Australia Work & Travel Guide - Global Travel Special

CONTENTS

Welcome to the latest Australia Work & Travel Guide, your must-have guide to all things travelling, working and living in Australia.

In this issue, we aim to inform you on everything you could possibly need to know about temporarily or permanently moving to Australia. Whether you’re under 30 and planning a working holiday, relocating for work or moving your family for a new life Down Under, we’ve got everything covered including visas, accommodation, employment and taxes, to help turn your dream into a reality. We also take you to the very best parts of the country so you can start planning your adventures of this great island continent.

Looking worldwide, we’ve also included the 2016 Global Travel Guide, showing you just what experiences you can have this year on Earth, whether on your way to Australia or not.

For more in-depth information, travel ideas and deals, head to our website www.bbmlive.com and sign up to our newsletter.

Contents P8-14 Getting Started In Australia P15-29 Recruitment P30-36 Accommodation P37-39 Visa Information P34-45 Jobs In Australia P40-45 Finance P46-48 International Removals

P50 - 57 Tropical North QLD Special P58 - 85 Australia Travel Guide P86-87 Travel Essentials P88-112 Global Travel Special

The Team Editor: Hannah Shakir hannah.shakir@what-media.com General Manager: Tom Shakir tom.shakir@what-media.com Sub-Editor: Charlotte Mellor Design: What Media Ltd For Advertising Contact - marketing@what-media.com UK: +44 (0) 203 287 9211 AUS: +61 (0) 2 8005 8162 Contributors: Sandy Dhaliwal, Ash Leszczuk, Sarah Morland, Thaintro Suanne Cunningham, Seven Seas Worldwide, Interstaff, ATA, Contiki, United Port Douglas, Awesome Whitsundays, HCA, ANA, Bower Health Care 4

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expat interview:

From Suffolk to Sydney With new friends, job opportunities and even supporting the local footy team, Alex Mills fills us in on his new life Down Under.

Where are you currently living?

Sydney (specifically Bondi Beach – like all the Brits!) in a flat share halfway between the beach and the junction, so the best of both worlds.

I decided to take a leap of faith, get out of my comfort zone, live and work abroad and see what happens. Scary, reckless, illogical but the best decision I ever made.

What inspired you to go to Australia?

Australia was always on the bucket list of places I needed to visit, but there was always a reason not to – I was either in a band about to release a record, had a relationship commitment, studying a masters – many reasons which were legitimate ones at the time. But this year I turned 30, and a few things happened to me to review my life situation. I reached a point where I knew it was now or never due to the restrictions of getting a Working Holiday Visa after you turn 31. So

Did you arrive with a plan?

To an extent. I booked a few nights’ accommodation in different parts of Sydney to get a feel for each area and where I felt I would like to live. I also had Skype calls with recruiters in my industry so that I could hit the ground running and get networking immediately, but I wanted to maintain a level of flexibility and challenge myself to find my feet rather than have everything lined up for me.

What job did you do back in the UK? My background is in digital marketing – content strategy, project management and social media.

I am looking to remain in the digital marketing industry – a field where British candidates are highly sought after – and this should hopefully get me a more senior role than I might have got back home. I have fortunately landed a short-term contract at an agency for the next few weeks and we’ll see what happens longer term. I’m keeping myself flexible as I’m still so new here. The market is really starting to grow in Australia and it’s a really exciting time.

Will you travel?

Yes, but not backpacking as such, just ad-hoc trips – much like the way Londoners may book a few mini breaks in other European cities.

What experiences have you had in Australia so far?

Spending Christmas Day on the beach was unbelievable fun – it felt like a big music festival! I have also been to see Sydney FC twice already, I’ve seen the main tourist spots in Sydney but also the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park and Palm Beach – I’ve already mastered surfing too!

Well, not quite, but I can stand on a board.

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5 Things you’ll love about Australia

This big, beautiful country has a lot to love. A destination for thousands of travellers, working holiday makers and expats every year, here are five reasons why all of these people can’t be wrong.

The Weather

Australia has warm temperatures and long hours of sunshine, but it does have the potential to throw up some surprises. You can find snow during winter if you head to the mountainous ski resorts such as Thredbo in New South Wales and Mount Buller in Victoria. Yep, skiing in Australia – who knew! Meanwhile, northern cities like Cairns and Darwin don’t see so much winter and summer seasons as wet and dry seasons because they’re so close to the equator, so you can expect yearlong summers up in these parts!

The Lifestyle

Aussies know how to live. The excellent work-life balance can’t be stressed enough, and once working hours are over, a lot of free time is spent outdoors. Head to the beach, chill out on a rooftop bar, go jogging, shop at markets, have a BBQ, relax in the park – the freedom to go outside and not have to prepare yourself for it makes life seriously worth living.

Pastimes

Thanks to the landscape, there are countless things to do in Australia. From surfing, snorkelling and jet skiing on the coast to ziplining through rainforest, camping in the desert, rock climbing canyons, sailing along rivers and meeting a myriad of marine and wildlife – your hobbies change dramatically when you’re in Australia.

The Food

If there’s one thing that unites the world it’s our love of food. Australia has this pretty much down with influences from all over combined to create a melting pot of cuisine. Thanks to the coastline, seafood is hot property, while wagyu beef produces the most mouth-watering burgers you’ve ever tasted. And while Britain is king of tea, coffee is Australia’s thing.

Public Holidays

Never mind your typical Christmas Day and Good Friday, Australia has public holidays for all sorts giving you an extra day to play. Australia Day and ANZAC Day are national holidays, but states and territories can declare their own holidays and when they place them in the calendar, including Queen’s Birthday and Labour Day. For example, Australian Capital Territory have Family and Community Day, Northern Territory have Picnic Day, and Victoria have Melbourne Cup.

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GETTING STARTED

The Real Working Holiday Guide

Plan, plan, and plan some more...

Some people’s biggest mistake is arriving in Australia on a working holiday when really you could go on a holiday visa to see if you like it. You could then hop over to NZ, Fiji, Bali or Singapore and then return on a working holiday visa. If your aim is to work whilst in Australia, then be aware that working holiday visas are like gold dust, and you may require sponsorship if you want to stay on longer.

Work Advice

If you have a working holiday visa it means that you can work for an employer for 6 months. In this time they can decide if they want to sponsor you. In other words, you have 6 months to prove yourself and bag a sponsorship.

If you’re going to be looking for temp work in hospitality or tourism keep in mind everyone else is too. You should consider doing some temp work in bars, cafe’s, or maybe taking some diving courses or doing anything else that might make your CV stand out.

If you have a trade under your belt such as being a decorator, carpenter, electrician, or plumber, then pack your paperwork or at least make sure you have digital copies to show potential employers. Think about courses and what you might need to secure work. Australia is the land of certification. Everything must be above board and you’ll need to make sure 8

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you can legally work. Not all fully qualified professionals will be able to roll straight into work so do your homework and thank us later.

Research

Generally you should spend some time researching which certificates you might need to work in various industries. For example you’ll need an RSA to work in a bar - but what is an RSA? We’ll get into that in more detail later but basically a certificate that means you can serve alcohol and work in a bar.

Also work on your confidence and be prepared to sell yourself. Be aware that walking into a bar and handing over your CV won’t always work, however walking in and offering to do a trial shift for free might. Be prepared to take on any job and always be opened minded.

Working Holiday “the key to success is hidden in the name of the visa”

Consider working outside the major cities.

This will also give you a chance to see the real Australia and have an experience that you will never forget.

Finally seriously consider working in a regional area first and check the list of what jobs you can do to qualify for your three months regional

work. This will then mean you can head to the city and you’ll be eligible to work for 21 months, rather than nine.

Another option to take could be to break up an East Coast trip with regional work. You could work your way up the coast doing various random jobs that qualify you for your second year visa. Also remember, you don’t have to pick fruit, other options are available that don’t require such intense labour.

Travel

Have fun and see Australia! Seriously, most people don’t see a quarter of the things they set out to in the first place. Consider group tours and breaking up East coast trips with day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, surf camps, skydiving and self drive trips. Group trips are also a great way of making new friends. Take our advice and take advantage of booking as much as you can directly. Don’t tell the travel agents but you can save a packet by looking for deals and promotions that the tour operators are running directly.

How to save money

Sign up to newsletters and take advantage of deals. By signing up to promotional newsletters with travel agents in the UK you’ll be the first to know about flash sales for flights. To get deals in Australia you can sign up to our newsletter via www.bbmlive.com. Here you’ll find tonnes of fantastic tour companies and promotions with as much as up to 60% off and the great news is with most of them you can book now and travel up to nine months later.

Accommodation

A pressing question is always where to stay.

After you’ve considered the above points you’ll need to think about which city, town, or type of accommodation you want to stay in. Hostels are a great place to meet like minded travellers who are in your position, so spending your first week in a hostel is a great way to meet potential room mates and get acquainted with the city you’re potentially going to be living in. If you’re not up for the hostel thing then consider using Air BnB, Flat Mate Finder or remember that some hostels do have private rooms.

There are also some great modern self service apartments that are really competitive in price.

If you’ve decided to go over and get work straight away then check out some of the flat share websites and of course Gumtree. They do have it in Aus and it’s pretty much the same as it is in the UK.

How to meet fellow travellers or new friends

An obvious place to meet people is at a hostel but that’s not to say that all hostels are full of people who want to mingle so here’s a few ideas that will help you meet some new fellow travellers or like minded locals who share similar passions.

1 If you’re up for drinks then wherever you are in Aus keep an eye out for backpackers club nights or local students nights. These nights will remind you of those sun filled holidays on the Costa Del Sol or Kavos but if you’re up for a laugh and looking to fall in love in 24 hours these will suit you.

2 For those of you looking for more culture,

we highly recommend you experience Australia’s bar and food scene. Aussies love top quality food and throughout all the major cities you’ll find bespoke ‘pop up’ style restaurants and bars that are always welcoming to international visitors. Top tip; speak to the bar staff about things to do around the city, as in most cities, the bar staff will likely be people like yourself and have a good idea of what’s happening in the area you are.

3 Fitness classes are another great place

to meet people. Keep an eye out for yoga classes, group personal training sessions and other local activities.

4 Small group tours are one of the best ways

to meet people in the same boat as yourself and you don’t need to book these before you arrive and you can often save a packet by booking direct. You’ll find loads of these throughout our website or when you arrive you could speak to your accommodation manager, local travel agent or if you are short of time then of course, speak to your travel agent before you leave the country. www.bbmlive.com

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Recruitment Intro...

This could be your commute

This could be your commute...

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What you need to know about working in Australia Australia is one of the top travel destinations in the world, but it’s also full of employment opportunities. With a thriving economy, high demand for skilled workers and desirable work-life balance, it’s no wonder thousands of people every year apply to work Down Under.

See what your chances are with our quick guide to working in Australia.

Visas

list in order to be considered and you must be able to provide evidence that you have skills and experience in your chosen occupation.

Occupations currently on the Skilled Occupation Lists include Electrical Engineer, Secondary School Teacher, Midwife, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Dental Hygienist and Chef (excluding fast food/ takeaway).

There are a number of work visas that permit you to work in Australia from one day to retirement.

Temporary visas include the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), a one-year visa that allows you to work for any one employer for up to six months while having a holiday in Australia. For something a little longer term, the Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (subclass 457) is an employer-sponsored visa valid for up to four years.

Booming Business

Permanent work visas that will allow you to stay in Australia indefinitely include the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186). There are also business visas available for if you’re planning on relocating your current business or starting a new business in Australia.

Skills Shortage

Skilled Occupation Lists

In many cases, work visas are for skilled individuals only, particularly permanent visas. The occupations that have a high demand for skilled workers can be found on the Skilled Occupation Lists. You must nominate an occupation on the

Australia has one of the healthiest economies going with low unemployment and high wages.

As a result, living in Australia is considered to be more expensive than the UK, but it’s all relative: high wages, high prices. Industries that are evergrowing in Australia include healthcare, I.T, trades and construction.

When employers can’t find permanent residents or citizens qualified enough to fill a job position, they can look overseas and sponsor someone to move to Australia and work for them. Australia is currently experiencing a skills shortage, resulting in a high demand for skilled individuals. If you have the skills that Australia needs, you could be ending 2016 with a new life in Australia…

For more information on working in Australia, visit www.bbmlive.com/getting-started-inaustralia and find jobs at www.bbmlive.com/ jobs

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THE MOVING DOWNUNDER EVENT

Get the ball rolling to make your dream move to Australia a reality by attending The Moving Down Under Event in London.

Taking place on 16th April 2016, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, this is a unique opportunity to meet with skilled specialist companies that have been helping people move to Australia for over 30 years.

During the day, you’ll get to learn all about the migration process and more, including getting the right visa with Immigration2oz, shipping your belongings with PSS International Removals, the skills you may need with Australian Government Approved Skills Assessing Bodies, finance with National Australia Bank (NAB), currency exchange with Moneycorp, pensions with Global QROPS Ltd, health cover with Bupa, and finding work with many different recruitment companies. There will also be loads of lifestyle and travel info from us at BBM with the Australia Work & Travel Guide.

By the end of your session, you should have a much clearer mind about what you need to move to Australia.

The Moving Down Under Event is for you if you’ve already started looking into moving to Australia.

It will give you the chance to speak to people who know what they’re talking about and have the contacts you need. If you’re under 30 years of age, you can also find out about how you can make the most of a working holiday and turn it into something more permanent, and even those that have already booked their trips to Australia can 12

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get more information on securing work, setting up a bank account and opportunities to travel.

On offer during the day is a FREE visa evaluation for attendees, plus a goodie bag stuffed full with relocation and travel goodies worth £1,000! There will also be a traditional Australian BBQ with beers and wine to get you in the mood for moving to Australia!

Tickets to The Moving Down Under Event are just £10 per person or £15 for two people attending together.

Get your tickets now from

www.eventbrite.co.uk Terms & conditions:

The Moving Down Under Event is for people over 21 years of age with either a degree or 3 years’ professional work experience. Ticket-holders will be sent a short questionnaire to ensure that the event will be worthwhile to them and they they speak to the right people on the day. If we feel you or your partner would not benefit from the event, you will receive a full refund and a free consultation with one of the Down Under Centre team.

The Down Under Centre reserves the right to refuse entry.

If the event is cancelled for any reason other than natural disaster or act of god, you will be given a full refund for the value of your event ticket only. Every person who attends on 16th April 2016 will receive a gift bag with £1000 worth of Australian relocation and travel offers.

Offers are not transferable for cash. Offers are exclusive to the people who attend the event and must be claimed within a time period that will be set by the partner. Full terms and conditions will apply for each offer by the company who donated it.

WE MADE THE MOVE DOWNUNDER From chefs to nurses and electricians, these expats have all found success in the land Down Under…

“What I found was a place full of optimism, blue skies and like-minded people.”

Danielle McGrane, Music Journalist, Dublin to Sydney

“Job prospects and the weather are two of the reasons I came out to Perth from the UK. I’ve been lucky to have the chance to have an amazing life here.”

Tyler Powell, Electrician, Cardiff to Perth

“I originally came to Australia to travel, work, and make some money before settling down.”

Grace Mellor, Administrative Correspondence Controller, Cardiff to Perth

“I came here with the pretence that I didn’t want to get into a career or anything, to just have a bit of fun and work along the way. I didn’t expect to become a manager straight away.”

Michael Gavaghan, Venue Manager, London to Sydney 14

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“I came to Australia as a backpacker. I always planned to do the two years, but I didn’t think I’d be here nearly four years later.”

Anna Scrivener, Recruitment Consultant, Hull to Sydney

EXPAT INTERVIEW

WHAT’S IT LIKE NURSING IN AUSTRALIA?

Meet four nurses from Europe who have been nursing and travelling around Australia. Find out more about their experiences of nursing Down Under and how you could benefit from nursing in Oz with Healthcare Australia (HCA).

Rhiannon Biss (RB) Respiratory Medicine

Liam Caswell (LC) Intensive Care

What inspired your decision to come to Australia?

RB: I first came to Australia 10 years ago to travel the East Coast but didn’t do everything I wanted to, so I decided to come back to live and nurse out here.

LC: I’ve always had a desire to move to Australia, to experience the lifestyle and travel this wonderful country. Plus my other half is Australian so that spurred me along!

GH: I was really curious about what Australia had to offer in terms of career and personal life so I thought I would see what happens!

LG: Fortunately as nurses we have the best job ever if we want to travel! I was working and travelling in the UK (I’m from Italy) when some friends suggested Australia so I thought I’d check it out!

How did HCA help turn the dream into a reality?

LG: HCA have been great – they helped with everything from the registration process to getting a job and even accommodation! They were in touch with me every step of the way, which was comforting when making the decision to come out here!

GH: When I first got in touch with HCA I had no idea what I was doing. It was kind of a terrifying experience – packing up your entire life to move to the other side of the world! But HCA were really supportive; they helped throughout the whole process, from my visa to my AHPRA registration.

How have you found working as an agency nurse with HCA? RB: I love working for the agency so much! It’s flexible, the hours suit me so I’m just happy doing

Linda Gustini (LG) Scrub

Grant Howley (GH) Mental Health

what I’m doing! I’ve been working in the same hospital, which has been really nice as I’m getting to know more people, making friends and building up a team.

LC: They’ve been fantastic so far. I arrived in Sydney without my AHPRA registration confirmed and HCA were on hand to speed up the process as well as providing me with work as soon as I got my registration.

GH: Me too, I arrived in Australia without my registration and they set me up with some work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) to tide me over.

Since then it’s been great – there’s been no shortage of shifts as a Mental Health Nurse so I’ve made plenty of money to live on and to be able to travel around Australia as well.

How has working with HCA helped you travel during your time in Australia?

LG: It’s been really flexible, I can decide when I want to work and when I want to take time off, so if something fun comes up, I can change things around and go rather than miss out! I’ve also been able to make enough money in Australia to support myself and save, so I’ve seen pretty much the whole country in one year and I’ve done all the things I wanted!

GH: You have the flexibility to go off for a few weeks if you want to which is great for travelling.

Also, if you’re saving up, there’s always the opportunity to work more shifts which is brilliant.

HCA has agencies in all of the states so you can also choose to travel interstate and work whilst you are there.

RB: Yeah, it’s great. I can just book off the weekend or a few days and go away with my friends. I’ve also saved quite a bit to go abroad on a few holidays. If you want to backpacking

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around Australia, you can easily pick up shifts wherever you go!

LC: Being an agency nurse in Australia has allowed me to fund fantastic adventures whilst I have been living here. Being able to work and travel is a great advantage that nurses have with HCA. So I tend to work a couple of weeks and then I have a couple of weeks holiday and I get to tick another thing off my bucket list!

Aside from travelling, what other benefits have you found working for HCA? LC: HCA really allows you to be as flexible as you would like to be and that’s been real key for me living in Australia. It’s really allowed me to follow my hobbies and my passions.

RB: I like that it’s so easy to book shifts. With the App, I can say when I’m available – simple! It suits me because a lot of my friends work 9-5 so I like to have the weekends off to spend time with them and see more of Sydney on the weekends.

GH: I’ve also found it’s been really good working with HCA as it’s given me the opportunity to work in different hospitals across the city. It’s helped me decide where I want to settle by seeing different areas and working with different teams.

How has nursing in Australia developed your skills and experience as a nurse?

GH: It’s given me the opportunity to work in a variety of different environments and learn new skills. I did a two-month placement in Bourke, north NSW as a Community Psychiatric Nurse where I could develop really positive therapeutic relationships with the people I was working with. As I hadn’t had much community experience, working with a diverse population was professionally challenging and a great new experience for me.

RB: I feel like I have learnt so much coming to work in Australia, because I go to all different wards, all different departments. The hospital I’m currently working at has actually sent me to the emergency department a few times and I’ve absolutely loved that! It’s an experience that I don’t know if I would have got back home.

How have you found fitting into the Australian way of life?

LC: Australia’s a fantastic place to live. The culture here – the work culture especially – is very laid back and flexible; and the people are lovely and always willing to help. It’s been pretty easy fitting into the Australian health care system; a lot of it is very similar to the UK and I’ve not had any problems at all making friends or fitting in with the Australian nurses.

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GH: Everyone in the UK says Australians take their down time really seriously – I had no idea until I came here! Everyone’s really friendly and I’ve met quite a lot of friends through HCA. I think there is definitely a better work-life balance over here than there is in England. I really try to make the most of my time off!

RB: As I’ve been travelling around Australia before, when I got here I knew I wanted to stay in one place and it’s great as I’m living in a really hip part of town and I’ve been working at the same hospital for a while now so they recognise me. I have been trying to make the most of the Aussie way of life and enjoy my down time as technically I’m still on a working-holiday so I need to holiday as well as work!

What advice would you give to other nurses thinking of making the move to Australia?

LC: I would say give it a go! Come – don’t wait any longer! It’s definitely a move that’s worthwhile, even if it is just a temporary stay for the one year on the WHV. It’s definitely worth a try – it’s a fantastic experience, the country’s beautiful, the people are lovely and the weather is so much better than the UK! RB: Don’t stress – that’s the Aussie way of life!

It can be quite daunting coming over, especially on your own, but HCA is amazing and they are always helpful. Also, you can spot other HCA nurses by their purple shirts, which is lovely as you know you are in the same boat!

LG: Yeah, it’s a little bit daunting, because you’re travelling to a different country and you don’t know what the culture shock is going to be like, but Australians are so laid back and very welcoming. At the end of the day, you are just doing what you did at home – you’re a nurse no matter what! So relax, calm down, and enjoy travelling, meeting people and having fun!

GH: It’s a big decision but it’s worth it, I was worried about leaving a good stable job so it’s understandable to be nervous but you won’t regret it! Also, I would recommend you do a rural placement whilst you are here. It was such a good experience to live and work somewhere you might not otherwise get the chance – it’s a fantastic opportunity to try something new!

Discover more in HCA’s latest video ‘What’s it like nursing in Australia?’ at www.healthcareaustralia.com.au/nursing-inaustralia and find out how you could get a FREE FLIGHT* to Australia when you work for HCA! *Terms & conditions apply, see the HCA website for details.

Nursing In Melbourne

Melbourne is repeatedly considered the most liveable city in the world and a popular choice for thousands of travelling nurses. Whether you’re working across Australia to fund your travels or testing the waters to see if Melbourne could be your new home, the work-life balance is truly desirable.

The medical facilities in Melbourne are exceptional. All public hospitals are major teaching facilities associated with universities and are equipped with modern technologies, as too are private hospitals. There’s a high demand for nurses in Melbourne in a range of specialities including A&E, Intensive Care, Theatre, Mental Health and Midwifery, as well as General Nursing.

Shift work is available across many of these specialities, so you can work the hours that suit you and introduce yourself to new nursing experiences.

Working with and getting to know fellow nurses who are dedicated to providing high quality care to patients not only provides the ideal working environment, but is also a great way of getting to know new people in a new city.

As life is not just about work, Melbourne has a lot to offer outside of working hours. A cosmopolitan city that beckons the young working professional, you’ll find a buzzing CBD, chic suburbs and

a beautiful countryside with beaches, valleys, farmland, alpine ranges and more. Highlights of the city include Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Cricket Ground, the view from Eureka Skydeck, National Gallery of Victoria, Luna Park, the laneways and the coffee!

Further afield, the state of Victoria is home to the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road, the wineries of the Yarra Valley, the little penguins of Phillip Island and the breath taking views of the Grampians.

There are many opportunities for UK and Irish nurses to work in Melbourne. With a friendly working environment, a healthcare system that isn’t much different to the UK and a city that ensures you have an enriching lifestyle outside of work, you can’t really go wrong.

Australian Nursing Agency specialises in nurse recruitment in Melbourne. All you need to get started is your CV, a current Police Check or Working with Children Check and two professional referees. Please note that in order to nurse in Australia you must be registered with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

If you’re planning your working holiday in Australia and you’re a qualified nurse then make sure you contact Australian Nursing Agency today!

To apply for any roles with Australian Nursing Agency mention BBM and Phone +44 020 3816 1331, email recruitment@australiannursingagency.com, or visit www.australiannursingagency.com for more info.

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Outbound Sales Customer Service, Melbourne Distribution Officer, Sydney’s Northern Suburbs

A health care industry provider is looking for a Distribution Officer with previous experience in distribution and warehousing systems. The successful applicant will be responsible for the receipt, storage and dispatch functions within the warehouse and ensuring effective turnaround and output on a daily basis Contact details: Shannon Barlow: 02 8244 1166 | shannonb@people2people.com.au | www.people2people.com.au

An outbound call centre is seeking experienced and confident customer service representatives with experience in outbound customer service. Successful applicants will work on campaigns and be required to conduct outbound calls, work to KPIs and sales targets, and gain commitment from customers and appointment bookings.

Contact details: Elizabeth Punshon: 1300 338 546 | elizabeth@people2people.com. au | www.people2people.com.au

Senior Financial Accountant: M&A, Sydney

An expanding organisation is investing in additional staff to help in the identification and investigation of potential targets. The successful applicant will be commercially savvy, selfsufficient and able to communicate with business leaders in matters of financial and operational performance. Key duties include working with potential vendors to audit financial performance, and confirming the accuracy of financial statements and the health of the revenue streams.

Contact details: Liam Hassell: 02 8270 9722 | liam@people2people.com.au | www.people2people.com.au

ICU, CCU, HDU, NICU, SCBU and Mental Health Nurseswork options aplenty!

Demand is sky-high in Sydney and NSW for acute care Registered nurses as well as mental health nurses to work in specialty units at popular and conveniently located hospitals and clinics. This agency is seeking experienced RGN’s for shifts within acute care units at public and private hospitals as well as mental health specialists and experienced Registered Nurses seeking agency shifts.

Located in Bondi Junction, this agency has a reputation of providing a friendly, casual and highly professional service. To be considered for the role you must have the right to work in Australia, a minimum of 12 months post-grad clinical experience, compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy and current AHPRA registration.

To apply, or to initiate immediate contact, please follow this link: www.bowerhealthcare.com.au/ page/candidates/submit-resume/ 20

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NOW HIRING...

If you’re looking for a new job or career, or if you’ve just arrived in Australia we may be able to help you!

Builders

Do you have experience as a builder? How does $74,000 per year sound? This is the national average builder’s salary in Australia, with big opportunities in all thriving cities.

Carpenters

If you’re looking for a job as a carpenter, why not try the Northern Territory? There are more positions available there than anywhere else in the country.

WANTED Carpenters Labourers Electricians Welders Arborists Are you a skilled worker looking for employment in Australia?

We want to hear from you.

Email us at

jobs@bbmlive.com or call us

02 8005 8162 22

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Fruit Picking Jobs Do you need to complete regional work in aid of your second year working holiday visa?

Now’s the time to complete your 88 days regional work, so get in touch to find your regional work placement.

Quality Control Jobs In Victoria

Quality Control Inspectors required for a busy packing shed in Victoria.

Melbourne’s Music Industry Needs You! Start your career in music in Melbourne. From account managers to A&R, you don’t have to sing to earn money from the music capital of Australia.

Cooks And Chefs Required Nationwide Sponsorships and Permanent Residency available for the right candidate with the right experience.

Can you cook up a storm? How about for $60,000+? This is the salary you’re looking at as a cook or chef.

Get Your 457 Visa Sponsorship Do you know the jobs that will get you 457 Visa sponsorship? Contact jobs@bbmlive.com now to see if you could start a new life in Oz!

Electricians

Got Your RSA And RCG?

You have an overwhelming chance of getting an electrician job wherever you apply in Australia, with openings in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Do you have your Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Conduct of Gambling certificates? There are loads of bar and casino jobs available right now nationwide.

Landscaper Or Arborist?

Tour Guides

You could earn an average $46,000 per year as a landscaper in Australia, compared to $53,000 per year as an arborist.

Want to make some money and fulfil your desire to travel? Become a tour guide in Australia’s fantastic tourist locations and earn up to $53,000 per year.

Engineering In Australia The engineering industry offers plenty of different roles. An electrical engineer earns an average of $76,000 per year, while a civil engineer receives $72,000, and a network engineer gets $74,000.

Marketing Managers Melbourne and Sydney are currently on the lookout for marketing managers with a national average salary of $77,000 per year. Do you have the credentials?

Welders

Recruiters

Take your welding gun to Perth and make $61,000 per year, the highest in the country.

Become a recruiter in Australia and earn up to $90,000 each year. Just email jobs@bbmlive. com to start your search.

Teachers If English is your first language, Australia needs you to teach the next generation of high school students!

Full Time & Temp Jobs There are more full time job openings in Australia, so there’s no excuse for you to be out of work or be dissatisfied with your current role. Take advantage of this opportunity by emailing jobs@ bbmlive.com with your preferred job.

To find out more about landing a job in Australia log on to... www.bbmlive.com/getting-started-in-australia www.bbmlive.com

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want to work behind a bar in oz?

You’ll need an rsa for that.

As it’s not required in the UK, the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) can come as a bit of a shock to visitors to Australia. If you’re yet to even find out what it is or have some unanswered questions about your own, here’s all you need to know about the RSA.

What is the RSA?

RSA is the Responsible Service of Alcohol, a oneday course required by law for anyone working in licensed premises where alcohol is served.

Those that do the RSA are taught about legal responsibilities, harm minimisation, spotting fake IDs and recognising signs of intoxication. What it doesn’t teach you is how to pour a pint or make a Margarita.

Who is it for?

The RSA course is relevant to anyone who has contact with patrons on licensed premises, such as bar staff, courtesy and security staff, waiters, concierge, front door and reception staff, so whether you are working in a hotel, pub, club or restaurant, you will require an RSA.

How do I prove that I have my RSA? If you have completed the RSA in New South Wales, you will be given an Interim Certificate

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from the training organisation (valid for 90 days), which will allow you to work for a short period of time following your completion of the course.

Within the 90 days, you will need to apply for your Photo Competency Card to continue working.

Other states provide paper certificates.

Does the RSA expire?

In NSW, the Photo Competency Cards expire five years after completing your first course. To continue working, you must renew your training by attending/completing an approved course every five years to keep it current.

Does the RSA guarantee I’ll get a job?

No. Nothing and no one can guarantee you a job. The RSA makes you legal and therefore employable to serve alcohol. If you’re new to Australia and need some practical experience working behind a bar, you can take the Bar Skills and Cocktail Skills Course with BarMax, which will make you even more employable.

Get 10% off any BarMax course when you mention BBMLIVE

Visit www.barmax.com.au or call 1300 139 233 to book your RSA now!

How To Get a Job In Australia In 2016 What will it take to be the winning candidate and land a top job in Australia in 2016? According to recruiting experts, Hays, disrupting your CV, being open to freelancing and getting outside your comfort zone to promote yourself online are just three ways to aid your 2016 job search.

1. Disrupt your CV

We’ve all heard of digital disruption, so think about how you could ‘disrupt’ your CV and add a digital element to it. While a traditional CV remains the accepted way to show you have the necessary skills and experience for the role, you could add a link to a website, video or blog post that profiles digital examples of your work or demonstrates your expertise in a particular area.

Adding such links at the end of your CV will help you stand out – provided they are relevant to the role you have applied for.

2. Align your online and offline CVs

Hiring managers will research you online, so make sure the CV you submit matches your online profile. Any discrepancies throw up a red flag. At the very least you’ll be asked some hard questions in the interview, and at worst your CV will be removed from consideration.

3. Be open to freelancing

Expect the number of contract and temporary assignments to continue to surge ahead. With employers looking for flexible headcounts and jobseekers looking to expand their industry experience and networks, freelancing is an option worth considering.

4. Target realistic jobs

Employers are becoming more impatient with candidates who apply for a role that they are not suitable for. In 2016 it is therefore important to be realistic in the roles you consider, and clearly demonstrate your suitability for a role based upon your experience.

5. Promote yourself

You need to go outside your comfort zone and promote yourself on social media to get ahead in 2016. A LinkedIn account will not be enough if you are not active online – so like, post, share and comment on relevant content, ask for endorsements, be active in relevant groups and showcase examples of your work and achievements.

If you would like an informal discussion about the Australian job market, please contact Hays on 0203 465 0158 or email globalinkteam@hays.com

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The Down Under Centre London Ever considered the move to Australia but overwhelmed by the process? The Down Under Centre in London should be your first point of contact for all your queries regarding the move to Oz! Talk to one of their highly-trained advisors for everything you need to know about migration to the other side of the world and enjoy a smooth transition - quickly and efficiently organised!

The primary focus of the Down Under Centre is to provide skills assessments for the purpose of migration to Australia. This is exercised by Australian Construction Training Services (ACTS) and Future Skills International (FSI) who are official government approved registered Training Organisations (RTO) for the purpose of migration.

ACTS work alongside those with practical skills and previous work experience in engineering and construction trades. ACTS seek to gather together proof of work and previous qualifications to issue you a skills assessment and ultimately your Australian Certificate III – a qualification that is valid in Australia.

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Future Skills International offer the skills assessment process exclusively for electricians seeking to obtain an OTSR (Offshore Technical Skills Record) for the purpose of migration to Australia. The OTSR gives electricians the right to work in Australia.

As well as these two predominant bodies, other companies in the Down Under Centre include PSS – international removal specialists who can organise the shipping of removals and baggage to Australia. Australia Nursing Agency (ANA) are also situated in the centre and are a Melbourne-based nursing recruiter supplying private and public hospitals with fully trained and qualified nurses for ad hoc shifts as well as permanent placements.

Last but not least the Working Holiday Club are also on hand to provide packages to help people coming to the UK from Australia, or making the move to Australia. The advisors are also readily available to discuss lifestyle and typical standard of living in Australia. Next stop – Oz! The walk-in Down Under Centre is also frequently used for handy migration events, monthly webinars and fact-filled seminars that enlighten visitors on the procedure involved with the move to Oz, and inform on the realities of life in Australia. Check out the centre’s upcoming event and get your tickets now at www.eventbrite.co.uk or for more information visit

www.downundercentre.com

An Introduction To Australia Make new friends, look for work and start your Australian adventure with OzIntro.

Thailand or Bali with OzIntro’s sisters, ThaIntro and Balintro.

As first weeks in Australia go, the one you can have with OzIntro is pretty amazing. If you arrive a little bit clueless (although you shouldn’t if you’re reading this), they’ll help get you started.

The help that OzIntro provides lasts long after the week over. You get access to the job network for 12 months so you can find work wherever you may be in Australia – a great way to find regional work. They’ll also give you loads of information on where you could travel to next in Australia with great deals and discounts.

They’ll provide you with seven nights accommodation in Sydney, an Aussie SIM card, an Australian bank account, a Tax File Number, a Medicare Card, and a jobs board to apply for work. Even before you leave your home country, they can help you apply for your visa and get a great deal on travel insurance, and they’ll pick you up from the airport after you land in Sydney – now that’s first class service.

With all of the essentials taken care of, it’s time to enjoy yourself. OzIntro have an entire week planned of fun and games for you and your new friends. With your OzIntro group, you’ll get to enjoy experiences such as jet boating on Sydney Harbour, learning to surf, a pub crawl, a visit to the Sydney Aquarium, a trip to the Blue Mountains, and a BBQ on Bondi Beach. When the week is over, you’ll get to enjoy one last feast with a farewell dinner up Sydney Tower – but this doesn’t mean it has to be goodbye. After you’ve spent the week bonding with this amazing group of people, why not continue your travels and see the rest of Australia together? You could even hop over to 28

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OzIntro is perfect if you’re travelling to Australia on your own. Whether on a Working Holiday, gap year or just a holiday, OzIntro offer everything you could possibly need for a great start Down Under.

Best of all? It costs just £399.

Book your intro to Oz at

www.ozintro.com

What’s The Cost To Buy & Rent in Oz?

How much bed can you get for your buck? Looking at the three of the most popular cities for migrants, here’s what you can expect to pay for a one, two and three-bedroom home in Australia.

Perth

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

Central

1 Bed

400

500k

2 Bed

600

550k

3 Bed

1000

1.2 mill

Inner Suburbs

1 Bed

375

420k

2 Bed

450

425k

3 Bed

950

1.1 mill

25 Minutes From CBD

1 Bed

350

420k

2 Bed

400

400k

3 Bed

600

600k

50 Minutes From CBD

1 Bed

300

300k

2 Bed

300

350k

3 Bed

450

450k

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

Sydney Central

1 Bed

650

500k

2 Bed

800

830k

3 Bed

2000

1 mill

Inner Suburbs

1 Bed

300

400k

2 Bed

650

850k

3 Bed

1000

900k

25 Minutes From CBD

1 Bed

300

420k

2 Bed

600

400k

3 Bed

900

600k

50 Minutes From CBD

1 Bed

300

300k

2 Bed

350

350k

3 Bed

450

450k

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

Melbourne Central

1 Bed

200

200k

2 Bed

500

350k

3 Bed

700

600k

Inner Suburbs

1 Bed

200

165k

2 Bed

450

350k

3 Bed

700

600k

25 Minutes From CBD

1 Bed

200

420k

2 Bed

450

350k

3 Bed

600

550k

50 Minutes From CBD

1 Bed

200

300k

2 Bed

300

350k

3 Bed

450

550k

Prices are in Australian Dollars and current of January 2016 30

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Getting A Mortgage in Australia

Can someone who is not an Australian resident secure a mortgage?

Yes, definitely, but the deposit required would all come down to their visa type. If you are on a 457 Visa living in Australia it may be possible to go to a 90% lending to value ratio on a property but if you are offshore then the maximum would be an 80% lending to value ratio.

How much capital would be required for a mortgage?

Again, this really all comes down to your visa type and would also impact the benefits you may receive as a First Home Buyer. Permanent residents should probably aim for around at least 8% of the value of the property and selected temporary visa holders such as a 457 Visa holder should aim for a minimum of 15% of the value of the property to cover deposit and stamp duty fees and charges.

Are you able to secure a loan against a property overseas for example in the UK or Ireland?

Not unless you have an ongoing revenue stream that you can demonstrate to the bank. Any finance would be organised via lenders in the UK.

What are the borrowing rates like in Australia?

There are some great offerings at present with variable rates starting from 3.99%. Rates offered by banks can differ depending on the loan amount and the lending to value ratio.

Is it possible to get a buy to let mortgage in Australia?

Yes, but this will all depend on your residency status. If you don’t have permanent residency and you wish to purchase an investment property then the property you purchase would need to be brand new. There are no restrictions for permanent visa holders.

Do you have to pay stamp duty or is there an Australian equivalent?

You do have to pay stamp duty. Each state has a different offering in terms of discounts and waivers for First Home Buyers but this is only available for permanent visa holders. The amount and guidelines differ from state to state.

If you are still a resident in the UK or Ireland do you have to pay Capital Gains tax there?

What kind of evidence on earnings and/or savings would you need to provide?

This will all depend on the lending to value ratio you are seeking. If you’re applying for finance with less than 20% deposit then you normally need to demonstrate that you have held the equivalent of 5% of the purchase property for more than 3 months in the form of savings or equity in property.

What’s the difference between using a broker or going direct to the bank?

A bank will only offer their products and each bank has their own policies and niches. Where you get declined with one bank you might get approved with another. A broker has access to a wide range of offerings and lenders and a good experienced broker should know the difference between their different policies.

Find out more about Australian home loans and mortgages at www.cbmmortgages.com

www.bbmlive.com

Article courtesy of CBM Mortgages

Did you know you can get a mortgage on a house in Australia even if you don’t have a permanent visa? To get the ins and the outs of it all, we find out more from CBM Mortgages.

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Booking Accommodation Online Thanks to the digital revolution it’s now easier than ever to find a bed for a night, a week, six months or forever. However with so much choice, it can be a lot of effort. To save hours of scrolling through search engines, we’ve put together a collection of some of our favourite accommodation booking sites to get you going.

Hostels, Hotels & Apartments

Most synonymous with the travelling backpacker, hostels are the number one go-to for short-term lodging for a number of reasons. To save time you may want to go directly to our very own bbmlive.com. We have a basic listing of some of our favourite hostels and accommodation around the country, however if you’re looking for an all-in-one viewing and booking option check out websites such as hostelbookers.com and hostelworld.com.

For hotels wotif.com, booking.com are two of the best booking platforms for last minute or advance bookings. Also, keep an eye out for deals on undisclosed hotels at a discounted price, as you could bag a 4 or 5 star hotel for a fraction of the price.

Moving onto apartments and a new trend that is sweeping the world, airbnb.com and homeaway. com are at the forefront of providing a booking service that creates a secure platform for yourself and homeowners to rent out your properties. The websites hold your deposit and rent until you and the flat owner have confirmed arrival and departure.

House Swap

If you’re looking for home comforts on the other side of the world but you’re worried about paying rent or your mortgage while on your travels, you can swap your house for someone else’s. You don’t even have to swap at the same time. If a member of 32

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lovehomeswap.com stays in your house while you’re away, you can even earn points which can later be used to holiday in a house completely free. Other house swap websites include guardianhomeexchange. co.uk and aussiehouseswap.com.au.

Semi-Permanent Accommodation

For anyone looking to stay in one location for at least six months, whether to work solidly for the same employer or have a base for family and friends to visit, long-term accommodation is the logical choice. With many rental properties coming with a minimum sixmonth lease, you can have somewhere to call home while still experiencing the beauty of Australia.

House Shares

With accommodation eating a predominant chunk out of your wage, you’ll want to save as many cents and dollars as possible. FlatmateFinders.com.au lists hundreds of homes, as well as people that are also looking for a house share, based on your chosen city. The website is free to sign up to and contact 35 people but if you’re successful in your search, there is a finder’s fee.

Those of you from the UK will be pleased to know Gumtree.com.au is here to help as well local sites such as au.easyroommate.com, domain.com.au and furnishedproperty.com.au, who list fully furnished share accommodation, apartments and student digs.

Permanent

If you’re migrating permanently to Australia for work or family then you may well be looking for a home of your own. Whether you’re buying or looking for a long term rental there are two main websites in Australia that are worth a visit, as mentioned above domain. com.au is a great place to start and then you also have realestate.com.au. Both websites cover the entire country and most estate agents will have their properties listed.

Melbourne hostel guide Discovery Melbourne

Based in the bustling CBD, Discovery Melbourne is your introduction to the city. Surrounded by the street art, unique laneways, super cool bars and markets, this fun and friendly hostel makes the most of its supreme location and aims to show you the best bits of a city that is one of the most liveable in the world.

Facilities include a beanbag cinema, rooftop and basement bars, free breakfast, laundry, kitchen and WIFI. There are also daily events to help you get to know your fellow guests.

The rooms themselves offer a variety if you’re keen to mix with others or are more of a private person. From a double room at $90 per night to an eight-bed mixed dorm at $36 per night, and a 16bed dorm at $30 per night, there’s plenty of choice to suit all at great prices for such a location.

167 Franklin Street, Melbourne www.discoverymelbourne.com

United Backpackers

Whether you come to Melbourne for work or play, United Backpackers Melbourne can help you out. Soft pillows after a hard day’s exploring, a sparkling kitchen and dining area, awesome TV room, amazing basement bar, great staff and an atmosphere to match, this hostel oozes the cool culture Melbourne is made of. Rooms to choose from include mixed and female-only dorms, twin and triple rooms, and with or without ensuite.

250 Flinders Street, Melbourne www.unitedbackpackers.com.au

Habitat

Away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city, Habitat sits in the heart of the Melbourne seaside district, St Kilda. This laidback accommodation is Melbourne’s first carbon neutral hostel, so your stay will be completely guilt free but still enjoyable, with free WIFI, free breakfast, open mic nights, bar crawls, BBQs, walking tours and more. There are shared dorms and private motel style rooms to suit everyone.

333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda www.habitathq.com.au

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Darwin

Hostel Guide

When arriving in NT you’ll be drawn in by the major cities, that include Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek, with Darwin being one of the most popular destinations. Setting off on your travels can be as daunting as the first day at a new job, so it’s great if you can find a place that you feel comfortable in, and even better if you can make a few friends along the way who may even turn into travel buddies.

Melaleuca On Mitchell

Take full advantage of the fantastic facilities on offer at Melaleuca On Mitchell and the variety of suites available when you visit Darwin.

From the twin, double and four share bunks (with and without en suites) and more, you can choose to relax in the hostel that is locally owned, as well as be looked after by the very friendly and accommodating staff.

The hostel is perfectly located, being slap bang in the city centre making it very easy to reach all the best places to visit and explore.

It doesn’t stop there though - there are also two pools, a waterfall spa, outdoor pool table, licensed bar and a 4-metre big screen TV! www.momdarwin.com

Chillis Backpackers Located in the heart of Darwin, Chillis is one of the

biggest hostels in the city!

Boasting an awesome spa deck, sun loungers to relax and top up your tan as well as a BBQ area to enjoy the famous Aussie BBQs. If you’re after a decent breakfast in the mornings and not sure where to go, then Chillis has you covered with its daily FREE breakfast for every night you stay at the hostel.

The facilities include 24-hour check in, a travel desk, Job Shack agency to help you secure work to fund your fun, a bar with weekly events, and the all-important laundry facilities. chillis.com.au

Youthshack

Mitchell Street is the home to the exciting Youthshack backpackers in Darwin. Close to all the essentials a young traveller could ask for, you’ll find local pubs, restaurants and bars all on the doorstep.

After embarking on your adventure tour of the Northern Territory, Youthshack is the best place to rest your head or if you want to jump right into the party, then head to the bar as well as getting involved in the weekly events.

With a mix of 8 share and 4 share dorms, a twin and double room, the Youthshack boasts a great variety of accommodation to suit anyone! youthshack.com.au

Perth Hostel Guide If you’re planning on spending some of your Australian adventure in Perth, make sure you check out these hostels for a warm welcome, new friends and fun times in the Western Australian capital.

Britannia on William

Within a beautiful building on William Street, Britannia on William takes pride of place in Northbridge, Perth’s cultural and entertainment hub. Surrounded by cafés, bars, museums and shops, Britannia is a great springboard to the rest of the city, within easy distance of the city centre and transport links to the coast.

Rooms are made to suit the budget traveller, from private singles to eight-share dorm from $27 per night. There are plenty of facilities including a communal kitchen and lounge room, BBQs, lockers and free WIFI in the courtyard. You also get 24-hour access to the Internet café, so you can print off your CV and send emails, and get help with finding work and any visa queries you may have at the Work West Job Shop. With the addition of a travel desk offering tours and activities, they’ve got everything covered.

With years of experience as one of the most trusted hostels in Perth, the services offered are truly remarkable for the price.

253 William Street, Northbridge www.perthbritannia.com

Billabong Backpackers Resort

The super fun hostel for the enthusiastic traveller in Perth, Billabong Backpackers Resort provides one of the best experiences with fantastic facilities. A swimming pool is the big seller for this place, especially when you feel the Australian heat in the peak of summer. Because you need plenty of fuel to make the most of your stay, you’ll receive a free breakfast every morning and the use of a kitchen. Rooms range from private to dorm from $29 per night ($27 for Nomad members), all of which include private bathrooms, a balcony and air-conditioning. Situated on Beaufort Street, Billabong is close to the cafés, pubs and bars that make Highgate so popular with like-minded travellers.

381 Beaufort Street, Highgate www.billabongresort.com.au

Ocean Beach Backpackers

The clue’s in the name; Ocean Beach Backpackers is located right on the beach – but not just any beach. Overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean, this hostel resides on Cottesloe Beach, Perth’s most famous and popular stretch of sand. Within walking distance of the city centre, Ocean Beach Backpackers offers the best of both worlds with lounges, a kitchen, XBOX and cinema screenings; bikes to hire and surfboards to borrow; and a mix of dorm rooms and private rooms from $29 per night.

1 Eric Street, Cottesloe www.oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

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Sydney Hostel Guide

With great facilities, comfortable rooms and fun activities to get you involved, these hostels are the cherry on top of your Sydney experience.

Hump Backpackers

In the bustling Kings Cross district is Hump Backpackers, a renovated hostel with a courtyard, TV room, and the popular Blue Room, which features a TV, graffiti mural and an incredible view of Kings Cross. With private and dorm rooms ranging from four to 12-bed, rates start from $21 per person per night and include free breakfast, free WIFI, free BBQ on Friday and free pancakes on Sundays – not to mention fantastic and helpful staff.

40 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point, Sydney www.humpbackpackers.com

Big Hostel

Located in the beautiful suburb of Surry Hills, Big Hostel is within walking distance to the best spots in the city including Darling Harbour and Chinatown. With a range of rooms including 36

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singles, family and dorms, it is suited for anyone.

A no-frills hostel, you can get a bed for however many nights you need from $32 per person per night, with the use of a laundry room, kitchen, rooftop garden, travel desk and free WiFi. There’s also a complimentary light self-serve breakfast to get your day off to a good start.

212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills www.bighostel.com

Bounce

With the vibes of a hostel and the facilities of a hotel-cum-bar, Bounce boasts a rooftop area, large communal kitchen and the Tipple Bar & Bistro. The rooftop is where the majority of the weekly events are held, such as $1 hot dogs on Thursdays and $2 burgers on Sundays, and you can comfortably lounge under the sun with beanbags. With the addition of Bounce Travel, you can also plan your Australian adventures. Sleep easy in the quality rooms, including private rooms sleeping from one to four guests, or dorm rooms for four to eight people.

28 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills www.bouncehostel.com.au

Tips For Emigrating To Australia

Here’s a few simple and handy emigration tips for moving to Australia.

not, take a course and achieve your qualification before applying.

Points Basis

If you’re not from an English-speaking country or English isn’t your first language, you will need to take an English test. You must take the test and achieve your International English Language Test Score before applying for your visa.

Your experience, skills and background are all measured in points that count towards the final decision on your visa, therefore having all of the requirements and evidence of such will give you a higher chance of approval.

Get Your References

If you’re applying for a skilled job or for the Skilled Independent Visa, having references from previous employers will be advantageous if not necessary to your application and you should have these in order before starting your application.

Get Your Qualifications

As many jobs also rely on relevant qualifications and certificates, so too will the visa. Make sure you have the qualifications you need to prove you can do the job successfully in Australia, and if

Take The English Test

Give Yourself Time

Many visas can take up to 12 months to be approved, so give yourself enough time before you need to be in the country.

Adding A Spouse

You will need to provide evidence of your relationship if you are attaching a spouse to your application, including photographs, bank statements, a declaration with details of your relationship and a declaration from others confirming your relationship. You will need this evidence ready before lodging your application.

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Australian Visa Guide

Wondering how you can move to Australia to live, work and play? We explain what all that visa malarky means so you can get your head around the right one for you!

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

made under the nominated stream. They must also be younger than 50 years old (unless stated otherwise) and meet certain skills, qualifications and English language requirements.

To apply for the Working Holiday Visa you must:

Within the application form is a statement that applicants will obey Australian law and respect Australian way of life. Anyone 18 years old or more will be expected to sign this after reading the Life in Australia book. Applications for the ENS visa are to be made online in or outside of Australia.

Available to young people that want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year, the Working Holiday Visa is the most popular visa for travelling to Australia.

• Be at least 18 years of age but younger than 31 • Not have a dependent child coming with you to Australia • Have around $5000 AUD to support your time in Australia • Have the funds to purchase a return ticket when your visa runs out • Have a passport from an eligible country The countries eligible for this visa include the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Germany, France, Canada and Japan and a few select others.

Employer Nomination Scheme

The Employer Nomination Scheme is a visa that enables skilled individuals to work in Australia on a permanent basis. It involves two stages; nomination by an approved Australian employer, and an application 38

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Higher Education Sector Visa (subclass 573) If you are enrolled as a student to receive a bachelor degree, a graduate certificate/diploma, a masters degree, or a higher education diploma, you may be able to apply for the Higher Education Sector Visa to stay and study in Australia.

The visa conditions and process are streamlined depending on the country you’re applying from, the country your passport is registered to and your age.

Generally, you can apply for this visa if you need your first student visa, a subsequent student visa, or to join a family member who is in Australia on a student visa.

Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (subclass 457)

• Achieve a skills assessment for the chosen occupation • Have not yet turned 50 years of age • Have a competent level of English • Have been sent a letter of invitation by the Australian Government

To obtain this visa, you must: • Be sponsored by an approved business • Have the skills to fulfill the job you have been nominated for • Only fill a position that could not be filled by an Australian citizen or resident • Speak vocational English

The Skilled Independent Visa allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. You can also include your partner and any dependent relatives in your application.

The 457 Visa allows a skilled worker to come to Australia to work in their nominated occupation for a sponsored employer for up to four years. The occupation must appear on the Skilled Occupation List to be approved for sponsorship.

Holders of this visa are able to work in Australia for up to four years, bring their family to work or study, and travel in and out of Australia as much they want.

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) For anyone that hasn’t been sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government, you can apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) based on your points as a skilled worker.

You can apply for this visa if you: • Submit an expression of interest • Nominate an occupation on the skilled occupation list

Partner Visa (subclasses 820 and 801)

The Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) is available to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, to live in Australia.

To apply for the visa, applicants must be married or in a de facto relationship with their partner. The temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820) is approved before the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801), but you only have to lodge one application and pay one application charge. You must be in Australia when the visa is applied for and when the decision is made.

If you have any questions related to migrating to Australia or visas contact ozvisainfo.com

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Opening Up An Australian Bank Account Opening an Australian bank account is essential if you’re looking for temporary work while travelling, especially as most employers will pay your wages via electronic fund transfers.

If you’re on an Australian working holiday visa or residing in the country for a long period of time, you will need to get an Australian bank account.

Once you arrive at your destination, go to your chosen bank as soon as possible and present them with your passport as identification in order to open the account. Try to do this within six weeks, because if you leave it any longer, they will require utility bills and other documents.

You have a choice of three bank cards: cheque, savings or credit card. Your everyday normal account in Oz is called a ‘savings account’ and your savings or secondary account is called a ‘cheque account’. When you use your EFTPOS card (Electronic Funds withdrawal at Point of 40

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Sale), or a cash machine (ATM) you will be presented with three options on the screen: cheque, savings or credit. You will need to make sure you choose the correct option for the money to go from the correct account.

Most Australian banks charge a monthly accountkeeping fee of around $5, and little or no interest.

You’re also limited to the number of transactions, some banks limit the number of free withdrawals you can have per month. With a bank account you will normally receive an EFTPOS or ATM (cash machine) card so you can withdraw your money. If you use another bank’s ATM then you will incur a fee of around $1.50 – $2.00.

The main banks in Oz are Commonwealth, National, ANZ, St George and Westpac, and you’ll need to shop around in order to get the best deal.

To find a bank account that best suits your needs, the Australian Bankers’ Association provides helpful information. Visit www.bankers.asn.au to start looking. You can also find international banks such as HSBC and Citi Bank. We recommend banking with the largest banks in Australia, as they have many ATM machines dotted around, including in rural areas, which is useful when you’re travelling.

Each of the large banks have deals online from time to time in order for you to get the best out of your card, including no bank charges for the first 12 months. It’s always worth contacting the bank directly about these offers.

Top Tips For Transferring Money To Or From Australia Whether you’re thinking of moving to Australia or you’ve already made the leap and are enjoying your new life Down Under, you might need to make payments to or from your adopted home.

Using the most efficient and cost-effective foreign exchange provider could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Banks can be expensive as they don’t typically offer the most competitive exchange rates or a personal service.

Thankfully, there is an alternative. By using a currency specialist such as moneycorp you could benefit from:

Competitive exchange rates

When using a foreign exchange specialist company like moneycorp, you can benefit from exchange rates that are typically 3-4% better than you might receive from your high street bank. That percentage can make a huge difference when sending large sums of money across the world to start your new life Down Under.

Low transfer fees

When using a specialist, rather than your bank, you could also save money on the transfer fees.

Banks can often charge up to £20-£40 every time you move money abroad. With moneycorp, the transfer fees start are as low as £5.

Personal service

Every moneycorp client is allocated a personal account manager. Based at moneycorp’s London office, they can guide you through the transfer process and help protect your transfer from negative exchange rate fluctuations.

service enables you to buy or sell currency and make transfers 24/7, so you can manage your international payments at your convenience – at any time and from anywhere in the world.

Regular payment plan

If you already live in Australia and need to make recurring payments back to the UK – to your family or to cover a mortgage perhaps – you can use moneycorp’s Regular Payment Plan. They will collect your sterling by Direct Debit, convert it into foreign currency and automatically send it abroad as frequently as you wish – whether it’s weekly, monthly or at more irregular intervals.

Get started with moneycorp

The first step is to register for a free, no obligation moneycorp account – the process only takes a few minutes. Once registered, you will have an Account Manager on hand to provide live quotes and they can talk through your money transfer requirements in detail. moneycorp is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority – they have been providing foreign exchange services for over 35 years.

For more information on money transfers, visit

www.moneycorp.com

Online

Don’t be limited to making payments in UK office hours with a bank. moneycorp’s online

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Get The Right Advice On Your Pension Receiving the correct financial advice, when migrating to Australia, could provide you with some excellent financial benefits for your existing UK assets and investments, including pensions.

Pensions

retain or sell their UK property or investments.

Allied to this, Australia have their own tax regulations, on foreign investments, held by a resident of their country.

Global QROPS Ltd

Global QROPS’ unique expertise can provide insight into the considerable differences between the tax regimes in the UK and Australia, and provide an individual with pre-migration advice that will help you take advantage of the tax breaks available and avoid falling into some of the tax traps that a move Australia could potentially lead to.

If you have a UK private or company pension, you will need advice as to whether to transfer your pension to Australia or leave it in the UK - and on the timing of any potential transfer.

With the right advice, it is possible to transfer your UK pension to Australia and retire tax free on those benefits in Australia.

Global QROPS Ltd are UK based financial advisers, authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Their advisory team has many years’ experience in advising people, who are migrating to Australia, on the best strategy for their UK pensions, property, savings and investments.

However, neither the UK’s HMRC nor the Australian Tax Office make the process easy.

There are procedures to be followed and regulations to be adhered to, both in the UK and Australia, before a transfer can go ahead.

With expert advice, you can minimise the tax implications and reduce exposure to currency fluctuations, when transferring your pension funds to Australia.

Based in Australia, BDH Sterling, the licensed Australian arm of Global QROPS, will then be perfectly positioned to continue the advice process for when you need advice in Australia.

Other Tax Considerations

There are important UK income tax, capital gains tax (CGT) and inheritance tax (IHT) implications that centre around whether an individual should 42

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For more information on Global QROPS Ltd or to arrange a free initial consultation in the UK, call 01372 724249, email info@globalqrops.com and visit www.globalqrops.com

KNOW YOUR AUSTRALIAN TAX RIGHTS If you pay tax at any time while in Australia, you’ll need to submit a tax return. You could also be entitled to a tax refund. To help you with the ins and outs of it all, here are our top tips on Australian tax.

Claiming Income Tax During the first six months of working in Australia, you will pay the non-resident tax rate. After those six months, you start paying the lower resident rate, at which point you may be able to claim a refund on the tax you paid as a non-resident.

Like the UK, Australia has a tax-free personal allowance that currently stands at $18,200, but non-residents don’t receive a personal allowance, so have to pay tax on all income. This is money that you’re owed and entitled to, so it’s important not to leave it. To find out if your circumstances entitle you to a tax refund, you can speak to a tax agent.

Claiming Your Superannuation In Australia, superannuation is a retirement fund, like a UK state pension. A percentage of your salary is put aside as superannuation and can’t be touched until you retire – or, until you leave Australia. If you’re not staying in Australia, you can apply to release your superannuation as soon as you leave Australia and your visa has expired.

Claiming The Medicare Levy Some foreign residents are exempt from paying the Medicare levy, the taxpayer-funded health scheme for Australians, for which 2% is paid from taxable income. If you’re exempt from paying the levy, you need an exemption letter, which will increase your tax refund. Not sure if you’re exempt? Ask a tax agent about the Medicare levy exemption.

Include Your Bank Interest Make sure you include your bank account interest in your annual tax return to ensure your refund is not delayed.

Claiming Work Expenses Minimise your tax or increase your tax refund by claiming work expenses. These should be directly related to your job while in Australia, so what you can claim back on depends on what job you are doing. Expenses include any tools, equipment, work uniform or courses fully paid for by you, not your employer. You should remember to keep your receipts for any expenses you want to claim Know Your Tax Residency How much your tax refund will amount to determines on whether you’re a resident or nonresident. If you’ve been in Australia for less than six months on a temporary visa, you will pay the non-resident tax rate. If you’ve worked six months or more, you’ll pay the resident tax rate. The tax rate for non-residents is higher, but this is why claiming it back is so important!

Get Your Tax File Number Your Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique personal reference number that once given to you, is yours for life. Your TFN will tell your employer and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) what tax rate you should be paying and how much superannuation you should be getting. It will also enable you to send your Australian tax return online. You can apply to get your TFN from ATO at www.ato.gov. au Submitting Your Tax Return You need to submit a tax return if you’ve paid tax while you’ve been in Australia. The Australian financial year runs from 1st July – 30th June and you must submit your tax return by 31st October.

For more information on Tax visit

www.taxback.co.uk

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SUPERANNUATION EXPLAINED

As of 1st July 2014, super contributions have to be a minimum of 9.5% of your earnings. They are not taken out of your earnings, but are an additional payment expected from your employer.

You need to give your employer your tax file number (TFN). This will tell them how much super they need to pay in. If you don’t provide them with your TFN, you may end up paying more tax on your super contributions than the typical 15% placed by the Australian Tax Office (ATO). You can apply for your TFN online with the ATO as a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor. You must be in Australia when you apply and hold a visa that allows you to work in Australia. Your personal and travel documents will be compared with the records held by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, and if successful, you should receive your TFN within 28 days.

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Not everyone is entitled to superannuation. To receive contributions, you must be at least 18 years old and earn at least $450 in one month (before tax). You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or even be working full time to receive superannuation; if you’re working part time or casual hours, you’re a temporary resident or you’re on a Working Holiday Visa, you may be eligible.

You might be able to choose which super fund your contributions are paid into and how they’re invested, with security and returns differing. To choose your own fund, you need to fill out a Standard Choice Form.

Should the time come for you to leave Australia – whether voluntarily or due to visa expiry – you can claim back the super that you’ve accumulated.

Once you’ve left Australia, your super fund will transfer the super money to the Australian Taxation Office after six months. They will hold your super until you claim it. And you really should make the effort to claim it.

Every year, millions of dollars of super goes unclaimed, just sitting in accounts doing nothing.

Imagine what you could do with that money…

By Omar Soliman

Superannuation in Australia is much like the state pension in the UK. If you’re an employee, your employer pays super for you into a super fund that builds up until you retire, just like National Insurance Contributions in the UK. If you’re self-employed, you can choose to contribute super yourself.

Travelling Solo in Australia

For many the idea of travelling alone is a problematic one, from the serious issue of ‘stranger danger’ to the more practical concerns of deciding where to go and what to do without anyone else’s input. However, there are many seasoned travellers out there who prefer solo expeditions and believe that if it’s planned the right way, going it alone can be just as rewarding as travelling with friends or family members. So if you’re thinking about tackling Australia by yourself, here are six pointers for a happy, safe, stress-free trip...

1.

Scan all documents such as passport, ID and travel insurance and keep them electronically in case of emergencies. It makes more sense than to carry an information file around with you, particularly if you’re embarking on a proper backpacking adventure.

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2. Keep in touch with friends

and family throughout your journey. It’s good to allow a little spontaneity into your trip – there’s so much to see and do throughout Oz, so let yourself be side-tracked – but always let someone know where you are through email or phone (it’s cheaper to call home if you get an international phone card).

3. Enjoy walking. With no one

pulling you in any specific direction, it’s a good idea to start your journey with a nice long aimless walk through the area in which you’ve arrived. Explore, check out places of interest, get a feel for your temporary home; you’ll become more relaxed about your holiday as well as your choice to do it alone.

SHIPPING

5. You’re never really alone with social media! Like

it or not, social media can put you in touch with people instantly, so if you find yourself standing in the middle of Sydney Harbour Bridge with no one to share the experience, you can always tweet or post a selfie and tell the world! Nothing wrong with a little electronic interaction, after all!

6. Of course, you will be meeting people on your travels all the time! It’s not as if you’ll be shutting down all communication and retreating into your shell whenever someone asks you the time. But the great thing about travelling solo is you can evenly balance out your time between socialising and simply chilling out alone. It’s not a luxury you’re blessed with if you have a constant companion.

Wherever you’re travelling in Australia, Seven Seas Worldwide can assist you with your baggage. Visit the website www.sevenseasworldwide.com for a fast, affordable and secure relocation service.

Try The International Move Cube We know a thing or two about moving because we’ve been doing it for nearly twenty years.

That’s why we’ve created what we think is the most efficient solution to furniture removals: The MoveCube®.

The MoveCube® is a furniture container inside a trailer that is brought to the door of your house or block of flats.

All you need to do is load it with strong and welllabelled boxes and wait until we redeliver it to the door of your new address. It’s as simple as that.

The MoveCube® comes in three sizes, the small MoveCube®; the medium MoveCube®; and the large MoveCube®.

Our furniture shipping service covers the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Hong Kong and China.

We believe household removals don’t have to be as stressful as people expect them to be. All we need from you is perfectly-packed, taped and labelled boxes for loading onto the MoveCube®.

Article courtesy of Seven Seas Worldwide

4. One of the best things about travelling solo is you don’t have to wait for anyone! With that in mind, it’s a good idea to get an early start if you’re planning on visiting a particular holiday hotspot or tourist attraction.

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International Removals

If you’re making the move Down Under and need a reliable, convenient service to ship your belongings from the UK to Australia, take a look at PSS International Removals.

They’ve been experts in home removals for 34 years, and can safely move anything, from baggage and personal items to fridge freezers and vehicles, from the door of your old home to the door of your new home. Whether you just need to ship a few suitcases or half your house, they’ve got you covered with dedicated containers, shared containers, excess baggage and air freight service. They even offer four weeks of free storage in the UK or Australia, should you find yourself in limbo between properties.

You can find out how much your shipping might cost you with a free online quote. It’s so easy to use; it can be done in just 60 seconds. If you’re packing up most of your house to move, you can 48

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even request a home survey that’s absolutely free and you have obligation to use.

PSS International Removals have shipped to all different destinations in Australia – from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Wollongong, Bunbury and the Sunshine Coast. If you don’t yet have an exact delivery address, you can let them know at a later date or even when you arrive in Australia.

If you have any questions about what you can ship, what taxes you may face and what documentation is required, PSS International Removals can help so you have peace of mind when it comes to moving halfway around the world!

Perhaps the most important thing is that you can trust your shipping company to handle your belongings. Not only are PSS International Removals financially bonded by the British Association of Removers & IMMI Payment guarantee scheme, they are also members of the FIDI Global Alliance and accredited by FAIM quality standard.

Find out more about shipping to Australia at www.pssremovals.com

Get your visas at www.bbmlive.com/get-visas

Reefs And Rainforests Snorkel coral reefs and ride through treetops on this East Coast adventure with Contiki.

If you’re short on time but want an epic experience of the East Coast of Australia, Reefs And Rainforests can fulfil your dream and then some over 16 days.

Getting under the skin of each location, without having to rush from one to another, you can tick off Australian activities and visit breathtakingly beautiful places with a group of pretty awesome people. So, who’s up for exploring?

You can start in Sydney or Cairns on this trip, depending on which option you book. Let’s begin in Sydney, where you meet your tour group and Trip Manager, and experience both the buzzing city and surrounding countryside with trips to the Blue Mountains, Manly Beach and Darling Harbour, where you can capture those desired snaps of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge!

From Sydney, you travel north, stopping at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour for a night at the Aussie Surf Camp and a morning surf lesson. After drying 50

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off, it’s back on the road for Byron Bay, Australia’s traditionally hippy beachside gem. With one night here, you can make the most of it by heading to Cape Byron Lighthouse to spot dolphins, or even get up close to them on a kayaking adventure (me-time optional extra).

The next day, you cross the New South Wales border into Queensland, where you come face-to-face with Australia’s amazing native animals like koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes and even crocodiles at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. In the evening, you arrive at Surfers Paradise, where you can soak up the party atmosphere of the Gold Coast with an optional cabaret dinner and VIP entry into one of the best clubs in town. Freshen up after the night before and enjoy the daytime delights of Surfers Paradise with a free day to chill out on the beach or even head into the Hinterland on a 4WD trip (me-time option).

After another night in Surfers Paradise, you travel further up the coast to Noosa, stopping off in Queensland’s capital of Brisbane on the way. The resort town of Noosa has a laidback pace, and you’ll get to soak it all up with sunbathing, swimming and dinner by the beach. Onto your eighth day and over halfway through your trip, the action is cranked up a notch as you head over to Fraser Island. One of the most unique islands in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage sand island boasts 40 freshwater lakes, rainforest, wildlife, shipwrecks, 4WD fun and an eco lodge where you’ll be spending the night.

to try here including scuba diving, white water rafting, bunjy jumping and skydiving (me-time options)! For your final night, you journey into Cape Tribulation, where the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest meet. Explore this jungle paradise with an aboriginal guide, soak up the gorgeous waters of Mossman Gorge, and glide through the canopy on a zipline (me-time option). Spend the night in the heart of Cape Tribulation, and spend your last day visiting Port Douglas, a resort town of palm trees and white sand, before returning to Cairns for the end of your Reefs And Rainforests adventure.

As you return to the mainland, it’s time for a different Aussie experience with a stop at a country homestead in Queensland’s cattle country. Take a sneak peek into daily life on a farm, enjoy a dinner of local roast beef and vegetables, and have a go at cracking a whip.

From £1,745pp, Reefs And Rainforests (Start Sydney) includes 15 nights multi-share accommodation, coach travel, national park entry fees, a Trip Manager, 22 meals and loads of fun with a tour group. With so many included and optional me-time activities, you can see and do so much on the East Coast in just 16 days!

The next morning, you say goodbye to your hosts and travel to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the paradise of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Getting off the mainland once again, you sail out to Daydream Island, spending the day at leisure walking through the rainforest, swimming in the pool or trying a few water sports – whatever you like. You can add on a day of sailing in the Whitsundays, including a stop at Whitehaven Beach, as a me-time optional extra.

Back on dry land, you and your group make your way to the tropical city of Cairns. There are so many things

Reefs And Rainforests (Start Sydney) is one of many Contiki Holidays Australian trips from 3-25 days. If you’ve only got a few weeks to travel or if you’re looking to experience Australia and make new friends along the way, definitely consider organised group travel as an option. It’s great to share your experiences with like-minded people, and even better if they’re with you for the ride. Give Contiki a call on

0845 075 0990, head to Contiki.com or visit your local travel agent.

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Tropical North Queensland Enter Tropical North Queensland and step back in time as you explore ancient landscapes, relax on palm-fringed beaches and discover unique culture.

Home to two World Heritage Listed sites sitting side-by-side, adventure islands, coral reefs, hidden gems and weird and wonderful nature, Tropical North Queensland is a big bucket list destination.

With more untouched beauty than you can shake a didgeridoo at, you can experience this region in a multitude of ways. Stand beneath the picture-perfect Milla Milla Falls, surf through the Daintree Rainforest on a zipline, go kayaking along Cape Tribulation Beach, swim with turtles in the Great Barrier Reef, view Aboriginal art in an open-air gallery, find a spot to sunbathe on Mission Beach, go in search of the elusive cassowary, and visit areas so protected and out-of-the-way that few people have experienced them.

One of the last true wildernesses, it takes some effort to get to the true Tropical North. Hiring a campervan or booking on a group tour are really the only two ways you can travel this region – and even then you might have to swap your campervan for a 4WD. No matter how demanding it may be, Tropical North Queensland is well worth it. One of the most beautiful, breath taking and enriching destinations, delve deep and read on to discover what this land has to offer you‌ 52

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Surf’s Up Make like Tarzan and buckle up for a ride through the jungle of Tropical North Queensland.

If there’s a better way to immerse yourself in the Daintree Rainforest than by hanging from a zipline 20 metres above ground, we’re yet to find it. Not only do you get an exhilarating experience whizzing between seven tree canopy ziplines, you can achieve a completely unique perspective of one of nature’s living museums.

Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours has to be one for your bucket list. Lasting two hours with at least one hour in the rainforest canopy with a bonus ride on the award winning Human Hamster Wheel, this treetop route is a treat for all the senses.

“This was such a fun way to get some amazing views of the rainforest and out to the ocean.” Mel from London Keep your eyes open for jaw-dropping views of the rainforest, the freshwater streams and the Great Barrier Reef. Breathe in the smell of fresh flora and listen out for the call of the Wompoo Fruit Dove or the Green Tree Frog. Most of all, embrace the adrenaline in your heart as you fly through the world’s oldest rainforest.

There are eight tours per day and they run rain or shine so be prepared for all weathers! There are no more than 13 surfers per tour and you have one of their friendly guides with you every step of the way to provide expert knowledge of the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll be kitted out with a harness and a helmet – and you can even strap your camera to you so you don’t miss out on special photo moments!

To find out more or book visit

www.junglesurfing.com.au

CAPE TRIB BEACH HOUSE Stay and play with the Daintree Rainforest on your doorstep.

Cape Tribulation Beach House provides the only beachfront accommodation in the Daintree Rainforest of Tropical North Queensland. Where the rainforest and beach meet each other, Cape Tribulation is where you can unwind and escape from modern day life to soak up the essence of the Tropical North. One thing’s for sure: no matter how many days you stay for, you’ll be wishing you had more.

Situated on the edge of the Daintree Rainforest, this natural habitat has an astounding array of plants and wildlife. Whether you join a group tour or grab a torch and go for a wander on the beach, you could spot marsupials, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects in-between the towering trees of this flourishing rainforest. The formidable cassowary is one particular sight to behold should you be so lucky – but we wouldn’t advise getting too close!

history tours, as well as regular bonfires on the beach and even live bands once a month.

Everyone who stays at Cape Tribulation Beach House can enjoy an amazing location and atmosphere, a bistro, a bar, a swimming pool, kayak hire and plenty of things to do in and around Cape Tribulation.

With a mix of private cabins, shared and female only dorms available for solo travellers, groups of friends, couples and families, Cape Trib Beach House has something for everyone and can cater for all budgets.

You can enjoy luxuries such as an en-suite, fridge and king-size bed just 20 metres from the beach.

Dorm accommodation includes shared facilities like showers, a kitchen and laundry room.

Activities available in the Daintree Rainforest include hiking, 4WD, kayaking, helicopter flights, Book your stay at Cape Tribulation Beach House at archery and zip lining. Cape Tribulation Beach www.capetribbeach.com.au House itself offers horse rides, night walks and

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y r u F g in

m a o F

Battle the elements as you take on the rapids of North Queensland.

If you’re ever near the tropical city of Cairns, you can cool yourself down while pumping up the adrenaline along North Queensland’s rivers with Foaming Fury. Providing half and full-day adventures in Barron River and Russell River, they’ve been showing visitors just what this region is made of for 30 years.

You can truly get to know North Queensland’s landscape as you journey down these rivers. The half-day white water rafting takes place along the Barron River in Barron Gorge National Park, and offers up views of the rainforest, mountains and waterfalls. With calm and high-impact sections of the river, there are opportunities to enjoy the scenery and have full-on adventure. Located just 20 minutes from Cairns, this is an easy day trip for city dwellers.

For extra time, head to Russell River for a full day white water rafting. One hour south of Cairns, you start the day exploring the depths of Wooroonooran National Park with a spectacular rainforest walk to the river, where your white water rafting adventure begins. After three hours, you

can refuel with a supplied lunch and finish the day with a relaxing swim in a crystal clear natural waterhole.

Foaming Fury provide another river experience that turns Tropical North Queensland into a natural theme park. Along the Mulgrave River, you can try your hand at river tubing. A combination of calm water, small rapids and beautiful rainforest scenery, river tubing provides a fun ride on board twin chamber tubes so you can float downstream.

You don’t need any previous experience to enjoy white water rafting or river tubing. With pick-up and drop-off in Cairns and certified river guides included, you can be sure that you’ll be well taken care of.

Half-day rafting costs from $99pp and a full day of rafting from $165pp, while river tubing costs $64pp. There’s also a rafting levy fee.

Foaming Fury provide one of the most exhilarating, exciting experiences of Tropical North Queensland. If Cairns is on your travel plans of Australia, make sure you don’t miss this wet and wile ride.

For more information and to book, visit

www.foamingfury.com.au

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SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY

Take in amazing views and experience the tropical rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park on Skyrail Rainforest Cablewayy.

The Ultimate Day Trip: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Go above and beyond the tropical rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Located in Cairns, North Queensland, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway provides one of the greatest journeys in Australia. A unique experience, travel 7.5km in a gondola just metres above the canopy for spectacular views as far as the Coral Sea and Cairns Highlands. Not only do you glide over rivers and rainforest, you also make two stops at mid-stations to stretch your legs and explore.

A Skyrail Ranger meets you at Red Peak Station for a guided boardwalk tour of the ancient tropical rainforest, where they share their knowledge of the giant buttress roots, towering Kauri Pines, climbing wait-a-while palms and other flora and fauna that surround you in this fascinating ecosystem. After your tour, make sure you take the time to absorb the beauty and atmosphere of the rainforest before re-boarding Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Barron Falls Station.

A Djabugay Aboriginal Guided Tour takes place at Barron Falls Station. Departing from the Rainforest Interpretation Centre that was created

by Skyrail alongside CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), you are invited to learn about the Aboriginal history, language, culture, stories and traditions of the indigenous rainforest people in a small group

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tour on a natural rainforest trail. From Barron Falls Station, there are also walkways to three separate lookouts for further breath-taking views of Barron Gorge and Falls, at their most spectacular during the wet season from December to March.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is located just 15 minutes from Cairns city centre and 50 minutes from Port Douglas, and is open every day except Christmas Day and during scheduled maintenance. It is award winning for its excellence in sustainable tourism, and accessible for all ages and abilities, making it the best and most beautiful rainforest experience in the world.

Visit skyrail.com.au for more info.

Embark On An Ocean Safari Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with the Daintree Rainforest as your backdrop.

Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating ride to snorkel pristine and untouched areas of the Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation.

This half-day eco tour visits two different snorkel destinations that very few people have explored, conserving their natural beauty, kaleidoscope of colour and extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. Exploring between two world heritage areas side by side, magical moments like these sometimes only happen once in a lifetime.

Ocean Safari begins at Cape Tribulation Beach where guests board the 700hp inflatable boat bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. After a fast 25-minute ride, you arrive at Mackay and Undine Reefs for two hours of snorkelling. On most days, the rainforest

can be seen on the mainland beach while you swim alongside sea turtles – which are found in abundance swimming silently over these reefs of colourful coral – and myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish. With all of the residents of the Great Barrier Reef in plain sight, it’s clear to see how fragile and precious this ecosystem really is.

Advanced Eco Accreditation and the company of an Eco Host ensures that you’ll appreciate even more about the Great Barrier Reef, while a maximum of 25 passengers on each tour guarantees that you can experience tropical paradise in a small group without impacting on the reef. Snorkel equipment and courtesy pickup from Cape Tribulation accommodation is included, and the Ocean Safari check in office is also home to the Turtle Rock Café and Jungle Lodge for freshly cooked meals and hut or camp accommodation. Along with the Turtle Rock Café and the Jungle Lodge, Ocean Safari offers a complete Cape Tribulation package, featuring onsite Cape Tribulation accommodation, dining and Great Barrier Reef tours.

From $139pp, book your Ocean Safari at

www.oceansafari.com.au

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Travel A u s t r a l ia’s Op e n R o ad s Take to the open road and discover Australia’s iconic road trips.

Travel the open roads by camper and see Australia through a new lens. A campervan holiday isn’t what you might expect – and that’s the whole point. More surprises, more adventure and more independence result in an unforgettable experience. No matter how much planning is involved, half the fun is expecting the unexpected on the open road – especially when that open road is in Australia.

With your hands on the wheel, friends by your side, and new experiences waiting, enjoy the freedom to roam wherever the mood takes you and stay put in a location that you take a considerable liking to. Whether that’s along seemingly endless highways that pass through entire states or enjoying the view of the sunset over the horizon day after day.

Take the East Coast drive from Sydney to Cairns, stopping in the seaside towns of Byron Bay and Airlie Beach. You’ll get to know the locals in bars and restaurants, and more than likely change your plans entirely because Greg the barman told you that you’d be mad to end your trip in Cairns without visiting 5 Mile Beach just an hour away in Port Douglas.

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Don’t forget about the other side of this great island continent; the Coral Coast from Perth to Exmouth is bejewelled with 400-million-year-old gorges, wildlife encounters with dolphins, sea lions and whale sharks, and 260km of the Ningaloo Reef – the largest fringing reef in the world.

Then there’s the journey through the centre, the heart of the outback Drive from Adelaide through the Flinders Ranges, up to Alice Springs and onto Darwin along the Stuart Highway, along the way discovering ancient cultures and sprawling rock formations.

There are so many beautiful destinations, the hardest choice to make is where and when to go next. But, importantly, the choice is yours when you’re travelling by campervan. So much freedom, fun and flexibility will inevitably form a connection.

A connection between you and your fellow campers as you share new experiences, tell stories around a campfire and embrace camping culture together. And a connection between you and the land as you make new discoveries, journey across ever-changing landscapes and take on whatever this wild country can throw at you.

Find the right campervan to take you around Australia at www.mightycampers.com.au

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Saving The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is an underwater oasis of coral reefs, tropical species and a kaleidoscope of colour. But, it’s also a fragile ecosystem that, over time, is depleting. Here, WWF Great Barrier Reef campaigner, Richard Leck, explains why it is so important we save the Great Barrier Reef.

The name “Great Barrier Reef” evokes so many images and thoughts within everyone.

What makes it so special?

What makes the reef so amazing is its sheer scale. The fact that it stretches almost the entire length of the Queensland coastline, it has so many reefs, and it is so diverse. You don’t get the appreciation for that unless you fly up the coast or get out there on a boat and you realise what you’re looking at. One of my favourite things when I was working on the reef was just to float with my mask level with the ocean, look up at the sky and then look down underwater and see the metropolis that is a coral reef.

What is happening to the Great Barrier Reef?

In the south, particularly in the in-shore parts of the reef, a huge change has taken place. Those areas really are not what they were even a few years ago. Over the whole length of the reef, in the last 30 years, we’ve lost about 60% of the coral cover. Most of that loss has come from the southern section. The difference between the areas of the reef that are healthy and the areas 60

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that aren’t, it’s so stark you can’t help but be shocked by it. The far northern section, which is about one third of the reef north of Cooktown, is actually rarely visited and is really quite remote.

The further offshore you can get to those outer reefs, the more spectacular it becomes and the better the visibility.

What’s caused the damage to the Great Barrier Reef?

One of the biggest threats to the reef is the Crown of Thorns Starfish – big, ugly starfish that eat the algae from around coral, and can consume their body weight of coral in a day. Outbreaks of those are caused by pollution from the land, in particular nutrients that come from farming, and you get these huge plagues of Crown Of Thorns that will strip a reef of its coral cover in a matter of weeks.

The other issue that has been very destructive is an increase in severe cyclones – seven category four+ in 10 years, Due to other threats, it takes much longer for the coral to recover from those extreme events.

Can the Great Barrier Reef be saved?

There are some immediate actions that we can do. People in the industry that live along the catchments can reduce pollution, improve our farming practices so we don’t have that chemical pollution, and reduce the impact of industrial development. Finally the governments have listened and will ban the practice of dumping dredge oil in the reef’s waters, which is a major milestone.

Find out more about WWF’s efforts to save the Great Barrier Reef at wwf.org.au

Make A Splash In The Whitsundays Spend up to five days in just your bathing suit as you explore this collection of paradise islands.

The Whitsunday Islands are Australia’s most famous group of islands sitting off the Queensland coast in the Great Barrier Reef. Stunningly beautiful, they may seem out of reach for the humble backpacker, but that’s definitely not the case thanks to Awesome Whitsundays. With three packages to choose from, anyone that wants to experience a snippet of these 74 islands and the activities on offer can do so.

Reef & Whitehaven Adventure

Awesome Whitsundays’ shortest package packs a lot in over three days. Beginning in the lively coastal town of Airlie Beach (where most Whitsunday experiences do), you can spend a day at leisure – whether lounging by the lagoon, popping into local bars or checking out the water sports – before you get a taste of the Great Barrier Reef on day two. Jump on board Cruise 62

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Whitsundays’ modern vessel and arrive at the permanent Reefworld pontoon for a Great Barrier Reef Adventure. Here’s your chance to go diving, snorkelling and swimming, or even take a scenic flight over Heart Reef for a little extra dollar.

After another night in Airlie Beach, you depart for a thrilling day of sailing on board Camira, the famous purple catamaran. Help the crew hoist the sails, jump into the inviting blue waters for a spot of swimming and snorkelling and pay a visit to Whitehaven Beach – Australia’s number one beach for its white silica sand.

From $399pp

Awesome Foursome

With an extra day in the Whitsunday Islands, you not only get to explore Airlie Beach, spend a day sailing on board Camira and another day snorkelling at the Reefworld pontoon, but you also spend a day island hopping. With your Island Hopper Pass, you have the chance to experience more of the Whitsunday Islands including the many attractions of Hamilton Island, or the Living

Reef Lagoon and nature walks on Daydream Island.

From $599pp

Castaway

This is Awesome Whitsundays’ longest package, which might make you forget what the mainland feels like – just like the name!

Become a castaway and soak up all that the Whitsundays has to offer. After a day in Airlie Beach, you explore the Whitsunday Islands with your Island Hopper Pass on day two. Then take to the sails on board Camira on day three and head to the Great Barrier Reef pontoon on day four. Rather than heading back to Airlie Beach when you’re all snorkelled out, you can enjoy sleeping under the stars on Reefworld – an unforgettable overnight experience. Wake up on day five to see what marine life welcomes you with a morning swim and snorkel. It’s not until 3pm that you head back to Airlie Beach to stay for one more night before saying goodbye to the Whitsundays.

From $779 Reef & Whitehaven Adventure, Awesome Foursome and Castaway include the must-do activities and must-visit destinations in the Whitsundays, so everyone can get a taste of this breathtaking destination.

Find out more or book your Awesome Whitsundays Tour at

www.awesomewhitsundays.com www.bbmlive.com

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Lizard Island 24 secluded beaches, 1,013 hectares of national parkland and accessible only by private charter, Lizard Island is one of North Queensland’s most unforgettable holiday experiences.

With the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep and no crowds to spoil the view, you can relax and explore to your heart’s content. From getting pampered in the Essentia Day Spa, to finding a quiet spot on one of the white, sandy beaches, and snorkelling on the surface of the ocean with the sun shining down on you – this is nature’s therapy at its best.

To discover the wonders of Lizard Island, visit www.lizardisland.com.au

A Wild Whitsundays Ride Multi-award winning Ocean Rafting visits the “wild side” of the Whitsunday Islands, the uninhabited islands with beautiful natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life.

There are two exciting tour options: Northern Exposure and Southern Lights. Each tour offers an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Islands National Park walks. Ocean Rafting is the only tour to have direct access to the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach, and special snorkel sites at Hook Island and Border Island ensure a memorable underwater experience. The main difference between Ocean Rafting’s two tours is that Southern Lights has more beach time and Northern Exposure offers more snorkelling time.

The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing guests to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. 32 passengers at most allows for personal snorkelling lessons and the pleasure of a small group. A buffetstyle lunch is served at the beach with plenty of time to swim in the turquoise ocean or just relax on the silica white sand. The Skipper and Eco Host will ensure guests have a fun filled adventure and personalised service with snorkel lessons and a guided National Park walk in the Whitsunday Islands. Tours depart from Abell Point Marina North and courtesy coach pick-ups are included. Just $149pp, discover the wild side of the Whitsunday Islands and book now at www.oceanrafting.com.au

WIN:

To spend a day with Ocean Rafting for FREE, we’ve got one Ocean Rafting tour to give away for two people. The prize includes a visit to Whitehaven Beach and lunch. Sunsuit hire and drinks are not included. The prize is valid for travel until 30th June 2016 and tour dates subject to availability. Enter at www.bbmlive.com/win-an-ocean-raftingwhitsundays-tour by 29th February 2016.

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Don’t Miss Turtle Season On Heron Island

Book Your 3-Night Turtle Season Holiday Book the Turtle Season Holiday package on Heron Island for three or more nights and have your whole trip planned for you so you can relax and witness one of nature’s greatest journeys.

Included in your Turtle Season Holiday is accommodation, daily breakfast, one snorkel trip, free Wi-Fi on one device, and a special turtle gift to help you remember your time on Heron Island. If you book a suite, you also receive complimentary return boat transport for two adults.

The Turtle Season Holiday is priced from $160pppn based on twin share and is available between September and March.

Other Heron Island packages are the Bed & Breakfast Package, Romance Package, and 5-Night Diver’s Delight.

Book your Heron Island package at www.heronisland.com 66

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Witness one of nature’s greatest events during turtle season on Heron Island.

Sitting on the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast, Heron Island is one of the few places in the world where you can watch Green and Loggerhead turtles nesting and baby turtles hatching before they embark on the quick dash into the ocean. Hatching from October to the end of March every year after 60 days hiding beneath the golden sand, book a stay at Heron Island Resort if you want to witness this amazing act of nature.

Heron Island is an incredible destination to stay for a few days and relax. Day trips aren’t permitted, so you (and the turtles!) won’t be surrounded by crowds of people while embracing all that Heron Island has to offer. Soaking up the peace and tranquility, you can easily make use of the swimming pool, restaurant, private bedrooms and spa treatments, as well as plenty of land and water activities.

To enhance your experience of the turtles, Heron Island provide a guided tour during which a trained naturalist guide will help you find a nesting turtle, explain the nesting process and answer any questions you may have about these spectacular ancient marine reptiles. While you’re allowed to search for nesting turtles by yourself, you’ll get the best experience with a guide. It’s also best to go with a guide to ensure you don’t disturb the nesting or hatching turtles, ensuring you watch from a distance and don’t use any unnatural light.

Other activities can see you snorkel right off the beach or in the surrounding reefs for just $50pp, book a Discover Scuba Diving class for $199pp and explore some of the 20 nearby dive sites, or head inside Heron Island’s one-of-a-kind purposebuilt semi-submersible boat to stay dry while seeing what lies beneath the water, including rays and reef sharks. If you’re looking for romance, you can’t go wrong with the Sunset Wine and Cheese Cruise as another day ends on Heron Island.

Book a stay on Heron Island during your Australia adventure and have a perfect holiday with the turtles on Heron Island.

Find more information and book now at

www.heronisland.com/turtles

Fraser Island's Top 5 Otherwise known as K’gari, this heritagelisted island is bursting with long beaches and wide areas of rainforest. With plenty of summer activities on offer, here are our top five.

Swimming In Lake McKenzie With water so pure even wildlife can’t survive in it, Lake McKenzie really is an incredible place. One of Fraser Island’s 100+ freshwater lakes, Lake McKenzie is without a doubt the star with a beach of pure, white silica. A day resting on the shore and swimming in its crisp water is pretty amazing.

Trekking Through The Rainforest Fraser Island is the biggest sand island in the world – even the rainforest grows out of it. The flora has more than enough nutrients to grow thanks to naturally present special fungi that are mixed in the sand. Trekking beneath the sky-high canopy is a unique experience to Fraser Island.

Whale Watching From Indian Head Indian Head is a spectacular coastal headland with views looking out over the ocean. As a result, it’s an ideal platform to spot dolphins, turtles and

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sharks, as well as humpack whales during the migration season between June and October.

Camp Under The Stars Have an authentic island experience by camping under the stars and soak up some culture in the meantime. With a campfire, beach cricket, sunset fishing, guitar and didgeridoo to play with, it’s a great way to get to know your fellow campmates before you fall asleep under the stars. This is as close as it gets to sleeping on the beach and the perfect way to spend the night during summer on Fraser Island.

4WD Along 75 Mile Beach Driving on the sand island is as much fun as it is challenging, so as long as you’re smart you’ll be safe and have a wicked time. Travel just a fraction of the length of 75 Mile Beach as you manoeuver your 4WD. With guides on hand, you can be driven rather than drive and still feel the exhilaration that comes with driving on Fraser Island.

Tick off the top five experiences on Fraser Island with Drop Bear Adventures. Book your tour now at www.dropbearadventures.com.au

Take Family Holidays To New Heights Experience full-on adventure at Thunderbird Park when the family comes to town.

If you’ve got family coming to visit you in Queensland, show them what this incredible state is made of with the adventure and nature of Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain.

Situated between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, head to the hills and explore a world of fun throughout this 112-hectare rainforest property that’s ideal for day trips and longer holidays.

Come for the day or stay and play. Pitch a tent or park a van, stay in the bunkhouses or opt for more luxurious accommodation options at adjacent Cedar Creek Lodges. Discover ancient rainforest and a raft of exciting adventures.

Thunderbird Park has the world’s largest deposit of gemstone-filled thundereggs. It’s easy to find treasure-filled eggs that formed many millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth. If you seek adventure up high, take the Tree Top Challenge ropes course. Climb cable ladders, catch a flying fox, crawl through tunnels, manoeuvre on suspended trunks or jump from great heights. Be one of the first to experience the 11-metre SkyFall – similar to a bungy jump but more thrilling.

For something a little more relaxing, take the weight off your feet and ride a horse through

the rainforest. The new equestrian centre offers a great range of rides for beginners and experienced riders plus pony rides if you have young brothers or sisters.

Play laser skirmish in a jungle setting, swim in the natural rock pools and go a round of mini golf on the brilliant championship course. Explore the natural bushland and take a 20-minute creek-side walk through the rainforest from Thunderbird Park to Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, stopping to see the majestic waterfall.

As far as dining goes, you can have a barbecue breakfast with the birds, enjoy a pizza from the wood-fired oven on the terrace or dine in style at the Rainforest Restaurant and Bar, serving dinner by candlelight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Find out more about Thunderbird Park at www.thunderbirdpark.com.au or call 07 5545 1468

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BRIDGECLIMB A unique view of Sydney awaits on the climb of your life...

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a Sydney icon and a part of city life. Since 1932, it has been a symbol of Australia known the world over, and an important feature of the spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display. With its coathanger-like structure stretched across the beautiful natural harbour, Sydneysiders have driven it, walked it and sailed under it for years to travel between North Sydney and the CBD.

You can’t get the same view of Sydney and beyond without sprouting wings, so get to the top and take in the views of the harbour, the CBD, the beaches and the surrounding region.

With an arch length of 503 metres and the top of the arch at 134 metres above sea level, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is enormous, and chances are it will inadvertently appear in one or two of your holiday snaps – which isn’t a bad thing. Whether sparkling in the evening or clouded in fog on an early morning, the bridge is a marvel to look at any time of the day.

3. Strike A Pose

If looking at the Sydney Harbour Bridge just isn’t enough and you want to get close enough to feel its smooth steel in your hands, you can climb it. BridgeClimb has been available since 1998, and it has become one of the top must-dos when visiting Sydney. With a range of climbs available throughout the day, including Twilight, Night, Dawn and Day, it’s an unforgettable feeling once you reach the top.

Here’s 10 reasons why you should experience a Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb.

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1. See Sydney From A Totally Different Perspective

2. Face Your Fears

You know what they say: if you have a fear, face it head-on. So if you have a fear of heights, take it on with the BridgeClimb Sydney and be rewarded with spectacular views.

A holiday photo album isn’t complete without a snap of you on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Whatever your pose, make it something to remember!

4. Check Out That Sunset

Choose the Twilight climb and you can take in the beautiful sunset as the day comes to an end.

5. Tick It Off The Bucket List

BridgeClimb Sydney is one of the best things to do in Sydney and should be on most travellers’ bucket list!

6. Join The Celebrities

The likes of Eva Longoria, Kevin Spacey, Kit Harington and Usain Bolt have all climbed the

Which Climb To Book?

Day Climb

The Day Climb departs from early morning to late afternoon so you get to look down and see Sydney at its busiest!

During specific times of the year, you can tailor your climb to celebrate Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras and even get married!

From $268-294pp including group photo.

Dawn Climb

To see the sun breaking through on the horizon just as the city’s waking up, you should book the Dawn Climb. There are limited departures, but you get a group photo free to remember your climb.

From $353-368pp.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, and you can join the list!

7. Experience A Piece Of Australian History When you embark on the climb, you don’t just get a view, but also a lesson in Australian history since the proposal of the bridge in 1815.

8. It involves 1,332 Steps

You climb 1,332 steps on the BridgeClimb, so it’s not only loads of fun, but also a bit of a workout.

9. It’s Romantic

If you’re in Sydney with your beloved, the views from the bridge are super romantic – which is why it’s so popular for popping the question!

10. It’s Fun!

In a group of 14, you can take on the bridge together, have a group photo to take home, and soak up the moment on the upper arch before making your way back down.

For one or all of these reasons, book your BridgeClimb at www.bridgeclimb.com

Twilight Climb

Stand at the top of the bridge and take in the view of Sydney just as the sun sets and the moon lights up. On Twilight departures, you can also choose the Mardi Gras Climb and BridgeClimb Wedding.

From $318-338pp.

Night Climb

After sun sets when the skyline is lit up and the sky is bathed in darkness, the Night Climb begins. Make your climb extra special at certain times of the year with the Karaoke Climb, Mardi Gras Climb, BridgeClimb Wedding and Vivid Climb – when the arch is lit up in bold and beautiful colours for Sydney’s festival of light, music and ideas.

From $218-238pp.

BOOK ONLINE AT

WWW.BRIDGECLIMB.COM www.bbmlive.com

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NSW

TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OFFICIAL HOME AND AWAY TOUR TO SUMMER BAY Take a closer look at what you can expect on the Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay with our top 10 highlights.

1. Escape the city and head for the iconic Aussie

7. Write your name in the golden sand of ‘Summer

2. Get the lowdown from your expert Home and

8. You may even be lucky to see filming. Die-hard

3. Meet other Home and Away fans from around

9. Enjoy a bonus tour of Sydney’s magnificent

beach - Summer Bay!

Away tour guide on the filming, the actors, the gossip, the dramatic storylines and much, much more! the world!

4. Learn about Home and Away, but also learn

lots about Sydney and the beautiful natural surrounding areas, take in views of national parks, coastal inlets and multi-million dollar real estate.

5. See the famous outdoor filming locations

including the Summer Bay Surf Club, Alf’s Bait Shop, the Pier/Diner and the iconic Summer Bay Lighthouse on the headland.

6. Soak up the Summer Bay lifestyle and re-

live your favourite scenes while you explore, photograph and discover the “home” of Home and Away - one of Australia’s finest beaches.

Bay’.

fans will never forget the thrill of watching Home and Away being filmed and the possibility of being up close to their favourite actors. coastline as you travel between Palm Beach and the world-famous Manly Beach.

10. At the end of the tour, check out Manly Beach and enjoy one of Sydney’s finest tourist destinations. Soak up the bars, the restaurants, the shopping, the beaches, the lifestyle, and to top it all off, you can take the ferry back to Sydney across the spectacular Sydney Harbour.

The Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay is your golden ticket to get closer to the drama of Home and Away. At $99pp, the tour departs from Sydney on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and lasts just under four hours.

Book your tour to Summer Bay today at

www.officialhomeandawaytour.com.au

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DISCOVER SYDNEY’S OUTBACK WILDERNESS Experience incredible natural beauty in New South Wales.

Sydney is famous for its Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the majestic Sky Tower but there’s also another, quieter side to the New South Wales capital. Discover its hidden gems and natural wonders with Sydney OutBack on their Wilderness + Aboriginal Explorer Tour + Cruise, which includes a relaxing boat ride aboard their own 52ft catamaran.

On this outback adventure day tour, you’ll explore the stunning Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Ku-ring-gai Chase is Australia’s second oldest national park and home to over 1,000 Aboriginal Heritage sites, as well as a variety of native wildlife, including wallabies and kangaroos.

Enjoy the gentle sounds of rushing water, the wind rustling through the trees and the call of exotic birds. A local tour guide will introduce you to the park, explaining both its colourful history and the cultural significance of the area. Then you’ll have the chance to experience an Aboriginal sacred Welcome To The Country ceremony as well as seeing ochre cave paintings. It goes without saying that the views are just spectacular here, as Ku-ring-gai Chase looks out over Broken Bay, Lion Island, Palm Beach, Pittwater and the Central Coast. You’ll also be able to visit an historic

Aboriginal site that features rock art dating back thousands of years.

Then it’s time to board Sydney OutBack’s gorgeous 52ft catamaran for a stunning cruise through the park itself, with a 360-degree viewing deck that’ll make for an unforgettable water journey. Departing from Akuna Bay, you’ll be treated to amazing views of hidden Australian bush and ancient aboriginal sites that are only accessible by water. While you’re aboard you’ll be treated to an Aussie themed lunch bursting with bush tucker flavours as well as plenty of drinks and snacks.

The Wilderness + Aboriginal Explorer Tour + Cruise includes bus pick-up and return service, national park entry, lunch and snacks. Usually $199pp, use promo code bbmlive to save 20% when you book online with Sydney OutBack.

Visit www.sydneyoutback.com.au to book your own fantastic Sydney OutBack tour.

Alice Springs To Adelaide Explorer

Traverse from an iconic outback town to the South Australian capital.

Alice Springs is the leap pad to some of the stars of the outback, and this tour wouldn’t be the same without them, so your experience begins at an authentic outback camel farm, the traditional desert transport. As an optional extra, you can see just how it feels to ride on the back of one of these residents. Back on your feet, you and your tour group head off to Kata Tjuta – 36 dramatic domes discovered on a Valley of the Winds hike – before watching the sunset over Uluru, otherwise known as Ayers Rock. Take in the clear night sky as you sleep beneath the stars in your traditional Aussie swag.

The best way to see the outback is to get your hiking boots on, fill up your water bottle and join a group tour to get up close to the dramatic Australian landscape. So what better way to travel from Alice Springs to Adelaide? On this 6-Day Alice Springs To Adelaide Explorer, not only do you experience one of the most famous parts of the world, it will also get you from A to B.

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With an early start on day two, you can enjoy watching the sunrise over Uluru, and then take a walk around its enormous base and meet an Aboriginal guide to learn about the great rock’s importance to the Mala people. After a visit to the Cultural Centre, you enter Watarrka National Park – home of Kings Canyon and your campsite for the night. Remember those hiking boots we mentioned earlier? It’s time to put them on for a morning walk through Kings Canyon, including the Amphitheatre, Lost City and Garden of Eden. You will then stay the night in Erlduna for another night under the stars.

You cross the Northern Territory border into South Australia on day four to reach Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world. Once there, you take

a tour of this unique town, including a visit to an underground mine and museum. If you want a special memento from your trip, you can buy some opal jewellery that’s made in the very mine, and then sleep underground in a bunkhouse.

Continuing south along the Stuart Highway, you pass salt lakes and the former military test site of Woomera, before stopping in Port Augusta for some lunch. Reaching the railway town of Quorn, you feast upon a BBQ dinner and spend the night in private accommodation.

Your sixth and final day continues the adventure with another hike to the summit of Dutchman’s Stern, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Quorn and the famous Flinders Ranges. As you near Adelaide, you stop at Mt Remarkable Lookout for even more photography moments,

before your final stop at the wine country of Clare Valley and your arrival in Adelaide.

From $895pp (until March 2016), the 6-Day Alice Springs To Adelaide Explorer includes accommodation, some meals, an experienced guide and national park entry. For full details, visit www.adventuretours.com.au/

northern-territory/alice-springs-toadelaide-explorer-5

For all of Adventure Tours Australia’s tours in the Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, visit

www.adventuretours.com.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Aim For The Top

There’s no landscape quite like that in the Top End of Australia…

Breath-taking escarpments, croc-infested wetlands, Aboriginal rock art and dramatic pockets of oasis make up the Top End’s biggest attractions –Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield – and you can explore all three with Kakadu Wild Expeditions.

The Four-Day Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield tour leaves from the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, and the first stop is Litchfield National Park. In just one day, you’ll see the flowing water of Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, take a picnic in the tropics, wander the rainforest and embark on a cruise of the Mary River Wetlands where crocodiles lurk in the waters. Before your first night at camp, you get to feast on an outback Australian pub meal.

Wake early on day two to head into Kakadu National Park – Australia’s largest national park at 20,000 square kilometres – where you’ll first discover the ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, and then take in the incredible views of the Nardab floodplain. Next, refresh with a reviving swim as you soak up the plunge pools of Maguk a.k.a Barramundi Gorge, followed by another night under the stars.

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You can start day three with an optional scenic flight over Kakadu for only $150, which is the only way you can truly take in the sprawling landscape of Kakadu. You then receive a lesson in Aboriginal culture with more rock art sites and 20,000 years of tradition, after which you visit the gold-mining town of Pine Creek and enjoy a quick swim at Edith Falls. Heading into Katherine, you arrive at your campsite on the edge of Nitmiluk National Park for your final night on this tour.

Experience 23-million-year-old Katherine Gorge on your fourth and final day on a cruise or canoe (season dependent and optional add-on), then get closer to Aboriginal culture with a display in fire making, boomerang and spear throwing, and painting. After trying your hand at Aboriginal art, it’s time to head back to Darwin with your new friends.

From $1,245pp the Four-Day Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield tour includes safari camp accommodation, meals, an experienced guide and national park entry.

Explore the Top End with Kakadu Wild Expeditions. Book now at

www.kakaduwild.com.au

ROCK TO ROCK Meet the ruggedly handsome residents of the Red Centre on this four-day adventure.

Uluru, Kings Canyon and The Olgas beckon travellers from all over the world to Australia’s Red Centre. Some of the oldest, most striking and mysterious rock formations, The Rock To Rock Tour with Mulgas Adventures introduces you to all three of these beauties.

Beginning from Ayers Rock Airport, your first stop is the Cultural Centre for a taster of the flora, fauna and Aboriginal culture of the Red Centre.

Then, it’s straight to Uluru (otherwise known as Ayers Rock) for a long walk and a glass of bubbles while you and your new friends enjoy the view of the sunset. After dinner around a campfire, you get to experience camping in the outback in an Aussie swag.

Rise early on day two to catch the sight of Uluru during sunrise, and then get ready for another outback wonder: The Olgas. Also called Kata Tjuta, these uneven domes are spectacular.

Thought to once be shaped liked Uluru, it’s thought they’ve weathered over millions of years to become 36 separate formations. After a hike through the Valley of the Winds to get closer to The Olgas, you return to Uluru for a guided base walk to ask any questions you may have. It’s then onto Kings Creek Station – your accommodation for another night under the stars.

A hike around Kings Canyon is the star attraction on day three, as you get to take in the sheer size of this mighty oasis. Returning to Kings Creek Station, you can choose to add on an incredible activity at an extra cost, from a ride on a camel, a quad bike or helicopter! Leaving one station for another, you make your way to Curtain Springs Station just in time for sunset and your final night.

With a quick breakfast on the morning of day four, you have to make your way back to Ayers Rock to say goodbye to your Mulgas buddies.

From $395pp, the Rock To Rock Tour with Mulgas Adventures includes camp accommodation, transport, meals, an experienced guide and a glass of bubbles beside Uluru.

Book now at www.mulgasadventures.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA

EXPLORE NATURE’S PLAYGROUND With sunny weather all year round, it’s always a good time to visit Kalbarri.

An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Kalbarri sits between the coast and the outback of Western Australia some 570km north of Perth, so you can relax on sandy beaches or descend into rugged gorges in the national park. Home to the Murchison River, Natures Window, the parrots of Rainbow Jungle and Hutt Lagoon A.K.A The Pink Lake, the landscape of Kalbarri is really quite something. As a result, it provides an abundance of activities including abseiling, canoeing, hiking, sand boarding, quad biking and even skydiving.

You won’t want to forget your camera at Kalbarri.

With the view from Natures Window looking down upon the ancient crevices of the sprawling park, it

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makes for a great photo opportunity – a sight that is hard to tear yourself away from. An exceptional place, you’d be mad to miss Kalbarri on a tour of the west coast.

Stop at Kalbarri with your Integrity Coach Lines Hop-On Hop-Off pass. Book now at

www.integritycoachlines.com.au

explore more with the dive shed Dive deeper on an action-packed weekend in Geographe Bay.

If you have your Open Water Diver Certificate and want to take the next step in scuba diving, the Advanced Adventurer could be for you. Provided

by The Dive Shed Busselton, all of the exams and home study are past you on this hands-on course.

The Advanced Adventurer costs $425pp and is a training program of Scuba Schools International, run by The Dive Shed. If you don’t have your own Total Diving System, you can book this course and receive free equipment hire.

Taken over one weekend, the Advanced Adventurer is all about immersing yourself in the waters of Geographe Bay and beyond. Explore more than ever before with five incredible diving specialities. Descend into the bay on a deep dive, investigate the nooks and crannies of a shipwreck, discover the nocturnal marine species of the dark waters during a night dive, increase your confidence and skill on a navigation dive, learn practical knowledge on a boat dive, fine tune your skills on a buoyancy dive, or extend your time in the water on a nitrox dive.

Don’t yet have your Open Water Diver Certificate?

No worries! The Dive Shed also provide the Open Water Diver course that will train you to become a certified diver.

The Open Water Diver costs $525pp and is a training program of Scuba Schools International, run by The Dive Shed from September – June.

Book your Advanced Adventurer or Open Water Diver at www.diveshed.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

All of these dives offer qualified divers the chance to expand on their experience of scuba diving. Running from October – April, they are guaranteed to open a door to the natural and historical wonders of Western Australia’s waters, whether you want to explore a shipwreck or meet the colourful fish that call it home.

Your ticket to the underwater world of scuba diving, it takes just three days to complete with theory and practical including learning the fundamentals at Busselton Jetty and developing onto Lena Wreck, Swan Wreck or 4 Mile Reef, where you’ll reach a maximum depth of 18 metres.

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Embark On A 10-Day West Coast Safari Travel from the capital city to a classic outback town in Western Australia…

Traversing the West Coast of Australia is one of the greatest journeys you can take. For an authentic, no frills experience, Kimberley Wild Expeditions provide a 10-day adventure filled with the best experiences on offer.

Beginning in Perth, the discoveries kick off right from day one with a stop in the Pinnacles Desert to marvel at a unique landscape of towering limestone formations, before you take to the sand dunes of Jurien Bay on a sand board and drive on to Kalbarri. You spend the start of your second day in Kalbarri National Park, admiring the dramatic scenery of the Murchison Gorge, Natures Window and Z-Bend Gorge, where you can go swimming or abseiling. It’s then onto Shell Beach – one of only two in the world made entirely out of shells.

Come day three, it’s time to meet the wild dolphins of Monkey Mia, view the fascinating stromatolites of Hamelin Pool, and then travel up to Coral Bay, home of the spectacular underwater world of the Ningaloo Reef. After a day in the crystal clear waters of Coral Bay, you make your way to Exmouth for snorkelling in Turquoise Bay,

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swimming with whale sharks (when in season and at own expense) and to spot hopping kangaroos.

With amazing gorges, waterfalls and natural pools, you get to spend the next three days in Karijini National Park, Western Australia’s outback oasis formed more than 2.5 million years ago. On the penultimate day on the West Coast Safari, you continue onwards to the Pilbara region for a night in an outback station. Your 10th and final day is spent enjoying the white sands of the breathtaking Eighty Mile Beach, followed by your arrival into the Kimberley region and Broome.

From $1,695pp, the West Coast Safari is 10 days of adventure in Western Australia. Complete with camping and dorm accommodation, an experienced guide, meals and national park entry, you can add on activities such as abseiling, scenic flights and quad bike rides to make your experience even more memorable.

Book the West Coast Safari with Kimberley Wild Expeditions

www.kimberleywild.com.au

Wander The West Coast

Leave your footprints in the sand as you explore this great state

The highlight of this tour is the visit to Monkey Mia, a location renowned for wild dolphin encounters in the lush blue waters of Shark Bay. On the way, you get to see a true Australian rock phenomenon in the way of the Pinnacles Desert, visit the natural wonderland of Kalbarri, and stroll along Shell Beach. At Monkey Mia, you can meet the famous dolphins, and even have time to join a wildlife sailing group or hire a kayak, before making the return journey to Perth via Kalbarri.

From $595pp

9-Day Perth To Broome One-Way

If you have ideas of going to Broome, you can get there and experience the West Coast by joining this group tour. As well as taking you to the opal capital, you also get to stop at the Pinnacles, meet the Monkey Mia dolphins, snorkel the Ningaloo Reef, relax on Turquoise Bay, and explore Karijini National Park – an adventurer’s playground.

From $1,495pp

19-Day Perth To Darwin

How about travelling the entire west coast from Perth and then some? Not content with finishing in Broome, this 19-day adventure continues onwards through the Kimberley region of WA, with time spent at beautiful gorges, outback stations, mountain ranges, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, until you reach the Northern Territory tropical city of Darwin.

From $3,290pp

3-Day South West Tour

Heading in the opposite direction from Perth, this tour explores the south of Western Australia, visiting brilliant towns and attractions. Not to be outdone by the north, the southwest offers Margaret River wine, treetop heights, natural rock pools in William Bay, and spectacular views of the Busselton Jetty.

From $475pp All Aussie Wanderer tours come with accommodation (upgrades available), transport, some meals, a tour guide, entry fees, and included and add-on activities.

To explore Western Australia, book your tour at

www.aussiewanderer.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Travelling up and down the west coast, Aussie Wanderer provide small group tours and experiences of Western Australia. Taking guests to the best locations, these tours are more like travelling with newfound friends.

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Discover Boranup Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Boranup.

With a beautiful forest of Karri and Jarrah trees, Boranup is a sanctuary for 28 different species of birds, including the endangered white-tailed Carnaby cockatoo. Closer to ground level, you will be lucky enough to spot big red kangaroos in the wild as well as emus and their chicks. But it’s not just forest that Boranup can boast of. Lying on the coast, the surf is some of the best in Western Australia and you can even stroke stingrays on Hamelin Bay. All of this nature really does make you want to get outdoors and explore.

To immerse yourself in all that Boranup and the surrounding southwest has to offer, you can enjoy a stay at Boranup Forest Retreat. Located within the breathtaking forest yet just minutes from the beaches, caves and wineries of Margaret River, this secluded retreat includes luxury spa chalets and the Boranup Lodge in a bushland setting to

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provide a real Australian experience.

A highlight of Boranup Forest Retreat is Disc Golf. A new activity, this popular sport is taking Australia by storm, and all you need is a Frisbee and a target. A competitive game suited for kids big and small, it’s just another reason why Boranup is ideal for when the family come to visit. Enjoy a get-together in Boranup Lodge; with five bedrooms to sleep 18, three sitting rooms, balconies, en-suite bathrooms and the use of a spa and sauna for complete relaxation – there’s plenty of room for the whole clan from $450 for six guests and extras from $69pp per night.

From families to couples, Boranup Forest Retreat is also no stranger to a wedding party or romantic weekend. Two-bedroom chalets come with a corner spa, patio garden, wood-burning stove and champers for around $250 – $360 per night. It’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to Boranup.

For further booking enquiries and prices contact Sheila at enquiries@boranupforestretreat.com.au or ring (61) 0404 895 901.

Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

The Margaret River region of Western Australia is famous for its wines, but there’s much more to discover in the southwest, including Boranup.

From the clear waters of Hamelin Bay during summer to winter walks through the crisp forest, there are many reasons to spend a weekend if not longer in this unspoilt destination.

Fremantle Prison Bringing History to Life

The most unique of all the tours on offer is the underground Tunnels Tour. Those with a spirit for adventure can explore a one kilometre labyrinth of tunnels built by prisoners which run under the Prison. Equipped with hardhat, overalls, boots, headlamps and harnesses visitors are locked into the ladder system before descending 20 metres into the depths below. Skilled guides lead the trek through dry sections of the tunnels by foot, before boarding replica convict punts to explore the submerged passageways accessible only by boat.

Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s premier visitor attractions and is the only World Heritage listed building in Western Australia. In 2015 Fremantle Prison was announced as the winner of both the Major Tourist Attractions and Cultural Tourism categories at the WA Tourism Awards.

In addition to its guided tours Fremantle Prison also features exhibitions in the Prison Gallery, interpretive Visitor Centres and an award winning Gift Shop.

You can find more information on this heritage jewel by visiting

www.fremantleprison.com.au

Built by convicts in the 1850s, Fremantle Prison was used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. Decommissioned as an operating maximum security gaol in 1991, the empty prison with its solitary cells and gallows now welcomes ‘inmates’ of a different kind – tourists.

Visitors can ‘step inside and do time’ with Fremantle Prison’s experienced guides on a range of tours that vary from pure history, to heritage adventure. On Prison Day tours visitors can learn about the daily life of convicts and prisoners alike.

Featuring cells, yards, solitary confinement and an opportunity to view a once operational gallows these tours are perfect if you are interested in history or heritage. For a more spooky experience you can’t go past an eerie Torchlight Tour as tour guides delve into the darker side of the Prison’s history.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SUMMER DAYS ON KANGAROO ISLAND

With turquoise waters edging white sand, spend your summer days on Kangaroo Island.

This idyllic, picturesque island off the coast of South Australia is basking in sunshine this summer, so it’s the perfect time to visit and explore its natural beauty. The coastline is lined with sandy beaches that beg you to strip down to your bathing suit and sink your feet into, while the ocean beckons swimmers and water sports enthusiasts to head out into the blue.

The most famous beaches on Kangaroo Island are so for good reason. Vivonne Bay is a sweeping stretch of sand that’s often regarded as one of the best in Australia. Whether you pack a picnic, lay down a blanket and sit on the beach to escape for a bit; grab a rod and try your chances at a catch; or take to the waves on a surf board – you may find yourself spending hours at Vivonne Bay. Stokes Bay is another area perfect for relaxing, but it’s the journey to get to it that makes it truly memorable.Scramble your way between two rock walls (hold onto any wide-brimmed hats!) and you come to an opening of crystal 84

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clear water lapping at clean, white sand.

Unlike Vivonne Bay, the water here is incredibly calm as it’s protected by the surrounded rocks.

Tranquil and secluded, you’ll be surprised how much of this beach you have to yourself.

Another of Kangaroo Island’s coastal hotspots justifies the island’s reputation as a wildlife destination. Seal Bay holds the largest colony of Australian sea lions, and you can watch them play on the beach under the sun and swim in the sea.

An 800-metre footpath leads to the beach through striking cliffs and sand dunes, which offers the first view of the adorable sea lions.

Even if the ocean isn’t your cup of tea, Kangaroo Island has many things to do for every visitor.

From tours of local producers including honey and wool, to rock formations, bushwalking, bike riding and going in search of the unique Kangaroo Island kangaroo, you can be sure to find something that will leave a lasting impression of summer on Kangaroo Island.

Book your summer holiday on Kangaroo Island at www.kiadventuretours.com.au

WIN 2 Day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer We’ve got two tickets to give away for the Wilderness Explorer tour with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours, so you can experience the best of Kangaroo Island in two days.

You’ll get to visit Vivonne Bay, Seal Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and more.

Activities include kayaking, bike riding, bushwalking and swimming – and that’s just at Vivonne Bay! Included in the prize is pick-up from Adelaide or Glenelg, a return ferry ride to Kangaroo Island, one night at Vivonne Bay Lodge in a dorm room with bed linen, free WiFi and use of a shared bathroom, entry into all listed attractions and meals of one breakfast, two lunches and one dinner.

To enter, visit www.bbmlive.com/ win-a-kangaroo-island-adventuretour Terms & Conditions 2 Day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer competition closes 20th April 2016. The prize is valid for two passengers only travelling together before 31st March 2017. Winner will be chosen at random by 30th April 2016 and contacted via email. If we don’t receive a response within 72 hours of the email being sent, the prize will be re-drawn and a new winner will be selected so please enter with an email that you have access to 24/7 and please check your junk folder. Flights are not included and winners must have a valid visa for the duration of the tour. The prize is not transferrable or redeemable in cash. For full terms & conditions, visit www.bbmlive.com/win-a-kangarooisland-adventure-tour

Travel Essentials

Make travelling easier with a selection of our favourite travel essentials and gadgets. From earphones to apps and goggles, we’ve got you covered.

Altruis

£195 - £275 www.vinaya.com/altruis

Spot Gen3 Tracking Device SOL REPUBLIC Sport Wireless Headphones £96 www.solrepublicaustralia.com.au

WIN!

We’ve got one pair of Oakley Flight Deck XM Goggles to give away to one lucky winner. Make sure your eyes are guarded from the sun with these rimless prizm rose lenses from Shade Station.

Worth £108, the Mens Oakleys feature a streamlined, matte white frame, F3 antifog coating and over-the-glasses design, perfect for snowboarders and skiers.

Enter to win one pair of Oakley Flight Deck XM Goggles at www.bbmlive.com/ win-one-pair-of-oakley-flight-deck-xmgoggles/ For the full range, visit www.shadestation.co.uk

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£50 www.findmespot.eu

Braun Style & Go Dryer £12.99 www.amazon.co.uk

Oakley Flight Deck XM Goggles £108 www.shadestation.co.uk

Dr Bronner’s All In One Magic Soap

Braun Style & Go Portable Straighteners £19.99 www.amazon.co.uk

£1.99 - £8.99 www.drbronner.co.uk

Tom Tom Bandit Action Camera £299.99 tomtom.com

August International Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones EP636 £22.45 www.amazon.co.uk

BackTracker App Free www.backtracker.com

Minirig

£129.98 www.minirigs.co.uk

Snugpak Microfibre Antibacterial Travel Towel £9.95 - £19.95 www.snugpak.com

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Round-The-World FLIGHTS The earth’s circumference is 24,901 miles. Pretty long, right? But when we talk about round-theworld trips, it’s not to travel this length in one fell swoop (you can’t anyway – you’d run out of fuel and probably end up arse over tit in Siberia), but to visit the amazing places that our world has to offer. With different sights, sounds and smells, people to meet, wildlife to watch and cultures to immerse yourself in, there are some incredible routes you can take – and they all begin at your front door. For an epic round-the-world trip, StudentUniverse’s Wanderlust takes you through Asia, the South Pacific and the USA, with destinations you’ll remember for a lifetime…

So Long London, Hello Delhi

Direct flights from London to Delhi take just over eight hours, and you couldn’t ask for a bigger culture shock than the Indian capital territory for your first destination. Busy streets with fruit and veg stalls and affluent architecture reside sideby-side with mischievous monkeys and annual events including the colourful and celebrated Holi Festival. Further afield, the Pink City of Jaipur, and Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, lay just a train ride away.

Lakes & Laneways Of Hanoi

Leave Delhi for Bangkok, hop on a domestic flight and arrive in Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital. With influences from all over the world you can get

lost in the maze of laneways, houses and shops in the Old Quarter. From Hanoi, you can easily discover Ha Long Bay, with its majestic waters and towering limestone islands.

Bustling Bangkok

Embark on the exhilarating journey to Bangkok on the overground train. Full of interesting locals and travellers, this fun voyage will prepare you for the shock that is Bangkok. Open your eyes to glorious temples, ride a tuk tuk, jump on a riverboat and experience the wild nightlife in Thailand’s crazy capital, before escaping on a tour of Thailand’s many amazing islands, including Koh Phangan in the southeast, home of the Full Moon Party!

Singapore Highlights

One of the richest cities in the world, Singapore is a global financial hub attracting the busiest and wealthiest businessmen and women from around the world. While the skyscrapers may tower spectacularly over the CBD, Singapore is one of the greenest cities in the world, with the dreamlike landscape that is Gardens By The Bay.

Take Your Breath Away In Bali

Less than a three-hour flight from Singapore is the blue water paradise of Bali. An island of rice paddies, breathtaking mountains, beautiful sunsets, ocean activities and a precious ambience, there are countless areas of Bali to

relax and rejuvenate in the middle of your roundthe-world trip. Ride bikes in Canggu, go surfing in Padang Padang and visit the mystical water temples, including Ulun Danu Temple in Tabanan.

Sun It Up In Sydney

Leave Asia for the sun, sand and sea of Sydney, Australia! An iconic city, there is so much to do here. Check out the Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, meet a kangaroo, hold a koala, eat and drink at amazing restaurants and bars, and soak up the atmosphere on the famous Bondi Beach. Sydney is also the perfect start for an East Coast Australian adventure, travelling up to Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Cairns and Port Douglas.

An Adrenaline Rush In Queenstown

Get ready for the adrenaline capital of the world as you arrive in Queenstown. A city on New Zealand’s South Island, its landscape of snowy mountains, rolling hills and lakes holds a menu of amazing activities such as skiing, bunjy jumping, jet boating, kayaking, rock climbing, quad biking, wine tours and more.

Urban Meets Island In Auckland

Queenstown doesn’t get to have all the action.

Hopping over to the North Island, Auckland is home to New Zealand’s tallest building – the Sky Tower – which you can bunjy jump off of at a screaming 85km per hour! When your feet are firmly back on the ground, embrace the mixture of restaurants, bars, galleries and shopping, or escape to one of the surrounding islands like Waiheke or Great Barrier for leisurely cycling, kayaking and Maori cultural experiences.

Stars & Stripes Of Los Angeles

Onwards from the South Pacific, you arrive on the land of the free and home of the brave (according to their national anthem, anyway) – United States of America. Los Angeles, to be precise, in southern California. Nicknamed the City of Angels and home of the Hollywood sign, L.A. is where dreams in film and TV are made, you can take tours through Hollywood neighbourhoods to see where the stars live, and visit studios such as Universal and Warner Brothers.

The Shores Of San Francisco

Take the Coast Starlight to San Francisco in the north of California. Located on the tip of a peninsular, it is a photographer’s haven with fantastic views in and around the city, whether the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge is bathed in fluffy fog or not.

Return To London

Your round-the-world trip comes to an end as you return back to London. With so many memories made, experiences enjoyed and destinations discovered, Wanderlust will leave your travel urges highly fulfilled – until next time…

Feeling inspired? Plan your round-the-world trip at www.studentuniverse.co.uk/round-the-worldflights

ACCOMMODATION

BALI & BEYOND

Travel to Bali and its lesser known island sisters on the Bali Island Hopper with Contiki.

Indonesia’s most famous island, Bali is a twinkling diamond of volcanoes, rice paddies and beaches surrounded by azure waters that lay home to similarly striking atolls. By island hopping from one to another, you come to realise that while Bali has been the star for decades, it’s only the beginning.

Bali

Bali is a bit of a dream, but when you wake up, it’s just as you imagined – if not better. With unspoilt and remote areas as well as resort towns and tourist traps, it has something for everyone.

Due to an abundance of nature and calming atmosphere, Bali’s become the place to escape on a yoga or meditation retreat, while the lively coast is a haven for surfers. There are also numerous religious sites that have silently sat for hundreds of years, including Uluwatu Temple, which resides 90

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on a cliffside. Surrounded by coral reefs in warm tropical water (and the odd shipwreck), Bali also attracts an array of marine life, making it one of the top snorkelling and diving locations in the world.

Gili Trawangan

Arguably the most beautiful of all the Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan is a paradise. The largest of the three, you can expect powdery white sand and clear blue water as far as the eye can see. You can walk around the edge of the island in around two hours by foot (a no-motor-vehicles rule means that this is the most popular mode of transport), including passing through the popular beaches of Goodheart and North Beach. Along these beaches you can find many shacks renting out snorkel equipment so you can take to the waters and explore the coral reefs – of which there are over 25 surrounding the Gili Islands. There are plenty of other distractions including horse riding, kayaking, fishing, golf or simply bathing beneath the beating sun.

Lombok

This laidback and mountainous island is much like Bali some 20 or 30 years ago, and despite an increase in popularity, has undergone little development. Famous for its surf breaks and picturesque beaches, it’s the interior of Lombok that really entices. Hiking trails through lush forest, cascading waterfalls and tobacco and rice fields are overshadowed by the mighty Gunung Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia, which boasts hot springs and a crater lake at its summit.

The closest Lombok has to a resort town is Senggigi, and even this is nothing like the happy hours and bikini competitions of Bali’s livelier towns, with seafood restaurants, karaoke bars and very new hotels.

Due to their individual offerings and experiences, Bali, Gili Trawangan and Lombok are the three destinations chosen for the Contiki Bali Island Hopper. Contiki’s only tour of Bali, the Bali Island Hopper is eight days of exploration, relaxation and discovery from just £453pp. The easy pace goes hand-in-hand with the ambience of the three islands; to keep stress levels at a minimum, you’ll stay in four-star hotels, enjoy private beaches, sip cocktails by the pool and dine on Indonesian cuisine. You’ll also receive all local transport and have the company and knowledge of a Contiki Trip Manager. And, as with other Contiki trips, you can add on Me Time activities such as a diving day course and surf lesson, to make your Bali Island Hopper the holiday you want.

Bali Island Hopper is one of many Contiki Holidays Asia trips from 9-25 days. If you’ve only got a few weeks to travel or if you’re looking to experience Asia and make new friends along the way, definitely consider organised group travel as an option. It’s great to share your experiences with like-minded people, and even better if they’re with you for the ride.

Give Contiki a call on 0845 075 0990 or head to Contiki.com or visit your local travel agent.

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TUK TUKS & TEMPLES WITH THAINTRO

The New Year is the perfect time to pack up, jet off and go travelling so what better way to start 2016 than with a trip to Thailand? Let ThaIntro take you on a nine-day tour through this beautiful country as you experience all the magic of Thailand for yourself.

Your Thai adventure kicks off in one on the busiest cities on earth, Bangkok. This neon cityscape is the ideal place for you to get to know your fellow travellers, as it’s crammed full of bars, clubs and restaurants, and is famous for its epic party atmosphere. Thailand’s capital is vibrant, noisy and exciting with a range of things to do and see.

Hop aboard a Tuk Tuk for a thrilling ride through Bangkok’s streets, a great way to get around - not to mention by far the most fun way to travel. See the city from the water on a traditional long tailed boat, as you meander down the canals and take in the view. Then it’s all aboard the overland train south to the beautiful Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand’s outstanding areas of natural beauty.

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Surrounded by gorgeous lakes, acres of unspoiled rainforest and limestone cliffs the park is a mustsee on any Thailand trip. The park also offers a range of water-based activities including kayaking and tubing. Not only that but you’ll be sleeping in the amazing floating bungalows! Then it’s time to head to Koh Phangan for snorkelling, swimming and the unforgettable experience of a magical Thai Full Moon Party with all your new friends.

This incredible nine day ThaIntro tour costs $799pp and includes all experiences, accommodation, personal airport pick up, all transport across Thailand, some food, a group leader and help with your onward travel plans.

If you want to extend your brilliant Thaintro adventure, you can add three days in the magnificent Phi Phi Islands for $300, including the stunning Maya Bay which had a starring role in Leonardo DiCaprio’s backpacking thriller The Beach. To start your own 2016 Thailand adventure, visit www.thaintro.com

Explore An Island Paradise Welcome to a destination of perfect bliss…

The breathtaking island of Bali is famous for its pristine beaches, tropical climate and Hindu temples. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on this nine-day Balintro tour as you and your fellow travellers discover the magic of this Indonesian paradise.

On arrival in Bali you’ll be taken to the guesthouse in Kuta. It’s time to relax and recharge after the flight, meet the rest of the group and chill out by the pool while soaking up the atmosphere. You’ll then be taken to Uluwatu on the southwestern tip of Bali to visit the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple.

Rest and relax on the sun soaked shores of Padang Padang beach before heading back to Kuta to experience a night out - Bali style. Then it’s off to Canggu, where you’ll be taught to surf by some seriously cool Balinese surfers.

The natural beauty of the island of the gods is undeniable and nowhere is this truer than the quiet, unspoiled area of Lovina. Pay a visit to one of Bali’s many rice fields and leisurely swim in crystal clear waterfalls. Head out on an outrigger boat to watch wild dolphins power through the deep ocean, before meeting a friendly Balinese

family where you’ll learn about island life.

It’s then all aboard for the fast, fun ferry ride to Gili Trawangan, one of the three Gili Islands that’s home to soft white sands, turquoise waters and gorgeous sunsets. No motorised transport is allowed on Gili T, which means you’ll have the chance to explore the stunning surroundings by bike. Check out the other two of the Gilis – Gili Meno and Gili Air – by boat, and snorkel with wild turtles before a last night out with all your new friends.

Balintro costs $799pp and includes accommodation, personal airport pick up, all experiences, group leader, some meals and help with any onward travel.

If you want to extend your Bali adventure, you can spend three days in Ubud for $200. Visit the Monkey Forest, home to hundreds of wild Monkeys that live near the ancient temple, as well as experiencing a sunrise volcano trek.

To experience your own Bali adventure visit

www.balintro.com

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Discover India & Volunteer With ISpiice Looking for a way to travel India and explore the country’s rich culture, whilst making a very real difference to some of the world’s most deprived communities? With ISpiice (Integrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education), you can discover the rolling hills and stunning landscape of the Kangra Valley, whilst making an impact on its inhabitants.

The scheme offers a variety of projects that focus heavily on the social problems that penetrate through this valley and its local communities.

Choose to teach English, health education or computer skills to women or children, to help in renovations, to care for local homeless children, or participate in local summer camps with ISpiice.

The value of education in this part of the world is 94

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significant. India is a less economically developed country where it is particularly common for families to lack the disposable income to provide their children with a high standard of education. That’s where ISpiice’s volunteers come in, teaching both women and children key life skills and English that makes them all the more employable and boosts their sense of self-worth. ISpiice also offers a program that focuses on revamping the health system. Like the education system, India lacks a comprehensive medical scheme and adequate medicinal resources. ISpiice attempts to remedy this through health awareness training programs that seek to protect communities from the glaringly obvious gaps in the health system. Choose from a range of levels of teaching, from posts in primary schools to private tuition.

One of the most popular choices when volunteering is physical work to restore local community buildings. These renovation projects are offered by ISpiice, and are a fantastic way to explore your creative side by creating cheerfully artistic public spaces. Schools and village halls serve as a crucial centrepiece to rural communities, but are often dilapidated due to a distinctive lack of public funding, and are ravaged by harsh weather. ISpiice ask volunteers to help

clear these spaces and design artwork and paint walls to create a bright, fun space for communities to congregate.

snow-capped mountains of Manali and explore the Himalayan mountain range and witness its unique wildlife on a fun-filled hiking expedition.

ISpiice also offers a program that targets women’s empowerment. The gender gap in rural India is significant, and can only be eradicated with the help of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

ISpiice’s project involves a series of training activities, classes and teaching projects that help boost local women’s sense of value and their chance for social mobility.

Securing your place on one of ISpiice’s unforgettable projects is straight-forward, with prices starting at just £264/$555AUD for 2 weeks – making ISpiice’s programs some of the most affordable on offer. This price is inclusive of airport transfers, daily meals and trips to local tourist sites! The cost also covers all accommodation in the communal volunteer house. Choose from a variety of start dates, and secure travel to your ultimate destination with a pre-arranged pick up from Delhi airport. Projects take place in various villages that are situated in the Kangra Valley district, a popular location for travellers for its abundance of natural beauty.

Aside from the extensive range of volunteer projects offered by ISpiice, the NGO also offers some fun activities outside of volunteering so that your time as a volunteer is nicely balanced with exploring the local region. With your fellow volunteers, you can explore the rolling hills of the Kangra Valley, and visit some of India’s most cherished landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, or the world famous Sikh Golden Temple. Discover the

Find out more information at

www.volunteerindiaispiice.com

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Discover The Secret Paradise Of The Maldives

The Maldives are ready to welcome you...

For a long time, the Maldives has been considered a destination out of reach for those on a budget, limited to honeymooners looking for luxury resorts.

But now, the natural beauty and experiences of this paradise are being opened up with local island tourism. So whether you’re backpacking through South East Asia or are looking for a more authentic Maldives holiday experience, you can

discover the true Maldives with Secret Paradise.

The Maldives is pretty much picture-perfect. Blue waters, white sands and over 1200 islands spotted jewel-like throughout the archipelago. However, there’s more to the Maldives than just beaches and ocean. There’s culture, local community, activities and traditions that are deserving of attention and provide ultimate travel experiences for those that aren’t seeking sunny, beach-type holidays. These can all be found on the tours offered by Secret Paradise. Specialising in cultural and adventurous, private and small group island tours, Secret Paradise offers locally-guided packages combining guesthouse accommodation with activities that are synonymous with the Maldives, including diving, snorkelling, sunset safaris and relaxing on the beach, with cultural aspects such as meeting locals, having dinner in their home and learning to cook Maldivian style.

Each tour is designed to allow guests to engage with local people and experience the best from the island paradise generally known as a luxury resort destination. Should you have an interest in local

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cuisine there is a hands on Cooking & Culture tour based on the island of Fuvahmulah, a unique one-island atoll. For those looking to balance their down time with the opportunity to experience a range of water sports and activities, the Multi Activity Package on the island of Gan combines the opportunity to try out activities such as surfing, sailing and diving with cultural immersion.

There are three island-hopping tours that allow exploration of more than just one island. Learn and practice some of the crafts traditional to the Maldives, put your cooking skills to the test in a family kitchen, discover the marine life of the underwater world or just lay back and relax!

There is also the Backpacker Break designed to either work as a self-contained budget Maldives experience or as a start to an independent stay in the archipelago. With cheap flights from Asia, India and Sri Lanka, the thriftiest of travellers can now discover the Maldives.

The basis of each tour is to allow guests to learn about the Maldives, its culture, beliefs, and traditions – and what better way to do this than to see the country through the eyes of your local tour leader?

This focus of engaging tourists, local people and

culture was driven by the desire to provide ways to give back to the communities that had previously welcomed the company’s co-founder into their homes and to share their stories, traditions and cultural practices with a wider audience.

A supporter of responsible tourism, Secret Paradise were long-listed for the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2015 – quite an achievement for a company who took the initiative to develop and champion a product that had never been offered in the Maldives previously. Mindful of ensuring they promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and beliefs the team also aim to protect the environment and limit wherever possible any negative impact to local life through education of both guests and locals.

Secret Paradise has been at the forefront of the Maldives’ local island tourism industry since 2012. Offering expert local knowledge, clear communication and honest advice, the team at Secret Paradise will assist you to find your way between local islands or to choose between the hundreds of guesthouses on offer.

To experience the Maldives the local way, visit

secretparadise.mv

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Discover The Beauty Of China Open your eyes to this incredible country…

From the hustle and bustle of Beijing to the karst mountains of Guilin, China is an example of modernity and history lying side-by-side.

Everywhere you look there is some form of beauty – not necessarily natural, sometimes manmade, but always enough to take your breath away.

Beijing, the capital city, is decorated with majestic palaces once owned by emperors centuries ago, including The Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Bold and grand, they reside beside Hutongs – neighbourhoods of small alleyways and winding lanes to buy trinkets, souvenirs and surprises that you never know what you may find within. One of the best ways to get around is on a rickshaw – an icon of local transport. When evening comes around, you can’t pass up the 98

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opportunity to try a spicy Sichuan feast before a Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre – prepare for your jaw to drop to the floor as you gawp at the most famous martial arts in Chinese history.

Of course, no trip to China is complete without a visit to the Great Wall – even if it’s just to say you’ve been. You can choose certain sections of the wall to walk, and Mutianyu provides one of the most fulfilling experiences with stunning views, few crowds and an incredible hike along this wonder of the world. If you get peckish, snacks from the local street vendors in Beijing are great for refuelling on the go.

Some 700 miles away from Beijing, there are many sights you won’t forget in a hurry in Xi’an.

If you’ve seen the Terracotta Warriors in pictures, you won’t believe how much more impressive they are in real life. These intricate sculptures depict the armies (horses and chariots included) of Qin

Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Other beautiful sights can be had of the Great Mosque and the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas – the City Wall is particularly romantic in the evening.

up in greens, oranges, pinks and blues. To end your experience of Shanghai on a serious high (literally!), head up to a rooftop bar to look down upon the city.

For something of a more natural beauty, Guilin is home of spectacular karst mountains, quaint villages and the Li River. Take a cruise along the river to Yangshuo, soak up the gorgeous scenery and work your camera as if your life depends on it.

Once in Yangshuo, you can explore the villages, meet the warm and welcoming locals and pick up any delicacies that take your fancy by bike.

Beijing, The Great Wall, Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai are all destinations visited on the Beauty Of China tour with GuideWe Travel. Local English-speaking guides are ready to show you what each destination has to offer, from the sights to the food and the culture to the beauty. All local transport is included, such as high speed train tickets, flights and a private car, as well as WiFi while you’re on the road, travel insurance and bottled water. GuideWe can recommend and help you book accommodation, from boutique to 4-star hotels.

You can’t say you’ve discovered the beauty of China without visiting Shanghai. Referred to as the Paris of the East, this dynamic metropolis is adorned with mind-blowing architecture along the edge of the Huangpu River. The sight of the city at night is truly memorable – the closest you can come to seeing a city of the future as it lights

From $779pp, find out more about travelling around China at www.guidewetravel.com

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Trekking The Peaks And Foothills Of Nepal Take a journey to one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on our planet...

From the world’s highest mountains to the friendliest people in the world, there are so many things to discover on a trek through Nepal. With a mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism, there’s an untouchable atmosphere in the air as you soak up the fascinating Nepali culture while checking out impeccable views of the Himalayas.

Whether you opt for the classic Everest Base Camp Trek or the fresh and new Annapurna Ghale Gaun Trek, your journey is bound to open your eyes to the traditions, natural beauty and diverse landscape of Nepal and the Himalayas. Take in some of the most breathtaking mountain sceneries including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Ama Dablam, while crossing through valleys, past glacier lakes and up to high altitudes.

It’s not all hard work; time is allocated for easy days of rest, taking a day tour, visiting Buddhist monasteries and exploring the local mountain villages including Namche, which boasts its own bakeries and bars. The Everest Base Camp itself is well worth a visit simply for what it symbolises: where climbers begin their 11,000ft journey to the summit. Meanwhile, the Ghale Gaun Village of the Annapurna Trek is home to the great Gurkha soldiers, and the route to reach it is blessed with flourishing forest and gorgeous waterfalls at 6,500ft above sea level.

While some treks aren’t for the faint hearted, there are those that actually appeal to people looking to

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de-stress while still enjoying the magnificent views of the Himalayas. The Helambu Trek provides such an experience. Less crowded than some of the more popular routes, there are opportunities to immerse yourself in the more countryside landscape of Kutumsang and Sermathang, with peaceful streams and sprawling meadows laid out before a backdrop of the Langtang Mountains.

Ending in Kathmandu, there’s even time to explore the city and pick up a few souvenirs before checking out of your hotel. Saying that, the experience of these treks is enhanced by the accommodation. Staying in local villages, you have a chance to gain an insight into the local people and traditions, while sleeping in a mix of hotels, guesthouses and teahouses.

bookings can also be made, with additional guests added on using a private tour code, again making the cost for each person decrease per additional member. For example, the price for two people on the Everest Base Camp Trek is €1,070pp, but add on two other passengers, and the price becomes €990pp. Each tour does have a maximum number of passengers (Everest Base Camp Trek is a maximum of 14), so you don’t have to worry about overcrowding!

Faralong is a travel company that provides tour packages – including treks in Nepal – with a difference. With a starting price for each tour, the final price per person depends on how many passengers are booked on the tour. The more passengers, the less each one has to pay. Private

Sign up to Faralong now to get €50 for your next tour, with no obligation to book!

From 6 to 18 days, these treks through Nepal offer the greatest insight into one of the most untouched, rugged and unpredictable regions of the world. Available to book through Faralong, these are no ordinary group tours.

For more information on trekking through Nepal, visit www.faralong.com

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Catch The Caribbean Vibe

Turn up the reggae music and turn down the stress levels on this 10-day tropical adventure.

Laidback and down-to-earth, a true Caribbean experience is one where you can immerse yourself in the region, with no worries or hurries.

So who better to take you there than Free & Easy Traveler?

Providers of easy-going adventures with casual itineraries, Free & Easy Traveler encourages individual travel within an amazing group, so you can have the travel experience you want while getting to know new people, whether they be locals, fellow travellers or your fun and helpful group leaders. This philosophy is carried through 102

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into every adventure, including the 10-day Caribbean Retreat.

Visiting Costa Rica and Panama, you can take your time getting to know these two incredible countries and their beautiful towns and islands.

Beginning your adventure in Alajuela in Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose, you meet your new family and bond over some cold beers, before white water rafting down Rio Pacuare and driving to your first destination: Puerto Viejo. Spend four days in Puerto Viejo discovering this rasta town and then cross the border into Panama. Jump on a speed boat for four days on the gorgeous islands of Bocas del Toro in Panama, before returning to Alajuela to say goodbye to your new friends.

There are some memorable activities included throughout these 10 days that will get you deep beneath the skin of the Caribbean, including swimming, snorkelling, a yacht cruise, surfing lesson, beach-hop bicycle parade and waterfall tour, but you can also add on optional activities such as fishing, underwater surfing, scuba diving and a jaguar rescue centre tour, so you can be sure to have the experience you desire.

These activities fit naturally and easily into your adventure, so they don’t get in the way of precious moments spent sleeping in hammocks, bathing in turquoise waters, sinking your feet into the white sands of the many beaches, cracking a joke or two with the locals or discovering the Latin and Creole cultures of Puerto Viejo and Bocas del Toro.

Accommodation on this 10-day Caribbean Retreat includes a range of backpacker, guesthouse and jungle cabin shared rooms sleeping two to six guests, with facilities including Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, bars and restaurants, swimming pools and natural surroundings complete with wildlife such as howler monkeys and sloths. A buffet breakfast and lunch during the white water rafting day trip are included, as well as mini bus transportation. You can even add on return international flights and airport transfers should you book a flight option.

As with every Free & Easy Traveler adventure, you’ll have the help of two leaders who have at least 15 years of experience between them, as well as providing a Preparations guidebook and Trip Experience guidebook.

Prices start at $1,090CAD per person (approximately $1,110AUD) with 2016 and 2017 dates now available.

Did you know: Free & Easy Traveler adventures are so flexible that you can add on other tours to make them truly epic. Increase your 10-day Caribbean Retreat to up to 60 days by adding on other American tours and not only can you visit Costa Rica and Panama, but also Peru and Nicaragua. Options include Undiscovered Caribbean, Livin’ Tranquilo, Endless Summer Roadtrip, and Wander Through The Incan World.

Book your Caribbean Retreat and many other adventures at

www.freeandeasytraveler.com

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Top Gap Year Destinations For 2016

Grab your passport and get ready as Real Gap Experience predict the best travel destinations for 2016. As experts in backpacking and gap year travel, Real Gap Experience know where in the world is best to go. So whether you want to party your way around Thailand (hello Full Moon Parties!), witness the unique sunrise of Angkor Wat, learn to surf in Sydney or step off the beaten track, they’ve got you covered. Get that bucket list ready and make 2016 your best year yet!

Thailand

From buzzing Bangkok to the relaxed islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao, Thailand has everything for budding travellers. Starting off your travels in Bangkok is the best way to embrace the Thai culture, as you experience floating markets, delicious food and crazy tuk tuk rides! Heading south, the stunning beaches await, and of course the famous Full Moon Parties of Koh Phangan.

Spend your day island hopping, kayaking through Marine National Parks and jungle trekking before hitting the glow sticks, bucket cocktails and beach parties in the evening! As one of Real Gap Experience’s most popular destinations, Thailand is the perfect place for first-time travellers and one to definitely tick off that travel bucket list.

Cambodia

It doesn’t get much better than watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat – trust us! Cambodia is an up and coming travel destination with an untouched feel in comparison to neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. If you’re after a true mix of culture, history and excitement, this is the one for you!

Home to the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ (Angkor Wat), Cambodia has plenty on offer. Real Gap Experience have a huge range of trips from just 10 days, so whether you’re wanting a whirlwind tour or would like to embrace a new culture and volunteer within a community, they’ve got plenty of options!

Whatever you do, though, make sure you visit the beaches of Sihanoukville – they’re rated some of Asia’s best.

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Bali

If you’re looking for a proper chill-out break, head to Bali. This Indonesian gem combines everything from temples and monkeys (check out Monkey Forest!) to surf and beach parties. However, it’s the laid back Balinese culture that is so infectious. For those wanting a bit of R&R, try a spot of Balinese yoga and meditation. Here you can quite literally sit back and relax! Alternatively, for those in search of a bit more action, on Real Gap Experience’s new Bali Beaches trip you can experience the famous surf spot of Kuta, chill in Ubud and snorkel the depths of Gili Trawangan. These islands are quite literally paradise on earth!

South Africa

Australia

It’s wildlife galore in South Africa! Perfect for anyone in search of true wilderness and adventure.

Kruger National Park is home to the jaw-dropping big five, so make sure you keep an eye out for rhinos, leopards, buffalos, elephants and lions all in their natural habitat. For those wanting a bit of an adrenaline rush, how about diving with Great White Sharks (cages provided!) or abseiling from the jaw-dropping Table Mountain?! Real Gap Experience have a huge range of trips in South Africa, so whether you want to get up close to wildlife, experience life on a Game Reserve or help develop communities, there is something for everyone in this unmissable country.

We have so much love for Australia, and a top 5 wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this whopper of a country. Where do we even start…?

Sydney, Great Ocean Road, Surfers Paradise, Great Barrier Reef, Outback, Whitsundays and much, much more. Stretching over 7.6 million square kilometres, no words can describe just how vast and varied Australia is. With everything from iconic cities and beach hot spots to dry deserts and lush rainforests, but wherever your travels take you make sure you keep an eye out for native koalas and kangaroos! The Ultimate Aussie Paid Work package is the most popular option for backpackers meaning you can fund your travels and explore the country in your spare time. Perfect!

Book your own gap year experience at www.realgap.co.uk

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The Ultimate European Festival Experience Awaits You

Make 2016 your year to hit up some of the biggest and best festivals that Europe has to offer.

Kick off the year with the Venice Carnival in February. The largest of its kind in Italy, people come from around the globe to take part in the merriment of this masquerade celebration in which colourfully clad masked partygoers roam the streets. On 17th March, you can join the sea of green in Dublin, Ireland for pints of Guinness and jig dancing on St Patrick’s Day, before changing into orange for King’s Day in the Netherlands. In celebration of the royal family, hit up Amsterdam on 27th April to view the colourfully decorated boats on the famous canal.

Spain is definitely home to some of the world’s largest and most exciting festivals. Whether you’re looking for food fights, throwing firecrackers or running with giant bulls, Spain is sure to have you covered. The Spanish festival year starts in March with Las Fallas in Valencia, which involves one long street party with fire displays across five days and nights. La Batalla Del Vino, or Wine

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Fight, is held on 29th June in Haro, an area well known for growing grapes and making wine. About two months later on 31st August is La Tomatina, essentially the world’s largest food fight with locals and tourists chucking tomatoes at one another in Buñol, near Valencia.

A festival trip to Spain would not be complete without the San Fermin Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona. San Fermin is 6th – 14th July, with the Bull Run held every morning at 8am between 7th and 14th July.

Finally, when September rolls around, it’s time to head to Germany for the festival of all festivals: Oktoberfest. This 16-day beer celebration is held every year in Munich and attracts more than six million people from around the world! In 2016, Oktoberfest starts on 17th September.

For more information on tours and travel options to these European festivals, visit www.fomotravel.com

Join The Party With The Stoke Travel Passport

Depending on which way you look at them, passports are either a symbol of freedom or an annoying book that dictates where you can and can’t go. The Stoke Travel Passport, on the other hand, is a thing of beauty.

The Stoke Travel Passport works like this: you choose the festivals you want to include on your passport from a list of 18 (and counting!). You get to spend three nights at each festival, including festival ticket (excluding BBK and Sziget), breakfast every day and dinner every night at each festival campsite, and free unlimited alcohol at all campsites. The passport is valid for 12 months and you get to decide the start date. You only need to let Stoke Travel know your desired arrival date seven days before, giving you the freedom to choose where and when you go. This doesn’t have the boundaries or strict schedule of a group tour, but you’re bound to meet some amazing and fun people at each destination.

Now, what about the festivals and trips to choose from? Well, they’re some of the best in Europe.

From a huge food fight at La Tomatina in Valencia, to bier and bratwurst at Oktoberfest in Munich, and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona – passport holders can experience some of the greatest cultural events and festivals in seriously beautiful places. You can also enjoy a stay at the Ibiza Hippie Camp to experience the party island, and take to the waves at the San Sebastian Surf Camp.

There are Stoke Travel Passport packages to help you choose the right one for you. For three nights at two festivals, you’ll want to book The Hobo for €360, or go one more and opt for The Nomad with three festivals at €540. If that’s just not enough for you, you can book The Gypsy for five festivals with a sixth festival completely free for €900. But the daddy of them all is the Wham-Bam Summer of Stoke Pass with eight festivals plus two free festivals for €1,440!

Have a ridiculously good summer 2016 in Europe with the Stoke Travel Passport. Book yours now from stoketravel.com

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Introducing The BCM Mallorca Party Hotel In 2016, fans no longer want to party for one night in their favourite club.

Nor do they want to sleep in a muddy field overnight, getting wet, without their home comforts. What that means is that a new trend for party hotels is emerging, and capitalising on that is one of the world’s most celebrated super clubs, BCM Mallorca.

Already known for its gargantuan club, with massive ice cannons, wild dancers, foam parties, brands like MistaJam, Cream, Radio 1, and superstar DJs like Skrillex and David Guetta, it is now opening a hotel to match the madness right next door. It is a space that has had â‚Ź2 million spent on it, and has been redesigned from the bottom up to provide the ultimate party paradise for hedonistic clubbers from all over the world.

As such it boats plush apartments with a swimming pool, high-speed wifi and comfortable facilities as well as views of the pool, roomy living spaces, sofas, a full kitchen so you can cook up some disco dinners, kettles, air con, a balcony with great views and even a wake-up service and deposit box.

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Anyone staying at the hotel will get great access to the magical local beaches and entry into the world-famous club next door. Merchandise will also be given out to all guests and you will get a wristband that offers discounts to many other local bars so you can really go wild for the week.

Everything will be inclusive at this hotel, from spirits, beer and wine right through to breakfast.

Snacks will be available all around the clock to quash those raving munchies late at night and, of course, there is the small matter of the music on offer.

You can expect only the biggest and best stars from the worlds of grime, pop, urban, dubstep, bass, techno, EDM, commercial dance and more. Massive icons like Snoop Dogg, AfroJack, ToughLove, Chase & Status and AfroJack have all played here in the past, and often celebrities can also be found partying down at BCM. As such, the news of this new hotel will be music to the ears of those who like to party hard, in style and comfort, under the baking sun.

For more information, visit www.bcmhotelmallorca.com

Your boat will depart from world-renowned nightlife capital, Mykonos, where you’ll be introduced to fun and like-minded travellers who will become your backpacking buddies for the course of the trip. On board the vessel, you’ll spend 7 whole days leisurely weaving through the various islands that pepper the ocean. Each cruise is complete with your own skipper who uses his years of sailing wisdom to take you to the most secluded bays and guide you to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Stops on the journey include the picturesque islands of Paros, Naxos, Koufonisia and Ios.

Sailing In Greece Discover the spectacular Greek islands with Sail In Greece Adventures!

Picture yourself on a fully decked-out yacht, leisurely floating through the exquisitely clear waters of the Mediterranean sea, occasionally stopping off on a Greek island for a taste of Grecian culture – maybe even smash a plate or two. Sound tempting? Hop aboard one of the fantastic excursions offered by Sail In Greece Adventures and begin your very own Greek odyssey! Sail In Greece Adventures offer a host of trips perfect for young, sun-seeking backpackers travelling South Eastern Europe on a budget. Amongst their various tour bundles that offer Greek yachting excursions and fun-filled booze cruises is their Yolo Cruise – a 7 day island hopping tour of Greece’s hottest party destinations.

Yolo Cruise

If you’re looking to enjoy the blazing sunshine and brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean with a beer in hand, try the fantastic 7 day Yolo tour. Jump aboard Sail In Greece’s Yolo cruise for a mere €399pp and set sail to a whopping 6 islands.

Throughout the week, the tour will stop off at various clubbing hot spots for countless nights of mind-blowing nightlife. Experience the best of the Greek clubbing scene from awesome beach parties to bars and clubs amidst the narrow winding alleyways that snake across the rolling hills. Whilst this tour provides plenty of opportunity to take advantage of Greece’s unique nightlife, the tour also factors in the incredible historical and mythological heritage of these islands as sites of sacred significance. The tour also includes funfilled activities from adrenaline-fuelled watersports like wind surfing to leisure sports such as snorkeling amidst colourful and rocky coral.

The expedition comes to an explosive end on the paradise island of Santorini - an impressive geological site altered by volcanic eruption, resulting in remarkable layers of hardened black lava that creates a striking contrast to the shimmering white Greek structures. Aside from the party lifestyle, enjoy the island’s local sites and activities, from awesome water sport adventures to visiting the fascinating ancient sun-baked ruins, before ending an amazing day watching the sun cast its evening glow, turning the white-walled Greek buildings a romantic pinkish tint before your final night of party mayhem! If you fancy this spectacular week-long voyage, complete with daily breakfast and lunch, free ouzo as well as parties and exclusive island excursions, book now for just €399pp!

For more information visit www.sail-ingreece.com.

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FESTIVAL FOCUS

2016

Lush white snow smothers the Bansko mountains of Bulgaria in winter, to provide 70km of slopes for every level of skier or snowboarder. And come 12th March 2016, there’s even more reason to head for the hills...

Horizon Festival returns to Bansko for the fourth time to welcome dance music fans and over 100 DJs to lap up this winter wonderland for five whole days from 12th – 17th March. And you really couldn’t ask for a better backdrop. Stages set up on actual mountains, raves in abandoned hotels and thermal pools, bowling arenas, champagne bars and hot tub cinemas – it’s got it all whether you want to embrace the cold or escape it.

back to the early settlers, you can get a different experience entirely away from the buzz of the festival. If you want to truly relax, you can even pamper yourself at the local spas at a fraction of the cost of Alpine ski resorts.

Whether you go for the snow, party like your life depends on it or explore an enriching destination in the mountains on Bulgaria, there are so many reasons to get your ticket to Horizon Festival.

A Horizon Festival ticket and six nights’ accommodation costs from just £175pp.

Get your ticket pronto to party on the ski slopes of Bansko at horizonfestival.net

As far as the line-up goes, Horizon Festival is a who’s who of dance music game-changers.

You’ve got the likes of Craig Charles, Goldie and Gentleman’s Dub Club alongside Mala, KiNk and Gerd Janson. While the headliner is yet to be announced, there’s plenty here already to whet your appetite.

And when the music gets too much, you can head outside of camp and explore the rest of what Bansko has to offer. Pirin National Park, ancient streets, precious churches and a culture dating 110

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Words & images by Sandy Dhaliwal

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