It takes place in New York, not London. The era: modern times, not centuries back. Fleet Street gives way to Washington Heights, the demon barber to a masseuse nicknamed "Magic Hands", and pies to empanadas. There's still a body count, however, and people end up in pastries as well. Yes, The Horror of Dolores Roach namedrops Sweeney Todd early, as it needs to; there's no denying where this eight-part Prime Video series takes inspiration, as did the one-woman off-Broadway play that it's based on, plus the podcast that followed before the TV version on Friday, July 7. On the stage, the airwaves and now via streaming, creator Aaron Mark asks a question: what if the fictional cannibalism-inciting character who first graced penny dreadfuls almost two centuries back, then leapt to theatres, films and, most famously, musicals, had a successor today? Viewers can watch the answer via a dramedy that also belongs on the same menu as Santa Clarita Diet, Yellowjackets and Bones and All. Amid this recent feast of on-screen dishes about humans munching on humans, The Horror of Dolores Roach is light yet grisly, but it's also a survivalist thriller in its own way — and laced with twisted attempts at romance, too. That knowing callout to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street comes amid an early banquet of knowing callouts, as The Horror of Dolores Roach begins with a play based on a podcast that's wrapping up its opening night. Newspaper clippings in actor Flora Frias' (Jessica Pimentel, Orange is the New Black) dressing room establish that the show takes its cues from a woman who got murderous in the Big Apple four years prior, and helped get unwitting NYC residents taking a bite out of each other. Meet the series' framing device; before the stage production's star can head to the afterparty, she's face to face with a furious Dolores (Justina Machado, One Day at a Time) herself. The latter isn't there to slay, but to haunt the woman spilling her tale by sharing the real details. Two decades earlier, Dolores was a happy resident of Lin-Manuel Miranda's favourite slice of New York, a drug-dealer's girlfriend, and a fan of the local empanada shop. Then the cops busted in while she was helping her beau, who was conveniently absent, with The Horror of Dolores Roach's namesake refusing to snitch and getting a 16-year sentence in return. When she's released after serving that entire stretch, gentrification has changed the neighbourhood. Also, her other half is nowhere to be found. Only Luis Batista (Alejandro Hernandez, New Amsterdam) remains that remembers her. His dad owned and ran the empanada joint, Luis was the teenaged delivery boy with a big crush on Dolores, and he couldn't be keener on letting her stay with him in his basement apartment below the store. After the best part of two decades inside, Dolores only dreams of the straight and narrow, and of putting the massage skills that she learned from her cellmate — which were quite a hit, hence the new moniker — to use in a legitimate job. Getting a paycheque isn't easy, but when Luis says that she can operate an unlicensed setup out of their flat, customers flock to get their shoulders kneaded. While it isn't the future that gave her something to look forward to behind bars, it'll do; however, the upscaling trend that's sweeping the community soon poses a threat. When Dolores offs her first victim, she's reacting; The Horror of Dolores Roach takes eating the rich literally. There's about as much subtlety to the series as slathering an empanada in whichever sauce takes your fancy, plus a mix of clashing tones on par with the guava and cheese variety that Dolores adores. But a show about turning people into pastries Sweeney Todd-style isn't aiming to be nuanced. Neither is a program that also namechecks producer Jason Blum, or heavily uses its narration to adapt its play and podcast roots for the screen. When Marc Maron (To Leslie) gleefully plays an uncaring landlord, and 80s music icon Cyndi Lauper a grey-locked private detective who could waltz out of this and into Only Murders in the Building, no one is going for understated, either. That's one of the reasons that The Horror of Dolores Roach proves tasty and entertaining: it's actively and openly trying to be a lot, and it sinks its teeth in hard. "I'm not the monster you're making me out to be," says Dolores to Flora, though, a statement that The Horror of Dolores Roach doesn't just give lip service to. The series knows that its protagonist is a serial killer, makes it plain from the outset and doesn't excuse it. And yet, it also knows that that can be true, and that Dolores can be a victim herself. Indeed, the show has the many horrors that are splashed her way firmly on its plate. She's betrayed and taken advantage of to land in prison, then judged and cast aside afterwards; she suffers for America's fondness for mass incarceration; she's robbed of a huge chunk of her life for weed only for it to start to be legalised while she's doing her time; and she's among the Washington Heights residents pushed out by the well-to-do. Again, none of this justifies Dolores' choices, but it adds flesh to the cutthroat world that The Horror of Dolores Roach constantly sees as it is. Having the always-great Machado play Dolores also helps ground the series. Much around her may get cartoonish, but the Six Feet Under, Jane the Virgin and Queen of the South actor always anchors the story in a woman seeing her life spiral in the worst possible ways. She's as adept at mining darkly comic laughs as she is tragedy, boasts pitch-perfect reactions to the series' gore, and makes a great pair with the lively Hernandez. Actually, she's stellar opposite everyone — Maron, Lauper, Pimentel, The Rehearsal's K Todd Freeman as the usual meat merchant and Dispatches From Elsewhere's Kita Updike as Luis' sole empanada-slinging employee included — and, like The Horror of Dolores Roach itself, bloody great. Check out the trailer for The Horror of Dolores Roach below: The Horror of Dolores Roach streams via Prime Video from Friday, July 7.
Paying a monthly subscription fee to ride public transport, order Ubers and catch taxis will be the way of the future in Sydney — well, according to NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance anyway. Today — Friday, December 20 — Constance unveiled his Netflix-like vision for Sydney's public and private transport networks and announced its first step: digital Opal cards. Over the past two years, Transport for NSW rolled out contactless card payment across the entire public transport network, which allows you to pay for trams, ferries, buses and the light rail with your physical debit, credit or Amex card or via the digital wallet on your smartphone. Come 2020, you'll be able to add a digital Opal card to this Apple or Android wallet as part of a trial. If you've already ditched your physical Opal and are thinking "why would I want its digital cousin?", bear with us — there are benefits. You'll get all of the same travel perks as you do currently using an adult Opal — including off-peak fares and the Weekly Travel Reward — and you'll able to use the card to pay for taxis and Ubers as well. While exactly how that'll work (as Ubers currently need to be linked to a debit or credit card) and what travel benefits will surround private services haven't yet been broken down, the digital Opal will be linked up to something called Opal Connect. Billed as TfNSW's new "single-mobility payment account", it's basically somewhere that you'll be able to pay for and track all of your travel. For next year's digital Opal trial, Opal Connect will have both 'pay as you go' or 'pre-paid' options, but, in the "not too distant future", it'll also have a subscription service option. When that happens, Constance says you'll be able to "pay a nominal fee each week or month for unlimited access to all public and private public transport providers". We'll be interested to see how much a subscription would cost. For now, the digital Opal card trial is set to kick off later next year and will be available to "thousands of transport customers". A travel "companion app" will also be launched — but only adult Opal card will be part of the trial with no concession cards as yet.
The Rover is the inconspicuous Foster Street bar spotlighting good booze, friendly service and a tight seafood-leaning bistro menu from the talented team behind The Gidley and Bistecca. And, throughout Vivid Sydney, it's serving up an exclusive set menu to ensure you're deliciously fuelled before your dazzling city explorations. From Tuesday to Saturday, from 5pm, you and your party can dine from a bespoke set menu designed by the culinary team. For $80 per person, you'll enjoy a lineup of favourites from the menu. You can expect all the oceanic influences across British-bistro style plates the spot's known for — a bountiful seafood plate, fish of the day and veg-heavy sides. There'll be the house-made eel pâté too, the salty spread primed to top glazed crumpets that's quickly become a fave among Rover regulars. The Rover is less than five minutes on foot from Central Station, meaning if you want to venture further than the Hollywood Precinct, you're fantastically placed to do so. Pick a date, plan your night and book yourself a table, Sydneysiders. PSA: dietary requests can be accommodated with enough notice. Hollywood Quarter's The Rover will be offering a pre-Vivid meal from Tuesday–Saturday until Saturday, June 17. For more information, head to the website.
When SBS's new free-to-air 24-hour World Movies channel arrives in July, it'll boast plenty of reasons to get cosy on your couch, ignore the world and settle in for your own stay-at-home film festival. In fact, you might want to cancel your weekend daytime plans for the month — because you'll be spending every Saturday and Sunday watching a non-stop Studio Ghibli marathon. From 6am–7.30pm each weekend during July, the new channel will work its way through a heap of the studio's beloved flicks, including Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service, Ponyo, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, The Secret World of Arrietty, Tales From Earthsea, The Cat Returns, The Castle of Cagliostro, From Up on Poppy Hill, The Wind Rises and When Marnie Was There. If that's not enough delightful Japanese animation for you, a couple of other films will be thrown into the mix — such as The Red Turtle, a gorgeous Ghibli co-production directed by Dutch animator Michaël Dudok de Wit; the lively Mary and the Witch's Flower, which was made by animators who previously worked at Studio Ghibli; and The Boy and The Beast and Summer Wars, which both hail from rightfully acclaimed filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wf57f5F09c SBS has also revealed what else will be screening on World Movies throughout its first month, and it's a hefty list that includes box office hits, festival favourites and plenty of familiar faces. Get teary over Lion's Oscar-nominated real-life reunion tale, start pondering the afterlife in A Ghost Story (aka the film where Rooney Mara devours a pie and Casey Affleck stands under a sheet), or check out the moving, banned-in-Kenya lesbian romance Rafiki. Elsewhere, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem team up for the second time in as many years in Loving Pablo, which follows a journalist who falls for Pablo Escobar, while applauded Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke unveils a sprawling crime epic in Ash Is the Purest White. If you're looking for something to do on a Tuesday, the channel is devoting the night to French actor Romain Duris (Heartbreaker, The New Girlfriend), while Thursday evenings will be all about women in film. SBS World Movies launches on Monday, July 1 on channel 32. For its full lineup, visit the SBS TV guide.
If you've got a hard earned thirst for some spiffy beer merch, the folks at Victoria Bitter have you covered — and that's been the case for a couple of years. Hankering not just for any old branded VB gear for your wardrobe, but for a retro knitted Christmas sweater? Then you'll be pleased to discover that the famed Carlton & United Breweries beer has just added a new woolly piece to its range. Called the Very Best Christmas Sweater, VB's new jumper looks exactly like you'd want a festive VB piece of apparel to look — and yes, it comes covered with stubbies and snowflakes. Naturally, it makes great use of the brand's red, green and white colour scheme, too. Indeed, the beer's logo has really just been screaming for the Christmas treatment. If you're eager to celebrate Christmas in July by sinking a few brews, you now have the perfect outfit for it. That said, only 500 will be available to purchase. The first 100 have already sold out after going on sale this week, but 400 more will be up for grabs — for $80 each — sometime in the week commencing July 13. Keep an eye on VB's 'Big Cold gear' website for further details. [caption id="attachment_775621" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Victoria Bitter[/caption] Also on offer: the rest of the brand's retro-styled collection, which nods firmly to the brew's lengthy history quenching the thirst of hardworking Aussies. There are crewneck jumpers, t-shirts, hoodies, beanies and caps, all emblazoned with that instantly recognisable logo. Alongside all the clothes, you'll also find VB jigsaw puzzles — plus glasses, water bottles, coolers, speakers, bar mats and even fridges. Victoria Bitter's 'Big Cold Gear' line is available for purchase online, including its Very Best Christmas Sweater. Top image: Victoria Bitter
A trip to France might not be on your agenda in 2024. Sans DeLorean, travelling back in time definitely isn't. But add visiting regional Victoria to your itinerary between March–July and you can enjoy a look at Paris in the Belle Époque period. Bendigo Art Gallery is hosting Paris: Impressions of Life 1880–1925, a big exhibition that benefits from pieces from Parisian history museum Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris. This is an exclusive showcase, so hitting the town from Saturday, March 16–Sunday July 14 is the only way to see it in Australia. Art and artisan objects will be on loan from Musée Carnavalet, and they'll have company thanks to fashion pieces from houses of the era, which will be provided by National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia. [caption id="attachment_943227" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Georges Stein. Riders, and carriages on the avenue du Bois c. 1900. oil on canvas. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] More than 170 works will be on display from Paris' oldest municipal museum, which is a mere fraction of its 620,000-strong collection. This is the first time that an exhibition has been solely developed from the Musée Carnavalet for an international gallery only featuring its own pieces — other than the fashion that Bendigo Art Gallery is pairing with it — which is no small coup for the venue. Paris: Impressions of Life 1880–1925 will split its wares into seven strands, all endeavouring to show Paris of the era as seen by those who lived there. Accordingly, including across 90-plus paintings, attendees will peer at gardens, the Seine's banks, theatres, Montmartre's cabarets, openair markets, restaurants and more. Among the artists featured: Ludovic Vallée, Albert Marquet, Louis Abel-Truchet, Maurice Utrillo, Paul Signac, Jean Béraud, Maximilien Luce, Jules Chéret and Leonetto Capiello. [caption id="attachment_943231" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Signac, Le Pont des Arts 1928, oil on canvas. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] Henri de Toulouse Lautrec's theatre posters will also be a big drawcard. Or, you can check out shop signs from cafes and hairdressers, illustrated dining menus, and souvenirs from the 1889 and 1900 Exposition Universelles. It was for the 1889 event that the Eiffel Tower was built (see also: the film Eiffel). As for the fashion, it'll cover pieces from the late-19th century to the 1920s, too, including from House of Worth, Jacques Doucet, Madeleine Vionnet and the Callot Souers. [caption id="attachment_943228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Poster for the cabaret venue Divan Japonais at 75 rue des Martyrs 1892. colour lithograph. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] "Paris is without doubt one of the world's most picturesque and captivating cities, and the exhibition distils its beauty and energy, from the busy banks of the Seine, bustling marketplaces, grand boulevards, idyllic public gardens and the bohemian Montmartre area, as it was portrayed by some of the most influential artists and artisans of the period," said Jessica Bridgfoot, Director of Bendigo Art Gallery. "This is a rare opportunity for audiences to take a promenade through turn-of-the-century Paris, a dynamic time when the city courted the attention of the world." Stepping back into Parisian history is also on the agenda in Sydney this year, thanks to the Art Gallery of New South Wales' huge Alphonse Mucha exhibition, while both The LUME in Melbourne and HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast are focusing on the Italian renaissance. [caption id="attachment_943230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ludovic Vallée, Montsouris Park c1900, oil on canvas. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_943232" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Souvenir fan with panorama of the 1889 Universal Exhibition 1889, printed glazed cotton percale and wood. Musée Carnavalet © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.[/caption] Paris: Impressions of Life 1880–1925 will display at Bendigo Art Gallery, 42 View Street, Bendigo from Saturday, March 16–Sunday July 14 — head to the gallery's website for further details. Top image: Jean Béraud, The Entrance to the 1889 Universal Exhibition 1889, oil on wood. Musée Carnavalet. © CCO Paris Musées / Musée Carnavalet — Histoire de Paris.
Cult skincare fave The Ordinary is touching down in Bondi for the drop of its latest product, just in time for sunny spring. The Soothing Barrier and Support Serum features a knockout combo of vitamin B12, niacinamide, ceramides and gallic acid derivatives and is designed to repair and protect the skin barrier in as little as two hours. And the fun part? It's naturally pink. Stop in at Campbell Parade opposite Hall Street between 11am–4pm from this Friday, September 1 to Sunday, September 3 to learn about the product and get treated to a free soft-serve. You could also win one of 350 products — look for the pink sticker.
If life's got you feeling a little stressed of late, your good mates at KFC are here to help you out — albeit in a pretty unexpected way. You can turf your mindfulness phone apps and ditch that meditation class, because the global fried chicken chain has created a new online offering, where you can unwind to the soothing sounds of chicken frying. Launched to coincide with Mindfulness Day on September 12, KFChill is the fried chicken empire's new website offering its own cheeky spin on mindfulness practices, with a series of 'pink noises' that take the listener on a journey through a KFC kitchen. Click through the trio of hour-long sound files to unwind to the noise of chicken frying, gravy simmering or bacon sizzling away in a pan. No word on how effective this actually is for your relaxation levels, though we can guarantee some mad cravings for fried chicken once you're done.
If your idea of a good night out involves rubbing shoulders with artists, drinking and getting involved in some electric muscle stimulation, you should probably head along to 107 Projects for Electroscape: The here and now of digital art. The one-night only exhibition features seven contemporary Australian artists, including composer and sound artist Leah Barclay, glass-player Lucas Abela, multidisciplinarian Michaela Davies and new media artist Josh Harle. The night will involve everything from laser etching to robotics to 3D printing to the aforementioned EMS (that's practised by Davies; she attaches electrodes to people and makes them involuntarily play instruments or fight in an arcade game). Not only will you get to see some very cool, experimental creations, you'll also be benefitting the future of the Sydney gallery scene. Funds raised by ticket sales will be used by the Art Gallery of NSW to acquire new contemporary art for its collection.
You demanded it, Australia. After apparently hypnotising the country with The Ghan, a three hour documentary about a train travelling from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs, SBS Viceland has announced it'll be broadcasting the extended edition of the film, which clocks in at a whopping 17 hours. Take that, Return of the King director's cut! The initial three-hour cut — billed as Australia's first foray into 'slow TV' — was a massive surprise hit for the network, drawing an average of 583,000 viewers. That makes it Viceland's biggest hit of the past 12 months. The doco was also widely discussed on social media, with #TheGhan trending nationally last Sunday night. https://twitter.com/mel_laah/status/949940354588999681 https://twitter.com/sgbrens/status/949959735905722368 https://twitter.com/quinnal/status/949932847497846785 https://twitter.com/kplyley/status/949959657530916864 The extended version will air this Sunday, January 14 starting at the bright and early time of 2.40am. It'll feature the entire 2979 kilometres, minus the sections at night when the screen would just be black, which, even by slow TV standards, doesn't sound all that interesting. In the meantime, you can catch up with the (relatively) short version of The Ghan via SBS On Demand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiG3ipuB0Sw
Bondi can have a bit of reputation for pretension. But you won't get any of that kind of BS at bRU Coffee. What you will get, however, is a few laughs and a killer coffee. Serving out of a hole-in-the-wall in North Bondi, this unassuming joint is all about what matters in life: doing things well, doing things right and enjoying yourself along the way. Especially when the sun's shining. You can grab an Allpress and hotfoot it to Sam Fiszman Park or you can hang about and get to know the friendly, occasionally eccentric regulars. On top of coffee, there are cold-pressed juices and powerhouse smoothies packed with protein and green goodness, as well as a solid brekkie and brunch menu. A generous brekkie bowl is hard to go past, crowded with fruit salad, yoghurt, granola and acai. And then there are all the classics, from croissants and banana bread to the green eggs: a dish of boiled egg, spinach, avocado, pesto, green tomato and chutney.
We all have a mate who thinks, talks, and posts stories constantly about eating and drinking. Not that you mind too much. They've always got the best new bar and restaurant recos, and they bring excellent snacks to picnics. When it comes to getting them a gift, buying something they can consume is a pretty safe bet — but you've gotta keep your standards high because theirs certainly will be. In partnership with Square, we've picked out nine gourmet gifts for the epicurean in your life. If you're lucky, they'll share some of the tasty goodies with you. And you may even impress by introducing them to a local producer that wasn't on their radar yet. If you are a small business owner, Square has the tools you need to take payments and maximise your sales, including an ebook with tips to help you get started this holiday season. MONTHLY CHEESE SUBSCRIPTION, MOULD ($75 PER MONTH) If you don't like to remind your mate regularly of just how lucky they are to have you as a friend (even though they are, of course), a subscription gift will do it for you — every month. And a cheese subscription? Well, you may be the best friend ever. Available from Mould, host of our favourite annual cheese festival, each monthly box features four gourmet cheeses from artisans across Australia, like a mature cheddar from Pyengana and camembert from Robe Dairy. Payment is processed on the first day of every month and the box is shipped the Monday following, so you'll know exactly when to show up at your mate's door with a bottle of vino for an 'impromptu' catch-up. VOUCHER, JERVIS BAY BREWING CO (FROM $20) Is your mate a craft beer nerd? Chances are Jervis Bay Brewing Co is already on their radar — in which case, you can shout their first few rounds when they finally visit by buying a voucher online. The brewery is based just outside Huskisson on the NSW south coast. It's only been operating for a year, but thanks to its spacious beer garden, food trucks and rolling calendar of events — including trivia, bingo and open mic nights — it's quickly established itself as a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Oh, and the beer, of course. With ten working taps, your mate can sample some seasonal brews alongside the core range of pale ales, lagers, wheat beers and more. PICNIC SEASON REALLY COOL PICNIC BASKET, THE SHEARERS WIFE ($69) We're in prime outdoor dining season right now, and this vibrant basket will level-up your mate's picnic game in no time. With a fully insulated, waterproof lining, it'll keep drinks and snacks cool and is a breeze to clean. At just one kilogram in weight, it's good if they're on the go, but is able to hold up to 30 kilograms if they're really, really hungry. The entire range features colourful designs in collaboration with Melbourne artist Deb McNaughton Art, but we're especially partial to the very seasonally appropriate 'Sunshine and Lollipops'. You can purchase the basket online from Cooma-based store The Shearer's Wife. There's a flat rate of $10 shipping or free for orders over $150. LITTLE MISS YOKO GIN, LITTLE LON DISTILLING CO ($80) What with bars being closed for a while and many booze brands jumping on the virtual masterclass trend during lockdown, your mate may have gotten pretty skilled in making their own cocktails this year. And one they should certainly add to their repertoire is a lychee martini using Little Lon's Little Miss Yoko Gin. The limited-batch, double-distilled gin gives off notes of vanilla, baking spices and, of course, lychee, making it an excellent year-round addition to their bar cart. According to the Melbourne-based distillery, it also suits a fruity sour cocktail or, if your mate wants to keep things simple, tell them to mix it with elderflower tonic water. POUR OVER COFFEE KIT, MARKET LANE COFFEE ($100) Maybe your mate is one of those still working from home for the foreseeable future. Or perhaps their caffeine game is pretty weak whenever you visit. Either way, they need their coffee situation sorted pronto. Market Lane's Pour Over Coffee Kit will have them ditching the freeze-dried nonsense in the pantry and transform an early morning cuppa into their favourite part of the day. This starter kit comes with a pour over cone, filter papers, digital pocket scales, a Pitchii jug and a guide to make the entire process easy peasy. Shipping is free for orders over $40. WITH GRATITUDE GIFT PACK, LOVE TEA ($55) If there is something your epicurean mate loves more than anything, it's trying new things. So, with over 60 different blends on offer, Love Tea is sure to be right up their alley. Founded in 2006, Love Tea's founders Emma Watson and Damien Amos collaborate with growers across the world to source top-quality organic ingredients, before crafting, blending and packing the teas in flavours like dandelion chai, hibiscus and coconut orange in Melbourne. A gift pack is the best introduction to the brand, so thank your mate for another year of friendship with the With Gratitude pack, which comes with white rose and goji, lemongrass and ginger, peppermint and organic chai. Shipping is $9 or free for orders over $65. BBQ PACK, MOUNT ZERO OLIVES ($65) For your food-loving friend who always serves the best food at a barbecue, return the favour (and ensure all future events are as well-catered) by sending them a hamper filled with gourmet produce from Mount Zero Olives. The family-owned olive grove, based in the Grampians in Victoria, has a bunch of gift hampers on offer, but the BBQ Pack will be perfect for all those summer happenings your gang has lined up. The rosemary extra virgin olive oil, Egyptian dukka, and pink lake natural salt with chilli will take barbecued meats and veggies to the next level. There's organic kalamata olives and black olive tapenade to snack on, too. Shipping is $12, or free for orders over $100. CHRISTMASSY FAVES GIFT, HEY TIGER ($45.50) We've consumed enough chocolate on Christmas Day to know two things to be true. One: it's a winning gift idea. And two: not all chocolate is created equal. And it's that second point that really sets Hey Tiger apart. The Aussie brand is dedicated to changing the cocoa industry by ethically sourcing its ingredients and donating a portion of every bar sold to The Hunger Project. But it's not simply making a social impact — it's doing it with some innovative flavours, including a whole range of game-changing vegan bars. The Christmassy Faves comes with a caramel and gingerbread white chocolate, a strawberry trifle milk chocolate, and three mini bars. To make your life easy, it comes in a gift box already and you can add a card for just a buck more at the checkout. Oh, and every order comes with a free mini bar, so you won't even need to drop hints to your mate to share their loot. BEEPOWER POLLEN AND HONEY FUSION 1KG, MUDGEE HONEY HAVEN ($50) When your mate is really into food, it can be tricky to find something that they haven't tried before. You may have some luck with Beepower's flagship product, a fusion of bee pollen and honey. Available from Mudgee Honey Haven, this product is packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids — and, due to the pollen, is rich in antioxidants. If, by chance, your mate has tried this tasty product before, they'll thank you for bringing it back into their lives — and you may still impress them with the whopping one-kilogram jar. Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. If you are a small business owner, Square has guidance on how best to maximise sales in the run up to the Christmas holiday period in its ebook, found here.
Just as NAIDOC week kicks into gear for 2019, Australia's Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List — becoming the first Australian site to receive recognition exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values. During its current meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation added the south-west Victorian site to its list of landmarks and areas that are legally protected due to their significance. Located on Gunditjmara country, the region spans the Budj Bim volcano, Tae Rak (Lake Condah), the Kurtonitj wetlands, and Tyrendarra's rocky ridges and large marshes. It also includes remnants of more than 300 round, basalt stone houses, which demonstrate the Gunditjmara people's permanent settlement in the area. Of specific interest to UNESCO, Budj Bim features a system of channels, dams and weirs, all made possible due to basalt lava flows that have been carbon-dated back to 6600 years. The complex network is considered one of the the largest and oldest aquaculture setups in the world, and is used not only to contain floodwaters, but to trap and harvest the kooyang eel. The listing comes after five years of work between Gunditjmara people and the Victorian and Australian governments to develop Budj Bim's World Heritage nomination, and marks Australia's 20th entry on the list — alongside the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, Fraser Island, the Tasmanian wilderness, the Greater Blue Mountains area, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, among others. [caption id="attachment_729904" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tae Rak channel and holding pond,Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation[/caption] In total, UNESCO has added 21 new sites to the World Heritage List as part of its 2019 conference, which runs through until Wednesday, July 10, and will examine 35 nominations in total. In addition to Budj Bim, the new entries showcase spots in China, Iran, France, Iceland, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, Czechia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Burkina Faso and Iraq, including Babylon. The list of new cultural sites chosen so far is as follows: Migratory bird sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China — natural site. Hyrcanian forests in the Islamic Republic of Iran — natural site. French Austral Lands and Seas in France — natural site. The fire and ice of Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland — natural site. The culture and biodiversity of Paratyand Ilha Grande in Brazil — natural and cultural site. Ancient ferrous metallurgy sites of Burkina Faso — cultural site. Babylon in Iraq — cultural site. Dilmun burial mounds in Bahrain — cultural site. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Australia — cultural site. Archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City in China — cultural site. Jaipur City, Rajasthan in India — cultural site. Ombilin coal-mining heritage of Sawahlunto in Indonesia — cultural site. Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group of mounded tombs from Ancient Japan — cultural site. Megalithic jar sites in Xiengkhouang — Plain of Jars in the Lao People's Democratic Republic — cultural site. Bagan in Myanmar — cultural site. Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies in the Republic of Korea — cultural site. Writing-on-Stone /Áísínai'pi in Canada — cultural site. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří mining region of Czechia and Germany — cultural site. The landscape for breeding and training of ceremonial carriage Hhrses at Kladruby nad Labem in Czechia — cultural site. The water management system of Augsburg in Germany — cultural site. Krzemionki Prehistoric Striped Flint Mining Region in Poland) — cultural site. UNESCO also extended the heritage listing of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region, to not only include northern Macedonia but also Albania. Prior to the 2019 meeting, the World Heritage List included 1092 different sites spread across 167 countries. Need some travel inspiration — or a reminder of just how wondrous our planet is? Browsing the full list will take care of that for you. Top images: Lake Condah, Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation / Tae Rak in flood, Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The sandy shores of Brighton-Le-Sands haven't gone anywhere, but the coastline is looking a little different following the relaunch of The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection. Moving into the former Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach, this new era for the Accor-led accommodation, aka The Brighton, is more than just a name change, bringing a sophisticated resort-like encounter right to the edge of Botany Bay. Following a three-year redevelopment, the sprawling property now features a multi-million-dollar renovation, getting the stay up to scratch with MGallery's reputation for luxe boutique hotels. Now, every space of The Brighton has been transformed, offering guests an experience that combines coastal comfort with European-inspired elegance. Primed for tourists and business travellers alike, The Brighton's beachfront location is easily accessible from the city and the airport, with Sydney CBD just 13 kilometres away. Yet guests might mistake their surroundings for the Mediterranean, as 307 sun-soaked rooms and suites offer sweeping bay views and blissed-out textures and materials inspired by the hotel's coastal context. Dining is a highlight, with the hatted Ammos Brighton adding even more credibility to the property's Mediterranean-inspired ambience. Helmed by Greek-Australian chef Peter Conistis, dishes such as house-made taramasalata, reimagined moussaka with pan-seared scallops, and roasted eggplant bring a contemporary edge to age-old cuisine. Plus, the striking bay views from the dining room only elevate this comforting feast further. On the more casual end of the spectrum, Coco's On The Beach is The Brighton's answer to Sydney's laidback sports bars. Set by the beachside and serving until 3am, expect easygoing bites and refreshing drinks that pair with live sports on big screens and post-swim gatherings around the pool table. Then, rounding out this culinary trio, Sands Bar is a dreamy terrace-side spot for golden hour cocktails, complete with vibrant share plates and distinct coastal flavours. From its idyllic surroundings, The Brighton also includes abundant wellness activities. Think indoor and outdoor pools, and a light-filled fitness centre complete with a rejuvenating sauna and steam room. The property is also stellar for hosting bougie events, with the Brighton Ballroom accommodating up to 550 guests, each relishing the ocean vistas and marble finishes that evoke a modern Med-like experience. Images: Steven Woodburn / Ryan Linnegar.
A year is an excruciatingly long time in politics, especially following the mountain of crises, scandals and impasses that have produced 2009's headlines. Now in its tenth year, the Wharf Revue jams all 365 of these days into a musical vice and squeezes them down into a rich, highly-concentrated sauce of comedic tang.There is an irony to this year's show, given that the stock market crash of 1929 killed the golden age of revues. But, valiantly, the regular team of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott joins with Helen Dallimore to remix our hard times with good music. Will they prove that the GFC can be finger-lickin' funny? Only time and a ticket will tell...NOTE: Extended season runs from December 9th-12th at Sydney Theatre.Phillip Scott & Helen Dallimore in Sydney Theatre Company’s The Wharf Revue: Pennies from Kevin Photo by Tracey Schramm
German agency Jung von Matt has given some of the world's most iconic cartoon characters a wonderful makeunder by recreating them with Lego blocks. With a distinct minimalist approach to these creations, Jung von Matt have used height and colour to cleverly mould these creations. Nothing displays this better than Marge Simpson's signature towering blue hairstyle. However, some of the other cartoons aren't so easy to make out. But once you find out the answer, you'll kick yourself for not spotting them earlier. Furthermore, your ability to name these characters will be a good indicator of how much time you spent in front of the television as a kid. Have a look at the images below, and score yourself on how many you can guess. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Smurfs Asterix and Obelix South Park [via Flavorwire]
If you've looked at the news or social media of late, you may've noticed a lot of toilet paper talk. #ToiletPaperEmergency is trending on Twitter, a story about a truck carrying toilet paper catching fire hit the front page of media sites, NT News printed eight pages of toilet paper, supermarkets are rationing the stuff, a roll of TP is selling for $1K on Ebay and people are even hawking their work loo rolls on Instagram. Why? Australians are panic-buying toilet paper in response to coronavirus fears. Despite experts saying that hoarding food and toilet paper is not just unnecessary, it's also "unhelpful", many Aussies are loading up on loo roll in case of a doomsday-like scenario. While, personally, I'd be stockpiling cheese and other nutrient-heavy snacks, some people's priority is obviously in the bathroom. No judgement. If that is you, you'll be happy to know that speedy booze delivery service Jimmy Brings is about to add toilet paper to its collection. https://twitter.com/maximumcuddles/status/1234751420273844225 Available to order on the website from Friday, March 6, the loo paper will be delivered to your door in 30 minutes. So, if you can't leave the house (for a myriad of reasons) this is in fact very helpful. While you're stocking up on loo paper, you can also order wine, spirits, beer, Red Bull, Lindt chocolate, crispy pork crackling, Panadol and condoms. All the doomsday essentials, really. Available in Sydney only, Jimmy Brings' toilet paper will set you back $2.99 a roll, with $1 from each going to the UNICEF Coronavirus Appeal. The toilet paper is only available until sold out — so, if you're really keen to get your mitts on some, we recommend keeping a keen eye on Jimmy Brings' website this Friday morning. Jimmy Brings is selling toilet paper for $2.99 a roll from Friday, March 6 — while stock lasts.
Established property is already a rare commodity in Sydney's inner west, but the first actual empty block of land in years is officially on the market on Forbes St in Newtown. First reported by Domain, the 256.6 square metre space was originally the backyard of a previous lot and was locked down tightly for the last three decades. The land is, according to listing agent May Aoun, a prime position for an inner-city dream home. Aoun told Domain, "You could build two terraces and live in one and rent or sell the other, or develop them and sell them both." [caption id="attachment_1076795" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Crystal Realty[/caption] The Domain.com.au listing describes it as "A rare opportunity to secure a perfectly level ready-to-build land parcel in one of North Newtown's most exclusive pockets. Surrounded by high calibre homes and heritage terraces, this is an ultra-scarce blank canvas with the scale and configuration to build a luxury bespoke residence or explore a dual-terrace concept (STCA)." "With rear lane access and ideal proportions for flexible design outcomes, this is one of the last undeveloped sites in this tightly held blue-chip location - footsteps to King Street dining, cafés, Sydney University, elite schools, transport links and green open spaces." Aoun also told Domain that the land is a "good size" for the area, where the average block is "around 150 square metres." The currently listed price is $2.95 million, a million dollars above the median house price for the area, which grew by eight percent in the last year (and about $1.7 million above the local price of a driveway, according to one recent determined buyer). Though the land offers promise for savvy buyers, home ownership is a distant dream for many young Australians, as the prices of homes (and apparently land) in the heart of capital cities continue to climb — Australia's cheapest property sales of the year so far are limited to regional towns and run-down sites. Images via Crystal Realty
When Tenacious D return to Australian and New Zealand stages in winter 2024, it won't just be a tribute — it'll be the real two-man comedy rock group, aka Jack Black and Kyle Gass, performing their first Down Under shows since 2013. The duo has announced July dates in seven cities, playing arenas as part of their The Spicy Meatball tour fresh from sellout gigs in the US, UK and Europe in 2023. In the 11 years since Tenacious D last took to the stage Down Under, plenty has happened, including for Black and Gass. Black's acting resume has added everything from Goosebumps and two Jumanji movies to Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, voice work on Rick and Morty and lending his vocals to Bowser in The Super Mario Bros Movie. Gass popped up in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Hacks. And in 2018, the band released their fourth studio album Post-Apocalypto. [caption id="attachment_939746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Now, the Grammy-winning pair, which first came together in the 90s as theatre students in Los Angeles, has locked in dates in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide in Australia — plus Wellington and Auckland in Aotearoa. Expect tickets to go quickly if the overseas response is any guide. In London alone, Tenacious D's O2 show was all snapped up the week that it was announced. [caption id="attachment_939740" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Travis Shinn[/caption] From not just their latest record, but also Tenacious D's self-titled 2001 debut, 2006's The Pick of Destiny — the soundtrack to the film of the same name — and 2012's Rize of the Fenix, attendees will hear 'Wonderboy', 'Tribute', 'Kickapoo', 'Low Hangin' Fruit' and more get a spin. Also on the band's current setlist: 2023's 'Video Games', the group's first single in five years, and their cover of Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game'. They've been busting out Thin Lizzy's 'Jailbreak', Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street' and Led Zeppelin's 'Good Times Bad Times', too — but not The Super Mario Bros Movie's 'Peaches'. Tenacious D The Spicy Meatball Australia and New Zealand Tour 2024 Dates: Sunday, July 14 — ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney Tuesday, July 16 — Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle Thursday, July 18 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Saturday, July 20 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Monday, July 22 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Wednesday, July 24 — TSB Arena, Wellington Friday, July 26 — Spark Arena, Auckland Tenacious D are touring Australia and New Zealand in July 2024, with ticket presales from 9am AEDT on Wednesday, February 7 and general sales from 12pm local time on Friday, February 9 — head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Sven Mandel via Wikimedia Commons.
All across New South Wales, stages are being swept, setlists are being finalised, speakers are being stress tested, and crowds are gearing up—because the statewide Great Southern Nights is just about to make its 2025 return. With well over 300 gigs taking place across 17 nights in cities and districts from Byron Bay to Broken Hill and beyond, it's going to be one hell of a festival. Midway up the NSW coastline, you'll find one of Great Southern Nights' hubs in the live music-loving city of Newcastle and the Newcastle Midtown Gig Trail set to host over 40 gigs across the festival's 17-night runtime. We've teamed up with Great Southern Nights to pick out the must-see entries on the lineup and some suggestions on how to stay busy between them. The Lineup The fun starts on Friday, March 21, with multi-disciplinary Filipino/Wiradjuri artist MO'JU at The Stag and Hunter Hotel in Mayfield, the five-piece Kiwi band SIX60 at NU's Bar on the Hill and EDM duo Slumberjack at King Street Nightclub. The following night, back at Bar on the Hill, late 80s/early 90s indie rock legends The Cruel Sea will take to the stage with some throwback hits and new recordings. To end the first weekend, solo multi-instrumentalist Running Touch and Melbourne-native indie rock quartet The Belair Lip Bombs will take over the King Street Warehouse on Sunday, March 23. The following weekend, on Saturday, March 29, legendary Aussie Blues and Roots soloist Xavier Rudd will be performing a bit out of town at Dashville Campground in Lower Belford. When the festival heads into April, expect a few hot gigs in the King Street Bandroom. Namely, the multi-platinum-winning rapper Winston Surfshirt on Friday, April 4; five-piece folk-rock group The Paper Kites on Saturday, April 5; and indie rock favourites Slowly Slowly on Sunday, April 6. If you find yourself with a free night, hit up the Newcastle Midtown District Gig Trail. Every night throughout the festival you'll find free gigs, performers, actors and more at seven venues in the heart of the action. That's just the tip of the iceberg, all sorts of gigs are set to take happen around the headliners. [caption id="attachment_938853" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Flotilla[/caption] Local Eats and Treats Newcastle is home to a buzzing blend of eateries to refuel between gigs; if anything, you'll end up pressed for time to hit all the venues around town. For a compact taster menu of what the city has to offer gastronomically, the Honeysuckle Foreshore is right in the centre of the city, close to Newcastle's premiere hotels, attractions and waterfronts. But if you're willing to go further afield, it'll pay off. Without leaving the city, you can enjoy Spanish tapas at Bocados or a sizeable yum cha feast (on Sundays) at Ginger Meg's, and if you like something a little fancier, there's sustainable seafood at Scottie's or curated cocktails and Italian feeds at Market St Basement. Should you find yourself a bit beyond the city lights, you can find an authentic Californian taqueria at Antojitos, and one of the most popular restaurants in the area is the famous Flotilla in Wickham. If you prefer to hit the streets and let the universe guide you to the eatery for you, you'll find casual options aplenty in Hamilton, eclectic, trendy small spots in Cooks Hill, while heading out west to the Hunter Valley will connect you with some of the top wineries in the country. Things to Do and Places to See Most of the GSN gigs on offer take place after dark, so what are you supposed to do beforehand? Glad you asked. One of Newcastle's most famous, accessible and affordable attractions is its ocean baths. Found along the Bather's Way, a six-kilometre walking track that traces the coast from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach, these pools (and the more secluded-yet-scenic Bogey Hole) are midway on the route and are recognised as some of the most scenic ocean pools in the country. If the sun is blazing and you'd rather stay indoors and dodge the steps, the Newcastle Museum is a great place to learn some local history, as is the Fort Scratchley Historic Site if military history is your jam, being the only fort in Australia to engage enemy combatants in maritime defence during WWII. For a dose of First Nations history and culture, take a guided tour through the towering sand dunes of the Worimi Conservation Lands. Where to Spend the Night The many facets of Newcastle's identity are plain to see in the accommodation options throughout the city. The QT hotel group is known for bold interiors and luxury by the pound — and QT Newcastle is no exception. A love for music and the arts and Newcastle's prominent surf culture can be felt at this dynamic stay. Set in a heritage building with waterfront views, the hotel also boasts one of Newcastle's finest rooftop bars and an on-site luxury restaurant that exclusively serves local produce. If you want to be as close to the water as possible, it's tough to get closer than Noah's On the Beach. A literal stone's throw from the surf break of Newcastle Beach, staying here means you'll be sent off to sleep by the sounds of the sea. And though you could be catered for with the onsite eatery, you'd be well within walking distance from the Newcastle CBD. If you want something further from the action (45 minutes further, to be precise) but don't want to skimp on the luxury, secure a booking at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows. South of Newcastle behind Caves Beach, this resort property brings a touch of the Hamptons and a pinch of the Maldives to the mid-north NSW coast. With bungalows, townhouses and villas available for booking and the luxurious restaurant Caves Coastal, this is the perfect place for larger groups looking to explore the surrounds of Newcastle. Great Southern Nights is set to take over venues across NSW between Friday, March 21 and Sunday, April 6. Check out our gig guides for Sydney, the Central Coast and Wollongong or visit the website for more information.
He's quick, he's nimble and he has what you need to get through lockdown. Jimmy Brings is a booze delivery service that'll bring wine, beer and spirits to your doorstep in an unbeatable 30 minutes or less — from that bottle of champagne for an unexpected iso engagement celebration to a Couch Cuddle Pack of shiraz and Toblerone to spice up iso movie nights. Old-mate Jimmy has been delivering the goods since long before COVID-19, starting out as a late-night service in Sydney in 2011, dropping off extra drinks, snacks and even ciggies for your out-of-hand house parties. Those were the days. Now Jimmy is all grown up, with not only a long-serving history in Sydney but also a suite of drivers in Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and further afield. He's still peddling alcohol on demand, but things have stepped up a notch and you can now add in a bottle of hand sanitiser, ice and a pack of Jonny Condoms for those wild nights at home. The booze offering is a small-but-mighty range that's taste-tested by the Jimmy Brings team, and wine descriptions will make you smile. Those after organic wines can find low-preservative, punchy wines from Speak No Evil, Il Villagio and Farm Hand. There's also whites, reds and sparkling from Jolly Trotter, Heritage House and Covielle. And if you're stocking up for the long haul, there are wine bundles starting from $49.99 for six — around $8 a bottle. On the spirits and mixers front, you can make things super easy with Cheeky G&Ts, Skinny Soda and Moscow Mule packages that scoop up all the necessary ingredients for you, including soda, ice and limes, so you can add to cart without having to think too much about the logistics. A Dirty Daiquiri starter pack is $49.99 and an Aperol Spritz pack, just $42.99. Your beer, wine and bubbles are delivered cold and, as always, you can order seven days a week until 11.59pm in Sydney, and until 11pm in Brisbane and Melbourne — orders must be placed 30 minutes before closing time. Though they can't leave alcohol unattended, Jimmy Brings drivers are operating low-contact deliveries during COVID-19 times, including leaving bags on the ground and sighting your ID without handling it directly, so everyone's kept safe and happy. Never used Jimmy Brings before? Download the Jimmy Brings app and use the code 'CONCRETE' to get $10 off your first go. That's two packets of Nobby's mixed salted nuts, right there. Lucky you. Check out what Jimmy Brings can offer in your suburb. Offer expires on July 30, 2020.
Sometimes an exhibition gets gallery patrons exploring one artist's work. Sometimes it pays tribute to a specific person, heads back to a certain chapter of the past, or fills walls and halls around a theme. A particular object might be in the spotlight, or a movie franchise. Then there's The NBA Exhibition, which is celebrating hoop dreams and all things basketball in its first-ever Australian visit. After premiering in Warsaw, Poland in 2021, The NBA Exhibition gets bouncing in Brisbane from Thursday, November 9 — and bounds through basketball history at the same time. Catnip for fans of Air and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, this sports-focused showcase is big in scope and size, surveying the culture of hopping onto the court and the lifestyle that goes with basketball, too, in a hefty two-level display. Visitors can traverse 1000 square metres and make their way through 20 themed sections. Created with the National Basketball Association, The NBA Exhibition aims to lure in b-ball diehards, casual followers and folks that haven't thought about the sport since their school PE lessons alike — and attendees of all ages. Looking at basketball memorabilia is part of the presentation, but so is throwing a ball around yourself and, thanks to the virtual and augmented reality aspect of the showcase, taking snaps with your favourite NBA players. So, you can get a photo with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, too — aka the coveted prize that each year's NBA Finals' winner receives — and shoot hoops, see how far you can jump and test your reflexes as well. Fancy a picture showing that you can slam dunk, even if you can't? There's a section of The NBA Exhibition for that. Eager to watch NBA highlights using VR goggles? That's also on the agenda. Keen to get surrounded by iconic NBA moments? That's what the infinity room is for. With names like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal obviously featuring — and Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as well — other elements of The NBA Exhibition include a heap of balls and shoes on display; footwear and hand prints from past and present players; art that was commissioned for a pop-up NBA Gallery exhibit in Sydney in 2022, featuring Australian and First Nations artists; and celebrating NBA players that've made the jump from Australia, which is likely to feature Patty Mills, Ben Simmons, Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze and more. Brisbane's Queens Plaza hosts The NBA Exhibition's debut Aussie stop — just as it did with The Art of Banksy: Without Limits, which also hails from entertainment platform Fever, earlier in 2023. Updated Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Some films were always going to grace screens, and The Dry was one of them, all thanks to the huge on-the-page success of Jane Harper's beloved novel of the same name. That 2021 big-screen release's sequel, which is now called Force of Nature: The Dry 2, is another. The first movie was such a hit — notching up more than $20 million in Australian ticket sales, and coming in sixth at the Aussie box office two years back after Hollywood franchise titles Spider-Man: No Way Home, No Time to Die, Godzilla vs Kong, Peter Rabbit 2 and Fast and Furious 9 — that greenlighting this sequel must've been the easiest decision ever. In 2022, news arrived that The Dry would indeed score a big-screen follow-up, as based on Harper's second novel Force of Nature. Then it was revealed that the film would release in 2023, instantly becoming one of this year's most-anticipated flicks. Now, Roadshow Films — which is behind the movie, and will distribute it in Australia and New Zealand — has unveiled an exact release date. Mark August 24 in your diary: that's when you have a return movie date with Eric Bana (Dirty John) as Detective Aaron Falk. Actually, given that timing, you might just be able to see the film at the 2023 Sydney Film Festival or Melbourne International Film Festival. This chapter is set in Victoria, so it'd make a nice opening- or closing-night pick at MIFF in particular. In Force of Nature: The Dry 2, the focus is on a corporate hiking retreat attended by five women, after which only four return. So, alongside fellow federal agent Carmen Cooper (Jacqueline McKenzie, Ruby's Choice), Falk heads deep into Victoria's mountain ranges to try to find the missing hiker — who also happens to be a whistle-blowing informant — alive. [caption id="attachment_787502" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Dry[/caption] As The Dry was, Force of Nature is written and directed by Robert Connolly (Blueback). Again, it boasts quite the pair when it comes to Aussie crime cinema — with Connolly the producer of one of the best local crime movies ever made, aka 1998's unnerving The Boys, and Bana famously the star of the similarly excellent Chopper. "Adapting Jane Harper's remarkable Force of Nature for the cinema has been an exciting adventure, a rare privilege to be able to revisit the world of detective Aaron Falk and to work again with Eric, an extraordinary supporting cast and a wonderful team of creatives and crew," said Connolly. "Jane's novels evoke the often-terrifying beauty of the natural world, and in this sequel to The Dry we take audiences into a new landscape to solve entwining crimes in the remote Australian wilderness." [caption id="attachment_796115" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Dry[/caption] Also featuring in Force of Nature, which has a powerhouse Aussie cast like its predecessor: Anna Torv (The Last of Us) as missing hiker Alice Russell, plus Deborra-Lee Furness (Jindabyne), Robin McLeavy (Homeland), Sisi Stringer (Mortal Kombat) and Lucy Ansell (Utopia). Richard Roxburgh (Elvis), Tony Briggs (Preppers) and Kenneth Radley (The Power of the Dog) pop up, too, while Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor (Heartbreak High) is back in the role of Erik Falk. Although there are now two images from the film to check out — see the header picture at the very top of this article, then the first among the text — it's still too early for even a teaser clip. Until one arrives, revisit the trailer for The Dry below: Force of Nature will release in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on August 24, 2023. Read our full review of The Dry. Force of Nature images: Narelle Portanier.
Sydney's seeing a lot of change from today. With NSW's latest eased restrictions coming into effect, a selection of normal, everyday activities that have been off the cards since March are permissible once again. Restaurants are reopening for dine-in service, bootcamps are resuming and you can now have five mates round, picnic in a park and — despite dropping temperatures — dive into an outdoor pool. All while social distancing, of course. So, if you prefer a swim over running or yoga in your living room, it's time to get the goggles ready. Over the past month, Sydney beaches have gradually been reopening for swimming, surfing and sand running. Now, with ocean pools open for exercise once again, you can swim some laps between the coast and the mighty Pacific, without the risk of rips (or sharks). There are restrictions in place though, with only ten people allowed in a pool at any one time. There are over 100 ocean pools lining the NSW coastline — and Sydney is home to some of the most stunning among them. Although you can now travel however far you need to do essential services (including exercise), you can't go on an overnight trip — so it's best to stay local. So, which ocean pools can you swim in? We've broken it down. The below information is correct as of Friday, May 15. We'll update as any new announcements are made. [caption id="attachment_703447" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] EASTERN SUBURBS As of Friday, May 15, Randwick Council has reopened most of its pools, including Coogee's Giles Baths, Ivor Rowe Rockpool and Ross Jones Memorial Pool, Clovelly's Geoff James Pool, Mahon Pool in Maroubra and Malabar Ocean Pool. Wylie's Baths and McIver's Ladies Baths remain closed. The council is encouraging swimmers to practice social distancing, good hygiene and are limiting numbers to ten people at a time. https://twitter.com/RandwickCouncil/status/1260470685346017281 Waverley Council is reopening its ocean pools with an anticipate ten-person limit, too. This includes North Bondi Children's Pool and Bronte Baths. Bondi's famed Icebergs remains closed. As of Wednesday, May 6, Woollahra Municipal Council reopened its harbourside pools — Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf) and Watson Bay Baths — with 'Swim & Go' measures. [caption id="attachment_663542" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bilgola Beach by Paros Huckstepp[/caption] NORTHERN BEACHES On the northern beaches, all ocean and harbour pools have reopened to swimmers (with restrictions), including rock pools at Bilgola, North Curl Curl, South Curl Curl, Avalon, Collaroy, Freshwater, Mona Vale, Newport, Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Queenscliff, North Narabeen, Fairlight and Dee Why. The Manly and Warringah Aquatic Centres are opening for swimming in outdoor pools only, with a limit of one person per lane up to a maximum of ten people. To ensure this, a booking system will be introduced. SOUTH SYDNEY Sutherland Shire is gradually reopening some services and facilities, including outdoor pools such as Cronulla Rock Pool and the pool at Oak Park Beach. For updates, check in here. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Bronte Baths, Paros Huckstepp
Sydney mightn't be known for its ice and snow; however, that doesn't mean you can't slide across a frozen surface in the centre of the city. From Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, October 11, the ICC forecourt will become a winter wonderland thanks to the Darling Harbour Frozone. Popping up for two weeks in winter, the Frozone is back for the school holidays — but it's not just for littl'uns. In fact, it's open till 9pm, which means it's the perfect date-night idea for when you want to do more than just grab a drink. So don your warmest winter woollies, grab your bestie, date or fam, and head to the Harbour. The rink is open to the public every day, with 45-minute sessions costing $22 for adults and less for kids ($18 for a child, $10 for a toddler). Walk-ups are welcome, but you can also pre-book tickets on line over here. Darling Harbour Frozone is open from 10am–9pm daily.
On Sunday, December 1, Australian Venue Co — one of the country's largest hospitality groups with more than 200 venues nationwide — announced its decision to no longer host events on January 26 in recognition of the trauma experienced by many of its patrons and staff on Invasion Day. In response, certain swathes of the media, social media users and even notable politicians loudly voiced their opposition to the move, with some calling for a boycott of AVC venues in retaliation. Queensland Senator Matt Canavan said during an interview on the Today Show on Monday, December 3, that Australian Venue Co were acting as "moral guardians," adding: "They should get off their moral high horse. They're a pub, for god's sake. They deal in alcohol … I mean, let people have a good time at a pub." In response to this widespread backlash, Australian Venue Co has issued an apology via its social media platforms and reversed its decision to ban Australia Day events. "We can see that our comments on the weekend have caused both concern and confusion. We sincerely regret that — our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it," the statement reads. "It is not for us to tell anyone whether or how to celebrate Australia Day. We acknowledge that and we apologise for our comments. It certainly wasn't our intention to offend anyone … Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always. We have been, and are always, open over Australia Day and we continue to book events for patrons." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Australian Venue Co. (@australianvenueco) Many social media posts highlighted the confusion created by the Australian Venue Co's original announcement, which was misconstrued as suggesting its venues would be closed on January 26, when in reality the group was pledging not to hold Australia Day events while remaining open for patrons independently celebrating the day. Whether or not Australia should commemorate its national day on a date that represents a moment of profound mourning and inter-generational trauma for First Nation's communities continues to be hotly debated. However, local governments, certain major businesses and media organisations, and social groups across the country have made the decision in recent years to acknowledge the contentiousness of January 26. More than 80 councils around the country no longer hold citizenship ceremonies on this date and since 2017, radio station Triple J has announced its popular Hottest 100 rankings on January 25. Earlier this year, major supermarket brands Woolworths and Aldi both pledged to no longer stock Australia Day merchandise in their stores, while Invasion Day rallies attract thousands of peaceful protesters every year.
Combining camping in comfort with drinking in a vineyard, winery glamping is the trend that absolutely no one will ever complain about. It's been popping up all over the country, from Bendigo in regional Victoria, to Mount Cotton just outside of Brisbane, to a luxury pod-based version in South Australia's McLaren Vale — and now the Mornington Peninsula is getting in on the action. Meet Mornington Peninsula Glamping, which is now up and running at Blue Range Estate Wines in Rosebud. At a site overlooking not only the vineyard, but with views out over Port Phillip Bay, it features a number of luxe five-by-five-metre tents. There's three onsite at the time of writing; however there'll be ten by mid-October. Available for $265 per night, each tent is decked out with a queen-sized bed with 1000-thread-count sheets, two armchairs and a coffee table, plus solar power to keep your devices juiced. Visitors also have access to a shared cooking and eating area with two barbecues, hot water, and a choice of boutique tea or coffee, plus a luxury bathrooms in a shipping container. Mornington Peninsula Glamping is the brainchild of Christian Melone, whose family own and run vineyard, with his grandparents establishing the site back in the 80s. If you glamp over Thursday to Sunday, you can also mosey up to the winery's restaurant for a meal, tucking into the likes of tagliatelle with bay scallops and prawns, slow-roasted lamb shoulder with truffled mashed potatoes and ocean trout fillet with blood orange butter. Find Mornington Peninsula Glamping at Blue Range Estate Wines, 155 Gardens Road, Rosebud, Victoria.
Back in 2019, Sydney fine-dining institution NEL introduced tastebuds to a whole new culinary world: a decadent Once Upon a Time degustation inspired by all things Disney. Unsurprisingly, it provided a magical meal and proved a massive hit, returning in 2020 and 2022 with themed dishes created by the Surry Hills' restaurant's created by Executive Chef and namesake Nelly Robinson. Come winter 2023, it'll be back again for a fourth chapter. Amid NEL's creative spreads, this one now feels like a tasty tale as old as time — repeatedly popping up amid KFC-inspired dinners, Moulin Rouge!-themed and Christmas degustations, and one heroing native Australian ingredients as well. But whenever it unleashes its 11 courses upon plates, the Once Upon a Time serves up new and fresh dishes riffing on the Mouse House's favourites. Accordingly, even if you've been before, you haven't feasted your way through the latest menu. An alfredo linguini that nods to Ratatouille? Yes, that twist on the classic dish — and flick — featuring a lasagne-style structure layered with confit vegetables, pasta sheets, béchamel, mozzarella cheese foam and basil dust is on the lineup. So is The Tugley Wood, which combines mushrooms and fresh Australian truffle to nod to Alice in Wonderland. And when things get sweet, there's a honey-soaked sponge with a nest of honey curd topped with bee pollen, then served in a honey pot, that Winnie-the-Pooh would clearly covet. As for what else will be bothering your appetite in the best possible way, discovering the full range is part of the fun of heading along — no matter whether you're a Sydneysider with more than a few nights' experience tucking into Robinson's creations or a Disney fan keen to make a date on a future interstate trip. NEL doesn't need a reason to bring back the Once Upon a Time menu again and again — it was always going to be popular — but Robinson still keeps finding plenty of inspiration in the Disney theme. "The team and I had a blast creating and curating this one. It was so much fun to create a whole new menu around some of my favourite films and we have carefully crafted dishes to bring out each diners' inner child. Indeed, we paired it with fun cocktails and some sensational wines, too," he explains. The Once Upon a Time menu's fourth chapter will start serving on Tuesday, May 30 and run for eight weeks only, with bookings available now. Price-wise, this childhood-inspired feast will require an adult salary, costing $185 per person, with beverages matched for an extra $165. Reserving a spot ASAP for dinner Tuesday–Saturday from 5.15pm is recommended — this unsurprisingly always books out. NEL's Once Upon A Time (Chapter Four) degustation is on offer for eight weeks from Tuesday, May 30 at 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. For more information or to book, head to the NEL website.
Taking the forests of Sweden as inspiration, Absolut has created a brand new beverage for your summery nights: Absolut Botanik. To celebrate, the renowned vodka brand is taking over Centennial Park's The Residence this spring with an event series dubbed Botanik House. And they're bringing with them all the ingredients needed for the ultimate backyard shindig: jacuzzis, mix sessions, themed rooms and an outdoor dance party. For free. The party swings into action on Thursday, October 22, with a set from Sydney-based hip hopping DJs Lazer Gunne Funke. On Friday, October 30, from 6pm, Marc Javin and Slow Blow will be electrifying the decks with their high-energy mixes, while Saturday night will see the combined forces of Nad, Stu Turner, Bozzo and Kato. Then, on Sunday arvo, it's an acoustic session from 2.30pm with Duan and Only. The weekend following, catch Stolen Records on Friday 6, The Housing Corp on Saturday and One Day on Sunday. Absolut Botanik is a lightly sparkling pre-mix, combining single source Absolut vodka with botanical flavours. It's available in berry lime, berry pear and berry apple flavours.
Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting, Ecstasy, Reheated Cabbage) is coming to everyone's favourite den of despair, Oxford Art Factory. If you've found yourself thinking that maybe there's something more to life than getting drunk all the time and that you should read more, you should come to this. There you'll realise that there is more to life: namely reading a few books about getting drunk all the time, doing drugs and beating people up. This event is a bit unusual so we're all still a bit unclear on what exactly Mr. Welsh will be doing. Hopefully he'll yell obscenities at Jack Ladder and the Disbelievers who are "supporting" and throw a bottle at also-an-author Dominic Knight who is "presenting". We do know that he will be signing books and I will give 20 bucks to anyone who turns up with a Trainspotting DVD. As for me I'll be asking Irvo whether he's worried that maybe his audience might be a wee bit bored of reading about pretty much the same characters doing pretty much the same things they were doing in 1993. "And another thing," I'll say taking a long swig of beer, "that last collection . . . 'Reheated Cabbage' is a pretty good title, eh Irvo? HA HA HA. What's that? Glasgow kiss? That sounds nice . . . yes, please!" https://youtube.com/watch?v=koP4O6QAzx4
Each month, Netflix adds a whole heap of new movies, shows and specials to its lineup. It's impossible to watch all of them, and if you tend to gravitate towards its big series and films — Stranger Things and The Witcher, plus features such as Marriage Story and The Trial of the Chicago 7 , for instance — that's understandable. But don't scroll your way past the service's comedy offerings. As with everything on every streaming platform, the selection can be a bit hit and miss; however, Netflix was responsible for the best sketch comedy of 2019,I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. It has also now claimed that title again in 2020 with the just-released Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun. If you're familiar with Australian comedy troupe Aunty Donna, then you'll know what to expect. Writers and performers Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane, director and writer Sam Lingham, filmmaker Max Miller and composer Tom Armstrong have been treating audiences to absurdist gags, satire, wordplay and songs since forming in 2011. Over that time, Aunty Donna has played gigs everywhere from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, toured the country several times, made a number of web series and released an ARIA-nominated album — but now the group has channelled all of its silliness and surreal gags, and its astute ability to make fun of daily life in a smart yet ridiculous way, into a six-part Netflix series that's the funniest thing you'll watch in 2020. Now available to stream, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun stars Bonanno, Kelly and Ruane as themselves — and housemates. Each episode revolves around a theme, starting with the search for a fourth member of their household when they decide to turf their annoying talking dishwasher (voiced by Flight of the Conchords' Kristen Schaal). The second episode, focused around treasure, also features an out-there recreation of Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, while other instalments serve up everything from a pitch-perfect takedown of trendy barber shops to a parody of male posturing when the guys turn their house into a bar. 'Weird Al' Yankovich also pops up, as does executive producer and The Office star Ed Helms (claiming that his name is actually Egg), and a tea party with the Queen of England features as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1gwkJP64xU While it's showing on Netflix worldwide, there's no doubting that this is an Aussie sketch comedy. Viewers will spot the references to Crazy John's, Four'n Twenty pies, Eagle Boys Pizza, the Hoodoo Gurus and Grant Denyer — and there's an instance of name-dropping about a well-known TV and AFL figure that's brief but sublime. Skewing more broadly, the series' parody of Family Feud is both clever and bonkers, and the show manages to touch upon the 2000 Sydney Olympics, silly wi-fi names, table manners, sports injuries, pirates and today's dating scene, too. There's nothing too over-the-top for Aunty Donna, or too trivial. The series opens with the group's existing song 'Everything a Drum' — which really is self-explanatory — after all. And, it nears its end with a tense trip to see a stylist that's a descent into chaos and madness, and yet also 100-percent relatable. Understandably, binging the 20-minute episodes in one go is very easy to do. So is starting the whole show over again once you've already watched it through. At the beginning of 2020, no one could've picked how this year would turn out. And while longtime Aunty Donna fans already knew what the group is capable of, few folks would've tipped that Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun would be just the dose of side-splitting absurdity this hectic year needs. Or, that it'd get the most preposterous and catchy song about caffeine there is well and truly lodged in everyone's heads until 2021 hits. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BVoYKwTc4E Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun is available to stream via Netflix.
This limestone labyrinth, set within the remote south of the Blue Mountains National Park, is the world's most ancient open caves system, dating back 340 million years. There are numerous illuminated pathways to explore throughout the 40 kilometres of subterranean palaces, so you'll need to book specific show cave tours. Visit Lucas Cave to be challenged by more than 1000 steps that deliver you into the belly of the mountain to the system's largest chamber that hums with acoustic vibrations. Marvel at thick drapings of crystal formations and Jenolan's tallest stalagmite, 'Pillar of Hercules', in the Orient Cave, or see every angle of delicate crystal shawls and helictites that seem to defy gravity and grow greedily in every direction within the dreamy Temple of Baal Cave. Images: Destination NSW
As 2024 winds down, the sound of jingling sleigh bells can be heard just over the horizon. The silly season is upon us, which brings with it fond memories of fireside stories, heart-warming food and snowy landscapes (even in the southern hemisphere). While it probably won't be a white Christmas for Sydneysiders, Surry Hills restaurant NEL is nonetheless transporting diners to a winter wonderland, summoning classic yuletide flavours in clever and surprising ways. Patron Chef Nelly Robinson and the team at NEL are once again giving Sydney an early present with their annual The Story of Christmas menu. This year, the menu hopes to capture classic Christmas imagery but with a few Aussie winks. "It's equal parts childhood memories and traditions from across the globe," says Robinson. This nostalgic 11-course degustation pays homage to Aussie ingredients — sourced sustainably from local producers. The prawn and mango course, for example, offers a refreshing prawn mosaic marinated in native spices and topped with mango "snow". For a more classic taste, the duck dinner course delivers rich, roast dinner flavours, prepared both confit and with crispy skin. Diners can also pretend they're Santa biting into a Christmas cookie, but with a savoury spin, courtesy of two Red Leicester and Pyengana cheddar custard cookie sandwiches served in a wooden cookie tin. In a nod to traditional beverages of the season, the menu also reinterprets the seasonal flavours of mulled wine, spinning it into a layered Christmas trifle. Make sure to leave room for dessert as you won't want to miss the edible snowflake course, starring a vanilla Victoria sponge coated in white chocolate mousse, strawberry compote and chocolate popping candy. And at NEL, even those in Santa's bad books can have some fun, with a dish titled Naughty Child, trippy plating featuring a pumpkin and carrot croquette with macadamia hummus and honey made to resemble a lump of coal. "I'm just a lad who loves Christmas," says Robinson. "Each dish is designed to spark joy and conversation."
Good energy is meant to be shared — and this month, Teremana Tequila is taking that spirit on the road. Founded by Dwayne Johnson, the premium small-batch tequila, which is built on the belief that true mana comes from showing up with purpose, is bringing its feel-good ethos to two community pop-ups, celebrating the unsung heroes who make a difference every day. Head to Circular Quay's newly revamped Cruise Bar (pictured below) on Thursday, October 9, or Elizabeth Bay fave Gazebo on Friday, October 10, to find the Mana Mobile, a Teremana-branded food truck rolling into town with free tacos, tequila tastings, live music and backyard-style games. It's also where you'll find the Mana Mailbox, inviting you to take a moment to express gratitude to someone who brings positivity into your life. You'll be encouraged to craft a handwritten postcard of thanks to an everyday hero who shows up, lifts others up and quietly keeps things running. Once complete, each message is sealed and placed in the Mana Mailbox before being mailed directly to its recipient. There'll be plenty of good vibes across both stops. You can nominate unsung heroes either on the night or online ahead of time via the Mana on the Road website, with all nominees going in the running to score one of 50 exclusive Teremana Añejo bottles tucked inside special gift bags, plus more surprises revealed throughout the evening. Pop in to either venue between 5–8pm to be part of this moving celebration of gratitude. Good mana starts in the spaces we share — and good energy is best enjoyed together with good people and good tequila. Bring your mates, raise a glass and celebrate the everyday heroes who make a difference with Teremana.
Canadian artist Jon Rafman has presented viewers with a collection of the most bizzare, quirky and often disturbing images that are captured on Google's Street View. Named after the nine cameras that sit on top of the vehicles used to capture the images that form Google's mapping service, Rafman's work has again expanded notions of art and street photography. The collection includes four masked strangers on a highway in Mexico, a van engulfed in flames on the brink of explosion in Brazil, and a man revealing his bare bottom in Ireland. Rafman states that he collected the images through Street View blogs and his own use of the service, and has offered a lengthy essay detailing the purpose of the work and it's significance. Like the stunning images captured by Aaron Hobson, Rafman has shown us that the Internet is reaching a vastness that allows us to become virtual explorers of the world. With Google's mission to map the entire world and immortalise it online, there will be no shortage of images from fascinatingly random locations that we haven't even heard of. Next time you pass one of Google's vehicles you should quickly comb your hair and flash your best smile. After all, you might become part of an artwork. [via Buzzfeed]
Dinosaurs. Sir David Attenborough. This planet we call home, but 66 million years ago. That's the Prehistoric Planet template, and it's a winner. It proved a treat when Apple TV+'s impressive and immersive documentary series initially arrived in 2022, becoming one of the best new shows of the year. And, now that the program is back for a second five-episode run with more photorealistic ancient creatures and more Attenborough-narrated insights into their behaviour — streaming one chapter per night between Monday, May 22–Friday, May 26, then available to watch whenever viewers like afterwards — that formula works just as charmingly again. Prehistoric Planet achieves a magical feat, which both seasons have perfected: making viewers feel like they're travelling back in time, and spectacularly so. The concept for the program is over a decade old, coming to executive producer, veteran Attenborough colleague and BBC Natural History Unit Creative Director Mike Gunton (Planet Earth II) while filming with the iconic broadcaster in Africa, but the end result unsurprisingly took time to come to fruition. "We did a very early test — actually, in fact it became the heart of the T-rex on the beach sequence in the opening series. We did that as a sort of initial proof of concept and it was it was astonishing, actually, how good it was," Gunton tells Concrete Playground in a chat about the show with series producer Tim Walker. Being able to capitalise upon advancements in technology to make Prehistoric Planet look as stunningly lifelike as it does is a happy result of the years spent making the show happen; however, if was it's presenting wasn't scientifically sound, all that imagery would mean nothing. [caption id="attachment_779232" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Attenborough, A Life on Our Planet, WWF[/caption] "We're very proud of the scientific rigour that underpins the series," adds Walker, who has also enjoyed a lengthy history delving into natural history on-screen, including on Attenborough projects such as David Attenborough's First Life. "Every sequence — when we talk about sequence, we're talking the short films within the film, so each episode has about five or six sequences in it — each of those sequences takes years to create, both in the research and then in the execution of it." That effort is evident, whether Prehistoric Planet is observing raptors display their cleverness, peering at mating rituals — oh-so-many mating rituals — or unpacking the often-perilous search for food and always-dangerous quest for survival. It shines through as the series surveys all the regular go-to dinosaurs, when it broadens its remit to lesser-known creatures and as it heroes non-dinosaur inhabitants of this pale blue dot during the Cretaceous age. How did it all come about? How does it look so astonishing? How important is the one and only Attenborough to making the series what it is? Gunton and Walker chatted with us about all those crucial Prehistoric Planet details and more — including the tense experience of watching Attenborough watch the show's first footage. ON HOW PREHISTORIC PLANET INITIALLY CAME OUT — AND WHY IT DIDN'T EARLIER Mike: "That's often the sign of a good idea, I think. Of course it should've have been done — it's blindingly obvious when you think about it. The idea came about actually with Sir David, doing some filming with him in Africa about 12 years ago now, maybe even more. He was doing the opening for a series I was working with him on about Africa, and his opening piece of camera was on top of this mountain on the equator in Africa. He was saying, the kind of thought was: 'nowhere on earth does nature put on the greatest show than here in Africa'. And I thought 'that's interesting — it is true, but I wonder if that's always been the case? I wonder when the greatest time of all time would have been?'. And I thought it was probably when the dinosaurs were running around here. So I thought 'could you do that?'. Could you take that crew that was standing on that mountainside, stick them in the time machine, fly them back 66 million years ago, and Sir David, and make a film, a series, as we were trying to do there, but instead of being lions and wildebeests and elephants, there'd be T-rex and triceratops. So that was the that was the germ of the idea, but it took a long time, many years, to get every all the stars to align — the planets to align, whichever the way you want to say it — and to get the team together, to get the resources and to find the right broadcaster before we finally made it. But actually, as David has said — he said 'I'm glad we waited ten years, because actually we've learned so much in those ten years'. And he's probably right. As Tim says, this is a golden age of dinosaur research now." ON MAKING THE SERIES LOOK SO STUNNINGLY PHOTOREALISTIC — AND THE HUGE TEAM EFFORT BEHIND IT Mike: "I think definitely the technology does improve all the time, but again another another sort of star alignment that I think was critical was that Jon — Jon Favreau — had in that time made The Jungle Book, then The Lion King. They basically did millions of dollars in R&D for us really, because to make those shows, Jon wanted to do that effectively — he said he wanted to try to take some of the grammar and approaches from wildlife documentary-making and apply those to those shows in terms of the look and some of the way the camera worked. And and that hyper-accelerated the sorts of CG that we needed to make to make this show. But it's accelerating — these these advances are going all the time." Tim: "[It takes] lots and lots and lots and lots of hard work. That's the basic answer. We are a multidisciplinary group of people. We've got, over the course of the the two series, we've approached almost 2000 people working on the project in various different disciplines. Marry them all together and you get a piece of work which is greater than the sum of its parts. We've got fabulous wildlife filmmakers based at the BBC's Natural History Unit, who've spent years in the field filming animals, making animal films. And then we've got wonderful CGI artists at MPC, who were the FX producers. And then we've got a wonderful relationship with the palaeontology world. So we have a lead scientific adviser who's embedded in the team. He's got his finger on the paleo pulse, and through that connection we talk to people all over the world. And of course, the internet has enabled that to happen really, really quickly — the exchange of data to happen really quickly. So marry all of those disciplines together, as in paleoclimatologists, paleobotanists, locomotion specialists, paleo artists, and you start to create this wonderful machine that starts thinking about what we're going to put in the series by looking at the fossil record so. That's our base entry level. We look to see what animals were around in the time period. Our time period that we feature is only the last five or six million years of the dinosaur evolution, called the Maastrichtian. And so we look to see what's in the Maastrichtian fossil layer. That gives us the animals — not just the dinosaurs, but the whole cast of characters. So the dinosaurs, the pterosaurs in the air, and the marine reptiles. And then the other animals that were around as well, because it was a very rich and vibrant time —so the mammals, the snakes, the amphibians, the other reptiles, the fish, the birds — to paint this very rich habitat of the of the planet. Then we start with that fossil record — that gives us the animals, it gives us the habitats — and then we start to think about the storylines based on what we know the behaviours would have been like. Animals face the same challenges to survive their daily rigours whether it's today or 66 million years ago. They've all got to find a mate. They've all got to procreate. They've all got to find food. They've all got to avoid being eaten in some cases. So that happens in Australia today, Africa today, America today. It happened in those places 66 million years ago. And so combining all of those different skills with the different personnel, that's how we start to get the series." Mike: "That's the that's the short answer, by the way." ON DAVID ATTENBOROUGH'S IMPORTANCE TO THE SERIES Tim: "One of the things that we all are very proud of is the incredible execution, not just of the CGI imagery, but also the aesthetic of the whole series. It's beautifully filmed, beautifully put together. But we always maintain that it doesn't matter how good something looks, it's all about the storytelling. And if you don't have the storytelling, the images may wash over you a little bit. So then to add the gravitas of the storytelling, we have a wonderful opportunity to work with Sir David. And Mike has worked with David for what, 35 years, Mike is it?" Mike: "Nearly, yeah." Tim: "And if anyone can tell you a story about Sir David it's Mike." Mike: "One thing that was interesting about working with David on this was that he did — actually, with one of the questions you asked earlier about why hasn't it been done before, I think he was always quite anxious that he'd seen people making dinosaur shows, and he always thought were a bit fantastical and a bit lacking in rigour. And so one of the things that he was very, very keen to interrogate was the level of rigour and the authenticity that we were bringing to the show. Not just how good the dinosaurs look, but how much evidence we were using to come up with our deductions and the representations we made. In the end, I literally had to go there to his house with two sequences to show him in story form, in sort of a storyboard form, and to explain what we're doing and how the stories will play out. And I thought 'I'll take some of the data that we've got, that we've collected, to support these two stories'. And each of those was a carrier bag, a holdall full of papers. I had to hump two massive great holdalls of paperwork up to London to talk to him about it. And sure enough, he wanted to see them. We flipped through some. So it needed that kind conviction for him to want to do it, because if he's going to do it — this is the one time he's going to do it, probably — he wanted to make sure it's going to be to the best and the most authentic and most rigorous representation you could ever have." ON DAVID ATTENBOROUGH'S REACTION TO SEEING THE FINISHED PRODUCT Mike: "When we finally showed him the first episode, we again went up there to show it. He had it on my computer, and he sat and he said 'let's watch it then'. And he sat down, he sat there — not a word, he watched it without a word, and his fingers were slightly drumming on his the arm of his chair as he was watching. He was very intensely watching it. He finished it — he's very theatrical in this way, he flipped the computer down, and then [he says] 'but I don't know how you could have done it any better'. And from that moment on he was utterly — every commentary recording, he'd say 'when's the next one? That was amazing. What's happening? I can't wait to see the next one. What are we doing next?'. Really, really, it was a great, great pleasure, wasn't it Tim?" Tim: "It really was." Mike: And those PPUs — those little behind-the-scenes ones at the end — that's David at his absolute most joyful, with an object in his hand that he could talk about and tell you about. 'This is what this tells you, and this, and this and that, and this asks this question and that question'. It's amazing. It's fantastic." Tim: "One of the things is, we've got so many people involved in this — and you know, we get notes from a lot of people. So, as we're making the film, lots of people check the films along the way and people give us notes and suggestions. When you get notes from Sir David Attenborough, that's when you listen, because you know he's seen it all and done it all. And if he points something out, 'oh yeah, good point'." Prehistoric Planet season two streams via Apple TV+ across Monday, May 22–Friday, May 26, with a new episode available each day. Read our full review of season two — and of Prehistoric Planet season one.
Memories of family holidays up and down Australia's coastlines are treasured by most of us. Stopping at roadside lookouts, lemonades in country pubs, wallabies hopping around campsites and kookaburras laughing us awake. The brief: classic charm meets no-frills fun. A staple in these trips is a classic motel. A clean and comfortable spot to rest your head, a warm welcome, a folder stuffed full of brochures from local businesses and a minibar complete with snacks and libations. You might have noticed a resurgence in these often family-owned establishments, but with one new element sticking out like a sore thumb: standout styling. Fresh paint, linen bedding, social-driven marketing and artful umbrellas offering shade by figure-eight shaped pools — it's a formulaic trend, and it works. What better way to add that dreamy nostalgic charm to your holidays this year than a night or two in a revamped motel? Together with The Bottle-O, the store slinging your favourite boozy sips all over Australia, we've curated a list of our favourites. Book in, grab your drinks and soak up the serenity of days gone by.
Before Stranger Things returns for its fifth and final season sometime in 2025, Finn Wolfhard has some slasher things to deal with. Movie lovers in Sydney and Melbourne can see how that pans out at Fantastic Film Festival Australia's 2025 run. With Hell of a Summer, the actor also turns co-director and co-writer with his Ghostbusters: Afterlife, When You Finish Saving the World and Saturday Night co-star Billy Bryk, with the pair giving the summer-camp masked-killer horror subgenre their own spin. Helping out on-screen: Gladiator II and The White Lotus' Fred Hechinger, plus Reservation Dogs' D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai. That's how Fantastic Film Festival Australia is opening this year, with a meta horror-comedy. From there, this celebration of boundary-pushing pictures has 26 more features on its lineup, 16 of the rest brand-new and then ten others must-see classics. Sydneysiders can get their fix from Thursday, April 24–Friday, May 16 at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick, while Melburnians have two destinations: Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn across Thursday, April 24–Thursday, May 15, plus Thornbury Picture House from Tuesday, April 29–Monday, May 5. If you haven't been to FFFA before, the event is marking its fifth iteration in 2025 — and one of its hallmarks, the nude screening, is back for the occasion. Get ready to say "yeah, baby" to watching a movie sans clothes, with Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery this year's flick to watch while wearing nix (following on from past sessions of nudist camp-set comedy Patrick, The Full Monty, Zoolander and The Naked Gun). Another highlight of 2025's program: the retrospective dedicated to Scottish writer/director Lynne Ramsay. Her filmography might only span four features since 1999, all of which are showing at FFFA, but it's a resume that any fellow helmer should envy. For audiences, getting the chance to see Ratcatcher, Morvern Callar, We Need to Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here on the big screen — whether for the first time or as a revisit — is a cinephile's dream. Among the fest's new fare, The Second Act hits the lineup after opening the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, with Rubber and Deerskin's Quentin Dupieux enlisting Léa Seydoux (Dune: Part Two), Louis Garrel (Saint-Exupéry) and Vincent Lindon (The Quiet Son) for his latest absurdist satire. Or, catch Tár's Noémie Merlant in The Balconettes, which she co-wrote with her Portrait of a Lady on Fire director Céline Sciamma; see what happens when The Wild Boys and After Blue's Bertrand Mandico combines two film essays in one split-screen presentation in Dragon Dilatation; and head back to 1999 while journeying into teen antics 3000 light years away in Escape From the 21st Century. Viewers can get a dose of eerie puppetry via Monkey's Magic Merry Go Round, too, then watch Crispin Glover (Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities) as a magician in Mr. K and undergo a unique animated musical-comedy experience with Spermageddon. Back with FFFA's 2025 blasts from the past, John Woo's (The Killer) gun-fu great Hard Boiled is the festival's closing-night pick, including screening in 35mm in Sydney. If you're keen on a movie marathon, Umbrella-Palooza will get you watching three films about technological nightmares, all courtesy of Australian distributor Umbrella Entertainment — starting with 2002's Cypher, then heading back to 1990's vision of cyberpunk in Hardware, before the OG Japanese Pulse unleashes its presence. Supporting homegrown efforts, the fest has 1977 psychological thriller Summerfield among its retro component, alongside four newcomers: the Super 8-shot A Grand Mockery; the Pedro Almodóvar (The Room Next Door)-inspired Salt Along the Tongue; Pure Scum, which is set amid Melbourne's private-school culture; and Sword of Silence, as shot completely under a full moon. Aussie talents are also in focus in the Sydney Shorts and Melbourne Shorts screenings. "FFFA is a celebration of vibrant, boundary-pushing cinema, spotlighting unrestrained and wholly original voices from around the globe. It's an invitation to take a ride on the wild side, discover cult classics in the making and join our community of likeminded cinematic explorers," said Artistic Director Hudson Sowada, announcing 2025's flicks. 2025 Fantastic Film Festival Australia Dates Melbourne: Thursday, April 24–Thursday, May 15 — Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn Tuesday, April 29–Monday, May 5 — Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury Sydney: Thursday, April 24–Friday, May 16 — Ritz Cinemas, Randwick Fantastic Film Festival Australia runs in April and May at Ritz Cinema, Randwick in Sydney, plus Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn and Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury in Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the FFFA website.
Chinatown is set for a major revamp, after a plan to upgrade the beloved Sydney precinct was unanimously supported by the City of Sydney. The plan includes a $5-million investment to reinvigorate Dixon Street Mall, restoring the area's famed red gates, upgrading amenities and improving support for events. "Our community in Chinatown was one of the first and hardest hit by the pandemic, and it continues to suffer while international tourism and study has not yet fully returned," City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says. "While we have been safely activating public places and inviting people back to experience all Chinatown has to offer since COVID restrictions were eased, we're excited to ensure its long-term future by reinvigorating Dixon Street as a dynamic space for people, daily life and culture." Among the other plans for the precinct are improved street lighting, expanded trading hours for local businesses, increasing the number of activations, more al fresco dining and more public art — all of which the City of Sydney hopes will help improve nightlife and foot traffic in the area while maintaining the reasons people adore Chinatown. [caption id="attachment_706664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] Over 1000 residents and businesses were consulted on the proposed plan. Contributors pushed for a restoration and refreshment of the area that would reflect its rich diversity and support Chinatown's renowned congregation of affordable restaurants and retail outlets. "We know an overwhelming majority of our residents want the diverse culture in Dixon Street preserved while increasing outdoor activities like alfresco dining and special events as part of the long-term vision for the precinct," Moore continued. "Our precinct activation grants have already facilitated events like the fabulous Neon Playground and we will continue working hard to draw people to and celebrate this wonderful and important precinct." This investment in Chinatown will go hand-in-hand with the transformation of the neighbouring George Street. The bustling main road has been converted from a space occupied predominantly by bumper-to-bumper traffic into a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare fit for outdoor dining and expansive outdoor events. For more information on the City of Sydney's upgrades to Chinatown, head to the council's website. Images: Katherine Griffiths
Australians will never be torn apart from their love of an 80s power ballad by one of the nation's most-successful rock bands: that's what the first-ever Triple J Hottest 100 of Australian Songs revealed. First announced in June 2025, open for voting for a month and unveiling its countdown on Saturday, July 26, the public-voted ranking of the country's favourite homegrown tunes of all time culminated with INXS topping the poll with the yearning refrains of 'Never Tear Us Apart'. The Michael Hutchence-crooned song was one of two by the band to make the list. The other: 'Need You Tonight', also from their 1987 blockbuster album Kick, which came in at number 59. Although Triple J advised that the largest number of voters hailed from the 18–29-year-old age group, everyone took the task of truly surveying classic Aussie tracks seriously, with more than half of that demographic's picks going to songs released before they were even in high school. Nothing in the top ten initially hit airwaves before 2011. After 'Never Tear Us Apart', the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs featured Hilltop Hoods' 2003 release 'The Nosebleed Section' in second place, followed by The Veronicas' 2007 track 'Untouched' in third, then 'Scar' by Missy Higgins from 2004 in fourth and Crowded House's 1986 tune 'Don't Dream It's Over' by Crowded House in fifth. Next came 2000's 'My Happiness' by Powderfinger — the highest-ranked former annual Hottest 100 winner — then a Cold Chisel double with 1984's 'Flame Tree's and 1978's 'Khe Sanh', Paul Kelly 1996 Christmas favourite 'How to Make Gravy', and Gotye and Kimbra's 2011 smash 'Somebody That I Used to Know'. As well as 'My Happiness' and 'Somebody That I Used to Know', a heap of other prior yearly Hottest 100 victors made the all-Aussie ranking: Powderfinger again with 'These Days', Angus and Julia Stone courtesy of 'Big Jet Plane', Jet's 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl', Flume featuring Kai with 'Never Be Like You', Augie March's 'One Crowded Hour', Vance Joy with 'Riptide', Bernard Fanning's 'Wish You Well', Chet Faker's 'Talk Is Cheap', 'Confidence' by Ocean Alley and The Whitlams with 'No Aphrodisiac'. Tame Impala's 'The Less I Know the Better' also featured after winning the Hottest 100 of the 2010s. Indeed, only Spiderbait's 'Buy Me a Pony', Alex Lloyd's 'Amazing', The Rubens' 'Hoops', Flume's 'Say Nothing' and The Wiggles' cover of 'Elephant' didn't make the Hottest 100 of Australian songs after previously topping the yearly poll. A range of artists ranked up multiple appearances in the countdown, starting with Fanning with four — three courtesy of Powderfinger. Hilltop Hoods, Crowded House, Jimmy Barnes, AC/DC, Silverchair, Midnight Oil and Gang of Youths all picked up three, while not just INXS but also The Veronicas, Higgins, Cold Chisel, Kelly, Gotye, Angus & Julia Stone, Empire of the Sun, Hunters & Collectors, The Church, Icehouse, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Avalanches and Spiderbait nabbed two places apiece. Although no one needs a reason to celebrate Aussie music, Triple J has one: 2025 marks its 50th birthday. That fact tied into one big caveat with the poll, with voters needing to choose a track that was released before the station hit that milestone on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Stats-wise, the chosen 100 tunes came from 2,655,826 total votes, the fourth highest that have ever been received for a Triple J Hottest 100. Also, more tunes sprang from the 2000s than any other decade, while 24 artists on the list championed the benefits of Triple J Unearthed, because that's where they got their start. Daddy Cool's 'Eagle Rock' from 1971 is the oldest tune that made the cut, while 2021's 'Hertz' from Amyl and The Sniffers is the most recent. And yes, both 'You're the Voice' by John Farnham and 'The Horses' by Daryl Braithwaite earned a place. Here's the full Hottest 100 of Australian Songs list: 1 'Never Tear Us Apart', INXS 2 'The Nosebleed Section', Hilltop Hoods 3 'Untouched', The Veronicas 4 'Scar', Missy Higgins 5 'Don't Dream It's Over', Crowded House 6 'My Happiness', Powderfinger 7 'Flame Trees', Cold Chisel 8 'Khe Sanh', Cold Chisel 9 'How to Make Gravy', Paul Kelly 10 'Somebody That I Used to Know', Gotye featuring Kimbra 11 'Sweet Disposition', The Temper Trap 12 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again', The Angels 13 'Thunderstruck', AC/DC 14 'These Days', Powderfinger 15 'You're the Voice', John Farnham 16 'Innerbloom', Rüfüs Du Sol 17 'Tomorrow', Silverchair 18 'Beds Are Burning', Midnight Oil 19 'The Less I Know the Better', Tame Impala 20 'Big Jet Plane', Angus & Julia Stone 21 'Down Under', Men at Work 22 'To Her Door', Paul Kelly & the Messengers 23 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl', Jet 24 'Walking on a Dream', Empire of the Sun 25 'Throw Your Arms Around Me', Hunters & Collectors 26 'Never Be Like You', Flume featuring Kai 27 'Can't Get You Out of My Head', Kylie Minogue 28 'Straight Lines,' Silverchair 29 'Under the Milky Way', The Church 30 'The Horses', Daryl Braithwaite 31 'Highway to Hell', AC/DC 32 'Torn', Natalie Imbruglia 33 'One Crowded Hour', Augie March 34 'Booster Seat', Spacey Jane 35 'Great Southern Land', Icehouse 36 'Treaty (Radio Mix)', Yothu Yindi 37 'Back in Black', AC/DC 38 'Better Be Home Soon', Crowded House 39 'Reckless', Australian Crawl 40 'Covered in Chrome', Violent Soho 41 'Prisoner of Society', The Living End 42 'Magnolia', Gang of Youths 43 'Joker & the Thief', Wolfmother 44 'Into My Arms', Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds 45 'Eagle Rock', Daddy Cool 46 'Shooting Stars', Bag Raiders 47 'Solid Rock', Goanna 48 'Riptide', Vance Joy 49 'It's Nice to Be Alive', Ball Park Music 50 'Holy Grail', Hunters & Collectors 51 'Brother', Matt Corby 52 'The Special Two', Missy Higgins 53 'Better in Blak', Thelma Plum 54 'I Touch Myself,' Divinyls 55 'My People', The Presets 56 'Working Class Man', Jimmy Barnes 57 'Wish You Well', Bernard Fanning 58 'Frontier Psychiatrist', The Avalanches 59 'Need You Tonight', INXS 60 'Let Me Down Easy', Gang of Youths 61 'Talk Is Cheap', Chet Faker 62 'Australia Street', Sticky Fingers 63 'I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)', Redgum 64 'Cosby Sweater', Hilltop Hoods 65 'Confidence', Ocean Alley 66 'Power and the Passion', Midnight Oil 67 '! (The Song Formerly Known As)', Regurgitator 68 'Chemical Heart', Grinspoon 69 'Weather with You', Crowded House 70 '(Baby I've Got You) On My Mind', Powderfinger 71 'Jimmy Recard', Drapht 72 'Freak', Silverchair 73 '1955', Hilltop Hoods featuring Montaigne and Tom Thum 74 'London Still', The Waifs 75 'The Unguarded Moment', The Church 76 '4ever', The Veronicas 77 'Weir', Killing Heidi 78 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine', Eskimo Joe 79 'Hello', The Cat Empire 80 'We Are the People', Empire of the Sun 81 'Berlin Chair', You Am I 82 'High', Peking Duk featuring Nicole Millar 83 'Cigarettes Will Kill You', Ben Lee 84 'Streets of Your Town', The Go-Betweens 85 'Delete', DMA's 86 'Hearts a Mess', Gotye 87 'The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows', Gang of Youths 88 'Chateau', Angus & Julia Stone 89 'Hertz', Amyl and the Sniffers 90 'Black Betty', Spiderbait 91 'No Aphrodisiac', The Whitlams 92 'Electric Blue', Icehouse 93 'Since I Left You', The Avalanches 94 'Clair de Lune', Flight Facilities featuring Christine Hoberg 95 'Calypso', Spiderbait 96 'Evie', Stevie Wright 97 'I Want You', Savage Garden 98 'Red Right Hand', Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds 99 'Blue Sky Mine', Midnight Oil 100 'Better', The Screaming Jets Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs was unveiled on Saturday, July 26, 2025. For more information, head to the Triple J website. Top image: Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty Images.
Want to ring in New Year with Young Henrys, picnic rugs, smoked meats, massages and an entire dessert garden by Anna Polyviou? Your NYE dream date might just be the new harbourside NYE party New Year's Eve Above the Harbour. Taking place at the south-eastern side of Circular Quay in the Tarpeian Precinct, NYEATH will take over a spacious site adjacent to the Royal Botanical Gardens, complete with green, rolling lawn perfectly positioned for those multimillion-dollar Sydney fireworks. It's a more laidback NYE party than others in the area, with picnic rugs and a lavish outdoor dining experience from the culinary team behind the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. Ticketholders can feast all evening, with four pop-up food stands planned for the night. There'll be Asian-inspired street food, American-style smokehouse meats, fresh seafood and salads, and (the clincher) an entire dessert carnival by the hotel’s celebrated executive pastry chef Anna Polyviou. Of course, you'll be after a bev or two to ring in the new year, and everyone's favourite Newtonian brewers Young Henrys are on board with their beloved craft beers. The YH crew will be serving a special batch of session beer, a fruity pale ale exclusively available on the night. The event's meant to take the stress out of hectic Sydney NYE parties, so you don't have to get there early, fight crowds, pack picnics or smuggle booze. There'll be a hair and makeup station for both ladies and gents, alongside masseuses available all the way until midnight. You'll probably see midnight more invigorated than when you arrived — instead of drunkenly, tiredly missing the whole bloody thing. Tickets to NYE on the Harbour are $395 including the unlimited five-star food & beverage package, but we're giving one reader and a friend the chance to go along for free — and to name Young Henrys' special NYE Above the Harbour beer. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with the name you'd give to the beer and why. In addition to naming rights and your 2x GA tickets, you'll also get to take home a case of Young Henrys tinnies. Entries close November 22, and the winner will be drawn on November 23.
A hidden gem of the Sydney Opera House's year-round program and an acclaimed chamber music series is returning in 2023 for its 16th year. Utzon Music curates collections of Australian and international artists to perform a range of global takes on classical pieces in a purpose-designed, intimate concert space. The mid-century Utzon Room is a space where artists have unrivalled proximity to their audience against the backdrop of the spectacular Sydney Harbour – sit back with a complimentary glass of bubbles and enjoy a sophisticated program of eleven performances throughout the year. The diverse roster begins with powerhouse Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist Vieux Farka Touré, dubbed 'the Hendrix of the Sahara'. With a full band, he'll perform selections from his back catalogue and latest album, Les Racines, on Thursday, March 2. Then, on Sunday, April 2, take a trip to Tudor times with one of the UK's finest vocal groups The Gesualdo Six and its Renaissance-era catalogue. From April 21-23, UK string maestros the Brodsky Quartet – now celebrating its 50th anniversary – will bring the passion and skill that's seen them perform with the likes of Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney to three concerts featuring the works of beloved classical composers like Bach, Britten and Schubert. And on Sunday, May 7, the French string quartet Quatuor Van Kuijk will have its Sydney debut and perform pieces by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Debussy. On Sunday, July 23, German-British baritone Benjamin Appl will make his Sydney debut for an enchanting solo recital of songs for voice and piano in the German Liedel style. Then on Sunday, August 23, the new-generation Australian cellist James Morley returns home from Switzerland to perform a mix of old and new classical pieces in solo and duet. Next up, Australian string collective the Alma Moodie Quartet will take audiences through a Romantic Journey on Sunday, September 24, covering everything from moody miniatures to Beethoven masterpieces. Then the series concludes on Sunday, October 8, with pianist Andrea Lam performing a program inspired by 19th-century love triangles and "the journey of life". Utzon Music 2023 begins on Thursday, March 2 and concludes on Sunday, October 8. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website. Header images: Jaimi Joy
Short films accomplish what Hollywood blockbusters do in a fifth of the time and one squillionth of the budget. They make us laugh, cry and think. Plus they'll leave you feeling self-congratulatory for having foregone an evening with your worn-out copy of Love Actually. Tropfest is the bee's knees of short film festivals. The largest in the world, in fact. Coming into its 20th year, Tropfest seems a far cry from its humble beginnings as an informal film screening hosted by Tropicana Café, with actor and director John Polson at the reins. Tropfest is no stranger to celebrity, having seen the likes of Naomi Watts, Toni Collette, Geoffrey Rush and Baz Luhrmann on its live panel of judges (yeah, no biggie!). It has also helped launch the career of the Edgerton brothers, Sam Worthington and Elissa Down. From among 700 annual entries, only 16 are chosen. The 2012 finalists have adapted this year’s signature theme ‘Light Bulb’ to suit their ends. Expect to witness anything from a police interrogation of a clown (The Unusual Suspects), a clairvoyant photo booth (Photo Booth) to the politics of the light refreshment business (Lemonade Stand). Best of all, this event is FREE. ZERO. ZILCH. Tropfest screens in the picturesque surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, and showcases food stalls, bars and live music. Which leaves you with very little excuse not to put down Bridget Jones and join in a night of great home-grown cinema. Images: Courtesy of Tropfest Australia
Following months (and months) of lockdown, the Immigration Museum is finally able to exhibit the work of South Sudanese-born, Melbourne-based artist Atong Atem. Running through January 31, 2021, Atong Atem: To be real showcases the photographer's work as part of the Photo 2021 International Festival of Photography. Revealing a new series of large-scale photographic works, Atem captures moments that verge on the surreal and hyper-real. The artist uses bright tones and textural outfits to explore themes of mythology and fantasy — as well as examine her own identity and sense of belonging in contemporary Australian life. While entry is free, booking ahead is a must. Head here to grab your ticket. Top image: Bigoa with Fan (2020) by Atong Atem
The City of Sydney has announced a plan to transform laneways and unused spaces throughout the city, with new pedestrian walkways and art installations to form part of the revitalisation proposal. The plan will form part of the inner city council's post-lockdown recovery measures which include increased al fresco dining and increased pedestrian access on George Street. The council has identified ten priority projects that they'll work on over the next ten years, kicking off in 2022, which include: Barlow Street, St Laurence Lane, Curtin Place, Hamilton Street, Little Hunter Street, Randle Lane, York Lane, Wynyard Lane, Underwood Street and Dalley Street. Barlow Street, which is currently home to artwork by local artist collective Dirt Witches, will be turned into a permanent landscape installation space in the western section of the street. The current installation incorporates a micro forest made from 30 plant species including critically endangered eastern suburbs banksia scrub, as well as sugarbag stingless native bees and their hives. [caption id="attachment_796785" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dirt Witches' Barlow Street micro forest[/caption] Curtin Place, Hamilton Street and Little Hunter Street will all receive upgrades in order to create a network of laneways connecting George Street's new pedestrian-friendly public spaces and Pitt Street. Meanwhile, Randle Lane, York Lane and Wynyard Lane will all be revitalised to create better pedestrian access around Wynyard and Central Station. 26 laneways have been upgraded with bars, restaurants, retail outlets and art installations by the City of Sydney over the past 15 years. The program to transform laneways was first introduced back in 2007. Previous success stories of the council's push to upgrade these spaces include Angel Place, Ash Street and Tank Stream Way. "We're giving a new lease of life to forgotten spaces in the centre of Sydney to welcome people back into the city when it's safe to do so, and support local businesses that have been devastated by the ongoing pandemic," Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. "The need to accommodate physical distancing while encouraging a return to the city centre makes the latest steps in our laneways revitalisation program an ideal investment in our city's future." You can read more about the City of Sydney's laneway program at the council's website.
Whether you're suffering from full-blown insomnia or just have trouble winding down after a big day, everyone knows the feeling of lying in bed, praying for sleep but failing to drop off. If counting sheep isn't working — or any number of other snooze-inducing tips, because there are plenty — then perhaps you need to listen to a list of Swedish furniture names. While a hefty walk around any IKEA store usually helps make anyone sleepy (and the crowds, decisions and meatballs too), the huge retailer thinks that the sounds of its product titles will really do the trick. Enter the IKEA Sleep Podcast. It simply features two company employees rattling off words such as sommaraster (a quilt cover), leirvik (a bed frame) and hidrasund (a spring mattress), plus everything else in the Australian catalogue's current bedroom and storage range. Two versions are available, so you can choose between hearing Sara Eriksson utter product monikers — and their English descriptions — or opt for her husband Kent Eriksson. Each under 30-minute podcast also offers a brief introductory explanation about the philosophy behind IKEA's furniture names, should you be wondering why a fyresdal (day bed) or pax (wardrobe) have the titles they have. The podcast's release is timed to coincide with the end of daylight savings in many Australian states, as well as across New Zealand — aka a time when our usual rest patterns are disrupted. Whether you'll dream about letting loose in an IKEA store, walking around a huge warehouse or kitting out your bedroom with new sheets and curtains — and whether you'll wake up with a burning desire to buy new furniture — well, that's something you'll only discover by listening. To listen to the IKEA Sleep Podcast, visit the IKEA website.
Brotherly musician duo and Australian indie legends Lime Cordiale have announced a new initiative that merges music with their passion for environmental conservation and climate action: Lime Green Festival. This new festival, which is headed to Adelaide's Point Malcom Reserve on Saturday, April 18, prioritises not only positive energy in music but also a positive impact on the environment. Organised in partnership with Chugg Music, Lime Green Festival is an experiment in live music, trialling a new model of music festival that doesn't just tick the box for environmental concerns, but puts climate action at the centre of the entire event. The festival will be 100% off the grid, delivering a quality day of live music and providing a community platform for audiences to engage and learn about the sustainable possibilities of live events in the years to come. [caption id="attachment_1065642" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] PASH[/caption] Joining Lime Cordiale on the lineup are Sunshine Coast-native folk rockers The Dreggs, Adelaide's own chart-topping pop star aleksiah and up-and-coming four-piece pop rockers PASH. Lime Cordiale have also put the word out seeking local talent, with spots on the lineup reserved for artists chosen by the duo themselves, triple j Unearthed and event sponsor City of Charles Sturt. Lime Cordiale, real names Oli and Louis Leimbach, said, "From the accelerating loss of polar ice to the devastating algal blooms currently choking the South Australian coast, it is impossible to ignore that our climate is at a breaking point. For the last five years, we've wrestled with a deep, personal dilemma as environmentalists: Is our touring contributing to the problem? Does it still make sense in a world that's hurting? Should we continue to tour at all?" "We've decided that the answer isn't to stop, but to change," the brothers add. "Live music is about the vital connection between people, and we believe that connection is exactly what we need to fuel a new way of doing things. Our aim is to stage the greenest music festival Australia has ever seen—rethinking everything from renewable stage power and transport to how we handle food and human waste." The brothers hope this new model of festivals can find success first in regional SA, then the rest of the country, encouraging Aussie music fans to attend the festival and take part in the experiment for a better future of gigs, saying "We aren't claiming to be perfect; we will make mistakes along the way, but we are trying. We're inviting you to be part of this experiment. Come and hear some incredible Aussie music, but also come to see what a different future looks like. Let's find out what we can achieve, together." Lime Green Festival will take over Adelaide's Point Malcom Reserve on Saturday, April 18. Tickets will go on sale at 9am (AEDT) on Friday, January 23rd. A presale will run from 9am (AEDT) on Wednesday, January 21st – sign up here.
Folks can't stop talking about Christy Tania. Not only is the renowned dessert chef set to bend minds with her 'Floating Ice Cream' creation on tonight's episode of MasterChef, she's also preparing to launch her own permanent dessert shop, Glacé, in Melbourne's Windsor this August. And, as a teaser for the sweetness to come, Tania's treating both Sydney and Melbourne to a sneak peek, hosting dessert pop-ups in each city, from May 25–28. Across four days, sweet tooths will be able to get their hands on two variations of that magical Floating Ice Cream number — one vanilla and cherry cognac, the other chocolate and cherry cognac — when Tania takes over the Omega and Neil Perry Kitchen at the Prahran Market. The chef first popped up in 2013, after famously steering Melbourne dessert bar Om Nom into its first chef's hat within just two months of heading up the kitchen. Since then, her inspired sweet treats have continued to dazzle and astound, both out of the Om Nom kitchen and during a host of MasterChef guest judge appearances, making jealous messes of audiences across the country. As Tania's first permanent solo venture, Glacé promises to be every bit as impressive as the rest of her artisan treats, the contemporary space set to offer a hefty range of frozen desserts and innovative ice cream flavours, crafted with local ingredients. Make a date with Tania's trademark ice cream push pops, with their layers of cake sponge and ice cream. Find Christy Tania's Glacé pop-up from May 25 until May 28, at the Omega & Neil Perry Kitchen, within The Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra. The Floating Ice Cream will be available each day, from 11am until sold out. Sydney details are yet to be confirmed.
Let's face it: life is busy and you don't get time to squeeze in nearly as much gallery-hopping as you'd like. Well, now, local commuters can get their art fix on the daily, thanks to a new initiative transforming public restrooms into vibrant gallery spaces. Outdoor media company Smartbox has set its sights on restrooms across the Sydney Trains network for its just-launched digital art exhibition series, Reframed. In an effort to help break Sydneysiders out of their existing art bubbles, the new-look bathrooms will sport striking works by emerging artists on digital screens, with a different talent showcased each year. First up, you'll spy designs from Brisbane-based photographer and stylist Evelina Fietisova. Her works, commissioned especially for Reframed, set out to challenge long-held notions of femininity, masculinity and beauty, shot like a series of glossy magazine snaps. "In my work I love experimenting with fashion and try to push the boundaries of what's considered 'normal' in society," Fietisova said in a statement. "In a world that profits from your insecurities, liking, accepting and being proud of yourself is a rebellious act." [caption id="attachment_714877" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of the pieces of art being displayed in the train station toilets.[/caption] Now live, the Reframed exhibition is gracing around 200 digital screens across Sydney train stations. You'll find them at Blacktown, Bondi, Burwood, Central, Chatswood, Edgecliff, Gordon, Hornsby, Hurstville, Kogarah, Liverpool, Miranda, Penrith, St Leonards, Strathfield, Redfern, Parramatta, Martin Place and Epping. For more information about Smartbox and Reframed, head to smartbox.com.au. First image: Quinn Connors.
