CONTENTS Welcome to the Northern Territory special of the Australia Work & Global Travel Guide. This issue focuses on the glorious experiences to be had in the vast Northern Territory, including being face to face with ferocious saltwater crocodiles, and taking in the incredible views of Australia’s most famous landmark, Uluru, as well as exploring South Australia via camel and sleeping under the stars in a traditional Aussie Swag. This issue you’ll be able to explore the diversity of this country, as well as learning a few facts about what it might cost you should you want to make the big move out there, as well as including information on how you can secure a job in Australia and migration advice and tips from people in the know. Travel TV presenter, Simon Reeve, gives us further insight into why Australia is such an amazing travel destination, and we also show you some interesting routes you can take on your way to, and returning from Australia. Visit www.bbmlive.com for more incredible travel inspiration...
8. Accommodation 22. Work Guide 31. Visa Info 42. Interview Simon Reeve 44. Travel Northern Territory 58. Explore Australia 64. Travel South Australia 72. Travel New South Wales
The Team
77. Travel Queensland 82. Travel Victoria 84. Travel Tasmania 86. Travel Western Australia 90. Global Travel
Editor: Hannah Shakir hannah.shakir@what-media.com General Manager: Tom Shakir tom.shakir@what-media.com Sub-Editor: Charlotte Mellor Communications Manager: Isaac Tesfamariam Design: What Media Ltd For Advertising Contact - marketing@what-media.com UK: +44(0)208 287 1318 AUS: +61(0) 2 8005 8162
Port Douglas Queensland
Image Port Douglas courtesy of United backpackers Port Douglas
Contents
Why Go To Australia?
Filled to the brim with obvious choices to up and leave to Australia, aside from the sun, surf, sea and sand, we asked a handful of fully fledged expats why they made the move and are still happy Down Under. “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 “I originally came to Australia to travel, work, and make some money before settling down.” Grace Mellor, Administrative Correspondence Controller, Cardiff to Perth “What I found was a place full of optimism, blue skies and like-minded people.” Danielle McGrane, Music Journalist, Dublin to Sydney
“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
“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
Read more expat interviews in our Getting Started in Australia at www. bbmlive.com/getting-started-in-australia
ACCOMMODATION
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 lovehomeswap.com stays in your 8
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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.
How Much Will You Pay For A Home in Australia? The similarities between Australia and the UK are staggering, but when it comes to property, how do the two nations compare, and what can you expect to pay for your mortgage?
Despite the rapid increases, research from Fitch Ratings ‘Mortgage and Housing Outlook’ found that property here is still more affordable than in the UK in relation to average house price to income ratios.
Property market
How do Australian interest rates compare to the UK?
According to the most recent estimates from Australian Property Monitors, the median house price in Sydney has hit $812,000 (£449,652), more than 17 per cent growth over the year to June 2014. This was followed closely by Melbourne which grew by 10 per cent to $608,000 (£358,278) over the same period. From a whole market perspective, real estate prices are expected to continue to rise over the 2014 period, albeit at a slower expected growth rate of 4 per cent compared to around 10 per cent growth in 2013 (January figures from RP Data).
Bank of England governor Mark Carney recently told the UK press that interest rates - which have remained at 0.5% since 2009 - are edging towards a rise. When? Probably in early 2015. Meanwhile, in Australia, the Reserve Bank of Australia has officially left the cash rate on hold at 2.5% for over a year, a record low for Australia. In addition, the four major banks of Australia recently made the decision to drop the five-year fixed rate to 4.99% with some experts predicting this to drop even further as the banks continue their price war. In fact, as a non-resident, you may be able to lock in your five-year rate for even less than 4.99% with some lenders. You’ll find that the best discounts aren’t advertised - they’re all by negotiation. Eligibility for a professional discount depends on how you present your situation to the lender. As always, the key to borrowing as an expat is to apply with the right lender.
Your deposit
As a rough guide, you will need 5% of the purchase price to pay for stamp duty (tax), legal fees and incidentals. You will also need to make up the difference between the mortgage and the purchase price.
Why a mortgage broker can help
By working with a mortgage broker who specialises in home loans for temporary residents and 457 visa holders living in Australia, you can be sure you’re getting a good deal on your mortgage. Many of the mortgage brokers at Home Loan Experts are successful property investors in their own right and understand the Australian property market. Visit homeloanexperts.com.au for more info.
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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
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What’s The Cost Of Living In Oz?
The purpose of the following table is to give you an idea of the general cost of living. From a pint of milk to council tax and the price of a runaround, this should show you what you can expect to pay in Australia. Item
Singular
Monthly
Annual
Council
$1200 / £613.41
Water
$800 / £408.94
Strata Costs
$2000 / £1022.35
Electricity
$2400 / £1226.84
Gas
$1000 / £511.18
Sky TV (Foxtel)
$50 / £25.56
Phone Line
$50 / £25.56
Internet
$70 / 35.78
Vodafone Mobile 4G
$60 / 30.67
Fitness First
$52 / 26.58
Milk (1L)
$3 / £1.53
Loaf Of Bread (500 g)
$3.49 / £1.78
Eggs (12)
$4.80 / £2.45
Fruit (1kg)
$3 / £1.53
Vegetables (1kg)
$3 / £1.53
Mince Beef (500g)
$4 / £2.08
Box of 100 Tea Bags
$3.35 / £1.71
Bottle of Wine
$16.05 / £8.20
Six Pack of Beer
$18 / £9.20
12 Pack of Loo Roll
$10 / £5.11
Bus (one way)
$4.70 / £2.40
Monthly Pass Gas (1L)
$125 / £63.90 $1.54 / £0.79
Volkswagen Golf New
$50,000 / £25,874
Volkswagen Golf 10 Years Old
$8,750 / £4,528
AREA GUIDES
Sydney Suburbs A simple breakdown of what you need to know
Bondi Beach - Eastern Suburbs
Bondi Beach has so much to offer and even more to experience, so don’t be put off by the huge amount of hipsters drinking out of coconuts – there are normal people here too you know. Being the closest beach suburb to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) (45 min commute), Bondi is extremely popular as a residential suburb with tourists and residents alike. Its great cafe culture, fantastic restaurants, outdoor sea view fitness stations, swimming pools and of course the most famous beach in the world on your doorstep all assist Bondi in being one of the most liveable places in the world. Though heaps of tourists flock to Bondi (40,000 visitors on a sunny summer day!), life here is still surprisingly relaxed and the best thing of all, is that you’re only a short coastal stroll away from some of Sydney’s ‘other’ best beaches including Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee.
Manly - Northern Beaches
The best thing about Manly is that even the trip there will blow your mind. A fifteen-minute ferry ride north from Circular Quay will take you across to Sydney Harbour, making the suburb a great place to commute into the city from. Manly is shrouded in natural beauty and the fabulous beach will make you feel a million miles away from the city. With a bustling town centre you’ll also find great boutique shops, bars and restaurants in Manly – making it one of the most liveable suburbs around Sydney. If you’re into your water sports then you can take advantage of the tons of opportunities along Manly beach, from surfing to snorkelling or a dip in the Oceanside public pool.
Balmain - Inner West
Balmain is situated in the heart of Sydney’s inner-west, overlooking the estuary. Once a working class area, Balmain is now a thriving hub of creativity. Some of Australia’s best known authors, artists, actors, film directors and musicians live in Balmain and as soon as you get there you’ll understand why. Balmain is very cosmopolitan, but also relaxed. The nightlife does attract a lot of people in the evenings, but with lots of parks and reserves close by, it’s a great place to settle down and enjoy Sydney life. You’ll definitely be entertained in Balmain from perusing the local markets to hanging out at the cafes you’ll feel immersed in culture and trendiness!
Glebe - Inner West
Glebe is an Inner-western suburb located just 3 km south-west of the Sydney CBD. Just a 10-minute walk from Central Station, Glebe has excellent transport links and is packed to the brim with really cool pubs, restaurants and it’s home to a mircro small bar scene that offers quality entertainment, food and drinks 7 nights a week. Glebe also has one of Sydney’s best markets and accommodation can be slightly cheaper than over in the eastern suburbs making it the perfect place for young professionals to find their feet, and not have to do a mammoth commute to get to work – meaning more time for you.
Darlinghurst - Eastern Suburbs
Darlinghurst is rich in culture and bursting with art studios, boutiques shop, cafe’s, bars and restaurants. One of the best things about Darlinghurst – or “Darlo”, as the locals call it – is that you can spend ages just walking around all the pretty terraced houses in the winding leafy streets and lose yourself in their charm. As well as being the preferred habitat for Sydney’s eastern suburbs media types, it’s also famous for its nightlife, with many cocktail bars and clubs providing late entertainment. Darlinghurst is the heart of the gay scene in Australia, holding the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras every March. The location of Darlo in Sydney couldn’t be better as it neighbours suburbs such as Surry Hills, Paddington and the very popular harbour beaches around Double Bay, not to mention you’re just a 15-minute walk to Sydney Town Hall Station or 10-15-minute walk to Kings Cross.
Surry Hills - Eastern Suburbs
The perfect place for art lovers, inner-city Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most vibrant areas and the home to the famous coffee culture. You’ll find a mixture of business properties and residential homes in this area due to its proximity to the city. Surry Hills is a melting pot of cultures, and is also a stone’s throw from China Town and Centennial Park. Being so close to the city, it’s perfect for young professionals as everything is right on your doorstep – along with great transport links.
Paddington - Eastern Suburbs
Paddington is a super suburb on Sydney’s east side and Australia’s equivelant to London’s Chelsea. There really isn’t much that Paddington doesn’t have to offer. Full of restaurants, bars and pubs, next to Centenial Park, 20 minutes walk to the harbour beaches, 20 minutes drive or bus ride to Bondi or Bronte beach, it’s the perfect place to settle down, and you can easily walk to the city or catch a bus if you’re commuting into Sydney. It’s not the cheapest place to live due to its fantastic location, so rental properties may take a large wedge of your salary, however it is bursting with heritage and a great vibe. The hustle and bustle is just a stone’s throw away but you won’t notice it in Paddington.
Coogee & Randwick - Eastern Suburbs
Coogee and Randwick are two of the most popular Sydney suburbs for expats and working holiday makers to settle down as they’ve got slightly larger properties, great schools, beach life and are an easy commute by bus to the city. With access to fantastic coastal walks, free public outdoor fitness areas and ocean pool that will encourage even the laziest coach potato to get involved. Coogee is packed with such a wide range of quality restaurants, cafe’s and bars that your only issue here may be that you forget to see the rest of Australia as it’s got it all.
Newtown - Inner West
Newtown is saturated in culture and is home to many artists, musicians, writers and students. It’s difficult to find any sort of hint of pretentiousness. The suburb has a great music scene, with many folk, punk and funk artists visiting local venues. Flat shares and apartments are very affordable in Newtown making it popular with a wide demographic. Being a popular suburb with artists and musicians, Newtown has some of Sydney’s best cheap restaurants and live entertainment which also makes it popular with working holiday makers and young professionals. And it’s a 20-minute direct train ride into Sydney CBD.
Visit us at www.bbmlive.com for more info on life and entertainment in Sydney
MELBOURNE SUBURBS Australia’s cultural melting pot, Melbourne has been rated the world’s most liveable city. Here’s a run down of what you can expect in and around the city if you’re thinking of settling down there any time soon... Fitzroy – Inner North Suburbs
A bohemian hub bursting with creative outlets, Fitzroy contains a range of independent art galleries, bars and bookshops resonating its working class origins and hip character. You’ll find bar after bar on Brunswick Street, catering for vegans, coffee drinkers and wine enthusiasts, while the music scene can be discovered on Smith Street for live jazz, reggae, swing and DJ appearances. Many of the bars incorporate art, but you can find some of the best just wandering the city streets. Shopping is just as encouraged, with markets and record shops sitting beside designer stores and vintage wares. Its inner city location makes Fitzroy extremely accessible on the 112 tram or buses 200, 201 or 207.
Collingwood – Inner North Suburbs
One of the most diverse populations in Melbourne, Collingwood is home to artists, grungey types, young professionals and the gay community. Divided from Fitzroy by Smith Street, you can expect much of the same coffee culture, bar hopping and eating out. The entire suburb is home to small galleries, boutique shops and corner pubs that are set up in interesting buildings such as abandoned car parks, 19th Century factories and street corners. The Town Hall is just as striking, taking you back to late 1880s Melbourne. Eat until you pop with various cuisines on offer, from Japanese to Greek and South American. Take the 86 or 109 tram or use Collingwood Train Station on Stanton Street. 14
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Carlton – Inner North Suburbs
Right next to the University of Melbourne, Carlton is where all the uni kids hang out, with budget-friendly hangouts, bookstores and boutiques. Eat to your heart’s content along Lygon Street, where Italian cuisine reigns supreme, or grab some evening entertainment with a show. Holding the Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens, there is a rich history in Carlton that can be best acknowledged with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building. Carlton is the nearest suburb to the CBD and can be reached by jumping on the 200, 201, 203, 205, 207, and 253 from Melbourne Central.
Brunswick – Northern Suburbs
You’ll find an abundance of bars and cafes in Brunswick, where you will experience the renowned coffee culture and dining experiences Melbourne is famous for. Lygon Street continues its bar scene from Carlton into Brunswick, but Sydney Road holds stiff competition for live music. This is where you will also find evidence of migration, with Middle Eastern cafés, Asian restaurants and Mediterranean food shops. The art scene is also just as prominent with creativity bouncing out at all corners, from Tinning Street to Lygon Street. Arrive at Brunswick Station, 23 minutes from Melbourne Central, or take the 19 tram.
Richmond – Inner East Suburbs
The southern and eastern parts of Richmond running along the Yarra River has given this inner city suburb character from the south and the north of Melbourne. There’s a strong sports and beer culture with the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Rod Laver Arena, so plenty of pub watering holes have struck up for pre or post-match drinks. But shopaholics won’t be let down either, with major labels on Bridge Road, furniture stores on Church Street and galleries on Albert Street. Its central location and regular events and happenings make Richmond a buzzing area, and just a short walk from the CBD, or stops at East, West, North and Central Richmond Stations.
St Kilda – Southeast Suburbs
Melbourne’s premier beachside suburb, St Kilda is a world away from the hectic bustle of the CBD, but just 15 minutes on the 96 or 16 tram. Its waterside location makes it a haven for backpackers, so there are many hostels and flat-shares for short-term accommodation. The seaside atmosphere also encourages al fresco dining, so cafes, bars and restaurants should be high on anyone’s agenda, whether looking for lunch or work. Then there’s, of course, the beach itself, where you will find keen surfers, sailors and sunbathers on a hot summer’s day. If you’re not one for the beach, Albert Park offers less sandy relaxation, or check out the rollercoasters of Luna Park and the warm waters of the St Kilda Sea Baths.
South Yarra – Inner Southeast Suburbs
Designer central, those with money can take full advantage of South Yarra. An affluent area of stylish and expensive shopping, you can expect private mansions, expansive apartments and maintained Victorian terraces. Despite the high prices, South Yarra is densely populated with executives and company directors to enjoy an enriched lifestyle with the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River on the border. Browse the shops on Chapel Street and Toorak Road, and appreciate the architecture in the north of the suburb towards the river. Use South Yarra Station on Toorak Road or take tram 8.
Prahran – Southeast Suburbs
Always party central, Prahran is student, single and gay-friendly with cool cats and arty types. Vintage items can be found on Greville Street, while more commercial stores are along Chapel Street and the Prahran Market is one of the most popular in the entire city, beckoning foodies and bargain hunters. The main thoroughfare through Prahran, Chapel Street and High Street create a crossroads full of restaurants, cafes and bars. Victorian and Edwardian cottages are prominent, but warehouse conversions and apartments are rising in popularity for single, young professionals. The 6, 8 and 72 trams reach Prahran, and the 78/79 tram travels the length of Chapel Street from St Kilda to South Yarra.
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Staying In Melbourne One of the most popular accommodation options for visitors, we take a look at the best hostels in Melbourne. 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. As well as clean and comfortable rooms on a budget, you’ll get to take advantage of all the facilities and cool stuff when you book a night at Discovery Melbourne, including 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 hostellers, including bingo on Monday nights, trivia on Tuesday nights and a bar crawl on Wednesday nights. There’s always someone on reception, so you can ask them for advice on where to go and what to do, including the best way to get around the city, local shopping and emergency numbers. The lobby also hosts Backpackers World Travel, to help you create the travel itinerary of your dreams and the best local tour companies to do it with. 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. Beds, breakfast, new buddies and bundles of fun – Discovery Melbourne is the ideal hostel for your adventures in a beautiful city and beyond. 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne www.discoverymelbourne.com
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Holiday Visa, they’ve got the contacts you need to find your next employer, whether urban or regional, bar, office or farm. 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne www.unitedbackpackers.com.au
Habitat 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 relaxed Melbourne culture, opposite the busy Flinders Street Station. Rooms to choose from include mixed and female-only dorms, twin and triple rooms, and with or without ensuite. You can find out all about the tours and events available in the city, and book the ones that interest you straight from the travel desk, and when you need to start making some money on your Working
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 every Tuesday, bar crawls, BBQs, walking tours and more. You can also discover more about this beautiful city by working with Conservation Volunteer Australia every third Thursday of the month and enjoy a free tour of the bush spotting wildlife and learning about the environment. 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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Perth Suburbs
Get acquainted with this stunning city
Fremantle – South-western Suburbs
Full of harbour-side restaurants and charming markets, eat fish and chips on Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and pay a visit to the nation’s favourite brewery, Little Creatures. This port town takes just 20 minutes on the train from Perth, and hosts the finest market on the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street. History is remembered with prison tours, and the fishing industry provides many of the job opportunities. An ideal weekend away from the city, a lot of the accommodation is rented out for holidaymakers rather than long-term rentals.
Cottesloe – West Suburbs
Cottesloe is blessed with a beautiful sandy beach, spanning from Mudurup Rocks and Swanbourne Beach. Adjacent to the sands is a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars, with Sunday Sessions on the weekend beckoning the young, cool crowd. It has everything you could want from a beach-bum lifestyle, and is one of the most sought-after places to live with big but expensive houses, but is easily accessible with just a few minutes’ train journey from the Perth CBD. Locals are famously proud of their environment and conserving Cottesloe the way it is today, and you will often see them dog-walking, cycling or running the length of the beach.
Subiaco – Inner Western Suburbs
Just off of Perth’s city centre, Subiaco has an actual high street and shopping district, which is rare in this city. Clothes shopping is designer-focused and cosmopolitan, while food is strictly gourmet with cafes and restaurants, bars and clubs for all hours of the day. The streets are lined with trees and the city centre is just three stops on the train. Those potentially interested in the local primary school can even check it out at the weekly farmer’s market, or get your bits and pieces from Subiaco Pavillion Market. A mixture of modern and period homes sit side by side, but both are large and pretty pricey.
Northbridge – Inner Suburbs
The party capital of Perth, Northbridge is full of hip and arty alternatives, students and young professionals looking to be in the thick of a good time. One kilometre north of the city centre, cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs bring the area to life (albeit a bit too much come chucking-out time) while the array of international food choices represents its mash up of cultures. All the major art galleries of Western Australia are here, apartments are growing but period homes are the majority, and you can just stroll to the CBD.
Leederville – Inner Suburbs
Vibrant, fun and cool, Leederville is the place to be for young professionals, students and young families. Accommodation is modern, with town houses and apartment blocks, and socialising happens on Oxford Street, with burger joints, cafes and pubs for the evening. There is good public transport, with Leederville on the Joondalup line.
South Perth – Inner Southern Suburbs
Two kilometres from the CBD, South Perth lies across the picturesque Swan River and is blessed with parklands, leafy roads and the Perth Zoo. The separation of the river makes South Perth much quieter but still accessible with the ferry between the suburb and Barrack Street Jetty taking just five minutes. Restaurants offers priceless views of the city skyline and luxury apartments have risen up along the foreshore for alternative accommodation to the city centre. For cheaper apartments, head further inland, towards Victoria Park, which offer more student-friendly prices.
Victoria Park – Inner Southern Suburbs
One of the most culturally diverse suburbs in Perth, Victoria Park serves up delicious food from around the world, whether you want Vietnamese, Italian or Mexican. These and more can be found on the dining strip, Albany Highway, the longest in Perth with fine dining and more casual venues. The large student population and modern brick homes are probably why accommodation is cheap compared to the rest of Perth, but it’s still just 10 minutes southeast of the city centre.
Mount Lawley – Inner Northern Suburbs
Where all the indie cool kids hang out, Mount Lawley is five minutes from the CBD and is one of the quirkier, cool areas of Perth. Street art, eclectic bars, alternative cafes and live music venues line the streets. Beaufort Street is where you’ll find most of the activity, with shops, coffee hotspots and the oldest live music venue in Perth still going strong. With so much to do, everyone who wants to live here is accommodated for, with student flats, contemporary homes and classic Federation houses that have either been well maintained or restored.
Mount Hawthorn
The tree-lined streets, good shopping and friendly locals of Mount Hawthorn make it a desirable place to live. Self-contained from the city centre, the school and parks make it ideal for young families, and the café culture has young professionals flocking. There are enough pubs and live music venues, plus a shopping centre, to keep it buzzing but not rowdy at night. A 10-minute train ride from the CBD, rental homes can range from affordable to expensive and are generally period townhouses and heritage buildings.
Staying In Perth If you want to start your Australian adventure in Perth, these hostels will make the Western Australian capital all that more inviting. Britannia on William Within a beautiful building on William Street, Britannia takes pride of place in Northbridge, Perth’s cultural and entertainment hub. Surrounded by cafes, 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, whether you choose a private single or eight-share dorm, with prices starting from just $27 per night. As it’s about the experience as much as it is comfort, there are plenty of facilities to make your stay enjoyable, including a communal kitchen and lounge room, BBQs, lockers and free WIFI in the courtyard. There’ll always be someone on hand on reception should you be arriving in the early hours of the morning, or in case of emergency. When you stay at Britannia, you’ll also get 24-hour access to the Internet café, so you can print off your CV, burn CDs, send emails and check Facebook to see how everyone’s getting on back home. The Internet café is extremely useful alongside the Work West Job Shop, which helps supply work to travellers looking short or long term employment in a range of industries. They can also refer you to reliable contacts for visa extensions and any other immigration query you may have.
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s comfortable and welcoming as it may be, Britannia understands that you don’t want to spend all your time at the hostel, so they’ve also got the addition of a travel desk to offer tours and activities that you may want to do during your time in WA, while considering any of your budget and time restraints. 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 20
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Billabong Backpackers Resort The super fun hostel for the enthusiastic traveller in Perth, Billabong Backpackers Resort offers 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 include private and dorms, 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 this area 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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WORK
Applying For Work In Australia Applying for jobs in Australia when on a Working Holiday Visa is difficult enough, yet how about when you are overseas? Surprisingly, applying for work from overseas is not as tricky as you might expect. Technology has brought people closer to the extent that you can now successfully apply for a job and attend the interview via video conference. This does mean competition is high but it also opens doors for talent prepared to migrate for the right career opportunity.
When your visa eventually runs out, do not fret that the dream is rapidly fading away. You can still maintain a presence Down Under by consulting a migration agent. Through them, you can seek advice and keep in touch with industry developments so if suitable positions arise you will know about them. They also know the visa process like the back of their hand, and can guide you through the forms themselves even from the opposite side of the globe.
There are even distinct advantages to applying outside the country, namely that you can leave an application to do the work for you. So if you are considering returning to Australia after your working holiday visa is up, then you should check out SkillSelect. This is an online service provided by the Australian government that allows Australia to manage its skilled migration program based on the country’s economic needs.
There is also the option of having Australia’s employers come to you in the form of a Working International Expo. These are held across the UK and Ireland, in major cities. Check out our website for a full list of UK and Irish Expos as these are great places to discover new opportunities and speak to experts who know the job market and can dole out tips on how to gain employment in Australia. Migration experts as well as finance, banking and shipping companies also attend so you could work out all the logistics before even booking your flight.
The process is actually remarkably simple. You confirm which skilled visa you want to be considered for, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and if a suitable opportunity comes up you could be nominated for a skilled visa or invited to lodge a visa application. Please note, an EOI is not a visa application but you will be asked to provide information, including which visa you want to be considered for. In this way it is quite similar to leaving a CV on a prospective employer’s table as you would detail your basic personal information and contact details, nominated occupation, relevant work experience, your education, command of English (which should be pretty high, if you are reading this), details of any related skills assessments, related to your nominated occupation as well as business and investment experience. The benefit for the Australian government is that should they encounter a shortage in a certain vocation, they would have a list of willing candidates already waiting to jump to the call. The benefit for an applicant is that the visa processing time is vastly reduced. SkillSelect also helps to manage skill shortages in regional areas. Employers in various states and territories can outline where their shortages are and will actively encourage migrants to settle there. It must be nice to feel wanted. Do consider, if you were willing to work in a regional area your chances of gaining work in Australia would be significantly increased. 22
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Once you are ready to apply, carry out some research. Firstly, find out which visas are available and which suit you best. If it ever comes to an interview an employer will want to know that you are willing to emigrate and you know how to. Try to work out when you want to move; the timescale you should consider is to begin applying for jobs about one – 12 weeks before you expect to fly out. Prepare your CV and add a short cover letter which details your visa status with dates on which you have booked a flight. The details count and it would be a bonus if you could provide Australian contact details including a postal and email address so you, the applicant, does not seem that far away. By using SkillSelect and technology to your advantage you can prove that distance is no barrier. Any employer will want to see who they are potentially recruiting, and on Skype you can make a positive impression even if this means several cups of coffee through the night to compete with their timezone. You can also let Australia come to you in the form of a Working International Expo where you can get the inside track of gaining employment Down Under, even from the UK. For more information on working in Australia log on to... www.bbmlive.com/getting-started-in-australia
JOB HUNTERS Looking for a job? Improve your chances and spread yourself further with a recruitment agency. Not only do they have insider knowledge with industry trends and employers, they can advise you with their recruitment expertise and give you a helping hand with finding you the perfect job.
Lime Resourcing
Based across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, the recruiters at Lime Resourcing operate as Australia’s number one recruiter to recruiter company. Following the methodology put in place at the recruitment company, the focus is on delivering the best candidate for the roles that are in demand. From trainee positions to senior management, the connections are there at Lime Resourcing to ensure that the opportunities that you are after are brought to your attention. www.limeres.com.au
Healthcare Australia
With an impressive 30 years’ experience of placing nurses, midwives, aged care workers and doctors Healthcare Australia is a leading agency in the healthcare industry. Placing those in jobs across all of the country from major cities to rural locations, anyone looking to find work in the industry can find a wide variety of roles. Healthcare Australia is the leading international recruiter for UK and Irish healthcare professionals, who are looking to move or travel to the country. The teams on both hemispheres work hard to ensure candidates are placed into facilities across Australia. www.healthcareaustralia.com.au
The Job Shack
Expanding through the Northern Territory The Job Shack is an introductory service that specialises in supporting Travellers and Permanent Residents find work. Working throughout the week, on the desk is Tuesday, who has been in the 24
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Northern Territory for over 15 years and with whom all enquiries are addressed. The areas of employment that are available through The Job Shack are Hospitality, Tourism, Construction, Various Trades, Pearling, Farm work, Office/ Admin roles and much more. www.thejobshack.com.au
Oz Start Up
Oz Start Up helps people find their feet as they arrive in Australia, from knowing where the best places are to eat, drink, party and do a great deal in landing you a job. The hard working team at Oz Start Up have been in the industry for 15 years helping the likes of backpackers find work. If you’re new to the country, then you know that finding work is pretty important. Through its time placing people in work, all the best contacts have been made, to ensure that you can land work in Hospitality, Unskilled Labour and Harvesting/Fruit Picking. www.ozstartup.com.au
Redpath Partners
The recruiters at Redpath Partners work solely to find work for those looking to land work in the property, construction and gas & oil industries, respectively. In 2014, nearly 900 professionals were placed in work with over 200 companies spanning over four years. Redpath Partners can boast a global presence with offices in Australia, Asia, Europe and America. Each recruiter will take every step to guarantee that each professional that comes through the door finds the job that they are after. www.redpathpartners.com
The Best Job Websites In Australia If you’re looking to move to Australia, one of the first things to consider is how you’re going to afford to live. While a daunting experience, finding a job Down Under doesn’t have to be hard. From wait staff to marketing managers and temporary promotional work, you can find and apply for jobs easily at these websites.
Seek
With a professional layout and over 130,000 jobs in Australia and overseas, you might just find your next career move on Seek. The search bar is clear and precise with keyword, location, salary and industry options, although the latter may not be necessary i.e. you’re not going to find many waiting vacancies that aren’t in the hospitality classification. You can filter the results further by choosing the type of work you’re after, or change your previous choices, on the lefthand-side banner. It’s not just a potential employee that searches on Seek, for employers themselves can view your profile and see your skills. www.seek.com.au
Australian JobSearch
Australian JobSearch is possibly the most varied and extensive. Searching by industry is the easiest option, with categories listed alphabetically, followed by city, state or region. Once you’ve chosen your preferred location, the list of jobs appears, which you can refine by location, occupation, job type, and length. The industries can be extremely broad, and job listings include guitar teacher, plant mechanic, and concrete worker. Anyone looking for regional work will also benefit from Australian JobSearch with Harvest Trail – a list of fruit and vegetable picking openings that you can apply to for your second year visa. www.jobsearch.gov.au
My Career
Not only can you search for a specific job on My Career, you can browse just by sector and even
do a company search to see what roles, if any, are vacant in a business you are keen to work for. There is also a list of featured recruiters, from Adecco to Goodwin, with a number of job openings for each. If searching for jobs becomes a bit mind-numbing, you can sign up to My Career, list your skills and let them find the roles relevant to you. Signing up will also mean that your CV is saved for future applications and you will be alerted when appropriate jobs come up. www.mycareer.com.au
Career One
Boasting over 400,000 opportunities, you can search for full-time, part-time and casual work by industry, with image tabs leading you to specific roles and the number of openings. Industries are distinguished by headgear, or you can choose from the alphabetical dropdown menu. What makes this site so unique is its Tasks section. If you can’t find the full-time job you’re looking for, or you have a job, but want to use your skills to get some extra cash, there are nearly 500 tasks advertised on Career One with people looking for someone to clean their home, create a logo for a website, or repair a broken lock. www.careerone.com.au
BBMLive.com/Jobs
Here you can find the best job opportunities across Australia, bringing you a variety of industry roles that are greatly in demand. BBM Jobs works with the biggest recruiters in Australia to promote the jobs that are calling out to be filled by skilled workers as well as those without experience. From healthcare work, construction, recruitmentto-recruitment and much more you can find the job you are seeking. It is a one stop shop for everything you will want to know about working Down Under, with a brilliant collection of Expat Interviews, tips on how to find work and what skills and certificates you may need to work in Australia. www.bbmlive.com/jobs
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Barmax If you’re looking to further your career in hospitality then BarMax can help you. BarMax run courses in cocktail making as well as RSA’s and RCG’s. Here we find out a bit more about how BarMax can help you. When you land in Australia, you may be looking for a job to help fund your travels, or make new friends, and a good way to do that is by getting a job in a pub or bar. But in Australia in order to get a job in hospitality you will need two very important certificates in order to do so… being an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and an RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling) – for venues that may have gambling machines, also known Downunder as ‘Pokies’.
So What Does An RSA Involve?
An RSA course will ensure you’ve had training in every aspect of the legalities behind serving alcohol. It involves recognising if someone is intoxicated or under age, as it is illegal to serve these individuals. Failure to abide by these rules can lead to extreme penalties to both employer and employee, especially if the customer becomes injured! It covers problems with excessive consumption of alcohol, general facts about alcohol, providing a safe environment for patrons, and general alcohol laws. However because of the different states, you may need to retake the RSA course if you move states as the laws may vary. Or make sure that you do a course that is accredited for all of Australia, which makes sense if you’re planning on travelling a lot! After successfully completing your assessment, you’ll be issued a certificate that you should keep safe for all future employers. You ain’t getting hired without one so don’t forget to mention it on your CV!
And an RCG?
If you’re planning on working in a bar or pub you will need to complete the Responsible Conduct 26
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of Gambling (RCG) course. Even though you may not be working in a fancy swanky casino, gambling machines dubbed as ‘pokies’ (basically slot machines) are rife in Aussie drinking venues i.e. pubs and hotels. And unfortunately with playing the pokies being a very popular pastime in Australia, it means gambling addictions are high. By doing the RCG course, it’ll allow you to be trained in detecting and recognising problem gamblers, and then how to take the appropriate actions. If you’re pretty sure you’re only going to be working in a bar or café/restaurant without a pokie slot machine lurking on the premises, then you’ll probably be fine just with an RSA. Like the RSA, you can do it online or in a class depending on which state you’re in, but unlike the RSA, an RCG isn’t mandatory in every state! TAS, VIC and NSW require you to physically attend a class, or you could save money by doing your RSA and RCG rolled into one course! The RSA and RCG will give you the freedom to apply for any job in Australia. Whether it’s bar work, cocktail serving, café and restaurant employment – all the avenues of hospitality will be open for you! Then you get the fun of choosing which venue is right for you.
How BarMax Can help you...
BarMax hold training across NSW for the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and the Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) under partnership agreements with St Patrick’s Institute of Education (SPIE). These courses are held weekly in all their venues; RSA & RCG Sydney in Broadway, RSA & RCG in Wollongong, RSA & RCG in Gosford, RSA & RCG in Newcastle and RSA Parramatta and Liverpool.
Their most popular package is the BarMax Bar Course package which includes the accredited Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSASITHFAB201) and Provide Responsible Gambling Services (RCG/RGS-SITHGAM201) combined with a 6 hour practical Bar Skills course. Once you’ve got those skills down you may want to embellish them further with their Cocktail Course. During the Cocktail Course a comprehensive booklet is provided, but most of the action is with your trainer (all are experienced Cocktail Bartenders), who will guide you through the processes and techniques required. In addition to the best techniques, you will be armed with an essential knowledge of ingredients - the basics of different spirits and liqueurs and a knowhow of where to use them! The cocktail course provides you with the base skills to help you further your career options and mix great cocktails.
What does It Cost?
BarMax is an affordable way to make sure you have the skills you’ll need to get a job in hospitality. Their bar courses start from $80 AUD, with RSA’s starting from $130 and RCG’s starting at $90. Their cocktail courses start at $110, but make sure you check their website www.barmax. com.au for package deals. Note Neither RSA nor RCG can be booked from the UK unless the student has a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Students may enrol in the practical courses (Bar and Cocktail Skills) but they must use for the USI when booking on the enrolment page stating the following term in the USI box: BBMPROMOUK
WIN
If you’re looking to land a job either part-time or fulltime in hospitality in NSW then you will be excited to know that you could win a FREE one day Bar or Cocktail course with BarMax, which will help you get the qualifications you need to gain employment in the hospitality industry in Australia. To enter this competition all you have to do is email competitions@bbmlive.com with your full name and email that you can check outside work hours or sign up at our website www.bbmlive.com/barmax-competition
Bar Course Points - Do you have practical bar skills or know how to pour an Australian Lager? -You stand a better chance of employment if you have practical bar skills and qualifications taught the Australian way (Local customs and cultures) - Understand the difference between various drinks and how to serve them correctly - It’s a great confidence builder - You will be work-ready knowing the basics - Gain invaluable skills the right way from the industry professionals - Learn to pour spirits into a jigger - Learn to open up and prepare the bar with consumables -You will understand the different house spirits, mid shelf. top shelf and which glassware to use - Additional practical qualification means you have a greater chance of being employed over someone who has never set foot behind a bar
Cocktail Course Points - Our course is written and taught by one of the top 5 bartenders in Australia right now - We show people not only how to make them but also why they are made a certain way - Delve into the histories behind them and how they came about - Provide you with the base skills to extend your employment opportunities - Gain the confidence to mix great cocktails at work, at home or simply have a fun night out!
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HEALTHCARE AUSTRALIA If you’re thinking about staying in Australia a little longer then healthcare is definitely an industry to think about joining. We speak to Grant Howley, a Mental Health Nurse who fills us in on how he came about Healthcare Australia and traded cold and grey Manchester for the sunny shores of Australia...
How did you hear about Healthcare Australia (HCA)?
I first heard about HCA on Google. I was searching for agencies which specialise in nurses on working holiday visas and they came up.
How did you know what to do to prepare to nurse in Australia? I didn’t! Initially I only had a passive interest in coming here. There was a lot of paperwork and the whole thing seemed daunting. I spoke to an HCA representative in London and she broke it down for me and gave me advice on how to get things started.
Was it easy to sign up for agency work and get started?
When I arrived in Australia I did not have AHPRA registration, HCA organised for me to begin working as an AIN until my registration was approved. I had an informal interview with a recruitment specialist at the HCA office and went through the mandatory training, police check and working with children check. This all took about a week to complete and then I could begin working. No dramas! When my AHPRA registration was approved I began working as a Registered Nurse immediately.
How does nursing in Australia compare to the UK?
How long did the nursing registration process take for you?
I have found there are a lot of similarities and a lot of differences. I have worked in various hospitals across Sydney and found that they are quite similar to the ways in which UK hospitals are organised. My background since qualifying is in inpatient mental health, and I found it to be a relatively easy transition working in hospitals in the city. For me, some of the major differences include working with the NSW mental health act, it is a little different to the UK MHA. Also, drugs have different brand names here, which can be a little daunting to start with.
How early would you recommend someone contact HCA to get organised?
I am currently working on a 2 month contract in Bourke, a rural placement in West NSW. While I have been here I have had the chance to learn about, and experience Aboriginal culture first hand, and also learn about specific mental health care needs of individuals who live and work in rural parts of Australia. I have made some great friends here and found Bourke to be a very community-orientated and welcoming place. I have been working as a community psychiatric nurse here and this has been a great learning experience in honing clinical skills required to look after patients in the community suffering with both chronic and acute symptoms of mental illness,
It took approximately 7 months for my registration to come through. I applied in May, moved to Australia in September and my rego was approved in November. There were a few obstacles and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency required further evidence of training in various areas as I am a mental health nurse, but it was worth the patience in the end when my registration was finalised.
I would probably recommend contacting HCA as soon as you decide you want to move to Australia. I got great, impartial advice about my visa, AHPRA registration and everything and it was friendly and free of charge. Even when I arrived in Australia I felt under no pressure to join HCA, however what they offer as an employer really suited my needs at the time and I feel that working for HCA has opened up some great professional opportunities in Australia. 28
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which has been beneficial to me given that my background is in inpatient mental health services.
Would you recommend other nurses to take the plunge and nurse in Oz? Yes, this was hands down the best decision of my life. Australia has given me a great opportunity to develop professionally, and I have met some great people on the way.
Could you compare the differences and similarities in lifestyles that you have noticed during your time working as a nurse in Australia?
Before I came to Australia, I was told that there is a better work/life balance here. I didn’t really understand what that meant until I came here. The cost of living in Australia is higher than in the UK (well, Manchester anyway), but we also get a better wage. In addition to that, even if you are flat broke before pay day there is always something to do which will cost you nothing for example a beach day.
How have you found settling into life in Australia? Has meeting people and making new friends been to your expectations? It has exceeded my expectations. I found it really easy to make friends here. There are a lot of travellers in Australia and it has also been easy making new friends through HCA. I came to Australia alone and was worried that it would be hard to meet people but I now have a great circle of friends. I also found the same when I started my rural contract in Bourke, I have made some really good friends here and will definitely be back to visit.
Do you have any further advice for nurses in the UK looking to take the step into nursing in Australia?
Before I came here I was really nervous. I gave up a great job in management and I was progressing quickly in my career. I was worried that I wouldn’t find work, or that I would find it difficult to adapt to working in a different country. Since arriving in September 2014, I have found that there are lots of opportunities in Nursing in Australia for anybody who is committed to their work, and is serious about what they do. Working with HCA has been brilliant as it has allowed me to work in different hospitals, and they arranged my rural contract which has been the highest point in my career to date. If you’re looking to find out more information on how you can follow in Grant’s footsteps and many others visit healthcareaustralia.com.au
Jobs Available in Australia We are looking for candidates to fill a wide range of jobs across Australia. Take a look at a few of the opportunities that we have available through our network of employers.
Builder
The average wage for a builder is $74,000 per annum. However, this is dramatically affected by experience and job level. Experienced builders can see a 16% rise in their salary from the national average, while those in the late stage of their career can expect 26% more. This is a stark difference from anyone just entering the building trade, who will see a salary around 31% less than $74,000. The most popular skill for building with regards to salary is project management, which suggests that those in a managerial role will receive higher pay. When it comes to location, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are popular for building work, with Sydney providing an average of 18% pay increase on the national average, and Brisbane a 21% increase.
Do you want a job in Australia? Are you looking for work? Skills or no skills, we can help you. Send your CV and cover letter to jobs@bbmlive.com 30
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RECRUITER
Over half of recruiters in Australia have between one and four years’ experience in the industry, and there is a trend for workers with more than 10 years’ experience to move on to other positions. With a national average of $61,000 per year, people in the middle of their career could see as much as 32% more. The location of work can have an effect, with recruiters in Perth earning 14% above the national average, while those in Brisbane receive 11% less.
HOSPITALITY
Top Chefs, Cooks and Restaurant Managers are being sought after throughout Australia to improve the hospitality sector and dining experiences. Seeking the best in culinary and hospitality prowess, these opportunities strictly exclude positions in fast food and takeaway food services when applying for the 457 Visa or Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme, in order to get the most suitable individuals for the jobs available.
ARBORIST
An expert in the cultivation, management and study of trees can achieve sponsorship due to the knowledge of a niche subject and to encourage conservation. The average annual salary for an arborist is $53,000.
VISA INFO
Live The
Dream
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)
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. To apply for the Working Holiday Visa you must: • 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 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. 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.
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) 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. 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 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 • 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 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.
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.
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Moving From The UK To Australia or New Zealand Australia is a massively popular destination for gap year travellers or for those looking to start a new chapter of their life, a new adventure or a new job. Fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and a culture that Brits will find familiar make it no surprise that it remains ranked highly as the place to move to for citizens of the UK. Data from a number of sources has affirmed Australia as the number one destination for British expats to relocate to. A recent study from the Centre of Future Studies surveyed over 1,800 British expatriates and results showed that around 87 per cent of respondents now live Down Under, to retain the top spot for the second consecutive year. The desire for improved quality of life and a safer environment for children was the number one reason given for relocation, with 82 per cent citing this as a key factor in the decision to move. Not only that, 75 per cent think the overall health of their families improved noticeably since settling in, and more than 66 per cent claimed they noticed increases in their wealth. New Zealand also finds a place among British expats as a favoured destination, however, fails to attract as many as its larger neighbour, despite jaw-dropping scenery that has attracted a multitude of Hollywood movies to use the stunning landscapes as backdrops in their movies.
A few considerations Despite having many similarities, the cultures of Australia and New Zealand have several pitfalls for the unsuspecting Brit to jam their foot right in. Looking to rent a property and surprised at how cheap the rents are? You might like to know prices 32
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in Australia are advertised per week, which has caught out many a Brit before. Healthcare might not be free. Australia has a public healthcare system called Medicare, which provides care to domestic residents and also has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. However, New Zealand’s healthcare system isn’t always free even for residents. Despite this, treatment for accidents is free and other treatment is heavily subsidised by the government and usually low cost. School systems are different; the school year starts either late January or early February, while the curriculums will likely be quite different to those in the UK.
Sponsorship or Visa Moving to Australia or New Zealand is not as simple as stepping off the plane, settling in, and greeting your neighbour by saying “g’day mate”. There are a variety of visas that may suit your circumstances best. One of the easiest processes is to get an employer sponsored visa. For this you require a job offer from an approved employer in Australia and they need to prove your skills can’t be sourced from the local workforce. This visa would allow you to live and work in Australia for up to four years. Gaining permanent residency allows you to stay in the country indefinitely. The visa is initially for five years and allows you to leave and return to the country freely, after five years are up you can stay in Australia as long as you want. However, if you’d like to leave and return you will need to apply for a resident return visa. Application schemes are usually offered under Australia’s skilled migrant programme which regulate successful applicants on a points-based system, depending on the country’s economic needs and skills shortages. New Zealand has a similar point’s based system for skilled migrants looking to permanently
If you’re still confused, it might be wise to contact visa specialists such as Thames Migration, with offices in both Australia and the United Kingdom who offer free online eligibility assessments and also provide services that will help give you the best chance of succeeding with your visa application. Thames Migration also holds great seminars throughout the year, offering a plethora of advice on lifestyle, employment and emigrating Down Under!
Navigating pounds for dollars Moving abroad with your savings always carries a certain number of complications. The variability and volatility of currency markets is world renowned, however, there are ways you can use the price fluctuation to your advantage to make the most of your cash. If you’re unfamiliar with foreign exchange markets it could be advisable to seek out a currency
specialist to make use of their expert knowledge and helpful range of products. Using a high street bank to make your money transfer will normally involve a spot contract - a one-off transfer based on the current market rate. However, going with specialists like Currencies Direct often saves you up to five per cent of your transaction (that’s up to £5,000 of every £100,000 you transfer) - as they offer more competitive rates than banks, and charge no transfer fees. Options available to you include forward contracts - where you lock the exchange rate for purchase at a later date; limit orders - that essentially allow you to send foreign currency at a guaranteed rate of your choice; and Rate Watch - where currency experts monitor the market for you and inform you when the rate becomes available. For example, earlier in September 2014, the value of the New Zealand dollar dropped dramatically to the point where one British pound was worth around 2.09 kiwi dollars. However, come late November the rate had reversed and one pound bought less than two dollars. Using services such as a forward contract could have allowed you to take advantage of the peak in the rate from September to November.
Courtesy of Thames Migration and Currencies Direct. Visit www.thamesmigration.com
relocate. To apply, you must be under the age of 56 years, meet a number of health, character, and English language requirements, while reaching the threshold of 100 points in the assessment to register an Expression of Interest.
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Returning To Australia After My Working Holiday Lillie Almond explains just how hard it was to leave Melbourne behind, but how you can return to the city you have come to hold so dear, especially if you’re facing the prospect of coming toward the end of your Working Holiday Visa… Melbourne was an accident. Having planned to visit a friend for two weeks, I somehow ended up staying for a full year, punctuating my time with travel across Australia. The most liveable city in the world, Melbourne proved a hospitable and friendly place, almost impossible to leave. So, when the time finally came, it’s safe to say that it was heart-breaking – how do you get ready to leave behind the city you’ve fallen in love with, and come to call home? Adjusting back to England was far from the easiest thing to do. Despite being blessed with English summer, and a fair amount of sunshine upon my return, settling back down in the motherland was far from easy. It seems that the air really is different; the mentality, priorities and lifestyle are colliding, and the overall everythingness is as contrasting as possible. Of course, soon, this changes. 34
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Acceptance dawns, and England becomes normality again. It’s the small things that still niggle though: the road signs, the size of the sky in comparison to the vastness of that in Australia, the sudden lack of avocado being smashed onto everything – these are the things (even though I hate avocado), that make you realise that a tourist visa and a return to Aussie-land is, safe to say, long overdue. Acquiring a tourist visa is one of the most accessible ways of visiting Australia once your one-year working holiday visa has expired. Unless you applied more recently, or committed to three months of regional work, your ability to live and work in Australia is restricted to several options: sponsorship, through a company who will take you on long term; a relationship (which must be genuine – they do check!) or a skills visa. None of these being relevant to me, I selected a tourist visa – an opportunity of three months that I wasted by only using three months. It is most likely that you will need an eVisitor, subclass 651 visa. However, depending on what country you’re entering from, and if you’re planning on doing any business while out there, you could be after a 601 or 600.
So, once the visa hurdle is accomplished, getting back to this enormous island is fairly easy – minus the 25-hour journey. I could list all of the things that you could take to pass the time, but you’ve probably got that covered! It’s safe to say that the journey on the way out is far quicker than the journey on the way back, though – mentally and physically – and if you’ve done this at all recently, you’ll know what it means to stop in Brunei, or Bandar Seri Begawan, to be precise (still definitely unable to pronounce that). Just bring an eye-mask and headphones. Nevertheless, return to the homeland has allowed hindsight, and hindsight has displayed that Australia is still its beautiful self. Nothing having changed is a giant comfort; it was incredible then, is incredible now, and as far as I can see, will be outstandingly incredible for the foreseeable future. So, maybe it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to embrace good old England, safe in the knowledge that the subclass 651, 25 hours of journey time and a flight’s worth of savings can always take you back to your dreamland. How lucky we are to have the best of both worlds.
Tips For Immigrating To Australia Migration Agents, Interstaff, provide some simple and handy immigration tips for Australia. Immigrating to another country doesn’t have to be stressful, even if you need a visa to get there. You just need to be prepared, knowledgeable, and have everything in order before you start applying for your new life in Australia. Remember the following, and you shouldn’t go wrong.
Points Basis
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.
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. Visit interstaff.com for more info and tips for successful immigration.
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 not, take a course and achieve your qualification before applying.
Take The English Test
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.
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.
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GETTING STARTED
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 36
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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.
also ask the bank to set up your super when you open an account with them or you can join the super account set up by the employer. If you do opt for the company’s super account and lose the paperwork don’t fret, simply contact the ATO and they can help locate your super.
From 1st July 2013, employers were required by law to contribute a minimum of 9.25% of an employee’s ordinary time earning into a superannuation fund, which is called a ‘Superannuation Guarantee’. The detail that is really super is that this is an additional payment borne by your employer; it is not deducted from your gross pay. There are also plans to increase the proportion to 12% by 2019, which is nice. The payment is based on your pre-tax earnings so if you earned $500 before tax for the month you should be entitled to an additional $46.25. However, do not be alarmed if your superannuation balance looks a little skinny as 15% is taxed by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and funds constantly charge administration and insurance fees which can amount to $5-10 per week. To be eligible, the employee must be over 18, working over 30 hours a week and earning over $450 per month from one employer, so it would be beneficial to hold a single job
instead of several. As far as assurances, go the Australian Government have that covered too as from 1st January 2014 employers were obligated to pay default contributions to an authorised MySuper product, with the most well known being AustralianSuper and AustSafe Super. This means that losing your payment due to a suspect provider is now far less a risk. That all sounds grand and all for Australian citizens yet for short-term visitors such as those on Working Holiday Visas the reality is a little different. Of course, if you meet the criteria then you can expect the contribution. Remember, as long as you earn over $450 a month from one employer you will be entitled. The arrangement is for any worker; whether permanent or casual, resident or nonresident for tax purposes (that would be you by the way). Arranging your superannuation is relatively straightforward. You can set up your own super account, which is the simpler choice if you intend on taking on temporary work or travelling while in Australia. You could
on
FREE MONEY.
Working holiday makers are allowed to withdraw their superannuation either when their visa expires or whenever they leave permanently. This is known as the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment or DASP. If you do not claim your super within six months of leaving Australia, or within six months of the cancellation or expiry of your visa, the ATO will claim the money and it could be a while to organise its release from their tight grasp, especially from abroad. Still, the money is yours, but if you do end up having trouble working out how to claim it, then do not worry. If you have already claimed your taxback then the same company, and even the very same tax professional should be able to assist you in claiming your superannuation. All you need to do is provide your membership details, fill in some forms and the tax professionals will do the hard work while you wait for the payment to arrive. Most charge a flat fee of around 15% for the service and you should receive your super within 28 days of the Australian Tax Office receiving your application.
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By Omar Soliman
WHAT IS SUPERANNUATION?
For anyone being paid in cash, it may seem great to have your wages in your hands to hold and then spend, but you will be missing out on superannuation. You read that correctly: for all those lovely, crisp banknotes in your pocket, you will be losing out
Everything You Need For Your Working Holiday In Oz
A visit to Australia is a unique experience and often can’t be fulfilled within the three-month holiday visa. If you go to Australia and fall in love with the laidback culture, sunny climate and inspiring landscape, why not apply for a working holiday in Australia and extend your stay for a further 12 months? There are several things to consider, so let us take you through what you need to know to get you started. Working Holiday Visa
Australia is one of the top places in the world to work abroad, and the only way to do this is to apply for a working holiday visa. To do this, you have to be out of the country when you apply and if/when the visa is granted. For many, this is the perfect time to take a trip to Thailand, Singapore or Vietnam, to wait out the application process, or you can of course head back home to say goodbye to everyone properly. To ensure your application is accepted, you should make sure you’re eligible. Things you need to check include: • You must be from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or other eligible countries • You must not have visited Australia previously on a working holiday visa subclass 417 38
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• You must be between 18-30 years of age when applying for your visa • You must have sufficient funds in your account to prove that you can find work, travel and accommodation e.g. $5000 AUD • You must meet the health check criteria • You must fit the character profile To check in more detail on your eligibility, head to: www. immi.gov.au/visitors/workingholiday/417/eligibility-first.htm If you meet the criteria and are granted a visa, you will have permission to work and travel Australia for 12 months. You can almost work anywhere you want and will certainly build up your CV within the time allowed, with great opportunities in urban and rural areas. However, there are restrictions, including you
cannot work for one company for longer than six months, and you will need to have the correct certification to work in a bar or gambling premises.
Tax File Number
After you arrive in Australia on your working holiday visa, one of the first things you need to do is apply for a tax file number, or TFN, from the Australian Tax Office. This is a unique nine-digit number, basically the Australian version of your National Insurance Number back home, and will be given to any employer you have so that they can pay tax on your behalf. If you don’t have the tax file number 30 days after beginning work, your employer is legally obliged to tax you at an emergency-tax rate of 50%. Other people and organisations that may ask to see your TFN
during your time in Australia include the Australian Tax Office regarding your records, your superannuation fund, tax agents when you request your tax back, and your bank. The easiest way to apply for your TFN is online at www.ato. gov.au, where you’ll have to fill in a form and supply details such as your passport number and date of birth. You’ll need to provide a residential address, where your TFN can be sent, but, if you’re not too sure about which hostel you’ll be staying in or are planning to move around a bit, you can always have it sent c/o to your local post office. Once you’ve applied for the number, you’ll need to print off a receipt and reference number (just in case there are any problems with its arrival). You’re advised to allow 28 days for it to arrive, but it’s usually with you within two weeks.
Banking
Even if you’ve secured a new job (congratulations!), you won’t be able to receive your wages if you don’t have an Australian bank account. It’s no good waving an English bankcard at your employer – if you want to get paid over in Australia, it’s essential! Don’t panic – it’s extremely easy to set up – you’ll just need to visit a branch and supply all the usual details along with your passport and relevant documentation, and hey presto, you’ve got another moneybag to
control. 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 Australia Bankers Association provides helpful information. Visit www. bankers.asn.au to start looking. Things you need to watch out for are transaction fees (some banks limit the number of free withdrawals you can have per month) and monthly accountkeeping fees, which are the Aussies’ way of charging you for looking after your money. Also note you’ll probably be charged for making withdrawals from other banks’ ATMs (‘foreign’ ATMs) and that over-the-counter withdrawals will cost you. Don’t worry if you lose your pin number – unlike back home where you have to wait a zillion working days before you can get a new one, out here you can simply reset the number in your nearest branch.
Medicare
The final application you’ll need to make is for a Medicare Card. This is to cover you under the Australian equivalent of the NHS, for the duration of your approved visit to the country. The Australian Government has what’s known as a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with the UK, which entitles British travellers to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment. “Immediately
necessary” treatment translates as any ill health or injury that occurs while you’re here in Australia and requires treatment before you return home. As a Medicare Card holder, you will be entitled to receive free treatment as a public in-patient or outpatient in a public hospital, at a private doctor’s practice, and also for subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Medicare does not cover several things including dental treatment, hearing aids, glasses/lenses and ambulance services, so you’ll need private heath insurance to cover these services. To enrol for Medicare, you can either fill out the Medicare Enrolment Application form online at www. medicareaustralia.gov.au, or head to your nearest Medicare Centre or DHS Service Centre, for which you will need your passport to prove eligibility. Don’t panic if you need medical treatment before you receive or have even applied for your card – you’ll have to pay for your treatment initially, but if you keep the receipt, it’s easy enough to claim the money back when your card does come through. If you’re worried about costs, make sure you check that the practice you’re visiting does bulk billing – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your consultation on the spot and then claim the money back later.
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Getting Your Stuff To Australia
So that’s it. You’re off. You’ve made all the necessary arrangements, hugged the rellies goodbye and watched your last episode of whatever terrible soap opera you’ve been glued to. So how do you make the transition as smooth as possible? Think of this article as a little research to help you along the way. Firstly, just the simple act of letting everyone know your whereabouts will make your journey easier. Draw up a little spreadsheet that explains your movements and contains addresses, phone numbers, etc. during this busy period. Make sure all your contacts both home and in Australia have a copy. Oh and make sure they read it otherwise that tip won’t work. Australia’s customs are among the strictest in the world - as an excess baggage company, we know all too well. You’re probably aware that most 40
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animals and plants cannot be taken into the country but there are other items that could lead to a dreaded ‘inspection’. For instance, if you’re taking shoes or boots with you, wash them thoroughly before packing. Any mud on your footwear could lead to them being confiscated. (We told you they were strict.) If you find you have packed a fair amount of household items and furniture for the move, it may be in your best interests to ditch some of it. Sorry we meant ‘eBay’ some of it. It’s understandable that you would take items of sentimental value but if you can replace an item with something similar in Australia, take that option. It will cost less and you won’t have to worry about transportation. People are always banging on about making checklists before departing and, for the most part, we don’t really make time to do them. And then we forget something that would have been on the checklist. So before you go to the airport, make up a checklist of all the things that should be on your person.
Here’s a little reminder of what should be on it. • Passport • Bank cards • Mobile phone • Chargers • Adapters • Flight tickets • Accommodation details • Sun lotion • Insect repellent • Wallet/purse • Notepad and pen • Nondescript clothes allowing you to mix-and-match • Painkillers, aspirin, etc. Don’t skip the bathroom scales. It’s a must to weigh your baggage before leaving for the airport. Airlines do love to slap hidden baggage charges on you if your suitcases or bags exceed the maximum weight limit. A handy tip which I’m sure all you holidaymakers are familiar with, is standing on your bathroom scales, measuring your own weight and then having someone pass your suitcase to you. All you need to do is deduct your own weight from the total. Simple! The last thing you need as
Put all toiletries in a bag before putting them in your luggage. If there is a possibility of a toiletry leaking, don’t just wedge it down the side of the suitcase amongst the underwear and socks. It’s not only inconvenient for you but it may be held in customs for investigation if there is visible leakage. Always put these potentially troublesome items in a zip lock or food bag. The same goes for fragile items – wrap them thoroughly.
Glass items should be put in a bag (or possibly two) to ensure that if there should be a breakage, there will be minimal leakage. Plus it also means glass fragments will be kept inside the bag rather than peppering the contents of your box. Don’t take things you could buy at the destination country. I’m talking about books, CDs, DVDs, anything that takes up too much room and could be easily duplicated at your new address. I mean it’s all iClouds, Kindles and Spotify these days, so why add unnecessary weight to your shipment? For your own peace of mind, it’s very handy to put all the things you’ll need straight away (such as toiletries, tea and coffeemaking facilities, etc.) in one handy box labelled ‘essentials’. That way, you can unpack it and
set yourself up immediately. Sometimes it can feel unsettling being in a new place knowing everything you own is in a box – the ‘essentials’ box will help you feel more at home. It’s a psychological thing – plus it means you aren’t opening every single box, searching for your toothbrush. Don’t forget a change of clothes. I sincerely hope this doesn’t happen to you but in the event that your airline loses your luggage, it’s always best to have a change of clothes in your hand luggage. There’s plenty more information available online but these are the basics to help take the edge off. Have a safe journey and enjoy your new chapter. You’ll have a ball. Visit www.sevenseasworldwide. com for all your shipping needs.
Article courtesy of Seven Seas Worldwide
you begin your journey is for your belongings to be held at security because you’ve packed something prohibited or restricted. There’s lots of information about this online but the main thing to be aware of is liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less with the exception of prescription medicine which you will need to support with documented proof.
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INTERVIEW
“Australia’s big, it’s beautiful, it’s absolutely enormous, you’ve got to get out and enjoy it”
Simon Reeve With a new series for the BBC that sees him travel to the brightest and harshest places in the Caribbean, we thought it was about time we caught up with our favourite explorer, Simon Reeve. A travel journalist often associated with Australia, he tells us how his travels altered his ideas of the land Down Under, why people should see it today, and what this new adventure has to offer… You’ve travelled all over the world, making programmes and writing books based on your journeys, so why did you decide to do an entire series just on Australia? It’s big and it’s amazing and it’s packed with extraordinary wildlife creatures and lovely, eccentric characters, so who on Earth would not want to do it? What surprised you the most when you were there? For a long time, Brits thought of Australia as being some sort of quaint European backwater 42
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on the other side of the planet, and now the reality is it’s on the edge of the most dynamic region in the world – Asia. It’s become a really multicultural nation; a quarter of Australians were born overseas, AsianAustralians account for more than 10% of the population, so it’s changed, and that was the biggest surprise.
Did your own ideas and preconceptions of Australia change? I’ve grown up in Blighty being fed an Australian diet of Neighbours and Crocodile Dundee, and while they’re fun, they create a onedimensional view of the place. So what we wanted to do on the series was to challenge the preconceptions and show that Australia is a much more
“Australia is a much more interesting place than people think.”
I was diving into coral reef off the coast of Honduras helping scientists to take samples from parrotfish, and the next day I was walking onto the gang wing of a prison in the most dangerous city of the world outside of a warzone, meeting some of the most dangerous criminals, murderers and gangsters in the world, so that was the idea, to incorporate the light and the shade, all aspects of life, whether they’re glossy and sunny or dark and scary.
I loved having a chance to challenge preconceptions about the country and the locals, and that was the great delight for me. My experience there was fantastic and fabulous and myself, and the team loved every minute we were there. Why do you think people should travel Australia now? People need to decide for themselves what they want to do and see, but the way I like to travel is to push myself out of my comfort zone, so I like being forced to do things that tweak my buttons, that can be trying different food, getting out there and having experiences. Australia’s big, it’s beautiful, it’s absolutely enormous, you’ve got to get out and enjoy it, and
you’re not going to do that sitting on the lovely beaches of the southeast coast. You have to travel with your mind and your eyes open, and not ignore problems when confronted by them. Your new series sees you travelling the Caribbean; as your work always focuses on more than just sightseeing, what sort of things did you experience and discover? We started our Caribbean journey on the island of Hispaniola, which is the island between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and we went clockwise from there through Puerto Rico, into Barbados, and along the mainland coast of Central America and through Venezuela, Colombia, Nicaragua, Honduras and finished in Jamaica. It was a pretty extreme journey – I don’t think I’ve been in a region quite like it because it’s got an array of experiences. One day
Why did you choose the Caribbean? It’s a beautiful part of the world and who wouldn’t want to travel around it? The real reason was because we could incorporate dark and light issues. And what adventures do you have lined up for 2015? Nothing planned for 2015 – come up with ideas and let me know!
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By Charlotte Mellor
interesting place than people think. It’s got more issues, extraordinary landscapes than people realise, it’s more of everything. It was the great joy of doing the series.
Was there anything that particularly struck a chord with you or stayed with you since returning? I can relive the journey pretty much day by day because when we’re filming, what we’re doing every day is extraordinary and memorable, so there’s a thousand things we did that stick in the memory. I really loved getting in the water and having the chance to dive down onto the coral reef in the Caribbean. In Barbados, we went down with a local marine biologist, to show me the absolute wealth of biodiversity that’s down there. He took me to hunt down a lionfish that is threatening life on coral reefs in the Caribbean because he eats all of the young of almost every other fish, and nothing can eat it because it’s got a venomous spine.
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TRAVEL
Welcome To The
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is where adventure begins. Unchanged for thousands of years, it’s here you’ll find Australia’s most famous landmark, the ancient and looming, Uluru, as well as some of the most dangerous and exciting wildlife Australasia has to offer. A world of intrepid adventures awaits you, from discovering the dense jungles of Kakadu National Park, to trekking through the sandstone domes of Kings Canyon, and taking in the unrivalled views of Uluru at sunset from Kata-Tjuta, there’s no place on earth quite like the Northern Territory. From the ferocious saltwater crocodiles that can reach up to seven meters in length and lurk in the waters of Northern Australia to their smaller reptilian cousins, the thorny 44
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devil, frilly necked lizards and monitors - the Northern Territory is a haven for cold blooded creatures, as well as playing host to 400 types of bird and 150 types of mammal. But it’s not just incredible wildlife you’ll find here, there’s also thousands and thousands of miles of National Parks to uncover, including the aforementioned Kakadu, Litchfield, Djukbinj, Nitmiluk, Barranyi, Watarrka, Uluru-Kata Tjuta and of course, Charles Darwin National Park – to name a few. Despite its abundant natural beauty, the Northern Territory has an incredibly small population, last recorded at just 233,000 – fewer than half the population of Tasmania. With a solid aboriginal population, the Northern Territory thrives on tourism, and will leave you in an awestruck state to behold the magnificence of all the natural wonders it has to offer.
You’ll most likely start your Northern adventure in its capital city, Darwin, where you’ll find a fully functioning modern city, filled to the brim with activities, great accommodation, and nightlife, however other settlements in NT include Alice Springs and Palmerston, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, and Tennant Creek. So with over 1,349,129 square kilometres (520,902 sq miles) to discover… what are you waiting for?
WIN a 5 Day Darwin to Alice Springs Explorer trip including Uluru
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crocosaurus cove Based in the heart of Darwin is an experience that can’t be matched. Some may call it exhilarating, others terrifying, but it’s one you’ll never forget. Welcome to Crocosaurus Cove...
Crocosaurus Cove is home to a particularly large Australian predator, and if you can’t guess which, the clue’s in the name. With almost 200, some at over 5m long, Saltwater Crocodiles are the star of this urban wildlife enclosure, and you can get as up close to them as your nerves will let you. Not only do you have the opportunity to watch them during feeding time, or feed them yourself, behind the safety of the viewing platform, you can share the water they swim in, for Crocosaurus Cove is home to the Cage Of Death. The only experience in Australia that allows you to dive inside this beastly reptile’s enclosure,
your transparent cylinder cage is lowered into the water by an overhead monorail, and you’re left in the water with this brilliant animal for 15 minutes. With regular feeds while in the water, you’re guaranteed plenty of activity and movement from the crocodile, and a view that so very few people can say they’ve experienced. Bring a friend or go it alone, but prepare to be wowed by the extreme size of the Saltwater Croc. If the Cage Of Death is a little too close for comfort, you can choose to swim in a separate swimming pool with the illusion that you’re swimming with the nearby crocodiles, and even hold a baby croc when their size isn’t quite so intimidating! The Cage of Death costs $165 for one person, and $250 for two, while the swimming pool experience is included in the entry fee of $35 per adult – just don’t forget to bring your
swimwear! Away from the star of Crocosaurus Cove, there are other attractions that shine a spotlight on the rest of the reptile family. The Reptile Enclosure offers a chance to meet the famous critters of the Northern Territory, including snakes, geckos and frogs, while the Aquarium is home to the Whipray and the Barramundi. The cutest residents of the Top End, you can meet Red and Yellow Face Turtles and the Snapping Turtles in the aptly named Turtle Sanctuary. Crocosaurus Cove has been firmly put on the map thanks to all of these attractions, none more so than the Cage Of Death, and is another great reason to visit the tropical city of Darwin. Check out www.crocosauruscove.com for more information.
Around town... Darwin is a very popular destination for travellers as it sits on the coastline of the Northern Territory and offers some exciting travel activities in the city as well as the rest of the state. Here’s a few of the best things to do in Darwin.
Head straight to The Cav Hotel on Cavanagh Street for a great coffee and a range of different, delicious breakfast options! Also, new restaurant, The Pearl is pretty popular and also serves up a pretty good breakfast!
I need a drink!
The Tap on Mitchell Street is a great place to start your evening off with al fresco dining, cold beers and fishbowl cocktails… you can soak up the atmosphere and get ready for the night ahead, or just chill out after a hard day’s work or excursion!
I want to party!
Monsoons is where it’s at. Their famous backpacker night and crab racing is not to be missed. Enjoy wine and tapas, or a cold beer or cocktail before hitting the dance floor. Here you’ll find great DJ’s, live bands, and a party vibe seven days a week!
I need to send an email
The Smith Street Mall and McDonalds both offer free wifi, as do a variety of backpackers - for a small fee - so whether you need to send an email or
delete an embarrassing photo on Facebook, you’ll get your wifi here!
I don’t want to spend any money…
Then hang out at the new Darwin Waterfront Precinct. The Museum and Art Gallery of the NT is also free and offers a great insight into the Top End, including displays on Cyclone Tracy and the famous saltwater crocodile, Sweetheart, who was caught in the ‘70s measuring 5.1 meters long.
I want to do a day trip
Litchfield National Park is simply stunning with its waterfalls, termite mounds and rugged landscapes. Berry Springs is also a great place to check out on the way there, and if you’re driving yourself take a blow up lilo and float amongst the pandanas trees for an hour or two.
What else is good to do in Darwin?
Of course there’s Crocosaurus Cove for the daredevils, but there’s also the Military Museum at East Point, which gives you
a great opportunity to learn more about the Bombing Raids in Darwin during WWII. From Stokes Hill Wharf you can take to the water with Darwin Harbour Cruises and see the most stunning sunset over Darwin.
I need to shape up
Then head on down to Darwin Yoga Space on Smith Street. It’s a great space and has been going for 20 years. It’s walking distance from the major backpacker hostels and offers reasonably priced classes for all levels.
I’m thinking of staying for a few months... Well then you’ll probably find the best places to live in are Stuart Park, Parap and the City Centre.
What’s the best thing about living in Darwin?
The lifestyle, the people, the weather, the multicultural elements. It all comes together to create a wonderfully unique part of Australia. And it’s closer to Asia than any other Australian city, so you can carry on your travels with ease and take advantage of the beautiful weather all year round!
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Images courtesy of venues
I need breakfast
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Where To Stay In Darwin Heading to the Northern Territory in Australia is a brilliant decision as it is one of the most stunning destinations Down Under. With so much to discover, you’ll need a place to rest your head so you’re fully fuelled for the adventures that lie ahead of you. Here’s our picks of the best places to stay in Darwin. so far from home. At these great hostels you can get fully immersed in the fun, and take advantage of their great locations as well as fantastic atmospheres. And get ready to have some real Aussie fun!
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. When you arrive, you will 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. Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet new like-minded people, who just like you may be in need of a friend being
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
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!
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
Other facilities include, 24 hour check-in, domestic and international travel desks, job shack agency, laundry facilities, swimming pool, kitchen and utensils, sun deck, internet, computers and Wi-Fi, air conditioning, tax back desk and of course a bar with weekly events to keep you entertained. youthshack.com.au
Working in Darwin Thousands of miles from the hustle and bustle of southern cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Darwin offers something completely different and unique as a lifestyle. With the Northern Territory coast on one side and the wilderness of the outback on the other, living in Darwin is just easier. A much slower pace, Darwin’s balmy weather urges you to relax at any opportunity, and everything really is outdoors. Festivals under the sun, eateries on the water’s edge, markets on the beach and sailing down Darwin Harbour, there are worse things in life.
Living in Darwin makes working in Darwin worthwhile, because your surroundings include amazing landscapes, unspoiled national parks and superb sunsets. You’re also within an easy distance from the Tiwi Islands and Arnhemland, and even Uluru is just a tour ride away. Like many of Australia’s cities, one end of Darwin is within walking distance to the other, so you can even stroll to work and get there on time! The city is so small, there’s not even a local rail service. Can you imagine…? However, there are buses if you’re ever feeling lazy. The airport is around 15 minutes journey by shuttle or taxi from the city centre, and the handy shuttle runs 24 hours. When it comes to available properties, there are furnished and unfurnished apartments and townhouses, many with views of the harbour and picturesque Charles Darwin National Park, but you could be looking at an extra $500 for coastal views. While it may be the smaller city, the Northern Territory has
unlimited opportunities for those seeking work, travel and play. The Job Shack offers a wide variety of job opportunities throughout the Northern Territory and with the highest paid wages in the country on offer and plentiful second year visa job options, make sure you add Job Shack and Darwin to your to do list.
Arrival Package
For $330 including GST, Job Shack can sort out your new life in Darwin! When you sign up to their Arrival Package, you receive - 12-month membership at the Job Shack - 7 nights’ accommodation - Free airport shuttle service - Australian bank account - Tax File Number - Free printing services - Optus sim card - Free mail holding - Travel discounts - Free breakfast - Selected free dinners - Make friends! Visit
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Territory Expeditions Due to its natural ruggedness and semidesert landscape, getting around the most desolate areas of the Northern Territory can be a task and a half, but not if you’ve got the motor of a 4WD leading you. These vehicles can take on the terrain like a duck to water, so you’re going to want to put your trust into a tour company that relies on these vehicular gladiators. Territory Expeditions is such a tour company. Four-wheeldriving during the day and camping at night, these guys travel the length and breadth of Kakadu, Arnhemland and Litchfield, showing you the highlights to provide you with those ‘wow’ moments you’ve been longing for. Each tour is designed for fit and active travellers seeking unique experiences, Aboriginal education and lots of fun. Ranging from two to five days, you can relax in the cooling
waters of lakes and lagoons, hike to the top of incredible natural viewing platforms, and see actual Aboriginal art created thousands of years ago. Your Territory Expeditions guide holds a great deal of knowledge about Kakadu, and they’re the best person to show you all that the national park has to offer. The itineraries of each tour also mean that you get to enjoy every sight without any disruption. For example, on the $380pp 2 Day Kakadu 4WD Adventure, you’ll take to the Adelaide River for the Jumping Crocodile cruise, take in the art and views of Nourlangie Rock, try crocodile, buffalo and kangaroo in an Aussie BBQ, and swim beneath the Gunlom Falls. If you want more time to enjoy each area, you can opt for five days at $1,050. You can combine a tour of Kakadu with a visit to Litchfield for $545, so you can also swim in Florence Falls, visit Buley Rockhole and see the giant termite mounds over three days. Depending on wet and dry seasons, your tour itinerary will differ. Or take the 3 Day Kakadu 4WD tour running from May to October for $570.
The 4 Day Kakadu and Arnhemland tour only runs in the dry season from May to October for $905, and concludes with a day in the restricted area of Arnhemland. Paying particular attention to its Aboriginal heritage, ancient rock art, the Injalak Hill, and billabongs and birds of the valley are major highlights. All tours begin and end in Darwin, and include food and water, tents and swags, transport, park fees, activities and your guide. With a highly respected local tour company travelling by 4WD, you get to see more of the outback with very own eyes. Book your tour at
www.territoryexpeditions. com.au
Mulga’s Adventures Discover the spirit of the Outback and all it has to offer with Mulga’s Adventures.
The Red Rock, camel rides, camping under the stars and natural springs – if you want a unique experience of the Northern Territory, you can’t go wrong with Mulga’s Adventures. With a range of tours, plus the option to book a private charter, you can explore this outback region of Australia extensively. As the symbol of the outback, Mulga’s Adventures pays a focus to Uluru with three and four-day tours, both of which begin and end in different
locations to suit your plans, and run all year round. The 3 Day Rock Trip kicks off in Alice Springs with visits to Uluru, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Kings Canyon, camping under the clear night sky, and even tasting kangaroo and camel meat in an authentic bush meal before your return back to Alice Springs to continue your travels. To top it off, on this tour, you even get to experience a ride on a camel’s back, all for just $370pp. If you want longer in the outback, you can opt for the Rock To Rock Tour at $395pp for four days. Seeing the highlights, enjoying classic outback food and camping with new friends, you can choose to depart and return from Ayers Rock Airport, Ayres Rock Resort, or Alice Springs. If you’re looking to get to Alice Springs or Darwin quickly, while being able to see unique spots of the north, you can get to your destination in just two days with Mulga’s Adventures Express
Tours. Only available between March and October due to the extremely hot summers, you spend a night at the famous Daly Waters pub, and even visit the Devils Marbles, Mataranka Thermal Springs and Edith Falls, at $259pp. How about combining the two? As well as a tour of Uluru and the surrounding area, you can start from Darwin and end in Alice Springs and vice versa with the package tours. Not only do they save you money at $589pp, you really get to discover the true treasures of the outback across five days, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Mataranka Hot Springs, Devils Marbles and Edith Falls, with travel to your final destination. Rather than simply going from A to B, this is a great opportunity to see the Northern Territory of Australia from March to October. Book your tour at www.mulgasadventures.com.au
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5 Day Darwin to Alice Springs Explorer including Uluru with Adventure Tours Australia
Jump on board a Darwin to Alice Springs road trip that includes a visit to the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru. Along the way you’ll stop off at the famous Daly Waters pub after a visit to the breath-taking Katherine Gorge where you’ll have the chance to dust off your walking shoes and explore the outback area. You’ll experience an authentic Uluru Cultural Experience learning about the history of the local Aboriginal communities. Watch the sunset at night and rise in the morning while you camp under the stars. Visit Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and have the full Red Centre experience. Highlights include: Daly Waters, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Katherine Gorge, Kings Canyon, Nitmiluk National Park, Uluru, Uluru Cultural Experience, Uluru Sunrise, Uluru Sunset.
How To Enter: Visit our competitions page at
bbmlive.com/win-a-5-day-adventure-tour-from-darwin-to-alice-springs or via our Facebook /BBMMagazine Terms & Conditions:
Darwin To Alice Springs Explorer Including Uluru competition closes the 31st May 2015 11:59 GMT. The prize is valid for one passenger only. Winner will be chosen at random by the 10th June 2015 and contacted via email. If we do not receive a response within 72 hours of the email being sent the prize will be re-drawn and a new winner selected so please enter with an email that you have access to 24/7 and please check your junk folder. The winner must hold a valid passport, be eligible for travel to Australia and hold a valid visa for the entire trip. Winner must be over the age of 18 and hold valid travel insurance for their entire trip. This prize can only be redeemed when four passengers are already booked on the desired trip departure. This prize cannot be used on existing bookings or in conjunction with any other discounts or special offers. It is not transferable and is not redeemable for cash or exchange. Not included in the prize are the airfare, arrival tax, departure tax, any additional meals, any additional accommodation and your spending money, trip kitty or any travel visas required. The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Adventure Tours Australia and must be taken on or before 31 December 2015. No extension is available. Please refer to the booking conditions available here at http://www.adventuretours.com.au/about-us/conditionsof-travel-cancellation-policy/terms-and-conditions-of-travel-aud-20142015. Prize redemption and trip booking must be made directly with Adventure Tours Australia at reservations@adventuretours.com.au. By entering this competition you agree to receive promotional content including newsletters from What Media Pty Ltd, What Media Ltd and their affiliate partners by email. If you wish to stop receiving our emails or change your subscription options please follow the prompts on the email correspondence. Entry to the competition is conditional on acceptance of these terms.
explore the northern territory with Adventure Tours australia If you’re looking for an incredible adventure that will give you the memories of a lifetime, then Adventure Tours Australia are what you’re looking for. From Kakadu, to Alice Springs, Litchfield National Park and The Olgas, they’ve got it covered. Here’s what you could discover on your adventure.
Kakadu National Park
About the same size as Slovenia and a whole lot hotter, Kakadu National Park is Australia’s bestknown national park for good reason. Chock-ablock with billabongs, waterfalls, weird rock forms and all manner of wildlife, this is where Australia runs wild. Roos bounce about the bush land, dingoes loiter along rocky outcrops, dugongs wallow off the coast and crocs rule the waters of Alligator River (we’ll call it a case of mistaken identity). Following a landmark land rights ruling back in 1976, approximately half of the land was given back to its original inhabitants, meaning indigenous culture is very much evident. Come see what Kakadu can-a-do for you.
Uluru
Even if you’re not one generally riveted by geology, sideline your reservations until you’ve come face-toface with Uluru. Because while size certainly ain’t always everything, in this rock’s case it’s still a pretty big deal. 348 m high and almost 10 km in circumference, this is about as spectacular as sandstone gets. Due to local indigenous traditions, climbing up to the top is a bit of a cultural no-no – but take it from us that the views are better from below anyway. Witnessing the rock’s changing of colours come sunrise and sunset is a very special experience, only enhanced by a cold beer in-hand (for sunset at least). 54
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Darwin
Perhaps it’s the tropical climate, perhaps it’s the wild frontier feel or perhaps it’s the local cast of eccentric characters attracted by both, but things tend to get a little ‘troppo’ up Darwin way (that’s Aussie for crazy). How else do you explain such local newspaper’s headlines as ‘Why I stuck a cracker up my clacker’ and ‘Horny Ghost Haunts House’? For all its occasional uncouthness, perennially laidback Darwin does possess a real charm. Pay a visit, venture into a pub, order a ‘frothy’ and chances are you’ll be being relayed an outlandish ‘yarn’ in no time (Aussie for story).
Alice Springs
When you’re 1,500 clicks from the closest major city and 1,000 from the nearest beach, there typically comes a time when you need to make your own fun. And if anyone knows that, it’s the locals of Alice Springs. Sitting slap-bang in Australia’s rusty Red Centre, this small but charismatic town has long had to rely on an inner resourcefulness – both for survival and entertainment. Take the Henley-on-Todd Regatta, which, every September, sees teams of fun-focused Territorians race ‘boats’ – by feet, and fashioned from whatever materials they fancy – around a dry riverbed. Who needs a beach when you have an imagination?
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Litchfield National Park
When Frederick Henry Litchfield first entered the tract of wilderness that would one day bear his name, he noted the land’s ‘fine plains’, ‘small timber’ and ‘belts of honeysuckle’; musing that it would make for a great cattle station. A scary start for what would one day become one of Australia’s most prized national parks, but good sense thankfully won out. These days, visitors may spot the odd wild brumby galloping about – but it’s the nature that really impresses. Waterfalls, rock-holes, creeks and plunge pools present plenty of choice places for a swim among some truly enchanting surroundings.
Kings Canyon
Place names like ‘The Garden of Eden’, ‘Lost City’ and ‘The Amphitheatre’ may well sound a little audacious, but in Kings Canyon’s case the designations are fitting. Venturing in for an explore of this vast sandstone chasm invites a very real sense of adventure, and be it traipsing about its rim or wandering through its gullies, you’ll consistently be being surprised by what you come across next. Dusty red canyons enter onto shaded swimming holes, sheer rock ravines peer down onto palmfilled grottoes, and some of Australia’s most iconic animals are always a chance of making an appearance.
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Katherine Gorge
According to local legend, the Rainbow Serpent Bolung dwells in the deep green waters of Katherine Gorge. And we can believe it. Katherine is basically 13 gorges linked together by river, rapids and waterfalls, and flanked by sandstone cliffs that we’re pretty sure are older than time. It’s a pretty spiritual place, and as the river winds its way from Arnhem Land to the Timor Sea, it picks up all manner of curious flotsam: freshwater crocs, turtles, kayakers, swimmers and dreamers by the boatload (boatloads of dreamers that is, the crocs tend to swim).
The Olgas
Had it not been for the show-stealing antics of Uluru, The Olgas – also known as Kata Tjuta – would likely be the Australian rock show on everybody’s lips. Comprised of 36 separate red domes bunched together (where Uluru is one massive chunk), what The Olgas lack in recordbreaking abilities they more than make up for in experiential impact. Not only is it a memorable moment beholding the boulders from a distance, but the opportunity to walk through some of the gorges in between offers a sense of the rocks’ scale and sacred significance to local indigenous culture.
Check out the Northern Territory for yourself with Adventure Tours Australia. Find out more at www.adventuretours.com.au
EXPLORE AUSTRALIA
Uluru at Sunset
The iconic Uluru is impressive at all times of the day, but sunset is when this mighty sandstone rock comes into its own with a rich red colour that transforms the skyline.
BEST THINGS TO DO AROUND AUSTRALIA Don’t lose your head trying to decide what to do in Australia. When touring the East Coast and Northern Territory, you can tick off these top activities and have an unforgettable experience thanks to the diverse landscape of this great island continent.
Sail The Whitsundays
A total of 74 islands make up the Whitsundays, all of which invite you to swim, snorkel and bathe in the turquoise waters around them. On board a sailing boat, you can hop on and off, explore the surrounding coral reefs and their residents, or laze on the picture perfect, sandy beaches. 58
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Camel Ride
One of the few Australian animals you can jump onto the back of, you can ride an actual camel at Kings Creek Station in the Northern Territory. Sure beats a donkey at Blackpool.
4WD on Fraser Island
Driving down 75 Mile Beach, feasting on a gourmet BBQ lunch, swimming in the pure waters of Lake McKenzie and staying overnight on the largest sand island in the world, Fraser has it all.
Great Barrier Reef Cruise
One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is over 2,000km of underwater magic, so put on your snorkelling gear and see the fish, turtles, coral and kaleidoscope of colour that await on a cruise.
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Beaches
Whitehaven, Airlie, Noosa, Manly – we could go on. The beaches of Australia play a big part in its outdoor culture, with a range of water sports available and sunbathing when you want to top up your tan on golden sands.
All of these activities and much, much more are available on 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.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
One of the most famous sights on the planet, the Sydney Harbour Bridge encapsulates New Year’s Eve with a spectacular fireworks display. Not only can you take a cruise below it, you can climb to the top of the bridge and look out at across the city before you, including the iconic Sydney Opera House. 60
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Whale Spotting in Hervey Bay
Though they don’t hang around all year, Hervey Bay is the number one location in Australia to view humpback whales. A boat trip to remember, these majestic giants of the ocean are nothing short of spectacular.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
As Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, there are some incredibly cool inhabitants at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, including kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and koalas, which you even get the chance to have a cuddle with.
Tandem Skydiving
You can see Australia from a completely different perspective with a tandem skydive over the northern tropical city of Cairns. Overlooking as far as the ocean reefs and the Queensland rainforest, take to the skies and experience adrenaline like no other.
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Explore Australia From Top To Bottom With
Mighty Campers
Start your Australian adventure from the north, traversing the enormous island country in all directions in a campervan. In a mobile home, you can get to wherever you want to go, even with the kitchen sink. This means that all of the country’s famous sights and destinations are at your fingertips, or at least after a few days’ driving. Picking up in the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, you can visit the outback town of Alice Springs, passing breath-taking national parks like Litchfield, Kakadu and Nitmiluk. These areas are dreamlike landscapes for the adventurous type, with rivers to canoe, rocks to abseil and caves to…cave. The first thing you’ll notice the further you head into the outback, is that you have a freedom to stop off and admire the remarkable views of craggy rocks, orange sand and dry vegetation that seemingly goes on forever. The drive from Darwin to Alice Springs takes a consecutive 18 hours along National Highway 1 and 87, but with the comfort of a campervan, you can take a break from the road and cook up a lunch of sausages or visit a rare natural spring. When you arrive in the quintessential outback town of Alice Springs, you can park up in one of the caravan parks and explore. Pop into a pub for a cool drink, visit the galleries of local artworks, check out the residents of the reptile centre or experience a camel ride through desert-like terrain. Alice Springs is also your gateway to the Red Centre and its awesome scenery. Blessed with features like the great Uluru, Devils Marbles, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta, you could spend a 62
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week in Alice Springs and you won’t have seen everything. With the use of a campervan, you can be your own tour guide and decide where to go next. You could head south to The Flinders Ranges and Adelaide in South Australia, where the hills roll into the distance, the food and drink is always local and the coast is alive with wildlife. Or, you could stay in the north of the country and take the drive to Cairns in the tropics of Queensland. About 28 hours from Alice Springs via National Highways 87, 66, A2, A6 and A1, Cairns is the complete opposite of the outback. Between the dense greenery of the Daintree Rainforest and the gloriously blue waters of the ocean, Cairns is a springboard to the Great Barrier Reef, so you can swap the campervan for a boat and spend a day or two cruising and snorkelling around the coral. Now you’re on the East Coast, you can do the ultimate drive down to Brisbane or Sydney, passing through seaside towns with coastal views, ocean activities and island escapes. The 18-hour drive from the north to the south of Queensland includes numerous whale-watching locations between July and November including Mackay and Hervey Bay. As well as being a premier destination in its own right, Hervey Bay is also the door to Fraser Island, possibly the most unique island in the world. Not only does it boast a 175-mile coastal highway, 4WD heaven and rainforest, it’s also entirely built on sand. The paradisiacal Whitsunday Islands are just a short hop from Airlie Beach, where clean white sand, turquoise waters and beach games await.
Brisbane is your first experience of a big city in Australia. Sandwiched between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, it might just be Australia’s number one entertainment district with casinos, theme parks, resorts, shopping and more. Rather than staying in the city, drive south to the Gold Coast, and see if Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach Waters are as good as they sound. When you’ve had enough of Brisbane, it’s time to head to Sydney, but take it leisurely by stopping in the famously laidback Byron Bay, exploring the beauty of Bundjalung and Yuraygir National Parks, and catching sights of migrating whales from Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, and Port Macquarie. There are undisturbed views of the ocean along this 10-hour coastal drive, and regular idyllic towns for when you need to fill up on fuel, grab some food or rest. As one of the most popular drives in the world, this road is used to those travelling in campervans. When you get into Sydney, drive over the Harbour Bridge and take in one of the most iconic cities in the world. The glory of the Sydney Opera House, the history of The Rocks, the trendy suburbs of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst where coffee flows, and the beach vibes of Bondi, Bronte and Coogee all make Sydney
the city you can’t help but love. The hustle and bustle of this major city may make it difficult to park your camper, so head for the outskirts and travel into the centre on public transport. With Mighty Campers, you can choose to travel as far and wide as you like. With pick-up and drop-off locations in Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney, as well as Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, you can truly experience Australia. You can choose your destination when booking, but if you want to extend your journey, you can call them up and let them know – phone signal dependent! Not only do Mighty Campers provide a range of campervans in Australia, they’re also available in New Zealand, where you can discover the mountains, crystal-clear lakes and alpine regions of the North and South Islands. Hire your own campervan from www.mightycampers.com and travel Australia and New Zealand at your own pace.
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SOUTH AUSTRALIA
FUN, SUN AND ADVENTURE WITH KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS
Kangaroo Island like most of South Australia has a Mediterranean climate with summers (December to February) being warm with cool evenings. During autumn (March to May), the pastures begin to green up, waterways and catchments begin to flow and it is a time for transition, a stunning time of the year with warm days and calm seas.
Great weather for a bit of fun, sun and adventure and this is all for the offering on a Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour. When on tour your guide will help spot for you some of the island’s incredible and famous wildlife – including Australian sea-lions, NZ Fur Seals, tammar wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. You’ll also visit the most amazing natural formations such as Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch and see incredible coastal scenery. Around the Coast of Kangaroo Island are also some of Australia’s best beaches. You’re in for a treat! One such beach is Vivonne Bay Beach, on the south coast and right near where you’ll be spending your overnight at Vivonne Bay Lodge. This stunning beach was named ‘Best Beach in Australia’ by a Scientist who studied over 10,000 beaches around Australia. Another famous beach on the island’s serene north coast is Stokes Bay, a secluded beach protected from the pounding surf by a giant pool surrounded by rocks and accessed only through a ‘mystery’ path through a cliff face. A must see beach visit on Kangaroo Island!
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Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours 2 Day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer Tour has it all, with a touch of adventure for the more spirited traveller who enjoys experiencing places and attractions that are off the beaten track. Travel in small groups for a fun and informal, yet informative two days of touring on Kangaroo Island. The 2 Day tour visits attractions such as Rob’s Sheep Shearing, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Seal Bay, sand boarding at Little Sahara, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Hanson Bay Wildlife Park.
Let Kangaroo Island Adventures show you the time of your life on Kangaroo Island! For further information and bookings call +61 8 82028678 or visit www.kiadventuretours.com.au To view the tour video visit www.youtube.com/user/KIAdventureTour Catch us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KIAdventureTours
Vivonne Bay Lodge is on a 206 hectare private bush property at Vivonne Bay which has 1km of beachfront access. Here you will also be able to choose from a range of activities such as kayaking, cycling and swimming. All meals are included whilst on tour (1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner) and accommodation is dormitory with bed linen included and share bathroom facilities. Private room upgrades are available.
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s w ag a b out tou r s
Take to the outback and coast of Australia with Swagabout Tours. With trips to some of the most beautiful areas in South Australia, these unique adventures are spent sleeping in a traditional Aussie swag under the stars, or in hotels, villas and safari tents, depending on what you’re after! Travel to Lake Eyre, Australia’s great salt lake and the country’s lowest natural point at 49 feet below sea level. All tours to Lake Eyre include a one-and-a-half hour scenic flight so you can see the landscape from a completely different point of view. You can include other areas of South Australia on a Lake Eyre tour, including the beautiful Flinders Ranges and the underground town of Coober Pedy.
For a more coastal adventure, book yourself on an Eyre Peninsula tour and visit the wooden jetty at Port Germein, the shores of Arno, Boston and Coffin Bays, and the seal colonies of Point Labatt and Baird Bay. Featuring ranges, cliff tops, beaches and estuaries, a tour of the Eyre Peninsula really is the best of both worlds. How about a whale watching tour to see one of the great ocean inhabitants? Between May and October, Swagabout Tours travel to the Head of the Great Australian Bight for five days, including a morning watching the Southern Right Whales frolic in the clear blue waters. In 2014, there were 227 adults and calves spotted in this area in late July, so you don’t want to miss an opportunity to see them yourself in 2015. As well as whale watching, this tour includes a visit to Port Augusta, Nullarbor, Ceduna and Elliston, for relaxing on bays and beaches, viewing seals, surfing, tasting oysters and learning about the Australian steel industry. Outside of South Australia, Swagabout Tours head north to visit the outback town of Alice Springs, come face-to-face with the big, red
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In some of the best locations in Australia, Swagabout Tours provide truly memorable experiences. With a minimum of two passengers needed to take off, these tours are so original, you may feel like you’re on your own private tour of Down Under. Enquire about Swagabout Tours today, and start your adventure of South Australia and the outback. Book your adventure at www.swagabouttours.com.au
Images courtesy of Swagabout Tours
rock that is Uluru, and walk Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory. A quintessential inland adventure, you will get to view a salt lake, call in on the underground town of Coober Pedy, and walk through the tunnel of time at the Wadlata Outback Centre. Spending overnight at Uluru, you will have time to explore the surroundings of this great natural structure, view it during sunrise and sunset, and learn about the local people. The next day, you can walk into Kings Canyon, stay overnight at the resort or Kings Creek Station, and complete the Canyon Rim Walk with the rest of your group. Ranging from five to 10 days, you can take in the great Australian outback up close.
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Discover South Australia with Bums On Seats Tours
With 24 years of experience, Bums On Seats Tours offers a fantastic way to discover what Adelaide and its surrounding territories have to offer. Differing from your usual package holiday, they’ll certainly be able to show you some secret spots off the beaten track. Bums On Seats Tours provide a unique and fun way to see the best of South Australia. Their mantra is “fun, freedom and flexibility” so there’s no need to feel limited with this tour company. With their variety of day tours you can explore the vineyards, spot the wildlife and fall in love with the city over and over again.
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South Australia has a wealth of exciting attractions to explore. From the vast rolling landscape, to the bounty of wineries, the Barossa Valley, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island, there’s so much to see and do that it’s well worth scheduling some time for a trip down south during your stint in Australia. It’s no secret that South Australia is the biggest producer of Australian wine, and is famed worldwide for its Pinot Grigios and Reislings, so it’s essential that you visit the beautiful Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and Eden Valley whilst in South Australia. If you’re looking for a no-fuss day trip from Adelaide, then the Adelaide Hills is where you’ll find some impressive cool-climate wines alongside quaint picture perfect villages and towns. Adelaide is a great starting point for any South Australia adventure, whether you’re after food and wine, adventure and wildlife, or shopping, but there’s also plenty to take in of this southern Australian city. Adelaide has so much to see, from the historic sailing vessels of Port Adelaide to the beauty of St Peter’s Cathedral and the precincts of North Terrace, Torrens River and the University. With plenty of pubs and cafés, you can enjoy a casual lunch, and take a stroll along the port front where you may even spot river dolphins. Adelaide is steeped in history dating back to the first European settlers and is also home to many museums including the South Australian Aviation
Museum, the South Australian Maritime Museum, and the National Railway Museum.
Off of the mainland is the idyllic Kangaroo Island, with plenty of unique adventures to be had. Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and penguins roam free, and there’s a colony of Australian sea lions at the aptly named Seal Bay, which you can’t
afford to miss. As well as wine, South Australia is renowned for fresh, local food, and you can stock up everywhere from the markets of Adelaide to the farms of Kangaroo Island, with honey, chicken and eggs on the menu. Choose your South Australia adventure at www.bumsonseats.com.au.
By Charlotte Mellor
While recognised as one of the most relaxed cities in Australia, there are plenty of activities to be found from Adelaide and beyond. The lively seaside resort of Glenelg is situated just 10km from Adelaide and is also the site of South Australia’s original mainland settlement in 1836, and offers some great water activities. Further ocean experiences can be had with sea lions at Baird Bay in the Eyre Peninsular, or cage diving with the Great White sharks in Port Lincoln. Go water skiing, canoeing and sailing on the winding Murray River, or follow the river on a bike along East Front Road. The landscape of the Clare Valley is also perfect for a cycling trip, with the 25km Riesling Trail passing through vineyards, green hills and pretty stone buildings, while the ruggedness of the Flinders Ranges is ideal for hiking and 4WD or soaring overhead with a scenic flight.
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Camel Treks Australia
Camel Treks Australia
With its diverse and inspiring landscape, pleasant climate and extraordinary wildlife, there are hundreds of incredible adventures to be had in Australia. This month we take a look at a very unique way to take in the beauty of South Australia via camel. Yes you heard us correctly. Get totally in touch with nature as you discover the outback from a different perspective, as they proudly tread the land at a relaxing pace. You can trek through the Flinders Ranges of South Australia on the back of a camel with Camel Treks Australia, with a variety of rides and tours to suit all. Stretching from one to five days, these treks can cover long distances and incorporate hobbies such as photography, from March to October. The photography trek is taken with professional photographer, Pete Dobre, who will teach you how to capture the beauty of the Ranges. He will also give you tips on lighting, composition and more, and answer any questions you have, so you will soon become an expert in photographing landscape images and close-ups of resting camels – just remember to bring your camera! Located four hours from Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges is older than the Himalayas, so you’ll be touring one of the most ancient landscapes in the world. Obviously, the longer the tour you opt for, the more of the area you’ll see, but even on the five-hour day tour, you’ll be able to witness the dramatic panoramas, serene gorges, rock formations and wildlife unique to Australia 70
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on a truly unbeaten track. Look out for emus, kangaroos, wallabies and eagles in their natural habitat, and relish the surroundings of the Old Ghan railway. A special one-off tour of the year is the trek to the Marree Camel Races; five days across 270km, you’ll be able to get behind-the-scenes access with interaction with the camel racing teams and all of the excitement of the races in the Outback. From 3rd – 7th July, there are only four places available of the tour, so now’s the time to express your interest. The people that will guide you on every trek are Paul and Karen Ellis, a couple with over 25 years of experience with camels. Renowned in the tourism industry for their dedication and success, they are passionate about offering individuals like you an exceptional time in the bush. All tours depart from Wonoka Station and overnight tours include accommodation in swags, tents or a homestead. Any meals included are cooked over a campfire in a cast iron pot for rustic living that really puts you in touch with the rugged outdoors. Per person, tours cost from $210 for a full day and $468 overnight, through to three-day treks at $1,268 and five days at $2,068. With tours booking up months in advance, now’s the time to secure your spot to explore the Flinders Ranges on the back of a camel. Find the tour for you and get booking now at www.cameltreksaustralia.com.au.
Did You Know... While they may roam the Outback freely, camels aren’t native to Australia. The very first arrived from the Canary Islands back in 1840, which was followed by between 10,000 and 12,000 in the following 70 years. The majority of the camels were one-humped dromedaries and came from India and Palestine, but Australians also started to breed their own camels for transport and work, as they were perfect for the desert landscape.
Despite the uses of the camel, once motorised transportation was introduced, their days were
numbered, and working camels were released into the wild to live freely in the desert. The latest recording of feral camels was estimated at around 300,000 in 2013, but these numbers are disputed and too difficult to be precise.
By Charlotte Mellor
The first camel studs were in South Australia in 1866, and they were surprisingly of a much higher quality than those imported. They were ideal for work, as they can go without water for long periods of time, walk over soft sand with their huge feet, work from the age of three all the way up to 40, and have a high tolerance for heavy loads. As a result, the Australian Outback was opened up to more people than ever, enabling camel drivers or cameleers to travel. In fact, The Ghan railway is named after the tracks of the Afghan camel drivers.
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NSW
Travel New South Wales
Probably the most visited state in Australia, many people start their adventures Down Under from New South Wales. Flying into Sydney and getting settled in, New South Wales acts as the perfect spring board to start exploring all that Australia has to offer, from its fantstic coastline to bushland, here’s a few of the amazing things to see whilst in New South Wales. Katoomba And The Blue Mountains
Escape the bump and grind of Sydney with a day trip to the breathtaking World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and the historic town of Katoomba.
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Just 25km north of Sydney, you’ll encounter the amazing Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. From glorious nature hikes leading past rock engravings and paintings by the Guringai tribe, to winding creeks where expanses of ocean meet thick rainforest, you can also take in the most impressive views of Barrenjoy, Palm Beach and Broken Bay.
Lord Howe Island
A crescent-shaped volcanic remnant island, Lord Howe lies 600km north-east of Sydney. An idyllic paradise, only 400 visitors are allowed at any time. With Fifty scuba diving sites dotted around the surrounding waters, including Ball’s Pyramid at 551m,where you can get up close to dolphins, turtles, Angel Fish and Rainbow Parrot Fish. Every beach here has a unique selling point: Blinky Beach is popular with surfers due to its ‘champagne surf’; swimmers will be surrounded by fish looking to be handfed on Neds Beach; and snorkelers can explore the wreckage of the Favourite, found on the ocean floor of North Bay.
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Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk
Passing through several of Sydney’s iconic beaches, taking in spectacular views from the cliffs and taking part in activities synonymous to the Australian way of life, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must-do whether you’re visiting or making Sydney your home. Not only is this six-kilometre walk completely free, you also get to see the delights of Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Gordon’s Bay and Coogee, including snorkelling the underwater nature trail, dining at nearby cafes, hotels and restaurants, cooking your own burgers on the beach with free electric BBQs, swimming and surfing, and viewing the beautiful Pacific Ocean from cliff tops, manmade boardwalks and sandy beaches.
EXPLORE WITH MY MATES Tours
Wondering what lurks in the depths of New South Wales’ Blue Mountains? Immerse yourself in adventure with My Mates Tours and you might just find out... The Blue Mountains are a must-do on your New South Wales bucket list. Situated just a couple of hours from Sydney, a trip here will see you take in adventure, mystery, beauty, nature and a slice of Aboriginal culture. In the Blue Mountains you can take a boardwalk stroll through the lush rainforest while learning about Aboriginal Dreamtime stories or marvel at the famous Three Sisters. Soak up the legend of Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo as legend has it that the Three Sisters were frozen in stone during an ancient battle over love. Add some exercise to your day trip by taking a walk down The Giant Stairway and along the Federal Pass trail leading to Katoomba Falls, but one thing you mustn’t skip is a tour of the Jenolan Caves. 74
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Recognised as one of Australia’s most aweinspiring experiences, the Jenolan Caves are spellbinding. Like something out of a fantasy novel, the Jenolan Caves are some of the oldest in the world, and you can marvel at their beauty during a My Mates tour, who will give you a comprehensive guide to this incredible area. Before you pay a visit to the majestic Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, you will explore the Jenolan Caves, specifically, the Orient Cave. One of ten show caves, this is an excellent example of the limestone crystal formations and underground rivers. During a one-and-a-half hour tour with a professional guide, you can appreciate the history, development and conservation of the Orient, while viewing its rich decoration from the chambers and stalactites. Since 2008, the Orient has benefitted from environmentally friendly lighting technology to see the cave in all its dramatic glory without damaging the cave’s environment. This effort means that you and thousands of other visitors per year can get the best experience possible of this striking cave. From the dark caves underground to the breathtaking open space of the Blue Mountains, you will be taken to see one of Australia’s most famous rock formations – the Three Sisters. Echo Point is the designated viewing platform to appreciate the imposing nature of the rocks, as well as the distant view of Sydney. You’ll also get to hear the many Aboriginal stories about the Three Sisters. If the sight of the Three Sisters and surrounding Blue Mountains from Echo Point doesn’t satisfy your inner traveller urges, Scenic World offers even more experiences of this fantastic area. Take the skyway and view the mountains below from mid-air, stroll through ancient rainforest on the walkway, sit in the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere or ride the scenic railway and travel along the steepest incline passenger railway in the world.
The ‘My Ultimate Aussie Adventure’ incorporates all of the aforementioned as well as touching down at Port Stephens, surfing at Diamond Head, and kayaking at Byron Bay, before reaching the Gold Coast. Book your tour with My Mates at www.mymatestours.com.
You can visit the Jenolan Caves and Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains on the ‘My Bush Bash’ and ‘My Ultimate Aussie Adventure’ tours. ‘My Bush Bash’ will take you from the Gold Coast, through to the Boonoo Boonoo Falls and the Standing Stones, before stopping off inland for some Australian horsemanship training, and then on to Mudgee for some well earned wine tasting, then it’s on to Katoomba to immerse yourself in the adventure of the Blue Mountains.
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BACKPACKING IN AUSTRALIA IS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
With stunning natural beauty, countless amazing destinations and activities, a great climate, friendly people and plenty of jobs, Australia is an ideal destination for young people to spend their gap year or take an extended working holiday. A large percentage of young people make the trip alone and this can be quite daunting for many, as it’s often the first time they’ve left home and had to fend for themselves. So the excitement of travelling to the other side of the world is often matched by a sense of trepidation. As a way of making this big step less daunting, there’s a company in Australia called OzIntro that provide a one week long starter package for young travellers heading to Oz. Over the past ten years OzIntro has helped thousands of young travellers have a great start to their gap year or working holiday downunder. And as the winner of multiple tourism awards and with a great reputation, they’re a company that really understands the needs of young first-time travellers and pride themselves on giving people a great start to their Australian adventure.
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THEN OZINTRO IS THE PERFECT WAY TO START YOUR ADVENTURE!
They’ll sort all the important stuff so you can relax and enjoy your experience. Plus you’ll have some amazing experiences as part of a group, so it’s a great way to meet people and make friends. It’s all about good times, new friends and no worries!
NO WORRIES
Whether you’re taking a gap year in Australia, a working holiday or just a holiday, OzIntro make it easy to go backpacking in Australia. They’ll sort your visa, accommodation, will pick you up from the airport and can even help you find a job. You don’t need to worry about a thing!
IT’S A GROUP THING
Your first week in Australia will be one you’ll never forget. You’ll go jet boating on Sydney Harbour, learn to surf, go bush walking in the mountains and lots more! And by being part of a group, it’s a great way to meet
people to share your Australian backpacking adventure.
WORK & TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA
Backpacking in Australia is an amazing experience and by starting your adventure with OzIntro you’ll not only have some truly unforgettable experiences, but you’ll get help with everything you need to work and travel in Oz.
TOTALLY AWESOME CREW
Our crew are young, fun and absolutely awesome! They know and love Oz and will be there to help you have the most amazing start to your Australian backpacking adventure.
TESTIMONIALS
“Without a doubt, the best week of my life!” – Emma. England “Made so many great friends and had such a laugh!” – Rob. Scotland “Loved the surfing and the jet boating!” – Claire. Ireland “OzIntro has been such a huge help! I would have been lost without them.” – Mark. Canada
QUEENSLAND
United Backpackers Port Douglas Check into paradise with United Backpackers Port Douglas... In the northern tropics of Queensland is a beach town so beautiful, it makes your heart ache when you have to leave, so it’s a good thing there’s a United Backpackers to make your new home – even if it is for a short while! Blessed with a 4 Mile Beach, palm trees, golden sands and blue waves lapping against your feet as you take a leisurely stroll, it’s a place to relax and unwind. Located right in the middle of town and just seven minutes from the beach is United Backpackers, a brand spanking new hostel that aims to make your stay as pleasurable as possible. The hostel takes great advantage of its location, with an outside pool, free BBQs and bike hire to help you explore a little easier. There’s even a poolside cinema with scheduled evening movies, a chilled bar with even chillier drinks, and an upstairs TV lounge with a deck and hammocks for complete relaxation, and free wifi in all common areas. Basically, it’s every overworked, over-travelled traveller’s dream. Now to the important stuff – the rooms. As a brand new hostel, the facilities are top notch and sparkling clean, and there’s a range of dorm and private rooms with high quality bed and bedding, a locker, airconditioning, swipe card access and all rooms cleaned daily, and all for just $22 a night. United Backpackers also offer the chance to help connect you with local employers if you’re on a Working Holiday and need to make some extra cash to fund your travels, so make sure you ask the friendly staff upon arrival. You needn’t worry about getting to Port Douglas either, because if you’re staying three or more nights (why wouldn’t you be?), you can grab the free pick up from any Cairns hostel, hotel or bus stop at either 11am or 6pm, and it’s only $10 if you’re staying one or two nights. The drive only takes an hour, and is a pretty spectacular way of preparing you for the surroundings of Port Douglas. If the successful Melbourne hostel is anything to go by, Port Douglas will be a huge hit so we do advise you book your rooms now, pack your swimsuit and get ready for some sun! Book your stay at unitedportdouglas.com.au
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THINGS TO DO ON THE GOLD COAST
The entertainment capital of Queensland, there are even more reasons to shout about the Gold Coast this month with new adventure tours, luxury experiences and adrenaline activities.
variety of areas, including Pro Zone with double size Olympic trampolines and a zorb soccer arena for endless fun bouncing into your mates kicking a football around. With four 11-metre-long trampolines, you can hone your jumps in no time. www.airfactory.com.au
Cruise Gold Coast
Kayak The Gold Coast
Ocean Jet
There’s a new jet boating company taking advantage of the water sport playground that is the Gold Coast, as Ocean Jet take to the waves. Passing iconic landmarks such as Sea World, Palazzo Versace, Wavebreak Island and the Spit Riders, your captain will inform you with facts about the sights as you’re launched at high speed with an 880 horse power engine, including 360 degree spins and quick stops. This 45-minute ride commences and ends at Marina Mirage. www.oceanjetboating.com
Air Factory
The Gold Coast is the proud new owner of Australia’s largest trampoline venue, Air Factory. A 4,700sqm space with 140 trampolines has opened in Burleigh, catering for the amateur and professional athlete to show their skill in the air. The indoor trampoline park boasts a 78
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Jump into a kayak and head off on a new trail with Kayak The Gold Coast, including activities along the way. Beginning at Burleigh Head National Park, look out for migrating whales during spring and make your way to Tallebudgera where you’ll get the chance to learn how to throw a boomerang. Back in your kayak, the next stop is David Fleay Wildlife Park, which your kayak adventure includes entry into. Departing every morning at 7am, the tour includes pick-up from your accommodation, entry into the wildlife park, water, sunscreen and morning tea, as well as a tour of all of the beauty spots that the trail offers. www.kayakthegoldcoast.com.au
Jupiters
If you’re fortunate enough to be staying at Jupiters Hotel & Casino, you’ll be able to take advantage of the new pool and poolside experiences. While the pool has seen a redesign to make guests feel that little bit more special, there are also bungalows and cabanas for ultimate indulgence. For private use only at $250, book one of the two bungalows and enjoy an outdoor spa, panoramic views and spacious decking for treatments or a BBQ made by your own personal chef. Opt for one of the nine deluxe cabanas at $75 and relax in chaise lounges with complimentary refreshments, perfect for an intimate day for two. www.jupitersgoldcoast.com.au
By Charlotte Mellor
Relax on board the 39ft powered catamaran of Cruise Gold Coast, aptly named Life’s Good. Able to carry up to 25 passengers, cruises include on the Broadwater, off shore and whale watching from three – six hours, with tailored options available. Fully catered and BYO, there’s a dining area, TV, kitchen and freezer, but don’t spend too long below deck or you might miss the marine life passing by! www.cruisegc.com
365 days on Fraser Island By Hana (Dropbear) White
From the heart of Queensland’s Fraser Island, Dropbear Tours’ Hana White talks us through all the amazing wonders to be found from season to season on this island paradise off the coast of Queensland. From the blistering heat in the height of summer where temperatures can easily reach 40 degrees celsius, to the crisp frosts on the grass in winter, apart from snow, Fraser Island or K’gari as the native aboriginals call it, has it all. Located just off the East Coast of Queensland, the island is bursting with diversity. Not only does this island paradise offer an abundance of fresh water lakes, sub tropical rainforests and multi coloured sands, the diverse seasonal weather patterns don’t disappoint. Winter is my personal favourite and you’d probably get the same answer from all the island’s locals. Ok, it does get a little chilly at night, the Aussies would say freezing but let’s be honest, they would not know what freezing was unless it’s ice over their beers. You’ll want to have some warm socks and a good jumper if you visit in winter. A onesie is ideal if you’re not worried about how unflattering they are. Wrapping up warm at night is no sacrifice for the rewards of what a winter day brings. The winters on Fraser Island are just gorgeous, a photographer’s paradise for sure. Fishermen come from far and wide to fish off the golden beaches and because ‘the fish are on’ as the Islanders say. The marine life you can spot from the island’s famous look out; Indian Head, is jawdropping. The water is so clear in the winter and 80
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spring months that spotting sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, dugongs and humpback whales from July – October is easy. Us local folk say the island comes to life during these months. Spring is always amazing too. As the lakes’ crystal clear waters start to warm, you know the blistering summer is looming. Spring is a very special time of year anywhere in the world, I think. It’s always so lush when the flowers start blooming and nature comes back to life right before your eyes. It’s extra special on K’gari as it’s when the dingo puppies are born. It’s really breathtaking when you see mum walking along the beach followed by a trail of little dingo pups with their cute whitesocked paws. Everyone on the island, including visitors, get excited when it’s pup season, even if you’re a cat person it’s so amazing to watch these wild pups playing and learning from their mother. And BOOM, before you know it, the summer heat hits you. As a Brit, I still can’t quite fathom how it gets this bloody hot. I mean it’s crazy hot. You have to regularly lather yourself up with sunscreen or you’ll be lathering yourself up with aloe vera for days afterwards, only to be followed by your best impression of a snake shedding its skin. Of course the summer brings the sun, but with it comes some of the most changeable weather conditions I’ve ever witnessed. When I hear the song ‘4 Seasons in One Day’ by Crowded House it always reminds me of the first time I travelled to Queensland with my sister Grace back in 2006. Driving along in the beautiful sunshine one minute to having to pull over the next minute due to torrential rain. You can imagine how intense the rain was for us Brits to pull over because of it.
I’d say I’m quite accustomed to driving in the rain but this was more like driving through a waterfall. As quick as it had started it was over again and the sun returned. That’s when I fell in love with Queensland. Most of the time the summers here bring glorious hot days where nothing is more appealing than leisurely floating down the icy cold waters of Eli Creek or lazing on the white beaches of Lake McKenzie. But honestly, if you were to ask me what my favourite thing was about the summer, it would be the incredible lightning storms we see across the ocean. Lightning dancing in every direction, lighting up the sky as if it were daytime. The storm cools everything down, so after a boiling hot day you can go to bed, snuggle up to your man or spoon your bestie without sweating all through the night. The summer is great for wildlife too. All the reptiles come out to say hello and by this time the dingo pups are learning to fend for themselves. The goannas are my personal favourites, just purely because they look like dinosaurs. Snakes, I’m not so fond of, but I don’t know if I’m just lucky, or just in my own world most of the time because I don’t tend to see too many of them which I’m more than happy about.
As a holidaymaker, you love the heat and of course the general guarantee of sunshine when you visit Australia’s Sunshine State of Queensland, but let me tell you, as a resident, you long for the autumn when the wet season is over and the humidity dies off. I like to think of autumn as a great British summer, you know the kind of ones we get every few years. Whether it’s Humpbacks nurturing their young in the calm waters between Fraser Island and Hervey Bay, or turtles nesting and hatching at the far north tip of the island, or birds migrating from far away countries and resting on the island’s many beaches, all seasons on Fraser have something exquisite to see, courtesy of Mother Nature. As you may have gathered by now, it really doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Fraser Island, as there is always so much to see and do. The birdlife and dingoes are active all-yearround. Not forgetting the regular all-year-round adventures and natural wonders to see like the monthly moon rises over the ocean, or driving a 4WD along the beach, or catching a metre long beach worm with your bear hands, or swimming in freshwater lakes. K’gari is amazingly beautiful all year round - trust me, you’ll love it!
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VICTORIA
Victoria Uncovered
Paul Beames of Wildlife Tours Australia divulges some inside information on the incredible, diverse terrain and travel opportunities Victoria has to offer on land and water, showing that this state has it all!
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What is it about Victoria that makes tours special?
As the smallest state on mainland Australia, Victoria is home to an amazing diversity in a relatively compact area. You’ve probably heard the term, ‘four seasons in one day’ in relation to Melbourne weather and sometimes that is absolutely true, however, it’s this variety of weather patterns which gives rise to the diversity of environment right on Melbourne’s door step. We only need to look at regions immediately around Melbourne which allow for easy access to day touring and highlight how fortunate we are in terms of being spoilt for choice – Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, The Grampians, and world class wine regions in Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula. In addition to these regions, Victoria is also home to some other stunning areas such as the High Country, the Dandenongs/Great Dividing Range which are also home to some stunning pockets of cool temperate rainforest. In total, Victoria is home to 36 National Parks covering 2.5 million hectares of land. When we are speaking in
How do you make your tours different to others that are available?
As a smaller, (but growing), family owned business our focus from day one has been about delivering the friendliest, most enjoyable, entertaining, informative and interactive tours in Australia. Like any good tourism operator, we value customer satisfaction above all else in terms of how our business is operated on a daily basis. In a competitive market, point of difference is crucial to ‘being seen’ and so aside from the basic foundational core values of our business, we also constantly review our products to identify areas of improvement and change. As an example we are now ready to launch a Great Ocean Road Reverse tour, which visits all of the highlights of terms of tours, Victoria really is the place to be!
When did you decide you wanted to run your own tours? What were you doing before Wildlife Tours?
After working for multiple companies around the world in various capacities, I saw an opportunity to deliver tours around our own country, in particular, our wonderful state of Victoria. I had a look around at what other organisations were doing this, and thought there was a real opportunity to raise the bar. There seemed to be very few organisations delivering an: informative, interactive, educational and entertaining experience. So in 2009 I embarked upon a quest to perfect the ultimate touring experience through wildlife tours Australia.
Do you still take tours out now?
From time to time, I still get out there on the road. It still gives me a real buzz, and brings me back to my core purpose - which is making people happy, and showing them some of my beautiful country. Now I get to do that on a much larger scale instead of one bus at a time.
the region but starts at the end and gives our customers the pleasure of discovering the region without the hoards of other tourists.
Do you have a favourite destination to take people to? The Great Ocean Road is one of my old time favourites.
If someone was interested in extending the stay for a week or two to take in the atmosphere of the country where would you recommend? One week or two is not going to get you very far in a country the size of Australia. It would probably be best to focus on one or two states within Australia – if you had a couple of weeks in Victoria, I would suggest 1. The Great Ocean Road, 2. The Grampians, 3. Phillip Island. 4 Yarra Valley, 5. Mornington Peninsula, 6. Wilsons Promontory. Visit www.wildlifetours.com.au for more info.
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TASMANIA
Discover Tasmania With its mountains, forests, national parks, lakes and coastline, Tasmania is a strong contender to be Australia’s number one state for adventurers. Its compact size compared to Queensland or WA means that it packs a punch across a smaller area, and you’d struggle to not find an activity to your liking.
to paddle just minutes from Hobart, so hire a kayak and see where it takes you, or book yourself on a tour and let someone guide you.
Rock Climbing
Horse Riding
From small and short climbs to multi-day wilderness adventures, the mountains and cliffs of Tasmania provide a climber’s utopia. You have the famous Totem Pole at 200ft, the coastal cliffs of Freycinet Peninsular, and Mount Wellington overlooking Hobart to choose from. And, if you want an exciting way of going back down, incorporate two activities in one by abseiling to the bottom.
Kayaking
You can sit your kayak on the ocean waters and spot the marine life of the coast, or take on the white water thrills of the streaming rivers, because when it comes to kayaking, Tasmania is king. There are over 300 islands and even opportunities 84
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Hang Gliding
Let the wind pick you up and carry you from some of Tasmania’s breath taking peaks, or, if you’re a little more cautious, feel the freedom of flying with the additional safety of cable hang gliding. With views for miles as you soar 400m over the forest, you’ll be able to see Tasmania in a whole new way and experience the thrill that only the most daring have been able to.
You might not be going at high speeds, but horse riding can be a seriously memorable way of travelling around Tasmania. From the pristine beaches with the wind in your hair, to high up in the alpine lakes and mountains, relax on horseback and take in the sheer beauty that surrounds you.
Off Roading
Make some noise in a 4WD or on a quad bike and traverse the Tasmanian bush. You can ride quad bikes on the beaches of Flinders Island, cross the dirt tracks of Springfield by motorbike, or explore the rugged north-west coast in a 4WD. Whatever vehicle you choose, the area you can cover is phenomenal.
Overland Photo Tours In Tasmania The most photogenic state of Australia demands your attention… Over six days, explore Tasmania to your heart’s content with Overland Track Photography Tours. Not only does The Overland Track test your hiking ability over 65km of the World Heritage Area, it encourages you to take beautiful photographs with a professional photographer as your guide. Whether you’re a novice, enthusiast or expert, travel across Tasmania and capture its most striking features on film. From the striking Cradle Mountain in the north to the 200m-deep Lake St Clair in the south, you’ll be passing waterfalls, through rainforest, low into the valleys and high into the mountains. You may feel the burn of the walk on the first day, but you’re rewarded with the views from the Waterfall Valley campsite including sunset over Barn Bluff. On the way to Lake Windermere on day two, you may get the chance to observe the local residents including the echidna or wedge-tailed eagle, which will also test your ability at wildlife photography. You’ll cover the furthest distance on day three as you traipse towards the Pelion Ranges and Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest mountain. In this truly wild location, you can test your landscape photography skills while appreciating the formation and geography of where you stand. Awaking in Pelion Camp on day four, behold Mt Oakleigh in
the morning sunrise and begin your journey south to Lake St Clair across the highlands of Tasmania, passing Mt Ossa with possibility of climbing its great height. On your last full day, you are taken deep into ancient woodland to photograph the D’Alton and Ferguson Falls in all their glory, as well as even more mountains. By the sixth day, you will have the capabilities to create a stunning photograph of your surroundings, from action shots to close-ups and landscapes. Join an Overland Track Photography Tour at $1999pp and discover one of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
Tour dates:
22nd-28th October 2015 22nd-28th January 2016 22nd-28th March 2016 22nd-28th April 2016 Book your tour at
www.overlandphototours.com.au
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WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Hop Around Western Australia Touring Western Australia needn’t be a struggle with this fantastic way to see it in all its vastness… Quiet beaches, undisturbed natural beauty, desert to one side and beautiful, blue ocean to the other, Western Australia provides the trip of a lifetime, but it’s always been less accessible than its eastern counterpart – until now. With the hop-on, hop-off service of Integrity Coach Lines, you can see and experience the entire stretch of Perth to Broome. Over 2,300km, all you need is yourself, your backpack, and a list of destinations you want to see up close. Without the stresses of driving, where would you go?
Kalbarri
Where the coast meets inland adventure, Kalbarri is home to some of the most striking and unique natural phenomenon and creations. Explore the gorges of the national park, sit behind Nature’s Window and look out to the view before you, and marvel at Hutt Lagoon, the pink lake that looks like a strawberry milkshake! If you’re interested in the wildlife Australia has to offer, Rainbow Jungle is regarded as the country’s best parrot habitat, with majestic birds from all over the world free to come and go as they please. Closer to the shore, the dunes are great for sandboarding and the Kalbarri Beach Resort a spectacular home for the night. Drop off and pick up at Ajana-Kalbarri Road turnoff.
Monkey Mia
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famous. For over 40 years, they have visited voluntarily almost every day and have become treasured members of the Monkey Mia family. Set within the Shark Bay Marine Park, you can interact with these loveable creatures, explore the nearby Francois Peron National Park by 4WD, and glide along the ocean’s still water on a kayak for some serious scenic moments. Take your time here and enjoy a stay at the wonderful Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, because chances are you won’t be in a hurry to leave. Drop off and pick up at Overlander Roadhouse, North West Coastal Highway.
Exmouth
A water baby’s dream, Exmouth is on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef, a beautiful eco-system of coral and marine life that create a kaleidoscope of colour only matched by the Great Barrier Reef. Surfers Beach is ideal for surfing – hence the name – and Turquoise Bay should be explored by putting your head under water! Come between
November and March and you can take a guided tour to see the turtles nesting on the surrounding beaches, as well as learn about their survival, all at the Jurabi Turtle Centre. Drop off and pick up at Exmouth Visitor Centre, Murat Road
Karijini
This is your hub for adventure and activity, set in the heart of the Pilbara. Waterfalls, gorges and a rugged landscape await on board the Old Skool Karijini Tour, where you leave Integrity Coach Lines at the small mining town of Tom Price to join The Flying Sandgroper. This tour features spectacular views from Oxer Lookout, a lesson in the history of the park, a night’s sleep under the stars and a morning bathe in fern-fringed pools and gorges. Due to the incredible heats that the Karijini experiences (up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer), this tour is only available between 13th May and 11th November, but the weather will still be balmy and warm in the winter months to enjoy the water pools.
Broome
There’s a reason why Broome is the final stop on this journey. A seaside pearling town with
a rich history and gorgeous cafés, it provides respite from the otherwise desolate areas of the outback while keeping the fabulous views and coastal activities you’ve enjoyed along the way, so you won’t want to leave in a hurry. Here, you can shop and dine, or, as you can never see too much of the coast, head to Cable Beach and relax on the golden sands. Experience the beach with a ride on a camel’s back, or capture a sight of the famous Staircase To The Moon, where the moonlight beams down upon the exposed tidal flights to create an illusion of stairs reaching up to the moon.
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SNORKEL WITH MANTA RAYS ON THE NINGALOO REEF
Delve beneath the crystal azure waters off the coast of Western Australia and get to know this lesser known world wonder. Most people put the Great Barrier Reef at the top of their Australia travel bucket list when putting their itinerary together, however the Ningaloo Reef stretches for 260 km and is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs, as well as being the only large coral reef positioned close to the shore, with its closest point within just 100 metres of shore. The Ningaloo Reef is renowned for its annual visitors, the gargantuan Whale Sharks that visit every April – June, but there is more than just these giants to be found within these waters, another giant lurks, just waiting for you to marvel at its sheer size, beauty and majesty as it glides through the ocean, and that is, of course the Manta Ray. Reaching a disc width of up to 670 cm (yes you read that right, that’s a whopping 6.70m) the Manta Ray is a gentle giant, which isn’t dangerous to humans, as they have no sting or venomous spine. Due to their placid nature you can take in both the beauty of snorkelling the stunning Ningaloo Reef as well as observing these fish in their natural habitat, as they filter vast quantities of plankton through their vacuous mouths. Ningaloo Experience’s “Outer Reef Experience – Snorkel with Manta Rays” tour allows you to get a close up, all whilst respecting these beautiful
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creatures as they waft through to Indian Ocean. Their small 12 person tours ensure that the creatures do not become overwhelmed and give each passenger a good view with no crowds to fight for premium position. Of course other creatures can be found on the Ningaloo Reef including Loggerhead and Green turtles, Dugongs, over 500 varieties of fish and 300 species of coral making it the perfect location for snorkelling. To book your tour discovering the beauty of the Ningaloo Reef visit www.ningalooexperience.com.
Kalbarri Adventure Tours
that have formed a gorge system over millions of years. The first stop on your tour you will come face to face with Nature’s Window – a natural rock arch that frames the river perfectly, and is the main photo opp in the park – this is also where you’ll stop for homemade cake and juice, before hiking down Fourways where two reaches of the river and two side gullies meet. Here you’ll take to the water in your canoe and explore the stunning view of the gorges from the water as you paddle along the meandering river.
Situated 485 kilometres north of Perth, Western Australia, Kalbarri National Park is a must do whilst on your travels through Australia. The national park offers stunning gorges, impressive rock formations, over 800 varieties of wild flowers, and is also home to more than 200 species of wildlife including the Beaked Echidna, the Western Grey Kangaroo, the Thorny Devil and the Australian Pelican. Discovering the Murchison River and its gorges are a must whilst travelling to this stunning region of Western Australia, and one of the best ways to see the gorge is via canoe. With Kalbarri Adventure Tours you can discover the beauty of the gorge from the water as you paddle through the incredible sandstone cliffs
Canoeing through Kalbarri on the Murchison, you will find yourself atop Western Australia’s second longest river, and get the chance to take on the famous Z-bend, presenting the unrivalled natural beauty of red and white striped Tumblagooda sandstone – making it the perfect trip for those of you interested in geology. You’ll then have the chance to walk through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery as you observe the ancient landscape. Kalbarri Adventure Tours provide both full day and half day tours, which both allow you to take in the spectacular Nature’s Window as well as the striking red rock and overall majesty of Kalbarri National Park. Book your Kalbarri Adventure at www.kalbarritours.com.au
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GLOBAL TRAVEL
See The World
On your way to and from the land Down Under, discover more of what the world has to offer... While travelling to Australia may be one of the most exciting things you do in your lifetime, there’s not one person we’ve met that enjoyed the twentysomething hour flight to get there. Certainly not at the top of anyone’s wish list, the jetlag it causes can truly waste your first week Down Under, and make you miss all that fun in the sun. Luckily for all us globetrotters, the world’s full of other beautiful lands, so how about a visit to Africa, Asia or America, before you reach your final destination? Making the journey all that much easier, you can break up you’re the journey out there with more than just a stopover. Despite its seemingly lonely 90
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location, Australia is accessible from many places in the world; so you could go in search of the remarkable wildlife in Africa, trek through the rainforests of South America, visit the bays and beaches of Thailand, and dance the night away at one of India’s finest festivals. And while Australia may be an ultimate holiday destination in itself, it’s not unusual for visitors to jet off to other places in the world. Going in search of somewhere exotic or seeking a culture shock for the senses, Asia is particularly popular with travellers before, during or after their Australian adventure, as well as residents and citizens fancying a break, with direct flights to Bangkok
and Singapore throughout the day. Being so close to locations such as New Zealand, Fiji, Bali, Malaysia and a whole host of other exciting destinations, you’d be a fool to not experience these whilst over the other side of the planet. You could even choose to come back via America and work your way back up to Europe through the Western world... so be creative and see how many countries you can tick off on your travels. To inspire you to ditch the longhaul flight and see more of the world on your way to or from Australia, here’s just a handful of amazing experiences to be had across the world…
The Best Of Thailand In Just 7 Days Thaintro is the perfect way to kickstart your travels. With a week long trip in Thailand, you’ll meet other travellers keen to start exploring with you. And you never know, they might carry o Paying attention to its beaches, culture, national parks, wildlife, local people, food and nightlife, Thailand with ThaIntro begins in the crazy city of Bangkok with a boat cruise and Tuk Tuk ride, before you get to experience the city at night with an array of entertainment and the famous nightlife, you won’t find anywhere else in the world! Learn about the traditions of Thai cuisine in a cooking class, and then enjoy the fruits of your labour. An overnight train allows you to travel to your next destination without missing out on a day of fun, before you enter the tropical paradise of south Thailand. Khao Sok National Park welcomes you with limestone cliffs and a freshwater lake where you’ll spend the night sleeping in a floating bungalow. Previous traveller, Tom Ranford, named the visit to Khao Sok as his favourite part of the trip,
exclaiming, “sleeping on the floating bungalows in the middle of a pristine rainforest was an absolutely amazing experience! It has to be the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to.” Nothing can prepare you for the following day’s antics as you arrive on the island of Koh Phangan. Home of the famous Full Moon Party, you’re free to enjoy the afternoon by exploring the island or simply sit back and relax in seriously exotic surroundings. The true beauty of the island is in its nature, so take a long-tail boat out to some of the amazing beaches, snorkel in crystal clear water, trek through ancient jungle. The final day may be your most memorable, and will set you up for the rest of your travels through Thailand and Southeast Asia. One of the country’s most popular residents, get up close and personal with elephants in the jungle, then enjoy being pampered with a traditional Thai massage to prepare you for an evening of dinner, farewells and the beach party finale. With new friends and memories made, you won’t find a better
first week to be had in Thailand, but you can extend the week with ThaIntro’s popular addons. You can opt to spend four days on the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand’s West Coast, where you’ll enjoy chilling out during the day with your snorkel permanently strapped to your face, partying at night under the beautiful sunset and visiting Maya Bay, made famous in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film, The Beach. Or, you can head north to Chiang Mai, a jewel of a city with mountain scenery and jungle adventures galore including zip lining, staying overnight with a hill tribe and spending a full day at an elephant sanctuary. Seven days with ThaIntro is just £399, including accommodation, airport pickup, transport and amazing activities! Book your trip at thaintro.com
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PADANG BAI Contrary to the assumption formed by many travellers exploring Bali, Padang Bai has more to offer than just a ferry port. There is certainly heavy tourism traffic passing through this tiny town on a daily basis, boarding the boats that will ship them off to Lombok, the Gilis and other nearby islands; but Padang Bai’s attractive, laidback charm, convenient location and host of amenities makes it a haven in its own right. Instead of simply passing through to pastures new, give yourself a few days to stopover and allow yourself to be surprised by its charm. A small, curving bay town with a wonderful sea view, Padang Bai retains a quiet, small-town ambience with chickens scampering, ladies hanging out laundry and school children chattering away, eyeing the tourists with curiosity. Another reason to stick around in Padang Bai is that it was built around the concept of travellers making their way from A to B and consequently has everything you might need. Cheap, tasty warungs; hole-in-the-wall bars; cafes with Wifi; ATMs – Padang Bai just makes life a whole lot easier.
Things To Do
There are several things to do when taking a little time-out in Padang Bai. Firstly, many visitors have been surprised to discover that two small coves, hidden from view on either side of the main bay and port, contain exquisite beaches of white sand and crashing waves, sheltered by imposing cliffs. Take a walk up and over the hill from the police station to discover Bias Tual, also known as Pantai Kecil (Little Beach) and you’ll be rewarded 92
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with a perfectly formed, paradise beach. A few rustic shelters serving snacks and coconuts will stop you from going hungry. The other side of the bay hides a small cove known as Blue Lagoon. This is a great spot for renting snorkels, but the sun disappears from the sand earlier than usual due to the looming cliffs that carefully guard this picturesque, little bay. There are several dive shops in the bay that can organise diving and some impressive dive sites, not only around Padang Bai, but also just a short boat trip away. Padang Bai is also an ideal location from which to rent a car and driver or scooters and do a bit of exploring. Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple of Bali, is a drive away, located on the slopes of mighty Mount Agung. Impressive, ornately carved temple gates top steep staircases, leading the way into the holiest and largest temple complex in Bali. The mystical scent of burning incense and murmurs of people bowed in prayer lend Pura Besakih its peaceful, spiritual ambience and the
views stretching out over rolling hills will take your breath away. Make sure you cover your shoulders and pack a sarong to gain access. Another unique cultural visit that can easily be arranged from Padang Bai is Tenganan, the traditional Bali Aga village. This quaint and authentic village showcases the lives of the original Balinese people and presents a pictureperfect example of the culture and religion. Donations are welcomed here and a local guide will show you around the village and answer all your questions.
Where To Sleep
It’s all about the home-stays in Padang Bai. Take a stroll around and you’ll see plenty of signs advertising cheap rooms, usually in family compounds. We liked Pondok Wisata Tirta Yoga Inn and its clean, simple rooms based
around a compound filled with tropical flowers. Accommodation tends towards the basic backpacker digs – don’t expect hot water, but, to be honest, you probably won’t miss it.
Where To Eat And Drink
The port location of Padang Bai indicates that if you’re into seafood, you’re in for a treat. Expect to find an abundance of mahi-mahi, tuna, barracuda and snapper and although at 40,000Rp, prices are a little steeper than the average budget meal, but the dishes are still great value for money. For the cheapest eats, head to Jalan Segara to the east of the port. Warung Sinar has the rustic design of a typical warung but with a little more polish and serves up Indonesian and Western bargains. Aloa Café is bright and beachy with all of the international fare you’d expect from a tourist haunt as well as thick, thirst-quenching shakes. For something a little more local, check out Rumah Makan Pendawa off of the main square where you can assemble your own nasi campur mix plate for rock bottom prices. In terms of some late night drinking, there are three narrow reggae bars called Babylon Reggae, Kinky Reggae and Sunshine that alternate live music nights. The bar staff energetically join in the celebrations and the crowd is fun, lively and friendly. Despite its reputation as just a place to pass through on the way to bigger, shinier, betterknown destinations, why not stay a while and give Padang Bai a chance? After all, life’s about the journey, not just the destination.
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Images and words by Alex Saint
The Balinese people that choose to forsake the modern world and continue to keep their traditions alive weave intricate and beautiful cloth called ikat and produce carvings depicting sacred stories such as the tale of Rama and Sita. Take in the traditional, local architecture and look out for the sacred village banyan tree and giant, seesaw swing. If you visit at certain times of the year, you may even witness a traditional cacti fight where backs are bloodied by opponents wielding the spiked leaves of the pandan. These fights have a deep, spiritual significance and are considered a form of blood sacrifice, essential to the rituals of this isolated community.
Gorillas And Gameparks In East Africa On a round trip from Nairobi, visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda and go in search of rainforest inhabitants and adrenaline activity. A different kind of African safari, the lush vegetation of these gameparks, sanctuaries and mountains beckons you to discover what it holds. Beautiful places of nature you can explore include the East African Rift Valley, which offers up some of the most outstanding scenery of springs and lakes. A drive through the Nandi Hills is equally as impressive, while Jinja, sitting on the edge of Lake Victoria, is where the Nile begins its 6700km journey. Sweeping floors, a spacious, green countryside and small townships create a picturesque image with the mountains in the background. Around every corner, there is an opportunity to spot African wildlife; from camping by Lake Naivasha where hippos are known to feed at night, to visiting the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on an island on Lake Victoria, and driving through Lake Nakuru National Park where almost one million
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pink flamingo are famous for flocking to the soda lake. You will also get to experience the Langata Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. However, the highlands of Rwanda lay home to one inhabitant that you can really get up close to: the Mountain Gorilla. Families of these huge gentle giants are only accessible with a trekking permit, and is well worth the price tag. As if face-to-face with a Mountain Gorilla wasn’t enough, you can take advantage of the white water rafting, kayaking, quad biking and horse riding in Uganda’s adventure playground of Jinja. You can visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with Oasis Overland over 19 days. The Gorillas & Gameparks trip costs from £495, and local payments from £200. Then why not hop on a flight from Nairobi to Perth and hit up Australia’s West Coast first? To book visit Oasisoverland.co.uk.
FESTIVALS
Get your 5% discount when booking with reader’s code BBMBEATS
Of course festivals provide a live musical experience of your favourite, and as yet undiscovered bands, artists, DJs and musicians, they’re fast becoming a great way to see new places and travel the World. No longer is it acceptable to just go to Glastonbury or Bestival every year, we’re now travelling further to gain new experiences and take in new cultures. Going to a festival in a new location means that you can combine travel – seeing and doing new things – with the event being just one highlight of your trip and creating a soundtrack for your journey. There’s one company that is aiming to make it oh so easy to combine your love of music with seeing the world, and that’s Beats Travel. Taking passengers off of the beaten track (excuse the pun) to locations with rich and interesting histories, Beats will showcase the music, art, culture, vibe and lifestyle of each location, through exploration and events.
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Balkan Beats
On the Balkan Beats tour, you will get to party at EXIT Festival in Serbia and Sea Dance in Montenegro, while seeing the sights and gaining new experiences in Belgrade, Bosnia and Croatia. Throughout 14 days, you will get to see the artistic and political graffiti of Belgrade, try the cuisine that is loved by the locals and get a taste of the city’s history with a tour of the Kalemegdan Fortress. Once in Bosnia, you can explore the capital city of Sarajevo, soak up the nightlife, browse the markets and learn all about the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. Your descent into Montenegro will be met with beaches, drinks and rooftop BBQ to preapre for Sea Dance Festival the following day. When the three-day festival has come to an end and you’re partied out, Croatia hold your final destination of Split. On the way, stop in the nowfamous city of Dubrovnik and explore the grounds that are used in Game Of Thrones.
BEATS TRAVEL You get to see much of Croatia on the Island Beats tour. In the heart of The Adriatic Sea, spend seven days cruising along the Dalmatian coast and find all of the best party spots and festival locations. The trip kicks off with a stop in the Roman town of Zadar, before arriving in Pag. This town holds the best of both worlds: the great local food and beautiful scenery, with the hidden party capital of Zrce. With the atmosphere of Ibiza but at a third of the cost, Zrce is the home of Sonus Music Festival, where you can find loud music from the bets DJs, pool parties, BBQs, boat parties and water sports in the neighboring sea. When the four days at Pag are up, you get the chance to recover and rejuvenate with a visit to Krka, one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks. Beathtakingly stunning, it is the perfect place to swim in the freshwater and stand under pouring waterfalls.
India Beats
A country with a colourful culture, India Beats will venture from Mumbai to Kerala showing a side of the country that no other company can offer
including Bollywood, the hedonistic trance parties in Goa, sailing through the beautiful backwaters of Kerela and the architectural delights of Hampi for a 16-day tour. Journeying through cities, beaches, desert and jungle, you will get to see why it’s influenced so many authors, musicians and film directors in stories like The Jungle Book, Slumdog Millionaire and Indiana Jones. The up and coming India Beats will have a huge cultural aspect to it, but unlike other tours in this country, it will show more of the musical side, such as Sunburn Festival. With a focus on imagery, art and fashion, Beats Travel is the first known Music Travel Company rather than a traditional Adventure Travel Company. This means that you can tour the world and attend some of the finest music events. With hopes of adding Iceland and Mexico to the line-up in the future, the opportunities are endless. Costing from $800pp, these trips are much more than just a festival ticket or city tour. Combining your favourite passions – music and travel – you can get the best experience possible. You can book on the Island, Balkans and India Beats tours from 1st January 2015 at www.beats-travel.com
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Sonus Festival photo by Felix Hohagen
Island Beats
Costa Rica with Trek America Anyone with a keen sense of adventure will relish a 13-day tour of Costa Rica. New for 2015, TrekAmerica combines the heights of the rainforest with the depths of the Caribbean coast and almost two weeks of sailing, swimming, hiking, animal watching and exceptional discovery. A round trip from San Jose, specific highlights to look forward to include the 1300ft mountain water slide at Rincon de la Vieja, a sunrise boat tour in Tortuguero National Park, a walk across one of the longest hanging bridges in the country and spotting monkeys, turtles, sloths and crocodiles! You can also learn Spanish from your very own tour guide. While these activities are included, optional extras include surfing lessons, canopy zipline tour, a night-time bat tour and white water rafting, all paid locally. This active trip will get you to grips with the Costa Rican landscape and climate. The busy capital of San Jose, the 865 acres of Tirimbana Rainforest Reserve, the banana plantations of Guapiles, Cahuita palm tree beach, and the Talamanca Mountain Range provide opportunities to sit back and let local transport take you, or get on your feet and pound the dirt beneath you. Thick vegetation, coastal paradise and winding rivers provide a haven for wildlife, with bursts of colour every which way you look. When day turns 98
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to night, accommodation is provided in the form of rainforest lodges, hotels and a hacienda. This 13-day tour of Costa Rica is from $2,260, and you can add your flight to your booking from $1,412. To book visit www.trekamerica.co.uk.