Seeing the Great Barrier Reef sits on every Australian's bucket list, especially given that the thriving underwater expanse is under threat from climate change. And while most of us have been content to simply swim, snorkel or sail through it — or stay in the Whitsundays and gaze out at it from a sandy beach — visitors to Queensland's far north can now spend a night underwater. Get ready to sleep under the sea at Reefsuites, the Great Barrier Reef's very own underwater hotel. It's not the first space of its type around the world — a resort in the Maldives, submerged villas in Dubai and a room at an African hotel all boast similar experiences — but it is the first at this Aussie natural wonder, and in Australia in general. Launching on Sunday, December 1 as part of a new floating pontoon called Reefword — which is moored at Hardy Reef, around 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach — Reefsuites features two underwater rooms that can sleep four in total. Guests can choose betweeen king double or twin single options, and each room comes with floor-to-ceiling views of the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life. Those underwater vistas are a highlight not only in the bedrooms, but in the attached private ensuites A stay onsite includes all meals, most beverages (beer and wine are part of the package, but cocktails will cost you extra), a night dining experience under the stars, a guided snorkelling tour and a semi-submarine tour, and access to the underwater observatory. Naturally, it doesn't come cheap. Enjoying all of the above will start from $799 per night per person for a double booking (two people in a room), or $1199 for a single — and that covers a stay from 4.30pm on the day of arrival until 2.30pm the next day. As for the $8 million Reefworld pontoon itself, it's a partnership between Cruise Whitsundays and the Queensland Government, and has the capacity to host 300 visitors per day. Measuring 12 metres by 45 metres, it's designed as a hub for diving and snorkelling — as well as a place to stay — and also offers guests access semi-submersible vessels. Announcing the project back in August, Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones noted that Reefworld and Reefsuites will add something new and unique to the popular tourist hotspot. "This will give more people the chance to see the Great Barrier Reef and will allow tourists to experience this natural wonder in new ways." The aim, of course, is to ramp up tourism, with an extra 60,000 visitors per year expected thanks to the new attraction. For more information about Reefsuites, or to book a stay, visit the Cruise Whitsundays website. Images: Cruise Whitsundays.
A road trip through the American South is one of those epic, once-in-a-lifetime journeys. It's also the epitome of Americana and offers an unrivalled way to experience the South. The sheer distance between many of the South's most distinctive sights, sounds, culture and history can only be bridged via four wheels, and there's no freedom quite like the one when you take to the road. Your next destination depends only on your interests and how much fuel (or gas, as it's known in the States) is in the tank. In partnership with Travel South USA, we've curated the best routes in each of the South's nine states to accelerate your trip planning. Create an adventure that's entirely your own by linking up different sections of the region's countless routes. Whether you want to cruise through vibrant towns, savour Southern cuisine or catch your breath in the face of awe-inspiring natural scenery, the open road can take you there in the South. Route 66 — Missouri One of America's most iconic highways, driving along Route 66 is a classic American road trip. Affectionately known as "Mother Road", the route covers over 450 kilometres traversing America from east to west, but Missouri's stretch is one of the highway's best segments. Not only will you pass through two of Missouri's largest cities, encounter well-preserved motor courts harkening to a bygone era and enjoy incredibly scenic views, it also takes in some of the Route's most historic attractions and is lined with fascinating landmarks that will have you stopping the car every couple of miles. Music, Marches and Mardi Gras — Alabama The South is and historically has been a region of outsized cultural impact in America — and a road trip through Alabama is one of the best ways to see the history of the US firsthand. Stop in the central cities of Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, where Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks made history; in Muscle Shoals where music history was made with recordings by many of America's most influential artists; and in Mobile, which is one of America's oldest cities, the birthplace of Mardi Gras and where you'll find fresh seafood straight out of the Gulf. For miles of powdery white sand, beaches, resorts and plenty of outdoor fun, be sure to stop at Alabama's coastal cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach too. Outer Banks Scenic Byway — North Carolina Extending for over 138 miles (about 220 kilometres), the Outer Banks Scenic Byway follows the barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Showcasing the region's scenery and history, you'll drive alongside pristine beaches, windswept dunes and local landmarks. In addition to the charming coastal towns en route, be sure to add these must-sees to your road trip itinerary: Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates where the first flights in heavier-than-air aircrafts took place; Jockey's Ridge, the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast; Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you'll find America's tallest lighthouse; and fuel your sightseeing by filling up on oysters along the North Carolina Oyster Trail. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail — Kentucky The American South is the birthplace of bourbon and nowhere is it better to experience that culture than in Bourbon country itself along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The trail takes you through the state's legendary distilleries, showcasing the craft of bourbon-making. With the option to stop at a few distilleries in the state or at each and every single one, the trail can last anywhere from four days to a whole leisurely month on the road — all while taking in the rest of the sights of Kentucky too. Tennessee Scenic Trails & Byways — Tennessee Tennessee's 95 counties are filled with hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Take the scenic route and embark on any number of the state's 16 self-guided scenic drives. The trails and byways are a breeze to follow — they're well marked by brown signs — and you'll discover captivating attractions, local eateries and noteworthy stops along the way. Highland Scenic Highway — West Virginia Nestled in the Monongahela National Forest, the Highland Scenic Highway is one of the most stunning drives on America's East Coast. Over 43 miles (about 70 kilometres) the route traverses crystal clear rivers and wild forest where native spruce trees tower. This unmissable drive promises panoramic views and adventures in the Potomac Highlands and is one of the best ways to experience West Virginia's natural beauty. [caption id="attachment_988789" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Angela Liguori[/caption] Scenic Highway 11 — South Carolina Named after the Native Americans who once called the South Carolina foothills home, Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (South Carolina Highway 11) captures some of the most stunning views of South Carolina's mountains and landscapes. Along the highway, take in views of Table Rock State Park's 350-million-year-old granite dome. Stop along the way for a hike or canoe in the State Park, or continue driving to experience the beautiful Wildcat Branch Falls from the comfort of your car. Natchez Trace Parkway — Mississippi If you've ever wondered where the largest octagonal home in America can be found, the answer lies along the Natchez Trace Parkway at Longwood, a historical home that's listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. Spanning 444 miles (about 715 kilometres) through Mississippi and two other states, the scenic drive includes historical points of interest and passes through lush forest where outdoor adventures such as biking, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, or camping amidst the state's wilderness await. Great River Road — Louisiana See all of Louisiana along the Great River Road which follows the Mississippi River from north to south. This route is a designated All-American Road, which means it contains features that can't be found anywhere else in America. On this route, you'll find UNESCO sites such as Poverty Point World Heritage Site, where artifacts dating back to 1700–700 BC are still being uncovered; the Frogmore Plantation and Gins, a still-functioning cotton farm that tells story of slavery in the area; the tallest state capitol building in the US in Baton Rouge; and New Orleans where an abundance of museums can be explored alongside world-class venues and restaurants and a thriving live music scene. Find your next adventure in the South. Discover more unforgettable destinations and start planning your trip with Travel South USA.
Hosted by Redfern's community-run, multidisciplinary space 107 Projects, Koori Gras celebrates the rich culture and history of Aboriginal people within the LGBTQI community. The program features an exhibition compiled by Tim Bishop, which uses a range of media to tell the stories of the First People's involvement in the Mardi Gras Parade. Koori Gras also includes Black Nulla, a night of cabaret in drag, and Black Point, a communal feed and open mic night. Image: Lawrence Shearer, photo by Tim Bishop.
In honour of Negroni Month, The Dolphin Hotel is hosting a pop-up Red Bar in collaboration with Campari, slinging a range of 'newgronis' — twists on the popular tipple — from Wednesday, September 20, to Sunday, October 22. Not only will the bar-inside-a-bar be stirring out reinterpretations of the cocktail, but the bar will also be bathed in red light and red accents — so it'll be akin to walking into a glass of the red stuff. Bar Director Josh Reynolds has compiled a bespoke drinks list that includes four reimaginings of the cocktail made with Campari. If you aren't in the mood for a newgroni, there is a range of spritzes, sodas and additional cocktails made with Campari and inspired by Italian summer available on the drinks list. You can choose between the Tiramisu Negroni made with Mr. Black and clarified with Messina's coffee ice cream, or go for tropical vibes with the London Passion Week made with suze, Unico Pomelo and clarified with Messina passionfruit ice cream. For lovers of berry flavours, there's the Raspberry Beret Negroni made with wild raspberry eau de vie and freeze-dried raspberry; and finally, the Black Truffle & Cacao Husk Negroni with — you guessed it — black truffle, Martini Rosso, cacao husk and white chocolate. Complete your evening at Bar Red with some nibbles from executive chef Danny Corbett's snack menu created for the event. You could go for house-made focaccia loaded with classic Italian cured meats, buffalo mozzarella, the fritto misto (fried veggies and seafood) with prawn, calamari and ling, or opt for something more substantial such as a classic spaghetti carbonara or the tramezzino (lamb shoulder with verde sauce). What's a bar without a good backing track? Bar Red will be spinning out tunes courtesy of local artist DJ Kali. It's only available for one month, so check it out while you can. Bar Red is in action from 4–6pm daily on Wednesday, September 20, to Sunday, October 22. No Bookings. For more information, check out the Dolphin Hotel's website.
When the first and second seasons of Sex and the City spinoff And Just Like That... started streaming, a famous setting made an appearance Down Under. If you'd always wanted to hang out on Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker, Hocus Pocus 2), stoop, that became a temporary reality in Sydney and Melbourne. For season three, which is currently working through its episodes on HBO Max, a different spot from the show is on its way to Australia. We hope you're hungry, be it for something sweet or savoury, because Hot Fellas Bakery is about to hit Sydney. Yes, this purveyor of baked goods is usually fictional. The brainchild of character Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone, Better Things), it lives up to its name in the series. It'll also exist IRL at Darlinghurst's Taylor Square in the Harbour City, but only for one weekend: from Friday, June 27–Sunday, June 29, 2025. Hot Fellas Bakery first made the leap from the screen in New York — where else? — and will do the same in Australia just two weeks after its Big Apple debut. The pastries on offer won't cost you a thing. Neither will the coffee. There'll be limited-edition merchandise up for grabs as well. Equally doing its moniker proud is set to be part of the pop-up, too. On the menu: Vegemite babka, Golden Gaytime cream puffs and AP buttermilk croissants. While Hot Fellas Bakery has locked in a three-day Sydney run, you do only have a brief window of time each day to head by, however. It's operating from 10am–12pm on Friday, June 27, then from 8am–12pm on Saturday–June 28–Sunday, June 29, 2025 — and will close earlier each day if everything is already sold out. [caption id="attachment_1009739" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Craig Blankenhorn/Max[/caption] And if you haven't kept up with the Sex and the City world, And Just Like That... debuted in 2021 to continue Carrie, Miranda Hobbes' (Cynthia Nixon, The Gilded Age) and Charlotte York Goldenblatt's (Kristin Davis, Deadly Illusions) stories — with Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall, How I Met Your Father) largely sitting it out, except for a brief cameo in season two. Other familiar faces abound, including John Corbett (To All the Boys: Always and Forever) reprising his role as Aidan Shaw from season two onwards, plus David Eigenberg (Chicago Fire) and Evan Handler (Power) also returning. Check out the trailer for Just Like That... season three below: Hot Fellas Bakery is popping up at Taylor Square, 191–195 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney from 10am–12pm on Friday, June 27, plus 8am–12pm on Saturday–June 28–Sunday, June 29, 2025 (or until sold out). And Just Like That... streams in Australia via HBO Max. Head to the platform's website for more details.
Forged over six decades so far, Robert De Niro's resume contains multitudes. 2025 marks exactly 60 years since his uncredited on-screen debut in Three Rooms in Manhattan — and if a New York-shot French drama seems an unlikely pick for his first-ever movie, it's a case of De Niro starting to build his wide-ranging filmography from the outset. Comedies, thrillers, musicals, horror, dramas and action fare all have a place among his work. His name instantly brings a particular genre to mind, though: gangster flicks. For one, The Godfather Part II, he earned his first Oscar. For Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon), he made a helluva early impression in Mean Streets, then was spectacular in 90s masterpieces Goodfellas and Casino, plus in 2019's The Irishman. With Barry Levinson, another director that he's collaborated with again and again, De Niro one-ups his past organised-crime movies in a specific way, however, including Once Upon a Time in America and The Untouchables. The Alto Knights is a tale of two IRL mob bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Neither figures are new to the screen. They're not even new to Levinson's pictures, after both popped up in Bugsy back in 1991. But here, the Academy Award-winning Rain Man filmmaker and directing veteran — helmer of Diner, The Natural, Good Morning, Vietnam, the first episode of iconic police procedural series Homicide: Life on the Street and two instalments of Dopesick, too, and more — focuses on the pair's relationship as the two childhood pals become fierce rivals. And to stress the connection between Frank and Vito, and draw attention to the parallels between the duo, he has his Sleepers, Wag the Dog, What Just Happened and The Wizard of Lies star play both men. De Niro doing double duty for one of his go-to filmmakers. De Niro leading a gangster picture with a script by Nicholas Pileggi, the crime reporter who wrote the non-fiction books Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family and Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, then co-penned the screenplays for their movie adaptations Goodfellas and Casino with Scorsese. De Niro in a mobster flick produced by Raging Bull, Goodfellas and The Irishman's Irvin Winkler. That's the recipe behind The Alto Knights. It was Winkler who had the idea for De Niro to portray both Frank and Vito, Levinson tells Concrete Playground — and the choice is one of the feature's best moves, especially when the actor is literally facing off against himself. When he's in Frank's shoes, De Niro is all about attempted respectability, as someone who sees diplomacy as the best way to rule the Big Apple's criminal underworld. Switching to Vito, he's the hot head who'll do anything, and bring down anyone, to regain the top job. Costuming, hair and makeup help, but De Niro makes both roles distinctive as the two men, who both grew up as Italians in NYC hanging out together around the titular social club, find themselves battling it out after Vito takes control of the Luciano crime family, then flees to Italy following a run-in with the law, then returns for the throne Frank is now perched on. As has proven true across many of Levinson's movies, since the chatter-heavy Diner with Kevin Bacon (MaXXXine), Mickey Rourke (The Wheels of Heaven), Steve Guttenberg (High Potential), Daniel Stern (For All Mankind), Paul Reiser (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F), Tim Daly (Life & Beth) and Ellen Barkin (Poker Face) gave him his directorial debut, there's a storytelling element to The Alto Knights. With the film structured around Frank telling this tale to viewers, add another familiar component to the picture's setup. The narrative shared is one not just about friends turned foes, or about power struggles between mob bosses both vying to sit at the top of the mafia ladder, including the impact upon those around them — Debra Messing (Bros) plays Frank's wife Bobbie, Kathrine Narducci (Godfather of Harlem, and De Niro's past co-star in both The Irishman and A Bronx Tale) is Vito's counterpart Anna and Cosmo Jarvis (Inside) portrays Vito's righthand man Vincent Gigante — but of a moment that changed America and organised crime within it forever. That's one of the reasons that Levinson was so interested in hopping onboard, he advises. And of getting De Niro acting opposite himself as the film's two lead characters, it helped that the two-time Oscar-winner (for Raging Bull as well) and seven-time nominee beyond his two victories (for Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, Awakenings, Cape Fear, Silver Linings Playbook, The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon) is "one of the great actors in the history of cinema" and "has great instincts as an actor", he notes. Speaking with Levinson, we dived into the decision-making behind that pivotal casting, digging into Frank and Vito's connection, and the organic nature of De Niro's performance. On Casting De Niro as Both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese This is a film with history, not only because it heads back to the 50s — and to the decades around it. But if The Alto Knights had made it to the screen before now, those twin De Niro performances mightn't have been at its centre. "Well, it came about — originally this goes back, I guess people have been trying to do a movie about Frank Costello for years," Levinson explains. "And Nick Pileggi got involved and was working on something, and I came onto the project. And somehow we were talking about Vito, and he was a character in it, but the idea was 'well, why don't we just follow what took place?'." "That they were best friends as kids, they hung around The Alto Knights place, and as they grew older, best friends, they started to grow apart. One was much more ruthless and spontaneous in doing things. The other one was much more deliberate, almost a corporate sensibility about how to run the mafia. And then the clash of the two," he continues. "And so when we began to really get that together, Nick's writing, and we had a draft of it, we gave it to Irwin Winkler. And Irwin Winkler liked the draft and he said 'what about Bob playing both roles?'." "And I was thinking for a second, and I went 'well, that's s an interesting way to — we are talking about one of the great actors in the history of cinema, so it's not like this is impossible for him to do. Let's see what he thinks'." "And he responded well, and then that's how that all came about." On What Appealed to Levinson About Digging Into Costello and Genovese's Connection in The Alto Knights, Especially After Featuring Both Figures as Characters in 1991's Bugsy When Frank and Vito last played a part in a Levinson movie more than four decades ago, they weren't the focus. Bugsy hones on its namesake, with Warren Beatty (Rules Don't Apply) as Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. But because Bugsy had his own key childhood link to Charles "Lucky" Luciano, they're all in the same slice of the mob world. Before Vito and Frank's stints at the apex of the Luciano crime family, Lucky was in the job first. (In a film that also flashes backwards, NCIS and Mayor of Kingstown alum Amadeo Fusca plays him in The Alto Knights.) A Frank- and Vito-centric film interested Levinson "because we were watching the mafia as Vito took over, and then because of having to leave the country and turning it over to Frank, it began to change," he says. "And that change led to a feud between the two of them, basically because of Vito wanting control again. You go 'well, that's a great conflict. That's a story to explore'." "And then: 'what happened because of that?'. It wasn't like it was just two guys and one killed the other or whatever, maybe. It changed the whole, in the sense it brought the hearings on organised crime, that all came about because of the incident that takes place in the film." "And you'd say 'well, this is an interesting arc of the mafia and what happened. That's a story that's interesting'. That was basically 'can we tell that story?'." On the Direction That You Give Someone When They're Playing Two Different Characters in the Same Film How do you guide someone as a director, if you even need to in the case of an actor of De Niro's calibre and experience, when they're tasked with portraying two completely different characters and giving two completely different performances in the one movie? And how does the process of building the two parts work? "He has great instincts as an actor," Levinson calls out to begin with. "And as we would go along in the process leading up to the filming of it, you're talking about one character, you're talking about the other character, this piece of information, that piece of information — you just start adding that. Bob absorbs it." "Then you're going through the whole process of makeup. 'What does this one look like? What does that one look like? How do we do this? How do we handle that?'. And then that starts coming in — and then 'what is the rhythm of the way they talk to one another?'. One is slow, much more deliberate. The other one is faster, quicker, more sort of dangerous in the way that he throws ideas around. And then you start putting these pieces together," Levinson adds. "And then, of course, in the process of the shooting, we would sit down in Bob's trailer and go over the scene and tweak it a little bit and tweak it a little bit. And 'hey, what about this?'. And then you add to it and you keep building for it. And at the end of the day, after you build all that, you want to create the spontaneity. And that's what Bob can do — he's not mechanically going through one character or another." "There's a spontaneity about them that it feels like these two guys are talking to one another, and they're making up things as they go along, rather than 'I say my line, now you say your line'. It just feels more organic." The Alto Knights opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
If you're over the typical lunch feasts of the festive season, it's time to break it up. To help expedite the excitement of the season for you, we've gathered a list of Solotel venues across Sydney that can make for some unconventional new traditions.
Perhaps the most accessible swimming pool on this list, a visit to Prince Alfred Park Pool should be mandatory for every visitor to (or resident of) Sydney. Designed by Neeson Murcutt Architects as part of the invigoration of Prince Alfred Park in 2013, a swim here invites immediate invocation of a long, hot Australian summer at the pool. Built cleverly among a 'folded landscape' of native grasses to both protect the green space of this inner urban area and provide swimmers with some protection, the facility is, at once, confined and imposing. Yellow umbrellas and palm trees make this architectural space a little less serious than most, but no less impressive. For the locals of inner Sydney who can't quite muster a trip to the coast for a swim, Prince Alfred Park Pool is an easy alternative. It's the buttercup yellow sun umbrellas that bring the Riviera vibe, as well as the lawns strewn with sunbakers and cute cafe, Meadow, cheerily aiding post-swim recoveries. The facilities nabbed two National Architecture Awards in 2014, and the 50-metre pool is always at that jump-right-in temperature.
Regiment is a busy glass-walled cafe smack-bang on the busiest part of George Street. You won't be able to escape the hustle and bustle here, but it's one of the best places in the CBD to enjoy a cup of coffee. Stepping in, you'll be greeted by two sleek white Synesso Hydras, warm lighting, blond wood, and a wall stacked with all the things you'll need to make a great coffee (here, courtesy of Five Senses). There's also turmeric lattes, kombucha on-tap and cold-pressed juices. Given its location, the venue is filled with office workers on coffee breaks and suit-and-tie types taking meetings — but that doesn't mean this is any old CBD cafe. There are some great picks on the small-health focused menu. If you're in a pre-meeting rush, grab a coffee to go and pick a sweet treat from the glass case next to the counter — on any given day there might be anything from flourless chocolate brownies to hunks of caramel slice. Time to spare? Take your pick from a selection of bowls, salads, sandwiches and dishes. The slow beef stew ($15) is a highlight — a rich hunk of just-falling-apart beef in a deep yellow (courtesy of the turmeric and butternut) sauce full of ginger and other aromatics. It's accompanied by some brown rice, a refreshing dollop of yogurt and black pepper. This hearty bowl is the very definition of a winter warmer. Those looking for something lighter can opt for a soba noodle bowl ($14) with generous portions of rewardingly spicy house-made kimchi and pumpkin roasted in its skin with a smattering of crushed peanuts and shallots on the side. Lime miso brings it all together and, if you're craving protein, you've got options like seared tuna or pork shoulder which can be added to your bowl for an extra $5. Fair warning: you may have to move around the small tables carefully lest you knock something over. Quick staff who somehow manage to skilfully weave through a throng of customers round out the experience. There are a lot of lunch options in the CBD, but if you're looking for a casual sit-down meal, Regiment should be at the top of your list. Images: Kimberley Low.
This year, acclaimed whisky-maker House of Suntory is inviting you to celebrate 100 years of whisky with three elegant dinners at renowned restaurants in Sydney. In honour of the brand's roots, the Suntory Time dinners will be held at Japanese restaurants Toko on Wednesday, August 30 and Saké on Tuesday, September 12. The Lobby Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Sydney will also be showcasing Japanese-inspired dishes on Thursday, September 21. Tickets vary depending on the venue, but cover a lavish five-course meal and the chance to sample a selection of Suntory's premium whiskies, including the special 100th anniversary edition of their 18-year-old Yamazaki Mizunara and Hakushu Peated Malt, which retails for over $3000. Diners can expect seafood galore at Toko — you'll be greeted with salmon tartare and caviar upon arrival, followed by a sushi platter, lobster tempura, miso salmon and wagyu beef cheeks with wasabi crème fraîche. Saké will be serving up a mix of signature dishes and one-off specials, including yakitori, miso-glazed toothfish and a moriawase of wagyu tartare, beef tataki and charcoal-grilled wagyu. And while The Lobby Lounge's menu — curated by executive chef Sven Ullrich — is still under wraps, it promises to take you on quite a journey with tantalising courses named The Awakening, The Bubble and The Skyline. Since opening the first malt whisky distillery in Japan in 1923, Suntory has now established itself as a leading purveyor of spirits recognised the world over, and has expanded the offering to include the award-winning Roku gin and Haku vodka. Whisky connoisseurs who can't make it to the dinners should keep an eye out in bottle shops for the release of limited editions of the 18-year-old Yamazaki Mizunara and Hakushu Peated Malt, along with anniversary labels of the 12-year-old Yamazaki and Hakushu. Book your spot at Toko for $595 on Tuesday, August 22 at the website; Saké for $395 on Tuesday, September 12 at the website; and Lobby Lounge at Hyatt Regency Sydney for $375 on Thursday, September 21 at the website.
Fans of Tom Cruise, actors doing their own stunts and impressive action setpieces, prepare to take a trip to the cinema. If you've seen a Mission: Impossible film over the past two decades (or the television series before that), you know what to expect. In fact, if you've watched any of the previous installments, you've essentially already seen this one as well. A different writer/director takes the helm this time around, and a fresh foe threatens the Impossible Mission Force. Yet it still feels like a case of new movie, same ol' stuff. Cruise's super spy Ethan Hunt is hot on the trail of a shadowy, multinational organisation called the Syndicate, chasing a cluster of seemingly unrelated disasters, and hopping from London to Vienna to Casablanca and back again trying to track them down. There's more to Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, of course — including an unhappy CIA boss (Alec Baldwin) intent on closing the IMF; the Syndicate's ever-crafty, always-one-step-ahead head honcho (Sean Harris); and the intriguing Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson), who could be either friend or foe. Hunt's trusty colleagues Benji (Simon Pegg), Brandt (Jeremy Renner) and Luther (Ving Rhames) help out, particularly after he goes rogue. But the details don't really matter. They're simply the filler that joins the film's standoffs, heists and fist fights together. That's not to say that filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie, reteaming with Cruise after directing Jack Reacher and writing the scripts for both Valkyrie and Edge of Tomorrow, doesn't craft an engaging-enough and unexpectedly lighthearted feature. It's just all too obvious that he's adhering to a tried-and-tested formula, leaving everything else — the characters, especially, as well as the dialogue — feeling a little too thin. That Baldwin both seems like he's reprising 30 Rock's Jack Donaghy and is forced to claim that "Hunt is the living manifestation of destiny" with a straight face provides the perfect example. Thankfully, what the Mission: Impossible franchise does often (and over and over again), it does well. Zipping through the slick mechanics of a never-really-impossible mission proves as well-handled as ever, notably in opera-set and underwater sequences that are sure to become the film's calling cards. Exuding an energy and urgency that the rest of the movie is lacking, the choreography of the action and the camerawork that captures it is in top form. The same can also be said for the returning cast, including the almost instantly shirtless Cruise, all playing to their strengths even if they are saddled with one-note roles. When Ghost Protocol arrived in cinemas in 2011 after a five-year gap in the series, its pace, smarts and thrills both surprised and impressed — and while none of those stand out in Rogue Nation, the feature does have one trick up its sleeve other than its spectacle. That would be Swedish actress Ferguson, last seen in Hercules, and the welcome addition that the film sorely needs. In an effort that's largely going through the motions, she is certainly not. Enjoying her time on screen is easy; finding anything more than been-there, done-that antics otherwise — now, that's your mission, should you choose to accept it.
Australian label Nique has a pretty simple ethos: statement through simplicity. The brand has been delivering luxury basics in the Australian fashion space for more than 20 years. Combining clean lines with premium fabrics and minimal shapes and silhouettes, Nique bucks the traditional notions of gender and age and hopes to inspire people to play with fashion to find their signature style. The goal is simply to help people find the right clothing that helps them feel confident and comfortable, so you can expect monochromatic designs and well-fitting wardrobe staples that simply make you feel good.
Where's the harm in a little fantasy, right? From the creators of the weird and wonderful surrealist productions A Porthole into the Minds of the Vanquished and The Jinglists, and directed by Iain Sinclair, new black comedy thriller The Pork Stiletto delves into the hidden worlds of fetish and internet dating with a murderous twist. Written and performed by Warwick Allsopp and Tamlyn Henderson, the new play from Tamarama Rock Surfers and Garnet Productions tells the story of Emma (Louisa Mignone), an ambitious young psychologist who goes undercover to research the relationship between fantasy and online dating. As Emma and her assistant Damon (Henderson) venture deeper into the strange double lives afforded by the guise of the internet, and fetishes like altocalciphilia (the sexual desire of high heels - meat covered or not), the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur. Premiering at The Old Fitz Theatre from 19 July to 11 August, Concrete Playground has five pairs of tickets to give away to this tantalising and sinister show. To be in for a chance to win to tickets, make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
With the latest round of Darling Square openings came the second outpost of Hello Auntie — Marrickville's much-loved modern Vietnamese eatery by Chef Cuong Nguyen. At the brand new Haymarket digs, Nguyen is serving up Vietnamese street food favourites, some less-traditional dishes, a long list of Asian-inspired cocktails and a secret menu that can only be read with a UV light. Expect a more succinct menu than in Marrickville, with a range of signature and new dishes on the docket, too. Some menu items making the trip over include the fried rice with XO sauce, cured egg yolk and flying fish roe and the fan-favourite crispy banh xeo — or Vietnamese-style pancake — stuffed with prawn and pork. Some of the new dishes are not strictly Vietnamese, but instead feature ingredients and techniques from across Europe, such as the sesame-topped beef tartare with capers and cornichons and the egg noodles with stracciatella and truffle. For drinks, the cocktail list focuses on Asian ingredients and flavours and includes the likes of the Umeshu Sour (vodka and Cointreau with toasted marshmallows) and the Koh Samui (white rum, pandan, thai basil and lime). The bar is also offering a sake pairing, hand-picked by Nguyen to match the flavours of the dishes you've ordered. Don't forget to ask for the 'secret' food and cocktail menu at dinner, either, which is only available by request — and can only be read using a UV light. The fit-out also sets Darling Square apart from the Marrickville original, though the two certainly have some similarities. In the city, expect polished finishes with an earthy colour scheme, dim lighting and dark timber tables.
As far as cocktails go, mimosas rank among the easiest to whip up, even if you'll never give Australia's best bartenders a run for their money. But maybe you just never get the quantities of sparkling and orange juice right. Perhaps you always find either champers or OJ in your fridge, but not both. Or, you could love sipping mimosas at brunch picnics and aren't so fond of lugging around multiple different bottles. Whichever fits, new Australian brand mYmosa has a solution. It serves up mimosas in a can, all ready for you to enjoy without doing any mixing yourself. Pick up one of the label's tinnies and you'll be drinking Australian dry white wine paired with natural orange flavours, then carbonated — and you won't be doing any pouring yourself. If it sounds like the kind of tipple you now wished you'd thought of, you won't be surprised to hear that it came about after mYmosa founders Amanda Goddard and Bec Pini went on a work trip to New York City in 2017, found themselves sipping sparkling rosé out of cans — and mimosas at breakfast — and had a brainwave. The two Brisbane marketing and communications professionals then spent five years pursuing their mimosa-in-a-can idea, aided by a lull in work that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. Clearly, we now know how the duo spent lockdown. "Bec and I have always been known as the first to start a party and last to leave a party, so it just feels like a natural progression to create a beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, anywhere and at any occasion," explains Goddard. "We are a classic start-up story, where the kitchen bench, a soda stream, ample variations of wine and orange became our laboratory," adds Pini. "Fast forward, and we have worked with a formulation team, a winery and a manufacturer to create our 'little darling'." mYmosa's 250-millilitre cans are vegan and gluten-free, and currently available via online bottle shop SIP'ER, retailing for $10 a tin or $34 for a four-pack. Or, you can nab cases of 16 via the mYmosa website for $128.40. While the brand has launched with one variety, Goddard and Pini are working through new formulations — so your canned drinks list might soon be growing. There's something to say cheers to, over an Aussie tinned mimosa of course. Find mYmosa cans on sale now via online bottle shop SIP'ER, retailing for $10 a tin or $34 for a four-pack.
This family-run nursery has been in operation for over 30 years and is a go-to for Annandale locals. As well as plenty of natives, the Booth Street shop also stocks exotic shrubs, trees and tropical plants from around the country. Plus, the shop has lots of indoor plants, cacti and succulents — and a massive selection of bonsai, too — so you'll be catered for whether you have a rolling lawn or a small balcony. [caption id="attachment_779260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] The staff are locals and are happy to offer gardening advice if you need it. And if you're keen to look after some dying species, ask them about their endangered plants and how to look after them. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Anyone who has jumped for bacon-loving joy at the announcement of Cuckoo Callay's Bacon Festival the last two years will surely be stoked with the news that the Newtown cafe is once again celebrating the noble pig in 2017. Starting on March 14 and running for 12 weeks, the Newtown cafe will modify their menu, showcasing their best pieces of pork work. There'll be bacon burgers, bacon French toast and even a bacon ice cream. Last year they expanded from the restaurant and into a one-day festival at Central Park, but this year they'll be keeping it in-house. One thing they'll be bringing back, however, is last year's Mac Daddy — a monstrous mix of double smoked bacon, bacon mac 'n' cheese, a poached egg and fried shallots inside a croissant. Suffice it to say, the Bacon Festival is not vegetarian friendly. Keep your snouts on the Cuckoo Callay Facebook page for the full menu.
Seek, it's said, and you shall find. While the meaning of this phrase is scriptural in origin, it's accurate in the case of The Corner Shop. A new bricks-and-mortar site opened by the duo behind popular market stall and online retailer The Crown Street Project, you'll be handsomely rewarded for your efforts in getting there. The inviting, airy and newly refurbished space is housed on the ground level of a bright yellow late-1800s corner terrace, along the leafy residential stretch of Henderson Road in Alexandria. It's a location that might usually require a reason to head there, but you'll find plenty in this gallery-style space that showcases a thoughtful edit of vintage designer fashion alongside artist-made studio ceramics and sculptures, handmade jewellery by local designers, vintage homewares, pottery and gift items. Unlike many other vintage stores, the racks here are not cluttered — each has been curated to tell a story through colour and texture. Pieces also come with modern-day measurements where appropriate, ensuring you can find your correct size with ease. As well as issues around sizing that can give false hope to many a vintage shopper, gone too are notions around pre-loved items being less-than: pieces here, which are selected by founders Gavin Dee and Addison Marshall, are restored by hand and treated like you might expect a new item to be handled in a brand-name boutique. The spectacularly bearded gents, who both have fashion and design backgrounds, are also expert stylists and are happy to offer guidance where you might require it. As for what's on the custom-made fixtures, at any given time you can find high-end streetwear next to pre-loved high-fashion pieces from houses including Gucci, Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Kenzo and more. The real gems though are pieces by obscure Australian designers from the 1970s and 80s, an era that delivered some truly iconic looks and about which Dee and Marshall are truly passionate (and knowledgeable to an encyclopaedic degree). The boys will also be collaborating with stylist Joanne Gambale, founder of Slogue, to run sustainable styling workshops — keep an eye out on Instagram to find out more about these.
Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter has scored a brand new pub, with the newly named Watson's taking over the much-loved former site of Irish bar PJ Gallagher's. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the new venue features a modern look with a fully renovated indoor and outdoor dining space plus a fresh lineup of pub feeds and tap beers. Included in the upgrades is the opening of the upper level of the pub, two al fresco decks and a courtyard bar with a four-metre screen ideal for watching sport. The deck is shrouded by three fairy light-lit Moreton Bay fig trees and will feature acoustic live music alongside all the sports action. A new tallowwood and Rivera stone top bar has been installed inside the pub which will serve a selection of 32 tap beers. On the menu at Watson's, you'll find a classic range Australian pub meals including herb and parmesan schnitzels ($27) or parmi ($29), fish and chips ($23), and a roast cauliflower salad ($22). There are also a few inventive twists on fast food and pub standards. Think a three-piece feed featuring think buttermilk chicken tenders served with fries, gravy, corn-on-a-cob and a dinner roll ($27), or the pub's take on a dinner party classic — the French onion cob loaf served with celery and carrots for dipping ($17). Accompanying mains is a dessert menu with tiramisu ($14) and sticky date pudding ($14), and a vast drinks list featuring spritzes ($16), espresso martini on tap ($16) and cocktail carafes made with vodka, T2 rose tea, lemon juice and lemonade ($38).
Nothing brings out the whole neighbourhood like a street celebration. The road closes as people spill out of their homes, kids run wild as the parents catch up on what's new — it's a special and extremely nostalgic vibe. If you remember that feeling, especially if you live on or near or if you're overdue to visit some of Sydney's beloved inner-city streets, then you should be eagerly awaiting the return of Sydney's equivalent celebration. Some of the city's most prominent roads are being temporarily transformed for Sydney Streets. The City of Sydney is closing roads to cars and opening them to festivities, allowing and encouraging local businesses to take over the street for a day of community celebrations. Activities involving food, music, live entertainment and more. This will be a significant series of events, so which roads are closing and when? Let's find out together. Macleay Street — Saturday, February 17 Kicking off the 2024 run, Sydney Streets will head to Potts Point, taking over Macleay Street between Darlinghurst Road and Hughes Street between 11am and 10pm. It's a busy, tree-canopied road and home to some of the finest cafes and bars in the inner east. We'll update you with more information on the available activities soon, but we can give you an idea of what to expect on the day. Participating venues include NYC-in-the-50s-inspired bar The Roosevelt, which will be taking it outside with a live DJ, a jazz band setting up at Bistro Rex, the Sydney city shopfront of deluxe chocolatiers The Chocolate Box, and boutique fashion label A Date With Mabel. Anytime Fitness will be challenging you with assault courses for prizes, and you can get into the Mardi Gras spirit with Drag Storytime with Joyce Maynge, a pop-up stage in Fitzroy Gardens with performances from local artists along with acoustic sets in Llankelly Place from Marcus Corowa and more. Stanley Street — Saturday, February 24 The following week, we head across town to Darlinghurst and Stanley Street, where the Yurong Street to Crown Street section will hold the festivities from 11am to 10pm alongside the extended traffic closure. With the likes of Bar Nina, The Long Goodbye and Stanley's on Stanley participating on the day, that means good times are all but guaranteed. Sydney Streets will bring Joyce Maynge for more drag storytime to celebrate Mardi Gras, plus cartoonist portraits, an art workshop and face painting for the kids. You'll be celebrating favourites and newcomers of the area alike, like Harry's by Giuls — which will be dishing out pizza and Aperol aplenty. The Colonial has recently arrived, following two shops in Neutral Bay and Balmain, boasting a menu inspired by India's history. There's also the Mongolian Wooden Bar and Grill, Khaoyum TN and Bar Reggio, all open for business. Glebe Point Road — Saturday, March 9 Two weeks later, the celebrations shift west to Glebe Point Road, specifically the diverse stretch of shopfronts and residences from Parramatta Road to St Johns Road. It's student territory, so packed with culture and vibes from dawn till dusk. The area will be closed to traffic on Saturday, March 9, from 9am to 10pm to let the activities flourish on foot between 11am and 10pm. The aforementioned vibes stem from the people but also great spots, all of which will come alive for Sydney Streets — spots like tapas bar Despana with an all-day offering of paella, tapas and sangria, free crystals from local shop Mineralism and a food stand from Banh Mi Dee. Enjoy cocktails, live music and Sri Lankan crepes at Kandy by Sri Lankan Bites, pastries and fresh juice from Dispensary 1908, a Sydney Streets return from newcomer cafe Soul Garden, and a mobile coffee and cookie cart plus face painting for the kiddos by local favourite Dirty Red. Redfern Street — Saturday, March 16 Next up on the list is Redfern Street, the main stretch of road that runs from Regent Street to Chalmers Street. It's a busy road day and night, shuffling commuters and after-dark pedestrians in equal numbers. From 11am to 10pm, many businesses will open doors to the busy foot traffic outside. When it comes to food and drink, Redfern Street is home to all sorts, and it's all happening for Sydney Streets. From plant-based pub feeds with a live performance at The Sunshine Inn to Thai sweet treats at Sweet Monster. There are also beers aplenty from The Noble Hops, a range of Italian eyewear and hair braiding at Face Furniture, student-written publications and writing activities on offer at Story Factory, flash tattoo sales from Markd Tattoo and an outdoor pinball competition at local favourite Beercade, DJs and paella at Vamonos Paella and painting workshops at Sydney Creative. Harris Street — Saturday, March 23 The following weekend will bring Sydney Streets to Pyrmont and a small stretch of Harris Street (between Pyrmont Bridge Road and Union Street) for its 11am to 10pm offering to pedestrians. Adjacent to Sydney Harbour, Harris Street is another ideal setting for the series, brimming with culture, activities and Sydney spirit. Some of the participating businesses for this weekend include a pop-up bar (plus tastings) from the local branch of Porter's Liquor, craft beer and pub feed pros at The Quarryman's Hotel, experts of fitness and flexibility at Sense of Power Pilates, newcomer Miami Bar, a pop-up reading corner in Union Square — and the self-titled 'Masters of Steak' at Element's Bar and Grill will open a pop-up bar of their own. Crown Street — Saturday, April 6 Further south is a beating heart of activity in Sydney, the beloved Crown Street in Surry Hills. For Sydney Streets, the stretch from Foveaux Street to Cleveland Street will host November's first Saturday of community celebrations. Any Sydneysider is familiar with the offering of this famous road, so with the standout venues colliding with the standout vibes of Sydney Streets from 11am to 10pm, it's set to be quite the Saturday. The entertainment will come from the likes of roaming circus acts, dancers and bands — while local spots joining the celebrations include Surry Hills Fine Wines, which will offer extensive wine and cocktail tasting alongside music and entertainment; the Surry Hills outpost of the pizzeria Via Napoli will be dishing out pizza and arancini; Tuscan-style hotspot Giuls will open its famous Aperol cart alongside pizza and sandwiches, plus the beloved artisan butchery Ardi's Block to Grill, food stalls from Masala Theory and The Clock (which will also be running a beer garden takeover on Collins Street) and outdoor dining spaces at Bertos Espresso and Royale Specialty. Sydney Streets will be taking over several roads between Saturday, February 17 and Saturday, April 6. For more information, visit the website.
Lightning Ridge might be best known for its enduring opal mining history, but the community's collection of bizarre museums is definitely a close second. Astronomers Monument is a kooky landmark dedicated to scientists like Copernicus. Others not to miss are the Bottle House Museum, Amigo's Castle, Beer Can House and the Kangaroo Hill Complex. Image: John, Flickr
Perhaps you're an outdoorsy type who's never visited a local gallery, or maybe you're a foodie who's never ventured on a local bushwalk. Now we're in the swing of 2021, it's time to step out of your comfort zone. And we're here. Whether you're local to Chatswood, or just visiting, there's more to do in the lower north shore suburb than you might think. From beautiful green spaces to hidden art galleries, Chatswood has a lot to offer if you want to press refresh on your weekend plans. In partnership with Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, we've compiled a list of things to do when you want to try something new to you, in and around Chatswood. [caption id="attachment_796617" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Willoughby Symphony Orchestra[/caption] HEAD TO A SHOW AT THE CONCOURSE The Concourse is the leading entertainment venue on the north shore. Showcasing a dynamic range of productions, including stand-up comedy, musicals, and classical music, The Concourse is where you'll find upcoming shows like Willoughby Symphony Orchestra's Gala concerts, featuring romantic melodies such as Delibes' 'Flower Duet' and Tchaikovsky's 'Waltz of the Flowers' from The Nutcracker. Tickets for the weekend concerts start from $25, and if you've never experienced an orchestra live before this is an affordable way to tick it off your must-see list. Grab a mate, or a date, and book tickets to see Willoughby Symphony Orchestra playing Saturday, February 13 or Sunday, February 14. Aside from classical music, you can also catch The Marriage of Figaro and Lunar New Year Comedy, both coming up at The Concourse over the next month. SEEK OUT THIS INTIMATE ART GALLERY If you want to do more to support the work of local artists this year, then make your way to the intimate and inspiring Art Space gallery located on the ground floor of The Concourse. The gallery holds monthly exhibitions from a diverse group of artists. From February 3–28, you can soak up Resonant Flows, featuring drawings and video art by Sydney-based artist Cindy Yuen-Zhe Chen. The free exhibition explores the interdependent relationship between our bodies, places and water. Stop by for the afternoon before heading to a matinee performance upstairs. [caption id="attachment_798067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Willoughby Council[/caption] STRETCH YOUR LEGS ON THIS RIVERSIDE WALK Up for spending a little more time outdoors? Strap on your walking shoes and try the Railway to River Walk — a trail that takes you from Chatswood Train Station to Lane Cove River. On the 3.5-kilometre track, you'll be surrounded by woodland and riverside plants, making you feel worlds away from the busy shopping centres. Pack a picnic and follow the signs to the river where you can soak up the views as you tuck into lunch. From here, the adventure continues into Lane Cove National Park, or you can turn around and head back to Chatswood Station on foot or via bus. EAT YOUR WAY AROUND CHATSWOOD MALL MARKET Chatswood is full of great places to eat and drink, but if you want to try something new then check out Chatswood Mall Market on Thursdays and Fridays. Located on Victoria Avenue from 9am–9pm, the outdoor marketplace has stallholders peddling hot treats inspired by cuisines from all over the world. Pick up a couple of plates to share and dive into a dish you've never tried before. Stallholders include Macedonian-style pastries from Alexander's Bakery, noodle soups and dumplings from Bao Dao Taiwanese Kitchen, chorizo rolls and garlic prawns from Mojo Picon and baklava and lamb skewers from Greek Corner. There are also craft stalls that are great places for finding a handmade gift. [caption id="attachment_798064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Willoughby Council[/caption] TAKE A PICNIC TO BEAUCHAMP PARK Found in the back streets of Chatswood, Beauchamp Park is the perfect spot to stop and take a moment, especially if you've spent half the day on your feet exploring the area. Roughly a ten-minute stroll from Chatswood Station, the park has a rose garden, public artworks and picnic areas as well as a dog-friendly area where your four-legged friends can run amok free of their leash. With accessible concrete pathways, play equipment, sports courts and cool, shady spots under gum trees, the sprawling parkland has something for everyone. While away an afternoon here before seeing a show at The Concourse. Score ten percent off tickets to Willoughby Symphony Orchestra's Gala Concert over here.
Some say NSW's Central Coast is the Venice of Australia, which may sound like a stretch, but there are, actually, many similarities: great pizza, alfresco spritzes, aperitivo hours and stunning beaches. And, as a bonus, there are (hopefully) less floods and less tourists. It's also located less than two hours from Sydney — an easy road trip to accomplish in a weekend. The Central Coast is expansive — stretching all the way from the Hawkesbury River to Lake Macquarie — and encompasses more than 40 beaches, so this weekender's guide is in no way comprehensive. Instead, it's a handpicked list of our favourite places to eat and drink, the Central Coast's top accommodations, and the most exciting things to do when looking to fill a weekend. [caption id="attachment_696971" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Glass Onion Society[/caption] EAT AND DRINK To start a weekend right on the Central Coast, you should start it by the water. And aptly named The Box on the Water offers just that. Located on the redeveloped Ettalong Beach foreshore, the eatery offers sprawling views across Broken Bay, great dog spotting and tasty fare from breakfast to dinner. If you're there at sundown, stop by for one of five spritzes and a picture-perfect sunset. A 20-minute drive away, you'll find Burnt Honey Bakery directly opposite Copacabana Beach, which has some of the best handmade pastries in the area. Drive a little further north and you'll hit the environmentally conscious Like Minds Avoca. A stone's throw from Avoca Lake, the hip cafe has a chandelier made from repurposed milk jugs, it hosts regular produce swaps in its garden and serves locally roasted Fat Poppy Coffee. For more great coffee, head over to Glee in Erina Heights — another local roaster, which has three spots on the east coast. On a stretch of the Central Coast that has more similarities to Newtown than Venice, Long Jetty, you'll find The Glass Onion Society. It, too, would be comfortable relocating to Sydney's inner west, decked out with retro lounges, plants and eclectic knick-knacks. It has many vegan-friendly options, including a particularly tasty mushroom and hash brown brekkie burger. For your final daytime eating spot, make tracks to Saddles — a stunning homestead-like restaurant and bakehouse located on a 28-acre property in Mount White. [caption id="attachment_696973" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mumbo Jumbo's[/caption] As the sun starts to dip, you (like us) might start contemplating a refreshing cocktail or two. Which is fair, you're on holidays after all. For this, there are many options. Terrigal's Pocket Bar — sister to Sydney's Stitch Bar and Button Bar — pairs modern twists on classic cocktails (including watermelon martinis) with fun bar snacks; the Caribbean-themed Mumbo Jumbo's down the road has espresso martinis on tap and a rooftop bar that looks out across the water; and Avoca Surf House is serving up many spritzes and sparkling wines right on the beach. Another spot doing great drinks is The Lucky Bee, but we really recommend heading here for dinner. It's run by Matty Bennett and Rupert Noffs, who closed their acclaimed NYC eatery of the same name, swapped the city for the beach and opened on the Central Coast. Located at Hardys Bay, The Lucky Bee's Southeast Asian fare is fiery, the drinks extravagant and the atmosphere always buzzing — so make a reservation. Young Barons, run by another young couple, is yet another restaurant hitting all the right notes, with pasta and gelato made fresh daily and bottles of natural wine served up in an unassuming spot around the corner. If you're back down in Terrigal, stop by Rhonda's. It really embraces the coastal Italian feel of the area, serving up Roman-style woodfired pizza, handmade pasta and house-made limoncello in a breezy, plant-filled space. It has a rooftop bar, too, where you continue drinking spritzes well into the evening. [caption id="attachment_696974" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Goaty Gelato at Distillery Botanica[/caption] DO If just the thought of all that food makes you want to embark on a digestive stroll, you're in luck — there are many on the Central Coast. Back at Ettalong Beach, you can walk along the shore to Umina Beach (an easy three kilometres away) looking out across Broken Bay to Palm Beach. Another short trek is the one-kilometre Maitland Bay Track, which carries you through rainforest to Maitland Bay. Here, at low-tide, you're able to see the shipwrecked remains of PS Maitland at the bay's eastern end. For something longer, the nearby Bouddi Coastal Trail, an 8.5-kilometre hike, winds pass lookouts and beaches. Pack your snorkelling gear and explore one of them — we recommend heading to the sheltered Lobster Beach and keeping an eye out for dolphins. [caption id="attachment_524126" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Maitland Bay[/caption] Prefer shopping to snorkelling? There are lots of vintage stores and boutiques scattered around the Coast, too. Back at the inner west-like Long Jetty, pop into Long Jetty Vintage, Websters Vintage and Plain Janes. While you're there, visit the town's namesake: the 351-metre Long Jetty stretching out into the middle of Tuggerah Lake. Once you've shopped up a thirst, Distillery Botanica is the next order of the day. This stunning garden distillery is from the distiller behind Mr Black cold drip coffee liqueur — which you can sample and purchase here, too. The distillery's gins, also named Distillery Botanica, are made using botanicals grown in the garden and taste how you'd image spring would. The distillery is also home to Mr Goaty, an award-winning gelato made on the Central Coast. Founded by Dan Hughes, formerly a chef at Sydney's Three Blue Ducks, the brand is known for its signature flavours made using goat's milk, which is lighter in sugar but equally creamy. Many of the flavours — goat's milk, cow's milk and dairy-free — are made using plants grown in the distillery garden, too, including the honeycomb and lavender and lemon myrtle macadamia. [caption id="attachment_696978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Copacabana Beach House[/caption] SLEEP Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Tasman is Copacabana Beach House. Spread across three storeys, the restored 70s house is the perfect spot to stay if you're heading away with a crew — it has three bedrooms and sleeps up to eight people — or if you're looking for a very spacious (yet affordable) property for two. It's even equipped for winter visits, fitted out with a crackling indoor fireplace, a decked-out kitchen and outdoor fire pit. During the cooler months, you might even be able to spot humpback whales migrating right past your window. But the Beach House is ideal in warmer months, too, when you can wander down Del Monte Place to Copacabana Beach for a morning dip, and eat fresh seafood on the house's sprawling balconies. For something smaller, but also by the water, Terrigal's The Clan has 21 waterfront rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach or lagoon. Top image: Copacabana Beach FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. 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Summer might be in full swing on both sides of the ditch, but it's never too early to start thinking about your music festival plans for the year ahead, as well as how to spend the frostier months. One solution that ticks both boxes: Queenstown winter music festival and ski trip Snow Machine, which is returning in September 2023 for its huge second year. It's the hottest festival for the colder months, packed with five snow-filled days of music and adventure at two mountain-topping ski resorts this year. On the just-dropped lineup sits a heap of must-see names, including Art vs Science, Hayden James, Hilltop Hoods, The Jungle Giants and Peking Duk, all helping give Snow Machine's winter wonderland a thumping soundtrack. After launching in Japan in 2020, the festival was actually supposed to make its arrival in Aotearoa in September 2021 but was cancelled due to the pandemic. It finally debuted in September 2022, and now makes a comeback from Tuesday, September 5–Sunday, September 10, 2023. Attendees will be treated to action-packed days on the slopes, après ski events on both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, and a hefty roster of international acts against the idyllic backdrop of New Zealand's adventure capital. Also dropping in to share the stage will be Benee, Broods, Coterie, Danny Clayton, Jacotène and Jimi The Kween, as well as Kate Fox, Neil Frances, Northeast Party House, Pete Murray, Set Mo, Shapeshifter, Stace Cadet (doing a DJ set), Sweet Mix Kids and Zahn Walker. Other than the wintry backdrop, one of the things that sets Snow Machine apart from other music fests is being able to book your entire getaway with your ticket. Packages span both five and seven nights of accommodation, and include a four-day festival ticket and five-day ski pass. If you'd rather make your own way or pass on the skiing, there are 'ticket only' options — and VIP packages if you really want to do it in style. Festival goers are also encouraged to immerse themselves in the adventure capital by adding on heli-skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, canyon swinging and skydiving — and that's on top of Snow Machine's huge welcome party, and vintage retro day dedicated to old-school ski suits. Also returning in 2023: the second annual Polar Bare, which endeavours to set a world record for the most amount of people heading down the slopes their swimwear. SNOW MACHINE 2023 LINEUP: Art vs Science Benee Broods Coterie Danny Clayton Hayden James Hilltop Hoods Jacotène Jimi The Kween The Jungle Giants Kate Fox Neil Frances Northeast Party House Peking Duk Pete Murray Set Mo Shapeshifter Stace Cadet (DJ set) Sweet Mix Kids Zahn Walker Tom Tilley and Hugo Gruzman present First Base Snow Machine will be held from Tuesday, September 5–Sunday, September 10, 2023 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Presale tickets go on sale from 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, January 17, with general tickets available from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, January 18. For more information, visit the festival's website. Images: Pat Stevenson/Ben Lang. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Gone are the days of heading to a game and the only food option is a Four'n Twenty pie. Stadium food has been on the rise for a little while now, but it really took a leap to a whole new level last year when the SCG and the new Allianz Stadium enlisted the help of Merivale to revamp their dining options — and following suit is another set of sports grounds. Sydney's largest sports and concert venue, Accor Stadium, and Parramatta's flash new ground, CommBank Stadium, are both giving their food offerings a major makeover with the help of the family-owned hospitality business Gema Group. The team-up will see a heap of local and international favourites join the culinary roster across the two stadiums. Five Guys, El Jannah, Al Aseel, Ribs & Burgers, Roll'd, The Meal and Wine Co, Sushi Hub and Oakberry will all be available across the two stadiums alongside refreshed offerings of classic stadium food like pies, hot chips, hot dogs, nachos, pizza, souvlaki and burgers. The addition of El Jannah's famous charcoal chicken to Western Sydney's two major stadiums feels like a match made in heaven — while the addition of Five Guys to the offerings is particularly notable, with this being the first time the US burger chain will be located in a stadium anywhere in the world. "This is a great announcement that will not only highlight the flavours of Western Sydney, it will create jobs and support many small to medium family-owned businesses, like the legendary El Jannah," says NSW Minister for Sport and Small Business Steve Kamper. Even Nobu is getting in on the action, with the famously fancy sushi and sashimi outpost popping up at major Accor Stadium events in collaboration with the Crown Sydney. And a trio of acclaimed chefs — Manu Feildel, Anna Polyviou and Miguel Maestre — are all jumping on board to put their own spin on stadium eats as part of the Event Chef Series that will pop up during major events. "We will be giving fans the ultimate choice of cuisine — reflecting the diverse communities who attend our events and Sydney's richness of culture," says Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather. Head to the Venues NSW website for more information on the partnership between Venues NSW and Gema Group.
The first Collector Store in Surry Hills has been drawing in curious weekend browsers for years thanks to its ever changing collection of fashion, accessories and homewares. The Sydney store now has three locations, including its largest space in Paddington. The Oxford Street boutique has an eclectic mix of clothing, candles and cushion covers like the other locations, but with more room to show off its furniture, kitchen and dining products than at the Barangaroo or Crown Street stores. You'll find BORNN's marble-effect enamel plates, Tom Dixon candles and decanters, and HK Living serving trays. There's also terrazzo coffee tables, woven light shades, and weaved outdoor dining chairs. And at the front of the store, there are rails of menswear by Mr Simple (think linen shorts and Hawaiian-inspired shirts) and women's printed dresses by Coster Copenhagen. Though most of the clothing sits above the $100 mark, there are gifts within the $40–60 bracket, too, like Missoni towels, Leif hand wash and Scotch & Soda leather wallets, as well as a locally made range of Gascoigne & King candles and diffusers. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
D4vd has officially been removed from the touring lineup of Spilt Milk, in the midst of official investigations into a dead body discovered in a Tesla registered in the artist's name. His 2025 touring schedule has been up in the air ever since the investigation began, but after quietly being scrubbed on the weekend, the organisers have confirmed their decision today as reported on Rolling Stone. The body was discovered in the Tesla trunk after police were called to a tow yard in Hollywood to investigate reports of a foul smell coming from the car. It took a week for medical examiners to identify the victim as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, who had been missing for over a year. Burke was on tour when Rivas' body was discovered, and he continued to play shows. "Last week we removed d4vd from our website and marketing out of respect for the unfolding story," a statement reads. "We can now confirm d4vd will not perform at Spilt Milk and we are working on a replacement booking which we'll announce as soon as it's finalised." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Spilt Milk (@spiltmilk_au) Tickets for d4vd's headline shows while in the country have also been quietly scrapped. Rolling Stone AU/NZ has contacted promoters for comment. According to a previously released statement, Burke has been "cooperating" with authorities during the investigation. He has not been named as a suspect or a person of interest, nor has he been accused of any crimes. While authorities haven't identified a suspect or person of interest yet, several details about the investigation have come out. For instance, the impounded Tesla was towed from the affluent Bird Streets neighbourhood in the Hollywood Hills, with neighbors telling Rolling Stone that it had been spotted in various places. It was eventually towed from a spot on Bluebird Avenue, where sources said it had been sitting for at least three weeks. After Rivas was identified, law enforcement searched a house around the block from where the car was towed. Police left with several items, including a computer. The home's owner later confirmed to Rolling Stone that the residence had been rented to Burke's manager, Josh Marshall, last year, starting in February 2024. Spilt Milk will take place in Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast between Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 14. For more information on the lineup, visit the website.
Those fortunate enough to have spent a night or two at Capella Sydney – a five-star stay immersed in art and heritage – will probably know all about its luxury dining offering, Brasserie 1930. Having just celebrated its second birthday, operator Bentley Restaurant Group saw this moment as the perfect time to shake things up. Entering its next era, Brasserie 1930 has got a new head chef, a new Australian brasserie menu and an exciting culinary experience linking sophisticated food with art and culture. Leading this evolution is Executive Chef Brent Savage and newly appointed Head Chef Troy Spencer (Pomme, Bistro Thierry, L'Etoile Restaurant & Bar). Working closely together, the duo have married Savage's passion for incredible local produce with Spencer's impressive career working in European brasseries. Bringing an elevated Australian-inspired approach to French late-night cuisine, expect dishes featuring native flavours and ingredients that honour tradition without foregoing innovation. Adorning the new menu are highlights such as David Blackmore wagyu tartare with mustard cream, rye cracker and sorrel; Aquna Murray cod, smoked clam with roasted onion butter and paperbark oil; and Kinross Station lamb saddle with eggplant, macadamia and saltbush. There's also a selection of curated cocktails, including a macadamia martini, lemon myrtle sidecar and wattleseed highball. "Brasserie 1930 celebrates the incredible variety of native Australian ingredients, blending the country's unique culinary heritage," says Savage. "It's about highlighting the best of what Australia has to offer in a warm and inviting setting where guests can enjoy exceptional food with attentive, yet relaxed, Australian hospitality. It's about good and honest flavours in a space that feels elegant, yet approachable." Adding to this perspective is the hotel's new monthly series, The Art of Dining, starting from Thursday, May 29. Curated by international art and design consultancy, The Artling, this exclusive experience sees restaurant guests receive a private tour of the hotel's landmark art collection, guided by renowned advisor Fiona McIntosh. Those taking up the tour will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne and a double pass to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA). With over 1,400 pieces on display, Capella Sydney's art collection is one of the largest in any Australian luxury hotel. That's a fitting status for one of Sydney's heritage icons. Built in 1915 amid what's now called 'the sandstone precinct', the hotel's storied building is best known as the former home of the Department of Education. After the department moved to new digs in 2018, the developer behind Capaella Sydney snapped up the property with incredible results. Brasserie 1930 is situated inside Capella Sydney at 24 Loftus Street, Sydney. Head to the website for more information. Images: Ethan Smart.
If you're a pet owner, you'll know if can be difficult getting your dog/cat/iguana/parrot/rat from A to B — especially if you don't own a car. Example A: your friend has given you and Fido a ride to the beach, then bailed and left you and the fluffy boy stranded. Trains are out (in NSW or Queensland), Fido's too big for a box on a bus, you're nowhere near a ferry or CityCat, so you book a taxi, but the drive takes one look at sandy Fido and says no. Thankfully, this type of scenario will be left in the past when Uber Pet launches in Sydney and Brisbane tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10. Launching as a trial, Uber Pet will be available in your Uber app as a separate option — alongside UberX, Comfort and Pool — and will match you with a driver who's happy to pick up pets. It'll cost an extra $6–7 per ride, with some of that passed onto the drivers, too. While the cat below may not agree, it's really a win-win scenario. If the trial is a success, it'll be rolled out nationally as a permanent option on the app. So, you can plan more trips to dog-friendly pubs, beaches and parks. And get to the vet a little easier (don't tell your cat). While Uber expects cats and dogs will be the most common passengers, it allows any kind of domesticated animal use the service — at the driver's discretion. Assistance and service animals are still allowed in regular Ubers, as they are on all forms of public transport. You can read more about travel for assistance animals in NSW and Queensland here. Uber Pet is available in Sydney and Brisbane from Tuesday, March 10.
Since November 2024, 200,000 people have enjoyed an IRL Bluey experience in Brisbane, wandering through the immersive installation dedicated to the series in the city that the animated hit sprang from. That number is set to grow. Due to its unsurprising success, Bluey's World is sticking around the Queensland capital, extending its season until February 2026. On- and off-screen, Bluey is inseparable from Brissie. For its setting, the hit animated series takes inspiration from the Sunshine State spot. It also hails from a studio based in the River City. The Heeler home resembles Brisbane's Queenslanders, too. And back in 2022 when a replica of the Bluey house popped up temporarily, there was only one place for it. It always made sense, then, that stepping inside the famous show would happen in the exact right location. Announced in 2023, Bluey's World gets attendees walking around life-sized sets that recreate the beloved family-friendly staple. Yes, the Heeler house and yard are part of the setup — for real life. Yes, you can expect to hear "wackadoo!" more than once while you're there. Movie World might've badged itself as Hollywood on the Gold Coast, but it's no longer the only big tourist hotspot giving visitors to southeast Queensland — and locals as well — a chance to explore their on-screen favourites IRL. Sprawling across 4000 square metres, Bluey's World features the Heelers' living room, playroom, kitchen, backyard (poinciana tree included) and more. Alongside bringing the global TV sensation's sets into reality, it also boasts familiar interactive games such as Keepy Uppy and Magic Xylophone, plus other activities for both kids and adults. Haven't accompanied your own little ones, or your nieces and nephews, to Bluey's World yet? Perhaps you know that appreciating the adorable Aussie show about a family of blue heelers isn't just for children, but you still haven't made the trip. Either way, this addition to Northshore Pavilion in Northshore Brisbane is big — literally thanks to its sizeable floor plan. And yes, as seen in the series, you can arrive via CityCat, including right through until early next year. "The response to Bluey's World has been phenomenal. Seeing families laugh, play and explore the attraction firsthand has been incredibly rewarding. We set out to create a truly special experience, and it's wonderful to watch it become a must-visit Brisbane destination for fans of all ages," said Bluey's World Producer Andrew Kay. "We're so proud of the one-of-a-kind experience we've created, and with the season now extended, we can't wait to welcome even more fans to Bluey's World. Reaching 200,000 visitors in just a few months is a testament to the love and enthusiasm for Bluey. It's been amazing to see families from all over the world step into Bluey's home and immerse themselves in the Heeler family's adventures," added BBC Studios ANZ Head of Commercial Scott Modra. Visitors should plan to spend 70 minutes bounding through the experience — and will also find an indoor playground that nods to Bluey's Brisbane neighbourhood, plus spring rolls and pizza on offer at the cafe. There's a soundscape to match, plus a gift shop. Bluey's World is exclusive to Brisbane, making it a tourist attraction to fans not only locally and nationally but worldwide. Unsurprisingly, that's a big part of the push from both the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, who are supporting the BBC Studios- and HVK Productions-produced experience. Find Bluey's World at Northshore Pavilion, 281 MacArthur Avenue, Northshore Brisbane until February 2026 — head to the attraction's website for more information and tickets.
Last year, Plan International launched an interactive map for Sydney women to report incidents of street harassment. Thousands of Sydney girls and women used it to drop pins on locations around the city — either 'good' for where they felt safe, or 'bad' for where they felt threatened. Now, that data has been pulled and analysed for a new global report titled Unsafe on the Streets, which shines a spotlight on the rates of street harassment experienced by women across the world. It was based on 750 shared experiences from women in Lima, Delhi, Kampala and Madrid, as well as our own harbour city. The local version of the Free To Be map — which found that 90 percent of women have felt unsafe in Sydney at night — identified three main high-traffic areas where women most commonly felt unsafe: Newtown's King Street, Central Station and nearby Belmore Park, and the area around Hyde Park and Town Hall. On the Sydney map, a total of 1175 pins referenced incidents of sexual harassment, with 176 of those highlighting harassment by a group. Overall, the survey showed the most common harassment by far was the verbal kind, including aggressive threats and catcalling. One 18-year-old Sydney women shared that she'd been catcalled by construction workers on her way to a job interview, saying that it 'threw her off' for the rest of the day, as "being catcalled makes you want to cover yourself in heaps of layers and hide". Another recalled how she was followed by two young unknown men in a car, while walking home from a party. While most of the map participants dropped pins to highlight unsafe areas, about one quarter identified 'good' spots, based on things like busyness, adequate lighting and the presence of security or police. Three of the safest spots — where the good pins outnumbered the bad — have been identified as the UNSW Kensington campus, the area surrounding Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and McIver's Ladies Baths in Coogee, which happens to be one of the only female-only spaces in the city. One commenter even called it the 'safest and best place to be a woman in Sydney'. Of the Sydney women surveyed, 43 percent were aged between 21 and 25, with a further 26 percent between 16 and 20. Over a third of the reported incidents occurred late at night, with places like bus stops and outside school gates proving prime spots for harassment. You can read the full Unsafe On The Streets report here, and the Sydney-specific report here.
To put it lightly, 2020 has been a pretty surprising year for most. And, while so many small businesses have been forced to downsize in recent months, business owner Lauren Lance found herself in an unexpected position: signing the lease on a second location for her bespoke plant store, The Borrowed Nursery. "I've been so fortunate that I'm in an industry that has seen growth," says Lance. "People are taking more pride in their house because they're spending more time in them." Pre-COVID-19, Lance's focus for The Borrowed Nursery was for it to be a plant hire company servicing people from Brisbane to Byron Bay. The initial inspiration struck when helping some friends plan a wedding. "We were mixing and matching pots to plant succulents in, and I thought there might be something in this idea," she says. As a former interior designer, Lance quickly identified a gap in the market. "There was corporate plant hire available, but nothing where you could be a bit more creative about what you were choosing," she says. "It was all about finding an identity of our own. We wanted to focus on a more 'design' approach." [caption id="attachment_780820" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaelah Ariotti[/caption] The early days were a flurry of activity, and Lance remembers scribbling down her daily figures on scraps of paper: "I was not tech savvy. Eventually I realised I needed systems in place, to see which plants were doing well, and where we were making money." After starting with a traditional point of sale system, Lance moved the business across to Square. "We had a machine from a bank, but there were too many limitations. With Square, we could still get all the information and tracking we needed, but it was more user-friendly and cost-effective for the business." After outgrowing its original space, The Borrowed Nursery moved into a new spot at Mermaid Beach. Now with triple the floorspace, Lance was able to start offering the nursery for event hire, too. The industrial-chic venue is a dream location, with soaring ceilings, exposed beams, painted brickwork, and peach-hued doors. Unsurprisingly, the hiring arm of the business was a huge success, and Lance was able to hire the space out for weddings and engagement parties, baby showers, corporate workshops and photo shoots. The business was moving rapidly when suddenly the industry came to a standstill. Under Queensland's lockdown restrictions, with weddings and events postponed indefinitely, The Borrowed Nursery had to pivot in order to survive. "It was really nerve-racking at the start. The plant hire and event hire just completely dried up," she says. [caption id="attachment_780817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaelah Ariotti[/caption] Luckily, Lance was able to lean into the online retail side of the nursery, and noticed that people were buying plants in "volumes we usually only see at Christmas". Shoppers were particularly interested in air-purifying plants, with increased sales of snake plants, ribbon plants and devil's ivy. With people entertaining more at home, The Borrowed Nursery was also quick to boost its homewares line, adding cheeseboards and platters for sale. "Last week we even branched out and added in a cocktail mix, which is kind of random but it's really working, and it's nice to support another local brand," says Lance. Going forward, the business owner is excited to open her next outpost of The Borrowed Nursery, at a location recently secured in Albion, Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_780818" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaelah Ariotti[/caption] Following Queensland's lockdown period, The Borrowed Nursery is currently focusing on traditional bricks and mortar retail. But Lance feels confident the e-commerce side of the business will be supported as it expands. "Square helped us with Click and Collect, and it's good to know that it's in the background for our next stage," she says. "You have to ride the wave. You have to be resilient. And you have to remember what your motivation is. For me, it was always about creating something from nothing, creating something truly unique, so that has kept me going." Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. Top image: Shaelah Ariotti
They're at it again. Sydney hospitality legends Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham (of Mary's, The Lansdowne, The Unicorn, P&V Wine and Liquor, Mary's Pizzeria) are set to add another notch to their ever-expanding belt. The duo has nabbed the digs of historic jazz venue The Basement, which closed after four decades of gigs back in April 2018. While another live music venue will take its place, it'll be a far cry from its predecessor. Work on the new spot, called Mary's Underground, starts this week, with the venue slated to open in May. "We're just excited to throw a big party in the CBD every night," says Smyth. That's the motto of the venture, which isn't going to be your standard 'dinner and a show' arrangement. Instead, expect hip hop, electro and rock 'n' roll acts to take the stage while you chow down. "Jazz and blues will be an element but we certainly don't want to open a jazz venue," says Smyth. "We want to keep it young and vibrant, with musicians from the conservatory playing next to ratbags from Newtown [on a Saturday night], or some young punks ripping the face off jazz on Monday and Tuesday nights." And the gigs will be free for diners, with a cover charge not starting until late. This close connection between food and music is emerging as an important part of the Mary's team's mantra. "The Basement had such a history that tied food and music together," says Smyth. "I think rambunctious fun and music need to be tied in really carefully and tightly with food in an innovative way." While the food side is still in the works, the focus will be on Euro-American eats with a Mary's "kick in the guts". Upstairs will house a casual bar serving the classic Mary's favourites — burgers, fried chicken and beers — along with a couple of vegan menu items. The kitchen team is working on a vegan version of its burger bun, too. Plant-based dishes will also be a focus of the full-service restaurant downstairs, where the kitchen will take a more elevated approach to the food. "We want to make a restaurant where vegan and vegetarian isn't an afterthought," says Smyth. "It's not merely animal ethics, it's a wider sustainability issue." The venue's third space will take the form of an intimate wine bar down the back, focusing on Australian drops in a list that exclusively features natural and sustainable labels, much the way the group's other venues do. This sustainable approach will extend further than the booze and vegetarian food, too, with a zero-waste mentality central to the new venue. "We're excited to explore that world and to create opportunities for all of our bars and restaurants to recycle and reuse," says Smyth. "It might be turning our used cardboard into coasters or using discarded limes to create cleaning products for the bars." Yes, a lot is changing, but The Basement vibe won't be completely gone, either. The downstairs bar will remain untouched, for example, and the new interior will retain elements of the former live music icon. "It'll be rough and ready at points but pretty grown up in other parts — we want the space to be both intimate and raucous," says Smyth. [caption id="attachment_653389" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Basement, which closed in April last year. DNSW.[/caption] It may seem like a trend is emerging with Mary's Group, who similarly resurrected the Lansdowne back in 2017. Is revitalising Sydney's failing music venues a new team slogan? "The Lansdowne was a steep learning curve on what it takes to make a live music venue work, but we're 18 months in now and we feel like we have a valid voice in the industry," says Smyth. "I don't buy into rescuing venues, but I do like the idea of giving a kick in the ass to the music scene." For those still mourning the loss of The Basement, there's hope for the venue yet. The new owner, musical entrepreneur Albert Dadon — who runs Melbourne's Bird's Basement — is still on the hunt for a new CBD location and is even taking suggestions from the public. Mary's Underground is slated to open this May at 7 Macquarie Place, Sydney. We'll be keeping you updated as more details are revealed. Images: Leyla Muratovic.
If you prefer an art experience that extends beyond looking at works on a wall, prepare to be impressed by Melbourne's new immersive digital art gallery. Set to open in late 2020, The Lume will take the form of a $15-million 2000-square-metre gallery, decked out with 150 state-of-the-art projectors. Projections of some of the world's most celebrated works will be splashed across various surfaces, backed by powerful musical soundtracks and complemented by aromas. The project is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions, which, for the past 14 years, has hosted immersive exhibitions and gallery experiences in over 130 cities across the world. The company also owns and operates Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci. Known for celebrating art world greats like Vincent van Gogh and da Vinci through modern, multi-sensory technology, Grande Exhibitions will use a similar formula at The Lume. Instead of showcasing original works, the gallery will rely on a curation of music and moving image to create a tapestry of instantly recognisable artworks. At night, The Lume will transform into an events space, thanks to a collaboration with catering company Food & Desire. So, next Christmas party you could be sipping bubbles while looking at (and smelling) a Van Gogh. To get more of an idea of what to expect from The Lume when it opens later this year, check out this teaser: https://youtu.be/-nFtXTTXpWk The Lume will open in an unconfirmed Melbourne location in late 2020. We'll let you know when more details are announced. You can check out some of Grande Exhibitions' other gallery experiences over here. Updated March 2020
What happens when you combine two of the city's hottest chefs, an award-winning young-gun sommelier and a suburb on the brink of a revival? Bistrot 916. Run by Restaurant Hubert colleagues chef Dan Pepperell (Alberto Lounge, 10 William Street and Frankie's) and sommelier Andy Tyson (Alberto Lounge), together with long-time Rockpool Dining Group chef Michael Clift, the Potts Point restaurant is now welcoming in Sydney Francophiles through its folding glass doors. Pepperell and Tyson didn't set out to reproduce Restaurant Hubert, but the pair's decision to leave the Swillhouse group's OTT French restaurant and open a bistro of their own warrants a comparison. The Bistrot 916 space may not have the same labyrinthine, escapist quality as Restaurant Hubert, but it doesn't need to: the food and wine contain enough creativity and chutzpah to take you on a journey on their own. In place of Hubert's well-lit red velvet-heavy interior, Bistrot 916 is dark and restrained. Pink paper tablecloths cover dark wood tables, wines line the walls and the space is lit by soft pendant lights and candles. Waitstaff and sommeliers in white chef jackets walk you through the restaurant's single-page food menu, which starts with a so-good-you-must-order-two scallop ceviche with tiger milk ($22) and a tuna tartare with beef fat-fried potato ($26). [caption id="attachment_801360" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Duck Frites by Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] For entrees, you can keep it simple and go for French classics — such as chicken liver parfait and pork rillette ($21) — or follow Pepperell down the path towards the more unusual. Boudin noir spring rolls ($24), fried lamb's brains with smoked eel mayonnaise ($18), snail pasta ($24) and grilled tongue ($24) await you here, before a quick veer left leads you back to French bistro staples for the Plats Principaux ($36+): duck, steak or lobster served, of course, with frites. If you're after a cocktail, a Death in the Afternoon (champagne and absinthe) is our pick, but you can also go for a well-made negroni, sazerac or mojito, too. For wine, Tyson has selected a suitably lengthy collection of predominantly French drops that trundles through Beaujolais, Jura, Languedoc and Rhône for all less than $20 a glass. Taking over the space next to Fratelli Paradiso, formerly home to Merivale's Lotus, Bistrot 916 is the latest exciting addition to a suburb quite clearly on its way up (again). While Potts Point has been plagued by lockout laws and some big-name closures over the past couple of years, a spate of openings have occurred in the last few months, including a new pizza joint by the Monopole team, a charcoal chicken by Morgan McGlone and chef Ben Sears' Tel Aviv haunt. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Beloved by budget-conscious shoppers, German-born discount supermarket chain Aldi has been slinging its groceries across Australia for over two decades. But for its next big Aussie move, it's setting up shop for just two nights — which'll be filled with ridiculously affordable gin, wine and cheese. As Aldi's devoted customers well and truly know, you can get plenty of things at the company's stores for cheap — not only food, but everything from beds and kettles to games and snow gear as well. On the culinary side of things, that includes dairy products and, in some states, vino, too. So to show them off, Aldi is launching a two-evening-only Sydney bar. Called The Trophy Room, it'll nestle into 111 Elizabeth Street and host just four seatings, with sessions from 5–6.30pm and 7.30–9pm on both Friday, July 15–Saturday, July 16. You'll need to nab a ticket to get in, with bookings opening at 9am on Friday, July 8. Expect plenty of competition for a spot, though — the fact that your entire visit will only cost you $4.41 is certain to attract a crowd. Yes, you read that price correctly. No, there's no missing numeral, and the decimal point isn't in the wrong place either. For less than a fiver per person, you'll get a gin cocktail upon arrival, then a tasting selection from Aldi's wine range, plus a cheese platter featuring Aldi cheeses to line your stomach. The reason for the pop-up, and the super-cheap price? To showcase Aldi's affordable and acclaimed wines, and its just-as-reasonably priced award-winning cheeses, all at a time when inflation is seeing supermarket prices rocket. The Trophy Bar is also designed to be replicated at home — the menu, that is — given that Aldi's vinos would start from $0.83 a glass if they were priced individually, and max out at $2.49 a glass. As for its cheeses, the chain advises that its triple-cream brie would cost $0.56 for a single serve, while a smooth blue cheese would be priced at $0.62. Aldi's Trophy Room will pop up at 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney from Friday, July 15–Saturday, July 16. Bookings are limited, and open at 9am on Friday, July 8.
Spoiler warning: this interview incudes spoilers for Yellowjackets season three if you're not up to date with the series at the time of publication. It was meant to be a simple sports trip, with a high school girls' soccer team travelling from New Jersey to Seattle to compete in a tournament. That's where the plot of Yellowjackets begins in a linear sense — with American teenagers, their coaches and one of the latter's two children all flying across the US in 1996, and with the promise of on-field glory awaiting. But after the plane carrying the titular team is diverted over Canada, it plunges to the ground en route. What immediately happens next for young women who should be living normal teen lives, not doing whatever it takes to survive, is one half of the series. What's occurring a quarter of a century afterwards also fills Yellowjackets' frames, as the hit survivalist thriller has spent three must-see seasons so far exploring the impact of a wild dance with the wilderness, and with the trauma such an experience sparks, plus the vulnerability of being stranded then scarred by it. New Jersey, Seattle, Canada: that trio of locations is pivotal to Yellowjackets, even if no one has yet made it to the middle spot on the list. In the show's third season, New York proves crucial as well, but New Zealand and Australia have also long left their own imprint. The series began with Aotearoa's Melanie Lynskey (The Tattooist of Auschwitz's) leading the present-day cast as the adult Shauna, nee Shipman and now Sadecki, one of the team members to make it back from the plane crash alive. Also since the first season, Australians Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Liv Hewson (Party Down) have helped dig into what enduring in the forest really entails, the first as Charlotte "Lottie" Matthews and the second as Vanessa "Van" Palmer. In season two, New Zealander Simone Kessell (Muru) joined Lynskey among the survivors — and joined Eaton in portraying Lottie. Alongside a killer premise, an unflinching embrace of the darkness and devastation that was always going to spring from such an ordeal, a glorious array of 90s nods and a spectacular cast — Christina Ricci (Wednesday), Juliette Lewis (I'm a Virgo), Tawny Cypress (Law & Order) and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) also play the 2020s-era crew; Sophie Thatcher (Companion), Sophie Nélisse (No Return), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Scream VI) and Samantha Hanratty (Atlas) are among the talents bringing the squad's younger guises to life — characterisation has always been one of Yellowjackets' strengths. There's no doubting that these are complex women, both as teens and decades later. Its cast may portray a team, but the show sees its main figures as individuals, surveying their respective wants, needs, desires and fears. In Lottie's case, Yellowjackets spies someone yearning to be loved and accepted, so much so that she tries to grasp it in her faith in her new surroundings. No high schooler is prepared for suddenly living in the wilderness for months and months awaiting rescue, but Lottie's moneyed upbringing — her dad financed the fateful private plane to Seattle — leaves her seesawing between confidence and fragility. She's so assured in her beliefs in the forest that her fellow survivors start following her lead. She's also troubled, including from her family life, and despite how she projects herself to the world. The adult Lottie is introduced as a wellness guru-slash-cult leader, complete with purple-wearing disciples, but she's still weathering the same internal struggles. Following a stint staying at Shauna's and bonding with the teenage Callie Sadecki (Sarah Desjardins, The Night Agent), season three takes Lottie's story to an end that the character avoids in the woods, as the world discovered at the end of the latest run's fourth episode. How is Kessell feeling now that the character's fate is out there in the world? "I've got to say the fans of Yellowjackets are everything," she tells Concrete Playground. When the episode aired, an influx of messages came her way. "It's so lovely and so kind and generous, and I think I'll read them all," she advises. "I didn't quite expect such an outpouring of love and support." "And also because season two starts on Netflix soon, I was cautious not to — and for people who haven't watched that episode yet — put a spoiler on social media and things like that. But I'm overwhelmed. And it's amazing that you can play these characters that touch so many people." [caption id="attachment_995131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] Kessell came to Yellowjackets more than three decades into her career. Like her compatriot Lynskey, she was starting out as an actor when she was a 90s teen herself. NZ TV series Homeward Bound gave Kessell her first role — and from there, her resume has spanned everything from Xena: Warrior Princess, the OG Heartbreak High, CSI: Miami, Underbelly and Terra Nova through to 1%, Pine Gap, Our Flag Means Death, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Wellmania, Critical Incident and plenty of others. Next, she'll be seen in The Last Frontier, a new American thriller series that also sees her keep a Down Under connection courtesy of Aussie Jason Clarke (Oppenheimer). Kessell is coy about whether Lottie could possibly return to Yellowjackets in some form, spirit or otherwise, in the future. "Oh my goodness, how would I play ghost Lottie? My god, I don't even know," she laughs. But she's deeply grateful for the chance to have stepped into her shoes, she also shares, in a chat that covers the balancing act that is portraying such a complicated character, plus how she approached taking on a figure that'd already been established in a younger guise, the Australian and NZ-heavy roster of talent, why the show has earned such a devoted following and more. On Saying Goodbye to Lottie — and What It Has Meant to Play Her "I've had so many people say 'is Lottie really dead? Please come back. Diva down. I miss you mother. I'm an orphan'" — all these great social media comments, which crack me up. But I think when I found out that Lottie was going to die in the season, of course I was disappointed because I just loved playing her. If I'm really honest, I just love playing Lottie. So unpredictable. And she's so vital. And you don't know whether she's going to analyse you or laugh at you — or laugh with you. And I think that getting the opportunity as an actress in my late 40s, playing those characters, they don't come along very often. So when you get them, you grab them with both hands. And I got to really, really play in the world of Lottie, which was incredible. So, when they told me she was no longer, I just went 'okay'. It's that kind of show, right? It's Yellowjackets. So it's the kind of show, if you're going to die — and let me just say, I'm not the only main character that dies this season — so, I went with it. And it was just so great to film, and it was such amazing cast — and I just had the time of my life working on the show." On Juggling Lottie's Confidence and Her Vulnerabilities — Her Faith in the Wilderness, Too, and Her Desperate Need to Be Loved and Accepted "The first season was a lot tougher, because she was really unravelling — and we saw that through the flashbacks. Also, you don't know what's happened in the wilderness till you read the script or watch the episode for the younger characters. So you've got to really go with your gut instinct, because you get these new scripts and you're like 'oh my god, I did that?. Huh. Maybe I would have played that other scene differently had I known I did that'. I think as an actress, you have to have a well where you can tap, or a part of me that I can tap and go there, and there was some really vulnerable, fragile scenes this season — but mostly last season, too, where she was just haunted by her past and I really had to go there emotionally. I was away from my family — living in Vancouver, and hadn't seen my family for a long time. My two boys, because they're at school here, and my husband and everything. So I was able to really tap into the loneliness in myself. And the unknown. As an actress, you find the things that really resonate truthfully for yourself and then put it through the character's words, and that's where I go. And then you have to take it off. You go for a run, or you go and do a hot pilates class, or you drink some white wine. You just throw it at the wall and see what sticks. And she was vulnerable. Thank you for saying that, because that was something I really wanted to find in her this season — just lost, a bit out at sea." [caption id="attachment_995127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On How Kessell Approached Stepping Into Lottie's Shoes When Courtney Eaton Had Already Established the Character as a Teen "First of all, Courtney's a lot taller than me — so literally stepping into shoes that were a lot higher. And also I wanted to do Courtney justice as a young actress on the verge of her career, and a character that she had done such a beautiful job with setting up. I wanted to make sure I did it well out of respect for her craft and her work. But those are high stakes, and there's a lot of pressure. I mirrored a few of her mannerisms, and then I decided that 25 years ago — I don't know about you, but 25 years ago, I was very different to who I am today, so that gives you a lot of room to play. And Lottie was the queen of reinventing herself. In this season, yet again she reinvents herself. Yet another mask is put on Lottie. She's gone from spiritual guru cult leader to now sort of like a bit of a vagabond, a bit of a lost soul, finding shelter at Shauna's house, at the Sadeckis', when really she has a penthouse in New York. She's shoplifting even though she's probably worth $100 million. Things like that. So you just roll with it on the show, and you never know what the writers are going to throw at you, so you have to be open to all of those storylines. But yeah, it was big shoes — literally high shoes — to fill." [caption id="attachment_995129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On the Down Under Origins of Plenty of the Cast "Unfortunately I never got to work with Liv and Courtney, because they're in the different timeline. So it was often Melanie and I. And Melanie, even though she's been out of New Zealand maybe 25 years, has got a stronger accent than ever. And, because I'm me, I still fall on the ground — even though I when I get drunk, I speak like that. So she's got a great Kiwi accent and the two of us just chat, chat, chat, chat, chat away — and I can tell that the American and Canadian crew are like 'what are they saying? What are they talking about?'. And often, Melanie and I, I'd be like 'babe, how do I say this word?'. She's like 'oh, well, I think you say it like this'. And I was like 'okay, great, great, great'. And then occasionally our accents would drop and we'd laugh. But it's just lovely having someone, when you're so far away and you're working with such heightened characters, to have a confidant and have a best friend like I had with Melanie. She's not only an incredible actress, extraordinary talent, she's actually a really beautiful person. And that was that was a joy." On Why Kessell Thinks Yellowjackets Has Earned Such a Dedicated Following "I think the two timeframes make it — if you're not into the older timeline, then you've got the younger timeline. I think the fact that it twists and turns the way it does. I think the fact that it's set in the 90s, so for older audiences, they're like 'oh my god, I remember this song, I remember this time, I remember this'. So you can reminisce. And then it's also, I think, there's the part that you go 'oh my god, how would I be if my plane had crashed?'. And what we did to survive — that's kind of intriguing, because it could have happened to any one of us, right? And then it goes to a whole different level. So I think there is a part of us that's intrigued with the actual storyline and what happens to these girls, and do they get rescued or do they all go fucking crazy? And I guess the answer is the latter, and then we get to see it as older versions. I think the casting on the show is brilliant. I think everyone is like their younger selves, and I think there's a part of it that makes you go 'that really could have happened to me and what would I have done?' And 'if you're that hungry, what would you have done?'." [caption id="attachment_995130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On What Gets Kessell Excited About a New Role More Than Three Decades Into Her Career "I think the writing. And I think speaking to you, a journalist, you get that — when you read something that pops off the page and you can't stop reading it, as an actress that's everything to me. And then my mind starts going. I love picking up bits of people in my life, like a characteristic or a way someone tilts their head or eats their food or walks, all of those wonderful things that we instinctively do as human beings. So if I feel I can paint that into a character, then I get really excited. Then I'm like 'ooooh, this is a challenge. Oh my god, what's her voice? Where's she from? What's happened to her? Why is she doing what she's doing? Why is she behaving badly or why is she behaving this way?'. That's what gets me going. [caption id="attachment_894498" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lorenzo Agius/SHOWTIME.[/caption] And that's, I think, why I'm so sad to see the end of Lottie in Yellowjackets, because I got to do that — I got to play in that world for a long time. And there were no restrictions on me as an actress. I got to really dive deep and nothing was a no. When I asked them, I was like 'what if I tried this?'. And it's like 'yeah, go for it'. I think that's why that show is so successful, because we were given so much rope to play with and then, I guess, eventually, she hung himself with it, right? She didn't. That's not a spoiler." Yellowjackets season three streams via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one and review of season two, plus our interview with Melanie Lynskey. Yellowjackets stills: Kailey Schwerman/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
What happens when a croissanterie known for perfecting its signature dish, and also for getting inventive with its pastries, joins forces with a distillery that both knows how to make a stellar dry gin and equally likes experimenting? We're talking about Lune and Four Pillars, of course — and the result is the world's first croissant gin. Is this the new perfect brunch drink? Will this help you enjoy a breakfast of champions? You can be the judge from Wednesday, February 19, 2025, when the croissant gin hits stores — and online. And yes, it's a buttery sip. "Lune croissants are made with nearly double the butter of your average croissant, so we knew that butter had to be a key part of the gin," explains Four Pillars Head Distiller Sarah Prowse, with Lune's own clarified butter a key ingredient. Alongside that caramel slice-smelling dairy product, the croissant gin is made with almonds that've been roasted in the Four Pillars distillery kitchen, juniper and a range of other botanicals, plus wattle seed and nutmeg. The recommended way to knock it back? In G&Ts or in espresso gin-tinis. While this isn't the type of tipple that just anyone could've dreamed up, Lune and Four Pillars joining forces couldn't seem more obvious — not only for their similar meticulous approaches to their chosen wares, but as Melbourne-born success stories that hero local ingredients. The croissant gin sprang from shared visits and tours, then hand delivering butter and testing distillations. If it sounds like a bucket-list collab, Lune Founder Kate Reid agrees. "Infusing our Lune magic into my favourite gin was a dream come true. I can honestly say I've never been thirsty for a croissant before but once you taste this gin, you'll understand what I mean." "It turns out there is a knack to distilling butter, but after a few trial distillations we found our sweet spot and we couldn't be happier with the end result," explains Prowse. "The nuts and spices add a real depth to the gin, the vanilla bean brings a hint of sweetness, and then we've bought in our signature organic oranges to deliver lovely brightness and balance." The croissant gin retails at $80 a bottle — or $100 with a Four Pillars x Lune tote bag exclusively from Four Pillars. If you're among the first to get your hands on it, free croissants are also on offer. On launch day, the Four Pillars Sydney Lab in Surry Hills will be giving away free Lune croissants with first 50 bottles of gin sold, for instance. At Dan Murphy's Malvern East and BWS Hawksburn in Victoria, plus Dan Murphy's Double Bay and BWS Potts Point in New South Wales, as well as Dan Murphy's Newstead in Queensland, there'll be a limited number of Lune vouchers up for grabs on launch day as well. And on Saturday, February 22, the Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville will have free Lune croissant for the first 50 bottles purchased, too. Croissant Gin will be available from the Four Pillars website, Four Pillars Distillery, Four Pillars Lab, and select Dan Murphy's and BWS stores from Wednesday, February 19, 2025 — head to the Four Pillars website for further details.
Founded by Emma Nguyen in 2011, I Love Pho has a special focus on bringing an authentic Vietnamese experience to Sydney. Decked out with a bamboo-themed interior, the dining room captures the essence of the frantic hustle and bustle of Vietnamese street dining. The service here is classy and casual, and it's the kind of place you'll be returning to again and again after discovering it, whether that's once a year or once a week. As the name suggests, the oft mispronounced but easy-to-consume Vietnamese noodle soup is the star of the show at this Crows Nest spot. Following a traditional recipe from Hanoi, and cooked for 24 hours, this steaming broth is available in several different flavours including vegetable, pork chop, wagyu beef and chicken breast. The chicken broth pho is slow-simmered with a hint of zesty ginger and fresh lime leaves, and the mixed seafood option is especially exciting. There's even a totally vegan pho with tofu, mixed veg and lotus root noodle soup. Outside of pho, the menu boasts some incredible traditional Vietnamese dishes. Standouts include a vegan curry topped with roasted peanuts, spicy pork belly served with steamed Chinese broccoli, and a truly spectacular roast duck salad. The wine lost at I Love Pho has all the standards from shiraz to pinot noir and pinot gris to chardonnay, while the beer list is international with the classic Vietnamese Hanoi Beer included. For northsiders, heading here is an easy call — and for everyone else, it's definitely worth crossing the bridge for.
Few things in life are better than a long weekend getaway with your mates accompanied by excellent views and quality brews. So, where are the best road trip stops for stocking your picnic along the route? We asked, and you answered. There's no better recommendation than a recommendation from a mate, and we consider you all to be the sharpest mates out there, dear readers. So here are choice spots to stop along your route for tasty grub — and a bev from your local The Bottle-O — as recommended by you. As a side note and a hint of things to come, we're pleased to see that sausage rolls will never go out of fashion. The Baker's Duck, Toowoomba QLD Are you keen on a trip out to the lovely Darling Downs region for a long weekend? Home to great beef farming, famous gardens, top produce and epic escarpment views, if you're out that way, you won't have to go far to pack your picnic bag or stock your esky. Head to Toowoomba, Queensland's 'Garden City', which boasts the best of the Darling Downs. While you're there, don't miss out on the quality pastries and pies at The Baker's Duck, as recommended by Concrete Playground reader Steve: "Top choices for a road trip feed are definitely the chunky beef and mushroom pies or the pork and apple sausage rolls." Once you've stocked up on bakery classics, hit Picnic Point to take in those great views over a bottle of regional plonk or some cider. Closest The Bottle-O: Toowoomba Les Nôtres, Riddells Creek VIC This long weekend, Melburnians up for a hit of fresh country air should head to the Macedon Ranges. Village vibes, a booming local arts scene and farmers' markets stocked with local goodies are all on the cards. Don't miss a visit to Les Nôtres (which is French for 'ours', but once you see the food, you'll be thinking 'mine'), recommended by our Vic-based reader Sarah: "They have the best croissants and these excellent lemon curd cruffins and hazelnut praline eclairs that I can never say no to." We're sold. You can find Les Nôtres at a bunch of markets or the pop-up in Riddells Creek. Stock up and pair them with a lager or chilled white wine from Romsey's The Bottle-O once you hit your campsite or accommodation. Hot tip: While you're in the area, if you're up for an adventure, go explore Lerderderg State Park for a good chance of spotting koalas. Closest The Bottle-O: Romsey Bred Co, Albany WA If you're in Perth, Pemberton or Margaret River and keen on a coastal drive over the long weekend, Albany is a cracking weekend getaway spot boasting spotless white sand beaches and 'gram-worthy granite cliffs. Stock up on local brews and wines at Centennial Park's The Bottle-O, then swing by Bred Co, a hyperlocal bakery with a particularly loose menu item that comes recommended by our IG follower Blake: "You should go there for the beef sausage roll with béchamel cheese, life-changing!'' Once you're set for drinks and eats, all you need to worry about is enjoying those stunning coastal vistas around Albany. Closest The Bottle-O: Centennial Park Uprising Bakery, Newcastle NSW Sydneysiders, are you heading north this long weekend? Myall Lakes National Park is popular for its views, cheap campsites, epic sand dune beaches and kayaking on the lakes — even better when enjoyed with baked goodies from Uprising Bakery in Newcastle as recommended by reader Kate: "Pork and lemon preserve sausage roll — it doesn't get better than that. Maybe the brownie slab." Maybe? How about definitely. Check Lambton's local The Bottle-O to pick up some drinks to enjoy as the sun sets across the sand dunes after you arrive. Bliss. Closest The Bottle-O: Lambton Bruny Island Cheese Co, TAS Tasmanians or the Tasmania-bound, grab your mates and hop a barge to Bruny Island to enjoy the rugged coasts, wild nature and secret coves. Bruny is wonderfully untouched, which means you're definitely not getting any local sparkling delivered via UberEats, so before you leave the Tassie mainland, make sure you stock up at The Bottle-O in Margate. When you arrive at Bruny, check out the famous Bruny Island Cheese Co., as recommended by reader Tom (and every member of Concrete Playground's team who've done a stint in Tassie): "The best cheese in all of Australia, you can't change my mind." There are plenty of accommodation options on the island, but you can embrace the elements by staying at one of the park's campgrounds at Cloudy Bay or Jetty Beach so you can toast with your mates and scoff cheese as the sun sets over the water. Closest The Bottle-O: Margate Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: Bred Co.
If you love exploring new drinks or supporting local businesses, then head to The Four Pillars Gin Laboratory and retail shop in Surry Hills from Monday, February 10 to Wednesday, February 19 to get a taste of the Scottish Isles. For ten days, Jura Whisky will be taking over – serving up Jura-based cocktails at Eileen's Bar – all the way from a tiny Scottish island of the same name. Order, take a sip and immerse yourself in the unique drink made by a Scottish island community of just 212 people. The island of Jura has just one road, one pub and one whisky distillery (the necessities). As such, their whisky is made with love and community at the core – making it more than just a bog-standard whisky. The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 in a plight to revive the community, and that it did. Today, the island community creates single malt with a true love of the game. Their craftsmanship is grounded in a desire to make approachable whisky that promotes connection in Jura and beyond. The flavour speaks for itself — beginning with fresh peaches and red apples on the nose and ending with cinnamon and rich banana fritters, Jura Whisky is warm, smooth and complex. At the Jura Whisky at Four Pillars Gin Laboratory takeover, you will be able to trial a Jura Flight ($15), Jura Highball ($16) and Paps of Jura ($24), made with Jura Bourbon Cask, torched apricot and Earl Grey tea fizz. Or, why not try the Wattle&Spice ($24) or the Boo-urns ($24), a delicious concoction of Jura Aged 12 Years, Glayva, Madeira and peychaud's bitters? Head to the Four Pillars Gin Laboratory between Monday, February 10 to Wednesday, February 19 to experience the community spirit that is Jura Whisky. Images: Supplied.
Kiama might be familiar as a convenient stopover on road trips, but with epic waves, spectacular coastal views and a growing culinary scene, the seaside town deserves to be considered a destination in its own right. From striking rock formations and hikes in the rainforest to art galleries and elevated dining with water views, Kiama proves that there's a lot more to experience in the region than just its famous blowhole. We've compiled a guide of outstanding accommodations, eateries and activities to entertain when you discover the beauty of Kiama for yourself — all you have to do is pick a playlist, pack some snacks and hit the open road. Where to Stay With so much to do around Kiama, you'll want somewhere warm and welcoming to come home to after long adventures. Elevate your stay in any of these properties with private chef experiences, fitness classes, spa sessions and hands-on clay, candle or jewellery-making workshops. For smaller groups, the Bella Sea Gerroa has views of the sunrise and Seven Mile Beach, plus three bedrooms, a patio dining area, a yard and a fire pit — ideal for a glass of vino with your travelling companions under the stars (and a blanket). If you're after something a bit more lavish, Sundara Beach House in Gerringong features seven bedrooms, a heated saltwater pool and a spa. Also in Gerringong, Bunker House is an automated smart house with seven bedrooms, an outdoor deck and barbecue, a heated pool, a gym and steam room, three kitchens, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Greyleigh is the ultimate rural stay in Jerrara, with room for up to 12 guests in the Homestead and six guests in the Guest House. Situated on a working farm only five minutes from Kiama, you're invited to collect freshly laid eggs from the chicken pen for your morning breakfast or pick fresh produce for your meals. Depending on the season, you can expect herbs, citrus fruits, nuts, lettuce, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes and chillies ready to be harvested for your meals. [caption id="attachment_792155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dovecote, Kiama[/caption] Book the stunning Dovecote for a memorable escape. Perched on 150 acres of farmland in Gerringong, the award-winning Dovecote offers two luxury accommodation options, both of which include indoor fireplaces, a pool and sweeping views across the coast. Guests also have the option to book spa treatments, arrange a wine tasting or have chef-prepared meals delivered. Got a furry friend with you? Kiama is an oasis for four-legged companions, boasting dog-friendly beaches, parks, and grassy areas. If you'd prefer to explore pooch-free, you can leave them in the safe and capable hands at Gerringong Pet Accommodation. Set on two acres of land, this daycare and boarding service features four boarding areas, a fenced playground, and grooming services, ensuring your pet is well taken care of while you enjoy your time in Kiama. [caption id="attachment_961966" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kiama Coast Walk, Destination Kiama[/caption] What to Do Whether you're keen on an outdoor adventure, a cultural fix or a way to connect with the local community, Kiama boasts activities for every type of traveller. A quintessential Kiama experience is the Kiama Coast Walk — a trail of 20 kilometres from Minnamurra River to Werri Beach that includes the region's greatest hits. Divided into three sections, the walk brings you past the Kiama Blowhole, Little Blowhole, Cathedral Rocks, Bombo Headland and Boneyard. Don't forget to take the opportunity to cool off at the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool, Loves Bay or Campbells Hole along the way. [caption id="attachment_965483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] For a change of scenery, drive 15 minutes to the subtropical Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Get the lay of the land with the 1.6-kilometre Loop Walk, or opt for the longer Falls Walk for views of the Minnamurra Falls. Once you've experienced Kiama's breathtaking landscapes, it's time to delve into the region's creative scene. Culture vultures can discover local artists at Fern Street Gallery, Seven Marks Gallery and Two Gulls Art Studio/Gallery. The architecturally bold Bundanon Art Museum, a 45-minute drive away, features rotating exhibits, live performances and Arthur Boyd's studio. For a deeper dive, pop into the studio of South Coast artist Kerry Suttonberg, who paints the landscapes of Kiama, Gerringong and Berry, or Robyn Sharp, whose studio is set among the greenery of Foxground. [caption id="attachment_839627" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bundanon, Zan Wimberley[/caption] Don't just be a spectator of the arts. Get your hands dirty with a pottery class at Soul Clay Studios, try your hand at creating a masterpiece (no experience required) at Kiama Art Workshops or join a candle-making workshop at Willowvale Road. Of course, the town's creative scene is only as strong as the community, and what better way to connect with the locals than by checking out some neighbourhood events? The Kiama Farmers' Market takes place at Coronation Park every Wednesday afternoon, while Buena Vista Farm offers workshops ranging from cheesemaking to fermentation. If you're visiting in July, the Kiama Winter Street Festival will take over Terralong Street from Saturday, July 13, to Sunday, July 14. The winter festival features live music, giant puppets, illuminations, and art activations, as well as hands-on, family-friendly activities and exceptional dining experiences. [caption id="attachment_961973" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Fitz[/caption] Where to Eat and Drink All that exploring is sure to leave you hungry, so head to some of these recommended eateries when you need to refuel. Start your day with a coffee and bagel from Central Perk, which has you covered with brews until 5.30pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends. If you've opted to sleep in, stop for a salad, wrap or moussaka at Otis. [caption id="attachment_965484" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fish Vibes[/caption] For all-day dining, head to Zia's Caffe for Italian classics, or grab fish and chips from Fish Vibes to enjoy by the waterside. You can also curb any midday sugar cravings with doughnuts or loaded pancakes at Moist 'N' Glazed. If you have the time for a long lunch or romantic dinner and drinks, look no further than The Hill Bar and Kitchen. The Gerringong restaurant serves elevated pub favourites — think tacos, burgers, pizzas and schnitzel — from lunch to dinner in an airy space with ocean views. Plan your visit to Kiama and discover fantastic winter offers on the Destination Kiama website.
Anyone who's been outside over the last week will have noticed that Sydney has been unseasonably warm, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees or over for the past eight days. If you've been thinking that this toasty patch is not just out of character given the time of year, but rather prolonged, you're spot on. In fact, it's the first time that the city has achieved the feat in July. It looks as though that new record-setting period will continue, too, since temps above 20 are forecast through until Monday. Today, Friday, July 26, is due to hit 20, as is tomorrow, Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 — while Monday, July 29 will reach a maximum of 21. The last time that Sydney sweltered through a prolonged July warm spell was actually just last year, although it ended after seven days. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the city reached six days in a row above 20 in 2013 — but before that, the record was five back in 1928. If the current run continues, 2019 will max out at 12 consecutive days. According to Weatherzone, the increased temperatures will likely smash another record as well. Sydney has already experienced 12 days above 20 degrees in total this month, with July 2018 holding the current mantle at 13. https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW/status/1154248438529384448 If you've been enjoying the hardly wintry climes, the fact that nicer conditions will be sticking around over the weekend is obviously good news — in the sun you don't even need a light jacket. It's hard to deny that this winter has been more pleasant than usual; the average maximum temp for July is 16.4, according to BOM, and the city has only dropped below that average once this month. But it undeniably and rightfully adds to the ever-present anxiety about global warming. Next week, however, it might be time to dig out your beanie again, as slightly frostier conditions are due to return. The mercury will dip down to 17 on Tuesday, July 30 and Wednesday, July 31, with the drop accompanied by showers. The wet weather will remain on Thursday, August 1, when a temp of 18 is forecast. The warmer spell has been a bit of contrast to the end autumn — when we were dealing with some frosty cold fronts and a whole heap of snow (even in the Blue Mountains) — although, it's not unexpected. Australia did swelter through its hottest summer on record and autumn was our third warmest ever. If you've got the weekend off, make the most of it — visit a beach, do a seaside walk or catch a ferry to explore islands and national parks. By Sarah Ward and Lauren Vadnjal. Via Weatherzone. Image: Manly by Paros Huckstepp.
Get ready, Sydney—Darling Harbour's Culture Alive Festival is taking over Tumbalong Park. In the spirit of Australian multiculturalism, it hosts three epic cultural festivals in February, March and May. First up is the Greek Festival, running from Saturday, February 22 to Sunday, February 23. Then, the Holi Festival from Saturday, March 15 to Sunday, March 16, and finally, Buddha's Birthday, which will take place on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. Each will celebrate global traditions, showcase regional cuisine and present a stage for cultural performances from around the world. Whether you're a foodie, culture lover or just looking for a weekend vibe, this lineup has a little something for everyone. Greek Festival Dreaming of a Euro summer but can't quite swing the airfare? We've got the next best thing. The free Greek Festival of Sydney and its return to Darling Harbour this February from 11am until 10pm is bringing a microcosm of the Mediterranean right into the heart of the Harbour City. Prepare to gorge yourself silly on souvlaki and loosen a belt loop for loukoumades, before watching lively dance performances and traditional music from the Xylourides Siblings, Nikos Zoidakis and Rena Morfi. It's not just about the food and music though - the festival will feature market stalls loaded with handmade crafts and Greek delicacies. And if you've got little ones, face painting and kids' activities will also be on the cards. Holi Festival Famously bright, fun (and a little bit messy), the Holi Festival Sydney will transform Darling Harbour into a spectacle of colour this March. If you've never participated in the annual celebration, this is your chance to embrace the traditional Hindu celebration of spring, love, and new beginnings. The most popular way to celebrate? Throwing bright powders in the air, so unless you're planning to turn yourself into a canvas, maybe leave your white sneakers at home. In addition to throwing puffs of powder around, there will also be live music and dance performances to keep the energy high all weekend. Admission is free during select times, but paid entry packages can get you past the lines if you're keen. Buddha's Birthday Festival Need to hit pause and recharge after the vibrant Holi celebrations? Take a breath and harness the inner zen that lies inside you at Darling Harbour's Buddha's Birthday Festival on the first weekend of May. Celebrating the mindfulness and compassion that Buddhist culture is known for, this festival invites you to immerse yourself in traditional ceremonies, meditation sessions and seriously tasty vegetarian treats. Not only could you leave feeling much more peaceful and calm than when you arrived, but you'll also learn a lot that you can take away with you and share with your friends and family. There will be eco-conscious activities, cultural performances, mindfulness workshops and plenty of self-reflection. And in the spirit of Buddhist karma, this event is also free. Head to Darling Harbour's Culture Alive Festival website to see the full Culture Alive lineup and darlingharbour.com to find out more. Images: Supplied.
Australia's surf park obsession knows no bounds. Urbnsurf Melbourne launched in 2020 as the first Aussie surf park, Urbnsurf Sydney will open in mid-May 2024, the same team behind both has earmarked Brisbane and Perth as future locations, and the latter is set to get the country's largest surf park from a separate outfit. Next on the list is The Break Surf & Stay, which has been approved as an addition to the seaside town of Aldinga in South Australia — but will be set back from the coast when it starts pumping out waves in mid-2026. The venture, which will give everyone another reason to head to the Fleurieu Peninsula, has just been given planning consent by the City of Onkaparinga Council assessment panel. Clearly, it isn't enough for Australia to be girt by sea; the nation is also determined to fill plenty of its land with man-made wave pools, so that hitting the beach isn't the only way to hang ten. The Break Surf & Stay will sprawl across a a 7.1-hectare site, with the $100-million facility boasting a 11,700-square-metre surf lagoon. And, for visitors from out of town, it'll also double as accommodation, featuring 35 short-stay villas. Who says that you need to slumber beachside to wave up to waves? The park's surf technology from Endless Surf will create waves up to 2.1-metres high, which folks will be able to hit for 18 seconds on a single peak and nine for a split peak. The team behind the venture advises that its wave system will be a first for the southern hemisphere Don't know how to live the Point Break life already? A surf academy will be onsite to teach newcomers to the sport the skills. Also set to be included: a wellness studio, plus a store selling and renting boards and wetsuits. A craft brewhouse, licensed restaurant, skating area and nature play spot are all in The Break Surf & Stay's plans, all set among native vegetation, with 300 new trees to be planted. 'Barefoot luxury' is the vibe, with architects Studio Gram taking their design cues from the obvious: the coast. Construction will start in 2025, with The Tuit Road facility just 40 minutes out of Adelaide. It's also aiming to host surfing competitions, including attracting international waves to unleash their skills in The Break's lagoon. "The Break has been an absolute passion project for everyone involved," said Richard Sheppard, one of the surfing enthusiasts-turned-founding partners alongside Ben McCarthy, Leigh Gapp and Dwight Stuchbery. "There is a significant market for health and wellness, active and surf tourism that is largely untapped in South Australia, and we believe this transformational project will help to unlock that opportunity for the region and the state. And that's to say nothing of the benefits of attracting new visitors to this region's world class vineyards, beaches, eateries, trails and landscapes." "Our vision is to see The Break become a destination for families and surf lovers from around the country and the world, while also using the facilities to teach every South Australian kid to surf in safe, inclusive, controlled conditions," added McCarthy. [caption id="attachment_953676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] No Swan No Fine via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Break Surf & Stay's first waves are expected in 2026 on Tuit Road, Aldinga, South Australia — keep an eye on the venue's website for further details in the interim.
Fresh from being named the Festival of the Year for the fourth time at the 2025 Queensland Music Awards, The Big Pineapple Festival has announced the news that every fan of dancing in the shadow of a giant piece of tropical fruit wants to hear. Come spring, the beloved event will return. Not only has the fest locked in its date, but organisers have also revealed that this'll be a big tenth-anniversary celebration. Diaries out: Saturday, November 1, 2025 is when you'll be hitting Pineapple Fields in Woombye. There's no lineup details as yet, or an exact timeline outlining when the fest's acts will be announced, but The Big Pineapple Festival crew is promising a "blockbuster event" — and its usual Aussie focus. "When we started this festival years ago, our goal was to put Australian artists front and centre, and create an unforgettable experience for fans," said Mark Pico, The Big Pineapple Festival's Founder and Festival Director. "To be here over a decade later with the festival stronger than ever and even earning industry awards again ... is incredibly humbling. It's a testament to the amazing community of artists, attendees and partners who have believed in The Big Pineapple Festival from the start." On Australia's list of big things, the Big Pineapple is among the most famous. It's big. It's a pineapple. It's heritage-listed Queensland icon. It's surrounded by pineapple fields. Basically, what's not to love? It's not merely a reason to head to Nambour to gawk at over-sized fruit, though. Back in 2013, it also became home to a music festival, which ran annually until taking a break in the early years of the pandemic — as every similar fest did. The Big Pineapple Festival's COVID-19 hiatus came to an end in 2024, with help from The Amity Affliction, Tones And I, Bliss n Eso and Peking Duk. In years prior, everyone from Violent Soho, The Veronicas, Rufus Du Sol, Hayden James, Example, Alison Wonderland, Birds of Tokyo and Grinspoon have taken to the event's stage, as have Vera Blue, Ball Park Music, Illy, Dune Rats, John Butler Trio and Ocean Alley. While waiting for this year's lineup, fans can start getting excited now about one new part of the fest in 2025: a performance by whoever wins the Rising Star award at this year's debut Sunshine Coast Music Awards. The Big Pineapple Festival will return on Saturday, November 1, 2025. We'll update you with more details when they're revealed — keep an eye on the fest's website, Facebook and Instagram in the interim. Select images: Claudia Ciapocha / Charlie Hardy.
