FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Spring has sprung, and Taronga Zoo Sydney is bursting with cuteness thanks to the arrival of not one, not two, but three baby Koalas! Born as part of the zoo’s Koala breeding program, these joeys are already melting hearts with their tiny, fluffy charm.
Get ready to dust off your glass slippers and prepare for a royal night out as Opera Australia rolls out the red carpet for the Australian premiere of Cinderella (Cendrillon), opening at the Sydney Opera House this summer. And here’s the twist—this isn’t just another fairy tale outing. Think dazzling voices, high-fashion-meets-18th-century costumes, and, the pièce de résistance, an all-Australian, mostly female-powered superstar cast. All Hail the All-Australian Cast Leading the charge is mezzo soprano Emily Edmonds in her debut as leading lady, stepping into Cinderella’s much-coveted shoes. It’s her big moment, and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better royal-to-be. Playing Prince Charming in the iconic ‘pants role’ is Margaret Plummer, making her return home from a sparkling international career. She’ll share the spotlight with fellow powerhouse Sian Sharp, an Opera Australia principal singer who knows how to bring the charm. And in a role that’s truly otherworldly, the Fairy Godmother will be brought to life by beloved soprano Emma Matthews—just what you need for some magical, operatic sparkle. Of course, no Cinderella story is complete without a wicked stepmother and, less-than-ideal stepsisters. Angela Hogan and Dominica Matthews will channel their inner villainess with all the outrageousness you could hope for, while Ashlyn Tymms takes her Opera Australia principal role debut alongside Jennifer Black and Jane Ede as the hilariously dreadful stepsisters. Throw in Richard Anderson as Cinderella’s father, Shane Lowrencev as the King, and Iain Henderson and Virgilio Marino as the Dean of Faculty, and you’ve got yourself an ensemble fit for a… Read More
As the festive season descends upon Sydney, it’s time to embrace the culinary experiences that will make your holiday celebrations unforgettable.
Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More
This festive season, The Rocks is ready to dazzle you with its unique celebration of an Australian Christmas.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at The Streets of Barangaroo! From November 28 to December 19, this lively precinct will transform into a holiday wonderland, offering a vibrant mix of activities perfect for workers, visitors, and families alike. Kick off the festive fun with a photo opportunity beside the waterfront’s pop-up Santa station, nestled next to Zushi. Capture the magic on November 28 and December 19 from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Whether you’re with kids or simply want a fun holiday snap for yourself, Santa will be ready to spread some cheer and pose for memorable photos. Fancy a chance to win exciting prizes? Shoppers spending $15 or more at any Barangaroo retailer can make their way to the Christmas claw machine. Operating every Thursday from 11:30am, this machine offers a variety of exclusive goodies. From gift vouchers valued between $10 and $100 for places like Callao, Wild Sage, and ToroToro, to tasty treats like free burgers from Ume Burger or gelato from Rivareno, there’s something for everyone. Just present your receipt or proof of purchase to have a go! Adding to the festive ambiance, expect live entertainment with The Shoppers troupe – a retro, juggling delight – roaming on December 5 and 19 from 11:30am to 2:30pm. They’ll be handing out scrumptious treats from Bottega Coco, spreading extra joy and sweetness. On December 12, the rhythmic beats of the Sousaphonics brass band will echo through the area, inviting everyone to join in the fun. For a musical treat, head to Barangaroo… Read More
The Point* Group, known for their standout Sydney venues like Shell House, has unveiled a new gem in the city’s CBD, The International. Nestled above Martin Place, this multi-dimensional destination is a trifecta of experiences with The Wine Bar, The Grill, and The Panorama Bar. Today, we’re taking a closer look at The Wine Bar, a place that redefines the wine bar concept with a global flair and a welcoming vibe. Upon entering The Wine Bar, guests are greeted by a vibrant, piazza-style courtyard restaurant, seating 60. Dominated by Charles Perry’s eye-catching yellow steel ‘S’ sculpture, this area offers its own bar, making it the perfect spot for all-day dining or a relaxing drink after work. The courtyard’s lively atmosphere invites patrons to unwind while soaking up the city’s energy. Move inside, and you’ll find the heart of The Wine Bar – an intimate, 40-seat space dedicated to the appreciation of wine. Here, banks of wine fridges glisten with an impressive selection, and a terrace overlooks the dynamic streets of Martin Place. An extensive by-the-glass wine list and an open kitchen add layers of intrigue to this central hub, encouraging exploration and discovery. For those seeking something a bit more refined, The Seidler Room provides the ideal setting. This 60-seat circular dining room, with its plush carpets, cozy banquettes, and mid-century timber touches, is a haven for special occasions. It’s poised to host long lunches, events, and the much-anticipated wine parties, offering a touch of elegance to any gathering. Behind the culinary magic is executive… Read More
In November 2024, The Point* Group, the masterminds behind some of Sydney’s most beloved venues, unveiled The International, a landmark multi-dimensional destination in the bustling heart of Sydney’s CBD at Martin Place. Perched high above the city’s vibrant social and civic core, The International offers guests a trio of distinct venues: The Wine Bar, The Grill, and The Panorama Bar, each promising a unique and captivating experience. At the pinnacle of The International, The Panorama Bar offers a breathtaking vista of Sydney’s iconic skyline. Nestled atop Martin Place, this rooftop gem provides an unparalleled perspective, where the modernity of the city meets the charm of heritage architecture, with the towering MLC Building standing sentinel. The Panorama Bar is the epitome of Sydney’s high-end ‘sip and snack’ culture, making it the perfect destination for sunlit lunches, golden hour gatherings, and spirited nighttime escapades. Culinary director Joel Bickford and executive chef Danny Corbett have curated a menu that celebrates the best of small plates and light snacks. The culinary offerings are a delightful play on taste and presentation, featuring a cold bar and a hot bank of Hibachi grills that serve up a variety of snacks. Whether it’s delicacies on a stick, nestled in a bun, presented on toast, or served chilled on ice, the menu is a culinary adventure. Guests can indulge in an ever-changing array of yakitori-style meat, fish, and vegetables, freshly shucked oysters, raw fish preparations like tuna and kingfish, crispy fried prawn toast, and the coal-kissed squid. Not to be missed are the… Read More
Get ready to trade in your winter woollies for sunnies and thongs as South Eveleigh gears up to host its vibrant urban Summer Club this December! Over two weeks beginning on the 2nd, the precinct will transform into a sandy haven of sun-soaked festivities, bringing a slice of beach life and holiday cheer to the heart of the city. Jamie Toko, Mirvac’s Senior Portfolio Manager, shares the excitement, “Following the success of our Winter Series and Live Well programs, we are thrilled to offer the local community a plethora of fun and free activities with our Summer Club, turning South Eveleigh into a beach-themed oasis. From inflatable volleyball to a roving ‘Sandy Clause’, and a designated ‘chill zone’ to unwind, there really is something for everyone.” Kicking off the weekday programme is the Summer Club Kiosk at Innovation Plaza, dishing out daily goodies from 10am to 4pm. The first 130 customers who spend over $10 at any local retailer can swap their receipts for stylish summer swag—think caps, tote bags, and towels. Meanwhile, at the Mini Kiosk in the Interchange Pavilion, visitors can indulge in a rotating selection of classic Aussie beach treats, from old school lolly bags and fresh coconuts to mini pavlovas. For those keen to get active, there’s the inflatable volleyball court open from 8am to 5pm on select days, promising a mix of fun and friendly competition. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, test your balance on the mechanical surfboard, aptly named the ‘Wave Rider’, for a chance to ride… Read More
With the festive season fast approaching, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) in Sydney’s CBD is set to transform into a Christmas wonderland, brimming with musical and cultural delights. This year, the QVB promises to be a must-visit destination, capturing the true essence of Christmas through an array of enchanting events and activities. Kicking off the celebrations, the NCE Sydney Choir will fill the halls with the melodious sounds of the season. Their performances, scheduled every Thursday at 5pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm from 16th November to 24th December, are sure to uplift and inspire Sydneysiders with the spirit of Christmas. A highlight of this year’s festivities is the unveiling of the QVB’s majestic Christmas tree on 8th November. Standing at an impressive 20 metres, this Wollemi Pine-inspired tree is the tallest indoor Christmas tree in New South Wales. It features a unique First Nations artistic overlay, developed in collaboration with the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative. Artists Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft, Jude Jarratt, and Jeffrey Samuels have crafted an immersive experience that celebrates Australia’s rich cultural heritage, drawing from over 60,000 years of Indigenous knowledge. Visitors will marvel at Dr. Bancroft’s interactive installation, which transports guests into a vibrant bush and rainforest setting, complete with the enchanting sounds of endangered birds from “Songs of Disappearance” by The Bowerbird Collective. The tree is adorned with 45 hand-painted flannel flowers by Jarratt and Samuels, visible from the upper floors. On Level 2, guests can enjoy augmented reality experiences featuring Southern Royal Albatross-inspired decorations soaring around the… Read More
