When Parrtjima — A Festival in Light announced its 2025 program, the numbers were impressive, with the event's tenth edition featuring works by 20-plus First Nations artists, plus more than 100 performers and special guests. But nothing sells this Australian celebration of Indigenous arts more than the spectacular end results each year, when the fest lights up the Northern Territory. For 2025, that time is now, and it's once again a dazzling sight to behold. Parrtjima — A Festival in Light has so firmly established itself as a highlight of Alice Springs, the Red Centre and Australia's cultural scene that it's hard to imagine a time before it. Getting a 2.5-kilometre stretch of 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges glowing every evening is the reliable star of the show; however, that's just the beginning. Heading along this year also means being welcomed by The Gateway at Parrtjima's entrance, for instance, where towering poles by artists from Antulye, Irlpme, and Mparntwe groups are greeting guests. Also, Balanggarra and Yolŋu artist Molly Hunt's Three Generations of Station Women is an animated comic strip that honours Aboriginal stockwomen, with actor Mark Coles Smith (Apple Cider Vinegar) on soundtrack duties. Then there's Bobby West Tjupurrula's Hypnotic Reverberations, creating a moving dreamscape out of beams of light, mist and reflections on a shallow pool. From Lyall Giles, Transforming Light & Country isn't just about sand dune patterns — it gets festivalgoers playing with them, using drums to create rings of light. 2025's Parrtjima kicked off on Friday, April 4, and runs until Sunday, April 13. The MacDonnell Ranges Light Show is among past favourites on the bill, again pairing its eye-catching display with classical music and Arrernte language. Another: Grounded, asking attendees to look down instead of up. A festival of lights in the NT was always going to incorporate the red earth, too, which is where large-scale projections turn the soil into a canvas. This year's version features six artworks. Budgerigar Dreaming Ngatijirri Jukurrpa is also back, using shapes from Wirliyajarrayi artist Myra Nungarrayi Herbert Patrick's paintings in neon-hued abstract bird sculptures — and so is Johnny Young and David Wallace's four-metre-tall The Language of Stockmen. While the fest's first weekend has been and gone, the program still has the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to come, in what'll be Parrtjima's first-ever orchestral performance. Gigs by Dem Mob, Dobby, Desert Divas and Warren H Williams & Western Wind are also part of the upcoming lineup, as is the festival's debut comedy night, with Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra sparking laughs. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs until Sunday, April 13, 2025, at venues around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light / Che-Chorley. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
ICYMI: July is officially Rum Month. To celebrate, world-class rum purveyor Bacardí has teamed up with a collection of Sydney venues to offer special pours that'll transport you from the cold to the Caribbean in one sip. Sydney Harbour Marriott's Three Bottle Man is celebrating with three classic rum cocktails made with Bacardí's range. Choose between the mojito, daiquiri and a Mang-Colada a spin on the tropical tipple made with Queensland mangoes. [caption id="attachment_966026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Three Bottle Man, credit Yusuke Oba[/caption] Hilton Sydney and West Curio are also getting involved in the celebrations, serving a twist on the tropical classic piña colada. Fun fact: the tropical coconut and pineapple cocktail is claimed to have been invented by Caribe Hilton Hotel's bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero in San Juan, Peurto Rico, in 1954, making this year the 70th anniversary of the popular drink. To celebrate, there will be exclusive offers and events at more than thirteen Hilton Hotels across the country. Everyone's favourite rum bar in the Inner West, Jacoby's Tiki Bar, doesn't shy away from getting creative. This Rum Month it's focusing on the classics with a mojito, daiquiri and piña colada joining the menu. Head down for a night of drinks, adventures and kooky interiors. [caption id="attachment_637543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacoby's, Katje Ford[/caption] Paddington's mainstay, the Paddo Inn, has transformed its back bar into a 'nautical paradise'. Expect numerous rum cocktails, including mojitos, daiquiris, piña coladas and more. It's an ideal spot to escape the winter chill. Low and Lofty's in Cronulla is saluting the month with a selection of classic rum cocktails, including the Ocho Old Fashioned, made with Bacardí Reserva Ocho rum, simple syrup and a couple of dashes of bitters. It goes down well with the refined pub grub on the menu. Founded over 160 years ago in 1862, Bacardí is the world's number-one selling rum. The brand has been family-owned and operated for seven generations in the Caribbean, and its rum master blenders still employ the same time-honoured distilling processes using only the best sugarcane and pure, pristine water. It's aged in American oak barrels, imparting a vanilla taste to the spirit and a tinge of colour to the rested varieties. Top Image: Three Bottle Man, credit Yusuke Oba
Aboriginal & Pacific Art gallery taps in to the strong heritage of the area, exhibiting contemporary Aboriginal works from established and emerging artists. Director Gabriella Roy founded the gallery in 1996 and continues to work with advisors from around the country to house a diverse range of art and artefacts. The gallery represents works by artists and community centres from across the country, including South Australian weaver Yvonne Koolmatrie and Yarrenyty Arltere Artists in the Northern Territory. Image: Kitti Smallbone
Perched on Brisbane's inner-city outskirts for the past 141 years, the XXXX Brewery has become a bona fide landmark. It's the source of much of the beer drunk across town, a place to sip plenty of pints after seeing where the brewing magic happens, and — noticeably — the reason that the suburb of Milton often smells like yeast. This November, it'll also become Brissie's newest music venue, with the iconic spot hosting a festival with bands and brews for the first time ever. Knocking back cold ones while you're catching live tunes may be an everyday gig experience; however, usually when you're enjoying this combo, you're not hanging out in a huge brewery. XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery will change that when it takes over the site from 2–9pm on Saturday, November 16. Not only is it the XXXX Brewery's first event of this kind — it's the first time it has opened its gates to the public, other than for tours or to patrons at the onsite Alehouse, for 26 years. While the music lineup won't be revealed until mid-September, Brisbanites can look forward to five local and interstate artists, who'll all perform at the base of the brewery's towering, logo-adorned silos. The folks at Jet Black Cat Music have been charged with picking the bill, building on their past work at the End Of The Line Festival and drawing upon the curatorial skills evident in their West End record store. As well as bands, XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery will have food stalls, a post-fest shindig at the Alehouse and plenty of limited-edition merchandise — should you need a souvenir from your day spent drinking and partying at the home of the Milton Mango. And, while the festival is a once-off affair, attendees will get two chances to wander around the XXXX site, with each ticket also including a free return visit before June 30, 2020 for a brewery tour. XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery takes place from 2–9pm on Saturday, November 16 at the XXXX Brewery, 185 Milton Road, Milton. Pre-sale tickets will be available from 9am on Monday, September 16 — sign up here for further details. We'll let you know when the lineup drops in mid-September.
Hej! Spring has arrived, the sun is out and colourful dresses complete with Swedish clogs have started to reappear on the streets. There’s no better time to head over to Sydney’s unofficial Swedish enclave, the relaxed beachside 'burb of Manly. This trendy north-shore hub has an enviable collection of Nordic design stores, and amongst the mix you’ll find Fika Swedish Kitchen. The breezy, chic cafe was founded by expats whose wistful thoughts of home resulted in the brainwave of bringing the best of Swedish culture to the heart of Manly. It channels a Scandinavian summerhouse vibe and seems staffed entirely by attractive blondes like something from a Swedish travel brochure. The sunshine streams into the neatly curated space, illuminating the modern whitewash interior, rendered concrete benchtop and simple artwork. The minimalism is balanced with homely touches of wooden furnishings, scattered cushions, pops of vibrant yellow and decorative jars of Swedish sweets. Fika translates as ‘taking a break for coffee and a bite to eat', and with that welcoming attitude and the open pavement dining, it buzzes with laidback Manly locals over the warmer months. We decide to take a time out from our Marimekko homeware shopping, and dabble in some Swedish fare — but first we crack open a Rekorderlig cider while we peruse the lunch menu casually scrawled across the back wall. The obvious crowd-pleaser is the Swedish meatballs with potato mash, gravy and lingonberry jam ($18), comfortingly served up on canteen-style enamel plates. If you miss the lunch hours, open sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon. Try the gravlax cured salmon skagen, a lavish open sandwich heaped with mashed egg and håvmästar sauce. If you are feeling a little indecisive there is always the smörgåstårta, a sandwich as complicated as its name is to pronounce. It's a three-layer stack of smashed egg, prawn skagen, gravlax, meatball, ham and Jarlsberg ($15). Our table quickly became a smorgasbord, which literally translates to ‘sandwich table’. There was so much sandwich on our table that there was hardly any table. Not for long though. There were only a few crumbs left on our plates to remind us of what once was. Now, everyone knows that hanging out in Manly is like being on holiday, and on holiday one always has room for dessert. With such an endearing name, it was impossible to go past Grandma Elly’s Apple Pie ($8) — the just-out-the-oven golden goodness served with a hearty dollop of vanilla whip made me momentarily wish I were related to Grandma Elly. For an authentic brew, try the refillable Swedish coffee ($2), which is perfect coupled with a cinnamon bun ($5) from the freshly baked batch sitting enticingly on the counter. After you tear into this traditional pastry, you’ll be tempted to order a few as souvenirs to take on the trip home. With such sincere fare, simple Scandi design and the happy chatter of Swedish expats enjoying a taste of home, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that you aren’t actually in Stockholm.
There are a lot of things to like about The Dock, and this is the first. I walked in on a Monday night, ordered a Stevie Nicks and was charged $10. I looked at the bartender with an expression of great confusion until he explained it was $10 cocktails Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Hoorah! The Stevie Nicks is a mixture of Amaretto, Carter Premium lager and Coke. I know it sounds odd, but it's surprisingly tasty and nothing else tastes quite like it. This cocktail is also served with the remainder of the beer on the side, so you can top it up if it's too sweet for your liking. After we sat down on the comfortable high tables, we were delivered a bowl of free popcorn. In my opinion, this salty snack should replace gross bar nuts the world over. Next cocktail was the Rusty Nipple, the house cocktail invented by Jed Clarke (formerly the infamous Beer Baron) who runs the joint. It's made up of rum, whiskey, ginger ale and a few other secret ingredients. The result tastes almost like an iced tea with a citrus tang. It goes down very easily - a good choice if you don't like tasting the alcohol in your drink. Next in line, The Bloody Mary, was expertly made with a cornichon, floating pickled onions and just the right amount of spice. If you've downed a few cocktails and decided your self-imposed 10pm curfew needs to be thrown out the window, try one of their shots. With titles like Flamin' Moes (a concoction of absinthe and a some other unnameables which is served burning like the devil's favourite tipple), you know you're in for a good night that you'll only have hazy memories of tomorrow. With Sinatra crooning in the background and super personable bartenders, it's equally the kind of place you could go for a quiet night, sipping on the excellent Carter lager (if you find a great bottled beer for $7 anywhere else I'll buy it for you), and maybe a Whiskey Sour or an Old-Fashioned as a night cap. If they decided to replace the 'vintage' beer posters, this place would be just about the perfect local watering hole to drink good alcohol without paying an arm and a foot. Watch this space, we hear talk of a regular fashion market on Saturdays with $10 cocktails on offer. Images: Katje Ford.
If you're looking for ways to cut back on your coffee and want to give back to a good cause — well then, Sorry Thanks I Love You's inner-city store is the place for you every Friday until the end of the year. Originally launched online in 2015 before setting up a brick-and-mortar store and then moving to Westfield Sydney, Sorry Thanks I Love You is all about gifting differently, offering a range of items that are unique and thoughtfully-designed to give to your best friend, a family member, your partner or even yourself. The emphasis here is on handmade, expertly-designed products that tell a story. All of the creations in the space are unique, so you're in very little danger of doubling up on gifts for your mate. Among the clothes, accessories and homewares, the retailer also runs a cafe within the store, and, while the focus of the store is on helping you find the perfect gift, it also gives back, donating to cancer hospital the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. In order to encourage donations, Sorry Thanks I Love You is offering up their baristas and Single O coffee for a gold coin each week. Each Friday morning until the end of 2022, anyone who comes in-store to get their morning coffee can pay with a gold coin donation to the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. That's right, you can pick up your daily cup of joe for as little as $1 and know the money is helping out. STILY is aiming to raise enough money for 500 patients to visit the Lifehouse's psychology and counselling services through this program.
Knowledgeable epicureans from around Australia know there's no better way to spend a weekend than hitting a wine region. Cellar doors offer a cornucopia of delights and their proximity to farmland means you're guaranteed the freshest produce to complement your tipple. South Australia's Clare Valley is one such destination, famous for wine, food and glorious scenery. The combination of rich red soil, an undulating valley of varying microclimates, and the cool, dry seasons create the perfect storm of red and white perfection. And, together with southaustralia.com, we've created this comprehensive guide to the famed wine region — from some of Australia's best riesling to excellent specimens of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, you'll find something to suit every wine lover's palate here. And only a couple of hours out of Adelaide, the Clare Valley is so close you can almost taste it as soon as you step off the plane. If you have the time, immerse yourself in the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast, too. Or explore the Adelaide CBD — there are plenty of underground bars and fairy light-lit rooftops to uncover. [caption id="attachment_680370" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Skillogalee[/caption] EAT In the lead up to your Clare Valley weekend, we recommend training your stomach because you're going to want to eat — a lot. There's an award-winning venue around every bend in the road, but we recommend starting strong with a visit to Skillogalee and its winery restaurant. The lunch menu is packed with unexpected combinations (try the wallaby shank if you're feeling adventurous) or grab a picnic basket chock full of local produce and explore the grounds. Next on your list of must-eats is Seed, a modern wine bar and restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated old building on Main North Road. The venue, with exposed stone, wood and a roaring fire, is cosy and sophisticated, beckoning you to settle in with a buttered rum or a glass of the Valley's finest red. The menu is hearty and modern, with a dedicated vegetarian section, and all served with house-made ciabatta. If at this point you haven't melted into a hedonistic puddle of excess, head over to Terroir Auburn, a restaurant in, yes, Auburn that combines ethical produce with old-school service. The light interior of Terrior is offset by the warmth of its wooden décor and the friendly staff. Pick their brains to find your perfect food and wine match. The menu is tight, meat-heavy and the food is beautifully presented and generously served. Finally, Bush Devine in Polish Hill River, located in the Paulett Wines Cellar Door, is an unforgettable experience — and we don't use that term lightly. Bush Devine is an Indigenous Australian Bush Food restaurant with an associated bush food garden where they grow the food you'll eat. The garden is free to explore before you settle down to your meal. We recommend the wattleseed gnocchi with smoked kangaroo, fennel, green olives, peas and sage cream. The share platters are also a great way to get a taste of all the best bits. [caption id="attachment_680373" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sevenhill Cellars, Adam Bruzzone[/caption] DRINK If you thought figuring out where to eat was tough, just wait till you try to pick a winery. You would need a lifetime to explore all of the Clare Valley's amazing venues but seeing as we only have a weekend, let's explore the best of the best. Start your weekend off with a beer at the Clare Valley Brewing Co. You might say "I didn't come to a famous riesling wine region to drink beer!" but trust us, you'll kick yourself if you miss the CVBC. The brewery itself it beautiful, with insane views to take in as you sample their core range of award-winning beers. When you're ready to move onto the main event (i.e. wine) make your way across to Clare Valley's very first winery Sevenhill Cellars. After tasting plenty of wines in the cellar door, head on a tour of the stunning sandstone underground cellar which is where all the fortified wines are stored. Next on the agenda: Mr Mick Cellar Door. It's worth a trip to Mr Mick just to experience the grounds and the venue. And while you're there — oooh-ing at scenes straight out of Hobbiton and ahh-ing at the cosy cellar door decor — try a glass of the novo sangiovese. They've won awards for it. [caption id="attachment_680368" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Mick Cellar Door, Adam Bruzzone[/caption] Speaking of award-winning, Kilikanoon is next on the agenda — and it's won more awards than you can shake a stick at, including winery of the year and best shiraz. The vineyard is in a picturesque location, with lush green rolling hills and a cellar door nestled in a stone farmhouse surrounded by cottage gardens, fruit orchards and tall gums. We recommend adding a cheese or produce board to go with your tasting experience to really lean into the holiday mood. The final must-do is famed riesling producer Jim Barry. The Barry family own and operate the winery (only a five-minute drive from the town of Clare and easily accessible by the Riesling Trail) so you can get up close and personal with your winemakers. At the cellar door, you'll obviously want to try the riesling, but we also recommend exploring some reds, too — the shiraz will round out your trip perfectly. [caption id="attachment_680371" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Riesling Trail[/caption] DO If you have a few moments between wine tastings and feasts, the Clare Valley has many wholesome activities to offer. The most obvious (which ties neatly into the wine and food agenda) is cycling the Riesling Trail. It's an easy, 32-kilometre bike track that takes you past the best riesling vineyards between Auburn and Clare. If you do it right and stop at all the best wineries, the trail will take a few days to complete. You can either hire a bike and do the trail solo, or join an all-inclusive tour organised by Tour de Vines. [caption id="attachment_680372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mintaro Maze[/caption] And, because we're still kids at heart, we can't go past the the Mintaro Maze. It takes 800 conifers to create one glorious maze that will have you wandering for, well, hopefully not hours — but at least a little while. Once you've conquered the maze, crack open a picnic and cruise around the grounds. Keep an eye out for the giant chess board too. [caption id="attachment_680306" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Neagles Retreat Villas[/caption] STAY After a day of eating, drinking, cycling, and getting lost in the maze shenanigans, you'll want a comfy bed to recuperate in. Thankfully, the valley is resplendent with cute accommodation options to suit any budget. If you want to stay in town, the Mill Apartments in Clare are modern, clean and central. But if you're looking for a more remote stay, Neagles Retreat Villas in Emu Flats are not to be missed. They're located right on the Riesling Trail and close to five big wineries, including Jim Barry — so it's easy to line up with your winery tours. And if you want to rough it, but not really, Bukirk Glamping in Stanley Flat can hook you up with a kitted-out tent (including all the mod-cons and a woodfire) that will still let you rise with the sun and say hello to the day in the middle of nature. To discover more of Adelaide and South Australia, head to SATC. Top image: Riesling Trail, Adam Bruzzone.
Dimitri's Pizzeria and its eye-catching red-and-white sign had been a permanent fixture on Crown Street since the 70s; while it moved once (around 20 years ago), it had never left the strip — until this year. In July, the Surry Hills pizza stalwart uprooted its tables (literally) and relocated to Oxford Street, setting up shop in the building previously home to Hunky Dory Social Club. Right now, it's just operating on the ground floor, but it plans to occupy all three levels — meaning the pizzeria will eventually grow six times in size. On the ground floor, it's the pretty much the same old Dimitri's, but bigger and better. Owners Ken Williams and Drew Huston have finally gotten their hands on a woodfired pizza oven and are making the type of pizza they've been wanting to do for "a long time". "It's a massive improvement on the pizza we were serving before," says Williams. And Huston agrees: "We're cooking our ideal pizza right now, I reckon." The woodfired oven can get up to 150 degrees hotter than the restaurant's previous oven (meaning the pizzas only have to spend a third of the time inside) and the pair is also making a new 100-percent sourdough base that is fermented for much longer — a minimum of 48 hours. What does all this mean for you? The dough is lighter, easier to digest and a whole lot tastier (and the pizzas land on your table much quicker). The dough is similar to that of Neapolitan-style pizzas, but Williams is quick to point out that their pizzas are not 'traditional' Neapolitan. And while the dough itself is fairly traditional — despite its use of a blend of Australian organic stone-ground flour — the toppings certainly aren't. Expect to find brussels sprouts, honey (from Williams' mum's beehive), radicchio, rainbow chard and even corn atop the pies. As well as the necessary mozzarella, which is stretched daily in-house. The pair plan to alter the toppings with the seasons, too, making the most of short-season produce like pine mushrooms and truffles. You'll be eating all of this on the old Dimitri's tables — which have been repurposed by Williams' brother Lex, a furniture builder and designer — surrounded by exposed brick walls, art, fairy lights and the restaurant's namesake: a striking red neon Dimitri. With a total capacity of around 150 people, the top two levels will be home to "Dimitri's but in bar form", which means Grifter beer on tap and all-natural wines — including the likes of Das Juice, Gut Oggau and Delinquente — and a short and sharp cocktail list. Williams says to expect "really good quality drinks, a chilled atmosphere and good times". These good times will extend to the third-level open terrace, too, where you'll be able to drink looking out on the street below. And on the rooftop — yes, it keeps going — there'll be a garden, where Williams will be growing herbs and some veggies for super-fresh pizza toppings. Images: Kimberley Low. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney for 2023
Intercontinental Sydney has refreshed one of its dining options, launching Pont Dining Room. Pairing with the luxury hotel's expansive accommodation, rooftop bar and spectacular views, the restaurant is dedicating its menu to celebrating the diversity of flavours on offer within Australia, opening its doors on Tuesday, April 9. Located inside the heritage-listed Treasury Building, and making high-quality local produce the star of its menu, Pont Dining Room operates under Chef de Cuisine — and ex-Mount Lofty House alum — Kanishka Amunugama. He brings a plethora of experience, as well as a sustainability-forward approach to celebrating the country's culinary flavours. "We're excited to welcome guests into the new restaurant," said Amunugama. "Whether that is for a catch-up with an old friend, a business lunch or a celebratory dinner, guests can expect an approachable and sophisticated dining experience from start to finish." The restored interiors of Pont Dining Room feature ocean-blue walls with arched, white windows and rum-coloured timber flooring, creating an inviting space with a rustic elegance. Plants are also littered throughout, complimenting the restaurant's leaf-inspired chandeliers with pops of green. Food-wise, Pont Dining Room's menu takes cues from Sydney treasures, iconic landscapes and recognisably Australian influences. When perusing the restaurant's offerings, you'll spot plenty of seafood-starring dishes and grilled meats, including a black onyx brisket and tenderloin, Bangalow sweet pork paired with Vegemite butter and chorizo jam, and a bluefin tuna dish that takes inspiration from the Botanical Gardens adjacent to the venue. Plus, there are signature dishes like the kimchi-fermented fries with gruyère sauce; a ricotta mille-feuille with orange blossom syrup; and sourdough crumpets accompanied by white anchovies chutney, whipped goat's cheese and lemon thyme. For dessert, a must-try chocolate mousse comes with raspberry crisp for additional tartness. "We wanted to create a menu that maximises the potential of every ingredient, leaving no element wasted and spotlight sustainably sourced, seasonal produce," said Amunugama. For sips to pair, the wine list spans tipples from organic to biodynamic, and from locally produced to internationally exported vinos. As for the cocktails, some utilise elements of the Australian landscape, with the Garden Walk incorporating bush mint and eucalyptus, and the Pont Sour starring Davidson plum. Find Pont Dining Room inside the Intercontinental Sydney at 12/117 Macquarie Street, Sydney from Tuesday, April 9 — open from 5.30–10pm Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Steve Woodburn.
Founded by Emma Nguyen in 2011, I Love Pho has a special focus on bringing an authentic Vietnamese experience to Sydney. Decked out with a bamboo-themed interior, the dining room captures the essence of the frantic hustle and bustle of Vietnamese street dining. The service here is classy and casual, and it's the kind of place you'll be returning to again and again after discovering it, whether that's once a year or once a week. As the name suggests, the oft mispronounced but easy-to-consume Vietnamese noodle soup is the star of the show at this Crows Nest spot. Following a traditional recipe from Hanoi, and cooked for 24 hours, this steaming broth is available in several different flavours including vegetable, pork chop, wagyu beef and chicken breast. The chicken broth pho is slow-simmered with a hint of zesty ginger and fresh lime leaves, and the mixed seafood option is especially exciting. There's even a totally vegan pho with tofu, mixed veg and lotus root noodle soup. Outside of pho, the menu boasts some incredible traditional Vietnamese dishes. Standouts include a vegan curry topped with roasted peanuts, spicy pork belly served with steamed Chinese broccoli, and a truly spectacular roast duck salad. The wine lost at I Love Pho has all the standards from shiraz to pinot noir and pinot gris to chardonnay, while the beer list is international with the classic Vietnamese Hanoi Beer included. For northsiders, heading here is an easy call — and for everyone else, it's definitely worth crossing the bridge for.
With so much relying on the vaccine rollout, many Sydney businesses are offering incentives for locals to get vaccinated. Last week, Hawke's gave away slabs of beer to 250 Sydneysiders who went out and got their first jab, and now Rozelle pub the Bald Rock Hotel is offering free takeaway pints. All you have to do is head along to the pub and show the bartenders that you've had both of your shots of either vaccination and they'll shout you a frothy on the house. Any White Bay fans looking to stock up can also top up their growlers at Bald Rock. The inner city hotel will be pouring discounted top-ups with growler fills going for just $15 and squealer fill-ups available for $10. If you're looking to book your first vaccine appointment, you can use this helpful map to find your nearest vaccination clinic or head to the NSW Health website for more information. Top image: Andy Mitchell
New Christmas, new spate of fresh festive flicks to add to your seasonal viewing: that's now an annual trend in these streaming platform-saturated times. A creative spin on A Christmas Carol, but as a musical starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, is one such newcomer vying for your eyeballs now that the merriest time of the year is upon us. And, dropping on Stan on Thursday, December 1, Australia's own Christmas Ransom is another. Everyone has their Christmas viewing rituals, whether you watch your way through every Home Alone movie each year (yes, even the recent one), pop on It's a Wonderful Life with the family after a big lunch or prefer saying yippee ki-yay to Die Hard. Until recently, however, it's likely that watching Aussie festive films wasn't high on your list, given this country of ours doesn't have all that much seasonal fare to its name. Back in 2020, streaming service Stan aimed to help change that with A Sunburnt Christmas, a festive caper about a criminal, some kids and end-of-year hijinks — aka Australia's answer to Home Alone and Bad Santa, in a way. In 2022, the platform is now adding Christmas Ransom to the list, starring Miranda Tapsell and Matt Okine. As first announced back in September — and as you can now see in the just-dropped trailer — Christmas Ransom stars Okine (The Other Guy) as every kid's second-favourite person during festive season: the owner of a toy store. Things aren't too merry for his character, however, when his shop is held up by thieves on Christmas Eve. And yes, as the name makes plain, he's held for ransom. These kinds of Christmas movies usually involve children, whether or not they turn them into Macaulay Culkin-level stars — so obviously a couple of kids get caught up in the heist. To save the day, they enlist the help of Tapsell (Top End Wedding), who plays a pregnant security officer. Stan notes that this new on-screen Christmas gift is inspired by Home Alone, Die Hard and Elf. If you've ever seen just one sesaonal flick for even just a few minutes, you will have spotted plenty that's predictable about the setup. Alongside Tapsell and Okine, Christmas Ransom stars Ed Oxenbould (Wildlife), Genevieve Lemon (The Tourist), Bridie McKim (Bump), Evan Stanhope (Thor: Love and Thunder), Tahlia Sturzaker (Ascendant) and Chai Hansen (The Newsreader) — and boasts Adele Vuko (Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am) in the director's chair. Add it to your festive viewing alongside this year's other new Aussie Christmas film, if it also surfaces in time: the upcoming movie based on Paul Christmas classic 'How to Make Gravy'. Otherwise, this newcomer will join the likes of A Sunburnt Christmas; Bush Christmas, both the 1947 and 1983 versions; the animated Around the World with Dot; and recent-ish horror movies Red Christmas and Better Watch Out — the latter also featuring Oxenbould. Check out the trailer for Christmas Ransom below: Christmas Ransom will be available to stream via Stan from Thursday, December 1.
Bulletin Place — the street — is quite the anomaly. Not only is it one of the more aesthetically pleasing side streets in the CBD, with its Victorian pastel-coloured building facades, but it also harbours some of the best beverages Sydney has to offer. By night, Bulletin Place — the bar — is the place to be. But during the day, crowds flock to Cabrito Coffee Traders to get their caffeine fix. The team here takes the bean business very seriously. Produce is ethically sourced from the global coffee capitals and house-roasted to perfection. Blends are on constant rotation and the old-school felt menu is a cheat sheet to nailing the tasting notes. Coffee geeks are also spoilt for choice in serving options: filter, cold drip, batch brew or plain ol' espresso. With coffee as the main affair, things are kept simple food-wise. 'Something between bread' is the general theme; there's toasties for breakfast and burgers for lunch. If you're after something sweet, the unconventional lamingtons from LusciousKiki are unmissable. In a jungle of poor coffee choices, it is clear to see why this small laneway shop generates such a buzz — and not just from the caffeine.
Fast-expanding hospitality collective The Point Group has added a spacious Greek restaurant and bar to its far-reaching catalogue of Sydney venues that already includes the beloved Dolphin Hotel and the multi-storey venue Shell House. "We're staying true to Greek cuisine, calling on traditional recipes, cooking techniques and flavours, combined with incredible Aussie produce to present our contemporary take on classic Greek dining," says The Point Group's Culinary Director Joel Bickford. "At the heart of the menu are the essentials; an olive oil program and house made pita, a simple base to build out our menu from." The menu takes full advantage of the restaurant's seasonal produce and both the charcoal grill and woodfire ovens that you'll find in the kitchen. Begin your night with selections from the meze menu. The options are designed to encourage shared dining, with favourites like oysters with greek yoghurt ($4 each) , taramasalata ($14), baby burrata ($10) and kingfish crudo ($18) all here. Other exciting additions you'll find across the menu include dry-aged pork souvlaki ($16), king prawn saganaki ($34), feta and sweet pepper filo pie ($18) and wood-fired beetroot with sumac and fargo ($18). As with all of The Point Group's venues, the drinks list is a main feature and not an afterthought. "We want to create the very best quality wine and cocktail bar whilst embracing the bohemian spirit of Bondi," says restaurateur Brett Robinson. Accompanying an exciting wine list are memorable cocktails like a baklava old fashioned ($23) and Topiko's iced coffee ($23). The expansive venue can seat over 200 people across the dining room, 100-seat bar and outdoor terrace. Open from midday to midnight, it offers a new spot in the bustling eastern suburbs suburb for a snack, a catch-up over a wine or a group feast. Robinson calls it: "The perfect social meeting point, a pre/post-lunch or dinner drink and reliable place for friends to relax or celebrate no matter what time of day or night".
Fresh from being named the Festival of the Year for the fourth time at the 2025 Queensland Music Awards, The Big Pineapple Festival has announced the news that every fan of dancing in the shadow of a giant piece of tropical fruit wants to hear. Come spring, the beloved event will return. Not only has the fest locked in its date, but organisers have also revealed that this'll be a big tenth-anniversary celebration. Diaries out: Saturday, November 1, 2025 is when you'll be hitting Pineapple Fields in Woombye. There's no lineup details as yet, or an exact timeline outlining when the fest's acts will be announced, but The Big Pineapple Festival crew is promising a "blockbuster event" — and its usual Aussie focus. "When we started this festival years ago, our goal was to put Australian artists front and centre, and create an unforgettable experience for fans," said Mark Pico, The Big Pineapple Festival's Founder and Festival Director. "To be here over a decade later with the festival stronger than ever and even earning industry awards again ... is incredibly humbling. It's a testament to the amazing community of artists, attendees and partners who have believed in The Big Pineapple Festival from the start." On Australia's list of big things, the Big Pineapple is among the most famous. It's big. It's a pineapple. It's heritage-listed Queensland icon. It's surrounded by pineapple fields. Basically, what's not to love? It's not merely a reason to head to Nambour to gawk at over-sized fruit, though. Back in 2013, it also became home to a music festival, which ran annually until taking a break in the early years of the pandemic — as every similar fest did. The Big Pineapple Festival's COVID-19 hiatus came to an end in 2024, with help from The Amity Affliction, Tones And I, Bliss n Eso and Peking Duk. In years prior, everyone from Violent Soho, The Veronicas, Rufus Du Sol, Hayden James, Example, Alison Wonderland, Birds of Tokyo and Grinspoon have taken to the event's stage, as have Vera Blue, Ball Park Music, Illy, Dune Rats, John Butler Trio and Ocean Alley. While waiting for this year's lineup, fans can start getting excited now about one new part of the fest in 2025: a performance by whoever wins the Rising Star award at this year's debut Sunshine Coast Music Awards. The Big Pineapple Festival will return on Saturday, November 1, 2025. We'll update you with more details when they're revealed — keep an eye on the fest's website, Facebook and Instagram in the interim. Select images: Claudia Ciapocha / Charlie Hardy.
UPDATE, December 9, 2020: Pixar Putt has extended its stay at Bankwest Stadium until Sunday, January 31, 2021. The below details have been updated to reflect that change. Summer holidays are in the distance and a long weekend is around the corner, which means the part-tee is just beginning. To help us start getting into the holiday groove, our favourite Pixar characters are popping up in Parramatta at a new mini golf course inspired by some of our favourite Disney films. After setting up its (temporary) home in Darling Harbour last year, the kidult-friendly course is now heading to Bankwest Stadium (with five new holes) from Saturday, September 26 until Sunday, January 31. Designed to challenge both eight-year-olds and adults, Pixar Putt features nine- and 18-hole courses that take you past childhood heroes like Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and Elastigirl. Hit a few balls with Darla and Marlin from Finding Nemo, and flick one past Princess Atta from A Bug's Life. No need for a trip to Disneyland. Pixar Putt is also open for after-dark sessions every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night — because the post-work putt-putt hours are perfect for those date nights when you want to do more than just have dinner and see a movie. Until Thursday, December 17, you can head by from 3–10pm Thursday–Friday, 10am–10pm Saturday and 10am–8pm Sunday. Between Friday, December 18–Sunday, January 31, those hours change to 10am–8pm Sunday–Wednesday and 10am–10pm Thursday–Saturday. As COVID-19 restrictions are still a fact of life, the mini golf course will have physical distancing measures, plenty of hand sani and restricted capacity — which means tickets will sell fast. You can snag yours from pixarputt.com.au. Updated December 9.
The Rizzeria is an artists' cooperative and loves all things just a little bit old school. In their next workshop series you’ll be able to get your hands on the Riso RP3700 stencil press to create your own multicolour zines, posters, cards, or anything else you fancy getting your creative on with. What’s a Riso? It’s a printer that uses just one or two colours (from a choice of 9) at a time, giving it a bit of a unique, rough, DIY aethetic – almost like a comic book. It’s stencil printing, but using paints (not screen printing or offset printing). If you want a bit of a different finish to the usual digital print, and want to get a bit more hands on with your printing, Rizzeria might be your new hang out. Email workshop@rizzeria.com to book.
This family-run nursery has been in operation for over 30 years and is a go-to for Annandale locals. As well as plenty of natives, the Booth Street shop also stocks exotic shrubs, trees and tropical plants from around the country. Plus, the shop has lots of indoor plants, cacti and succulents — and a massive selection of bonsai, too — so you'll be catered for whether you have a rolling lawn or a small balcony. [caption id="attachment_779260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] The staff are locals and are happy to offer gardening advice if you need it. And if you're keen to look after some dying species, ask them about their endangered plants and how to look after them. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
In Sydney's crowded, ever-evolving food scene, it can seem like new openings need to shout in order to be heard. And given its bold, all-caps, exclamation-pointed name, this is something the team behind ATTENZIONE! Food and Wine — a vibrant bistro-cum-wine bar opening in Redfern — clearly understand. This colourful new addition to the area's dining offering, which will welcome its first diners in late July, is the passion project of Felix Colman, the part-owner and operator of Ragazzi and Fabbrica, and business partners Toby Davis, Toby Stansfield and Dexter Kim, who between them boast stints at Yellow, Lola's, The Old Fitz and the hospitality-focused creative agency Buffet Digital. After working alongside each other for years, this quartet of hospo veterans decided to make their shared dream of running a venue together a reality. "ATTENZIONE! is the culmination of many years of friendship and experience combined with our very genuine love for great food, wine and all-round great hospitality," said Colman. "We know what makes a restaurant experience memorable and we know what makes you want to return." Before you jump to conclusions, the choice of name has nothing to do with online memes or pickpockets. Rather, it's a reference to an in-joke between the four partners regarding an Italian friend's mother, who while visiting her daughter in Sydney would cry out "attenzione!" whenever a handsome — and potentially eligible — man walked past. Since then, shouting "attenzione!" has become such a go-to callback between the friends, and it quickly emerged as the obvious name for their first venture together. On the menu, punters can expect plenty of sharing platters, antipasti classics and snackable Euro street eats alongside pasta-centric mains: think crispy gnocco fritto with raw beef, the traditional veal and tuna combo of tonnato vitello, and dry-aged cuts of pasture-raised dairy cows courtesy of Emilo's Butcher in Rozelle. What are sure to be the restaurant's most-talked-about dishes feature jumbo strands of house-made pico pasta, coated in a glossy slick of cacio e pepe sauce or nduja crema with Kinkawooka mussels. Colman and Davis have balanced accessibility and quality with their internationally sourced wine selection, focusing on terroirs with well-managed vineyards and superb pedigrees. Full-flavoured drops from Piemonte and Burgundy will share the spotlight with lesser-known varieties such as savagnin and timorasso. Taking over the former digs of The Sunshine Inn on Redfern Street, the fitout is designed by new Sydney-based interiors studio Coffeyhallet. With a vibrant mustard and aniseed palette as well as tactile leather banquettes, dark-stained Bentwood chairs and large mirrors to create a sense of space, the restaurant's decor will be an extension of the lively, welcoming vibes that the four owners hope ATTENZIONE! will be known for. "We're creating a fun restaurant that we'd all personally love to visit time and time again," Colman said. "We really do hope it's a restaurant that'll be deserving of Sydney's ATTENZIONE! now and for many years to come." ATTENZIONE! Food and Wine will open in late July 2024 at 180 Redfern Street in Redfern, operating Thursday–Monday. For more updates, follow ATTENZIONE on Instagram. Images: Dexter Kim.
Sydney comes alive in summer — long lunches segue into golden-hour drinks, warm evenings spill into the streets and the city buzzes with new exhibitions and openair experiences. Whether you're browsing a waterside market or diving into a boundary-pushing gallery show, this season is built for discovery. Instead of dipping in for a single exhibition or market visit, treat each outing as the start of its own mini escape. In the spirit of making the most of every sunny moment, we've paired five must-see summer events with nearby neighbourhood gems that showcase the breadth of Sydney's food, culture and creativity. The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition Why it's unmissable Set beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition brings together local makers showcasing their wares for three festive weekends of openair browsing. Add woodfired pizza, gozleme and crepes into the mix — along with furoshiki gift-wrapping workshops — and you've got one of summer's most charming holiday pit stops. Find out more here. Make a day of it Once you've filled your tote, wander a few steps to Hooked and Harvest, The Rocks' sunny new fish and chippery serving market-fresh fish, freshly shucked oysters and flavour-packed salads. If you're after something with a deeper sense of place, Midden by Mark Olive heroes native Australian ingredients via refined dishes like kutjera-braised beef cheek, blue gum-smoked miso eggplant and Olive's signature Bush Pavlova topped with a native fruit coulis and wattleseed cream, all from a breezy spot under the sails of the Sydney Opera House. [caption id="attachment_921470" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Wind down nearby As the sun starts to slip, take the lift up to Martinez, Circular Quay's breezy rooftop bar with Mediterranean coastal vibes, panoramic views and a bright drinks list made for golden hour. Extend your stay Make a weekend of it at The Russell Boutique Hotel, the charming new stay in the heart of The Rocks (and set right above Sydney's oldest pub). With its warm, character-filled rooms — some of which have direct courtyard access — and unbeatable proximity to some of Sydney's most iconic spots, it's an ideal base for an urban summer escape. [caption id="attachment_918689" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] RELICS: A New World Rises Why it's unmissable This immersive new exhibition at the Australian Museum transforms discarded objects into intricate LEGO® civilisations, from a grandfather clock reverse-engineered into a time machine to a cryogenics facility inside a vintage freezer. Part art installation, part nostalgic playground, it's a summer experience for kids and adults alike — and a reminder that creativity and curiosity have no age limits. Find out more here. Make a day of it Kick things off with coffee and a pastry — or an inventive breakfast plate like avo and kale bagel with peanut chilli sauce, or soft scrambled eggs swimming in chicken broth and served with garlic-buttered baguette — in the charming sandstone-framed courtyard of A.P Bread & Wine in Darlinghurst. Post-exhibition, stroll down to Woolloomooloo for a late lunch at Akti, the breezy, coastal-Greek diner serving moussaka croquettes, lamb shoulder with chimichurri and summer-ready cocktails overlooking the Finger Wharf. Wind down nearby Round out your day at Monica, Paddington's new sun-drenched rooftop bar overlooking the bustle of Oxford Street. Head up to take in sweeping skyline views, playful cocktail — like a rhubarb and grapefruit paloma on tap — in hand as the city lights flicker on. Extend your stay Not ready to go home? You don't have to — Monica sits on the roof of the new 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, a design-forward Paddington boutique set in a heritage-listed former cinema. Its prime location offers easy access to some of Sydney's most vibrant neighbourhoods, with hire bikes available if you're keen to explore more. [caption id="attachment_1045265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emmaline Zanelli, 'Magic Cave', 2024-2025, installation view, image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia © the artist, photograph by Hamish McIntosh[/caption] MCA double-header: Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists and A Conversation with the Sun (Afterimage): Apichatpong Weerasethakul Why it's unmissable While we're never short of reasons to visit Australia's home of contemporary art, this summer, the MCA is giving us two more. Running until early March, Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists continues the annual exhibition's nearly four-decade legacy of providing a platform to Australia's next generation of artistic and curatorial talent. This year's works invite visitors to consider what it means to continue making art in a digital and post-industrial world. Find out more here. Also on show: Palme d'Or-winning filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's new cinematic site-specific installation for the MCA. The large-scale work — on display in the MCA Macgregor Gallery until early February — features video diaries projected onto floating fabric, creating a dream-like experience inspired by pondering the sun while walking in nature. Find out more here. Make a day of it Take a leisurely stroll around Circular Quay and drop anchor at Flaminia, the refined yet laidback venue by acclaimed chef Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater) plating up Italian coastal classics alongside sweeping harbour views. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and arrive at Felons Seafood for towering seafood platters, salt and vinegar martinis and a tap pouring Australia's coldest beer. Take a seat in the spacious outdoor terrace to soak up the sun, or nab a seat by the window for uninterrupted views across Manly Cove and Sydney Harbour. [caption id="attachment_1011783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Wind down nearby Next door to its namesake restaurant, Felons Manly brings the award-winning Brisbane brewhouse's beers to an expansive, sun-washed space, with regular events and live music keeping things lively throughout the evening. Or, follow the boardwalk around the shoreline to settle in at The Espy Manly, an alfresco bar serving up spritzes and sunshine in equal measure. If the mood is less wind down and more turn up, venture to neighbouring Freshwater and settle in at Bombies, a late-night bar and live music lounge that brings 1970s beach house energy to the rooftop of the historic Harbord Hotel. Extend your stay If there's a better way to start your day than at the beach, we're yet to find it. And at Manly Pacific Hotel, you'll wake up mere steps from the sand. And whether you choose to start your day with espresso on your sunlit balcony overlooking Manly Beach or you're popping across the road for a pre-breakfast surf, your morning will feel like its own little holiday. The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market Why it's unmissable If you're hunting for holiday gifts with personality, this market at Rozelle's White Bay Cruise Terminal ticks every box: you'll find over 140 stalls selling Australian-made homewares, slow-fashion pieces and artisan treats in a bright, harbour-framed warehouse setting. Add drop-in workshops, kids' zones and free parking, and you've got all the ingredients for some feel-good festive shopping. Find out more here. Make a day of it Start the day with a hearty Middle Eastern-inspired brunch at The Rusty Rabbit, a light-filled corner spot in leafy Concord. If it's views you're after, it's hard to beat The Fenwick. This restaurant and art gallery on the edge of the East Balmain waterfront, set in an 1880s former tugboat store, plates up Italian-inspired fare and postcard-perfect views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. [caption id="attachment_706208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old Clare Rooftop[/caption] Wind down nearby Swap the Inner West waterfront for its indie bar scene. Start with the Inner West Distillery Trail, where small-batch gin, whisky and new-world spirits are poured straight from the source in tasting rooms across Rozelle, Marrickville and surrounds. The Inner West is also home to some of Sydney's best breweries, and the Inner West Ale Trail links a string of top-tier taprooms within a few easy kilometres. From hazy IPAs in sunny beer gardens to crisp lagers and barrel-aged sours in cavernous converted warehouses, it's a relaxed way to dig a little deeper into one of Sydney's most creative neighbourhoods. Extend your stay Make it a full weekend escape at The Old Clare Hotel, which blends luxe contemporary comforts with the character of a historic Chippendale building. By day, bask by the rooftop pool and bar, soaking up the city skyline with a drink in hand; then, wander into the laneways of Chippendale's buzzy food and bar scene to make a night of it. Ready to feel the Sydney side of summer? Discover the full calendar of what's on across the city at sydney.com.
Surry Hills' handsome French brasserie Armorica is easing the pain of returning to reality with some very good news for meat lovers: its cult-favourite bottomless steak frites is now available Monday to Friday — but only for a strictly limited time. Usually a Monday-only affair, the much-loved special is now available every weekday until Friday, January 16. On the menu: unlimited servings of premium steak, endless golden fries and free-flowing French sauces. That means you can now indulge in as many rounds of béarnaise-dipped steak and shatteringly crispy chips as you like, five days a week, with Armorica's house sauces — including peppercorn and Café de Paris butter — flowing just as freely as the post-holiday chat. The $65-per-person deal has already proven wildly popular among Sydneysiders thanks to the city's long-running love affair with anything bottomless — and this is easily one of the more indulgent versions on offer. If you're looking to level things up even further, you can tack on starters like Sydney rock oysters or desserts like the show-stopping signature Chocolate Bar — an explosion of Valrhona chocolate mousse, salted caramel and choc chip cookie encased in a dark chocolate hard shell that resembles a jewel box. You can also pair your meal with a selection from Armorica's seriously impressive French wine list, which spans more than 400 bottles. Set within a grand, mood-lit space on Crown Street — think timber-detailed ceilings, European oak joinery and brass gantries — it's exactly the kind of weekday treat that makes easing back into the working year feel a little more manageable. Armorica's bottomless steak frites is available weekdays until Friday, January 16, for $65 per person. For more information, head to the venue's website.
"When you've got it, flaunt it," the song goes — and when it comes to Australian movies, filmmakers have taken that advice. What they've got is a stunning outback setting, and they certainly know how to show it off. The latest example: Strangerland. A tale about missing children, arguing parents and the many factors that have caused both states of affairs, Strangerland has plenty of other things going for it. There's the high-profile cast of Nicole Kidman, Joseph Fiennes and Hugo Weaving, for one. There's the simmering mood of melodrama, for another. There's never any doubt, however, that this is a movie defined by its location. The Parker family — pharmacist Matthew (Fiennes), his wife Catherine (Kidman), teenager daughter Lily (Maddison Brown) and younger son Tom (Nicholas Hamilton) — has moved to the country town of Nathgari, laying low and hiding from past troubles. It's the kind of place where the locals know each other by name, and where there's little to do but complain about the heat, which the newcomers do plenty. It's also the kind of place where kids wander and adults wonder, as happens when Lily and Tom disappear into the night, leaving Matthew and Catherine looking for answers. A determined cop (Weaving) investigates the case, his detective work uncovering family surprises, marital tensions and deep-seeded disharmony, while a dust storm complicates his search. A remote town turned ugly and a scenic setting brimming with complexity fuel Strangerland, recalling the likes of Wake in Fright, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Mystery Road. They're comparisons first-time feature director Kim Farrant seems happy to conjure, leaning heavily on the oppressive nature of the landscape as she does. Her film lingers, both lovingly and a little too long, on aerial shots of the rock, dirt and scrub, making the harshness of the Australian desert evident. In fact, postcard-worthy pictures of the nation's interior receive almost as much screen time as the actors. That's not to say that the cast doesn't have much to do, just that they're often dwarfed by their background — and that rings true not just visually but in the story. Kidman carries the weight of past tensions in her performance, one of her best of late, as a woman trapped on several levels. In contrast, Fiennes doesn't fare as well at expressing his character's inner turmoil, leaving his on-screen wife the star of the show. The third point in their tussle, the ever-welcome Weaving, makes the best of a stock-standard part. Indeed, stock-standard describes the majority of Strangerland as it sticks to the 'atmospheric Australian drama' playbook. What sets the movie apart from other efforts, however, is its refreshing consideration of female sexuality — a rarity in films of this and other ilk. It seems that the women at the feature's core have also heeded guidance about flaunting what they've got, their desire and desperation proving gripping viewing. Strangerland is at its most powerful when contrasting Lily's blossoming youth with Catherine's need to connect, and coping with the crises that spring from both. The space between the two is the real mystery unfolding in the outback.
If you only have time for a quick night away from the city and don't want to waste any of it driving to your destination, why not head seaside? Taylor Made Escapes has you covered with a luxury overnight experience on your own private yacht. Picture gorgeous Palm Beach scenery, crystal clear waters, deluxe cabins and champagne in the sunshine for some premium glamour. During the day, you can enjoy a secluded ocean swim or take a rowboat to shore. At night, watch the sunset over the horizon and relax on the calm sea while getting stuck into a decadent seafood platter. Rates start at $499 for two people, with additional guests charged at $100 per person (maximum six overnight guests). It's time to start planning the ultimate Sydney sleepover.
The big names on QAGOMA's 2025 program read like an art lover's dream dinner-party list: who wouldn't want to spend time with Olafur Eliasson, Yayoi Kusama, Archie Moore and Patricia Piccinini? Brisbanites and folks visiting from out of town can do just that with their artwork, at least, whether exploring an Australian-exclusive exhibition dedicated to the Icelandic Danish artist who once built an indoor riverbed inside the Gallery of Modern Art or seeing Indigenous Aussie talent Moore's history-making Venice Biennale Golden Lion-winning kith and kin. No strangers to the River City, Kusama and Piccinini will have pieces featured in a showcase called Wonderstruck. For locals, the 2025 lineup reads like a list of reasons to make regular dates with GOMA and Queensland Art Gallery. If you're elsewhere in Australia, consider it motivation to holiday in the Sunshine State several times. The year's program has already begun, of course, thanks to The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. On display until the end of April, it boasts 500 works by 70 artists and collectives — and as each APT is when it fills QAGOMA every three years, it's a sight to behold. [caption id="attachment_992350" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Olafur Eliasson / Denmark b.1967 / Riverbed (installation view, GOMA) 2014 / Water, rock (volcanic stones [blue basalt, basalt, lava], other stones, gravel, sand), wood, steel, plastic sheeting, hose, pumps / Dimensions variable / Purchased 2021. The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Charitable Trust Collection: The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Charitable Trust, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © 2014 Olafur Eliasson / Photograph: N Harth © QAGOMA.[/caption]From December, Eliasson will help GOMA end 2025 — and then take 2026 almost to its midpoint — with an exhibition that'll explore three decades of his career complete with rocky landscapes, Lego cities and optical puzzles. Yes, the wonderfully immersive, aforementioned Riverbed will be back. So too will The Cubic Structural Evolution Project, which is where everyone's favourite toy bricks come in, getting gallery patrons playing with it all a part of the piece. Thanks to Beauty, visitors will see a rainbow in a veil of mist as well — and via Your Psychoacoustic Light Ensemble, audio waves will become visual. [caption id="attachment_992353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Olafur Eliasson / Denmark b.1967 / Beauty 1993 / Installation view: Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, Italy, 2022 / Spotlight, water, nozzles, wood, hose, pump / Dimensions variable / Courtesy: The artist; neugerriemschneider, Berlin; and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York/Los Angeles / © 1993 Olafur Eliasson / Photograph: Ela Bialkowska, OKNOstudio.[/caption] "Olafur Eliasson's artworks suggest new ways of seeing and experiencing. His practice, spanning diverse installations and other works, invites reflection on our relationships — with ourselves, the environment, culture, and society," said QAGOMA Director Chris Saines "The exhibition will feature a range of artworks, many never before seen in Australia, and will include two new site-specific installations created especially for our expansive galleries." [caption id="attachment_950473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama. The obliteration room 2002–present. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] Between APT11 and Olafur Eliasson, Wonderstruck will take over GOMA from late June–early October — and as the name makes plain, this 100-plus-artwork collection from 70-plus artists is all about awe and wonder. The full list of pieces that'll be included hasn't yet been revealed, nor has the roster of talents involved, but the wearable sculptures of HEARD from Nick Cave (the American artist, not the Australian musician) will be among them. Also, get ready to pop stickers everywhere, because so will the return of Kusama's The Obliteration Room. From late September — a month later than initially announced — Moore's kith and Kin will make its Australian debut. When the First Nations artist earned Australia the top gong at the Olympics of the art world for the first time ever, he did so with an exhibition curated by QAGOMA's Ellie Buttrose, and with a date with Brisbane locked in for this year. Gifted to the galleries permanently, the piece didn't just make history with its Venice Biennale accolade. A hand-drawn genealogical chart that spans back 65,000 years, it also chronicles it. [caption id="attachment_951573" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archie Moore / kith and kin 2024 / Australia Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2024 / Photographer Andrea Rossetti / © the artist / Images courtesy of the artist and The Commercial.[/caption] Similarly on the way to South Brisbane before 2026 hits: marru | the unseen visible, which showcases works by Danie Mellor; Great and Small, heroing the role of animals in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture; and a dive into the space where devotional imagery and pop culture cross paths via The God of Small Things: Faith and Popular Culture, with oleographs by Raja Ravi Varma at its centre, but works by Natee Utarit and Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan also featuring. Pieces by artists such as Kenneth Macqueen, Vida Lahey, William Bustard, Gwendolyn Grant, Joe Rootsey and Sidney Nolan will be a part of Under a Modern Sun: Art in Queensland 1930s–1950s. Tony Albert, Michael Cook, Brenda L Croft, Destiny Deacon, Fiona Foley, Genevieve Grieves, Tracey Moffat, Michael Riley, Darren Siwes, Leah King Smith and Christian Thompson are among the talents set to be in the spotlight via Snap Blak: Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Photography From the Collection. And Queensland's Pat Hoffie will display a range of works on paper in I have loved/I love/I will love. [caption id="attachment_992351" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danie Mellor / Ngadjon-jii/Mamu peoples / Australia b.1971 / Dark star waterfall (still) 2023–24 / Digital projection / Courtesy: The artist / © Danie Mellor.[/caption] Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art 2025 Program Until Sunday, April 27, 2025 — The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art Saturday, March 15–Sunday, August 3, 2025 — Danie Mellor: marru | the unseen visible Saturday, June 21, 2025–Monday, May 3, 2027 — Great and Small Saturday, June 21, 2025 –Monday, October 5, 2026 — The God of Small Things: Faith and Popular Culture Saturday, June 28–Monday, October 6, 2025 — Wonderstruck Saturday, August 16, 2025–Monday, January 26, 2026 — Under a Modern Sun: Art in Queensland 1930s–1950s Saturday, August 30, 2025–Sunday, September 13, 2026 — Snap Blak: Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Photography From the Collection Saturday, August 30, 2025– Sunday, February 1, 2026 — Pat Hoffie: I have loved/I love/I will love Saturday, September 27, 2025–Sunday, October 18, 2026 — Archie Moore: kith and kin Saturday, September 27, 2025–Sunday, October 18, 2026 — Inscribing a Life Saturday, October 4, 2025–Sunday, March 1, 2026 — Contraptions Saturday, December 6, 2025–Sunday, July 12, 2026 — Olafur Eliasson [caption id="attachment_992352" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Riley / Kamilaroi/Wiradjuri peoples / Australia 1960– 2004 / cloud (portfolio) (detail) 2000 / Inkjet print on banner paper / Ten sheets: various dimensions / Purchased 2002 / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © Michael Riley Estate.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_951569" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archie Moore / kith and kin 2024 / Australia Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2024 / Photographer Andrea Rossetti / © the artist / Images courtesy of the artist and The Commercial.[/caption] For more information about Queensland Art Gallery's 2025 exhibitions, plus Australian Cinémathèque's 2025 lineup — all of which will occur at Stanley Place, South Brisbane — visit the venue's website. Top image: Olafur Eliasson / Denmark b.1967 / Your psychoacoustic light ensemble (installation view, Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York, 2024) 2024 / Spotlight, glass lens, mirror foil, tripod, transducer, embedded computer system / Dimensions variable / Courtesy: The artist and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York / © 2024 Olafur Eliasson / Photograph: Pierre Le Hors.
If you're looking for some peace and tranquility among the mountains then head straight for the idyllic Buddong Falls campground. This remote patch of land is a great base to explore the surrounding national parks and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife that make their homes within the surrounding ribbon gums and along the nearby creek and waterfall. If you're not the most seasoned camper then fear not — picnic tables, barbecues and public toilets are all readily available to make things a little more comfortable.
Is it a balloon? Is it a giant beach ball? No, it's (This is) Air, the National Gallery of Victoria's 2023 Architecture Commission. Thanks to the St Kilda Road arts institution's annual commitment to livening up its garden by celebrating design, a towering sphere is making Melbourne home until June 2024. This isn't just any old 14-metre-tall globe: as everyone can see while in its presence, it breathes, inhaling and exhaling to draw attention to air. When the NGV International hosts this yearly architecture commission, almost anything can grace the venue's grounds. In the past, that's meant a colourful mini Parthenon, a bright pink pool to wade through, a bamboo garden with its own deck and a pink carwash, all memorable. Among a series of pieces all literally designed to stand out, (This is) Air might just have them beat. A lofty sphere that expands with air, then releases it — doing so all day from Thursday, November 23 — isn't easily forgotten. One of (This is) Air's aims: to make the invisible substance that's there in its name visible. Australian architect Nic Brunsdon has joined forces with ENESS — the art and technology company behind public artworks such as Sky Castle, Airship Orchestra, Cupid's Koi Garden, Lost Dogs' Disco and more — on the work that promised to make quite the sight when it was announced back in July, and proves the case now that it has been installed. No one in the vicinity will be able to miss it, either, thanks to that 14-metre height when it's fully inflated. To get to that measurement, it uses air as a building material. And when it breathes out, it does so by releasing gusts, forming different cloud-like shapes, then filling back to capacity again. Brunsdon and ENESS also want everyone taking in (This is) Air to think about humanity's need for and relationship to air. While you're peering at the commission, you'll see air in action and notice how essential it is. Also highlighted: how dependent we all are upon the element, how finite it is and how its quality is being impacted. "The idea for this project was conceived by the architect during the global pandemic, when the air we breathed was suddenly at the forefront of everyone's mind. Taking the form of a giant inflatable sphere, this living structure inhales and exhales before our eyes, giving presence to that omnipresent yet invisible element that connects us all," said Ewan McEoin, the NGV's Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture. "Air can be understood as part of our global economic, social and ecological realities. And yet, the quality of air we breathe varies depending on where and how we live. Air is universal, yet clean air is not." As (This is) Air gets viewers pondering, it's also designed to be uplifting. As is always the case with the NGV's yearly commission, it'll provide a place for accompanying performances and other public programs in the NGV Garden, too. (This is) Air also forms part of this year's NGV Triennial exhibition, which will display from Sunday, December 3, 2023–Sunday, April 7, 2024. On the agenda: robot dogs, a room-sized ode to plants, Yoko Ono's work and more, with 75 works set to feature, including more than 25 world-premiere projects. The art showcase will respond to the themes magic, matter and memory, with (This is) Air fitting in with the matter strand. (This is) Air displays at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Sunday, December 3, 2023–June 2024 — head to the NGV website for further details. Images: Installation view of the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission: (This Is) Air designed by architect Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with ENESS. (This Is) Air is on display from 23 November 2023 until June 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Ben Hosking
Walk any street of Bondi and you're sure to be met by adorable puppies, always pamper-fresh and ready for a pat. As dogs are somewhat of a beach-lifestyle must-have, so too is a trusted groomer. Head to the busier Oxford Street in Bondi Junction to find Dogue — a distinctly luxe puppy pampering palace. It offers gold tasting plates of New Zealand mussels, doggy-friendly shepherd's pie and the full scope of celebrity chef Pete Evans' dog food line, so they know how to treat pets like royalty. The store also offers puppy training and daycare facilities, plus an array of pet-related accessories — think collars, bedding and more toys than your puppy pal could ever need.
Located along the bustling Kings Street Wharf with excellent views out to the harbour, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines is much more than a sports bar: it's a sporting destination. The venue has over 50 HD screens on which avid sports fans can watch their game of choice, live from around the globe. There are even private booths with touchscreen TVs if you aren't feeling the game playing on the bigger screens. The menu is bursting with tasty classics — with low-gluten and plant-based options provided. There are great-value deals in the '7 Day LineUp' including half-price steak on Tuesdays, and $5 schooners, wines and spirits, Thursday–Friday from 5pm–7pm. Even better? Kids eat free on Monday and Tuesday. As its name suggests, the venue has partnered with Aussie craft beer purveyor 4 Pines. Be sure to toast to your team's sporting success with the signature TSG x 4 Pines Australian Pale Ale or any of the other flagship 4 Pines offerings. Is beer not your thing? There are plenty of cocktails, spritzes, wines, RTDs and non-alcoholic options on the menu, too.
When chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt of Bentley Restaurant Group transplanted their moody-chic mod-French wine bar-cum-bistro Monopole from Potts Point to the CBD in 2020, the move also ushered in a change of identity. The brooding intimacy, dark decor and wine-bottle-stacked walls of the OG Monopole were replaced with soaring ceilings, a vibrant vermillion colour scheme, abstract pendant fixtures and floods of light through wall-to-wall windows. The menu also brightened, shifting from riffs on French favourites to a broader-spectrum pan-European offering, with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and, oui, also French flourishes on the plate, alongside a thoroughly considered and impressively worldly wine list. But it seems a passion for all things Français has been a hard obsession to shake. Monopole has come full circle, reaffirming its French affinity but now as a fine-diner, narrowing its focus to a repertoire of classic gourmet cuisine with a firmly tricolore-centric wine, aperitif and digestif selection to match. To be clear, Monopole has not merely joined the ample ranks of Sydney's many casual bistros and brasseries. What Savage and Hildebrandt are offering exists in an elevated strata almost of its own, serving elegant, seldom-seen dishes — quenelles, millefeuilles, vol-au-vents, bisques. These are plates of extraordinary finesse and technical virtuosity — French fare at its very finest. "It's been something we've wanted to do for a while," Hildebrandt says of Monopole's French revolution. "Last year we opened King Clarence and the plan was always, after we've got that one up and running, we'll reimagine Monopole and bring together all the research and travel that has been inspiring us over the past few years." Fans of Monopole 2.0 will be pleased to hear that the fitout of the venue's third incarnation remains almost unchanged, save for the introduction of a heavy velvet curtain by the entrance, some culinary objet d'art, a few framed vintage wine posters, some antique sconces and paper shades for a more intimate lighting design and the addition of crisp, white, linen table cloths. Likewise, while the tone of the food now on offer may have shifted, Hildebrandt insists, the change is less wholesale than it might appear. "We've always been French, but in more of a neo-bistro type of way, like Septime in Paris — relaxed, unpretentious, less about tradition. That's what we've been doing for the past four years, essentially. But it feels like everyone's doing that now — even pubs are putting out modern French menus," he explains. "One of the big things we always ask ourselves in our business is how do we stay relevant? And if we just stuck to doing the same food that we've been doing for a decade, how is that keeping up with what's exciting diners, you know?" During recent trips to France to research new dishes and the wines that will best pair with them, both Hildebrandt and Savage were struck by one emergent dining trend. "We've really been inspired by a move back to traditional recipes, but reinvigorated and reinvented — served with a modern lens. They're dishes that require a lot of skill, a lot of technique, really staying true to these old and very respected recipes. There are a lot of really cool restaurants in Paris right now that are doing this and we just felt so inspired to bring that to Sydney and to really make the identity of this food clear," Hildebrandt shares. Indeed, clarity is a world that springs to mind as you dine at Monopole. A millefeuille d'anguille fume, exquisitely balances the sweet cellulose of a celeriac and apple remoulade with the velvet fattiness of smoked eel and a bite of horseradish, each carefully layered flavour corralled by the crisp counterpoint of three flakey layers of buttery pastry. Each bite is exact and precise — a crafted experience down to the last crumb. The quenelle de poisson offers a similar masterclass in precision, the lightness and subtlety of the steamed marron mousse offering the perfect foil for the bright sweetness of a rich, red, shellfish bisque and the fleshy bite of a grilled marron tail daubed with tarragon butter. Even the most familiar item on the menu — the burger de canard, which, just as it sounds, is a duck burger — is created with an elevated eye. Inspired by a snail burger Hildebrandt discovered on his Gallic travels, it is served with house-made pickles, comté cheese, hot sauce and a generous smear of light-as-a-feather duck liver parfait. Monopole's wine list has been largely French-leaning for a few years now, but the new list fully embraces this Francophilia with both arms, expertly paired upon request. A wide selection of the verdant herbal liqueur chartreuse, all French-made, also star behind the bar, as well as in one of the more revelatory desserts. Much like its faint green colouring, the chartreuse granita with vanilla ice cream and apple is nuanced and delicate. It charms you with a whisper rather than a shout. And therein lies the crucial difference between the common bistro and the rare French restaurant — this cuisine doesn't need to be loud and crowd-pleasing. It's an elegant ballet not a raucous Can-Can. Each has their place, and Sydney, a city with Bistros and Brasseries aplenty, deserves to have both.
The weather is getting warmer, and we all know what that means: the outdoor cinema season is here. Movie lovers in Sydney are spoiled for choice when it comes to open-air screens — and from the looks of things that doesn't appear to be changing any time soon. Located at the North Sydney Oval, this year's Sunset Cinema kicks off on Thursday, January 18, and will run until Saturday, March 24. The program skews towards more recent films including The Disaster Artist, Wonder, Downsizing and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. They've also put together a top-notch food and beverage offering, in order to keep your stomach from grumbling during the film. Dinner will be taken care of and the site will have a fully licensed bar, serving 4 Pines craft beers and MadFish wines.
Stanmore's Brighter Coffee may lay claim to the best toastie in Sydney. The menu at this quaint but beloved corner cafe is kept simple with just a few items that change between months and seasons — but one item always stays consistent, and that's the Kimcheezey toastie. The sandwich has built quite a cult following in the Inner West, pressing a healthy serving of kimchi with tomato passata and a blend of gruyere and gouda cheese between two slices of sourdough before it's toasted until perfectly golden and crunchy. It's a true delight. Depending on when you head in, you might also find a truffle and mushroom toastie, slow-roasted pumpkin or cold soba noodles joining the Kimcheezey on the menu. Plus, there will always be a selection of pretzels and pastries out the front for anyone looking for something a little lighter. The cafe was opened by the team behind the coffee roaster Made of Many, so all the beans are made in-house. No matter the variety that the baristas are working with that day, you can expect rich, drinkable coffee in the form of your classic cappuccino or latte, as well as batch and cold brew options. If you're after takeaway, you can nab a sunny patch of concrete on the corner of Northumberland Avenue and Salisbury Road to wait for your order surrounded by many of the neighbourhood dogs. Or, if you're eating in, you'll find a casual dining room filled with couches and houseplants that feels more akin to a welcoming friend's living room than your usual cafe seating area. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney
One of Sydney's most memorable desserts is making a comeback — but only temporarily. The coveted Snow Egg, the brainchild of Quay Restaurant's Executive Chef Peter Gilmore, is set to star on the venue's temporary experience menu with the help of American Express. The acclaimed Snow Egg has not appeared on the menu since 2018 and was previously a crowd favourite. Its ten-year-long residence on Quay's dessert selection solidified the dish as a restaurant staple, and the dessert even starred on an episode of Masterchef back in 2010. "I am honoured to be bringing back the Snow Egg for a very limited time," said Gilmore. "It has had a cult following since the early days of it being on the menu at Quay and holds such a special place in my heart." The iconic dish will be available to diners for ten exclusive nights, from Saturday, May 25, to Saturday, June 15, in the form of four experience packages. All include the dessert, either paired with a glass of bubbles for $98, a glass of rosé for $136, a glass of 2007 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires for $175, or a non-alcoholic feijoa fizz infused with cardamom and vanilla for $98. This luxe dining package will be served in the venue's private Green Room for the ultimate experience. Bookings open to the public on Friday, April 19, on Quay Restaurant's website, with slots from 6pm through to final service at 9.45pm throughout the ten-day stint. Secure your spot at Quay's nostalgia-driven Snow Egg dining experience at the restaurant's reservation page — tickets are available from Saturday, May 25, til Saturday, June 15, and are selling fast.
Poppies and Amber is a bespoke florist hidden just off The Corso on the newish Market Lane. The staff here put together beautiful bouquets daily — all you have to do choose if you want a 'bold', 'pastel', 'earthy' or 'sculptural' arrangement. The florist also doubles as a homeware store, selling cushions, throws, and ceramics that will bring a blossoming aesthetic to your own home. As well as picking up Moroccan pillows, weaved baskets and Indian blankets, you can treat yourself to Soul & Ark bath salts.
In Australia, we have one man to thank for introducing us to ricotta — and that's Salvatore Montalto. In 1959, Salvatore moved here from Sicily, bringing with him a lifetime's experience of cheesemaking. In 2015, his son Sam followed in his footsteps by founding Monte Fresco Cheese in Smithfield — an artisan cheese company that produces premium ricotta, feta and halloumi for restaurants, cafes and consumers nationwide. The company has won gold multiple times at the Royal Easter Show. On July 10, Montalto is giving you the chance to find out how he does it. For 90 cheesy minutes, you'll go deep behind the scenes at Monte Fresco. Expect to learn the secrets behind Montalto's cheesemaking techniques, see a live cheesemaking demonstration, and (of course) have cheese tastings galore. Tickets are just $10 and available online. The Monte Fresco Cheese workshop is just one event in the second of Powerhouse Museum's Powerhouse Food: Producers series, which celebrates Western Sydney's diverse food scene — from Arabic grocery stores to market gardens to Fijian chefs. Middle and bottom images: Josh Robenstone
Everything looks better on as big a screen as possible — and if you've always thought that about your streaming-queue favourites and you live in Sydney, you're now in luck. No, you don't need to upsize your television. Instead, you can head to a streaming cinema, sink into recliners and watch whatever takes your fancy from whichever streaming platform you like. Australia's first venue of its type, and only popping up for a month at 6/6–14 Oxford Street in Darlinghurst, the Nebula Streaming Cinema is indeed exactly what it sounds like. It features a 150-inch screen, upon which you can watch your pick of shows and movies from Netflix, Stan, Prime Video, Shudder, Disney+, Apple TV+, Binge, Paramount+ and the hefty list of other streamers — all while tucking into unlimited popcorn, drinks and snacks. None of the above will cost you a cent, either, other than one key thing: your subscription to those streaming services. But, if you're keen to watch Stranger Things, The Boys, Severance or Ms Marvel on a bigger screen than you've got at home, we're betting you're already signed up to the requisite platform. This is a boutique picture-palace experience, though, with room for just you and three pals. Wondering what's behind it? Nebula, which slings portable entertainment products, is promoting its Cosmos Laser 4K projector. Wondering how it works, too? The projector has a built-in Chromecast, which is how you'll access the relevant apps to log in to your choice of streaming services. To give the streaming cinema a whirl, you'll need to nab a booking for a two-hour slot — which also includes on-demand waiter service, bringing those snacks to you so you don't have to get up. At the moment, only times across the cinema's first two weeks have been made available, with extra sessions popping up on a weekly basis.
It's hard to beat a burger for low-key indulgence — and what better filling to go for than crispy, crunchy and juicy fried chicken? Whether you prefer Southern-style, Korean or karaage, there's something about the decadent beauty of the fried chicken burger that immediately satisfies cravings. Scouring countless pubs, bars and burger joints, we laboured night and day to determine our favourites — okay, we just ate lots of burgers. Then we compiled a killer list of some of Sydney's best spots to hit up for the ultimate fried chicken burger experience.
Bendigo Art Gallery will honour one of the most influential fashion icons of all time when the Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibition opens on August 17. A pioneering 20th century designer hailing from Spain, Cristóbal Balenciaga was considered one of the leaders of haute couture — and hundreds of his designs are making their way to Australia this winter. For this exclusive exhibition, Bendigo Art Gallery has collaborated with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Expect over 100 garments and hats designed not only by Balenciaga, but also by his 30 contemporaries and apprentices at the design house — who include the likes of Oscar de la Renta and Hubert de Givenchy. Along with the designer pieces — including pieces worn by actress Ava Gardner, mononymous 50s model Dovima and 60s fashion icon Gloria Guinness — visitors will gain access to Balenciaga's house through archival sketches, fabric samples, photographs and fashion show footage. This is the gallery's latest fashion-focused installation, with past exhibitions including Melbourne's own Toni Maticevski in 2016, golden era Hollywood designer Edith Head in 2017 and, most recently, an exhibition on Finnish textile icon Marimekkoin June 2018. The art gallery is located about two hours' drive northwest of Melbourne. Instead of flying into Melbourne, out-of-towners can opt to take a newly operating Qantas direct flight from Sydney to Bendigo — and August would certainly be the time to do it.
Make sure you visit this institution on an empty stomach, because you'll want to try one of everything. Run by Ham cafe owners Harry and Mario Kapoulas with the help of chef Josh Davidson (ex-head chef of The Apollo), CC Babcoq is a rotisserie chicken shop serving up 'contemporary comfort food' that's designed to share. Think pork loin with crackling ($36), lamb shoulder with tzatziki ($37) and pumpkin and ricotta flowers drizzled with fresh honey ($23) — as well the eatery's juicy, golden chook ($24/36)served with its signature sauce. If it's a beautiful day, head to the takeaway counter next to the main restaurant. It's slinging next-level rolls (stuffed with the likes of buttermilk fried chicken, pork crackling and falafel, $13.90) and hearty salads — the combination of the two makes for the ideal beachside picnic.
Ever since Gigi switched to their plant-based menu and stopped serving bases adorned with dairy delights, inner west cheese fiends have been looking for a new place to get their pizza slice fix. Now that Rosso Antico has opened it's doors, they're in luck. White tiles and exposed brick walls paired with simple low lighting characterise this new Italian eatery, with the only splash of red a mosaic pizza oven at its cosy heart. The simple menu reflects the pared back space — antipasto, pizza and pasta — while the drinks menu is a little more extensive, showcasing a selection of international and locally sourced beers and wines (though it's hard to pass up the trusty Aperol Spritz or the Rosso Antico). On one of the walls, the words "Pe' fa' e cose bone ce vo' tiemp" are scrawled in black, a statement that roughly translates as "All good things take time". It's a cute sentiment when applied to, say, painting a masterpiece, but not when you're hungry. It's a good thing pizza production only takes the chefs three minutes, because there's only so much politely watching other people devour pizza slices that is physically possible. The quality of a good pizza lies predominantly in its base — and the bases at Rosso Antico are super legit. They have that prefect crispy, chewy balance only true Italians seem to be able to produce, and the toppings that amply adorn those base are on point. We particularly enjoyed the Norma ($19), with generous caramelised slivers of roasted eggplant, tangy sauce, islands of salted ricotta and a generous amount of fior di latte. The Zucchini ($20) — with crispy pancetta, roasted zucchini strips and melted fior di latte and scamorza — was equally cheesy. We found the middle of our pizzas were a little wet in the centre, and we were left with no choice but to eat the pizza folded in half to make up for the lack of structural integrity, which wasn't really an issue because it makes you feel like you're in the movies. The pasta dishes left a little to be desired. Although the house-made fettuccine ($19) was cooked perfectly, the ragu was heavy on the tomato sauce, and we counted only five chunks of the melt-in-your-mouth pork and veal scattered on top. It was also served without the required pile of grated parmesan, which was a shame. It's the one part of the menu you can feel free to pass up. If you've got room for dessert, the Nutella calzone ($13) with its molten chocolate and strawberry centre served with a generous scoop of vanilla gelato is enough to satisfy a party of three, while the Pastiera Napoletana ($9), a traditional baked ricotta tart, is more manageable for one. Images by Diana Scalfati. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney
Since '50s-inspired bar Hinky Dinks closed late last year, there's been a gaping, cocktail-sized hole at 185 Darlinghurst Road. But, the good news is, it's soon to be filled. The now-sleeping Darlinghurst space has just unveiled a shimmering gold sign announcing the words "Johnny Fishbone". Inside, a dark wooden bar lies fully stocked with wine bottles. We followed our noses to this mysterious website, revealing very little detail outside of a 'wine parlour coming soon'. There's also some rather relaxing imagery of running water and a link to a currently empty Twitter account. We've reason to believe some of Sydney's high-level hospitality personnel are behind this new venture, but we'll keep you updated. Watch this space. Johnny Fishbone sits at 185 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst. Opening date TBC.
Kings Cross is set to land a charming new bar rich in history and pouring vermouth on tap. Swinging its doors open on Friday, February 24, Vermuteria is the latest opening from Piccolo Bar's David Spanton. Spanton might just be Kings Cross' biggest fan. Not once but twice now, the Potts Point local has sprung into action when a beloved venue in The Cross has gone up for sale, turning longstanding spaces into vibrant new bars dedicated to their former custodians. The first was Piccolo, a tiny Roslyn Street institution that Spanton saved and rejuvenated in late 2021. Now, as first announced in January, he's back to save another much-loved spot, this time taking the reins at the former digs of Cafe Hernandez on Kings Cross Road. The 24-hour cafe had been operating on this leafy street for 50 years — with Spanton recounting visits from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Guns N' Roses over the years. It closed in September of last year when the Hernandez family decided to step away from the venue. Worried it would be turned into a fashion boutique or hairdresser, Spanton came to the rescue, purchasing the property and transforming it into a bar devoted to fortified wine, fittingly called Vermuteria. Much like Piccolo, Vermuteria showcases a small specialised drinks menu and a range of tasty snacks, with vermouth and sherry at the heart of the booze offering. "We're really excited to offer two different vermouth blends direct from the barrels which are positioned directly above the bar," says Spanton. "Guests can choose from our Euro sweet rosso blend and the Aussie pinot noir vermouth with the semi-dry bianco blend straight from the tap right alongside the icy-cold Estrella Damm draught." The scene is set as soon as you walk in, with barrels of vermouth scattered throughout the bar. And, if you prefer a cocktail, there's plenty to choose from utilising the bar's namesake ingredient. Choose between the likes of negronis, martinis, spritzes, white sangria and sherry cobblers. Prior to being Cafe Hernandez, the space also existed as a Polish deli throughout the 50s and 60s. Honouring this section of its history, the back of the venue has been converted into a mini deli boasting charcuterie from LP's Quality Meats, gildas, tinned seafood, cheese plates and hot dogs. "There's definitely a much more positive vibe going on in Kings Cross," Spanton told Concrete Playground. "I think that a lot of great venues are starting to open in the area and a lot of places are starting to get a lot busier. I think the customers are loving that there's a lot more going on. And, I think that Kings Cross and Potts Point have some of the best customers." Once again collaborating with Michael Delany (Cafe Freda's, Club 77, The Abercrombie and SHADES) on the design, the duo have breathed new life into the space. But fans of the original cafe can rest easy — the new fitout will maintain key elements of the former, including an original painting from earlier owner Paquita Sabrafen depicting the Count-Duke of Olivares, on which she has superimposed her husband's face. "People will be able to come in and feel a connection to what was Hernandez Cafe," Spanton tells Concrete Playground. "It's one of those iconic venues in Sydney that most people know about if they're from the Potts Point/Kings Cross area, where you could always go to Hernandez to get a coffee." Fans of Cafe Hernandez's coffee can also still get their fix. While the cafe has closed down, the Hernandez brand is still producing coffee beans which you can order online. Vermuteria will open at 60 Kings Cross Road, Kings Cross from Friday, February 24. It will initially be open from 4pm Thursday–Saturday. Images: Chris Pearce.
UPDATE: APRIL 21, 2020 — This Marrickville cafe is still open for takeaway, so you can order everything from coffee and eggs on toast to gluten free toasties, burger and curries to enjoy at home. To place an order, visit the website. A wholefoods cafe with a touch of fine dining flair, Warren & Holt is out to show Sydney's inner west that eating healthy needn't be boring or complicated. The family-owned Marrickville spot embraces the idea of mindful eating, while championing food that's sustainably, ethically and locally produced. The menu is as fun and flavourful as it is nutritionally informed, the kitchen helmed by chef Joey Ingram (Tetsuya's), who's bringing just enough of those fine dining sensibilities into play. You'll find zero in the way of refined sugar, but a plethora of allergen-friendly fare, with gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options always in strong supply. Breakfast might mean fermented sourdough crumpets by fellow locals Merna, piled with cultured cream and chia jam ($13), gluten-free hotcakes with maple-poached quince ($22) or the kale and zucchini fritter with pickles, caramelised onions and poached eggs ($17). Lunch runs to the likes of a grass-fed beef burger ($22) on a Brickfields Bakery bun, a vegan 'good health bowl' loaded with roast pumpkin, spiced cashew dip and miso-roasted eggplant ($20), and a 48-hour beef bone broth with organic soba noodles ($17). To match, you'll find coffee by Single O, a range of nourishing smoothies and a selection of house-made sweet treats (like chocolate fudge doughnuts).
In The Guest Edit we hand the reins over to some of the most interesting, tasteful and (or) entertaining people in Australia and New Zealand. For this instalment, we've enlisted the elegant taste of Aotearoa-based fashion designer Juliette Hogan amid the launch of her super soft — and super kind to the planet — JHL loungewear range. Hogan has handpicked her five favourite sustainable brands that show caring for the planet does not mean compromising on style or quality. After all, who knows style better than one of the country's most celebrated designers? JULIETTE HOGAN: Sustainability is no longer a 'nice-to-have' when making purchasing decisions — it is an absolute essential. As a whole, the fashion industry has a long way to come, but it's encouraging to see change. I'm excited by the continued evolution to a more transparent sharing of knowledge within our industry — both from our suppliers and to our consumers. At JHL, we believe we owe it to our customers to be constantly improving and evolving in the sustainability space in order to create genuine, honest and enduring connections with them. At the end of the day, the power is in the consumer's hands. When you make a more sustainable choice, you are sending a message about what is valuable to you. Every decision adds up, and collectively that begins to have real impact. SANS CEUTICALS Founded by Kiwi Lucy Vincent and made with the intention of taking chemicals and preservatives out of our most soothing daily rituals, Sans Ceuticals is one of my favourite skincare companies. I particularly love the Activator 7 Body, Hair and Face Oil. Find it now: On Sans Ceuticals' website or at Mecca, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. AMISFIELD WINE I really enjoy Amisfield wine and love everything they do, including the restaurant and cellar door. I was pleased to see that they recently received recognition of Riedel Organic Winery of the year in 2020. My favourites would have to be the Pinot Noir and the Pinot Noir Rose. Find it now: At Amisfield Winery in Queenstown or on the Amisfield website, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. JH LOUNGE For obvious reasons, JHL is of course on my go-to list of sustainable labels. There was a gap in my wardrobe, so we looked to fill it with JHL, which are considered basics designed to elevate the everyday. Everything in the collection is developed from sustainable and responsible materials, which we love and are really proud of. Find it now: The JHL website or through The Iconic, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. GOODFOR I love GoodFor's refinery. I've recently started making homemade crackers for cheeseboards and get all of the ingredients here, as I know they're the best out there. Find it now: The GoodFor website with shipping available around NZ only. HABITUAL GOODS This brand was founded in Christchurch and has been built from the ground up, by the best local crafts people, from the best possible materials. The brassware range is incredible. Find it now: The Habitual Goods website, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ.
If you're looking for a different kind of yoga experience, head to Redfern's Humming Puppy. Here, the room literally hums, with the space engineered by leading acoustic engineer Arup. Its design uses frequencies that are meant to enhance your yoga experience, including Schumann resonances, which are the frequencies of the earth, that are meant to ground yogis in their practice. Rather than following a specific style of yoga, the mixed discipline classes follow the principles of pranayama (breathing exercises), movement-asana and meditation. The room is heated to 24-degrees and all levels of yogis are welcome here, with four different classes to choose from.
Aspiring artists and lovers of wine will both feel right at home in this BYO art studio in Surry Hills. Located on Holt Street around the corner from Central Station, Cork & Chroma is a 'paint and sip' studio that embraces one of life's universal truths: everyone is more creative when they've had a little bit to drink. Open evenings Wednesdays through Saturdays as well as Sunday afternoon, the studio is run by artist Hillary Wall along with her husband B.J. A visit costs $60 for a three hour session, during which time an artist will run you through the basics of acrylics on canvas, before you're let loose to create a masterpiece of your own. They also host private functions and parties, if you're looking to make a mess with your friends. Canvas, paints, brushes, easels and glassware all come provided, while they also have a selection of nibbles for purchase, including cheese, chilli spiced nuts and Dello Mano chocolate brownies. All you need to bring is the liquid inspiration.
One of the world's most acclaimed galleries is coming to Australia, and it's bringing more than 70 works that chronicle the past 200 years in art history with it. For a five-month season from mid-June, the UK's Tate will take over Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image with a hefty exhibition that'll span everything from painting, photography and sculpture through to drawing, kinetic art and installations — and, of course, the moving image. Given the time period covered by Light: Works from Tate's Collection, the list of artists that'll be on display is a varied one — as drawn from pieces in the Tate's four separate sites in Britain. Art lovers will be able to see works by famed English romantic painter and watercolourist Joseph Mallord William Turner alongside the light- and space-focused efforts of American artist James Turrell, plus pieces by impressionist Claude Monet and Japanese favourite Yayoi Kusama. Running from Thursday, June 16–Sunday, November 13, the unifying theme is light, as the exhibition's name makes plain — and if you're wondering how this connects to ACMI's remit as a museum for the moving image, light is obviously crucial to all recorded vision. While Light: Works from Tate's Collection will step through art history, ACMI will further put its pieces into broader artistic context by presenting it alongside its permanent The Story of the Moving Image exhibition, which examines the origins and genesis of film and television. From the impressive roster of art and artists, Turner's 1805 painting The Deluge will make its Australian debut, while Kusama's characteristically kaleidoscopic 2005 sculpture The Passing Winter gets viewers peering into a mirrored cube. Turrell's Raemar, Blue, from 1969, is an immersive spatial environment that surrounds visitors in infinite and immersive light. And among the other highlights sits paintings by John Constable, Wassily Kandinsky, Bridget Riley and Joseph Albers; more impressionist pieces from Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley; and rotating crystalline sculpture Stardust Particle by Olafur Eliasson. The ticketed exhibition will be accompanied by talks, performances, workshops and late-night events, as well as film screenings. Although the events lineup hasn't yet been revealed, masterclasses with cinematographers, artist discussions, and magic lantern and 16mm presentations will all be on the bill, as will two free exhibits — from Australian artist Mikala Dwyer in ACMI's lightwell and by Lis Rhodes in Gallery 3, with the latter's Light Music also coming from the Tate Collection. [caption id="attachment_858887" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raemar, Blue, 1969, James Turrell. Tate: Presented by the Tate Americas Foundation, partial purchase and partial gift of Doris J. Lockhart 2013. © James Turrell. Photo: Phoebe Powell[/caption] [caption id="attachment_858889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Passing Winter, 2005, Yayoi Kusama. Tate: Purchased with funds provided by the Asia-Pacific Acquisitions Committee 2008. ©Yayoi Kusama. Tate. Photo: Phoebe Powell.[/caption] Top images: Installation view, 'Light: Works from Tate's Collection', showing at ACMI, 2022. Photos by Phoebe Powell.
A trip to the Blue Mountains usually involves a few walks, sitting by fires in winter and eating and drinking your way around various towns. But, on your next getaway, consider catching a film at Mount Vic Flicks: a whimsical high-altitude answer to art house cinema. This 1930s-style cinema used to house the village hall and has the same convivial vibe. Local couple Kirsten Mulholland and Adam Cousins bought this nostalgic business in 2014 to save it from extinction. Films vary from classics to new releases, the choc tops are homemade and steaming mugs of soup are served throughout winter.
