of Queen, break free from the supermarket slog — here are some alternatives
One of the best restaurants in Australia will be immortalised in print, thanks to a new book by chef Dan Hunter. Brae: Recipes and Stories from the Restaurant will showcase the history, philosophy and food of the iconic eatery in country Victoria, and is shaping up as one of the most salivating reads of the year. Due to hit shelves on May 1 thanks to Phaidon Press, the 256-page hardback will explore the early days of Brae, while also charting Hunter's journey from kitchen porter to celebrated chef. Personal essays will explore Hunter's ethical vision and strong preference for local ingredients. It's an approach that saw Brae rewarded with the number two spot on the list of Australia's Best Restaurants last year. Amateur cooks will also be keen to get a glimpse of Hunter's recipes, a number of which will be included in the tome. Finally, the book will feature more than 150 of artist Colin Page's photographs, detailing the food, the kitchen and breathtaking Australian landscape that surrounds the restaurant on all sides. Brae: Recipes and Stories from the Restaurant hits bookshelves and online stores from May 1 with a recommended retail price of $75.
What happens when xenomorphs and other terrifying extra-terrestrial creatures find their way to earth? So explores Alien: Earth, which brings the iconic horror/sci-fi saga first started by Ridley Scott's (Gladiator II) Alien to humanity's home, as well as to television. Another way to discover the answer to that question has popped up in Australia to celebrate the new series' arrival: an IRL hive quarantine zone, complete with ominous eggs and organisms, which is enjoying a two-day stint in Sydney. From 12–8pm on Thursday, August 14, 2025 and also from 8am–8pm on Friday, August 15, 2025, 348 Kent Street in the Harbour City is undergoing an otherworldly makeover. Expect ovomorph eggs, a crate containing a "class-one" hostile critter and Prodigy Corp workers donning hazmat suits trying to control the area. As for the show itself, which debuted on Disney+ on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, one of the trailers has some pertinent words: "we don't lock them down, it will be too late." This time, as other sneak peeks have also made clear, there's more than just one type of extra-terrestrial to deal with. So, while watching, you can hear humanity's screams in response, with this spinoff from the iconic Alien films featuring "five different life forms from the darkest corners of the universe" wreaking havoc. Not once, not twice, but nine times now across 46 years, cinema audiences have stepped into the world of xenomorphs, facehuggers and chestbursters — and of cats onboard spaceships, androids resembling people and shouts not heard in the universe's vast expanse. When the initial Alien dropped in 1979, it started a phenomenon. 1986's Aliens, 1992's Alien 3, 1997's Alien Resurrection, 2012's Prometheus, 2017's Alien: Covenant and 2024's Alien: Romulus have all followed, as well as the 2004 Alien vs Predator and 2007 Aliens vs Predator: Requiem crossover flicks with the Predator franchise. 2025's Alien: Earth is a first, however, given that it's the franchise's debut TV series. Executive produced by Scott, this is Noah Hawley's addition to the saga — and another of his projects, after Fargo, where he's expanding upon the realm of a beloved film on the small screen. Set in 2120, his Alien entry follows the fallout of deep-space research vessel USCSS Maginot crashing onto earth, then the discoveries made as a result by a crew of soldiers that includes human-robot hybrid Wendy (Sydney Chandler, Sugar). As it peers just under a century into the future, Alien: Earth sees its namesake planet under the control of five companies: Weyland-Yutani, of course, because this is the Alien franchise, plus Prodigy, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold. It also witnesses a society where hybrids like Wendy — the first of her kind, with human consciousness inside a robot body — live side by side with humans, cyborgs and AI-driven synthetics. Hawley's cast not only includes Chandler, but also Fargo alums Timothy Olyphant (Havoc) and David Rysdahl (The Luckiest Man in America), plus Alex Lawther (Andor), Essie Davis (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), Adrian Edmondson (Kidnapped), Samuel Blenkin (Mickey 17), Babou Ceesay (Killer Heat), Lily Newmark (A Gentleman in Moscow) and more. Find the Alien: Earth pop-up at 348 Kent Street, Sydney, from 12–8pm on Thursday, August 14, 2025 and also from 8am–8pm on Friday, August 15, 2025. Alien: Earth streams in Australia via Disney+.
The team behind Avalon's locally loved Bar Elvina has revamped its sandwich-slinging joint Sandy's, opening a breezy wine bar in its place. Taking up residence along Barrenjoey Road, Randy's Wine dons a coastal-inspired fit-out with splashes of colour throughout. From the pink hues of its Turkish marble bench tops, its custom red cedar windows and adorning leafy greens to the dim lighting and the neon-lit 'Randys' sign, the inviting space has a stylish and down-to-earth neighbourhood bar personality. Previously home to the crew's dedicated sanga spot, this intimate 20-seat outpost offers a select range of enticing bar snacks to pair alongside its premium selections of seasonally picked wines. The third brainchild of self-titled 'cork dorks' Andy Emerson and Nick Musgrave boasts a huge range of vino from across the globe, starring the likes of juicy reds, crisp whites and skin-contact sips. And for the cocktail lovers, Randy's offers a selection of seven cocktails, including an oyster shell martini and a zero-alcohol special. As for bites, you can get shucking with Sydney rock oysters, indulge in the buttery fried baguette paired or sink your teeth into fresh sashimi to start. Dive into the offering of seafood-forward plates, with Clarence River octopus and fried calamari with tarragon mayo leading the dishes. Or, for those opting to stay ashore, try the chicken liver parfait or the burrata with peach vinegar. Randy's also maintains some throwbacks to its previous era with a few sizeable sangas. There's a toasted sesame milk bun loaded with yamba king prawn and its very own take on a Zinger Burger — both of which can be converted into a happy meal with the addition of fries and beer or wine. And to sweeten the deal, there's also a smoky basque cheesecake available for dessert, paired with a citrus syrup. Looking to experience the joint as a whole? Opt for Randy's' 'let us feed you' menu, which showcases the bar's best for $50 per person.
Being a sports fan involves taking every opportunity you can get to show your love for your chosen team. Attending matches, nabbing all the merchandise, decking yourself out in the appropriate hues: they're some of the easy ways to go about it. If you're particularly dedicated, so is naming a pet after your favourite player or squad. We can't all call a koala joey Matilda, however, like the folks at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary have to celebrate the 2023 Women's World Cup. Over the past few weeks, the fortunes of Australia's national women's soccer team have been the best conversation topic there is. How is Sam Kerr's calf? How many goals can Hayley Raso kick? How stunning was that game against Canada? Here's the latest question: how cute is this Gold Coast koala that now shares the Matildas' name? The answer: very. Matilda the koala is now 12 months old, about 25 centimetres in size and has been given her moniker to honour the Aussie squad. "The real Matildas are achieving great things, and many of the staff and volunteers at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary have been following their journey closely," said Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Koala Specialist Sarah Eccleston. "When discussing a name for the newest addition to our Koala nursery, Matilda was a clear favourite and seemed very fitting." "Matilda is very sweet but also a bit cheeky. She is already making herself known in the nursery, just like the Matildas in the FIFA Women's World Cup tournament," Eccleston continued. At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Matilda was born from the breeding and conservation program, and will soon join it to help the endangered species' future. The wildlife haven is home to more than 50 of its own fluffy-eared marsupials, which visitors can see on a trip to the park or via a daily behind-the-scenes tour, breakfast with koalas sessions five days a week and regular grazing experiences in its koala habitat. [caption id="attachment_912105" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shiftchange via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Find Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin — head to the venue's website for further information. The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 runs until Sunday, August 20 across Australia and New Zealand, with tickets available from the FIFA website.
Following the closure of its original location in October of 2023, SOUL Dining has finally reopened in a new site with its familiar elegant charm. You'll now find the brainchild of Daero Lee and Illa Kim serving up its sophisticated Korean eats on Carrington Street in the heart of the CBD. Previously residing in Surry Hills, the original eatery opened in 2018 to serve modern Korean cuisine, fostering plenty of adoring fans while opening a series of sibling restaurants in Bar SOUL and SOUL Deli. Now residing in a brand-new location right by Wynyard Station, SOUL Dining has returned with an abundance of tasty dishes for you to try. "We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter at Wynyard and continue our mission of showcasing the best of Korean cuisine in a contemporary setting," said Executive Chef and Owner Daero Lee. The Carrington Street outpost dons its familiar dark ambience, maintaining its signature blue and charcoal theme splashed across its interiors, paired with velvet seating and gold accents. Whether you're in for an intimate date night or a classy night out, SOUL Dining's newest outpost provides the perfect setting. SOUL Dining's menu still features its original ethos, starring traditional Korean flavours and dishes through the team's unique lens. There's plenty to dig into on the menu, from Korean staples to desserts inspired by nostalgic sweets reminiscent of Lee and Kim's childhood. Returning menu highlights include the kingfish in kimchi water, while there are new items to discover on the refreshed menu like the scallop bori-bap — a common Korean rice dish with vegetables and soybean paste. The drinks selection has also undergone a revamp, with Head Sommelier Liz Dodd bringing experience from Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel to create an exciting new wine list. Plus, the cocktails menu still features the much-loved Melona and Sesame Sour. You'll find SOUL Dining's newly reopened eatery at 50 Carrington Street, Sydney — open for lunch and dinner Monday–Saturday. Head to the restaurant's website to make a booking or for more info.
When you consider the ever-inflating costs associated with owning your own patch of urban paradise, it’s little wonder that people are turning to a more compact way of living. In response, quirky micro houses are appearing in cities around the globe, as architects and owners turn their attention to designing houses with simplicity and sustainability in mind. Many designers have been influenced by Japanese architects like Yasuhiro Yamashita, who has responded to the challenge posed by space constraints by creating small but comfortable and functional living quarters like his Lucky Drops house in Tokyo. As more and more attractive alternatives to traditional homes pop up each week, we take a look at some of our favourite not-so-grand designs. Small House in Tokyo, Japan Tunnel Vision in Manhattan, New York Small House Surry Hills, Sydney Steel Life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Lucky Drops in Tokyo, Japan
It's been five years since Taylor Square's rainbow crossing was removed in the middle of the night, without a word of warning. But now, just a week out from the 41st Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, it has been permanently reinstated — and it's as triumphant and vibrant as ever. The colourful crossing popped up on the corner of Bourke and Campbell streets yesterday, and has been officially launched by Lord Mayor Clover Moore and MP Alex Greenwich and Mardi Gras CEO Terese Casu this morning, Friday, February 8. With the support of the City of Sydney, NSW Roads and the RMS, the crossing features the colours of the gay pride flag, and curves with the road — meaning it takes the shape of an actual rainbow. When it was first announced back in June last year, Lord Mayor Clover Moore has applauded the move, calling it "a powerful acknowledgement of the importance of our LGBTQI community and history". https://www.instagram.com/p/BtmTKu8FWI9/ The original rainbow crossing was installed in February 2013, but was removed two months later by the NSW Roads Minister amidst safety concerns. Residents have since spent years petitioning for it to be reinstated — this Change.org petition got over 16,000 signatures — so this is undoubtedly welcome news to the LGBTIQ+ community and commuters that pass through Taylor Square each day. To celebrate, the City of Sydney will host a pop-up from 11am–1pm tomorrow, where you can get free rainbow icy poles, get a photo printed and even a free bike tune-up. The new installation, which has also included a local street upgrade for pedestrians and improvements to the Bourke Street bike path, will be in place for six months, before a safety review is undertaken by the RMS. If it ticks all the boxes, this rainbow icon will be sticking around permanently. It will join Melbourne's rainbow road, which was installed in St Kilda last year.
Rosebery's award-winning distillery Archie Rose is going experimental this month as it launches ArchieMite: a new 'buttered toast spirit' that uses Pepe Saya butter, a house-mix of 'mite' spreads and Sonoma sourdough toast in the distilling process. The umami-packed liqueur will launch at the Archie Rose Bar on Wednesday, May 8 — and we're not sure if we should be excited or not. ArchieMite certainly won't be everyone's favourite, as descriptors like salty, buttery and savoury are not normally attributed to alcohol. But fans of Vegemite (and other umami-rich yeast-extract spreads) will likely appreciate this unusual spirit. Apart from the 'mites', a whopping 25-kilograms of freshly churned Pepe Saya and 15-kilograms of Sonoma's toasted sourdough went into the ArchieMite making. If you want to taste the spirit in its best form, head along to Archie Rose Bar on the weekend for its themed Mitey Brunches — which will run noon–2pm every Saturday and Sunday from May 11–June 2. On the menu will be a list ArchieMite cocktails, so expect to drink the likes of a Mitey Bloody Mary, Espresso Mite-Ini, Mitey Colada and ArchieMite Pickleback. For food, there'll be build-your-own platters on offer, with the obvious options including Sonoma bread, Pepe Saya butter and breakfast spreads aplenty. Next door at Gelato Messina's Rosebery HQ, the team has created ArchieMite-infused gelato sandwiches, too — using Sonoma bread, Pepe Saya butter and breakfast 'mite' spreads, of course. These will be available at the Archie Rose Bar from Wednesday, May 8 until sold out. And the Australia Museum will stay open after-dark to host a ArchieMite makers night in July. The limited-edition run of 3000 bottles will also be available in bars, independent bottle shops and online for $79 per bottle. Come and get it. Archie Rose's ArchieMite is available to purchase online from 10.30am on Wednesday, May 8.
The end of winter means warming temperatures, blooming flowers and summer inching closer. In 2023, it also means looking up. To close out August, a super blue moon will take to the sky — or a blue supermoon, if you prefer. Both terms fit, because the Earth's only natural satellite will serve up both a supermoon and a blue moon. The date to point your eyes to the heavens: Thursday, August 31. Stare upwards with your own two eyes and you'll see a noteworthy sight — but it'll actually be at its peak that morning. Heading outdoors at 11.35 AEST is recommended; however, if you train your peepers towards the sky the evening before or afterwards, you'll still be in for a glowing show. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — several usually happen each year — blue moons only happen every few years. Wondering why else you should check this one out? We've run through the details below. [caption id="attachment_769713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA/Joel Kowsky[/caption] WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. Again, they're not all that uncommon — and because the supermoon on Thursday, August 31 is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. A blue moon refers to the second full moon occurring in a calendar month. Despite the name, it isn't blue in colour. Also, despite the saying, they happen more often than you might think, but still only ever few years. The next monthly blue moon after this is set to occur at the end of May in 2026. Normally, the August moon is also a sturgeon moon, too — and while that's the case in 2023 as always, that moon has already been and gone. That's what happens when there's two months in a month, with this year's sturgeon moon happening on Wednesday, August 2. The name, doesn't refer to its shape or any other physical characteristics, but to the time of year. In the northern hemisphere, August is around the time that sturgeon fish start to show up in big numbers in North America's lakes. Of course, that doesn't apply in the southern hemisphere, but the name still sticks. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? As mentioned above, the super blue moon will officially be at its peak at 11.35am AEST on Thursday, August 31, Down Under — but thankfully it will be visible from Wednesday night Australia and New Zealand time. The moon does usually appear full for a few days each month, so you should find the night sky looking a little brighter this week anyway. That 11.35am AEST time applies in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with folks in Perth needing to look at 9.35am local time and people in Adelaide at 11.05am local time. In New Zealand, get peering at 1.35pm NZST. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking at glowing sights in the sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Fancy checking it out online? The Virtual Telescope Project is set to stream the view from Rome at 1.30pm AEST on Thursday, August 31, too. For more information about the super blue moon on Thursday, August 31, head to timeanddate.com.
Pharrell's putting that giant-hatted brain to good use; the multi-Grammy award-winning artist has co-designed and curated the first ever denim collection made with recycled plastic yarn. Fronting the G-Star crew as creative director of Bionic Yarn, Pharrell is spearheading G-Star's eco-friendly collections for men and women, dubbed RAW for Ocean. Sounding like something Iron Man knits mittens with, Bionic Yarn is an eco-thread of fibres made from recycled plastic bottles found littering the ocean. Having already recycled a whopping ten tonnes of plastic waste from the seas, RAW for Ocean is the first ever collection to use Bionic Yarn to create a denim collection. And when three times as much rubbish is dumped into the ocean as the weight of fish caught every year, this is a sustainable initiative we can truly get behind. At the forefront of sustainable fashion, G-Star and Pharrell have teamed up with some pretty kickass initiatives to see the collection come to fruition. The Vortex Project works to retrieve and recycle the millions of kilos of plastic floating in our global oceans, hoping to reduce it and come up with smart awareness campaigns to disrupt the vicious cycle. Parley for the Oceans is another top notch platform which brings together artists, musicians, fashion designers, scientists, engineers and other environmentally-conscious legends to talk about the ocean's massive problem in high-profile events and activations. They've also got Sea Shepherd giving them the thumbs up. So what's in store for the collection? Raw for Ocean will see jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, caps and more created from Bionic Yarn — all featuring different shades of mazarine indigo blue and black. One of the cornerstone pieces for men is a modern trench cut from the Bionic Yarn raw denim, the A-Crotch Trench, while ladies can look forward to a printed denim Fallden Bomber. The RAW for Ocean collection even has a dorky little mascot, Otto the Octopus, whose presence in the collection becomes a quirky take on the classic houndstooth print. Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson said, "Creativity is the key to saving creation from our darker side and the key to a future of ecological harmony between humanity and the diversity of wondrous species we share this planet with." Big ups to G-Star and Pharrell for getting on board. The RAW for Ocean collection drops September 10 in stores and online.
The Central Coast's dining options seem to get better with every visit. More and more Sydney hospitality folk are upping sticks from the city to open up all-day diners or cosy taverns that focus on local produce and excellent service. And the new arrivals only add to an already thriving food and drink scene bolstered by loyal locals and visitors seeking out the best of the area. As there are new openings to celebrate, and a couple of fine dining favourites that you shouldn't pass up, we've put together this list of ten Central Coast restaurants, cafes and bars that we think are worth the hype. Read on to find flame-grilled flank steaks, paddock-to-plate high tea and finger-licking good pizza. And when you've dined your way around these, check out more acclaimed eateries in our Weekender's Guide. While regional holidays within NSW are now allowed, some of the places mentioned below may be operating differently due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans.
By the time that March 2025 is out, Australians will have a new streaming service vying for their eyeballs. As rumoured since 2024, confirmed the same year and given an exact launch date earlier this year, Warner Bros Discovery's Max platform is launching locally on Monday, March 31. As that date approaches, more details have arrived regarding what'll be on offer, as well as pricing and plans, if you're keen to sign up to the new Aussie home of HBO's shows. As already revealed, you'll want to subscribe if you're a The Last of Us fan — that's where you'll be watching the hit game-to-screen series' second season when it debuts on Monday, April 14. Max will also boast other HBO Originals, returning, new and old alike, such as The White Lotus; House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and any other Game of Thrones spinoffs; Euphoria; upcoming IT prequel series Welcome to Derry; and everything from True Detective,The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire, Oz, Deadwood, Big Love, True Blood, Big Little Lies and Westworld through to Succession, The Larry Sanders Show, Sex and the City, Flight of the Conchords, Bored to Death, Girls, Veep, Barry and Enlightened. The platform's own Max Originals — so made for it, rather than for HBO — include And Just Like That...,, Peacemaker and The Pitt, while the Warner Bros television library also spans Friends, Rick and Morty, Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl and more. Adventure Time, Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo are among the cartoon names hitting the service. Plus, content TV networks Discovery, Cartoon Network, TLC, Food Network, ID and HGTV are also on their way to the platform. If you're a film fan, get excited about access to recent cinema releases at home, as well as classic fare. Alongside boasting movies from Warner Bros Pictures from the past few years, such as Barbie, Wonka, Trap, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice and Twisters — and also big franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Dune, the DC Universe and Harry Potter — Max will screen blockbusters fast-tracked from their silver-screen dates. And, the service will feature a TCM hub, which is where all-time greats such as Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket and Rebel Without a Cause will be available. As for plans and pricing, there's three of the former — starting with a basic package that includes ads, then offering standard and premium options. The first spans full HD resolution and two devices streaming simultaneously, as does the second, with the latter also including 30 downloads to watch offline. Opt for premium and 4K resolution plus Dolby Atmos sound are featured, if they're available per title; four devices can stream simultaneously; and the downloads go up to 100. As a launch special until Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the basic with ads plan is available for $7.99 per month for the first 12 months or $79.99 for the first year (or $11.99 per month/$119.99 per year from Thursday, May 1, 2025). The standard plan special is $11.99 per month for the first 12 months or $119.99 for the first year ($15.99 per month/$159.99 per year afterwards), while premium is available for $17.99 per month for the first 12 months or $179.99 for the first year (or $21.99 per month/$219.99 per year afterwards). While the great streaming service rush, when new platforms seemed to appear every few weeks or so, is a few years in the past, HBO bringing Max to Australia remains huge news. At present, the US network's shows largely screen and stream to Aussie viewers via Binge and Foxtel. When the former launched, boasting HBO's catalogue was one of its big selling points. The deal between Binge, Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery — which owns HBO — was extended in 2023, but it was reported at the time, accurately so it proves, that Max might debut in Australia from 2025. Max will be available direct to consumers via its website and app stores — you'll sign up for it by itself — for viewing via mobile, tablet, gaming consoles and connected TV, but it will still keep a connection with Foxtel. If you subscribe to the pay-TV service, you'll get access to the Max app without paying extra. Max launches in Australia on Monday, March 31, 2025 — head to the streaming service's website for more details.
The Alliance Francais French Film Festival is back for another year, ready to celebrate the best in French cinema. Returning to select Palace locations around the country, this year’s program is packed with exciting goodies, including dramas, comedies, docos, kids' films and an entire stream dedicated to movies about the First World War. With almost 50 movies on offer — most of them Australian premieres — it’s shaping up to be one of the festival’s most exciting years ever. Of all those titles, we’ve selected five that you absolutely owe it to yourself to see. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Lea Seydoux (Blue Is the Warmest Colour) and Vincent Cassel (Black Swan) star in this sumptuous adaptation of the classic French fairy tale. An enormous French-German co-production, the film’s trailer is absolutely packed with gorgeous visuals, and appears to have a darker edge than the animated Disney version we all know and love. The last couple of years have seen a bunch of big budget Hollywood “reboots” of fairy tale stories, most of them not very good. Here’s hoping the French (and the Germans) can get it right. GIRLHOOD Aged just 36, writer-director Celine Sciamma first caught our attention with Tomboy, a tender coming-of-age story about a 10-year-old girl pretending to be a boy. Her follow-up, Girlhood, belongs to a similar genre, although this time her protagonists are a little older. The film explores the dynamic between four reckless teenage girls as they struggle to pave a future for themselves in one of the poorer parts of Paris. The film has received a ton of buzz on the international festival circuit, and we can’t wait to check it out. THE NEW GIRLFRIEND When it comes to sexually provocative cinema, no one does it better than director Francois Ozon. The man behind such films as In the House and Swimming Pool, Ozon has made a career out of titillating pulp, and his latest film looks to be absolutely no exception. A story of death and deception with some cross-dressing thrown in, The New Girlfriend has been described as a mix of Hitchcockian thriller and Almodóvar-style sexual comedy. It should probably go without saying, but this one’s for adults only. SAINT LAURENT Last year saw the release of Yves Saint Laurent, the first in a pair of competing biographical dramas about the legendary French fashion designer. Unfortunately, that film was pretty bloody awful. But we’re holding out hope for this alternate version, which competed for the Palme d’Or at last year’s Festival de Cannes and got much kinder notices from critics. TOKYO FIANCEE Finishing off our list with something a little lighter, romantic comedy Tokyo Fiancee has drawn comparisons to Amelie — and presumably not just because their protagonists have the same name. The film concerns a young French woman obsessed with all things Japanese, who decides to book herself a one-way ticket to Tokyo. Once there she finds work as a French tutor, only to begin a relationship with one of her students. The film is one of the favourites of festival patrons David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz. And really, who are we to argue with them? The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is on around Australia in March. Catch it in Sydney from March 3-22, Melbourne from March 4-22 and Brisbane from March 13 - April 1. Check the festival website for the full program.
Alicia Taylor is one of Melbourne's most promising young photographers — you've probably seen her work splashed across your social feeds already. She learned the tricks of her trade at RMIT, where she studied design and photography, and combined her love of both in the career we all dream of: international photographer. Still, she's a Melburnian through and through, and knows the city's art and design scene as few can ever hope to. In partnership with Pullman Hotels and Resorts, we're helping you explore more on your next holiday and make sure you get those experiences that the area's most switched-on residents wouldn't want their visitors to miss. In Melbourne, we've called in Alicia, whose favourite spots range from the city's weirdest commercial art gallery to a restaurant whose impressive interior design is finished off with a four-metre brass compass. A stay in one of Pullman's two locations in Melbourne — Albert Park or On the Park in East Melbourne — will not only put you in the thick of all this action, it will let you contemplate all you've seen in five-star luxury at the end of the day. Read on for Alicia's perspective on Melbourne's art and design hot spots, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. SOPHIE GANNON GALLERY The Sophie Gannon Gallery in Richmond is set away in an unassuming, single-level brick enclave, but housed within is the life's work of one of Australia's most ambitious art dealers, Sophie Gannon herself. Sophie came up from managing a handful of artists to handling some of Australia's finest — including my personal favourite, Emily Ferretti. Her gallery is also a showroom, as they so often are, and I love dropping by whenever I'm in the neighbourhood. There's no need to preplan; you can just trust that Sophie will have something beautiful adorning the walls. ACCA The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art is a great interactive contemporary art space located in Southbank. It's one of my favourite architectural spaces in Melbourne. You won't be able to miss it — in a sparse, industrial part of town, the ACCA building really draws attention to itself. It was completed in 1983 by Wood Marsh Architecture. The distinctive rusted steel facade of interpressed metal has since become a beloved architectural icon. The exhibitions presented at ACCA are often thought-provoking, innovative and bold, and the program of talks and symposiums that accompany them are some of Melbourne's finest. [caption id="attachment_644313" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brook Andrew at Tolarno Galleries Melbourne. Photo by Andrew Curtis[/caption] TOLARNO GALLERIES The Tolarno Galleries is one of the Melbourne's weirdest commercial contemporary art galleries, nestled in a spacious and well-appointed venue on Exhibition Street in the CBD. The director, Jan Minchin (formerly a curator at the National Gallery of Victoria), is known for creating the perfect blend of controversial and popular exhibitions with lawless artists (and some of my favourites) like Ben Quilty and Bill Henson. Remember Patricia Piccinini, blowing our minds over and over? Imagine that kind of work given free rein. The clean, white exhibition space is filled with soft, filtered light. I find it acts as a perfect oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city and an introspective atmosphere to take it all in. TARLO & GRAHAM You haven't truly experienced eclectic vintage until you've visited Tarlo and Graham on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. It's a cornucopia of eccentric pieces, and it's difficult for me to even try to predict what you might find on a visit. It could be anything. You might stumble across a rare lithograph from a beloved Australian artist, a dozen trombones or a family of ceramic clowns. It's all possible at Tarlo and Graham, which is why i love to while away an afternoon here. Goodies are piled high in every corner, but it's not always random. The warmth and humour of the proprietors shines through in their weird and wonderful displays and combinations. CHRISTOPHER BOOTS Lighting stores, with their dramatic and changeable lighting landscapes, are a world of their own, and the Christopher Boots showroom is, in my opinion, one of Melbourne's best. Located on Gore Street in Fitzroy, it's part art installation, part gallery and part lighting retailer. The intimate and artful showroom is ever-changing and also a delight to walk through. The CB team work in their open-plan office next to the displays. They might specialise in lighting, but the team's expertise in all things texture shines through in the beautiful warehouse and workspaces. JARDAN The Jardan store in Richmond (you'll find it nestled in furniture row, on Church Street) is a beautiful venue to spend a morning wandering around. The light-soaked space displays furniture and art pieces that will make you sigh and say 'One day'. Or, today could be your day! Pieces from some of Australia's best contemporary designers are housed here in a range of styled spaces. The store itself is a stroke of design genius, featuring a combination of a stark gold facade, eggshell whites, overflowing greenery and varied natural textures that showcase but don't overpower the pieces they surround. FENTON & FENTON Fenton & Fenton is a colourful cave of wonders in Prahan and a must-do for any design lover or interior decorator (amateur or otherwise). They sell an extensive collection of art and design on the premises, as well as bits and pieces you won't find anywhere else: jewellery, curios, furnishings and a diverse range of homewares and lifestyle products. Fenton & Fenton also have a team of lovely stylists on hand (or a phone call away) to guide you if you get stuck between cushions, and the shop itself is always so beautifully styled, I think it's an inspiration in its own right. HIGHER GROUND Higher Ground, conveniently found in the CBD, is an outstanding example of architectural retrofitting done right (they serve excellent food too — prepare to salivate). Nathan Toleman (the man behind Top Paddock and Kettle Black) and his partners — Sam Slattery, Ben Clark and Diamond Rozakeas — have created another dazzling cafe experience. Higher Ground started its life as an old power station and has been transformed into a spacious and lush eating space with gentle lighting. I've noticed the breakfast menu is earning a bit of a reputation, and I can't go past the colourful ricotta hotcake served with seeds, cream, seasonal fruit and flowers or the butter poached white asparagus, served with comté, tarragon, bronze fennel, poached eggs and rye toast. Their tea menu is also out of the ordinary. ATLAS DINING The design concept at Atlas Dining, located on Commercial Road in South Yarra, is truly exceptional. The contemporary, clean space — designed by Sydney-based architects Belinda Pajkovic and Tamara Frangelli — is defined by leather banquettes, soft lighting and white birch timber, topped off with a four-metre brass compass hanging from the ceiling. It blows my mind every time I visit. And the elegance continues through to the rotating menu, which is completely changed every three months (I never know what I'll get and that's fun). Chef Charlie Carrington's dishes are beautifully plated and balanced. They say Atlas will be a true adventure and they're right — it's a must-do Melbourne experience. ACNE STUDIOS Melbourne's Acne Studios store opened in 2014. It's already an iconic landmark on The Strand and has also raised the bar for retail design in the CBD. The fit-out was designed by Swedish firm Bozarthfornell Architects. They've been responsible for Acne Studios stores all over the world, but the Melbourne iteration is like no other, with stark, industrial dividers slicing up the space. It's both functional and brutal in perfect balance. If you're anything like me, a stroll through Acne Studios will have your senses pinging and your fingers itching to swipe your credit card. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
Sydney is no stranger to Irish pubs and bars. Usually the resemblance consists of a quirky name, Guinness on tap and not much else. The Gaelic Club, located on the Central Station end of Devonshire Street, is no such place. Pass through the green doors (what else?) to enter a den of celtic fun, fiddles and festivity. There is an ongoing roster of cultural events: traditional Irish music, language and dance lessons, live music and talks. On the last Friday of every month, Green Lights Comedy holds a curated stand-up comedy show in the little-known top bar. Green Light feels like stepping into someone's living room and hosts Alexei Toliopoulos and Nikki Malyon emulate this warmth perfectly. If you feel like seeing decent comedy in a friendly, homey setting over a dirt-cheap pint of Kilkenny, look no further.
There are few things more exciting for fellow foodies or experienced home-entertainers than walking into a delicatessen — a retail space designated for foods that are hard to come by and special in their own way. Foods that are delicacies, as the name implies. Whether you're after a grazing platter for your next dinner party or searching for some easy-to-pack goods to take down to the beach for a picnic, delis are an important go-to one-stop-shop. From tinned martinis made in Sydney to marinated octopus imported from Spain, read on for the best delis Sydney has to offer.
Back in 1999 and 2000, Baz Luhrmann's beloved movie musical Moulin Rouge! was filmed in Sydney. Come May 2022, the Tony-winning stage version of that hit feature will come to the city, too. In spectacular (spectacular) news, it'll mark the show's second Australian stop — following its current Aussie-premiere season in Melbourne. Once more, Sydney will stand in for the Montmartre Quarter of Paris — the backdrop for a heady romance between lovestruck young bohemian Christian and performer Satine, star of the legendary titular cabaret. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will spin that story from Saturday, May 28 at the Capitol Theatre. And yes, it'll give the city its next blockbuster production after Hamilton finishes up its Sydney run just a few months earlier. When it was first announced back in 2016 that Moulin Rouge! was being turned into a stage musical, fans around the world thought the same thing in unison: the show must go on. Since then, the lavish production premiered in the US in 2018, then hit Broadway in 2019, and finally made its way Down Under this year. But if you're a Sydneysider, you've probably been wondering when it would bring its excitement home — as well as its dazzling on-stage thrills, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the first-ever Aussie-produced show to win the Tony for Best Musical. As Luhrmann's award-winning, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor-starring movie — which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year — did before it, the stage musical is heavy not just on star-crossed romance, but with a loaded soundtrack that celebrates iconic tunes from across the past five decades. Indeed, Moulin Rouge! The Musical backs up those favourites with even more hit songs that have been released in the two decades since the movie premiered. The musical comes to Sydney in the hands of production company Global Creatures. CEO and producer Carmen Pavlovic said that "after an extraordinary year that often left us wondering if the show would go on, it's joyous to confirm that we're coming to Sydney in 2022! We have been so overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of audiences in our opening weeks in Melbourne, and we look forward to making the Capitol Theatre 'spectacular spectacular' when the production arrives there in May." Directed by Alex Timbers, the Australian production stars Alinta Chidzey as Satine, Des Flanagan as Christian, Simon Burke as club impresario Harold Zidler and Andrew Cook as The Duke — plus Tim Omaji as Toulouse-Lautrec and Ryan Gonzalez as Santiago, Montmartre's resident artistes; and Samantha Dodemaide as Nini, Olivia Vásquez as Arabia, Ruva Ngwenya as La Chocolat, and Christopher J Scalzo as Babydoll, aka the 'Lady M's'. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will play its final Melbourne show on Friday, April 29. Pre-sale tickets for the Sydney season will be available from Monday, December 13, with general sales kicking off on Thursday, December 16. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will hit the Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket, from Saturday, May 28 . For further details or to join the waitlist for tickets — with pre-sales from Monday, December 13 and general sales from Thursday, December 16 — head to the production's website. Images: Michelle Grace Hunder.
There's no shortage of ways to celebrate Halloween, whether scary movies, eerie art, a trick-or-treating stint, playing with Lego or themed mini golf is your thing. Here's a particularly tasty one: getting dressed up in costume and scoring a free Krispy Kreme doughnut. The chain is known for giving away its round treats, including handing out 100,000 of them each National Doughnut Day. For Tuesday, October 31, it isn't locking in an exact number of doughnuts that'll be on offer — but it will give one to everyone who turns up to a Krispy Kreme store dressed for the occasion. If that isn't an excuse to don your spookiest outfit, then what is? To snag yourself a signature glazed freebie, head to your closest Krispy Kreme store in Australia or New Zealand on Tuesday, October 31 while wearing a Halloween-appropriate costume. You'll receive one original glazed doughnut per person, and you don't have to buy anything else to nab the treat without paying a cent. That gives everyone a heap of places to flock to: 38 in Australia and six in New Zealand. Sydneysiders able to hit up 17 stores stretching from Penrith to the CBD, Victorians can visit nine locations from Chadstone to Collins Street, and Queenslanders given eight different doughnut shops to pick from (with the most central in Albert Street in the CBD). Residents of Perth can make a date with one of four Krispy Kreme locations. In Aotearoa, all options are in Auckland — including at Newmarket, Chancery Square and the domestic airport terminal. Of course, Krispy Kreme is hoping that you will be possessed by the Halloween vibe while you're in-store — or beforehand — and treat yourself to something from its themed range. On offer until Tuesday, October 31: four different varieties. If you opt for the Spiderweb, you'll get an OG doughnut that's been dipped in chocolate ganache and topped with white truffle. The Jack O'Lantern takes a shell doughnut, packs it with choc crème, then dips it in orange-coloured truffle — what else? — before giving it an eyes and mouth via sugar fondant. The Ghost goes with a white truffle dip, plus white choc flakes and candy for eyes. And the Graveyard fills a shell doughnut with strawberry filling, covers the outside with green truffle, then uses sour gummy worms and ground chocolate crumb as soil. Krispy Kreme's Halloween giveaway takes place in-store on Tuesday, October 31. The chain's Halloween range is available until the same date. To find your closest shop and check its opening hours, head to the Krispy Kreme website.
An afternoon spent in a big Sydney beer garden with your mates is most definitely an afternoon well spent. There will be laughs, possibly a few jugs or bottles emptied, some good food and (hopefully) plenty of sunshine. But the most important thing is spending time with your buddies — ALL of your buddies. You wouldn't leave Dave at home would you? Or Sarah? Think how devastated they'd be if they found out you hadn't invited them. Your best friend — aka (hu)man's best friend — would also get seriously hurt feelings if left at home, so the trick is to choose a venue where Rover is welcome, grab him a dish of water and sneak him a couple of bites of nachos under the table. The bars mentioned here are happy to have canine guests as long as they don't make too much noise or mess (so it's just like the deal they have with you and your mate Dave really...).
The New Theatre’s Sweeney Todd gives Stephen Sondheim's dark musical a uniquely Australian focus. There’s a lot to discover within Giles Gartrell-Mills’ staging, if you’re a theatregoer with an open mind. Yet it goes without saying if you’re in any way averse to musicals, and their associated style of acting, even the discordant score and narrative gore of this will be too much for you. With that, I’ll make like Sweeney’s razor and plunge in. Though you'll probably know the story from Johnny Depp and Tim Burton’s film version, the relationships and motivations are clearer on stage. For example, I was completely ignorant that barber Benjamin Barker had been deported to Australia before returning to London as the throat-slitting Sweeney Todd (played by Justin Cotta), but Gartrell-Mills chooses to highlight this oft-overlooked fact. He explores how the ‘Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ was borne from the horrors of convict Australia; a man hardened by the severe and unapologetic landscape of “a living hell”. Gartrell-Mills’ rejuvenates a story that in other aspects (like the lack of agency of the daughter/damsel character, Johanna) may seem tired. The show demands much of its actors and even more from the only three musicians who underpin the 2+ hour performance. The adept ensemble make the sound in the cavernous New Theatre ring out like in a cathedral. Yet it's clearly a place of dark worship, with unsettling organ music, screeches and clangs that perfectly conjure the squalor of low-class Victorian London. As Sweeney Todd, Cotta is most frightening in stillness, while the world around him goes berserk. He adequately conveys Sweeney's complex personal tragedy, which begins when the evil Judge Turpin (Byron Watson) banishes him in order to steal his wife. When this plan fails, Turpin takes custody of Sweeney's daughter, Johanna. Lucy Miller as Sweeney’s accomplice/lover Mrs Lovett is this production’s absolute gem. Her comedic timing is perfect, as are her slightly crazed facial expressions. Her singing voice accesses the brashness needed for the pragmatic, matronly character, as well as gentle womanly textures to indicate her romantic weakness for the story’s hero. It's hard to take your eyes off her. Sweeney Todd is at its best when it’s turning an eye onto us, the audience — referring to us as “meat”, or exploring base human nature. Although the explicit imagery of the poster had me wanting more gore than the piece delivers, perhaps reflecting on the continued public spectacle of executions and beheadings, this darkly cynical musical about the inescapable spiral of revenge has a lot of life in it yet.
White sandy beaches. Sparkling aqua waters. Unspoiled bushland. Take your pick with this selection of sublime summer getaway spots. Whether it's a picturesque little fishing village on an untouched coastline or a land of rolling green hills flanked with vineyards on one side and hinterlands packed with diverse wildlife on the other, you'll find what you're looking for in a city escape right here, with our top ten summer getaways just hours from the CBD. Want more? We've got you double-covered with a killer cocktail recipe to try. So get your game on and get away. SEAL ROCKS See: One of only two of its kind in Australia, the Sugar Loaf Point Lighthouse is situated on the stunning headland to the east of the village. Another great option for daytime activities is a 4WD at Lighthouse Beach, or take a famous dive to get up close and personal with the grey nurse shark population at Seal Rocks. Stay: Underneath the historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, is the Lighthouse Keeper's once-upon-a-time living quarters – now renovated to make for a stunning getaway experience at the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages. Surrounded by ocean, headland, and grassy slopes, this is the perfect place for soaking up the summer sun and letting the pressures of city life melt away. Keep an eye out for the whales as they make their way along the coastline, as well as the dolphins down on the beach. Drink: To wind up the day, kick back with one of Don the Beachcomber's legendary drinks that came from his tropical Tiki-themed restaurants. It's the ideal accompaniment for a lazy summer evening after a day of great walks, great views and great times. The Zombie is 30ml Appleton V/X, 30ml Appleton 8yr old, 25ml lime juice, 15ml grapefruit juice, 45ml unsweetened pineapple juice, 7.5ml Falernum, 10ml Maraschino, 5ml grenadine, 2.5ml Pernod and a double dash of Angostura bitters. Boom! JERVIS BAY See: Bordered by two gorgeous beaches and the National Park, Hyams beach is our top pick for the best way to spend your time in this dreamy part of the world. The stunningly transparent waters make this the ideal area for swimming, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. For something a little more energetic, stand-up paddling in Jervis Bay is reasonably priced and just about as fun as it looks. Stay: If a luxury stay in a location leading the way in ecotourism in Australia, offering the highest quality food and drink right at your fingertips, and teeming with native wildlife surrounded by lush bushland takes your fancy, then look no further than Paperbark Camp. Drink: What could be more ideal than winding up a perfect summer day with a perfect summer storm? The Dark and Stormy is a highball-style drink that originated in Bermuda. Bermudans would traditionally balance the rich, sweet flavours of their local rum with spicy ginger beer, but once the popularity of the drink hit the United States, the addition of lime juice became standard in the recipe. Combine 60ml Appleton 8yr Old, 90ml ginger beer (not dry ginger ale) and 15ml lime juice in a glass and stir. The end. BYRON BAY See: Sunrise in summer from the summit of Mt Warning is pretty darn special. The Mt Warning Rainforest Park is found between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay and is the ideal place to establish yourself if a day full of mountain hikes, epic waterfalls and craft market explorations sounds like your thing. If you only have a day or so to spare, surfers should ditch the shortboard and go longboarding at the famous Wategos. There's truckloads to eat in Byron, and plenty of it local and organic produce, but for the best of the best head to Harvest Cafe in Newrybar – the crispy French toast with macadamia nuts and berries is off the hook. Stay: In Buddhism Shambhala means "mythical hidden kingdom" or "pure land" and blissful retreat Shambhala at Belongil sure lives up to its name. Incredibly private rooms with exceptional facilities make this the right move for any romantic weekend away. Drink: The Fish House Punch is one of the oldest cocktails known to cocktail bartenders around the globe and is a great summer drink to share. Shake and strain 45ml Appleton 8yr, 15ml cognac, 5ml peach brandy, 20ml lemon juice, 45ml water and 10ml sugar syrup over ice in a short glass. If you would like to make a punch bowl to share, simply multiply everything by 10 and adjust to taste. THE BLUE MOUNTAINS See: We often associate the Blue Mountains with a winter adventure, but it's got loads to offer for a short summer getaway. Sure, there are a wee handful of stunning bushwalks, bike rides and mountain climbs to be found in our own private little cranny of the Great Dividing Range, but what's a trip to the blue mountains without a scone-off? Paragon Cafe in Katoomba is the place. You're welcome. Stay: The 85-room Lilianfels is a stone's throw from the Three Sisters at Echo Point and it has serious old-world charm meshed with modern-day glam. Also? The spa baths in the bedrooms are really something to froth over, especially after a day of walks in the heat. Drink: Created in the 1920s, the Mary Pickford is a summer delight for sweet-tooths looking to top off a day of baked delights. Combine 60ml Appleton V/X, 45ml un-sweetened pineapple juice, 5ml Maraschino liqueur and 5ml grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice, then shake & strain into a glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry. GERRINGONG See: Wine connoisseurs will especially appreciate Coolangatta Estate, as you won't come by these blends any closer to home, with two of the grapes they use being really hard to find outside Europe. Stay: The huge renovation Mercure Resort Gerringong by the Sea has seen has done wonders — the contemporary design on the boutique property is a country mile ahead of some of the cheaper options in Gerrigong. Drink: If you've had enough wine, change pace with this summer special. It's called a Pain Killer and accredited to Daphne Henderson from the Soggy Dollar Bar on the Island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. It's 60ml Appleton 8yr old, 120ml pineapple juice, 30ml coconut cream and 30ml orange juice. POLKOBIN See: You're in the Hunter Valley, so all the usual winery adventures are at your fingertips. But consider Hunter Valley Candymaking Classes for something a little different this summer. Adult candy makers (you) make adult candy for adult candy lovers to eat (also you). Need we say more? Stay: Hermitage Lodge is a boutique, homestead-style hotel of 20 rooms overlooking a vineyard. And you can get Il Cacciatore pizza delivered direct to your room. Drink: You'll need something refreshing after all that candy. Three Dots and a Dash is a fruity punch with fresh citrus that was created in late 1946 to celebrate the end and victory of WWII. Pour 45ml Appleton V/X, 15ml Appleton 12yr old, 15ml lime juice, 15ml orange juice, 15ml honey, 7.5ml Falernum and 7.5ml Pimento liqueur ingredients into a blender with ice, blend on high speed for five seconds and pour into a glass. Garnish with three cherries on a pineapple skewer to signify the three dots and a dash. MUDGEE See: A walk to 'The Drip' will work up your thirst and your appetite, so pack those picnic baskets and head along the river to a picnic for kings. The walk is approximately 40 minutes return and there are BBQ facilities at the picnic area. Stay: A huge historic cottage built in 1858, The Tannery is as big as that country house you've always dreamed of. Just the place to crack open a bottle of rum and hold court. Drink: The soft, rich Treacle is a great twist on a classic Old Fashioned. Add 60ml Appleton 8yr old, 10ml sugar syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and ice slowly to the serving glass a little at a time, constantly stirring. Float 15ml of apple juice over the drink and serve. GERROA See: Located in the Barren Grounds Nature reserve, the Drawing Room Rocks Walk is a unique and historical experience, with most of the reserve made up of horizontal Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone. The hike is not too arduous at 4.5 kilometres return, and you'll be trekking through glorious bushland and clifflines with blue ocean alongside you most of the way. Stay: Gerroa Caravan Park, a great little number just two hours drive from Sydney, is your pick for a getaway on a budget. There are top-quality facilities and lush green lawns, all located on the banks of the Crooked River. Drink: Time for a summer favourite; time for a Mai Tai. Shake 30ml lime juice, 15ml orange Curacao, 7.5ml sugar syrup, 7.5ml Orgeat, 30ml Appleton V/X and 30ml Coruba dark and strain into a short glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime shell. Enjoy with your feet firmly placed on the ground. ROYAL NATIONAL PARK See: There's no end to the outdoor activities to partake in at the Royal — everything from bird watching to kayaking. The Royal National Park is gorgeous all year round, but in summer head straight for the beach and lagoon at Wattamolla to wipe away the work-desk ennui. The area includes one of our five favourite waterfalls to swim under near Sydney. Stay: The majestically restored Hill Top is your base camp of choice for a getaway of bushwalking, beach-going and wildlife-spotting. The house is heritage-listed, fitted with the best furniture and amenities, and sleeps six. Drink: Please a big, boisterous, swim-fatigued group with a traditional Planters' Punch. Combine 15ml of fresh lime juice, 30ml of sugar syrup (or 15ml of grenadine & 15ml of sugar syrup), 45ml of Appleton V/X, 60ml of water and a dash of Angostura bitters into a punch bowl, add your ice and garnish accordingly. (If you are just making one serve, pour all the ingredients into a highball glass, add ice and briefly stir to achieve correct dilution.) PATONGA See: Plenty of great walking, cycling and fishing spots make Brisbane Water National Park a great way to while away the hours in between epic barbecue breakfasts, barbecue lunches and barbecue dinners. Ancient Indigenous engraving sites and the array of gorgeous wildflowers will help you feel a mile from home when you're really just a hair's breadth north of Sydney, near Gosford. Stay: Just south of Gosford is the serene village of Patonga, and the Patonga Camping Area has all the facilities, with the hustle and bustle of Palm Beach just a lazy ferry ride away. A great option for a night or two of chilled out anti-city adventures. Drink: The Hemingway Daiquiri was created for the writer while he was living in Havana during the early 1920s, and there's no better drink to knock back as the sun sets on another summer day. It's documented in his novel, Islands in the Stream, but you'll enjoy it best IRL. Combine 60ml Appleton V/X, 15ml maraschino liqueur, 20ml lime juice and 15ml grapefruit juice into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into your glass.
Sydney has really stepped up its art game this year. In addition to increased investment in some of our most beloved galleries, the city has secured exhibitions by some of the most influential artists of their generation from home and abroad across the next few months. From prizes celebrating Australia's best contemporary art to retrospectives from the masters, there's something for everyone whether you're a studied aficionado or a casual fan. Each of the following exhibitions is worthy of an article in itself, but let's start with a little taster. We've teamed up with Destination NSW to give you the lowdown on the seven of the most anticipated exhibitions to have on your radar.
On the main drag in Woy Woy, a town on the southern edge of the Central Coast, is a pasta joint and cocktail bar that would be equally at home in Newtown or Surry Hills. It's run by a couple of young guns — Dannielle Mills heading up the kitchen and Bryce Gleeson running the floor — and it's serving up house-made pasta and gelato, using ingredients from the compact garden out the back. The only tip-off as to your location, while inside the restaurant, is the space between tables. You can gesticulate to your heart's content without fear of knocking out your neighbour with a wayward elbow. While it's certainly spacious, it's not lacking in atmosphere. It's filled with locals and out-of-towners alike digging into bowls filled with fat tubes of rigatoni, in a hearty sauce of spicy pork sausage and bitter greens, or soft pillows of gnocchi paired with capers, sugo and stracciatella. But, as good as the mains may look, we suggest beginning your feast with one of the small plates. If they're on offer, order the ham hock and potato fritters. A twist on arancini, the balls arrive hot and crisp, stuffed with molten cheese and potato, atop red pepper salsa and mayonnaise. They pair well with a glass of something natural — a vermentino by Delinquente Wine Co, perhaps — or an Aussie twist on the negroni made with Maidenii vermouth. If you're ready to roll out at this point, resist the urge to do so without ordering gelato. It's more of a palate cleanser, and you won't regret it. You will regret making the journey to Young Barons without making a reservation, however — it packs out most weekends. If you're able to make a midweek sojourn, head in on a Wednesday, when you can snag a bowl of spaghetti and an Aperol spritz for a neat $25.
With Irma Vep, French filmmaker Olivier Assayas (Wasp Network) retraces his own footsteps, turning his cult-favourite 1996 movie of the same name into an Alicia Vikander-starring HBO miniseries. There's more to that act both on- and off-screen, and Assayas couldn't be having more fun with the whole concept. But first, David Lynch's Twin Peaks deserves a mention. No, not just because it's always worth thinking about. When that cult-favourite series returned in 2017 after a quarter-century gap, it ended its 18-hour run by asking "what year is this?". That query made complete sense in the show's narrative with its Lynchian logic; however, it's also as perfect a comment on the state of entertainment today as anything could utter. In Lynch's hands, Twin Peaks was never going to feel like slipping cosily back into the past to rehash old glories. Almost everything else that's hit screens of late can't make that claim, though. Among 2022's big box-office successes so far sits the latest Batman flick, the 28th Marvel movie, a 36-years-later sequel, the 11th Wizarding World instalment, yet another Spider-Man film and more Ghostbusters; what year is this indeed? Irma Vep doesn't belong in their company, however. It slides into streaming queues knowing the everything-old-is-new-again status quo, and probing, challenging and satirising it. It also jokes about whether an episodic project aired on TV can really be a movie, playfully riffing on the chatter about Twin Peaks' third season — and it's one of the best things to reach television since that masterpiece. Streaming weekly in Australia via Binge since Tuesday, June 7, and in New Zealand via Neon from Tuesday, June 14, Irma Vep also requires some unpacking. The term 'layered' has rarely ever applied to a show quite as it does here. So, Assayas remakes his own film — and the resulting series follows a director remaking one of his own past flicks as a TV project, too. In all versions of Irma Vep, the movies and shows being made are also remakes of 1915–16 French crime effort Les Vampires. It was a ten-episode, seven-hour cinema serial, and it's supremely real. Indeed, by first helming a feature about remaking Les Vampires, and now a series about remaking a movie that remakes Les Vampires (which, IRL, is also a remake of a movie that remakes Les Vampires), Assayas keeps remaking Les Vampires in his own way. The nested dolls that are Irma Vep's meta setup just keep stacking. The 1996 Irma Vep starred Maggie Cheung, who'd later become Assayas' wife, then ex-wife — and the 2022 Irma Vep haunts its on-screen filmmaker René Vidal (Vincent Macaigne, Non-Fiction) with visions of his ex-wife Jade Lee (Vivian Wu, Dead Pigs), who, yes, led his movie. If you're a fan of word puzzles, you might've also noticed that Irma Vep is an anagram of vampire; that said, Les Vampires isn't actually about bloodsuckers, and nor is any iteration of Irma Vep. To add to the list, while Cheung played a version of herself, Vikander (Blue Bayou, The Green Knight) plays fictional American star Mira — a name that's an anagram of Irma. You can also take that moniker literally, because mirroring is patently a pivotal aspect of Irma Vep in every guise. This lengthy roster of links, nods and connections isn't done yet, with René clearly a fictionalised version of Assayas, and the latter finding inspiration for Mira elsewhere in his career. Two of his recent gems, the sublime duo that is Clouds of Sils Maria and Personal Shopper, both starred Kristen Stewart — and spotting similarities between her professional and personal lives and Mira's is oh-so-easy. In fact, Mira signs up for René's new Irma Vep after leading huge Hollywood hits, then yearning for more complex and substantial work. She also has a famous actor ex, Eamonn (Tom Sturridge, the upcoming The Sandman), and moved on with her now-former personal assistant Laurie (Adria Arjona, Morbius). As delightful as it is for diehard cinephiles, knowing all of the above isn't essential before watching Irma Vep 2.0. It helps put viewers on its wavelength, though — and this is a show that's all about wavelengths. René can't find his, with the production plagued by insurance woes, actors demanding either big sex scenes (Sorry Angel's Vincent Lacoste) or crack (Proxima's Lars Eidinger), and a financier who only stumped up the cash to get Mira to front his new perfume line. Amid that chaos, and after finishing promotional duties on her last blockbuster (and running into the now-married Laurie in the process), Mira attempts to plunge as deeply as she can into her role. She adores the black velvet catsuit that costume designer Zoe (Jeanne Balibar, Memoria) has fashioned — almost as much as Zoe visibly adores her — and, even under her new assistant Regina's (newcomer Devon Ross) watchful eye, immerses herself in playing Irma Vep far more than the script requires. Everyone's sinking their teeth into something here, or trying to, just as Assayas bites into a smart and savvy satire about the entertainment industry. Everyone's feasting on something, too, including Hollywood's insatiable need to devour itself one sequel and remake at a time. Irma Vep tackles these ideas, and parodies the incessant lust for more and more screen content, the perils and perks of fame, on-set antics and plenty of online discussion about cinema over the past decade, all while musing on the lines between art and reality as well. Oh, and while throwing in a wonderful Emily in Paris gag. But Assayas is an arthouse auteur above all else, and he's always grounded and naturalistic rather than campy and farcical — even when Irma Vep is hilarious, which is often. In contemplating why we consume art, or make it so that others can (and for others still to capitalise upon), he also revels in both dissecting and simply hanging out among behind-the-scenes shenanigans. If that wasn't all phenomenal enough — and equally thoughtful, playful and savagely clever — Irma Vep is hypnotically lensed like it belongs on the big screen. It also shimmers with the full force of Vikander at her absolute best (yes, better than her Oscar-winning turn in The Danish Girl). There's such an earthiness to her performance that it hardly feels like watching a performance at all. She's acting, of course — Irma Vep doesn't add that layer to its pile — but she inhabits Mira with relaxed effortlessness, whether she's projecting the cool, calm and collected movie-star persona, showing the character's vulnerabilities, or diving into the allure that the series-within-a-series version of Irma Vep holds. Macaigne, the always-impressive Lacoste and Eidinger, and Balibar and Ross also do their utmost, because this show isn't short on standouts. But that key combination of Assayas, Vikander and all things Irma Vep is what dreams are made of, as is one of 2022's most glorious new TV shows. Check out the trailer for Irma Vep below: Irma Vep streams week by week in Australia via Binge since Tuesday, June 7 — and in New Zealand via Neon from Tuesday, June 14. Images: Carole Bethuel/HBO.
Located within The Hills District, just 1.5-hours north of the CBD, the Rouse Hill Regional Park is a bush escape set within the Sydney boundaries. Your dog is allowed on-leash throughout the park (except for in the hired pavilions and children's play areas). Go for a jog around the short but sweet Second Ponds Creek Walking Track, which is mostly flat but will get your heart pumping. The scenic trail will take you through woodlands and past the park's picturesque pond. After your bit of exercise, relax on the grass or enjoy a barbecue in the picnic area — just be sure to share those snags with your best mate. Image: NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Another streaming service is about to boost your viewing options, focusing on Australian movies and television while letting you watch for free. We might live in peak online-viewing times, with no shortage of platforms vying for eyeballs, but Brollie is launching with a couple of clear points of difference. Firstly, there's the lack of price tag. Secondly, there's the homegrown love. When Brollie arrives on Thursday, November 23, it will hail from independent Australian and New Zealand distributor Umbrella Entertainment — hence the name — and draw upon the company's catalogue. Open debut, that'll mean 300-plus titles ready to view. While the Aussie contingent is a big drawcard, there'll also be overseas releases among the range. So, get ready to watch local-made gems such as The Babadook and Two Hands; classics like Walkabout and Storm Boy that feature the late, great David Gulpilil; the Kylie Minogue-starring Cut; Hugh Jackman (The Son) in Erskineville Kings; and the Nicole Kidman (Special Ops: Lioness)-led BMX Bandits. Documentaries such as Servant or Slave and Ablaze will also be available. Or, get excited about Joaquin Phoenix (Beau Is Afraid)-led masterpiece You Were Never Really Here, the live-action OG Super Mario Bros, and mind-bender Vivarium with Jesse Eisenberg (Fleishman Is in Trouble) and Imogen Poots (Outer Range) among the international titles. You'll be watching along via Apple TV, Google TV, Android TV, Chromecast with Google TV and on your browser. Because Brollie is free, however, the caveat is that you'll also be watching ads. To help viewers sort through the Brollie collection, the service's team will highlight its best-of picks twice monthly, and also hero Aussie horror via an Australian Nightmares collection. "We know these iconic films and TV shows can find new and old audiences instead of gathering dust on the shelf. Brollie is about helping Aussies to access this world-class storytelling easily and, most importantly, for free so everyone can enjoy our epic screen legacy," said Ari Harrison, General Manager and Head of Sales & Acquisitions, announcing Brollie's arrival. Brollie will launch on Thursday, November 23 — head to the streaming platform's website to subscribe and for further details.
