Whims can get a wee bit specific. Want a big street art show? Free? On an Island? Done. Big, free and on Cockatoo Island, the five week Outpost festival offers a changing roster of street art, artists and entertainment to keep you ferrying out for a fresh look. Though some arms of government use graffiti sites to arm their arrest warrants, this one using its internet savy to fill the island with a flow of interstate and overseas talent. The lineup would be dominated by Aussie luminaries like Meggs, May's Lane and Reka, if it wasn't already overshadowed by work from international stencil superstar Banksy. The Banksy stuff is mainly from a private collection, but the equally big Belgian muralist Roa will show up in person (Qantas shenanigans allowing) to paint a gargantuan animal over an island wall the weekend of November 4-5. Will Coles' work will be on show, his concrete graffiti a staple of Newtown streets, as well as fellow Newtown star Mox, the Kirbyesque Zap and Melbournian maestras Vextra and Deb. Saturdays during the festival, Secret Wars will host art battles, while Shadow Wars hosts a one off battle of dance and Skateboard Australia presents a grand final. You can also check out Brazilian import Ethos blowing up his sketches up from the tiny to the huge, after Buff Diss taking his turn to spend a week to do interesting things with masking tape. Image of Roa's Rodent by visualpun.ch
Few shops can claim to be a true family affair, but Fourth Village is one of them — and it's a quality that only enriches the character of this lower north shore providore. The Quattroville family has curated an impressive supply of high-calibre products, with a deli, cheese room (taste before you buy), flower shop and grocer all in the one place. The deli provides Australian cuts alongside imported Spanish ham and Italian prosciutto, while the fine foods section sells gourmet products derived from traditional family recipes, all the way through to sweet treats from some of the finest chocolatiers of Tuscany. You can also find a variety of olive oils, dressings, infused oils, jams and Italian picked vegetables, which are all a part of the Fourth Village label exclusively sourced from the family farm in the lower Hunter Valley. Since 1997, the family has been perfecting the process of offering farm-to-table food in both the providore and its accompanying restaurant — which boasts a comprehensive Italian menu to enjoy post-big Sunday shop.
Maybe Sammy is no stranger to awards, landing on the World's Best Bar list multiple times. The Sydney institution has now pulled some strings with its fellow acclaimed mixologists to pull together a massive lineup for a new eight-day cocktail festival. Popping up across the Maybe Group's several Sydney spots, the Maybe Cocktail Festival will present free pop-ups from 16 of the world's best bars between Wednesday, April 12–Wednesday, April 19. For the festival, the hospitality group has enlisted the help of 12 international venues that landed on The World's 50 Best Bars 2022, as well as an additional three venues that placed between 50 and 100 on the longlist. Some of the spots you can expect to feature on the lineup include Barcelona's Sips (number three on the list), plus Alquímico from Colombia, Jigger & Pony from Singapore, Mexico's Hanky Panky and BKK Social Club from Thailand, all of which landed within the top 15. Other bars set to feature from across Europe, Asia, North America and South America include Drink Kong, Cafe La Trova, Tres Monos, Line, Overstory, A Bar with Shapes for a Name, L'Aqntiquario, Schofield's, Nutmeg & Clove, Sweet Liberty and Termini. Free events will be held at the OG Maybe Sammy in The Rocks, as well as Dean & Nancy on 22, Sammy Junior, The Strand Hotel Rooftop and Maybe Group's soon-to-open Paddington cocktail bar El Primo Sanchez. "I'm not sure I can think of anything more fun than being able to enjoy a cocktail experience from some of the best bars in the world every night, for a week," the festival's co-director Martin Hudak said. As part of the arrangement with the featured bartenders, the international guests are all encouraged to explore Sydney's bar scene and take in some of the other world-class hospitality venues the city has to offer. "We want this applauded, well-connected group of bar folk to experience just how good our bars are here. It's really challenging for Australian bars to get the same global awareness as bars in Europe and the Americas as it's easier and cheaper for bartenders to travel between those continents," continues Hudak. The full program of guest shifts from the international bartenders will be announced next month. The Maybe Cocktail Festival will take place across Sydney between Wednesday, April 12–Wednesday, April 19. Top image: Steven Woodburn.
As far as food and drink matches go, the combination of messy Buffalo wings and an ice cold can of beer is one for the ages. And yet, only now has this classic duo spawned a Sydney restaurant of its own, with best mates Anthony MacFarlane and Alfredo Perez opening Darlinghurst joint, Wings and Tins. To make up for lost time, the boys are going hard on the concept — an assortment of wing varieties decked out with house-made sauces, seven styles of fries, and an enormous lineup of tinnies ranging from local craft brews to foreign favourites. As the kitchen flexes its creative muscles, there'll be new wings specials unleashed each week, but currently the menu has with nine types of wings including this beauty: a double fried, bacon-wrapped wing, served on a waffle with hot sauce, maple syrup and lime aioli. Regular offerings run the gamut from smoky chipotle barbecue wings, to a blackberry and brown sugar version. And, if you fancy playing with fire, there's the T-bone's Doom Juice wings, doused in a sauce made from Carolina Reaper chillies. Down a whole serve to get your mug on the wall of fame, or order the Russian Roulette, where one of these mouth-burners is secretly stashed amongst a basket of regular wings. As for the space, Perez and MacFarlane have taken over the former digs of Darlinghurst's No Name, decking it out with a series of cosy booths, each one complete with a can-crusher and its own theme. Spend the evening chowing down on wings and slamming cans, in a seat styled like a vintage Swedish ski cabin.
After a horror run over the last three years, another major cancellation has hit the Australian festival scene. This time, The Grass Is Greener has been forced to cancel its new Canberra and Geelong gigs, and four of its acts won't be appearing at the remaining Gold Coast and Cairns dates. 2023 was slated to be a big year for the fest, which made its debut in Cairns back in 2016. This year, it was due to expand outside the Sunshine State, including heading to Canberra and Geelong as part of its planned four-date run — and, it had locked in multiple international headliners. The festival has sadly had to scale back last-minute, citing a range of reasons including weather forecasts, rising costs and the event industry post-COVID. "The reason for cancellation doesn't rest upon a single factor. Rather, it's related to the culmination of multiple elements that have affected not only us but our industry partners and siblings across the entire event industry in the COVID/post-lockdown period," a statement from The Grass Is Greener team reads. [caption id="attachment_856350" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Curdin Photo[/caption] The statement continues: "From an event standpoint, especially heading into these new markets, a festival team relies on certain milestones to enable us to run events successfully. What's more, the weather warnings we're receiving from Canberra and Geelong have also played a large role in this decision. While the shows were selling slower than predicted, we still had full intention of seeing them through — loss or otherwise. However, when coupled with the chance that sites might not even be built due to the impending weather, we knew we had to make a call as soon as possible." While this is sad news for those in the ACT and Victoria, it's not all doom and gloom. The festival will still be going ahead in the Gold Coast on Saturday, October 22 and Cairns on Saturday, October 29 with the likes of YG, PNAU, Alok, Wafia, Boo Seeka and Wongo. ONEFOUR, Ty Dollar $ign, Zhu and Maya Jane Coles have dropped off the bill, however, and won't be playing the Gold Coast or Cairns. [caption id="attachment_856349" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe[/caption] Refund information for folks with tickets for the two cancelled dates will be made available in the next 7–14 days, or Canberra and Geelong ticketholders can use their tickets to gain access to the Gold Coast and Cairns festivals. The festival's statement also mentions that tickets will be valid for YG's Melbourne sideshow on Monday, October 31. YG was billed to appear with Ty Dolla $ign at his Margaret Court Arena show on that date. Be sure to check the festival and YG's Instagram pages for up-to-date info on this sideshow. [caption id="attachment_812356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] PNAU. Image: Pat Stevenson[/caption] THE GRASS IS GREENER 2022 LINEUP: Alok Aluna Boo Seeka Brux Crush3ed Little Fritter Wongo Market Memories Mood Swing & Chevy Bass Pnau Sidepiece Sticky Fingers TDJ YG + more THE GRASS IS GREENER 2022 DATES: Saturday, October 22 — Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast Saturday, October 29 — Cairns Showgrounds, Cairns The Grass Is Greener has cancelled its Geelong and Canberra dates. It will now hit the Gold Coast and Cairns with reduced lineups this month. Head to the festival website for more information. Top image: Mitch Lowe.
It might come as a surprise, given Australia's questionable internet speeds, but Melbourne has claimed the ranking of tenth smartest city in the world, with Sydney snapping at its heels in spot number 12. Headed up by international parking app company Easy Park, the 2017 Smart Cities Index analysed 500 cities worldwide, ranking the top 100. Other Australian cities that made the cut were Perth at number 41 and Adelaide at number 61. The key factors used in the study looked at digitalisation (including 4G connectivity, access to Wi-Fi hotspots and high smartphone usage) and knowledge-based mobility and transport (considering the prevalence of ride-share apps, smart parking and traffic sensors). Sustainability, online access to government services, and significant levels of citizen participation were also taken into consideration. Over 20,000 urban planning and technology experts were then asked to provide opinions about their own cities. Melbourne scored highest of all the countries for 4G connectivity, with Sydney and Perth making up the rest of the top three. Melbourne and Adelaide also ranked especially well when it came to citizen participation. Unsurprisingly, no Australian cities broke the top 20 for internet speed. While San Francisco topped the class with a perfect score of 10, Melbourne ranked number 26, with Sydney at 29 and Perth clocking in at 31. See the full table of results for the 2017 Smart Cities Index here. Photo via Wikimedia.
This much-loved, Aussie-owned boutique has spread around Australia, and Newtown locals are lucky enough to have their very own Monsterthreads on King Street. The brand's t-shirts are more akin to works of art, which is no surprise considering the calibre of artists and illustrators that Monsterthreads works with. Both local and international artists design for the brand, including some based in Colombia and Kuala Lumpur. So, while the shop is Aussie as, the designs represent influences from around the globe. Apart from fashion, there's artisanal jewellery, candles, stationery, bags and a line of cute reusable kitchenware on offer, too.
Sydney Zoo is currently only open from Friday–Sunday, and every day during the school holidays. Before you head in, it's suggested you book a ticket online. First the first time in 100 years, Sydney has a major new zoo. First announced back in 2015, Sydney Zoo, which is located in the city's west in Bungarribee, near the Great Western Highway, finally launched in December 2019. With more than 2000 animals, Sydney Zoo is home to lions, cheetahs, African painted dogs, hyenas, spider monkeys, tigers, zebras, 11 chimpanzees and 13 baboons (almost every Lion King star), as well as Aussie wombats, echidnas, dingos, emus, koalas, Tasmanian devils and kangaroos. You can check out all these animals from pram and wheelchair-friendly raised boardwalks, too. It doesn't stop there either, with the zoo also home to the country's largest reptile and nocturnal house — with 60 different species, including the world's most venomous snakes, ghost bats and giant grasshoppers — and an aquarium with fish and penguins. As most zoos do, Sydney Zoo also has a focus on conservation, participating in education and breedings programs for endangered animals. Ir also worka with the local Darug people to offer Bungarribee Dreaming experiences, where you can learn about local Aboriginal history. Tickets to the Sydney Zoo are $46 for adults (and $99.99 for a family of four). You can also sign up for annual memberships, which get you unlimited zoo access, discounts on food and free parking.
Winter is a notoriously difficult time for the hospitality industry. The month of May, teetering on the cusp of winter, is not the best month to open a restaurant unless, of course, that restaurant has a Nordic theme. While Sydneysiders rug up and rooftop bars citywide bunker down, Norsk Dor has set up shop on Pitt Street. And who better to guide us through the chilly months than a cosy Scandinavian-inspired restaurant? Norsk Dor isn't 'Nordic' as you may imagine it — you won't find any allusions to Vikings (aside from that fur draped on the back of your chair). But you will find a hearty menu, chock full of fresh produce and protein. The venue is inspired by the years head chef Damien Ruggiero spent in Sweden, where he lived on a salmon farm with no power and no gas — but plentiful salmon and potatoes. What he learned? Ingredients are king, and they certainly are at Norsk Dor, where the menu fluctuates not with the season but with the availability of good produce. Each component is sourced close to home, such as salmon from Mount Cook in New Zealand and kingfish from Manly. "For us, it's about respecting the raw ingredients, getting the freshest produce, keeping it simple and using Scandinavian traditional techniques (like curing) and reinventing that for Australian produce,' says general manager Stephen Byrne (formerly of fellow basement dweller Uncle Ming's in Wynyard). Norsk Dor consists of an closely-linked bar and a kitchen, intimate not just because of the atmospheric lighting that cloaks the whole venue, but in the way they interact. The kitchen feeds, shares ingredients with and inspires the cocktail and bar menus. Tired of olives and crostini for bar food? This bar menu is a challenge to the palette, an adventurous little taste of the restaurant menu with dishes like salmon on crisp rye bread, king crab pate and quail egg. Visiting Norsk Dor is a bit of an 'experience' — especially in a rather whatever part of the CBD. A nondescript industrial door gives way to a yellow-lit corridor, leading to a dark, earthy lair. Foliage grows here in abundance (helped along by hydroponic lamps) and fluffy kangaroo hides are folded over elegant chair backs. Rich wood and simple concrete work together in the space to create the perfect frame for Ruggiero's dishes and Byrne's cocktails. Byrne says the interior design was also a labour of love. "We did it all ourselves. We've been working on this project for nine months now… Justin Best and I worked really closely on the design. It fits in with the whole ethos of the place, it follows through into our menu as well and we wanted the food and drinks to shine through." Find Norsk Dor at 70 Pitt Street. Open Monday - Saturday 5pm - 12am.
The return of Spilt Milk for 2025 is big news, after the Australian music festival sat out 2024. This year's four events — including in Canberra — will be positively huge, however, thanks to a massive lineup headlined by Kendrick Lamar. DAMN. LOVE. Quoting those album and song titles fits right now, with the Pulitzer Music Prize-winning musician heading Down Under in this same year that he put on a helluva Super Bowl halftime show. Just as he did in 2022, Lamar has a December date with Australia, playing 2025's run of Spilt Milk fests across two weekends. Alongside stops in Ballarat, Perth and on the Gold Coast, it's Canberra's turn at Exhibition Park on Saturday, December 13. That's a headliner worth waiting a year for — and Lamar has company from Doechii, Sara Landry, Dominic Fike and ScHoolboy Q for starters. Also on the bill: d4vd, Nessa Barrett, Sofia Isella, Skin On Skin, sombr, Club Angel, The Dreggs and The Rions, plus more. In 2025, festivalgoers can also look forward to the return of sing-alongs at Guilty Pleasures, plus country bar Howdy Howdy and the Bus Da Move party bus. The art component will feature artists from Studio A. Spilt Milk's 2025 return is immense, not just due to its lineup, but because not every fest that sat 2024 out has made a comeback. Sadly, both Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass have scrapped their events in both years. Spilt Milk 2025 Lineup Kendrick Lamar Doechii Sara Landry Dominic Fike ScHoolboy Q d4vd Nessa Barrett Skin on Skin sombr Baby J Chance Peña Club Angel Don West Ennaria Esha Tewari Lyric Mia Wray Ninajirachi Rebecca Black Rum Jungle Sofia Isella South Summit The Dreggs The Rions Spilt Milk image: Mackenzie Sweentnam.
This summer, The Rocks Homegrown Christmas 2024 is set to be the ultimate spot for Christmassy festivities and good ol' catch-ups in the lead-up to the all-important day. Whether you're looking to unwind after work, planning something fun to do with friends, or are simply keen to get your hands on some bespoke gifts, head down to The Rocks for a quintessentially Aussie Christmas. Homegrown Concert Series Grab a picnic rug, head down to Tallawoladah Lawn, sit back and enjoy a celebration of Aussie music with the Homegrown Concert Series. At these intimate summer music events, you can expect some of Australia's best homegrown talent performing their original work, as well as a sprinkling of Christmas with a few covers of popular songs. The lineup includes ROSHANI and Triple J Unearthed's PEPTALK and Betty, as well as seasoned performers at The Rocks Markets, Big Wheels and Jess Beck. The perfect way to relax after a long lunch or to get the vibes started before a night out. When: Saturday, December 14, Sunday, December 15, Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22 from 3.30pm – 6.30pm. Where: Tallawoladah Lawn (in front of the MCA) The Rocks Markets – Christmas Edition Everyone loves The Rocks Markets, and the Christmas edition is (somehow) even better. Perfect for finding last-minute pressies, you can wander around the many stalls and choose unique gifts from local artisan makers, food, jewellery, illustrations and lots more. To avoid crashing mid-shop, get some sustenance from yummy street eats – you will find Spanish paella, fresh juices, handmade chocolates and Italian focaccia, just to name a few. When: Every weekend from Saturday, November 30 – Sunday, December 22, from 10am – 5pm. Where: George St, The Rocks Christmas Connections The festive season is all about community and connecting with people, new or old. The Christmas Connections series by Conscious Connection is your chance to connect with like-minded people at one of three picnics at Dawes Point Park. All you have to do is book your ticket for the small price of $20, which you essentially get back in the form of a $20 gift voucher to spend at The Rocks Markets during your picnic. And for all the dog owners out there, a special 'Paws + Pals' picnic is all about connecting dog owners with new pals who also have dogs, with some hilarious activities for you and your pup. When: Sunday, December 8 from 11am – 1pm, Sunday, December 15 and Sunday, December 22 from 12pm – 3pm. Where: Dawes Point Park Christmas Decorations One of the things we love most about The Rocks is the way it transforms come Christmas time. It's the ultimate place to get in that summery, festive mood. Just walking around the streets you'll not only see the classic Christmas tree, but Australian-style, decorated in native florals and custom decorations by First Nations artists. You will also stumble across mini Christmas Villages, each modelled after historic buildings in The Rocks and hand-painted by local artist Nico Nicoson. Spending a day or even just half an hour here is guaranteed to get you feeling that laid-back holiday vibe that can only mean one thing – an Aussie Christmas. When: Monday, November 18 to Wednesday, December 25 [caption id="attachment_982196" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] Laneway Cinema There's nothing better than an outdoor cinema sesh during summer. You get to watch a movie while still making the most of the cracker weather – what could be better? And The Rocks' Laneway Cinema has got to be one of the most unique out there. It's free, and unlike most open-space outdoor cinemas, it's nestled within the beautiful, cobbled streets the locale is known for. Perfect for a midweek hang when you feel like something chill, but you still want to do something. Sit back and enjoy a film with some popcorn. Entry is free, so all you have to do is walk in. But for the best seats in the house, be sure to register for your free ticket or arrive early. When: Wednesday, 4 December (Planes, Trains & Automobiles), Wednesday, 11 December (The Grinch Who Stole Christmas) and Wednesday, 18 December (Home Alone 2: Lost in New York). Doors open at 5.30pm. Where: Atherden St, The Rocks Festive Feasting If there is one time of the year that you have permission to eat out and indulge in food and drink, it's Christmas. And, The Rocks have got a lot of festive feasting options for you and your mates or for a family lunch, perfect for Christmas catchups. We're talking extravagant set menus, classic pub meals or casual cocktails. There's something for everyone. Some top picks include fresh seafood at Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant, wood-fired grill at Pony Dining and contemporary Asian Fusion at Luna Lu. Our tip? Hit up The Argyle for a fun way to round off the night. Where: The Rocks When: Everyday Christmas Gifting This is the place where you'll find those extra special gifts that make everyone say, "Wow! Where did you get that!?" There are so many stores here, each with distinct offerings. Take a look at the Christmas Gift Guide or simply walk through the lanes and you will find goodies from candles, First Nations art, clothing or unique jewellery, among plenty more. The Rocks has also compiled guides on gifts for her, gifts for him and affordable gifts under $50 to help you out. Some of our go-to's include Aesop Gifts and DUX Collection Christmas Gift Packs For the art aficionados – unique gifting at the MCA store, art by Shazia Imran and whimsical gifts by Squidinki. Where: The Rocks When: Everyday Visit The Rocks Homegrown Christmas 2024 from Friday, November 15 2024 to Wednesday, December 25 2024. To learn more about the event and giveaways visit the website. Images: Anna Kucera, Cassandra Hannagan.
What stars Selena Gomez (The Dead Don't Die), Steve Martin (It's Complicated), Martin Short (Schmigadoon!), the ageless Paul Rudd (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), and the one and only Meryl Streep (Don't Look Up)? What's arriving to add a bit of murder, a new mystery to solve and plenty of laughs to your winter? That'd be season three of Only Murders in the Building, which has locked in a date for its eagerly awaited premiere: Tuesday, August 8. "Is this really happening again?" asks Oliver Putnam (Short) in the first teaser trailer for the new batch of episodes. "Well, you know, who are we without a homicide?" replies his neighbour, fellow murder-mystery buff and co-podcaster Mabel Mora (Gomez). Clearly, this hit sleuthing comedy will be back doing what it's always done, and well, since season one made it one of the best new shows of 2021 and season two put it in the best returning category in 2022. This time around, Mabel, Oliver and Charles-Haden Savage's (Martin) will still be bantering while solving a murder. Given that season two ended with another big death, the latter won't come as a surprise — and neither will the victim. From the initial sneak peek so far, season three will devote a fair amount of its focus to working through the events leading up to that killing, piecing together what happened, why, how and who's behind it. Enter Rudd and Streep, because this series does love adding names to its on-screen roster. Over both season one and two, Tina Fey (Girls5eva) has been a significant presence, Sting and Amy Schumer have played themselves, and Cara Delevingne (Carnival Row) has also popped up. If you're yet to experience Only Murders in the Building's charms, it follows the odd trio of Charles-Haden, Oliver and the much-younger Mabel after they bond over two things: listening to a Serial-style podcast hosted by the show's own version of Sarah Koenig, aka Cinda Canning (Fey); and a death in their luxe abode. Of course, they did what everyone that's jumped on the true-crime bandwagon knows they would if they were ever in the same situation, starting their own audio series that's also called Only Murders in the Building. That's how season one kicked off — and continued, proving a warm, funny, smart and savvy series at every step along the way. In the show's second go-around, another death needed investigating. That time, it was someone the main trio were all known not to be that fond of, so suspicions kept pointing in their direction. Check out the first trailer for Only Murders in the Building season three below: Only Murders in the Building's third season will start streaming Down Under via Star on Disney+ from Tuesday, August 8. Season one and two are currently streaming. Read our full review of season two — and of the show's first season, too.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and start that no-guarantees creative career you've always had in the back of your mind? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. From a very young age, we're all asked the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" We're told to pick one path, one profession, to neatly label the rest of your life. Our responses change as we grow up, from astronaut to engineer, princess to PR, and for Sydney-based Cole Bennetts, from Penguin Boy to renowned photographer taking the Prime Minister's portrait. You can read the interview over here. Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Cole's being a total legend and helping us give away the chance to be a photographed like the biggest names in the music business. Cole will work with you and a lucky friend to create a unique shoot for your own use, be it the ultimate profile pic or your next step to stardom — so you can see for yourself what happens when bold humans take big creative chances with big payoffs. Enter here to win.
Got a taste for the finer things, but your bank account doesn't feel quite the same way? Luckily, you can satisfy the former without totally draining the latter, when Botswana Butchery celebrates International Caviar Day on Monday, July 18. The New Zealand restaurant group's Martin Place outpost is dishing up a budget-friendly taste of the high life, in honour of one of the world's fanciest ingredients. Roll in from 12pm and you can enjoy bumps of Black River Siberian caviar straight off the back of your hand, for just $5 a pop. Plus, you can match the gourmet seafood snack to drink specials like $10 vodka shots and $15 glasses of Perrier Jouet. If you're feeling extra fancy, the restaurant's usual caviar service will also be on offer, with two styles of Giaveri caviar served by the 30-gram or 50-gram tin, and matched with rice crisps, blinis, chopped egg and other classic accompaniments. Restaurant bookings can be made online, though there'll be walk-ins available too. Top Image: Garth Oriander
Lockdown has limited many activities in our day-to-day day lives — trips to the pub, dinner parties with friends and weekend brunches, to name a few. But one thing that Sydneysiders' have been working diligently on perfecting is our at-home snack game. Snacking is a real highlight of our homebound lifestyles with heaps of Sydney hospo favourites offering sweet and savoury treats to get us through. Surry Hill's new Korean cafe Soul Deli is the latest to try its hand at a special lockdown delight with the introduction of new Korean baked doughnuts. The doughnuts come in both sweet and savoury flavours. One savoury option packs in cheese with fried kimchi, while the other features fried veggies in a baked croquette. The sweet choices come either filled with soboro and sweet potato or twisted with a sweet sesame topping. The kimchi used in the savoury doughnuts is house-made and can be ordered separately with jars of traditional, vegan white, vegan red and stir-fried kimchi are all available for purchase. The doughnuts are available each Wednesday in a doughnut box that features a mix of both sweet and savoury flavours. In order to ensure you get your hands on these tasty treats, head to the Soul Dining website before 9pm the night before to pre-order your boxes. If pre-ordering slips your mind, there will be a limited number of doughnuts available for takeaway each Wednesday until sold out. "Customers need to be quick, as last week's kimchi cheese croquettes were gone in an hour," Soul's Illa Kim says. The doughnuts are available until the end of August, but if they prove a hit for locals, more flavours may be introduced and Kim has indicated that the baked treats could find their way onto the menu as a permanent fixture. Soul is even encouraging customers to leave a note on its website with suggestions for flavours or inclusions in its next dosirak, a new range of boxed meals its offering throughout lockdown. Soul Deli was opened earlier this year by Illa Kim and her husband Daero Lee as an offshoot of their contemporary Korean restaurant Soul Dining. The cafe is open 7am–9pm daily and offers a range of deli staples like kimchi, pickles, sauces and snacks, as well as heartier cafe meals with a Korean twist. Head down for lunch or dinner and nab yourself a Korean fried chicken roll, pulled pork kimchi cheese sandwich, pork schnitzel or soybean stew. Soul Deli's baked Korean doughnuts are available every Wednesday. Pre-order by 9pm each Tuesday for next-day pick-up, or you can drop by from 2pm each Wednesday when the team will be selling a limited number of takeaway doughnuts, until sold out.
Christine Dean is the alter ego of Christopher Dean, an artist working across two genders over a period of four years. This exhibition at Alaska Projects will look at the spectrum of gender codes and the two problematic polarities of male and female. Curator Daniel Mudie Cunningham came up with the idea of pairing Dean’s early career pink monochromes with a later suite of multicoloured text paintings. In particular, the monochrome is loaded with gender-based assumptions; the colour pink is typically identified as feminine, while the monochrome style of painting is part of a masculinised history of modernism. One thing is for sure: these vibrant works will brighten up your favourite grey cement gallery. Stop by for the opening night on July 8 and you can also check out Christmas in July – a group show that will unpick the superficial and sincere aspects of this loved and loathed festive gathering.
Attention all movie-loving art buffs, feast your eyes on this little cheesy morsel of an exhibition. For one week only from June 10, Surry Hills' Black Penny will stock the walls with B-Grade, an exhibition of '80s-inspired movie posters entirely devised by a whole host of Sydney creative folk. And by entirely devised we mean 100 percent fake. Illustrator Sam Shennan, in conjunction with Black Listed gallery, asked a list of 30+ artists, illustrators and street artists to come up with their own terribly ridiculous, wonderfully camp ideas for films that might have been. Expect to see a whole heap of weird, wonderful and downright tongue in cheek imaginings from some of this city’s most up-and-coming talent — from the blaxploitation revenge flick Black Bonnie ("They killed Black Clyde, now she'll kill them.") to the "unspeakable horror that gave way to natural passion," giant octopus romance The Creature Who Loved Me. Entry is free and the buzz behind this fun little exhibition is high, so we suggest you scuttle down to Bourke Street and raise a glass to the "jaw-dropping 2D" in all its colourful, schlocky glory.
The end of March sees the beginning of cherry blossoms beginning their bloom all over Japan. The cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a fleeting beauty, only revealing the pretty pink petals for a couple of weeks each year — with tourists hailing from all over the world to catch a precious glimpse. With the country's borders reopening to tourists at the end of 2022, there is no better time to head to Japan and soak in all of its wonders than right now. Plus, with the sakura season varying around the country, you can experience that pink sky a bit later in the year if you head further north than Tokyo. If a Japan trip is in your near future, we're jealous! But, you're also probably feeling a tad overwhelmed with the myriad sights to see, activities to do and snacks to snack on. So, it's handy that Klook is up to date with the greatest ways to explore the country. Heading to Tokyo? Osaka? Okinawa? There's parasailing, dedicated cherry blossom experiences, temples aplenty and much more. But, if you're not heading there in the near future, CP's got you covered — don't fret. We've rounded up some standout Japanese experiences in Sydney that will ease you through your travel bug. SAMPLE THE CHERRY BLOSSOM COCKTAIL MENU AT BLOSSOM BAR If you are itching to go full Anthony Bourdain in the alleyways of tiny bars littered through Shinjuku's Golden Gai, but can't quite make it to Japan this year, be sure to make a beeline for Blossom Bar in Sydney's Spice Alley. Brought to you by the team at Gin Lane, Blossom Bar is bringing sakura season Down Under with its own makeshift pink sky and a selection of Japanese cocktails. Taste the northern hemisphere's spring with a Sakura Spritz. This sip's loaded with cherry blossom gin, sakura infusion, cherry-red maraschino and prosecco. Then, take it to the next level with transportive bites from KYO-TO. TAKE A STROLL THROUGH THE JAPANESE GARDENS AT CAMPBELLTOWN ARTS CENTRE The island of Okinawa is a must-see in Japan that needs to scoot to the top of your to-go list. Its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful nature are showcased best at the famous Southeast Botanical Garden (pictured above). But don't worry, if you can't make it to the "Hawaii of Japan", simply spend the afternoon enjoying the Japanese Gardens in Campbelltown Arts Centre. The garden has been blooming since 1988, with Japanese plants and beautiful craftsmanship making it the perfect place to go if you are needing a bit of tranquillity. Entry is free during opening hours, so you're free to admire the natural beauty and then grab a coffee and lunch at the Arts Centre Cafe. HAVE A KARAOKE SESSION WITH A SIDE OF GYOZA AT GOROS, THEN A NIGHTCAP AT BANCHŌ BAR You can't visit Japan without a karaoke session to start or end your night on the town. Luckily, Goros is your slice of Japanese nightlife right in Surry Hills. The venue features karaoke rooms that are completely free to book, so you and your gang will have plenty of cash to spend on sake and yakitori to fuel your performances. After you've shown off your star potential, head to Haymarket for a nightcap at the hidden back-alley bar Banchō. Here you'll find drinks expert Yoshi Onishi crafting delicious cocktails and pouring a premium selection of Japanese whisky. [caption id="attachment_893353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gyro[/caption] RELAX AT THIS RYOKAN/BATHHOUSE IN BALMAIN If you are in desperate need of a holiday to unwind, but won't be checking out the sentōs of Japan, head to Balmain instead for an authentic Japanese bathhouse experience. Ryokan Gojyuan feels like a secluded paradise and is a spot for you to soak in some tranquillity. Indulge in the watashi no hi — 'my day' — package where you will soak in a special wooden hinoki bath. For $286, you can book for just you or you can bring a buddy and while away for two hours. You'll savour tea on arrival and a Japanese dessert afterwards. BUY SOME MANGA AT KINOKUNIYA If you can't travel to Japan in person this year, take a literary journey. Located in the CBD, this Japanese bookstore drenched in Sydney's sunshine sits on top of The Galleries overlooking the city. With an incredible selection of Japanese literature, graphic novels, manga and art and design books, Kinokuniya is a place to get lost in for hours on end. Embrace One Piece manga or explore the worlds of Murakami and Mieko Kawakami — we reckon it's (almost) as much of a good time getting lost in the pages of a book as it is in the streets of Tokyo. [caption id="attachment_893354" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marco Montalti[/caption] REPAIR YOUR BROKEN CERAMICS AT A KINTSUGI AUSTRALIA WORKSHOP Klook is full of exciting activities you can enjoy in Japan this spring. But, if you're wanting to take up a new hobby while embracing some culture right here in Sydney, we suggest you check out Kintsugi Australia's workshop in the CBD. Kintsugi is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and gold, dating back to the 16th century. This art form embraces the Japanese celebration of beauty in imperfection, beautifully highlighting a break or flaw instead of disguising it. Kintsugi Australia offers a range of courses, whether you are looking for something modern, traditional, beginner or intensive. Workshops run most days — there's something for everyone to embrace and enjoy. [caption id="attachment_694678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] TRY SOME RAMEN AT RARA RAMEN If a booth at Ichiran Ramen in Tokyo isn't on this year's cards, enjoy the flavourful Japanese broths at RaRa Ramen instead. It might not deliver the same experience as devouring a bowl of Ichiran's tonkotsu pork broth, but we're confident it won't disappoint. At RaRa, noodles are made fresh each morning to slurp down with broth that owners Scott Gault and Katie Shortland have spent years perfecting. Enjoy your soul-warming bowl in a relaxed, communal atmosphere that mimics the izakayas of Osaka. RaRa is all over Sydney, with venues in Redfern, Randwick, Eveleigh — and even Burleigh Heads, for the Queenslanders. [caption id="attachment_886842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] HAVE AN UNFORGETTABLE OMAKASE EXPERIENCE AT BESUTO If you're feeling sorry for yourself for missing out on cherry blossom season in Japan this year, we suggest you stay local and really treat yourself — and what's more indulgent than an omakase experience? For something truly unforgettable, head to Besuto, the 14-seat fine-diner in the Quay Quarter Lanes precinct offering an intimate culinary experience. Here, the inventive meets the traditional, with your chef handcrafting a seasonal menu with the best available produce. The fish is outstanding and handled with precision and practised skill, and the 15-strong roll call of courses will leave you happy and full. HEAD TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS TO STAY AT A JAPANESE BATH HOUSE Heading to Japan and Fukuoka's on your list? Be sure to check out Klook's Kumamoto Castle and Kurokawa Onsen day trip. After you explore some majestic historical castles and visit an active volcano you will end the day with a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Kurokawa. If you're staying on home soil, why not head to the Blue Mountains for a relaxing weekend away? You might not have a vista that includes volcanoes, but the mountains are just as magical. Plus, you can stay at the Japanese Bath House for a weekender that includes your own onsen experience. Here, there are multiple mineral-rich baths full of natural spring water overlooking a bountiful naturescape — we promise you'll feel worlds away from home in this Japanese oasis. There are plenty of Japanese experiences you can enjoy right here in Sydney, but if you can't quite cure your travel bug, it might be a sign that a last-minute trip during cherry blossom season is just what you need. Best place to start planning? Klook. For more information, head to the website. Top images: AXP Photography; Jezael Melgoza.
Kicking off the summer festival season at 128 BPM, Stereosonic will take over the Sydney Olympic Park again this November for a heated, fist-pumping day of electro, techno and house music. Maybe 'getting shredded' isn’t your cup of tea, but good techno, dance and house music is — you don't have to be a big ol' douche to enjoy a solid drop. This year's lineup should please unquestioning Stereo devotees and curious newcomers alike, with the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Major Lazer, Diplo and Duke Dumont heading up quite the 2015 lineup. Alongside international big guns like Sweden's Axwell & Ingrosso, French house producer Tchami, Swedish bro Miike Snow's new electro duo Galantis, British electronic foursome Clean Bandit and San Franciscan legend Claude Von Stroke, Stereo has placed an emphasis on local artists this year — and there’s no shortage of genuine talent. Canberran festival favourites Peking Duk will be playing live (they covered 'Sandstorm' at Field Day so expect anything), alongside former Flume duo What So Not (now Emoh Instead's flying solo), Sydney house producer Timmy Trumpet, up-and-coming Sydney lads Carmada, and Perth beatsmiths Slumberjack are all locked in. Sydney's immortal Hot Dub Time Machine is bringing his perpetually popular decade-hopping set to the table (one that overwhelmingly crushed it closing this year's Secret Garden Festival). Stereosonic kicks off at the Sydney Olympic Park on November 28 before heading over to Perth’s Claremont Showgrounds on November 29. Then it's on to both Melbourne Showground and Adelaide’s Bonython Park on December 5 as well, and Brisbane Showgrounds on December 6. Keen to get amongst it? Get a 24-hour headstart on buying Stereosonic thanks to MasterCard — making sure you don't have to watch the festival happen on social media. Pre-register here to get access to the exclusive MasterCard 24-hour presale, starting Monday, July 27. STEREOSONIC 2015 LINEUP: STEREO STAGE Armin Van Buuren Axwell & Ingrosso Major lazer (Live) Showtek Peking Duk (Live) Generik Galantis SONIC STAGE Diplo DJ Snake Duke Dumont (Live) Tchami What So Not Clean Bandit (Live) Carmada Shockone Jauz Slumberjack ATLANTIS STAGE Gareth Emery Andrew Rayel MaRlo Andrew Bayer Emma Hewitt (Live) Mark Sherry Jason Ross Headhunterz THE WOODS STAGE MK Claptone Claude Von Stroke Hannah Wants Patrick Topping Shiba San Cut Snake BEATPORT STAGE Carnage Will Sparks Hot Dub Time Machine Timmy Trumpet Snails Jessie Andrews Tigerlily Image: Stereosonic.
A celebration of flavour all too overlooked comes to the Newtown Hotel on April 9 in the form of a cheese making and cider tasting workshop that might become one of the trendiest pairings since Jennifer Lawrence’s face literally met the red carpet. In conjunction with Cornersmith Picklery (the education space/grocery store addition to the much-loved Marrickville cafe of the same name) and Young Henrys Brewery located just around the corner, this intimate night school, held in the upstairs cinema area, asks you to get your hands dairy by having a crack at making your own cheese while sipping on the aforementioned local beer and cider. Cornersmith’s resident cheese-maker Kristen Allan will be on hand to guide you through crafting ricotta, labneh and even yoghurt, while Dan and Kristen Hampton from Young Henrys will be there to enlighten you on the booze. Plus it will all kick off with a sampling of Cornersmith products around the communal table.
For the third year in a row, the Sydney Opera House has undergone its seasonal transformation into a Summer Playground. The official 2015 program has been announced today and heading it up is an alfresco beach bar, courtesy of The House Eatery by George. Open from 9am till late, seven days a week, the pop-up brings a laidback, coastal vibe to the harbourside. Kick back in a low-slung cabana chair under a beach umbrella and sample the cocktail menu, which includes the rapaska (vodka, fresh raspberry and passionfruit puree, fresh cloudy apple juice, orange juice) and the San Francisco-invented Tommy's margarita (Olmeca Altos Plata tequila, fresh lime juice, agave syrup). Food-wise, the menu is of the classic, summer-inspired variety, featuring healthy salads, finger sandwiches and hearty burgers. For a more posh option during SP, there's the Veuve Clicquot Airstream Pop-Up Bar, where you can indulge in a 2004 vintage champagne, pints of prawns, seafood platters and oysters. Meanwhile, the Opera Bar will be going troppo, with coconut cocktails, fruit-flavoured slushies and beach-hut-inspired décor. Following a recent revamp, the venue is now in the hands of the Solotel Hospitality Group, with fresh Aussie produce champion Matt Moran taking care of the menu and Goodgod’s Adam Lewis managing the live entertainment. Get to the Summer Playground ticket kiosk at midday each day to score $25 tickets to selected Summerhouse shows. Big names on this year's lineup include Tim Minchin, Roxette and Angus and Julia Stone. Finally, there'll be loads of family-style fun. Kids are invited to create LEGO sculptures, which will be turned into original musical compositions and broadcast in the Opera House's Western foyers, hang out in onsite sand pits and get along to more than sixty free and friendly-priced live performances. For more info, check out the Summer Playground program here.
Summer is here and with it the holy trinity of sun, sand and surf — and conveniently long days to enjoy them. But before you book your annual leave and leg it to the beach, plan your suncation. Now is the time to invest in sun safe essentials so you don't come out the other side of summer looking like a shrivelled raisin. And one of the most overlooked sun-safe accessories is a beach tent. "A beach tent?" you shriek. "Good grief, I'm not 85!" Well, hold up now. Yes, beach tents may have started as a gaudy, fluorescent nightmare dotting the shore but the logic behind them is sound. And they've evolved way past the beach tents we remember as kids and they're the best way to keep the sun off. We've found some super cute ones that won't ruin your beach cred while you avoid the UV. BYRON BAY BEACH LIFE As if those gorgeous, vintage tropical prints weren't sweet enough, these tents by Byron Bay Beachlife have clearly been designed by someone who spends a lot of time on the beach. How can we tell? They're designed to cast shade but also give you a clear, 360-degree view of the beach so you can stay out of the sun but keep track of any fire hotties that wander past. And isn't that the whole point of lazing on the beach? They've been designed to be assembled in a few different ways too, so you can customise your set-up. GINGER AND GILLIGAN If you're looking to spend big bucks on your beach swag (we're talking $249 each) and be voted 'Most Opulent Beach Goer 2016', look no further than Ginger and Gilligan. We recommend their tie-dyed beach tipi because it's just so damn pretty. It's also a bit more contained than most beach tents, giving you some privacy while ocean-side, just in case you need to change. Each tent is hand-dyed so you can guarantee no one else on the beach will have a tent like yours. LOVIN' SUMMER Minimalist beach tents look incredible. You can rig your beach set-up to look like it's straight out of a photoshoot. But how do minimalist beach tents hold up against the elements? Pretty well apparently. The gorgeous tents from Lovin' Summer are only minimalist in look. They block out 99 percent of UV protection and come with specially-made pegs that anchor deep in the sand. They've also been designed to be easily assembled by a solo beachgoer, making them genuinely 'pop-up'. SOMBRILLA BY HOLLIE AND HARRIE The Sombrilla tent by Hollie and Harrie, similar to the Byron Bay Beach Life design, lets you gaze over the whole beach while staying in the shade. They come in a variety of pop colours and designs, bringing to mind the famous beach boxes of Brighton Beach. And best of all, they're versatile — you can put it up in the standard symmetrical formation for shade coverage or set it up more like a windbreaker for when the sun dips low. They also sell windbreakers, for those days when you just can't have the wind up in your business. SUNNY JIM When we say Sunny Jim tents are designed to make #beachlife easy, we really mean it. They've thought of everything you could possibly need to execute the perfect beach tent seamlessly. The cute tents fold away into an easy yoga bag and/or handbag and they come with a mallet. A mallet! Useful not only for banging in pegs but also for passing official judgements on your friends. Best of all, the shade material is made from UPF50+, the highest shade rating available. The Sunny Jim really isn't messing around here. CANCER COUNCIL The range of tents available from the Cancer Council might be a bit more in line with your original ideas about beach tents. They're the classic beach pod, closed in on three sides (no sunlight getting in here, no sir) in bright blues and yellows. They each boast the highest UPF rating (50+) and very high nostalgia factor. We'd also like to give an honourable mention to the 'Sunshade Chair', a fully shaded chair, with a drink holder included. Now that's how you stay sun safe with raditude. SPORTBRELLA Now, here us out on this one. The Sportbrella might look a bit whack, being a Frankenstein combo of beach tent and beach umbrella, but it's actually pretty useful. It's rocking that UPF 50+ rating, so you know no UV is getting in. The Sportbrella (but feel free to use it for leisure) combines the sturdiness of the umbrella staked into the sand with the privacy of an enclosed beach tent. Plus they're huge, at 2.45 metres wide and perfect for big groups. Stay tuned for our wrap-up of the summer's best beach umbrellas, coming soon.
1980s Brisbane is coming to your streaming queue, and one of Australia's iconic novels along with it. It's been four years since Harper Collins sold the television rights to Boy Swallows Universe in 2019, then a year since Netflix announced its involvement in bringing the tale to the screen in 2022. Now, when 2024 hits, the wait to see what Trent Dalton's beloved award-winner looks like as a streaming series will be over. Boy Swallows Universe has won a swag of awards, including the Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards — and was longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin. It sold a heap of copies and been turned into a play. The Brisbane-set story trod those boards in Brissie, too, and now it's a Netflix series that was shot in the River City. After releasing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production, initially advising that it would arrive in 2023 and dropping a first teaser trailer, the TV adaptation has now locked in its release date and unveiled its full sneak peek. First, mark Thursday, January 11, 2024 in your diary. Then, check out what's in store for this coming-of-age story on-screen via the new trailer. Dalton's novel and now the television show that follows spin a tale about a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. Also included: Eli Bell's (Felix Cameron, Penguin Bloom) attempt to understand how to be a good person, with his plight spanning a lost father, a criminal for a babysitter, a mum recovering from addiction, a mute brother, a stepfather who deals and a red telephone. Netflix's Boy Swallows Universe adaptation features eight episodes, running as a self-contained limited series, as it plunges into the space between childhood's magic and adulthood's reality. Travis Fimmel (Black Snow) also stars as Lyle Orlik, while the cast includes Simon Baker (Limbo) as Robert Bell and Phoebe Tonkin (Babylon) as Frances Bell — plus Lee Tiger Halley (The Heights) as Gus Bell. Also appearing: Bryan Brown (Hungry Ghosts) as Slim Halliday, Anthony LaPaglia (Nitram) as Tytus Broz, and Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me) as Caitlyn Spies, plus Christopher James Baker (Ozark) as Ivan Kroll, HaiHa Le (Spooky Files) as Bich Dang and Deborah Mailman (The New Boy) as Poppy Birkbeck. And, you'll see Ben O'Toole (Barons) as Teddy, Zachary Wan (Never Too Late) as Darren Dang, and Millie Donaldson (Jack Irish) and Eloise Rothfield as Shelley Huffman (aged 17 and 13, respectively). Boy Swallows Universe is directed by Bharat Nalluri (The Man Who Invented Christmas), Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) and Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket), and scripted by screenwriter John Collee (Master and Commander, Happy Feet, Hotel Mumbai). The impressive names involved extend to the show's executive producers, too, which include Joel Edgerton (The Stranger), Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr Banks, Mao's Last Dancer), Andrew Mason (The Matrix, The Water Diviner), Sophie Gardiner (Howard's End, Chimerica) and Kerry Roberts (Foe, Boy Erased). Check out the full trailer for Boy Swallows Universe below: Boy Swallows Universe will stream via Netflix from Thursday, January 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Netflix © 2023.
There are few things more exciting for fellow foodies or experienced home-entertainers than walking into a delicatessen — a retail space designated for foods that are hard to come by and special in their own way. Foods that are delicacies, as the name implies. Whether you're after a grazing platter for your next dinner party or searching for some easy-to-pack goods to take down to the beach for a picnic, delis are an important go-to one-stop-shop. From tinned martinis made in Sydney to marinated octopus imported from Spain, read on for the best delis Sydney has to offer.
If your only wish for brunch is simple, nutritious food made from the freshest local produce, then Fable Coffee is the spot for you. Owners Phil Ocampo and Jessica Shaw used to sling Mexican street food at various Sydney markets, and got to know the local grocers working alongside them — they still rely on these relationships, and fresh, quality, seasonal produce is their highest priority. Simplicity is the mantra here, from the industrial-chic decor to the single-origin coffee. The passion for fresh local food is so strong at Fable that you can even purchase market produce from there, alongside its staple range of homemade goods — think chai, peanut butter and muesli. Image: Trent Van der Jagt.
The nights are longer, the temperature is rising, and people just seem to be more joyous — it must be summer. While December is mainly focused on a certain event on the 25th, it lasts far beyond that. Parramatta comes into its own in summer, with something to do all season long. What's more, plenty of these events are family-friendly occasions that won't break the bank. Parramatta has exactly what you need this summer, starting with these seven standout selections. NEW YEAR'S EVE AT PARRAMATTA PARK Proving there's more to NYE than the display on the Harbour Bridge, Parramatta Park is giving you the opportunity to see off 2023 with a bang. The family-friendly event on Sunday, December 31, is free to attend and includes food trucks, activities and a musical lineup headlined by ARIA Award-winning group Sneaky Sound System. So, you can get a gozleme and a beer, challenge the family to garden games, see some great music and, to top it all off, stare in wonder at a killer fireworks display at 9pm. You can also bring your own food and drinks, esky and blankets, so make a real evening of it and enjoy the last day of the year without breaking the bank. SYDNEY FESTIVAL AT RIVERSIDE THEATRE Now a summer institution, Sydney Festival always kickstarts the new year with various events throughout the city. Parramatta's Riverside Theatres has a great range of shows in January, which are well worth your time. There's something for everybody, from a multicultural comedy gala to a night of Palestinian memories or an interactive Dinosaur World experience. The highlight of the program is Bananaland, a musical comedy about a failing punk band who accidentally become the next Wiggles due to a viral hit. Scored by Aussie pop royalty Kate Miller-Heidke and directed by Simon Phillips of Muriel's Wedding The Musical fame, Bananaland will surely be the hottest ticket in town. SYDNEY SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS Any opportunity to see the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is special. This free concert in Parramatta Park showcases a range of works, including classical favourites, familiar film scores and Australian originals. On Saturday, January 20, you'll be able to hear Strauss' The Blue Danube and pieces from Apollo 13 and ET, as well as the kind of thing you wouldn't ordinarily associate with a famed orchestra. Aunty Delmae Barton and Véronique Serret are joined by didgeridoo maestro William Barton, and, on top of that, Anoushka Shankar shows off her sitar pedigree (her father is sitar genius and Beatles collaborator, Ravi Shankar). With all this talent on show, it's probably worth reiterating that this concert is free. Gratis. Zero dollars. You've no excuse not to go down there. BALLOON GLOW On Thursday, January 25, head to Parramatta Park's Cattle Paddock for the inaugural Balloon Glow event: a hot-air balloon and light display timed to music. The balloons and lights might be the headline act, but it's a free, community-oriented evening with live music, activities and food trucks to entertain and feed you and the whole family. With something different from your standard local fireworks display, Balloon Glow will spread awe and glee to young and old alike. JAMMIN FESTIVAL It's long established that summer is where it's at for music festivals. The fact that Europe and the US start the year with freezing temperatures means that some of the biggest international acts get the privilege of coming Down Under. Jammin Festival, taking place on the first weekend of February in Parramatta Park, is Australia's premier reggae festival. Next year's headline acts are true heavy hitters: Shaggy and Sean Paul, two of the biggest reggae and dancehall stars of the 21st century, will be appearing alongside legendary reggae mainstays UB40 and ferocious British MC Stefflon Don. There's also a slew of fantastic Australian and Polynesian artists to keep you entertained, meaning the good vibes will flow all weekend. LUNAR NEW YEAR Say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and hello to the Year of the Dragon on Saturday, February 10 in Parramatta. Both Parramatta Square and Centenary Square will host festivities and a range of street food stalls, not to mention dancing, lanterns, workshops and performances. You can also catch a dragon art installation by Amigo & Amigo in Parramatta Square for the first half of February. The incredible event will showcase the diversity and inclusion of the local community while celebrating Asian cuisine and culture. There are few better places for you and your family to ring in the Lunar New Year in the state capital. SOULED OUT FEST After a successful soft launch in 2023, Australia's only festival dedicated to modern R&B is going supernova in 2024. Before hitting Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Auckland and Perth, it all kicks off in Parramatta Park. Massive international acts including Summer Walker, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Bryson Tiller, Majid Jordan and Tinashe, will be in attendance, and emerging acts showcasing the full spectrum of what R&B means in the 2020s. It's rare to have the chance to see so many of one genre's global big hitters in one place, so be an early adopter and jump on the Souled Out train before everyone is across it in 2025. And that's just summer in Parramatta. Throughout the year, the River City has plenty on to keep you entertained, whether it's events highlighting the local community or huge sporting matches at CommBank Stadium and the ever-popular Parramatta Lanes, which offers food, music, arts and entertainment. Discover other events around Parramatta at the website.
As one of three Sydney outposts, this Glebe eatery upholds the Soul Burger vision in opposition of big agriculture, owner and founder Amit Tewari is keen to shake up the Aussie food culture and help inspire a shift towards plant-based eating. And it looks like he's firmly on the right track, given that Soul Burger's is the kind of menu that both carnivores and vegans are beating down the door for. Think maximum feasting, for minimal artery clogging, with plant-based beef, snags and fish, egg-free sauces, and lighter, vegan cheese stealing the spotlight. The Glebe store rocks all the same treats as the original, including those addictive sweet potato fries, coconut shakes and the ever-popular Sumo burger, which teams plant-based beef and spicy sausage with roasted peppers, mushroom, cheese, salad, herbed mayo and tomato relish.
Compton was the epicenter of West Coast hip-hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s. NWA and then Dr Dre were the gangsta kings of Californian rap, so it’s appropriate that Dre has lent his approval to the new kid on the block, Kendrick Lamar, who hails from the same suburb in Los Angeles. Dre appears on and executively produced Lamar’s second album Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, and although it’s unlikely Dre will land in Sydney any time soon, Lamar will perform a first show at the Metro on December 14 and a second at the Enmore on the 20th. A member of LA collective Black Hippy, Lamar released his first album Section 8.0 last year after the obligatory run of free mixtapes. The 24-year-old rapper has already sold out his first Sydney show, so hip-hop fans are likely to be queuing on Gumtree and round the block come December. Apparently a significant moment of Lamar’s creative life was witnessing Dre and Tupac Shakur film the video for California Love in 1995. Fast forward 17 years, and Lamar is bringing his West Coast love to Sydney. Tickets to Kenrick Lamar's second show at the Enmore go on sale Wednesday, 31 October at 9am.
Despite the shared disappointment that our after-work hours are a little less sun-filled, our clocks turning back an hour means there's more time for fun — and cultural explorations — after dark. This is something Sydney Living Museums knows all too well. The historic collective is bringing another instalment of After Dark, the late-night series that welcomes live music and art to the Hyde Park Barracks. This April, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site will play host to a swathe of creatives. Be wowed by the concentrated skill of Mark Eliott as he blows fantastical glass creations, or watch on tentatively — or excitedly — as WT Norbert and CP Martin (of Tattoo Rosie's) ink their designs live. Joe Glover will bring music to your ears with his handcrafted banjo (and then teach you how to make one) and Tarni Eastwood will showcase the craftsmanship of our Traditional Owners with a weaving tutorial. Take in some history as you wander the Barracks collection with Living Museums' curators, or settle in for some olfactory delight courtesy of perfumer and scentsmith Ainslie Walker. FBi Radio will keep vibes high with a lineup of DJs and live acts, and your tastebuds will stay happy with Nighthawk Diner's feel-good eats and Archie Rose's gin-laced cocktails. It's a night of tradition with a contemporary twist that you won't want to miss. And if you're a member of Sydney Living Museums (or you sign up at the checkout), you can score a sneaky discount on tickets too. After Dark will hit the Hyde Park Barracks from 5–9pm on Thursday, April 28. Head to the website to book your tickets. Top images: James Horan
Mary's has arrived in Moore Park with a set of new venues. The 1200-capacity Liberty Hall and the latest edition to the Mary's collection of burger joints have both opened in the Entertainment Quarter. Formerly Hi-Fi and Max Watt's, the longstanding music venue has been taken under the wing of burger bros, Mary's founders Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham. "We are humbled at another opportunity to take the reins of yet another fallen live music venue and pour energy and hard work into creating an exciting creative space for Sydney's arts community," Graham said back when the venue was first announced. Liberty Hall swung its doors open late last year with a sold-out show from dance music legend Moodyman and an intimate last-minute show from The Killers while they were in town. [caption id="attachment_890283" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moodyman in the Liberty Hall courtyard[/caption] This unlikely pair of acts signposted the genre-spanning variety of performers that the venue is hosting, with gigs from big-name dance acts like Sub Focus and local party collectives like Picnic sitting side by side with Christian hard-rock band Stryper and Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora on the program of upcoming shows — there was even a pro wrestling event at the venue back in January. Next door you'll find an all-new Mary's dining establishment boasting the classic menu items that Sydneysiders have come to love. The Mary's Burger, the buttermilk fried chicken (which we rate among the best fried chicken in Sydney). veggie burgers, mash with gravy, trash can bacon and plenty of vegan options all grace the menu. [caption id="attachment_890445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Wilkinson[/caption] Next time you're heading to a match at the SCG or the newly revamped Allianz Stadium — or a gig at the Liberty Hall or Hordern Pavilion across the road, you can now stop in and get a juicy burger topped with crisp lettuce, tomato and Mary's famous sauce. Keep your eyes peeled on the Liberty Hall Instagram page for all of the upcoming acts the venue has in store for the remainder of 2023. [caption id="attachment_747997" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Liberty Hall and Mary's EQ are located at Building 220 Errol Flynn Boulevard, Moore Park. Mary's EQ is open midday–10pm Wednesday and Sunday, and midday–midnight Thursday–Saturday.
No longer confined to children's birthday parties, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle sources and blow-up labyrinths are currently hot property for adults (and their inner kids, of course). And the next blow-up event to hit Australia is big. Really big. Dubbed 'The Big Bounce Australia', it's an inflatable theme park made up of Guinness World Records-certified world's biggest bouncy castle, a 300-metre long obstacle course and a three-part space-themed wonderland. You're going to need a lot of red cordial to bounce your way through all of this. Set to hit Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth in early 2020, The Big Bounce is open to both littl'uns and big'uns, but there are a heap of adults-only sessions, so you don't have to worry about dodging toddlers on your way through. Tickets for adults will set you back $55, which gives you a whole three hours in the park — you'll need it. Inside, you'll encounter the aforementioned bouncy castle — aptly named The World's Biggest Bounce House — covering a whopping 1500 square metres and, in some spots, reaching ten metres off the ground. In this house, you'll encounter a heap of slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and (if you can believe it) a stage with DJs, confetti cannons and beach balls. Then, there's The Giant, with 50 inflatable obstacles, including giant red balls and a monster slide. [caption id="attachment_749668" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Bounce AirSpace[/caption] Before you hit the final, three-part section of the park, you may need to pause, down some red frogs and maybe even have a nap. Or not, you do only have three hours to explore it all. Next up, is AirSpace, where aliens, spaceships and moon craters collide with a five-lane slide, some more ball pits and an 18-metre-tall maze. Now, you'll certainly need a nap. This extremely OTT theme park is hitting Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse first (January 3–19), before heading to Sydney's St Ives Showground (January 24–February 9). After that, it'll head to Adelaide (February 14–March 1), Brisbane (March 6–22) and Perth (April 3–19) — locations haven't been announced for these ones yet, but we'll let you know when they are. Tickets for The Big Bounce Sydney and Melbourne are on sale now. We'll update you when the rest drop.
Cavalier is a bustling espresso bar championing small-scale local produce. Not only does it churn out specialty coffee, but also has next-level sandwiches and baked goods. The coffee comes way of a number of local independent roasters including (but not limited to) Five Senses, Stitch, Market Lane and Double Tap. So, it's great spot for a morning coffee as well as spot of lunch, and there is a particular focus on some truly spectacular toasties. The team has also opened a second space dubbed Cavalier 2.0. The second outpost is more of a restaurant, but still has the same sustainable and local ethos. It's got more of a fine dining menu, alongside a smart list of minimal intervention wines. Both Cavaliers have a relaxed, neighbourhood feel and are easily accessible from the heart of Crows Nest. Images: Samantha Andison at Studio Sojourn
Figuring out what to cook or contribute to a Christmas Day feast isn't always easy. Fortunately, The Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market is here to offer plenty of inspiration, taking over the ICC Sydney with a food-filled wonderland from Friday, November 21–Sunday, November 23. Bringing together over 150 different exhibitors from across Australia, this is your chance to sample all the festive bites and sips needed to make your holiday season a delicious success. Meanwhile, the market is stacked with festive gifts and knick-knacks, so you can get your Christmas shopping sorted long before chaotic queues put a dampener on your merry spirit. "The Christmas Market is all about helping people discover unique gifts, get inspired into the kitchen and kick off the season surrounded by the best food, drinks and festive cheer," says Mike Bray, Managing Director at SpecTAPular. For those heading along, The Festive Kitchen returns by popular demand, featuring top-notch culinary stars like Miguel Maestre, Kirsten Tibballs and Valérie Henbest. Spanning fascinating live demos, each will showcase their best tips and tricks to make this year's Christmas feast your best one yet. Plus, Secret Sips sessions invite guests to free 30-minute tastings where they'll put their palate to the test through a blind experience. Alongside dedicated wrapping stations, the chance to win awesome prizes from spin-the-wheel games and a who's who of makers and producers, guests will also get to taste two exclusive treats. Munch on Miguel's Crispy Christmas Pork, the ideal centrepiece for your dining table, and an inventive chocolate made by Kirsten Tibballs, combining the festive flavours of Christmas cake crumbs with orange and almond.
It's easy to hide away from the weather, but another lazy weekend spent at home is bound to get boring before long. With this in mind, it's a good thing Tanuki —Double Bay's chic Japanese-inspired izakaya and bar — is ramping up the cosiness factor with the launch of its new Lounge Lunch every weekend. Developed by the same crew behind nearby neighbour Matteo Sydney, this fresh event is designed as a sultry, slow-burning take on a bottomless long lunch. Guided by Head Chef Ken Wee Lee (Sushi e, Toko), expect bold, cheeky twists on Japanese flavours, like salmon tataki, spicy tuna crispy rice, grilled miso chicken set and matcha tiramisu. Paired with two hours of free-flowing cocktails and wine, Tanuki's alluring lounge and upbeat courtyard are the ideal settings to sip Bandini prosecco and Rameau d'Or rosé alongside a curated selection of vino and tap beers. Plus, if you're really keen to enliven your weekend, you're welcome to upgrade to bottomless margaritas for $20 per person. Served every Saturday and Sunday for groups of four or more, this share-style banquet and beverage package is available for $100 per person. Perfect for when you've been cooped up inside a little too long, trust this inventive Japanese feast to carry the good vibes until the late afternoon and beyond.
Three mates walked into a bar — and decided to buy it. That's the rough origin story of Howlin' Wolf, which was taken over in 2017 by three friends with a love for whisky and chewing the fat. Today, the bar showcases more than 260 whisky varieties from around the world, including rare bottling and limited editions. If you don't know your malt from your maple the boys and their team are more than happy to give you the low-down on the lineup. As important as the whisky is here, having a good time is the overriding theme, so leave any lack-of-whisky-knowledge concerns at the door. Beyond the whisky, there's an impressive 50 craft beers on offer, too. Or throw caution completely to the wind and let the bar staff shake up a cocktail for you. Images: Jasmine Low
This tour will get you smiling like you mean it: The Killers are returning Down Under in 2024, playing Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Friday, December 6–Saturday, December 7. The Las Vegas-born rockers were last here in Australia in November and December 2022, and are coming back two years later to get crowds singing 'Mr Brightside' and 'Somebody Told Me' again. Hot Fuss, the album that gave the world those two beloved tracks — and 'Smile Like You Mean It', 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine', 'All These Things That I've Done' and more — is the reason for the visit. 2024 marks 20 years since it first released, so Brandon Flowers and company are celebrating in the best possible way. [caption id="attachment_972409" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Flickr.[/caption] Open up your eager eyes, Sydney: destiny is calling you two different types of gigs. One is a Rebel Diamonds show, pumping through the group's hits across their entire career, while the other will see the band work through Hot Fuss in its entirety. That said, given the group's lengthy back catalogue, The Killers won't just be focusing on Hot Fuss tunes at the latter concert, but have plenty more songs to bust out. Also likely to get a whirl as well: 'When You Were Young', 'Bones', 'Human', 'The Man' and latest single 'Bright Lights', just to name a few. Sadly, this Aussie tour's November/December timing means that The Killers won't be repeating their AFL Grand Final berth after stealing the show back in 2017. They will be in the country for the AFLW Grand Final, however, if you want to start crossing your fingers. [caption id="attachment_972411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo © 2022 Chris Phelps.[/caption] Top image: Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.
Pirates of Australia: prepare to panic and startle the parrot perched on your rough, sea dog shoulder. The Pirate Bay, the worst enabler of petty criminality in Australia (probably), will be blocked in the next 15 days. According to ABC News, in a case before the Federal Court of Australia, Foxtel and Village Roadshow have asked for five major torrent sites, including The Pirate Bay, to be blocked by major internet service providers. Other sites include Torrentz, TorrentHound, IsoHunt and SolarMovie. It'll be up to the ISPs to decide how to do the blocking. In what is presumably favourable news for piraters, the ISPs haven't been granted a rolling injunction, which means new sites can't be added to the block list as they spring up. This means mirroring can (and most probably will) spring up, making the whole legal exercise a little redundant. One commenter on the ABC post offered their experience of similar legal orders in the UK. What the lack of rolling injunction means is that if a site like TorrentHound (which doesn't actually exist anymore), closes down and restarts under a different name, they will have to go back to court to shut it down. It's been noted (again and again, mind you) that VPNs are an easy and cheap way around the blocks, but Graham Burke — co-chief executive of Village Roadshow, who, as well as being one of the copyright-holding applicants, have also proposed a plan to fine illegal downloaders — told the ABC he doesn't think they are a significant issue. "The experience overseas is not many people use VPNs because they cost money as well," he told ABC News. Sure thing. While the outcome of this court case doesn't worry most people — and there's nothing in the act that mentions any fines or penalties for people who try to access the blocked sites — the precedent has been set, so it'll be easier in future to litigate. In a live Facebook video chat, ABC journalists Will Ockenden and Jake Sturmer note that piracy rates have dropped since sites like Presto, Netflix and Stan have become widely available in Australia, so it's possible a solution is out there. What did they expect, though? Australia was colonised by a steady stream of low-key crims from the start. If they could have downloaded bread in the 1700s, you know the convicts would have been racing home every Monday to download the latest tastiest loaf from HBO. Via ABC News.
When the annual World's 50 Best Restaurants announced its picks in 2023, Australia was completely absent, missing out on spots in both the top 50 itself and the 51–100 longlist. Which eateries have made the cut in 2024 is only just starting to be unveiled, beginning with the tail end of the choices — and trust Josh and Julie Niland to help get Aussie hospitality back among the rankings. Saint Peter has taken out 98th place on the 2024 51–100 longlist, and it's the only Australian restaurant named so far. The top 50 itself will be unveiled on Wednesday, June 5, so there's still hope that some more love will be sent Down Under. The last time that there was an Aussie showing in the full 100 was in 2022, when Andrew McConnell's Melbourne diner Gimlet at Cavendish House came in at 84 for its World's 50 Best debut. [caption id="attachment_952313" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] Named ahead of its move in July into The Grand National Hotel, Saint Peter is similarly a new entry, earning praise for the Nilands' famed nose-to-tail approach to the ocean's finest. That ethos has already seen Josh's applauded The Whole Fish Cookbook win him the prestigious James Beard Book of the Year Award back in 2020, becoming the first Australian to ever take out the prize. In 2022, he was the only Australian chef to feature in The Best Chefs Awards for 2022 — aka the list of the top 100 best globally — too. The same year, both Josh and Julie picked up the Game Changer Award from France's La Liste. "Not every restaurant can legitimately claim to be spearheading a movement. Yet this cool concept from Josh Niland takes the great Australian seafood tradition to previously unexplored heights," said the team behind 2024's World's 50 Best Restaurants 51–100 list in this year's rankings. "Known as 'the fish butcher', Niland favours techniques typically associated with meat. With a gill-to-fin approach, he utilises as much of the fish as possible, from eyes to organs, bones to scales – and everything in between. The innovative menu changes daily to reflect that morning's catch," the shoutout went on. [caption id="attachment_952314" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] Australia's hospitality scene hasn't ever dominated the World's 50 Best Restaurants gongs, but not placing at all for 2023 didn't escape attention. Just two Aussie restaurants claimed spots in 2021's awards, both of them Victorian, with Dan Hunter's Brae placing 57th and Ben Shewry's Ripponlea fine diner Attica coming in at number 97. There were no awards in 2020, but Brae and Attica also placed in the longlist in 2019. In 2018, Attica came in 20th and Brae 58th. Australia has had up to four restaurants in the top 50 before, including three when the awards debuted in 2002. The World's 50 Best awards are chosen by a panel of over 1000 culinary experts, guided by a strict voting procedure. They're now hosted by a different country each year, with Melbourne playing host city back in 2017. In 2023, Central in Lima, Peru acme in first. The year's other picks included Disfrutar in Barcelona in second, Diverxo in Madrid in third, Atxondo's Asador Etxebarri in fourth and Copenhagen's Alchemist in fifth. Next came Maido in Lima, Lido 84 in the Gardone Riviera, Atomix in New York, Quintonil in Mexico City and Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris to round out the top ten. Wondering about the best places to eat Down Under, regardless of what the World's 50 Best Restaurants chooses? Check out our picks for the best Sydney and best Melbourne restaurants. [caption id="attachment_811440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] To check out the World's 50 Best Restaurants 51–100 list, head to the awards' website. The top 50 will be announced on Wednesday, June 5 — and we'll update you then. Top image: Christopher Pearce.
There's nothing quite like a true story, whether it's a wild, chaotic, so-strange-it-can-only-be-true kind of tale or an informative, eye-opening yarn. That's Antenna Documentary Film Festival's cinematic bread and butter, with the Sydney-based event rolling out a new lineup of factual flicks for ten fests now — and it's celebrating hitting that big milestone with an impressive 2022 program. When the festival returns from Wednesday, February 2–Sunday, February 13 — hitting up Dendy Newtown, Palace Chauvel, Palace Verona, MCA Australia and Powerhouse Museum — it'll do so with a lineup of 50 features and shorts, as well as a day-long industry chat about the medium. The big highlight is all those feature-length docos, of course, including the 13 movies in the fest's official competition. Among the titles competing for the event's $10,000 prize, Charm Circle serves up a portrait of eccentric New York family navigating and has been likened to Grey Gardens — and also opens the festival. In terms of other competition standouts, it's joined by homegrown effort The Lake of Scars, which heads to regional Victoria; Courage, which explores the protests against the 2020 Belarus presidential election; and The Bubble, which ventures to a Florida retirement home with 155,000 retirees, 54 golf courses and 70 swimming pools. Or, elsewhere throughout the program, Jagged dives into Alanis Morissette's career; The Real Charlie Chaplin uses audio recordings, reconstructions and personal archival materials to traces Charlie Chaplin's Hollywood stardom; Sisters with Transistors celebrates pioneering women in the electronic music scene; and The Most Beautiful Boy in the World unfurls the story of Death in Venice actor Björn Andrésen, who earned that nickname as a the 15 year old. Yes, it's a great year for docos about the entertainment industry. Plus, you can see Sundance award-winner All Light, Everywhere, which examines the shared histories of cameras, weapons, policing and justice; The Gig Is Up, which ponders the gig economy; and the Cannes-awarded A Night of Knowing Nothing, which contemplates university student life in India. Antenna Documentary Film Festival 2022 runs from Wednesday, February 2–Sunday, February 13 at Dendy Newtown, Palace Chauvel, Palace Verona, MCA Australia and Powerhouse Museum. For more information and to buy tickets, head to the festival's website.
Current world events don't make the prospect of international travel seem particularly appealing at the moment. The truth is though, cinema has been taunting travellers for decades. Whatever holiday you might have planned, there's a horror movie just waiting to convince you otherwise. Heading to a cabin for a quiet weekend? The Evil Dead and The Cabin in the Woods have news for you. Venturing across the Australian outback? That's where Wolf Creek comes in. Seeking out a gorgeous beach? Whatever you do, don't watch The Shallows. Stopping at a roadside hotel? Didn't turn out so well in Psycho. Bound for Europe? Hostel made a whole trilogy about what you can expect. With a name that combines Germany's largest city with the connection that can arise between hostages and their captors, Berlin Syndrome initially appears to traverse similar terrain as the movies mentioned above. Indeed, the film starts with Brisbanite Clare (Teresa Palmer) arriving abroad, chatting to fellow backpackers and wandering the streets. An aspiring photographer, she snaps everything from famous buildings to everyday folks along the way. Then she meets Andi (Max Riemelt), a German schoolteacher who opens with a line about strawberries, takes her for a scenic walk, and intrigues Claire enough that she changes her plans to jump to her next destination. They have a fun night out together, go back to his apartment, and...things go south from there. It should all sound familiar, of course. That's Berlin Syndrome's aim, for two reasons. Based on the book of the same name, directed by Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland (Somersault), and adapted by screenwriter Shaun Grant (Jasper Jones, Snowtown), the film's entire premise relies on several elements that many movies have already covered — a dream vacation gone bad, and a romantic spark that turns sinister. But the movie also takes scenarios that have been done to death and thrusts them into unexpected territory. It's not a spoiler to say that Clare awakes the next morning to find that she's locked in Andi's flat, and that he's removed the SIM card from her phone. Nor does it give the game away to reveal that he has trapped her on purpose. After spending its setup revelling in the excitement and openness of travel, Berlin Syndrome dedicates most of its running time to the opposite extreme with an expert command of tension. At the same time, the film unpacks Clare's complicated response, as she seesaws between fighting back and slowly settling into a twisted version of domesticity. Behind the camera, Shortland crafts a film of juxtapositions, both in terms of tone, and in the sites of Andi's apartment versus the city outside. But there's no one better at getting to the heart of the film's internal conflict than Palmer. The Aussie actress has had a huge year or so, popping up in everything from the bad Point Break remake to the locally made war flick Hacksaw Ridge. But she's in career-best form here as she conveys Clare's inner turmoil. Likewise, it takes considerable skill for Riemelt to make Andi more than a straightforward villain. Welcome to Berlin Syndrome, a murky, confronting trip. Deep dive into Berlin Syndrome's core themes and read our feature examining how modern filmmakers like Cate Shortland are tackling complex issues of psychological manipulation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceVBDJNHL0k
UPDATE, February 12, 2021: Booksmart is available to stream via Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. When Booksmart premiered at SXSW in March to widespread acclaim, it earned immediate comparisons to another teen-centric comedy. Like Superbad, it follows two high-school outsiders who finally let loose before graduation. The film also stars a member of the Feldstein family — Beanie Feldstein, who is best known for Bad Neighbours 2, Lady Bird and the television version of What We Do in the Shadows, and happens to be Jonah Hill's sister. But likening this hilarious exploration of female friendship to a male-centric flick doesn't do Booksmart justice. Nor does badging it a gender-swapped twist on its ostensible predecessor. Drawing upon a smart, sharp script (by seasoned TV writers Emily Halpern and Sarah Haskins, as well as The Spy Who Dumped Me's Susanna Fogel and Isn't It Romantic's Katie Silberman), actor-turned-filmmaker Olivia Wilde isn't trying to create a female clone of anything. Rather, the first-time director brings an insightful and amusing story to the screen, plus two relatable characters that make it shine. Yes, they're young women. Yes, the film is filled with gross-out gags and other outlandishness. And yes, this type of fare doesn't usually focus on girls, favour a feminine perspective or stem exclusively from female voices. That says as much about the film industry as it does about Booksmart, however, and it isn't a new issue. As seen with Bridesmaids and the spate of comedies that followed, comparing female-fronted movies to their supposed male counterparts has become society's way of coping with a clear failing. We don't have much of a framework for films like these because they're much too rare and, even as they gradually increase in number, we're not conditioned to seeing women in these situations. Addressing that gap by broadening the range of tales told really couldn't be more crucial. But it's equally important to recognise a standout picture not because it recalls another flick, but because it's truly a delight on its own merits. With its affectionate energy, inclusive vibe, side-splitting gags and excellent lead performances, Booksmart boasts plenty of cheer-worthy highlights, each making the movie's generally familiar narrative feel fresh. The day before they're due to don their caps and gowns, listen to speeches and farewell everything they know, firm best friends Molly (Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) suddenly come to a realisation: they've actually wasted the past few years. While the studious duo worked hard to secure spots at impressive colleges, their partying peers also scored places at prestigious schools. An overachiever who'll never be told that she can't do something, Molly is especially incensed, convincing Amy to use their last night as secondary students to make up for what they've been missing. Coordinating outfits, hopping between celebrations, dealing with pesky adults, chasing their respective crushes, trying mind-altering substances — that's Molly and Amy's big leap from brainiacs to party gals. As they jump around Los Angeles, they not only navigate a series of raucous antics, but encounter a lively roster of supporting players, including Jason Sudeikis as their Lyft-driving principal, Jessica Williams as the teacher who's ready to rage with them, and scene-stealer Billie Lourd as a free-spirited classmate. Charting her protagonists' eventful evening, Wilde always finds the right approach for every moment. Booksmart segues effortlessly between spirited soundtrack choices, anarchic comic set-pieces and one of the most memorable animated scenes to hit cinemas in years, with each directorial selection intimately tied to the picture's central pair. That's the key to this astute coming-of-age comedy, because none of the revelry means anything if it doesn't take the characters on a journey. If Booksmart had just stuck with wild hijinks and kept its fun skin-deep, it would've still proven an enjoyable night at the movies, immersing audiences in its upbeat party atmosphere. And yet, the film ventures beyond hedonistic thrills and straightforward life lessons. While those elements are part of the movie, they're the equivalent of streamers and balloons — nice to have, but not the main attraction. Instead, Booksmart uses its madcap merriment to delve into Molly and Amy's close bond, and the reality that it too will change along with everything else in their lives. Each episodic escapade speaks to something within their complex friendship, unpacking a connection that's loving and messy, shifting yet solid, and supportive but sometimes overwhelming all at once. Relationships, especially lifelong platonic friendships between adolescents on the cusp of adulthood, are like that — something which this equally hilarious and heartfelt film embraces. It's no understatement to say that, even with everything else turning out swimmingly, this would've been a completely different movie without Feldstein and Dever. Wilde asked the duo to live together to develop a genuine rapport, and the naturalistic results show in every scene. Booksmart isn't short on dialogue, but it conveys just as much via body language, with the talented actors wearing their camaraderie like a second skin. That said, they're not just a complicated, compelling, compliment-slinging double act. Whether Feldstein is standing up to Molly's taunting peers, or Dever is showing how the out-but-uninitiated Amy remains awkward about love and sex, Booksmart's rising stars ensure that their on-screen alter-egos couldn't feel more authentic. With its frank and funny snapshot of one crazy, revelatory night, the film does the same with the entire teenage experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwojM2j0Xb0
What's huge, oval-shaped, usually confined to the realms of fiction, belongs to a creature that's played a key part in the biggest TV series of the past decade, and currently sitting in Melbourne this very instant? A dragon egg, of course. What can you mosey over to Federation Square to see for the next two days in all of its four-metre-tall glory? What's surrounded by dragon eyes and the flying, fire-breathing critters' silhouettes across buildings around the Victorian capital? That very egg — to the joy of wannabe Targaryens, naturally. Always felt like you belong in the Game of Thrones House with an affinity for scaly beasts? Keen to live out your George RR Martin fandom in any way you can? Need something to do before the Iron Throne visits Melbourne in September? Just so excited about GoT prequel House of the Dragon that you don't know how to cope until it starts airing on Monday, August 22?Here's your answer. If you live elsewhere in the country, though, you'll want to do one of two things: plan an impromptu trip this weekend, or get one of your mates to go along so you can live vicariously through their photos. Either way, the towering egg is only on display at Fed Square from 10am–7pm on Friday, August 19 and 8am–7pm on Saturday, August 20. And, as well as seeing it, taking snaps next to it and peering upwards to spy signs of dragons around Melbourne, you'll want to keep your ears pricked as well — there's a soundscape filled with the calls and noises of dragons echoing around the place, too. The reason for this ovoid pop-up? Promoting House of the Dragon, of course. The series is finally coming after years of speculation, development and announcements about various spinoffs are under consideration (including a Jon Snow-focused sequel) — and this egg is here to prove it. If you've somehow missed all the House of the Dragon news, the show is set 200 years before the events of GoT, and focuses on House Targaryen. Yes, that means that dragons are obviously part of the series — again, hence this giant egg. Also pivotal: a Succession-style battle over who should sit on the Iron Throne, because it wouldn't be a Game of Thrones prequel without it. Anyone in the vicinity of Fed Square can head over to see the egg for free, and get a taste of Australia's latest pop culture-themed installation — after a barber giving out The Gray Man-style goatees and moustaches also did the honours in Melbourne recently, and an Everything Everywhere All At Once-inspired multidimensional laundromat before that. Cinema Nova also decked itself out The French Dispatch-style last summer, while Sydney has seen the giant 'Red Light, Green Light' doll from Squid Game made an appearance by the harbour, and a Stranger Things rift open up on Bondi Beach. This isn't the dragon egg's first local stop, actually. It first arrived at Anglesea, on the beach, on Thursday, August 18 — which clearly would've made quite the sight. Then, it travelled along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, ready for two days of GoT devotees in Fed Square. Check out the full House of the Dragon trailer below: Find the House of the Dragon dragon egg at Federation Square, the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets, Melbourne, from 10am–7pm on Friday, August 19 and 8am–7pm on Saturday, August 20. House of the Dragon will start airing on Monday, August 22 Down Under via Foxtel and Binge. Images: Aaron Walker Photography.
Sydney Festival 2012 may have wrapped up on Sunday, but you can still catch a number of Concrete Playground's highlights — all presented in conjunction with Sydney's theatre companies — on stages around town for the next few weeks. These are the top five shows worth grappling for tickets to. 1. I'm Your Man (Belvoir) The most surprising thing about this Sydney Festival show is that we love it despite its not-so-palatable subject, boxing. But this documentary theatre work immerses you in the world of a boxing gym that has more depth than you would have thought it could possibly contain. Knockout. 2. Thyestes (Belvoir and The Hayloft Project) Simon Stone and his stellar collaborators have been nice enough to bring Thyestes up from Melbourne so we could see what all the fuss was about. Turns out this thoroughly modernised version of the Greek tragedy that birthed all other Greek tragedies is brilliant, a true shock and a joy to watch. 3. The Boys (Griffin Theatre) This revisit of a past classic is as devastating as it feels real, and nightmarish in its intensity. The Sprague brothers, headed by the fresh-out-of-jail Brett, head out to enact their vendetta against women. 4. A History of Everything (STC and Ontroerend Goed) Fast, kinetic and incredibly thoughtful theatre from these Aussie-Belgian collaborators. Their careening ride through the history of human society, organic life, tectonic shifts and the birth and expansion of the universe takes you to some amazing places. 5. Never Did Me Any Harm (Sydney Theatre Company and Force Majeure) Think your parents messed you up? Share in stories of child-rearing and suburban life that are alternately painful and amusing, infuriating and touching in this powerful dance theatre work.
All hail the new kid on the block — Chaotic Social is here to shake things up. If your current adult life has begun to feel monotonous, uneventful or (dare I say) lonely — or if it has simply been lacklustre for some time now — here's your chance to change that. As the name suggests, this social club aims to add some creative flare and organised fun to your current schedule. Founded by Sydney's former 'Sausage Queen', Chrissy Flanagan, the vibrant organisation hopes to not only forge new friendships between attendees, but also to spruce up social calendars everywhere. Previously the co-owner of The Sausage Factory restaurant and the Queens Of Chaos brewery, Chrissy has taken to this new venture which was birthed from her personal frustrations with the difficulty of forming new friendships as an adult. "It's often said Sydney is a particularly tricky place to make friends as an adult," Chrissy said. "If you miss out on doing any of the big four — high school, uni, work, kids — locally or at all, it's hard to bridge the gap, leaving many of us lonelier than we would like." She continues: "As adults, we're embarrassed or too self-conscious to use modern tools such as friend networking apps to solve this problem. Chaotic Social is seeking to bridge that gap, in the form of classes and panels on weird crafts, mad skills and naked ambition, where you're encouraged to roll solo and go home with a few new mates in your phone." At its core, Chaotic Social aims to solve the struggle of making new friends in adulthood by hosting a bunch of fun events in a safe space. From creepy doll-making classes and 'speed mating' parties to sausage classes (naturally) and an online book club, you'll find activities that, at the very least, pique your interest. Head over to Petersham and you'll be greeted with the bold neon sign out front, before entering a room completely enveloped by orange. Whether you choose to hit up the event of your choice solo or in a group, you are guaranteed a good time — and your future self will thank you for it. Do keep in mind that participation in activities is not optional — no spectators! So if you're planning to attend, be prepared to get involved. You can find Chaotic Social at 256 Stanmore Road, Petersham. If you're keen to head in and check it out, take your pick from the social club's upcoming events at their events page.
Darling Harbour hotspot Bungalow 8, which underwent a $3 million reno last year, is welcoming the cooler months with the return of Rhythm and Brunch. Head along on the first Sunday of the month for two hours of bottomless drinks, tasty eats and nonstop R&B, all backdropped by dazzling harbour views. For $89, you'll be sipping on endless cocktails, wine and beer. The cocktail menu is dedicated to a trio of refreshing spritzes: Aperol, limoncello and a peach, wild berry and hibiscus serve. On top of that, you and your mates can graze on a generous share platter, loaded with smoked salmon finger sandwiches, Thai-style chicken wings and grilled corn on the cob. You'll also be treated to sweet bites like mini danishes and fluffy scones. Providing the soundtrack will be a series of DJs spinning R&B tunes, including plenty of sing-along-able hits. When the bottomless drinks finish, you can stick around for an after-party that'll go well into the night.
About Time is a new pop-up bar embracing the idea that nothing lasts forever by opening in a soon-to-be-demolished building in Sydney's CBD. Situated on the corner of Hunter and Bligh Streets, the venue opens from Wednesday, October 20 until the site's demolition in late 2022 to make way for the new Hunter Street metro train station. So it will go out with a literal wrecking ball. That's proper rock and roll. About Time is the baby of seven hospitality veterans, pulling together experience at a slew of Sydney venues including Opera Bar, The Baxter Inn, The Gidley and The Roosevelt. The menu is centred around an ever-changing drinks menu and simple slow-cooked and coal-fired dishes with an affinity for fun twists on Australian culinary classics. Think boozy versions of the servo slushie including Irish coffee and Frosty Fruit flavours, plus roast lamb sandwiches and the classic combo of Jatz and French onion dip made in-house. The lamb sandwich will be sourced from family farms in NSW and slow-roasted over coals before served on a damper roll from St Malo Bakery and topped with mint jelly. A rotating list of wines will also be on hand, with the bar's owners giving themselves the freedom to chop and choose selections for the drinks list depending on supply and what they're enjoying. Nothing lasts forever, after all. "Expect to see cracking examples of Australian wine alongside delicious European drops on a rotating list," partner Shannon Ponsford says. "If we can only get a few cases, when it's gone – it's gone!" Spritzes on taps and an array of inventive cocktails cap off the About Time drinks line-up. According to co-owner and award-winning bartender Jono Carr: "The cocktails will be fun and approachable, made with care, using high-end spirits, quality ingredients and forward-thinking techniques."
