There's no shortage of Aussies trying to become global social media stars. If that's your goal too, a first-of-its-kind experience will give your influencing career a significant boost, as Australia's first TikTok content house launches in Adelaide. Known as The Party Games House, this $10 million beachfront mansion in Moana is officially on the lookout for five more influencers keen to live, create and party for free for a minimum of seven days up to two months. The brainchild of Adelaide-based entrepreneur Shane Yeend, a self-made multimillionaire who made his fortune in party games, this extravagant property already has its first tenant, Frida Khalife, a 23-year-old real estate and hospitality worker from Adelaide. With the decision still to be made on who else will be moving into this luxe home, there's still time for influencers of all stripes to submit their applications. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime," says Yeend. "We are looking for Australia's next social superstars. Huge global names like Alex Warren and Addison Rae began in content houses just like this one, and now they have billions of views, brand deals, and are selling out arenas. We believe we will find the next generation of stars right here in Australia." It's not Yeend's first venture into viral escapades. He got his start in 2001 — before most even understood the concept — by creating the official Big Brother Board Game. Becoming an overnight hit, pallets of board games were craned over the Big Brother house wall for housemates to autograph. Now Yeend is returning to the world of virality, this time targeting the Gen Z wave of influencers. "In 2026, anyone with a social media presence should be able to make $1 million a year from social commerce. There's no better time or place to get started than the Games House this summer," says Yeend. Set against the backdrop of Moana Beach, the lucky few who call The Party Games House home will have access to a private chef, a massive pool and a dedicated production team, ensuring each TikTok post does massive numbers. Best of all, influencers living in the house retain full ownership of their channels and commercial activity, with any deals made during their stay theirs to keep. Applications to live in The Party Games House are now open. Head to the website for more information. Images: Benjamin Liew.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations, giving you inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we set the compass to regional New South Wales and take a trip to the Hunter Valley for an idyllic countryside escape at Wallaringa Farm. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Ever dream of leaving it all behind? Maybe escaping to a nice farm somewhere, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills and a picturesque countryside backdrop. Spending your evenings relaxing with a glass of wine as you watch the sunset over the horizon, before settling by the fire pit for a romantic evening of star gazing, free from the stress and light pollution of the city. Wallaringa Farm turns this dream into a reality. Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, this beautifully restored three-bedroom farmhouse seamlessly blends modern comforts with rustic farmhouse charm, making it an ideal destination for families, friends or a romantic escape. Located on 750 acres of a working cattle farm and surrounded by some of the most stunning natural scenery Australia has to offer, the farm exudes tranquillity — perfect for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. THE ROOMS The spacious rooms are designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a comfortable and cosy stay. The master bedroom features an ensuite, while each room is equipped with comfy bedding — two rooms feature an extra-large double bed, and one room has two bunk beds, while the air-conditioned interior provides respite on warmer days. However, the true highlight is the verandah with its comfortable deck chairs, offering breathtaking sunset views and a perfect spot to sip morning coffee or an evening beer. FOOD AND DRINK One of the best things about the Hunter Valley is its food and wine, so you're in for a treat as Wallaringa Farm is the perfect spot to indulge in local delights. First off, you'll be treated to a complimentary bottle of Boydell's wine upon arrival (perfectly enjoyed on the verandah as the sun sets). A tempting selection of local jams and honey also awaits. The property also includes a fully equipped chef's kitchen, allowing guests to prepare meals using locally sourced produce (or you could just make toast with some of the local jam, we won't judge). And for the times you don't feel like cooking, why not embrace the opportunity to explore the nearby towns of Dungog and Paterson for a taste of delicious Hunter Valley cuisine? THE LOCAL AREA The Hunter Valley is your oyster, and Wallaringa Farm is your perfect base camp to explore… that oyster. Dip your toes (or jump right in) in the Allyn River's cool waters — the hidden oasis of Ladies Well is a particularly nice swimming spot. You'll come out feeling refreshed and revitalised — that water is something special, or perhaps it's just the breathtaking location that makes it feel so, surrounded by large granite boulders and lush rainforest at the foothills of the World Heritage Barrington Tops National Park. For the history buffs out there (or anyone seeking some old town charm), the towns of Dungog and Paterson are a good shout, with their grand colonial buildings and charming markets. So whether you want to explore the beautiful wine region, go for a nice bushwalk, or immerse yourself in the charm of old country pubs, the area surrounding Wallaringa will have something for you. THE EXTRAS Set your out-of-office, pack those bags, leave the city stress behind, and head to Wallaringa Farm for a countryside escape. Aside from its storybook setting and charming farmhouse, Wallaringa Farm stands out with its commitment to nature and adventure. The farm's owners have a genuine love for nature and have crafted a peaceful haven for others to share in this passion, so if relaxing by the rustic fire pit under the starry night sky sounds like your idea of a good time, look no further. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Images: Alex Jack Photography
Trolls brings its tiny, brightly coiffed creatures to the screen with plenty of baggage. You might have played with the toys that the film is based on. You probably don't have particularly fond memories of many other toy-based franchises – think Transformers, G.I. Joe and Battleship. At the very least, you've almost certainly had Justin Timberlake's inescapable 'Can't Stop the Feeling', which features in the flick, stuck in your head for months. Here's the good news: as directed by SpongeBob SquarePants veterans Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn, Trolls is far from the eye-roll-worthy effort it might seem like on paper. On a scale ranging from The Smurfs to The LEGO Movie, it falls firmly in the middle — even if it does little more than swap blue critters for their brightly coloured counterparts, with elements of Cinderella thrown in as well. Here, trolls are "the happiest creatures the world has ever known," and don't they like to sing, dance and hug about it. The scrapbook-loving, party-throwing Princess Poppy (Anna Kendrick) often leads the charge, and she has plenty to celebrate. Twenty years earlier, the pocket-sized folk were frequently scooped up and eaten by huge, hungry beings called Bergens, but quick thinking on the part of King Peppy (Jeffrey Tambor) saw them escape and live joyously ever after. But their idyllic existance is suddenly shattered when an evil chef (Christine Baranski) stumbles upon their habitat. Soon, a handful of trolls are destined for the plate of Bergen Prince Gristle (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), leaving Poppy with the task of saving them, and cranky survivalist Branch (Timberlake) begrudgingly lending his assistance. There's a reason that the Bergens are so keen on catching and munching on the rainbow-hued critters: when they do, they experience a burst of ecstatic contentment that's probably on par with humans eating Nutella-slathered doughnuts. That sensation, of course, ties into the lesson at the heart of the film. As Trolls works towards the song we all know is coming — and throws up various other pop covers along the way — it serves up a heavy-handed moral about finding happiness from internal sources rather than external ones. Still, somehow the movie manages to find a balance between loud, shiny and sickly sweet, and entertaining enough. Kendrick's enthusiastic voice work helps, as do the handmade-looking visuals, which make the film's CGI appear as though it's fashioned out of felt and other crafting products. On the joke front, just as many light-hearted gags and pop culture references land as languish, which is a better strike rate than many other family films. A word of warning though: it might be dressed up in fuzzy packaging in more ways than one, but Trolls also remains the kind of flick that features glitter fart clouds and cupcakes poop. Consider yourself warned.
It was already apparent from afar, which is where Australians watched all things SXSW from before 2023. Now that the tech, innovation, screen, music, games and culture festival has expanded Down Under, it's even more evident: this is one enormous event. How big? The inaugural SXSW Sydney spanned more than 700 speakers and talents, covered in excess of 300 sessions and hosted over 300 gigs across 25 venues. 2024's follow-up might just top those numbers, announcing another 500-plus additions to a lineup that even now hasn't revealed a third of the full program yet. This is the second round of speakers and sessions named for SXSW Sydney 2024 so far, after this year's first lineup details were revealed back in May (and after it was announced in late 2023 that the event would return for a second year, too). Like the initial program drop ahead of the fest's seven-day run between Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20, this one features a bit of everything. On the list: folks who'll be getting talking, additions to the music roster, flicks that'll be hitting the big screen and studios that'll be showcasing their games, for starters. That aforementioned 500-plus figure includes speakers, screenings, artists, workshops, games and experiences, meaning that there's already a reason on the program for everyone to head along. At the SXSW Sydney Conference, benefiting from the response to the fest's Session Selects — where the public both submits and then votes on what they'd to see at SXSW — additions among the topics range from advances in medicine, how biotech will change our lives, and the threat of deepfakes and fake news through to odd spots in the cosmos, the power of dressing, trend analysis and companion robots. If you're interested in learning more about how tech can make a social impact, milk, AI and intimacy, neurotechnology, smart cities and constantly being watched, that's all on the bill as well. So is a session on brand trust with Bunnings Managing Director Mike Schneider (but there's no word yet if there'll be a sausage sizzle involved). For those keen on hitting as many gigs as possible, the SXSW Sydney Music Festival has added 60-plus artists. Accordingly, when you're not catching Voice of Baceprot, the first Indonesian band to take to the stage at Glastonbury, you can check out artists from Australia, Colombia, India, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and the UK — such as Phoebe Rings, I'mdifficult, Clara Benin, The Grogans, JESHI, The Buoys, Mincy, RINSE, Mulga Bore Hard Rock, ixaras and Death of Heather. Screen obsessives who also love tunes, or vice versa, can look forward to the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival playing a heap of music-related films. Documentary The Most Australian Band Ever! about the Hard-Ons sits on the lineup alongside S/He Is Still Her/e: The Official Genesis P-Orridge, which is executive produced by Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace — and also Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara, about thrash metal in the Māori language. The fest will also show music videos, such as 'U Should Not Be Doing That' from Amyl and The Sniffers, 'See You Tomorrow' from BAD // DREEMS and 'Settle Petal' from The Buoys. Or, if you're eager to get nostalgic and maybe crave a slice or several with your SXSW movie date, there's Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts. The latest documentary from Barbecue and We Don't Deserve Dogs' Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker, who are no strangers to SXSW in Austin, it sees the Australian-born, Brooklyn-based duo explore the US today through former Pizza Hut buildings. At the SXSW Sydney Games Festival, studios from 16 different countries are now on the program — and, beginning with HORSES, Wild Bastards and Fishbowl, so is half of the Games Festival Showcase. Also, the Games Investment Forum will include Raw Fury, Null Games, Team17, Whitethorn Games, Playside Publishing, Critical Reflex, Astra Logical Games, Landfall Games, PQube, Headup Games, UltraPlayers, Fellow Traveller and WINGS Interactive among its publishers and funding bodies. Given that the 2024 program already boasts Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, TikTok marketing head Sofia Hernandez, Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon, human rights lawyer and barrister Jennifer Robinson, cricketer David Warner, Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid, Def Jam-signed Australian talent SAHXL, a game about turning fruit into your own menu and a short film about a housewife trying to get a free pizza, plus plenty more, it's worth saying it again: SXSW is massive, including in Sydney. If you missed it, 2023's inaugural SXSW Sydney welcomed everyone from Black Mirror's Charlie Brooker and Chance The Rapper to Future Today Institute founder and CEO Amy Webb and Nicole Kidman to its stages. In the process, and via not just its talks but also its concerts, films, TV shows and games as, it notched up 287,014 attendances from 97,462 unique attendees. Those figures came from 34,975 total tickets, with folks from 41 countries heading along to 1178 sessions. SXSW Sydney 2024 will run from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Images: Jami Joy, Ian Laidlaw, Jess Gleeson, Katje Ford and Paul McMillan.
Josh Pyke made us all very happy when he steered a guitar-shaped boat around Sydney Harbour in his popular music video and YouTube favourite. In October he will embark on a different course with his shortest and most ambitious tour to date, playing four huge shows along the East Coast plus one in Perth. The proud owner of two shiny gold records for the ARIA-award winning Memories & Dust and sophomore record, Chimneys Afire, these will be his last performances before he takes time out to write and record a new album.As part of the Variations tour he will perform his thoughtful and cerebral folk/pop at Luna Park’s Big Top, one of the largest venues he has headlined in his career. New Zealand songbird Gin Wigmore and singer-songwriter Fergus Brown will be guest supports.https://youtube.com/watch?v=rwRqD4Kmiy4
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are various interstate border restrictions in place. Up-to-date information on restrictions are available at your state's health websites (click through for NSW, Victoria and Queensland). Of course, even border closures don't mean you can't start dreaming — bookmark this for when you can explore freely once again. It's not exactly news that connecting with nature has all sorts of benefits for your wellbeing. And, given what we've been through over the past year and a bit, there's probably never been a better time to get out and explore the natural beauty of our great land. One solution: pack your tent and sleeping bag, and embark on a multi-day hike. However, leaving the city behind doesn't mean you have to forgo every creature comfort. The new Sonos Roam is designed to take your backcountry adventure to the next level. Sleek, drop-resistant and waterproof, this lightweight, technology-packed speaker slips straight into your swag so you can soundtrack your day, dawn till dusk. [caption id="attachment_812488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] COOLOOLA GREAT WALK, QUEENSLAND Set on the Sunshine Coast between Noosa North Shore and Rainbow Beach, the Cooloola Great Walk spans the entire Cooloola Recreation Area and its wonderful landscapes. With the trek's total distance clocking in at 102 kilometres, you're going to need to set aside around five days to journey from end to end. But this strenuous hike is more than worth it, as you wind through lush rainforests, coastal woodlands and the stunning Carlo Sandblow. With the region's heathlands coming to life with spring wildflowers between August and October, now is the perfect time to start planning. [caption id="attachment_812482" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] YURAYGIR COASTAL WALK, NEW SOUTH WALES Linking a myriad of beaches, sandy tracks, lagoons and rocky outcrops, the Yuraygir Coastal Walk is ideal for those who want to fully appreciate Australia's rugged coastline. Stretching for 65 kilometres and considered around a four- to five-day hike, emu footprint signposts guide the way as you travel from the surfing hotspot of Angourie (pictured above) to the sleepy village of Red Rock, located about 40 kilometres from Coffs Harbour. As well as stunning coastal views for the duration of the hike, you'll also encounter endless opportunities to chill on the beach and listen to tunes in peaceful solitude. Head there between May and November and you'll likely see whales embarking on their annual migration. [caption id="attachment_812474" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TWELVE APOSTLES LODGE WALK, VICTORIA Don't want to embark on a hike that's going to leave you physically exhausted? The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is designed to keep you in luxurious comfort as you complete a 40-kilometre trek through the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. Rather than struggling with your tent poles in the cold, you'll be whisked away at the end of each day to a private eco-lodge situated on Johanna Beach. You and your fellow hikers will feast on a sumptuous meal prepared by the live-in chefs, before enjoying a glass of wine in the spa, where you'll rejuvenate your weary legs in style. [caption id="attachment_812490" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] GOLD COAST HINTERLAND GREAT WALK, QUEENSLAND Stretching 54 kilometres from the tiny town of O'Reilly to the Springbrook Plateau, the Gold Coast Hinterland Walk is a stellar way to spend three days off the beaten track. Leaving from the renowned O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat — where we recommend spending a comfy night before you hit the trails. On the hike, you'll explore the species-rich Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area of Lamington and Springbrook Plateaus via the scenic Numinbah Valley, as well as the ancient volcanic landscape of the Tweed Volcano which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. Upon delving back into the rainforest, you'll be guided into Springbrook via a network of tranquil streams and waterfalls. Celebrate your journey by uncorking a bottle at one of the nearby wineries. [caption id="attachment_812483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GIBRALTAR-WASHPOOL WORLD HERITAGE WALK, NEW SOUTH WALES Get amongst New South Wales' Northern Tablelands by completing a challenging 45-kilometre loop that links the Gibraltar Range and Washpool National Parks, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. With around three full days needed to finish the journey, there's no need to rush your way through eucalyptus forests, granite tors and impressive falls. You're going to want some waterproof footwear as there are marshy streams and hidden waterfalls to navigate throughout the hike. Make sure you also pack some binoculars, as the region is also known for its endangered bird species. [caption id="attachment_812489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] K'GARI (FRASER ISLAND) GREAT WALK, QUEENSLAND Multi-day hikes don't come much more scenic than this 90-kilometre journey across K'gari (Fraser Island). With the full distance taking most people around six to eight days, this relatively relaxed trek exploring the world's largest sand island is punctuated by overnight stops at many of its most beautiful sites, including Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and Wanggoolba Creek. You'll want to stay alert as things do get pretty remote when you head deep inside inland tropical rainforests before you eventually return to the pristine coastline at Dilli Village. Along the way, though, you'll be rewarded with incredible scenery and ever-changing landscapes including coastal heathland, mangrove forest, woodland and rainforest along the way. [caption id="attachment_812480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Don Fuchs; Destination NSW[/caption] NEW ENGLAND WILDERNESS WALK, NEW SOUTH WALES Consider yourself a serious hiker? The New England Wilderness Walk might just be the challenge you've been waiting for. Although it's only 33 kilometres in length, it's regarded as one of the toughest hikes in the region due to its rough, unmarked track, and quad-burning gradient. Best completed across three days, you'll descend over 1000 metres from the lofty New England Tableland down towards the edge of the Bellinger River. Along the way, you'll make several river crossings and wander through long-abandoned farms and stock houses. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can extend your trek and canoe or kayak down the river from Cool Creek Crossing. [caption id="attachment_812473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] WALLABY TRACK, VICTORIA Rolling countryside, volcanic hills, built heritage and mineral spas — the 52-kilometre Wallaby Track will definitely not bore you. Beginning in artist Norman Lindsay's hometown of Creswick and ending at Lake Daylesford, this three-day hike takes in a variety of terrain and elevations. Make your way through imposing forest and airy farmland, before walking next to an abandoned 19th-century railway track, which is still the longest timber track in the state. The home stretch sees a gradual uphill give way to a sharp descent and then a tough ascent, before you reach the blissful Lake Daylesford. Extend your stay and unwind in one of the restorative mineral spas in the area. Find out more about the new Sonos Roam at the official website. Need some tunes to soundtrack your stroll? Check out the all-Aussie playlist, curated by Concrete Playground, below: Top image: Destination NSW
From web searches and browsers to email and document storage, Google has its fingers in plenty of different online pies. Many of its services have become such a part of our daily lives that we no longer give them much thought, but every now and then the company has fun with one of its platforms — bringing Pac-Man, Mario Kart and Where's Waldo? to Google Maps, for example. Earlier this year, in its latest entertaining attempt to direct everyone towards a specific product, Google brought back another retro title — combining Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? with Google Earth. Sparking immediate flashbacks to the best parts of primary school, the game sent users searching for the titular red-clad international thief as part of a jaunt called The Crown Jewels Caper. And now you can do so all over again, thanks to two new games: Tutankhamun's Mask and Recover the Keys to the Kremlin. As always, something valuable has been stolen and its your job to find it. After the first game, however, you're not hunting down Sandiego. Instead, you're working with the now-reformed ex-thief to solve cases. In Tutankhamun's Mask, you're tasked with tracking down master climber Le Chevre, who has stolen the titular artifact. And in Recover the Keys to the Kremlin, master origamist Paperstar is the target, absconding with another treasure. Anyone keen to play simply needs to head to the Google Earth app on Android or iOs, or visit the desktop version in chrome, and look for the Pegman icon. From there, it's time to start sleuthing — by hopping between countries, visiting landmarks, talking to locals and sorting through clues such as "I heard she exchanged all of her money for yen", "all I know is that he said he wanted to buy a bagel with a schmear" and "the person you were looking for was here, and she wanted a ton of olive oil". In the process, you'll put your world trivia knowledge to the test and get a hefty dose of nostalgia. Now that all three games have been released, that's it for the Carmen Sandiego-Google Earth collaboration. Of course, this trio of time-fillers aren't going anywhere, so you can spend as much time as you like playing gumshoe and reliving your childhood across the series. Or, there's always Netflix's Carmen Sandiego, a new animated series following the beloved character (as voiced by Gina Rodriguez). Check out trailers for both new games below, and visit Google Earth's Tutankhamun's Mask and Recover the Keys to the Kremlin entry points to start playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwohVk2TyaQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLCAeVF39H4 Via Google Earth.
Sydney's streetwear scene is about to take part in a massive celebration, as Supply Store and Nike team up to host SURPLUS — a three-day party stacked with 50-plus mostly free events spanning 21 Darlinghurst venues. Showcasing food, design, music, art and movement, expect much-loved homegrown and international names to guide the fashionable festivities from Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19. Taking over Burton Street from 10am–6pm on Saturday, October 18, Marketplace is an openair destination for clothing vendors, independent publishers and renowned food pop-ups. Grab yourself a cult-followed slice from NYC's Scarr's Pizza or delve into California's Uncle Paulie's Deli for an American-style sandwich with streetwear credentials. Meanwhile, big-time Canadian Chef Matty Matheson's own Matty's Patty's will be making an Aussie appearance. Yet this event goes far beyond mere food. NYC-born BMX pro Nigel Sylvester will host a community swap shop, while other Marketplace highlights include express manis from Mannequin Hands, tooth gems from Niche Pleasures and Y2K-inspired merch from Extra Silky hair salon. Plus, visitors can expect street art exhibits from Sydney's Sly Morikawa, Melbourne's Mim Libro and Seattle's CHITO, featuring his acclaimed graffiti-meets-fashion work. On the live music front, SURPLUS welcomes London-based rapper, YT, to Oxford Art Factory, as Newcastle's own techno label Steel City Dance Discs — home to Kettama, Loods and Tommy Holohan — presents a one-off tape workshop. Of course, Nike is getting involved, serving up limited-edition Air Max drops across the weekend, ensuring you score a fresh pair of the sneakerhead classic that helped shape the entire streetwear scene. "SURPLUS connects and engages our local scene by bringing the online offline," says Supply Store Founder, Shawn Yates. "We want SURPLUS to be an opportunity to participate and tap into the world that Supply Store has built over the last two decades."
Cosy up by the fire sipping Margaret River cabernet at Empire Retreat and Spa or embrace Sydney’s industrial past at 1888 Hotel. Either way, you’ll be chasing away winter blues and indulging at each of these top ten Mr & Mrs Smith hotels in Australia and New Zealand. Stay three nights (or more) to save 30 percent on stays until the end of September — but get in quick; these exclusive offers must be booked by July 31. Hotel Hotel, Canberra Overlooking Lake Burley Griffin in the cultural heart of Canberra, Hotel Hotel is the designer pad you’ve always wanted — on a greater scale. Out of the 68 individually styled rooms, the Meandering Rooms are by far the biggest and best, with a tub for two and double rain showers. Housed in the Nishi Building in NewActon, the hotel is part of a new development that combines contemporary art, landscaped gardens and the bespoke modern living that’s becoming popular in Australia. The courtyard cinema is closed in winter, but don’t fret: you can still get your arthouse cinematic fix at Palace Electric, just downstairs. Spicers Vineyards Estate, Hunter Valley A tapestry of vines and veggie patches surrounds this handsome hotel in the Hunter Valley. Spicers Vineyards Estate is just two hours from Sydney and draws on its location to provide you with a romantic, culinary-themed getaway. Here, fresh regional produce teamed with the latest vintages (featuring grapes harvested from the estate’s vines) will have you mellow in no time. An added bonus is Spa Anise, where you can replenish mind, body and soul with organic honey-and-cocoa treatments or hot-stone massages. Ground-floor King Spa Rooms open onto an inviting verandah: first-floor rooms will earn you views all the way to the Brokenback Mountain Range. For cosy nights by the fire, opt for a Luxury Spa Suite. QT Gold Coast Bright pops of colour and retro furniture complete the Miami-esque feel at QT Gold Coast. Just a stone’s throw away from Surfers Paradise beach, you can soak up some sun and set yourself free from the weight of those winter woollies. Sample international cuisine at Bazaar, the hotel’s restaurant, styled with a bustling marketplace in mind. All rooms are fun and flirty with bonus DIY lemonade kits, but the QT King Ocean View rooms take the cake with seascape vistas and surfer-spotting potential. The Gold Coast is known for being a party playground, so join in the fun at the hotel’s bar, Stingray, where cocktails flow in an industrial-chic setting. Eveningwear is a must when the sun goes down: no board shorts allowed. The Prince Hotel, Melbourne Situated in the vibrant St Kilda precinct in Melbourne, The Prince Hotel is an edgy designer’s dream. Its modern, contemporary rooms feature timber floors, artfully placed throws and stand-alone bath tubs for peaceful soaks. You’ll get 30 percent off the Boutique and Deluxe rooms here, so take those savings and sample some of the fantastic restaurants that St Kilda has to offer. Stroll past nearby Acland Street for delectable treats at Monarch Cakes or sample the menu at the hotel’s restaurant, Circa, which champions seasonal eating using the freshest produce from Victorian and Australian farmers. If you fall in love with any of the artworks adorning the walls, you might be able to take them home (for a price, of course). The walls, curated by Utopian Slumps’ Melissa Loughnan, allow art to be seen in a more social, everyday environment. Spicers Peak Lodge, Qld A mountain retreat on the Scenic Rim of Queensland, Spicers Peak Lodge is a place where you can surround yourself in nature without sacrificing luxurious comforts. Set on a 9000-acre cattle station, the hotel has bushwalking and mountain bike trails for adventurous types and gourmet picnics on offer too. Five of the seven luxury lodge suites have warming stone fireplaces, perfect to snuggle by on a winter’s eve. The earthy, natural tones are calming and fuss-free, drawing you outwards to the natural beauty of the area. Dining at the lodge is a must. The cuisine highlights seasonal and organic produce, including honey, which stars in delicacies such as the chocolate, caramel popcorn and honeycomb dessert. Empire Retreat and Spa, WA A relaxing oasis among the southern wilderness of Western Australia, Empire Retreat and Spa combines a level of luxury and seclusion among the gum trees. The retreat’s villas and suites are set in and around a restored farmhouse — once the owner’s family home. Both rustic and modern interiors work well with timber and natural stone accents that celebrate the beauty of the surrounding native bushland. The main house has an open fireplace, timber decking and a secluded Jacuzzi and sauna for extra entertainment. Some of the nation’s best cabernets and pristine beaches can be found in this pocket of the west, so it’s well worth hiring a car to explore. The Spire, Queenstown The Spire is an urban hideaway in the midst of Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand's South Island. Interiors of dark wood and rich, candy-apple red highlight create rooms that are inviting sanctuaries away from wintry winds. Room six has an exclusive view of the spire that the hotel is named after, but all have stone-clad fireplaces and private balconies. Sip a cocktail while enjoying some Mediterranean- and European Alps-inspired tapas at No5 Church Lane, the hotel’s laidback lounge bar, or venture to the waterfront for some of the freshest seafood Queenstown has to offer. The hotel is more than happy to arrange some adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungee-jumping or jet-boating, but a simple hike and picnic lunch is also on the menu. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, NZ Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand is a pristine natural wonder. Rolling green hills stretch from The Farm at Cape Kidnappers all the way to the churning water’s edge. A par-71 golf course is on hand, along with 180-degree views of the spectacular Pacific Ocean. A luxurious barn-like conversion worthy of a Grand Designs feature, the Owner’s Cottage has added seclusion away from the main lodge, a large stone fireplace and an open kitchen for entertaining. Tawny interiors throughout add to the farmhouse style, and invoke a homey, welcoming environment. The lodge even has its own winery located in the Gimblett Gravels region, with regular wine tastings. There’s an onsite pastry chef and a new vegetable garden that provides head chef James Honore with fresh produce to accompany the locally sourced meats and seafood. 1888 Hotel, Sydney An eclectic industrial conversion, 1888 Hotel turns Sydney’s past into a stylish inner-city hangout. In a prime location for visiting Sydney’s famous harbour and the captivating Powerhouse Museum, this historic wool store offers a vibrant resting place that moulds together the best of days gone by and modern Australian design. Three-metre-high ceilings and original wooden beams are featured throughout rooms, and the Attic room has a sun-kissed patio and sociable lounge for entertaining. A philosophy of simplicity encompasses the menu at 1888 Eatery & Bar, where meals celebrate wholesome and sustainably sourced ingredients. There’s also a monthly photography competition for all you avid Instagrammers, so don’t forget to tag the hotel in any snaps as it could win you a free night’s stay. Islington Hotel, Tasmania A Regency house situated just outside of Hobart in Tasmania, Islington Hotel sports views of Mount Wellington and hosts manicured gardens. A sustainability motto that will knock your socks off, paired with an 80 percent organic decree, sets this hotel above the rest with its eco-friendly practices. The moreish dishes at the hotel’s restaurant — such as maple-and-whisky-glazed pork loin and Tasmanian wallaby shank — are definitely set to spoil. Rooms in the old house are generous and elegant with bespoke bedding and contemporary artworks from the owner’s worldwide travels adorning walls. This is the perfect getaway for curling up by the outdoor open fire and settling in with a good book while sipping on some of the hotel’s swill-worthy wines. Browse all Smith’s winter warmer offers or see all available hotel offers online. Contact our expert Travel Team on 1300 896 627 for further details on the hotels and their deals.
For the next fortnight, residents of Greater Sydney already know they can't go about their normal lives, with the region now three weeks into a lockdown that has already been extended until Friday, July 30 — and has had its rules tightened once so far, too. Exactly what people in the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour Local Government Areas can do moving forward is changing again, however, with New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian today, Saturday, July 17, announcing a range of new restrictions. With 111 new locally acquired cases recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, Friday, July 16, the Premier said that "it is not good enough for us to tread water, which is what we're doing now." She continued: "we have certainly prevented thousands and thousands of cases but we haven't managed to quash the curve, and that is why the New South Wales Government is taking further action from today. We want to make sure we have a no regrets policy. We want to get out of this lockdown as soon as we can." Accordingly, from 11.59pm tonight, Saturday, July 17, a number of new lockdown conditions will come into effect. Some will apply to all regions that are under stay-at-home rules at present, while some are more targeted — and both will bring about major changes to the way lockdown has been proceeding until now. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1416201180435214337 Firstly, only businesses deemed "critical retail" will be permitted to remain open from 11.59pm tonight, Saturday, July 17 until the same time on Friday, July 30. Stores that can continue to welcome in customers include supermarkets, grocery stores, butchers, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stores, liquor stores and fishmongers; pharmacies and chemists; and shops that primarily sell health, medical, maternity and infant supplies. Also allowed to stay open: pet supply shops, post offices, newsagencies, office supply stores, petrol stations, car hire places, banks, hardware shops, nurseries, and places that sell building, agricultural and rural goods. Any retail premises that doesn't fall into the above categories must close to physical customers — but they can do takeaways, home deliveries, and click and collect orders. Also stopping throughout the entire lockdown area: carpooling, unless you're in a vehicle with members of your own household. Mask rules are changing, too, with anyone who leaves their house now required to have a mask with them at all times. You also have to wear them when you are working outdoors, and if you're at an outdoor market or outdoor shopping strip. And, you must mask up if you're standing in an outdoor queue waiting for a coffee or something to eat. From 12.01am on Monday, July 19, all construction is being paused as well, as is all non-urgent maintenance, which includes cleaning services and repair work on residences. Also, the rules around working from home are changing from 12.01am on Wednesday, July 21. From then, employers must allow employees to work from home if the employee is able to do so — or they can face a fine of up to $10,000. The NSW Government is also bringing in new rules for residents of Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool LGAs. Folks in these areas will no longer be able to leave their LGA for work — unless they work in emergency services, healthcare, or the aged care and disability care fields. If the latter categories apply to you and you do need to leave your LGA for work, you'll have to get a mandatory COVID-19 test every three days, even you don't have any coronavirus symptoms. As has been the case during the entire lockdown, everyone in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour can still only leave the house for four specific essential reasons: to work and study if you can't do it from home; for essential shopping; for exercise outdoors in groups of two; and for compassionate reasons, which includes medical treatment, getting a COVID-19 test and getting vaccinated. And, you can still only exercise in groups of two outdoors — or as a household. You can also only get sweaty within your local government area, or within ten kilometres of where you live. If you need supplies, only one person from each household can go out shopping each day to buy essential items — and browsing is prohibited, too. No one can have anyone over to their house, either — other than for care purposes, which includes intimate partners. As always, Sydneysiders are also asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited. If you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, you'll need to get tested immediately and follow NSW Health's self-isolation instructions. In terms of symptoms, you should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste — and getting tested at a clinic if you have any. Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour are in lockdown until at least 11.59pm on Friday, July 30, with new tighter restrictions coming into effect from 11.59pm Saturday, July 17. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Through our travel booking website Concrete Playground Trips, you can book unforgettable travel packages, exclusive accommodation deals and a whole series of experiences and tours. For this particular article, we're focusing on Australian adventure trips that are currently available on CP Trips for travellers who are keen to get out in nature and go exploring. These packages will take you swimming under remote waterfalls, hiking to breathtaking vistas and cycling from vineyard to vineyard. Book any of these deals to experience some of Australia's greatest sites in style, taking your holiday to the next level. QUEENSLAND [caption id="attachment_891464" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (unsplash)[/caption] KAYAK, SANDBOARD AND SNORKEL AT MORETON ISLAND Travel to Moreton Island from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast for a full day of fun in the sun. Your guide takes you by 4WD along the sands to the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, where you'll see incredible coral reefs on snorkel and kayak outings. You'll also go inland for an exhilarating sandboarding experience on the famous massive sand dunes. This action-packed tour also includes a lunch on the beach and time to soak up the scenery of Moreton Island, the third largest sand island in the world. BOOK IT NOW. ROCK CLIMBING IN BRISBANE AFTER DARK The Kangaroo Point cliff face is a unique sight in the heart of Brisbane. For this experience, you'll climb the urban cliffs while they are lit up in the evening, looking out at Brisbane's glimmering skyline and serpentine river. And thanks to the different climbing routes, it doesn't matter what your experience level is. Beginners to total pros can enjoy this three-hour adventure. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_891465" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lacie Slezak (Unsplash)[/caption] OVERNIGHT TWEED COAST CAMPING AND SURFING GETAWAY This Tweed Coast overnight surfing getaway provides a two-day surf camp experience as you discover this world famous section of the Australian coast. Surf all day, make some new mates, spend the night camping, and enjoy provided meals including a beachside barbecue. Select your pickup location when booking; several locations are available from Brisbane to Gold Coast and Byron Bay. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_891469" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frankie Dixon (Unsplash)[/caption] THREE-DAY 4WD TOUR AROUND K'GARI (FRASER ISLAND) This is a proper Queensland bucket list experience for lovers of the outdoors. On this trip, you'll explore both coasts of the world's largest sand island on one eco-adventure. Start your getaway in style with a pre-night stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort. Relax on island time and enjoy full access to the resort facilities before you spend two days driving around K'gari's crystal-blue lakes, wild rainforests, hidden stretches of coast and cameo appearances from the island's wild dingo population. And if you want to charter your own yacht around the island (with your own skipper) then check out this luxury tour. BOOK IT NOW. VICTORIA CYCLING TOUR AROUND THE YARRA VALLEY WINE REGION This guided cycling trip will take you to several wineries in the Yarra Valley region, giving you the opportunity to taste some wine (in moderation, since you will be cycling on roads), tuck into some woodfired pizza for lunch and soak up the sights of this world-famous wine region. During the day, you'll cycle up to 20-kilometres — so prepare to get a bit active. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_891472" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shawnn Tan (Unsplash)[/caption] TWO-DAY CAMPING AND SURFING TRIP ALONG THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD This small-group tour (of 10-15 people) will start from Melbourne and take you down to Victoria's dramatic Great Ocean Road. You'll stop off at beaches for surfing lessons and lunches before setting up base at a new campsite — staying in a spacious teepee-style tents built by the beach. The two guides will take you to all the best secret viewing spots for kangaroos, koalas and Australian native birds before you set your sights upon the Twelve Apostles. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_818655" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] PRIVATE WILSON'S PROMONTORY HIKING TOUR FROM MELBOURNE Wilson's Prom is huge. It can be challenging to explore — especially if you don't have your own car. That's when a bespoke tour like this one is the perfect option. Your guide will take you on hikes to private beaches and sand dunes as well as epic summits with views across the whole region. You'll find some of the very best coastal views during this tour. And if you're looking for something a little more cost-effective, you can try this tour of Wilson's Prom. BOOK IT NOW. WHITE-WATER KAYAKING ADVENTURE ON THE YARRA RIVER Head to Wonga Park for a high-octane day trip just an hour or so out of Melbourne's CBD. You'll be geared up with life vests and helmets before jumping into a two-person inflatable kayak that will take you down the rolling rapids. Prepare to get soaked and have a good laugh. If you go in the wetter months, you're guaranteed even bigger rapids. BOOK IT NOW. WESTERN AUSTRALIA SUNRISE HIKE AND MEDITATION IN THE PERTH HILLS This one is for the morning people out there. Or those of us who wish we could be. Meet at Sullivan Rock carpark nice and early and follow the guide on a leisurely hike through jarrah and banksia forests before reaching the summit of St Vincent at sunrise. Find a spot on the large granite slopes overlooking the expansive Western Australian plains and let the first sunlight of the day wash over you during a guided meditation. It's an altogether unique and rejuvenating experience. BOOK IT NOW. QUAD BIKE AND SANDBOARDING EXPERIENCE This is a super fun way to explore Western Australia's Lancelin Sand Dunes. You'll ride quad bikes, get driven in dune buggies and go down massive dunes on sandboards with a bunch of other travellers. It's a great vantage point from which to see this part of the country, overlooking the Indian Ocean and surrounding bushland. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] ROTTNEST ISLAND CYCLE, SNORKEL AND FERRY TRIP Getting to Rottnest Island is easy enough – just jump on the ferry from Perth. But once you get there, getting around to explore the best bits of this spectacular natural playground could require a little direction. That why this tour is so good. You'll get a bike for the arvo and ride around hidden beaches before snorkelling in calm pristine waters, marvelling at the bright coral and marine life. Alternatively, you can book this five-day Perth staycation that will take you to Rottnest Island and the Pinnacles. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_891479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tobias Keller (Unsplash)[/caption] SIX-DAY COARAL COASTER FROM PERTH TO EXMOUTH (VIA NINGALOO REEF) Go on a proper Western Australia adventure during this week-long trip. With unspoilt beaches, deep red deserts and an abundance of wildlife, this will be an unforgettable Australian holiday. You'll also tick a bunch of spectacular destinations off your bucket list — including the Pinnacles, Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake, Murchison Gorge, Kalbarri National Park, The Stromatolites at Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef. BOOK IT NOW. NEW SOUTH WALES UNDERWATER SCOOTER EXPERIENCE IN CLOVELLY This is a proper local Sydney experience set in the waters of beloved Clovelly Beach. You'll get to use an underwater scooter which is basically a small propellered device that you hold in your hands) that pulls you along underwater. Use this device to find the infamous blue groper or simply pretend you're chasing your favourite Bond villain for 90 minutes. Instructors will also be on hand to help you out. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_891481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacques Bopp (Unsplash)[/caption] BLUE MOUNTAINS 4WD ADVENTURE If you've got a car and are willing to hike a little, you can see some spectacular parts of the Blue Mountains — but this trip takes you even deeper. Your driver will traverse rough roads to take you into rarely explored parts of the national park including exclusive access to private property in Capertee Valley and experience the epic views. It will also include a lunch in a cosy country pub. Winner. BOOK IT NOW. BATEMANS BAY OYSTER TASTING KAYAK TOUR Yup, you read that right. This trip combines oyster tasting with kayaking — think of it as a pub crawl, but on the water and with super fresh oysters. Paddle around local oyster farms along the Clyde River Estuary system in Batemans Bay with a guide, tasting some of the freshest molluscs you'll ever have the pleasure of eating. It's a whole lot of fun. And done in stunning surrounds. BOOK IT NOW. FULL-DAY CANYONING TRIP IN EMPRESS CANYON For the uninitiated, canyoning is a type of mountaineering that involves travelling into canyons in a variety of ways. And this trip ticks most of them off the list. The day will include abseiling down waterfalls, cliff jumping and bouldering. It has got to be one of the most thrilling ways to explore this rainforest in New South Wales. BOOK IT NOW. NORTHERN TERRITORY [caption id="attachment_840362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Helen Orr for Tourism NT[/caption] KING'S CANYON HIKING TOUR King's Canyon, famously where the queens from Priscilla Queen of the Desert hiked in feather-clad bird outfits, is a big bucket list destination — not just for fans of the film. Located between between Alice Springs and Yulara, this has to be one of the very best places to go hiking in Australia. Walk along red rock cliffs, through maze-like gorges and around beautiful bushland. The views across the surrounding desert are also just next level. And this big day trip takes you to all the best bits. BOOK IT NOW. CHAMBER PILLAR AND RAINBOW VALLEY 4WD TRIP Go off-road during this full-day tour around the Rainbow Valley — a remote region in Australia's Red Centre. The small group 4WD experience takes you deep into the Red Centre's beautiful and remote sand hill country in comfort and style. You will discover the history of the early explorers, local First Nations culture and stories, the iconic Simpson Desert and stunning landscapes and rock formations. In between short hikes, you'll be driven around in an air-conditioned 4WD car to catch your breath and cool down. BOOK IT NOW. DAY TRIP TO LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK WATERFALLS If you've ever seen images of people jumping into spectacular natural waterholes and pools in a tourism ad for the Northern Territory, there's a very good chance the footage was shot at Litchfield National Park. Making a visit here is an experience we should all have at some point in our lives. And booking this package will get you right there. You'll be picked up from Darwin and transported to the famous Florence Falls for a day of exploring and swimming in extraordinary (croc-free) waters. BOOK IT NOW. TASMANIA [caption id="attachment_891488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Fotheringham (Unsplash)[/caption] THREE-DAY ACTIVE ADVENTURE FROM LAUNCESTON TO HOBART This trip explores some of Tassie's most scenic locations. Start your journey with a huge day out at Cradle Mountain World Heritage area, an area of immense grandeur with amazing walks and scenery. Travel onwards to Hobart via the Wineglass Bay lookout for some of the world's best coastal scenery. Keep your eyes open and your footsteps light to encounter the local animals in the wild. Lastly, walk amongst the history at the World Heritage Port Arthur Historic Site and enjoy the action of a Tasmanian Devil feeding. It's an incredible way to experience Tasmania's vast natural landscape. BOOK IT NOW. SAILING TRIP IN HOBART'S BAY AND THE DERWENT RIVER During this experience, you'll be sailing in a Sydney to Hobart race maxi — really sailing. This isn't a champagne-and-sunset-dinner on a luxury yacht kind of experience. You'll be getting a workout as you cruise around Hobart's breathtakingly beautiful bay. You might see penguins, dolphins or seals (regular visitors) and sometimes even whales and orca. That is when you're not grinding the winches and taking a turn on the helm. End the experience with an altogether civilised afternoon tea in town. BOOK IT NOW. KAYAK IN THE TASMAN PENINSULA Get up-close and personal with the southern hemisphere's highest sea cliffs and resident Australian fur seals. At sea level you'll truly appreciate its scale, gazing up at 200-metre-high fluted rock formations, peering into natural sea caves, photographing the towering Candlestick, and searching for climbers on the Totem Pole — a sheer column famed amongst thrill-seeking rock climbers. BOOK IT NOW. BMX RIDE DOWN MOUNT WELLINGTON On this adventure, you'll ride a mountain bike down the foothills of Mount Wellington past bushland and wildlife as you feel the wind rushing through your hair. At the end of the ride, you'll be invited to join the guide at a local Hobart pub for a few beers and enjoy the unique opportunity to drink from the famous (to locals, at least) handlebar that holds a glass of beer. Look it up. BOOK IT NOW. SOUTH AUSTRALIA FARM FOR OYSTERS IN COFFIN BAY This is a great little experience to tag onto any trip along South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. You'll don some sexy looking waterproof overalls, wading in the water as you learn about oyster farming while tasting some of the freshest oysters you'll ever have — straight out of the clear blue waters. For more sightseeing, you can even take this longer boat tour around the oyster farm. BOOK IT NOW. KANGAROO ISLAND QUAD BIKE TOUR Explore an otherwise inaccessible part of Kangaroo Island on a guided ATV tour through open grassland, native bush and rocky terrain. Master the controls of your own bike as your group zooms past gorgeous scenery, and Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas and more. For something a little different, check out the Sunset Safari, a more wildlife orientated tour which heads out just as more of the island's famous critters start to emerge for the evening. Or do you prefer two wheels? Try this cycling tour of the island instead. BOOK IT NOW. KAYAK TRIP IN A DOLPHIN SANCTUARY It's not every day that you get the opportunity to paddle your way down a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest creek with the opportunity to see dolphins along the way. But that's not all. You'll also be kayaking up close to shipwrecks and relics of a bygone era. It's a special experience that simply can't be replicated anywhere else. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_883581" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Skopal (Unsplash)[/caption] THREE-DAY ADVENTURE IN THE FLINDERS RANGES This is small group Eco tour of the famous Flinders Ranges gives guests the opportunity to see the incredible rock formation of Wilpena Pound and the Ranges themselves while learning about local Aboriginal culture. You'll search for the rare Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby, see an abundance of kangaroos, emus and wedge tailed eagles, visit ancient Aboriginal cave paintings, meet the locals and enjoy campfires and camp cooking. BOOK IT NOW. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Smoking Gun Bagels is Sydney's only authentic Montreal-style bagelry, and it has been hand-rolling and woodfiring them in Woolloomooloo since 2016. Now, it's heading west — to St Peters. The bagelry has popped up opposite Sydney Park, in temporary cafe created in collaboration with Sydney's collective coffee roaster, Collective Roasting Solutions. It's serving up an all-star lineup of Sydney roasters, including Edition, Skittle Lane, Harry's Bondi and Grace & Taylor — and, for the next six weeks, standout bagels. On Smoking Gun's menu, you'll find the likes of Chick Don't Kale My Vibe, with kale cream cheese, candied walnut and poached chicken, and the Netflix and Dill, with house-cured salmon and pickled zucchini. In a move that should improve your morning commute (if only ever so slightly) the pop-up is right next door to St Peters train station. So you can grab a bagel and a much-needed coffee — and maybe even watch some dogs frolicking in the park — before you head off to your 9-to-5. The Smoking Gun Bagels pop-up is open from 7am-2pm, Tuesday to Sunday, until Sunday, September 16.
If you're on the hunt for some new-school fun to make the impending frosty months go faster, you can stop searching right now. Someone, somewhere, has dreamed up the impressive combination of bumper cars and ice-skating — and is bringing the concept Down Under. In an Aussie first, Bumper Cars on Ice will hit both Melbourne and Sydney this August, and promises to yank you right out of winter hibernation mode. Not a whole lot of info has dropped just yet, though from the photos, it looks like this unique activity will have you pinballing around an ice rink in a bubble-shaped bumper car, slipping and sliding into mates. We assume the cars will head to one of Sydney's six long-running pop-up ice rinks — or the newly saved Macquarie Ice Rink — and maybe Melbourne's pop-up Eastland Shopping Centre rink. But, we'll update you as soon as we know more. [caption id="attachment_706065" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Macquarie Ice Rink.[/caption] If this sounds like your kind of icy jam, you can sign up for ticket info at the website. Bumper Cars on Ice will pop-up at yet-to-be-announced locations in Melbourne and Sydney this August.
There's rarely a bad time to wander through a rainforest, especially after a year that's had everyone spending more time at home than usual. But if you're planning a trip to the Blue Mountains to take in its vivid greenery, visiting during April 2021 is particularly recommended. That's when Sculpture at Scenic World will return to the area after a two-year break, after its 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic. The exhibition is as straightforward as it sounds, and also as striking. Between Thursday, April 1–Sunday, May 2, Scenic World in Katoomba will place dozens of large-scale sculptures and installations throughout its ultra-scenic surroundings, with visitors able to mosey through them and enjoy their oversized sights at their own pace. You'll walk past trees, peer at giant artworks and find yourself in an openair gallery — and, you'll be checking out pieces from both emerging and established artists in the process. Exactly which artworks be popping up around the leafy spot is yet to be revealed, but everything on display will compete for the Scenic World Major Award, as judged this year by National Art School's Head of Sculpture Hany Armanious, Sydney-based sculptor Margarita Sampson and The Lock-Up Artistic Director Courtney Novak. [caption id="attachment_802600" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jono Gooley[/caption] The 2021 event will feature sculptures not only in the rainforest, but, as part of a free outdoor exhibition called Twist & Shout, it'll extend to sites such as the Carrington Hotel, Mountain Heritage Hotel, and the Fairmont Resort and Spa. The aim: to get folks heading to the area to not only explore Sculpture at Scenic World, but to take in everything that the Blue Mountains region has to offer. "It has been a whirlwind year for the tourism industry, but it is encouraging to see such strong demand for authentic tourism experiences in our backyard," said Scenic World Chief Experience Officer Amanda Byrne. In 2020, Scenic World's Dinosaur Valley experience was extended for four weeks, into 2021, due to popular demand. Entry into Sculpture at Scenic World comes with a regular Scenic World ticket, which means that attendees can also enjoy the venue's skyway, railway and cableway while they're there. Sculpture at Scenic World runs from Thursday, April 1–Sunday, May 2, 2021. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the event website. Top images: Nick Warfield, Georgina Galea, Mark Surtees and Hannah Surtees, David Jensz, Jono Gooley.
A lively Korean barbecue restaurant, where traditional food philosophies meet contemporary flair, has made its home in Haberfield's historic post office building. It's a buzzy spot, where neon glows cheerfully from the walls, the soundtrack is one of sizzling meat and eating is always a communal affair. Diners get a chance at playing chef, barbecuing their own selection of meat on the grills set into the middle of each table. There's swag of plain and marinated protein options, from beef prime rib and gochujang-coated pork belly, to thinly sliced brisket and pork neck, all in 200-gram portions primed for mix-and-match group feasts. To round out your feed, there are traditional Korean stews made to long-held family recipes, noodles, stir fry dishes and a range of snacks, including plenty of cracking fried chicken. And at dinner, find classic Korean pancakes stuffed with the likes of kimchi or seafood, and hearty hot pots loaded up with meats, veggies and noodles.
Whether you like a semillon from the Hunter Valley, a pinot noir from the Yarra Valley, or a robust shiraz from the Barossa, you can get it all at the inaugural Lakeside Long Lunch. For one glorious day in September (Saturday 28), representatives from some of Australia's best wine regions will gather in Sydney's west. Hosted on the idyllic banks of Sydney International Regatta Centre's lakes in Penrith, Lakeside Long Lunch is all about spending several boozy hours sampling vinos. You'll get to taste fine drops from Margaret River's Robert Oatley Vineyards, Bimbadgen Wines from the Hunter Valley, and Yarra Valley's Oakridge Estate. Plus, there'll be drops from the Barossa Valley, Mudgee, Orange and further afield. In between tastings, you'll want to tuck into lunch, too. You can choose from an opulent lobster gnocchi with pomodoro sauce and vanilla oil; braised lamb soft tacos topped with pomegranate; and charred Middle Eastern chicken with couscous and garlic yoghurt. Meanwhile, vegans and vegetarians can feast on a chickpea and tofu coconut curry served with jasmine rice and coriander sambal. There'll also be food trucks on site — think food from Agape Organic, Busfood and Arlecchino. There'll also be music soundtracking the event, with tunes from Suite Az, Voli K, The Lovefools, Hype Band and Will D Music. You can expect a lot more entertainment and activities on the day, too. Your $99 ticket covers everything, so you can kick back, relax and focus on the important things in life: eating and drinking. Got cash to splash? You can upgrade to the VIP package for $349. Lakeside Long Lunch at Penrith's Sydney International Regatta Centre is taking place on Saturday, September 28, from 10am. To purchase tickets, head here.
After an incredibly difficult year for the hospitality and cultural industries as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New South Wales Government unveiled a statewide plan to motivate people to go out and help boost both sectors. Originally titled Out & About before being changed to Dine & Discover, the program offers four $25 vouchers to all NSW residents over the age of 18 — two to spend on dining out, and two to use on activities like cinemas, performing arts and amusement parks. With the program now rolled out across the state, some Sydney venues are doing special offers — even including doubling your money if you spend your voucher with them. Looking for a big feed at a small cost? Keen to get some big bang for your buck at a local cultural institution? We've compiled all the best deals around the city. [caption id="attachment_671514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Winery by Letícia Almeida[/caption] DOUBLE YOUR MONEY WITH SYDNEY COLLECTIVE OR AUSTRALIAN VENUE CO If you head to one of Sydney Collective's eight venues with your $25 food voucher, you'll actually score $50 per meal. As the hospitality company announced back in November last year, it'll double the value of each voucher presented at every one of its sites — which include Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room, The Imperial Erskineville, Park House, Northies, Daniel San, Taylor's Rooftop and Balcony in Byron Bay. The catch: the venues are only doing the double-up deals between Monday and Thursday. Each venue is different, so head to Sydney Collective's website to check out when you can score the deal at each location. That's where you'll find Sydney Collectives's terms and conditions as well. Similarly, Australian Venue Co is offering a $25 credit when you spend you vouchers across ten of its venues. Sign up to the AVC app and you'll score the extra $25 at venues including The Winery, Untied, Manly Wine, Bungalow 8, Cargo and The Rook. SCORE TWO FREE PARMYS AT THE TAPHOUSE AND ELM ROOFTOP BAR Darlinghurst beer haven The Taphouse and its new rooftop bar Elm are also offering to double your Dine & Discover cash. While you can't use your vouchers to buy alcohol, the venues have a robust food menu, including both chicken and eggplant parmys for under $25. So, you and a friend can score a parmy each with just one voucher. If you're looking for something snackier to pair with a rooftop cocktail, $50 can go a long way on Elm's share menu. Order a feast of fish tacos, southern fried cauliflower bites and fan-favourite jalapeno poppers with money to spare. ENJOY A THREE-COURSE MEAL WITH ROCKPOOL DINING GROUP If using your voucher on a main meal doesn't provide enough value for you, Rockpool is offering multi-course meal deals across four of its citywide chains. While your Dine & Discover vouchers can be redeemed at any of Rockpool's venues, including its more high-end spots like Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple, the dining group's chain restaurants Fratelli Fresh, El Camino and The Bavarian are offering the biggest bang for your buck. Head to El Camino for an entree, main and churros for dessert, all for just $25. Or, score a main plus and entree or dessert at either Fratelli Fresh or The Bavarian for a single voucher. You can browse all the potential combos at each venue on the Rockpool website. SPEND A NIGHT CATCHING THE LATEST FLICKS ON THE BIG SCREEN After a year of reduced-capacity cinemas, Sydney's theatre chains are jumping at the opportunity to get more movie buffs through the door and in front of a big-screen showing of Cruella or A Quiet Place Part II. To sweeten the deal, many of the chains are offering exclusive $25 packages for those that send their Dine & Discover with them. When it comes to the big hitters, both Hoyts and Event are offering two standard tickets or one Gold Class/Lux ticket with your discover vouchers, as well as a range of combos with your dine vouchers. The smaller independent cinemas are also jumping on board. At Palace, your vouchers will get you a movie ticket with a drink and popcorn combo — and at Dendy you'll be treated to a free large popcorn when you use your discover voucher to catch a screening. BRING OUT YOUR INNER KIDULT WITH BOWLING, MINI GOLF AND ARCADE GAMES Funlab, the team behind family-friendly and adult attractions like Strike Bowling, Holey Moley and Archie Brothers, is offering big discounts for anyone that visits one of its Sydney locations with their Dine & Discover vouchers. Each entertainment venue has a specially crafted $25 package created for the vouchers. At Strike, you can redeem your voucher for two games of bowling. At Sky Zone, $25 will get you two hours of jumping. At Holey Moley, you'll score 18 holes of mini golf — while adult arcade Archie Brothers will let you trade a voucher for 90 minutes of arcade time, and B. Lucky & Sons will grant you an hour in the arcade. Dine vouchers can also be redeemed for two pizzas at any of the Funlab venues. Top image: Watsons Bay Hotel
Good times are coming Down Under in October, and disco-soul hit 'Good Times', too. As well as locking in spots at 2023's Harvest Rock in Adelaide and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Nile Rodgers & Chic are doing their own headline tour. Ah, Sydney, get ready to freak out on Monday, October 23 and Wednesday, October 25 at the Enmore Theatre. Not only 'Good Times' but also 'Le Freak' is certain to get a whirl when the one and only Rodgers takes to the stage with the group that he co-founded more than five decades ago. Also on their recent setlists: Chic tracks 'Everybody Dance', 'Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)' and 'I Want Your Love'. [caption id="attachment_916215" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex Marshall via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Mention Chic and Rodgers instantly springs to mind; however, as a guitarist, the latter is in a league of his own. You'll also know his work on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, including single 'Get Lucky'. And as a writer and producer, he's had a hand in everything from David Bowie's Let's Dance album to Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. Accordingly, Nile Rodgers & Chic gigs are known to bust out tracks from across Rodgers' career beyond Chic. Cue 'Get Lucky' and its earworm of a guitar riff, both 'Let's Dance' and the always-delightful 'Modern Love' by Bowie, and also a Madonna double of 'Like a Virgin' and 'Material Girl'. Because Rodgers and late, great fellow Chic member Bernard Edwards were involved in writing, composing and/or producing them, Diana Ross' 'I'm Coming Out' and 'Upside Down' also get a spin, plus Sister Sledge's 'He's the Greatest Dancer' and 'We Are Family'.
When you've spent close to a metric fucktonne of time writing, developing and recording the individual songs of an album, sometimes you'd like people to stop and appreciate each morsel. Ahead of the release of their highly anticipated debut album For the Company, Sydney folk trio Little May invited 11 of their favourite local artists to do just that, to create an artwork of any medium, inspired by the 11 tracks of the album. It's a highly unique way to launch an album, culminating in an exhibition dubbed #ArtForTheCompany and set to coincide with the release of the album on October 9. Running Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, the exhibition will take over the newly opened Goodspace, upstairs at the Lord Gladstone Hotel in Chippendale. Music-wise, you'll be able to settle into little listening pods to hear Little May's album in full ahead of its official release date, while checking out each track's inspired artwork. Little May (or Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton) have seen visual art as integral to their band — all the artwork for the album and the band's promo material has been designed by Hamilton herself. So with aesthetics aplenty planned for the exhibition, this is a pretty perfect way for the three Sydneysiders to launch their debut effort into public ears, with all senses covered. So who are Little May's chosen artists? The exhibition will feature work from acclaimed photographers Mclean Stephenson and Prue Stent, Sydney-based muralist Mulga, fashion label Serpent & The Swan, illustrator Georgia Hill, Ears, Honey Long, Antwerpen, Emily Ellis, Furry Little Peach and Luschia Porter. Check out Luschia Porter's Little May-inspired creation is this pretty, pretty video: We’re so lucky to have the incredibly talented Luschia Porter - Illustration + Object Design amongst a bunch of our favourite local artists contributing to our #artfothecompany exhibition. Lusch visually interpreted our song ‘Cicadas’ and we can’t wait to see the finished product at Goodspace from next Friday <3 Posted by Little May on Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Bondi is the unofficial capital city of the early birds. While most other Australians are snoozing their alarms or negotiating with their bus schedules, Bondi locals have already seen friends, exercised and devoured a healthy breakfast. It's honestly enviable. If you've got a Sydney trip planned soon (or are a local looking to shift your lifestyle to the early hours), we asked residents what the best sunrise activities in Bondi are. Before sunrise To get into the Bondi spirit, your alarm should go off at least an hour before the sun rises. Once you've woken up and are dressed in your best activewear, head to Bondi's premier pilates studio, Body by Berner. Founder Bernadette Sukkar has created a cult following for her tough (yet effective) pilates classes. Located on Campbell Parade, classes start from 5am, so you can get a head start on your day. Book in a Signature Bern class to really see what all of the hype is about. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bernadette Sukkar (@mrsbernadettesukkar) Once you've worked those muscles, walk down the street to the newly opened Common Supply for a quick coffee or smoothie. You can get one whipped up fresh or grab a pre-made option from the handy convenience-store-style fridges. The grab-and-go drinks and snacks are perfect for keeping your body fuelled ahead of the sunrise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by common supply (@commonsupplyau) During sunrise It's not a trip to Sydney without witnessing the sunrise over the famous beach. Plant yourself on a nearby grassy spot or on the sand and drink in a brand new day — Bondi style. When the sun rises, and the surfers begin to paddle into the water, embark on a walk down the coastline. The Bondi to Bronte walk is popular for a reason. Head down solo for some peace before the crowds descend, or meet a friend to catch up as the day begins. It takes roughly 30 minutes each way, making it an ideal activity before the morning gets too hot. If you're dressed for it, you could even enjoy a quick dip at Bronte to cool down on the other side. [caption id="attachment_1060961" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Pesta Photography[/caption] After sunrise Between the pilates class and walking, you've most likely worked up an appetite. Luckily, Bondi is a mecca for fresh and delicious food options. Set just back from Bondi's shoreline, Kazzi Beach Greek serves healthy breakfast options. Select from its menu of fresh fruit bowls, breakfast wraps stacked with eggs, bacon and haloumi, and even Greek pastries. You can choose to dine in and rest those legs post-Bondi to Bronte walk, or grab another takeaway and enjoy Greek delicacies on the beach post-morning swim. Kazzi Beach Greek is also open for lunch and dinner if you're looking for a dining option when you're by the beach for sunset. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kazzi Beach Greek (@kazzibeachgreek) It's been a stacked morning of health and wellness so far. To wind down your post-sunrise Bondi experience, head to 38° The Bathouse. Also located on Campbell Parade, 38° The Bathouse is a wellness destination featuring magnesium spa pools, traditional and infrared saunas, a cold plunge, silent and sound sessions, and a lounge area to rest up. If you're really feeling luxe (when in Bondi, of course), 38° The Bathouse also offers massages. It's the ultimate way to round out a dreamy, health-focused morning in Sydney's Bondi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 38° The Bathhouse (@slowhousebondi) Image credit: Oliver Strewe/ Getty Images
Even under normal circumstances, heading to the UK to see a theatre show isn't in most folks' budgets. So, for years now, Britain's National Theatre has beamed its performances into cinemas around the world via a series called NT Live. Over the past 12 months, however, the theatre has adapted to the online realm — first putting a selection of recorded productions on its YouTube channel for everyone to view for free, and now launching its own streaming platform. Both initiatives have the same name — National Theatre at Home — but now, instead of waiting to see which play drops online each week, you can browse through a selection of shows whenever you like. The new streaming service does come with a fee, costing around AUD$18 (£9.98) per month or approximately AUD$184 (£99.98 per) year, but subscribers then have unlimited access. There's also a rental option, where you just pick whichever production you want to see and pay a one-off cost (from around AUD$13.50/£7.99) to watch within a 72-hour window. All of National Theatre at Home's catalogue consists of previously recorded productions — which means that you can get cosy on your lounge, put your feet up and pretend you're at the theatre watching some of the company's greatest hits. New shows are added monthly, with subscribers receiving early access to new additions, as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses. At the time of writing, theatre fans can choose between the first-ever National Theatre Live broadcast, Phèdre with Helen Mirren; William Shakespeare's Coriolanus, starring Tom Hiddleston; and a London-set modern update of Federico García Lorca's Yerma with Billie Piper. Other titles include Medea with I May Destroy You's Michaela Coel — plus Julie, an updating of the play Miss Julie, starring Vanessa Kirby. And some works, such as Mosquitoes with Olivia Colman and a new Nigerian-set version of Chekhov's Three Sisters, are being released for the first time. On the technical side of things, you can stream National Theatre at Home via any web browser, or using Apple products (with iOS and tvOS), Google (through Android and Android TV), Roku TV and Amazon Fire TV. National Theatre's back catalogue is rather hefty — and star-studded, too. Accordingly, here's hoping that some of the company's absolute masterpieces also make the jump to the National Theatre at Home streaming platform in the future. Fingers crossed that its stripped-back version of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, as directed by Trainspotting and Yesterday's Danny Boyle, and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, is one of them — or its production of A Streetcar Named Desire with none other than Gillian Anderson as Blanche DuBois, alongside Ben Foster and Vanessa Kirby. National Theatre at Home is now available online, with subscriptions costing around AUD$18 (£9.98) per month or approximately AUD$184 (£99.98 per) year. Top image: Coriolanus. Photo by Johan Persson.
British comedian Eddie Izzard once suggested humanity reaching the moon was proof that God didn't exist. "Because," Izzard says, "if you invent some creatures, put them on the blue one and they make it to the grey one, you f***ing well turn up and say well done." Well, whether it was missed by any celestial beings upstairs or not, if you're keen to commemorate all things space and reminisce about our voyage into infinity and beyond, make tracks to Sydney Festival to celebrate 50 years since the moon landing. From gravity-defying aerial performances to cosmos-themed installations, we've jotted down some of the best ways to explore the city and commemorate that time we got to "the grey one" half a century ago. And what's more, each lunar happening below is completely free.
Off the back of four fast-selling seasons, Sydney's most ambitious outdoor cinema is bringing its 150-bed (yes, bed) theatre back to Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter for the warmer weather. Grab a buddy you're comfortable to share a blankie with (or make a bold first date move) and book a bed between January 17 and March 22 next year. There will be new movies (Jojo Rabbit, Cats and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker), old movies (Dirty Dancing, Pulp Fiction) and some of the biggest releases of 2019 (Knives Out, Joker, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). The Oscar-winning Best Picture Parasite is set to close out the season on March 22. This year, El Camino Cantina and Fratelli Fresh will also be bringing food directly to your bed — including pepperoni pizza, tacos and fajitas. Plus, the bar will be serving up cold beers and wines. And thanks to a new screen (good riddance inflatable screens) it'll be a much more enjoyable viewing experience, too. Tickets are $73.80 for a couple or $93.90 for a trio. If you don't want to shell out for a bed, you can grab a grass ticket for $12 — just remember to bring a picnic blanket and book your spot before you rock up. Updated: March 2, 2020
After serving up slices at festivals and events in Queensland, and and building a cult following through standout pop-ups at Marrickville's Grifter Brewing Co and The Dolphin Hotel, Sydney duo The Pizza Bros have opened their first permanent location inside a beloved Inner West pub. You'll now find the Bros' beloved leopard-spotted rounds on the rooftop of the historic Erskineville stalwart The Imperial. A bustling LGBTQIA+ nightlife hub famous for its appearance in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Imperial was recently taken over by Universal Hotels, the hospitality team behind Newtown Hotel, Universal, Oxford Hotel and Civic Hotel. While not much has changed so far since the acquisition, the arrival of The Pizza Bros marks the first shift in offerings since the changing of hands. "The Pizza Bros are not just pizza makers; they're a cultural phenomenon," said CEO of Universal Hotels Harris Kospetas. "The Imperial Hotel has always been a place where innovation meets tradition, and we're excited to infuse fresh energy into this beloved space. We have some exciting changes in the works that will undoubtedly resonate with the community." Anyone who's visited the pop-up at Grifter will know the duo specialise in perfectly chewy woodfired pizza reminiscent of other Sydney favourites like Bella Brutta and Gigis — both of which the Bros previously worked at. The menu across the pop-up and this new kitchen focuses on combining Italian staples with quality local produce. Take the Waterworld, which pairs a house-made fermented chilli sauce with fior di latte, Faros Seafood garlic prawns and pancetta. There's also a luxe take on a meatlovers featuring LP's salami cotto and Whole Beast Butchery salsicce — and The Mago Picasso, which keeps it simple with fior di latte, pomodoro sugo, confit garlic and basil. But, what would good toppings be worth without a great canvas? The Pizza Bros give special focus to their in-house dough, using several fermentation processes to create each base. The result is both tasty and aesthetically pleasing — so pleasing that it's racked up hundreds of thousands of views across TikTok and Instagram. The Imperial is walk-in friendly, but if you want to make a booking for the rooftop, you can at the pub's website. The Imperial is located at 35 Erskineville Road, Erksineville. You'll find The Pizza Bros on the rooftop Wednesday–Sunday.
When Australia has just thrown one of the world's biggest LGBTQIA+ parties, what comes next? Incorporating hits from 2023's Sydney WorldPride into 2024's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. For everyone who loved revelling on the sand at the fest's Bondi Beach Party, we come bearing excellent news: it'll be back next year for 15,000 attendees. Mardi Gras' full 2024 lineup spans 100-plus events across the Harbour City, taking place from Friday, February 16–Sunday, March 3. While 2023's iteration marked the 45th anniversary, don't go thinking that turning 46 isn't being taken just as seriously — all around the theme "our future". "For 45 years, the energy, vibrancy, and unity of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has made it a globally significant event. And each year, our commitment to bringing forth an even more fabulous celebration grows," said Sydney Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith. "In 2024, we embrace our roots and look forward with eager anticipation to our future. Our mission is clear: to echo the voices of our communities, to champion progress and instigate impactful change." "Beyond the individual events, and there are many, the 2024 festival underscores our commitment to inclusivity, unity and remembrance. The 2024 festival celebrates our past, our present and most crucially, the promising future we're building. Here's to another unforgettable Sydney Mardi Gras," continued Beckwith. As well as the return of Bondi Beach Party, Mardi Gras will also give Sydney WorldPride's Ultra Violet a second run, celebrating LGBTQIA+ women in an event that takes place as day turns to night at the National Art School. Similarly huge: a one-night-only special performance of musical & Juliet, which will occur just days after the production arrives for its Sydney season. Also on the lineup: the Welcome to Country via citywide event Festival First Light; floating venue Glass Island hosting trans and gender-diverse celebration Hot Trans Summer; and Diamond Dance, which will mark Pollys Club's 60th year. Or, there's talks and ideas series Queer Futures, the Marks Park Dawn Sunrise Service of Reflection to honour 70s- and 90s-era victims of homophobic and transphobic violence, two-week fringe fest Oxtravaganza in Darlinghurst and the boozy Darlo Big Drag Brunch. Yes, the parade is back — so mark Saturday, March 2 in your diary and prepare for a big night with 200-plus floats on Oxford Street. Plus, Mardi Gras' premium parade viewing areas will feature again to help the hundreds of thousands of folks heading along get a prime view of the 12,000-plus marchers. Throw in the also-returning Mardi Gras Film Festival, Progress Pride Flag Raising, Fair Day, Paradiso Pool Party, Kaftana Pool Party, Laugh Out Proud and Sissy Ball — and Queer Art After Hours as well — and Sydney will be jam-packed with things to do and ways to celebrate, as it is during every Mardi Gras. Other highlights include a dance party at ivy Pool Club, SEA LIFE Aquarium hosting drag storytime and a queer formal, with more events still to be announced as Mardi Gras gets closer. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 will run from Friday, February 16–Sunday, March 3, 2024. For more information, or for tickets, head to the event's website. Select images: Jeffrey Feng Photography, Lexy Potts
Sculpture by the Sea kicked off its 22nd annual exhibition today — once again taking over the two-kilometre coastline from Sydney's Bondi to Tamarama Beach with many incredible sculptural feats. This year, you'll find 107 sculptures by artists from 21 countries globally. The works will be on display from October 18 through November 4, and it's all absolutely free. This year's highlights include a collaboration with China's leading art institute, the Central Academy of Art (CAFA), showcasing the works of eight alumni, all spread throughout the vast sculpture park. If you're looking to know more about the inspiration for the sculptures on display, you can grab a bean bag and hear directly from the artists every Saturday and Sunday. But, with so many sculptures to feast your eyes on, it can be overwhelming — and you want to make sure not to overlook the best of the bunch. Here are five sculptures to keep a look out for while you take that famed Sydney walk. [caption id="attachment_694145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Van der Jagt[/caption] COOL SHIT: DAMIEN HIRST LOOKING FOR SHARKS UK artist Cool Shit (the nom de plume of David Glass) has created a large-scale inflatable snorkeler as a parody of artist Damien Hirst — it reference's Hirst's quest for the tiger shark that made him one of the most iconic postmodern British artists of his time. Hirst caught the shark off of Queensland's Hervey Bay back in the 1990s, preserved it with formaldehyde and sold it as a sculpture in 2004 for some $12 million. Glass' work is a comment on the commercialism of Hirst's work, titled The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, which Glass feels was more a hunt for millions than for art. The inflatable sculpture is mainly air and the outer sheath is made of hundreds of hand-painted fabrics. [caption id="attachment_694147" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Van der Jagt[/caption] BARBARA LICHA: CBD Made of stainless steel bars and galvanised wire and mesh, CBD is a striking representation of the Sydney city centre, created by Polish-born Aussie artist Barbara Licha. She aims to bring attention to the structural beauty of our city and how we are connected not just to others but also to the place we live. This sculpture is full of movement and uses geometrical shapes to depict this intersection between people and place. It explores architecture as more than just a means to building houses, towns and cities but also as a form of art that connects us to our surroundings. [caption id="attachment_694175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlotte Curd[/caption] MU BOYAN: HORIZON A three-metre-tall fleshy figure has really stolen the show this year as the most recognisable sculpture of the bunch. Mu Boyan's Horizon rests on the south Bondi headland at Marks Park and its towering stature is markedly contrasted by its peaceful pose. According to Boyan, the Buddha-like figure is an invitation to sit alongside it and empty your mind. A meditative force to be reckoned with, the sculpture is one-of-eight works in collaboration with Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts. [caption id="attachment_694174" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] PENELOPE FORLANO: COUNTERPOINTS WA artist Penelope Forlano directly responded to the Bondi coastline in her sculpture Counterpoints, creating a work that is familiar yet contrasting to the natural surrounds. She began by focusing on the dynamic flow of the waves against the Hawkesbury sandstone — which once connected Australia to Antarctica 300-million years ago. The sculpture is reminiscent of both a water droplet and stone spearhead, the latter of which is meant to connect to nearby Aboriginal engravings. It is a shape that at once fits in and stands out, echoing both the enduring and ephemeral aspects of nature. [caption id="attachment_694168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] ALESSANDRA ROSSI: CAIRNS Referencing human-made piles of stones that have been created by cultures around the globe for centuries, Cairns uses opaque and mirrored perspex to reflect light on its surrounds. Visit it during different times of the day and you'll find yourself bathed in shimmering hues of red, pink, orange and blue. The impermanence of this light also helps convey a dichotomy between the temporary and the enduring, which is also reflected by the ocean — its ebbing waves and its surrounding solid rocks. The three pieces are by Italian artist Alessandra Rossi, who has also exhibited across Australia. Sculpture by the Sea runs until November 4. For more info, visit sculpturebythesea.com. Top image: Trent van der Jagt
Chronicling encroaching maturity: it's the ambit of so many coming-of-age features that the idea has become its own cliche. With Boyhood, writer/director Richard Linklater takes the concept a step further — and though his method isn't unique, even to his own work courtesy of his Before trilogy, the film that results is. His portrait of growing up charts twelve years, shooting over the same period. Mason (Ellar Coltrane) is introduced staring at the sky, a six-year-old bundle of daydream-fuelled introversion and mischievous curiosity. He spars with his older sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater), traverses the life dictated by the choices of his mother (Patricia Arquette) and wishes for more time with his father (Ethan Hawke). The years pass, and over the movie's 165 minutes, Mason evolves from a child into a man. Most movies mark the process of becoming an adult through major milestones, but Boyhood reflects upon quieter moments. Linklater doesn't follow an overarching narrative, apart from Mason's ageing and his mother's romantic and career changes. The big developments are largely inconsequential, excised in favour of everyday ephemera. It is in the spaces between — as Mason tests boundaries and forms his own identity, whether playing in the park, camping with his dad, passing notes with a pretty girl, having his first drink or finding an affinity for photography — that the film lingers. That's the key to Boyhood — the minutiae of getting older, by virtue of avoiding the usual contrivances of impending adulthood, always feels authentic and relatable. Mason's tale isn't just his own but belongs to everyone who was once a child navigating difficulties mundane in their ordinariness but influential in their individual impact, whether recently or remembered in a wave of nostalgia. In keeping with his layered storytelling, Linklater's filmmaking is unobtrusive, stitching together the familiar with finesse — pop culture references and all. His camera is enamoured with Mason, and though divorcing the time-conscious technique from the story is impossible, every image does more than capture a character ambling towards the age of 18. The intimate and unembellished slices of a young life each visual offers appear aesthetically and narratively drawn from reality, even as the constructed nature of the film remains apparent. Coltrane, of course, is the centerpiece of Boyhood, the figure upon which everything hangs. Calling his performance naturalistic states the obvious, but his ability to convey Mason's blossoming into a smart, sensitive young adult cements the film as truly special. Linklater took a risk on an ambitious way to relate an oft-told tale, and in his newcomer lead and career-best turns from Arquette and Hawke, he succeeds. And then there's another feat that can't be overlooked — starting a film with Coldplay's 'Yellow' and still making a masterpiece. https://youtube.com/watch?v=b70esOwsOf4
For as long as most Brisbanites can remember, the CBD's riverside stretch has been synonymous with bland buildings and an always-busy expressway — but that's changing. Popping up amid the hustle, bustle and boring concrete is the city's newest luxury hotel, W Brisbane is bringing a touch of ultra glam to the northern bank of the river. First announced last year as part of the chain's return to Australia, and originally set to launch in March, the hotel is now open on North Quay between the Victoria and Kurilpa bridges. The five-star spot boasts a view across the water to the Queensland Museum, the State Library of Queensland and the Gallery of Modern Art. And that's just the first of many features that might entice locals to book a staycation. Others include 312 designer rooms decked out with ten-gallon drum baths and in-suite cocktail stations, an onsite spa, and a fourth-level deck that includes an eye-catching pool, an adjacent bar and a barbecue area. While the overall look of the place takes inspiration from its location, with design agency Nic Graham & Associates working to the theme of "a river dreaming", W Brisbane's other main highlight actually springs from down south. As revealed a couple of months back, the hotel is home to Queensland's first Three Blue Ducks restaurant. A 150-seat space with views over the river, it'll serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with the kitchen overseen by chefs Mark LaBrooy, Darren Robertson and Andy Allen. On the menu: Ducks' signature dishes such as spanner crab scramble, old favourites including congee with pulled pork and hay smoked salmon kedgeree, and new additions like fermented chilli glazed chicken. Plus, as well as its hefty number of places to take a kip — including 28 suites, two extra-luxe spaces that've been dubbed "Wow Suites" and one "Extreme Wow Suite" — W Brisbane also features 1100 square metres of function space. Expect the hotel to become the city's new business go-to. And, of course, Brissie's new riverside hangout as well. Find W Brisbane at 81 North Quay, Brisbane. For more information about the hotel, or to make a reservation, visit the W Brisbane website. For further details about Three Blue Ducks, head to the restaurant's website.
Odd Culture Group's beloved theatre pub The Old Fitz is a pint-sized gem of a classic Sydney boozer, but because of its petite proportions, its al fresco dining and drinking areas are essential to its daily operations. However, despite these outdoor spaces being so important to the venue's success — and during a period when hospitality businesses across the city are struggling to cope with soaring overheads and reduced patronage — the City of Sydney has slashed The Old Fitz's outdoor licence, meaning it can now only cater to outdoor customers until 8pm. This will greatly reduce the maximum number of customers during The Old Fitz's dinner service. It also means the pub's pool room, where its outdoor furniture is usually stored overnight, will be inaccessible to punters from 8pm. In an Instagram post, Odd Culture Group CEO James Thorpe explained the sudden and unexpected circumstances behind the reduction to The Old Fitz's licence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Old Fitzroy (@theoldfitz) "Our licence to operate in our beautiful al fresco dining area has been reduced to 8pm, despite our long-standing approval of nearly 20 years to operate until 10pm along Dowling Street. This was done without any consultation with us, in response to the complaint of a neighbouring premises. We only learnt of the existence of this complaint on Friday, and the venue has received no compliance correspondence from the council in over three years. We are saddened that the council have chosen not to work with us, or indeed even offer us procedural fairness, instead choosing to silently wind back our hours," the statement reads. Thorpe went on to reveal that in his attempts to resolve the matter, council officials indicated that the licence reduction may have been pushed through in error. "I have had several conversations with people at the council since Friday, many of whom have indicated that this decision was made in error. However, as it has managed to slip through to a determination, our only recourse is to put in an application and wait. Our last renewal took just over five weeks from submission to approval," he explained. In an attempt to put pressure on the City of Sydney to swiftly resolve the dispute, The Old Fitz has created a petition, so the venue's many loyal customers can amplify calls to have the outdoor dining licence restored. At the time of publication of this article, more than 830 signatures had been added. One prominent figure also adding their voice to this cause is Sydney Mayor Clover Moore, who took to her official Instagram account to call for a speedy resolution. "When this outcome came to my attention I asked staff to expedite a review and work productively with the Old Fitz to resolve the matter. I'm advised there were some compliance issues, hence the Council officers' initial recommendation. But I'm sure it's not beyond us all to work this out," Moore's statement reads. It goes on: "In the wake of the Covid pandemic, we wanted to do everything we could to help businesses get back on their feet while bringing communities together and that's why we waived all fees and fast-tracked road conversion applications, helping more than 700 businesses operate out in our public spaces. The Old Fitz is one location where we have even extended the footpath into the road space to make for a larger and more pleasant space." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clover Moore AO (@clovermoore) Dozens of hospitality businesses across Greater Sydney — including Bentley Group's multiaward-winning fine diner Cirrus, iconic Paddington pub The Unicorn Hotel and Maybe Sammy Group's CBD cafe Sammy Junior — have been forced to close in recent months. Climbing produce costs, a reduction in customers due to cost-living pressures and increases to certain overheads such as insurance premiums have been cited as the primary drivers behind the unusually high rash of closures.
Father's Day is a time to treat the father figure in your life. Whether you're celebrating with your dad, the father of your kids, or a treasured paternal figure — you don't want to roll out the same grooming kit or funny socks for yet another year. Usually, you could take your dad to a nice restaurant and make his day with a tasty meal and a drink of choice, but this year, with Sydneysiders stuck inside, it's time to get a bit more inventive. We've put together a list of all the tasty treats you can order for your dad to replicate a top-notch meal out this Father's Day, because even though you can't celebrate in person, you can still put a smile on his face. FEASTS If your dad loves a big meal, there are plenty of options on hand to surprise him from fine dining to solid pub feeds. For the father that's a connoisseur of French cuisine, CBD bistro Restaurant Hubert is offering luxe at-home banquets featuring some of its most popular menu items. Spoil dad with pork terrine wrapped in pastry, roasted snails with XO butter and confit mushroom with peppercorn sauce. Josh Niland's sustainable Fish Butchery is also serving up next-level lockdown meals. For Father's Day, you can order coral trout with Café De Paris butter and chips alongside corn polenta and a salad of grilled fennel, gordal green olives, green garlic and anchovies. Be quick as they're both sure to sell out. If yum cha is a Father's Day tradition in your house, Palace Sydney isn't letting lockdown stop you from sending dad all his faves. The Sydney institution has a far-reaching menu including a huge yum cha selection available for takeaway and delivery throughout Sydney. If the dad in your life is more of a roast man, luckily, The Taphouse are continuing their famed Sunday roast every weekend during lockdown which comes with either roast beef, crispy pork skin or a vegan loaf, as well as gravy and yorkshire pudding. Beloved burger joint Pub Life Kitchen has just reopened too, offering pub classics like steaks, schnitzels and chilli prawn spaghetti, as well as, of course, burgers. You can even send your dad a DIY Pub Life burger box so that he's still the grill master this Father's Day. [caption id="attachment_823489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Renata Brak[/caption] HAMPERS Treat dad with a hamper full of all of his favourite things. Chippendale's Handpicked Wines will pair a selection of wines and cheese and send them out with same-day delivery available to anyone within 25-kilometres of Sydney's CBD. If you're looking for a meatier hamper, Polart Sydney has put together The Hunter's Feast, a collection of Polish smallgoods including veal parowki, kransky sausages, bigos, bread, mustard and chocolates. Or, if your dad likes to get a little fancy, the Sheraton Grand is delivering at-home high tea and charcuterie packages packed with tomato mushroom arancini with truffle aioli, Moreton Bay bug quiches and scones, or cured meats, cheese, pickles, dried fruit and dips. SWEETS If you come from a household of sweet tooths, Sydney's got plenty of sugary treats on-hand for Father's Day. Black Star Pastry has taken the hard work out of deciding what cake to get dad with its All Star Tasting Box featuring a selection of its best cakes. It's also just dropped a collaboration with cocktail bar PS40 with a set of cake-inspired cocktails perfect for the dad that's partial to both a sugary dessert and an old fashioned. Koko Black is also coming prepared for Father's Day with a range of chocolate-heavy gifts tailored for dads, from chocolate-covered almonds and hot cocoa plus Koko Black's own chocolatey beer. Or, for a quick takeaway drop-off treat, swing past Lukumades in Windsor or Chippendale for some tasty Greek doughnuts. COFFEE If dad's been scraping at the bottom of the same jar of instant coffee for months now, maybe it's time you help him level-up his coffee game. Plenty of local roasters have their own beans so you can get your dad a thoughtful gift while supporting small businesses. Campos is offering the Superior Father's Day Blend. The limited-time coffee is just the brand's popular Superior Blend but with a dad joke on the packet and a free stubbie holder, so we very much approve. Sydney cafes Circa Espresso, Mecca and Single O all have their own ranges of beans, grinds and pods with fast delivery on offer to Sydneysiders, and Sample Coffee has a coffee subscription service so you can ensure dad's stocked up on caffeine all year round. Plus, Mecca has a whole range of coffee gear including Aeropresses, grinders and a potable pod coffee maker with Mecca pods. BOOZE Celebrate dad with a bottle of champagne, a bottled cocktail or a nice craft brew. P&V Merchants has a huge range of natty wines, local beers and small-batch spirits. Introduce your dad to Philter's new hazy pale ale, Sigurd's red blend wine or Range Life's fizzy pet nat if he's a bit more adventurous. Even better, P&V offers same-day or next-day delivery to Sydney locals in case you've left your gift-buying until the last minute. Those looking for something slightly more orthodox can turn to Winona Wine and Annandale Cellars who both have free delivery services for Sydneysiders, or award-winning cocktail bar Maybe Sammy, which is delivering 500-millilitre bottles jasmine negroni, eucalyptus gimlet and chamomile martini. Top image: Nastia Gladushchenk
You may have noticed there’s that Parramatta has a cool subcontinental culture thing going on. For the last few years it’s handing over the streets for a few days to its rich South Asian heritage during Parramasala. Festival favourites the Bombay Royale return for opening night Bollywood Block Party alongside MC Kamahl, drummers Naadro, live light shows and the highly-edible Masala Markets. During the festival Ansuya Nathan’s Long Live the King ties Elvis to comedy and migration, while Indian Ink mixes the Taj Mahal in with corner stores in Krishnan’s Diary. Former local girl Susheela Raman returns from London to bring her high-speed, hybrid rhythms to the Sydney stage and South Asian Film in Focus runs the cinematic gamut from documentary to romance. All through the weekend the outdoor stage in Town Hall Square brings a pretty much non-stop program of entertainment in the from of comedy, film and music. Run your eyes over the full schedule here.
There aren't many spots in the city catering to both the pre-work and post-work crowd, but the newly renovated Kahii is hoping to do just that. It's extended its offering beyond speciality tea, coffee, sandwiches and pastries to a French-inspired evening wine and snack menu. The younger sibling to nearby bar and restaurant Kuro, the newly renamed Kahii Kissaten Bistro is found on Kent Street and named for the Kissaten Japanese coffeehouses in Japan. A Kissaten is traditionally a vintage-themed cafe, with a strong emphasis on coffee, socialising and small bites — something the owners are paying homage to in this decidedly sleek and modern take on the theme. This small but perfectly formed space now boasts a breakfast, lunch and evening snack menu. You can wile away the morning with a coffee, matcha and croissant — and crack into one of the famous katsu or three cheese sandos for lunch. As day transitions to night, Kahii now converts into a bistro with a largely French wine menu carefully constructed by their in-house head sommelier and a menu of small bites created by Kuro. Snacks include appellation rock oysters, confit salmon with herb tofu and seared kingfish sashimi — or for something heartier, Kuro fried chicken and wagyu steak with crispy potatoes. The owners are hoping the new chapter of Kahii provides a slick and relaxed space for punters to have a break during the day or unwind before going home. Kahii Kissaten Bistro can be found in the lobby of 364 Kent Street, and is now open from 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday, with the bistro open 5pm 'til late, Tuesday to Saturday.
Love a party? How about one filled with drag queens, dance-worthy tunes, copious snacks and ice-cold bevvies? Then, surely you've been to The Imperial in Erskineville? Ever since it reopened its doors, with nods to its Priscilla, Queen of the Desert glory days, it's been the inner west's go-to for flamboyant fun. And now, brightening up the bar even more, is a one-off party by Jägermeister and Aussie designer Poppy Lissiman, who is known for her avant-garde (and very fun) accessories. Celebrating the pair's recent collaboration, this shindig is going to be one colourful, glitzy and OTT evening. It's all going down on Thursday, February 13, from 6.30–11.30pm at The Imperial Basement — the pub's live performance and dance space. There'll be plenty of boogying, with DJs, including New York artist Lord Fascinator, playing a range of fabulous tracks, as well as drag queens strutting their stuff, modelling the new range of extravagant Poppy Lissiman x Jägermeister sunglasses. So expect a wild, wonderful night ahead of you, should you get your mitts on this prize. Not only will you and your crew get into the exclusive party, but you'll also get Jäger-based cocktails, plus select wines, beers and cider as part of the deal. And, to keep your stomach lined, there'll be a 'Gothic grazing board', featuring charcuterie, cheeses, spicy chicken, dips and breads. For sweets, think doughnuts, cakes and Jäger truffle balls. Best of all? You'll cop a sweet pair of Poppy Lissiman x Jägermeister sunnies. If you miss out, don't despair — we've got prizes for four runners up, too. You won't cop a new pair of shades, but you will get into the party with five of your mates, plus booze, snacks and boogie times galore. Wanna check it out? See details below to enter. [competition]757579[/competition]
Keen to get your culture kicks after dark? Want to welcome the weekend with incredible art, live DJ sets, creative workshops and front row-seats to Vivid Sydney? At the Museum of Contemporary Art, you can do all that via its MCA Late program. The best bit? It's free to enter. MCA Late will take place on Fridays throughout June, with a fresh lineup of acts popping up at the beloved cultural institution. The Sounds on the Terrace music program will take over the rooftop with an impressive lineup of musicians including Handsome, Astronafrica and Narae who'll be bringing blissful beats to the breezy sky-high stage. It's not just music that you can enjoy — there are workshops, panel discussions and live performances aplenty, too. You can catch a spoken word and musical performance by Ayeesha Ash and a dance performance by Suara Indonesia Dance Group at the venue on June 17. Want to get your hands dirty? Try a clay-based workshop led by Ebony Russell on June 24. Here, you'll use plaster casts to create 3D constructions inspired by Mason Kimber's work in the MCA Collection: Perspectives on place exhibition. Then, you can take home for firing or deconstruct them for future clay exploration. Keen to head along? Make sure you book your tickets to secure your spot. Love a thought-provoking talk? Join Amy Claire Mills, Sue Jo Wright and Eugenie Lee for an artist panel discussion on June 17 or catch an artist talk with Bonita Ely on June 24. [caption id="attachment_857046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chela, MCA Late: Sounds on the Terrace, 21 May 2022, photograph: Joseph Mayers[/caption] While you're there, check out MCA Collection: Perspectives on place or discover something new at the visiting exhibitions. MCA Late is the ideal way for culture lovers to welcome the weekend. For more information and to check out the full program, visit the website. Top images: Emuri, MCA Late: Sounds on the Terrace, 27 May 2022, photograph: Lexi Laphor; Muggera, MCA Late, 8 April 2022, photograph: Ash Penin; Violin performance by Skye Mc Nicol, MCA Late, 2022, photograph: David Collins; The role of the artist in public life: A panel discussion presented as part of the UK/Australia Season, MCA Late, 2022, photograph: David Collins; Tactile Workshop: Working with clay led by Ebony Russell, MCA Late, 2022, photograph: Joseph Mayers; and Queer PowerPoint, MCA Late, 15 May 2022, photograph: Ash Penin.
It was true when Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope hit cinema screens more than four decades ago, and it's still true now. If there's one thing everyone knows about the sci-fi world created by George Lucas, it's that it doesn't unveil its secrets quickly. All of these years later, viewers are still watching the space opera saga's twists and turns in episodic big-screen instalments (and will soon be doing so on the small screen, too). If you've been keeping an eye out for news about Disney's new dedicated Star Wars theme park zones, it's been a somewhat similar process. Of course, the force is strong with this overall idea. Yes, we've definitely got a good feeling about it as well. Soon, Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World in Florida will both boast dedicated Star Wars-themed zones, called Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. With the two set to open between the middle and the end of 2019, Disney has slowly been sharing a few more details about what fans can expect. Last year, boozy watering hole Oga's Cantina was announced. It'll be part of both spaces, bringing alcohol to the California park for the first time. Then, Star Wars aficionados learned about both Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The former will put you in the driver's seat of Han Solo's beloved ship, while the latter will see you caught in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Now, the company has started spilling the details on the outpost of Batuu, which is where Galaxy's Edge is set. It's a hive for smugglers and rogues (naturally), and it's where you'll be wandering around when you're not exclaiming "punch it" a whole heap, trying to become best buddies with a loveable wookiee and hopping onto a star destroyer. Specifically, visitors will be getting cosy in the Batuu village of Black Spire Outpost — and there's plenty to keep everyone occupied. If you're a hands-on type, you can construct your own R2-D2 or BB-8-style droids, which you can then take home with you. You'll also be able to build your own unique lightsaber, and take a few Jedi lessons so you know how to use it. Or, pick up Resistance or First Order supplies, or look for rare goods from a galaxy far, far away (if you haven't noticed, most of these attractions involve purchasing some merchandise or a keepsake, because of course they do). When you're not giving your Star Wars skills and your wallet a workout, you'll also be able to enjoy the finest spread that Black Spire Outpost has to offer. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo takes the form of a multi-purpose transport shuttle docked in a hangar, and is basically an intergalactic food truck, with 'Smoked Kaadu Ribs' (aka pork ribs) and 'Ithorian Garden Loaf' (aka a plant-based meatloaf alternative) on the menu. At Ronto Roasters, spit meats will be on cooked up on a recycled podracing engine, while Kat Saka's Kettle will sell street food snacks. And then there's the Milk Stand, the go-to place for both blue and green milk. Galaxy's Edge was first made public back in 2015, will span 14 acres at each site and will prove the biggest single-themed expansion the respective parks have ever seen. The guiding concept behind both spots is to "transport guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life." And, to give this interactive experience the requisite soundtrack, it'll also feature new Star Wars music by the man behind its iconic score, aka Oscar-winning composer John Williams. More details are certain to come to light before Galaxy's Edge opens, but expect both location to tie into all ten Star Wars movies to date and to feature an array of beloved characters roaming around. Eventually, visitors to Disney World will also be able to spend a night or several in an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel as well, although construction hasn't started yet and an opening date hasn't been announced either. That said, Disney recently revealed that a visit to the hotel will involve boarding a launch pod and taking part in "a fully-immersive, multi-day Star Wars adventure aboard a luxury starship", with high-end dining and cabins that apparently have a space view all part of your stay. Via Disney Theme Parks Blog. Images: Disney Theme Parks Blog.
The inner west is a colourful place. The area has a vibrant community and is a hub for many Sydney creatives. So, it's no surprise, really, that the Inner West Council is throwing a neighbourhood arts festival this winter. After the success of EDGE GreenWay earlier this year, the council's 2019 EDGE program is celebrating local creatives once again ‚ this time in Sydenham. The suburb's creative hub is set to embrace the dark of winter with two weekends of art and performance. So, get ready to explore the area in a new and daring light. EDGE Sydenham will host a bunch of events over the weekend of August 2–4. That includes a huge opening night on Friday, August 2 with a bunch of multi-sensory exhibitions, giant light projections and street art that explore everything from a sustainable future to Sydenham's industrial history. That weekend will also feature festival highlight EDGE Creative Trails: a winding art trail across 41 galleries, studios and artist-run initiatives. Once you've had your fill of art, you can get into silent short films and live music from an improvising orchestra. There'll be a bunch of emerging artists fusing sustainable art and electronica, too. The festival's jam-packed program culminates the following Saturday, August 10 with a huge evening event at Sydenham Green. From 4–10.30pm, the skate park will be transformed into an electronic wonderland, with roller derby, food trucks and The Fire Garden that will be lit up with fire-based installations, live music and camp fires. Rounding out the festivities will be a fire-fuelled finale that will warm up the night's sky, kicking off as the sun goes down. EDGE Sydenham will take place over two weekends between Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 10. Catch the festival's full lineup here. Image: Grant Robinson
On the page and on the screen, audiences know what's in store when Sydney-born and -based author Liane Moriarty's name is attached to a book or TV series. Domestic disharmony within comfortable communities fuels her tales, as do twisty mystery storylines. When they hit streaming, the shows based on her novels add in starry casts as well. Indeed, after Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, it might come as a shock that Nicole Kidman (Expats) is nowhere to be found in Apples Never Fall, which drops its seven episodes via Binge in Australia and TVNZ+ in New Zealand from Thursday, March 14. The Australian actor will be back in another adaptation of Moriarty's tomes, also with a three-word title, with The Last Anniversary currently in the works. Fresh from an Oscar nomination for Nyad, Annette Bening is no mere stand-in right now. Where Kidman has co-starred with Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show), Laura Dern (The Son) and Alexander Skarsgård (Mr & Mrs Smith), and also Melissa McCarthy (The Little Mermaid), Michael Shannon (The Flash) and Luke Evans (Good Grief), Bening is joined by Sam Neill (The Twelve), Alison Brie (Somebody I Used to Know) and Jake Lacy (A Friend of the Family). If Lacy's involvement brings The White Lotus to mind, he's again at home playing affluent and arrogant — but no one is on holiday in Apples Never Fall. Rather, in West Palm Beach, the tennis-obsessed Delaney family finds their well-off existence shattered when matriarch Joy (Bening) goes missing, leaving just a banged-up and blood-splattered bicycle, a strewn-about basket of apples and her mobile phone behind. Her adult children Troy (Lacy), Amy (Brie), Logan (Conor Merrigan Turner, Thai Cave Rescue) and Brooke (Essie Randles, The Speedway Murders) are worried, while husband Stan (Neill) first advises that his spouse is merely ill, a choice that does nothing to stop suspicion rocketing his way. In addition to charting the search for Joy, the Queensland-shot Apples Never Fall bounces through ample backstory. After its introductory instalment, each episode focuses on one of the family; across them all, the timeline is split into "then" and "now". It soon becomes apparent that the doting Joy and determined Stan were talented players, then established the Delaney Tennis Academy when his aspirations were cruelled by injury, and she sidelined hers to support him and have their kids. The entire quartet of offspring all pursued the sport, too, but not to the glory that the quick-tempered Stan always wanted for the Delaney name. The closest that he got was via a former pupil (Giles Matthey, Invitation to Murder) who went on to win grand slams long after Stan was his coach. Only months before Joy's disappearance, the couple retired, an adjustment that neither is taking to blissfully. Credited more than once by her children with saving them, Joy believed that she'd be able to become an even bigger presence in their lives when she had an influx of spare time. None are overly obliging. Raking in cash as a venture capitalist, and also divorcing the wife that his family all adored, Troy is busy — plus simmering with years of anger over his strained relationship with his dad. The new age-leaning Amy is struggling to ascertain where she fits in, with a string of different jobs and courses to her name as she rents a sharehouse from a guy in his 20s (Nate Mann, Masters of the Air). Logan now prefers working at a marina and doing yoga to the Delaney obsession, yet can't bring himself to skip town away from his relatives with his partner (Pooja Shah, Escape the Night). And Brooke has a post-tennis physical therapy service that's lacking clients, and is also having doubts about marrying her restaurateur fiancée (Paula Andrea Placido, The L Word: Generation Q). Another person looms large over the narrative: Savannah (Georgia Flood, Blacklight), who graces the Delaneys' doorstep fleeing from domestic abuse, or so she claims. Seeking shelter for the night swiftly turns into virtually moving in. Joy loves her company but her brood is sceptical about the newcomer's motives. As a result, what's happened to Joy isn't the sole question lingering over Apples Never Fall. Neither is why Stan is being so cagey and erratic about where she is and what he knows. Both through Savannah's easy immersion into the family, and also when the four Delaney kids only realise over lunch that their mother might've vanished — coming to that conclusion because none have heard from her, after each of them ignored her most-recent calls — it also sparks queries about this supposedly close-knit clan's seemingly perfect facade. That's also Moriarty's remit, unpacking lives that appear idyllic, only to prove a stark reality that everyone should know: that absolutely no one's is. It's also a whodunnit staple, given that nothing exposes cracks and flaws within the bonds of blood like the possibility that a murder could've occurred from within. Apples Never Fall has the right title for that train of thought, thanks to the proverb that its moniker is taken from. The show isn't pointing its fingers at Joy's children, though, but delving into the idea that how we see and interact with the world ripples downwards through families. Although obvious, the concept underscores a series where baggage and its pain are as inescapable as balls flung from an automatic machine. That Apples Never Fall's opening episode features apples literally falling demonstrates its willingness to make easy, overt and predictable choices; it isn't plot or thematic surprises that make this engaging viewing, but the performances that go with them. While showrunner Melanie Marnich (A Murder at the End of the World) frequently sticks with tropes, and with exposition-delivering dialogue as well — especially from the two detectives (Hightown's Jeanine Serralles and Sweet Tooth's Dylan Thuraisingham) on the case — the portrayals that populate the series are layered and grounding. There's nothing that astonishes among the show's character types, either; however, Apples Never Fall is well-aware that tropes and archetypes become just that because they spring from truth over and over. Accordingly, as set within a Florida-residing clan where tennis has always dictated the pace, the latest Moriarty-based page-to-screen effort fills its frames with figures who make expected moves — unshakeably so — while also examining why that's the outcome. As the Gold Coast, Brisbane's Queensland Art Gallery and more stand in for America, the minutiae is equally familiar, spanning unfulfilled dreams, weighty pressures, nagging resentments and taking people for granted, alongside envy, infidelity, and endeavouring to forge a sense of identity beyond the notion enforced by birth or marriage. From Bening in exceptional form as a woman coming to terms with everything that she's sacrificed to fit wife and mother roles, Neill also digging through haunting regrets, and Brie and Lacy in particular fleshing out parts that could've remained one-note in other hands, this cast is up to the task of cutting to the heart of this tale and its crucial relationships, and of Moriarty's recurrent fixations. The title is right: these apples never fall far from the author's template, but Apples Never Fall still makes for intriguing and quickly bingeable viewing. Check out the trailer for Apples Never Fall below: Apples Never Fall streams via Binge in Australia and TVNZ+ in New Zealand from Thursday, March 14. Images: Vince Valitutti and Jasin Boland/PEACOCK.
With gathering and venue restrictions in place following Victoria's recent almost two-week lockdown, and Greater Sydney and southeast Queensland both currently in lockdown, it's currently a tricky time to host Australia's biggest film festival. The Melbourne International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, August 5, and announced its full 2021 program back in mid-July; however, responding to the reality both in the city and nationwide at present, it's making some considerable changes to its format. In 2020, the event was forced to go digital due to the pandemic — a development that's part of this year's lineup, too, but in conjunction with physical screenings in Melbourne and Victorian cinemas. Initially, in-person sessions were set to span the festival's first week or so, before the event closed up online. Now, MIFF has announced that it's flipping that order and expanding its virtual component. Accordingly, for the full duration of the festival, MIFF will screen more than 90 features and a range of short films via its online platform MIFF Play. They'll be available to not only to Melbourne viewers, but to cinephiles Australia-wide, which'll make for handy viewing for those under stay-at-home conditions. Last year's jump to digital resulted in MIFF's biggest festival yet, audience-wise, in fact — and this year's online selection will now start the fest with 2021 Sundance hit CODA, a coming-of-age story about the daughter of adults who are deaf, which is also an English-language remake of French feature The Bélier Family. Which other movies will be added to the online lineup haven't yet been revealed, but MIFF has announced a number of new titles that'll screen in cinemas between Thursday, August 12–Sunday, August 22. That's when Melburnians will be able to see this year's Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or -winner Titane, which saw French filmmaker Julia Ducournau (Raw) become only the second female filmmaker to win the coveted prize. Also headed to MIFF straight from the prestigious fest: romantic-comedy The Worst Person in the World from director Joachim Trier (Thelma, Oslo, August 31st); JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass, a Donald Sutherland- and Whoopi Goldberg-narrated documentary from Oliver Stone; and Abdullah Mohammad Saad's Rehana Maryam Noor, the first film from Bangladesh to officially screen at Cannes. During the physical portion of the program, Leah Purcell's exceptional The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson will still take the opening night slot, just on Thursday, August 12. Due to gathering limits, MIFF will also screen the feature at a range of other venues, including The Astor Theatre, The Sun Theatre, Pentridge Cinema, Lido Cinema and CBD venues. The fest's already-announced lineup still remains in place, which means that Melburnians can also look forward to seeing Adam Driver-starring musical Annette; Memoria, which features Tilda Swinton in Cemetery of Splendour filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's English-language debut; and Bergman Island, the Tim Roth and Mia Wasikowska-starring latest title from Mia Hansen-Løve (Things to Come). Other highlights include No Sudden Move, Steven Soderbergh's crime flick with Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro and Jon Hamm, and Pig, which sees Nicolas Cage play a truffle hunter (yes, really). The 2021 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 22 — screening online for the festival's entire duration, and playing at a variety of venues around Melbourne from Thursday, August 12–Sunday, August 22. For further details, visit the MIFF website.
One of Sydney's most exciting (and tastiest) times of the year is nearly upon us. Good Food Month 2019 kicks off on October 1 and, man, does the program look good. This year, the month-long celebration of all things food features dinner with legendary French chef Alain Passard, a pop-up sushi restaurant by a top Tokyo chef and an all-vegan feast at Mary's Underground, to name a very few. If you truly want to make the month special, book yourself into a staycation at the new West Hotel on Sussex Street, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Situated in Barangaroo, this luxurious hotel has you perfectly situated to check out all of the happenings around town — and it means you won't have to go far once the inevitable food coma hits. [caption id="attachment_639920" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Letícia Almeida[/caption] WANDER THROUGH THE NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS There is no more quintessential Good Food Month experience than a food-fuelled stroll through the Night Noodle Markets. It'll again take over Hyde Park for eight full nights from October 11–18. Expect a tasty assortment of bites from more than 40 street food stalls, along with a program of performers, live acts and DJs. This year's instalment features Thai-inspired Gelato Messina, Filipino barbecue by Hoy Pinoy, roasted pork belly and egg custard bao from Wonderbao, yakisoba fried noodles by Teppanyaki Noodles, and plenty more to be discovered. Find all the details and menus here. [caption id="attachment_736325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Little Felix by Nikki To[/caption] CHECK OUT THE NEW OPENINGS IN THE IVY PRECINCT Hospitality giant Merivale is having a big year, having announced in June that it'll open four CBD venues in the second half of 2019, all four in the group's Ivy Precinct. Already up and running is Little Felix, a 60-seat 1920s Paris-inspired cocktail bar and little sister to Ash Street's hatted bistro Felix. Expect 1.5-litre magnums of champagne, old-world cocktails and tartines aplenty. Also set to open around the corner on Angel Place is Ragazzi, a minimal-intervention wine and pasta bar from the crew behind Love, Tilly Devine. Here, a succinct menu of authentic Italian eats will be paired with 250 bottles of carefully chosen wine. [caption id="attachment_721616" align="alignnone" width="1920"] El Loco at Slip Inn[/caption] ENJOY HAPPY HOUR AT ONE OF THE CBD'S BEST BARS Another joy of a CBD staycation is how easy it is to make it to happy hour. Some of Sydney's best bars offer serious bargains during the approximate hours of 4–7pm (depending on the place). The Rook is pouring $8 London dry gins six nights per week; Since I Left You is slinging $6 tinnies, $12 cocktails and live tunes; and El Loco at Slip Inn is serving up $10 margarita slushies and $5 tacos — and has the added benefit of being just one block from West Hotel. Lucky for you, every bar on this list is within a 15-minute walk, too, so it's too easy to hit any one of them before or after your Good Food Month event. Short on time? Solander Bar, in your hotel, has its own daily happy hour, too, from 5–7pm offering spritzes for $12 and beer, wine and sparkling for just $8 a glass. [caption id="attachment_738976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Title Barangaroo[/caption] JAZZ UP YOUR HOME COOKING WITH A NEW COOKBOOK If eating all of this inspiring food makes you want to jazz up your home cooking game, it's about time to nab a new cookbook. Sydney is home to heaps of gorgeous bookshops with plenty to choose from, whether you're after celebrity chef cooking or more local talent. We recommend keeping an eye out for Josh Niland's (Saint Peter) The Whole Fish, which was just released in September. You'll find Title Barangaroo next door to West Hotel — it offers a massive collection, and you won't need to walk far in order to drop your purchases off. Other favourites include George Street's Kinokuniya, Darlinghurst's Ariel Booksellers and Paddington's Berkelouw. [caption id="attachment_739712" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kings Cross Organic Markets by Harriet Davidson[/caption] PERUSE THE WEEKLY MARKETS FOR SOME LOCAL FOOD INSPIRATION Once you've picked out a new recipe to try, it's time to hit up a few fresh food market to nab some top-notch produce and inspiration. Start nearby at The Rocks Friday Markets, which are on each week from 9am–3pm. Here, you'll find handmade, dried, baked, whipped and roasted products from local makers, along with handmade chocolates and prepared lunches to feast on. Lovers of healthy food should head to the Kings Cross Organic Market, which takes over the Fitzroy Gardens each Saturday and Sunday. And The Entertainment Quarter precinct hosts a weekly farmers market on Wednesdays, too. TAKE A PASTA OR PIZZA MAKING CLASS IN CIRCULAR QUAY Popular Italian restaurant chain Salt Meats Cheese expanded its empire into the CBD when it opened inside Circular Quay's Gateway dining precinct back in 2017. But the venue isn't just about stuffing your face with pizza and sipping cocktails on the rooftop at the group's recently opened Bar Ombre. This iteration of the SMC brand also lets you get your hands dirty and learn a few tricks-of-the-trade — hosting regular cooking classes throughout the year. Choose from a variety of workshops, including Italian bread making, calzone and pizza masterclasses and a heap of pastas courses — think handmade gnocchi, chewy tagliatelle and pesto fettuccine. For a full list of events, head here. [caption id="attachment_685674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Topa by Nikki To[/caption] BRUSH UP ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF FAMOUS AUSSIE CHEFS Since you'll likely be spending time this month tasting the creations of some of the country's most exciting chefs, you may want to brush up on your celebrity chef knowledge. Look no further than Lee Tran Lam's podcast The Unbearable Lightness of Being Hungry. The lauded food writer has enviable access to many of Australia's best restaurants and chefs, including Josh Niland (Saint Peter), Jordan Toft (Bert's, Bar Topa, Coogee Pavilion) and Hugh Allen (Vue de Monde, Noma). Her podcast is also just an overall joy to listen to if you're a food lover. [caption id="attachment_693460" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Barangaroo Reserve by Destination NSW[/caption] MAKE A PICNIC AND ENJOY IT IN THE SUNSHINE Apart from all of the good food floating around town in October, the month is also sure to see the return of the warm weather. Enjoy a combination of the two by taking a picnic to the park. Barangaroo has plenty of shops worth stopping at if you're looking to create the ultimate picnic basket. Start by picking up supplies from Bel & Brio, a European-style food emporium that offers a bit of everything, from daily baked breads and freshly made paninis to cold pressed juices and an impressive wine cellar. Don't forget to swing by the local outposts of Shortstop and Bourke Street Bakery for doughnuts and pastries before finding a spot at Barangaroo Reserve. TRY ALL THE CHEESE YOU CAN HANDLE AT THIS SPECIALTY SPOT You cannot let Good Food Month pass by without trying out a few artisanal cheeses, and the CBD's GPO Cheese and Wine Room is just the place to do it. This restaurant is a fine dining cheese establishment like no other. Here, you can taste more than 100 varieties of cheese, some of which you've probably never heard of. The seasonal selection ranges from local Australian producers to options from Europe, the US and the UK. We recommend letting the in-house cheese-masters curate a platter, which you can pair with one of 200 wines — or opt for a cheese and wine flight while you're at it. [caption id="attachment_741284" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prince of York by Mitchell Ferris[/caption] DANCE OFF ALL THAT FOOD AT ONE OF THESE BARS A month's worth of food indulgence can take its toll. To keep the party going while burning off some of those extra calories, head to one of Sydney's best bars for a weekend boogie. Just a five minute walk from West Hotel is the newly opened Prince of York. This multi-level venue offers a basement dance hall with a disco ball, giant tequila punch bowls and a 2am licence — and dancing on tables is encouraged. If you're keen to go a bit further afield, head to the dancing mecca that is Oxford Street, where you're sure to have an ace time at Stonewall Hotel, Universal Sydney, Oxford Art Factory and The Cliff Dive. Good Food Month runs through October 2019. Explore all the dining experiences the city has to offer from the convenience of West Hotel Sydney, found on Sussex Street. Top image: Night Noodle Markets by Letícia Almeida.
With a veritable bible of Spanish wines and sherries, Tapavino has spruced up the CBD's traditional tapas offerings. And like the heritage warehouse that now calls owner Frank Dilernia's recent venture home, it's not going anywhere. We began with a glass of the delicious Beronia Tempranillo ($14), a rich, well balanced and big Spanish rioja, as we surveyed the place, nibbling on warm, Spanish olives with padrom pepper ($6). The powerful wooden beams holding up the first floor were impressive, echoing Sydney's industrial past and adding a powerful divide between the horizontal lines of the wine bottle back bar and chequered, chopping board table tops. Our kind waitress assisted us with the menu. She insisted we try the Pata Negra jamon from the jamon bar to our right ($24). The King of Pigs, before its timely execution, was everything a royal bite should be. Swiftly followed by the sweet special lamb ribs, braised in cider ($11) and the mashed broad bean, pea, mint and goat's curd tostado ($12). Wine time again, we opted for the Broquel, a deep Argentian Malbec ($8), and waited for round two. Hungry for more jamon, the house-cut with cauliflower and manchego cheese puffs ($14) took care of any lingering pork cravings before the steak, mushroom, sherry and grape hot pot ($15) sizzled its way to our table complete with nice, flaky pastry. The sea perch, piqullio peppers, egg, potato and sherry mayo, wrapped in paper and sporting a 20 minute wait, was also well worth it ($20). For dessert, a tasty glass of Nectar Pedro Ximenez sherry ($10) could have done the job, but with Sydney's current preoccupation with savoury sweets, we simply couldn't overlook the chocolate terrine, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt ($12). Without a doubt, Tapavino represents everything tapas stands for: eating fine food and drinking even finer wine. So whether you're in the market for one or both, you won't have to look much further.
In an Australian exclusive, Paris's famed Theatre des Bouffes du Nord will come to Sydney Festival to stage a rarely seen one-act play by Chekhov. On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco, one of the earliest plays by the Russian great, will be brought to life with exquisite 19th-century-style costumes by Christian Lacroix and the lauded French comic Michel Robin in the lead role. Performed in French with English surtitles, the play follows the monologue of an old man who begins by lecturing on the effects of smoking but quickly turns to railing against his domineering wife and wasted dreams instead. Robin's sense of comic timing is as sharp as ever and his hilarious performance will be staged with lively musical interludes of Bach, Tchaikovsky and Berio. Home to legendary artistic director Peter Brook for decades, the Theatre des Bouffes du Nord is known worldwide for its engaging and dynamic performances. On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco promises nothing less.
You know the drill. The weekend rolls around and you and your mates end up doing exactly the same thing as last week — or at the very least, something pretty darn close. Sure, you chums are guaranteed to have a blast no matter what you're doing, but maybe it's time to spice up those group hangs (just a tiny bit, okay?). We've found a few perfect ways to do exactly that, from a spot of puppy patting to floating in a salty tank. Book in a friend date and head out of your usual comfort zone for one of these unexpected activities to do with your mates. BORROW SOMEONE ELSE'S PUP FOR THE DAY Dog-sharing. Yep. Read it again: dog-sharing. Services that allow pooch owners to connect with other pooch owners to help with everyday care, pupsit for holidays, do walks and so on. It's a thing (thanks to Australian service Dogshare) and you and your dogless mates can 'borrow' a pup for a walkie or sleepover from time-poor dog owners in your local area. To become a borrower, you just have to create a profile on Dogshare's website, list your previous experience with dogs and flag any services you're keen to volunteer for — like walks, park playdates, overnight stays or going to the vet. Can you think of a more joyous way to spend a sunny day with your squad? Just remember — you've gotta give them back at the end. Look after dem pooches, people. Do it at: where you live via Dogshare. PLAY TUG-OF-WAR IN THE SKY If playing tug-of-war or riding a bike across a balance beam four storeys in the air sounds like your kind of thing, then read on. Sydney's newest aerial park, Skypeak Adventures is now open and, let us put it this way — it's definitely not your stock standard Sunday arvo activity. The adventure park features a series of obstacle courses and challenges, all suspended high in the sky. Think bridge walks, barrel runs, rope climbs, chasm jumps or trapeze swings, 22 metres above ground. Get you and your mates a 'Momentum' pass and you'll be taking a 15-metre freefall/leap of faith into the unknown (hopefully a net?) together, while the 'Skypeak Tree' course involves scaling a huge ancient River Red Gum. High tea, minus the scones and cakes will be available, in the form of a picnic table suspended nine metres above a void. Just make sure one of you takes a phone up for ultimate group Snapchats. Do it at: Skypeak Adventures, St Marys. [caption id="attachment_593253" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jon Roig via Flickr[/caption] FLOAT AROUND IN A POD OF SALTY WATER You might be a few years off being able to float around with your mates in outer space, but you can enjoy the feeling of zero gravity, right here, right now. It seems like sensory deprivation tanks (yes, just like Stranger Things) popped up on just about every shopping strip overnight, offering an out-of-this world experience designed to take your relaxation levels to the max. Each tank is light-proof, sound-proof, and filled with a mix of Epsom salts and water, which takes away the sensation of gravity and leaves you floating in a temperature-controlled bubble of absolute peace. Those cortisol and adrenaline levels dip, as any external stimuli and distractions (read: all that stuff that's currently stressing you out), disappear completely. Do a simultaneous float with a mate and go grab lunch afterwards. Do it at: Forever Floating Health Spa, Paddington. CLIMB A REALLY TALL WALL Sometimes it feels like the only way to catch up with friends is over food. Brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, second dinner, second dessert are all great options (don't get us wrong), but sometimes you feel like doing something active and building muscle rather than building up a bill. Round up the crew and get vertical with a climbing session at your local indoor wall. With most rock climbing centres boasting a wide range of routes and climbs, you can tailor a visit to suit your group's abilities, whether that involves putting Spidey to shame with your ninja skills, or simply squashing that mild fear of heights. Sessions at most indoor rock climbing centres clock in at under $20 (safety demo included) with harness and shoe hire available for a few extra bucks each. You'll need someone to spot you, so take a friend who you trust with your life in their hands. Do it at: 9 Degrees, Alexandria. [caption id="attachment_556153" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Visit St. Pete/Clearwater via Flickr[/caption] TAKE TO THE SEAS ON A STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD Make the most of that impending sunshine and those bearable water temps this summer, and gather your mates for a stand-up paddleboard group lesson. Imagine gliding across the water, catching some rays, seeing fishies — or, alternatively, laughing at your mates and belly-flopping into the water as you try to stay standing. Both sound similarly fun. A carry-over from ancient Polynesian times, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years as a brilliant way to sharpen that balance and exercise on the high seas. Plus, the sport's a whole lot easier to master than its gnarlier cousin surfing — one lesson usually enough to have you paddling like a pro. Fish and chips on the beach post-paddle is, of course, a given. Do it at: WATSUP, Watsons Bay.
This Japanese variety store is an Aussie favourite. Daiso has long been the local go-to for a real-deal Japanese shopping experience. With over ten stores in the Sydney vicinity, our pick is the Chippendale shop, located in Central Park. At the chain, you can find everything from brightly coloured cooking utensils and decorative homewares to stationery, party decorations and even bento supplies. Plus clothing, crafts and beauty products to boot. Daiso sells everything and anything you can think of — and plenty of things you've never considered, too. You could spend an entire afternoon browsing the shelves, and leave with something you didn't even know you needed.
Among the many ways to decide which wine next swirls around your glass, then across your tastebuds, Australia's Young Gun of Wine stands out. Since 2007, the awards have thrown some love at up-and-coming wine labels and winemakers across the nation, and not just because they make top-notch vino. These accolades take into account the whole story behind their tipples of choice each year — and 2024 now has its top 50. "Every year, we're seeing new ideas from the emerging talent, and they're shaping the environment that we get to enjoy. It's also not just about the products — it's the learnings that peers can take from their adventurous winemaking. It's also how they're presenting, labelling and talking about their work — how they're connecting with wine professionals and consumers," said Rory Kent, who founded YGOW, about 2024's picks. "That's why, uniquely and since day one, the wines for the Young Gun of Wine Awards are not tasted blind. These awards are as much about vision and leadership as they are about the quality of wine in the glass." 2024's top 50 spans drops from around most of Australia. Victoria is home to more spots on the list than anywhere else with 20, followed by South Australia with 17. New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory account for six wine labels and winemakers, Western Australia for four and Tasmania for three. The range also goes big on new names, which covers half of the finalists. This is the 18th year that YGOW has taken place, with the top 50 just one element. Now that Kent and his fellow 2024 judges — Jeremy Shiell from Winespeake, winemaker Meg Brodtmann, wine critic Nick Stock, Atlas Vinifera's Abby Moret and Orbis Wines' — have shared their favourites, winners of the accolades' six annual trophies will be unveiled on Tuesday, June 18. [caption id="attachment_681000" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bruzzone, South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] The Young Gun of Wine is the overall prize, while the Winemaker's Choice is a peer-chosen gong, Best New Act goes to a first-time finalist, Danger Zone to a boundary-pushing wine product, and The Vigneron to makers who show love in tending to their land and vines. The People's Choice award is self-explanatory, and currently open for votes until Tuesday, June 18. [caption id="attachment_773167" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Young Gun of Wine 2024 Top 50: New South Wales / Australian Capital Territory: Agitate (Andrew Ling) Aristotelis Ke Anthoula (Tony Zafirakos and Maddison Park-Neilson) Intrepidus Wines (Chrissie Smith) Linear Wines (Nathan Brown) M&J Becker Wines (Meagan and James Becker) Sabi Wabi (Peta Kotz) South Australia: Agricola (Callum Powell) Alpha Box and Dice (Sam Berketa) Cape Jaffa Wines (Giulia Fiorovic and Federico Pezzino) Curator Wine Co (Daniel Zolotarev) Guthrie (Hugh Guthrie) J & S Fielke (Jemma and Steven Fielke) Jean Bouteille Wines (Jean-Baptiste Courdesses) Kenny Wine (Andrew Kenny) Mountadam (Caitlin Brown) Parley Wine (Melissa Woods and Sarah Feehan) Poppelvej (Uffe Deichmann) Saltfleet Wines (Kyle Egel and Jonny Cook) Scanlon Wines (Harry Scanlon) Turon Wines (Turon White) Wangolina (Anita Goode) Worlds Apart Wines (Louis Schofield) XO Wine Co (Greg Clack and Kate Horstmann) Tasmania: Aunt Alice (Alice Davidson) Marco Lubiana (Marco Lubiana) Utzinger Wines (Matthias Utzinger) Victoria: Alessandro Stefani (Alessandro Stefani) Alkimi Wines (Stuart Dudine) Allevare (Lucy Kendall and Alysha Moscatt) ECK Wines (Emily Kinsman) Gum Wine (George McCullough) Honky Chateau (Chris Ryan) Jones Winery & Vineyard — J6 Wines (Benjamin Jones) Juliard Wines (Jules Morey and Bernard Morey) Little Frances (Erin Frances Pooley) Mac Forbes Wines (Hannah Maltby) Meredith Wines (Ben Luker) Mise En Place Wines (Doug Lilburne) Musical Folk (James Becker) Nomads Garden (Ben Dahlenburg) Patch Wines (Matt Talbot) Port Phillip Estate (Tim Perrin) Portsea Estate (Matt Lugg and Will Ross) Scion (Rowly Milhinch) Tillie J Wines (Tillie Johnston) Werkstatt Wine (Bridget Mac) Western Australia: Fervor (Callum Garland) Chalari Wines (Alexi Christidis) Mon Tout (Nic Bowen and Richard Burch) Vallée du Venom (Rhys and Emma Parker) For more information about Young Gun of Wine, head to the awards' website. 2024's winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 18.
Five years after they were first introduced to curb alcohol-fuelled violence, Sydney's lockout laws are finally set to be lifted in the CBD. Premier Gladys Berejiklian first announced plans to repeal the lockouts back in September, and now we finally know when this will happen: January 14, 2020. So you'll be able to party late without worrying that you'll be left out in the cold. The old lockout area stretches from Darling Harbour to Kings Cross and from The Rocks to Campbell Street in Surry Hills. The NSW Government will scrap the lockout for all venues in the Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct (below). They will, however, remain in place in the Kings Cross area. The winding back of the lockout laws means a lot of big changes for venues in the above area — and not just the scrapping of the 1.30am last entry. All venues with good records will also be able to extend their last drinks from 3am to 3.30am and allow patrons to do — wait for it — shots after midnight. High-risk venues will also be able to serve cocktails and beverages in glass after midnight. Also, in a big win for house parties and those who like drinking at home, all NSW bottle shops will be able to stay open until midnight from Monday to Saturday and 11pm on Sunday. The current state-wide 10pm closing time is being scrapped. A freeze on new liquor licences for venues in the CBD and Kings Cross, which has been in place before the lockout laws back in 2009, will remain until June 2020, when it will be reviewed. This impacts large venues, and doesn't include small bars or pop-ups. You can read more about the decade-long licence freeze over here. The announcement comes as the NSW Government releases its response to September's 126-page parliamentary inquiry into the state of Sydney's nighttime economy, which considered close to 800 submissions from business owners and industry members and made 40 suggestions. The NSW Government has responded to all of them, supporting 20, supporting another 18 "in principle", completing one and partially supporting the final — which recommended the small bar licence be increased to include venues with a limit of up to 130. The government has increased it to 120. [caption id="attachment_560789" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Kimberley Low.[/caption] Keeping the current lockout laws for Kings Cross is another one of the suggestions the NSW Government has supported. The September report called it a high-density area with a "high risk" that violence could increase again if the laws are lifted. To combat the density issue, the NSW Government has agreed to consider transferring licences out of Kings Cross (when it reviews the current liquor licence freeze next year) and will work with the City of Sydney improve safety for pedestrians. The government has agreed to take a look at how these changes impact the area and review the laws within 12 months. While the CBD's nightlife and live music scene has struggled under the stifling legislation — and has seen institutions like The Basement close — the lifting of the lockout laws together with the City of Sydney's plans to introduce 24-hour trading to the CBD could mean big changes for the area. The repeal of the lockout laws would allow Sydneysiders to head into CBD bars, pubs and nightclubs after 1.30am — and those same venues to remain open after 3am — while the City of Sydney is hoping to encourage the 24-hour trading of unlicensed CBD businesses. The lockout laws will be scrapped in the Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct from January 14, 2020. You can read the NSW Government's full response to the inquiry on Sydney's nighttime economy here. Image: Double Deuce Lounge by Kimberley Low.
The National Gallery of Victoria's revolving door of blockbuster exhibitions shows no sign of slowing, with an exceptional meeting of creative minds next set to grace its halls. Running from Friday, June 9–Sunday, October 8 as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, the NGV will play host to world-premiere exhibition Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi. This major showcase is set to feature more than 100 works by the famed French painter, seen through a fresh lens as accompanied by contemporary scenography by internationally renowned architect and designer Mahdavi. Originally slated to debut in 2020 before the pandemic did its thing, the highly anticipated exhibition has been curated in conjunction with Paris' Musée d'Orsay — home to the world's largest collection of Bonnard works. [caption id="attachment_890701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'The dining room in the country', 1913, Pierre Bonnard. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, The John R. Van Derlip Fund.[/caption] An icon of late 19th and early 20th century art, and a good mate of Henri Matisse, Bonnard is known for his colourful, textural depictions of French life, offering stylised yet subtle glimpses of intimate domestic scenes, urban backdrops and natural landscapes. Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi will showcase a hefty collection of the artist's own paintings, drawings, photographs, prints and other decorative objects, alongside works from his contemporaries — including Édouard Vuillard, Maurice Denis, Félix Vallotton and cinematic pioneers the Lumière brothers. [caption id="attachment_890702" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'The window', 1925, Pierre Bonnard. Tate, London. Presented by Lord Ivor Spencer Churchill through the Contemporary Art Society, 1930.[/caption] Considered one of the world's most influential architects, multi-award-winning Mahdavi has been commissioned to help bring the historic pieces to life via her scenography, tasked with creating a setting that complements Bonnard's signature use of colour and light. "Monsieur Bonnard and I share the same passion: colour," Mahdavi explains of the exhibition. "I love his subjective perception of colour — the way he transforms the intimacy of everyday life into something sublime." Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi will include numerous pieces on loan from the Musée d'Orsay, as well as other museums and private collections in Europe, Australia and the USA. They'll be joined by significant works from the NGV's own collection, including Bonnard's 1900 painting La Sieste (Siesta). [caption id="attachment_890703" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Siesta (La Sieste)', 1900, Pierre Bonnard. National Gallery of Victoria, Felton Bequest, 1949.[/caption] 'Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi' will run at the NGV International from Friday, June 9–Sunday, October 8. For more information, see the venue's website. Top image: 'Coffee', 1915, Pierre Bonnard. Tate, London. Presented by Sir Michael Sadler through the NACF, 1941.
Some people would travel a long way to visit cult West Village piano bar Marie's Crisis — well known for its mass singalongs and made extra famous when Jimmy Fallon paid a raucous, impromptu visit recently — but Sydneysiders soon won't have to. The Marie's crew are bringing the whole experience to Sydney as part of Spectrum's upcoming festival, Spectrum Now. Recreating the dive bar in QT Parlour Lane Roasters from March 19-29, Marie's Crisis are bringing their whole showtune-lovin' team all the way from NYC to gather round the piano for everything from Fiddler on the Roof to Phantom. A word to the wise — brush up on your Sondheim. Functioning as one of the best ideas for a festival bar we've heard in many moons, Marie's Crisis heads quite the festival lineup for Spectrum Now, announced this weekend. No longer just a Saturday brekkie read, Sydney Morning Herald‘s Spectrum section is about to be realised in festival form — casually directed by Rake actor, professional dreamboat and total legend Richard Roxburgh. Kicking off on March 11, Spectrum Now will be centred around the Spectrum Playground (thanks for the mad shout out guys, woo! Yeah!). For two weeks from March 11–22, the Domain will be transformed into what the team is calling a "creative pleasure garden", which sounds so overtly erotic we’re signing up on the spot. There'll be bars, outdoor sculptures and pop-up exhibitions (including the SMH Portraiture Exhibition), alongside a bunch of tasty treats and live music. And the one we're really look forward to: Golden Age Cinema is presenting Hollywood Nights — an outdoor cinema and cocktail garden that will travel through seven decades of movies, food and drinks over 12 nights, showcasing some of Golden Age's favourite "classics, cults, creepies and cheapies", with live music performances, and special menus by fellow cinephiles The Nighthawk Diner. One of the most anticipated events in the lineup, SN will see the Australian premiere of Del Kathryn Barton's short animation film of Oscar Wilde’s classic story The Nightingale and the Rose. The two-time Archibald-winning artist has collaborated with acclaimed filmmaker Brendan Fletcher (Mad Bastards) and the vocal talents of Mia Wasikowska, Geoffrey Rush and David Wenham to create her very first animation film — not to mention multi-ARIA Award winner Sarah Blasko has whipped up the score. The film saw its world premiere at the 2015 Berlin International Film Festival, opening to significant snaps. Cinephiles really clean up for Spectrum Now. UK great Alan Rickman is making his way to Sydney to present a screening of A Little Chaos, ol' Ricko's directorial effort in which he plays King Louis XIV alongside Kate Winslet — whose character Sabine has a little romantic dalliance with the Sun King. Yes, there'll be post-film Q&A with the man himself. Then you can pop over to the Chauvel for the Sydney premiere of the Academy Award-nominted, Golden Globe-winning film Leviathan. If you're keen for something completely different, Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice is your go-to for SN. A site-specific, three-woman opera set through the chambers of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Shannon Murphy-directed, immersive performance stars Silvia Colloca, features the work of florist, artist and academic Dr Lisa Cooper, photo media artist Murray Fredericks and the food of Matt Moran. It'll give you plenty to talk about, and if you're keen to keep the conversation flowing check out '=The Full Spectrum series, a program of arts talks, panels and performances curated by the Spectrum team. For the creatively hungry, art and food combine for the On the Table series — Brad Dobson is taking over Redfern cafe Three Williams with installations, Opera in the Pub brings high art to the Dove and Olive and The Roxbury pubs, and Rock Surfers are stepping out of their Bondi theatre to present a pop-up production of Shabbat Dinner at the old Bel Mondo restaurant in The Rocks. And if you're wanting to continue to eat your way through the festival, check out the Quick Bites program linking you with some of Sydney's best eats. Spectrum Now runs March 11-22 Sydneywide. To check out the entire program and book yourself into Spectrum Now, head over here. Marie's Crisis image: Fogandfireflies.
There's a brand new eatery in Cronulla by the name of Blackwood Pantry. The cafe-restaurant is the domain of chef Rob Lechowicz, a local lad who's spent the last few years honing his skills in Michelin-starred establishments in London and Paris. Now he's taking everything he learnt abroad and bringing it back home. In the food department, expect an all-day menu made up of some seriously appetising dishes. The vegetarian Buddha Bowl is made with fried eggs, quinoa, kale, roasted cauliflower, picked red cabbage, toasted almonds, lemon and buttermilk dressing; while the 'Miss Piggy' consists of crispy pork belly, roasted peaches, chimichurri and goat's cheese on toasted ciabatta. You can also grab a range of gluten-free salads, including a roast beetroot number made with yellow beans, pickled onions, goat's cheese and toasted pistachio. Those of you with a sweet tooth can indulge in their daily pastry offerings, or even grab a fresh fruit paddle pop. Okay so technically that last item is on the kids menu, but we're sure they'll let you order one for yourself if you ask them nicely. Drink options include coffee, tea and a variety of fresh squeezed juices, plus a cookies and cream milkshake we can't wait to try for ourselves. If you're looking for something a little stronger, they've also got beer, wine and cocktails, as well as white sangria with peaches by the jug.
It's almost a tale as old as time: The Grounds of Alexandria giving itself a Disney-themed makeover, that is. Over the years, this Sydney spot has celebrated the Mouse House in a big way, complete with outdoor setups dedicated to The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Frozen II, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and more. So, with the entertainment company notching up a century of on-screen magic in 2023, of course The Grounds is commemorating in the appropriate fashion. Once more, the Huntley Street spot has fashioned up the kind of makeover that could've easily stepped out of one of the Mouse House's beloved flicks. This one spreads the Disney magic, because there's plenty to pay tribute to over the organisation's 100 years. On display now until the end of April 2023, Disney at The Grounds takes its cues from the Mouse House's storytelling history — and the immersive look and feel that's been a part of its work since back in 1923. For visitors, that means walking through a Sleeping Beauty-inspired castle entrance, enjoying an ode to Mickey Mouse through the ages, taking snaps next to platinum Mickey and Minnie statues, and trying to spot a heap of other characters in the lit-up, neon- and pastel-hued decorations in general. Head by to be this Disney explosion's guest, wander through the decked-out laneways, feel like you're in a fairytale and make your next brunch in The Cafe even more enchanting. Given the neon lighting, booking a date at night for dinner in The Potting Shed is also recommended This isn't the only event marking Disney's 100 years in Sydney this year, with the Beauty and the Beast musical coming to town from June, and 100th-anniversary concerts playing all of your favourite Mouse House songs with a live orchestra popping up at the Sydney Opera House in February. And, there's Disney's cruises, too, with its watery 'Magic at Sea' voyages heading Down Under for the first time ever from October, including the cruise line's debut South Pacific trips between Australia and Hawaii. Disney at The Grounds runs at The Grounds of Alexandria, Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria until the end of April 2023 — head to The Grounds of Alexandria's website for further details.
