People in New Zealand's South Island are generally an active bunch. There is so much adventuring to do that your visit to the Christchurch region will most likely be packed with hikes, fishing trips, seal swims and mountain biking trips. After all of that, you're going to want to wind down, soothe your nerves and relax a little. Luckily the Christchurch region has just as much to offer to those who want to take life a little slower, and enjoy the creature comforts. Whether you're soaking in the warmth of the region's natural hot springs, glamping in luxurious nature at Lavericks Bay or sampling a couple of cheeky vinos at Black Estate, it's easy to kick back and relax in Christchurch. We've shouldered the heavy burden and picked five of the region's most relaxing activities — so you can take it easy. RIDE THE SCENIC TRANZALPINE TRAIN If you're looking to relax and explore at the same time, board the TranzAlpine train at Christchurch and wind your way through towering beech forests, over the Southern Alps and across the sweeping Canterbury Plains. You'll feel at ease in the comfort of the on-board cafe and cabins which are fitted with wide wall and ceiling windows, through which you can enjoy the views of majestic snow-capped mountains. Take the day trip returning from picturesque Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, or ride the whole way and several hours later you'll arrive at unspoiled Greymouth on New Zealand's West Coast, the ideal base from which to explore the world-renowned Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, or perhaps hide away and relax somewhere beautiful and isolated. TASTE TEST LOCAL WINE AT BLACK ESTATE Black Estate has rustic, locally-sourced food, wine made on-site and good times guaranteed, all in a picturesque vineyard setting. Less than an hour drive from Christchurch's city centre, you'll know you've arrived when you see Black Estate's minimalist, black barn cellar door. It's set at the foot of a burnt orange hill covered in dry grass and bordered by acres of lush vines. All wine is made on-site by a fella named Nicholas, who believes in simple winemaking using organic locally sourced ingredients free of unnecessary additives. Nicholas's wife Penelope takes care of the business and restaurant, where they serve rustic country cuisine like Canter Valley duck and organic greens, or Akaroa salmon caught just down the road. Pop in, stay a while and indulge in the best cuisine, wine and hospitality that the Canterbury region has to offer. WARM UP AT THE HANMER SPRINGS THERMAL POOLS A quick 90-minute drive from Christchurch you'll find Hanmer, a small alpine town rich with character. This little region is like the setting of an adventure film, with old Victorian cottages set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and towering pine trees. The town's main attraction is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa — the ultimate in slow paced, remote relaxation. Dip your tired body into naturally heated water and soothing rock pools, or perhaps treat yourself to a day of pampering at the premium on-site spa. SPEND THE NIGHT IN A PRIVATE GLASSHOUSE If you fancy spending a night stargazing and surrounded by nature in your own private glasshouse, then the completely isolated, sustainable PurePods that are scattered around New Zealand are perfect for you. Each PurePod has walls, a floor and ceiling made of heavy-duty glass, so you can see everything from the stars above you to the nature beneath your feet. The PurePod in Little River (just over an hour out of Christchurch) is a ten to 15 minute bush walk away from reception, so you're sure to get some peace and quiet for a night. Food packages can be ordered when you book, so you won't need to leave for a whole 24 hours — you'll only need to sit back and immerse yourself in the 360-degree views of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. CANOPY CAMP IN LAVERICKS BAY Under the clean white folds of a spacious tent, look out over the lush farmland and rolling waves of Lavericks Bay. This is glamping how it should be, with your own private black sand cove to relax in that's only an hour and 40 minute drive from Christchurch. Bathe and sunbathe at the same time in the outdoor bath on the campsite, or relax with a book on your own private deck. There are exposed rockpools at low tide and the appearance of Hector's dolphins and seals is not uncommon around your 'campsite'. Maybe you've been to New Zealand's North Island, but have you ever ventured down South? Christchurch, and New Zealand's surrounding Canterbury region, is the perfect place for a quick holiday. Use our planning guide to book your trip, then sort out your itinerary with our food, adventure and nature guides. Top image: Black Estate.
When it comes to vegan fare, there is no greater place in Sydney — and maybe Australia — than King Street Newtown, and opening back in 2021, I Should Be Souvlaki is a fun and welcomed addition to the suburb. Opened by vegan couple Adam Papastathapolous and Emma Langley, the name was inspired from the Kylie Minogue hit I should be so lucky, and the fun doesn't stop there. This is hearty, tasty vegan food, full of garlic and salt and lemon, which harks back to the souvlaki of Adam's native Greece. The souvlaki recipes are Emma's, to help Adam through his vegan journey by finding a way to prepare his favourite food. After setting up shop at the Sydney Vegan Market back in 2017, their popularity meant it was just a matter of time until they opened their own bricks-and-mortar store, and Newtown is better for it. The souvlaki menu comes in four steps. Firstly, choose your style, be it either the signature souvlaki with lettuce, tomato, onion and home-made tzatziki, or the Santorini version which opts for hot chips instead of lettuce, as the Greeks do. Then choose a size and then your protein, be it either a wheat based chicken substitute, marinated mushroom or the ultimate lamb protein which is wheat and soy based. Finally, add chips, sauce, feta, cucumber or whatever else you like and off you go, strolling down King Street souvlaki in hand. Other options at I Should Be Souvlaki include souvlaki platters, bowls and snack packs, as well as Caesar wraps Greek salads. If you're dining in, there is wine and beer on offer, with local brews such as Young Henry's sitting alongside Greek drops like Mythos Hellenic Lager. The wines are all Kylie Minogue branded, with the signature rosé the pick of the bunch.
The PACT Centre for Emerging Artists is teaming up with performance collective Applespiel for a 24-hour live event in protest of proposed government cuts to the arts sector. Specifically, they'll be hosting an all night telethon, with the aim of raising not money, but rather excellence, in the hope of acquiring enough excellence for George Brandis' controversial National Centre for Excellence in the Arts. The event is titled In Pursuit of Excellence: A Telethon for Excellence. Sounds excellent. Taking place in the PACT Theatre in Erskineville, the tongue-in-cheek telethon kicks off at 6pm on Friday, July 17 and will be taking pledges of excellence until the same time the next day. There'll be panel discussions, dances, exhibits and live performances, plus video statements from arts organisations far and wide. Entry into the event is free, although donations are most welcome. Those wanting to stay the night should bring a blanket and snacks (enough to share please!), while drinks will be available from the bar. If you can't make the event in person, you can stream the whole thing live at www.inpursuitofexcellence.net. The Telethon for Excellence is part of a broader movement of events and protests under the #freethearts banner, which aims to draw attention to and hopefully reverse the planned government cuts to the Australia Council. Under the most recent federal budget, the amount of money allocated to the peer-reviewed arts funding body will be slashed by more than $100 million over the next four years, and instead go to the newly created Centre for Excellence. What is most troubling about this change is that rather than being decided by an independent body, the provision of grant money would fall to the Arts Minister, aka Brandis himself. According to a statement from Applespiel, "This Telethon is at PACT to highlight what we stand to lose: the space and support for independent art makers. Because that’s what spaces like PACT do best, they nurture and grow the practices of artists, they allow space to fuck up, to try something new and difficult, to learn. Without these spaces, where will independent artist go?" For the full rundown on the Telethon for Excellence, including information on how you can pledge, check out the event page on Facebook.
The duo behind Bourke Street's Japanese-inspired burger haven opened a new chapter in late 2016, with a second Ume Burger opening at Barangaroo. Owners Kerby Craig and Regina Jose took up residence on Wulugul Walk, the waterfront suburb's new dining precinct, with a simple, sustainably-focused selection of eats that bears a fraternal twin-like resemblance to the original Bar Ume — but with one notable exception. With Japanese-inspired street food and burgers the cornerstone of Ume, the Bacon Cheeseburger has been tossed aside, and replaced with the younger, sexier Menchi Burger, made with handmade pork katsu, tonkatsu sauce and cabbage. They have, of course, retained the Kakiage Burger for plant-loving burger aficionados. Other must-tries include the fish katsu burger with Japanese tartare and the menchi burger with pork katsu, spanish onion and mustard. Aside from the main attraction, Ume Burger has a whole lot on offer. The drinks list has a sweet spread of wines, beers, Japanese spirits, as well as intriguing house-made sodas like yuzu brown sugar or strawberry vanilla. Plus, and we mean plus, there's a soft serve station, in all its glory. The flavours rotate with regularity so expect a lucky dip — from lavender and white chocolate to sweet potato. The whole joint is rounded out by some pretty slick décor, with the kooky creations of Sydney paper engineer Benja Harney dotted about the place. With burger restaurants multiplying like a year three maths class, Craig and Jose stand out from the crowd with their bold flavours and unique take on Japanese cuisine. Appears in: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney The Best Fried Chicken in Sydney Where to Find the Best Burgers in Sydney for 2023
Spring has sprung, and to celebrate, The Boathouse Rose Bay is launching Rosé Bay, a month-long rosé experience from October 1 until November 10 together with Whispering Angel. This iconic waterfront spot will be transformed into a rosé lover's paradise, blending relaxed coastal vibes with a touch of European summer style thrown in for fun. Celebrations kick off with the Whispering Angel Car Wash (be on the lookout from October 1 for its start date on The Boathouse Rose Bay's socials). Guests can enjoy "rosé washes" by the "rosé baes" out front of the beachside locale and receive rosé tokens to use at the Whispering Angel Beach Club that's taking over the lower deck of The Boathouse Rose Bay. The Whispering Angel Beach Club is the epicentre of the celebrations. DJs will be spinning, and rosé will be flowing all month long. Enjoy tasty snacks as you toast to stunning views across Rose Bay with a glass of your favourite pink drink. The club is open every Sunday from 4–8pm from October 6 until November 3 — and entry is free. Every Sunday during Rosé Bay, pink drink lovers can indulge in a fabulous bottomless three-course brunch with rosé, of course. This is followed by an afterparty at the Whispering Angel Beach Club with live DJs. Stick around for epic sunset views across the water. Bookings are essential and cost $95pp; book here. Throughout the celebration, rosé will take centre stage with daily day-long rosé happy hour — from October 6 to November 10. Unwind with a glass (or two) of your favourite vino. There will be special offers on drops from Whispering Angel, Veuve Clicquot Rosé, Chandon Rosé and more. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also book your spot so you don't miss out on a tasty beverage with a stunning of Rose Bay. The waterfront watering hole is also giving out loyalty cards to attendees all month long. If you buy five bottles of rosé, the sixth bottle will be on The Boathouse, ideal if you're planning a couple of weekend sessions with your fellow rosé lovers. The celebration culminates on November 9 with the Festival of Rosé, an all-day event featuring live DJ sets, flowing rosé and plenty of good vibes. Stop and sip the rosé join in the fun as spring brings warmer weather and longer days — more details to follow. Events and activities will run from October 1 to November 10. Walk-ins are welcome at the Whispering Angel Beach Club and bookings are available for the bottomless brunch. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit The Boathouse Rose Bay. Images: Supplied
These days, a new Sydney restaurant serving up locally sourced health food, dotted with plants and millennial pink armchairs barely causes us to bat an eyelid — but The Botanica Vaucluse has taken these well-practiced trends to a new level. The venue not only houses a farm-to-table restaurant but a spa, on-site produce garden and soon-to-open café as well. And it's beautiful. The recently revamped restaurant space — which was last year operating as Sol Botanica — boasts an impressive fit-out with an entrance by landscape designer Charlie Albone (Selling Houses Australia), which is marked by a copper archway covered with hanging succulents. The interior better resembles a domestic greenhouse with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the garden in warmer weather, plus herbs, citrus trees and strawberry bushes aplenty. Plush pastel pink chairs and white walls with splashes of floral wallpaper complete these tea party vibes. A focus on healthy eating starts with the seasonal produce, which is primarily sourced from the restaurant's expansive garden — with lavender, thyme, lemon balm and edible flowers — and the restaurant's 65-acre farm south of Sydney in the Jamberoo Valley near Kiama. The little that is not sourced in-house is purchased from Cooks Co-Op in Sackville — like the pasture-raised ducks, used for the roast duck breast with fennel and preserved orange salad — and from Victoria's O'Connor beef, which provides the free-range and hormone-free meat used in for the sirloin with red wine butter, charred onion and kale. Executive chef Perry Hill's dishes are dictated by produce throughout, and his all-day menu is limited to three-or-four ingredients per plate. Think salmon smoked over eucalyptus branches or tuna tartare with native blood limes. In these cooler months, guests can expect sweet potato gnocchi with pesto and baby leeks, grilled quail with toasted almonds and wine-drizzled figs and rhubarb meringue tarts for dessert. "We're responding to the seasons in a really immediate and natural way," says Hill. "We're not overthinking or complicating things." The cocktails also speak to seasonality and the list includes a lemon myrtle gimlet, cold drip negroni and the signature Garden Grove Spritz: dry vermouth and sparkling wine with elderflower and cucumber, garnished with garden mint and frozen grapes. Guests can also expect gin made in-house and an Australian wine list that focuses on natural, organic and biodynamic vineyards. Driving the wellness concept home is the Botanica's Sol Spa, which sits adjacent to the restaurant. Here, therapists will use aromatic oils, spices and herbs to revitalise patrons; facials and massages are accompanied by holistic treatments, plus detoxifying and antioxidant therapies. Completing the new space is an upcoming cafe, which is set to open in July and will offer a more casual dining setting for farm-fresh produce, plus artisanal products for purchase. So where exactly did they find the space for this opulent garden restaurant and spa? Well, it's actually part of Mark Moran Vaucluse, a luxury $115 million aged care facility on Old South Head Road. Not that it's anything like a traditional retirement village — the place is fancy and, in any case, the restaurant and spa have their own entrances. The Botanica Vaucluse is now open at 2 Laguna Street, Vaucluse. For more info, visit thebotanicavaucluse.com.au. Images: Nikki To.
When word got out that Guillaume Brahimi was working on a dining room revamp of one of Paddington's best-loved pubs, The Four in Hand, Sydney heard some pretty high-pitched squealing from this keen team. Now, we're making a big ol' B line for the Paddo pub, as The Four in Hand by Guillaume has officially reopened. Teaming up with Mitchell Waugh of Public House Management Group (Collaroy Hotel. The Royal Paddington, Woollahra Hotel), former Guillaume at Bennelong maestro Brahimi is leading the Four in Hand into ultra-fancy, French-inspired pub grub territory. After buying the joint from chef Colin Fassnidge, he's recruited new head chef Darrell Felstead to create a sophisticated, two-tiered gastropub menu — a bar menu in the pub, and a bigger but still apparently casual menu in the dining room. At first glance, the seasonally-changing restaurant menu immediately takes things next-level for the pub. Think snacks like tinned anchovies, butter, watercress and toast, or duck liver parfait, pear chutney and toast. There are starters like roast quail salad with egg, frisee and parmentier potatoes, mains like salt-baked celeriac, carrot risotto and sorrel, and desserts like peach tart with peach ice cream, strawberries, sable, sheep's yoghurt sorbet and peppermint tea jelly. Head sommelier Rodolphe Bertin has put 100 predominantly Australian and French wines on the wine list (22 of those by the glass). Yearning for a little of the old Four in Hand? There's about 100 bottles from the previous cellar that'll be on the menu until they're gone. "The Four in Hand has always been one of my favourite pubs. It was one of the first places I drank a beer when I arrived in Sydney many years ago, and it's one of the best pub dining rooms in the country. It is also down the hill from my restaurant, so it's an area of Sydney I know and love," says Brahimi. "I have worked closely with Darrell to maintain it's spirit but also to showcase some of my favourite casual dishes, the kind of food I like to eat every day." How Brahimi has time for this, we don't know. He already runs Paddington's two-hatted Guillaume restaurant, two restaurants at Crown Resorts, Bistro Guillaume in Melbourne and Perth, and is culinary director of Crown Resorts. The Four in Hand by Guillaume is at 105 Sutherland Street Paddington. Open seven days a week for lunch (12pm – 3pm) and dinner (5.30pm – 9.30pm). Bookings via the website. Images: Nikki To.
Sydney's Room Ten has achieved the zeitgeist of the Melbourne-style laneway espresso bar: excellent coffee served with unpretentious chic in an impossibly trendy Potts Point back alley. Weekday or weekend, two- and four-legged traffic flows through the alley and congregates around the coffee machine. Artistic tattoos and ironic haircuts make regular appearances among the crowd, along with a selection of the area's most Instagrammable canines. Locals are welcomed by name; their orders have been committed to memory and are already grinding by the time they take a seat. The resourceful Room Ten team have made good use of the limited space behind and in front of their tiny hole-in-the-wall shopfront. The shoebox kitchen pumps out clever breakfast options like Farmer Joe's organic muesli with stewed rhubarb, yoghurt, fresh fruit and honey, as well as "Room 10 Breakfast Rice" with red rice, black quinoa, toasted nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, yoghurt and stewed rhubarb. On the wall is a mural that changes with the seasons and features the work of talented local designers. There is a strong sense of local community at Room Ten. You get the sense that if you smile nicely enough at the barista, you'll get a text when your favourite roast is in and an extra scoop of ice cream in your affogato just when you need it the most. This friendly and personable service never goes out of style. And we're always glad to experience it when we visit. Images: Destination NSW Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Big news for Sydney's bar and restaurant industry, Dixon Hospitality has purchased six Sydney venues previously owned by Keystone Hospitality Group, after the latter company went into receivership earlier this year. Dixon will take over immediate operational management of Bungalow 8, Cargo Bar, Manly Wine, The Rook, The Winery and Kingsley's Woolloomooloo. The purchase sees the Melbourne-based hospitality group increase its total number of holdings to 43 across Victoria and New South Wales. Dixon's other Sydney venues include Queenies, Forresters, The Norfolk and The Oxford Tavern — Drink N Dine was bought by Dixon in January 2016. They're also planning to open a 1000 square-metre restaurant and bar at Barangaroo. "Growth is critically important to us, particularly as we are considering an IPO at some point next year," Dixon CEO Bruce Dixon told Business Insider. "This acquisition of the six Keystone venues will give us some good presence in Sydney and will complement our Barangaroo venues, which are currently under construction." Negotiations for the remaining Keystone venues, including Chophouse Sydney, Gazebo and Sugarmill Hotel as well as the six restaurant strong Jamie's Italian franchise, are currently ongoing.
Paddington favourite Tequila Mockingbird brought its South American and Mexican flare to the CBD when it opened the doors to its pop-up restaurant in an old printing press on Temperance Lane, Tequila on York. That was then replaced by this permanent Mexican spot, Esteban. The multi-level venue is split into three distinct offerings: an upstairs restaurant, a downstairs mezcal bar and a laneway dining space. And now boasts two hats to its name — the first Mexican restaurant to do so in Australia. In the kitchen, Head Chef Will Quartel is serving Mexican share plates created using traditional cooking techniques with sustainably sourced Aussie produce. Corn tortillas are made in-house daily, while the custom-built parilla grill and vertical charcoal rotisserie have been installed to turn out the likes of tacos al pastor and ironbark-grilled chicken. Other specialties served in the upstairs restaurant include pink ling ceviche with leche de tigre, karkalla and fried plantain; seared pork belly with pickled watermelon radishes and salsa tatemada; and a massive one-kilogram wagyu rib eye paired with black garlic and chipotle butter. Meanwhile, in the basement bar and al fresco dining area, it's all about the street food — with tacos, ceviche and tortas on offer from lunch straight through until late (four days a week). Alongside the taqueria-style menu is an emphasis on mezcal and tequila, with a roving trolley pouring drops for patrons throughout the night. Designed by Sydney architects Humphrey & Edwards (Barangaroo House), the space takes inspiration from the underground basement bars of Mexico City and 1930s art deco buildings. The building's heritage aspects, including its exposed sandstone walls, high archways and existing timber beams, have also been preserved. Upstairs, the intimate 45-seater boasts an open kitchen with counter seating and a floor-to-ceiling mural created by Sydney artist Nanami Cowdroy. Other artworks include hand-painted and beaded bottles crafted in Oaxaca. In Esteban's basement, you'll find leather booths and banquettes, plus a granite bar top and custom-built timber cabinets to hold all of that distilled agave. The bar claims to be home to the largest collection of mezcal and tequila in Australia. On the way in, take a closer look at the 400-kilogram front door, which was created from acid-aged steel by Byron Bay artist Daniel Heapy. Images: Steven Woodburn
Adena Jacobs’ Wizard of Oz at Belvoir is something of a nightmarish dark twin to Spring Awakening. Each initial meeting Dorothy (Emily Milledge) has with her entourage of Scarecrow (Melita Jurisic), Tin Man (Jane Montgomery Griffiths) and Lion (Paul Capsis) is a dance of sexual defiance, after which Dorothy emerges stronger, until she meets her match (or mentor) in the sadist Witch (Luisa Hastings Edge), whose fluorescing face is a menacing triumph of design on the part of Kate Davis (of Melbourne's THE RABBLE). When Jacobs put a glass box on stage last year in Hedda Gabler, Sydney’s critics worked themselves into a Simon Stone association flurry, immediately lumping her into a false category of ‘those auteur directors who like nudity and glass boxes’ (eg Simon Stone, Barrie Kosky and Benedict Andrews; who, by the way, are as different from each other as they are from David Williamson and therefore don’t constitute a meaningful category). In Oz there stands the offending glass box again, but it’s pretty small and mobile; also there are microphones that drop intermittently from the ceiling. Yes, Ralph Myers’ design has the look of German auteur theatre, but Jacobs’ work is much more robust than merely abiding by a certain fashion. Jacobs was criticised in Hedda for creating a flat, lifeless production, although some, like Rima Sabina Aouf and Alison Croggon pointed out that this was, in fact, an accurate depiction of disconnection and cruelty respectively. And here’s the thing: Jacobs’ work is dark. Like, properly dark. The notes on Belvoir’s website state that The Wizard of Oz takes a significant departure from the original story and is not appropriate for the kiddies. It’s also not appropriate for adults. Nothing about Jacobs’ work is appropriate, and in stark contrast to Stone’s work, which at times trivialised great stories into edgy-looking soap operas, Jacobs is dancing with the devil. Or in this case, with a disturbing scarecrow played by the inimitable Jurisic. Dorothy meets the Scarecrow through a curtain that cuts Ralph Myers’ stark concrete set in half. Jurisic hangs from a noose like rope extending from the ceiling as Dorothy hugs her through the curtain at the waist. Dressed in a scrappy white lace dress, Jurisic makes audible, rasping breaths through a stocking covering her face until Dorothy releases her. Oz is an outstanding piece of theatre and there are only two flaws: we don’t see enough of Paul Capsis, and the picnic scene between Dorothy and the Witch reads as an unfinished improvisation. Jacob’s Oz is unsentimental and intelligent, and each member of the tremendous cast is as fearless as the next to reveal the grotesque in themselves.
When it comes to Italian food in Sydney, we're spoilt for choice. We've been treated to an influx of new Italian restaurants over the past couple of years — some serving classic pasta, others serving Italian-esque fusion food, and one ditching the new-wave to wheel out small plates on a marble trolley. We've teamed up with Disaronno to celebrate Italian culture and bring you this list of the best new Italian dishes in Sydney. A classic Italian cocktail is the perfect accompaniment to an Italian meal, so toast to Disaronno Sour Hour by mixing 50ml of Disaronno (an amaretto-flavoured, Italian liqueur) with lots of ice, 25ml of lemon juice, 5ml of sugar syrup and an egg white (if desired) before digging in to one of Sydney's best dishes. Buon appetito. ACME: SQUID INK MALLOREDDUS, TUNA, BOTTARGA ACME is anything but your typical Italian restaurant. In fact, #notanitalianrestaurant is one of owner and chef Mitch Orr's favoured hashtags. The expertly-curated small menu at this Rushcutters Bay establishment is Italian-focused, but a diverse range of other culinary influences puts ACME in a league of its own. It's tough to pick a favourite dish, but we're huge fans of the squid ink malloreddus ($26) — juicy chunks of tuna, bottarga (a yummy salty fish roe) and malloreddus (a small half-shell pasta) made with squid ink. The delectable dish is complemented by equally gorgeous decor: large windows and backlit mirrors create an intimate atmosphere perfect for date night. BIG POPPA'S: RICOTTA GNOCCHI WITH KING BROWN MUSHROOMS, BROWN BUTTER, TARRAGON, AMARETTI AND PECORINO There's just so much to love about Big Poppa's. For starters, it's open until 3am and is home to a massive cheese fridge that houses the restaurant's 25-plus (!) varieties. Downstairs is a cocktail bar with low lighting, leather booths, and a vintage mosaic of Biggie Smalls. Upstairs, you'll get more of a classic ristorante vibe — but it's combined with the venue's characteristic hip hop playlists. Wherever you choose to sit, don't miss the new, and insanely good ricotta gnocchi ($25). This decadent vegetarian dish features brown butter, king brown mushrooms and pecorino cheese atop ricotta-stuffed gnocchi. I, MACCHERONI: TORTELLI REGGIANO WITH SPINACH, BURNT BUTTER AND SAGE I, Maccheroni is a delightful addition to Rose Bay, offering locally-sourced Italian fare in a small, beautifully-designed space — think exposed-brick walls, blackboards, and a single communal table. Chef Marcello Farioli (formerly of 10 William Street) has designed a concise, rotating menu that applies modern techniques to classic recipes with phenomenal results. The undisputed standout? The tortelli regianno ($28), a mouthwatering combo of spinach, sage, burnt butter, and a generous heaping of parmigiano-reggiano cheese to top it all off. Order this, fall head over heels, and then consider learning how to recreate it at home in one of the restaurant's cooking classes. MEZZANINO RISTORANTE: PIATTINI MENU For something a little different, head to Mezzanino, the new restaurant above Danks Street Produce Merchants. In this sprawling, sunlit space, piattini (small plates) will come straight to your table on a marble-topped carrello (cart) courtesy of chef Riccardo Interdonato (formerly Grossi Florentino). Sourced fresh from the markets downstairs, these seasonal plates are simply delizioso. Try the impossibly juicy meatballs served in a lush tomato sauce or the caprese salad with a delectably creamy mozzarella. While there's also a traditional menu, we think it's a lot more enjoyable to gorge yourself on heaps of smaller ones. BAR MACHIAVELLI: CULATELLO WITH BURRATA CHEESE, FIGS AND RUCOLA Save this one for a night when you're in the mood for a cheeky splurge. Sister restaurant of Sydney institution Machiavelli Ristorante, Bar Machiavelli is a dramatic venue featuring towering ceilings, dark-wood tables and exposed-brick walls onto which cinematic images are projected. As is to be expected from chef Paola Toppi, the menu is focused on homemade pasta and antipasto. We've fallen for the culatello ($29), a premium prosciutto topped with to-die-for burrata, fresh figs, and a generous heaping of rucola. Gorgeously plated, this light dish is the perfect choice for a sweltering summer night. Visit Disaronno and mix yourself up a Disaronno Sour — it's the perfect accompaniment to a classic Italian meal. Images: Steven Woodburn.
Sticking to your office chair? Overdoing it with the Icy Poles? Sydney's heating up more theatrically than Dante's Inferno, with summer temperatures hitting the high 30s and low 40s and causing citywide schvitzing. Whether you can feign a doctor's appointment or your boss is equally warm and packing up their desk as you read, you're in need of some serious immersion in cool, cool water. We've pulled together our favourite spots for cannonballing, diving and lapping. Make sure you slip, slop, slap, wrap etc. Or, you could jump straight to Sydney's best swimming holes, secluded beaches, harbour beaches, outdoor pools, ocean pools, night swimming spots or surfing beaches. Pick one. Any one. By the Concrete Playground team. BONDI ICEBERGS Members of Sydney's toughest swimming club, The Icebergs, have been proving their mettle here since 1929. To stay in the gang, they must meet every Sunday throughout winter and swim at least one lap of the pool, regardless of icy temperatures or inclement weather. If that sounds too traumatic for you, stick to summer visits. One of the best equipped pools on the list, the Icebergs comes with a sauna, gym, masseuse, yoga lessons and cafe. Entry is $6.50. [caption id="attachment_549078" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Warringah Council.[/caption] NORTH CURL CURL ROCKPOOL Curl Curl's exposed, east-southeast position makes it one of Sydney's most exciting but dangerous beaches. The southerly swell surges in, driving waves to heights of 1.5 metres or more and powering hazardous rips. Lap up all the action from the safety of the North Curl Curl Rock Pool. Carved out in the mid-1930s, it has a natural floor and rocky platforms for sunbaking (slip, slop, slap, please). At high tide, access is only available via coastal walkway. BRONTE BATHS Opened in 1887, Bronte Baths is one of Sydney's oldest and most photographed pools. Its best known regular was Evelyn Whillier, who at 18 competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and at 20 won gold in the 1938 British Empire Games. In the 1990s — in her late 70s — she'd head to Bronte at 5am every day to squeeze in a few kilometres. You'll meet all kinds of swimmers here — from similarly serious lappers to kids in floaties. There's ample room on the surrounding rocks for lazing about. Consider a night swim on balmy evenings. MAHON POOL, MAROUBRA Mahon's intertidal position makes it subject to fierce doses of Pacific swell. Drop by when the water's high and the wind's a-blowing for the biggest waves and most adrenaline-fuelled fun. The pool lies at the northern end of Maroubra Beach. It's hard to spot from above, but make your way down the staircase from Marine Parade car park, and you'll soon spy it among exposed rocky outcrops. WYLIE'S BATHS, COOGEE Found just south of McIver's Baths, Wylie's welcomes people of all genders. The 50-metre pool offers 180-degree panoramas of the ocean, including views of Wedding Cake Island (inspiration for Midnight Oil's instrumental rock hit of the same name). Like Bondi's Icebergs, Wylie's has all the facilities — from yoga lessons to massage sessions. Entry is five bucks. It's a great spot for a cool-off along the Bondi to Maroubra walk. MILK BEACH Located at the base of Hermit Bay within the Sydney Harbour National Park, Milk Beach is ideal for everything from sunbaking to snorkelling to fishing. It's a small, insulated beach surrounded by the Heritage-listed Strickland House and offers magnificent views of Sydney. Whether it's a picnic or a walk along the Hermitage Foreshore, Milk Beach is one of Sydney's best-kept secrets. It can be accessed via public transport or boat, and limited off-street parking is available. [caption id="attachment_549504" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Brett Pearson.[/caption] MCIVER'S BATHS, COOGEE Boys, butt out. McIver's is the only coastal pool in Australia for ladies only. It's been that way since 1922, when the Randwick and Coogee Ladies Swimming Club took over the lease from the McIver family. In 93 years, nothing much has changed. The ocean views are still extraordinary and the entry fee is still 20 cents — tossed in a bucket at the entrance. However, in 2010, a visit from a man undergoing a sex change raised some modern questions. PRINCE ALFRED PARK POOL For the carless locals of inner Sydney who can't quite make it to the coast for a swim, Prince Alfred Park Pool is known as 'Redfern Beach'. It's the buttercup yellow sun umbrellas that bring the riviera vibe, as well as lawns strewn with sun bakers and cute cafe Meadow cheerily aiding post-swim recoveries. The shiny-new facilities nabbed two National Architecture Awards in 2014, and the 50m pool is always at that jump-right-in temperature. Consider getting the 360 Membership, which gives you access to the City of Sydney's three outdoor pools plus fitness facilities. NORTH SYDNEY POOL Nothing says "you're in Sydney" so much as the Harbour Bridge, and nothing says "I'm swimming in Sydney" quite so well as backstroking right underneath it. North Sydney Pool is the only place which allows you to do just this, in a spectacular location overlooking Sydney Harbour and Luna Park. To make the most out of it, head down there at night, and go for a swim watched over by the lights of the city. The pool also features a gym, a cafe and a restaurant, so you can feasibly spend a whole night there gazing rapturously at the city. [caption id="attachment_598333" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Eddy Milfort[/caption] NIELSEN PARK Sydney beaches need not be compared with their foreign counterparts because it's only a slight exaggeration to say we have the best in the world. However, I can't help thinking that Nielsen Park reminds me of the Mediterranean coast. Maybe it's the amazing aqua colour of the water or the stained glass windows of the restaurant. It can get a little noisy with all the kids that are usually there but there is a large, leafy park surrounding the beach which you can escape into to eat your ice cream in peace. [caption id="attachment_605401" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Rob Wood.[/caption] MALABAR OCEAN POOL For smaller crowds and a laidback, local feel, head to Malabar Ocean Pool. Created in the 1890s, it was closed down by the 1970s (as was surrounding Long Bay) due to pollution. But, in 1997, NSW Premier Bob Carr and the local MP pooled funds for a clean-up and revamp. These days, the water is crystal clear and the views dreamy, especially at dawn and dusk. [caption id="attachment_538469" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Brian Yap[/caption] CURRAWONG BEACH If the summer traffic is ruining your ability to relax at the beach this summer, escape for the weekend to Currawong beach. It can only be accessed by boat, so jump on the ferry at Palm Beach and prepare for a phone and internet-free 48 hours. There are no shops so bring food and water with you and stay at one of the cottages. You'll be able to deal with the worst Bondi Road traffic jam with a blissful smile on your return. [caption id="attachment_605406" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Dushan Hanuska.[/caption] LAKE PARRAMATTA Back in the 1930s, Lake Parramatta was one of Sydney's go-to water holes. But, decades ago, thanks to rising pollution levels, swimming and boating were banned. "You could see oil and chemicals on top of the water, let alone what was underneath," one-time local Angus Campbell recalled. Major clean-up programs have, however, restored the lake to its former pristine glory, and, as of January 2015, it's open for bathing, complete with lifeguards. Visit the leafy, sandstone-enclosed freshwater spot 2 kilometres north of Parramatta CBD. Just keep your eye out for wrestling red-bellied black snakes. LADY MARTIN'S BEACH At this little gem you're in good company. Sydney's small harbourside suburb of Point Piper is one of the country's most exclusive and home to one of the most gorgeous, chilled-out beaches in town. Named after Lady Mary Martin, wife of chief justice and politician Sir James Martin, it's a tiny treasure flanked in billion-dollar mansions, but the view is free. Entry is via a narrow lane off Wolseley Road that passes by the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club. [caption id="attachment_592521" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ian Sanderson[/caption] MANLY DAM There's more than one sweet little beach ripe for the picnicking at Manly Dam. The amenities are pretty good and there's heaps of unrestricted parking, but get your coin purse out for entry on weekends or during public holidays. There are heaps of lush walking tracks, so consider swapping sandshoes for flip-flops. Vehicle access is through the King Street entrance (off Condamine Street, Manly Vale) and a footpath at this entrance allows for pedestrian and disabled access into the park without having to go on the road. The best access points for the bike track is Gibbs Street, Manly Vale or Kirkwood Street at Bantry Reserve, Seaforth. GORDON'S BAY Offering Sydney's only underwater nature trail, Gordon's Bay is nestled in between the deeply incised gully and sheer sandstone headlands of South Clovelly and North Coogee. It's the eastern suburbs at their stunning best, and the calm waters make it a great spot for snorkelling. The small beach is dotted with local fishing boats, abundant with wildflowers and offers access to some of the most satisfying and aesthetically stunning walking trails on the coast. Access via the coastal walk. [caption id="attachment_605403" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] REDLEAF POOL Technically, Redleaf is a fenced off section of the harbourside Seven Shillings Beach, adjacent to Blackburn Gardens. Mid-week, it can be a little piece of inner-east paradise, hidden from the road and only accessible by foot, down the stairs behind the Woolahra Council Offices on New South Head Road. It can get pretty busy on weekends during summer, though. A boardwalk runs around the top of the shark net, and there are two floating pontoons for those who enjoy attracting attention to themselves. [caption id="attachment_598328" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Christian Reusch[/caption] CAMP COVE The parking at the easternmost edge of the Eastern Suburbs can be a bit of a drag in Summer, but if you pray to your parking angel you'll find somewhere eventually. It's worth the frustration, as this laid-back beach is big enough to have a social vibe (there always seems to be a lot of good looking people here) and the lack of waves means you can bob in the water and still chat to a friend. There's a little kiosk selling snacks and sorbet in coconut shells too. If you're brave (and skilled) you can do the big jump off the rock on the right. [caption id="attachment_598329" align="alignnone" width="1280"] David McKelvey[/caption] LITTLE CONGWONG BEACH If nothing annoys you more than getting a bikini-strap tan line, then head to this pretty beach in Botany Bay for a spot of 'clothing-optional' sunbaking. It's usually pretty quiet so you can avoid seeing people you know, especially your awkward co-worker that will forever avoid you at the water cooler. If the thought of getting your togs off makes you blanch, just next door is Congwong Beach, where you won't be the odd one out if you're a strictly clothes-on type of person. BUNGAN BEACH, BARRENJOEY PENINSULA Bungan is one of Sydney's most undeveloped beaches and has a wild and unspoiled character. The rugged beauty of the cliffs give it a private feel and bushwalkers will love the vivid scenery. It's 600m long, running in a south-east direction between Bungan Headland to the north and Mona Vale Headland to the south. There are reasonable breaks for surfers and it's a relief from the crowded waves at more popular beaches. Access by a laneway along Barrenjoey Road — it's the headland just before the descent to Newport. It's a patrolled beached but stay between the flags at this one because there are often rips. [caption id="attachment_592520" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ernest McGray, Jr.[/caption] OBELISK BEACH Obelisk Beach has killer views — and not only because it's one of few legal nudist beaches in Sydney. We mean nude. Despite its cult status, it's usually quiet and tranquil, and has great views over Sydney Harbour. It's well secluded as you need to have a certain tenacity to clamber down a rocky track and set of steps to gain access, although there's a large public car park on the Middle Head Road side of Chowder Bay Road. The place is also of historic significance: prior to European settlement in 1788, the area the beach is in was inhabited by Indigenous Australians speaking the Guringai language and Aboriginal sites are found in the bushland all around Georges Head. [caption id="attachment_592519" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Nigel Howe[/caption] WARRIEWOOD BEACH Warriewood Beach is backed by 30-40m high vegetated bluffs and the reserve occupying Turrimetta Head offers excellent beach and ocean views. The 500km stretch of beach is sheltered, you never have to fight for a spot on the sand and the facilities are good. Surfing is great up the north end. [caption id="attachment_592516" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Grace Kat.[/caption] WATTAMOLLA Cabbage palm trees, cute little swimming inlets and wide open beach make Wattamolla the perfect place for a midweek wind down. Wattamolla (an Aboriginal name meaning 'place near running water') had its name originally recorded as Watta-Mowlee by Matthew Flinders, when Flinders, George Bass and a boy, William Martin, stopped there in their boat, the Tom Thumb II, in 1796. It's a beautiful combination of beach and freshwater lagoon, separated by a sandbar, within the Royal National Park. There's a five-minute walk down a narrow path to the beach (not great for prams), but once on the beach, there's loads of shade from the trees, small inlets for swimming as well as open beach. Wattamolla is a great starting point for 100 kilometres of walking tracks spanning the National Park, including the popular coastal walk from Bundeena to Otford. Access is via a 20 minute car ride from either the Loftus or Waterfall entrance. [caption id="attachment_592518" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Alex Proimos[/caption] CHINAMANS BEACH Bring your beach brolly to Chinamans Beach, unless you're keen on sticking to the reserve. Bring ample snacks and drinks too, and don't plan on fish 'n' chips — it's properly secluded. The beach is unpatrolled, and usually peaceful and quiet. [caption id="attachment_549497" align="alignnone" width="1280"] anniemullinsuk/Flickr.[/caption] BILGOLA ROCKPOOL Bilgola Beach forms the floor of a steep coastal valley. It's one of the Northern Beaches' most secluded spots. For an adventurous walk in, take the South Bilgola Headland Walk, which starts at Newport Beach, winding its way through tea trees, bottlebrushes, paperbarks, casuarinas and cabbage tree palms. Alternatively, park just off The Serpentine. You'll find the eight-lane, 50-metre rockpool at the beach's southern end, affording spectacular views of the 60-metre-high Bilgola North Headland. [caption id="attachment_549502" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] FAIRY BOWER POOL, MANLY The enchanting, triangular Fairy Bower Pool was built by locals, for locals, in 1929. It's located alongside Marine Parade, between Manly and Fairy Bower. Adding to the magic are sculptor Helen Leete's Oceanides (also known as the 'Manly Sea Nymphs'), two curving creatures on the pool's edge. When the surf's up, they look a bit like dancing aquatic spirits. Try taking a dip at sunrise, sunset or even after-dark. [caption id="attachment_549057" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sutherland Shire Council.[/caption] CRONULLA ROCK POOL Cronulla's main ocean pool lies in the 300 metres of rocky platforms dividing South Cronulla Beach from North Cronulla. Opened in 1932, the pool first served as a training facility for local lifeguards. These days, it's still an optimum spot for lapping and/or casual dipping, offering vast, uninterrupted vistas over Bate Bay. The Council will be making some upgrades in April 2016, adding handrails and stairs and non-slip surfaces. [caption id="attachment_508394" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Robyn Lawrence.[/caption] ANDREW (BOY) CHARLTON POOL Hidden away within the green expanses of The Domain, the Boy Charlton pool feels a world away from the city while still being in the heart of the CBD. The saltwater pool is perched on the edge of the Harbour, with spectacular views over the city and the Botanic Gardens. Lunch times can be crowded with stressy professional jogger types, and weekends can bring out the designer eyewear crowd, but every other time is lovely. Hang out on the wooden terrace or grab a drink upstairs in the open-air poolside cafe which, incidentally, also sells Pat and Stick's ice cream sandwiches, which are awesome. [caption id="attachment_598331" align="alignnone" width="1280"] jbreiti[/caption] BALMORAL BEACH Balmoral is Manly's little sister; smaller and more romantic. It has a lovely sleepy vibe despite it's popularity. Have a long lunch at the Public Dining Room and float it off in the cooler hours of the afternoon. [caption id="attachment_598357" align="alignnone" width="1280"] dfinnecy[/caption] STORE BEACH If you wake up one sunny day with the desire to go kayaking, hire one from Manly Kayaks and paddle around to this little beach (it can only be reached by water) for a picnic. If you're lucky, you'll see some fairy penguins. Collins Beach Road, Manly [caption id="attachment_570643" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Danny Butler[/caption] LITTLE SIRIUS COVE A small stretch of sand surrounded by bushland, this beach has a unique feature - dogs are allowed. Take Rover down (after grabbing a coffee at Bacino Bar) and enjoy a snag or two on the BBQs provided. [caption id="attachment_508398" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Warringah Council.[/caption] DEE WHY ROCKPOOLS Dee Why Rockpools are easily reached by the promenade along the beach, and formed out of concrete walls as well as the natural sandstone wall to the side. While the surfers head down to the beach, the slower-paced head to the rockpools. On weekends there are a lot of mums with little kids, so for a day filled with less high pitched squeals and splishy-splashing, weekdays or late afternoons will allow you to get the most out of the place. [caption id="attachment_508404" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Mhsb.[/caption] FRESHWATER BATHS Located at the northern end of the beach, Freshwater Baths was the first rockpool to be opened on the northern beaches, and still maintains its vintage charms. Once a haven for women in the 1920s and '30s who weren't allowed to swim at the male-oriented surf clubs, it now cheerfully welcomes everyone and offers a respite when the waves get rough. The pool is uniformly shallow, at just over a metre, so unless you're really short or unfortunately inebriated there's little chance of anything going awry. [caption id="attachment_508405" align="alignnone" width="1280"] North Sydney Council.[/caption] MACCALLUM POOL If you appreciate a little early-20th century charm, the harbourside MacCallum Pool will delight you with its unique heritage feel and might inspire you to Charleston along the boardwalk. Like all good things north of the Bridge, it's terribly civilised, so if you turn up and the pool's a little full you can still sun yourself on the grassy knolls and look out across the Harbour. And another exciting aspect about MacCallum is that it's free, which means you have more money to spend on ice cream and dancing shoes. [caption id="attachment_551100" align="alignnone" width="1280"] KSpilling.[/caption] PALM BEACH When the swell is powering in from the south, grab your boardies and hotfoot it to Palm Beach. The sheltered southern corner is a beginner's Nirvana. You can count on mercifully consistently waves, giving you ample time to conquer the whitewash and, when you're ready, take off across smooth, green faces. Need some tips? Cast an eye around for the Manly Surf School van. For après-surf leisure, there's the Barranjoey Lighthouse Walk or a dip in the ocean pool. [caption id="attachment_605404" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Gerry Ligon.[/caption] COLLAROY BEACH Like Palm Beach, Collaroy is shielded at its southern end. Long Reef Point (a splendid spot for snorkelling, by the way) juts into the Pacific, separating the beach from neighbouring Dee Why. So, it's also at its best in south swells. Once you've racked up some experience, have a crack at the gloriously long point break. One word of warning: this one is better avoided when seas are rough or north winds are raging, when the shore break can turn into a dumping ground. [caption id="attachment_551241" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Terovian.[/caption] LONG REEF BEACH On the city side of Collaroy Beach lies the northern end of Dee Why Beach, formally known as Long Reef Beach (the two beaches are separated by the mouth of Dee Why Lagoon). Here, Long Reef Point also does its protective duty. It, in combination with some solid sand banks, keeps the waves smooth and regular. For practising in whitewater, head down at low tide; if you're ready to tackle faces, high tide is more promising. When winds are strong, you'll find milder conditions in Dee Why's southern corner. [caption id="attachment_551235" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Warringah Council.[/caption] FRESHWATER BEACH Freshwater Beach is the birthplace of Australian surfing. Exactly 100 years ago, residents got a shock when they saw a Hawaiian by the name of Duke Kahanamoku carve a board out of local timber, jump into the sea and ride the waves, on his feet. Soon enough, everyone was giving it a go. For lessons, get in touch with Surf Skool. Once you're done, the nearby Harbord Beach Hotel (aka the Harbord Hilton) will vanquish your post-surf appetite with some fresh tucker and cocktails. MANLY BEACH Get started along Manly's southern stretch and you'll land yourself in esteemed company. Midget Farrelly, Pam Burridge and Layne Beachley are just a few of the surfing legends to have had their early rides here. Like those at Palm Beach and Collaroy, the waves are best when the south winds are a-blowing. Chaos reigns when a north swell is coming in. Options for surfboard hire and lessons are plentiful. Try Manly Surf School or Manly Surf Hire. GREENHILLS BEACH Backed by grassy sand dunes, Greenhills is the northern end of Cronulla Beach. It tends to be less busy than South Cronulla — and many of Sydney's other beaches for that matter — which is a bonus for learner surfers. There's no need to worry about driving your out-of-control board into an unsuspecting swimmer. Go here during north-east winds. If you're in need of a teacher, try Cronulla Surf School or Cronulla Surfing Academy. [caption id="attachment_257244" align="alignnone" width="1981"] Adam J.W.C.[/caption] AVALON Beautiful and quiet, Avalon is the last of the more accessible beaches as you head north, shared by surfers and families alike. Plus Baywatch wanted to relocate their filming to Avalon during the '90s. Make of that what you will. Before you leave, grab drinks and dinner at Different Drummer or Little Av, both just a short walk from the beach. GLEDHILL FALLS For a long time, the Gledhills were like ghosts. A few people said they'd seen them, but finding proof was difficult. These days, there's more information floating about, but the forest-encircled falls — and the 10 metre wide pool into which they tumble — are still tricky to find. First, pack your rock climbing shoes. Then, drive your car from Mona Vale Road, onto McCarrs Creek Road, until, after about 4.5 kilometres, you reach the teeny-tiny, easy-to-miss bridge that crosses McCarrs Creek. Initially, the track is clear, but, nearing the water, prepare to scramble. ELVINA TRACK POOL Not only does this one occupy a rare position above a waterfall, it also affords stunning views of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park. And it's hemmed in by rainforest. The pool isn't huge, but it's definitely big enough to submerge yourself in. You'll find it along the 7 kilometre-long Elvina Track, which also takes in Elvina and Lovett Bays. The starting point is just off West Head Road, 1.3 kilometres from the Coal and Candle Drive junction. Being a service trail for most of the way, the walk makes for easy Sunday strolling. RESOLUTE BEACH Despite its 4 million strong population, Sydney is home to a number of secluded beaches. But Resolute Beach takes isolation and wildness to the next level. That's because the only way to reach it is by taking on the 8 kilometre Resolute Loop Track, which turns off many a lazy beach-goer. Those with the stamina to handle it are, however, amply rewarded, with an unspoiled, empty stretch of sand, surrounded by Ku-Ring-Gai National Park and affording uninterrupted views over Pittwater. The hike, which begins at Resolute Picnic Ground, takes in a couple of other remote beaches, as well as the Red Hands Cave, home to some impressive Aboriginal rock art. LADY BAY BEACH Thanks to Lady Bay's existence, you can be completely suited up in the middle of a work meeting at Circular Quay at 5pm, yet utterly naked amid all kinds of wildness by 5.30pm. Tucked into a calm cove near Watsons Bay, this beach is one of Australia's oldest nudist beaches and first went legal in 1976, thanks to Neville Wran's blessing. Keep your eyes on the skyline — the city views are excellent. BENTS BASIN Pack your lilo; Bents Basin has rapids. Spend your day throwing yourself down them, just the right amount out of control. Or keep to the still water — it's one of the deepest swimming holes in New South Wales. A dramatic, wooded escarpment provides the backdrop, which means there's ample views for picnickers. Bents Basin is part of a Nepean River gorge and lies between Penrith and Camden, about 50 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. Camp in the State Conservation Area if you want to stay overnight. REEF BEACH Best to make your way to Reef Beach after the tide has gone out. That's when Aboriginal carvings becomes visible in the rocks. In addition, it's an incredibly tranquil spot in Middle Harbour, offering excellent views of Manly and Sydney Harbour's northern section. Stop there while walking the Manly Scenic Walkway or drive to Beatty Street — Reef Beach is a short walk from the car park. [caption id="attachment_252497" align="alignnone" width="1280"] NSW National Parks.[/caption] WHALE BEACH Relaxed and beautiful, Whale Beach feels like you've left the city completely. It's a long drive from the city, but it's worth it, for one of the most beautiful spots on the Northern Beaches. Whale Beach can be a bit of a journey, so we'd recommend making a day of it and taking a dinner picnic or even staying overnight at Jonah's. [caption id="attachment_252500" align="alignnone" width="1280"] J Bar.[/caption] SHELLY BEACH You can get to this secluded cove by walking south along Manly's main street. The perfect spot to take a picnic, surrounded by bush, filled with exotic fish and convenient enough to get to by ferry. This is the kind of beach you can imagine your grandparents going to when they were courting. Surf at Fairy Bower, one of the Sydney's best surf breaks on its day, or swim the Cole Classic, Australia's largest ocean swim. PALM BEACH Get there early and Palm Beach is one of the most beautiful places Sydney has to offer. The friendly old-fashioned kiosk was shut down a few years ago and replaced by fancy restaurants to suit the billionaire locals who have their summer houses here, so make sure to bring your own sandwiches. Alternatively, splash out and have breakfast at the Boathouse on Pittwater before you head down to that sweet, sweet Home and Away-starring water. Check out our Summer Guide for more beaches, beach beers, beach camping, beach towels and beach road trip ideas.
Counting out your pennies till pay day? One word: Chinatown. With less than $10 in your pocket, you can have yourself a feast fit for a king. And, while you're at it, you'll also take a culinary tour of Asia without travelling more than a kilometre — from the steaming beef pho of Vietnam to the spicy curries of Malaysia and the sweet, fragrant stir-fries of Thailand. So don't sit around moping about your inability to splurge on three courses at Longrain. Round up your coins and head straight for Haymarket. Raid the stalls at the lantern-lit Little Eat Street market on Friday nights and check out the weekly tasting tours, the degustations of the cheap eats world. 73c: DUMPLING @ CHINESE NOODLE HOUSE $8.80 will buy you a dozen dumplings at the Chinese Noodle House. At $0.73 a piece, that's surely one of the most gob-smacking deals in the city. And we're not talking any old pre-fab or frozen numbers here. The Noodle House crew makes their dishes fresh, every single day. In addition to the dumplings, there's a stack of $10 mains. Such a rare meeting of affordability and quality means that you might find yourself queueing for a table. But service is quick, so you're not likely to be waiting around too long. Tg2-Tg3, Prince Centre (opp. 191-199 Thomas Street), Haymarket; (02) 9281 4508. $1.20: DUMPLING @ TASTE OF SHANGHAI To explore a Shanghai-oriented slant on Chinese cuisine, head to Taste of Shanghai in World Square. For $9.80, you'll be presented with eight steamed pork dumplings, which translates to about $1.20 a pop. And that's just the first stop on the enormous menu. All kinds of delicious dumpling flavours are on offer, from string bean and shrimp ($12.80 for twelve) to crab meat ($12.80 for eight). And then there's a slew of other dishes to try, like grilled onion pancakes ($7.80 for two) and Shanghai turnip croissants ($8.80 for four). Shop 9.07, LG, World Square Shopping Centre, 680 George Street, CBD; (02) 9261 8832. $1.50: SATAY @ HAWKER Created by the legendary team behind Mamak (whose roti made this list), Hawker focuses on the Chinese elements in Malaysian street food. For just $1.50, you can acquaint yourself with their tasty, tasty satay sticks, which are grilled over actual flaming charcoal and served up with a sweet, spicy peanut sauce. Choose between chicken and pork. $10 gets you six ($1.66 per stick), while $18 earns a dozen ($1.50 each). G.02/345b-353, Sussex Street, Sydney; (02) 9264 9315. $6: ROTI @ MAMAK Mamak's famous roti are made in its famous shop window. At any one time, you'll usually catch four chefs in action, two of whom are responsible for flinging the dough, and two of whom are doing the grilling. For all the expertise involved, a roti canai, which comes with two curry dips and spicy sambal sauce, will set you back just $6. Add cheese or onion for $1 or both for $1.50. 15 Goulburn Street, Haymarket; (02) 9211 1668. $8: GOZLEME @ ROSE GOZLEME Take a quick side-trip to the Middle East inside Market City, at Rose Turkish Gozleme. Eight bucks gives you three options: cheese, tomato and cheese, and veggie (spinach, cheese and shallots). Add 50 cents to upgrade to either potatoes or Turkish sausage. Meanwhile, $9.50 will put you into beef and chicken territory. F1.25 Market City Shopping Centre, 9-13 Hay Street, Haymarket. $8.90: BURGER @ BURGER PROJECT At some point during your week, you might want to take a jump back West-side. When you're craving cheese and sugary buns and meaty slabs, the Burger Project has you covered. It's Neil Perry's way of bringing his culinary excellence to the masses. For just $8.90, you'll land yourself face-to-face with the Classic (grass-fed beef, onion, pickles, tomato, lettuce and secret sauce), or for an extra $1, bring cheese into the picture — of either the regular or American varieties. Shop 11.06, L1 World Square Shopping Centre, 680 George Street, CBD. $9: PHO @ BO 7 MON THANH TAM Nothing quite satisfies like a steaming bowl of beef pho. Not only is Bo 7 Mon Thanh Tam's take on the Vietnamese classic an absolute steal at $9, it's also one of the best you'll find in Sydney, at any price. There's no dilly-dallying around: expect rich, traditional flavours, and a sizeable serving. If beef isn't your thing, there's a bunch of chicken dishes at around the same price, like hoanh thanh (chicken wonton soup) at $8.50 and bun mang ga (steamed chicken and rice noodle soup) at $9.50. F3.13 Market City Shopping Centre, 9-13 Hay Street, Haymarket. $9.90: LUNCH @ SATANG TUCK SHOP For $9.90, the world's your oyster at Satang Tuck Shop. Whether you want chicken pad phed (red curry with coconut milk, bean, apple eggplant, pepper corn, ginger, chilli and basil), green papaya salad with fish and salted crab, or pad thai, you got it. Add prawns or upgrade to the 'dinner size' meal for a couple of bucks. Despite the low price tag, there's no compromising on tastiness. Satang also has its Thai Exclusive Restaurant at 203-204/107 Quay Street and a takeaway branch at 20 Quay Street. 710-722 George Street, Haymarket; (02) 9212 7636. $10: LUNCH @ CHAT THAI Chat Thai doesn't normally find itself on "cheap eats" lists. People stand in line more for the eatery's authentic approach than for its bargain-basement prices. But drop in at lunch and you might well get a seriously decent return for $10 – in terms of both quality and generosity. $10 "one plate wonders" include chicken or pork congee with poached egg (only available 10am-12pm), khao mun gai (poached chicken and rice with dark soy and ginger relish), and khao ka mhu (caramelised smoked pork hock in five spice reduction with chinese kale and cabbage and rice). There's also a selection of noodle dishes available for $9.90, including pad thai, pad si-ew and pad ki mao. 20 Campbell Street, Haymarket; (02) 9211 1808. Mamak images: Bodhi Liggett.
As we bid farewell to the warmer months, the harbourside oasis that is the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a welcome spot for a wander. The diverse gardens are a full of life throughout the year. From September till May you can breathe in the heavenly scent of the Palace Rose Garden in bloom; or, year round, you can stroll among desert plants from the world over in the Arid Biome or discover ancient ferns and palms — collected from the Australian Gondwanan Rainforest — in the Australian Rainforest Garden. This autumn, you can find workshops, exhibits and live music too — perfect for even the more nature-averse. Under The Calyx's unique helix, creativity and plants form a stunning union in a host of free exhibitions. Head to Inside the Tide for a display of theatrical horticulture, where over 20,000 plants have been curated to interpret kelp forests, coral reefs and seagrass meadows. From the Hive presents the work of Marijke Gilchrist for a sensory trip into encaustic paintings — that is, the fusion of beeswax, resin and pigment. Explorative paper works imagining our winged friends are on show at Birds of a Feather, and A Flash of Red uses life-size watercolours to celebrate the Brachychiton genus — whose species bloom vividly in the dryness of the Northern Territory bush. Across four starry nights, Astronomy at The Calyx joins the mix. Hosted by First Nations astronomer Drew Roberts, you'll be treated to a glass of wine while you make astrological discoveries. Tickets are $41, but if you still have a Dine & Discover voucher handy it's the perfect opportunity to cash it in. With May comes Mother's Day and a stellar lineup of workshops. There's Pickling With Cornersmith offering any acid-leaning mums the chance to learn from the experts; and for those that love a perfume, Essential Oil Blending grants a deep dive into botanical scents. Or, get your hands dirty making a jellyfish succulent hanging basket inspired by the aforementioned Inside the Tide exhibition. Live classical music more your jam? On three separate Sundays — May 1, June 5 and July 3 — Bach at The Calyx will entertain audiences amidst leafy green surrounds. For 40 minutes, family-friendly performances celebrating the acclaimed composer's mastery will take place. Entry is by donation. To find out more about the autumn happenings at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, head to the website.
Probably one of the most fun, interactive and accessible events on Sydney's cultural calendar, Underbelly Arts Festival will be kicking into gear on the first weekend of August (but they're letting you into The Lab from July 22). Dedicated to providing a platform for early career artists, this biennial showcase is all about amplifying the bold new voices of Australian art. Featuring over 100 artists, the festival will be a colourful patchwork of thought-provoking installations spread across Sydney’s industrial playground, Cockatoo Island. From investigating artist studios to visiting a bar that serves air, to stuffing your face with Mary's and throwing shapes at an art party after a long day's exhibition exploring, there's plenty of indulgent adventures to be had this year at Underbelly. In addition to art, music and performance, there will be plenty of delicious noms from your favourite food providers — think inner-west all-stars such as Mary's, Rising Sun and Young Henry's — curated by Sydney foodie, FBi Radio presenter and The Unbearable Lightness of Being Hungry founder Lee Tran Lam. You can also look forward to a kickass art party smack bang in the middle of the weekend. Prior to the festival on August 1 – 2, the exhibiting artists will finish creating their works in an intensive two-week-long residency or The Lab. For instance, Emily Parsons-Lord is developing a bar that serves air. Yes, you heard correct. You will literally be served samples of air. Her work, The Arrariam, is concerned with the history of air and the impact of human development. Alongside the visual art offerings, there is a stellar music and sound program planned. From sonic sculptures through to serene acoustics, there will be a whole bunch of technologically innovative sound installations to experience. Underbelly Arts Festival runs August 1-2 at Cockatoo Island, with The Lab running July 22-26. Check the website for more details or to lock down tickets. Images: Underbelly Arts, Prudence Upton.
We're pretty lucky on the east coast of Australia because the big vacay destinations are only a few hours away by plane. But Australia is a lot bigger than just the eastern seaboard. While the west side of Australia is so far-flung it's practically an international flight to get there, Perth has a vibrant bar and foodie scene that could rival any eastern capital. Still need some convincing to book that four-hour-plus Jetstar flight? In partnership with the Hahn Brewers, we've put together a list of ten very persuasive reasons why you should visit Perth. Spoiler alert: they're all bars. You're welcome. HULA BULA BAR If anyone claims they wouldn't love to sip on a drink while surrounded by kitschy jungle paraphernalia, they are lying. In Perth, you can have that experience at Hula Bula Bar while working your way through their entire menu. But remember, the jungle vibes are for show only – don't think you can get away with rocking shorts and thongs. 12 Victoria Avenue, Perth. GREENHOUSE For a genuinely unique west coast experience, head straight to Greenhouse. The restaurant-bar hybrid is encased in a façade of greenery courtesy of Melburnian Joost Bakker and his sustainable approach to hospitality. The green rectangle (nestled in amongst sterile corporate blocks) offers a quiet place for a beer, and has an extensive menu made with ingredients from their rooftop garden. 100 St Georges Terrace, Perth. EZRA POUND If you're after a lush courtyard and chill atmosphere where you can grab a drink, Ezra Pound is your new stomping ground. The sweet little bar on Williams Street in Northbridge serves up classic bar snacks (courtesy of No Mafia, an Italian eatery next door — expect a lot of quality olives and cheese) and has a Saturday night happy hour. What more does anyone need in life? Williams Lane, 189 Williams Street, Northbridge. CHOO CHOO'S Choo Choo's on St Georges Terrace is the kind of place where letting your hair down is mandatory. Seriously, it's pretty chill so leave your suit and tie at home and be yourself. The menu is extensive and changed on the reg, so head to Choo Choo's with no preconceived notions beyond max chillaxing. Industrial fittings, hip murals and a small, clicky (in a good way) bar crew will make you wish this was your regular. 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth. [caption id="attachment_589771" align="alignnone" width="1280"] @breaking_bias via Instagram[/caption] BOBÈCHE If your tastes run to the dramatic, check out Bobèche on St Georges Terrace. The dark, moody basement is named after a performing street clown from the '20s who would distract the crowd and sneak kisses from the gathered ladies. Modern day Bobèche has his own charms – beer, teapot cocktails, complimentary popcorn and an indulgent bar menu. We recommend the pulled venison croquettes with wild citrus. Basement 131 St Georges Terrace, Perth. WOLF LANE Wolf Lane is considered one of Perth's most popular small bars. The interior decorations alone are worth a trip. The industrial space has been decked out with mismatched velvet lounge chairs, leather ottomans and Persian rugs with trippy vintage suitcases on the ceiling and fairytale murals throughout. It's a real Alice in Wonderland atmosphere. Once you've settled in, grab a beer and build your own gourmet cheese board from the cheese, cured meats and dips available. Rear 321 Murray Street, Perth. MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Mechanics' Institute in Northbridge is a great all-rounder bar, perfect for a big night out on the weekend, after work drinks or a burger the next day for lunch. They've got the look nailed, with a slick industrial shine throughout the whole bar and (the pièce de résistance) a sweet, sprawling rooftop bar. Rear 222 William Street, Northbridge. LOT TWENTY Lot Twenty appreciate the good things in life — and they serve them in bulk. By good things, we mean oysters, doughnuts, booze, cheese, coffee and a large outdoor terrace. The menu at Lot 20 is amazing; after chowing down on roasted mushrooms served with pistachio puree, slow-cooked egg, truffle oil or house-cured coffee and maple bacon with cornbread, you'll never be able to go back to a standard cheeseburger (and nor should you). 198-206 William Street, Perth. ENRIQUE'S SCHOOL FOR TO BULLFIGHTING If you're in Highgate, Enrique's is perfect spot to drop by for a beverage and a bite. The warm and inviting restaurant bar serves up authentic Spanish cuisine, served up in the share style (tapas for a little, raciones for a lot) and always attracts a great weekend crowd. They have a damn fine happy hour every day from 5-6pm. 484 Beaufort Street, Highgate. PETITION BEER CORNER Petition is a beer corner, wine bar and kitchen all in one. So no matter what drink you're into, there's something here for you. We recommend you head to the beer corner and get the bartenders to pick you some for a tasting. The taps are constantly rotating (there's 18 of them), and they serve international beer as well as local suppliers alongside tasty bar snacks. Sign up to Hahn Brewers and use your weekend to take a trip to Perth.
In the relatively small Sydney suburb of Auburn lies a rich cultural melting pot that locals will tell you makes it one of the most diverse communities in the whole city — with residents from the Middle East, Asia and Africa coming together in a sharing of ideas, practices and some damn tasty food. Thanks, in part, to its mosque, Auburn specifically attracts Muslim people from many different countries and backgrounds, making the foodie scene here dominated by a range of Middle Eastern cuisines — from Turkish and Lebanese to Afghani and Pakistani — each with their own specialties, ingredients and cooking methods. The suburb is a collection of small businesses that are proudly family-owned and the cornerstone of an overwhelmingly welcoming community that really loves its food. If you missed October's Flavours of Auburn festival, you can make your own way through the top seven foodie experiences that this delicious part of Sydney has to offer. [caption id="attachment_604802" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marissa Ciampi.[/caption] FRESHLY BAKED SIMIT AT MENZIL TURKISH BAKERY Menzil's is a true local legend in these parts, supplying their delectable bread to most shops in the area. Simit — a circular, bagel-like bread, only much larger, flatter and crusted with sesame seeds — is a quintessential part of cuisine in Istanbul and is popular not only in Turkey but also across the Middle East. Crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, a fresh batch could rival New York bagels. At Menzil's, you're sure to get the freshest in town. The shop may look generic, but they take baking very seriously. The business has been family-run for generations, opens at 6am every day of the year, is 100 percent halal and they bake everything in-house. If you're here for breakfast, grab one of their flaky and buttery pastries, but be sure to get in early before they inevitably sell out. Lunch is all about the cheese simit sandwiches. Those with a sweet tooth will naturally gravitate toward the display of desserts, from baklava and elaborate cakes to traditional Turkish biscuits — colourfully dipped and playfully shaped shortbread cookies that are traditionally bought by the box for Turkish parties. Grab a few with your coffee and enjoy while you walk. 40 Auburn Road, Auburn [caption id="attachment_604803" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marissa Ciampi.[/caption] SAFFRON ICE CREAM FROM AUBURN FRESH JUICE CENTRE The Auburn Fresh Juice Centre may look like a brightly lit Boost mimic, but the flavours immediately reveal that it's something else all together. Despite the shop's name, the ice cream, more akin to frozen custard, is the real draw here. Owned by an Afghani family, the flavours are not your average chocolate and vanilla — think a bright yellow saffron ice cream with real threads of the spice throughout, giving that foolproof mix of savoury and sweet. They use fresh pistachio in the pishawari and you can immediately taste the difference, while the rose flavour and fig and date smoothie are top contenders as well. For authenticity seekers, try the Falooda milk drink — a combination of arrowroot vermicelli, basil seeds, tapioca pearls and rose syrup — which is a classic treat from Pakistan that may sound foreign for the western palate but is even more reason to try it. If you're keen to try a few flavours, five bucks will get you a sizeable cup with multiple — and there's no extra charge for combo scoops. Or go for the 'Sunshine' option, which comes in the form of a big-ass sundae with three massive scoops of your choice, all topped with fresh fruit. 9 Auburn Road, Auburn [caption id="attachment_604804" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Kimberley Low.[/caption] TURKISH BREAKFAST AT ELIF MARKET INTERNATIONAL DELICATESSEN This unassuming deli counter is full of all things Turkish delicacy, from a variety of cheeses and dried meats to imported homewares and cooking utensils. Don't know where to start? Have a chat to Elif's proud owner, Fevzi, who is a regular Auburn character and happily shows guests around the shop. Elif has all of the makings for a traditional Turkish breakfast, which consists of simit, marinated kalamata olives and kasar cheese (a Turkish version of a mozzarella/provolone hybrid). Fevzi stocks only the most legit of these imported ingredients, apart from his own specially-treated olives — which he's created a homemade marinade for — and the simit which is baked around the corner at Menzil's (see above). Grab the lot to go and you've got yourself one hell of a picnic. If you're more of a bacon and egg kind of breakfast eater, include some sliced sucuk — a dried, spicy Turkish beef sausage — in your purchase and the meal can become the perfect mid-afternoon charcuterie instead. Don't forget to ask for a small bottle of 'lemon perfume', a traditional Turkish hand sanitiser that is used in most homes and also ideal to have on any foodie trip. 6-8 Civic Road, Auburn [caption id="attachment_604805" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marissa Ciampi.[/caption] FALAFEL ROLL FROM JAMAL TAKEAWAY Jamal's is considered by many to serve the best falafel in Sydney and we were easy converts. This small grocer serves nothing but, so it comes as no surprise that the Lebanese owner knows his way around the falafel ball. Despite being the size of oranges, the falafel are not dense whatsoever. Topped with pickled turnips, tomato, salad and, of course, homemade yoghurt and chilli sauces, then double wrapped in pita, this falafel roll is an overall behemoth but one you won't want to share. Don't be intimidated by the owner's full-on personality — he may first seem a Seinfeld'Soup Nazi' type, but after your first bite and inevitable subsequent joy, you'll easily see how proud he is of his shop and how much he loves sharing this impeccable food with his customers. On your way out, grab a jar of the homemade chili paste, which ranges in spice level from mild to "xxhot" — trust us, you'll be craving it afterward. 73 Auburn Road, Auburn BURANEE-BADENJAN AT KHAYBAR AUTHENTIC AFGHAN CUISINE Khaybar is true Afghan cuisine — with recipes passed down from generations, you know it doesn't get more authentic than that, hence the name. It's also abundantly clear that the owners just love food. The menu of course includes your traditional kebobs and koftas, standouts in their own right, but come here for the lesser known dishes that you can't get at your average shop. If you only try one dish here, it has to be Buranee-Badenjan — a dip of slow-cooked eggplant in a chunky tomato sauce, topped with mint and yoghurt (entrée $6.90; main $19.95). The dish is rich with spices and perfect for dipping their signature bread in. The Qaboli Pallaw, or jewelled rice ($14.95-16.95), is another traditional dish of seasoned chicken or lamb, served under a mound of browned basmati and topped with carrots, raisins, almonds and pistachios. The combination of the sweet raisins with the nuttiness and spicy meat really makes this dish and gives Halal Snack Packs a run for their money. 64 Auburn Road, Auburn [caption id="attachment_604809" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marissa Ciampi.[/caption] TURKISH DELIGHT FROM REAL TURKISH DELIGHT This beautiful, nostalgic chocolate shop feels like a step back in time to the confectionery shops of the mid-1900s. The first Real Turkish Delight shop opened in 1974 in Flemington and continues to be independently owned and run by the Pektuzun family, who really know a thing or two about these Turkish sweets — the shop's first generation owner, Bahattin Pektuzun, worked for years in a Turkish confectionery shop before relocating to Australia. The Turkish Delights here are not of the Cadbury variety. All use the original recipe of this 14th century treat, made all naturally in old cauldrons and with no substitutes. Think flavours from the traditional rose to pomegranate, mint, vanilla and almond. This family takes their trade so seriously, in fact, that they've won the Guinness World Records back in 2005 for the largest Turkish Delight ever made — weighing in a 3.21 tonnes. While you're here, try some of the dark chocolate lollies as well, which are also made in house and won't disappoint. 1/3-5 Station Road, Auburn LAHMAJUN FROM ALI BABA CHARCOAL CHICKEN This Turkish chicken shop is a contender for best in town, and Auburn is a town of many kebab shops. The charcoal chicken is of course their namesake, and for good reason — it's juicy and tender with a perfectly grilled skin. Plenty of regulars also tuck into their signature pide, with the homemade dough hand-rolled right in front of your eyes and stuffed with spinach and cheese or minced meat and sauce. For us, Ali Baba is the go-to spot for lahmajun, a flat pastry dough that is similar to gozleme, only topped instead of stuffed — topped more specifically with minced beef or chicken, onions, tomatoes and parsley, then spiced with the quintessential combination of cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin and cinnamon. Top it all off with a slice of fresh lemon and you have the ultimate zesty and spicy combo. To wash it all down, grab a yoghurt drink or pomegranate juice, both traditional Turkish libations. 2 Civic Road, Auburn Top image: Kimberley Low.
Beaches and swimming holes aren't the only way to cool off during the warmer months. It's easy to forget that Sydney is also surrounded by loads of staggeringly beautiful waterfalls — many of them hidden within national parks and wilderness areas. While some are built for swimming under, others are made just for marvelling at (and furiously Instagramming). Here are ten of the most road trip-inspiring falls you'll find near Sydney. FITZROY FALLS, MORTON NATIONAL PARK Fitzroy Falls plunge from a height of 81 metres over a sandstone cliff face in the Morton National Park, about 90 minutes' drive south-southwest of Sydney. An accessible boardwalk takes you right to the top. To explore further, choose one of the longer, circuit walks, which range from 1.6 to 5 kilometres in length. The onsite Visitors Centre provides coffee, snacks and plenty of info about local history. BELMORE FALLS, MORTON NATIONAL PARK Just a few kilometres away from Fitzroy Falls are Belmore Falls, which tumble over the Illawarra escarpment into Kangaroo Valley. Cascading through three tiers, they're anywhere between 77 and 130 metres high, depending on where you're measuring from. For the best views, stop in the Hindmarsh Lookout carpark and follow the 750-metre walking trail, which takes in several gob-smacking vistas of the valley before showing you the falls. CARRINGTON FALLS, BUDDEROO NATIONAL PARK Carrington Falls aren't just falls — they're part of a wild, watery playground, dotted with swimming holes, rainforest, walking tracks, rockpools and cascades. For a laidback picnic, visit Carrington Falls picnic area, where you can kick back and relax or choose from several short walks. But if swimming's on the agenda, make tracks for nearby Nellie's Glen, to take a dip under cascades and maybe meet a satin bower bird. Or a hobbit. MINNAMURRA FALLS, BUDDEROO NATIONAL PARK What makes Minnamurra Falls particularly spectacular is their pretty, pretty surrounds. Ensconced in the Budderoo National Park, these falls are encircled by a patch of lush rainforest, complete with bright green mossy boulders, singing streams, magical fern gardens, fluttering butterflies and lyrebirds. To visit, take the 1.3-kilometre The Falls walk, which starts at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, just west of Jamberoo. WENTWORTH FALLS, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Falling over three drops, Wentworth Falls are 187 metres high. You can choose your own adventure — whether you'd prefer to laze about in the picnic area or commit to a hike. For an easy stroll, there's the Charles Darwin walk, which follows the path taken by the world's most naturalist back in 1836. Alternatively, try a tougher route with the Overcliff-Undercliff track, which rewards you with dramatic cliffs, rocky overhangs and, in summer, scores of wildflowers. KATOOMBA FALLS, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK The most famous set of falls on this list, Katoomba Falls can be experienced in a variety of ways. For an adrenaline hit and a bird's eye view, catch the glass-bottomed Scenic Skyway, suspended 270 metres above the Jamison Valley. Not a fan of heights? Explore on foot instead — the 3.1-kilometre Echo Point to Katoomba Falls track and the 1.5-kilometre Katoomba Falls Circuit are both beauties. To see Katoomba Falls floodlit, drop by after dark. GOVETTS LEAP (BRIDAL VEIL) FALLS, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Govetts Leap Falls are most easily seen from Govetts Leap Lookout, where their 180-metre drop forms a dazzling element in panoramas of the Grose Wilderness. To get a closer look, tackle the Govetts Leap descent, a steep, 1.2-kilometre trek that transports you to a picnic area at the base of the falls. Along the way, expect to meet king parrots and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. KANANGRA FALLS, KANANGRA-BOYD NATIONAL PARK Surging over two tiers and totalling 225 metres in height, Kanangra Falls is a favourite with abseilers and canyoners. Not the intrepid type? Stick to the cliff top while still getting cracking views, thanks to the accessible lookout walk, affording views of not only the falls, but Kanangra Creek's gorges, Mt Cloudmaker and, beyond, the Blue Mountains escarpment. KALANG FALLS, KANANGRA-BOYD NATIONAL PARK At the end of the Kanangra Falls lookout walk, another trail, known as Waterfall Walk, descends to Kalang Falls. On the way, you'll pass extraordinary vistas of Kanangra Deep, Kanangra Walls and Thurat Spires. Kalang Falls are found in an enchanting gully, where they splash into a deep pool. Look out for Australia red cedars and flame robins. Want to swim under a waterfall near Sydney? Check out these five. Images: Tony Heyward, Bjenks (WC), Phil Whitehouse (WC), OzIcedog (Wikipedia), profernity (WC), Diliff (WC), Terry Clinton (Flickr), National Parks NSW, Leigh Blackall (Flickr), Vern (Flickr), Sardaka.
If you can find us an activity more decadently wintry than slipping into a steaming bath of natural mineral water in the middle of the wilderness, we'll eat our collective hats. You might usually associate the likes of Iceland, the French Alps or New Zealand with thermal baths, but the good news is that there stacks of stunning natural hot springs in Australia. We are lucky to have our fair share of stunning bush hot pools where you can indulge in some serious mineral water therapy. Plus, we've got some serious mountaintops complete with supersized hot tubs, so why go overseas? PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS, VICTORIA This is where Victorians escape to for thermal relief. The drive down the Mornington Peninsula to the Peninsula Hot Springs retreat is basically a Melburnian pilgrimage — especially as it underwent a $13 million upgrade in 2018. It has cold plunge pools, hot spring pools and an impressive outdoor Bath House Amphitheatre in a remote and picturesque hilltop location. There's also a hamam, an underground sauna, cave pool and the pool at the top of the hill which affords 360-degree views of the area. Plus, a cafe, a cultural meeting space designed in collaboration with local Indigenous Elders, and a multipurpose wellness centre for classes and talks. For the full experience, book in for one of the spa's treatments, from 60-minute bioactive facials to 180-minute packages with organic mineral mud wraps, relaxing massages, hair and scalp treatments and breakfast or lunch in the cafe. Where? 140 Springs Lane, Fingal, Victoria. How much? $35–55 entry to the Bath House. YARRANGOBILLY CAVES THERMAL POOL, NSW It's not hard to see why this thermal pool in the Kosciuszko National Park is a local favourite. Quiet, secluded, with heaps to explore in the surroundings, it's the perfect destination for a crisp winter weekend. Filled with water from a natural hot spring, the 20-metre pool remains at a perfect 27 degrees all year round. Get there via a short (but steep!) 700-metre walk from the nearby car park, or wind your way along the three-kilometre River Walk. If the temps aren't too frosty, have a post-swim feed in the adjacent picnic area before exploring the surrounding caves. Where? 50 Yarrangobilly Caves Road, Yarrangobilly, NSW. How much? $4 per car (national park entry fee). [caption id="attachment_724325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] LIGHTNING RIDGE ARTESIAN BORE BATHS, LIGHTNING RIDGE, NSW Located just outside the opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge, these delightful baths are surrounded by remote bushland and gloriously removed from all signs of civilisation. Open 24 hours a day (except from 10am–noon each weekday for cleaning), you can soak in the hot waters at sunrise, sunset, or any other time your little heart desires. Night swims are particularly recommended as you can float in the 40-degree water while taking in the stunning expanse of the starry rural sky. A popular meeting place for Lightning Ridge residents, the baths are also a great place to get a feel for local life. Best of all? It won't cost you a thing. Where? Pandora Street, Lightning Ridge, NSW. How much? Free! HEPBURN BATHHOUSE, VICTORIA Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, about two hours northwest of Melbourne, is another achievable day trip for Melburnians. The bathhouse, built back in 1895, is the oldest in the whole country and is continually warmed to 34 degrees. Take your pick of communal swimming experiences, from a magnesium pool to an outdoor creek pool. Plus, there's a pavilion cafe that has been serving up goodies to visitors since 1908 (go for the Devonshire Tea) and a day spa with private mineral baths, massage options and steam therapies. Once you've bathed, try drinking the waters: various springs are dotted around Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. You can also extend your stay by booking into one of the ten luxury villas overlooking surrounding bushland. Where? Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs, Victoria. How much? $45–55 adult entry to the Bathhouse. WITJIRA-DALHOUSIE SPRINGS, SA The most remote point on this list is Witjira-Dalhousie Springs — a cluster of around 60 natural hot springs located on the edge of the Simpson Desert, in northern South Australia, about 250 kilometres southeast of Alice Springs. It's certainly worth seeking out if you're driving towards the Red Centre. The Great Artesian Basin groundwater below is more than one million years old, and temperatures in the natural springs ranges from 38–43 degrees, so don't say in for too long at a time — you might find yourself a little dizzy and pruney if you do. Witjira-Dalhousie has cultural significance to the local Indigenous peoples and is associated with Dreamtime stories of the area. Due to its historical importance, the site is included on the Australian National Heritage List. Where? Witjira National Park, South Australia. How much? Free. Top image: Destination NSW.
As Sydney rolls over into its cooler months of the year, the ocean currents are doing the opposite — the water is commonly at its warmest at this time of the year. And while stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing to regulars) does not necessarily require you get wet, it is, of course, all dependent on your balance. So you'll probably end up taking the plunge at some point. Gliding at a leisurely pace on top of the water, you'll gain a new perspective on Sydney's calmest and clearest harbour beaches. Paddleboards are readily available to hire at Sydney's calmer beaches, and you have the option of taking a guided lesson and learning some tips and tricks or bringing along a buddy for your own sea stroll. So set next Sunday's agenda for a midday paddle followed (perhaps followed by a beachside feed) at these five spots. BALMORAL BEACH Balmoral is a prime SUPing location because the water is almost completely flat — it's technically a harbour beach, so there are no waves to contend with. Balmoral Paddle Surf has something for every level of paddleboarding, from lessons to SUP surfing. Some of the best beaches around Balmoral are secluded and can only be accessed by boat (and you on your paddleboard). Check out our all-day guide to Balmoral for pre- and post-boarding ideas. PALM BEACH Palm Beach is a Sydney hot spot — and it has the crowds to prove it. Luckily, Barrenjoey Boat Hire will give you a paddleboard to explore the quieter side of Pittwater and escape the abundance of tourists that flock to Summer Bay. Plus, you may have an encounter or two with some Aussie wildlife. We suggest taking a pit-stop at The Boathouse at some point too. MANLY HARBOUR The harbour side of the Manly peninsula makes paddleboarding here more like a game of dogems. But keep paddling out to the heads of Manly — it's a real all-body workout, but it's so worth it. Manly boasts multiple hidden coves, including Obelisk, Reef Beach, Castle Rock and Store Beach. It's also the perfect place to take a guided tour with the experts, and a well-deserved post-paddle bev can be enjoyed at one of Manly's many bars. WATSONS BAY This paddleboarding experience is a winner for its breathtaking views. Admire the million dollar hours that sprawl the coast as you meander your way through the calm waters of Sydney Harbour. Sydney's skyline will be to the left, and the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House will be to the right. Watssup provide tours and board hire here. CRONULLA Cronulla SUP school specialises in both flat water and beach SUP experiences. If you're an experienced SUPer, challenge yourself and your skills to paddleboard the waves — but just know it's a bit different to surfing. The school also has boards for rent for those who want to learn at their own pace.
Throw those GoPros, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. After a fake lineup posted was 'leaked' prior to the official triple j announcement to catfish all us suckers eagerly awaiting the list of acts that will be appearing, the details for Splendour 2016 are finally here. In what is the best news we've heard this year, The Strokes (The Strokes!!!) will be Splendouring for their only Australian show. It also seems the predictions for The Cure were incredibly, amazingly correct — meaning that we'll be seeing both The Strokes and The Cure this July. It's almost too much to handle. Joining them is one heck of a lineup that includes The Avalanches — who haven't played a gig (that wasn't a DJ set) in over ten years. Fingers crossed the show coincides with new music. Iceland's Sigur Rós and Irish artist James Vincent McMorrow will also being doing one-off Australian shows at the festival, Courtney Barnett will make her first appearance at Byron, while James Blake and At the Drive-In will return, as will locals Flume and Sticky Fingers. Anyway, we know what you're here for. We'll cut to the chase. SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2016 LINEUP The Strokes (only Aus show) The Cure Flume The Avalanches (only Aus show) James Blake At The Drive-In Violent Soho Hermitude Band of Horses Sigur Ros (only Aus show) Santigold Matt Corby Sticky Fingers Boy & Bear Courtney Barnett Jake Bugg The 1975 Leon Bridges Duke Dumont (DJ set) James Vincent McMorrow (only Aus show) The Kills The Preatures What So Not Years And Years Gang Of Youths Illy Peter, Bjorn & John Golden Features Crystal Fighters Ball Park Music Tegan & Sara DMA'S Jack Garratt Hayden James City Calm Down Snakehips Mark Lanegan Michael Kiwanuka Jagwar Ma King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard The Jungle Giants The Internet Motez Marlon Williams Lido Emma Louise Kim Churchill Nothing But Thieves Lapsley Kacy Hill Slumberjack Robert Forster (10 Years On) Beach Slang Urthboy Little May Boo Seeka Ganz Spring King Melbourne Ska Orchestra Fat White Family Total Giovanni Methyl Ethel Slum Sociable L D R U In Loving Memory of Szymon Blossoms High Tension Roland Tings Sampa The Great The Wild Feathers Harts Ngaiire montaigne Tired Lion Green Buzzard Jess Kent Gold Class Lucy Cliche Opiuo Mall grab Dom Dolla Paces Just A Gent Dro Carey Running Touch Wafia World Champion Suzi Zhen Remi Nicole Millar Dreller Feki Kllo Banoffee Plus... Moonbase Comander The Meeting Tree Twinsy Purple Sneaker Djs Human Movement Panete Swick Amateur Dance Ribongia Splendour will return to North Byron Parklands on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July. Onsite camping will once again be available from Wednesday, July 20. Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 21 at 9am sharp AEST. More info will soon be available at the official Splendour In The Grass site. Image: Bianca Holderness.
UPDATE: Due to an electrical fire in September, Nomad had to move up the road into the old Longrain space on Commonwealth Street. But, we have some good news: the OG restaurant will be back up and running on October 20. It's difficult to know what to love first about Nomad. Walking in off drab Foster Street in Surry Hills' fringe, you're hit first by the simple beauty of the interior design. High ceilings, clean lines and polished concrete create a chic warehouse aesthetic warmed by bursts of colour from scattered jars of preserved turnips, gherkins, cauliflower, carrots and other pickled surprises. Attractive wooden tables are arranged cleverly throughout the large space, but the most coveted seats are those that wrap around the oversized open kitchen: from here, you can whet your appetite with a view of Heston-trained chef Nathan Sasi working his culinary magic. With 50 hand-picked wines available by the glass, you'll need some time to make decisions; a plate of Nomad pickles ($8) is the perfect accompaniment for the process. The wine list has been cultivated by Rob Geddes, one of only 18 Masters of Wine in the country, and is a proud celebration of Australian viniculture. The menu is intended to shift and transform between every visit, with each iteration showcasing a rising Australian luminary. The inaugural honouree is Michael Hall, whose pleasurable 2012 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay ($15/$72) evokes stone fruit and truffles and whose spicy Flaxman Valley Shiraz is an ideal bedfellow for the rustic Mediterranean feast to follow. The 'snack' menu of small but explosive dishes offers one hit after another. The Devils on Horseback are succulent prune spheres wrapped in paper-thin pancetta and drizzled with liquid orange blossom marmalade ($8). For another burst of flavour, try the cured bonito, layered with goat horn peppers and thin, toasted pastry for a devastatingly perfect textural balance ($12). The Nomad charcuterie ($24) is a must; the house-cured meats are displayed grandly in the cool room by the kitchen and feature interesting combinations like wallaby with juniper berries and beef heart salami. The menu expands into more substantial servings like a flavoursome BBQ quail with smoked pork hock and crispy Brussels sprouts ($28) and Chermoula-braised lamb neck with trimmings for two ($36). It's worth ordering one of the barbecued options just to watch the drama of the woodfired grills being raised and lowered over the hot coals in the open kitchen. Whichever delicacy you choose, keep an eye out for the care with which it is arranged on the plate before being gently drizzled, dusted or decorated with pretty, edible flowers. The attention devoted to each dish is palpable, and it pays generously in terms of both aesthetic and taste. In addition to making its mark on the culinary scene, Nomad is set to become a fully functioning cellar door, offering you the opportunity to taste at the table and then take home a case of whatever you loved the most. All in all, 'Nomad' appears to be a misnomer: this is one place we'd be very content to set down some roots. Images: Petrina Tinslay.
So you've been plotting a move to the lower north shore. You probably don't need any more reasons to decamp to this idyllic part of town, but we're going to give you some anyway. We've rounded up ten of the best outdoor adventures to be had in and around the lower north shore. While many of these are obviously best enjoyed in the warmer months, there's still plenty of outdoorsy fun to be had as the temperatures start to come up again. Kirribilli and Lavender Bay sit in the heart of the region, and they're surrounded on all sides by the stunning Sydney Harbour — which as you know, is beautiful all year round. [caption id="attachment_617819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Martin7d2 via Flickr.[/caption] WENDY'S SECRET GARDEN, LAVENDER BAY This not-so-secret garden is, without a doubt, one of Sydney's most beautiful green spaces. Created by Wendy Whiteley, the widow of acclaimed Australian artist Brett Whiteley, the garden is a gorgeous testament to heartbreak and renewal. Channeling her grief into an artistic project, Wendy slowly transformed the abandoned railway dump in front of her home into what is now a public garden. With winding paths, benches, sculptures, and sweeping views over the harbour, this little slice of paradise offers a welcome respite from the chaos of the city. The garden's many quiet corners also make it the perfect place for a quiet picnic, or a little alone time. [caption id="attachment_617831" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Annemarie51 via Flickr.[/caption] BALMORAL PARK, MOSMAN This leafy little park has a lot going for it — the sweeping views over Middle Harbour and North Head, the proximity to one of Sydney's most idyllic beaches and the solid set of facilities are just a few of them. Active types will love the skatepark, sports oval, and water sport facilities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Loungers, meanwhile, will be more than happy to relax on the grass with a book or some music. Balmoral Park is an excellent place for a picnic, but if you forget to pack a hamper, the Balmoral Beach Club, The Boathouse, and The Bathers' Pavilion are all just a stone's throw away. ROAR AND SNORE GLAMPING, MOSMAN This unique Sydney adventure lets you spend an evening up close and personal with the animals at Taronga Zoo. The Roar & Snore experience includes an evening 'safari' (if you've always wanted to touch a snake, now's your chance), two behind-the-scene tours of Taronga, and a fancy all-you-can-eat buffet dinner. When all the exploring is done, you'll get to rest your bones in gorgeous luxe tents with wooden floors, hotel beds, and power outlets. Spots are snapped up quickly so make sure to book as far in advance as possible. [caption id="attachment_618251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Z Geek via Flickr.[/caption] SAWMILLER RESERVE, MCMAHONS POINT This quiet park is one of Sydney's true hidden gems — if you want gorgeous harbour views without the crowds, this is the place for you. Located on the site of a former sawmill, the space exudes a weighty sense of history: from the ruins at the centre of the park to the rusty remains of a hopper barge sitting in the water, there's heaps to explore. Spend some time meandering along the paths before settling down on the grassy expanse for a picnic. The reserve has no facilities to speak of, so make sure to bring along everything you need. [caption id="attachment_617699" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: oliviashead via Instagram.[/caption] WOOLWICH BATHS, WOOLWICH It's not hard to see why this small harbour beach is a firm favourite among the Woolwich locals. With a shark net, pontoons, and toilet facilities, it's a great option if you've got young ones in tow. The baths are surrounded by parklands, so you can also wander off for a little walk between dips in the water. This is a great choice for those lazy days when all you want to do is float in the water, read a book, or just watch the clouds float by. [caption id="attachment_617823" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Martin7d2 via Flickr.[/caption] MACCALLUM POOL, CREMORNE Few Sydney pools can compete with MacCallum's heritage charm and stunning views over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Tucked away on a quiet lane in Cremorne Point, this idyllic spot has been a local favourite since the 1920s. Although the narrow pool beckons you to do at least a few laps, you could just as easily lounge on the timber deck and soak up some rays. Note, though, that there are no toilet or shower facilities here. Still, it's free entry so you'll have more money to put towards that post-swim ice cream. LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK, LANE COVE This gorgeous expanse of bushland is a mere skip and a jump from the city centre but you'll feel far, far away from the chaos of metropolitan living. Escaping the hustle and bustle doesn't mean you have to forgo the creature comforts however: the park has a pool, wireless internet, fully-equipped kitchens and four amenities blocks. Spend the day bushwalking — we recommend the two-and-a-half hour Fairylands loop track — or on the Lane Cove River, with a kayak or rowboat rented from the Boat Shed. Keen to spend the night? Pack a tent or, if you're more of a glamper, book into Tandara Luxury Safari. [caption id="attachment_617757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: adventurebe4dementia via Instagram.[/caption] BURNS BAY RESERVE, RIVERVIEW Sitting on the shores of the Lane Cover River, this quaint waterfront park is the perfect place for a tranquil afternoon picnic. If you're keen for a barbecue, remember to bring your own wood as the facilities here are of the old-school variety. After stuffing your face, burn off your meal with a game of soccer on the Burns Bay Oval or some basketball on the nearby court. There's also a cute little playground for the young ones. While there are a few picnic tables scattered around, there's also plenty of space to stretch out on a picnic blanket. [caption id="attachment_617775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Martin7d2 via Flickr.[/caption] BLUES POINT RESERVE, MCMAHONS POINT This park is a firm favourite among both tourists and locals and it's not hard to see why. While Sydney has many parks with stunning views, Blues Point Reserve is undoubtedly one of the best vantage points for taking in the city skyline and the harbour. While the park is packed with crowds during the NYE fireworks, it tends to be rather quiet for the rest of the year. Kids (and kidults) will love the newly-revamped nautical-themed playground, and there's also a lovely path that meanders around the headland if you're in the mood for a stroll. We recommend packing a sunset picnic for a picture-perfect date night. [caption id="attachment_617772" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Ernest McGray via Flickr.[/caption] OBELISK BEACH, MOSMAN Obelisk Beach has great views and not just because it's one of the only legal nude beaches in Sydney. While the walk down to this Mosman beach is not for the faint of heart — you'll have to scramble down a rocky track and down a long set of stairs — it's more than worth it for the stunning views over Sydney Harbour. Despite its cult status, Obelisk is usually rather tranquil, so it's a great spot to head for a quiet little skinny dip.
Lovers of quality vino, make Double Bay your next stop. In February, we introduced you to Mistelle, a slick new joint on Kiaora Lane. And now it's found itself in some esteemed company, with brand new venue bibo joining the harbourside suburb's wine bar set. bibo is brought to you by two Guillaume expats: head chef Jose Silva, who ran the kitchen at the previous incarnation of Bennelong, and restaurant manager Jonathan Mallet, formerly of Guillaume in Paddington. Pooling their years of fine dining experience, Silva and Mallet have decided to focus on premium quality (yet not too pricey) Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on Portuguese food, which Silva grew up eating and cooking. "It reflects the way I like to eat," Silva says. "You can come in for a snack and a glass of wine or a full meal." Among the menu's Portuguese classics, you'll find bacalhau (salted cod) croquettes, runner bean fritters and clams Bulhão Pato (aka clams in white wine), as well as Portuguese tarts from Silva's Petersham bakery, Sweet Belem. For more contemporary palates, there are braised Rangers Valley short ribs and bone marrow with anchovy crumb. Taking care of the drinks list is head sommelier Louella Mathews (ex-Rockpool Bar and Grill), with her trusty assistant, Ambroise Moriceau (ex-Momofuku Seibo). "Every wine chosen is from a different region, with a different climate, soil type and tradition," says Mathews. "We are offering guests a selection from the best sites in Australia and around the world." In addition, bibo has exclusive access to a very special private cellar, containing a selection of aged Australian Shiraz, Cabernet and Cabernet blends, including a small collection of Penfolds Grange vintages 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1984. "We have compiled a special museum release section in the wine list and have begun our own provenance program. This will allow us to list a wine at its ideal drinking age and ensures that guests are drinking wine that has been kept under optimal conditions," Mathews says. bibo's New York-inspired interior — layered with dark wood, marble and textiles — is the work of Paul Jones of PJ Architects. The main bar overlooks leafy Bay Street, but there's also a large outdoor terrace and an upstairs private room. bibo is located at 7 Bay Street, Double Bay and is open Wednesday and Thursday 5.30pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday midday to midnight, and Sunday midday to 5pm. For more information, visit bibowinebar.com.au.
Did you know you can dive with whale sharks, trek through ancient temples and hike an active volcano, all while being pampered in some of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the world? Asia is home to some breathtaking wonders, from the turquoise waters of the Maldives to the wildlife in Sri Lanka and the natural hot springs of Japan, but it's also home to some incredible hotels. A true holiday is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. To get the best of both worlds on your next holiday, we've partnered with Mr & Mrs Smith to suggest five adventure and accommodation pairings. PICNIC ON A PRIVATE ISLAND IN THE MALDIVES, STAY AT COMO MAALIFUSHI The Maldives are best known for their pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Enough reason to visit the island is Como Maalifushi. This hotel is the only man-made structure on the island it resides in, and it's made up of luxurious, stilted villas that are set on a boardwalk surrounded by crystal clear waters and a visible coral reef beneath. The Maldives islands make up the world's lowest-lying country, reaching just a few metres above sea level, which makes it an ideal spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can take a dip right into the sea from your villa, but for a truly special dive experience, ask the hotel to organise a private scuba trip where you'll have the chance to see whale sharks and other exotic sub-aquatic life. Once you're ready to dry off, there's no better way to finish off the afternoon than a sailboat ride to a nearby private island, where a gourmet picnic will be prepared for you. VISIT THE ANGKOR WAT TEMPLES IN CAMBODIA, STAY AT PHUM BAITANG Angkor Wat is hands down the number one reason to visit Siem Reap, and Phum Baitang is ideally located close to the UNESCO heritage site, but is far excluded from the bustling town itself. Hidden away in the countryside among rice paddy fields, the private homes of Phum Baitang are constructed as traditional Khmer wooden houses. The stilted log cabin-like structures each come with private plunge pool and the hotel offers spa and yoga pavilion for further relaxation. Head to Angkor Wat in style with the hotel's exclusive sunrise temple tours, where you can beat the tourist rush to the popular Bakheng Hill. Once you've finished a morning of hiking, move back out to the countryside where you can have a relaxing swim in a pool overlooking the rolling hills and rice paddies. GO ON SAFARI IN SRI LANKA, STAY AT THE CHENA HUTS The 14 domed pavilions of the Chena Huts are set on seven acres of lush jungle, which affords each villa the utmost privacy and is a true nature getaway. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls open onto a private plunge pool and offer views of the blue lagoon on one side and a private beach on the other. The property is within the protected Yala National Park, so it's an ideal location for nature lovers. The park is a haven for biodiversity and the perfect spot for immersing yourself in the surroundings. Guests can watch giant turtles nesting on the beach and baby turtles hatching there, as well as storks and ibises wading through the lagoon. If you're keen to see more, take a guided safari tour where you can see some of nature's most majestic creatures, including leopards and elephants. VISIT ISE-SHIMA NATIONAL PARK IN JAPAN, STAY AT AMANEMU Wade in healing hot springs and the natural onsen inside Japan's Ise-Shima National Park, then return to your room at Amanemu. The stunning, minimalist hotel has rooms that were built with traditional techniques using natural materials, each with a private soaking tub and hot-spring taps. The hotel overlooks the scenic Ago Bay, where the majority of Mikimoto's pearls are planted and harvested by the Ama—female pearl divers whose ancient tradition dates back 2000 years. The 'Sea Women' impressively dive without tanks and Ise-Shima is one of the very few places in the world where the Ama can be observed. Visitors can enter the popular Ama hut, Satoumian, meet and talk with the Ama and prepare their own freshly caught seafood over a fireplace. HIKE UP MOUNT RINJANI IN INDONESIA, STAY AT THE LOMBOK LODGE The very exclusive Lombok Lodge only has nine suites available at a time. It's breezy and modern, with poolside suites offering ocean views. The boutique resort is set in a secluded coast of Lombok island, acting as a seaside oasis from every day life. The biggest attraction on the island is Mount Rinjani—an active volcano that is the second highest in all of Indonesia. Most visitors trek the mountain to swim in the natural hot spring and crater lake, which is impossibly blue and said to have ancient healing properties. The lake is located approximately 2000 metres above sea level and estimated to be about 200 metres deep. For those only making the trek to the lake, one overnight is required, but if you're a serious hiker and keen to make it all the way to the summit, at least three nights on the mountain should be expected. Make sure to plan your dates around the local weather, though, as the climb is generally closed at certain points of the year. If you decide to take a trip this Easter long weekend, visit Mr and Mrs Smith to book your accommodation. Images: Mr and Mrs Smith.
Brisbanites, you’d best start the coffee percolating and put a cherry pie in the oven, because David Lynch is coming to town. Yes, the filmmaker with some of the most strangely sublime sensibilities in the business — and the best hair, too — is making his first trip to Australia, with Brisbane his sole stopover. We know how lucky we are. He’s here to launch the Gallery of Modern Art’s David Lynch: Between Two Worlds exhibition, and though most might know him from his movies and that one certain TV show that some rightfully say is the best thing to ever grace the small screen, this is a whole-of-building affair. You can watch his films, as well as films about his films. You can hear renditions of the music that helped make much of his work so great. You can buy his signature blend coffee from the gift shop. And you can look at paintings, sculptures, carpet and more that only a mind like his could come up with. By now you hopefully have tickets to his sold-out in-conversation event, a busy film viewing schedule mapped out and plans to stare at his artwork more than once. We’ve got a few other things for you to do, too. Let’s call this your David Lynch homework. WATCH TWIN PEAKS We’ve said it before (just above!), and we’ll say it again: Twin Peaks is one of the best shows that has ever been on television. Sadly, GOMA’s program doesn’t currently include the chance to watch its first and second seasons in full, likely due to rights issues, but anyone with even the tiniest bit of interest in Lynch owes it to themselves to do so at home. You can see the pilot as part of the lineup, as well as the scariest horror film ever made — in the form of movie follow-on, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me — but they’re just not enough. Once you enter Twin Peaks’ world of diminutive dancing men and ladies with logs, you won’t want to leave. And if you need any more convincing, consider it preparation for the third season due out next year. LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC Lynch’s movies are inextricably linked with music; what would Blue Velvet be without Bobby Vinton’s title track, Wild at Heart without Chris Isaak’s 'Wicked Game', or Twin Peaks without Julee Cruise’s 'Falling' and composer Angelo Badalamenti’s haunting themes, after all? The director has been instrumental in the creating distinctive soundscapes for his on-screen work, so it should come as no surprise that he has also released his own albums. His 2001 release, BlueBob, was an experimental rock record. His 2011 effort, Crazy Clown Time, featured the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O on one track and favoured experimental electronica. His 2013 album, The Big Dream, was inspired by blues and pop, combining for a dreamy, experimental sound. Noticing a trend here? So are we. And you’ll also notice that listening to his music — much of which can be found on Spotify — feels just like bathing in his film scores. WATCH LOUIE In 2012, Louis CK pulled off what will likely be his best-ever casting feat. Plenty of familiar faces and recognisable names have popped up in his fictionalised TV series, Louie, but when the comedian pursued an arc in season three that saw his on-screen alter ego considered to replace David Letterman as the host of the Late Show, there was only one person to turn to. Well, several actually, because Lynch wasn’t his first choice (Jerry Lewis, Al Pacino and Martin Scorsese all turned him down); however, it is now impossible to see anyone else as the plain-talking Jack Dall, the man who attempts to guide Louie to success over two episodes. It’s as if Twin Peaks’ Gordon Cole left the FBI and got into the television talk show game — and it is just as glorious as that sounds. READ HIS COMIC STRIP From 1983 to 1992, Lynch wrote and illustrated a comic strip. The Angriest Dog in the World appeared in the LA Reader, the Village Voice and other alternative US publications, inspired by a time in the 1970s when Lynch himself was seething with rage. No, we’re not kidding. Yes, Lynch’s life is filled with the kind of stuff that sounds made up, but isn’t. The image in the comic strip never changed, and always featured the same introduction, explaining that the dog is so angry that he cannot move, eat or sleep. Thought bubbles then delivered existential musings as well as puns and jokes, such as “If everything is real… then nothing is real as well.” Only selected strips can be found online, but even a quick glance proves that they’re pure Lynch. WATCH HIS TV COMMERCIALS AND MUSIC VIDEOS When he’s not making films, albums, TV shows, comic strips and artwork, or popping up in ingenious acting roles, Lynch also dabbles in the world of television commercials and music videos. Okay, okay, so do many other filmmakers – but we guarantee Lynch’s creations are unlike anyone else’s. You might have seen the Japanese coffee ads that tie in to Twin Peaks, but he has also spruiked everything from home pregnancy tests to perfume to Playstation, and even made a spooky public service announcement denouncing littering. In the music video realm, among others he directed an alternative video for Chris Isaak’s 'Wicked Game', an animated clip for Moby’s 'Shot in the Back of the Head', and a video for Nine Inch Nails' 'Came Back Haunted' that comes with a seizure warning. David Lynch: Between Two Worlds is on at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art from March 14 to June 7. See the full program of exhibition-related events at the gallery website.
Bondi's Jewish deli Lox in the Box is serving up babka, cured fish, all the schmears and some of the best bagels our city has to offer. Owner Candy Berger even got her Polish and German grandmothers' ticks of approval for all her recipes — and an ever-growing fan base of Sydneysiders approve, to. Especially now that Lox in a Box is delivering its bagels directly to your doorstep. While the Bondi delicatessen is only open on weekends, you can order a box of bagels for delivery any day of the week. Choose from the signature bagel with pastrami-spiced lox (salt-cured salmon), capers, tomato and schmear; the hot salt beef with mustard and pickles; or the loaded 'salad bagel' with vintage cheddar, pickles, grated carrot, sliced beetroot, rocket and jalapeño schmear. [caption id="attachment_763499" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Kimberley Low[/caption] Each box comes with pickles, chips and drinks. You can also build-your-own box, with bagels, babka scrolls, schmear and even kombucha. And, on Fridays, the Shabboxes are up for grabs — they come with braided challah bread, lox, pickles, Pepe Saya butter and a range of dips, and serve between 4–14 people ($80–168). You'll want to grab extra of that tasty house schmear — it's cream cheese whipped with lemon, dill and shallots. The only catch is that there's a minimum of six bagels per order, and you need to get your order in by 2pm for next-day delivery. In store, you'll also find the herb egg salad bagel with caramelised onions and sliced tomato, plus filtered coffees using Reuben Hills coffee, Minor Figures nitro cold brew and iced chai. But, the deli is only open Friday through Sunday from 8am until sold out — and you can bet they do sell out, so best get in early. Images: Kimberley Low Appears in: Where to Find the Best Bagels in Sydney for 2023
The gardening bug is a hard one to shake. What might start off as some Woolies parsley growing in the windowsill above the sink can quickly evolve into obsessively spraying Seasol on your asters and getting elbow-deep in dirt to dig up this month's potato harvest. Whether you're wanting some tips on affordable places to get a start on your own patch of green or you're wanting to know where you can find the best variety of natives and endangered plants to splurge on, here are the top ten places to buy plants in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_573248" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Albert Melu[/caption] RANDWICK COMMUNITY NURSERY One of your first ports of call should be your local council nursery. Councils (like Randwick) are interested in keeping the plants endemic to the local area in people's gardens and front curbs, so they're a great place to pick up natives and cheap saplings. This also means the plants you'll get from your council nursery will usually grow well in your yard soil, because they're suited to the conditions of the area. Local councils, including the City of Sydney, also often run free plant giveaways from time to time, so keep an eye out. But be warned — the lines at these things are longer than you'd expect, so get their early or prepare for at least an hour wait. GROWING FRIENDS' NURSERY Did you know you can buy plants straight out of the Royal Botanic Gardens? The Growing Friends' Nursery sells plants that have been propagated using living collections from the gardens, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. Not only does this nursery offer a range of native, exotic, rare, hard-to-find and endangered plants, but the money you spend here goes straight to supporting Botanic Gardens projects, which are largely run by volunteers. MARRICKVILLE MARKET Marrickville Market always provides an amazing excuse to spend a few hours gorging on fresh produce, fresh bread and homemade fudge, but they're also a great place to find some really beautiful plants for a reasonable price. They've got a stunning range of established plants and seedlings, including natives, and usually have some great deals on herbs and small potted flowers. Head to the food stalls first and get your fill — chances are, you'll find your hands full once you've stocked up on a crate of leafy bargains. NEWTOWN GARDEN MARKET This small nursery is absolute magic. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm — and its finely curated selection of plants, which include everything from orchids to cacti. The staff are great and always ready to help when you just can't figure out what you've done to make your indoor rubber tree look so sad. They understand that shoppers come from all levels of green experience, offering hard-to-kill Zanzibar Gems (the magic plant that thrives on neglect and only needs watering once every three months) for those with black thumbs as well as being able to talk through the intricacies of garden layouts with the pros. Possibly the most welcoming on the list, the Newtown Garden Market also has great standing deals — like four flowering plants for $10 and six herbs for $25 — meaning you can build your own flowerbed or herb garden in one trip. SYDNEY'S PLANT MARKET If you're looking for a bigger selection to choose from, Sydney's Plant Market out in Annangrove is a great choice. They've got a huge range of established trees and shrubs and, best of all, an excellent selection of carnivorous plants. It doesn't get much cooler than having a plant that will go all Little Shop of Horrors and devour the bugs in your house. HONEYSUCKLE GARDEN Honeysuckle Garden, in both Mosman and Bondi Junction, is definitely worth considering if you're going to take the plunge into landscaping a large garden. They get bonus points for sourcing most of their beautiful selection from the delightfully named Honeysuckle Park, a five-acre production nursery in Dural which is worth visiting in itself — particularly if you're looking for more mature trees, including magnolias and camellias. And for aspirational plant daydreaming, you may want to check out the Plantspiration section of their website, where you can open yourself up to the world of magnificently camp plant names. My favourites include the Teddy Bear magnolia, the chain of hearts, fiddle-leaf figs and flapjacks. It's a world you never knew you never knew. EDEN GARDENS A visit to Eden Gardens is a day in itself, and probably best suited if you're a pro wanting a large selection — if you're just a plant lover it can be a bit overwhelming. Either way, it's a great adventure; the centre is designed to work as a series of themed gardens in itself, so it's lovely just to wander through and gather ideas. Plus, you can finish up with a coffee at the Dragonfly Café. [caption id="attachment_573255" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Matt Montgomery[/caption] BUNNINGS Although we'd rather support small, local businesses, don't discount Bunnings altogether. The home improvement chain not only offers all the higher end gardening paraphernalia you'll need if you're going to go full Costa, but you can also find good terracotta pots of all sizes for a reasonable price. We've got word from a gardening old-hat that Bunnings restocks on Thursdays and Fridays, so Wednesdays are usually the day to grab things on sale. FLOWER POWER Flower Power garden centres are located all across the state, and again have the benefit of a large range and good display (as well as a café to keep you caffeinated). Best of all, the Mascot store runs terrarium workshops, so you can get access to all their tools and knowhow to make magic little gardens trapped in glass. Their website is also worth a look for info on seasonal plants, handy DIY tips for the garden and even recipes for the harvest from your veggie patch. They frequently have great sales and they'll even deliver bigger purchases to you don't have a car and/or upper body strength. [caption id="attachment_573261" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Benjamin Combs[/caption] NEIGHBOURHOOD SHARE Last — but certainly not least — don't forget all of the free options available to you for filling out your garden. Say you see a beautiful rosemary bush sprawling across your neighbour's front path, why not lean across the fence and — after some obligatory weather chat and maybe some flattery — ask if you can take a small clipping to plant in your garden? Or break out of the food economy entirely and start growing your own veggies from kitchen scraps. Never underestimate the power of the four Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, Rihanna.
Bondi's beachfront is about to get a whole lot busier — and it's not because of that postcard-perfect beach. Taking over the old Swiss Grand Hotel site, there's a huge new development erupting on the beachfront, dubbed Pacific Bondi Beach. We've been peering through the dusty construction and newly-installed windows to have a sticky beak into what's happening with the space, and now we've got a little bit more of a clue as to what's actually going into that prime piece of real estate. Sporting a Bondi-meets-Miami art deco style, the complex will combine one of Australia's most expensive apartments and residential lofts with a high-end boutique hotel, food outlets and retail stores. Already announced features of the complex include the QT Bondi, a highly anticipated new venture for the hotel group set to open in November 2015. Featuring lobby artworks by celebrated Australian artist Shaun Gladwell, QT Bondi will see 69 individually-styled luxury guest suites designed in collaboration with renowned hotel designer Nic Graham. It'll be the only the only boutique, high-end hotel on Bondi Beach, and guests will have access to Pacific Bondi’s services and amenities. But you won't have to stay at the QT or live in a crazy expensive 'Lighthouse Loft' apartment to check out the Pacific Bondi Beach, with a dining and retail precinct planned for the openair atrium. Good Food is reporting new foodie tenants confirmed for the space: the north shore's Scoop Wholefoods and Central Park Sydney's Anita Gelato. There's apparently a small bar operator set to join the party, with details yet to be revealed, and there'll be restaurants and an espresso bar of some capacity. And a grab-and-go, deli-focused Woolworths has already been announced for the space (quite the coup), so this space looks set to cater for locals and hotel guests alike. Retailers must be fighting tooth and nail to get a spot in the new complex, but Pacific Bondi Beach has only revealed one tenant so far. Back in September, we told you about Saturdays NYC opening their first Australian store in Bondi, and this will indeed be opened within the PBB space. Nice pull. Pacific Bondi is due to be completed by 2015, with concrete opening dates TBC. Saturdays NYC will open in Bondi this October, while QT Bondi will open in November 2015. Via Good Food.
If anyone knows the recipe for an highly talked-about hospitality venue, it's the Merivale crew. As always with the Hemmes empire's new openings, there's been a whole lot of buzz surrounding the launch of the group's two latest ventures — and now they're set to open tomorrow on Oxford Street. Seasonally-focused restaurant Fred's and intimate basement bar Charlie Parker's are as ambitious as you'd expect, with some big guns at the helm and an exciting, produce-driven food philosophy at their core. Both venues have been designed by Justin and Bettina Hemmes, Vince Alafaci and Caroline Chocker of ACME & Co., and styled by Amanda Talbot. Inspired by provincial French manors, Fred's sees a light-filled, pared back interior detailed with old French oak timbers. Downstairs, Charlie Parker's cocktail bar is more of a cosy den of exposed sandstone. Steering the ship at Fred's, head chef Danielle Alvarez comes by way of the USA's acclaimed Chez Panisse and French Laundry, bringing a passion for sustainability and some serious farm-to-table flair to her new kitchen. She's spent the past year been scouting out the very best local producers (as well as likeminded chefs), and will be using a combination of old-world and innovative techniques to make those ingredients sing. Cooked on free-standing Tuscan grills and a large hearth, the menu's set to change regularly, based around whatever seasonal goodies Alvarez can get her hot little hands on. First up, leg of lamb a la ficelle with laver bread, broad beans and mint, or handmade cavatelli with rabbit and peas, or rhubarb and beaumes de venise mille feuille. Fred's also boasts handmade crockery, carefully handpicked artwork, and a carefully curated, 120-strong wine list from head sommelier Caitlyn Rees, boasting small-batch labels aplenty and a hefty lineup of pouring wines — the 'wine by the glass' list will change daily according to Alvarez's menu. Downstairs, the Charlie Parker's offering is similarly thoughtful. Duo Sam Egerton and Toby Marshall are throwing down an innovative, produce-driven cocktail list, backed by an Alvarez-designed menu of clever bar snacks — think Willowbrae feta with grapes and pickled chilies baked on lemon leaves. Find Fred's and Charlie Parker's at 380 Oxford Street, Paddington. Fred's is open for lunch Friday to Sunday 12pm-3pm and dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm-12am and Sunday: 5.30pm-10pm. Charlie Parker's is open Tuesday to Thursday 5pm-12am, Friday 3pm -12am, Saturday 12pm-12am and Sunday: 12pm-10pm.
You'll be able to get up close to world conqueror, fearsome Bridesmaid and actual ray of sunshine Rose Byrne in 2016, when the actor makes a return to the Australian stage. She'll play the wildcard, Karen, in Speed-the-Plow, a satire on Hollywood studio dealings by David Mamet (esteemed American playwright most recently admired for his work fathering Girls’ Zosia Mamet). Byrne's appearance is part of the new season from the Sydney Theatre Company (her first role there since 2001's Three Sisters). The season is the final one from artistic director Andrew Upton, who is wrapping up eight years at the helm of the company, including five alongside wife Cate Blanchett. STC will spend 2016 handing over to incoming artistic director Jonathan Church. "Though it is my last program, it is Jonathan Church’s first, and I think inheriting and overseeing it will be an opportunity for him to get to know the Company and our audience across its full range," says Upton. "He’ll work with some of our great writers, directors, designers and actors in work showcasing them and the STC at their best." What else is in store in 2016? Some of Upton's all-time favourite playwrights, an award-winning international production that imagines Prince Charles finally ascending to the throne, five premieres of new Australian works, and the return of one of our 2013 favourites. Here's the breakdown. The Golden Age (14 January – 20 February) As Upton sees it, "injecting life" into great Australian plays of the past, particularly ones we've not seen enough of since, is one of the missions of the STC. The 1985 play The Golden Age by Louis Nowra falls into that category, and with its unbelievable yet inspired-by-a-true-story premise — that a group of people living in isolation since the 19th century and abiding by Regency customs is found in the wilderness of Tasmania (okay maybe that's not unbelievable) — it looks like a fascinating exploration of colonialism. The Secret River (1 February – 20 February) We picked this as one of our top five shows of 2013, and it's one we're happy to welcome back. The concurrent look at a white settler family and a family from the local Dharug people sharing the same riverbank is necessary viewing. Kate Grenville's empathetic storytelling, Andrew Bovell's effective adaptation, Neil Armfield's epic direction — it's become the stuff of Australian legend. Arcadia (8 February – 2 April) This is one of those Tom Stoppard head trips — in fact, a favourite of Upton's, who rates it even above Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. It's set in one home, across two different time periods 200 years apart. In 1809, a libidinous tutor and his precocious protege explore chaos theory — and each other. In the present day, two feuding academics try to piece their story together. Cerebral good times ensue. Ryan Corr, Blazey Best, Andrea Demetriades and Josh McConville all star. Machu Picchu (3 March – 19 April) Upton describes playwright Sue Smith as creating serious, adult dramas, but with a touch of whimsy. This one stars Lisa McCune as a successful woman forced into reassessing her life. Where the Incan citadel comes into it, we'll have to wait and see. Golem (16 March – 26 March) 1927 are one of those companies that smush together live actors and lush animated projections and create the kind of show that renders adults open mouthed and mostly nonverbal. The Brits were last here in 2010 with The Animals and Children Took to the Streets and this time they're back with a Frankenstein tale about modern technology. King Charles III (31 March – 30 April) The STC has a tradition of bringing out one international production each year, and this one's a doozy. Olivier Award-winning, Broadway-bound, King Charles III is set in a near future where Queen Elizabeth II has passed and Prince Charles finally ascends to the throne. Written in iambic pentameter a la Shakespeare, the play, by Mike Bartlett (Cock), cloaks today's light-hearted royals in dynastic intrigue. Hay Fever (11 April – 21 May) We go to Noel Coward plays to see people destroy each other with words. This is a fun one, set in a British country manor to which every member of an outwardly respectable but actually eccentric family has invited a single guest. Actors Heather Mitchell, Harriet Dyer, Tony Llewellyn-Jones and Helen Thomson are along for this crazy ride, along with director Imara Savage. Disgraced (16 April – 4 June) This is a new American work that made waves in 2012 and won the Pulitzer Prize. It explores prejudice in contemporary New York through the character of an American-born, Muslim-raised corporate lawyer whose dream run at work comes to an end. Like so many good theatrical dramas, it all blows up one night over dinner. All My Sons (4 June – 9 July) If there's an Arthur Miller play out there that can just carry on and do its thing without punching you in the gut, we're yet to see it. Big guns John Howard and Robyn Nevin will star in this one, about an all-American family whose successes are threatened by the emergence of secrets from the past. We've previously called Arthur Miller the 1940s' Breaking Bad, so there's that. The Hanging (28 July – 10 September) Master of theatrical creepiness Angela Betzien (The Dark Room) is back with a play about two missing Melbourne schoolgirls, whose disappearance may have been inspired by Picnic at Hanging Rock. This crime thriller will be directed by Sarah Goodes and stars Ashleigh Cummings of Puberty Blues. A Midsummer Night's Dream (12 September – 22 October) You think you know this play, but director Kip Williams sees a side to it we haven't explored (and if you saw his Romeo and Juliet, you'll know these sides can be very illuminating). His imagining will focus on the forest as a site and a symbol of sexual exploration for the young lovers. Power Plays (17 September – 15 October) Upton admires the "particular energy" that short plays have — bold and immediate — and here he's programmed a collection of five new such works by Melissa Bubnic, Michele Lee, Nakkiah Lui, Hannie Rayson and Debra Thomas. Bound together by the theme of 'power', this show is one for all the theatre lovers with short attention spans. A Flea in Her Ear (31 October – 17 December) "Come for the sex, stay for the farce", reads the STC program. We couldn't have put it better or more clickbaitily ourselves. Simon Phillips directs a new adaptation by Upton, based on the work of Georges Feydeau. Speed-the-Plow (8 November – 10 December) Here's that glimpse of the beneficent Rose Byrne we promised you. Hopefully her own experiences do not too closely resemble Mamet's cutting depiction of Hollywood life. Lachy Hulme (Offspring) also stars and Upton directs. The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark (16 June – 17 July) Although you no doubt lolled at this title, this play is not strictly for you. If you can find a small person to take with you, however, it might be the best introduction to theatre you can give them. Crafty and crass Sisters Grimm member Declan Greene teams with kids company The Listies for this one, an add-on to the STC main stage season. The Wharf Revue 2016 (19 October – 23 December) You've either been going to this annual political send-up every year for 15 years, or you've not heard of it. Whichever it is, continue as you were. 2016 season tickets are on sale from 8 September. To explore the season and to book, visit the STC website.
Bar No. 5 doesn't just talk the talk about being a local joint. The repurposed warehouse Alexandria bar is focused not only on seasonality and sourcing local ingredients, but is also enacting a closed-loop policy for the venue — think foraging, bee keeping, solar panels and a composting worm farm to boot. "We want to achieve as close to zero waste as we can with this bar and the restaurant, and keeping it local is all a part of that goal," says bar manager Alex O'Brien (ex -Archie Rose). O'Brien and the team are already taking courses in all of the above through Newtown's Green Living Centre, and will shortly begin foraging in nearby parks. These ingredients will make their way onto the seasonal food and cocktail menu, with the latter including locally made spirits and craft brews from the likes of Willie the Boatman, Yulli's Brews and Wayward Brewing. "We're also making cordials and vinegars in house, using left over ingredients like pineapple skins and long bean tops/tails to infuse in sherries and vodkas," says O'Brien. Food-wise, Bar No. 5 focuses on share plates, fitting the community vibe nicely. At the moment, they're serving up buttermilk fried chicken po' boys ($16), family-style seafood platters ($38) and spice-rubbed chicken ($25-$40). The best day to drop by is Sundays, when they're offering up $1.50 oysters and arancini, fifty cent wings and live music from 3pm-5pm. It's a made-by-locals-for-local venue, owned by Alexandria folk in an area keen for repurposed hospitality spaces. "We love the idea of locals serving locals, and that's what is at the heart of this venue", says O'Brien. The long unused building has its roots as a gemstone processing facility and they've maintained that warehouse fitout and worn-out character. If all this doesn't make them neighbourhood champions, the bar also has an alcove dog area with leash hooks and a gas fire for winter. The space is still a work in progress and gearing up for a relaunch in the coming months, but they're clearly worth going to check out in the meantime. Keep an eye on this space for all of the foraging and beekeeping updates to come. Find Bar No. 5 at 5 McCauley Street, Alexandria. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11.30am to 11pm and Sunday 11.30am to 10pm
As Sydney speakeasies go, Stitch Bar may have one of the most convincing decoy frontages in town — a small hole-in-the-wall tailor's shop on York Street. But once you venture past the vintage sewing machine by the front door and through some unassuming curtains, you'll find yourself at the top of a staircase descending into a basement saloon that feels a million miles away from any buttoned-up sartorial formality. The tailor's theme gets a slight nod via old sewing tables and sewing machines under the bar, but that's where the white-collar vibes end. This pint-sized drinking den, with comfy booths on one side and bistro tables on the other, is a laidback spot to unplug from the stress and hustle of the city above. This small bar is low-lit and has some serious booze on the list, not just in the spirits department. There are glasses of rosé or great Aussie whites, and then, of course, the cocktails. Try a classic like an old fashioned or a paloma — or one of Stitch's signature concoctions such as the Maple & Ash, a sweet yet smoky mingle that comes with a pork crackling snack on the side. There's also a broad whisky selection to sample if you're in the mood for a dram or two. Many may pretend they come to Stitch purely for the excellent drinking, but some are certainly here because it's a great excuse to have a hot dog. And there are some fancy franks to choose from: the Mac Ducky, made with duck, orange and foie gras, gets our shout. If you aren't keen on the dogs, there's also a wide array of smash-patty and fried chicken burgers on offer, as well a hearty ribeye steak alongside dive-bar bites like mac 'n' cheese balls, hot wings and loaded tacos.
It's been a while since Tramsheds Harold Park opened its doors to the public. If you haven't had a chance to check it out — we understand, life can get in the way — it really is well worth a visit. The revamped heritage-listed Rozelle Tram Depot features a European-inspired market hall lined with bespoke retailers, from butchers and bakers to fried chicken and fresh pasta makers. Basically, it's enough to make your eyes weep with sweet, sweet happiness tears (and maybe some of anxious indecision). Each of the retailers — which include some of Sydney's biggest food names, as well as some newbies — have created a stunning space to serve their nosh, with most offering takeaway as well as produce to take home and cook. There's a supermarket, a nail salon and a gym, but the food is where it's at. It's open seven days a week for brekkie, lunch and dinner, so there's ample opportunity for gorging. To help you out on your culinary journey, here's a rundown of all the things you should eat and drink. Go. BUTCHER AND THE FARMER Quasi celebrity chef Jared Ingersoll (ex-Danks Street Depot) is behind this one, and considering his last few ventures — helming the kitchen at Hunter & Barrel and Barrel and Beast pop-up — were focused on meat, it seems like a natural progression for him to open a butcher. Although this isn't your ordinary butcher. You can head in to pick up some top-quality cuts of meat, but it's also a huge all-day 300-seat restaurant which serves up whole animals roasted over coal as well as an impressive charcuterie and pickle selection. Butcher and the Farmer also has a private dining option which is inside a motherflipping tram. Open for: breakfast, lunch and dinner. What to eat: wood-smoked brisket with pickled cucumber and jalapeno cream. BEKYA This is something a little bit different for Tramsheds: Egyptian food. Bekya is doing an Egyptian-Middle Eastern menu in a mezzanine-like area filled with greenery. The venue slings homemade Egyptian flatbread, and you've got to try the koshari which is a beautiful mess of lentils, rice, macaroni, chickpeas, tomato salsa and fried onions. It's delicious. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to eat: koshari. GARÇON Garçon is a new cafe from The Little Marionette team. It sits at the entrance so you can enter either through Tramsheds or without entering the venue proper, so it's your go-to for a takeaway or sit-in coffee — it has some really awesome amphitheatre-like cushioned seating arrangement around the coffee roaster. Best part is, they'll turn into a bar at night serving espresso martinis. Open for: breakfast, lunch and dinner. What to drink: espresso martini. FLOUR EGGS WATER BY A TAVOLA If you've been to A Tavola in either Darlinghurst or Bondi, you'll know what to expect here. But, like the name suggests, the main focus at Tramsheds is pasta. The venue has a pretty epic pasta-making setup on display to everyone walking past, and you can both sit down for a bowl of the good stuff, or take it away to cook at home. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to eat: orecchiette with cauliflower, mint and breadcrumbs. BODEGA 1904 Bodega has some of the best seats at Tramsheds. We mean that quite literally — the custom-made stools that line the bar are really, really nice. This is an offshoot of Bodega in Surry Hills, and the teams from the restaurant and Porteño have created a tapas menu that's very well-suited to the whole Tramsheds vibe. Plus, there's a wine store. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to eat: mussels steamed in saffron and lime with potato and roti. OSAKA TRADING CO. This one comes from the Tokyo Bird team. Like the Darlo restaurant, Osaka is doing some killer Japanese cocktails and bar food. Serving up a potentially life-changing scallop with sweet soy butter and a really, really good gin yuzu cocktail with smoked honey. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to eat: grilled scallop with soy butter, onion and leek. FISH & CO. Tramsheds' very own fish and chippie. All the fish here is wild-caught using sustainable fishing practices, and you can eat in take away or buy your own fish to cook at home. Definitely get the beer-battered fish with the rosemary chips. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to eat: fish and chips (duh). GELATO MESSINA Nothing new here, folks — just another notch in Messina's Sydney domination belt. The gelateria does all the regular scoops as well as cakes. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to eat: you already know. MAMA'S BUOI This is Mama's Buoi's third Sydney outlet (with restaurants already in Surry Hills and Crows Nest) and this one is doing pretty much the same thing, serving up casual Vietnamese food and Asian-inspired cocktails. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to eat: pulled duck pancake with pineapple. BELLE'S HOT CHICKEN Okay, everyone knows Belle's. The fried chicken masters have opened another Sydney venue, no complaints here. On offer, all the standard finger lickin' chicken as well as a slew of natural wines and ice-cold beers — both of which do a great job of cutting through the rich chicken and refreshing your palate. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to eat: The Baller Bucket complete with sixteen wings and your choice of four sides. REDLINE KITCHEN & TAPHOUSE If you're looking for a brewpub, look no further. Redline Taphouse and Kitchen is the new venue from chef Joe Slakey (Flying Fajita Sisters), which boasts ten rotating taps, a menu of Southern-style American eats and an outdoor beer garden to boot. Open for: lunch and dinner. What to drink: beer, of course. Images: Steven Woodburn.
It's getting to that time of year when the idea of putting some original thought into gifts can start to seem too noble a cause — especially when a Myer giftcard is just in arm's reach. But it doesn't have to be so difficult. Whether you've made a dent on your gift shopping list or not (because let's face it, you probably haven't), take note of these online stores perfect for uncommon and sure-to-delight Christmas gifts. SORRY THANKS I LOVE YOU Sorry Thanks I Love You is making gift-giving less torturous and more fun again with a quiz that helps you track down the ultimate gift. By asking a few questions ('What were they like a kid?' or 'What would they do with 24 hours in NYC?'), Sorry Thanks I Love You actually tailors their gift list to your loved one. It does help if your gift recipient is a fan of artisanal creature comforts as gourmet food and beverages, flowers and accessories are what Sorry Thanks I Love You does best. www.sorrythanksiloveyou.com OXFAM SHOP Regret purchases are virtually nonexistent at Oxfam's online shop, which features handmade, Fair Trade gifts crafted by skilled people from 136 producer groups in 38 different countries. Boasting a wide variety of homewares, fashion accessories and gourmet food and drink, Oxfam Shop has answered your Christmas gift shopping prayers with presents for your 96-year-old grandmother down to your two-year-old niece all neatly taken care of. And let's not forget how delicious fair trade chocolate can be. www.oxfamshop.org.au THIS IS WHY I'M BROKE Collating the wackiest gifts from all corners of the internet, This Is Why I'm Broke will perplex and amaze you, or at least, make you laugh audibly at some of the downright ridiculous things on sale. With edge-only brownie pans, suit pajamas, crystal-clear canoes and countless other brilliant inventions, it does take a bit of trawling to find just the right gift, but once you start, there's no knowing when you'll stop. Don't blame us if you forget you're not shopping for yourself. www.thisiswhyimbroke.com HUNTING FOR GEORGE Hunting for George is the project of Melbourne-based sisters Jo Harris and Lucy Glade-Wright who hand-pick local and international pieces which accord with their own brand's emphasis on quality and originality. Featuring creatively curated gift guides and product descriptions that feel less like manufacturer dribble and more like a friend's recommendation, Hunting For George is gift hunting without the headache. It's the place to go for indoor/outdoor Milk & Sugar stools, pastel-splashed Pop & Scott plant pots and Iris Hantverk's old-school birchwood house essentials. www.huntingforgeorge.com SIX THINGS Following an Alice in Wonderland guiding light — "Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast" — Six Things is the prime place to shop for gifts for the friend who can quote entire movies backwards. Founded by the Queensland-based designers at j6 design, Six Things allows you to shop by theme or by type and discover people-pleasing gifts like Tea-Rex mugs, ghetto car fresheners or Pulp Fiction/Sesame Street fusion cushion covers. Alternatively, slip into the rabbit hole and treat your friend (or even yourself) to a mystery blind date… with a book. www.sixthings.com.au SOCIETY6 Founded by Justin Cooper, Lucas Tirigall-Caste and Justin Wills, Society6 is breathing new life into printed clothes, wall art and homewares. Shop for your gifts on Society6 if you think your partner's shower curtains need some refreshing, or if your best friend's wall clock is looking a bit drab. Society6 sources artwork from thousands of artists worldwide and allows artists to actually profit from sales without giving up their creative rights. A printed iPhone case never felt so morally good. www.society6.com MOMA DESIGN STORE The MoMA Design Store is a special place. One of New York City's most exciting galleries, it has a number of retail spaces where you can purchase all of the designy gifts you have ever wanted. And if you can't just fly over to New York for a shopping weekend anytime soon, they've got you covered with their comprehensive online store, which provides modest international shipping rates to Australia. www.momastore.org ETSY Cutesy might be the first thing you think of when someone says Etsy, but there's no denying that Etsy is queen of the online boutique, hosting over 1 million online handcraft and vintage stores from all across the globe. If searching for the perfect gift among Etsy's online treasure trove is a bit daunting, we recommend eyeing the Etsy Design Award Nominees, a handpicked bunch of designers that stand a little taller than the rest. www.etsy.com THE DOWNTIME AGENDA Keeping true to this website's policy of absolute zen, your Christmas shopping for those who do their downtime right — from curling up with a scented candle to finding inner peace with earthy incense — is right here at the click of a button. With selections of gift packs for mothers, gardeners and blanket enthusiasts, the Downtime Agenda has all your 'chilling' needs covered. If your zen friend is not so much the materialistic type, you can also buy 'experiences' such as yoga classes and 'blend your own gin' workshops. www.thedowntimeagenda.com HARD TO FIND This hidden Australian gem brings together all the best elements of gift shopping and makes them super easy to find, putting presents for Christmas, birthdays, friends, dads, grandmas and girlfriends together for a beautifully designed stroll through the online market. Hard To Find offers an array of treasures sourced from across Australia and around the world, with gifts from France, England and beyond sure to satisfy even the pickiest family member on Christmas morning. www.hardtofind.com.au UNCOMMON GOODS From a water bottle for your dog to personalised whiskey barrels, Uncommon Goods definitely delivers what it promises, alongside a host of more sophisticated, grandmother-approved gifts for the whole family Christmas. This website has a particular section for more fun and quirky gifts, along with a section entirely for all your festive needs, allowing you to choose personalised wares that suit everybody's individual style. www.uncommongoods.com JAPAN TREND SHOP Have you ever woken up in the morning, looked in the mirror, and realised you absolutely can't go without a Panasonic Beauty Ion Effector? Neither have we, but you can buy one at the Japan Trend Shop — if you can believe it. With a range of beauty wears including USB-heated leggings and boiled egg-shaped headbands, this kitsch online emporium really does stock whatever you can imagine. www.japantrendshop.com HIM & 1 Specialising in all that is fine and functional across household goods, art and body care products, Him & I is a wholesome Australian online store that houses the current obsessions of site creators Kara and Josh. From boldly coloured bedding by Kip & Co and sophisticated watches by The Horse to simple tableware by Made in Japan and earthy art designs by Kristina Krogh, Him&I is a feast of gift ideas by brands definitely not seen at your nearest Westfield. www.himandi.com.au By Katie Davern, Eden Faithfull and Matthew Abotomey. Top image: Basil Bangs, available at Hunting for George.
When the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards descended on Australia earlier in the year, we were lucky enough to not only have the world's best chefs on our shores, but also the world's best sommeliers. Over April, Wine Australia took 50 talented wine professionals on a tour of our best wine bars, restaurants and wine regions — starting in Sydney before moving on to Melbourne and visiting bars including Embla and Bar Liberty, then stopping to experience wine regions in Victoria, Tasmania, Canberra, South Australia and Western Australia. For one of their first stops at Newtown's Continental Deli, established wine writer Mike Bennie took the sommeliers on a wine-tasting journey. We couldn't lose an opportunity to get all patriotic, so we asked them for their thoughts on Australian wine. A pattern appeared in their answers: Australia, once known only to produce bulk, heavy wine varieties like Chardonnay and Shiraz, is going through a renaissance of sorts. A new generation of winemakers are jumping in and producing unique vintages with a true expression of the Australian terroir. All that small-batch, natural wine you've been hearing about is finally garnering the interest it deserves from international sorts. Sitting at the table was Alessandro Perricone of Copenhagen's relaxed, fine dining establishment Relae, Heidi Nam Knudsen, a wine buyer who works closely with Yotam Ottolenghi in the UK, Fahara Zamorano, head sommelier at Curtis Stone's restaurant Gwen in Los Angeles, Ambrose Chiang, of Australia's own Momofuku Seiobo, and Hiroshi Ishida, a multi award-winning sommelier from L'aube (an established restaurant in Tokyo with little online presence). Over the morning, each of them tasted around ten different Australian wines — they remained controlled and professional at all times, but make no mistake, they were drunk. [caption id="attachment_619886" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fahara Zamorano.[/caption] What did you know about the Australian wine industry before coming to Australia? Alessandro Perricone: I knew little. While working in Italy at the beginning of my career, I came across some famous Australian brands which, in my opinion, speak more for themselves rather than talking about a territory. Now in Copenhagen, some of the new-generation winemakers are getting more and more popular, but my knowledge was quite confused before I arrived. Hiroshi Ishida: I know quite a lot about Australian wine as I've visited before. Australian wine is really diverse, it honestly offers the A-to-Z. I am more familiar with established regions such as the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Barossa, Clare Valley and Margaret River. These are all sophisticated and sustainable wine growing regions, with well-known large wineries that we are familiar with in Japan. Fahara Zamorano: My knowledge about the Australian wine industry was limited to the wines I had been shown in the US. I do have the privilege to taste some beautiful Aussie wines in California, but the selection is quite limited in comparison to everything that's happening in Australia right now. Heidi Nam Knudsen: To be honest I didn't know a lot. I stopped paying attention a few years back because I felt that all the wines I tried were too big and heavy. It was all about Shiraz and Chardonnay, but without much terroir-driven personality. Only recently did I start taking notice again, when I tried the wines from a new generation of winemakers in the Adelaide Hills. [caption id="attachment_619884" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hiroshi Ishida.[/caption] How has your perception of Australian wine changed? Ambrose Chiang: This program has shown me how physically big Australia is — Portugal to Poland is almost as far as Perth to Sydney. Imagine the different micro and macro-climates! The Australian wine industry has seen tremendous growth in the past decade. From internationally recognised as a single wine region for big, bold, alcoholic Shiraz and cloying, toasted Chardonnay, to establishing a country with a diverse range of terroirs which produce wines not only reflective of place, but good farming, skilled winemaking and dedication toward quality wines. FZ: My perception changed immensely, I was extremely surprised in the best possible way to find a renaissance happening in Australian wine right now. The energy is contagious, the collaboration between winemakers within regions is inspiring, and the unification of the country to elevate the world's perception of Australian wine is just a wonderful thing to witness. AP: Yes! I certainly went deeper regarding some territories. I see a change in style with the last vintages and in general a much better approach to winemaking with less intervention. Different to what my thoughts of Australian wines were. Many of the wines in Australia have a hard time talking about a terroir, as the approach to agriculture and viticulture is wrong, but this new wave of producers makes me hope for a better future. HI: On this trip to Australia I felt dynamism. There is much more diversity in the styles that winemakers are crafting, from conventional to funky. It's obvious there is some great talent within the new generation. There are new, emerging regions and I saw a lot of potential. [caption id="attachment_619905" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alessandro Perricone.[/caption] Describe Australian wine in one sentence. AP: Australian wine is a total lack of rules and pure freedom. It can easily turn into something marvellous, or just as easily, into a mess! FZ: Renaissance. HNK: There's more history to Australian wine than one might think, and judging from what I've seen on this trip there's a big, bright future ahead of it. I guess the biggest difference is that Australia is such a large country and almost every climate and soil type can be found. That means Australia can produce all of the major wine types from red, white, fortified to sparkling wines. AC: I believe that it's almost impossible to describe Australian wine in one sentence. Our freedom of viticulture and vilification and the dedication of so many producers, along with the multiplicity of terroirs, drives us to be one of the most diverse and innovative wine industries in the world. [caption id="attachment_619888" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Heidi Nam Knudsen.[/caption] What were you looking forward to seeing the most, and did it live up to your expectations? HI: I wanted to see the potential in new regions and explore the Victorian High Country and Tasmania. Absolutely, this trip lived up to more than I expected. All the sparkling wine from Tasmania was fantastic. We tried sparkling wines from House of Arras, Josef Chromy, Pipers Brook. FZ: I was very excited to visit Tasmania because not much of their wine makes it out of Australia (thanks Melbourne and Sydney). The little exposure I had prior to this trip left me wanting more. Tasmania lived up to and surpassed my expectations. For such a young wine growing region, there's some serious talent that's 'put all their eggs in that one basket' as we say in America. That alone is an indication of the potential of the region. Now they just need to make more juice so we can get some too! HNK: I was really excited about visiting Adelaide Hills and visit some of the vineyards there. On my last day I went to Manon Farm up in Forest Range. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Spending time with Tim and Monique on their beautiful farm was very special indeed and their approach to farming really inspired me. [caption id="attachment_619907" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ambrose Chiang.[/caption] What was the most notable wine you've tasted, or thing you've seen on the tour? FZ: The wine that left me speechless was Henschke Hill of Grace. There's a lot of high end/expensive wines out there and I've been fortunate enough to taste many, but not many have the soul that wine has. Every vintage I tasted, from 1986 to current vintage was absolutely stunning. That kind of depth is only developed with the wisdom of time and those vines have attained it and pass it along in their fruit. It's hard to describe in technical notes. Like I said, it left me speechless. AC: Out of the 1000-plus wines tasted, the most notable wines were 2014 Si Vintners Halcyon Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Yarra Yerring Chardonnay and 1996 Henschke 'Hill of Grace' Shiraz. They were wines that displayed incredible flavour. One of the best trips in the program was visiting Western Australia. The sunset at the White Elephant Cafe was out of this world. What are you taking back home? AP: The passion of the people, organisers and winemakers who worked so hard and beautifully showed me their jobs, their produce and their land. I'm taking home Australia, as it deeply touched my heart. I will start importing some of the young and small producers I met during my trip. I look forward to coming back to Australia. FZ: Love. HI: I'll be taking a huge amount home. I use Australian wine very often in wine pairings in my restaurant, and I'd really like to showcase more Australian wine so Japanese diners can recognise its diversity. HNK: The energy and excitement of the new generation of winemakers in the Adelaide Hills and Basket Range and the outstanding quality of food on display everywhere we went. Celebrate Australian wine by attending Aussie Wine Month over May — there are events and tasting opportunities happening across the country. Images: Kimberley Low.
There's a newish café on the Redfern end of Bourke Street and it's the answer to our prayers. St Jude, taking its tag from the patron saint of lost causes, is already a firm favourite among locals and far from its namesake. According to owners and long-time friends, Kate Thomson and Grant Piper, this trendy, welcoming breakfast and lunch joint is quite the opposite. In fact, it's somewhat of a saviour. Not only because the Surry-Redfern border residents now have a genuinely great place to go for a bite and a barista brew come weekend mornings, but, if these two hospitality heroes (who first worked together at the old DOV, yes, on the corner of Forbes and Burton) hadn't nabbed this place, a real lost cause would have taken up shop offering nothing but greasy pizza slices and pissheads. Thank you, St Jude, thank you. Designed by Surry Hills architect, Arthur Koutoulas, it's no surprise every inch of space has been carefully considered. From the monstrously heavy iron-framed railway sleeper share-table to the collection of creepy dolls playfully positioned alongside religious iconography and old photography across the back wall, this place is unique. Even the chairs embrace 'the different' with swivelling backrests inside and cork wood stools out while the salt and pepper is served in mini green faux-marble ramekins. Too cute. The menu is equally appealing. You have your brekkie classics as well as plate pleasers like the avocado smash with salsa, fresh spinach and feta ($14.30) or the daily breakfast Sanga ($13). Lunch offers the likes of potato gnocchi with lemon and herb pesto and slow roasted cherry tomatoes ($17.50) or crispy chorizo, roasted Mediterranean vegetables and giant couscous salad ($17.50). But the absolute deal breaker, the fritters, are a perfectly crafted concoction of sweet corn and pumpkin, shallow fried and served with soft poached eggs, hollandaise, avocado cream and baby spinach ($14.50). A success since get go, maybe St Jude's been sent from foodie heaven. It's unpretentious, it's comfortable, it's tasty and it's one of the best café's to open its doors for a long time. Praise be.
Chuck Close is lauded as a photorealist painter, but he is much more than that. In fact, he rejects the term “realist”, even when painting delicate wrinkles and wisps of hair. As described by consulting curator Glenn Barkley, he is a magician bent on revealing his tricks. Close, who always wanted to be a magician, couldn’t resist breaking this cardinal rule of illusion. In this way, many of the 'finished' works in this huge solo show at the MCA are accompanied by a number of process works. Like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, this exhibition maps the gradual blossoming of Close's impossibly intricate portraits. Describing his artistic beginnings as crawling out from under abstract expressionism, Close took up portraiture at a time when it was notoriously untrendy. Unlike the spontaneous brushstrokes of his contemporaries, he took a more methodical tack. With an insatiable capacity for new materials and new techniques, he radicalises what has traditionally been a conservative art form. Many of his works are the product of intense manual labour and are mathematically precise. One reason Close goes to these lengths is because he suffers from face blindness, or prosopagnosia. By repeating the same portrait again and again, he is drumming his subjects into his long-term memory. Of the various techniques used, Close rescues some from obscurity, such as the Jacquard Loom (those whopping tapestries), a 19th-century punch-card system used to weave complex patterns. In other works, he uses a felt hand stamp to patch together his portraits and moulds paper pulp into the contours of a face. And then there’s the classic Japanese form of woodblock printing, or ukiyo-e, which he uses to create warbling layers of colour. Emma is a striking example of this; a work which captures the luminosity of infancy. Of course, the grid is one of the key foundations of Close’s practice. Using a horizontal or diamond axis, these individual squares guide the steady unfolding his work. This comes back to the fraught idea of realism — it is an illusion from afar and abstract up close. Some of his more recent portraits, such as those of the artist Zhang Huan, are composed of watercolour gradients. But it is a loose grid, as if Close is allowing his painting to breathe. There are specks of raw canvas that shine through at the corners of each square like little diluted rainbows. Of the thematic triad that holds this exhibition together, 'process' is perhaps the most fascinating. It seems the strength of the big picture is in seeing the tiny pieces which constitute it. The formal inventiveness of Chuck Close really does take time to be appreciated. Not only is this exhibition a comprehensive survey of a truly unique artist, it is also a whirlwind education in printmaking and colour theory. Attend more than once.
Australia is well known for having some of the best dining in the world. Melbourne is a city where people happily spend an entire weekend rambling from restaurant to restaurant; from café to cocktail, on the hunt for a new favourite. And in Sydney, whether your tastes run to Frankie's Pizza or are more on the Quay side of things, you'll find bountiful opportunity to explore this foodie mecca. It doesn't matter if you're in a major capital or dining at a hidden local gem, Aussie restaurants and cafes consistently turn out incredibly fresh, vibrant and exciting tucker — inspired by access to some of the finest meats, poultry, seafood and vegetables in the world. We have two restaurants among the Top 100 Restaurants in the world (tip your hats Attica; Brae) and Aussie coffee champ Sasa Sestic scooped the World Barista Championships in 2015. With such a heady mix of talent hailing from Australia, it makes sense that the rest of the world would want a slice of our home-grown cuisine and expertise. We've partnered with Expedia to take a jaunt around the world and explore some Australian-owned restaurants in far-flung locales. Perhaps they'll inspire your next trip — they're definitely worthy of one. HARDWARE SOCIÉTÉ, PARIS The much beloved breakfast and brunch spot of 120 Hardware Lane, Melbourne, opened up shop in Paris recently and has been providing homesick ex-pats and Parisians alike with their petit-déjeuner since late 2016. You can get your 64-degree eggs with delights like ham hock (18€) or über decadent lobster (20€) and enjoy a genuine Melbourne Padre latte to sip as you dine. Aussie visitors to Paris looking for a little taste of home, and Parisians looking for a slice of Melbourne breakfast culture, will both find what they're looking for here. 10 rue Lamarck, 75018, Paris GERALD'S BAR, SAN SEBASTIAN Melbourne's long-beloved Carlton fave for wine lovers and good-time seekers has a new location. And while it's got that same Gerald's charm it's basically on the other side of the world; 17,195km away in San Sebastián, Spain. If it weren't for the fact that we have the original right here in Melbourne (thank the gods), we'd be on a plane right now for some of that exceptional wine and unbeatable Gerald's atmosphere. Eponymous proprietor, Gerald Diffey, took over an existing restaurant space in 2014 and gave it the Gerald's flourish. Now you can dine on mountain cheeses while sipping a curated list of local and international drops. If you're in San Sebastián it's a must-do. Calle del Ángel, 10, 20003 San Sebastián RUBY'S, NEW YORK CITY Visitors to Ruby's in NYC will be greeted by many things – tastes, smells, sights – but the first thing that may greet you on sighting Ruby's is a queue to get in the door. This decidedly bijoux eatery is so damn popular that people have no qualms about lining up just to take a seat inside. Enjoy nostalgic burgers like the Coogee ($12.50) with mushroom, romesco, cress, zucchini and goat's cheese; or tuck into the Whaleys ($13.50) and enjoy a classic Aussie burger complete with beetroot, pineapple and fried egg. Don't fancy a burger? No problem – order off the breakfast menu before 1pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends. The breakfast bowl is particularly good. If you're homesick and abroad or just want to tuck into a seriously good meal in NYC, you'll find it at Ruby's. 219 Mulberry St # A, New York DA MARIA, BALI Undoubtedly set to be one of the hottest places to see and be seen in Bali, Da Maria is the latest venture for Sydney restaurateur Maurice Terzini. He's behind Sydney classic, Icebergs, and is set to provide Bali dwellers and visitors alike with North Bondi Italian food (the website says they're bringing the Amalfi Coast to Bali) in a luxe Canggu locale. The venue has only just flung open its doors, and the tasteful interior and stunning luxe layout makes for the perfect spot to get a little bit fancy at dinner. Or, dance and drink the night away with DJs every evening from 10pm. If you're hungry at night they've got you covered with their delectable lava-oven baked pizzas available til late. Jalan Petitenget No. 170, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali CHINESE TUXEDO, NEW YORK CITY Aussies Eddy Buckingham and Jeff Lam set about with a single goal in mind: to modernise Chinese dining in NYC. Their pretty spectacular venue is housed in an ex-Chinese opera house and offers its diners a broad menu which has been carefully designed to tick all the boxes. There are traditional regional Chinese dishes on offer, creatively interspersed with exciting salads and flavoursome noodle dishes. They look set to make their mark on an exciting space, with the hope being that they'll be the go-to for high-end Chinese dining in NYC. Buckingham and Lam say that at Chinese Tuxedo the food speaks for them, so if you're in New York City we recommend you go and listen. 5 Doyers St, New York, NY PARAMOUNT COFFEE PROJECT, LOS ANGELES This industrial-chic Sydney café spread its wings to LA recently, opening up a similarly bright and airy cafe in the style of its Surry Hills sister venue, in late 2015. Los Angeles diners choose from a range of 'things on toast': soft scram ($11), avocado ($12) or local burrata ($14) – to name but a few; or other ubiquitous Aussie breakfast staples. Milkshakes run from the standard (vanilla malt, $7) to the downright awesome/weird (vegemite and butterscotch, $7) and you can rest assured that the hot drinks menu is just as impressive as the food. Discerning coffee drinkers have a veritable slew of Australian brews and other hot and cold options on offer. 456 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles ST ALI, JAKARTA The much-beloved Melbourne coffee spot and all-round brunch star, St Ali, recently exploded into Jakarta and has been making diners happy with their Melbourne-style menu. Feast on the smoked salmon omelette with a cup of their delightful coffee, or tempt yourself with a matcha chai parfait as part of your 'clean eating' kick. It won't last long when there are treats like fried chicken and slaw on offer as well, but you can try. Next time you're in the Indonesian capital be sure to pop by for a coffee at St Ali's new venue – in partnership with Indonesia's Common Grounds Roastery – to get a look in at this stunning spot. RT.6/RW.7, Karet Kuningan, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta THE APOLLO, TOKYO Greek food and Japan aren't usually two things that would spring to your mind at the same time. But then, you were probably thinking of The Apollo — the contemporary Greek restaurant that opened in Ginza in the middle of 2016 — weren't you? The star of Sydney's modern Greek scene, The Apollo, has landed bringing the same beloved, succulent, smoky flavours of Greek cooking to the heart of Tokyo. Choose from lemony pan-fried saganaki, or dine on meltingly tender ten-hour slow-cooked Aussie lamb. Best to book — this is a popular spot with ex-pats and locals alike. Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo, Ginza FRATELLI PARADISO, TOKYO One of Sydney's most beloved haunts for fine Italian food is getting a new venue mid next year in a very special location: Tokyo. Owner Giovanni Paradiso decided on Japan as the spot for his expansion after exploring the idea of another venue in Sydney or Melbourne and realising that Japan ticked all the boxes. His new 90-seat venue is on track to open its doors in late April 2017. Toshi Nakayasu will helm the kitchen as head chef and will be offering familiar Italian classics as well as special local dishes too. The wine will be sourced from around the world and will be heavily based on natural wines, something that Paradiso is especially excited about. Keep an eye out for this one. HO LEE FOOK, HONG KONG Taiwan-born chef Jowett Yu has created one heck of a Hong Kong must-visit with his modern Chinese, Elgin Street restaurant in Central, Ho Lee Fook (say it out loud, you got it). Owned and operated by the team at Black Sheep Restaurants, the name literally translates to "good fortune for your mouth" and is inspired by old school Hong Kong cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants) and late night Chinatown haunts in 1960s New York. Yu's known in Australia for his Tetsuya's training and for co-opening Sydney restaurants Mr Wong and Ms.G's with Eric Koh and Dan Hong. You won't have trouble missing this highly publicised spot — just look for one of the most Instagrammed walls in the city, a clinquant assembly of waving cats. Just try and keep tipsy passersby away from this selfie trap. Downstairs, in his dimly lit, Chinese street art-adorned basement, Yu weaves contemporary Chinese magic through street food staples like French toast (Yu hides peanut butter in his version, and casually serves it with condensed milk ), prawn toast done okonomiyaki-style, and roast wagyu short ribs with jalapeño purée. But it's the roast goose that has foodies aflutter at HLF — order that bad boy 48 hours in advance. 1 Elgin St, Central, Hong Kong Become an Expedia+ member and book your food holiday in the January summer sale— you'll have access to prices that others don't see. By Laura Dawson and Shannon Connellan.
Give every one of your senses a break when you step into the Pleasure Garden. Making its world premiere at Vaucluse House, this enchanting project infuses the surrounding gardens with music and sounds. Everywhere you wander, you'll hear a new melody or discover a chance to 'play' nature, inviting you take a rest from your daily scurrying and listen as well as look. You're welcome to take on the experience as you see fit — be that walking, sitting, dozing or picnicking. Pleasure Garden is inspired by Jacob van Eyck, a 17th century musician, composer, improviser and nobleman. The music includes excerpts from his repertoire, alongside new compositions from Genevieve Lacey and Jan Bang, in collaboration with Jim Atkins, Robin Fox, Pete Brundle and Sera Davies.
The team at Golden Age Cinema & Bar have finalised their autumn program, and are celebrating with a screening of one of the greatest coming-of-age movies ever made. Fittingly set during the final weekend of a sleepy Oregon summer, Stand By Me is a bona fide modern-day classic, featuring fantastic performances from a cast that includes a young River Phoenix, with a screenplay that combines the perfect mix of humour and emotional depth. On the off chance that the film alone isn’t enough to get you out of the house on a Tuesday night, Golden Age are sweetening the deal with golden age prices ($10, just like when Stand By Me was released in 1986), live music, complimentary Stellas and a pie-eating competition inspired by the film's unforgettable campfire story. Doors open from 5pm, with screenings at 6pm and again at 8.30pm.
The Hunter Valley is the oldest and busiest wine region in Australia. Some of the country's first vineyards were planted there back in the early 1800s, and now, more than 150 wineries are on the wagon. These vary from flashy, famous establishments to more intimate, off-the-typical-wine-trail cellar doors. Semillon is the area's classic variety, but you'll also come across some tip-top chardonnay and shiraz, among others. In between wine tasting, pop into traditional and contemporary art galleries, sample local produce in stellar restaurants and maybe set your alarm clock for a hot air balloon adventure. DRINK With 150 wineries to visit, it's not easy to nut out an itinerary. At the big-name end, Tyrrell's in Pokolbin is the place to try your first drop. It's home to one of the oldest vineyards in the Hunter — the first grapes were planted in 1858 — and, despite its commercial success, remains family-owned, so it's friendly. Next, pop along to Tempus Two, not only for its legendary wines but also for its posh, architect-designed cellar door. The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop, Oishii Japanese restaurant and The Goldfish cocktail bar are all just a hazy stroll away. To keep things unpredictable, and avoid constant crowds, visit at least a couple of boutique wineries. Krinklewood, located in the Broke-Fordwich subregion, is one of the most interesting, with its certified biodynamic, organic, sustainably run vineyards. It's also incredibly beautiful, backdropped by the Brokenback Range and immersed in Provencal-inspired gardens. Owners Rod and Suzanne Windrim say they're committed to a "hands-on" approach, governed by the philosophy that "what you put in is what you get back". Just down the road, you'll find Ascella Wines, the Hunter's biggest organic vineyard. EAT A premium fine dining experience is to be had at Muse Restaurant in Pokolbin, which is attached to Hungerford Wines. This year, it was awarded two chef's hats. Run by husband-and-wife team Troy and Megan Rhoades-Brown, the restaurant is housed inside a stunning, airy, architect-designed building, and the contemporary Australian menu prioritises fresh, seasonally available ingredients and simple yet innovative combinations. If you're into creative dishes, book yourself a spot at Rothbury's Shakey Tables. Pretty much every plate is an art work, and the interior's designed to match, with bold, fun paintings on the walls and bright suede seating. Even if you're not interested in committing to a full meal, pop in for the desserts — they're extraordinary, in terms of both looks and taste. STAY Accommodation options are incredibly varied - from classic country pubs in tiny villages to simple yet cute cottages on rolling acreages to lush suites. On a wino's weekender, though, it's only fitting that you should spend at least one night deep in the grapes. The fanciest way to do this is at Spicers Vineyard Estate in Pokolbin, a ridiculously luxurious guesthouse set in its own private vineyard, with amazing views of the Brokenback Mountains. Each suite comes with its own fireplace, king-size bed, en suite with spa and complimentary mini bar. If you're envisioning yourself in a secluded cabin, consider the nearby Belford Cottages. A handful of private dwellings are scattered around 15 acres of beautiful, unspoilt bushland. Each has its own private balcony, for sundown wine sipping and kangaroo spotting. There's also a games room and, for hot days, a pool. The property is in a central location, with Pokolbin, Wollombi and Lovedale close by, and there's even a restaurant and a couple of wineries within walking distance. Take your torch. For winos travelling on a tighter budget (or saving bucks for bottles), the Hill Top Country Guest House in Rothbury is good value. Situated on the Molly Morgan Range, affording brilliant views of the Hunter Valley, it's housed in a colonial-style building and dressed with touches of luxury, including king-size beds, spa baths, a sauna and a pool. But with nightly rates starting at $115, it's much more affordable than similar options. DO The Hunter is dotted with art galleries and museums. For traditional Australian landscapes, decorative work and investment opportunities, visit the Morpeth Gallery. While you're there, take a wander around Morpeth's historic buildings, relax on the riverfront and sample some famous Morpeth sourdough. Meanwhile, at the Maitland Regional Gallery, you'll find contemporary exhibitions, with temporary shows changing every six to eight weeks. If you're banking on something more active, there's the Yango Walking Track, a 6 kilometre walk through untouched wilderness in Yengo National Park, which journeys past red cedars, giant stinging trees and spectacular vistas. Keep a lookout for the rare velvet wattle. Alternatively, get your adrenaline kicks with a hot air balloon ride. You'll have to wake up early, because the trip starts before sunrise, but the sun-kissed views are more than worth braving an early hangover for. Top image: Kevin Rheese.
Melbourne knows how to make use of its space. Cafes are crammed into alleyways, high-end restaurants pop up in basements, and bars float under bridge pylons on the river. With all that, you can't be surprised that a rooftop has been snapped up and repurposed into a (somewhat) camping ground, and that you can go there on a RedBalloon experience. One of Melbourne's most unique accomodation options is glamping at St Jeromes. It's accessed via an alley near Little Lonsdale St, near Melbourne Central. The lobby is on level three. Upon arrival the campsite in the sky delivers one of those "wow" moments we're all chasing — the rooftop is surrounded by some of Melbourne's most iconic buildings, including the Melbourne Central cone tower and the façade of Melbourne Emporium. It's glam without being snooty, and it seems to be designed specifically for the Instagram generation, meaning it photographs extremely well. The whole venue, from the lobby to sauna, is decked out in lush tropical plants. That could be to cover up the functional elements required of a rooftop, but no matter, the aesthetics work with the canvas tents. The main communal area of the hotel is the General Store, which is less a store (although it does have a vending machine stocked full of toiletries and emergencies supplies) and more a bar/cantina. A free cocktail on arrival will no doubt lead to a few more and as well it should – the staff make a mean Long Island iced tea. Inside it, you'll find board games along a communal bench and most likely get distracted by them. The general store is surrounded by oversized bean bags, hammocks and bocce balls and usually inhabited by chill but chatty staff and other guests. There's a distinctly 'hostel' vibe about the way guests interact, which is a big draw card for young folk. That kind of communal vibe is often absent from fancy accommodation. If you can, move past your welcome treats and cocktails into your tepee. The Luxe Plus option is 5 metres across, giving you plenty of room to spread out and roll around on the plush carpet and/or pirouette into the soft queen sized bed. The Luxe option is 4 metres in diameter, a little cosier than its counterpart but both boast downy quilts, soft linens and, more importantly, a welcome esky stock piled with local craft beer and cider. Now that's how you check-in. When you've finished wandering your new digs in awe, you'll have noticed the little luxuries that make your stay at St Jeromes a cut above. You find locally made treats, vouchers and a killer room-service menu that features camping faves done well, like jaffles and hot chocolate. Over time, you'll find yourself not wanting to leave the rooftop as the perks keep coming throughout the day. You can have bespoke Gelato Messina dessert and T2 sleepy time tea delivered to your tent if you request it. Staying with the theme, the dessert is a reimagined s'more – and they are the richest and sweetest ice-cream s'mores you'll ever taste. Don't forget during the food frenzy to take advantage of the built-in extravagances on offer. Book in for a sauna session (remember to do it pre-booze), pop over to Strike Bowling for a free game or stop by the Melbourne Central Lion for a complimentary late night snack. Possibly the biggest game changer (all hotels should take note) is the barista-made coffee that is delivered to your tent in the morning. The smell of coffee, and the crunch of a bacon, egg, tomato and basil jaffle in the morning, combined with the diffused morning light through your tent will reinvigorate you. It's almost better than a proper holiday. Look, there are some aspects of camping that no amount of luxury can smother. You really start to appreciate how deeply privileged we are to have access to running water at all times. And a campsite toilet is a campsite toilet regardless of how lovely it smells. Strangely, waking up on the rooftop brings that same feeling that occurs when you're waking up in a forest. You feel clean, and high up above everyone. It's a confusing, relaxing sense of urban spiritualism. Maybe you're a proper outdoors person, and you can stay that way. But this is camping, with running water and a campsite toilet. You can fall asleep with a full stomach in a warm tent just above the most vibrant city in the world. The hum of traffic in the distance sounds like gentle ocean waves, who says you can't have both? Book your St Jeromes glamping adventure (or gift it to someone else) at RedBalloon. Images: Imogen Baker and RedBalloon.
After months of anticipation, the revival of Chippendale's Old Clare Hotel has at long last been completed. Spearheaded by Singapore-based hotel and restaurant entrepreneur Loh Lik Peng of Unlisted Collection, the revamped watering hole as boutique hotel on Kensington Street is finally open for business — and it's spectacular. Reborn from the (metaphorical) ashes of the historic (and dearly beloved) Clare Hotel and adjoining Carlton United Brewery Administrative Building, the newly-opened hotel boasts 62 rooms and suites featuring high ceilings, heritage timber panelling and exposed brick walls, furnished with PSLAB pendant lighting, vintage furniture and cushions 'inspired by Australian flora and fauna'. Further hotel amenities include a rooftop pool and bar, private gym and a heritage meeting space, as well as a day spa expected to launch early next year. Guests can also take advantage of custom-made bicycles to explore the surrounding neighbourhood, or simply relax at the indoor bar near reception and enjoy the honest-to-god bespoke scent created by local perfumed candlers Maison Balzac. That being said, the biggest drawcard might be The Old Clare's three new high-end restaurants. Automata, the first solo venture from Momofuku Seiobo sous chef Clayton Wells, opened earlier this week, with a rotating five-course menu laden with such extravagances as storm clam with rosemary dashi, cream and dulse, and partridge with witlof, burnt apple and caper. Noma alumnus Sam Miller, meanwhile, opened Silvereye on September 22, offering short and long seasonal tasting menus featuring young coconut and mud crab, pumpkin with pomello, leeks with pig feet and white beer, and a plum and coffee tart. Last but not least, there's the Kensington Street Social, by Michelin-starred globetrotter Jason Atherton. Based on the competition, we have to assume they'll be bringing their A-game.
Bars where you can do more than just sit around and drink are really having a moment in Brisbane, and specifically in Fortitude Valley. In no small part, it's thanks to the ever-expanding empire of Funlab. The company is in charge of the ever-popular Strike, Holey Moley and Hijinx Hotel. But despite all of these different venues being so successful, B. Lucky & Sons remains incredibly popular. It's a kidult-friendly bar-meets-arcade with some actually good pawn-shop prizes, instead of the usual plastic crap you get. Think vintage Chanel bags, classic cameras and rare vinyls, plus Playstation 4s. Yup, they've gone real old school-meets-new school with this one. The bar is open in the Valley's TCB Building — and it's hidden behind the facade of an old pawn shop, so expect something a little bit different. Like its Melbourne counterpart, the venue is also decked out with eclectic furnishings, from old-world casino chandeliers to neon-lit red octagonal booths. This East-meets-West fit-out extends to the food, where pizzas are topped with the likes of crispy wonton wrappers and bonito flakes or sausage, gravy and potato crisps. For drinks, B. Lucky & Sons' bar slings canned cocktails, alcoholic bubble teas and other creative concoctions — like the Passion Crackle (vodka, passion fruit and peach teas with apple flavoured pearls and jellies). The bar's games are clear throwbacks for the millennial generation — featuring everything from Mario Kart and Daytona to NBA Hoops. And although the venue is open to littluns during the day, it's strictly adults-only at night, so you don't have to worry about being laughed at by a ten-year-old when you fall off Rainbow Road for the 14th time.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, you can't go on a holiday (locally or overseas). But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. Winter is (almost) here. You could sit about, piling on jumpers, moaning and crying into your hot chocolate. Or you could calmly pack your bubble bath and your pyjamas, then drive to an irresistibly cosy winter cabin to soak in a spa bath and drink your favourite bottle of wine by an open fireplace. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But just in case you're opting for the latter, here are seven getaways that will have you daydreaming about frosty mornings and reading books by the fire. We've got an an off-grid log cabin, a dog-friendly tiny house and a farmstay with donkeys for petting — all of which offer a soaking tub and/or a fireplace. Is that the sound of you collecting your things? Go on. [caption id="attachment_717175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kirk Richards[/caption] HEE HAW HUT, GOULBURN VALLEY, VICTORIA Located in remote farmland just two hours northeast of Melbourne, Hee Haw Hut is a rustic one bedroom cabin built from upcycled materials. Its homey interior features a wood-burning fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Outside, there's a deck and double hammock overlooking the barbecue and outdoor fire pit area. If the winter weather gets especially blustery while you're here, there are plenty of board games, books and videos to keep you occupied while you keep warm by the blazing fire. Plus, you have the added (and rare) benefit of snuggling up with the many donkeys that are raised on the adjacent Hee Haw Farm. How much? From $180 a night. [caption id="attachment_717178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alexandra Adoncello[/caption] KOOKAWOOD FARM, BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW This 200-acre property in Rydal offers breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains. Kookawood Farm is a stone farmhouse that took ten years to build, and its interiors house antiques from years gone by. The space boasts both a large open fireplace inside and a fire pit outside, so you'll never feel the winter chill here. If the temperature isn't too low, you can even enjoy a hot bath in the outdoor bathtub, which offers views aplenty. Plus, the indoor bathroom features underfloor heating and yet another claw-foot tub for soaking in. And, as it's a two bedroom cabin, this getaway is suitable for groups, too. It's on the expensive end, but, if you've got it, so worth the extra cash. How much? From $390 a night. FOREST VIEW BUSH CABINS, CRADLE MOUNTAIN, TASMANIA Highlanders Cottages offers self-contained cabins right smack in the middle of Cradle Mountain National Park — which is, coincidentally, where one of the ten Australian mountains you should climb at least once in you life is located. Each Forest View cabin has been hand-built using local Tasmania timber. It offers two bedrooms, den lounges and a log fireplace, plus a private deck and a fully stocked kitchen. The bathroom features both a soaking tub and a shower, too. It's an ideal spot to unwind after your gruelling 13-kilometre hike up to the pristine views at Cradle Mountain Lake. How much? From $215 a night. MOONBAH HUT, SNOWY MOUNTAINS, NSW This requires some extra driving, but the stunning rewards are well worth it. Moonbah Hut is located on private frontage on the Moonbah River, the Snowy Mountains' cleanest, most unspoilt home for trout. Give your fishing muscle a flex from your front doorstep, while keeping an eye out for wildlife, from wombats to deer to brumbies. Or bunker down inside, with a huge, open stone fireplace for company. Previous guests have taken the experience next level and even invited personal chefs along for an evening. How much? From $245 a night. [caption id="attachment_717182" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cameron Watts[/caption] THE SIMPLE LIFE CABIN, MOUNT TOOLEBEWONG, VICTORIA This off-grid log cabin is as rustic as it gets — and it's a great budget option, too. At The Simple Life Cabin, there's no television or wifi to speak of. Instead, expect an old-school record player and vinyl collection, a wood-fire heater to keep you warm and a cast iron bath to while your afternoons away in. The cabin was created as a ceramicist's studio and remnants of this past life can be seen in the kitchen tableware and the polished concrete workbench that's been converted into a dining table. Set within four-aces of forest, the cabin is completely secluded and lets you forget all the woes of that cold, wintery city life — for a few days, anyway. How much? From $130 a night. THE BOWER, SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND, QUEENSLAND It might not get that cold in Queensland, but this little wood-panelled cabin in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will have you hoping for chilly days and nights. That's because The Bower — located near the little township of Maleny, about an hour north of Brisbane — has lots of wintry amenities that you'll most definitely want to make the most of. Like the antique claw food bath, the fireplace and the fairy light-lit deck that's prime for stargazing with a glass of wine and a blanket. It's secluded and surrounded by trees — in other words, it's the perfect Queensland winter escape. How much? From $120 per night. CABN, KANGAROO VALLEY, NSW Sydney locals have their own off-grid retreat to look forward to, and it's luxurious as. Despite some of the connotations the term 'off-grid' may have, Cabn is a far cry from roughing it. This solar-powered tiny house sits on 140-acres of bushland, on the site of a former dairy farm in the Cambewarra Range, just a 15-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley and about three hours south of Sydney. The secluded location is perched high above the valley and overlooks a sea of endless clouds on the right day. The cleverly designed timber fit-out includes a loft with king bed, a fully stocked kitchen and indoor gas heater. A big wintertime draw is the glass-walled, 'outdoor' soaking tub, which is set in the bush adjacent to the house and offers a rare occasion to (sort of) bathe in the great outdoors — with all of the warmth of bathing inside. Outdoor amenities include a gas barbecue and picnic area, as well as an adjacent fire pit. And it's dog-friendly to boot. How much? From $289 a night.
Sydney's two-storey, 60-seat restaurant and mezcal bar Nu'u is all about flavour-packed southern Mexican food. The homely eatery comes to Glebe Point Road from the Oaxaca-born team behind Nativo in Pyrmont — Michelin-trained chef Manuel Diaz alongside his partner and agave expert Diana Farrera. While Nativo is a quick and simple takeaway-style spot, Nu'u focuses more on spotlighting Diaz's favourite dishes from his home country in an expansive dine-in lunch and dinner spot. Located within a Victorian-era terrace house, Nu'u welcomes patrons in with a large open kitchen out front where you'll see the team whipping up that night's creations. From there you'll either take your place in the terracotta-coloured dining room upstairs or out back where you'll find a charming al fresco area. The word Nu'u is used by the southern Mexican indigenous Mixtec group to mean land when referring to harvesting produce. This connection to land sits at the centre of the restaurant's menu of share plates, all of which draw inspiration from the Oaxacan region of south Mexico and lovingly incorporate native Australian ingredients. Expect big flavours from the vibrant guacamole; the cured prawn, salmon and snapper toloache ceviche; the pulpo escondido (grilled octopus on a bed of hand-ground chilli paste with huitlacoche and tostada) and the chile relleno (poblano chillis stuffed with shiitake picadillo and served over mole verde). A standout on the menu is the Memela Del Mercado, a grilled maize patty covered in bone marrow beans, pork shoulder and queso fesco. And, if you're for a hearty main to sit at the centre of the meal, the kitchen recommends the crispy pork belly or the roasted chicken with chipotle butter. Diaz's breadth of experience comes from working across some of the most renowned restaurants in Mexico, as well as the Michelin-starred La Chevre d'Or in France. Since moving to Australia, he's occupied kitchens across the Milpa Collective Group's collection of Mexican favourites like Sonora and Carbon, and headed up Bar Patron as the Executive Chef before opening Nativo last year. While the food is the star of the show, the drinks list is also impressive, with Farrera, a certified mezcologist, leading the charge. The lover of all things agave has been working with top bartenders from Oaxaca to create a cocktail menu that showcases artisanal small-batch mezcal. Each creation is named after famous Oaxacan women — from philanthropists to fictional figures — and each drink highlights a different flavour profile within the mezcal. The bold flavours emerging from the kitchen are complemented by bold pieces of art around the venue including wood-carved figures from San Martin Tilcajete by the Jacobo & Maria Angeles atelier, custom-made weaving artworks from Teotitlan del Valle, red clay pieces from Atzompa and a painting celebrating bush medicine plants from The Artery in Darlinghurst. Images: Nick de Lorenzo
It's a tough job, researching Sydney's best dessert places. But what can we say? We're committed to hard-hitting research and bringing the public the stories they need to know. Here are our findings on where to head when you're looking for something to have after dinner — or if you've got a sweet tooth at any and all times of day. GELATO MESSINA Don't be intimidated by the massive line out the front of Gelato Messina's flagship store in Darlinghurst; it moves fast and it's there with very good reason. With their focus on natural ingredients, making everything from scratch on the premises and using traditional methods, it's no wonder Messina's developed a cult following in Sydney. They've got their signature flavours as well as five 'specials' that change weekly. They do a lot of quirky creations, like their version of a Golden Gaytime — renamed to Unileave Us Alone after a lawsuit — and Malcolm's Malted Milk (malted white chocolate gelato with peanut, banana and choc cream cheese pie), which came into fruition after the #libspill. HARTSYARD With stuff like poutine, fried chicken and pulled pork with maple bacon on the menu, it's easy to forget to leave room for dessert at Hartsyard. But if you miss out, it's worth coming back just for the dessert. Like the rest of the menu, desserts at Hartsyard are very old-school American with modern twists. As you look around the restaurant while enjoying a signature HY soft serve, it's easy to imagine you're at a diner in the Deep South somewhere, albeit a diner with a very hipstery clientele. N2 EXTREME GELATO The fact that this place is named after the chemical symbol for nitrogen is probably your first clue about their key ingredient — liquid nitrogen. Located at the Darling Harbour end of Chinatown, the store's hard to miss, with its AstroTurf-coated front area and clouds of billowing smoke. The inside is shiny and black, with white-coated 'gelartists' behind the front counter mixing the different flavours in brightly coloured mixing bowls like some kind of kitschy science lab. The nitrogen makes for a smoother, creamier texture than normal gelato, and it's a lot denser as well. They've got traditional flavours like cookies 'n' cream, but they've also got beer, cough syrup, Nutflix & Chilli (milk gelato, chilli choc fudge, salty peanuts) and Salty Jesus Juice (salted cola and red wine sorbet). MS G'S When deciding on food, stoner logic can best be summed up as ' SATISFY ALL THE CRAVINGS!'. Which usually results in things like ice cream with cereal, or cheese-coated Mi Goreng with scrambled eggs. Essentially, bizarre ingredients that you would never expect to work together, but do. At Ms. G's, Dan Hong (the man behind El Loco and Mr Wong) takes this logic to a whole new level with the 'Stoner's Delight'. The dessert's gone through a couple of incarnations, but the current version consists of doughnut ice cream, peanut dulce de leche, peanut and pretzel brittle, crispy bacon, Mars Bar brownie, passionfruit curd, potato chips and deep-fried Nutella. It may confuse your tastebuds, but it's weirdly delicious. ANANAS Nobody does dessert quite like the French, and the dessert menu at Ananas is no exception. Despite the name being French for 'pineapple', there's a curious lack of it in the dessert menu — which does change often and is nevertheless pretty impressive, with dishes like vacherin (peach parfait, strawberry jelly, lime cremeux and fresh fruit) and Paris-Brest (hazelnut praline, banana sorbet and white chocolate). While mains are a bit on the pricey side, their current dessert menu ranges from $9-$18. There are also plenty of treats at their themed monthly buffet brunches. NEL. The menu at nel. changes every month, but rest assured that it will always include two desserts, one of which is the Chef's signature dessert based on a deconstructed Black Forest gateau. The best way to describe it is to list what's in it — pistachio ice cream, fairy floss, cherry gel, chocolate soil, puffed white corn and popping candy. This is the dream of everybody's inner child. You'll be surprised by the other dessert course. It could be a light carrot cake with mandarin sorbet, or even a pineapple sorbet with grated Comte cheese and a yogurt crisp. Don't worry about the fact that the desserts are part of a set meal; nel. does pretty smashing savoury fare too. TOKO They're already well-known for their sushi, but it's definitely worth sticking around at Toko for dessert. Like their sushi, everything is made on the premises (including the ice cream and sorbet) and they're all about fresh, seasonal produce. The dessert menu has some refined twists on old favourites, such as a citrus pudding with yuzu curd, white peach and thyme sorbet, or a Campari poached pear, date-walnut melba and popcorn ice cream. Our tip? Get in early because they don't take bookings. ROCKPOOL BAR & GRILL Neil Perry's restaurant in The Rocks is a must-visit at least once for any self-respecting Sydney foodie. The dessert menu ranges from $6-$24 and for the most part, focuses on generously proportioned old-school favourites like strawberries and cream, panna cotta, pavlova and creme caramel. 66 Hunter Street, Sydney; Dinner, Mon - Sat; Lunch, Mon - Fri; www.rockpool.com/sydney/bar-and-grill ADRIANO ZUMBO No list of Sydney dessert spots would be complete without a mention of Adriano Zumbo, patissier and purveyor of candy-coloured macaroons (or Zumbarons, as he calls them). He's got cafes in Balmain, Rozelle, Manly and Waverley, but his fantastical concept store at The Star is the best way to get into his head. The full range of Zumbo sweets are on offer, but if you're after something bigger, may we suggest picking from the cakes in the pastry cabinet. Who said anything about sharing? DEVON ON DANKS These are the guys who adult-ified one of our childhood favorites by adding shaved truffles to chips and soft serve. We've also all seen their jasmine and blue pea flower milk tea soft serve. The dessert game is strong with this one. During lunch, you can only get ice cream or doughnuts, so we'd recommend coming back for dinner and trying some of their more substantial and kookier plates, like the greatly named Ballz (kaya doughnut, banana fritters, battered taro and tikuih, toasted coconut ice cream, peanuts and fried shallots). There's even Japanese eggplant braised in butterscotch and sweet miso ice cream. View all Sydney Restaurants. By Anita Senaratna and Kimberley Mai.
