The Beach Boys, one of the world's most influential bands, are reunited for the first time in more than two decades. Stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth mark their fiftieth anniversary, and an end to years of resentful animosity. Playing forty hits spanning over six decades, the tour's new show is described as being "complete and comprehensive", with these old gods once again bringing their summer sound to a wintry Australia. Since forming back in 1961 in California, The Beach Boys have cemented themselves as one of the world's most iconic rock bands, with hits like 'Surfin' USA' and 'I Get Around' still being listened to by all age groups even today. Their 29th album, That's Why God Made The Radio, was released in June this year, propelling the band back to the top ranks of the the US chart where they belong. https://youtube.com/watch?v=RljRp1JgaBQ
Everybody loves treehouses. Don't let anyone tell you that timber structures in branches are just for kids — living in your own sky-high hideaway amongst the greenery is an urge that you never grow out of. Thankfully, from plane-shaped buildings to entire apartment blocks to Australia's finest treetop spaces, there's no shortage of spots to climb up to. And while they all come with great views, Italy's latest addition to the fold is taking the concept up a few notches. Located in the Dolomites, the two Pigna treehouses overlook the alpine range from their lofty spot — and look like they've always been there. Suspended ten metres above the ground, and measuring eight-and-a-half metres in height and six in width, the cosy, three-level holiday homes are built to resemble pinecones, using larch shingles made from wood from Central Europe's Alpe-Adria region. Inside, those spending the night will find 360-degree vantages over the gorgeous scenery, a living area with a kitchenette, and a top-floor bedroom complete with a skylight. Nestled into fir trees, the treehouses are accessible by individual bridges, with every aspect designed to provide "a journey to discover the sounds, smells and scenery of nature." The project, which was finished this year, was originally conceived by architect Luca Beltrame as part of the ArchTriump competition in 2014. Via Dezeen. Images: DomusGaia / Malga Priu Ugovizza / Luca Beltrame + Laura Tessaro.
Tequila: 1. You: 0. That's right, champ, you're hungover. And when your head is throbbing and your stomach is promising to reject your carb-loaded breakfast, it is near impossible to resist the urge to crawl right back into bed, and stay there. All day. This plan of action isn't always the practical choice, however. Especially if you are in, say, Las Vegas. There's more booze to be drunk, more shenanigans to get into. Lucky for you, there's a solution. And no, it isn't ibuprofen and a Vitamin Water. Enter the fleet of magical buses, Hangover Heaven. The brainchild of Dr. Jason Burke, Hangover Heaven buses are available for walk-in visits, or to drop by the hotel rooms of those in need. The 45-minute IV treatment rehydrates you, all the while pumping you full of hangover-busting vitamins. The treatment is FDA-approved, and available for a charge of US$150. Get in. Get out. Go rage. [via Gawker]
Acclaimed London and Miami bar Sexy Fish is sparing no expense in launching its new cocktail menu. The renowned international venue is taking to six continents (sorry Antarctica) to unveil its latest creations, enlisting the help of four host bars across the globe to join in. Luckily for us, one of those bars is right here in Sydney, with South Eveleigh's Re- the representative from Australia. The menu launch will take place on Monday, March 6, with Sexy Fish's two venues premiering the boundary-pushing displays of mixology alongside Cape Town's Cause Effect, EL BARON in Cartagena, Zest in Seoul, and Re-. Arriving from Matt Whiley and Maurice Terzini in 2021 with a focus on sustainability and an exciting drinks list, Re- will showcase 20 cocktail creations, including 16 alcoholic combos and four non-alcoholic variations. "Re- is thrilled to have been chosen as the Australian counterpart for the launch of Sexy Fish's new cocktail menu, Trinity," says Whiley. "We've loved working with Sexy Fish to create their Trinity menu Down Under, ensuring our sharp focus on local ingredients and sustainability continue to lead the way with drinks, preferencing innovation and taste while minimising waste." Highlights from the menu include a coconut and lemongrass cocktail featuring Absolut Elyx vodka and sake; a playful creation made with marshmallow-infused gin and fortified wines; and the Coffee and Toast, which combines brown butter-infused mezcal, coffee, caramel, Campari and manzanilla. Re- will open especially for this world-spanning cocktail showcase on the Monday, with no bookings available — walk-ins only. If you want to taste what Sexy Fish has been whipping up, just venture down to South Eveleigh early and nab a spot at the bar.
UPDATE, July 6, 2021: Antarctica Flights will also be flying out of Canberra this year, departing on November 7. For further details, head to the Antarctica Flights website. Seeing the South Pole is a bucket-list dream at the best of times, and even more so in these pandemic-afflicted times. But, if you have a bit of spare cash to burn, it's actually achievable — including while Australia's borders remain mostly closed to international travel. Eager to head overseas just for one day? Then you'd best get in quick to score a seat on the upcoming Antarctica flights out of Australia. As it has in previous years, sightseeing group Antarctica Flights is taking bookings for a series of rare, sky-high charter tours. And if you're wondering how the day trips can go ahead during COVID-19, that's because they're classified as domestic flights. You won't even need to take your passport with you. Departing Perth (November 14, 2021), Adelaide (November 21, 2021), Brisbane (November 28, 2021), Melbourne (December 5, 2021 and February 6, 2022) and Sydney (December 31, 2021 and February 13, 2022), these flights will cruise above the dazzling Antarctica Treaty area for around four hours. Each flight path is carefully chosen to maximise viewing from both sides of the plane and to ensure the best views should the weather turn nasty, while some passengers will rotate seats to allow everyone an equal shot at the spectacular scenery below. Travelling on a Qantas 787 Dreamliner, the whole trip clocks in at around 12.5 hours — depending on your departure city — during which you'll hear from expert Antarctic explorers, talking about the polar environment and its fascinating history. All that, while enjoying some better-than-average Qantas plane food, full bar service and, in the lead-up to the views, a spot of in-flight entertainment — classic flick Happy Feet, or some Antarctic docos, of course. As expected, this kind of plane trip doesn't come cheap — you're looking at $1199 to be seated without direct access to a window. Other options, including Standard Economy Class ($2199), Superior Economy Class ($3199) and Premium Economy Class ($3999) involve seat rotations throughout the flight, so passengers can spend time both close to the window and further away. Of course, you and your favourite travel buddy could drop $7999 each on Business Class Deluxe tickets to have a window seat and the one next to it all to yourselves for the entire flight. Regardless of which type of seat you fork out for, COVID-19 safety measures will be in effect — including temperature testing and pre-flight health and safety forms; providing disposable masks, sanitiser and disinfectant wipes; enhanced cleaning procedures; and not selling all seats in Economy Class. Antarctica Flights' 2021–22 season is open for bookings now, with flights out of Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney between November 14, 2021–February 13, 2022. Images: Antarctica Flights
Apple's plan to build its first Australian flagship store at Federation Square has been one of Melbourne's most controversial new building projects in recent times. And now, after almost 18 months of back and forth, it looks like the plans will be scrapped after Heritage Victoria today refused the huge tech company's application to knock down one of the existing buildings. Heritage Victoria has this afternoon officially refused Apple's application for a permit to 'dismantle and demolish' the Yarra Building and build a new two-level store on the site. In its refusal, the body noted that the proposed building would have an "unacceptable and irreversible detrimental impact on the cultural heritage status" of Fed Square as it would 'encroach' on public space and detract from the cohesive design of the current square format. It says that the negative impacts of the proposal "are not outweighed by the benefits". The Andrews Government has confirmed that, without the ability to build a new structure, Apple will not go ahead with the project. Instead, the government will launch a review (with public consultation) into the future of Federation to ensure it grows as "an innovative and exciting place for our community". https://twitter.com/NTAV/status/1114007888458948608 This will make opponents to Apple's plans very happy. After being announced in late 2017, Apple's proposed Fed Square store has received considerable community backlash, both around the designs and the fact that it would tear down and replace the existing Yarra Building — and displace the Koorie Heritage Trust in the process. The government has confirmed that the trust will be able to remain in its current home while the review is being completed. It's gone through a lot since. The Victorian landmark was granted temporary heritage protection in August, and then in October it was recommended for permanent inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register by Heritage Victoria, which prevented any work on the new Apple store from commencing. This refusal doesn't mean Fed Square has heritage status — and it doesn't mean another retail offering could take its place. Heritage Victoria has stated that a "more conventional" commercial business could be viable for the Yarra Building if its requirements could result in a smaller impact on the square. Image: Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria.
The annual Orange Wine Festival is back for its 13th run, with ten days of events highlighting the region's sophisticated winemaking from October 12 through October 21. Patrons can expect wine shows, tastings, dinners and educational workshops, all of which showcase the rich diversity of Orange's rich culinary culture. This year's packed-out program includes over 90 events, which are open to all wine lovers, from the connoisseurs to those still getting to know their palate. The region is known for its cool climate which creates wines with bright fruit and deep, balanced flavours, making them some of the best drops in the country. While there are events on every day of the two weeks, you shouldn't miss the festival's flagship Night Market on October 19 — over 50 food stalls and wine bars will pop up in in Orange's Robertson Park for a night of wining and dining under the country sky. If you want to try as many wines as possible, the Orange Wine Show Tasting on October 12 will give you a taste of 200 wines for a reasonable $60. Even with all the events, you won't have any time to sit still — the region is home to 80 vineyards and over 30 cellar doors. We recommend organising a driver so you can drink it all.
On the silver screen, Australia's golden landscape is frequently the place where pain dwells. Even when spinning fiction, films such as Mystery Road, Goldstone, Sweet Country, High Ground, The Furnace and The Survival of Kindness scorch reality's horrors and heartbreaks into celluloid with ample help from an ochre-hued backdrop that can only belong to the land Down Under. In Sweet As, the red earth of Western Australia's Pilbara region similarly couldn't be more pivotal; however, this coming-of-age drama from first-time feature director and writer Jub Clerc (The Heights) — who previously contributed segments to anthology movies The Turning and Dark Whispers: Volume 1, draws upon her own adolescent experiences for her full-length debut, and crafts the first WA flick that's helmed and penned by an Indigenous female filmmaker — deploys its patch of Aussie soil as a place where teenagers find themselves. Sweet As often lets its chosen terrain stretch as far as the eye can see, which homegrown cinema adores doing. As the movie roves lovingly over the Pilbara's plains and gorges, cinematographer Katie Milwright (Deadloch, The Clearing) sees its vivid hues, craggy surfaces, and dusty scrubland over and over. More than that, Clerc and her director of photography revel in the details and the beauty, conveying the power of Country, and of travel, in every patient and lingering shot. Indeed, watching Sweet As feels like communing with its surroundings; the picture itself is, and enthusiastically shares that sensation with viewers. As it peers and percolates — absorbs, too — the film also spies a canvas for hopes and dreams. It soaks in the inescapable potency of land that has meant so much to the planet's oldest continuous culture for so long, and now proves revelatory for a group of adolescents sent bush on a photo safari. Murra (Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Firebite) is one such shutterbug, albeit not by choice. With her mother Grace (Ngaire Pigram, also a Firebite alum) grappling with addiction, the 16-year-old is traversing a path to child services' care when her police-officer uncle Ian (Mark Coles Smith, Mystery Road: Origin) enrols her on a trip that she doesn't initially want to take. With youth workers Mitch (Tasma Walton, How to Please a Woman) and Fernando (Carlos Sanson Jr, Bump) as their guides and chaperones, Murra, Kylie (newcomer Mikayla Levy), Elvis (Pedrea Jackson, Robbie Hood) and Sean (fellow first-timer Andrew Wallace) are soon hurtling into the outback on a minibus with cameras in their hands — to snap the sights away from their ordinary lives, and also step beyond everything that they know, form new friendships, gain a different perspective and gaze as intently at themselves as they do at the earth from behind a lens. IRL and in the film, sending kids to capture the inimitable Australian scenery one photo at a time, and to roam over its vastness, is a simple yet profound concept. Murra and her companions — all strangers when they board the bus, and all considered at-risk due to their own troubles — are far too familiar with being scrutinised by others, but now get to do some clocking themselves in a cathartic way. They're tasked with judging what's worthy of their time and attention, and of being immortalised in their snapshots. As they point and shoot, they're given the freedom to express and inspect anything that can be glimpsed at through a viewfinder. They're empowered to be bold, break moulds and discover what no one else perceives. Creativity can be an escape, and it can also be an exorcising release and a catalyst to adopt new viewpoints. As its teen characters segue from apprehensive and rebellious to being grateful what they're doing, and where and why, Sweet As explores and appreciates the straightforward acts of road tripping and taking photographs along the way for everything they can offer. Thanks to its origins in her own tale, Clerc's feature unsurprisingly feels personal. Just as crucially, it feels lived in. Bringing a disparate group of high schoolers together isn't a novel storyline, nor is having them glean life-changing insights in the process — The Breakfast Club has notched up nearly four decades of affection for nailing the formula — but Sweet As never merely ticks recognisable plot boxes. Even as Murra's journey involves crushes, questionable choices and underage drinking, the film always values its characters over the teen rites of passage they undertake. While so much about no longer being a kid but not yet being an adult is universal, the most potent examinations of what that's genuinely like refract teendom's markers and milestones through the people going through them. As told by Clerc, Murra's plight is deeply relatable, including while anchored in being an Indigenous youth in Australia today, but it's also exactly what it is because of who the movie's protagonist uniquely is — and, again, why. Consequently, casting is as important to Sweet As as Clerc's formative years, script (as co-penned with Seriously Red actor and Rush screenwriter Steve Rodgers), and calm and confident guiding hand. This is just the fifth entry on Barnes-Cowan's resume after Operation Buffalo, Total Control, Firebite and Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, and it's the young Adnyamathanha woman's fifth exceptional performance — the fifth in a career that, based on her excellent efforts so far, is only going to keep growing and expanding. Naturalism and resilience have swiftly become consistent hallmarks of her work, each assisting in making Murra seem like she's walked into the frame from reality. Clerc benefits from both, too, observing Barnes-Cowan as Murra observes the world, and finding an entire universe of emotion blossoming. What does it mean to truly take notice — of people, personalities, Country, cultures, history, existence's big and small highlights, and also everything that's often overlooked — and to be taken notice of in return? They're questions that Sweet As endeavours to sit with. As set to all-Indigenous soundtrack, the film is happiest surveying, contemplating and being in the moment; like protagonist, like movie. Sweet As also shines as an example of what it means to cherish a shared exchange, thoughtful glance, bonding experience, radiant hue, gorgeous vista and perfectly captured instant. This buoyant feature brims with all of the above, beaming as brightly as the distinctively Australian landscape it can't and won't stop treasuring.
Inspired by the theme "fearless", the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is promising more than 100 events and over 400 artists running across 17 days. In addition to the signatures — including the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, March 2 — there's a bunch of new happenings this time round. One of the most anticipated is the Strictly Kaftan Party, a new pool party to be held at the Ivy on Tuesday, February 19. Don your favourite kaftan or hottest moo-moo and spend the day kicking back to New Zealand country duo The Topp Twins and various DJs. There'll be prizes for Best Kaftan, Best Cabana Lounging Ensemble and Most Outrageous Summer Accessory. Meanwhile, the Sissy Ball is back for another round, after selling out last year. Taking over Carriageworks on Saturday, February 23, this NYC ballroom-inspired event centres around vogue battles in the categories of dance, movement, fashion and air. In between watching acts of unabashed self-expression, you'll be kicking back to live music and DJs. On a more solemn note is the Requiem Mass: A Queer Divine Rite, which will fill the City Recital Hall with song on Thursday, February 21. This choral work, written by American composer Holcombe Waller in collaboration with LGBTQI+ communities, is informed by research into the persecution that LGBTQI+ people have experienced over the past 50 years. It'll be performed by Sam Allchurch and the Sydney Chamber Choir. The Seymour Centre, Newtown, will host Mardi Gras Central, the festival hub. Head down there anytime to catch theatre, music, dance, circus, cabaret and burlesque shows. Among the headliners is the inaugural Bent Burlesque, a feast of outrageous underground cabaret, circus, drag and performance art to take place over February 16 and 17 , as well as Club Briefs, set to bring you disco hits and dance moves from Wednesday, February 20 till Friday, March 1. You can look forward, too, to the return of longstanding favourites, including Fair Day at Victoria Park on Sunday, February 17; Pool Party at the Ivy on Monday, February 25; the Mardi Gras Party on Saturday, March 2 at the EQ Moore Park; and Laneway – the Parade's official recovery party – on Sunday, March 3 at The Beresford, Surry Hills. The 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will take place February 15– March 3, 2019. Check out the rest of the program over here. Images: Jeffrey Feng and Clare Willcox.
Since time immemorial, poets and bards have compared rolling hills to the fecund curves of the human body: "To whit, yon vale dost suggest to mine eye the breathing bosom of my lady fair." Or some such wankery. Now photographer Carl Warner makes the literary literal, in a series of 'landscapes' composed entirely of naked men and women. Using studio lighting and Photoshop compositional trickery, individual bodies becomes duplicates, limbs are seen from multiple angles, and skin becomes desert rock hewn by the wind of millennia. With titles like 'The Cave of Abdo-Men', 'Desert of Backs' and 'Shin Knee Valley' (a personal favourite), it's easy to see both the human and geological aspects of each picture, while imagining that they're images from a real world. Channelling the idea that a body that's lived in by an individual can be conceived as a larger place to live, Warner's pictures are sensual and intriguing, inviting you to take time identifying what body parts you're actually looking at. You can scope out the full series on Warner's website. A seasoned 'Otherscaper', for decades he's been crafting his trademark artificial landscapes out of food, office supplies, tools and all manner of products — and attracting many advertising clients in the process. His most famous body of work is his Foodscapes, entirely different in colour spectrum and emotional tenor but just as impressive as these mountains and valleys of luscious skin. The Desert of Sleeping Men Shin Knee Valley Shoulder Hill Valley Desert of Backs
The futuristic new Exchange building that's currently being built at Darling Square has been a long time coming, and information on what will be in the six-storey structure has come to us in dribs and drabs — but, as we edge closer to a mid-year opening date, more information on just what will be inside is coming to light. We already know that the Kengo Kuma-designed building will house a library and some pretty serious eats — and today, the final six eateries have been announced for The Exchange's food hub, Maker's Dozen. Those that have just been added to the bill are Tramsheds' sustainable seafood shop Fish & Co, takeaway poke favourites Fishbowl, Chippendale's bubble tea cafe Bubble Nini and Sri Lankan hopper stand Hopper Kadé, which has just shut its shop in Darlinghurst to prepare for the move. Cabramatta's Vietnamese eatery Bau Truong will be opening its third outpost, and Tapavino will launch its fourth: Boque by Tapavino. [caption id="attachment_715988" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bubble Nini bubble tea.[/caption] They join some of Sydney's most talked about restaurants, which have already been announced as part of the dozen. These include a new contemporary restaurant from late-night Chinatown institution Golden Century; a second outpost of Andy Bowdy's Saga; fusers of Japanese and Vietnamese goodness Mr. Bao Buns; a new bar and bottleshop from craft beer specialists Bucket Boys; and Pasta Wafu, an exciting new Japanese pasta shop created by Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines of Banksii and Kerby Craig of Ume. When it opens later this year, the Maker's Dozen will open from dawn till late seven days a week, making sure that those who work or live around Haymarket, Ultimo and Darling Harbour always somewhere to go for brekkie, lunch, dinner, dessert or drinks. Anthony Gill Architects is taking care of the design, with a Japanese-inspired mix of natural materials, relaxing colours and tidy lines. There'll be seating for 400, giving you a choice of indoor and outdoor communal tables, as well as areas for the specific areas. Maker's Dozen is slated to open in Darling Square's The Exchange in mid-2019. We'll update you as soon as further announcements are made.
After collaborating with The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne, nabbing a Coachella spot and spinning her way to international success over the past year, Sydney's Alison Wonderland is embarking on her second tour of industrial warehouse parties. Wonderland Warehouse Project 2.0 is set to hit the road nationwide from late May, the highly anticipated sequel to her wildly successful 2014 tour of the same name. Armed with a fresh set of tracks from debut album RUN, Wonderland will be popping up in secret locations across the country for what's pinned to be some seriously huge shows. Bringing electronica out of the clubs and into a string of mystery warehouses, this powerhouse Sydney DJ is going to run some rather unconventional, mega-scale dancefloors. Set to make her first appearance at Coachella in the States in April, off the back of casually working with Wayne Coyne for her latest record, Wonderland appears to have quite the 2015 in store. After last year's sell-out tour, get in quick to secure your spot at these epic warehouse shindigs. Tickets are only $40-45, so they sell quicker than you can fall down a rabbit hole. WONDERLAND WAREHOUSE PROJECT 2.0 DATES Brisbane — Friday May 22 Melbourne — Saturday May 30 Sydney — Saturday June 6 For tickets and more info, head to wonderlandwarehouseproject.com.
Claudia O'Doherty has a lively interest in the natural world. She's cowritten a book called 100 Facts About Pandas and performed a show called Monsters of the Deep 3D, for example. She also contributed a tale about killer whales to The Penguin Plays Rough Book of Short Stories, is part of a comedy group called Pig Island and premiered this current show at the Imperial Panda Festival earlier in the year. Its premise is that this is the TV show 'they' won't let O'Doherty make, and she takes audiences on a condensed tour of all 26 projected hours of the series and quite a long way into the personal life of a nearly unbearably intense and awkward character. The performance's accoutrements include water, cake, lasers, the most unflattering pair of pants possible, a cold sore and a much-maligned offstage technician named Suze. It's absurd in a totally deadpan way that makes the audience nervous as to whether this might be for real at the same time as they're certain that it isn't. O'Doherty's stage presence is naive and not exactly scientifically rigorous, but the show is as clever as can be.
Welcome to a world of vaudeville, grimy charm and breathtaking acrobatics. Sydney Festival's Scotch and Soda promises a raucous late-night circus event with a musical twist. This unique and energetic performance will fuse together infectious tunes from The Crusty Suitcase Band and bawdy theatrics from Company 2. Centrestage are the performers from last year’s Cantina, as well as familiar faces (or perhaps bodies) from previous circus events Smoke & Mirrors, La Clique and Circa. In Scotch and Soda, their expert circus skills and gravity-defying theatrics will be set against the rollicking soundscape of The Crusty Suitcase Band, an ensemble comprised purely of horns and drums that is irresistibly danceable. This dynamic collaboration will witness the performers working with and against the band’s ‘gyp hop’ musical stylings. There might even be a bit of role-reversal. Their performances will take place at 10.30pm in the Circus Ronaldo Tent at the Festival Village. Its old world decor, reeking of decadence and debauchery, complements this crew of rowdy misfits.
Australia's biggest fitness festival is returning to Sydney, and it's bringing an Olympic-sized obstacle course with it. From Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21, the AusFitness Expo is a mammoth weekend dedicated to strength, movement and wellness. Located at the International Convention Centre, lovers of strength and fitness can experience eight live competitions ranging from the World Powerlifting Championships, ICN Oceania Muscle & Model Comp, CrossFit Expo Games and Strongman events. Plus, you'll also get a chance to watch the live filming of Search4Hurt, a TV series pushing everyday athletes to physical and mental extremes. Those keen to get involved can tackle the YOHKA Sprint Serious obstacle course, designed to test speed, agility and endurance in equal measure. Meanwhile, fans of bodybuilding and strength sports can look forward to exclusive workouts and athlete appearances, with star names soon to be announced. Beyond the arena, the expo floor will host over 120 leading brands across nutrition, supplementation, apparel and training gear, including expo-only deals and product samples. With class fitness demonstrations, live competitions and expert-led wellness experiences under one roof, it's well worth the ticket for fitness fanatics. Tickets start at $20 via the website, with free AusFitness Expo tickets available for professionals working in the fitness industry and fitness students studying at an accredited institution. The weekend will be the busiest days, so if you want to beat the crowds, we recommend grabbing a Friday ticket.
The first of Federico Garcia Lorca’s folk trilogy of Spanish plays, Blood Wedding, begins with a woman dressed in black staring out from a bare stage. Beside her, a guitarist plays a fiery Flamenco-style rhythm. There is a sense of foreboding that one wouldn’t usually associate with a celebratory occasion – but this is not a festive wedding, it is a blood wedding. The audience is swiftly transported from contemporary Sydney to rural Spain in the 1930s where an Andalusian bride is forced to choose between duty and desire; her head and her heart. The grooms' domineering mother – still grieving the loss of her husband and her other son – rightly suspects that the bride’s shadowy past will interfere with her pledge to submissively love, honour and obey her bridegroom. She sees that her secret all-consuming passion for another (or "el duende," as Lorca himself called it) may precipitate social catastrophe and eradicate everyone else's chance for romantic fulfillment. The conventional world of the village collapses when the bride elopes with her first lover and the first act finishes. The realistic set is transformed into a surreal forest where two mythic figures - the Moon and Death - preside over a hunt to the death for the fugitives. The dry leaves covering the stage are reminders of the brittleness and brevity of life, and the creatively used spools of red thread symbolise how people's destinies become twisted and re-threaded. Blood Moon is not a feel-good play, but it unveils the power that society has to stifle individuality. It is worth going just to see the menacing Moon, covered in blood, command centre stage.
Another world of possibilities is unfolding as the Canadian Film Festival once again takes up residence at Sydney's Dendy cinemas. Now in its fifth year, this plucky event is the only annual celebration of Canadian films outside Canada — and what a celebration! The genius of this festival is a program that eagerly mixes premiere screenings with parties, talks and welcome drinks. That's Canadian hospitality for you. It remains to be seen if the festival can top last year's poll dancing romp, although the militant-ish Fight the Power party that kicks off after Saturday's screening of The Trotsky (fabulously described as Rushmore meets Ferris Bueller's Day Off) might just do the trick. Or there's the aptly named Vampire Ball — a night of djs and debauchery to coincide with the rock'n'roll vamp spoof Suck. There was also the chance to chat with beloved novelist Margaret Atwood about environmental documentary In the Wake of the Flood, but those tickets have already sold out. So the best bet is to get in quick for the rest of the festival's wonderful line up. The event will open with the Australian premiere of Chloe, the sexy tale from one of Canada's premier auteurs Atom Egoyan (Ararat, The Sweet Hereafter), starring Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried as the titular escort hired to test a husband's fidelity. There's also the world premiere of Arctic Blast, an Australian-Canadian co-production from one of our Ozploitation legends Brian Trenchard-Smith (Turkey Shoot). Prepare for solar flares and disastrous thrills. If documentaries are more your scene, then the programme includes the critically acclaimed Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould and another musical number, The Mighty Uke. Last Train Home is a captivating look at the largest human migration of workers returning to their families for Chinese New Year, while Invisible City takes to the streets of a Toronto's housing commission in an engrossing look at the lives of its young male residents. Closing night honours go to Xavier Dolan's provocative debut, I Killed My Mother, a gay coming-of-age story fueled by the feisty enthusiasm of its then 19-year-old director. Tickets for this, Chloe and family friendly doco Finding Farley are already selling fast, so don't miss out on this year's window into the various worlds of Canada. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HtU7ERJ3cTw
Leave it to the Europeans to design something this good looking. Parisian electronics artisans Withings may have just cracked the code to creating appealing wearable tech devices this week. The secret? More wearable, less tech. This recently announced smartwatch is one of the first offerings that doesn't overshoot its target. Not endeavouring to become an iPhone strapped to your wrist or a creepy maligned face computer, the Withings Activité is a beautiful Swiss-made watch that happens to also track your exercise activity. "We tried to really turn the equation upside down," said Withings CEO Cedric Hutchings. "[We wanted] to stop trying to make a piece of technology with a screen, a piece of rubber, something you need to charge every day. We tried to start with a watch." This minimalist-as-blazes watch, which is set to be released in a few months, comes with a large analogue face and two shades of leather strap. It boasts a regular watch battery with a guaranteed life of one year, and is actually waterproof up to five metres. Its only difference from the analogue standard is a small second dial to the right of the clock's centre. This one measures either your steps or your sleep, then syncs the information to your iPhone via Bluetooth. In another cute feature, the Activité can also act as an alarm clock, gently vibrating to wake you at the lightest point in your sleep cycle. While it may not sound all that revolutionary, it certainly is refreshing in a tech market flooded with unrelentingly hideous gadgetry. Like any burgeoning technological field, there are some design issues that need to get ironed out in the smartwatch market and we need to burn our way through a few Nokia 3315s before we get to the iPhones, if you know what I mean. This is probably one of the first worthwhile products of the bunch. Of course, nerdier types are still holding out for the much-hyped Google smartwatch next month — a nifty little piece of tech that even we got excited about. But for those who are more about simplicity and style, the Activité is the way to go. It's maybe the first thing that can be useful without completely resembling a Tamagotchi. Maybe for that we can forgive its cheesy promo clip. Via The Verge.
Sydney, you just can't get enough chicken. On Monday, we reported on the transformation of lower north shore eatery Johnny Lobster into Johnny Bird. Now, we bring you further poultry-related tidings. At the end of March, Enmore neighbourhood bar The Gretz will be shutting up shop, then reopening in late April as Wish Bone, a casual eatery devoted to fried chicken, under the same owners, U.S.-born chef Gregory Llewellyn and Naomi Hart. It's not any old cooked chook you'll be feasting on, but an old favourite — Llewellyn's mighty version, which attracted hungry hordes to Hartsyard, before it revamped and swapped to a veggie-driven menu in January this year. "Change is in the air," says Llewellyn. "I've wanted to focus on something singular for a while." Expect a tight, short menu, with fried chicken as centrepiece. Llewellyn is still finalising the details, but also mentions po' boys, poutine and, for sides, fermented pickles and stewed beans have been floated as possibilities. Although the feel will be casual, service will be attentive and focused. "There's no bar," says Hart. "So, the guest experience will be overseen entirely by one server, who'll greet you, seat you, water you, take your order." You can count on speed, too. Llewellyn adds, "People are there to eat and they're thirsty, so why make them wait?" The design, which is a work-in-progress, will reflect this ethos. "We used the words elegant and efficient," Naomi says. "We want to maintain the style and service we're known for." When Wish Bone opens in late April, the duo will hit the ground running, offering dinner seven nights a week, before adding lunches down the track. The Gretz is located at 125 Enmore Road, Enmore and will remain open until the end of March. It will then reopen at Wish Bone shortly after. We'll keep you updated on an opening date. In the meantime, you can get more info at thegretz.com.au.
If you, like us, are a big fan of cheese, you'll know the tasty hobby can get a bit pricey. From stocking up on wheels of brie to splashing out on truffled gouda and buying legit parmigiano-reggiano, things start to add up. Luckily, one of Sydney's finest providores is selling some of it cheap — real cheap. Two Providores — known for souring quality ingredients from Australia's best artisan producers — usually supplies top Sydney restaurants, cafes, caterers and retailers. But when many of its usual customers closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it decided to start selling its wholesale goods to you. One of which is two kilograms of smooth, salty, spreadable cubes of Meredith Dairy goat's cheese, marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic and herbs. Yep, your wildest cheese dreams just came true. The two-kilogram tubs of the award-winning goat's cheese are going for only $60 a pop. To put that price into perspective, the 550-gram jars at Woolies go for $20 each. Better yet, you can get it delivered straight to your doorstep. The catch? You'll have to spend a minimum of $200, but that should be easy enough once you check out everything else Two Providores has in stock. You can also order it here and pick it up from its Marrickville warehouse the next day. Or take a gamble and head there on Saturday, when it's open to the public. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_wG1MDDvAg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Two Providores is open to the public from 9am–1pm on Saturdays, and is offering next-day pick up and delivery to most suburbs when you order online. It's selling two-kilogram buckets of Meredith Dairy goat's cheese for $60 while stocks last. To order, head here. Updated June 22, 2020.
Bushpig was called "hands-down the most intriguing show to surface in this year’s [Adelaide Fringe]" by theatre guide Heckler — high praise indeed. Like many Fringe Fest events, its a one-person show, but writer/performer Hannah Malarski, a NIDA playwriting grad, makes hers stand out. Her range and vivid characterisations bring to life an eccentric small town of characters, centred around Aunt Vivian and her missing child. Read the rest of our top ten picks of the Sydney Fringe Festival 2013.
Each winter Vivid draws Sydney out of hibernation with a festival of light installations, talks, workshops and performances. Now in its tenth year, the festival is bigger and brighter than ever. From the illumination of major city landmarks to international acts and challenging ideas, there's a lot to pack into the 23 nights. With the help of our friends at YHA Australia, we've put together a rundown to help you navigate the festival. From what to see and do and to where best to eat and drink. [caption id="attachment_670002" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sydney Harbour YHA rooftop[/caption] STAY With so much to see and do during Vivid, you'll want to be close to the action. Sydney Harbour YHA in The Rocks is the perfect home base; it's just a stone's throw away from the installations in The Rocks and walking distance to Circular Quay and the Botanic Gardens. It's also right in the thick of some of the most historic pubs in Sydney. The building combines modern comfort with the heritage of the area — it's set above archaeological remains of colonial Sydney. Choose from private or dorm rooms and head to the rooftop balcony to treat yourself to one of the best views in Sydney. From this bird's eye vantage point, you'll have an uninterrupted view stretching from the Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House, Customs House and city buildings, all lit up for the festival. Grab a drink and settle in to soak it all up. If you'd prefer to stay a touch further away from the heaving Circular Quay, YHA also has locations in Sydney Central and Railway Square. Here, you'll be in walking distance of Haymarket (and its many dumplings, noodles and 30c cream puffs), Spice Alley and Darling Harbour's stunning light installations. All three YHAs are offering 20-percent-off during Vivid, too. [caption id="attachment_625341" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bodhi Liggett.[/caption] EAT You'll need to keep your energy levels up in order to fit in everything in during the festival. Luckily, there are heaps of great food options around. Start the day with quality coffee and a beautiful, picturesque breakfast at The Grounds of the City. If you're short on time, though, you can grab a cup of joe and a brekkie burger, bowl or muffin from the takeaway window. For lunchtime refuelling, head to La Renaissance Patisserie for house-made pies, baguette sandwiches and pastries. The tree covered courtyard is a sweet little place to retreat from the crowds for a little while. In The Rocks Centre behind Kendall Lane, you'll also find the Fine Food Store serving up sandwiches, salads and winter warmers like soups and stews. When the sun goes down, check out the new Bar Patrón by Rockpool for authentic Mexican eats, margaritas and views of the Vivid lights. Alternatively, head to The Morrison, located between The Rocks and Wynyard, for a mean sirloin steak or the $1 oyster happy hour from 6–7pm each Wednesday. And if you've really got cash to splash and a burning desire for views with some top eats, head to Cafe Sydney. Found above Customs House (which will be covered in a Snugglepot and Cuddlepie light show), this place serves up Australian haute-cuisine with a killer view. The restaurant also has a dedicated vegan menu for those looking for some fine dining that considers their dietaries. For another prime spot with more casual eats, head next door to Gateway — home to Neil Perry's Burger Project, Din Tai Fung, Four Frogs Creperie and Gelato Messina. DRINK The Rocks area is heaving with pubs — in fact, two of them, The Lord Nelson and The Fortune of War, lay claim to being Sydney's oldest. The best way to fit them all in is to head on a pub crawl — starting at The Lord Nelson, making tracks to the potentially haunted Hero of Waterloo, heading up to The Glenmore rooftop for excellent harbour views, passing by The Fortune of War and finishing up at the newly refurbished Orient. If you're after something more sedate and refined, hit Henry Deane, the rooftop bar at Hotel Palisade which boasts incredible views of the harbour and the lights of Vivid. Otherwise, check out Bulletin Place for intricately crafted cocktails, or cosy up at The Doss House, a new underground whisky bar set in an incredible heritage building in The Rocks. [caption id="attachment_624496" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan.[/caption] SEE The projections onto the Sydney Opera House have been the crowning glory of the Vivid light display since the festival's inception. This year the sails will feature the work of artist Jonathan Zawada, blending everyday objects with the pictures inspired by the Australian environment. Meanwhile, Skylark makes use of the high rises around Circular Quay, featuring a custom-built laser atop the Harbour Bridge projecting onto buildings in a stunning light show every half hour. The Southern Pylon of the bridge will be lit with Bangarra Dance Company's Dark Emu, melding dance and art and paying homage to the agricultural knowledge of Indigenous Australians. [caption id="attachment_623212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan.[/caption] See bacteria writ large at Beautiful and Dangerous in The Rocks. The work takes you under a neon microscope to explore some of the deadliest diseases facing mankind and what's being done to curb them. While you're in the area, look skyward and see A Little Birdie Told Me — a work depicting the threat to many of our native bird species. The festival of light also makes full use of the glorious Botanic Gardens, with installations dotted throughout. Impressions shows a time-lapse of flora captured from the garden throughout the day, displayed across five huge canvases. Check out The Bloom, a giant metallic flower covered in LED pixels. And hanging in a canopy of trees is Hyperweb, a giant web combining light and soundscape. DO With so many artists and thinkers in town, you might want to extend your stay to fit more in. Top of the ticket is Solange, performing at the Sydney Opera House. Her shows are sold out, but festival organisers recommend checking the website daily for last-minute releases. Also in town are Grammy award-winning singer St Vincent and legendary rapper Ice Cube. There are heaps of local acts to check out too, including No Mono, Middle Kids and Stonefield. For one night only Heaps Gay will host a fabulous, not-to-be-missed fancy dress party, Qweens Ball, at Town Hall. Plus for a change of pace, this year's festival also includes a jazz series for the first time. [caption id="attachment_574541" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bodhi Liggett.[/caption] Vivid Ideas will get your mind bubbling about the big issues. There are talks on everything from building a sustainable future and the threat to democracy to the art of creativity and understanding consciousness. For podcast nerds, the Audiocraft Podcast Festival features a line-up of industry heavyweights in a series of talks and workshops. If you're headed to Vivid this year, YHA is offering 20% off stays for Concrete Playground readers during the festival. The offer applies to all rooms (private and multi-share) at Sydney Harbour YHA, Sydney Central YHA and Railway Square YHA. Use the code VIVID to claim the discount when you book online, valid Sunday to Thursday between Sunday, May 27 and Friday, June 15. More info about the offer and other weekend discounts here. Image: Destination NSW.
The beach and soft serve ice cream are a match made in summer heaven. The only way to improve on this combo is, of course, if the ice cream is free. Sydney beachgoers and soft serve lovers are in luck this weekend, with a Mardi Gras-themed Mr Whippy van handing out free ice cream at two prominent eastern suburbs beaches. If you're heading to North Bondi or Coogee on Saturday, February 27, keep you eye out for the van which will be making an appearance at the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club and the new Coogee Beach rainbow walkway. The van will be handing out two colourful flavours of soft serve ice cream, Rainbow Rise, your classic vanilla with rainbow sprinkles, and Love Out loud, a vanilla soft serve in a red velvet waffle cone with strawberry sauce and tutti frutti popcorn pieces. Beloved Australian drag queen Courtney Act will be joining the van at the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club to unveil her remix of the Mr Whippy ice cream van jingle — you know, the one that would play as the ice cream truck came around your neighbourhood as a kid. Act has remixed the jingle with the help of drag queen DJ duo Jawbreaker. The van is courtesy of W Hotels, one of the partners of this year's Mardi Gras festivities. Anyone that grabs a free ice cream will also be able to enter a competition for the chance to win a two-night staycation at any W Hotel around the country.
Gone are the days when a lobby was just a lobby. Now, you'll find all sorts of great cafes, wine bars and coffee nooks jazzing up the bottom of office buildings and residential complexes all over Australia. And for Sydney, the latest of these is cafe Lobby Boy, which has made its home in Northpoint Tower, right in the middle of the action of the North Sydney CBD. Spurred by the success of the original Lobby Boy over in Commonwealth Bank's Eveleigh site, this new northern counterpart is once again the work of Ramzey Choker — the mind behind hits like The Grounds of Alexandria and The Grounds of the City. The result of another collaboration with design studio Acme and the Cromwell Property Group, Lobby Boy North Sydney is decked out with rustic timber flooring, soft lighting and splashes of musk pink and deep green. It's a warm and relaxed space, designed to act as a chilled out meeting place for the buzzing Miller Street office block above. From the kitchen comes a contemporary daytime offering, flecked with international influences. You'll spy the likes of a brioche brekky jaffle stuffed with maple-glazed bacon, roast tomato, egg and smoked barbecue mayo, and a brown rice chirashi salad starring tuna tartare, edamame, charred avocado and salted kombu. A ploughman's-style sandwich is loaded with leg ham, cheese, pickles, heirloom tomato and relish, and a lineup of small plates features the likes of Asian-style South Australian mussels, fried school prawns and an heirloom carrot and buffalo mozzarella tart. Of course, coffees are pumping all day. To match, there's a range of shakes and smoothies, and a line of house-made sodas in flavours like Berry Minty and Pine Passion Fizz. Choker and his team also have plenty more big things in the works, including a huge new dining precinct, espresso bar and coffee research lab opening in South Eveleigh next year. So stay tuned for that one. Find Lobby Bar North Sydney on the ground floor of Northpoint Tower, 100 Miller Street, North Sydney. It's open 7.30am–4pm Monday to Wednesday, 7.30am–late Thursday and Friday and 9am–2.30pm Saturday.
Sydneysiders, your daily commute is getting a serious shake-up, with the NSW Government rolling out the biggest-ever statewide public transport timetable changes. Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced the overhaul on the weekend, promising a massive 8,600 new bus, train and ferry services weekly, as the government looks to beef up its public transport offering. As part of the $1.5 billion More Trains, More Service program, Sydney's rail system will score over 1,500 extra weekly services, with around half of those on weekends. Plus, improvements to service frequency will reduce wait times to less than 15 minutes between trains — for most of the day, at 71% of NSW stations. Bus networks have also been redesigned, with extra services improving accessibility across the inner west, eastern suburbs, Macarthur and Hills districts, lower north shore and northern suburbs. Of course, such hefty changes don't usually come without at least a few minor teething problems, so the NSW Government is asking punters to be patient. "We'll be watching the roll out closely, both in control centres and on the ground, monitoring each service on the public transport network," Constance said. "Our priority now is to keep everyone moving safely while helping customers to get used to the new timetable." Around 400 staff in pink shirts will be placed at major network locations to give commuters a hand. Find your updated train, bus and ferry timetables here.
The chilly weather has arrived, so that calls for hearty comfort food that can get us through these winter months. Across the city, Sydney's best bars are revamping their menus for the cooler days ahead, bringing you dishes that will heat you up — and also pair well with toasty winter cocktails, warming glasses of red and fiery drams of rum. Since the best seat in the house is usually at the bar, we teamed up with Samsung to find the best bar menus to try in Sydney's CBD this winter. We also brought along the new Galaxy S9 and S9+ with its tip-top low light camera to get some snaps of said bar menus to show you what's in store. BENTLEY Bentley is synonymous with fine-dining in Sydney, with executive chef and owner Brent Savage turning out an ultra-refined menu in his cubist-painting-esque O'Connell Street digs. But the extensive (and pricey) tasting menu isn't the only way to dine here — our favourite seat in the house is at the bar. It's a regular haunt for the CBD after-work crowd and is one of the best spots for a solo drink and nibbles in the city (and a snap of said nibbles to invoke some great food envy via your story). Bentley's winter bar menu spans from casual to high-end, with the likes of house-made rye served with black sesame butter, hand-cut chips with aioli and glazed wagyu beef buns sat with Western Australia's Angasi oysters with finger lime, slow-cooked beef tongue with fermented saltbush and even premium $240 Italian caviar with accompaniments. Pair your eats with a glass (or two) of wine from Bentley's extensive wine list featuring over 1000 drops on offer and a focus on organic and biodynamic vineyards. SMOKE It's tricky to look past a bar menu created by a chef who cut his teeth at Copenhagen's Noma, and the elegant small bites at Smoke nod to pared-back Nordic fare with an Aussie twist. Roo dog or barramundi sliders, anyone? The sea urchin and orange jam toastie is the signature dish you need to try at least once, that is if you can pass up the ham and cheese doughnuts. If you're not too hungry, we wholeheartedly condone the spiced macadamias or house salt and vinegar crisps. Smoke, as the name would suggest, has tipples to warm the cockles of your heart on cooler evenings, like the Smokey Martini, Autumn Spritz and Seasonal G&T with a splash of apricot liqueur. And if steaming food is your aim, perhaps the prawn melts are a goer, or just give in to your true self and order the baked brie with truffle. We won't judge. DUKE OF CLARENCE Hidden down the laneway courtyard that also houses The Baxter Inn and The Barber Shop, the Duke of Clarence is an impressive newcomer to the Sydney drinking scene. The 1800s-style British tavern comes straight out of England, with nearly the entire interior shipped over from pubs and churches in the UK. Since the British know a thing or two about cold, dreary weather, you can't go wrong with their menu of English bar snacks. Think wood-fired bone marrow (our personal favourite of the bunch) or potted crab served alongside soda bread, along with your requisite scotch egg with spicy english mustard and signature ploughman's plate. With over 500 spirits on offer, including an extensive whisky and gin selection, the focus is definitely on the hard booze here. If you're more into cocktails, try the Custard Ale Flip, a wintry concoction of cask ale, Talisker whisky and marmalade custard, spiced with brown sugar syrup and allspice. KITTYHAWK Kittyhawk is a throwback to 1944 and the Liberation of Paris, so it basically feels like you're in a time capsule at an endless party in the French capital. Behind the long oak bar, you'll find wartime posters and memorabilia, plus over 900 spirits that help make some of the best in Sydney. For eats, the bar menu of Parisian brasserie food is available all day and night and includes steak tartare, chickpea pancakes with horseradish creme fraiche and a very special steak frites — made with grass-fed flat iron steak and red wine jus. It's also got a late-night menu served from 11.30pm onward, which is an ideal choice for those looking for a legit after-hours meal. It includes bar menu items like charcuterie platters, baked camembert with truffle and quince paste; shucked-to-order Sydney rock oysters; and even rose water creme brûleé for dessert. To drink, check out the specialty rum and rye menu (with your choice of the two liquors mixed with bitters and orange zest) or the flaming Old Grogram cocktail with spiced rum, stout vermouth, fresh lemon and cinnamon garnish. Head in on Thursdays or Saturdays from 8pm for jazz night. RESTAURANT HUBERT Restaurant Hubert's subtle wooden door intrigues from Bligh Street and transports you straight to Paris as you descend the winding staircase into the old-world opulence of a genuine French bistro. It's exactly where you want to be on a cold winter's night, and Hubert offers one of the city's best aperitivo hours, too. Its daily aperitif hour runs from 4–6pm and serves up heaps of affordable and hearty dishes and drinks — including $5 G&Ts, $10 negronis, $5 glasses of riesling, $3 deviled eggs, $5 chicken liver parfait and $10 burgers. This winter, the bar menu also includes French staples with a twist, like duck liver mousse with maple syrup jelly, roasted snails in XO sauce and fried gruyère with dijon mustard, plus heavier plates like steak frites and wagyu tartare. Don't be surprised if you forget that you're in Sydney altogether — your photos will certainly say otherwise. Camera tip: if you want to take some snaps of your dimly-lit surroundings, a longer exposure will help capture the light and create a dynamic motion effect. Adjust your settings by swiping your S9 into Pro Mode. Lower the ISO, increase the shutter speed and keep very still as you take your shot. Instead of spending your winter nights on the couch, discover all the after-dark happenings in your city here — and don't forget to document it all on the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, designed especially for low light so you can capture your best moments no matter what. Images: Cole Bennetts.
Most music festivals have been lucky to host even one event over the past couple of years, thanks to the pandemic. Many are gearing up for their big returns — and first fests since 2019 — this winter, spring and summer, in fact. But when This That hits Newcastle and Brisbane in October and November, it'll mark its second festivals in both locations this year. That's huge as it is, and so is the just-dropped lineup. Already spent a day dancing at This That in 2022? Get ready to do so once more. This That will make its return to the Sandstone Point Hotel in Queensland on Saturday, October 29, then head to Newcastle in New South Wales on Saturday, November 5 — and it'll do so with Earl Sweatshirt and Flight Facilities leading the bill. The fest will also play host to What So Not in Brissie only, and to The Presets in NSW. And yes, the list goes on. Also set to grace the fest's three stages: Vera Blue, Winston Surfshirt, DMA's, Chillinit, Skeggs, Hockey Dad, Jesswar and more. Some of the acts on This That's 2022 2.0 bill already hit its stages earlier this year — The Presets played Sandstone Point then, but will do Newcastle now, for instance — not that anyone is complaining. If you did already attend this year, you'll get a discount for backing it up, too, thanks to a 48-hour period for autumn This That attendees to buy tickets at the fest's first-release price. THIS THAT OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2022 LINEUP: Alice Ivy Chillinit Dear Seattle DMA's (NSW only) Earl Sweatshirt Flight Facilities Godlands Hockey Dad Hooligan Hefs Jesswar Kinder Lola Scott Ruby Fields Set Mo Skegss Slumberjack The Presets (NSW only) Trophy Eyes Upsahl Vera Blue What So Not (QLD only) Winston Surfshirt THIS THAT OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2022 DATES: Saturday, October 29: Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point, Queensland Saturday, November 5: Newcastle, New South Wales This That returns to Sandstone Point and Newcastle in October and November. For more information, or to buy tickets — with pre-sales from 9am on Wednesday, June 29 and general sales from 9am on Friday, July 1 — head to the festival's website. Images: Mitch Lowe / Jordan Munns.
If thinking about meat-free Mondays conjures up images of boiled vegetables, soggy tofu or a simple salad, you're doing it all wrong. In a city as health-conscious as Sydney, there are heaps of restaurants dishing up wholesome vegetarian meals that are both innovative and delicious. Grab a meal at one of these spots, and you'll soon see that there's absolutely no reason that meat-free needs to equal flavourless. In fact, these stellar restaurants make vegetarian eating so appealing you may just find yourself extending that meat-free commitment into the rest of the week. To get you started, we've teamed up with our mates at American Express to pick out the best spots to go when you want a vego feed with zero compromises on flavour. Whether you're looking for a veggie-driven banquet, premier farm-to-table eating or a healthy casual spot for a quick evening meal, we've got the place for you. From brekkie to dinner, these eateries make meat-free eating a total breeze. Plus, they all accept your American Express® Card so you can stock up on points while treating your body like the glorious temple that it is. Kiss that soggy tofu goodbye. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Sports movies tend to follow a fairly formulaic structure. We meet the competitors; we begin to see their strengths, weaknesses and that potential Achilles heel; we are introduced to their primary competitors; and then, after a couple of well-timed training montages, we watch, bated breath, as our hero manages to defy the odds and win miraculously/lose heroically. If you've seen Rocky, The Fighter, Remember the Titans or a hundred other sports films, then you already know the narrative arc of Ping Pong. Yet despite its predictability, this heartwarming documentary from little-known British director Hugh Hartford manages to sidestep the usual pitfalls of the genre, basically through the sheer strength of the characters. Ping Pong tells the story of the World Over 80s Table Tennis Championships in Inner Mongolia almost entirely through the perspective of the players themselves. There is 81-year-old Terry, who, prior to the tournament, was given a week to live; former bodybuilder Les, who, at 89, still uses weightlifting to prepare for the tournament; the trash-talkin', gun-toting Texan Lisa, whose 85 years have done nothing to diminish her wily competitive streak; and the championship's elder stateswoman, the 100-year-old Aussie Dot. Hartford does what many great documentarians have done before him, retreating from the role of writer. He is happy to simply leave the camera rolling and have the characters tell their own stories — their history, their motivations and what it means to be an athlete in the final chapters of their lives. Yet this picture is far more than simply a series of talking heads. Hartford takes great pains to capture the richness of these characters and their lives. The film takes us into their homes and training venues and watches as they cook strudel, show off old photo collections and, in one of the film's most touching scenes, guide us around the dementia ward that ping pong became a respite from. This level of detail gives the film an immersive quality. Even in a screening filled with cynical critics and hardened media-folk, a championship win from one of the octogenarians had the cinema quietly cheering. Despite the film's fixation on death and mortality, Ping Pong is a surprisingly hopeful and uplifting film. In one scene, Terry boasts that while bowel cancer could take away his penis, it couldn't take away his sex life. We come to see that while these characters may have accepted their impending death, that doesn't mean they're willing to go quietly into that cold night. Add to all this the fact that this may be the first film to show an 89-year-old doing a peck dance. That one was worth the price of admission on its own. https://youtube.com/watch?v=nwFVc2NAt94
I first visited the AIDS Trust Sydney Food & Wine Fair in 1993, and not even the embarrassment of running into my English teacher and her girlfriend (at that age, the thought of teachers having personal lives was incomprehensible) could dampen the hungry spirits of my mother and I. Having endured the parent/teacher worlds colliding, we sampled our way up and down the city street, wearing both our red ribbons and appetites on our sleeves. Now in its nineteenth year, the food & wine fair is held in the more fitting locale of Hyde Park, where one can roam free and eat as far as the eye can see. Sample the delicacies of local favourites such as Cafe Sydney, Longrain, Icebergs and Sailors Thai or the local produce and baked goods of Batlow Apples and Bourke Street Bakery. Retire with your spoils over at the the main stage where performers will be treading the boards for your stomach's pleasure.Not only is it the very final event of this year's Sydney International Food Festival, but it's all in aid of the AIDS Trust of Australia. Entry to the park is free, but proceeds from all sales made go to the Trust and their work in HIV prevention, support, care and research. So no need to feel guilty about your fourth helping. Or your fifth.
If you've ever felt the room spin after being handed an eye-watering restaurant bill, you'll know that the fine-dining experience doesn't come cheap. That said, we know little else beats an indulgent, high-flying feed, especially when celebrating a special occasion. Even if it means you have to manage your finances accordingly until next payday. Until now, that is. In partnership with Great Southern Bank, we've uncovered some dining hacks that let you eat at Sydney's top spots without forking out a fortune. And, if you're someone who tempts financial fate after a few glasses of wine, then Great Southern Bank's hidden savings account feature, The Vault, will help curb that temptation, so you don't dip into the funds that may just buy you a house one day. Result.
Lovers of wine, food, music and art should check out Rootstock Festival, a two-day extravaganza of wine tasting, coffee brewing, live music and culinary creation soon to arrive at Carriageworks. For a glorious 48 hours you can make your own cheese with Kristen Allan, take a beer-brewing lesson from Young Henrys or, if it appeals, listen to a special talk entitled 'The Semantics of Australian Wine and the rite of Communal Laughter'. If that gets too heavy, you can always wander off to sample some of the 200 wines on offer. Nightbirds might enjoy the two foodie festivals set up for Saturday and Sunday evening. An impressive lineup of chefs, including Kylie Kwong (Billy Kwong) and Louis Tikaram (Longrain), will be set up at stalls, cooking dishes they’ve designed to complement their favourite wines. Which will also be on offer, naturally. With DJs, live music and a sake bar thrown in for good measure, it sounds like a fine way to make merry. Ticket prices range from just $15 for a coffee-brewing class up to a $110 for a package that gets you into the wine festival and two masterclasses. Tight budget? Entry to the sustainable produce market on Sunday from 10am-4pm is free — although you may be tempted to buy an organic loaf or two.
The back-to-work blues have hit us all pretty hard this year — especially as summer took its time to shine. If you're like us, you're already yearning to escape the office or your current work-from-home situation. And this loved-up time of year (yup, Valentine's Day is coming) offers up a great excuse to book a trip away with your partner. With this in mind, Virgin Australia has launched the Bring on More in Adelaide sale, offering up to 30% off flights to the City of Churches — with prices as low as $89 one way from Melbourne. You may not know it, but Adelaide is a mighty romantic city. It's home to spectacular wine, chocolate and fresh oysters — all aphrodisiacs — alongside a huge variety of activities made for loved-up couples. So, this year, swap the usual Valentine's Day staycation for an unforgettably romantic (and discounted) trip to Adelaide. Here's some inspiration to get you love birds started. [caption id="attachment_886121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tommaso Cantelli[/caption] JOIN AN OYSTER TOUR There are stacks of reason why oyster tours are great for dates. First off, there is the aphrodisiac element (if you believe all that), but it's also a unique way to feel swanky while enjoying the outdoors. Few places compare to the famed Coffin Bay, located on South Australia's picturesque Eyre Peninsula. Here, you and your partner can don some arguably unsexy waterproof waders to frolic in the clear blue waters and learn a little about oyster farming. You'll then head back to the beachside Salt Water Pavilion where you can dine on freshly caught oysters while sipping on local wines. EXPLORE VAST WINE REGIONS Speaking of wine, Adelaide is surrounded by several world-famous wine regions. And you really don't have to go far to visit them. You've got the Adelaide Hills located just a 30-minute drive from the CBD, McLaren Vale at 45 minutes, and the Barossa (where Two Hands Wines, pictured above, is located) and Clare valleys around 1.5 and two hours away, respectively. Pick one, book a driver (so one of you doesn't have to miss out) and explore as many cellar doors as you can — possibly opting for private tours and tastings to make it all the more romantic. STAY IN A LUSH HOTEL A romantic getaway is incomplete without a luxurious place to rest your heads — or get Ade(laid)e. One of our favourite CBD stays is the undeniably cool Hotel Indigo (pictured above), which boasts large luxurious rooms and an outdoor pool overlooking the city. If you can't make it to Paris but you're looking for a chic French-style getaway, book a stay at Sofitel Adelaide. This glamorous five-star hotel has a huge array of rooms and suites as well as its own wine bar and French fine dining restaurant. It's also hard to overlook the old-school glamour of The Playford. Unwind in the spa and sauna after a long day of exploring Adelaide before returning to your opulent art nouveau suite to order room service to your bed. [caption id="attachment_777850" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sia Duff[/caption] PARTAKE IN EXCEPTIONAL DINING Heading to Adelaide means heading to a deliciously diverse range of restaurants and bars — most championing local produce with incredibly tasty and creative dishes. As a strong start, there's the much-adored Africola (pictured above), where North African dishes are backdropped by art-covered walls and an energetic buzz. Over on Peel Street, Southeast Asian street food meets natural wine at Gondola Gondola, the upstairs Bread and Bone plates up woodfired burgers, steaks and ribs, and the appropriately named Peel St features a menu of refined yet simple fare made from quality local ingredients. Alternatively, you can amp up the romance with one of the best meals you'll likely ever have — book a table at Restaurant Botanic, the winner of Australia's Restaurant of the Year award for 2023, to experience modern Australian dining at its absolute finest. [caption id="attachment_785247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bruzzone via South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] DISCOVER UNIQUE DATE DESTINATIONS The City of Churches is far more than its places of worship — there are countless things for loved-up couples to do here. First off, as we are talking romance, we highly recommend a trip to the Haigh's Chocolate factory — for Adelaide is the birthplace of this beloved chocolate maker. Here, you can taste all its best creations and go on a special behind-the-scenes tour to see how this all-too romantic treat is created. But if you want to get out in nature, you can try a dolphin sanctuary kayak tour, paddling about with your partner in tow. Moreover, a day spent wandering around the Art Gallery of South Australia is aways a win, while a sunset cruise along the coast is what Valentine's Day is made for. You're clearly spoilt for choice. Take advantage of Virgin Australia's latest travel deal, booking discounted flights to Adelaide here. But hurry, the sale ends on Monday, February 6. Top image: Skillogalee courtesy of South Australia Tourism.
Whenever Jamie Oliver utters the words "I wish you could smell this," during his television cooking escapades, often people toy with the notion of throwing their set out the window. Because we can't Jamie, we can't smell that pukka steak sarnie. Until now. The not-so-Naked Chef is heading to Sydney for an onstage cooking hootenanny you'll be able to smell with your own nostrils. One of the world's best-loved chefs, Jamie Oliver, is coming to Australia, bring his Food Revolution with him. The 39-year-old culinary master will make his Opera House debut in the Concert Hall on Sunday, March 29, cooking live on stage for Ideas at the House. After nabbing a swag of Emmy's for his ABC show Jamie's Food Revolution, Oliver is intending to get back to basics with Sydney, wanting to show you how to cook delicious, healthy-ish noms with the freshest ingredients. Maybe he'll stop by Jamie's Italian for a little surprise cook-up. A longtime crusader against malnourishment and unhealthy eating, the Ministry of Food maestro is bringing his quest for better food education to Sydney, so you'd better listen up. With less cooking at home, less veggies on our plates (only 5.5 percent of adults eat the recommended daily intake of both fruit and vegetables) and more boxes of processed shit lining our shelves, Australia's slowly becoming one of the most unhealthy places in the world — even though on the surface we're apparently all about the superfoods, kale and pressed juices. Obesity has overtaken smoking as the leading cause of premature death and illness in Australia. Yep, fact. So Oliver's taking it upon himself put Australia back in the kitchen. "I’ve been working in Australia for 15 years now and recently, through the amazing work of my Ministry of Food Centres and trucks, as well as my partnership with Woolworths, I’ve really got to know and understand the scale of the problem in your beautiful country," says Oliver. "You guys have access to such incredible fresh produce but still there are millions of Australians who don’t know how to feed themselves and their families properly. This show is designed to inspire real change so I hope you’ll join me and together we’ll make a real positive difference, while having loads of fun at the same time." Oliver's Food Revolution makes the latest cooking-focused event for Ideas at the House. Over the last three years, the likes of Michael Pollan, Yotam Ottolenghi and Alice Waters have made their culinary philosophies known on the Sydney Opera House stage.
Focusing a bunch of contemporary Australian and New Zealand artists and designers into one space, Sterling, the Gaffa Gallery retail store, offers unique jewellery pieces and objets d'art as well as giving you a bit of insight into how they were made. Each piece is handcrafted and gives your loved one a chance to wear a little piece of art everyday. Or, if you're more interested in giving experiences rather than objects, why not invest in a seven-week jewellery-making course for that special someone? Pop next door and you'll find Kakawa, the mouth-watering chocolate boutique, for chocolate Christmas decorations. Can't lose.
For all of you who've been obsessing over the case of Steven Avery, you might now have the chance to get the answers you crave. Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, the filmmakers behind the addictive and highly frustrating Netflix true crime series Making a Murderer, have just been announced as a last minute addition to the Spectrum Now Festival talks program. The pair, whose ten-part series has become a cultural phenomenon since premiering on Netflix in December, will travel to Sydney for an hour-long interview and audience Q&A session with festival ambassador and The Weekly host Charlie Pickering. Set to take place at 7pm on Thursday, March 10, tickets for the event will cost $49.90 and go on sale on Wednesday, February 24 (or you can sign up to their newsletter to access the pre-sale one day earlier). If you've been living a nomadic lifestyle out in the bush for the past few months and thus haven't heard, Making a Murderer follows the infuriating case of Wisconsin native Steven Avery, who served 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, only to be arrested and tried for murder shortly after he was released. If you've got a spare ten hours, you can binge watch it on Netflix right now. Just don't expect to finish with your faith in humanity intact. "We always wanted Making a Murderer to start a dialogue around important issues in our criminal justice system," say directors Ricciardi and Demos. "We are thrilled that so many people all over the world are responding to the concept of fairness and equality, and we can’t wait to come to Australia to continue this discussion." Making a Murderer: In Conversation with Charlie Pickering will take place at 7pm on Thursday, March 10 at The Star Event Centre as part of Spectrum Now Festival 2016. For more information and to buy tickets, visit their website.
Old Town Hong Kong brings the island's late night culture to Sydney. This casual, two floor spot is a step-up from most Chinatown restaurants, with a fitout boasting recycled timber, exposed brick and hanging globes that give off a golden light. The Peking duck in steamed buns are particularly tasty, but the menu doesn't only offer the classics — apart from dumplings and stir fried noodles you also get the more exotic duck tongue, chicken feet and durian desserts. The entire menu is on offer late, with the venue is open until 2am seven nights a week. Though a second location has just opened up in Barangaroo, it's not taking the late-night route of its older brother.
Brisbane-based Circa is one of the leading circus companies in the world. Under the artistic direction of Yaron Lifschitz, Circa has performed its thrilling, physically demanding shows to more than a million people in over 40 countries. So, we're pretty lucky to have another chance to see its prowess in the upgraded version of a show that premiered at Sydney Festival 2017. Like all good sequels, Humans 2.0 is a love letter to what's come before, and a chance to go even further with its feats of strength, ferocity and boundary-pushing acrobatics. Ten of Circa's finest ensemble members will move to music by composer Ori Lichtik, celebrating what it means to be human. Image 1: Justin Ma
Enter the words 'true crime' or 'serial killer' into Netflix and something thoroughly unsurprising results: a hefty list of shows and movies to watch, dramas and documentaries alike, because the streaming platform sure does love this niche. In the future, those searches will throw up two more results, with 2022 newcomer Monster set to return for another couple of seasons. Monster's debut run came with the unwieldy full title DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. While exactly what season two and three will be called hasn't yet been revealed, they will need to switch that moniker up. For the show's return, it'll turn into an anthology series, creating "two more instalments that will focus on other monstrous figures who have impacted society", the service announced on social media. Following the record-breaking success of DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Ryan Murphy & Ian Brennan will create two more installments that will focus on other monstrous figures who have impacted society. A second season of The Watcher has also been greenlit! pic.twitter.com/NmFdj6soJj — Netflix (@netflix) November 7, 2022 Who'll those monstrous figures will be also hasn't yet been unveiled, but Netflix is expanding its true-crime remit either way — and creator and prolific TV producer Ryan Murphy is adding another anthology series to his resume after American Horror Story and American Crime Story. In its ten-part first season, which dropped in September, Monster starred WandaVision, Mare of Easttown and American Horror Story actor Evan Peters as the titular IRL murderer. Dahmer's story is particularly gruesome, as the series conveyed; between 1978–1991, he murdered and dismembered 17 boys and men — and there's more to his crimes, including cannibalism. Yes, getting well-known faces to play horrific killers is also part of Netflix's true-crime trend so far — which, if you watched Zac Efron play Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile a few years back, you'll already know. Netflix might've stopped adding new Mindhunter episodes to our streaming queues, sadly, but the platform has served up everything from The Serpent and the Conversations with a Killer series to The Stranger and The Good Nurse since. Also included: fellow recent series The Watcher, also produced by Murphy, which is now getting a second season as well. Check out the trailer for DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story below: DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is available to stream via Netflix. We'll update you with release date's for Monster's second and third seasons when they're announced.
The second offering from the Rhys Nicholson, Kyran Wheatley team at Giant Dwarf, this is classic New York-style stand-up comedy: an opener, feature set, and world-class headliner, emceed each month by one of the nation's finest talents. You'll be hard pressed to find a higher quality selection of comedy anywhere in Australia — let alone Sydney. So get along on the first Tuesday of the month now, because this is going to be the next big thing.
Whenever you're in a traditional art gallery, reaching for your camera can result in serious pangs of guilt. You know it's wrong, but you just want to take a little memento home with you. Next thing you know, the security guard is hauling you out the door by the collar and your photograph appears in the gallery blacklist. Well, it's not always that bad. But Canadian artists Brad Blucher and Kyle Clements aren't fans of the taboo against taking photos of artworks. Their project Take a Picture seeks to change the way audiences interact with art. Blank canvases on the surface, the artworks use a series of LED lights to create simple images invisible to the human eye. The paintings can only be unlocked for the viewer when photographed by a digital camera device. The artists explain that the series "explores the relationship between the ubiquity of digital cameras and social media, which encourages all aspects of daily life to be documented and shared, and the culture of art museums and galleries, which strictly prohibits photographing works of art." https://youtube.com/watch?v=810DLIu0uBg [Via PSFK]
Now this is a playground for the ages. January's Sydney Festival will see the brand new Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve house one of the largest community events in festival's 40 years. Olivier Grossetête’s The Ephemeral City invites Sydneysiders to use boxes and tape to create a temporary city — one which will be excitedly demolished come Australia Day. This unprecedented project also includes a free Flying Fox zipline, a projection of Shaun Gladwell’s Skateboarders vs Minimalism and a full audio-visual experience at Gallery Hour. The best part? The entire Barangaroo program is absolutely free. Check out more of the best Sydney Festival events under $50 here. Image: Vincent Lucas
You could say that humans and space got fairly chummy in 2012 as they reconnected in many new and exciting ways. It was a fantastic year for NASA. As many new discoveries and advancements were made with the planet Mars, we have extended our view of space and said goodbye to a space legend. Through highs and lows, Earth has become but a dot in our ever-increasing knowledge of the universe, and these moments have significantly increased potential for space exploration in the future. Perhaps the worlds of Futurama, Star Trek, or Total Recall are really not that far away after all. Here are 10 of the most remarkable space moments from BBC News that occurred in 2012. 10. The Supermoon Once a year, a cosmic event occurs in which the full moon appears 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than in other months. 2012's 'Supermoon' occurred in May and produced some truly spectacular photographs. 9. First Triathlon in Space NASA astronaut Sunita Williams became the first person to run, bike, and swim her way through a triathlon - in space. The US commander of the Expedition 33 crew on the space station 386km from Earth completed the Nautica Malibu Triathlon held in California along with her fellow athletes. She completed the course using exercise equipment: a stationary bike, a treadmill, and a strength-training machine specially formulated for weightlessness. 8. 26 New Alien Planets in 11 Solar Systems In January 2012, NASA announced that its Kepler telescope discovered 11 previously unknown solar systems, within which there were 26 alien planets, known as exoplanets. The size of these planets ranges from 1.5 times larger than Earth to even bigger than Jupiter, with their orbital periods ranging from 6 to 143 days and all of them located closer to their stars than Venus. This find almost doubled the quantity of planets discovered by Kepler in its two-year history and reinforces the exponential number of planets, particularly exoplanets, that exist in our universe. 7. The Earth Sings The Earth really gained a voice as NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission managed to capture radio waves emitted by energetic particles of the Van Allen belts in the magnetosphere and rendered them into an audio recording. This 'chorus' apparently sounds similar to a whale's song. 6. Space Shuttle Endeavour's LA Trek Endeavor was the fifth and final spaceworthy shuttle to be used in NASA's space shuttle program. The retired orbiter conducted 25 space missions during its 19-year career from 1992 to 2011. In October, the 155,000 pound Endeavor made its final mission, trekking the 12-mile journey from the Los Angeles International Airport to the Californian Science Centre, avoiding trees, utility poles, and the mass of stunned onlookers. 5. SpaceX Dragon attaches to the ISS The Dragon is a reusable spacecraft developed by SpaceX, a private American space transportation company, that in May became the first commercial spacecraft to be successfully attached to the International Space Station. The Dragon delivered a series of cargo shipments, which brought 20 metric tons of supplies into space. This advancement brings the possibility of private space flight significantly closer to reality. 4. Space Jump Breaking the world record for not only the highest jump from a platform (128,100 feet), the longest distance freefall (119,846 feet), and the maximum vertical velocity (833.9 mph), stuntman Felix Baumgartner also broke the YouTube record for the most concurrent views ever on livestream (8 million viewers). This Austrian daredevil really took record-breaking to new heights. 3. Farthest Ever View into the Universe This view captured by the Hubble Space Telescope depicts thousands of galaxies within the constellation Formax, billion of light years away. The composite image from 10 years of telescopic views shows planets so far away that they don't even exist anymore. The title eXtreme Deep Field feels highly appropriate here. 2. Goodbye to a Space Pioneer and Legend The end of an era arrived when the world bid farewell to Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon in 1969. The world renowned astronaut passed away at 82 after complications from a heart bypass surgery but will forever be remembered for his incredible feat. 1. Curiosity Rover Makes History on Mars The most impressive advancement to occur in the space arena in 2012 was the Curiosity Rover's incredible experiences on the red planet. Since making her landing on August 5 — an event so tense it was deemed 'the seven minutes of terror' — the rover has discovered an ancient streambed where water once flowed, analysed soil, rock and atmospheric samples on the planet, been the first machine to 'check in' on Mars, and snapped an incredible self-portrait that would leave even MySpace users flabbergasted. And her trip has only just begun, with 20 more months to go before her return.
When mid-March rolls around next year, Sydney's Clark Island will play host to a weekend of vino, vino and more vino, all thanks to returning festival Wine Island. But that's just one boozy way that you can spend time on the Sydney Harbour spot come autumn. The second: a three-day celebration of Greek cuisine and culture from the same crew. Meet Greek Island, a weekend-long festival taking place between Friday, March 25–Sunday, March 27 — the very next weekend after Wine Island. The aim is to make this new fest feel like a Mediterranean holiday, something that's clearly been in short supply during the pandemic. In a case of faking it till you make it — to the real Greek islands, that is — the event will line Clark Island with Greek-style tavernas, as well as cocktail bars, a seaside stage and a spa. So, you'll be eating fried calamari, grilled octopus, spanakopita, souvlaki, gyros and loukoumades, then washing it all down with Greek beverages — including frouzo, aka frozen ouzo. And, you'll be dancing to DJs, and getting a hilltop massage. Alpha's Peter Conistis will be on food duty, alongside Kazzi Beach Greek, East 33 (yes, that means oysters), Lambda and Lookoomania — and live cooking demonstrations will also be on the menu. Drinks-wise, Drink Greek is curating the beverage list, which'll include Greek wines and sparkling from Attica, Arcadia and Macedonia; beers from Chios Island and Atalanti; and Greek-themed cocktails such as Santorini Sunsets and Mykonos Mules. DJs Tigerlily and Jolyon Petch will hit the decks, as will Daft Punk tribute act Discovery — the latter of which mightn't fit the Greek theme, but will still set a mood. Skewing far more traditional, live Greek music and dancing will also be on the bill. Parts of the island will be decked out to emulate the country in the spotlight, too, with the promise of Mount Olympus-themed stage area and a Santorini-themed spa. Trips to Greek Island will start with a cocktail on the boat ride over — and, if you're now keen for the kind of Mediterranean getaway you take when you're not really taking a Mediterranean getaway, the event is hosting two sessions per day. So, you can choose between 10am and 4pm tipples. There are three Wine Island ticket packages available, starting with the $99 'premium economy experience', which includes ferry transfers, a drink on your way over, and a branded beach tote and tumbler. Then there's the $199 'business class experience', which adds a Greek Island towel, access to the Corfu-style beach club, a meal voucher, and complimentary ouzo and wine tastings. Or, you can go all out with $3300 private waterfront cabanas for up to ten people. Greek Island hits Clark Island in Sydney Harbour from Friday, March 25–Sunday, March 27, 2022. Tickets go on sale at 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 24, with pre-sale from the same time on Monday, November 22. Images: Onecut Studios.
So, you want to save some money. Perhaps you're looking to finally put a deposit down on your first home. Or maybe your ol' clunker of a car is on its last kilometres. Or do you simply want to treat yourself to that pair of Gucci sunnies you know you don't actually need but you can't stop thinking about? Often, while we're in savings mode, we switch to totally denying ourselves the things we love, making ourselves miserable in the process. But the good news is you don't have to give up everything. Save smarter, not harder. And have fun doing it. To help get you started, we've partnered with Great Southern Bank to come up with some easy ways to save without having to live a totally joyless existence. From chopping your weekly food bill to a banking hack that'll have you adding to your savings without even noticing, these tips will keep you on track. BECOME YOUR OWN BARISTA We know, we know. You need your caffeine fix. We're not saying to cut that double-shot oat milk latte altogether, but buying one or two a day adds up really quickly. Keen to crunch some numbers? Let's say your average coffee costs $4 and you buy two every day — that's $2920 spent on java every year. Add that up over five years and it's a whopping $14,600. Instead, invest in a bit of kit to get your coffee hit at home. Proper espresso machines are great, but also pricey. Keep an eye out for a secondhand one and you might be able to score a bargain. Alternatively, get a good percolator and some quality beans. You can score a percolator for as little as $12 (that's three coffees) that'll last for years to come. For beans, you can get your fix from top Aussie coffee roasters. While price varies due to blends, beans and all sorts of things, beans from local roasters will usually cost somewhere between $15–23 for 250 grams (about 35 cups worth). You might even want to throw a milk frother into the mix, then you'll be whipping up deluxe coffee at home in no time. Best of all, you can do it all in your dressing gown. Then, once a week or so, treat yourself to the real deal at that local cafe with the cute barista. You're only human, after all. DITCH THE CROWDED COMMUTE This one is kind of a no-brainer for inner-city dwellers. Why go through the hassle of being packed onto hot and crowded public transport, especially in the age of social distancing? The same goes for driving — nobody wants to waste time (and petrol) sitting in traffic. Even if it means starting half an hour sooner than you would normally, walking to your destination means you're getting exercise and saving money. For longer trips look into getting a bike, scooter or skateboard (again, secondhand bargains are everywhere). If you have to travel quite the distance, electronic bikes are a godsend. Whether you're already in the office or are going back when restrictions further ease, ditching the public transport life even once or twice a week is better for the bank, the environment and your physical and emotional wellbeing. MEAL PREP LIKE A PRO Meal prepping: it sounds tedious at first, but once you get into the swing of it, it's really not that much of a hassle. And, spoiler alert, it can actually be fun — or, at least, it'll give you a sense of achievement on an otherwise unproductive Sunday. If you're a novice, start simple: try roasting a whole chook with veggies. You'll easily get a couple of dinners out of it, and the leftover meat can be used for sandwiches, salads and burrito bowls. Oh, and don't bin the carcass — it'll make a great homemade stock that you can portion out and freeze for later. Don't eat meat? Dust of that slow cooker and make a huge dhal for an easy-yet-nourishing feed. The more prep you do, the better and more inventive you'll get with it. Soon your homemade lunches will easily surpass that underwhelming $18 toastie you ordered on Uber Eats. FOLLOW THE SEASONS Now that you're on the way to becoming a whiz in the kitchen, you'll want to know how to cut down that grocery bill. It's just simple supply and demand, really. Shopping seasonally means that if you're buying something that's readily available the price is lower as there are fewer costs going into acquiring it. We're incredibly fortunate in Australia to have amazing fruit and veg available all year round, but certain things grow in abundance in summer rather than winter and vice versa. So, embrace shopping and cooking seasonally. You'll eat well and expand your repertoire while saving so that it feels almost natural. [caption id="attachment_737580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SWOP Clothing Exchange, Trent van der Jagt[/caption] GET THRIFTY Thrift shops, Salvos, Vinnies, Depop, Facebook Marketplace — there's no end to the bargains and unique pieces you can find without the hectic price tags. More often than not, op shops are located near other op shops so you can make a day of traversing a few and seeing what you can find. Pro tip: go to affluent suburbs, where you're more likely to uncover some rare gems in top condition. And while you're mindlessly doomscrolling on your phone at night, try browsing on Depop. You'll be surprised and delighted by the great designer pieces you can find from the likes of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne Studios, Zimmermann and more. EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Spring is here, so it's time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. And it'll be lighter on the wallet than a night on the town. Pack a picnic and head to the park for a long-awaited catch-up with your mates. If you're lucky, you'll be able to snag a public barbecue to have a cook-up and embrace the simple pleasures of a DIY outdoor feast. Toss a frisbee or a football, challenge your buds to a game of Finska, and stuff sausages into your pockets so all the dogs come to play with you. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea. BANK BETTER Knowing where your money is and why you're choosing to put it there is important in terms of goals and improving your overall financial literacy. If you're clamouring to get your first home, choose a bank that maximises your saving potential, such as Great Southern Bank. Great Southern Bank is empowering young Aussies with their banking to get them to their savings goals faster. Whether you're saving for a house deposit or just want to develop better banking habits, Great Southern Bank has a number of smart tools and features to get you there. One is The Boost, where you can set a predetermined amount (between $0.01 and $5) from your everyday transaction account to be automatically transferred to your savings account every time you make a purchase. That means every sambo, short black and schooner is subtly boosting your savings. Once you've got that all set up, you'll want to keep your savings fund from shrinking. For instance, if you get a bit tap happy when you're out having a good time (who doesn't), your bank balance can take quite the hit. This is where having a spending cap on your account can come in handy. Be realistic about how much you'll need depending on the activity. And, here's the tricky part: don't transfer more. You'll thank yourself later. Great Southern Bank is empowering Aussies to get clever with their banking. Whether you want to stick to your savings goals with The Boost or hide your house deposit fund from yourself with The Vault, Great Southern Bank helps you get there. For more information on savings tools and home loan options, head to the Great Southern Bank website. Top image: SWOP Clothing Exchange, Trent van der Jagt
When Steam Mill Lane signed on Belles Hot Chicken, we knew the foodie precinct would have at least a little bit of spice. Now, the laneway is taking that small step to the next level with its inaugural Hot Sauce and Chilli Festival. The three-day spice lover's haven will run from midday on Friday, August 17 through Sunday, August 19, boasting pop-up stalls and live music, plus a requisite chilli-eating contest for good measure. The food stalls will feature one-off specialties from the laneway's residences — think a spicy hot chicken sandwich from Belles, a cajun chicken roll from The Sandwich Shop, chilli pizza and chilli cocktails from Il Bacio, deep fried chilli concoctions from Ricefields, spicy poke from Fishbowl and a spicy matcha latte from Matcha-Ya. Plus, 8Bit will collaborate with Melbourne Hot Sauce for its Streets of Rage festival burger and Marrickville Pork Roll will have a menu dedicated to Sriracha. We wouldn't be surprised if even the biggest chilli fans are burnt out after all that spice.
