Category: AUSTRALIA

Novotel Sydney does VIVID Sydney

Posted: 15/04/2023

If you’re planning to visit Sydney this May and June, Novotel Sydney Central should definitely be on your list. The VIVID Festival, an annual festival of light, music and ideas, is coming back and they have something exciting in store for all ages. Novotel Sydney Central has partnered with Sugar Republic to bring an interactive illuminated ball pit to their lobby during the festival. Filled with colorful balls, surrounded by neon lights and available to the general public and guests alike. It’s the perfect way for grown-ups to relive their childhood memories, and for kids to simply have fun! Oh, and let’s not forget about the perfect photo-op for avid Instagrammers! For those wanting to stay closer to the action, Novotel Sydney Central has announced a special VIVID package. This includes an overnight stay in a twin room, buffet breakfast where kids eat free, parking, and a welcome pack consisting of a bottle of wine for adults and a kids pack comprising of soft drinks and glow sticks! But it’s not just about staying at the hotel, because the Thomas St Kitchen and Bar will be offering special VIVID cocktails and food – making this the perfect date night or weekend getaway. So mark your calendar for the 19th of May to the 18th of June, and don’t miss out on Novotel Sydney Central’s VIVID activation. It’s the perfect place to create new memories and have a ball! Make a booking at the Novotel website

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, FEATURES, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: Novotel, Novotel Sydney, Novotel VIVID Sydney, vivid sydney

Sydney brings back The Rocks Markets

by James Banham

Updated: 12/04/2023

Welcome to The Rocks Markets, a true icon of Sydney’s bustling city center. This historic harborside spot has been a hub of creativity and local craftsmanship for over 200 years, and it’s only getting better! The market is undergoing a refresh, with new makers and artisans joining original vendors to bring the best bites, live beats, and local crafts to this beloved destination. To celebrate the arrival of these new makers, The Rocks Markets is hosting a community taster event called Meet the Makers on April 15th and 16th. This two-day event is the perfect opportunity for Sydneysiders to shop for unique arts and homewares, devour tasty treats, enjoy live music, and take part in free workshops and special trader experiences with some of the makers themselves. Throughout the market’s footprint, you’ll experience a program of surprise pop-up maker demonstrations, tastings, trader interviews, and experiences, all free to attend for just one weekend! From leather goods to florals, from colorful art to gorgeous resin crafts, there’s something for everyone at The Rocks Markets. And the fun doesn’t end with the taster event! The Rocks Markets will be offering maker workshops and demonstrations as a permanent staple. Check The Rocks website and make a booking to get hands-on and make your very own item. Learn to create a flower arrangement with Jonima Flowers, explore geometric abstraction using collage and drawing with Emilio Frank Design, create the most famous and original Australian leather wallet with The Leather Trading Co., or make your own resin terrazzo coaster set… Read More

Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: Best sydney markets, Rocks market, Sydney market guide, sydney markets

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge; help a charity

by James Banham

Posted: 03/03/2023

Sydney’s known for two things: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Both are iconic, but only one lets you climb it – and this year, the Bridge is supporting a charity and doing some good for the community. Following an incredible inaugural event last year which saw over 550 participants and more than $70,000 raised, BridgeClimb Sydney is thrilled to announce the return of its Climb for a Cause charity event on Sunday May 7, 2023, supporting Black Dog Institute, Australia’s leading mental health research institute. Doing more for the world than just allowing commuters aboard, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and BridgeClimb are fast-becoming not just a fun outdoor social activity, but an engine for change. For one day only, individuals, groups, and organisations can come together to ascend the magnificent arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge while raising awareness and important funds towards a mentally healthier world. So why not get involved? It takes only three steps: More info and bookings can be found at the BridgeClimb website

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: BridgeClimb, Climb Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge

Where to watch Sydney Mardi Gras’ new Pride route for 2023

Mardi Gras Parade men topless in speedos

by James Banham

Updated: 11/02/2023

With a new route that still wind sup out front of the party to end all parties, the Mardi Gras after party at Hordern Pavillion where you’ll see Agnes, Sugababes, Kitty Glitter and plenty more acts, it’s time to start getting excited. On Saturday 25 February 2023, the world-renowned Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returns home to Oxford Street in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras march. This iconic event unites individuals across the LGBTQIA+ communities to showcase their pride, advocate for equal rights and express their passion. As the centrepiece of the epic Sydney WorldPride Festival, all eyes will be focused on 12,500 marchers as over 200 floats grace Oxford Street for the first time since 2020. Expect to see all of your Parade favourites, with First Nations, 78ers and the legendary rumble of the Dykes on Bikes leading the Parade as well as the quintessentially Australian Lifesavers With Pride and the many colourful, political, satirical and outlandish floats that has made the Parade famous over the last four decades. This year’s Festival theme, “Gather, Dream, Amplify,” comes to life as bigger floats adorn the entirely revamped route. With lighting and firework shows elevating the spectacle of the Parade, from Hyde Park to Moore Park, including a new Parade route milestone Drivers Triangle located by recently-announced Viewing Area Ruby Road. For more about Mardi Gras in Sydney 2023, head to the website and plan your night!

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: mardi gras, Sydney Mardi Gras 2023, Where to watch Mardi Gras, Where to watch Sydney Mardi Gras Parade 2023, Where to watch Sydney Mardi Gras' new Pride route for 2023

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Valentine’s Day

Two men kissing atop Sydney Harbour Bridge

by James Banham

Updated: 11/02/2023

If you’re sharing your life with that special someone, take it to the next level – kind of literally! – this February with a climb up the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge! The Bridge has become known for great initiatives and special experiences for Sydney locals and visitors from all over the world and this is the latest. Prove how sky-high your love is! The opportunity to celebrate love at new heights with a Valentine’s Day picnic experience like no other will see you ascend the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and bask in the stunning views with your significant other. After your climb, enjoy a lavish picnic at a picturesque location while admiring the magnificent Bridge you just scaled. The luxury menu features a sumptuous graze board, beautifully decorated picnic table, and romantic music, among other delightful surprises. For every Climb, Graze & Gaze purchase, you’ll make a difference by providing 10 meals to those in need, through our partnership with OzHarvest. Starting from $846, this one-of-a-kind experience is the perfect way to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable. Book now at the Bridge Climb website and make a difference while creating lasting memories.

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Valentine's Day, sydney, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Valentine's Day Sydney

Great places to stay in Sydney this World Pride 2023

by James Banham

Posted: 31/01/2023

Everyone knows that emerges from its 11-month dormancy every year in March to bless the city of Sydney with its rainbow glow and turn Sydney into the living, breathing, beating glittery LGBT heart of the country that it is. So it’s no surprise that likely countless LGBTIQA+ people and their friends will descend on the city this February-March 2023 to bask in some of that rainbow glow, party, celebrate, activate and commiserate. Read more about it all here. If this is you, where will you stay? We spoke to Booking.com and they gave us a round up of some top-notch plays to call yours for a little or a long while, based on which events you’re heading to. Located in the inner-city suburbs of Eveleigh and Redfern, renowned multi-arts organisation Carriageworks will come alive for six days as the First Nations Gathering Space. Stay at the vibrant Adina Apartment Hotel Chippendale offering modern service apartments with a leafy courtyard and outdoor plunge pool. 2. Event – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and Pride Villages Be in the thick of the action around Oxford St where the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and Pride Villages will take place. For 9 days from February 24th, parts of Crown St and Riley St will be closed to host an array of Pride Villages including stalls, performances, dining and Booking.com’s own Travel Proud stage. Make yourself at home at this Victorian Style House with Courtyard off Oxford St fitted with everything you need to enjoy your stay whilst immersing yourself in the celebrations. Only… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: best Hotels Sydney, Booking.com hotels Sydney, Hotels Sydney World Pride, where to stay sydney, World Pride Sydney, World Pride Sydney where to stay

Move to Perth, Australia: pros and cons

Perth Australia sunny day park with city in background

by THE F

Updated: 24/08/2023

Moving to Perth, Australia, is a big decision, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. After all, change is exciting! But before you pack your bags for Perth, Australia, you should know a few things about the city. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know whether or not Perth is the right place for you. This article will cover everything from the cost of living and weather conditions to how to find jobs! Things to consider before moving You’ll need a suitcase (or two!), as well! Our favourite at the moment is American Tourister Pros Perth is a great city to live in. It has good weather, a strong economy and plenty of exciting things to do and see. The food is also excellent here, with restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines from around the world. There are many reasons why it is popular for people to move here: If you want your suitcase to look unique, and make it easy to distinguish from other suitcases. Then you can consider custom stickers cheap at this time. You can customise stickers with your name plus any pattern, or choose to customise some stickers of different shapes. In this process, custom stickers not only play a perfect decorative role but also reflect the importance you attach to this suitcase. It can be customised, no matter what you want to decorate with it. Custom stickers are not only very cheap but also very practical, hurry up and try them. Cons Takeaway:… Read More

Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, PERTH, TRAVEL

Tags: About Perth, Disadvantages of living in Perth, How to move to Perth, Moving to Australia guide, Moving to Perth, perth, Where is Perth

5 Melbourne photo opps you don’t want to miss

by James Banham

Updated: 21/12/2022

Maintaining a long-standing stranglehold on the list of most liveable cities in the world, Melbourne is known for many great things. With an abundance of instagrammable places in Melbourne, it’s no surprise the city is known for its trend-starting fashion scene and cultural hotspots. Plus, it’s nigh-impossible to walk around the city without stumbling over the perfect cup of coffee. Being an incredibly artsy city, you’ll find several photoshoot locations in Melbourne that can take your Insta from first-timer shots to world-star compositions with some genuinely incredible Melbourne photography spots. If you want to capture new images for your Instagram feed, read our list of the best places to take photos in Melbourne, grab your camera, and snap these Melbourne photo-opps! Flinders Street Station On top of being a major transport hub for the CBD and one of the first stops for everything from business to site seeing, Flinders Steet station is a picturesque structure worthy of capturing on camera. Alight at Flinders Street station if you are interested in French Renaissance architecture. Then, take a moment to practice your documentary street photography and study the personalities of the crowds that gather here throughout the day. Photography Suggestion: You’re sure to find other shutterbugs around this Melbourne photography spot, so it’s also a great place to meet others in the scene. Hosier Lane/ACDC Lane We’ve lumped these two photography locations in Melbourne together since we couldn’t decide which was the best place to view high-quality street art in Melbourne, the so-called cultural capital of Australia…. Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, TRAVEL

Tags: 5 Melbourne photo opps you don't want to miss, Best Australian places for photos, How to take photos, Melbourne photos

Get your photo with Santa – on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

by James Banham

Updated: 08/11/2022

This is the month it almost begins to feel like Christmas! Even Santa’s feeling the merriment and has landed on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge where he’s cleared his schedule every Sunday morning from 6 November to 18 December 2022 for the ultimate Christmas photo: 134 metres above sea level and with the iconic Sydney Opera House as the backdrop. The man-in-red will be spreading his cheer for the Christmas must-do for all ages with one of the most breath-taking views in Australia – and the best thing is, with a sunny Christmas a sure thing every year, you know it’ll make for a great picture! As well as experiencing the best views of Sydney whilst scaling the iconic arches, Christmas cheer add-ons include a complimentary printed Santa photo with every purchased photo package, optional festive photo border on all photos, Santa hat to take home, and the chance to sing-along to your favourite Christmas carols on a stage like no other. For more info and to book – be quick! – head to the BridgeClimb website

Category: AUSTRALIA, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: Bridge Climb Sydney, Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Santa photos Sydney, Santa Sydney Harbour Bridge

ARTS & CULTURE

Yayoi Kasuma makes more history at NGV Melbourne

22/11/2024

By James Banham

This summer, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne invites you to lose yourself in the extraordinary universe of Yayoi Kusama.

Why rush to see The Great Mughals at V&A: a celebration of opulence, art and culture

22/11/2024

By James Banham

Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence. For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires. The Glory of the Mughals The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation. Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences. Unveiling the Court’s Creative Mastery At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of… Read More

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

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

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More