While plenty about taking a holiday has changed over the past year or so, flight sales keep coming — and Australians keep snapping up tickets. Unsurprisingly, we're all keen to travel when and where we can in these pandemic-afflicted times. And if you're constantly thinking about your next getaway, Jetstar is dropping yet another batch of cheap fares. The Limited Time Only sale will kick off at 9am on Friday, April 23. As the name suggests, it's only on offer for a brief period. You'll need to nab your discounted tickets before 11.59pm AEST on Monday, April 26, although fares might sell out earlier. In the sale, you'll find cheap flights across a heap routes from destinations right across the country. That's a regular part of these specials, so there are no surprises there. But this time, because the trans-Tasman bubble is open and zooming across to New Zealand is now possible — and allowed — you can also pick up discounted tickets to NZ. Domestically, fares start at $33 for flights from Sydney to Avalon, with Sydneysiders also able to head to Hobart from $69, either Uluru or Hamilton Island from $99, and Perth from $159. Melburnians can book trips to Launceston from $45, Adelaide from $49, and Ballina and Byron Bay from $59, while Brisbanites can zip to Newcastle from $49, and Cairns or Melbourne from $69. Yes, the list goes on. For flights to NZ, tickets kick off at $175, which'll get you from the Gold Coast to either Auckland or Wellington. From Sydney and Melbourne, it'll cost you $195 to Auckland and $225 to Queenstown. [caption id="attachment_808728" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Artist: David Hilliam[/caption] Tickets in the sale are for trips from May 2021–January 2022, with exact dates varying in each region. And there are a few caveats, as is always the case. The discounted flights are one way, and they don't include checked baggage — so you'll need to travel super light, or pay extra to take a suitcase. And, as always, keeping an eye on both interstate and New Zealand border requirements is recommended. To promote the sale, Jetstar has also commissioned three large-scale artworks, all emblazoned with the words "available for a limited time only". One 90-metre-long piece by artist Edward popped up in the sand along the Great Ocean Road, another took over a Sydney rooftop and a third also got sandy at Piha Beach in Auckland. Jetstar's Limited Time Only sale runs from 9am AEST on Friday, April 23 till 11.59pm AEST on Monday, April 26, or until sold out.
Mosman has welcomed Amalfi Coast-inspired gem St Siandra to The Spit's waterfront, bringing with it a touch of coastal luxury and permanent vacation vibes. Tasteful golden-hued interiors, terracotta tiling and white marble bar give way to stunning beachfront views and a tantalising menu that promises a journey through the Mediterranean — all without the airfare. Come in via the sun-soaked wharf entrance and take a seat on the woven loveseats — sourced from Italy — and take in the thoughtful interiors designed by Sally Taylor, who has previously curated venues including Felix and Queen Chow. Up the winding stairs is the dedicated event space Bluebird Room & Deck, awash in calming blue hues and natural light. It can host up to 70 guests and has its own private bar and stunning views of the waters below. Continuing the Euro-summer vibes, the menu features fresh seafood, vibrant seasonal produce and classic Mediterranean flavours with a sprinkling of Middle Eastern spices. The spot is slinging brunch most days with dishes like stracciatella toast with caramelised onion, pistachio and chilli oil, and fried chicken and waffles with sage dukkah and date caramel syrup. Heading over for the lunchtime or dinner menu, instead? Tuna crudo and the Spring Bay mussels are crowd favourites as are the classic tray of Sydney rock oysters with champagne mignonette. For a meat-focused main, opt for the Angus MB4 short rib skewer or the lamb shoulder accompanied by broccoli gremolata, pomegranate and za'atar. Sail your way through cocktails, each with nautical themes or named after local luxury yachts or a bottle of bubbly. Dessert runs to the likes of spiced persimmon pavlova, Sicilian citrus tart with toasted meringue and strawberry; and the classic ricotta fritters with cinnamon sugar and banana caramel. St Siandra was conceived by the hospitality duo, Mitchell Davis and Gavin Gray, the team behind Great Eats. Collaborating with the visionary Head Chef Sam McCallum, formerly of Nomad, and Adam George, the ensemble is a seasoned all-star cast ready to bring maritime allure to Mosman. Images: Steve Woodburn
In 2018, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a controversial change to the Oscars: creating an award for most popular film. The backlash was strong and swift, with the category quickly put on hold — and the fresh slate of Oscar nominees show why the new gong really isn't needed. From the Lady Gaga-starring fourth take on A Star Is Born, to Black Panther's comic book antics, to Bohemian Rhapsody's love letter to Queen, plenty of last year's huge box office hits are now multiple nominees for the 91st annual Academy Awards, which will be held on Monday, February 25 Australian time. They're joined by a heap of critical and audience favourites from 2018, including Alfonso Cuarón's highly personal drama Roma, deliciously dark historical effort The Favourite and Dick Cheney biopic Vice, plus two very different films about race relations: BlacKkKlansman and Green Book. By the numbers, Roma and The Favourite lead the charge with ten nods apiece, while A Star Is Born and Vice each scored eight, Black Panther received seven, BlacKkKlansman nabbed six, and Bohemian Rhapsody and Green Book took five each. Of course, the figures only tell part of the story — some of the biggest highlights from the list of nominees are hidden behind the numbers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp_i7cnOgbQ For only the sixth time in 91 years, a black filmmaker has been recognised in the best director category, with Spike Lee picking up his first-ever nomination across his lengthy career. Plus, for the first time since 1977's ceremony, two of the five best director contenders are for flicks in languages other than English — with Cuarón the favourite for Roma and Cold War's Pawel Pawlikowski a deserving but unexpected inclusion. Among the best picture field, Black Panther became the first Marvel movie to ever score a nod for the coveted award. And a movie star was born in Lady Gaga, who made history by becoming the first person to nab noms for best actress and for best original song in the same year (the latter of which, for A Star Is Born's heart-swelling banger 'Shallow', she's a shoo-in to win). On the surprise front, among Roma's huge haul, sit nods for two of its main on-screen talents, with Yalitza Aparicio in the best actress category and Marina de Tavira in the best supporting actress field. The Netflix title wasn't the streaming platform's only big contender, with the Coen Brothers-directed western anthology The Ballad of Buster Scruggs also picking up three nods. Of course, there are always gaps. After Greta Gerwig became just the fifth woman to be nominated for best director last year, the category went with an all-male lineup this time around — and among the exclusions, Can You Ever Forgive Me?'s Marielle Heller directed stars Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant to acting nominations, but didn't make the Oscar cut herself. And the list is light for Australian talents, with The Favourite landing the country's only contenders in the form of screenwriter Tony McNamara and production designer Fiona Crombie. The 91st Academy Awards will take place on Monday, February 25, Australian time. Here's the full list of nominations. OSCAR NOMINEES 2019 BEST MOTION PICTURE Black Panther BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Green Book Roma A Star Is Born Vice BEST DIRECTOR Alfonso Cuarón, Roma Yorgos Lanthimos, The Favourite Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman Adam McKay, Vice Pawel Pawlikowski, Cold War PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Yalitza Aparicio, Roma Glenn Close, The Wife Olivia Colman, The Favourite Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me? PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Christian Bale, Vice Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born Willem Dafoe, At Eternity's Gate Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody Viggo Mortensen, Green Book PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Amy Adams, Vice Marina de Tavira, Roma Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk Emma Stone, The Favourite Rachel Weisz, The Favourite PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Mahershala Ali, Green Book Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman Sam Elliott, A Star Is Born Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me? Sam Rockwell, Vice BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY The Favourite First Reformed Green Book Roma Vice BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY The Ballad of Buster Scruggs BlacKkKlansman Can You Ever Forgive Me? If Beale Street Could Talk A Star Is Born BEST ORIGINAL SCORE Black Panther BlacKkKlansman If Beale Street Could Talk Isle of Dogs Mary Poppins Returns BEST ORIGINAL SONG 'All the Stars', Black Panther 'I'll Fight', RBG 'The Place Where Lost Things Go', Mary Poppins Returns 'Shallow', A Star Is Born 'When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings', The Ballad of Buster Scruggs BEST FILM EDITING BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Green Book Vice BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM Capernaum (Lebanon) Cold War (Poland) Never Look Away (Germany) Roma (Mexico) Shoplifters (Japan) BEST ANIMATED FEATURE Incredibles 2 Isle of Dogs Mirai Ralph Breaks the Internet Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Free Solo Hale County This Morning, This Evening Minding the Gap Of Fathers and Sons RBG BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Cold War The Favourite Never Look Away Roma A Star Is Born BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Black Panther The Favourite First Man Mary Poppins Returns Roma BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Avengers: Infinity War Christopher Robin First Man Ready Player One Solo: A Star Wars Story BEST COSTUME DESIGN The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Black Panther The Favourite Mary Poppins Returns Mary Queen of Scots BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING Border Mary Queen of Scots Vice BEST SOUND MIXING Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody First Man Roma A Star Is Born BEST SOUND EDITING Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody First Man A Quiet Place Roma BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT Black Sheep End Game Lifeboat A Night at the Garden Period. End of Sentence BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM Animal Behavior Bao Late Afternoon One Small Step Weekends BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM Detainment Fauve Marguerite Mother Skin
Not content with hosting the Brisbane Comedy Festival, queer culture fest Melt, and a jam-packed calendar of other events all year every year — and just adding a new outdoor venue, too — Brisbane Powerhouse is gifting music and art fans a brand-new boundary-pushing celebration of sound, tunes and performance. Meet ΩHM (pronounced "ohm"), a fresh venture that's all about getting adventurous. The New Farm venue has dubbed the event a "festival of other music", with a growing lineup that includes Peaches, Future Islands and Hear My Eyes doing Pan's Labyrinth to back up that statement. Across February and March 2023, ΩHM will take over the riverside spot with a program curated by Room40's Lawrence English alongside Brisbane Powerhouse Arts Program Director Brad Spolding, serving up a mix of big-name international headliners and emerging local acts — and gigs, cutting-edge shows and immersive installations. Peaches does the honours while she's in the country for Mona Foma, and Future Islands hits the fest as part of their first Aussie tour since 2017. Those two impressive headliners are part of ΩHM's previously announced first lineup drop, which also spans Monolake + Electric Indigo and The Chills, as well as Kae Tempest, Nakhane and black midi. There's more where that list of acts came from, too, with ΩHM turning its second program announcement into its big launch. Just announced today, Tuesday, November 29, ΩHM is screening Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth like viewers have never seen it before — with a brand-new live score by Sleep D. This premiere performance marks Hear My Eyes' return to Brisbane, and continues its spate of stunning film-and-music combos (see: its take on Chopper in 2022 in Sydney and Melbourne, plus past tours of No Country for Old Men with Tropical F*ck Storm and Suspiria with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard). Also joining the bill are audiovisual artist Robin Fox, Los Angeles-based composer Yann Novak and Iranian sound artist mHz, who'll serve up a triple bill of audiovisual performances. ΩHM will host the Australian premiere of Fox's Triptych straight from UNSOUND KRAKOW, featuring three RGB laser projectors working in synchronicity. If you've seen his past works — Night Sky for Brisbane Festival, Aqua Luma for Mona Foma 2021, BEACON for Mona Foma 2022 and MONOCHORD for Rising Festival 2022, for instance — you'll know you're in for something special. As for Novak, he'll be using sound and light to explore how both can focus one's awareness on their experiences, as informed by his partial colour blindness and dyslexia. And, New Zealand-based Iranian sound artist mHz will take inspiration from material and architecture to hone in on sound and light production. [caption id="attachment_880277" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robin Fox, Single Origin, Diego Figueroa.[/caption] Also, Swiss artist Zimoun will present two installations, both Australian premieres and exclusive to Brisbane. His ΩHM berth marks his debut exhibiting to Aussie audiences in general, and will showcase his work with everyday and industrial materials to mix sound and architecture. "Works like Zimoun's kinetic sound sculptures, Robin Fox's expansive audiovisual laser environments and Hear My Eyes: Pan's Labyrinth x Sleep D exist at a special nexus of sight, sound and space," said English, announcing ΩHM's new additions. "These dynamic pieces capture intensity and energy matched with a fearless sense of focus. The works are simply mind-blowing." ΩHM runs throughout February and March at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. For more information and to buy tickets, head to the Powerhouse website. Top image: Hadley Hudson.
Many will tell you that the long-established local restaurants that people call 'institutions' are never particularly good, but Sushi on Stanley heartily disproves that theory. A Japanese gem nestled in between a swarm of Italian joints, Sushi on Stanley offers fresh, delicious sushi and sashimi, as well as other Japanese classics like teriyaki, udon and much more. The best part is it's renowned for its low prices, apparently never having upped them to meet Sydney's heartbreakingly expensive standards. The only catch is that Sushi on Stanley often has a crowd out front and little in the way of seating, so you've got to be exceptionally lucky or get there remarkably early. Image: Trent Van der Jagt.
"Sometimes I think the only way to be truthful is to say nothing at all," says Thuso Lekwape's Johnny, reflecting on an evening spent with Charlotte's (Contessa Treffone) parents. The sentiment may not completely sum up Darlinghurst Theatre Company's latest production, but there is a sense that the play says an awful lot without conveying much of anything. The Mystery of Love and Sex, written by Bathsheba Doran, centres around Charlotte and Johnny, two American college students who have been friends for an age. Their relationship is easy, comfortable, solid — a bond that romance would only confuse. Charlotte's parents (Deborah Galanos and Nicholas Papademetriou) can't get their heads around this and try to nudge the pair into something more clear-cut. But Charlotte's in love with a girl from college. And Johnny has slept with a number of men he can't stand. Both are confused and as things get more complicated, the friendship starts to fray. The cast, directed by Anthony Skuse, are engaging, but the script seems to have a set-'em-up-knock-'em-down approach to the issues it explores. It tries to juggle questions about how friendship changes as we age, friendship versus marriage and how we come to terms with our sexual identities, but ends up flitting between them without ever stopping to pinpoint exactly what it's getting at. Except for an intimate scene shared by Charlotte and her mother, the second half quickly descends into an unsatisfying fairy tale. That said, Galanos' Lucinda is fantastic, pulling off a transition from quietly crumbling nicotine addict to a revolutionary for the hedonist cause within the space of the intermission. Lekwape's Johnny is understated, but he ages very convincingly over the course of the play. Papademetriou's Howard is amusingly and frustratingly paternal throughout, despite the script affording him very little development and Truffone manages a fine line with Charlotte, whose self-righteous streak might have been grating in other hands. Emma Vine's set runs pleasant interference on the naturalism of the text — a giant upside down tree sits menacingly to the side in the dusky pre-show light, while the majority of the action takes place on a large white wedge, its wonkiness geometrically jazzing up a few of the talkier scenes. "Weird is good," says Lucinda, attempting to comfort her daughter during the play. "Weird is life." The Mystery of Love and Sex, while performed capably, needs a few more doses of weirdness before it can be mistaken for the real thing.
Sorry Sydney. Melbourne is getting the country's first-ever 67 Pall Mall outpost, due to launch some time in mid-2025. This incredibly luxe, global private members club is set up exclusively for wine lovers who want to sample the very best drops out there. It's not for those of us hunting down $15 bottles of ok wine at the local bottle shop; it's for top-tier wine drinkers who are willing to spend big. The joining fee is $3500 per person (being waived for a limited time!) and the current discounted yearly fee for members who sign up early is $2300 on top of that. If this is beyond your spending limits, perhaps shoot this article over to your rich sister or that well-to-do mate who always shouts the good drinks — because they might be able to bring you in as a guest. [caption id="attachment_942250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 67 Pall Mall Singapore[/caption] So what's the deal with 67 Pall Mall? Memberships for 67 Pall Mall are highly sought after around the world. The group has sites in Singapore, London, Switzerland, France and Hong Kong. The venues are known for being some of the most incredibly designed spaces, filled with the world's greatest wines that are served and chosen by accredited master sommeliers. A huge selling point for wine connoisseurs is the fact that 67 Pall Mall offers an unmatched selection of wines by-the-glass to members — 1000 to be exact — and sells them with very minimal markup. Most of these drops are never offered by the glass so it presents a rare opportunity. What's in store for Australia's first club? The first Australian site is touted for Melbourne's Spring Street. Spread across the top three floors of the 16-story building, the private members club will let folks sip on fine wines while taking in views across the Treasury Gardens, MCG and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Floor 14 will boast a wine bar and all-day dining room with impressive 270-degree views of the surrounding area. One level up, members will get access to private rooms and semi-formal dining experiences. And the top floor will feature an extensive champagne menu, a raw bar, open air balconies, and a secluded whisky bar. This is top-end luxury stuff that's hard to come by in Australia. 67 Pall Mall's CEO Grant Ashton says, "Melbourne was chosen above all other cities as our first outpost in Australia due to its close connection to independent and outstanding wine producers, allowing us to engage with a passionate wine culture and a knowledgeable collector community." Peter Gago, chief winemaker of Penfolds, whose wines are poured in 67 Pall Mall Clubs across the globe, also commented: "From London to Singapore, 67 Pall Mall has evolved into the world's premier wine Members' Club. Now, expanding to a prime site overlooking the MCG in Melbourne, it's truly remarkable. "Melbourne, a strategic gastronomic hub, with Yarra Valley vineyards and Mornington Peninsula nearby, will soon boast 67 Pall Mall as a wine mecca. It'll attract wine enthusiasts and curious minds alike, continuing the Club's tradition." 67 Pall Mall is set to open in mid-2025 at 85 Spring Street and is currently taking applications for new members (at heavily discounted prices). For more information, head to the club's website here.
Throw those GoPros, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. After a fake lineup posted was 'leaked' prior to the official triple j announcement to catfish all us suckers eagerly awaiting the list of acts that will be appearing, the details for Splendour 2016 are finally here. In what is the best news we've heard this year, The Strokes (The Strokes!!!) will be Splendouring for their only Australian show. It also seems the predictions for The Cure were incredibly, amazingly correct — meaning that we'll be seeing both The Strokes and The Cure this July. It's almost too much to handle. Joining them is one heck of a lineup that includes The Avalanches — who haven't played a gig (that wasn't a DJ set) in over ten years. Fingers crossed the show coincides with new music. Iceland's Sigur Rós and Irish artist James Vincent McMorrow will also being doing one-off Australian shows at the festival, Courtney Barnett will make her first appearance at Byron, while James Blake and At the Drive-In will return, as will locals Flume and Sticky Fingers. Anyway, we know what you're here for. We'll cut to the chase. SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2016 LINEUP The Strokes (only Aus show) The Cure Flume The Avalanches (only Aus show) James Blake At The Drive-In Violent Soho Hermitude Band of Horses Sigur Ros (only Aus show) Santigold Matt Corby Sticky Fingers Boy & Bear Courtney Barnett Jake Bugg The 1975 Leon Bridges Duke Dumont (DJ set) James Vincent McMorrow (only Aus show) The Kills The Preatures What So Not Years And Years Gang Of Youths Illy Peter, Bjorn & John Golden Features Crystal Fighters Ball Park Music Tegan & Sara DMA'S Jack Garratt Hayden James City Calm Down Snakehips Mark Lanegan Michael Kiwanuka Jagwar Ma King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard The Jungle Giants The Internet Motez Marlon Williams Lido Emma Louise Kim Churchill Nothing But Thieves Lapsley Kacy Hill Slumberjack Robert Forster (10 Years On) Beach Slang Urthboy Little May Boo Seeka Ganz Spring King Melbourne Ska Orchestra Fat White Family Total Giovanni Methyl Ethel Slum Sociable L D R U In Loving Memory of Szymon Blossoms High Tension Roland Tings Sampa The Great The Wild Feathers Harts Ngaiire montaigne Tired Lion Green Buzzard Jess Kent Gold Class Lucy Cliche Opiuo Mall grab Dom Dolla Paces Just A Gent Dro Carey Running Touch Wafia World Champion Suzi Zhen Remi Nicole Millar Dreller Feki Kllo Banoffee Plus... Moonbase Comander The Meeting Tree Twinsy Purple Sneaker Djs Human Movement Panete Swick Amateur Dance Ribongia Splendour will return to North Byron Parklands on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July. Onsite camping will once again be available from Wednesday, July 20. Image: Bianca Holderness.
Spare a thought for the screenwriters of origin stories. Sure, at first glance, it might seem like they have it made: an enormous built-in audience, a clearly defined universe steeped in history, and pre-existing characters so beloved across multiple generations that all their quirks, mannerisms and catch-phrases are already fully fleshed-out. All the writers have to do is join up a few narrative dots and cue that memorable theme song. But what about tension? How do you place your heroes in deadly peril when the audience already knows they survive? How do you make a character's emotional growth even remotely interesting when the audience already knows who they become? And what possible story can you tell when the audience already knows how it ends? The solution is recalibration, shifting the audience experience from one of wonder and surprise to anticipation. Much like a movie based on real events, origin films focus not on what, but on how, why and when. Back in 1995 director Ron Howard masterfully applied that technique to create the tense final moments of Apollo 13. Now, with Solo: A Star Wars Story, he again shows how waiting for something to happen can be just as exhilarating as wondering if it will happen at all. This is a movie of firsts: the first time Han acquires his surname, the first time he sets foot on the Millennium Falcon, and the first time he encounters his lifelong friend and ally Chewbacca. It's entirely accessible for newcomers, and an even bigger treat for fans. Solo: A Star Wars Story is the second of the Star Wars Spin-offs, and like Rogue One takes place somewhere in between the timelines of the larger, better known chapters (in this case, after Revenge of the Sith but before A New Hope). It is an age of lawlessness, the opening tells us, and nowhere is that more prevalent than the distant planet of Corellia, where the long arm of the Empire is less feared than the gangs that lurk in its shadows. It's here that we meet the young Han (Alden Ehrenreich), a wannabe pilot forced to boost speeders and run errands for a slug-like criminal matriarch and her cronies. Han and his girlfriend Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke) have dreams of escaping to explore the universe. But when their plans fall apart, Han reluctantly joins the Empire to secure his way off planet, vowing to return as soon as humanly possible to liberate his great love. Fast forward a few years, though, and Han finds himself stumbling from one calamity to the next, convinced like all good scoundrels and conmen that his next score will be the big one – the one to set everything right. The beloved nature of the Han Solo character is largely down to actor Harrison Ford and screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan – the latter of whom wrote both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The master scribe returns for Solo, delivering a story that's less galactic opera and more small-scale heist movie in the vein of an old school Western. Solo's swagger, the gun on his hip, and even the iconic outfit all fit perfectly with that space cowboy aesthetic, while Ehrenreich makes the wise call to embody the character rather than impersonate. He doesn't begin as Solo, but instead neatly and incrementally becomes him over the course of two action-packed hours. On the other end of the scale, Donald Glover's portrayal of the iconic charmer Lando Calrissian scarcely evolves from his first line to his last, yet is so note perfect that it scarcely matters. Clarke's contribution is equally nuanced, especially in the film's latter stages. The roster is rounded out by fun turns courtesy of Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson and Paul Bettany as the assorted rogues Han encounters on his travels. Focussed, fun and faithful to the lore, Solo: A Star Wars Story comfortably shrugs off the production woes that seemed destined to leave it in ruins and instead delivers us a fine and worthy expansion of the wider Star Wars universe. Oh, and if you had any lingering doubts, let it be finally laid to rest: Han shot first. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPEYpryMp2s
The third season of The Bear is a season haunted. Creator and writer Christopher Storer (Dickinson, Ramy) — often the culinary dramedy's director as well — wouldn't have it any other way. Every show that proves as swift a success as this, after serving up as exceptional a first and second season as any series could wish for, has the tang of its prior glory left on its lips, so this one tackles the idea head on. How can anyone shake the past at all, good or bad, it ruminates on as Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw) faces a dream that's come true but hasn't and can't eradicate the lifetime of internalised uncertainty that arises from having an erratic mother, absent father, elder brother he idolised but had his own demons, and a career spent striving to be the best and put his talents to the test in an industry that's so merciless and unforgiving even before you factor in cruel mentors. Haunting is talked about often in this ten-episode third The Bear dish, but not actually in the sense flavouring every bite that the show's return plates up. In the season's heartiest reminder that it's comic as well as tense and dramatic — its nine Emmy wins for season one, plus four Golden Globes across season one and two, are all in comedy categories — the Faks get to Fak aplenty. While charming Neil (IRL chef Matty Matheson) is loving his role as a besuited server beneath Richie aka Cousin (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, No Hard Feelings), onboard with the latter's commitment to upholding a Michelin star-chasing fine-diner's front-of-house standards and as devoted to being Carmy's best friend as ever, he's also always palling around with his handyman brother Theodore (Ricky Staffieri, Read the Room). They're not the season's only Faks, and so emerges a family game. When one Fak wrongs another, they get haunted, which is largely being taunted and unsettled by someone from basically The Bear equivalent of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Boyles. For it to stop, you need to agree to give in. In Storer's hands, in a series this expertly layered, this isn't just an amusing character-building aside. Joining the Disney+ menu Down Under on Thursday, June 27, 2024, season three opens with an episode called 'Tomorrow', setting the action on the titular day following the soft relaunch of Carmy's pride and joy. Season one followed his immersion in The Original Beef of Chicagoland, which his elder sibling Mikey (Jon Bernthal, Origin) ran before his death, and the call to turn it into the restaurant that Carmy has always wanted. Season two charted the hard yards traversed to make the plan happen and bring The Bear to fruition, culminating in an unveiling to family and friends that had them raving about the food while The Bear's staff were in bedlam. With Carmy, who was stuck locked in the fridge for most of the big hurrah, then ended it with his girlfriend Claire (Molly Gordon, Theater Camp) out of his life and his relationship with Richie at a new low, the third go-around asks how you whisk that difficult kickoff — and all previous difficulties — out of your brain and somehow move forward. The Bear has been posing a version of this question from the outset, because it's one of existence's defining queries: how does anyone go on when our heads are swirling with the pinnacles and plunges, achievements and traumas, and riches and missteps gone by? This is a show that sees baggage and, Station Eleven-style, remembers damage. So, how could Carmy, Richie, Carmy and Mikey's sister Natalie (Abby Elliott, Cheaper by the Dozen), their pseudo-uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt, Chicago Med), and The Beef's loyal staff Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas, IF), Marcus (Lionel Boyce, Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) carve a path — any path — after losing Mikey? With newcomer chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri, Inside Out 2), after they ensured it was still a place that he'd approve of, how could they pivot to The Bear? And with Jimmy's money backing them and the culinary world watching, how can they now guarantee that their new restaurant not just simmers but boils? 'Tomorrow' is a tone-poem first instalment to The Bear's third course, flitting through Carmy's history — the other kitchens that he's been employed in feature heavily — to establish how being haunted will season everything that follows. It's a mindset episode, and a smart and absorbing one, as his time working for the unpleasant David Fields (Joel McHale, Animal Control), the kindly Andrea Terry (Olivia Colman, Wicked Little Letters) and the IRL René Redzepi at Noma all flash up. Its mood then turns haunting itself, persisting atmospherically as Carmy makes some blunt decisions solo about what the restaurant will be and do, then Syd, Richie and the crew are confronted with his choices. The Bear will now operate under a list of non-negotiables. It will change its menu entirely daily. It'll actively seek Michelin's covered five-pointed endorsement. It isn't overtly stated, but it will also exist in a state of fear over what a review by the Chicago Tribune might deem it, be it innovative, excellent, delicious, confusing, overdone or inconsistent. The aftertaste of what's come before, and how impossible it is to cleanse it from your palate, lingers in every moment of kitchen and dining-room chaos — of which there's a buffet — alongside every plot strand. Syd struggles with the realisation that she's still the entree to Carmy's main, clicking the button on the partnership agreement that will formalise her stake in The Bear and whether to leave what she's toiled so hard for to take a new opportunity. Richie has the reality of his ex-wife (Gillian Jacobs, Invincible) moving on to deal with. The pregnant Nat's due date speeds closer. Marcus endeavours to cope with his grief by focusing on the job. Tina's route to The Beef gets its own episode. And The Computer (Brian Koppelman, the creator of fellow TV series Billions), Jimmy's no-nonsense numbers guy, has thoughts as The Bear keeps booking out and generating buzz but battling financially. Season three's performances in roles not only lead and supporting but also among the guest stars — well-known names pop up again, some returning, some new — remain delectable. Leading the show, no one better provides the faces of those tormented by their choices, hopes, yearnings, chances, mistakes and regrets, sometimes as motivation and sometimes as an anchor for Carmy, Syd and Richie, like the one-two-three punch of White, Edebiri and Moss-Bachrach. No one on- or off-screen across the whole series shows any sign of being plagued by living up to the one of the best new shows of 2022 and best returning shows of 2023, or knowing what to do, either. Although the second and third seasons of The Bear have had the program's own past to match, doing so hasn't been a problem to-date, including when Storer can so effortlessly segue between experimental and classic, and wide-spanning to ultra-focused as well. One of the reasons that the exploits of Carmy and company satisfied audiences from the show's initial arrival is its authenticity, understanding the pressures and anxieties, plus the hustle and bustle, of the hospo grind at the sandwich-diner level and the cream-of-the-crop tier alike. The Bear is equally as emotionally astute and frenetic beyond the kitchen, as every spoonful of its third season reminds viewers. The reality of trying to make it as a chef, cook, restaurateur and server collides with the reality of simply trying and being; it's a perfect recipe. In the show, the feeling of sitting down to your dream meal but proving incapable of dislodging your inner mayhem is inescapable. For those watching, The Bear is the streaming equivalent of the ultimate dish — and, because we all have our own internal turmoil, also the cure for being haunted across its superb 14 hours now over three seasons. Check out the full trailer for The Bear season three below: The Bear streams via Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand, with season three dropping on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Read our review of season one and review of season two. Images: FX.
As you read this, Kiwi charity Live More Awesome are getting their hands dirty, literally, constructing the world's biggest waterslide. This 650m long monster is the length of two Sky Towers and is located just 30 minutes from Auckland, New Zealand. The aim of the event is to raise funds and increase awareness for depression, as the not-for-profit charity is all about combatting mental illness through life changes, not just drugs. D-day is set for the 23rd and 24th of February and will feature three waterslides (the others will be a more standard 60m and 80m), food, and a shady area to hang out, complete with Kiwi entertainment (courtesy of George FM). Co-founder Jim Hunt says, "The World's Biggest Waterslide is all about pushing boundaries and creating the ultimate summer event. We have some epic entertainment planned for the day and we can't wait to see the reaction on people's faces as they come down the slides, it will be a truly unique experience". According to MentalHealth.org.nz, depression in New Zealand has affected as many as 1 in 5 people within the past year alone. "We're a couple of Kiwi guys who like so many others have really suffered at hands of depression," co-founder Dan Drupsteen says. "It was really tough, but having come out the other side we decided the best way for us to keep depression at bay was to 'Live More Awesome'. We hope this amazing project will encourage others to do the same and we want people to know it's ok to ask for help." Ticket prices start at $46 and are limited to 2000 people. You can contribute to the building of the waterslide through Indiegogo. Check out their progress so far in the video below.
The Bay Street boom has arrived, with two exciting new drinking and dining spots opening on the eastern suburbs thoroughfare within weeks of each other. Located within metres of one another, the new neighbourhood bar and restaurant Bartiga and the bustling izakaya Tanuki have both joined Double Bay stalwarts Bibo, The Royal Oak and Margaret on south Bay Street. The latter of the two, a bustling multi-space Japanese venue from one of the area's most beloved hospitality teams, has arrived two doors down from its Italian sibling venue Matteo. Named after a mischievous figure in Japanese folklore (see: Studio Ghibli's Pom Poko), Tanuki is a fun-loving spot offering a raw bar, internal courtyard, impressive sake collection and late-night lounge. The venue is centred around a 30-year-old Japanese liquid amber tree with a surrounding dining bench. There are several zones to discover throughout the space, whether you're dropping in for a sake and a plate of seared salmon temarizushi, or sticking around for a full feast. Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Ken Wee Lee, who brings experience from Sushi e, Zuma and Toko to the opening. Wee Lee's menu is split into sashimi, nigiri, sushi rolls, tempura, robata, steak, sides and dessert, providing a little something for everyone. There's also a pair of set menus, with the reasonably priced $80 selection rolling through edamame, kingfish sashimi, wagyu beef tartare, scallop and prawn toast, chicken karaage, the steak of the day and matcha tiramisu. Other menu highlights you can discover include Alaskan king crab cooked on the robata grill and served with truffle gratin, spatchcock presented with pickles and barley miso, and wagyu beef gyoza paired with a yuzu ponzu for dipping. An all-star cast leads the way behind the bar, with the cocktails, sake and wine lists curated by General Manager Joong Charpentier (ex-Sushi e, Hemmisphere, Darlo Country Club), Bar Manager Sean Guardian (ex-Mr Wong) and Head Sommelier Ambroise Moriceau (ex-Bennelong, Momofuku Seiobo, Armorica). "Tanuki's sake list is fun and approachable — with something for everyone, whether you're brand new to the world of sake or a seasoned expert," says Charpentier. "The wine list is not built on classics nor trends, but with personalised choices, all reflecting values of sustainability and authenticity," adds Moriceau. Alongside the extensive sake and wine selections, you can opt for an inventive highball, like the Yokozuna, which combines mandarin-infused Campari and Unico Zello yuzu vermouth, or peruse the signature cocktails — from the jasmine, lychee and elderflower Tea Ceremony to the Umeboshi, a collision of Don Julio Reposado tequila, plum umeshu, strawberry and wasabi leaf, and togarashi. It's a jack-of-all-trades-style venue, offering a myriad of experiences, all set in a moody space designed by Matters + Made. Wander in from Bay Street, find your spot and decide what type of night you're in for. Find Tanuki at 37 Bay Street, Double Bay — open 5.30pm–12am Wednesday–Friday, 12pm–12am Saturday and 12–10pm Sunday. Head to the restaurant's website for more information and to make a booking.
Above Bungalow 8 sits its sophisticated sibling, for when you're feeling a little bit fancy. The Loft is a cocktail and lounge bar aimed at offering opulence and a wistful nod to a bygone era. And it's not hard to get into the feel of it all with those harbour views and live music. While its downstairs neighbour is where to go for a full sit-down dinner, The Loft is about having a drinking experience. Don't get us wrong, you can enjoy bar food like natural Sydney rock oysters, artichoke skewers and fried avocado tacos, but the short food menu is overshadowed by the drinks list. The bar's signature cocktails have a tropical tilt: Rhu The Day with Archie Rose gin, prosecco, peach and rhubarb syrup and soda ($18); get to know Miss Myrtle with Espolon Blanco tequila, raspberry sorbet and lemon myrtle-infused agave ($20); or try The Tiki One for a mix of cachaca, sweet vermouth, lime, pineapple, coconut and Pernod ($21). The menu continues with all your favourite classics, bottled cocktails, fancy mocktails, and plenty of beer, wine and cider. You can also splash out for bottle service with your favourite liquor starting from 300 bucks. Image: Daniele Massacci.
Canterbury-Bankstown can feel a bit lacking in all things luxe — and if you live in this pocket of southwest Sydney and have found yourself wondering why lavish dining has felt a bit out of reach, your queries have been heard and answered. Bringing this dose of luxury to Sydney's west is Bartega, an artisanal cocktail bar hidden inside the Canterbury Leagues Club. Venture to the western burbs and you'll find an injection of dining destinations in Belmore's local hospitality precinct — with one of Sydney's top yum cha joints, The Dynasty, residing alongside this sleek bar and restaurant. The crown jewel of the leagues club's multimillion-dollar revamp is located high above Bridge Road, seating up to 60 guests comfortably on its cosy lounges. Its elegant fitout, designed by the renowned studio Atlis Architecture, boasts an al fresco dining area on the adjoining balcony and a stunning marble bar inside, which acts as an eye-catching centrepiece for the space. Bartega offers a variety of elevated snacks on its canapé-style menu — from the Mediterranean-style cauliflower popcorn with sumac seasoning and garlic tahini to the sticky pork belly bao buns, you'll discover a range of flavours celebrating the diversity of the area. Elsewhere on the menu, the oven-baked brie will warm you through the colder months, while the torched yellowfin tuna with wasabi mayo is an ideal summer snack. Pair your tuna and bao with the standout offering — aka the drinks menu. Led by Bennelong alum Tony Rudolph, you can expect a playful and inventive selection of cocktails. Crowd favourites include the Jin Cha — Roku gin combined with matcha, Chartreuse Green, yuzu and honey — and the signature lime and jalapeno Margarita Bartega. Plus, there's a wide-spanning range of wine, beer and spirits to choose from, including drops from local distillery Kalki Moon. If you really want to get into the Belmore spirit (no pun intended), then opt for Kalki Moon's Bulldogs Gin which can be ordered on its own or in the Brutus Blue cocktail.
It's been five years since Taylor Square's rainbow crossing was removed in the middle of the night, without a word of warning. But the future's looking a whole lot brighter, with the City of Sydney announcing the installation's return, just days out from the 40th anniversary of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. With the support of NSW Roads and the RMS, the colourful crossing is set to grace the corner of Bourke and Campbell streets, with construction due to kick off in October. Lord Mayor Clover Moore has applauded the move, calling it "a powerful acknowledgement of the importance of our LGBTQI community and history". The original rainbow crossing was installed in February 2013, but was removed two months later by the NSW Roads Minister amidst safety concerns. Residents have since spent years petitioning for it to be reinstated — this Change.org petition got over 16,000 signatures — so this is undoubtedly welcome news to the LGBTIQ+ community and commuters that pass through Taylor Square each day. The new installation, which will also incorporate a local street upgrade and coincide with "a trial to prioritise pedestrian movements ahead of vehicular movements", will be in place for six months, before a safety review is undertaken by the RMS. If it ticks all the boxes, this rainbow icon will be sticking around permanently.
Getting paid to do what you love is the ultimate employment dream. Finding a job doing something that everyone loves? That's a next-level kind of gig. When Gelatissimo turned taste-testing new gelato flavours into an actual position, it fell into that category. When Domino's wanted someone to eat garlic bread for cold hard cash, it did too. Now, hospitality group Australian Venue Co has a similar kind of job on offer. Fancy adding 'secret sipper' to your resume? That's the gig that AVC is currently advertising, with 36 positions available across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. You'll get assigned to cover some of the company's 160-plus bars and pubs around the country, and you'll get paid for dining, drinking and then submitting a review once a month. If you've ever worked in retail and heard about mystery shoppers, then you know the drill. That's how these roles work, but in hospitality. So, you'll be posing as a customer and interacting with the venue's staff to scope out their service — and they'll be unaware that you're on AVC's payroll, like they are. Secret sippers will receive a $30 meal allowance for their monthly visit, plus $200 for each review, which'll cover a survey and a detailed written report. You don't need to have any experience in the field. Obviously, we're all veterans at eating and drinking, but you don't need to have done this type of job before. There are some pre-requisites, though, such as having your own transport, an ABN and access to a mobile device; being passionate about the industry; attentiveness and impartiality; and being able to do 12 visits each year. And if you're wondering which venues you might be visiting, it could be any in AVC's stable — which includes Cargo, Kingsleys and The Winery in Sydney; Fargo and Co, State of Grace and The Smith in Melbourne; Darling & Co, Riverland and The Regatta in Brisbane; The Hope Inn and Brighton Metro Hotel in Adelaide; and Sweetwater Rooftop Bar, The Globe and Wolf Lane in Perth. Find out more about AVC's secret sipper roles — and apply — by heading online.
Trying not to think about Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet is about to become impossible in Australia. So will getting Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On' out of your head, where it's dwelled for most people since the Oscar-winning track was released in 1997. The reason: a new Titanic exhibition is dropping anchor Down Under, making Melbourne Museum its berth for four months. From Saturday, December 16, 2023–Sunday, April 14, 2024 Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition will bring 200-plus items from the ship to the Victorian capital, in its Aussie trip after selling out its Paris season and also proving a hit in the US. The pieces on display are legitimately from the vessel's wreck site, too, after the RMS Titanic's ill-fated voyage in April 1912 — aka the events that James Cameron (Avatar: The Way of Water) turned into the DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon)- and Winslet (Ammonite)-starring Titanic more than a quarter-century ago. For everyone bound to exclaim "I'm the king of the world" while walking through Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition's Australian-exclusive stop, this is the king of all Titanic exhibitions. In fact, it's the most extensive in the world. As well seeing the genuine objects from the ship, attendees will wander through full-scale recreations of the vessel's interiors, such as the veranda cafe, first-class parlour suite and grand staircase. "Tragedy, heroism, sacrifice, survival and loss — these are themes the evokes which continue to resonate today, with people of all ages across the globe," said Museums Victoria CEO & Director Lynley Crosswell, announcing the exhibition. In addition to the recovered items and recreations of the Titanic's spaces, the exhibition will tell tales about those who were onboard the ship that launched its maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, only to sink five days later on April 15 after hitting an iceberg. This exploration of a tragic chapter in history will focus on passengers and crew alike, while also stepping through the vessel's class divisions and pondering the boat's legacy. Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition will display at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton from Saturday, December 16, 2023–Sunday, April 14, 2024 — head to the venue's website for further details and tickets. Images: EMG / Alexandre Schoelcher / Museums Victoria.
Do you often find yourself neglecting your morning run in favour of the snooze button? Or do you define a 'gym session' as the walk between your fridge and couch? If fitness just isn't your forte and workouts feel more like work then these ten awesome fitness apps could be the perfect starting block for refreshing and renewing your fitness regime. Whether you're a budding Olympian or just hoping to slash a couple of excess pounds, this list offers something for just about everyone, with apps ranging from running trackers to fitness games to workout incentives to yoga on-the-go. And to celebrate the release of the new adidas adistar Boost running shoes, where you receive extra energy from the shoe’s boost technology to keep you running longer, we've compiled a list of our top ten apps to help out. So check out The Athlete's Foot, don those fluoro shorts, pump up the Jay-Z and check out the list, because these apps have the potential to transform even those with the most avid of workout aversions into fully fledged gym junkies. 1. Zombies, Run! Oh yes, this is exactly what you think it is. It's your real-life version of 28 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead, transforming the stress and strain of your next gym sesh into a post-apocalypic zombie chase. The story itself is pretty simple: civilisation has fallen into zombie-infested ruin and it is up to you to rebuild society. As you run you automatically collect medicine, food, ammo and other critical supplies to replenish your base, but in order to evade those pesky zombie hordes you have to keep up with your customised zombie speeds. Choose from over 30 different missions, crank up your favourite playlist and the twists and turns of the zombie saga will be revealed to you between tracks. 2. Fitocracy Fitocracy does what many a gym, PT and exercise playlist have often tried and failed to do: taken the 'work' out of 'workout'. By applying the addictive quality of video games — of having to reach the next level and beat your own and your friends' top scores — Fitocracy actually manages to make fitness into the physical equivalent of Call of Duty: fun and strangely addictive. Starting at level one, you are awarded points for completing increasingly difficult workouts, which can then be shared on the Fitocracy social network. 3. Jefit Jefit isn't designed for your casual jogger or backyard footballer, but for the most hardcore and dedicated of fitness freaks: bodybuilders and gym junkies. The app allows you to track your body statistics with everything from fitness graphs to progress photographs, create custom workout routines and discover new exercises and workout techniques with Jefit's massive exercise database. The app's two-way sync technology allows you to sync all this information with an online profile and store all your fitness data on the Jefit server, making this the perfect companion for any trip to the gym. 4. Pocket Yoga Perhaps the most common excuse for giving up on a gym membership or even on the whole concept of staying fit is the simple reason of time poorness. If you are someone who prefers the downward facing dog and the crane pose to chin-ups and dumbbells, then time poorness is no longer a viable excuse, thanks to this super-handy app that allows you to practice yoga anytime, anywhere. The Pocket Yoga app includes on-the-go yoga classes and a comprehensive pose dictionary that shows proper positioning and the benefits of each contortion. 5. Cardiio The Cardiio app allows users to become their own personal GP with the world's most easy-to-use stethoscope. There are no straps, no finger clips and no scary add-ons; simply look into your iPhone camera and the app will tell you your heart rate. From this simple piece of information Cardiio can then provide you with a wealth of information about your health, from raw fitness level to life expectancy to how you compare to the general population — or, if you felt so inclined, how you compare with Tiger Woods or even a horse. Use this app everyday after your daily workout and Cardiio will tabulate your results to show you just how fit you are actually getting. 6. RunKeeper While the purpose and function of RunKeeper is fairly clear from its name, what is less clear is just how awesome this app is. Not only does the RunKeeper app track the distance, speed and times of your morning run, walk or bike ride, but it also provides users with a detailed and interactive picture of their exercise regime and fitness levels. RunKeeper allows you to set and measure goals, keep track of milestones and PBs, get on-the-go coaching and collate and share all this data on runkeeper.com. So make sure you cross off the checklist before you go for your next run: a pair of perfectly fitted trainers from The Athlete's Foot and a copy of the RunKeeper app. 7. Charity Miles If shedding those few excess pounds or tightening up those abs isn't sufficient motivation to get you up and exercising, then perhaps Charity Miles can help you out. This free app encourages you to get off the couch by rewarding every mile you run, walk or ride with a donation of 10c for bikers or 25c for runners and walkers to a charity of your choosing. What's awesome about this app is just how easy it is to make a tangible difference to a worthwhile cause. Charity Miles as well helps you to push through the pain of exercise, with regular updates as to what sort of difference each mile you travel will have for your chosen charity. 8. Obstacles XRT By combining the Obstacles XRT (Extreme Reality Training) app with a little bit of imagination you can transform your living room into a virtual obstacle course complete with tires to skip through, quicksand to hop over and fences to dive under. The Obstacles XRT app is basically a workout video for the iPhone era, replacing Richard Simmons and gratuitous quantities of spandex with army commander voiceovers and high intensity obstacle courses. Every command of "jump as high as you can" and "jab to the left" is specifically designed to workout your major muscle groups, and with the app's Calorie Burn Dashboard, you can watch in real time as you burn off the calories. 9. Endomondo While the app store is rife with sports trackers that can measure the duration, distance, speed and even calorie burn of your morning jog, few of them offer the sort of versatility and all-purposeness of the Endomondo Sports Tracker. Of particular note, the Endomondo app is able to not only track running and cycling but just about any distance-based sport — from skiing to kayaking to rollerblading. The app includes an incredible range of features from heart monitors to audio coaching to route generators, but perhaps most unique to the Endomondo app is its capacity to pit you against your friends by competing with their best times and even sending them pep talks. 10. GymPact GymPact are upping the stakes for those of us who have been known to miss the occasional gym session. Petty excuses are no longer good enough because if you fail to meet your weekly workout targets you have to pay up. And if you meet your targets then GymPact will pay you. All you have to do is make a pact of how many times you'll work out in a week and set yourself a price. If you you fall short of your target, then your wager helps pay everyone else in the GymPact community that had a successful week. Don't think you can cheat the system either, as with GPS tracking and the RunKeeper app, GymPact makes sure you stick to your weekly pact. Get onto GymPact, and thanks to this brilliant little incentive, missed workouts may soon become a thing of the past. Once you've downloaded your favourite app, make sure you get yourself a double boost with a pair of awesome new runners. Check out the adidas adistar Boost available now at The Athlete’s Foot (limited release only).
After spending a glorious, sunny summer on the Promenade, the Casa Aperol at Bondi Beach pop-up will be moving indoors and into the beloved Bondi Pavilion to keep giving Sydneysiders the chance to quaff Aperol Spritz, the Italian sunset in a glass, while overlooking their city's most iconic beach. With a breezy bar serving up drinks and a summer-ready food menu designed for beachside enjoyment, the Mediterranean-inspired oasis will shift inside the walls of the Pav, open every Sunday from 11.30am until Sunday, May 7. As well as fresh sea breezes and stunning views of Bondi Beach, you can expect DJs on the decks and prizes up for grabs. The celebrations will keep that summer feeling alive from early March to early May, and culminate in a ticketed live music event in collaboration with Live Nation, so stay tuned for further details. And, if the world's most famous al fresco aperitivo is anything to go by, expect good vibes, great times and a ton of fun for you and your crew. For the latest information on the Casa Aperol pop-up in Bondi, head to the website.
UPDATE, June 14, 2020: Devs is also now streaming in full on new Foxtel-run platform Binge. This article has been updated to reflect that change. If you're a fan of watching smart, rewarding, deep-thinking science fiction, then you're probably a fan of Alex Garland's. Originally an author, he initially came to fame as the writer of 90s bestseller The Beach, before moving into screenwriting with the script for 28 Days Later. More screenplays followed, including Sunshine, Never Let Me Go and Dredd — but it was his 2014 directorial debut Ex Machina that showed the extent of his filmmaking prowess. Annihilation proved a highly worthy addition to his resume in 2018, too, even after it was shuffled onto Netflix rather than screening in cinemas in much of the world. Given his track record so far, any new project by Garland is cause for excitement. This year, direct your enthusiasm towards new series Devs. The writer/director has made the leap to television with a cast led by Nick Offerman, Ex Machina's Sonoya Mizuno, Love's Karl Glusman, American Horror Story's Alison Pill and Bad Times at the El Royale's Cailee Spaeny — and, as currently streaming on Foxtel Now and Binge in Australia, it's a trippy ride into cerebral sci-fi territory. The eight-part show also radiates unease from its very first moments, all while sporting both a mood and a futuristic look that prove simultaneously unsettlingly and alluring. The setting: Amaya, a US technology company that's massive in size yet secretive in its focus, especially when it comes to its big quantum computing project. When Sergei (Glusman) is promoted to its coveted, extra clandestine Devs division, his girlfriend and fellow Amaya employee Lily (Mizuno) is thrilled for him. But when Sergei doesn't come home from his first day, Lily starts looking for answers — including from the company's guru-like leader Forest (a long-haired, very un-Ron Swanson-like Offerman). As intriguing as it is involving — as both Ex Machina and Annihilation were, too — Devs is the kind of series with twists and turns that are best discovered by watching; however as each second passes by, the stranger and more sinister it all appears. Expect conspiracies, tech thrills and big questions, in a series that does what all the very best sci-fi stories do: tackle big existential questions and intimate everyday emotions in tandem, all while asking 'what if?'. Also a highlight is Devs' spectacular set design and overall look, with Garland bringing striking, dark yet vivid images to his first small-screen project. Giant woodland areas, floating cube-like workspaces glimmering in golden hues, shimmering fields, a towering statue of a small child — they're all part of the show's appearance, and its mysteries. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8klax373ds The first season of Devs is available to stream on Foxtel Now and Binge. Images: FX Networks.
Visitors to the Sydney Opera House might soon be able to stay the night, under a bold new plan being considered by NSW state authorities. According to The Guardian, the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment is currently mulling over a proposal that would see certain sections of the Opera House — including the Utzon Room, the Board Room, the Joan Sutherland Theatre and the Concert Hall — temporarily transformed into luxury accommodation on a small number of nights throughout the year. Under the proposal put forward by the Sydney Opera House Trust last year, the Opera House could be utilised for "two types of experiential events". The first would offer "up to two nights' accommodation for a maximum of five guests, offered five times per year". The second would offer "up to two nights' accommodation for a maximum of 100 guests, offered on a single occasion per year". According to the proposal, the activation would "provide a unique opportunity for the community to experience the iconic Sydney Opera House in new and innovative ways", while allowing corporate partners to "promote their support of the Sydney Opera House". The idea sounds cool in theory, but has caused some controversy, particularly in relation to the Opera House's corporate partnership with Airbnb. In a submission to NSW Planning, a former Opera House employee called the plan "bold and brazen marketing" and described the partnership with Airbnb "evil genius". Speaking to The Guardian, a spokesperson for the Opera House said that they did not intend to charge visitors for an overnight stay, but would instead utilise the accommodation for "ballots, visitor experiences, competition prizes or promotional activities". It doesn't sound too dissimilar to the types of competitions that accommodation sites Airbnb and HomeAway have run overseas, which have included overnight stays. It doesn't sound too dissimilar to the types of competitions that accommodation sites Airbnb and HomeAway have run overseas, which have included overnight stays in the Eiffel Tower, the catacombs in Paris and Dracula's Castle. And while it could prove a handy option if the Opera House decides to run its all-night Bingefest this year, we'll wait and see if the proposal gets the final sign-off. Via The Guardian. Image: Frances Gunn.
In one of the best new shows of 2022, and a Golden Globe-winner as well, a Chicago sandwich shop served up far more than just meat and bread. Following Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, Shameless) as he returned to run the family eatery after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, We Own This City) death, The Bear's menu also spanned intense kitchen and interpersonal chaos, plus its head chef's dream of levelling up the humble beef-slinging business. When season two arrives this winter, change is well and truly part of the show's spread, with Carmy's renovation and revamp plans at the The Original Beef of Chicagoland underway. As seen in the just-dropped full trailer for the series' upcoming return — which follows an earlier initial sneak peek back in March — neither the show nor its protagonist's life have gotten any less stressful. Trying to bring a fine-diner's level of meticulous to a neighbourhood sandwich shop didn't go smoothly in season one, and endeavouring to completely transform the restaurant was always going to be peppered with mayhem in season two. Get ready to devour requests for cash, tight timelines, constant construction noise, cooking experiments, visits to culinary school, awkward interviews and t-shirt typos. And, of course, an array of dishes being whipped up and instantly whetting appetites off-screen. The new trailer also adds Shiva Baby and Booksmart's Molly Gordon to the cast — and, although he hasn't been seen in season two's early glimpses so far, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul great Bob Odenkirk will also be guest starring. Gordon and Odenkirk join not only the exceptional White, but the rest of The Bear's impressive roster of talent, such as Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Dropout) as Richie, aka Cousin, aka Carmy's brother's best friend; Ayo Edebiri (Dickinson) as sous chef Sydney; Abby Elliott (Indebted) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar; and Lionel Boyce (Hap and Leonard), Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment) and Edwin Lee Gibson (Fargo) among the other Original Beef staff. The Bear was renewed for season two before the show even made its way Down Under, after debuting in the US last June, then reaching Australia and New Zealand via Disney+ at the end of August. Given that it's now a huge hit, here's hoping that audiences here won't experience a delay again this time around when it hits the US on June 22 again. This go-around will span ten episodes, giving viewers two extra servings of Carmy's culinary endeavours. While season one already saddled him more than his fair share of troubles and struggles, there's no way that season two is going to a cruisy dream for the kitchen ace. If you missed the first season, it jumped into the mayhem after Carmy took over The Original Beef of Chicagoland. Before returning home, the chef's resume spanned Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. That's just the beginning of the story, in a series that truly conveyed what it's like to work in the hospitality industry — including navigating a restaurant kitchen's non-stop pressures. Yes, the mood is anxious from the outset, with The Bear's creator Christopher Storer (who also has Ramy, Dickinson and Bo Burnham: Make Happy on his resume) starting the series as he definitely meant to go on, but still expertly managing to balance drama and comedy. Check out the full trailer for The Bear season two below: The Bear streams via Disney+ Down Under, with season two set to return on June 22 in the US — we'll update you with an exact local season two release date when one is announced. Read our full review of season one.
Filmed like a play but choreographed like a dance, Birdman is cinematic ballet where the way the story is presented is just as critical to its telling as the story itself. That's because the film features one remarkable, continuous shot that goes for 119 minutes and is called Birdman. Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is a washed-up movie star whose career faded into obscurity after turning down the lead in ‘Birdman 3’ (allusions to Keaton’s career post Batmans 1 and 2 are clearly — and gleefully — embraced by all). Thomson has gambled everything on one final shot at restoring his credibility: a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver story that he has singlehandedly adapted, directed and is starring in. There's a matryoshka doll feeling to it all: the movie, filmed like a play, about the movie star putting on a play. The effect is at once mesmerising and unbalanced, neatly reflecting Thomson’s own tortured subconscious. With a supporting cast including Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, Birdman is a tantalisingly original black comedy that belongs on everyone’s must-see list for 2015. Birdman is in cinemas nationally on January 15. Thanks to Twentieth Century Fox, we're giving away one collectable, money-can’t-buy talking Birdman figurine (only 50 in Australia), along with a Birdman double in-season pass. Ten runners up will also get double in-season passes. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
Have you ever needed to convey an important message to someone in a big way, but sweated to find the perfect gift to do so? Maybe you needed to say 'sorry for being a jerk', 'thanks for being a great mate', or simply 'I love you'. Well, perhaps not surprisingly, there's a store to fix that problem. Initially launching as a website in 2013, the retailer branched out into a bricks-and-mortar in Martin Place's GPO building — then moved to Westfield Sydney in 2020. The store is built around the concept of 'give different'. That means sourcing items that are unique and thoughtfully designed, so you're in very little danger of doubling up on gifts. Products include knives carved from deer antler, hand-woven scarves and handmade resin jewellery from Dinosaur Designs. Gourmet goodies include wheels of Bruny Island cheese and premium single malt whisky distilled in highland Tasmania, which you can taste test in the store. You'll also find colourful wares from the iconic Finnish design brand Marimekko. Images: Joey Clark.
A bustling little corner of lunchtime and late-night activity in Bondi, Mamasan is Moulin Rouge-meets-1920s Shanghai. Pull up a plush seat in your very own Bondi opium den and start ogling the menu, a tempting fusion of Taiwanese street food and Japanese deliciousness — the chef grew up in Taiwan before living in Japan. Alternatively, you can perch at the bar and let the bartenders talk you through the excellent sake, whisky and Japanese plum wine lists. Try them straight or in a signature cocktail. Like the Jap Dak, a twist on the daiquiri, with Okinawa Rum Rebellion Shochu, cloudy Aragoshi Umushu plum wine and fresh lime juice; or the Japanese Penicillin, with 12-year-old Yamasaki whisky, ginger, lemongrass and honey. Drop by on Sundays for the Mamasan markets, where Asia-inspired artists and designers put their wares on display. And keep an ear out for live jazz gigs, which happen every now and again.
Last month, Douwe Egberts surprised weary air travellers with their yawn-activated coffee machine. Before that, Pepsi set up a vending machine that exchanged drinks for Facebook likes, rather than cash. Now, Amstel Bulgaria has taken the concept to a new level, with a vending machine that gives a beer to anyone who can stand still for three minutes. As you can see from the video, it's not necessarily as easy as it looks. Checking your mobile phone, for example, can prove to be something of a thirst-prolonging distraction. Despite our modern propensity for restlessness, however, Amstel did manage to give away 1,344 beers over the course of 16 days, which equates to a daily average of 84 giveaways and a total of 67 hours of rest time. The machine was placed in Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, where drinking in public is still legal. The promo is a collaboration with creative agency NEXT-DC, whose goal is 'to keep the conversation between brands and their customers alive and inspiring'. [via PSFK]
The Abercrombie is back! The storied corner pub and haven of electronic music reopened at the end of 2022 with Solotel at the helm, bringing packed dance floors nd its 24-hour license back to Chippendale. The expansive space boasts three mini-venues within the overarching title of The Abercrombie. The main bar and beer garden plays home to regular events hosted by some of the best tastemakers and party crews from around Sydney, Australia and the world. When the beats aren't firing, this area serves as a friendly neighbourhood haunt with beers and cocktails on tap, pizza by the slice and Italian mains for those that may get peckish. Head up two floors and you'll discover a sleek cocktail lounge and rooftop bar called Casa Rosa. The food here draws from the Mediterranean, and the DJs spin Italo-disco classics until the early hours of the morning. Rounding out the trio of offerings is Lil Sis. This final piece of the puzzle is located in the adjoining terraces next to the pub. Here, you'll find a cosy wine bar serving up classic drops and new-world, minimal-intervention wines, both of which can be enjoyed on-site or be taken away. While the venue generally stays open until 5am on weekends, those open hours can stretch even further — sometimes all the way into the next day — when special event are on. The club immediately reopened to lines around the block and a boundary-pushing program of dance music, with no signs of slowing down. Maybe there is hope for Sydney's nightlife after all. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney
Finally, furious pub debates have some legs. After months of pitching, analysing and suspiciously eyeing off touring schedules, we can rest easy: the 2014 Splendour in the Grass first lineup announcement is out of its cage. After Outkast leaked their own headlining spot this week, attention turned to the remaining Maybe Pile - with every last artist from Massive Attack to Action Bronson pitched with smug confidence. So who's in? Confirmed as headliners after an awkward leaked post by the duo on the Splendour website, Outkast will be taking out the top spot on the first night. After a seven-year hiatus, Big Boi and Andre 3000 made a triumphant return to the stage recently at Coachella Music and Arts Festival in California. Cailfornian festival favourites Foster The People were a 'Pumped Up Kicks'-loving Splendour crowd favourite in 2011 and will return with more material this year. British trio London Grammar will bring their ethereal trip hop to Byron after their billing last year didn't work out due to timing. Two Door Cinema Club and Lily Allen will return to Australia for their first shows here in over a year. But one of the biggest surprises is the addition of Brooklyn's beloved Interpol, who no one really saw coming. After letting tour plans slip on triple j, Sky Ferreira can now officially confirm her spot on the lineup, returning quite soon after a recent Australian tour. Others who couldn't keep away include Danny Brown, Darkside, Parquet Courts and CHVRCHES, all of whom recently played killer shows around these parts. The Australian contingent (lead by deadset legends Hoodoo Gurus) sees Angus and Julia Stone and Spiderbait return to the stage, as well as RÜFÜS, Vance Joy, The Preatures, Sticky Fingers, The Jezabels, Ball Park Music, Courtney Barnett, DZ Deathrays, Violent Soho and more homegrown favourites sure to prompt All The Singalongs. There's a few wildcards sure to stir significant hype closer to the date, including Icelandic melodic folkster Ásgeir, New York punk rockers Skaters and returning eclectic folk-pop queen tUnE-yArDs. Splendour in the Grass 2014 will take place from Friday July 25 through to Sunday July 27, returning to the festival's new home of North Byron Parklands, Yelgun. Full lineup: Outkast (Only Aus Show) Two Door Cinema Club (Only Aus Show) Lily Allen Interpol (Only Aus Show) Foster The People Angus & Julia Stone City And Colour London Grammar Vance Joy Darkside (Only Aus Show) RÜFÜS Ben Howard Kelis Metronomy Hoodoo Gurus Chvrches (Only Aus Show) Grouplove The Jezabels Tune-Yards 360 Wild Beasts Danny Brown (Only Aus Show) Illy First Aid Kit Violent Soho Ásgeir Spiderbait The 1975 Ball Park Music Art Vs Science Buraka Som Sistema (Only Aus Show) The Preatures Parquet Courts (Only Aus Show) Sticky Fingers Peking Duk Sky Ferreira Future Islands Courtney Barnett Phantogram DZ Deathrays Skaters Gossling Jungle The Strypes Hot Dub Time Machine The Kite String Tangle Ry-X Mikhael Paskalev Wave Racer The Acid Saskwatch Kingswood Circa Waves Broods Dustin Tebbutt The Head And The Heart DMA'S Darren Middleton Little May Darlia D.D Dumbo Tkay Maidza The Creases The Wild Feathers Chrome Sparks Fractures Mas Ysa Nick Mulvey Triple J Unearthed Winners Plus DJs & Producers: Nina Las Vegas Yacht Club DJs Motez Touch Sensitive Indian Summer Wordlife L D R U & Yahtzel DJs Cosmos Midnight Sable Kilter Basenji KLP Fishing DJs Paces Charles Murdoch More information and tickets over here at the Splendour website.
We've officially entered one of the busiest times of the year when it comes to buying gifts for the fam. Luckily, Black Friday deals make it a lot more affordable, especially if you have a big family. To help you get prepped, we've narrowed down some of the best bargains from Amazon for mums, dads, kids, sisters, brothers and partners. From coffee machines to cookbooks, skincare essentials and wardrobe staples, these savings are tantalizingly good, so get shopping and make the most of the deals while they last. For Mum Often the most self-sacrificing people when it comes to gifts, mum absolutely deserves a treat. From skincare to some newfound inspiration in the kitchen, these Black Friday deals will have you covered. Philips Espresso Machine for $699.00 – 41% off. VT COSMETICS CICA Reedle Shot 100 Serum for $26.40 – 47% off. RecipeTin Eats: Dinner by Nagi Maehashi for $24.00 – 47% off NIVEA SUN UV Face Shine Control Sunscreen for $8.99 – 50% off. Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker for $138.98 – 54% off. COSRX Snail MucinPower Repairing Essence Hydrating Serum for $12.99 – 66% off. For Dad Grab the dads in your life some gifts they will love, like an air fryer for lazy, healthy dinners or even a new watch if you think his outfits are in need of a little bit of extra flair. The Voice Inside by John Farnham for $29.00 – 42% off. Philips 5000 Series Air Fryer for $229.00 – 49% off. Inkbird Digital Meat Thermometer for $18.99 – 51% off. Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results Book for $17.49 – 53% off. Bonds Men's Underwear Cotton Action for $19.99 – 43% off. Tommy Hilfiger Men's Stainless Steel Watch for $139.00 – 58% off. For Your Sister or Girlfriend You really can't go wrong with some new shoes, hair accessories or nice-smelling stuff for the girls in your life. You can thank us later. d'Alba Italian White Truffle Toner for $19.98 – 50% off. Australian Food by Bill Granger for $29.00 – 42% off. Calvin Klein, Carousel Thong 5 Pack for $35.99 – 56% off. Dr. Martens Unisex Myles Brando Leather Slide Sandal for $139.99 – 46% off. Philips 5000 Series Hair Straightener for $64.99 – 40% off. Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shampoo, Bath And Shower Gel for $13.55 – 60% off. For Your Brother or Boyfriend Whether they're a tech nerd, Lord of the Rings obsessed or are more of the active type, we've narrowed down some of the best low-price gifts to suit any kind of guy. BUZIO Insulated Water Bottle for $29.58 – 44% off. The Hobbit / The Lord of the Rings Box Set for $40.24 – 50% off. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Special Edition Headphones for $335.00 – 46% off. MERRELL Men's Moab 3 GTX Hiking Shoe for $128.99 – 54% off. Calvin Klein One Eau De Toilette for $33.94 – 86% off. UGREEN Magsafe Power Bank for $49.99 – 42% off. For Kids If there's one thing we're certain of, is that it's oh-so-easy to make kids smile with a simple gift that will guarantee endless entertainment, whether it's a book, a board game or a toy you've heard them begging for the past six months. The Adventures of Tintin Complete Boxset for $149.90 – 57% off. Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker for $149.00 – 40% off. PicassoTiles 100 Piece Magnetic Playboards Tiles Set for $45.60 – 49% off. Barbie DreamHouse for $175.00 – 53% off. Blokus for $19.99 – 52% off. Crocs Kids' Bayaband Sandal for $28.04 – 42% off. Images: Supplied. This article contains affiliate links, Concrete Playground may earn a commission when you make a purchase through links on our site.
Completed in June 2024, the $4.3-million upgrades to Wollemi National Park's popular glow worm tunnel aren't much to look at. That is to say, the improvements to the once-slippery pathway and the new handrail preventing accidental stumbles into web-covered walls have been discreetly designed to keep visitors' eyes fixed above them on the bioluminescent light show taking place on the disused rail tunnel's craggy ceiling. Installing the new safety features had to be painstakingly executed under extraordinary conditions to preserve the peace of the resident glow worm colony. Workers had to transport more than 350 tonnes of materials by hand through dense rainforest for more than a kilometre and any materials too heavy to be carried had to be flown in by helicopter. To mitigate the risk of fume emissions, excessive vibrations or chemical spills damaging the delicate tunnel habitat, none of the typical equipment that might usually be deployed on a construction project could be used — only hand-operated tools. Special lighting solutions, using only red light — a colour the glow worms are unable to see — were also installed to allow workers to see in the otherwise pitch-dark, 387-metre-long tunnel. Time-lapse cameras tracked changes in the colony's glow intensity to monitor the worms for signs of stress. Thanks to these efforts, park officials were confident that the worms remained blissfully unaware of the construction taking place just metres away. [caption id="attachment_969812" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Wollemi National Park Glow Worm Tunnel prior to the upgrades.[/caption] While making upgrades to the tunnel were challenging, they were also necessary. The tunnel, which was once part of the now-defunct Wolgan Valley Railway line and has been disused since 1932, is an ideal habitat for the glow worms because of the small stream that runs through it. However, slippery conditions posed a potential risk to visitors coming to view the natural wonder, so a new raised walkway built on top of the stream now offers a far safer environment while preserving the running water that is so essential to the habitat's conditions. Beyond the tunnel, there have also been major improvements to facilities throughout the Glow Worm Tunnel precinct to make its somewhat remote location within Wollemi National Park more accessible. These include the completion of 5.7 kilometres of upgraded walking tracks, new picnic tables, a new toilet block and an expansion of the car park. An estimated 50,000 visitors are expect to make use of the new facilities annually. "The new path through the wonderful Glow Worm Tunnel makes it safer and easier for visitors to access and importantly, minimises disturbance to the glow worms," NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said. "I want to congratulate the team from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for conducting this work under such delicate conditions and keeping the glow worms safe in the process." The Wollemi National Park Glow Worm Tunnel is now open to the public. Visit the Wollemi National Park website for more details. Images: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services.
Your bags are packed, you've caught the Airtrain and you've navigated the check-in process. All that's left is to sit and wait until your flight boards, and then your holiday will be underway. That's how most of us approach airports, admit it. But we've all been forgetting a very important piece of travel advice: your trip actually begins when you walk through the airport doors. Once you've collected your boarding pass, dropped off your bags and passed through security, you're basically on your way. So, you might as well enjoy it. Most of us are guilty of finding the nearest seat, pumping out a few last-minute emails and tapping our toes impatiently as we scroll through our newsfeeds for the 1000th time until it's time to hop on the plane. But Brisbane Airport offers a range of alternatives at its Domestic Terminal. Whether you're a local starting your trip or you're a visitor with a spare window between connecting flights, coffee, shopping, music and more await. GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX Airports and coffee are one of life's essential pairings. Most of us can't even contemplate making our way through the building — let alone the flight — without a good caffeine hit. Of course, as every coffee fiend knows, there's a difference between an average takeaway brew and a proper coffee — and Fonzie Abbott is onsite at Brisbane Airport to deliver the latter. Open from 4.30am weekdays and 5am on weekends, the coffee roasters brew up flavoursome beans that are widely considered among the best in Brisbane. Otherwise, rich hot chocolates are on offer — if that's your preferred warm beverage. Pair your coffee or choccie with a muffin or slice of banana bread, and sit by the cafe's windows for a bit of plane-spotting. And, if you're worried about the coffee situation when you land, you can also grab a bag of beans to take with you. HIT THE SHOPS One of the best views in the Brisbane Airport isn't at any of the boarding lounges, it's in the Lorna Jane store. If you find yourself staring outside rather than rifling through the racks, that's understandable — although shoppers will find plenty to keep their attention. Those needing something comfy to wear on the flight will be in the right spot, but whatever you're after, you'll likely find it among the Domestic Terminal's mini mall. You'll find the usual shopping centre suspects including Witchery, Seed, Peter Alexander, Typo and Sunglass Hut — great for when you realise you left your sunnies on the kitchen bench. There's also a Mecca Maxima should you need some skincare to help you stay fresh on the plane. Finally, there are, of course, spots like Newslink, Watermark Books and News Travels, where you can pick up a book to really sink your teeth into on your long-haul. EAT A DECENT PRE-FLIGHT MEAL Kimchi-filled Korean-style chicken sandwiches, slider platters and a pie tasting plate might not sound like your usual airport fare, but they're all available at the Domestic Terminal's Glasshouse Bar. Named after the nearby mountains on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, the restaurant and watering hole places a particular emphasis on local produce. Expect to also find a Darling Downs rump steak and a caesar salad with soft-boiled Tamborine Mountain free-range eggs on the menu, plus a range of Queensland brews. Settling in by the mountain mural is a great, leisurely sit-down option, but if you only have time for a food court meal, you can still have something a few steps above the reheated and fried meals that can plague food courts. At the Qantas food court, you'll find Vietnamese joint Roll'd with an array of vegetable-stuffed rice paper rolls, pho and banh mi, and Sumo Salad serving an array of fresh salads, grain bowls and made-to-order wraps at the Virgin end of the terminal. RELAX OVER A PRE-DEPARTURE BEV You might not be heading from Brisbane Airport to Cairns, but you can still enjoy some of the tropical Queensland city's best brews at the onsite Great Northern Bar. Because it's always 5pm somewhere, the bar stays open from 5am until late, with the closing time depending on the flight schedule. Expect a hefty lineup of beers and other alcoholic beverages, plus pub-style food and a nice view out over the tarmac. GET YOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ORDER Arrived at the airport after a busy day at work with a phone battery that's fading fast? Want to get in a few episodes of your favourite Netflix show during your flight, but forgot to download them? Finished shopping, eating and drinking but still have a couple of emails to write? That's where Brisbane Airport's free wifi and free charging stations come in handy; let's face it, hopping on a plane staring at the red power meter on your phone is the stuff nightmares are made of. With wifi throughout the terminal, you can get your affairs in order while you browse or sit at the bar. And as for charging up, you'll find a number of outlets scattered throughout the terminal's two food courts. Next time you find yourself at Brisbane Airport, pass the time pre-flight eating, drinking and shopping your way through the terminal. Images: Atlanta Bell.
Your dreams of ditching the slow peak-hour crawl for a quick flight through the skies could soon become a reality, as Uber reveals it's seriously considering Melbourne as a trial city for its world-first Uber aircraft. Having already flagged the USA's Dallas and Los Angeles as launch cities for its new flying service, dubbed the Elevate project, the ride share company now has Melbourne in its sights for a third location, largely thanks to its booming population. According to 7News, Uber executives have arrived Down Under to discuss opportunities with the government and to explore how a place like Melbourne could handle a flying ride share system, with passengers catching aircraft instead of cars. Uber's Head of Aviation Eric Allison told 7News that with rapidly growing populations in Sydney and Melbourne, "We see that there is a clear need for this type of service." Earlier this year, the company showed off new plans for its groundbreaking foray into air travel, at the Uber Elevate Summit. Based on these latest designs, the system would operate using electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), with helipad-style takeoff and landing 'Skyports' located on high rooftops at key points around the city. Passengers would be able to tee up a flight using the Uber app, then be driven to a nearby launch pad. "The button press will orchestrate you a car to get to the sky port and then to take you away from the sky port to get you to your final destination," Allison explained to 7News. In an example of how fast Uber Air trips could be, Uber has said that an average 55-minute trip to Melbourne Airport could be cut down to just 5 minutes. And in excellent news for your bank account, the flights would apparently cost no more than an Uber X. Here's a look at how it will work: https://youtu.be/JuWOUEFB_IQ If Melbourne's given the green light as Uber's third test city, we could see trial flights begin as early as 2020, with regular services kicking off by 2023. While this all sounds a bit too good to be true, we do hope we'll be Jetsons-ing around the city for pittance soon. Via au.news.yahoo.com Images: Uber and Humphreys & Partners Architects, Gannett Fleming, Corgan and Pickard Chilton.
The world's most-famous enigmatic smile is beaming down on Australia in 2024, all thanks to the team at Grande Experiences. The Melbourne-based company is the mastermind behind the immersive walkthrough art experiences that've been sweeping the country, both touring them and opening the nation's first permanent digital-only art gallery The Lume — and Leonardo da Vinci and the Mona Lisa are its latest point of focus. The Lume in the Victorian capital is all-in on the artist and inventor. The site's major 2024 exhibition is Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius, with the gallery is calling its "most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking yet". That's quite the claim for a collection that follows a van Gogh celebration, a focus on Monet and his contemporaries and the current First Nations-centric Connection. Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius displays to art lovers from Saturday, March 16. The Last Supper also enjoys the spotlight in a big way, because Grande Experiences' whole setup is making iconic, important and stunning works larger than life, surrounding attendees like never before. The Mona Lisa links in with the segment of the exhibition that's all about French optical engineer Pascal Cotte, who invented a multispectral camera and has peeled back the artwork's layers using his research. So, get excited about Mona Lisa Revealed, which will include an exact 360-degree replica — the only one in the world — as created thanks to Cotte's 240,000,000-pixel multispectral camera. That said, Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius isn't just about its namesake's well-known works, with the 3000-square-metre multi-sensory gallery also exploring his inspirations and contemporaries. So, you can also scope out Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and works by Caravaggio. Melbourne is home to an experience that steps through da Vinci's journey, too, including Florence's streets, Venice's canals and Milan — as brought to life via sight, sound, scent, touch and taste. Also among Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius' highlights: 50 of da Vinci's "machine inventions", which are on loan the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome. Alongside the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper and his anatomical drawings — and more — da Vinci is well-known for his flying machine concepts, with his 15th-century vision of human flight set to score The Lume's attention. This part of the exhibition heroes recreations made in Italy from the artist and inventor's sketches, and also using the materials and techniques he would've at the time. Updated Friday, October 25, 2024.
Australia loves an underdog, so the interest and anticipation surrounding the new home of beleaguered celebrity chef Justin North comes as no surprise. With its stylish leather couches and armchairs, attractive angular lamps and impressive collection of wall-mounted photos (including an almost life-sized nude Kate Moss from the Kate Garner series currently showing in Paris), the Hotel Centennial exudes the brightness and warmth of a friend's dining room, and the refined elegance that makes it clear that friend shops at Coco Republic. There's a buzz to the place, with its jazzy, big-band soundtrack, bustling open kitchen, roaring wood-fired oven and army of well-dressed waitstaff milling about the grand wooden tables. The food is pretty as a picture. Grass fed steak tartare rests with a pickle upon a slender slice of rye ($6), while pink pieces of marinated tuna are lifted by the freshness of green tea soba noodles and scattered with black sesame seeds ($26). The flavours are pleasant, if not punchy, and make for an enjoyable preamble for the richer mains, like the wintery shepherd's pie ($26) which pairs soft pieces of lamb shank and shoulder with a flavoursome mash and toasted breadcrumbs. The wine list is impressive and accessible, with carefully curated categories ranging from 'zippy, zesty fresh whites' to 'big, bold, brash reds'. Our Argentinian Mi Terruno 'Uvas' Malbec ($10/$49) makes a happy companion for our meaty mains. Unusually for a pub, dessert is where it's at. A rich slice of chocolate ale cake ($14) makes clear that combining beer with chocolate can in fact be a thing, marrying the bitterness of the stout with sweetness from dashes of treacle, dollops of chocolate mousse and a creamy quenelle of salted caramel ice cream. Taking its cue from Table for 20 and Farmhouse, the Hotel Centennial is also experimenting with communal dining. Mondays through Wednesdays, you can join the High Table, a long, communal space that seats up to 30 diners for a main announced by noon each day on the High Table Tumblr. $24 includes one course (with $2 donated to the Holdsworth Foundation), and for an extra $10 you also get a coffee or tea and one of those fabulous desserts. Offering comfort food in striking surroundings, the Hotel Centennial is where you take the folks for an upmarket weekend meal. Following this first, measured return to the kitchen, we'll be watching to see what North does next. Images: Katje Ford.
This article is part of our series on the 17 most unique things to have come out of Japan. Check out the other 16. You may not have cut the circus auditions, but, thanks to Japan, your unicycling might still have a future. Honda has cooked up a high-tech unicycle that’s much easier to ride than your regular one-wheeler. The Uni-Cub, as it’s named, hasn’t yet been released for public purchase, but you can get a sneak preview of its potential on OK Go’s ‘I Won’t Let You Down’ video. Battery-powered and self-stabilising, the vehicle can travel at up to 6 kilometres per hour and move in any direction. At this stage, you must be at least 155 centimetres tall and weigh less than 100 kilograms to ride it. Unlike the rather cumbersome Segway, which never took off as anticipated, the Uni-Cub is made to fit in seamlessly with street life, even in crowded areas. Riders are positioned at eye-level with pedestrians and the slimline design means that it doesn’t take up too much space. Plus there are no handle bars. “The keyword is pedestrian,” Shinichiro Kobashi, chief engineer of Honda’s smart mobility development division, told the Japan Times. “People are riding on the Uni-Cub but still able to act like pedestrians.” Honda are also working on refining the Uni-Cub to explore its suitability as a mobility solution for the elderly and the wheelchair dependent.
If you weren't already astoundingly excited about The Rocky Horror Show's return to Sydney from March 2024, listen closely for the production's latest huge news: Dylan Alcott will take to the stage as The Narrator. The cult-favourite show will do the rounds once more after making its Australian comeback in 2023, with the tennis champion and presenter starring opposite Jason Donovan in the Harbour City. Hitting Theatre Royal Sydney from Sunday, March 31, The Rocky Horror Show's second Sydney season in two successive years also marks a repeat date for Donovan, who slips back into Frank N Furter's fishnets to do the 'Time Warp' again. During 2023's season, Spicks and Specks' Myf Warhurst played The Narrator, which she'll also do in Newcastle in January. When the production makes its return visit to Melbourne from February, Joel Creasey will do the honours. [caption id="attachment_931971" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Robenstone[/caption] "Super pumped to join this incredible production of the iconic The Rocky Horror Show. Couldn't think of a better opportunity for my first theatre production, feeling very grateful. Can't wait to get to work and rock it out on stage in Sydney!" said Alcott. The Rocky Horror Show joins the disability advocate's ever-growing resume, which already includes completing both the Golden Slam and Grand Slam in tennis, being a Paralympian, getting named Australian of the Year in 2022, starting Ability Fest, hosting ABC's The Set and winning a Logie. The hit musical first made its Aussie comeback in 2023 to celebrate half a century of the Richard O'Brien-created production, and unsurprisingly wowed crowds with its trademark sci-fi/horror musical madness. On offer: the tale that theatre audiences have loved for five decades — and movie-goers as well, thanks to 1975's iconic big-screen release The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For the uninitiated, the story involves college-aged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss getting a flat tyre, then wandering over to an old castle to ask for help. That's where they discover an extra-terrestrial mad scientist from the galaxy of Transylvania, plus his staff and his Frankenstein-style experiments. The second Sydney season will also feature fellow returnees Ellis Dolan (School of Rock) as Eddie/Dr Scott, Darcey Eagle (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) as Columbia, Deirdre Khoo (Once) as Janet and Henry Rollo (Jagged Little Pill the Musical) as Riff Raff. Since initially premiering in London in June 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has played in more than 30 countries — and over 30 million people have seen songs like 'Science Fiction/Double Feature', 'Dammit, Janet!', 'Sweet Transvestite', 'Over at the Frankenstein Place' and 'Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me'. If you haven't been before — and missed the live broadcast from Sydney back in March — this is your turn to join in. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: From Friday, January 12 — Civic Theatre, Newcastle. From Friday, February 9 — Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne From Sunday, March 31 — Theatre Royal Sydney The Rocky Horror Show's 2024 Australian tour will kick off in January 2024, with tickets on sale now via the production's website. Dylan Alcott image: Dylan Alcott at Ability Fest. Rocky Horror images: Daniel Boud.
Lili J has given the once-abandoned building it calls home, which was once upon a time a florist shop, a new lease on life. The cafe mixes mismatched furniture, plants and huge bay windows to welcoming effect. Coffee is serious business here, with the beans from Sydney roaster Reuben Hills and the occasional appearance by other top-notch roasters. The all-day breakfast menu blends cafe classics like bacon and egg rolls and granola with the likes of chilli scrambled eggs and warming cinnamon porridge. There's also a scrumptious range of baked goods on offer, which rotate daily. Best of all, such are the prices, you won't have to put off buying a home to fund your breakfast. Images: Jasmine Low
A voodoo-inspired, jungle-walled cocktail bar that can tempt you from any dinner plans with popcorn and a glass (or several) of absinthe, Papa Gede's is owned, designed and run by a trio of seasoned hospos: husband-and-wife team Lara Dignam (ex-Red Lantern) and Michael Dhinse (ex-Grandma's), and their friend Joshua Ng (ex-Rover). The cocktail list is a generous mix of classics and signatures, including a Zombie that promises to resurrect the dead. Some bizarre names dominate the menu, like the titillating Centrefold (a golden glass of marigold vodka, passionfruit, lemon, cucumber and coconut water soda with a topping of 'champagne' jelly), or the hopefully not prophetic Double Demerits (a surprisingly sharp mix of cognac, triple sec, guava cryo-concentrate, lemon and pomegranate, finished with a dusting of toasted fennel seeds). The one thing that sets Papa Gede's apart from the rest of Sydney's small bar scene? Its range of international and homegrown absinthes. The proprietors welcome newcomers to the absinthe game. "What I really like about it is that absinthe has this really terrible reputation... [We are] giving people the opportunity to do it in a new fashion," says Dignam. The added theatre of the absinthe ritual — featuring ornate glassware, four-tapped absinthe fountains and burning sugar cubes — will elevate your post-work drinks to a whole new level. Although ostensibly a cocktail bar, including a selection of aged cocktails — matured for one month and stirred upon request — vinophiles aren't left behind, with a generous wine list featuring local and foreign drops. In the fridge, there is also a range of local brews to choose from. As a venue that worships at the altar of history's greatest party animal, Papa Gede — who also happens to be the embodiment of death, a fan of cheap cigars, apples, and top hats — it's little wonder that music is also a big deal here. Expect live music sets from top local blues, jazz, reggae, soul and R&B artists. Images: Cassandra Hannigan
Friends, the time has come. Summer has, at last, arrived. La Niña has given us in Sydney a break from the endless barrage of rain, so it's time to dust off the sandals and cossies and enjoy the sun. There are activities galore to explore this summer season now that we can finally live large the way we've been aching to. When the weather for a banging beach day comes around, you might be looking for something free from a crowd. Don't worry, together with Sheridan — the expert purveyor of luxe beach towels — we've got you covered with a shortlist of only the finest swim spots in and around Sydney. [caption id="attachment_880577" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Lance BB (Flickr)[/caption] SOMERSBY FALLS, SOMERSBY If you fancy a drive up to the Cenny Coast, Somersby Falls is a local summer favourite. Somehow it's secluded, while only being a quick hour up the freeway and turnoff from the Pacific Motorway. You'll find an all-day carpark (which requires a small fee) and a short (but steep) journey down rocky stairs of all shapes and sizes. Only 100 metres into your journey, you'll reach the larger of two pools, with the second waiting for you at the bottom — delightfully, both are great spots to cool off. Like all waterfalls, they're best after a bit of rain, just be careful not to slip. Ideal for a day trip, the journey in and out will take 20 minutes all up. [caption id="attachment_880563" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tim Patch (Unsplash)[/caption] AUSTINMER OCEAN POOLS, AUSTINMER Down south, approximately 90 minutes drive from Sydney, is the village of Austinmer. Easily reached by car, cityslickers can also jump on the South Coast train line to get straight to the seaside destination. It has two of the best ocean pools in the greater Sydney region, sometimes overlooked due to the legendary ocean drive to the north and The Gong's easy-breezy hub to the south. Famous as an entry-level ocean swimming spot, Austinmer's twin beach-pool design means strong swell can roll over the walls during high tide and create a natural wave pool. And when calm, it's as flat as a pancake. The southernmost pool is shallow and popular with kiddos, so if you're looking for some quiet laps, head for the longer pool. [caption id="attachment_860442" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andrew Harvey (Flickr)[/caption] UPPER GLEDHILL FALLS, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK If you've ever driven along McCarrs Creek Road on a drive up to the West Head Lookout or an intimate lunch at Cottage Point, you've passed within a stone's throw of this Northern Sydney favourite — Upper Gledhill Falls sits just below the road. You can park on the roadside near the bridge and make the short-but-tricky walk over – but fair warning, there are a few rocky outcroppings and big boulders to clamber over. The falls collect into a picture-perfect swimming pool — about 10 metres from end to end – that pulls in a crowd on most sunny days. It's perfect for cooling off after a long hike. A short stretch of sand offers a less-rocky alternative to sunbathing spots, and if you're in an adventurous mood, there's even a rope that swings out over the water. Just be careful to aim for the water and not any spectators. [caption id="attachment_880448" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Phillip Terry Graham[/caption] KARLOO POOLS, ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Tucked away in the massive Royal National Park, the green realm that separates Sydney and Wollongong, Karloo Pools is one of the largest swimming pools in the greater Sydney region. It's either a 50-minute drive from the CBD or a similarly long train ride to Heathcote station, followed by a brief walk to the Karloo Track. It's a long journey, but one that's not that difficult and more than worth it. The bushy journey is accessible for all ages and most experience levels, but it's unpaved and sometimes overgrown in places. The track — which is a six-kilometre return trip — takes you directly to the pools. The largest is the most popular and, with a rim of shallow rock ledges, is easy to dip in and out of. Be warned: the hike out is uphill, so save some strength. [caption id="attachment_755788" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory[/caption] WHALE BEACH, NORTHERN BEACHES In the other direction, far into Sydney's locally dubbed 'insular peninsula', there's a beach often ignored by visiting swimmers. Whale Beach is sandwiched between Palm Beach and Avalon Headland, and can be easily passed if you're breezing up Barrenjoey Road searching for a dip. So, go there with intent or directions, otherwise you'll probably miss it. The beach is 600-metres long and feels quite secluded despite its location, which is no surprise considering it only became a residential suburb in the 1950s. If you fancy a surf, you may have heard of 'the Wedge', a famous break on the north side of the beach. But if you forgot the board, no stress. There's plenty of sand and a 25-metre rock pool at the other end (if you prefer your oceanic exposure to be cool and calm). [caption id="attachment_880568" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brian Waldron (Flickr)[/caption] VICTORIA CREEK CASCADES, BLUE MOUNTAINS In the magical splendour of the Blue Mountains, there are more than a few famous walking tracks that'll take you to creeks, cascades, falls and pools. But our pick of the lot is Victoria Creek Cascades, where a creek turns into falls and falls into a swimming pool. Plus, it's just under two hours out of Sydney. Be warned, this is a Blue Mountains track: it's going to be steep and mostly dirt. From the carpark, it's a one-hour walk to the pool at the base of the falls, which is the perfect place to soak your tired bones. The water stays cool even on hotter days, and it's mostly shallow and sandy, so your toes will remain unstubbed. Once you find your new favourite swim spot, elevate your summer game even further with a Sheridan beach towel. To make your pick, head to the website. Top image: Karloo Pools by Aiden Casey via Flickr
Warehouse parties are great. Secret Mexican holiday-inspired, neon-drenched, immersive warehouse experiences are even better. Curated by a group of Mexican visionaries and artists, Day of the Dead 3.1. promises to be one heck of a Burning Man-channeling spectacle you'll want to lock down tickets for — on sale this Saturday, August 15 at 12.30pm. And with the demand already high, this event is expected to sell out within hours, so your crew had better be ready. For hundreds of years, El Dia de los Muertos has been one of the biggest parties in Mexico honouring the dead. The 4000 year-old tradition's history can be traced back to Mexico's indigenous beliefs of the afterlife — that death is only the beginning. Now it's Australia's turn to delve into the underworld, as The Day of the Dead finds its way to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane this spring, in secret locations within each city. Expect interactive art installations, light projections, extravagant costumes, murals created by renowned street artists and an exclusive lineup of local and international DJs and musicians — including one big ol' festival favourite headliner. The lineup will be released closer to the day, so stay tuned. Pop-ups by a handpicked bunch of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane's go-to local Mexican eateries, like Playa Takeria, have been selected to create Dia de los Muertos menus. Plus, there'll be Mexican cervezas and tequila/mezcal cocktails to provide you with enough sustenance to dance the night away. With instructions being sent to ticket holders just one week before the event, this is secret warehouse party business at it's best. Each city's locations are more closely guarded than an abuela's special mole sauce ingredient and will only be released one day before the party. Get ready to nab a ticket and start preparing your best Dia de los Muertos outfit. Day of the Dead will visit Sydney on October 24, then Melbourne on October 31 before ending in Brisbane on November 7. Tickets are $75 and go on sale here on Saturday 15 August at 12.30pm and are expected to sell out super fast. Don't stall on this one, it'll be the death of you.
How many times have you booked a relaxing holiday away, only to find yourself unable to disconnect from your phone and not actually relaxed at all? Well, pause that infinite scroll and make your next escape an off-the-grid adventure. by hitting up one of the best tiny cabins in Australia. A stay at one of these remote cabins in Australia will leave you no choice but to chuck your phone in your bag and forget about it till you're back in mobile range, utterly relaxed and refreshed. We're doing this for your own good. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, there are a wealth of tiny cabins in Australia to explore at any time of year. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Dog Friendly Accommodations in Australia [caption id="attachment_720725" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Riparide[/caption] VICTORIA Tea Tree Hill Beach Shack was created with all the important creature comforts in mind — it's a stone's throw from the beach, plus it has an indoor (and outdoor) fireplace and an outdoor bath. Set in stunning Venus Bay, this Victorian tiny cabin is surrounded by stellar secluded beaches and coastal landscapes but also features luxurious amenities and top-quality furnishings to lounge on. It's perfect for those who want to ensconce themselves in the worlds of fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and staring at a fire contemplating life. Plus, Wilsons Prom is just an hour or so away, so you can easily head out for a day trip. And upon your return, you can snuggle in beside the fire with a complimentary whisky or port in hand. [caption id="attachment_720717" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] NORTHERN TERRITORY Thirty kilometres from Alice Springs, Ooraminna Station Homestead is about as far off the beaten track as they come. Set on 600 acres of red Aussie outback, the small homestead lies between the MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert and has four cabins available to rent — the Stone Cottage, the Timber Cabin, the Tin Cabin and the Log Cabin. Bushwalks, bird watching and camping under the stars are optional extras, but very much encouraged. Wander around the station and you'll come across an old movie set, where you can pretend you're in your own spaghetti western, a billabong, cattle and plenty of native wildlife. And if you're worried about getting lost during your stay, in lieu of Google Maps, there's resident dog Scruffy to guide you through your off-the-grid exploring. NEW SOUTH WALES Essentially a very, very fancy caravan, the stunning JR's Ecohut holds two people and everything you and your travel buddy will need for a weekend in luxurious seclusion — including jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Kimo valley. Although teeny tiny, the space is well-designed and highly functional, set with a bed, dedicated workspace, kitchen, heating as well as an indoor fireplace. You can sleep snug under the stars, overlooking the 7000 acre Kimo farm and Murrambidgee river flats. Plus, brekkie is included. Just look at it, there's no doubt it is one of the best tiny homes in Australia. [caption id="attachment_720720" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] QUEENSLAND Known for its glorious sun and lush rainforests, Queensland and its northern parts are well worth the trip, and this tiny Rainforest Creek Cabin makes it even more so. Smack bang in the middle of a rainforest, with birds singing at you and a stream bubbling nearby, it's the type of place where you'll close your eyes and think you're on a yoga retreat in Bali. There's no internet, no reception and no screens in sight at this tiny cabin in Queensland — just a bed, kitchenette, a deck with glorious views and an outdoor shower and toilet. So, you're getting back to basics in the Australian tiny home set among some lush tropical surrounds. Located just a six-minute drive from the artistic little town of Maleny, with a few restaurants, coffee shops and galleries to poke your head into, it's a great spot for those wanting the best of both worlds. TASMANIA If it's rustic, seaside vibes you're after, Tasmania should be at the top of your list. Worth crossing rough seas for, Swansea is a town with under 900 residents and a seriously chill coastal vibe. And it's in this little town where you'll find the quaint Scarecrow Cottage. Built in the 19th century, this tiny cabin in Tasmania features a cosy indoor fireplace and it's completely wifi-less. Plus, you get complimentary wine and chocolates upon arrival. What's more, if you can pull yourself away from the fireplace, it's just a casual five-minute stroll to Swansea's shops and historic colonial buildings. If you're up for a hike, Freycinet National Park is just a short drive away, too. Top image: JR's Ecohut.
Genuine medical condition or convenient excuse for bad behaviour? Sex addiction has become a controversial affliction, but Thanks for Sharing comes firmly down on the former side of the argument. The directorial debut of Stuart Blumberg, who also co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for The Kids Are All Right, explores the travails of a number of sufferers linked by their attendance at a sex addicts support group. The youngest member of the group is Neil (Josh Gad), who ruins his promising career as an emergency room doctor when he is caught filming up the skirt of his supervisor. After he appears in court on sexual harassment charges, he is directed to attend the support group for his addiction, where he meets the slick, charismatic Adam (Mark Ruffalo) and the group's de facto leader, the somewhat smug Mike (Tim Robbins), a middle-aged man who has battled multiple addictions and come out the other side with a beatific demeanour and a gentle cynicism. Low on self-esteem and fond of lying and defensive wise-cracking, Neil initially struggles to complete the work prescribed by the group, but is forced to confront the truth of his situation when he is adopted as something of a mentor to a new recruit to the group, the self-destructive Dede (Pink, credited as Alecia Moore). Meanwhile, Adam starts seeing the driven Phoebe (Gwyneth Paltrow), but is reluctant to reveal his past after she tells him her last relationship disintegrated because her ex was an alcoholic. Adam seeks guidance on this new development from Mike, whose estranged son Danny (Patrick Fugit), is suddenly back in town. Danny has battled a drug addiction but views the group therapy with suspicion and even hostility, leading to an uneasy truce with Mike, who suspects his son may not be as rehabilitated as he claims. Not everything in Thanks for Sharing works — a subplot involving Adam's ex-girlfriend Becky (Emily Meade) is a melodramatic misfire. It also has a curiously dated look and an often daggy sense of humour at odds with the potentially edgy material. Yet there's much to admire here, including the strong central storyline and the committed performances. Josh Gad, recently the only good thing in the disastrous Jobs, is again terrific, while pop star Moore is an absolute revelation, bringing both a convincing toughness and a poignant vulnerability to the role of Dede. While Thanks for Sharing doesn't shy away from the potentially life-wrecking consequences of its characters compulsions (a scene where Mark Ruffalo fights his urges in a hotel room is particularly effective), ultimately this is a much softer film than the similarly themed Shame. That's not a failing however; more a reflection that Blumberg's film is just as interested in the makeshift community that forms amongst the addicts as the often harrowing details of their addictions. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1jg6oroeg7s
Is the 21st century Middle-earth's golden age? For viewers, that keeps proving the case. The 00s had barely begun when The Lord of the Rings franchise started its journey to becoming one of the global box office's biggest-ever film sagas — it currently ranks 12th — by first arriving between 2001–2003 as Peter Jackson's initial trilogy based on JRR Tolkien's beloved and iconic fantasy novels. After The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King met such adoring cinema audiences and earned accolades, of course The Hobbit next made the leap to the silver screen under Jackson's direction, from 2012–2014 and again as a trio of flicks. A decade has now passed since An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies as 2024 wraps up. The lack of Middle-earth at the movies also comes to an end via The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Jackson has focused on documentaries since The Hobbit films, courtesy of the First World War-centric They Shall Not Grow Old, plus TV series The Beatles: Get Back and accompanying movie The Beatles: Get Back — The Rooftop Concert. Since becoming almost as synonymous with all things LoTR as the author who created it, however, he's still attached to the saga. In the live-action realm, planned Andy Serkis (Venom: The Last Dance)-directed and -starring 2026 release The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum boasts Jackson as a producer. First, though, he has executive-produced The War of the Rohirrim, the franchise's new anime instalment. One of his greatest choices from The Two Towers and The Return of the King still echoes here, too, and literally, with Miranda Otto reprising her role as Éowyn. The 21st century's original LoTR pictures were a massive deal everywhere, but the wealth of Australian actors among the cast didn't go unnoticed across the ditch from where New Zealand's green hills earned their most-famous movie use yet. While Otto, David Wenham (Fake), Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer) and Hugo Weaving (How to Make Gravy) weren't strangers to the screen by any means at the time, The Lord of the Rings remains one of the projects that they'll each forever be known for. Playing elves, Blanchett and Weaving were each able to return for The Hobbit flicks, but popping up at different times in the saga isn't as easy when you're portraying a human. In Otto's case, The War of the Rohirrim has found a way to bring her back as Éowyn. Like streaming series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but unrelated to it, the new film is set before the events of the LoTR movies, but is told as a tale relayed by Rohan's best-known noblewoman and shieldmaiden. Imagine Éowyn "coming back and telling this story to her children"; that's what Otto did, she tells Concrete Playground. The narrative that the character unfurls from 183 years prior to her time has another Rohan heroine at its centre, explaining why she's someone that Middle-earth's kingdom of men, as well as its famed horsemen, should champion — even if her deeds don't furnish Rohan's songs and haven't been mentioned to audiences before. Héra (Gaia Wise, A Walk in the Woods) is the daughter of king Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox, Succession), whose reign and house are threatened by a marriage proposal. When Wulf's (Luke Pasqualino, Rivals) hand in matrimony is rejected, so sparks the battle that gives filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama's entry into the LoTR franchise its moniker. With episodes of Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Star Wars: Visions, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 on his resume, Kamiyama is well-versed at stepping into existing and already-adored worlds, and at giving them the anime treatment — a task that awaited with The War of the Rohirrim, and that the director handles with ease. That said, in connecting a tale that wouldn't be so resonant if viewers weren't familiar with Éowyn paving the way in the saga first with its on-screen past, Otto's voicework couldn't be a more crucial part of the movie. Returning to the role, she understands how the pair are mirrored, and also Éowyn's impact on the page and on the screen so far. "This character was really significant to a lot women growing up," she notes. Reteaming Otto with Philippa Boyens — who shared a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar with Jackson and Fran Walsh for The Return of the King, then penned the story for The War of the Rohirrim's script and also produces the new film — the latest LoTR movie adds to a busy few years for an actor who last graced cinemas in 2023 hit Talk to Me. On the small screen, she's also brought her talents to everything from Wellmania and Koala Man to The Clearing, Ladies in Black and Thou Shalt Not Steal of late, expanding a filmography that has taken her through War of the Worlds, Cashmere Mafia, Blessed, South Solitary, I, Frankenstein, The Homesman, Rake, The Daughter, Homeland, 24: Legacy, Annabelle: Creation, Downhill, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, True Colours, Fires and more in the past two decades. We also chatted with Otto about what excited her about a Lord of the Rings comeback, reprising the role solely as a voice actor and the responsibility of portraying Éowyn — as well as whether the diversity of parts that she's been enjoying was the original dream back in her pre-The Two Towers days in The Last Days of Chez Nous, The Nostradamus Kid, Love Serenade, The Well, Doing Time for Patsy Cline, What Lies Beneath and Human Nature, plus what she makes of her journey across her career so far. On What Excited Otto About Returning to the World of The Lord of the Rings, and to Playing Éowyn, But This Time in an Animated Film "I was really excited by the idea that it was anime. I thought it was so interesting to go back into this world of Lord of the Rings and Tolkien and tell the story as an anime, and all the things that that gives you licence to do. The films have always done so well over there, and I feel like there's something in Japanese mythology that really has some kinship with Tolkien's mythology in some ways. So it just sounded like a great fit. And the idea of coming back as a narrator was really lovely. It made utter sense to me the way that Philippa put it forward to me when she wrote to me about doing it. I could understand the concept, that it was Éowyn coming back and telling this story to her children. I just really liked that idea." On How Otto Approaches Not Only Reprising the Role of Éowyn, But Solely Doing So as a Voice Actor "The first time I came back to do the recording was, I think, in 2022, and I'd just had COVID and my voice was croaky — and I thought 'oh they'll like it, because I sound kind of husky and deep and mature'. And then they were disappointed because they wanted me to have the same voice. They really very much wanted to hear the Éowyn voice from 20 years ago. So when we came to do the second recording in Wellington, it was great to actually be in the studio with Philippa and with Kenji, and to actually get to see more of the film. And I worked with Roisin [Carty, The Agency] again, who had done a lot of the dialect work on the original films. So that was a great way of really fully getting back into the character. And just being back in Wellington, and being back with a lot of the same people, really took me back to that feeling of Middle-earth." On Whether Returning to Éowyn Was Something That Otto Could Imagine Two Decades Ago When She First Played the Part "It's just amazing — you think 'my gosh, that much time has passed, wow'. No, I never. I very much knew when we made the films, I remember the first time coming over and seeing some of the footage, and going to the costume fittings and seeing the footage, I remember that night I did not sleep because I was so excited to be a part of it. I felt like I knew in that moment that these films would last a really long time, and it's exciting as an actor to be a part of something that will actually last for people. But I never thought at the time about being able to come back in any way. I know when they made The Hobbit, many of the Elvish characters got to come back. But me being a mere human, I wasn't involved in that story. So I never envisaged that I would get the call, but it was very lovely." On Héra's Story Following in Éowyn's Footsteps, Even If the New Tale Is Set Before the Original Films "I think it's really lovely that there's that mirroring of those two characters. To me, it also felt like in Lord of the Rings, Éowyn holds this legacy of the women of Rohan, the shieldmaidens. And she speaks about the women of Rohan, and you get a sense that there's this this lineage of women who have come before her, the people she looked up to and formed her. So when you go into this film, you get to see the women that she admired. She is telling the story because she admires Héra and finds Héra inspirational, and so it's really lovely to get a sense of that history." On Otto's History of Playing Influential Women Beyond Éowyn "I think it's the way the interesting roles have come my way. I think I just gravitate to women like that. It's really to do with the writing of the character, and whether it speaks to me — like sometimes I can read something and think 'that's really good, but I don't have any emotional connection to it' or 'I haven't got that spark'. In a rational sense, I know it's really good, it's probably going to be a great project, but I just don't have that launch point within myself in my gut that tells me 'I want to do this'. So I think I just respond to what's on the page. I don't make tactical choices of thinking 'I need to play influential women' — it's more just that I'm drawn to those characters. They're interesting to me." On the Sense of Responsibility That Comes with Playing Éowyn "It does come with responsibility. When you're a returning to a film, I think you have the responsibility, you're carrying the mantle of the history of those trilogies into this film. And I certainly feel when I meet people who are huge fans of film, that this character was really significant to a lot women growing up. Really, really significant, Éowyn's story. And I'm just the person holding that role. The character was written by Tolkien, invented by Tolkien and brought to the screen by Peter Jackson, and I'm just the conduit of it. But it is a responsibility when I meet people to understand their stories and how significant Éowyn was to them." [caption id="attachment_983393" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thou Shalt Not Steal[/caption] On Whether the Diversity of Otto's Roles From the Past Few Years, Including Talk to Me, The Clearing, Thou Shalt Not Steal and Ladies in Black, Was What She Hoped for When She Was Starting Out "I definitely hoped that I didn't get stuck in the girlfriend roles. I sensed, in the scripts I would read along the way, there was a lot of female roles where you were just the girlfriend and they didn't have a lot of character written on the page. I prefer playing characters that are strongly written on the page, that I can leave myself and become someone else. And it's not just relying on my personality — that I can be somebody else. So I definitely didn't want to, from the beginning, be typecast into any particular thing. I really didn't want to be boxed in. And that's probably why I do tend to choose really different things, because I just don't want to be in any kind of cage, I guess." On What Otto Makes of Her Journey as an Actor So Far, Including Returning to Lord of the Rings "I feel really lucky. I have to say, Lord of the Rings was a really significant part of my career because I think it's given me that longevity in some ways. To have been a part of something that was so beloved has definitely helped my career. I feel really lucky that that I'm working, and that I still get to work with really interesting people. I've worked with a lot of younger, like first-, second-time directors in recent years, which has been really great. I feel really blessed. It's been really nice coming back to Australia, where I've felt like I've been able to jump around and do lots of different things. I've felt like in recent years in Australia, in film and particularly in television, there's a lot of different genres happening now, a lot of different styles, which has been so great and so inspiring to see. Dylan's [River, Robbie Hood] work in Thou Shalt Not Steal is so different to Gracie's [Otto, Seriously Red] work in Ladies in Black, and they're so different to Danny and Michael's [Philippou] work in Talk to Me. So it's just been really nice to work with all those different energies, I think." The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Fancy spending your next coastal getaway in Queensland's far north, splashing in the tree-lined waters of Palm Cove? If so, you'll be swimming in the best beach in the world. That's the verdict of Condé Nast Traveller, which has picked the Sunshine State locale near Cairns as the top patch of sand globally. While plenty of folks Down Under happily trade our own beaches for Hawaii's when it comes to enjoying a tropical holiday, Palm Cove pipped Honopu Beach in Kauai, which came in second. In fact, half of the top ten on the list of 34 beaches hails from Australia and New Zealand. Wategos Beach in Byron Bay took out fourth, Mona Vale Beach in Sydney sits at sixth, Noosa Beach in Queensland ranked eighth and Awaroa in Abel Tasman National Park in Aotearoa came in at ninth. Elsewhere in the top ten, Brekon in Shetland, Scotland placed third; Ora Beach, Maluku, Indonesia sits in fifth spot; Dune du Pilat, France ranked seventh; and Die Plaat, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, South Africa notched up tenth. [caption id="attachment_944619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Cove[/caption] Palm Cove was chosen for being a quieter spot that's "usually free of crowds", although that might change after topping this ranking. "The combination of leaning palm trees on powdery sand makes Palm Cove Beach the epitome of a tropical paradise," said Condé Nast Traveller, also pointing out its proximity to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as being able to see dolphins and whales from the Palm Cove jetty. Queensland's tourism bodies are already hoping for an influx of visitors thanks to the attention. "The Condé Nast Traveller selection of Palm Cove as the first in this curated list will bring international travellers to its coconut palm-fringed shore to dine in beachfront restaurants and cafes and relax at stunning resorts," said Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen. [caption id="attachment_944618" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Cove[/caption] In total, seven Down Under beaches made the cut, with Western Australian beaches getting some love, too. Turquoise Bay in Exmouth placed 22nd and Gantheaume Point in Broome came in at 25. All Australian and NZ destinations included on the list were in the top 25. Palm Cove being named the world's best beach comes shortly after Sydney's Manly Beach was picked as the seventh best beach in the world for 2024 by Tripadvisor, and Victoria's Squeaky Beach was chosen as Australia's best beach for this year by beach expert Brad Farmer AM. Queensland keeps scoring attention as well, with Brisbane named one of the best places to go in 2024 by The New York Times, travel guide Frommer's also selecting the city as one of 2024's best spots to visit, TIME putting it on its world's greatest places list for 2023 and the World's Best 50 Hotels picking The Calile as its only Australian and Oceanic entry in its inaugural countdown in 2023. [caption id="attachment_944621" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Cove, Emma Shaw[/caption] Condé Nast Traveller's Top 34 Beaches: Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii Brekon, Shetland, Scotland Wategos Beach, New South Wales, Australia Ora Beach, Maluku, Indonesia Mona Vale Beach, New South Wales, Australia Dune du Pilat, France Noosa Beach, Queensland, Australia Awaroa, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand Die Plaat, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, South Africa Grand Anse, Grenada Keem Bay, Achill Island, Ireland Fakarava, French Polynesia Marathonisi, Zakynthos, Greece Praia do Sancho, Brazil Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island, Canada Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles Seagrass Bay, Laucala Island, Fiji Hidden Beach, Palawan, Philippines Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Turquoise Bay, Western Australia, Australia Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Gantheaume Point, Western Australia, Australia Dolfynstrand, Namibia Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, North Carolina Rauðasandur Beach, Iceland Jibei Island beach, Taiwan Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis, Scotland Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique Al Mughsail, Salalah, Oman Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cuba Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides [caption id="attachment_651421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mona Vale Beach[/caption] [caption id="attachment_944620" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Cove[/caption] [caption id="attachment_835908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Noosa[/caption] [caption id="attachment_791437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Awaroa, Kiwi Canary[/caption] [caption id="attachment_844181" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Turquoise Bay, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_897204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gantheaume Point, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] For more information about Condé Nast Traveller's best beaches, head to the publication's website.
Grab the glitter (eco-friendly, please), let your rainbow flag fly and get ready for the Sydney Mardi Gras 2019 festivities to begin. To properly celebrate this year's LGBTQI+ festivus, Merivale and Absolut have come together to join the Mardi Gras party with a nonstop party at The Beresford, running till Monday, March 4. The pub welcomes one-and-all to embrace equality with festivities aplenty; think laneway parties, Sunday sessions, movie nights, brunches, bingo and even a dog show. Apart from the jam-packed lineup of events, there'll be special Absolut offers on each day, too. This year's featured cocktail is the Absolut Yasss Queen — a fruity concoction of Absolut lime, watermelon and citrus — and it'll only set you back $12 a pop. Plus, $2 from every drink will be donated to the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Australia's oldest HIV charity. And for when you're not partying at The Bero, you'll be able to find the Absolut Yasss Queen at the ivy Pool Club, Ms.G's, Vic on the Park, El Loco Excelsior, The Fish Shop and Queens Hotel. To help you start planning your Mardi Gras outings, we've rounded up some of the best ways to show your pride all while enjoying a few blow-out bashes while you're at it. [caption id="attachment_708573" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Salkeld.[/caption] ABSOLUT BERESFORD SUNDAY Kick off your Mardi Gras celebrations with a big ol' party at Upstairs Beresford. It's all going down on Sunday, February 24 when the UK's famed DJ Neil Singleton will be spinning some sweet, sweet tunes. Hailing from London, he'll play a mix of funky, high-energy beats that'll put you in a dancing mood. This Sunday session is hosted by beloved Sydney drag queen Decoda and will feature other guest DJs, too. The festivities will run all arvo, with plenty of bevvies and eats from the kitchen to keep you fueled. Sunday, February 24 MOVIE NIGHTS When you need a bit of chill, head to The Bero's courtyard for a movie night. The first will take place on Monday, February 25 with a screening of A Beautiful Thing — a 1990s coming-of-age drama from the UK that follows two teenage boys exploring their sexuality. The following Monday, March 4 will see a necessary screening of the cult hit, Rocky Horror Picture Show — featuring unforgettable performances by Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. Each screening will start at 8pm, with the kitchen slinging pub classics and pizzas to snack on during the movie. The screenings are free, but be sure to get in early to nab a good seat. Monday, February 25 and Monday, March 4 PASSPORT PARTY The annual passport party will again take over the pub on Thursday, February 28 with a lineup of international DJs taking the stage. Expect a blow-out bash, with beats from the likes of DJ Wayne G from the US, DJ Neil Singleton from the UK and DJ French Kiss from, well, France. Plus, Sydney's much-loved drag queen Decoda will again take the stage for a special sky-high performance — this time with her 'air hostess stewards' Rhys and Heath in tow. The night will take place at Upstairs Beresford from 7pm–1am, with free entry for all and free Absolut drinks on arrival for the first 100 partiers. This is your chance to show these foreign DJs how to party Straya-style. Thursday, February 28 MARDI GRAS PARADE The pinnacle of the week is, of course, the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, March 2. But, if crowds aren't your thing, The Beresford has you covered. From 7pm, the pub will be live streaming the parade in the courtyard so you can see all the action up close without standing on your tiptoes or getting an accidental elbow in the tum. Plus, you'll be able to watch it all happen with a cocktail in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other — no risk of hanger here. Entry is free and open to all, but, as you can imagine, you'll want to get in early to nab a table for you and your mates. Saturday, March 2 LANEWAY PARTY To recover from a week-long of partying, sometimes it's best to cap it off with just one more. What started out as a small street gathering among friends has become a long-standing tradition and the best way to farewell another successful Mardi Gras. The party will take over not just the laneway adjacent to the pub, but also the entire Beresford and the surrounding streets from 2pm on Sunday, March 3. Expect DJs and surprise guest performances throughout the arvo, plus expansive indoor and outdoor party spaces to choose from. Tickets will cost you $75 — you can nab them here — but they're going fast. VIP tickets have already sold out. Sunday, March 3 MARDI GRAS BRUNCHES No matter how hard you go, these boozy brunches are here to help you dust off the night and get back in the partying spirit. Brunches will take place on Sunday, February 17 and 24 from 11am–1pm, plus there'll be a final recovery brunch on Monday, March 4 from noon to 3pm for all those chucking a sickie the weekend after the parade. Each brunch features drinks on arrival, one Absolut cocktail during brunch and one of five mains — all for just $40 per person. For arrival drinks, you can choose from a peach mimosa or the Absolut Citron bloody mary. And during the meal, there'll be three more cocktails to choose from, including the Absolut Summer (Absolut Lime, St Germain, lime juice and mint), the KamiKaze (Absolut Lime with Cointreau and lime juice) and an espresso martini (Absolut, Kahlua and coffee). If you want another drink or two to wet your whistle, cocktails are only an additional $10 a pop till 3pm. For eats, expect falafel with grilled spicy chorizo, a fried egg and haloumi topped with tahini sauce; a bacon and egg roll with dry-aged bacon, buffalo mozzarella, avocado and tomato relish on ciabatta; and smoked salmon with crispy kale, kipfler potatoes and pumpkin seeds topped with a horseradish créme fraiche. Sunday, February 17 and 24 and Monday, March 4 Celebrate Mardi Gras to the fullest and check out the full program of events taking place at The Beresford here.
Empire of the Sun are back, proving that video making is still an art; Owl Eyes are telling golden lies; and Bastille are taking full advantage of the acoustics properties of a museum corner to give you the perfect Sunday song. 1. 'ALIVE' - EMPIRE OF THE SUN Empire of the Sun dropped their much-awaited new track 'Alive' just the other week. Tuesday saw the release of the accompanying video, and the apt word is wow. It almost looks like a futuristic Game of Thrones scene and it proves that Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore just know how to do epic. They also prove that despite the dwindling numbers tuning into MTV, the music video is still a valid art form. It also helps that the track is incredibly catchy. We should give a warm welcome back to the absurdly dressed duo. 2. 'GET LUCKY' - DAUGHTER And so the covers of the best song so far this year begin. Daft Punk's heralded return track has been covered here by brooding British band and anticipated Splendour act Daughter and is a surprisingly excellent cover, perhaps because they have taken such a different path to the French gods of electronica. Hopefully any other covers that follow are up to this quality. 3. 'YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL' - LANA DEL REY Anything to do with the upcoming movie The Great Gatsby gets me excited, mainly as everything is so secretive. The soundtrack is promising to be as epic as the film itself, with Jay-Z, Florence and the Machine and Sia just some of the artists who recorded for the film. For a long time we only heard snippets of sound, but now full tracks are starting to leak out. Lana Del Rey dropped this treat and, like all things Gatsby, it is suspenseful, epic and beautiful. Enjoy at will. 4. 'GOLDEN LIES' - OWL EYES Owl Eyes are telling us golden lies and I don't mind what truth they are covering up so long as it keeps sounding as good as this. 'Golden Lies' is one of the twelve dance-inducing tracks from Nightswim, Owl Eyes' debut album released just last week. Do yourself a favour and put this on repeat. 5. 'POMPEII' - BASTILLE These British boys were invited to perform 'Pompeii' at the opening of the British Museum's Pompeii exhibit, and we should all be very glad that Bastille accepted, as it turns out that the corner of a museum is the perfect place for a haunting voice, a guitar and three pairs of hands percussively beating thighs to make perfectly serendipitous music. Excellent for that relaxing Sunday afternoon.
Prepare to see some very fashionable pups strolling the streets of Australia, because instantly recognisable fashion label Gorman has launched its latest line of limited-edition dog coats. What's more — as part of a collaboration with PetRescue — those new threads will have their wearers looking good for a very good cause. All profits will go towards providing extra support and boost awareness for the life-changing organisation, which advocates for change around Australia's dysfunctional pound system and helps find forever hopes for lots of pups. The quilted dog jackets are available in three different exclusive Gorman prints — named Neighbours Garden, Walk It and Green Fingers — and four sizes, ensuring pups big and small can look the goods. Each features a polyester shell and lining and adjustable velcro straps for the perfect fit. [caption id="attachment_718376" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harvey in Green Fingers.[/caption] Just imagine how many looks your fluffball will get down at the dog park. If you do want to snag one, however, we recommend you head in-store or online ASAP — these babies are known to sell out quickly. Gorman's PetRescue range of coats is now available online and at Gorman stores nationwide. Prices start at $39. Top image: Floyd in Green Fingers.
Sydney's dining scene is not only well-known across Australia, it has a reputation around the world as being one of the best. And that's, in part, thanks to a handful of legendary dishes. Our fair city is home to pancakes regularly eaten by the Japanese Prime Minister and a dessert The New York Times described as "the world's most Instagrammed cake". With the help of American Express, we've rounded up the dishes that helped put Sydney on the map — and still hold up today. Bookmark this list and start ticking them off.
Three years ago, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) discovered that Wedding Cake Rock — a brilliant white sandstone ledge suspended 25 metres above the Tasman Sea in the Royal National Park that's become famous (and infamous) on Instagram — could collapse at any time. There's a high chance it'll go within the next decade. But, the organisation's public warnings haven't stopped people risking their lives to grab a snap. Neither has a 1.6-metre high fence, stacks of warning signs and loads of on-the-spot fines. Just look up the geolocation on Instagram and you'll see hundreds of locals and tourists taking precarious pics on the rock. The warnings aren't without reason, either — the landmark has already claimed a life when part of it crumbled. In June 2014, French engineering student Fabien Ardoin fell to his death, while standing on a sandstone ledge nearby. In November 2015, two men fell onto a ledge below and were winched to safety. One sustained a spinal injury. [caption id="attachment_702793" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The current fence at Wedding Cake Rock. David Molloy Photography, Flickr.[/caption] "Unfortunately, there is a small minority of people who are choosing to disobey the warning signs and blatantly scale the 1.6-metre-high fence, usually for one purpose only, to take a photograph on Wedding Cake Rock," a spokesperson for the NPWS told Concrete Playground. Consequently, the NPWS has hatched plans to replace the fence with one of the same height, but made of tougher, more climb-resistant materials. "Nobody wants a national park filled with obtrusive fences and signs, but the irresponsible behaviour of those putting many at risk has left the NPWS with little choice," said the spokesperson. Not everyone thinks the fence will be successful, however, with one climber, who's previously taken pictures on the rock, telling The Guardian, "I don't think building a fence is a good idea. It will not stop people from climbing on it." Wedding Cake Rock lies along the Coast track, around one hour's walk south of Bundeena, NSW. The new climb-resistant fence will be erected in 2019. Top image: David Molloy Photography, Flickr.
