Have you ever been half way through the work week and fantasised about living a simple life? Perhaps you've been dreaming about waking up in a timber cottage with nothing but rolling hills as far as the eye can see? Well, luckily for you, there's a small collection of architecturally designed houses on vineyards and cabins set amongst idyllic gardens in New South Wales — perfect for your next serene weekend venture. To help you live out your dungaree wearing, straw chewing, horse riding dreams, here's a list of the most charming farm stays across NSW you can book right now. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in NSW The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Luxury Getaways From Sydney The Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains The Blacksmith's Luxury Cabin, Bellbrook Perfect for a rejuvenating and relaxing getaway. Situated on a regenerative organic farm, you can preorder hampers filled with the farm's fresh produce, book meditation sessions at the nearby "spirit pools", one-on-one yoga classes, massages, and Ayurvedic diet coaching. From $250 a night, sleeps two. The Gate House by Yeates Wines, Eurunderee This architecturally designed, split-level farm stay shares a backyard with Yeates Wines cellar door, so expect a complimentary wine tasting on arrival. It also boasts high ceilings, a slow combustion fireplace, a kingsize bed and sprawling views of the vineyard. From $390 a night, sleeps two. Jaguar Stay, Mogo One of three adult-only luxury villas on the property, all of which have their own plunge pools. Jaguar Stay is close to nearby South Coast beaches and is directly next to Mogo Wildlife Park, a small, privately owned zoo, so you'll be waking up to the sound of exotic animals. From $575 a night, sleeps two. Rustic Country Escape, Tenterfield An idyllic cottage situated on a creek with homely, rustic interior styling in the Northern Highlands. Set amongst picturesque gardens with a view of the adjacent farm, this farm stay is the perfect spot to switch off and unwind. From $247 a night, sleeps two. Vibrant Meadow Lodge, Far Meadow Gaze across the rolling countryside while lounging by the pool in this quaint and summer-heat-friendly cottage. Inside, cook up a feast in the bright and colourful country kitchen. From $399 a night, sleeps five. Kestrel Nest Ecohut, Mount Adrah Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, this eco-hut is nestled above a rocky mountain stream on the edge of rolling farmland and a conservation area, with an outdoor bathtub, a fireplace and firepit. From $460 a night, sleeps four. The Shearing Shed, Cowra A charming renovated shearing shed with an open-plan living room. Five kilometres from historically rich Wiradjuri Country (Cowra), what was once a vibrant area during the Gold Rush era. From $250 a night, sleeps two The Loft, Kyangatha The perfect farm stay for animal lovers, this two-level timber loft is set in a paddock with two horses, a small herd of cows and free-range ducks. It also has outdoor shower, a galley-style kitchen and a river on its doorstep. From $195 a night, sleeps three. Kumbogie Cabin, Daruka Situated on a working sheep farm, this eco-friendly retreat is as secluded as they come. Kumbogie Cabin is 900 metres from any neighbours that aren't the kangaroos, wallabies, birds and echidnas that frequent the surrounding bushland. From $150 a night, sleeps two. Luxurious Farm Stay, Peak Hill A renovated two-bedroom 70-year old shearing shed with French doors leading onto decks with views across the 118-year old property. Offers a family-sized barbecue for open-air cooking, and an outdoor bar to match. From $240 a night, sleeps five. All photos courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Fancy soaking in Sydney's expansive coastal surroundings while putting one foot in front of the other? Then head to the city's newest attraction. Stretching between the two titular beaches, the just-launched Bondi to Manly Walk spans 80 kilometres along the east coast and harbour foreshore — connecting the existing tracks in the area into one epic, super-scenic seaside trek. First announced in November 2018 and now open for Sydneysiders to stroll along, B2MW meanders past all of the expected highlights; think secluded coves, spectacular views, bushland, clifftops, and landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As the name makes plain, it starts and ends at Bondi and Manly beaches, but there's plenty to see in-between. You'll also wander everywhere from the Hornby Lighthouse and Mrs Macquarie's Chair to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Curlew Camp. Specifically winding through Bondi, Watsons Bay, Rose Bay, Darling Point and Kirribilli, past Taronga Zoo, over to Spit Bridge, then through Manly Wharf to Manly Beach, the track combines a host of already-popular trails. Stroll along the South Head Heritage Trail, Green Point Walking Track, Hermitage Foreshore Track, Bradleys Head Walk and Georges Heights Walk, then head through the Manly Scenic Walkway, North Head Sanctuary, Australian Memorial Walk and Fairfax Track. Emphasising the people of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the land through which the B2MW travels, the trail also journeys past significant Indigenous sites such as an Aboriginal People's midden between Fisher Bay and Sandy Bay, Aboriginal engravings at Grotto Point, and the ancestral reburial site and rock art at Reef Beach. Plus, while you're moseying, you'll follow 350 Aboriginal Whale Symbol signs along the mega trail's lengthy expanse — with an app also available to help you plan and track your walk. Sixty kilometres of the massive track runs over public land, including bushwalking paths, while the other 20 kilometres takes walkers along footpaths — with the trek coming about after considerable co-operation between the relevant local, state and federal government bodies. And if you're wondering how long it takes, suggested itineraries split the walk into four, five and seven-day routes, although you can obviously make the journey however you see fit. The Bondi to Manly Walk is now open. For more information, visit the walk's website. Images: Destination NSW.
Super Discount is part play, part dance piece and part super-heroic triumph. Under Bruce Gladwin's direction, a cast of six from Geelong's Back to Back Theatre Company survey the escapism of the myth of the superhero, whilst treading some fairly muddy territory about disability as well. STC's Wharf 1 is left unadorned by designer Mark Cuthbertson, save one remarkable opening tornado, constructed by a team of 'Air Engineers'. A snake of dry ice swirls upwards as we listen to performer and devisor Sarah Mainwaring speak about the impossibility of reaching an 'ever-shifting centre'. And boy do these guys get left of centre in the show that follows. The first half is a slow pondering of the limits of devising theatre and of disability as the cast tries to decide who should play the role of Mark Deans, a performer with Down's syndrome who they’ve decided can't play himself because he will not be clearly heard. The conversations between the cast as they audition people are revealing and honest. Able-bodied actor David Woods recalls being ignored during a Q&A session after a performance in Vienna and complains that he is dismissible because he doesn’t have a disability. He reads out definitions of different intellectual disabilities from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and Simon Laherty gently explains that he finds it offensive. Then Woods says the word retard. It's awkward, and fantastically so. Any tensions about allowable terms are addressed directly in this first section before we head out in to the wild world of what performer and devisor Scott Price calls 'post-disability'. The tension between mockery and comedy never goes away though, much as German director Christoph Schlingensief achieved in his reality TV style show Freakstars, with its cast of people with an intellectual disability. Actor and devisor Brian Tilley has brought his encyclopaedic knowledge of superheroes to the piece and his bravado is a powerful match to Woods's relentless challenges to everyone around him. As the pair get dressed for a showdown, Woods takes Tilley to task on his love of superheroes, explaining that we'd all be better off if we realised that no one will save us and we should just get on with our lives. Nevertheless, Woods cuts a fine form in Shio Otani's puffy super hero outfits and performs an electric duet with Tilley. Marco Cher-Gibard's music here is excellent, and combined with Andrew Livingston’s lovely fluoro panels, it’ll have you wishing you could join in, as Mark Deans does from his seat upstage. Deans makes the transformation from peripheral participant to the subject of Woods' mimicry of him, to a kapowing boss with a calm that is pretty funny. His performance in the final sequence is completely captivating. Image by Jeff Busby.
The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Fred again.., Skrillex and Happy Mondays have played it. De La Soul, Aphex Twin, Carl Cox and deadmau5, too. For dance music fans, and just music fans in general, The Warehouse Project's fame extends far past its Manchester home. The event itself is now roaming further than Britain as well, including locking in its first-ever Australian visit. Yes, Manchester's rave scene is heading Down Under, with The Warehouse Project announcing a big weekend in both Sydney and Melbourne across Saturday, May 25–Sunday, May 26, 2024. It's busting out a heap of talent on both dates in both cities, swapping between Bonobo's Outlier series and Mall Grab's Looking for Trouble parties. Melbourne's PICA will get its The Warehouse Project experience started on the Saturday with Bonobo, while Munro Warehouse in Sydney Olympic Park will welcome Mall Grab to begin. Come Sunday, they'll swap. On both bills is plenty of company: HAAi, Kelly Lee Owens, Paula Tape, dj pgz and Krysko with Bonobo for starters; and Effy, Jennifer Loveless and DJ Dameeeela with Mall Grab, with more to come there as well. This is a two-city tour, so if you're keen on hitting up The Warehouse Project in Australia and you live somewhere other than Sydney or Melbourne, you'll need to plan an interstate trip. The Manchester institution's Aussie debut comes after initially going international in 2023 in Rotterdam and Antwerp. [caption id="attachment_868300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mall Grab, by Rob Jones[/caption] It was back in 2006 that The Warehouse Project first unleashed its club nights on its birthplace, kicking off in a disused brewery and then moving underneath Manchester's Piccadilly station, in a space that's also been an air-raid shelter — and also to a warehouse that dates back to the 1920s. Now, it calls former railway station Depot Mayfield home when it's on in its home city. "Following the success of our first international editions in Rotterdam and Antwerp last year, we've been having great fun putting more international plans together. Australia has always been somewhere we've dreamed of hosting The Warehouse Project," said co-founder Sam Kandel, announcing the Aussie dates. "We are also so grateful to Bonobo and Mall Grab, and all the artists both international and domestic who will each play a special part of this WHP Australia debut." The Warehouse Project Australia 2024 Bonobo Presents OUTLIER Dates: Saturday, May 25 — PICA, Melbourne Sunday, May 26 — Munro Warehouse, Sydney Lineup: Bonobo (DJ set) HAAi Kelly Lee Owens (DJ set) Paula Tape dj pgz Krysko More to come Mall Grab Presents Looking For Trouble Dates: Saturday, May 25 — Munro Warehouse Sunday, May 26 — PICA, Melbourne Lineup: Mall Grab Effy Jennifer Loveless DJ Dameeeela More to come [caption id="attachment_943890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mayfield Depot, Rcsprinter123 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Warehouse Project will hit Australia for the first time across Saturday, May 25–Sunday, May 26, 2024, with presale tickets from 10am AEST on Tuesday, March 5 and general sales from 11am AEDT on Thursday, March 7. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Rob Jones for Khroma Collective.
Not only is The Rocks home to some of Sydney’s most secretive cafes and innovative restaurants, it’s also got the views. Situated directly across the water from Bennelong Point, the area is perfectly positioned for uninterrupted vistas of the Opera House, Circular Quay and the Harbour. The trick is knowing exactly where to find them. Here are five eateries in The Rocks where your meal comes with significant doses of sea and sky. GLENMORE HOTEL Book a table on the Glenmore Hotel's rooftop for 180 degree views of the Harbour and CBD. It's glorious in the sunshine, but even on rainy days, you can honour your lunch date, thanks to a retractable roof that'll keep you dry. Built across the road in the 1880s and moved, literally brick-by-brick, to its current location in the 1920s, the Glenmore is one of the few buildings on Cumberland Street to have survived the building of the Harbour Bridge. A nine-month renovation in 2012 brought it well into the 21st century. The menu offers hearty pub fare, from eight-hour beef brisket to beef and red wine pot pie to pan-roasted salmon with mixed quinoa. 96 Cumberland Street MCA CAFE The MCA Cafe combines multimillion dollar views with a casual feel. Its fourth floor, waterfront position means that the vista is extraordinary, taking in the Opera House, the Bridge and Kirribilli. But because the interior has been given a canteen-like fit-out, with red plastic chairs and counter service, you can adopt as relaxed an approach to lunch as suits you. The menu, taken care of by Fresh Catering, is varied, fresh and creative, featuring the likes of smoked trout salad with couscous, tomato, spinach, tarragon and nigella seeds, and roasted salmon with green beans and rosemary kipfler potatoes. Open every day from 10am – 4pm and late night Thursdays until 9pm. 140 George Street ALTITUDE @ THE SHANGRI-LA The Altitude Restaurant affords genuinely dazzling views. That's because it's on the 36th floor of the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel and it's fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows. The fancy-pants menu rises to the occasion. While you're working through your seared scallops with Iberico crumb, braised abalone, salsify and dried persimmon or blueberry sorbet with white chocolate, basil gel and sugar glass, gaze out over Harbour and city panoramas that stretch for miles. Try to get there for sunset. THE DINING ROOM @ PARK HYATT What Altitude offers in dizzying heights, the Park Hyatt Dining Room offers in its spectacular proximity to the water. A table here is about as close to the Harbour as you can get without jumping on a ferry. And the 4 metre, floor-to-ceiling glass doors make the indoor-outdoor transition seamless. Like Altitude, The Dining Room is for fine dining. Dishes include Darling River kangaroo loin with oscietra caviar, horseradish and lemon myrtle, and cobia and black sesame mousseline with pimiento del piquillo and chorizo condiment. WOLFIES Wolfies' home is a 19th-century sandstone storehouse in Campbell's Cove. For the best views, reserve an outside table. To mix historic atmosphere with harbour glimpses, opt for one of the cosy, mahogany-floored private rooms. Star attractions of the contemporary Australian menu include the hot and cold seafood platter loaded up with crayfish, tiger prawns, Balmain bugs and loads more; the grilled Moreton Bay bugs; and the chateaubriand. Top image: The Glenmore.
A Johnny Cash show, to be held inside Parramatta Gaol, is on the bill for the 2015 Sydney Festival's Parramatta program. Aussie rocker Tex Perkins will take on the role of the legendary singer-songwriter, recreating his groundbreaking 1968 Folsom Prison shows, framed by looming, razor-wired limestone walls in what was once the jail's exercise yard. The 19th-century jail is now out of commission but will make a suitably moody backdrop for Perkins' Far From Folsom, which also involves The Tennessee Four and Rachael Tidd doing the the vocals of June Carter. The one-night only spectacle is but one of five world premieres to which Western Sydney audiences will be treated. At the Parramatta Opening Party (POP), scheduled for January 9, Paul Kelly will bring his new collaboration, The Merri Soul Sessions, to the stage for the first time ever, for which he’ll be joined by a bunch of our best local soul performers, including Dan Sultan, Clairy Browne, Kira Puru and Vika and Linda Bull. The free event, which kicks off from 6pm at Parramatta Town Hall, will also feature Radical Son, Christine Salem, New York City DJ, $mall ¢hange, the Waratah Drumcorps and 'Uptown' Brown. Elsewhere in Parramatta, there’ll be a rooftop performance from the Stiff Gins and a block party hosted by the fine Soul of Sydney folk. The emphasis on dancing your way to a good time will be continued at Disco Dome, which is described as “an after dark walking tour” but sounds more like a mobile dance party. Situated at the Information and Cultural Exchange, this event transports the audience back to a time when “the funk” had a strong grip on Parramatta — between 1979 and 1995. It’s a journey not only through music but through architecture and history, featuring dynamic digital, sonic and live artworks by Justene Williams, Khaled Sabsabi, Liam Benson, David Capra and Heath Franco, Fadia Abboud and Jerome Pearce. Meanwhile, the Riverside Theatre will provide a temporary home for two world firsts. There’s Legs on the Wall's PUNCTURE, which will see the stage turned into a dance floor that travels through a world history of body movement, from ballet to tango to hip hop, and, wait for it, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show — yep, every child’s favourite ravenous critter will hit the stage in puppet form. We know it’s meant for kids, but... Finally, there’s Cirque Alfonse, coming all the way from Quebec, to entertain us with a whole lot of “whip-crackin’, wood-chuckin’ and log-balancin’ and axe-jugglin’ galore — with live banjo-pickin’ and bluegrass-playin’ thrown in for good measure”. Multipack tickets for Sydney Festival Parramatta go on sale at 9am on October 24, while single tickets will be up for grabs from 9am on October 27. The full Sydney Festival program will be announced at noon tomorrow (October 23). Watch this space.
Sydney's southern suburb of Kogarah suffered a devastating loss to its culinary community when Pino's Dolce Vita caught fire and ultimately closed back in 2016. The award-winning Italian deli was founded by Pino Tomini Foresti back in 1978 and was the heart of the local food scene for decades. Now, after much deliberation and over one year's worth of renovations, the butcher, deli and cafe has returned to its original President Avenue location. Pino's reopened in December 2018 with a brand new fit-out and an extended offering of authentic Italian fare. The shop now sells over 100 types of handmade Italian sausages and salumi, plus cuts of meat that are exclusive to the butchery. There's also an extensive collection of local and international cheeses and a huge range of artisan small goods, too. In the cafe, the team is slinging freshly brewed coffee, breakfast and lunch, plus homemade cakes and pastries — including these cannoli. It's a true family affair here, with Foresti's wife Pia, daughter Carla, son-in-law Michael and sons Fabiano and Marco all taking part in the business. The new digs put emphasis on this family-friendly atmosphere and emulate the bustling vibes of a true Italian deli. If you're looking to book your next gathering, Pino's now offers a catered, warehouse-style event space, too — packages including grazing boards and Italian wines that'll transport your party to the European coast.
Get ready to feel insecure about your age. That dynamo 17-year-old with the Grammys and the dance moves and the best friend named David Bowie is set to hit our shores in April. Lorde has announced six shows across the country including Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane. After a heartbreaking cancellation earlier in the year, this will be Lorde's first Australian stadium tour after playing smaller clubs and the Laneway circuit. And while we're sure to get the full royal treatment from her 2013 breakthrough album Pure Heroine, this 2014 tour is said to have some surprises in store. It's been announced there will be a huge light show component, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a cameo from Ziggy Stardust. In good news for wunderkinds nationwide, every show on the tour will also be all ages. Stands to reason, really — if the main act is underage why should you have to flash ID? General tickets go on sale 9am on Friday, March 21, but if you're a Frontier member you should get excited — pre-sale is available for just 24 hours from 2pm Thursday, March 13. See the Frontier Touring website for more details. Lorde April/May Australian Tour Dates (supports yet to be announced) Thursday April 24 — Melbourne, Festival Hall (All Ages) Sunday April 27 — Adelaide, EC Theatre (All Ages) Tuesday April 29 — Perth, Challenge Stadium (All Ages) Friday May 2 — Sydney, Hordern Pavillion (All Ages) Sunday May 4 — Newcastle, Entertainment Centre (All Ages) Tuesday May 6 — Brisbane, Riverstage (All Ages)
Every Friday evening, Dixon Street is awash with tourists and locals browsing the popular night markets. Explore stalls with designer wares, kooky knickknacks and delectable street food including battered takoyaki (octopus balls), skewers from BBQ King and the peanuty, sugary Dragon Beard Candy. If you still have room, make the all-important stop at Emperor's Puffs to end your night — the famed puffs are only 30 cents each, so they certainly won't break the bank. Once you've shopped and eaten till your heart's content, it's time to check out the area's great street art. And, since many of the works are constructed from globes and LEDs, after dark is the best time to see them. One to look out for is Jason Wing's In Between Two Worlds, spanning across Factory Street, Hay Street and Kimber Lane in Haymarket. The beguiling work references both Indigenous and Chinese motifs for wind, water, fire and earth, which are believed to each have their own spirits. Image: Destination NSW / Daniel Boud.
Long gone are the days when fries meant, simply, fries. Now, that classic fast food side of golden shoestring chips is up against some pretty tough competition, as kitchens everywhere get a little crafty in the potato department. From fat sweet potato wedges to cheesy haloumi chips to those classic tater tots, piled high with toppings, we've embraced the humble spud in a whole bunch of delicious forms. But not all fries are made equally, so we've teamed up with Zeus Street Greek — makers of traditional Greek fare and exceptional haloumi chips — to find the best in your city. We've rounded up Sydney's best poutine, Melbourne's crunchiest sweet potato chips, Brisbane's favourite kimchi fries and, at the top of the proverbial chip pile, Zeus Street Greek's standout wintry loaded fries — topped with slow-cooked beef brisket, lashings of harissa aioli, feta and fresh — which are available in all three. Ditch the plain ol' shoestring for something a little more special — these fries are a whole lot more than just fries. [caption id="attachment_674236" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zeus Street Greek, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane[/caption] HALOUMI CHIPS It's safe to say that salty cheese sensation haloumi has become a staple of the Aussie brunch menu, as at home at your local cafe as the ubiquitous smashed avo or chilli scrambled eggs. But why stop there? We're here to tell you that haloumi's true culinary calling might just be in chip form, as the ultimate cheesy snack. Aussie favourite Zeus Street Greek is dishing up a winning example of haloumi fries, as part of a modern menu that mingles traditional Greek flavours with top local ingredients. A cult favourite at the group's stores nationwide, these haloumi chips are the kind you'll dream about — lengths of that Cypriot cheese are tossed in tapioca flour, lightly fried and teamed with a smoky house-made yoghurt. A few bites of these and you'll wonder why you ever wasted your time on cheese-free chips. [caption id="attachment_676400" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Thirsty Wolf, Sydney[/caption] POUTINE Born in Quebec and often touted as Canada's national dish, poutine is that glorious mess of mess of french fries, cheese curds and gravy. And while the original concept has sometimes got lost in translation venturing to other parts of the world, we know of a few cracking interpretations to be found right here in your own backyard. For the real deal, pay a visit to Sydney bar and eatery The Thirsty Wolf, where the kitchen is doing those Canadians proud with its traditional offering of chips smothered in real curds and gravy. They'll even let you take things to the next level, loading up on bacon bits or extra cheese for a couple more dollars. Down south, Melbourne's Belleville is dishing up a menu of global-inspired street eats, where poutine sits happily alongside the likes of southern-fried cauliflower and miso-glazed chicken. This reworking of Canada's classic dish features a decadent assembly of beer battered fries, melty cheese and rich chicken gravy, finished with a kick of hot sauce. And while Brisbane's 5 Dogs is best known for its classic American-style hot dogs, you'll find it hard to pass up a go at the poutine chips — here, featuring hot, crisp fries, doused in both cheese and a house-made gravy. [caption id="attachment_676874" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Howler, Melbourne[/caption] SWEET POTATO FRIES As plenty of you will agree, those regular spuds ain't got nothing on sweet potato. Especially when they're cut into fries, salted and deep fried to perfection, with that crisp outer and soft potato middle just begging to be dipped and devoured. The fact they're supposedly a whole lot healthier than the other kind, full of beta-carotene and vitamins — well, that doesn't go astray at all. Luckily, food haunts across the country are coming to the sweet potato party, offering tasty creations that are sure to impress. Up in Sydney, inner west pub The Erko is whipping up fat sweet potato wedges that come drenched in sour cream and sweet chilli sauce — just try and find a better match to a few weekend arvo pints. Brisbane's Newstead Brewing Co is also embracing the humble sweet potato species at its Newstead headquarters, here served in fry form and teamed with a creamy aioli. And at Howler in Melbourne, the kitchen's beloved burger creations are made even better when devoured alongside a serve of their crisp sweet potato fries and chipotle mayo. [caption id="attachment_677570" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zeus Greek Street (for a limited time only)[/caption] LOADED FRIES The overachievers of the chip family, loaded fries are the kind of dish you go for when only jazzed-up eats will do. And we love seeing just how creative people can get with their toppings. Zeus Street Greek's signature Yia Yia's Chips have a Grecian twist and come topped with oregano and crumbled feta. Until September, you can catch the tweaked version, too: Loaded Yia Yia's Chips. They're decked out with slow-cooked beef brisket, lashings of smoky yoghurt and harissa aioli, and a tumble of feta and fresh chilli to finish. In Melbourne, the Animal Fries at South Yarra burger joint Hello Sam certainly live up to its name, topped with grilled onion, bacon bits, spring onions, grated cheese and a good drizzle of the house McSam sauce. Meanwhile, the supercharged fries at Brisbane's Nom Nom Korean Eatery pays homage to the restaurants Asian roots, decked out with a cream cheese sauce that's cut through with a spicy kick of kimchi. And at the aptly named Loaded by BL in Sydney, a customisable menu means you're faced with a whole lot of choices when it comes to those loaded fries. From potato variety and cheese style to meat toppings and sauces, it's all up to you. But for a super nostalgic treat, take a swing at the porky tots — potato gems topped with liquid cheese, pulled pork, onion, barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of chilli flakes. To find more great traditional Greek fare in your city, head to zeusstreetgreek.com.au.
The sleepy western suburbs of Sydney may not seem like the most obvious place to drop a multi-million dollar food court. But it's certainly one of the smartest. Catering to the area's growing population (and large number of residents with southeast Asian backgrounds), Cabra-Vale Diggers — which straddles the border of Canley Vale and Cabramatta — has just completed a gigantic expansion of their premises, including a 600-seat food precinct, named District 8. After eight months of construction, the club has turned 2000 square metres of space into an all-day diner, which is open from 9am till late every day of the week. As the name suggests, District 8 will have eight food offerings, and vendors have been organised in a way that feels like a culinary voyage through the countries of the Mekong River. You'll be able to get everything from dumplings, congee, noodles and baked goods, to jellyfish salad, poached Hainan chicken, beef massaman curry and crispy silver fish green mango salad. There will also be a dessert area and a bar. The food precinct's design is an architectural marvel to behold. Over 5000 pieces of red timber hang from the ceiling and 2000 roof tiles were imported from China to give the ultra-modern space an authentic Asian feel. If that doesn't work for you, then maybe the 266 Maneki Neko that were imported from China to form a huge 'waving arm cat' wall will. "We have created 'streets' and walkways throughout the scheme, surrounded by columns, plants and Hong Kong-style illuminated signage to really give that feeling of being outdoors," says Tina Fox, project manager of Altis Architects, who painstakingly designed nine mock-ups before completing the project, two of them to scale. "There is some logic behind District 8, as some Asian countries are divided into districts," says Boris Belevski, CEO of Cabra-Vale Diggers. "Not only does the number eight imply good fortune, but there will be eight vendors." District 8 is part two of an $18 million four-stage renovation to the food offerings at the Diggers. A restaurant and cafe have already opened on the premises, with a steakhouse and a dining room for the venue's new hotel the next stages to be completed. Cabra-Vale Diggers and District 8 is now open daily from 9am till late at 1 Bartley Street, Canley Vale. For more information, visit cabravale.com.au.
One of Sydney's best dog walking arenas is the 40-hectare Bicentennial Park. The scenic parkland encourages pups to accompany your day. Drinking alcohol is permitted, so you're welcome to sip a few brews while your dog-child runs around with his friends — there's a designated off-leash area near P5a car park for that purpose. Your doggo is also welcomed (on a leash) around much of the park (except the Badu Mangroves) — so you can hike up to Treillage Tower for expansive views of the wetlands, stroll along Homebush Bay or check out the boardwalks. If you're hungry, you can grab a snack at Cafe at Waterview, or pre-pack a feast and enjoy it one of the barbecue or picnic areas.
You've crooned your way through sing-along screenings of Spice World, wished you could visit the huge memorabilia exhibition in Britain and just generally been following Spice Girls news since the English pop stars unleashed their brand of girl power on the world back in the 90s. Now, come 2020, Australians just might be able to spice up their lives with the group itself — according to Melanie Brown, aka Mel B, they're coming our way. As part of their Spice World reunion tour, Mel B and her bandmates Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell have been playing gigs across the British Isles, bringing their zigazig-ah back to stadiums. They just played their last concert in London on Saturday, June 15 UK time, during which Mel B concluded the proceedings by saying "we'll see you in February in Australia". https://twitter.com/HalinaWatts86/status/1140009527129137152 No further details have been revealed, and nor has an official tour announcement at this stage — but here's hoping that if anyone is in the know about the Spice Girls' plans, it's one of the Spice Girls themselves while the group is on stage. If you're a fan, you'll wannabe hollering about the chance to see Scary, Sporty, Baby and Ginger perform in Australia for the first time — in a huge light and costume-filled performance, no less. Victoria Beckham, aka Posh, isn't part of the current shows, so this won't be the full Spice experience. Still, four out of five Spice Girls is better than none. It has been a big week for Spice news, with an animated Spice Girls movie also just announced, targeting a 2020 release. Unlike the live shows, it'll feature the whole Spice gang, according to The Hollywood Reporter. And, it'll include both new and old songs as well. The Spice Girls look set to tour Australia in February 2020, with dates and venues yet to be revealed. We'll keep you posted with further details as they come to hand.
The Toxteth Hotel, lovingly referred to as 'The Tocky' by locals, has been a Glebe staple for decades and continues to attract an unusually eclectic crowd of Carlton-drinking, Akubra-donning patrons sitting next to ironically moustached students wearing tight pants and sipping a schooner of Young Henrys. While this crowd combo wouldn't work in most places, it's a mix that The Tocky has become known for. This old-school Aussie/new-school hipster scene is in part due to the Lo-Fi and The Standard revamp back in 2012, when they transformed the beer garden into a inner west pub dream. The greenhouse-like space is centred around an open bar and is frequented by yuppies and students who love an outdoor schooner and schnitty. The Pimm's Garden Bar is serving up pints of craft along with overly-garnished cocktails, like the Bloody Mary that uses a salt rim made of Grizzly's Jerky. The Tocky is far from a craft beer bar, but they are hosting Crafty Wednsdays with Wayward, Batch and Young Henrys on tap. But the real draw for all patrons is the ace pub food that has continued to stay on-point throughout the years. It's not your average specials offering though, as weekly dishes have been known to include lamb brains. The prawn cakes ($21) deserve a regular spot on the menu; a fresh mixture of dill and capers and a crisp fennel and rocket salad goes well with the Marie Rose bisque. The 'pickled things' ($9) — which include a pickled egg — is a nod to the pub's British origins, while the southern fried chicken ($13) draws on American influences. Both are worth a taste. If you're looking for classic pub grub, The Tocky Burger ($18) is just that — it's a super satisfying combo of streaky bacon and gooey cheddar cheese, topped with a special Thousand Island sauce. While pubs aren't known as dessert joints, don't make the rookie mistake of not saving room in your belly for sweet stuff. The weekly special is usually top notch, but the vanilla and lemon cheesecake is unreal ($12). Served with blueberry compote and vanilla ice cream, this is the perfect, decadent end to any pub meal. Not looking for anything fancy? Well, with $14 meals Monday to Friday — including a chargrilled beef rump — you can still come to The Toxteth for that reliable bang-for-your-buck pub grub too. Images: Kitti Gould
Known locally as the Addison Road Markets, Marrickville's weekly organic market is a favourite among Sydneysiders near and far. Visitors come from across the city for this one, so Marrickville locals are especially lucky to have it located within their postcode. The market takes place each Sunday from 9am–3pm and boasts vibes aplenty. Apart from all the fruit, veg, eggs, pastries, breads, cakes, tarts, quiches and pies — all of which are organic — the market also offers heaps of food stalls. So, while doing your weekly shop, you can also tuck in to everything from pho, ravioli and lamb rolls to raw vegan treats, speciality coffee and loaded yoghurt cups. Also on offer: plants, homewares, vintage threads, vinyl, soaps and more. You name it, they've got it.When you're not perusing the many stalls, have a seat in the adjoining grassy area for live music and other entertainment. Be sure to get in early to get the best pick of the bunch though, as the market's popularity also means that stalls sell out. Marrickville Organic Food Market takes place each Sunday from 9am–3pm.
Wollongong's independently owned and operated microbrewery, Illawarra Brewing Company, offers visitors, locals and beer enthusiasts a chance to get involved in the making (and drinking) of craft beer. The brewery is open for tours as well as tastings, which are done at the bar that overlooks the beer making machinery. The warehouse opens up on sunny days, and on Saturday there is usually a burger truck, too. Of course, you can also pick up a six-pack or get your growler filled to takeaway. Along with serving bold IPAs and barrel-aged sour beers, the brewery also has a range of core beers on offer, including its summer ale, rust amber ale, IPA and pilsner.
Penrith is growing from a regional town to a main player in the suburb wars of Sydney. And one of the lovely things about the area is that you can still find some great independent shops to support. There's a special place in heaven for those of us who show some love to these local legends who are the heart and soul of this fast growing region. To showcase some of the best businesses in Penrith, we've teamed up with American Express to create this guide to shopping local in the area. These businesses demonstrate exactly why western Sydney is such a great place to live right now, and you can shop small at these stores with your Amex Card.
Surry Hills's Japanese dining institution TOKO — which closed back in April after 15 years of trade on Crown Street — has finally found a new home on George Street in the city. Under the leadership of owner Matt Yazbek and Head Chef Sunil Shresthra, TOKO now offers an omakase experience which celebrates their most popular dishes from the past along with a few exciting new creations. They've learned a few new tricks during the temporary closure. It's clearly been the year of omakase for Sydney. From the picturesque Bay Nine in The Rocks to Circular Quay's tiny 12-seat Besuto, and not one — but two chef's table-style menus from hospitality darling Chase Kojima (one at Sokyo and a special ramen omakase in Kojima's own Chatswood restaurant), the luxuriously indulgent and precisely-prepared multi-course experiences have well and truly entered the mainstream of high-end dining. But back to TOKO. The team has returned with a vengeance, lifting their drinks game too. Expect a huge range of sake, shochu and Japanese whisky — curated by their own Sake Sommelier, Paul Birtwistle. The concept of the sake somm is an Australian first, so you're ready to deep dive into the world of sake, you've now got the perfect spot for it. Architect Matt Darwon, who designed the original TOKO, also took the reins in the brand new 330-square-metre venue. Just like with the menu, they've blended the old with the new. Some of the bespoke timber furnishings have made their way from Surry Hills to the CBD, but there are also several new additions. Along with seating for 100 diners, the venue also boasts a robata grill, omakase sushi bar and 16-person private dining room for special occasions. They're not messing around. They've even designed a late-night menu catering to patrons wandering in past 10pm (they have a hard-to-find 2am license) for those looking for something more sophisticated than a slice of pizza. Not that there's anything wrong with that, of courses. These extended business hours will bring a new venue into the mix of those contributing to the revitalisation of Sydney's nightlife and after-hours scene. TOKO opened earlier this month at 275 George Street, CBD. Images: Steven Woodburn.
The L1 Dulwich Hill line of Sydney's tumultuous light rail has been closed indefinitely, with buses replacing trains across the line while major repairs are completed. The seven-year-old vehicles were revealed to have major cracking, causing them to be decommissioned for repairs. At a press conference on Friday, November 7, NSW Transport Minister Rob Stokes announced the cracking was worse than they originally expected and revealed the light rail could be out of action for up to 18 months. Stokes confirmed this was a worst-case scenario date and he expected the vehicles to be working again sooner than the 18-month estimate. Cracks were found in 12 trams that run from Dulwich Hill and the Central Grand Concourse. The inner west line was unveiled in its current form in 2014 after a significant extension that added 5.6 kilometres of track and a fleet of 12 new vehicles that have now presented cracks. "We believe this is the right thing to do," Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins proclaimed, saying that the vehicles are not currently dangerous to passengers but could become problematic if left to crack further. Collins also confirmed the government was looking into the idea of utilising the L2 and L3 light rail vehicles, however, revealed there are engineering challenges with this and said they wouldn't want to disrupt the other lines in order to plug a hole in the Dulwich Hill line. In order to soften the blow of this closure, the NSW Government is offering 50 per cent reductions on fare prices for replacement busses. These buses will run 6am–11pm each day, however will not stop at the Capitol Square and Pyrmont Bay stops, as well as the Exhibition Centre when travelling towards Dulwich Hill. The newer L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line have not experienced the same issues and will continue to run as normal. Stay up to date with the latest news regarding the L1 Dulwich Hill light rail via Transport for NSW.
There aren't many directors whose work we look forward to more than Joel and Ethan Coen. The Oscar winning siblings behind Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men and Inside Llewyn Davis among many others, the pair have made a name for themselves with their memorable characters and masterfully constructed plots, often seasoned with liberal lashings of dark, esoteric humour. Their latest film is set to be released on February 25, and we've managed to get our hands on some complimentary tickets. Hail, Caesar! is a screwball comedy set in 1950s Hollywood, and concerns a famous film star, played by George Clooney, who is kidnapped by a mysterious organisation. Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Jonah Hill and Frances McDormand make up the star-studded ensemble, along with Channing Tatum dressed as a sailor (which, quite frankly, seems like it'll be worth the price of admission on its own). [competition]558865[/competition] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMqeoW3XRa0
There's no need to shake off that Swiftmania, Australia. The world's biggest pop star right now has hit the country, unleashed the first three nights of the Aussie leg of her Eras tour, broken records and given everyone an enchanted time. There's no way that you could not know that Taylor Swift has arrived Down Under, with Melbourne her first stop. That trio of initial gigs even means that she makes more appearances at the MCG in 2024 than most AFL teams, in fact. So, you went along and it was gorgeous, and you're still keen to get your Swiftie on. Or, you're hitting the Sydney concerts at Accor Stadium from Friday, February 23–Monday, February 26 and want to get the full lowdown. Missed out completely? Eager to figure out how to cope? We can help you with that as well. We were lucky enough to hit up an Eras show in Melbourne, so we have the details. We've outlined logistical tips if you're watching Swift's three-hour spectacular in Sydney, too — plus Swift-related events across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. And yes, the Eras concert film will help fill that blank space in your calendar. Here's our Australian Eras tour 101: [caption id="attachment_941681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] The Show (and Yes, It's as Sensational as You've Heard) Before even getting to the show, most fans have memorised the setlist, seen most of the performances on social media and created perfect recreations of Swift's Eras tour costumes. They know what's to come. But are they ready for it? Absolutely not. From the moment that Swift enters the stage — emerging from the giant flower petals that everyone has seen in countless videos of already — the MCG loses its shit. It's the feeling of being a part of the international tour that's been obsessed over for so many months that draws up the excitement. We don't need to be surprised. We just want to be a part of these legendary moments. Swift doesn't disappoint, on any level, for none of the three-hour show packed with hits. She runs through each of her albums, spanning 18 years of music, ticking off the bangers as the crowd screams the lyrics along with her — no matter what era they come from. She doesn't lose breath or miss a beat for a moment. She's done this show god knows how many times now and knows exactly what she's doing. She's a total pro. [caption id="attachment_941679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] But while Swift soars in her most upbeat hits, the more-emotional ballads show her real vulnerability. The walls seem to really come down for a few moments. This is best seen in her ten-minute version of 'All Too Well', captivating the audience for the entire song while it's just her on stage with a guitar in a stunning red-and-black sequinned coat. She gets visibly angry, is particularly pointed with some harsh lyrics and takes the audience with her on the journey of hating the celeb we all know this song is about. From start to finish, Swift repeatedly reminds you why she is an icon — and that she's got plenty of more eras to come. Let's just hope that she brings them back Down Under to smash some more records and give us another (or first) chance to see her IRL. [caption id="attachment_941680" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] Tips to Help Make Hitting the Gigs as Gorgeous as Possible When it comes to the kit you'll be wearing, most Swifties go down one of two routes. You can sequin the house down and be inspired by her tour looks, or try to recreate one of her iconic music-video ensembles. Glitter is almost a must, even if it covers your bathroom at home for months afterwards. And friendship bracelets. You've got to invest in some if you want to participate in those sweet community feels at the concert, when everyone is swapping bracelets with one another, sharing their excitement for what's to come. It couldn't be more wholesome. While heels might go with your outfit, flats are probably the smartest choice. Everyone gets a seat, but you'll be standing and dancing for over three hours. Everyone in the crowd tries to sit down in between eras when the stage gets changed over and Swift quickly swaps into a new outfit, but it's not enough to save your poor feet (especially as there isn't that much time between albums). Beyond that, be sure to bring a portable battery for your phone. Even if you say you won't take videos, you likely will. And there are plenty of times during the night when fans turn on their camera lights and sway along to the slow jams. For most of us, this will kill our batteries in an hour. [caption id="attachment_940691" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] If you're heading to one of the four Sydney shows, it's time to start planning your journey. Gates open at 4.30pm, and everyone has assigned seating, so there's no need to camp out overnight to secure the best spot. The show will kick off around 6.20pm, with Sabrina Carpenter handling opening duties. Get down early to see what she rhymes with Sydney during her iconic 'Nonsense' outros. While there is car parking available, it's almost fully booked up already, so public transport is the optimal option for heading in. Travel on PT is included in your ticket, and both express trains and major event buses are running each night to deal with the masses of Swifties making the pilgrimage to Sydney Olympic Park. If you're attending on the Friday or Saturday, leave yourself some extra time — Blink-182 is performing at Qudos Bank Arena on both these days, so there will be two lots of music lovers travelling to the same spot. Everyone's journey in will be a little different, of course, but if you head to Central, Redfern or Strathfield Station, you'll be able to get a direct train. While there are a couple of spots to eat near Accor Stadium, it's not exactly a cornucopia of food and drinks. Consider hitting up a venue near one of these key stations for an early dinner or a couple of celebratory cocktails. City Oltra is a perfect pitstop for a few slices of some of the city's best pizza and a glass of orange wine just metres from Central Station. If mimosas on a rooftop are more of the vibe, consider stopping over at The Old Clare Hotel. As for Redfern, The Sunshine Inn, RaRa Ramen, Redbird and BrewDog are all stellar options for a pre-gig feed. Or, if you're just after a few top-notch drinks, Arcadia Liquors always does the trick. Plus, Strathfield is filled with plenty of standout dining options. Our picks for a cheap and cheerful meal: Korean fried chicken and a bottle of soju from the no-frills CC Train, or a big brothy bowl from Hansang. Not Going? How to Play Along Elsewhere Look what you made Australia do, Swifties: put on Taylor Swift-themed festivities everywhere and anywhere, to prolong the lavender haze swirling not just around Melbourne and Sydney, but Brisbane as well. From candlelight tributes and colourful cocktails to painting pottery and showing off your knowledge of Swift trivia, you have options. Sydney: Sydney well and truly has Swift fever, so if you're a Lover lover but you're not heading to Accor Stadium, there are plenty of Taylor-themed events happening all across the Harbour City. There's Taylor Swift bottomless brunch at both Harry's by Giuls and Above 319, Eras-themed doughnuts at Miss Sina, and limited-edition cocktails at Moxy Sydney and Alibi Bar and Dining. Crown Sydney is hosting a Swiftie High Tea at Teahouse until Sunday, February 25. The extravagant afternoon activity features a lineup of sweet treats representing some of Swift's most beloved albums — like the 1989, a lavender ganache with yuzu and almond streusel — as well as some savoury mouthfuls like whisky teriyaki wagyu and Sichuan miso-baked toothfish. If you want to flex your knowledge, Taylor Swift Trivia is popping up across Western Sydney, including Guildford on Sunday, February 25 and Penrith on Wednesday, February 28. The Argyle is getting in on the action with a Taylor Rave on Thursday, February 22 and, if you think you'll be full of energy after the show and you're looking to kick on with some more big TS sing-alongs, Oxford Art Factory is hosting a series of unofficial afterparties on the nights of the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows. [caption id="attachment_940473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paolo Villanueva via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Melbourne: While most of the Taylor Swift-themed parties and events in Melbourne took place just before or during her time in the city, there is one way to still join in the fun in the week following: Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift. The hour-long concert features Swift's music played by a string quartet. It's running at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday, February 24 at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. The moody candlelit performance is a brilliant chaser for any Swiftie who went to the shows, or even those who couldn't nab the hotly fought-over tickets. Brisbane: Every Brisbane Swiftie, and most Brisbanites in general, is well aware that T-Swift isn't bringing Eras to the Queensland capital. To commiserate, you can calm down in a number of ways — including at Fritzenberger South Bank's Swift-themed trivia night on Wednesday, February 21, then at a tribute party on Saturday, February 24 at Fortitude Valley's The Sound Garden, where a DJ will be spinning all the requisite tunes. Also on Saturday, February 24, head to Clontarf's The Craft Haven to make and paint Taylor Swift-inspired pottery. Then, on Sunday, February 25, Fluffy is taking its cues from the singer back in Fortitude Valley. And, come March and April, Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift will help you embrace your Swift love story at Grand on Ann, too. [caption id="attachment_922251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trafalgar Releasing[/caption] How to Enjoy Eras Whenever You Want Back in October 2023, singing and dancing along to the Eras tour without actually attending the Eras tour became possible. That's when Swift released concert film Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour, which took in over $260 million at the worldwide box office when it hit the big screen. It also got everyone excited when it arrived on digital. Its next stop, if you're ready for it: Disney+ from Friday, March 15, complete with five extra tunes — 'cardigan' and four acoustic tracks — that haven't featured in other versions of the movie. You don't need to be a Swiftie to enjoy the film. In fact, watching it might turn you into one no matter how you feel about the pop superstar going in. There's no denying that the singer knows how to put on a helluva show — and the cinematography on display, plus the energetic direction by Sam Wrench (Billie Eilish Live at the O2), gives viewers an intimate experience across 169 minutes while also stressing how massive the Eras tour gigs are. The feature was shot over three concerts at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium in August 2023 — so, not at Swift's largest-ever gigs of her entire career at the MCG across Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, 2024 — and everything about it is dazzling. That includes the costume changes, choreography and setlist, and the fact that the tour and the film both exist as an ode to Swift's knack for reinvention. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour plays Australia until Monday, February 26. Head to the tour website for further details. Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour will stream via Disney+ from Friday, March 15, 2024. Read our review. Taylor Swift Australian Eras tour images: TAS Rights Management.
You may already know that the Stockton Beach sand dunes are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. But, it's hard to truly appreciate the sheer size of them until you hop on a sandboard and start sliding down one of the hills — and you just keep sliding. There are a few companies that offer sandboarding experiences in the Port Stephens region, but Sand Dune Safaris is our pick for a couple of reasons. It's a family owned and operated business, and because it doesn't accept large inbound tour groups, the team are able to offer a more intimate experience — and this includes allowing you to stand on the board and 'surf' down the dune if you're game. You'll also get to travel to Sand Dune Safaris' spot on the dunes in 4WDs which, they say, is "half the fun". Normally, the company has a continuous shuttle service heading out to the dunes and back every 15 minutes, so you can stay and play as long as you please. It also a shaded picnic area out on the dune, so you can take along an esky with drinks and snacks when you need a rest. Also be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat as the sand is extremely reflective due to its high silica content, so it can get mighty toasty out there. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Sand Dune Safaris is now running six two-hour sessions per day. Bookings are essential with a limit of nine people per group. Sessions are subject to change as restrictions are lifted so keep checking the website for the latest info. Images: Destination NSW
Just when you think you've conquered pretty much every coastal trail in Sydney, a brand new adventure opens up in the southeast. The Western Escarpment Walking Track in the Malabar Headland National Park is a 1.15-kilometre walkway that connects Pioneers Park in Malabar, with Arthur Byrne Reserve in South Maroubra. The track cuts through bushland and, at its highest point, affords some stunning views across the beach, the headland and Botany Bay. It runs along the western edge of the Malabar Headland Rifle Range — but outside it, rather than within it. So, you don't have to worry about shooting days spoiling your fun, and you can go sauntering seven days a week, 365 days a year. It's possible to complete the trail on its own or turn it into a much longer escapade. In fact, it forms part of Sydney's Great Coastal Walk, a seven-day hike starting at Palm Beach and finishing at Cronulla (or vice versa). If that sounds a bit overwhelming, another, far easier option is to add the adjacent, three-kilometre-long Boora Point Walking Track, thereby creating a loop, which allows you to circumnavigate Malabar Headland. Do note, however, that the Boora Point walk is on rifle range territory, so, when the guns are out, it's closed. You can get to the Malabar Headland Western Walking Track either via Arthur Byrne Reserve, Fitzgerald Avenue, South Maroubra or Pioneers Park, Anzac Parade, Malabar.
Enjoying a few beverages but avoiding a hangover is everyone's dream; however soon, it might be more than that. As far as booze alternatives go, a synthetic alcohol dubbed "alcosynth" (what else?) could just be the holy grail, offering drinkers the same happy, sociable sensations but without the morning-after consequences. It's little wonder that British professor and researcher David Nutt, who discovered the new substance, is testing two versions for widespread use. He's claiming that his hangover-free drink could replace normal alcohol by 2050, making seedy weekends a distant memory. Say goodbye to feeling like garbage after a big Friday night. Nutt and his team studied substances that have a similar effect on the brain, then designed their own non-toxic, highly secret formula that mimics the positive aspects of being drunk — aka that warm, chatty feeling everyone's seeking after a busy week. In doing so, they've avoided any impact upon parts of the brain that are negatively influenced by booze. It all sounds pretty great, though it does also seem a little too good to be true. Time will tell if hangovers really will go the way of landlines, flip phones and other long-gone remnants of the past, but until then we'll live in hope. Via Travel and Leisure.
Throughout November, the Leonids meteor shower has been soaring through the skies; however, that's not the only reason to look up this weekend. Take a gander at the sky on Friday, November 19 and you'll also see a 97-percent partial lunar eclipse that's expected to turn the mood a shade of red. You won't even need to shake yourself out of your warm bed at a super-early hour to catch a glimpse, either, because the eclipse will be lurking in the sky on Friday evening just as nightfall hits. If you're wondering what else you need to know, we've run through the details below. WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's the rundown. Unlike May's total lunar eclipse, this one is a 97-percent partial lunar eclipse — so the earth will move between the moon and the sun, but they won't all be completely aligned. Still, when the moon is directly in the earth's actual shadow, it turns a shade of red thanks to sunlight that's filtered and refracted by the earth's atmosphere. For a lunar eclipse to occur, there must be a full moon. Based on North American seasons, the November full moon is called a beaver moon because that's when they start to build their winter dams. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside on Friday, November 19. In Sydney, the partial eclipse is due to begin at 7.34pm, reach its maximum at 8.02pm and end at 11.03pm, while in Melbourne, it'll start at 8.09pm, hit its maximum at 8.12pm and still end at 11.03pm — all according to Timeanddate.com. For Brisbanites, it'll kick off at 6.14pm, reach its maximum at 7.02pm and end at 10.03pm. If you're in Adelaide, those key times are 7.59pm, 8.11pm and 10.33pm. In Perth, you'll get a far more limited view from 6.57pm, with the eclipse hitting its maximum at 7pm and ending at 8.03pm. You'll want to have your cameras at the ready, of course — and see if you can outdo previous big batches of supermoon snaps and super blue blood moon pics. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies. So, city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. If you can't get a clear vantage, Sydney Observatory will be hosting a livestream with Gomeroi yinarr woman, astrophysicist and STEM leader Karlie Alinta Noon, plus Sydney Observatory astrophysicist Dr Andrew Jacob and Sydney Observatory Astronomy Ambassador Kat Ross, from 6.30pm AEST/7.30pm AEDT. The Virtual Telescope Project will also be live-streaming from the skyline above Rome from 5pm AEST/6pm AEDT. The 97 percent partial lunar eclipse will take place on the evening of Friday, November 19. For further information, including about timing, head to either NASA or Timeanddate.com.
With so much to see, do and eat around Singapore, you might be feeling a little lost on how to best navigate the city. While Singapore's streets are renowned for being spotless, the humidity sometimes makes it difficult to wander long distances on foot. Get around by hopping on the efficient — and air-conditioned — Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system instead, which runs from Changi Airport in the east to Tuas Link in the west and through major stops such as Marina Bay, HarbourFront, Chinatown and Little India. The trains operate every 2–8 minutes from 5.30am–12.30am each day and are often conveniently connected to large shopping malls, hawker centres or other attractions through covered passageways. Simply use your existing contactless card or Apple Pay to tap on, or purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass (if you're staying for less than 3-5 days) or EZ-Link Card (if you're staying for longer). With the help of Singapore Tourism, we're spotlighting five MRT stops worth hopping off for along your commute, and what to do near each station. [caption id="attachment_981017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Afur Wong[/caption] Maxwell Located in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell is a stop along the Thomson–East Coast line. Jump off here to explore Chinatown and some of the city's top hawker centres as you're travelling from Gardens by the Bay towards Orchard Road. You'll find the famed Maxwell Food Centre right next to the station, which boasts over 100 stalls, including the renowned Tian Tian Chicken Rice. If you're still feeling peckish, the Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre, which is the largest hawker centre in Singapore with 260-plus stalls, and the renovated Lau Pa Sat are both a short walk away. After lunch, take a stroll through historic Chinatown with a self-guided walking tour to see sights such as the Sri Mariamman Temple, Masjid Jamae mosque and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, with breaks for sweet treats and coffee in between. Marine Parade Further along the Thomson–East Coast line is Marine Parade, where you can walk or cycle through East Coast Park, refuel at Marine Parade Central Market and Food Centre, shop at Parkway Parade, and discover Peranakan culture at Katong-Joo Chiat. East Coast Park offers a range of activities for the whole family, from walking and cycling trails to windsurfing, paddleboarding and skateboarding, as well as a plethora of dining options. Katong-Joo Chiat dates back to the early 19th century and was a hub for Eurasian and Peranakan communities. Step back in time and learn about the neighbourhood's rich history at The Intan (a home-turned-museum), Eurasian Heritage Gallery and Katong Antique House, before snapping some photos at the iconic pastel-hued shophouses along Koon Seng Road. Finish up your day of discovery with Peranakan cuisine at Kim Choo Kueh Chang, 328 Katong Laksa or Old Bibik's Peranakan Kitchen. Bayfront You can't go to Singapore without visiting the iconic Marina Bay area. Stop at Bayfront on the Circle or Downtown lines to explore the whole precinct. At Marina Bay Sands, you can sip a sky-high drink at CÉ LA VI, enjoy a free light and water show at the Event Plaza and dance the night away at MARQUEE nightclub. For a more laidback night, take an evening stroll around Marina Bay to snap a photo at the Here is SG sculpture and explore Merlion Park, which is adjacent to the buzzing Fullerton precinct. While you're in the area, make sure to check out other unmissable attractions, such as the sprawling Gardens by the Bay and innovative ArtScience Museum. [caption id="attachment_980376" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Santos[/caption] Little India From ornate temples to vibrant street art and plentiful shopping and food options, Little India is an energetic cultural hub that's worth a stop on the North East or Downtown lines. Follow the self-guided map and visit landmarks such as the Indian Heritage Centre, Tan Teng Niah House and Sri Veerakaliamman Temple. Along the way, you'll be able to browse for Indian homewares, ornaments, jewellery and textiles. If you're really ready to shop, head to Mustafa Centre, which is open 24/7 and sells everything from home appliances and electronics to camping goods, perfume, vintage collectibles and snacks across six levels. Once you've worked up an appetite, sample some local fare at Tekka Centre, which is Singapore's largest indoor wet market and a hawker centre. Other notable eateries in the area are Podi and Poriyal for cocktails and contemporary takes; The Banana Leaf Apolo, which has been serving North and South Indian cuisine since 1974; and Bismillah Biryani, which has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for eight years straight. [caption id="attachment_980381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paris Chia[/caption] HarbourFront If you continue on the North East or Circle lines until the final stop, you'll end up at HarbourFront. Alight here for outdoor expeditions to Sentosa or Mount Faber Park, with a break for bites at Seah Im Food Centre. Mount Faber Park is one of the oldest parks in the city and looks out across the southern coast of Singapore. With well-paved pathways, you can easily hike or cycle up to the highest peak at Faber Point. Other sites in the park include a rainbow-coloured stairway, two restaurants, cable car rides to Sentosa, a mini Merlion and even a famous public bathroom with views across the harbour. If heights aren't your thing and you'd rather not take a cable car to reach Sentosa, not to worry — you can also reach the island via car, bus, bike, monorail, or even on foot. You're in for an action-packed day once you're there, with attractions ranging from beaches and an aquarium to a waterpark, go-kart track, adventure park, Universal Studios Singapore, WWII fort and role-playing city for kids. Book your Singapore holiday now with Flight Centre. Top image: Paris Chia Photography. All images courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board.
Sydney's CBD has landed a major dose of the Tokyo-esque practical and compact, with the former Bar Century space reopening in May as The Capsule Hotel, a three-storey, luxury boutique stay. The George Street cheap drinks den, which closed in 2016, was taken over by developer Walter Guo, who invested a massive $5 million on a full interior refurb, carried out by interior design consultants Giant Design. The heritage building has somewhat retained its vintage fit-out but with more of a nod to the futuristic space-like capsules of The Fifth Element. The bar and hotel are running as separate entities, with the first two levels acting as The Century Bar, while the top three floors of the building are dedicated to the capsules. Each of the 70 capsules contains a large flatscreen TV and entertainment system, Wi-Fi, and a climate control panel. Guests can choose from single or deluxe beds with entry from either the side or the end of the capsule. The communal facilities include a kitchen space, breakfast bar, lounge area, rooftop terrace and individual bathrooms. If you're worried about security, don't be — each capsule is fitted with a secure lock and the security desk runs 24-hours. But let's set the record straight — The Century is not a hostel, and it's not aimed at overindulgent locals that can't seem to make it back home. "The accommodation, which is not quite hotel nor hostel, is aimed at solo travellers looking for something more private than a typical backpackers and those who want the designer hotel experience on a budget," says Christopher Wilks, an associate at Giant Design. It's set to sit well within your budget, with prices ranging from $50-90 a night. Which, depending on how far from the CBD you live, could be a lot cheaper than a cab home at 1am. Find The Capsule Hotel at Level 3, 640 George Street, Sydney. For bookings, head to the website or call (02) 8957 7763.
If you've been sitting on your hands this New Year's Eve, undecided on that party or that one or whether you should just sit in a dark cinema and ignore the fireworks, here's a bloody good option for you. Beach. Cocktails. Free entry. Bondi's buzzing beach bar The Bucket List is doing a free New Year's Eve party, with tunes, booze and jigging on the postcard perfect beach's promenade. 'Summer to '16' is a beachbound alternative to hitting the jam-packed CBD streets, and you can even pair it with a pre-party swim in the ocean. There'll be cocktails aplenty and a big ol' DJ lineup featuring the likes of Melbourne's Kaz James, NYC producer Carl Kennedy and Sydney MC DD. With no cover charge and Bondi Beach right down the steps, this is a solid, cruisy, budget-friendly option for NYE.
Chatswood just scored a big infusion of contemporary Chinese flavour, with elegant newcomer Mama Mulan opening its doors this week. Located in The Concourse, the 180-seater makes quite the impression, with its restaurant, bar and private dining areas boasting striking interiors by creative agency DS17. To match the polished, modern aesthetic, the kitchen is dishing up a culinary exploration of China, delivered through a mix of traditional techniques and new-school flair. Chef Marble Ng (Lotus, Chef's Gallery) has pulled together an approachable menu full of tightly executed dishes from a range of Chinese provinces. Wok-fried lobster is dressed in the restaurant's secret Szechuan sauce, dandan noodle soup is made with noodles hand-pulled before your eyes and roasted lamb ribs are cooked Mongolian style. The addition of duck drives a san choi bao into modern territory, while the Mama Mulan fried rice is supercharged with asparagus, wagyu beef and XO sauce. If you decide to look to the tanks for inspiration, pick out a live mud (or snow) crab and order it typhoon shelter-style, piled high with dried chilli and black beans. Headlining the dessert offering is a range of signature fried ice cream flavours, created in collaboration with Sydney's famed dessert masters, Duo Duo. A hefty selection of Chinese booze, clever cocktails and international beer rounds out the fun. Mama Mulan is now open at Level 1, The Concourse, Chatswood.
Sydney's new cinema with an old-world air, The Golden Age Cinema and Bar, has been confirmed to open on September 6. It's taking over the old Heritage-listed Paramount Pictures Building on Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills with a revamped screening room and atmospheric small bar that takes advantage of the original art deco fittings from 1940. If some of the best films of the last few years have taught us anything, it's that audiences miss the good ol' days of cinema. Whether it's the splendour and decadence of an opening night in The Artist or Hugo's love song to the early years of film, the movies themselves seem to be filled with a deep longing for an era when films didn't live and die by their opening weekend and the 'megaplex' did not yet exist. The Golden Age Cinema and Bar, from the Brothers Barton and Right Angle Studio, recaptures some of that old-world movie magic, that picture-palace romanticism, right here in Sydney. It is set to feature a bar, a fascinating film program and an atmosphere more hearty than Hoytsy. The first program is anchored by festival-hit new releases (Behind the Candelabra, Before Midnight) that screen once a day Tuesday to Saturday, mixed in with cool films that haven't been released in Australian cinemas (Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture, Michel Gondry's The We and the I), classics both cult and mainstream (Suspiria, Singin' in the Rain) and even a weekly pick for kids with cred (My Neighbour Totoro). The 60 person-capacity bar is accessible whether you're seeing a film or not, and will serve wines, beers, cocktails and food (including film-inspired specials) from interesting producers. It's also the place to get your cinema snacks before heading into a session. Golden Age Cinema and Bar runs Tuesday to Sunday, while the space is available for private hire on Mondays. See more of their beautiful renovation images, by Don Cameron, at the Golden Age website. Top image: Golden Age artist's impression by Robert Barton.
Have a leisurely lunch that lasts into the evening at GellaFrenda. This spot exudes mid-century Mediterranean style, and the menu is similarly simple and elegant — and, most importantly, designed to share with many. Start by building your own grazing platter — think airy focaccia with whipped confit garlic butter, cold cuts, burrata, heirloom tomatoes and charred prawns. Next, pasta. Silky ribbons of pappardelle topped with rich lamb ragu, pillowy ricotta gnocchi with porcini and truffle and the ultimate classic: spaghetti carbonara. Want to try that on a pizza instead? You're in luck. GellaFrenda slathers the guanciale, mozzarella, egg yolk and parmigiano onto a traditional style pizza base. It's also slinging classic toppings like Amanti Della Carne (meat lover), margherita or the Bee Sting (salami, ricotta, confit garlic, fior di latte and chilli honey). With solid mains, including meaty cuts of steak and the beloved veal schnitzel, as well as an extensive cellar list, you can settle in for a big one of enjoying good food with good company, the Italian way. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
For eight years, CBD bar Kittyhawk has been known for its Parisian end-of-the-war ambience. But now, regulars can expect a different vibe from the reborn cocktail bar, with its French feel giving way to a raw, underground aesthetic that takes more than a few hints from New York City. At Kittyhawk 2.0, you can expect a high-energy experience anchored by a stacked program of live music, while a sumptuous Italian-American menu means you can tuck into top-quality pasta late into the night. Kittyhawk's new direction has been inspired in no small part by one of its sister venues, late-night Darlinghurst hangout Big Poppas. For founder Jared Merlino (who is also the mind behind The Lobo) the success of the Oxford Street venue served as a launching pad to bring a similar kind of atmosphere to Kittyhawk — or, as Merlino himself puts it, "to introduce some more fun". "Sydney has loved what was created at Big Poppa's with great food late into the night without any pretension or fluff," says Merino. "This will be the same at Kittyhawk New York, with delicious food all night long and amazing staff to serve you. But this will also be a great live entertainment venue with some of Sydney's top DJs making sure you are having a great music experience all week long." As such, Kittyhawk New York will feature DJs five nights a week, spinning the distinctive soundtrack of NYC. Whether it's hip hop, soul, funk or disco, these tunes will keep the vibe going late into the night. Plus, Merino intends to expand the music program to include an international scope, where renowned DJs and musicians from around the world will be invited to come and play. Complementing the mood is an Italian-American menu designed by head chef Marco Costa's (ex-Glorietta). It's available until close, meaning you'll be able to snack on a selection of seasonal pasta dishes, high-quality proteins and Italian snacks until midnight. There's also a refreshed cocktail list that plays on classic combinations, while the wine offering balances stellar Italian varieties with bottles from Australia, France and further afield. As for the decor, the front of the venue has been transformed with a DJ booth and drinks lounge capturing the spirit of underground NYC venues — think: plush carpets, red and purple velvet curtains and a raised DJ booth framed by stacks of vinyl storage. Meanwhile, a handmade tiled mural of legendary rapper and Brooklyn native Busta Rhymes adorns the dance floor and links Kittyhawk with Big Poppa's through its similarly massive Notorious B.I.G. artwork. Kittyhawk New York is open Tuesday–Saturday from 4pm–midnight at 16 Phillip Lane, Sydney. Head to the venue's website for more information. Images: Chris Pearce.
As Parramatta continues its rapid transformation into Sydney's second CBD, it now has an incredible spot where visitors can admire soaring views. Named the Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout, this picturesque locale was once an unused piece of parkland waiting for the right opportunity to come along. Set opposite Parramatta Quay on a perfectly positioned clifftop, this choice perspective captures the ever-changing skyline and panoramas stretching along the Parramatta River. Situated at Stewart Street Reserve on the northern side of the river, the new lookout features a modern cantilevered platform designed with safety and accessibility in mind. Featuring comfy seating, paved pathways, all-new landscaping and communal gathering spaces, the $1.4 million development hopes to promote easygoing relaxation, celebration, reflection and enjoyment in a picture-perfect setting. "Some of the world's most visited cities have spectacular viewing points and now Parramatta has joined the list with our new lookout providing panoramic views of our city and the river stretching from Gasworks Bridge to Lennox Bridge," says Cr Martin Zaiter, City of Parramatta Lord Mayor. Just the latest update to take place in Parramatta, the Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout adds to a flurry of building activity in the area. Adding to the Escarpment Boardwalk and the recently completed Charles Street Square and Parramatta Quay, the city's forward-thinking approach has seen these projects take home a fistful of landscape design and architectural awards recently. "Parramatta is one of Sydney's fastest growing LGAs and it is vital that open space areas such as Dixon Park are supported so the local community have a place to relax and play," says Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. "This project has breathed much-needed life into what was previously an under-utilised reserve and will directly benefit more than 2,100 homes located within a 10-minute walk of the new lookout." With the lookout adding an exciting new element to this little-visited spot, transforming such a space into a scenic cultural destination helps make the community all the more vibrant. Whether you're keen to snap a few shots for your Insta or need of a stunning wedding photography location that hasn't been done to death, expect visitors from near and far to flock to this spot for sunrises, sunsets and celebratory fireworks. The Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout is found near the Stewart Street entrance. Head to the website for more information. Images: Jason Nichols
Situated in the oldest laneway in The Rocks, The Fine Food Store is one to go searching for. Take a quick stroll down Kendall Lane, and you'll be greeted by a bustling Brooklyn-inspired eatery. Inside, an industrial fit-out and spacious interiors prove the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch. And, luckily, team here takes food and coffee very seriously. Expect wholesome eats including Riverina farmland poached eggs with your choice of sides, and decadent Belgian waffles with caramelised banana, macadamia and gelato. Order a house-roasted batch brew or single origin coffee, or a glass of Sigurd chenin blanc if you're feeling a little bit fancy.
When award-winning baristas get together to start their own cafe, you can bet that the coffee will be pretty damn good. Normcore Coffee Roasters, operated by Nate Lee and Chanho Hong, is just that. With a name taken from the anti-fashion trend, Normcore (a fusion of 'normal' and 'hardcore') serves up 'hardcore' blends for its lineup of single-origin black coffee and Normcore blends for customers who prefer their cuppa on the milkier side. Open Monday to Friday from 7am, the tiny cafe on Castlereagh Street is a perfect pitstop for a summery cold brew or warming espresso made from seasonal house-blended coffee. Plus, you can get stuck into a breakfast menu of smashed avo, toasties, and egg and bacon rolls. In addition to brunch favourites, there's a small lineup of soba salads and chicken and ham sandos to satisfy hungrier customers. With an industrial aesthetic and champion beans, the boutique roaster offers something for coffee experts and brunch lovers alike.
Isabella Rossellini is coming to Australia, dressed as a praying mantis and talking about sex. Set to perform her critically acclaimed, one-woman comedy show Green Porno, Rossellini will hit Australian shores in March next year — touring Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and the Adelaide Festival, with her hilarious take on the fascinating sexual habits of land and marine animals. The playful stage show, based upon Rossellini's short film series and subsequent book of the same name kookily exploring mating in the natural world, will first premier in Los Angeles this November. The screen icon — who is currently studying animal behaviour at Hunter College in New York — says that she's always been interested in animal behaviour: "...and I certainly know a lot of people that are interested I sex. So here you have the three elements that make the core concept of Green Porn." The show first originated in 2008, when Robert Redford asked the Italian actress to create short, environmental films for his Sundance TV Channel. Rossellini then wrote the stage production, alongside Jean-Claude Carrier —well-known author, actor, opera librettist and director. Expect a mix of live performance along with some of Rossellini's short films. The actress dresses up in a variety of ridiculous insect and sea-creature costumes, while providing a storyline that is completely scientifically accurate. Provocative, unusual and hilarious, Green Porno will headline the Adelaide Festival on March 15 & 16, then travel to Perth on March 19, Sydney on March 22 and Brisbane on March 24. Short stories about sex and animals — who would want to miss it? Tour dates Adelaide Festival: Her Majesty's Theatre, March 15-16. Tickets from adelaidefestival.com.au Perth: Perth Concert Hall, March 19. Tickets from ticketek.com.au Sydney: City Recital Hall, Angel Place, March 22. Tickets from cityrecitalhall.com or Ticketmaster. Brisbane: Brisbane Concert Hall, March 24. Tickets from qpac.com.au. Update (December 6): Rossellini has added an extra date to her tour — Melbourne. She'll be presenting Green Porno at the Playhouse, Arts Centre, on Wednesday, March 26. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BckqviVaWl0
Shimmering glacial lakes, stunning wildflower meadows, enchanting snow gum forests and mountainous vistas that seem to go on forever — the Snowy Mountains is home to some of the most varied and magical scenery in Australia. And there's so much more to see outside of the chilly season. Spring, summer and autumn are ideal for exploring freely, unhindered by snow, ice and bitter winds. Whether you're a coffee cruiser who likes your hikes short and easy or a hardcore adventurer keen to conquer as many peaks as possible in a day, here are five spectacular hiking trails in the Snowy Mountains that you really should try before Jack Frost comes around again. MT KOSCIUSZKO SUMMIT WALK This exhilarating walk carries you to the highest point in Australia: the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, 2228 metres above sea level. Its eighteen kilometres start at Charlotte's Pass, then follow the Old Summit Road, surrounding you with epic views of the Australian Alps and the Bogong Peaks Wilderness much of the way. Stop by the Snowy River for a picnic, spend a moment in the Seaman's Hut (built in 1929) and leave yourself plenty of time to wander among wildflowers, rock formations and snow gums. For a more challenging adventure, take the alternative Main Range Walk, a 22-kilometre loop that passes some stunning glacial lakes. If you're looking for less of a challenge (but equally stunning valley views) take the Express Chairlift — it's a scenic 15-minute, two-kilometre ride from Thredbo almost all the way to Mount K. NICHOLS GORGE WALKING TRACK You'll need a torch to make the most of this wondrous, seven-kilometre loop. That's because within 500 metres of setting out, you'll come across Cooleman Cave — and it's pitch black inside. The next section — dotted with ancient fossils of brachiopods and sea lilies — journeys along Cave Creek before traversing plains covered in snow grass and backdropped by the rugged Gurrangorambla Range and Tom O'Rourkes Peak. Along the way, expect to pass numerous views of breathtaking Nichols Gorge, and look out for wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead. The track starts at Blue Waterholes Campground in the High Plains area of Kosciuszko National Park. Fair warning: you'll be tempted to sleep over and visit Clarke Gorge the following day so plan ahead. DEAD HORSE GAP WALKING TRACK This spectacular five-kilometre track transports you 600 metres above Thredbo Valley and across part of the Australian Alps Walking Trail, a 655-kilometre adventure that crosses the country's highest peaks. Start at either end: Dead Horse Gap on the Alpine Way or at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift in Thredbo. Whichever you choose, you'll spend your time immersed in snow gum forests, alpine heath and meadows dotted with native herbs, all the while surrounded by dramatic Ramshead Range. Alternatively, walk from Thredbo Village through the golf course and onto the Thredbo River Track. THREDBO VALLEY TRAIL While Dead Horse Gap Track puts you above Thredbo Valley, this 17-kilometre one-way trail allows you to explore its depths. What's more, it's shared, so you can jump on a bike for something different. Your escapade begins at Thredbo Village, follows Thredbo River and crisscrosses at several points via suspension bridges. Snow gum forests and tall mountain gum woods interweave with open grasslands, and if you're especially observant, you might spot a 400-year-old mountain plum pine or two. There is the option to catch your own lunch, so try your luck at catching a fish along the way. The trail ends at Bullocks Hut, but you can continue to Lake Crackenback Resort or shorten your adventure by using an access point, such as Thredbo Diggings Campground or Ngarigo Campground. [caption id="attachment_661587" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] YARRANGOBILLY CAVES WALK Most people associate Yarrangobilly Caves with strolls into dark caverns and along meandering rivers, but this two-kilometre walk gives you quite the opposite: grand, head-clearing views. Strap up your boots at Glory Hole carpark, from where you should follow the road leading into Yarrangobilly Valley, before turning off at the Bluff Lookout sign. Just 150 metres later, you'll find yourself staring out over Yarrangobilly Caves House, backdropped by dramatic limestone formations and wilderness. Do note that the trail gets steep in places, so you'll need some fitness, willpower and water on your side. The good news is that the return trip is an easy 500 metres, all downhill and ending up at a picnic area with free electric barbies. Discover all that the Snowy Mountains has to offer outside of winter months, from jam-packed adventures to culinary excursions and so much more.
Even megastars get hungry — which is where chef to the stars Tom Morrison steps in. This seasoned kitchen pro has cooked for the likes of the elusive chanteuse Mariah Carey, Sk8ter Boi songstress Avril Lavigne and occasional elf Orlando Bloom, but Morrison's skills extend beyond merely feeding A-listers. Now, everyday Sydneysiders will be able to sample his food as he turns his talents to that most universal of morsels, the humble sandwich. These, however, are no ordinary sangas. From Tommy Panini, his hole-in-the-wall pop-up venue in Brookvale, Morrison is serving up his version of the Campanian street food staple, the panuzzo — an Italian sandwich featuring bread made from pizza dough. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tommy Panini (@tommypanini) "We wanted to offer something different," Morrison explains. "Not just another sandwich, but a culinary experience that combines the best of pizza and sandwiches." These pizza-sandwich hybrids have been enjoying a viral moment on social media recently, but Morrison has gone to great lengths to ensure his panuzzi stand out from the digital crowd. Rosemary and garlic-infused oil is used to make the dough, which is then combined with rich and creamy fior di latte, produced by Marrickville cheesemongers Vannella. The bread is then baked in much the same way as a Neapolitan pizza — in a woodfired pizza oven, heated to around 400 celsius — to achieve that tell-tale bubble and char. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tommy Panini (@tommypanini) The fillings take their cues from hearty Italian flavours, such as the chicken cotoletta (the Stivale answer to a schnitzel), spiked with Calabrian chilli mayo, sundried tomato tapenade, zippy hits of zucchini pickle and finished with a generous shaving of parmigiano. There's also a classic mortadella panini on the menu, stuffed with layer upon layer of the ever-popular Italian luncheon meat, dressed with fresh pesto, ricotta and a sweet surprise — house-made pistachio praline. Salami also gets a shout, combined with a roast carrot and capsicum tapenade, nduja, silky fior di latte and peppery rocket, and for meat-free option, there's a Lebanese twist featuring green-pea falafel. However, be warned: should you acquire a taste for these celeb-worthy sandos, you'll need to make the most of them while you can. Morrison's pop-up will only be offering its takeaway panuzzi until the end of spring. Find Tommy Panini at 4/515 Pittwater Road, Brookvale, open Tuesday–Friday, 10:30am until sold out, until the end of spring. Head to the venue's Instagram account for details.
The State Theatre has an illustrious history. Originally opening in the 1930s as a magnificent setting for live shows and the best movies in town, it went on to become the home to the epic Sydney Film Festival in the 1970s. Then, in the 90s, live performances started to take centre stage once again. Today? The State Theatre is a grand, art deco space that hosts a varied program of live music and theatre performances under its glittering chandeliers, from enchanting ballets to musicals and even the exhilarating tunes of the best tribute artists around. Oh, and it still plays host to some Sydney Film Festival screenings, too. Basically, expect this grandeur theatre to level up any event that takes within its walls. Image: Flickr
A historic 1930s waterfront restaurant has been resurrected thanks to local duo Paul and Sheridan Peterkin. Abandoned back in 2009, Pasadena finally reopened after extensive renovations — as well as many rejected DAs and stoushes with local council and residents — in late 2018 on the northern beaches. Set on the tip of Pittwater's Church Point, one-hour drive north of the CBD, the venue offers unobstructed views of McCarrs Creek and parts of the Ku-ring-gai National Park. Its facelift includd a restaurant, bar and a 14-room boutique hotel to boot. To run the joint, the Peterkins signed on two former members of The Boathouse Group — namely General Manager Jordana Shawyer and Head Chef Petr Buchel. Buchel's seafood-heavy menu ranges features starters of cured kingfish with jalapeño and apple foam ($18), duck liver pâté with marsala jelly ($20) and burrata with beetroot puree ($16). For mains, choose from hearty dishes like calamari, fish and prawn linguine ($34), beer-battered fish and chips ($24) and a 200-gram wagyu flank steak with green peppercorn jus ($39). If you're sitting outside on the deck, we recommend sharing a bucket of fresh prawns ($35) and a side of duck fat potatoes ($9). The pizzas ($17–23) are also ideal for sharing, with toppings including truffle, mushroom and spinach; prawn chilli and parsley; and jamon, fig and rocket. If you're there for a waterside brunch session, however, you'll be able to dig into the likes of smoked salmon bruschetta ($19) and avo smash ($15). The drinks list features mostly Australian wines, along with a ten-strong cocktail list of that currently includes tommy's margaritas ($18), Aperol spritzes ($16) and piña coladas ($17).
Located in the harbourside suburb of Woolloomooloo, Viand Thai is a classy Thai restaurant where the dishes are served up like miniature artworks and the ambience is designed to relax and enthral. Head chef Annita Potter is driven by the sensory pleasure of eating — clearly evident as the fragrant aromas waft from the open plan kitchen into the dining room all night long. The unique ceramic dinnerware is also a visual feast for the eyes. Viand is an archaic English word which means "an unlimited assortment of foods" and looking at its menu you know it wasn't kidding when it took that name. This is a tasting menu only type of place, with the options ranging from five courses to eight courses, including vegan and pescatarian options. Highlights on the five-course menu include grilled Hokkaido scallops with shallots and peanut chilli dressing and the deep fried crispy king dory with roasted chilli dressing in long leaf coriander. Dessert is a mix of sweet Thai wafers with coconut meringue and preserved lychees. The vegan menu is equally as impressive, with the aromatic curry of kipfler potatoes, baby tomatoes and pickled cucumbers a big win. We also can't overlook the broth of assorted mushrooms with tapioca and green onions. It is unlike anything you've had before. Then you've got Viand's extensive drinks list. Expect local beers and classic cocktails as well as an carefully curated wine list including French and Italian reds, German resilings and classic Aussie chardonnays. This is the kind of place you go to treat yourself to an extra special dining experience.
As a teen rom-com about two high schoolers working through their attraction for each other as they're also trying to work out what to do with their lives and how to simply be themselves, there's a strong sense of familiarity about Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt). It's the kind of movie that viewers will initially feel they've watched before. Audiences will spot the tropes and conventions, the scenarios and exchanges they've seen in other tales about adolescent troubles and related affairs of the heart, and the kinds of characters that typically populate classrooms and families in seemingly similar films. Here, however, this isn't a sign of laziness. Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt) wants you to register how much it resembles other entries in its genre — because it wants you to notice what it's doing differently. Of course, unfurling a queer romance within such well-worn confines shouldn't be such a remarkable act (and an Australian teen queer romance at that), but it still currently is. There's a purposeful sense of clumsiness about Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt), too. Again, that's by design. Studious school captain Ellie (Sophie Hawkshaw, Love Child) has a simmering crush on the far cooler, calmer and more collected Abbie (Zoe Terakes, Janet King), but is struggling to stump up the courage to ask her to the school formal. In fact, she even goes as far as willingly and uncharacteristically getting detention so that she spend more time with Abbie, all to try to muster up the motivation to pop the quintessential high-school question. And when the pair do slowly start becoming closer, Ellie doesn't know exactly what to do, or what's expected, or how to be the person she wants to be in her first relationship. Complicating matters is the distance she feels from her mother, Erica (Marta Dusseldorp, Stateless), as she navigates such new emotional terrain — oh, and the fact that, as the title gives away, Ellie's dead aunt Tara (Julia Billington) suddenly starts hovering around and dispensing advice about following her feelings. So far, so sweet. Whether you think of Tara as a queer fairy godmother or a lesbian guardian angel, her wisdom-imparting presence is tender and thoughtful — and funny and often awkward, as you'd expect when the ghost of a dead relative pops up every now and then to try to help someone through situations they don't inherently know how to deal with. First-time feature writer/director Monica Zanetti plays the scenario affectionately and humorously, and also to reflect how having a guiding light is usually a purely fantastical concept for uncertain teens. And, if the filmmaker had left Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt) there, that would've been understandable. The film would've been entertaining and understanding, cute and creative with its teen romance, and proudly celebratory of LGBTQIA+ perspectives. It's still all those things, but Zanetti's decision to open the door to a deeper contemplation of Australia's historical treatment of the queer community gives considerable depth and weight to a movie that mightn't have earned those terms otherwise. If Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt) was being shot a few months from now, when Sydney is slated to become home to an 90-metre-long rainbow footpath through Surry Hills to commemorate Australia's marriage equality legislation — and to mark where more than 30,000 Sydneysiders gathered together to hear the results of the country's postal vote survey on the matter — the brightly coloured stretch of pavement would've surely featured in the film. Zanetti's brightly shot movie has a strong sense of place, but without including all of the usual landmark shots that make many features feel like tourism campaigns. More importantly, it has a clear understanding of what LGBTQIA+ Sydneysiders have weathered in past decades. That activism is layered throughout the film in an overt subplot and, while it's hardly treated with nuance, it's a powerful inclusion. Simply by reaching local cinema screens, Zanetti's feature makes a statement, but it also pays tribute to all the statements made in big and bold ways — and with tragic and painful outcomes, too — to get to this point in Australian queer history. Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt)'s intentions, approach and even the importance of its very existence can't completely patch over its weaker elements, however. That lack of subtlety is pervasive, and occasionally the deliberate use of cliches and clumsiness can feel just as forceful. Some lines and ideas — Tara tells Ellie to ask Abbie if she likes AFL to get a read on her sexual orientation, for instance — are cringe-inducing rather than satirical or amusing. And despite spirited efforts by the three actors playing its titular characters, those eponymous figures are never as fleshed out as they could be, with their personalities deeply tied to and dictated by the needs of the plot. But Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt) is still a charmer, and still gives Aussie cinema something that it has long been missing. That'd be a proud, contemplative and engaging teen queer rom-com with heart, humour and a heavy awareness of the need for the kind of tale that it's telling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq1F1opr_FE&t=2s
No doubt by now you've heard something about the Kony 2012 campaign. I know that I got at least three Facebook invitations to Kony-related events last night alone, and in the past few days the link has been shared on Facebook over 750,000 times, making it one of the fastest trending topics of conversation alongside this crazy weather. For those not quite on top of it yet, Kony 2012 is a viral campaign spearheaded by the humanitarian group Invisible Children, an ambitious attempt of a group of Americans who have been trying for nigh on a decade to get Western governments to pay attention to the injustices occuring in Uganda. Joseph Kony is the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda, a terrorist rebel group active for 26 years, and wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, including the abduction of over 30,000 African young people to be used as child soldiers or sex slaves. He is the world's most wanted war lord. Unfortunately, while some of the most atrocious crimes against humanity occur in Africa, little is done by Western governments to intervene unless they have a direct foreign policy or financial interest in the country. As a consequence people in the Western world have been largely ignorant of the problems in Uganda until about 48 hours ago. The Kony 2012 video, made by US director Jason Russell utilising an appealing soundtrack and the emotional heartstring pull of an adorable blonde child, has been viewed more than ten million times in two days. While the group's motives and plan of attack have been criticised because a high proportion of the donations they receive are spent on travel costs and postage expenses, their attempts at raising public awareness in the navel-gazing West is certainly proving effective. A Facebook event has been planned for April 20, where Sydneysiders are set to cover the city in Kony 2012 posters to help raise awareness of the campaign. Hopefully all the awareness will lead to real action in Uganda itself.
Economic uncertainty and vast urban sprawl have made the dream of owning a home less likely for many citizens. Thankfully, architects and designers around the globe are fusing creativity with the latest technology to build unique homes at a fraction of the price. Pre-fabricated houses are gaining more relevance in today's society as homes that are affordable for most prospective owners. These houses are manufactured in factories and then transported and assembled at a location of your choosing. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, simplicity and a reduced impact on the environment, pre-fabricated houses are a solution that people are looking to with greater interest. Here we have collected some of the most innovative pre-fabricated houses. With the diverse range of materials and designs used in the examples below, pre-fabricated homes have also become one of the primary avenues for creative minds to flaunt their imaginations. Have a look below and consider a pre-fabricated home to make your own. MCube by MDesigns Superb-A House by mnm.MOD PLACE Houses mkLotus by Michelle Kauffman The Crib by Broadhurst Architects Haus Bold by Thomas Bendel House Arc by Bellomo Architects Loftcube Origin by Blu Homes zeroHouse
Most recently dubbed the "A24 of theatre", Griffin is perhaps the most innovative, risky theatre company around. And Griffin Theatre Company's 2025 Season of plays is set to be a goodie, from plays exploring nuclear power to Kpop and naked performances. If you want to know more, keep scrolling. Nucleus Alana Valentine's Nucleus in the Reginald Theatre at the Seymour Centre is about two people who have committed their entire lives to different sides of the nuclear power debate. Intrigued? One is a nuclear engineer, and the other is an anti-nuclear campaigner. With nuclear energy such a hot topic (did anyone say Federal Election in May?), this show is guaranteed to be full of explosive arguments and even more explosive revelations. Koreaboo The second production, Koreaboo by Michelle Lim Davidson is inspired by her own life as a Korean-Australian adoptee. Presented in the Downstairs Theatre at Belvoir St Theatre, Michelle herself takes to the stage for a story about culture, deep connection, family and the power of Kpop. Naturism The premiere of Naturism by Ang Collins presented in the Wharf 2 Theatre at Sydney Theatre Company is set to be anything but your usual theatre experience. Let's start with the fact that the entire cast is naked. The play follows the journey of a Gen Z eco-influencer crashing an off-grid Boomer eco-paradise. The rest we will leave to your imagination. Griffin Lookout Griffin Lookout, a program supporting independent artists, presented in association with the Old Fitz Theatre, is back after a year-long hiatus, and if you were lucky enough to see past Lookout seasons, you can understand the excitement. SISTREN The first of these productions is SISTREN by Iolanthe. Known for their infamous performance in seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner, this play marks her debut as a playwright. You can expect a story of two best friends, who their headmaster dubs a 'lethal combination'. It's also set in South London, which we love. Birdsong of Tomorrow Birdsong of Tomorrow by Nathan Harrison is one for all the avid birdwatchers out there. However, this play takes a unique angle, turning your eye to our rapidly changing environment. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Get set to dive deeper into the world of birds than perhaps you ever have. Whitefella Yella Tree Griffin is presenting a return season of the acclaimed Whitefella Yella Tree by Dylan Van Den Berg. The production will enjoy seasons presented by Sydney Theatre Company, La Boite Theatre and University of Melbourne Arts and Culture. This one is at the top of our list – the script and production have won countless awards. Subscriptions The good news is that Griffin also offers great value theatre subscriptions, guaranteeing up to 20 per cent off standard ticket prices. Effectively a Season Pass, the subscription also offers perks from Griffin and friends, such as meet-the-artist nights and subscriber perks from places like Fabbrica Darlo, Penny's Cheese Shop and Four Pillars Gin. There are play packages for all theatregoers of all ages. Grab one of two core packages including two plays and three plays, with customisable add-ons that include one or both Lookout plays. And, unlike your Netflix and toilet paper subscription, this one promises real-life, tear-jerking, happy-crying, laughing-till-it-hurts kind of fun. Plus, Griffin has some of the most affordable mainstage theatre ticket prices in Sydney, as well as a strong offering for those under 35 with a dedicated ticket price. Explore the Season Brochure. Presently, only subscriptions can be purchased for 2025 plays at Griffin. Single tickets to shows will be released from 3 December. Learn more and subscribe here. Images: Supplied.
UPDATE, June 23: Due to the unsurprisingly overwhelming demand for tickets, a handful of new dates have just been added to The Presets' tour, with new shows bound for Torquay, Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle. This article has been updated to reflect that change. See the full list of dates below for all the details. When you've spent two decades doing something you love, turning it into a career and enjoying phenomenal success with it, you're allowed to get nostalgic about how things began. Back in February, The Presets did just that, returning to the Sydney venue where they started out for a one-night-only rave-cave gig. The Club 77 club set clearly struck a chord with Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes, so much so that it's no longer a once-off. Across more than 20 shows, the duo will be taking things back to where they all began again, playing small clubs and bars around the country from July–October. The tour is set to kick off in Victoria, then head through Queensland and pinball between New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, too. So, fans can catch The Presets at venues such as Frankston's Pier Bandroom, Friday's Riverside in Brisbane, Magnums Hotel in Airlie Beach and the Dee Why RSL in Sydney. If you've seen the duo bust out their festival sets across Australia and the world, or their audiovisual-heavy own solo shows, that isn't what you're in for this time around. "We've been lucky enough to play the biggest stages and festivals in the world over the past 20 years," explains Moyes, announcing the tour. "But nothing compares to the buck-wild intensity of an intimate party. They are an entirely different beast and we can't wait to unleash over these 20 nights." "DJing in small clubs is a whole different experience to performing our usual live show on the big stage with the lights and visuals and things like that," adds Hamilton. "It is more freewheeling and immediate — we feed off the energy of the crowd, weaving our own tracks in with classic jams by our favourite artists. So it's a 20 years celebration of not only our music, but also all the incredible tunes that inspire us. Plus we get a chance to throw in a few unreleased surprises too." Expect hits from The Presets' hefty back catalogue, tracks you've never heard before and also different handpicked special guests each night. Who'll join the duo is yet to be revealed. As well as celebrating where their time as The Presets began, plus giving tracks like 'My People', 'Are You the One?', 'This Boy's in Love' and 'Talk Like That' a whirl, the aim is to make each night a completely different experience. Go hard then go home, obviously. THE PRESETS DJ TOUR: 20 YEARS. 20 NIGHTS. Thursday, July 13 — Torquay Hotel, Torquay — NEW Friday, July 14 — Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave — SOLD OUT Saturday, July 15 — Pier Bandroom, Frankston — SOLD OUT Thursday, July 20 — Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Friday, July 21 — Friday's Riverside, Brisbane — SOLD OUT Saturday, July 22 — Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra — SOLD OUT Friday, July 28 — Burleigh Bazaar, Gold Coast Saturday, July 29 — C.EX, Coffs Harbour Friday, August 4 — Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay Saturday, August 5 — Drifters Wharf, Central Coast — SOLD OUT Thursday, August 10 — Gilligan's, Cairns Friday, August 11 — Kirwan Tavern (outdoors), Townsville Saturday, August 12 — Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach Friday, August 18 — Beer Deluxe, Albury Saturday, August 19 — Torquay Hotel, Torquay — SOLD OUT Friday, August 25 — UOW Uni Bar, Wollongong — SOLD OUT Saturday, August 26 — Kambri Anu, Canberra Wednesday, August 30 — The Station, Perisher Thursday, August 31 — Miranda Hotel, Sydney — NEW Friday, September 1 — Miranda Hotel, Sydney — SOLD OUT Saturday, September 2 — Dee Why RSL, Sydney — SOLD OUT Sunday, September 3 — Dee Why RSL, Sydney — NEW Sunday, September 7 — The Espy, Melbourne — NEW Saturday, September 9 — Monsoons, Darwin Saturday, September 16 - The Espy, Melbourne — SOLD OUT Saturday, October 21 — Freo Social, Fremantle — NEW The Presets are touring Australia from July–October 2023. For more information and tickets, head to their website. Top image: Ben Sullivan.
One of the most-stunning parts of New South Wales, and Australia, now boasts a new reason for locals, Sydneysiders and interstate visitors to make a date with its spectacular scenery — and a new way to get immersed in its heritage-listed wonders. Everyone should visit the Blue Mountains at least once in their life. Everyone should combine that trip with soaking in Blue Mountains National Park. And now, everyone should also hike along Blue Mountains' Grand Cliff Top Walk. Back in 2019, it was announced that the popular trail — which passes many waterfalls and lookouts on Gundungurra Country, and offers up some dazzling views of the national park and its many eucalpyts— was getting up upgrade to the tune of $10 million. It's taken some time, but the results have been unveiled. Walking the full new stretch now means taking a two-day, 19-kilometre journey, including along more than 4000 steps and ten kilometres of track that have been newly added. Among the highlights: the rainforest, falls such as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba Cascades, and peering out over the Jamison Valley towards Mount Solitary, for starters. You'll also potentially spy everything from lyrebirds and yellow-tailed black cockatoos as you wander between lookouts, including on restored 100-year-old sandstone paths. And, the Three Sisters Aboriginal Place is on the walk as well. If you're keen to experience the entire new Grand Cliff Top Walk, it's suggested that you take an 11-kilometre stroll on the first day, beginning at Wentworth Falls, with Gordon Falls at Leura your destination. Then, on day two, you can enjoy an eight-kilometre walk that kicks off at the same spot, heading to Scenic World at Katoomba via the Three Sisters. The entire route is planned around access and accommodation, so the idea is that folks can spend two days putting one foot in front of the other is scenic surroundings without needing to carry a huge backpacks or take camping equipment with them. Walkers will also find public transport handy at either end, as well as dining options. If that still sounds like a massive endeavour, you can make your way along sections of the track as half-day or full-day walks instead. There's also guided tour options, starting with a two-hour hike with a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger. Find the Grand Cliff Top Walk in Blue Mountains National Park, starting at Wentworth Falls and ending at Katoomba. Head to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for further details. Images: R Brand.
Step aside wine. One of the most exciting movements in the Australian booze scene is the wealth of locally-produced spirits that combine world-class product and craft with indelible branding. Melbourne distillery The Gospel was recently anointed the second best rye whisky in the world, and the Yarra Valley's Four Pillars Gin has repeatedly been awarded in international competitions and rankings since its inception in 2013. Now there's a new Australian-made and -owned gin entrant in the mix that's quietly launching into the local market courtesy of a group of gin-loving founders. It's called Papa Salt Coastal Gin and the founders behind the drop are Tom Ackerley Charlie Maas, Josey McNamara, Regan Riskas and Margot Robbie. Yes, that Margot Robbie. We caught up with the group to discuss the origin story of Papa Salt, their collaboration with Lord Byron Distillery to create the product, and being a collective of gin lords. Firstly: tell us a bit about the relationship between the five of you and how you decided to start a business together? "Regan and Margot worked on a film together in 2015, and we all became friends as we bounced back and forth between LA and London in the years since. Sometime around 2018, Josey, Tom, and Margot started to consider creating a gin brand, and they knew that Charlie and his family were in the spirits industry. The five of us had a few very loose discussions about what it might look like to work together, and a lot of very detailed conversations about our favourite gins. It was clear very early on that we all had a passion for the category; that passion really defines our entire business strategy. We spent five years creating a gin that we wanted to drink; and only now are we trying to turn that into a business." Secondly: why gin? "The simple answer is that we all love to drink gin. Digging deeper, that's probably a credit to the category itself; there's so much variety in gin now that there's always something new to try, or an exciting new cocktail or taste profile for a specific use case. As a consumer, the versatility of gin is so exciting. As a brand producer, that means you can really experiment and try to create something unique to your taste. We love the idyllic notion of a perfect beach day, and when we conveyed that to our distiller he suggested that we try using oyster shell in the botanical mix. Not only did that provide a minerality that we really love in the taste, it's also something that's only possible in a gin." How did you end up working with Lord Byron Distillery to create the gin? "We reached out to just about every distillery you could imagine in Australia, and created a short list of options. Lord Byron Distillery stood out for their sustainability mission: they're a zero waste, entirely renewably powered facility." How involved were each of you with the development of the product and the brand? Is there one of you who is the true gin lord of the group? "Who is the true gin lord?! What an amazing question. We've been wondering what titles we should put on our business cards, and I think you just answered it. There is no one true gin lord in the group — we are all gin lords. We've gone through every single step in the development together. In fact, over five full years of development, we've only had two meetings that didn't include all five of the Founders (and one of those Tom attended via Zoom)." What's your preferred way to drink it? Individual answers please! Josey: "This may sound crazy, but Papa Salt makes a tremendous paloma." Margot: "Salt and soda with an orange rind and a crack of black pepper." Tom: "Dry martini straight up with an olive." Charlie: "Papa Salt and Fever Tree Sparkling Lime and Yuzu. Yuzu is the best citrus, it's not even close, and it pairs perfectly with Papa Salt." Regan: "Papa Salt & Soda with a juicy slice of blood orange and lots of ice." Explain the inspiration behind 'Papa Salt' as the name? I'm getting 'coastal daddy' vibes but I assume there's something more significant to it? "We wanted to name the product Salty Sea Dog Gin, but ran into some trademark issues there. But that was always the idea behind the brand – to celebrate those luxuriously aimless days in the sun. A few months later, on one of those exact sort of days, Tom, Margot, and Josey ended up at a beach bar in Sri Lanka with a salty sea dog who went by the name Papa Salt. He was originally from the Gold Coast, but after circumnavigating the globe a few times, he wound up on this particular beach on this particular day. It's our hope that Papa Salt Coastal Gin, born on the Eastern Australian coast, might travel just as far and create just as many memories." Current stockists for Papa Salt Coastal Gin are Rick Shores at Burleigh Beach, Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay, Icebergs Dining Room & Bar in Sydney and Stokehouse in Melbourne.
