EDITOR Hannah Shakir hannah.shakir@what-media.com SPORTS & NEWS EDITOR Richard Gadsby SUB EDITOR Charlotte Mellor CONTRIBUTORS Omar Soliman, Robert Bramhill, Sophie Saint, Chelsea Forsyth, Emily Schofield, Isaac Tesfamariam, Lucie Potter, Hana Barten, Aletha Davis, Arty Rajput, Prue Clark WEB DEVELOPMENT Luke Webber DESIGN Basil Thomas design@what-media.com Michael Cusack James Edwards PRINT & WEB ADVERTISING & MARKETING Tom Shakir tom.shakir@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162 James Edwards promotions@what-media.com Joe Smith marketing2@what-media.com ACCOUNT ADMIN Rahim Noruzi CLASSIFIEDS & LISTINGS info@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162 PRINTED BY SPOTPRESS NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Gaining the approval for the use of trademarks and images in advertisments is the responsibility of the advertiser and not What Media Pty Ltd. Advertising material is accepted in good faith and What Media Pty Ltd bears no responsibility for any claims or errors. Copyright of original material is held by What Media Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden except with written permission of the publishers.
Sign me up...
www.bbmlive.com 3
CONTENTS
Wildly Endangered
28
We take a look at some of the world’s most endangered animals.
Theme Bars
Sydney/Melbourne/Perth
TRAVEL
This month we travel from Europe to Australia, stopping off on the wrong sides of the tracks in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, kick back in the deliciously stunning Mauritius, hop over the Indian Ocean to Monkey Mia in Western Australia, then travel from Adelaide to Darwin on The Ghan. Enjoy our adventures on pages 20-26.
Surf Oz
TOP 5 EAST COAST BEACHES
EASTER LONG WEEKEND & ANZAC DAY GUIDE 6-9 4
www.bbmlive.com
Interviews
Groove Armada - 30 Kaiser Chiefs - 31 Kevin Bridges - 32 DJ Hype - 33
Build Your Future Down Under
We take a look at the benefits of working in the mining and construction industries, and how these jobs can help secure your visa.
52
EASTER & ANZAC With the public holidays on the horizon, we look at some great ways to spend the long Easter Weekender, and of course how to spend ANZAC Day in true Australian fashion.
What Is ANZAC Day? This Friday 25th April will be a special day for all Aussies and Kiwis, as it will mark the 99th anniversary of the first major military action taken by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in the First World War. The bravery and endurance of these men that landed on the Gallipoli Peninsular all the way back in 1915, will be honoured on what is officially named ANZAC Day. Memorial services run throughout Australia and New Zealand, with many commemorative monuments taking centre stage and peaceful marches of past and present veterans and soldiers. The day has broadened to also remember those in World War II and any military operation that the two countries have been involved in. ANZAC Day is a national public holiday and many Australians consider it to be one of the most solemn days of the year, but there are many establishments that celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to the country with good food and great company, without forgetting about the true reason for the day. So, rather than spending ANZAC Day wondering around aimlessley embrace the traditions and learn a little more about Australian history.
Tur f Bar, Melbour ne
This sports bar and grill will be hosting ANZAC Day Eve complete with a load of specials to last all day. The kitchen will be serving from midday, so you can get your mitts on some steak and ribs, while the evening kicks off with live music from 5pm and Matilda’s Happiest Hour from 6-8pm with $5 drinks specials. On the day itself, there are big games in the way of AFL Collingwood v Essendon at 2.30pm and NRL Storm v Warriors at 6pm. Come from 11.30am and stay until you’re all grilled out. 131 Queen Street, Melbourne www.turfbar.com.au
Don’t miss out on the Easter Bank Holiday celebrations, head to one of these welcoming, food-stuffing, pumppulling and music-loving establishments, and thank your lucky stars for everything you’ve got.
Precinct Hotel, Melbour ne
It’s all kicking off at the Precinct Hotel this Easter long weekend, with a massive five days of action-packed sport and music. Live music will come from Past To Present band and DJ Rob Vary with the live screening of AFL Brisbane v Richmond on Thursday 17th April; Friday 18th sees Jason Singh and DJ Rob Vary take to the floor; AFL Collingwood v North Melbourne is followed by The Wingmen and DJ Johno on Saturday 19th; Sunday 20th will show AFL Melbourne v Gold Coast and an acoustic session from Sammy V; and Monday 21st will end the celebrations with AFL Geelong v Hawthorn and live music from The Wingmen Duo. You can also expect the same great pub meals and cosy interior as always. 60 Swan Street, Richmond, www.precincthotel.com.au
6
www.bbmlive.com
Harbour fest 2014 at Cargo Bar, Sydney
Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee The hotel on the edge of Coogee Beach will be celebrating Easter Long Weekend with different specials every day. Good Friday is a concoction of fish specials and live music for a whole ten hours from 12pm; Selina’s has live music from 10pm on Easter Saturday and you can enjoy a $20 roast dinner on Easter Sunday. On ANZAC Day, Selina’s has 2UP from noon and live music from 6pm. With just a short stroll from the beach to continue your festivities, get a load of Coogee Bay Hotel this April. 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee, Sydney www.coogeebayhotel.com.au
Lovers of Electro will gather at Cargo Bar this Easter Sunday to watch The Aston Shuffle DJs, Sosueme DJs and local talent of Sydney for this year’s Harbourfest. Get down between 5pm and 10pm and receive free entry. 52-60 The Promenade, Sydney cargobar.com.au
The Light Brigade Hotel, Woollahra Celebrate ANZAC Day with $4 VB schooners 10am-12pm and a game of Two Up from noon to sunset. 11 HD TVs will be showing live sport all day at The Light Brigade Hotel, including an enormous 103-inch plasma, so you won’t miss a second of Collingwood v Essendon or Dragons v Roosters. 2A Oxford Street, Woollahra www.lightbrigade.com.au
Bungalow 8, Sydney Relax this Easter Sunday with acoustic sessions, fabulous food and drinks deals at Bungalow 8. Stephanie Grace, Double Bass, Oliver Thorpe and others will be taking to the stage, while $15 pulled pork burger and a matching Aquila beer will satisfy any hunger. 3 Lime Street, Sydney bungalow8sydney.com
Sugarmill, Sydney The guys at Sugarmill will be celebrating ANZAC Day with a 2UP Arena, $10 steaks and $4.80 VBs – do you need another reason to pay a visit this 25th April? 37 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point, Sydney sugarmill.com.au
www.bbmlive.com 7
EASTER & ANZAC How to Play Two-Up Two-Up is so much more than a simple coin game - get involved and you’ll realise it requires determination and skill to win. So, unless you want to go home feeling like your wallet’s been through the mill this ANZAC Day, it’s time to listen up.
What You’ll Need: Cashish All your mates Nerves of steel
How To Play:
Getting down to the nitty gritty… If you think that Two-Up is an easy game with a bunch of people simply throwing coins into the air, you’re very wrong. Amongst the noise of clattering of coins, there’s real money at stake - dependent on which way the coins fall.
So Let’s Start With The Basics…
Apparently, Two-Up can only be legally played on ANZAC Day. Oh, and on 15th August (Victory Day in the Pacific) and 11th November (Remembrance Day), but only after 12 noon. Playing it on any other day could bizarrely incur a huge fine or possible imprisonment – apart from in Broken Hill – where Two-Up is legal all year round for some reason. Okay, so now that’s cleared up, onto the rules…
Team Players:
Boxer – keeps everyone in line without throwing a single punch. Spinner – actually remains stationary for most of the game. Cockatoo – nothing to do with birds. Kip – less to do with napping and more to do with launching. You will also need a bunch of Pennies which are no longer legal tender in Australia. Clear?
Confused?
If you’re still confused, maybe this will help – according to the “Rules for Two-Up” available on the NSW Government website, placing a bet simply involves: “All wagers on Two-Up shall be made by placing gaming chips on the appropriate areas on the Two-Up layout. Players shall be responsible for the correct positioning of their wagers on the Two-Up layout, whether or not they are assisted by the Boxman or a croupier. Each player must ensure that any instructions given to the Boxman or croupier regarding the placement of the wagers are correctly carried out.” Still with us? Didn’t think so…
Port Beach ANZAC Weekend, Perth
Thursday 24th April begins the three-date ANZAC Weekend on Port Beach, courtesy of The Origin. The first night, ‘Why Make Sense’, will see music from Rustie, T Williams, New York Transit Authority, Nightwave and Perth Finest, then the following Saturday, ‘High Tide’ takes over Port Beach Sandtracks with Shockone, NU:LOGIC, Dimension and Ekko & Sidetrack. The weekend ends on Sunday with ‘Hard Straylia’, a finale that consists of performances from Destructo, RL Grime, Oliver and Motez. With epic production and mega-hyped acts over the weekend, get your tickets to these massive events now, and celebrate ANZAC Day to the max! Port Beach Sandtracks, Port Beach Road, North Fremantle www.theorigin.com.au
Our advice is this – just keep an eye out for a bunch of people standing in a semi-circle, full circle or weird disorganized line, and copy them. Go forth and play Two-Up!
The Victory Hotel, Brisbane It’s three days of Easter fun and frivolity at The Victory Hotel, as they put on the Easter Play House Party. Thursday 17th will wow guests with a Spectacular FX Light show across four areas, and then, when the hotel opens again on Saturday, the stage will be set for DJ/MC Lady Lauryn with table service from the very lovely waitresses donning bunny lingerie. Get your own pair of bunny ears if you’re one of the first 100 to arrive. The party continues on Sunday with live bands, DJs and the very special Chocolate Wrestle Mania even in the beer garden – for the girls only! See if you can win yourself some cash with the $1500 balloon drop, to end this Easter Weekend like none before it! 127 Edward Street, Brisbane www.thevictory.com.au
8
www.bbmlive.com
SYDNEY Found in the CBD in Sydney, Grandma’s Bar is a popular hang-out in the city. It describes itself as a “Retro-sexual haven of cosmopolitan kitsch and faded granny glamour” we can’t say exactly what that means but you sure do want to find out. If you do decide to entertain your curiosity, be sure to get to the bar before 9pm as it tends to get very lively from there on. Grandma’s Bar is located in a basement on Clarence Street, very innocuous but once you make your way down the stairs passing the horned animal head you’ll be greeted with the warm atmosphere and a choice of rum/tequila based cocktails. Lagerita is always an option if you’re in the mood for a beer, and the Magnum PI (which should serve two) is something that shouldn’t be passed up on. A generous serving of tequila, watermelon and lime juice, topped with beer and served in an outrageous tiki mug is one way to have a beer here. Basement 275 Clarence Street, Sydney www.grandmasbarsydney.com.au
Goodgod Small Club
Located in China Town, this American themed bar offers a plethora of food and drink. It’s also a venue for live music and Goodgod is very affordable. The bar has a great range of cocktails with most single measures coming to $12 each although, you can go for something special and dive into a “Cool In The Pool” that is served in a litre jug. The drink is described as a tart and zany blue margarita-styled tequila pool party. But, if cocktails aren’t your thing
then choose from their selection of beers. Head to the canteen for an authentic American diner feel where servings of gourmet interpretations of your typical American dishes can be found. If you can pull yourself away from the bar, you can experience the live music venue where you’ll surely be entertained by the live acts and DJ sets that have made Goodgod such a popular destination. 53-55 Liverpool St (between Sussex and George), Chinatown, Sydney CBD www.goodgodgoodgod.com
Papa Gede’s Bar
Papa Gede’s bar (pictured below) takes the feel and atmosphere from Haiti and New Orleans that serves up a smorgasbord of absinthe the traditional way alongside the classic and Tiki cocktails and wines. All these drinks add to the nature of the bar that plays, Funk, Soul and Reggae that makes it such an inviting venue for drinkers. Only open since the beginning of November, the bar has quite a solid fan base already. With its drums, voodoo and rum that lets you escape from the normalities of the working environment, when you experience it you can see why it’s become so popular. Help yourself to Barbados Slim, served in a tall Tiki glass that has pineapple and housemade “voodoo” bitters, rye, Benedictine, rum, spiced sugar syrup, grapefruit. Coming next month is a new range of custom tikiware and if that isn’t enough to get you down to the bar, there may be a chance to buy your own Papa Gede’s original cup
URBAN ESCAPISM
Step out of the norm and into a brand new world. Here we’ve scoured the city for the very best themed bars to help you unwind and have fun. From tiki bars to latino flavours, amazing cocktails and even time travel, make sure you stop by some of these great venues to shake things up a little.
with your cocktails! 348 Kent Street, Sydney www.facebook.com/PapaGedesBar
Hinky Dinks
The focus is on fun drinks that have taken the idea of a quality cocktail not being just a drink but also a fashion accessory from the 1950s cocktail culture. This culture has been brought to the 21st Century at Hinky Dinks (pictured above) with its attitude of happy hour not been a time of the day but a period that sets the mood for the bar. Approachable wines are another factor that keeps the customers returning to this small bar that can be found in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst. The two mates that have put this bar together are Jeremy Shipley and Dan Knight, who have the experience of twenty years and background in hospitality that has taken them through various cities all over the word. So, you can take comfort in that, if they’re there to recommend you a drink. 185 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst www.hinkydinks.com.au
Beejay’s Cafe & Wine Bar
Take yourself down to enjoy a coffee and some food during the day and wind down the night as the drinks change to more on the alcohol vibe. This quirky but quality café/wine bar has the charm, great decor and friendly staff that has put it on the map as a must-drinking destination. Named after (and no, there’s no sexual innuendo at play here) the owner, Benjamin Terkalas, a young man who has taken to this venture like a duck to water. At 19 he opened up his café and now due to its popularity, a wine bar has been a much welcomed addition. The wine bar is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and offers just a great variety of alcoholic drinks as the café does during the day. The vast wine list, range of beers, and cocktail offers will keep you satisfied during happy hour. 395 Illawarra Road, Marrickville www.facebook.com/beejayscafebar
10 www.bbmlive.com
By Isaac Tesfamariam, Images courtesy of Hinky Dinks & Papa Gedes Bar.
Grandma’s Bar
SYDNEY Black Star Pastry
There are a range of sweet and savoury delights to enjoy, as Christopher Thé brings his beloved Black Star Pastry to Rosebery. Shortcut quiches, soft cakes and intricately handcrafted biscuits are a joy to devour. C1 85-113 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery blackstarpastry.com.au
Kubrick’s
A bar named after the celebrated film director has opened in Sydney on the aptly named Stanley Street, which was supposedly a mere coincidence. A clean-cut, abstract venue that leans towards a more feminine appeal with no mahogany in sight, food comes in the way of oils, breads, cheeses and charcuterie meats while the wine list is short but enticing. The design is aesthetically pleasing and relaxed, which transports you right out of East Sydney and into a chic New York-style Italian café. 79 Stanley Street, East Sydney www.kubricks.com.au
Art & Life Work Shop
Ever fancied yourself as the next Mary Berry or thought about learning to beatbox like the best of them? There’s one place you can do all that and more, as the Art & Life Work Shop runs classes on all sorts of hobbies and crafts. Previous lessons have been in street art, African drumming, film direction and life drawing, and, head down this April, and you can take part in ‘Ukulele for Get out this April and see what Sydney has Newbies’, ‘How to be a Rapper in Aus’ and to offer from filling your wardrobe to ‘Intro to Astrology’. 80 George Street, Redfern dining around town. www.work-shop.com.au
Hot Right Now Cafe Lounge
A small bar turned performance space, Café Lounge is fit to burst when comedy, DJs and live music pay a visit every night of the week. Open until midnight Monday – Saturday and 10pm on Sundays, this bohemian cave is tucked away from the bright lights of Surry Hills, but comes alive with visitors enjoying The Comedy Lounge every Monday, $5 burgers and $5 beers on Thursdays and DJs spinning the tunes every weekend from 8pm. 277 Goulburn Street, Surry Hills www.cafelounge.com.au
Cipro Pizza Al Taglio
Sydney’s best new restaurant for good food on a budget, pizza by the slice and slick monochrome walls, Cipro has become the talk of Alexandria. If you don’t fancy meltin-the-mouth pizza with a crunchy base, the breakfast baguettes, marinated chicken and delectable desserts are just as beckoning. From mousses to cakes and muffins and biscuits, a tasty treat with unique ingredients and a secret recipe is perfect. Pay a visit Tuesday – Sunday, 10.30am – 9pm. Shop 9, 21 Fountain Street, Alexandria www.cipropizza.com
12 www.bbmlive.com
Josephs Shoes
Perfect for the well-dressed gentleman looking for that finishing touch to his outfit, Josephs Shoes stocks respectable and extremely soughtafter brands including Sebago, Lloyd and Moreschi, as well as their own Josephs label. Every design is chosen because of its perfect precision and timeless quality, using the finest leathers, materials and shoemakers. Located in Strand Arcade and on Pitt Street, find your next pair of stylish boat shoes for the bay or dress shoes for your next dinner outing. Shop 5, Strand Arcade, Sydney 249 Pitt Street, Sydney www.josephshoes.com.au
Tuesday
Coogee Bay Hotel 253 Coogee Bay Road Coogee $15 Rump Steak
Establishment 252 George Street Continental or a la carte breakfast in the garden 7-10am Bungalow 8 3 Lime Street Aguila Buckets 4 for $25 all day
Wednesday
Thursday
The Porterhouse 233 Riley Street Surry Hills $6 Schooners of Magners
The Animal 174 King Street Newtown $15 Lamb Spit Burger Tea Gardens Hotel 2-4 Bronte Road Bondi Junction Songwriter competition to win $500
P.J. O’Brien’s 57 King Street Pizza & Magners $18 5.30-9.30pm
The Orient 89 George Street The Rocks $15 Steaks all day
The Soda Factory 16 Wentworth Avenue Surry Hills Fat Bubba’s Chicken Wednesday $1 Hot Buffalo Wings + $10 Bucket of Chicken
Paragon Hotel Cnr Loftus & Alfred Street $10 Chicken Parmigiana
Friday
Parkside Bar 495 Cleveland Street Surry Hills Free drink with every main meal from 5pm The Loft 3 Lime Street $5 bottled Peroni, $5 bellinis + $8 share plates
Kit & Kaboodle 33-37 Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross Start the weekend off with KK’s bottle service
New Hampton
New Hampton is the most recent new establishment in Sydney to open its doors to patrons seeking all-day dining and drinks until 3am, Monday – Saturday (midnight on Sunday). Sitting pretty in the popular area of Kings Cross, the rustic charm of New Hampton beckons, while the urban glamour, simple but appetising menus and wine by the glass convince you to stay and return time and time again. The interior is clean, classy and ultra smooth; the walls are inspired by worldwide travel and dotted with beautiful artworks, and the floor tiles are extremely attractive against the brickwork and black table stools. Wine takes centre stage in the dining room, with the hole-in-the-wall presentation of all the lovely bottles they’ve accumulated. Even the ladies bathroom has its unique qualities, with barrels for sinks and a mirror stretching the entire width of the wall. Come to New Hampton for lunch with your friends and enjoy share plates of bread, fish or meat, or create your own with the snacks, including oysters, pork chorizo croquettes and buttermilk chicken wings with chipotle sauce – three for $20. When afternoon turns to evening, the options go up a notch with lamb, pork, beef, duck and Palmers Island Mulloway on the menu – a meat lover’s paradise. Leave room for dessert and try the rhubarb brulee – simply stunning. 9-15 Bayswater Road, Potts Point newhampton.com.au
The Forresters 336 Riley Street Surry Hills $10 cocktails 6-10pm
Kings Cross Hotel 244-248 William Street Kings Cross $18 Pulled Pork Party For Two with lettuce cups and condiments plus DJs
Saturday
Sunday
Manly Wine 8-13 South Steyne Manly Girls Picnic 12-3pm $40
The Lewisham Hotel 794 Parramatta Road Discover the best new live music
Darlo Bar 306 Liverpool Street Local Harvest Collective Pop Up breakfast of bagels and juice from 9.30am
Gazebo 2 Elizabeth Bay Road Elizabeth Bay $10 Water Cooler Tommy Margaritas 12-6pm Sugarmill 33-35 Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross $9.99 Cheeseburger + listed cocktails
Cargo Lounge 52-60 The Promenade $25 Punch Bowls
Gin & Tonic Week at The Rook
Believe it or not, there’s an actual Gin & Tonic Day (swear down, we haven’t made it up), so The Rook have come up with the brilliant idea of celebrating this staple drink with a whole week of special activities and events. Beginning on Monday 7th April, Juniper Society will be playing host to three of Sydney’s top bartenders to see how they create their own take on a G&T, using the unique flavour of Beefeater 24. When Wednesday rolls around, The Rook will be throwing a full-blown party to mark Gin & Tonic Day. Copa-style $5 Tanquerays will be flowing throughout the night, Rainbow Chan will provide the atmospheric music and the gininspired lemon sorbet are positive to get senses tingling. On Saturday 12th, the likes of G-Vine, So Frenchy So Chic and Daniel Clement from French Mafia will play tunes of French Pop, so everyone can lounge in style with a classic G&T in hand. Whether you’re an avid fan of the iconic drink or have the urge to experience it for the very first time, The Rook is the idea place to do just that, and what better time than during Gin & Tonic Week? Level 7 56-58 York Street, Sydney therook.com.au
The promotions in the calendar are subject to change at any point without notice. Please check with the venue/business that offers are still valid
Monday
www.bbmlive.com 13
MELBOURNE Fancy something more than your run of the mill bar whilst twisting your tastebuds in a new direction? Escape the everyday norm at these fantastic theme bars that will make you question whether it really is 2014 and that you’re in Melbourne. Asian Beer Cafe
rum mixed with orange curacao, orgeat and lime. At $19 a pop you’ll be resembling a zombie when you leave, and in the morning looking like the Kraken! 17 Warburton Lane, Melbourne www.murmur.com.au
This can be found in the dishes that are prepared with the freshest ingredients. The theme is 1920s Shanghai and there is a menu for every type of customer. Ranging from finger foods for a quick snack, to the Happy Hour drinks menu - which has some great offers. Perfectly suited is the Late Night menu which is ideal for those stumbling out of the Happy Hour needing to satisfy their hunger. Level 3 Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne www.asianbeercafe.com.au
The LuWOW
The flavours and vibes that you would find in Asia have been collected and brought to your doorstep. The Asian Beer Café has taken all the traditional Asian food ideals but has given them a little twist to make it their own.
Strasse Bar
Melbourne’s neighbouring city in Victoria, Geelong, may pale next to its big sister, but there’s a new bar in the area that’s caught everyone’s attention. Strasse Bar provides food, drink and entertainment between Thursday and Saturday, 4pm-1am, so you have to get in whenever you can! When it comes to food, authentic grub right off the street (no, we don’t mean roadkill) is what you can expect to gorge on. And gorge you will, with a delicious helping of burgers, lamb kebab and noodle curry. If you’re still hungry come midnight, you can pick at Paul Marinelli’s Famous Cheese Board for $14 or stuffing your face with the classic Dorito’s and Salsa for just $5. We’re not sure what drink on the menu matches the cheese and tomato flavours of the latter, but that doesn’t stop you from finding it! The cocktails are fun because if you’re not sure what you’re after, you can direct the bartender with a step-by-step of what ingredients you fancy. Each on is $15(ish), obviously depending on what you add. As far as entertainment goes, the cocktail master class isn’t out of the ordinary for a bar, but the murder mystery evenings sound like a whole load of fun that we can’t wait to participate in. To be honest, the street art that adorns the walls is enough to help you pass the time… With so much to enjoy at this sophisticated but relaxing venue, you’ll wish you didn’t have to wait until later in the week to pop in. 126 Pakington Street, Geelong West www.strassebar.com
14 www.bbmlive.com
Father’s Office
This 1920s American prohibition era themed bar is everything you could imagine it to be. The little features that reflect the theme of the bar perfectly are also the same things that will transport you back in time. With the 18th Amendment on the front door and a 1920s reconditioned fireplace, you would be right to have thought you had somehow time travelled.
Food and drink has a clear islander feel, with the cocktails paying homage to Tiki pioneers and using only the freshest ingredients available. The food is available from 5pm-10pm and are the sort of dishes that you’d expect to see served up in exotic places like Mauritius or San Tropez. 62 - 70 Johnston Street, Fitzroy www.theluwow.com
Father’s Office is a great venue to have a meal or just to wind down with a beer after work. You can head to the bar and take a seat on the array of couches, or enjoy the outdoor seating areas. A pretty ideal way to avoid the prohibition. 249 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne www.fathersoffice.com.au
Sweatshop Bar
Murmur Bar
All are welcome, even if you’ve got a yellow beard, black beard, red beard or you’re a zombie. Weird? Yes. But these are the names of some of the Tiki cocktails you can find at Murmur Bar. To those that are just after a drink in a funky cocktail glass, take a peep at the special range of cocktails you can enjoy. Like any good cocktail, they start off with a delightful dose of rum and what ingredients follow after that, set each cocktail apart from the rest. Not into beards or zombies then why don’t you tackle the Kraken Mai Tai that gives you the kick of the Kraken
This hidden den is self-described as “mischievous little brother”. Its décor is simple which is fitting as you wouldn’t (or couldn’t) take anything to take the attention from the bar. The attention to detail is focused hugely on the drinks and the time and skill involved in putting them together. By Isaac Tesfamariam, Images courtesy of Asian Beer Cafe & Strasse Bar.
ANOTHER TIME, Another place
The Pacific Islands themed bar/ restaurant is heavily decorated from floor to ceiling with the traditional tribal masks, exotic plants and even the odd grass skirt. A brilliant way to spend your Fridays and Saturdays is to get your groove on at ‘The Forbidden Temple’ to the sounds of vintage music, and live acts that jump on stage. If that doesn’t get you going, also on the same nights the ‘GoGo Goddesses’ also grace the stage to shake things up and get the place hopping.
The bar staff know their stuff and create the drinks with great enthusiasm but without the pretentiousness. If you’re feeling a little peckish, then you can group together your mates and chip in to get something from the sharer menu. Where you can pick from mini venison burgers, pork belly spoons and a collection of vegetarian sharing boards or you can order a side of hand-cut wedges if you just want to snack. From the dim lights, the drinks and the food, the Sweatshop Bar has all the ingredients to cook up a great night for you and your mates 113 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne www.sweatshopbar.com.au
MELBOURNE Pop Up Op Shop
Purchase an item of vintage goodness while helping others at the Pop Up Op Shop on Chapel Street. A selection of clothes, books, accessories and home ware, as well as secondhand designer gear from the likes of Gucci and Valentino, this unique store is run by Shekinah Homeless Services Inc, a group of accommodation and support organisations helping those experiencing homelessness in Victoria, and you can help by popping in soon and treating yourself to a thing or two. 110 Chapel Street, Windsor popupopshop.wordpress.com
Hawthorn Common
For a healthy conscience as well as a scrumptious start to your day, grab breakfast at Hawthorn Common. This lovely and fresh café with decked-out alfresco dining entices with the smell of baking bread, roasting coffee beans and even the odd serving of fried bacon – yum. Everything is directly sourced and guaranteed to taste delicious, from the carrot sticks to the extremely on-trend quinoa, for anyone on a health kick. Aside from the healthy smoothies and salads, this place even serves booze and, on Saturdays, gets to grips with downward facing dog with a 7.30am yoga class. 302 Burwood Road, Hawthorn www.hawthorncommon.com
Loop Roof
Enjoy an evening this weekend at Loop Roof, the newest hangout above Loop Bar in Meyers Place. An open, exotic garden setting with a cocktail bar and café/restaurant, the panoramic views of Melbourne are complimented by offerings of crab, mussels and alcoholic snow cones. Open Friday – Sunday until 1am, this exciting addition to the city’s nightlife keeps the evening going whatever the weather, with a retractable awning system and plenty of heaters to keep diners and drinkers cosy all year round. Level 3, 23 Meyers Place looponline.com.au
Hot Right Now From juice bars, to amazingly aromatic coffee, op-shop bargains, and cool hang outs, here are some great places to drop by this month.
Tropicana Juice/Food Bar
Captains Of Industry
Ever enjoyed a suit fitting, a quick trim and a quality breakfast under one roof? Step inside Captains Of Industry and let the professionals take care of you with traditional men’s outfitting and dining. In-house hairdresser, Sam Fordyce, offers a wash & cut for $60 or a cutthroat shave for $30, while the bespoke footwear of Roberts & Hassett can set you back $1200, with kangaroo leather uppers. Why not browse the other goods available, including leather wallets, notebooks, bags and belts? The coffee is good and the atmosphere second to none, so pop down one lunchtime and check it out. Level 1, 2 Somerset Place captainsofindustry.com.au
16 www.bbmlive.com
Get your own juices flowing as the guys at Tropicana blend their special ingredients to give every day a taste of summer. Recognised as “that place with the oranges hanging out the front”, Tropicana serves up breakfasts including bacon and eggs, sandwiches and subs, but the big draw is the smoothies. Packed with fresh fruit, every recipe has been tried and tested, with the South American Top Secret juice being the overwhelming favourite. If you’re not a fan, you can even get your money back – but you might be the first to ever do so. 213 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Asian Beer Cafe Level 3 Melbourne Central 211 La Trobe Street $8 Goku’s Choice Jugs 4-8pm
Republica St Kilda Baths 10-18 Jacka Boulevard St Kilda $8 Pizzas
Bridie O’Reilly’s 29 Sydney Road Brunswick $10 Curry Night with pot of beer or wine
Tuesday
Bar None 72 Auburn Parade Camberwell Toasties and cocktails ‘til midnight Saint & Rogue 582 Little Collins Street Sirloin steak and & James Boag’s pint or glass of wine $22
The Drunken Poet 65 Peel Street West Melbourne Trivia from 8pm
Wednesday
Thursday
Cross Keys Hotel 350 Pascoe Vale Road Essendon North Flip a coin, guess right and win free drinks 5-6pm
The Dan O’Connell Hotel 225 Canning Street Carlton $1 Taco with any drinks purchase Botanical 169 Domain Road South Yarra Alternating Cocktail Of The Week
As it’s the month of treating yourself to an Easter egg or two, the sight of Doughboys Doughnuts really caught our eye. Situated upstairs in The Mercat Cross Hotel at 456 Queen Street opposite Queen Victoria Market, these aren’t your average cakes with a hole in the middle. Hand-forged with love, a lot of imagination goes into these bad boys, that it’s practically an art form. You see, toppings here aren’t your usual icing with hundreds and thousands. Instead, you get offers of Earl Grey icing with freeze-dried raspberries and mandarin, espresso brewed icing with roasted almonds, and roast banana with white chocolate icing. If the crazy concoctions weren’t enough, you also get the double dipped variety, including peanut butter followed by blueberry jam and nuts, and truffle cocoa followed by crunchy peanut butter, nuts and shavings of chocolate – also known as the Double D. You really need to taste them to believe them! The guys at Doughboys don’t just keep the fun to themselves, as this coming 9th April 5-7pm, they’ll be giving away, for free, a doughnut that was created by one of their very own customers! If you miss the free giveaway (or can’t resist buying more), there are many established flavours to devour. How about the maple and bacon doughnut for a different breakfast experience? Or the unusual but simply delightful strawberry, basil and balsamic creation?
Sunday The Last Jar 616 Elizabeth Street Irish Music Sessions 5-7pm
Station 59 59 Church Street Richmond Live music plus all day Big Breakfast
Turf Bar 131 Queen Street $20 Wagyu Burger & Pot of Pure Blonde
Doughboys Doughnuts
Head to Doughboys Doughnuts now and pick your favourite! 456 Queen Street, Melbourne www.facebook.com/doughboysdoughnutsmelbourne
Saturday
Temperance Hotel 426 Chapel Street $15 Fish & Chips plus RnB and House tunes
Lucky Coq Cnr Chapel & High Streets Windsor $4 Pizza or Lucky Dogs 11am-4pm & 7-11pm
29th Apartment 29 Fitzroy Street St Kilda $5 beer, wine and spirits from 7pm
Friday
Ding Dong Level 1 18 Market Lane Chinatown Weekender Indie hits from 11.30pm
Vegie Bar 380 Brunswick Street Grab a healthy vegan breakfast 9-11.30am
The Carlton 193 Bourke Street All Day New York Cats Burger Bar $12 Chicky Boom Boom
Hoo Haa Bar 105 Chapel Street Windsor $12 Pizza & beer ‘til late plus Happy Hour 4-7pm
Father’s Office 249 Little Lonsdale Street $15 Alcoholic Ice Cream Float
Asian Beer Cafe Level 3 Melbourne Central 211 La Trobe Street 2 For 1 Cocktails All Day
Get Beautiful At Miss Fox Feeling a bit frazzled and fancying a little bit of pampering this April? Melbourne’s Miss Fox beauty salon has currently got lots of specials on to help you beat the blues. Get glowing with a skincare consultation with a professional who will analyse your skin type, determining the perfect treatments for you. The $99 you spend on the service is then fully redeemable on products. Got the glow but still a bit shattered and achy? Book yourself a course of five massages and receive the sixth free. So now you’re feeling relaxed and you’ve got perfect skin but, hang on, what about your hairy legs? Have no fear – Miss Fox has just announced that the gold-standard in permanent laser hair reduction is now available from their certified laser team. They offer LightSheer Duet, one of the fastest and most comfortable removal lasers. To celebrate, the salon are offering package deals for their most popular treatments, as well as one free session once you have purchased five. Then, show off those smooth legs with a professional full body spray tan; prepay five sessions and get one free on that treatment as well. If all of the above doesn’t float your boat then why not opt for a 15-minute Jane Iredale makeup consultation for just $25, which is fully redeemable on products. All of these special promotions are for a limited time only and it is recommended that you book ahead. Check out the award winning beauty salon’s website for booking information and more offers, head to: www.missfox.com.au
The promotions in the calendar are subject to change at any point without notice. Please check with the venue/business that offers are still valid
Monday
www.bbmlive.com 17
PERTH You may be in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, but why not escape after hours to somewhere completely different? We’ve lined up some of the greatest theme bars in Perth to while away the hours whilst you’re transported to another time and place.
Hula Bula Bar
Located in the Perth CBD, this Caribbean 1950s themed bar is open from Wednesdays straight through to Sunday night with every night offering up a different style of music. On the first night, it carries with it all the carnival rich enthusiasm and rich calypso rhythms to get your hips shaking. Throughout the week, there is an assorted mix of music that still sticks to the 40s, 50s, 60s and early 70s in line with tiki and Rock stylings of the eras. Sundays sees the chance to catch the odd live set from a local Dub muso Tayo Snowball, and from bands The Isolites and The Weapon Is Sound. BBM’s prized cocktail goes to the Hula Bula’s take on the Captain’s Grog, interestingly called the “Gruesome Grog”. With three shades of rum and a great blast of citrus and vanilla, it’s a cocktail that leaves you wanting more. If that doesn’t get your taste buds going, then choose from any one of the brilliant flavoursome cocktails on offer that are guaranteed to help you relax after a long day at the office… or the beach. The hosts for the night are DJs Razor Jack and Flex who will be spinning the tunes from hot R&B to 70s Root Reggae. All this kicks off from 8pm up until midnight while you’re sipping on your rum cocktails and grooving to the Caribbean rhythm. 12 Victoria Avenue, Perth hulabulabar.com
Varsity Bar
This is an American college themed bar where the prices are affordable (student and traveller friendly) that is located on Broadway Fair, Nedlands. Varsity Bar is a great place to enjoy some down time with the sorority style games and a menu that boasts 10 different burgers and a variety of your typical American
OUT OF THIS WORLD dishes. Yes, that means giant portions! There’s also the chance to catch some sports with live games shown to get your American sports fix. You can also kick back with your beer in the outside seating area and soak up the sun. 88 Broadway, Crawley varsitybar.com.au
Mustang Bar
This definitely has the feel of an American bar that is backed up by its over 50 types of US and American imported beers, and live sports on TVs and big screens around the clock. Have a taste of the American cuisine by heading to the US style diner which is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Every night sees the bar entertained by live acts. Mustang Bar also has its weekly events such as Wild Wednesday Backpacker and Student Night, with Swing Music every Friday starting at 7pm until 9.30pm. The weekend sees Rockabilly/Rock ‘n’ Roll taking over on Saturdays and Sundays. Find something a little different from most bars when you head to the raised area in the back, you’ll find a large humidor that is stocked with both Cuban and Dominican cigars, the finest you can buy. Good tunes, great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. 46 Lake Street, Perth www.mustangbar.com.au Tequila is the significant feature at this Mexican inspired bar, so much so, that the bar is stacked with around 70 bottles, and possibly even more. If you’re in the mood to really take to the Mexican culture, we’d recommend not going through all bottles in one night, as you don’t want to be out of pocket and on the floor by the end of your evening. Why not take a look at the food menu if you can peel yourself away from the bar for a moment? The chefs are skilled at preparing a wide variety of traditional Mexican meals from grilled octopus to a delightful avocado and crab creation. Either having a relaxed evening with a meal or choosing your next tequila to conquer, you can be sure to leave with great memories, well, perhaps if you have a sensible amount of tequila! 279 William St, Northbridge www.facebook.com/lacholitanorthbridge
18 www.bbmlive.com
By Isaac Tesfamariam, Images courtesy of Hula Bula Bar & Mustang Bar.
La Cholita
Beaufort Street Books
Settle into the comfy leather lounges and get lost in a good book, whether you’re a science enthusiast, looking for your next recipe or a fiction fanatic onto the next big thing. Very much a place for the community to gather and discuss their recent read, you are sure to get lost in the world of the written word, aided by those that created this literature hub. Make sure you don’t miss the hilarious Jennifer Saunders of French & Saunders and Absolutely Fabulous fame, when she pays a visit to the bookstore to celebrate her release of ‘Bonkers: My Life in Laughs’, this 28th April. 567 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley www.beaufortstreetbooks. com.au
Toastface Grillah
Let’s face it, an eatery with a pun in its name has got to be a winner, and Toastface Grillah might just be the best we’ve come across. If you haven’t figured it out, this place serves grilled toasties – and they’re freaking fantastic. The 3 Cheese option is a concoction of melted cheddar, gruyere and Emmental for $7, or you can try something different with the Apple & Gouda, featuring gouda cheese, ham, onion and apple for $8. Grab one for breakfast from 7am Monday – Friday or on a Saturday from 9am – 4pm, and wash it down with a cup of coffee. Cnr Wellington & Barrack Streets, Grand Lane, Perth www.toastfacegrillah.com
Hot Right Now Whether you need a new place to chill out with friends or fancy trying some different flavours, these places are sure to get your senses tingling...
Indi and Em
A fashion and accessories store for the fashion conscious, Indi and Em has been bringing exclusive Australia, US and European labels to Western Australia since 2007. Selling printed tops to leather ankle boots and flattering dresses, their aim is to bring affordable style to Fremantle and all across Australia with online shopping and free delivery. The store itself is welcoming with personable staff right in the heart of the Wray Avenue shopping precinct, so make sure you have a browse next time you’re in the area. 105 South Terrace, Fremantle www.indiandem.com.au
Wee Bar
Indeed small, Wee Bar packs a lot into its available 43square metre space, with chocolate, wine and cheese taking centre stage with an awesome French flair. This is a sweet little eatery for pre or post-dinner samplings of fondue, pates and cakes, where service and quality of produce go hand in hand. If you’re after something heavier, the Wagyu beef burger with blue cheese or beef bourguignon will not disappoint. 406 Oxford Street, Mt Hawthorn
Uncle Joe’s
Get yourself an old school classic trim and then pop into the café for a vegan lunch, naughty sweets and a proper cup of coffee. Uncle Joe’s is a barbershop and café under one roof, with such handy skills that customers have been returning since their first visit. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line to get your turn in the chair (patience is a virtue), but Uncle Joe’s can transform any mane into the freshest locks in town. Try the baked goods in the café or devour one of the unique subs or burgers on offer Monday – Saturday. 74 – 76 King Street, Perth www.facebook.com/ unclejoeskingstreet
www.bbmlive.com 19
TRAVEL
Monkey Mia
Escape to one of Western Australia’s most stunning locations, Monkey Mia, and revel in the abundance of natural wonders all around you.
Forget its primate name, you’re in prime dolphin spotting, and marine exploits territory. Situated north of Perth, you can either reach this little coastal paradise by air – a two-hour flight from Perth, or 90 minutes from Geraldton - or you can road trip it up, either with an organized tour or in a 4WD. Either way it makes for a great stop on your travels from Perth or the other way from Darwin. Monkey Mia resides 25 km northeast of the town of Denham in the Shark Bay Marine Park and World Heritage Site. This settlement’s name originates from the aboriginal word for shelter “mia” and the monkey part is thought to be from a boat that used to moor up nearby, named, “Monkey.” So that’s that mystery solved. Monkey Mia is located in one of the most pristine marine environments in the world, so don’t leave
the tiny settlement without taking a look at the place from the water. Whilst you’re in town, you can go on a number of excursions for all your wildlife spotting needs. Perhaps take to a catamaran where you’ll most likely come into contact with dolphins, rays, turtles, sharks and dugongs. The calm waters of the bay also mean no sea-sickness. So there’s no excuse to miss out. You may well have seen the famous photos of people hand-feeding dolphins in the shallows, and believe us, they haven’t been anywhere near Photoshop. For over 50 years, dolphins have been swimming into the shallows and making contact with the humans. And due to this reason, a great deal of research has been carried out on the bottle nosed dolphins. Strangely, only the female dolphins come into the shallows, but they are trusting enough to bring their babies and their visits are now a daily ritual. The dolphins, which are completely wild and come in of their own accord, take food from the hands of tourists in knee-deep water, watched over by calm rangers, who protect the animal from over exposure to humans - which can lead to a loss of natural feeding skills and interruption to breeding patterns. So don’t get carried away and think you can ride off into the sunset on the back of Flipper. It ain’t gonna happen. There are plenty of activities you can get involved in whilst visiting Monkey Mia. First up on the list is of course, feeding the dolphins. You just have to do this once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list task. Secondly, a great way to explore the area is on the back of a camel… you know if you want to keep the air of exotic adventure really alive. If you want to experience even more animal encounters then make sure you sail over the Shotover, here you’ll meet some of the world’s rarest creatures, the manatee-like dugongs. If you really want to indulge in local culture then be sure to go on the Aboriginal Cultural Walk. Here
20 www.bbmlive.com
you’ll discover how the local Malgana people have survived in Gathaagudu (the Aboriginal name for Shark Bay, meaning ‘two waters’) for thousands of years. You’ll learn the secrets of bush survival including bush tucker and bush medicine. Of course, if you fancy getting wet in the pristine waters, then you may want to indulge in some snorkeling, or just cruise along in a sea-kayak. If you’re a little more of a land-lubber then you can find glass-bottom boat tours that’ll enable you to explore the depths without whacking on a wetsuit. There’s plenty to see and do whilst you’re in this amazing part of Australia, so you may want to arrange some accommodation. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, then head to the Shark Bay Tourism Association website, where you can browse through plenty of options ahead of your visit. Or alternatively, there are quite a few campsites and caravan sites if you’re making your way up via campervan!
Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.
As you travel up the western coast of Australia, you’ll come to an idyllic spot, sun-soaked and overflowing with adventure. This is Monkey Mia.
Tallow Beach With camping facilities available so you can capture the waves first thing in the morning, Tallow Beach lies in a national park and is best accessed by 4WD or foot. Whereas the rest of the coastline will achieve 1-2ft waves, Tallows will give you 3-4ft swells to ride to your heart’s content. A beautiful spot to just relax with your friends, only experienced surfers should take on the waves here, so invest in a good board if you’ve grown keen on the sport.
Noosa Beach
Top Five Surfing Beaches On The East Coast Take our advice, use your board on these surfing spots on the east coast of Australia and you’ll find a break that will keep you happy for many days to come. Byron Bay Main Beach
Located directly in front of the famous town of Byron Bay, Main Beach is unsurprisingly popular with locals and travellers looking to hone their surfing skills, before taking to the more challenging parts of the coastline. Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club (Home & Away, anyone?) dominates the beach as one of the oldest of all Australia’s surf clubs and a view of the distant mountains and passing whales and dolphins make for a water experience to never forget.
World-renowned for its surfing abilities, Noosa Beach beckons every level of surfer throughout the year. During the winter months, when the wilder weather affects the waves, only experienced or professionals should take them on – with potential heights of a whopping 200 metres – but such sights pull in budding boardsmen. When the swell is smaller and provides a long, easy-rolling cruise, it’s perfect for beginners, particularly with the sunset behind you.
The Wreck Just north of Main Beach in Byron Bay is The Wreck, a great option for beginners with plenty of learners attempting the waves. The opportunity to ride is quite short as the waves tend to dissipate, but there’s still lots of fun to be had. The reason for its name becomes apparent at low tide, when the rusting old wreck is exposed. The sight of Wollongbar inspires everyone to come back to the waves and enjoy the surf experience on offer – even if they’ve long outgrown its abilities.
Treachery Head The best thing about surfing at Treachery Head? Its surroundings have barely been touched, so you won’t see a high-rise or nightclub in sight. The swell is smaller in summer and generally don’t reach above head height throughout the year. With a long headland and sand dunes as far as the eye can see, it’s a beautiful place to get away and catch a wave. To get here, drive south from Seal Rocks along the track.
Get On Board With Chix Surfin Specifically tailored towards empowering women and getting more ladies out on the waves learning to surf, Chix Surfin is a five-night surf and yoga getaway held on the divine North Stradbroke Island in Queensland.
A typical Chix Surfin week consists of two daily surf sessions – one early in the morning, the other at sunset – as well as a daily yoga class, either pre or post surf. Every morning after a wave session, a delicious breakfast that fills you to the brim is served and you are then left to enjoy the main part of the day however you like, whether relaxing around the beautiful house or spending the day exploring the island. Evenings are often spent back at the house, with the ladies kicking back and enjoying a glass of wine, cooking up healthy dinners and gearing up for the challenges of the approaching day. As well as the daily breakfasts, Raine also provides a mouth-watering welcome and farewell dinner and gives you the freedom to self-cater throughout the rest of the week. Whether or not you choose to participate in every session is entirely up to you. However, with Raine’s infectious energy and positivity, you’ll find yourself back out in the ocean, or limbering up for yoga, in no time! At just $550 a week, this isn’t a high-end five-star service retreat. Instead, you can expect a relaxed, warm, yet professional host, sun-filled days spent at the amazing island beaches, surfing, yoga and an experience you won’t forget anytime soon. Head to chixsurfin.com to find out more.
By Prudence Clark, Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
An extremely friendly environment, you get personalised tips and assistance on surfing and yoga positions in all of the classes, which are held by Raine, the enigmatic and ever-positive host.
www.bbmlive.com 21
TRAVEL
Explore Adelaide to Darwin On The Ghan
Travel through the epic Red Centre of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin and take in all the sights from Alice Springs to Nitmiluk National Park and everything in between.
The Ghan is the most experienced traveller in Australia, with its first trip dating back eighty years. Since then, it has perfected the transportation of millions of people looking to see the heart of the southern hemisphere. Whether you’re opting for the basic necessities of the red service, or the added luxury of platinum or gold, there are opportunities for everyone. Step on the train at Adelaide and take in the view of the Adelaide Plains, the sweeping land of agriculture and beautiful wine region; view the extraordinary mountain range of Flinders Ranges, just a taster of what’s to come as The Ghan moves up South Australia.
As well as The Ghan, you can travel to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth on the following routes: The Indian Pacific. This journey travels 4,532km over the open plains of the outback between Sydney and Perth, passing through the Blue Mountains and winding its way through the Avon Valley. The Overland. Starting in Adelaide, this route travels through some of Southern Australia’s best wine producing regions before rolling into the bustling city of Melbourne. For more information visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au
22 www.bbmlive.com
Your arrival in Alice Springs marks the first of the off train excursions included on the platinum and gold services, and available to purchase for red service guests. For a simple insight into the town, take the shuttle service from the Alice Springs Rail Terminal and wander around the shops, grab a coffee in a café and just stretch your legs around one of the most remote towns in the world, before you hop back on The Ghan. Red service guests will have to pay $24pp for this shuttle service. For a safe desert experience, the Desert Park in Alice Springs has been created with three habitats in mind, to provide an up-close exploration of the outback. Following a guide, you can learn the history and symbols of Aboriginal art and discover the flora and fauna living in the Red Centre, while getting familiar with the birds of the free flight show, all for an extra $155pp. Talking of birds, how about getting a view of Alice Springs just like one, from the seat of a helicopter? Soar over Mt. Gillen, Simpson’s Gap and the Larapinta Trail and take in the landscape that has been constantly changing over millions of years – a very humbling experience. Red service guests can expect to pay an extra $245pp and platinum or gold service ticket holders can upgrade their Alice Springs expedition to this for $145pp. Should Australia’s most famous outback town grab you, you can complete the journey to Darwin a few days or even a week later (there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from), so you can explore further afield and see the iconic Uluru or the breathtaking King’s
Canyon.
Leaving Alice Springs, The Ghan heads closer towards Darwin. Before the final destination, a stop in Katherine makes for exciting adventure with a visit to Nitmiluk National Park. An area of nearly 3,000km full of gorges, crystal clear swimming holes and spectacular animal and plant life, it is a world away from the bustling cities that draw most of Australia’s travellers. An area of untouched beauty, it is worth taking the time to really explore, so jump off The Ghan and step on the Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise,
a relaxing boat tour down Katherine River. The contrast of the striking rock formations over the calm waters is a sight to behold and one that can only be appreciated through the naked eye. This journey is an extra $110pp as a red service guest, and can be chosen as an included excursion by platinum and gold tourists. If you want to achieve a different point of view, take to the skies with a helicopter flight and see the gorge from above. Stretching for kilometres as far as the eye can see, discover the landscape that places Australia above anywhere else in the world for $267pp on red service, or an extra $182pp to upgrade on platinum or gold services. Back on The Ghan, a further 250km brings you to Darwin, Australia’s most northern city, with opportunities that include but are certainly not limited to swimming with crocodiles, exploring the beautiful gardens and lazing on the beach in the most tropical part of the country.
Images courtesy of Great Southern Rail
Travelling Australia by rail is arguably one of the most rewarding ways to see the country, and the journey from Adelaide to Darwin (or vice versa) just about proves it. With a stop off in the outback town of Alice Springs, through the most desolate, untouched parts of the Red Centre and an outing in Katherine, this two-night and three-day tour travels almost 3,000km. Best of all, you can sit back, relax and let the The Ghan take you on your way in complete comfort.
While the northern west of Oz may not be the most popular or accessible for travellers, it’s certainly well worth the time it takes to get here and is made all that more easier with the comfort and style of The Ghan. This is exactly why this mode of travel, with its fantastic route across the country, is growing increasingly in popularity and has perfected every detail to cater to its guests. So, if you want to see the heart of Australia in all its glory, hop on The Ghan and go exploring!
ACCOMMODATION
Discover SANI LODGE IN THE HEART OF THE AMAZON
If you’ve ever dreamt about exploring one of the most precious environments in the world, where flora and fauna work naturally together with the intertwining river, there is a place in the Ecuadorian jungle determined to help you realise it. The Sani Lodge is owned and operated by the Kichwa community in the depths of the Yasuni National Park, within 100,000 acres of untouched land. An ecolodge of modest proportions but epic opportunities, it is dedicated to ecotourism and environmental conservation, with thatch-roofed cabanas sleeping just 38 guests, camping on the shore of the lagoon and solar-powered lighting. Besides the bedrooms, a restaurant serves three meals a day (included in the price), and the dining room is open-air with outstanding views of the lake, so a beautiful sunrise or set will accompany diners as they eat. To complete the experience, the call of a bamboo horn signals when dinner is about to be served. During free time, a lounge in the hammocks with a cold Ecuadorian beer or cocktail is a very wise choice. Surrounded by the waters of Challuacocha Lake and adventure right on the doorstep, 1,500 species of trees have grown over thousands of years and exotic flowers have blossomed every summer; the calls of the 550 species of birds can be heard day and night and 1,000 species of butterfly decorate the view with a kaleidoscope of colour and patterns. In such a place of natural beauty, activities are endless and out of this world. The observation tower 108ft in height allows a view from the treetops, where a primate or Amazonian bird may be waiting! This opens up a whole new insight into the rainforest that is near on impossible to imagine from the floor below. There are dozens of trails to take with a guide and a trip across Oxbow Lake is both peaceful and exciting, with the chance of spotting the endangered black Caiman. Learn how a Kichwa family lives in one the most desolate places on Earth with a visit to a native house, and sample their culture, food and drink. With just the boat and a pair of feet for transport, the hustle and bustle of a city feels like a million miles away. This simple way of living without the need of the Internet, a swimming pool or lavish suites, means that a stay in Sani Lodge is not only unique, but affordable. Three days and two nights in a double or triple occupancy cabin is $646AUD per person, while a private cabin is $905AUD and camping $550AUD. www.sanilodge.com.
Things To Know, Before You Go... The journey to Sani Lodge begins with a 35 minute flight from Ecuador’s capital, Quito to Coca. After this, there’s a boat trip along the Napo River, a short walk and a canoe ride before you reach the Sani Lodge cabins. Sani Lodge is located near the Yasuni National Park which is arguably the most biologically diverse spot on Earth and home to hundreds of species of parrot.
Visitors will have a chance to meet members of the Amazonian Kichwa people, who invite you to experience the overlap of traditional Kichwa culture with everyday community life. You can learn how to use the blowgun during your stay. A traditional weapon used by the Kichwa people to hunt monkeys and birds, it uses a poisonous, paralyzing liquid made from plants and animal venom.
Images courtesy of Sani Lodge.
You can go piranha fishing during your stay at the Lodge at the Challiacocha Lagoon.
www.bbmlive.com 23
TRAVEL The Sex Museum is, strangely, not in the Red Light District, but it’s easy to find! It will provide lots of laughs and gasps from its extensive collection of sexual art and imagery from around the world and through the ages, but head over to the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum to regain some intellect – the collections of artwork here are astounding. Of course, the iconic Anne Frank Museum must be visited when in Amsterdam. The building has recently been developed to include an in-depth museum, which you walk through before entering the actual hiding place of Anne Frank. They even have samples from her original diary on site. Just try to buy tickets in advance, as the queues can be ridiculous!
If you’re thinking about heading back to Europe for the summer, Amsterdam makes for the perfect mini break to catch up with friends and share even more travel experiences.
When you think of Amsterdam, there are a few things that immediately spring to mind: the red light district, those naughty ‘special’ coffee shops, delicious pastries, copious amounts of interlacing canals, windmills and bicycles. Yes, it does have all these stereotypical Dutch delights, however, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the degree of culture it possesses and the ridiculous amounts of fun that you can divulge in! Be prepared to learn lots, shop till your feet (and bank balance) drop off, scoff soft pastries that melt in your mouth, and boy, do those Dutch sure know how to party... Amsterdam lies in the Netherlands in Europe, a stone’s throw away from the UK. The buzzing city is in the northern province of Holland with a population of approximately 1.1 million within its urban region. Amsterdam’s airport is one of the main airports of Europe so is bloody huge – be careful not to get lost! However, once you finally get out of the airport you’ll discover how navigable Amsterdam is due to its impressively slick public transport. Trams, buses and trains put English services to shame as they are in abundance and punctual, but if you want to feel like a local, hire a bicycle and explore the city’s many side streets by wheel. Amsterdam is set up amazingly for cyclists so don’t feel nervous about spinning around! Beautiful canals carve around the buildings and they are all lined with quaint canal boats. Most look huge and could very well be a regular house, until you notice that it’s bobbing in water. The architecture of Amsterdam is breath taking and you can easily lose hours snapping photos of the unique houses and quaint windows that surround you. The further you step from the canals, the more functional the lived-in buildings become – a testament to the growing population – but are just as
24 www.bbmlive.com
classic Dutch, particularly along the Hobbemakade. This development in lifestyle and architecture makes for a very exciting journey through this beautiful city. One of the most striking structures along the Hobbemakade is Rijksmuseum, an impressive monument that is considered the most important national museum in the country, housing masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals, as well as sculpture and Asian art, in its 200 rooms. After a little exploration, you’re bound to feel peckish, right? And the best way to get introduced to the new city is by planting your face straight into their delicious and authentic treats. Appel beignet (apple fritter) and Oliebol (an amazingly soft doughnut) are amongst the many that must be sampled. Traditional Dutch food includes Broodje Kroket, which is a type of open meaty croquet sandwich with wholegrain mustard. Try this at Café Brix on Wolvenstraat in the centre and you’ll definitely be eating like a local! Be sure to head over to De Bakkerswinkel for awardwinning bread and tiny sandwiches, which are guaranteed to make you fall head over heels in love with the baker. This bakery is conveniently situated on the edge of the Red Light District, so walk off your food by having a nose around the infamous area of Amsterdam. It’s a pretty weird experience, as it’s hard to take your eyes off the semi-naked ladies in the glass shop windows. Prepare to feel awkward and intrusive, however, Amsterdam is one of the few European cities that has legalised prostitution. This is a positive aspect as it gives the prostitutes rights, which include a pension, unions and police protection. If the district gets too much, just duck into one of the novelty sex toy and condom shops for a breather (just don’t buy your mum’s souvenir there).
Some of the pubs are incredibly quaint and get jam-packed when the weekend hits. The Dutch speak fantastic English and are incredibly friendly, so you’re sure to make some new friends on a night out! Head to Pilsvogel for some great local Dutch beer, and then once you’re ready for a change of scene, head over to Trouw at around 2am. That’s when the Techno party will just be kicking off in the giant warehouse club. Party on till 6am, then head home via Trouw’s in-house burger shop – convenient or what? Get some fresh air in the morning by patrolling the Negen Straatjes (‘Nine Little Streets’) to get a proper vintage fix. If you like to shop, this will blow your mind as shops like Zipper, Laura Dols and Episode are stacked high with great gear. Top Tip: fly to Amsterdam with a half-empty suitcase, as you could bring back a whole new wardobe from the Nine Little Streets. However, if your hangover from Trouw is too much to bear, be sure you have somewhere nice to sleep for the night. To make it easy, Airbnb compile a list of awesome choices for Amsterdam depending on your budget and preference, and are well worth the money when travelling in a group. You could rent an entire apartment in a great location, such as Rosa’s Urban Beach House, to have the freedom to cook for yourself, but why would you want to miss all the fun that’s to be had at the hostels? Not only is it easier to meet people in the same boat as yourself, CocoMama offers bicycles to rent so you can tour the city instantly, while Hostel Van Gogh possesses a fantastic central position. Alternatively, if you fancy an authentic Dutch experience, sleep on an actual houseboat and either rent a room in a Bed & Breakfast boat, or hire the entire thing for yourself! House-Boat Hotel lets you choose from a range of boats, from the basic to the luxurious, with guaranteed heating in safe locations, so you needn’t worry about your temporary home on the water. Wherever you end up staying, you’re guaranteed to not spend much time in bed as there’s a ridiculous amount to do and see in Amsterdam. It is the perfect European city break with the ideal balance of culture, decadence and a little bit of naughtiness!
By Sophie Saint,
amsterDAM!
Sure, you can pop into one of Amsterdam’s ‘special’ coffee shops where one can purchase doobies at the counter… or head to a Dutch pub for a hard drink instead.
TRAVEL
MAURITIUS
We travel to the jewel of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius, to unveil its fascinating melting pot of cultures.
Mauritius is situated just off the coast of Madagascar, and is surrounded by the clear aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean. The island is known for its harmony as a boiling pot of cultures. There are large Hindu and Muslim populations in Mauritius, and the island has continued to preserve its image as Africa’s success story through its social and economic peace. Mauritius is both an English and French-speaking nation, yet there is no official language. As Mauritius was a former British Colony, the educational system follows the British system. The teaching of English and French is compulsory in the schools, but considering all of the mixed ethnic cultures, students have the option to learn any ancestral languages that are spoken in Mauritius. This gives an importance to the beauty of languages and being able to communicate in various tongues. The list consists of Arabic, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Marathi, Sanskrit, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and as of 2012, Mauritian Creole. The shores of Mauritius resonate with tranquility and serendipity, instantly transporting you to a place of abundant beauty and excitement. You can walk the same roads that Mahatma Gandhi did in 1907 when he was in Mauritius attempting to bring equality for labourers. Incorporate the peace he was attempting to restore and the modern day escape to the sandy shores in order to fully experience island life. The depth of colonial culture has been eradicated since 1992 when Mauritius became an independent republic. The wealth of culture is still strong and resonates through tales traveling around streets and old sugar plantations. Now, Mauritius represents everything about modern day equality as a country beautifully bursting full of diverse cultures. It is no longer only known as a sugar producing island, and is now seen as the epitome of tropical perfection. Once you visit the azure blue lagoons and white sandy beaches, you will attest to its magnificence.
26 www.bbmlive.com
If you’re looking for a destination that ticks all of the boxes, then Mauritius will give you that and more. An incredibly hospitable island, Mauritius is the safe haven that will make for the perfect paradise escape. Grand Bay is the ideal spot for a touch of shopping ‘til you drop and nightlife that will keep you live and kicking ‘til the early hours. Every place in the world has a history and this island has a history deep in rich colonial export. To explore further about the sugarcane production, make your way inland, for a day trip and take a short break from the magnificent Indian Ocean. If you want to get more involved in the cultural side of Mauritius then the best way to do this is to visit the more unaffected villages. The village Triolet Shivala plays host to the biggest Hindu Temple, the Maheswarnath. It was built in 1819 in honour of Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha. Take your time exploring this village and its hidden beauty while experiencing the everyday life of the natives. Afterwards, take a trip to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius and its most populated city. There you will find the harbour that hosted the great French ships and was also the hub for artistic travellers. Writers and painters explored and were inspired by Port Louis and if you’re a literature enthusiast you’ll be able to put an image to the words of Marie-Thérèse Humbert, Robert Edouard-Hart and native writer Khal Torabully. The Hotel De La Citadelle in Port Louis is only 250 metres from the ocean, and for a seven-night break prices start at $830 per person. Royal Sunset Hotel in Grand Bay is a city centre hotel surrounded by activities and restaurants, and is only 500 metres from the beach so you can make your way through the vibrant city to reach the sun-soaked shore, or take a five-minute drive to Trou aux Biches Beach, La Croisette, Merville Beach and Pereybere Beach. The starting price for a seven night stay is around 19,701 MUR or $750. The treasure at the end of the deep blue Mauritian Sea is the dazzling marine life, and there are plenty of ways to acquaint yourself with these aquatic creatures. Explore the depths in a submarine, where you can observe the fish in their natural habitat. A good company to use for this is Blue Safari Submarine to see some of the best underwater
views with professional guidance. They recommend booking online in advance; a standard 30 metres dive for adults is 4,200 MURs which is around $76. If you’d rather stay above water, then you can go on a whale and dolphin-spotting excursion to sight the graceful and friendly sea dwelling mammals. With its varying landscape, canyoning is also a fun activity which can be done on the Rivière Papayes Canyoning Trip, situated near the village of Tamarin and starts from $90. Other activities are kayaking, mountain biking, walking with tigers at Casela Park or simply sunbathing - the list is endless. If you’re an animal lover make sure you look into the history of the Dodo as they may be extinct but the beautiful feathered birds were once revered throughout the island. Mauritius is known for its charismatic cuisine. As it is world renowned for its diversity you can expect an eclectic choice of dishes such as; pickled mangoes, crab bouillon and tropical fettucine carbonara with prawns. The dishes are as culturally mixed as the population, offering everything from Creole dishes, to Chinese, Indian and some European influenced dishes. You can follow all of them with sun-kissed beverages. Another reason to visit Mauritius, apart from it being the epitome of perfection, is the soul-cleansing spas. There are famous spas providing you with top quality professional service and adding to the luxurious feeling of get-away on this island. One & Only Le Saint Geran is a famous spa known for its great hospitality and services. The price for two adults staying four nights starts from around $850. Prince Maurice will make you feel like royalty and is another spa that will help you attain the whole Mauritian package deal of well-being and fitness blended together. Indulge in the Sculpt Balance for 3,000 Rs (around $50) and Vinyasa Yoga Group for 1,200 Rs (around $22). The weather oozes seductive perfection all year round with October and November bringing the very best climate conditions for your holiday. Don’t forget your favourite beach clothes along with a high SPF bottle of sun cream. You will want to show off your tan with a glorious golden colour - not lobster red.
By Arti Rajput
Travel locations can be judged on whether they are good for shopping, food or nightlife. Mauritius will easily come into the category that states it is good for the soul. Travel across the turquoise ocean to the island that will enchant you with its positive vibes.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS From the perfect sunnies, to the ideal delivery of your favourite tunes, and skin quenching essentials to protect you against the never ending assault of UV rays, we’ve found the perfect products to assist you on your travels.
Puma Sunglasses- PU15167
These puma sunglasses are the perfect summer staple with their reflective lenses as well as their rubber arms to ensure they don’t slip off your face whilst you’re having fun in the sun. $180.00 available from www.puma.com
Havaianas The true travel companion for any self respecting globe trotter, Havaianas have used the same ‘secret ingredient’ in their rubber flip flops for the past 50 years which makes them the flip flop brand we all know and love! It’s the rubber that makes every step in your Havaianas comfortable whilst also allowing them to be stowed away easily in your luggage case. $40 available from \www.Havaianas.com
LINDY Noise Cancelling Headphones
These active noise cancelling headphones are the perfect partner for music lovers who wish to be consumed by their beats of choice. The comfortable headphones also come with a detachable 1.2m cable, and an inflight adaptor, so no need for those crappy plastic uncomfortable plane headphones! $73 available from www.lindy-headphones.co.uk
House Of Marley Bluetooth Chant
This portable audio system is perfect for taking anywhere and everywhere due to its lightweight build. The Bluetooth Chant allows you to play and control music wirelessly from iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, MacBook and more via Bluetooth. The Built-in microphone also allows the Chant to be used as a speakerphone. It packs a very loud punch for such a little speaker, and its neat little case makes it all the better for popping in your bag whilst you’re on the road. $145 from houseofmarley.co.uk
Esprit EK17838
These Esprit sunglasses are perfect for the sun, with their polarised reflective lenses which not only protect your eyes but also are a huge trend this season. The rubber on the arms of the sunglasses work perfectly for those hot summer days when all you want is for your sunglasses to stay put as the rubber helps stop the sunglasses from slipping. $135 vailable from www.esprit.com
VOYA Skincare Travel Kit
This delicious selection of skincare products is so refreshing you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them before. The transparent skin masque is great for having a good deep clense, and the moisturiser will help to replenish the skin. If you’re on a long haul flight and need a wake up call, then the toning spritz is the perfect cure... but pretty addictive, so try and use it sparingly. $32 available from www.voya.ie
MX 685 Sports Adidas Earbuds
Durabillity and sound quality are amalgamated with these comfortable ear buds. With an exclusive ‘slide-to-fit’ system, the MX 685 Sports Adidas earphones from Sennheiser stay in place while you’re working out or on the move making them perfect for your travels. They also resist rain and sweat so if you’re going for a humid trek these are the ones for you – you can even give them a rinse… what’s not to love? $50 available from www.pixmania.co.uk
www.bbmlive.com 27
TRAVEL
Wildly Endangered Last month we looked at locations around the world that are slowly disappearing, so with this in mind, we took to researching animals around the world that are close to extinction due to the destruction of their habitats. Without coming across all global warrior on you, we suggest you make an effort to try and visit these animals in their natural habitats before they are gone forever‌
African Wild Dog This beautiful wild dog is often referred to as a painted dog for its beautiful coat. It resides in Eastern and Southern Africa, and due to their packs requiring large territories, their species is at risk. The African Wild Dog is under threat from poaching and habitat loss. Your best chance of spotting an African Wild Dog is to visit countries such as Tanzania, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Amur Leopard
This beautiful subspecies of leopard can be found in the far eastern Russia in the temperate forests. Their species is underthreat due to poaching for their beautiful spotted coat, illegal animal trade, and from a lack of prey, as villagers often kill and eat the antelope they need to survive. In order for them to survive populations of roe deer, sika deer and hares need to be restored, so the leopards don’t need to compete with humans for food.
28 www.bbmlive.com
Panda With only 1600 pandas thought to be living in the wild, the large bear’s diet that consists solely of bamboo are under threat due to deforestation. Pandas reside in the South-western mountain forests of China and females are thought to only be able to become pregnant 2-3 days each spring making breeding very difficult.
Himalayan Tahr
Leatherback Sea Turtle
These gentle giants are the oldest living relics that can trace their roots back 100 million years and can grow up to seven feet long. It is thought that only one in a thousand hatchlings live to adulthood, with lots of eggs being stolen for consumption, thought to be an aphrodisiac. Many of these creatures fall victim to fishing nets and being hit by boats. Another threat is that they ingest plastic debris after mistaking it for jellyfish. You can find Leatherback Sea Turtles near the coral coast all the way to California if you’re lucky enough to spot one.
Borneo Pygmy Elephant Indigenous to Borneo, there are thought to be just 65 of these elephants left in the wild. These cute miniature elephants were once thought to be remnants of the Sultan of Sulu’s domesticated herd in the 17th Century. The pygmy elephants are baby-faced in appearance with oversized ears, plump bellies and tails so long they sometimes drag on the ground as they walk. They’re even more gentle than your standard Asian elephant. These little elephants are in danger due to deforestation and the infringement of human settlements, often getting injuries from snares, by people trying to catch them.
A relative of the wild goat, the Himalayan Tahr are native to India and Nepal and are large goatlike creatures. Populations can also be found in New Zealand’s Southern Alps between about the Rakaia and Whitcombe valleys in the north to about Lake Hawea in the south. Revered as the ultimate hunting trophy worldwide, Himalayan Tahrs are on the endangered species list.
Right on Australia’s doorstep you can visit this manatee like ocean dwelling mammal. Feeding on mostly seagrass in the northern waters of Australia, dugongs can be found in Shark Bay and Moreton Bay. The Dugong is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest modern relative, Steller’s sea cow, was hunted to extinction in the 18th century. Dugongs have been hunted throughout history for their meat and oil.
Images courtesy of Michael Gabler & Julien Willem
Dugong
www.bbmlive.com 29
INTERVIEWS
Groove Armada Stepping away from the restraints of a major label and the commercial sound of their wellknown hits, Groove Armada have moved underground, producing an authentic sound that suits them down to the ground. To find out why they made such a move and what the music business is like for them now, we spoke to one half of the world-renowned Dance duo, Tom Findlay. Hi Tom, how are you? I’m good, thanks! Where in the world are you right now? I am in my studio. So we’ve been reminiscing about all your iconic tracks, from the chillout classic ‘At The River’ to the ass-shaking ‘I See You Baby’ and the heavy anthem that was ‘Superstylin’’; how do you and Andy work together to produce such catchy songs that epitomized pop culture? There was no grand plan with it; it’s just living it. So many of those tunes speak about the moment in time, like, ‘I See You Baby’ was very much that we were there in the Manumission Motel when Ibiza was at its naughtiest and most salacious. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time. We’re quite good observers of things and find a way to capture those moments. ‘At The River’ was just a very jammy thing. It was one of those things that was probably supposed to be. We just bought that CD out of Bargain Basement and it was the only CD in the shop in the town we were in at the time, so maybe it was just fate. ‘Superstylin’ was a coming-together of where we were in London and working with this MC. We were just lucky in those key moments and to find a way to capture that moment in a little bit of music.
reinventing ourselves. When we stepped aside, it was right at the height of EDM and it was tough playing in a band when everyone else around you was white noise and we just felt like it wasn’t really a world that we felt comfortable being a part of anymore. It suits us where we are right now – doing fewer gigs, making music in our basement and getting away from the major label studio system and getting back to making a tune, bounce it and have it out in a few weeks’ time. It’s where our heads are at now and will be forever more, I reckon. Would you say there is more or less pressure on you now? Much less pressure, you know, there was a huge pressure in the tail end of it because the label’s always pretending they’re interested in albums, but really they just want hits and that gets quite waring, and then you’ve got the whole band, which isn’t just the six/seven people but also their crew, so you’re running a small to medium British business really. Now, I manage the band, a couple of people help us out organising things like interviews and that’s it. We answer to ourselves. The downside to that is sometimes we’re a bit too easy on ourselves when it comes to records. We could do with a bit more A&R these days! We’re happier. I’m not ruling out putting out some classic Groove Armada stuff, but I don’t feel that there’s any pressure to do that. We would only do it because it would feel right and the further you get away from it, the less it feels like it might happen.
“it wasn’t really a world that we felt comfortable being a part of anymore”
Recently, you’ve stepped away from the limelight of the mainstream to go back to live shows, EPs and releases with Hypercolour, Moda Black and Defected, was this a conscious move after such huge commercial success? Were you looking for something different? I think we were. We had done that whole process of being with a label and touring with a band and we made the decision in 2010 when we did our last set of shows, we’d been doing it for over a decade and it got to that point where, particularly at Brixton amongst the band, we were never really gonna be any better than that and it was hard to keep
30 www.bbmlive.com
As the tracks are less vocal-heavy, is it easer for you because you’re not waiting around for vocalists? Yeah it is, the whole process is. Andy lives in France and I live in London and we don’t really work together anymore, we’re in separate places sending stuff back and forth. The whole thing is a bit less angsty and obviously we work with live musicians… The last album we did, ‘Black Light’, which I think is one of our better records, was the
hardest record to make, so the process is certainly a lot easier. I don’t think we’re necessarily coming up with the same quality of art, but it’s easier. Is there a night, a venue or a show that’s particularly memorable? There’s a few. We had some amazing times in Australia in Centennial Park in Sydney – that was a real special one for us. Also, when we closed the second stage at Glastonbury – it was like the Holy Grail for Dance music, so that was a bit special. We threw everything at it. I actually didn’t enjoy the show at all at the time, but then I watched it back on the TV. Why did you not enjoy it at the time? I’m just not very good at enjoying things at the time – it’s a bit of a problem of mine! I’m just so overawed and worried about everything; the smallest thing going wrong can make me think about that rather than everything else going right. We took a real producers view on things and if anything fucked up I was always obsessing about that. If you had to choose, which Groove Armada tune stands out for you and why? It’s probably ‘Superstylin’ because it represents all the best moments for us. When that song came out that changed everything for us. It’s not my favourite song we’ve ever done, but it’s probably the most important. It moved us to a place where we could headline festivals and that part of our career has been the most exciting bit of it. So which is your favourite? Probably something really obscure like ‘Just For Tonight’ on ‘Black Light’ – that’s one of the tunes I would actually go back and listen to myself, which I very rarely do! I love the track called ‘Chicago’ on ‘Vertigo’, which we made in about an hour. It’s amazing, I can barely think about making a tune in a month now, let alone making an album in a week! Thanks for your time, Tom!
Kaiser Chiefs With the release of a new album and frontman, Ricky Wilson, on The Voice UK, the Kaiser Chiefs are officially back, with a bigger sound and a more united team than ever. Bringing us up to date on the last few years, we had a chat with bass player, Simon Rix, to talk all about ‘Education, Education, Education & War’.
Hi Simon, how are you? I’m good. Where in the world are you right now? Just in London. It’s nighttime and I’ve just been working all day. ‘Education, Education, Education & War’ will hit the shelves in Australia on 28th March; can you describe the album in three words? Confident… New… And classic. What was the motivation behind it? The motivation was getting the band back, which sounds slightly weird… In hindsight, we feel like we lost our way a little bit about what we were in the beginning and where we got to. Nick (Hodgson) was our drummer and it was the five of us that started the band and we’ve always been in it. He decided that he didn’t want to do it anymore a couple of years ago and we decided that we wanted to carry on, because we all loved it still and we maybe didn’t realise that. I think it was a wake-up call and shook us up a little bit. This is what we wanted to do and we’d maybe been taking it for granted or had not been doing the best we could possibly do, so we feel like we got our band back. We got our band back on track to where we want to be and that was our main motivation. With regards to the title, why did you choose the poignant Tony Blair speech back from 2005? We always thought that having a name for the album, before you finish it, really helps with focusing the lyrics and working out what it’s about. It seemed that a lot of the songs we were writing about, because of the personal experience we were having, were about learning and education and also fighting like bows and arrows and cannons and military reference – ‘Misery Company’ – so me and Ricky started calling the album ‘Education & War’, and then Ricky had written a poem that had ‘Education, Education & War’ in it and we knew about the Tony Blair speech and we just thought, there’s a bit of
politics in the album and how politicians show you one thing and they mean another thing, and the title came from that really. He was saying his policies were all about education, but actually, as a lot of politicians, war is lurking beneath. In the last few albums, we shied away from making big, bold statements, and this time, we felt like we wanted to and get asked difficult questions. Bill Nighy actually read that poem and said “Education, Education, Education & War” and he really liked it and said it in such a cool way, that we loved it as well. So, tell us about the process leading up to the finished product. Did you head straight off into writing all together? Did you travel? Did you have to figure out how to work together without Nick, and with new drummer, Vijay Mistry? It was a very, very exciting, but hard, but rewarding year, last year. We actually went away – I think it was November 2012 – we did a bit of songwriting, because Nick was so important, to make sure we could do it without him. We came out with lots of ideas. Straight away we were confident that we could do it, it was just what we were gonna do and how we were gonna do it. So we started again in January 2013 and spent 10 months writing and recording. We travelled around; we went to Nashville, L.A., Berlin – sometimes it’s good to get away and just be a band, I think that’s when we get creative – and Leeds and London because that’s where we live! As always, every song came from a different place but we all started a song and we all finished songs together. I think with this album, we realised everyone has got to be involved for it to be a Kaiser Chiefs album, especially after the fourth album: Nick hired a studio in London and he would be demoing like crazy and we would go in to finish it, but we weren’t hugely involved – it was more Nick. This album, I’ve come to realise: no matter who starts with an idea, it’s not until we’ve all stuck our oar in and we’ve played it through that it sounds like Kaiser Chiefs.
You’re a quintessential British band with a very recognisable sound; so working in Atlanta and away from home, how did you keep that Britishness? From early on, we decided we wanted to do stuff we’ve never done before and one of the things we’ve never done before is record an album outside of the UK. We really wanted an American involved because Americans are really good at showing off. British people are not. Hip Hop guys are really good at boasting, so we wanted that confidence, you know, like with the three words, it’s that confidence that we as a British Indie band, so something really bold and great, and then make it less good because we’re shy and don’t want to push ourselves. Americans are great at pushing to the limit. We wanted an American guy involved and we chose Ben Allen because he’s done a lot of great stuff and he was in Atlanta. The interesting thing was that we got a bit of that boldness and confidence from him, but a lot of bands who go to L.A., come back sounding very American, but for us, we were the Brits and it became a badge of honour. We were noticeable by our difference and I think we became more British! We were dressing more British because it’s how you stand out. It made us aware of what was different about us because our reference points are totally different, and it pushed those things more.
“Americans are really good at showing off. British people are not”
We’ve been catching up on The Voice UK. When the BBC approached Ricky for the judging role, what were your initial reactions? I think everyone, including Ricky, was thinking it was a bad idea. Being in a British Indie band, you shy away from stuff that’s successful. You think it’s bad and then suddenly we thought, “this is the best possible thing that could happen for the album.” This was the perfect opportunity for everyone to take notice. He’s a great frontman and we knew he’d be ace – that’s probably why we didn’t want him to do it!
www.bbmlive.com 31
INTERVIEWS
Kevin Bridges
Scotland’s very own funnyman, Kevin Bridges, is coming to Australia for his first ever Australian tour, including 22 dates at Melbourne’s International Comedy Festival. Before his arrival, we had a chat with the extremely likeable storyteller to find out more about his emergence onto the comedy circuit, Scottish independence and his unique rider request.
How’s that going? Good. I’ve done two so far and both went well. We had a drunk guy in who got chucked out after about a minute, shouting that he’d been abused as a child… Isn’t that great – I’m getting on with a show and someone has a fucking meltdown! Other than that, they’ve been going well. Haha! It’s to be expected really, isn’t it? Aye, it gets you sharp and ready for it. It’s been a while since I’ve done stand up because I took 2013 away from live stand up and just doing a book and some TV stuff so it’s just trying to get match fit for Australia again. So, it’s going well. You’re the funniest Scotsman around, have you always been a natural comedian? [Laughs] Thank you! I don’t know; I’ve actually been writing a book about my life story and people have always said I’m funny. At primary school I was really shy and quite nervous and I never really spoke much, but it’s always kind of difficult to comment on whether I’m funny or not. At school the teachers would definitely mention that I was a bit disruptive! But they’d also say that I got the work done and I enjoyed English and I’d always write funny stories, so I landed on stand up and everything made sense, like, this is what I should have been doing the whole time.
Scotland, its people and its culture come up a lot in your stand up; how do you decide what’s worth remembering or making a note of? It’s stuff that makes me laugh. You don’t wanna know what makes an audience laugh, you wanna know what makes yourself laugh. If I’m walking down the street and something funny happens I just write it and then go and talk about it. That’s why you do these small shows and go on stage with a notepad full of stupid notes that don’t make any sense to anybody expect me and you just start talking and you stumble upon some funny stuff and that becomes a stand up. You start adding bits onto it and it becomes a whole big routine. Has the matter of Scottish independence inspired any new material? Yeah, I’ll be doing a bit on that. It’s such a big talking point and sometimes you find material that’s really big in the news and obviously you need to mention it.
“A woman went into labour at one of my shows”
Are there still nerves when you get on stage? You always get nerves; once or twice I’ve done gigs and not had any nerves, but the gigs are never that great. I think it’s excitement and adrenaline that you feel like you’re about to go on stage and speak to people. The day you forget that that’s what’s happening, speaking to a bunch of strangers, you would just be going through the motions. I would call it excitement rather than nerves.
32 www.bbmlive.com
What do you think about it personally? I need to do a bit more reading on it. I’ve got the paper book at home so I’ll be reading that. I’d probably vote yes if it was tomorrow. So, you’re touring Australia for the very first time; what can ticket-holders
expect? A guy on stage! [Laughs] Hopefully it will be a good laugh and just the usual stuff.
You’re here for a considerably long time, as you’re doing 22 shows for Melbourne International Comedy Festival; has your experience with Glasgow’s own comedy festival prepared you for consecutive dates? I’m used to always gigging and I think last year was the longest I’ve ever went without gigs. I’ve always gigged five or six times a week so that’s normal. It only looks busy if you’re not a stand up. It’s a long time but it’s pretty straight forward. It’s better than working nine ‘til five – it’s only an hour every night!
You sold out Glasgow’s own International Comedy Festival four years running and your 2012 tour selling a staggering 45,000 tickets in just one day; are you like, the Beyoncé of comedy? Yes! I would definitely refer to myself as that! The ticket sales stuff is nothing that I really think about. It’s nice that people wanna come and see you but if I was to go back to playing 100 seats in ten years time, I’m still gonna be working as hard. It’s nice, but I don’t get too attached to it. Obviously financially it’s nice, but… Well, yeah! It’s a bonus… When you’re touring, what things do you like to take with you? Any diva-ish requests you can amuse us with? The only thing I ask for backstage is a local newspaper, I like to know what’s going on and if you’ve got a joke about a certain subject and something horrific’s happened that week, then obviously you need to know. And it’s good to know about local essences because it makes it more unique. If I do a joke about Swindon, it can only be done in Swindon, so it makes it live and let’s the audience see that they’re getting something different. I don’t have any yoga mats or scented candles – just the Swindon Gazette! I actually hate being backstage, that’s the bit I hate, doing the sound check. I like to show up like 10 minutes before and then just go on stage or just stand at the side of the stage and watch the audience. You mentioned a drunk guy earlier that was removed from the crowd; what’s the most memorable experience you’ve had from a member of the crowd? A woman went into labour at one of my shows.
Interviews by Charlotte Mellor
Hi Kevin, how are you? I’m good! I’m just in London, doing some warm up shows, just trying out some new material.
Wow! So, you could say that you laughed her into labour? I never actually knew it was happening! That’s how bad the sound is in these big venues, that I never even heard her screaming.
DJ Hype Pioneering Drum & Bass since the ‘90s, DJ Hype is the underground king always pushing for excellence, whether it’s for his own sets or the releases from Real Playaz. He’s touring Oz this April, so we thought it would be a great time to pick his brain on commercial D&B, and what’s in store for 2014.
Excellent. Where in the world are you right now? I am at home in east London, preparing for my radio show tonight. Where’s the most amazing destination that your career has taken you? Everywhere is amazing for different reasons, and I am lucky enough to have travelled all over the globe: USA, Canada, Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand), all over Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania… I had never been anywhere outside of the UK before I DJ’d and was pretty much destined life on the dark side of the street. A lot of the people I grew up with are mad, dead or in prison. It sounds cheesy, but music really did save my life and gave me the option to escape the path I was heading down in my early teens.
the importance of both scenes running parallel, although I believe the underground is where the best producers are created and the mainstream is where Drum and Bass is pretty much based on the vocal hook rather than its production. To sum it up, I support the commercial side as long as we have a strong underground movement too… And right now I feel we have the best of both worlds. A lot of us grew up listening to you in our teens/ late teens, and now D&B is such a mainstream different thing... What do you think changed that made it this way? If a type of music is good and popular on the underground, then it will have pop hits in the end and that will inspire more artists to make pop hits rather than underground music and in the early days the mainstream did not follow our music or understand it… Now we have young people who work in the mainstream music scene that grew up on Jungle/Drum and Bass, and also commercial radio support. All this did not happen so much in the early days.
“A lot of the people I grew up with are mad, dead or in prison”
D&B is in the mainstream now with acts such as Rudimental. How does that make you feel as one of the originators? I have mixed feelings on this. I am not personally into the whole commercial Drum and Bass made for mainstream sound, after all Drum and Bass music was originally created as rebellious music to stick our fingers up at the mainstream and never got mainstream support. If a track did end up in the Pop charts it was a genuine hit made by the underground and the top end of Drum and Bass DJs and producers and the fans acted as a filter to stop anything that was not genuine getting through. Now it’s more about getting Radio 1 to play stand, bypassing the underground, but the positive side is it brings in new fans to Drum and Bass that will get into the underground side too. The underground side of drum and bass is where I am most comfortable, as I am one of the pioneers who created it as a two finger salute to the mainstream who never supported us, but these days I see
It’s hard for those coming out of a generation that had endless access to good Electronic, Dance, Drum and Bass in the early noughties, to now be confronted with mainstream “EDM” which a lot of seems to lack depth - what are your thoughts on this? Do you think the gates being opened by the Internet have played a role in this? On a personal tip, I am not that mad on the whole EDM sound, but I don’t hate it either. It’s a music that is popular with a lot of young people today. I have noticed over the years that every four-five years the music changes direction and the younger crowd will love the change and the older crowd will bang on about it not being like it was in their day… I went through a period of being like that myself, but snapped out of it as I realised my whole career has been organic and I have evolved with it. Being organic has kept me at the top of my game for this long, plus if the music did not evolve in different
ways, it would have died years ago. I don’t always like the direction Drum and Bass goes, but I also recognise its needs to keep moving like it always has to stay alive. So tell us, what’s new on Real Playaz? Any artists we should be listening out for coming out of there? We have original Sin EP, Annix EP, Heist and Pleasure Ep, Flavours Vol 7, Bass Brothers EP, and hopefully a Hazard project. Having a nice roster of artists means I can get a lot more music released on a more regular scale compared to a couple of years ago. What are you currently working on? Can we look forward to some new beat treats? I am getting in the studio to start producing again. It’s early days for me, but I should hopefully get a release later this year. So what’s in the pipeline for 2014? We are getting more label nights around the UK and Europe, and I am looking forward to getting more label nights in 2015. I have just started a new Playaz label for up-and-coming Drum and Bass artists. We have Potential Badboy, Original Sin, and maybe even Hazard all looking to do albums as well as the regular onslaught of releases on Playaz including artists Annix, Sub Zero, Taxman, Original Sin and Bass Brother. I will be touring Asia later this year as well as the usual DJ schedule taking me all around the globe as well as my playaz@fabric london night that is in its 14th year and my regular radio show on Kiss, now in its 20th year, and I am even producing some music in the studio at the moment with Potential Badboy and Tyke – just got to find the time to fit it all in! Thanks Hype we look forward to catching you and Funsta on tour!
Catch DJ Hype at Chinese Laundry on14th April 2014.
By Hannah Shakir
Hi Hype, how are you? Great!
www.bbmlive.com 33
MUSIC NEWS
h c t a w o t ones HONEYBLOOD Following the Scottish Indie successes of Frightened Rabbit and We Were Promised Jetpacks, are female, Glasgow based two-piece, Honeyblood. Shona McVicar (drums) and Stina Marie Claire Tweeddale (vocals/guitar,) are here to establish that girls can create cracking Indie too. As Deap Valley have also proved, girls can do Grunge and thrash a guitar or bash a drum face with as much aptitude and passion as the boys. Honeyblood are here to help form a rise in girls and guitars with their bitter-sweet, grungy Pop. The pair have played The Great Escape Festival and had the privilege of supporting the likes of recognised Indie lads Palma Violets. ‘Bud’ is the debut single release from the duo which shows their feminine and sugary take on Grunge, the guitars chewy enough to mosh your head to, but the lyrics syrupy enough to sing along with. Their latest online release ‘Choker’, gives a sneak peak of their first album, exposing a more menacing side with deeper vocals and a more threatening sound on drums and guitar. ‘Choker’ proves the pair mean business, they are here to shake things up with a touch of intimidating and ominous girl power. Honeyblood have been spreading their sweet scuzz across the UK with a tour last month, and they also played SXSW. Honeyblood’s debut ‘Bud’ is out now on Fatcat Records. The girls should have a full LP and complete album out later this year, so watch this space! .
34 www.bbmlive.com
SO AK
A new month, a new talented singer-songwriter to be unveiled by BBM. This April we introduce you to a ‘Short Irish kid who appreciates dragons and dinosaurs,’ as her bio describes. SOAK A.K.A Bridie Monds-Watson is a mere 17 years of age with a delicate and beautiful talent for vocals and guitar. The alluringly unique youngster hails from Derry/London-Derry and already has a vast collection of EPs behind her, despite having only picked a guitar up around four years ago. In cute boyish apparel, the small and dainty SOAK contrastingly shows a big heart through her soothing and soft vocals, with twinkling guitar chords. She recently demonstrated her rising talent in supporting BBC Sounds of 2014 praised George Ezra, including his big London show at Dingwalls. Previously released EPs include ‘Trains’ and ‘Sea Creatures’. Bridie Monds-Watson explores common situations with a touching spark, relating interfering people to creatures from the sea. “I know there’s monsters in your house, I’ll be your ghost buster,” she sings innovatively on ‘Trains’. SOAK’s lyric writing beholds a childish element of fun, yet their emotive abilities express that she is beyond her years.
PAT LO K
Fresh new talent on the Dance music scene hails from Vancouver, Canada, with young DJ and Producer Pat Lok. Little is known about the rising talent music man as of yet, but his release ‘Move Slow’ last month has brought him into the limelight. And with his innovative and creative play on catchy, dance floor tracks, he is certainly one to keep an eye on. ‘Move Slow’ saw Kaeyae Alo feature with her soothing vocals over electric, body moving synth. It was released via THUMP and is available now on BMKLTSCH RCRDS. The accompanying video directed by Jen Oleksiuk and Scopitone Films is a refreshing take on the Dance video. Ditching typical club scenes and half naked women, the visuals are of artistic substance. The video explores superstitions surrounding red roses. Pat Lok has also previously remixed the works of AlunaGeorge and Cashmere Cat, an expert of breathing a new lease of life into music, he also shows innovation with his own tracks. ‘Body II Me’ (available via SoundCloud) for example, also demonstrates his refreshing approach, with House beats and colossal club-filled energy.
Thief ‘Closer’
Chela ‘Zero’
The Horrors ‘I See You’
Hailing from Sydney, Electronic Pop producer, PJ Wolf, releases ‘Closer’. He exchanges his old guitar sound, for sensationally upbeat synthesisers, with the leading single, from his new EP of the same name. The funky track is soulful enough to get you singing along, proving his experimental swap was a positive move.
Alternative Pop act Chela’s single ‘Zero,’ reminds BBM of Madonna’s early releases, with Chela’s prominent vocal style. She smoothly purrs, fairly deeply on the verses, before hitting higher on the chorus’, “I never wanna play alone if I go back to zero!” Her vocal range is able to perk the ears into attention.
Experimental Indie-Rock and Grunge fellows with the fantastic hair, The Horrors give a sneak peek into their fourth album, ‘Luminous,’ with the single ‘I See You’.
The vocals complain, “I’m too tired of watching you fuck me over, I can’t be what you want me to, just look - closer!” The lyrics though negative of a failing relationship, are contrasted by spiralling synth, claps and foot tapping beats.
Moving away from its synth beats, the track breaks into twangly electric guitar, adding an element of old-school Funk.
Dribbles of Jazz drip into the track with the use of brass, adding to the uplifting mood in a refreshingly original way. With its often identifiable theme in the track’s words, paired with feel-good electronic sounds, a listener might find themselves singing along venomously with a juxtaposing smile on their face - and hey why not, maybe a few dance moves too?
Chela seems certainly fuelled by a retro fashion, (and no, we are not just talking about her 90s get up,) the tune wouldn’t sound amiss in an 80s chick flick. But its combination of new Dance and Pop, with a lingering nostalgia for what has been done before, is exactly why we like it. Chela teamed up with Le Bruce in writing and producing the track, and the single is the leading track from the ‘Zero’ EP, out now on Kitsune.
With their newer recordings The Horrors will be turning more towards the danceable it seems. ‘I See You’, remains in their usual realms of experimentation and psychedelic. Yet, with more use of electronic sounds and synth, they step into unchartered territories. “I can see your future...” sings lead Faris Badwan in his usual deep and seductive manner, “And all the things you might do, all the things you’d like to.” Well Faris, with a voice that handsome we’d like to stroke your hair and ask you to whip out your crystal ball. The outro perhaps sees The Horrors at their most atmospheric yet, as a whirlwind of noise almost takes off like a rocket. ‘I See You’ is out now on XL Recordings.
EP Review SBTRKT ‘Transitions’
Fans of the tribal masked, Electronic music master, SBTRKT, have been in anticipation since his thriving debut album back in 2011. Yet once again, from behind his disguise, he returns to let the music speak for itself. In the process of his second album, SBTRKT unveils the six-track, instrumental, EP ‘Transitions’. The latest works are a journey of instrumental and electronic discovery. It transports the listener through SBTRK’s loved and original sound. He continues to contrast and mix the indigenous drumbeat with computerised sounds of the future. Accompanying the music, artwork was carefully crafted by the ingenious intellect of A Hidden Place, (the artist responsible for SBTRKT’s famous tribal wear), and PARTY. Its assembly forms a fascinating visual effect, simulated digitally on the streaming website, and fashioned on the release’s vinyl. Funky twinkles of otherworldly bird-like noises, spiral into the opening, with the blissful ‘Gamalena’. The opener resonates the idea of a party in a rain forest, as it seems to be in touch with an earthly element, whilst bops of beat dance through its leaves. We fly to a completely different space and time, as the second instalment murmurs into life. Fragments of barely audible language and distorted electronics, resembling telephonic communication. We “hold the line” as the track musically paints the idea of a busy office. With a moody and marvellous beat ‘KYOTO’ slowly and atmospherically builds. It breaks into a sequence of synth wonder. As the music evokes a span of mood, the artwork alters too, evolving into different colours and feeling. Whilst ‘Transitions’ is an atmospheric and distinctive Dance experience, SBTRKT also proves Electronic music as not just a meaningless floor filler - but a creative expression of art. ‘Transitions’ can be heard at transitions.sbtrkt.com/, available for download and on 12” vinyl, on Young Turks.
Top Podcasts, Radio & Sets Boiler Room, Melbourne Roof - Chet Faker
From the rooftops of Melbourne with the sun shining, The Boiler room presents forty-five minutes with the heavenly DJ and Electronica man Chet Faker. Hear the magical live setting for yourself, and transport yourself to Melbourne, from wherever you may be listening. Pure bliss. Available on SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/ platform/boiler-room-melbourne-roof-3
Majestic Casual - Chapter 1
Rediscover Majestic Casual’s beginnings with their first compilation ‘Chapter 1’. With over forty tracks from various artists, listen to how Majestic’s crucial ear has developed from the very start. The first instalment features artists from Pop girl Ellie Goulding and Elecrtonic man SBTRKT, to Dance producer Chris Malinchak. Available on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/ majesticcasual/sets/majestic-casual-chapter-i
BBC Radio Four’s ‘Comedy Of The Week’
Add some laughs to your week with Radio Four’s ‘Comedy Of The Week’. Every Monday Radio Four brighten your start to the mundane, with a fresh upload of comedy from various comedians. The giggles often source from the likes of; Lenny Henry, Mark Thomas, and Tom Wrigglesworth. Available on iTunes.
6 Music - Steve Lamacqu’s ‘Round Table’
Catch up on music guru Steve Lamacqu’s podcasts this month for all the gossip, news and details from March’s SXSW Festival. Not to mention there’s also a chance to listen to a heck of a lot of new music and rising artists. Available on demand at: www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/ series/recommends
XFM - The Weekender
Kick off your weekend with a mash of Indie tunes from Phil Clifton, every Friday from 7pm until 10pm. For the Indie kid this is the perfect way to spark off your Friday night. With tunes from the likes of Foo Fighters to Imagine Dragons, there is something for all. Tune in at: www.xfm.co.uk
Jukebox - On Spotify
This new Spotify app is for those with a love of the golden oldies. ‘Juekbox’ collects oldies playlists together, all available in one place for the golden oldie lovers pleasure. There’s selections from Rock & Roll, to Jazz, Pop, Doo Wop and even Rockabilly and Country. Available via Spotify
By Emily Schofield
Single Reviews
www.bbmlive.com 35
MUSIC NEWS
Album Reviews
Juliette Commagere ‘Human’
Tensnake ‘Glow’
Pharrell Williams ‘GIRL’
With her new album ‘Human,’ Juliette Commagere seems to be one to watch as she rises into recognition.
After a crazy 2013 hitting up sets in Ibiza, you would think Tensnake might have took this year out. But the German DJ and producer, Marco Niemerski hits 2014 with a bang, due to the release of his album ‘Glow’.
Pharrell Williams severley anticipated second studio album, (it’s been a long eight years eh guys?), ‘GIRL’ seems to behold magical powers. One listen, like the wave of a wand, appears to instil happiness in any listener. With its feel-good DancePop, R&B and Funk, this could be set to be one of 2014s top albums.
‘Human’ is a magical carpet ride of Pop, synth and rich emotion. It’s a record to turn up loud as you close your eyes and drift along with its lyrical journey. With her tasteful, diverse and eclectic approach, Commagere likens to the style of Kate Bush. Opener ‘Returning’ is delicate and intimate. Soothing vocals welcome the listener in, along with a loop of sugary guitar. Previously released single ‘Big Star’ demonstrates Commagere’s cool, bewitching and sweet vocals. The track expresses sentiment and passion as its leading single. It is decorated with striking synth chords, adding to its dreamy effect. “We’re riding a big star, flying high in the dark! We won’t come down…” the songstress spells, painting a fantasised happy mood. ‘Human,’ is fittingly titled, as like every expressive being, it exudes a world of varying feelings. From the heights of happiness on the album, to the sweet and sorrowful, or the dark and mysterious, Juliette Commagere proves herself as passionate and capable artist. Human is available for purchase and download on 7th April 2014 on Aeronaut Records.
36 www.bbmlive.com
The colossal and creative, soothing House record is littered with fantastic collaborations from huge names. These include British Electronic music man and Grammy award winning Stuart Price A.K.A Jacques Lu Cont, and acclaimed guitarist Nile Rodgers. The leading Disco-Pop track ‘Love Sublime’ sets the bar of a hit record. With Rodgers sprinkling funk and groove into the dancey synth vibrancy, the track stands out as a possible classic. The listener absorbs the cheeky and fun feel, as vocalist Fiora laughs and giggles, before bursting into soulful and bold song. Jacques Lu Cont adds to ‘Feel Of Loves’ continuingly Disco themed track. “I used to feel the love baby!” expressively sings soul singer Jamie Lidell, in a way that makes you want to get your hips shaking. ‘Good Enough To Keep’ sees work again with Rodgers and Fiora. Disco here, drifts into the background as the electronic vibrancy moves towards a slightly more modern Dance feel. Yet as Rodgers funky and jazzy chords are introduced, Dance meets Soul-Funk in a glimmering mash-up. “I’ve already been listening to this Tensnake shit for ten minutes already...” a female voice complains at the opening of the brief 60 seconds ‘Ten Minuites’. “I just want something hard, like Dub- step...” she criticises as Tensnake is unafraid to poke fun at his own music. But as the underlying smooth vocals sing over sweeping synths “It’s good enough.” In actual fact, this is more than good enough.
With few contenders able to match Pharrell’s ability to whack a smile on a music lover’s face, this could be THE album of the year in the Pop charts, with it already reaching number one. “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof!” this is the uplifting track of the year, originally used on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, ‘Happy’ is the perfect mood enhancer. With its funky climbing jazz chords on guitar, bop-along symbol beats and infectious sing-a-long lyrics, it had kids and their folks dancing out of the cinema last year. With its catchy, spirit lifting abilities, it isn’t hard to see why the track was included on the album, or why it was chosen as the leading single. Teaming up with modern King of Pop, Justin Timberlake, on ‘Brand New’ the good feeling persists. “You’ve got me feeling brand new, like the tags still on me!” the pair sing in a high tenor range that causes giddy goose bumps. The fun lyrics dance over jazzy tones again, with an element of brass band. But Jazz and Soul are brought into the 21st Century with the pace of Pop and R&B. ‘Know Who You Are’, sees a pairing with the empowering Alicia Keys. “Bad day, at work,” spits Williams over jazzy guitar, “smile honey, no stress.” Pharrell certainly seems to be telling us to look on the bright side of life. And with ‘GIRL’ as life’s soundtrack, it certainly isn’t hard to see it.
By Emily Schofield
The LA born talented multi-instrumentalist, has performed with the likes of Emmy The Great, but with the new release, she comes into her own with an innovative voice and something touchingly original to say.
A pair of producers that have been working together for the last five years, Fred V & Grafix have been heard on BBC Radio 1Xtra and Annie Mac’s show since signing to Hospital at the end of 2011. With the arrival of their debut EP in March 2013, they have since been taking the music industry by storm. While they began in live music, the duo switched to Drum & Base upon hearing Pendulum’s ‘Hold Your Colour’ and High Contrast’s ‘High Society’ and have since remixed the likes of Emeli Sande, Skepta and Rudimental. They have a range of influences from French House to Hip-Hop and are inspired by Flying Lotus, Bonobo, Dilla and Jimi Hendrix, hence the eclectic sound that they produce themselves. After signing with Hospital, Fred V & Grafix appeared on the ‘Fifteen Years Of Hospital Records’ album and continue to make waves across the label. They contributed to Sick Music 3 with the addictive ‘Major Happy’ and awesome ‘Purple Gates’, and their debut album, ‘Recognise’ on 31st March, following the arrival of the title track on 17th March. They are due to tour Australia, New Zealand and America all before the European summer season, making this year their biggest yet.
Pick Of The Promos From BBMLive.com’s Dance Music Radio Show
Stevie V - Dirty Cash So Called Scumbags Remix
London Grammar - Hey Now Bonobo Remix
Hope I’m Wrong Jonas Rathsman
Our very own Podcast team, James Edwards and David Minns, also known as; So Called Scumbags, come together once again on an exciting remix.
Recently London Grammar releases appear to constantly be being remixed, as their singles are just so greatly reinvented and recreated. But a sure stand-out remix has to be from deeply acclaimed British producer Bonobo, otherwise known as Simon Green. The pioneering Electronic music man formulates a wonder for the ears once again, with his experimentation, and innovation, of London Grammar’s ‘Hey Now’.
Swedish Jonas Rathsman, part of the team of feel good music makers at French Express, reveals a new minimal yet superior sounding track. Ever the busy creator, following his sweetly fast-paced remix of Tensnakes’ ‘Love Sublime,’ he unveils a release of his own.
With a pumping bass line, ‘Dirty Cash’ dances into 2014 with a touch of House vibrancy. The oldschool track gets down and even dirtier, it’s deep bass maturing the time-honoured track into the modern. Remixing such a representative track is risky business, with the jeopardy of the original tune being tarnished, but So Called Scumbags hit the spot perfectly. From 90s raves to today’s dance floors, ‘Dirty Cash’ reincarnates and lives on. The remix is out on Transmission Records.
The original soothing three and a half minute long track, is pushed imaginatively from calm Indie ballad boundaries to magical, buoyant and cheerful Dance. ‘Hey Now’ is extended to almost six minutes in length, as London Grammars Indie comfort zone is burst by a talented producer Loops of Hannah Reid’s sweet voice waver over uplifting and mystical beats. The mellow resonance of LG is not lost but mixed in amongst beautifully bewildering Electronic sound. London Grammar’s ‘Hey Now’ EP, featuring the remix, is out now via Ministry of Sound Recordings.
‘Hope I’m Wrong,’ is a breeze of effortless sounding, yet moving and novel deep House. Soothing and calm vocals reverberate over a hefty building synth bass line. Building slowly and raising into noise, as the soulful vocals raise, you might even feel a sensitive shiver. And with a touch of questionable but funky cowbell hitting and ear raising ambience transforming into dirty wobbles, the tune is sure to have you heading for that dance floor. The track ‘Hope I’m Wrong’ is out now on French Express.
By Emily Schofield & Aletha Davis
The pair were lucky enough to be given the great privilege of working with original sections to the classic, ‘Dirty Cash.’ The legend of 90s British Dance music, Stevie V’s number one Dance chart hit, is brought into the millennia, with its clever new production.
www.bbmlive.com 37
FUNNY NEWS An Illness That Sucks
Sore throat? Runny nose? Struggling to breathe? They’re pretty common symptoms for a common ailment. But in the case of a seven-year-old girl in China, it proved to be a slightly more baffling (and disgusting) diagnosis than your common cold. Turns out she had a live leech stuck in her windpipe. Lovely. It’ll certainly make you think twice the next time someone asks if you’ve got a frog in your throat.
Scammer’s Crowning Achievement
Just like teenagers looking for porn, the Internet has made life a lot easier for con-artists and scammers, largely because the world’s most gullible idiots have all been conveniently herded onto one website: Facebook.
“We thought she might have caught a cold, but never thought it was a leech or that it could stay there so long,” the unnamed girl’s mother said. Doctors added the five-centimetre leech had probably grown in size while it was in the youngster’s throat after feasting on her blood.
Last month, for example, an Austrian moron fell victim to a £23,000 scam after a Facebook fraudster posed as Prince Harry.
The conman offered the tradesman a “contract” of £835,000, which he said was to renovate the parquet floors in Buckingham Palace.
Even the fact the account’s name was simply just “Prince Harry” failed to ring alarm bells, and the money was duly transferred. Surprise, surprise, the man never heard from the party prince again.
You Only Live Twice
A bloke who made headlines in February after being declared dead, only to wake up in a body bag at a funeral home, has been declared dead. Again. Like the bad guy from a Wes Craven horror flick, 78-year-old Walter Williams just kept coming back to life to scare the bejesus out of loved ones and mortuary workers. This time, however, we’re assured he’s out for the count.
Searching For A Down Side
We’ve all Googled ourselves at some point; sometimes to find out if we’re the most famous person with our name, sometimes to see if the police have finally linked you to the penis photos being sent to Cheryl Cole’s house. Of course, if you type “BBM” into Google, it’s obvious who will come out on top – the BlackBerry Messenger system. Then there’s some kind of youth support group. Followed by a work-skills course. But as soon as you click on page two, there we are, top of the tree, Australia’s biggest and best magazine (unless you count Penis Photos Weekly – for our money, the best of all the penis-photography magazines). But when Christopher Viatafa of Palo Alto, California, was bored at home one day and searched his own name, he discovered he was one of the state’s most wanted men.
“Well, they came and got him again around 4.15 am,” said Williams’ nephew Eddie Hester. “I think he’s gone this time.”
A spokesperson for the San Leandro Police Department said Viatafa came to them to say he had seen his name on the site, run by a group of state and federal agencies working as the Northern California Regional Intelligence Centre.
Williams, who entered a hospice in February because of congestive heart failure, was first pronounced dead on 27th February after nurses and a coroner detected no pulse.
“That is why he turned himself in,” police said. According to police, Viatafa got into an argument in August last year during a private party at an old people’s home in San Leandro.
He was transferred to a funeral home, only to start rustling inside a body bag - prompting staff to summon an ambulance to take him back to his hospice bed. The zombie farmer spent another few weeks in the land of the unliving before dying again in the hospice. It’s understood staff shot him in the head just to be sure.
He then pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds into the ground, before he was persuaded to leave.
38 www.bbmlive.com
A Very Expectant Mother
Being a manly man, BBM doesn’t know very much about what goes on at baby showers. We’re experts on golden showers, and other water sports, but baby showers are beyond us. Yet despite our lack of knowledge on the subject, even BBM’s urine-obsessed mind knows that writing a poem to try and guilt people into sending you gifts and money is a bad idea. Especially when the poem in question is bloody awful. Still, it didn’t stop one mum-to-be doing just that, and she managed to piss off her baby shower guests so much that the poem ended up on a parenting website. She even sent one to guests who didn’t turn up. Brace yourself – it’s pretty bad... “We’re sorry you missed the shower! There was fun and games to be had, the food and drinks not too bad.
So thanks to Facebook, you don’t even have to pretend to be a Nigerian prince to con people out of money anymore – even an English one will do.
As part of the deal, the floor fitter was asked to transfer €27,500 to several bank accounts in order to start a British business for the works.
Most Wanted website. He now faces charges of discharging a firearm toward an inhabited dwelling, and has had his listing on the website changed to read “captured”.
Viatafa thought nothing more of the incident – after all, who hasn’t taken a gun into a retirement home and started spraying the ground with bullets - until he found his name on the regional Northern California
“The loot was a plenty, but we looked high and low and found none from you, not even a shiny penny! “Babies need a lot, of this fact we all know, so we’ve included some shops below! “If none are to your liking, and that we understand, then grab a pen and get to writing, for checks are to our liking!” You can see the greedy cow’s thinking. She wants to ask for money, but doesn’t want to be labelled a greedy cow – so she thinks by camouflaging it as a poem, she’ll be able to woo her friends around. Epic fail. Not even the guests who did cough up escaped her poetic demands either. She sent an equally annoying poem to the mavericks who dared to purchase gifts not on the approved list, telling them to ‘fix’ their situation. “We loved seeing you at the shower, remember how the gifts they did tower? We sorted them for hours. “Upon sifting and sorting we noticed something amiss, for your gift didn’t match the list. “To fix your situation we listed our stores below, but a check could also help us flow!” Ugh, how disgusting. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to pay a prostitute to wee on us.
Celebrity Tweets
Celebrity Happenings Miley Cyrus
Here we help translate the literary treats published by the wonderful celebrities that grace the Twittersphere with their presence...
Never one to disappoint in remaining a complete and utter dickhead, Miley Cyrus has had a picture of a crying cat tattooed on her lip… we can only hope that it shuts her up for a few weeks seeing as the cat’s got her tongue.
@Harry_Styles
Due to her comeback, Sarah Harding is in the public eye again, and instead of going on benders, she’s just acting like one. She recently said “I’m a flabby size 8.” Well bully for you, you skinny bitch.
“But don’t you take my monkey.”
Ok we won’t, but we think you should maybe talk to that monkey on your back.
@Nigella_Lawson “Carb-comfort today in the form of Double Potato and Halloumi Bake” Nige you fat fuck… just calm down on the gorging.
@jamescordon “Surely there are already enough tits in Homeland.” James… there can never be enough tits.
@JamesBlunt “Am making a solo sex tape. Will leak it online shortly.” One can only imagine the high pitched squeaking noise you make once the bishop has been fully flogged.
@JustinBieber “inspire the world. make a change.”
Perhaps a world in which we don’t have to listen to you perhaps Justin?
@ParisHilton “After a long photo shoot today, now time to go see my favorite facialist @ NiceAngela1. Having a facial before my long flight to Germany.” No one cares.
@KylieJenner “These flight attendants man... Rude for no damn reason. #powertrip” Maybe because you’re a complete and utter moron Kylie?
@CherylCole “Where there’s a woman there’s a way.”
Sarah Harding
Katie Price With her so called friend doing a tell all for Closer Magazine, it has been revealed that Katie Price wees in lunch boxes and tosses them out the window when she’s driving. This surprises us not.
Louis Tomlinson The lesser known 1D singer appears to be crumbling under the boy band image pressure and is slowly getting more and more tattooed and drunk. We smell a baptism of Bieber fever on the way. Do not sell this boy any spray paint, and make sure he has a potty to hand at all times.
Lindsay Lohan The troubled ginger has embarked upon a documentary thanks to Oprah, but it appears to be bombing worse than her career. We’ve watched around 10 minutes and can solidly say it’s the worst load of crap we’ve ever seen. And no that should not compel you to go and seek it out on YouTube! Also, she’s managed to side track everyone from this shitumentary by revealing all the celebs she’s banged. Clever.
A Traveller’s Tale To Give You Something To Chew On
As anyone who’s familiar with “scheisse” movies will tell you, Germans can be a weird bunch. If you don’t believe us, just look at lederhosen – they’re all kinds of wrong. So when we heard that a missing backpacker had survived for about two weeks in the outback on a diet of insects and water from cow troughs, our suspicions were confirmed that the man in question was from Der Farterland (and yes, we spelt it that way for immature reasons). Mental Daniel Dudzisz, 26, went missing south-west of Longreach in remote Queensland as he reportedly tried to walk solo from NSW to Uluru. As if that wasn’t mental enough, he’s also diabetic and insulin-dependent. Apparently he got lost after flooding in the area, became stranded on an island for 10 days, and told police he ate flies to survive his ordeal. “If you hadn’t heard it with your own ears - and my officers have - you certainly wouldn’t believe it,” Inspector Mark Henderson said. “He joked about never going hungry in the Australian outback because of the amount of flies you can eat for their protein.”
And there’s also a way into our beds you saucy little whorebag.
The bushwalking basketcase had been walking through New South Wales and Queensland for several months and Henderson said local farmers had kept police informed of his whereabouts.
@latoyajackson
Police became worried when Dudzisz set off from Windorah heading to Jundah, about 90 kilometres away, in the path of floodwaters, and was not seen again – until a passing driver spotted the bedraggled backpacker walking near a road.
“Remember you are what you think about! So think positive!” Does that mean, we are in fact Cheryl Cole lying on her back with Angel Delight smeared over her lovely nether regions whilst flicking our bean to lesbian porn starring Megan Fox and Rosie HuntingtonWhitely?
In an interview on 6th February, Dudzisz admitted his marathon hike was “quite hardcore”. But he said he could handle it after being homeless for two years. “What I enjoy about the walking most is just how much closer nature feels,” he said. The bonkers Bavarian also related a story of a nighttime fight with an aggressive kangaroo and being shot at by a farmer who mistook him for a kangaroo.
www.bbmlive.com 39
SPORTSNEWS It’s a generous gesture set to cost the bookies, which originated in Salford, about £200,000. It would have been more, but most United fans live at least 150 miles away from Salford. “One of the reasons I’m doing this, and becoming the first bookmaker ever to do so, is because of the way the fans were still singing for their team even though we were losing 3-0 to Liverpool,” Done whined. “I couldn’t believe it and they deserve a team much better than that put out by David Moyes.” We were surprised by the news too. United fans singing at Old Trafford? Pull the other one. Or at least hand us a prawn sandwich.
Betting The Red Devils You Know
It’s fair to say it’s been a fantastic year for Manchester United. Admittedly, we stopped looking at their results after they beat Swansea 4-1 on the opening day of the season, but we can only assume they’ve gone from strength to strength since then under that canny Scotsman, David Moyes. Sir Alex who? We reckon United must have the title about sewn up by now, which is why we were shocked to hear that bookmakers Betfred have announced they will refund all bets placed on Moyes’ side retaining their Premier League title this season. The reason? Apparently United are “useless” and it wouldn’t be fair to take money off their fans. Fair enough, although “being useless” has never stopped bookies offering odds on England to win a major tournament. “These loyal fans never had a chance of winning with United,” said co-founder Fred Done after United were walloped 3-0 by Liverpool at Old Trafford. “This season the Reds have been useless, hopeless and meaningless.”
Liverpool A Not-For-Prophet Organisation
Predicting anything in football is a risky business – unless, of course, you’re a Dubai-based betting syndicate with DJ Campbell’s phone number. Alan Hansen, of course, famously predicted “you’ll never win anything with kids” during Manchester United’s title charge in 1995. But what if you’re not a Scottish cock who no one listens to? What if you’re a respected community leader who’s made a living in Zimbabwe by forging a reputation as a powerful prophet who regularly makes mystical predictions by channelling the power of the gods? That’s the problem for Uebert Angel, leader of the Spirit Embassy Church, who is threatening to go to court over damage to his reputation after he said the gods had advised him Liverpool would win the Premier League this season. According to reports, he is demanding £950,000 in compensation from SuperSport after they broadcasted his prediction, while some say he may also try and claim damages from Liverpool and individuals on Twitter. Angel says he believes people won’t take him seriously any more after saying Liverpool would win the league, with his reputation now damaged.
In a letter sent to a Harare court, his legal team explained his reasoning. “The plaintiff claims compensation considering his character and stature as a prophet with great following who is respected the world over by religious, social and political leaders,” they said. “It’s difficult to rehabilitate completely a reputation even if it is proved in court that the statement was misguided.” It’s understood Pope Francis may also go to court over claims he said “Moyes will do well this year” at the start of the season.
Gary Neville Is The Knight Rider She may have a chin you can open beer bottles on and breasts like bee stings, but there’s no doubt that Keira Knightley is one of Hollywood’s beautiful people. By contrast, Gary Neville is an ugly rat-faced Kop botherer with about as much sex appeal as the Jobbiegate “scandal” of 2007 (the one sparked when Robbie Savage did a poo in a toilet). Yet amazingly, Knightley has been bewitched by Neville’s whiskered charms, claiming he is “absolutely fucking amazing.” By all accounts, he’s a pretty decent pundit – a rare thing in the land of Shearers, Lawrensons and Linekers – but “fucking amazing” might be pushing it a bit. “I have [a TV] because it was getting ridiculous watching football on the laptop,” drooled Knightley. “[Gary Neville] is just fucking amazing. Absolutely fucking amazing. His commentary…Well, it’s just amazing. He’s amazing.” Well, if the punditry job falls through, at least Gary knows there’s a job waiting for him on the set of the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, where he can play Mackenzie Crook’s stunt double. Knightley’s praise didn’t stop there either. She loves Neville so much, she wants every other commentator on Sky to piss off. “They’ve added loads of other [pundits] alongside him now, but I preferred it when it was pure Gary Neville,” she said while playing with herself as she watched old footage of Neville shouting at referees. Of course, if Neville can beguile Knightley with his punditry passion, will other Hollywood A-listers follow suit? Will Angelina Jolie cheat on Brad Pitt with ITV’s monotone David Pleat? Will Scarlett Johansson start sexting John Motson in the middle of an FA Cup tie between Preston and Burton? Let’s hope so, it might actually make him sound interesting for once.
40 www.bbmlive.com
Bright Side For Daredevil Pietersen
Poor old Kevin Pietersen. Axed from the England set-up, made a scapegoat for the Ashes debacle, and out of this month’s World Twenty20 tournament as a result. In the meantime, we just hope he can find some solace in being paid £880,000 to captain the Delhi Daredevils while banging the hot one from Liberty X. Yes, the Indian Premier League kicks off again this month and, for once, KP is set to rake it in after finally being given the heaveho by England. “I feel incredibly honoured to have been asked to captain the Delhi Daredevils in this year’s IPL,” said Pietersen, clearly still struggling emotionally after being dumped by England. “I am very much looking forward to working alongside Gary Kirsten. We have a fantastic squad with a good blend of youth and experience and a brilliant coaching set up. We hope to bring our incredible fans a lot of happiness this season.” The 33-year-old played for the Daredevils in 2012, scoring 305 runs at an average of 61 in eight matches. He missed the 2013 edition of the tournament through injury, but will now be available for a full IPL season for the first time following the end of his international career. The corrupt-tastic competition kicks off on 16th April, 10 days after the end of the World Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh. What’s the betting KP goes on to have a blinder with Delhi to show England what they’re missing… “He’s a world-class player, so for me it’s sad that I won’t see him again in international cricket,” said Australian knob jockey Shane Watson. “England will certainly miss his cricket ability. He’s always been one of my favourite players to watch. I love seeing him bat, the way he takes on the game. The tournament loses a bit for his absence.”
But the main problem facing Ronaldinho isn’t the fact that he can’t rap for all the rum in Rio, it’s that he’s already in trouble with his club - Atletico Mineiro – for not taking his football seriously, and could end up getting fired.
That’s A Rap For Ronaldinho
Buck-toothed Ballon d’or-botherer Ronaldinho has moved to quell rumours he’s been partying too much in Brazil by releasing a rap single with a bloke called Dennis DJ about how he likes to drink a lot at parties. As anyone with a passing familiarity of the hit parade knows, the road from football legend to pop icon is hardly a well-trodden path. Many footballers have tried, but unless they’ve got the bloke from the Lightning Seeds to help with the tune, their
Just last month Atletico fined him for being late to training after what they described as “personal excess” (the mind boggles) at the Salvador carnival. The Samba star is reported to have left the festival with a large-breasted brunette beauty on his arm. Even David Beckham could put two and two together after that. But maybe we’re being too harsh. Maybe rapping Ron reveals a deeper side to himself through his rhymes. Let’s take a look: “Boot the glass up high, let’s drink/ We will enjoy life, we drink/ I’m full of money, let’s drink.” Obviously it’s not a patch on the Anfield Rap by John Barnes, but it does sound better than Diamond Lights by Hoddle and Waddle.
Super Saturday It all kicked off on Saturday 22nd March, as some of the most exciting games in Premier League history took place, with Arsene Wenger weeping into his hands and David Moyes keeping his job for another day. The day started with Chelsea taking on the Gunners, but despite being Wenger’s 1000th match as Arsenal’s manager, it was one he would rather forget, after the blues thrashed his team a whopping 6-0. Their performance was so bad, that they were 2-0 down after just seven minutes. This wasn’t the only dramatics on the pitch, as the referee decided to send off Kieran Gibbs, despite Oxlade-Chamberlain committing the handball offence. It turned out better for the two Mancunian teams, with Manchester City beating underdogs, Fulham, 5-0 and Manchester United persuading everyone that they didn’t need Robin Van Persie to win a match, as Rooney scored both goals to beat West Ham. One of said goals was possibly the bestlobbed finish we’ve ever seen. Everyone was out of their seats as Rooney – from the halfway line, might we add – spotted Adrian well off his line, and launched the ball straight over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
By Richard Gadsby, Images by Jon Caudy, Casa Rosada, Andrew Sutherland, Reto Stauffer
dreams usually end up deflated and battered like an old leather football that’s been left in the back garden over winter – although, admittedly, the leather-skinned look hasn’t stopped Madonna from straddling the pop world like a flabby-armed prostitute.
www.bbmlive.com 41
CRYSTAL BALLS
Horoscopes CAPRICORN
ARIES
The moon is waxing high in Jupiter, which means April will bring lots of good luck for Capricorns – so long as you tilt your neck at a 47-degree angle for the whole month while holding tiny bells in both hands. Remember, it MUST be 47 degrees or a demon of Satan will possess you and make you watch endless repeats of Charmed and Seventh Heaven.
Did you know Aries is supposed to be the Greek god of war? (It must be true because we saw it on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys). The only time you’ve declared war is on that fungal infection on your big toenail – a battle which still rages on. It’s time to man up, or at least get some foot powder. Who knows, you may even get to shag Xena: Warrior Princess (Hercules, again).
TAURUS You legally change your name to Randy Butternubs.
GEMINI After noticing differences between the beaks of various species of finches on the Galapagos Islands, and studying how the birds have adapted to their environment, you come to the shocking conclusion that life may have “evolved” over millions through a process you call “natural selection”. Using sketches of the beaks to support your findings, you write a thesis and send it to an esteemed scientific journal in London for evaluation. About a month later, you receive a reply explaining that your theory was first proposed by Charles Darwin in 1859 and has since become standard biological knowledge. It also points out that your “research” is little more than a collection of crude drawings of large-breasted women in various states of undress, usually either winking, blowing a kiss, or waggling their arses.
PISCES True Detective, Mud, Dallas Buyers Club, Eastbound and Down. When did Matthew McConaughey stop being the world’s shittest actor?
AQUARIUS Your investigation into the mystery masturbator at work takes a sinister twist this month when the offender leaves another “exhibit” in your top drawer. Not only that, he puts a load of mucky mags in there too. Your boss immediately takes this as evidence that YOU are the mystery masturbator. That’s right, you’ve been framed – and not in the fun way like on that show with the fat bird from Emmerdale. Will you clear your name and bring justice to the elusive onanist, or forever be whispered about by staff members as “that dirty bugger who jacks off everywhere”? Find out in next month’s Crystal Balls.
VIRGO You remember that night when you got absolutely bladdered and shagged a lass who looked a bit like Sarah Jessica Parker? Well we’ve got news for you, she’s pregnant. Not only that but it wasn’t a girl who looked like SJP – it was a horse (although we can see why you might get confused). Naturally, it’s a complicated birth (horses aren’t used to those kinds of stirrups) but after a nine-hour labour, she gives birth to a kicking and whinnying centaur called Dobbin. Congratulations!
CANCER Oh dear, you are diagnosed with the terminal illness known as Groat’s Disease. Luckily for you, BBM writer Richard Gadsby has discovered a cure. Send a $200 cheque to him at BBM Towers today for a prescription, which by sheer coincidence, looks and tastes like common tap water. Hurry before your anus eats itself and your guts fall out of the hole.
42 www.bbmlive.com
LEO Due to an administrative error you are knighted by the queen for your tireless charity work with Rwandan refugees. The closest you’ve ever come to charity work is forcibly brushing past a Big Issue seller while pretending to text someone. Still, we won’t tell if you don’t.
SCORPIO A friendly game of monopoly turns into a night of sexual intrigue when a friend offers you Mayfair, Park Lane, a get-out-of-jail-free card and $170 in exchange for one night with your girlfriend. Naturally, you accept the offer and win the game – but your girlfriend, disgusted by your decision, leaves you for the new man. You get a new girlfriend at another game a few weeks later by buying her from a rival player for two train stations and the waterworks.
SAGITARRIUS A hard-working white-collar girl from Philadelphia meets and falls in love with a young socialite, but is rejected by his snobbish family. Stars Ginger Rogers.
LIBRA With Neptune dominating the vector of Mars, it means the month of April will see you frequently mistaken for the actress Pauline Quirk from Birds of a Feather.
Pub Quiz Facts In Denmark, baby names must be approved by government. Coffee drinkers have more sex than non-coffee drinkers. In Liverpool, it is illegal for a woman to be topless except as a clerk in tropical fish store. Coca Cola would be green if food colourant wasn’t added. The founder of match.com, Gary Kremen, lost his girlfriend to a man she met on match.com. Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is the fear of long words. The oldest known animal in the world was Ming, a 405-year-old clam. There are libraries around the world where you can check-out actual people as a living book and listen to their stories. The word “gymnasium” comes from the Greek word gymnazein which means “to exercise naked.” All of the clocks in Pulp Fiction were stuck on 4.20. In Japan it is illegal to dance after midnight.
CRYSTAL BALLS
Ask Crystal Dear Crystal My mum’s dog attacked our postman. I tried to help him, but one thing led to another and now I think I’m pregnant. What should I do? Yours, Lisa Dear Lisa, Hold on, who made you pregnant? The postman or the dog? If it’s the dog, this is way out of my league. If it’s the postman, at least it’ll be an easy delivery. Arf! Dear Crystal, A bloke in a big black robot mask, black body suit and black cape just told me he was my father using the voice of James Earl Jones. When I told him that was impossible, he chopped my hand off and chucked me down a big wind tunnel in the sky. What should I do? Yours, Luke Skywalker
Dear Luke, Hmm, that’s a tricky one. If I were in your shoes, I’d arrest your fall by grabbing onto an upside-down TV antennae with your good arm, then call your sister using your mind powers. She should arrive in a flying waffle-maker with a giant bipedal Yorkshire terrier and Harrison Ford. Let me know how you get on.
ask him if he loves you and wants to be with you forever. Trust me, there’s not a man alive who won’t say “yes” at this stage – so just finish him off, clean yourself up and start planning your engagement. If he’s not the sort of bloke who’s easily manipulated, good riddance. Who wants a man you can’t wrap around your finger? That’s how I bagged Angry Anderson.
Dear Crystal, I met a guy in Thailand eight months ago and we clicked straight away. He’s heading to Sydney this month and we’ve arranged to meet for a coffee. I’m freaking out! I’m convinced he’s the one and I want to spend the rest of my life with him – but I don’t want to scare him off by coming on too strong. What should I do? Yours, Clare
Dear Crystal, I recently lost my mother and father shortly after breaking up with my partner and feel very low. I spend most of my nights crying myself to sleep, and I just can’t imagine a time when I’ll feel happy again. I think I just need to tell my problems to someone. I feel like if I confide in….
Dear Clare, If you want to tie a man down quickly, actions speak louder than words. Just get him into bed, then when he’s “close”,
Dear whoever you are, Let me stop you right there dear. The pubs have just opened and I haven’t got time to listen to you whining on. Take some drugs or something, I don’t care.
Jokes The reason why women will never be the ones who propose is that as soon as they get on their knees, man starts unzipping. Amy, Surry Hills Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says “Calm down. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says “OK, now what?” Paddy, Newcastle
Dad shouts: “Stop watching porn, I can hear it in my room!” Son: “Dad... I’m not watching porn, that is Maria Sharapova playing Tennis!” Sonya, Perth How do you embarrass an archaeologist? Give him a used tampon and ask him which period it came from. Mitch, Adelaide What’s the difference between driving in the fog and eating pussy? At least when you are eating pussy you can see the asshole in front of you. Paulie, Northbridge As she lay there dozing next to me a voice inside my head kept saying, “Relax, you are not the first doctor to sleep with one of his patients.” But another voice kept saying, “Howard, you are a veterinarian.” Alistair, Cairns
Three guys were sitting in a biker bar. A man came in, already drunk, sat down at the bar and ordered a drink. The man looked around and saw the three men sitting at a corner table. He got up, staggered to the table, leaned over, looked the biggest one in the face and said, “I went by your grandma’s house and I saw her in the hallway, buck naked. Man, she is fine!” The biker looked at him and didn’t say a word. His buddies were confused, because he was a bad ass, and would fight at the drop of a hat. The drunk leaned on the table again and said, “I got it on with your grandma and she is good, the best I ever had!” The biker still said nothing. His buddies were starting to get mad. The drunk leaned on the table again and said, “I’ll tell you something else boy, your grandma liked it!” The biker stood up, took the drunk by the shoulder and said, “Damn it, Grandpa, you’re drunk! Go home!” Steve, Melbourne While proudly showing off his new apartment to friends late one night, a drunk guy led the way to his bedroom where there was a big brass gong. “What’s
that big brass gong for?” one of the guests asked. “Why, that’s the talking clock” the man replied. “How does it work?” “Watch”, the man said, giving it an ear-shattering pound with a hammer. Suddenly, someone on the other side of the wall screamed, “For fuck sake, you wanker, it’s 2am in the fucking morning!!” Alexander, Newcastle Rick Astley will let you borrow any movie from his Pixar movie collection except for one. He’s never gonna give you Up. Lyne, Yarra A woman is standing looking in the bedroom mirror… She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, “I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly… I really need you to pay me a compliment.” The husband replies, “Your eyesight’s damn near perfect.” Roger, Melbourne Cop on horse says to little girl on bike, “Did Santa get you that?” “Yes,” replies the little girl. “Well tell him to put a reflector light on it next year!” and fines her $5. The little girl looks up at the cop and says, “Nice horse you’ve got there, did Santa bring you that?” The cop chuckles and replies, “He sure did!” “Well,” says the little girl, “Next year tell Santa that the dick goes under the horse, not on top of it!” Lee, Sydney Yo Mamas so stupid she was yelling into the mailbox. We ask her what she doing and she said, she was sending a voice-mail. Mary, Richmond Email us your jokes to staffwriter@bbmlive.com
www.bbmlive.com 43
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
Dinner After Dark
It’s gone ten in the evening and you’re hankering for a late night feast before heading home, but serving hours are over and everyone’s shutting up shop. Whether you’ve been out to a party or just finished a work shift, head to one of these late night eateries that are sure to satisfy your hunger. Every Friday and Saturday, Father’s Office provides a great late night dining experience in their unique speakeasy-inspired bar and restaurant. To ensure the fun never stops, the full a la carte menu is available until 3am at an amazing half price off from 11pm, as well as your favourite wine or beer to wash it down with. Don’t expected a half-arsed menu either with a few nibbles, because at Father’s Office, you can enjoy Bone In Rib Eye Steak ($28), Crispy Skin Salmon ($22) and the Pork Belly Burger ($19) until the shutters roll down and night turns to morning. 249 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne www.fathersoffice.com.au
Harry’s Café de Wheels
How about Sydney’s best pie at two in the morning? Affectionately known simply as Harry’s, people flock here for the freshly baked pies like beef & curry, chicken & mushroom and Harry’s Tiger, a succulent beef pie topped with mash, mushy peas and gravy. Since its humble beginnings in 1945, Harry’s has spread to 11 locations around Sydney, all closing at various times, but Woolloomooloo is without a doubt your best bet, with the earliest closing being 1am on Sunday, and the latest on Friday and Saturday at 4am (next day), so you can even catch the sunrise as you eat. Around Sydney www.harryscafedewheels.com.au
Kitchen at Treasury
If you find yourself in Brisbane in the middle of the night, whether it is a Tuesday or a Saturday, you can trust the Kitchen at Treasury to be open and
44 www.bbmlive.com
welcoming, especially if you’ve got extreme hunger pangs. A menu that is not only delicious, but also fit to bursting with delights such as all day breakfast, lamb shank and roast chicken, you can really enjoy the hospitality here! Get cosy in the warmth of the homely ambience and rediscover the taste of a home cooked meal, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Entrance to the Kitchen is from the top of Queen Street Mall between 11am and 7pm, or come through the Treasury Casino at any time – just don’t get too distracted by the blackjack table! Treasury Casino & Hotel, Top of Queen Street Mall, Queen Street, Brisbane www.treasurybrisbane.com.au
Caffe Roma Sydney
The cosmopolitan area of Potts Point in Sydney is full of bars and nightclubs, but Caffe Roma is one of the only establishments where you can get a three course Italian meal until 2am. Divulge in herby bread, authentic pizza and succulent meat-based dishes of swordfish, lamb and rib eye steak. Top the night off with the most incredible Tiramisu you’ve ever tasted, and you’ll be ready for bed in no time. 9 Kellett Street, Potts Point, Sydney www.cafferoma.com.au
The Conservatory
A meal long after dark at Perth’s most exquisite rooftop bar? At The Conservatory, you can opt for tapas or main meaty meals under the heat of the outdoor barbeques or in the comfort of the dining area, until 1am Wednesday and Thursday, or 3am Friday and Saturday. Straight off the grill comes pork sausages ($26), lamb cutlets ($37) and barramundi
($32), or sample the offerings from the tasting plate including chorizo, feta cheese and ciabatta breads, all with an outstanding view of Perth’s understated skyline – what better way to finish a night? 356 Murray Street, Perth theconservatory.net.au
Cut The Crap... Need to soak up the drink but don’t want to pile on the pounds? Try our lower calorie suggestions for when you have the urge to splurge after you’ve soaked up a few drinks. Bun-less Burger. Cut down the carbs while still savouring the greasy meat goodness. Ditch the doner. Say goodbye to the fatty, calorific doner and try a chicken shashlik kebab – less fat, more veg and just as tasty. Say no to lamb. You’re in the kebab shop and you’re at the point of no return. Tip: lamb is around double the calories of chicken. Choosing chicken makes for less guilt when you opt for extra mayo. Have the chips, resist the cheese. Salty, carbheavy chips are sometimes unavoidable. Adding a layer of cheese may feel like the best idea in the world, but bypassing the extra sprinkling can relieve you of around 200 calories. Thin, not deep pan. Sometimes when you’ve had one too many, pizza is The One. Try to stick to a thinner base and you consume less dough.
Image courtesy of Father’s Office
Father’s Office
Let’s Get Antisocial Been walking down the street minding your own business and bumped into someone you really didn’t want to? Guess what – there’s an app for that! Say hello to Cloak and say goodbye to the insecurities that come with not knowing where your friends and enemies are, just in case you want to avoid them. The antisocial network app, as it’s been described by its makers, works by scraping Instagram and Foursquare to tell you where your acquaintances are on a map and lists them by distance. Of course, you can use it to find people you want to see, but the concept was created in order to avoid those you don’t. If a friend is lost on their way to meet you, you can find their location with ease, but if you don’t want to bump into an ex/co-worker/weirdo, you can also avoid such an awkward meeting. Unfortunately, Cloak doesn’t yet use Facebook, Twitter or your contacts list to find individuals – a major disappointment for many users. “I hope in the future they to include FB and phone numbers, because those are the primary ways to track people. I don’t have an Instagram or Foursquare, so it’s not useful to me.” They are, however, promising that more social networks will be added to the service in the future, but Twitter appears to be a tricky one with the location data too vague. Also, the guys at Cloak recommend that users create a dummy Instagram account to follow people you don’t want in your actual feed, but you have to log in and log out to use multiple accounts.
www.bbmlive.com 45
ADVERTISE HERE
46 www.bbmlive.com
www.bbmlive.com 47
TRAVEL NEW ZEALAND & FIJI
Things to do in New Zealand
SKYDIVING
SKYDIVE LAKE WANAKA LTD 14, Mustang Lane Wanaka Airport State Highway 6 Wanaka, South Island NZ Tel: +64 3 443 7207 or FREEphone 0800 786 877 info@skydivewanaka.com www.skydivewanaka.com NZONE ‘THE ULTIMATE JUMP’ Queenstown & Rotorua Tel: 0800 376 796 skydive@nzone.biz www.nzone.biz SKYDIVINGNZ.COM New Zealand Skydiving School FREEPHONE: 0800 NZSKYDIVE Email: info@skydivingnz.com
RAFTING
RANGITATA RAFTS Peel Forest RD20 South Canterbury, NZ Tel: + 64 3 696 3534 New Zealand Freephone: 0800 251 251 info@rafts.co.nz www.rafts.co.nz
JET BOATING SHOTOVER JET
The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride, and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
Shotover Jet Beach, Gorge Road Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand Free Phone (NZ only): 0800 SHOTOVER Phone: +64 3 442 8570 Fax: +64 3 442 7467 reservations@shotoverjet.co.nz www.shotoverjet.com
GLACIER GUIDING FOX GLACIER GUIDING 44 Main Rd, Po Box 38, Fox Glacier, NZ Ph: +64 3 751 0825 Freephone (NZ only): 0800 111 600 info@foxguides.co.nz www.foxguides.co.nz
Take a breathtaking guided trip on the West Coast’s longest and less crowded glacier amidst fascinating ice formations with NZ’s most experienced glacier guiding company. Offering a full range of trips to suit all fitness levels.
RIVER BOARDING
MAD DOG RIVERBOARDING 37 Shotover Street Queenstown New Zealand Ph: +64 3442 7797 www.riverboarding.co.nz
ACCOMMODATION CHRISTCHURCH
CITY OASIS 180 Peterborough Street, Christchurch, NZ Ph: + 64 3366 9531 cityoasis@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz COKER’S BACKPACKERS 52 manchester Street, Christchurch, NZ Ph: + 64 3379 8580 enquiries@cokers.co.nz www.cokers.co.nz
BAY OF ISLANDS
BAY ADVENTURER BACKPACKERS & APARTMENTS 28, Kings Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands, NZ Ph: +64 9 402 5162 Info@bayadventurer.co.nz www.bayadventurer.co.nz
KAIKOURA ADELPHI LODGE Main Street, Kaikoura, NZ Ph: + 64 3319 5141 Fax: + 64 3319 6786 adelphilodge@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz
QUEENSTOWN
AUCKLAND
BUNGI BACKPACKERS 15 Sydney Street, Queenstown, NZ Ph: + 64 3442 8725 Fax: + 64 3442 8729 www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz
NOMADS AUCKLAND 16-20 Fort Street, Auckland, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 9 300 9999 bookings@nomadsauckland.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night (min 3 night stay) if you mention this ad
SOUTHERN LAUGHTER LODGE 4 Isle Street, Queenstown, NZ Ph: + 64 3441 8828 southernlaughter@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz NOMADS QUEENSTOWN 5-11 Church Street, Queenstown, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 3 441 3922 info@nomadsqueenstown.com nomadshostels.com Queenstown’s brand new flashpackers, now open with rave reviews.
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER CHATEAU FRANZ 8 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ Ph: + 64 3752 0738 www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz
NOMADS FAT CAMEL 38 Fort Street, Auckland, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 9 307 0181 bookings@nomadsfatcamel.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night if you mention this ad.
WELLINGTON
NOMADS CAPITAL 118 Wakefield Street, Wellington, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 4 978 7800 info@nomadscapital.com nomadshostels.com Central city backpackers with FREE MEAL every night.
GLOW WORM COTTAGES 7 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ Ph: + 64 3752 0172 glowwormcottages@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz
Fiji ACCOMMODATION
THINGS TO DO
BEACHCOMBER ISLAND RESORT Mamanuca Island Group Ph: + 679 6661500 Fax: + 679 6664496 info@beachcomberfiji.com www.beachcomberfiji.com
ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND Fiji budget accommodation Ph: (679) – 6281999 (679) – 6282901 robinsoncrusoe@connect.com.fj www.robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com
THE BEACHOUSE Coral Coast, Fiji Islands Fiji phone: 679 6530500 Free call (within Fiji): 0800 6530530 Australia info line: 07 55320412 info@fijibeachouse.com www.fijibeachouse.com
THE UPRISING BEACH RESORT 679-345-2200 Beach RoadPacific Harbour P.O.Box 416 Pacific Habour Fiji Islands enquiries@uprisingbeachresort.com www.uprisingbeachresort.com
SMUGGLERS COVE BEACH RESORT * HOTEL P.O.Box 10409 Nadi Airport. Ph: (679) 672 6578 or 672 4578 Fax: (679) 672 0662 reservations@smugglerscove.com.fj www.smugglersbeachfiji.com, Skype name: Smugglers Cove HORIZON BEACH RESORT Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi Bay, Fiji Ph: +679 672 2832 or 4578 Fax: +679 672 0662 www.horizonbeachfiji.com
48 www.bbmlive.com
NADI BAY RESORT HOTEL Wailoaloa Beach Road Private Mail Bag NAP 0359, Nadi Airport Ph: (679) 6723599 Fax: (679) 6720092 nadibay@connect.com.fj www.fijinadibayhotel.com/ NADI BAY DOWNTOWN BACKPACKERS Nadi, Fiji Islands Ph: [679] 670 0600 pacvalley@connect.com.fj
SKYDIVING
SKYDIVE FIJI 11 Zahoor Road, Nadi, Fiji Isalnds Tel: +679-6728166 Fax: +679-6721415 admin@skydivefiji.com.fj www.skydivefiji.com.fj ‘Incredible views of Fiji’s Islands and Reefs; Beach or Resort landings’
SCUBA DIVING
SUBSURFACE FIJI ADVENTURE DIVING & WATERSPORTS Subsurface Fiji Adventure Diving and Watersports Beachcomber, Treasure, Malolo, Walu Beach, Funky Fish and Musket Cove Island Resorts, Fiji Tel: +679 6666 738 info@subsurfacefiji.com www.subsurfacefiji.com
Things to do in Australia SKYDIVING
SYDNEY SKYDIVERS 745 Picton Road, Wilton, New South Wales, Australia 2571 Ph: 1800 805 997 admin@sydneyskydivers.com.au www.sydneyskydivers.com.au SUNSHINE COAST SKYDIVERS 1 Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra Airport, Sunshine Coast, QLD Ph: 07 5437 0211 Mob: 04 18 776 775 bookings@sunshinecoastskydivers.com.au www.sunshinecoastskydivers.com.au
A J HACKET BUNGY JUMPING McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878 Tel: 07 4057 7188 Free: 1800 622 888 cairns.reception@ajhackett.com www.cairns.ajhackett.com OCEAN RAFTING WHITSUNDAYS The Jetty, Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach, QLD Ph: 07 4946 6848 oceanrafting@airlie.net.au www.oceanrafting.com.au
SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS Busselton Regional Airport, Bussleton, WA Free: 1300 449 669 skydive@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.com.au
STAND UP PADDLE SURFING 3 Graham Colyer Drive, Agnes Water, QLD Ph: 07 4974 7874 / 07 4962 0210 Mob: 0422 806 235 info@1770sup.com.au www.1770sup.com.au
SKYDIVE BYRON BAY Hanger 1, Tyagarah Airfield, NSW, 2481 Ph: 1800 800 840 or 02 6684 1323 info@skydivebyronbay.com www.skydivebyronbay.com The ultimate skydive experience Australia has to offer!
MULGAS ADVENTURE 4 Traeger Avenue Alice Springs, NT, 0871 Ph: 08 9521 545 www.mulgas.com.au
SKYDIVE COFFS HARBOUR P.O. Box 351, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450 Ph: 0433 254 438 info@skydivecoffs.com.au www.skydivecoffs.com.au Beach landings in the heart of Coffs SKYDIVE THE REEF CAIRNS 51 Sheridan St, Cairns, QLD, 4870 Ph: 1800 800 840 info@skydivethereefcairns.com.au www.skydivethereefcairns.com.au SKYDIVE JURIEN BAY 36B Bashford St, Jurien Bay, WA, 6516 Ph: 0438 441 239 www.skydivejurienbay.com
SCUBA DIVING AUSTRALIA
NINGLAOO WHALE SHARK & DIVE CENTRE Located inside reception at the Exmouth Cape Holiday Park: 3 Truscott Street, Exmouth, WA Ph: 1800 224 060 www.ningaloowhalesharkndive.com.au THE SCUBA CENTRE Port Douglas-Cairns-Airlie Beach, 230 Sugarloaf Rd, Whitsunday Ph: 07 4946 1067 whitscub@gmail.com www.scubacentre.com.au
GHOST TOURS LANTERN GHOST TOURS Melbourne & Goldcoast Ph: 1300 390 119 www.lanternghosttours.com enquiry@lanternghosttours.com Experience the multi award winning Lantern Ghost Tours, offering small group tours of Australia’s most haunted locations.
ADVENTURE TOURS
GOIN SOUTH Four days, two famous Aussie icons, one awesome tour Ph: 1800 009 858 www.facebook.com/goinsouthtours TEMPATION DOLPHIN SWIM Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores Marina Glenelg, SA, 5045 Ph: 0412 811 838 info@dolphinboat.com.au www.dolphinboat.com.au
SURF & SUN AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 786 386 / 08 8212 0211 info@surfandsun.com.au www.surfandsun.com.au BLUE MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE COMPANY Ph: 02 4782 1271 bmac@bmac.com.au www.bmac.com.au WAYOUTBACK AUSTRALIAN SAFARI Ph: 1300 551 510 / 08 8952 4324 reservations@wayoutback.com.au www.wayoutback.com.au CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK Whiteman Park, Whiteman, WA, 6068 Ph: 08 9248 1984 sales@cavershamwildlife.com.au www.cavershamwildlife.com.au MINISTRY OF PAINTBALLING L4, 362 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 Ph:1800 646 478 Ph: 02 9262 2362 www.ministryofpaintball.com BRIDGE CLIMB SYDNEY Ph: 02 8274 7777 www.bridgeclimb.com BUNYIP TOURS 570 Flinders Street Melbourne Victoria, 3000 1300 286 947 info@bunyiptours.com www.bunyiptours.com PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater.com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au BALLOON SUNRISE PO Box 229 , Yarra Glen, VIC, 3775 Ph: 03 9730 2422 Free: 1800 HOTAIR (1800 468 247) info@hotairballooning.com.au www.hotairballooning.com.au
TRAVEL AUSTRALIA
KITE SURFING
KITESURF 1770 IKO Certified Kiteboarding school/Centre 3 Graham Colyer Drive, Agnes Wate, QLD Ph: 07 4974 7874 / 07 4962 0210 Mob: 0422 806 235 info@kitesurf1770.com.au www.kitesurf1770.com.au KITE REPUBLIC 10-18 Jacka Blvd. St.Kilda Sea Baths Complex, St.Kilda, 3182, Melbourne, VIC Ph: 03 95370644 Mob: +61 418583233 info@kiterepublic.com.au www.kiterepublic.com.au
SURF SCHOOLS
MOJO SURF 2/9 Marvell St, Byron Bay, 2481, NSW Ph: 1800 113 044 reservations@mojosurf.com www.mojosurf.com GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS 55B Surf Coast Highway, Torquay, Victoria, 3228 +61 3 5261 3730 info@gorsurftours.com.au www.gorsurftours.com.au GET WET SURF SCHOOL Ph: 1800 438 938 www.getwetsurf.com SURF SHACK Ph: 03 5155 4933 www.surfshack.com.au GO SURFING BYRON BAY Ph: 02 6685 7099 gosurfingbyronbay@gmail.com www.gosurfingbyronbay.com LETS GO SURFING Ph: 02 9365 1800 www.letsgosurfing.com.au SURFING AUSTRALIA Ph: 07 5599 3800 www.surfingaustralia.com Marine Charters ADVENTURE BAY CHARTERS 2 Jubilee Drive, Port Lincoln, SA, 5606 Ph: 04 8842 8862 info@adventurebaycharters.com.au www.adventurebaycharters.com.au KANGAROO MARINE CHARTERS 9 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA Ph: 0427 315 286 www.kimarineadventures.com ADVENTURE KAYAKING 7 Hastings Street, Glenelg South, SA Ph: 08 8295 8812 bookings@adventurekayak.com.au www.adventurekayak.com.au JET SKI SAFARIS Birth 56, Jetty Sea, Mariners Cove, Waterways, QLD Ph: 07 5526 3111 Mob: 0409 754 538 info@jetskisafaris.com.au www.jetskisafaris.com.au
PARADISE JET BOATING Jetty ‘C’ Mariners Cove Marina, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach Qld 4217 Ph: 1300 JET BOAT (1300 538 262) thrills@paradisejetboating.com.au www.paradisejetboating.com.au
BIKE RIDING TOURS
ESCAPE GOAT Adelaide, SA Ph: 08 8121 8112 Mob: 0422 916289 info@escapegoat.com.au www.escapegoat.com.au
ZORB BALLS
OZ BALL GOLD COAST (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) Go Zorbing with Oz Ball. Ph: 07 5547 6300 info@ozball.com.au www.infomaps.com.au/attractions_listings/ozball
WINE AND BEER TOURS
PRIME MINI TOURS Melrose Park, SA, 5039 Ph: 1300 667 650 info@primeminitours.com www.primeminitours.com
HIDDEN SECRET TOURS Melbourne CBD Ph: 03 9663 3358 tours@hiddensecrettours.com www.hiddensecretstours.com CARLTON & UNITED BREWERY TOUR Cnr Thompson & Nelson Streets, Abbotsford, VIC Ph:(03) 9420 6800 www.carltonbrewhouse.com.au BIG NIGHT OUT Surfers Paradise Every Wednesday and Saturday Night www.GoldCoastBackpackers.net FROG & TOAD BAR HOP Cairns Every Wednesday and Friday Night Mob: 0418 184 646 partyincairns@bigpond.com www.partyincairns.com
BOWLING
STRIKE BOWLING Nationwide Ph:1300 787453 www.strikebowling.com.au PADDO BOWLS 2 Quarry Street Paddington NSW, 2021 Ph: 02936 1150
TRANSPORT
MIGHTY CAMPERS Nationwide Ph: 1800 670 232 www.mightycampers.com.au GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL Nationwide Ph: 1800 703 357 www.greatsouthernrail.com.au TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN Nationwide Ph: 1800 674 374 www.travellers-autobarn.com.au
www.bbmlive.com 49
ACCOMMODATION LISTINGS NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY
WORLD SQUARE HOSTEL 2/640 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 9267 5616 worldsquarehostel.com.au SYDNEY BACKPACKERS 7 Wilmot St Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9267 7772 1800 88 77 66 (Free Call) info@sydneybackpackers.com www.sydneybackpackers.com CLOVELLY HOTEL 381 Clovelly Road Clovelly Ph: (02) 9665 1214 office@clovellyhotel.com.au www.clovellyhotel.com.au CRITERION HOTEL 260 Pitt Street Sydney (crn Pitt & Park Streets) Ph: (02) 9264 3093 patk@criterianhotel.net.au www.criterionhotel.net.au JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 27 Orwell Street Kings Cross, NSW 2011 Free: 1800 805 870 Ph: 93586400 skype: jolly.swagman.backpackers stay@jollyswagman.com.au www.jollyswagman.com.au BONDI BACKPACKERS 110 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach NSW 2026 Free: 1800 304 660 Ph: (02) 9130 4660 bookings@bondibackpackers.com.au www.bondibackpackers.com.au OXFORD COURT ACCOMMODATION Bondi Junction Mobile 0412547840 Cafesbs@bigpond.net.au Clean, affordable and friendly backpackers. Rooms for 1 to 4 people. Close to bus, train and shops. Rooms have TV, fridge, toaster, microwave, kitchenette, cutlery, crockery, sheets supplied. Laundry, internet and BBQ facilities. Prices range from $190 to $130 depending on the number of guests. THE GLOBE BACKPACKERS 40 Darlingurst Road Kings Cross, Sydney NSW 2011 Free: 1800 806 384 Ph: (02) 9326 9675 info@globebackpackers.com www.globebackpackers.com CITY RESORT HOSTEL 103-105 Palmer St Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 9357 3333 bookings@cityresort.com.au Skype: City Resort Hostel www.cityresort.com.au Show this ad for $5 off!
(Valid for new guests only. Min. 3 nights stay.)
WEST END BACKPACKERS 12 Pitt St Sydney NSW, 2000 Ph: 02 9211 4588 Free Phone: 1800 013 186 bookings@westendbackpackers.com www.nomadsworld.com/westend BOUNCE SYDNEY 28 Chalmers Street, Sydney 2010 Free call 1800890897 Ph (02) 9281 2222 book@bouncehotel.com.au www.bouncehotel.com.au LORD WOLSELEY HOTEL 265 Bulwara Rd Ultimo, Sydney 2007 Ph: (02) 9660 1731 info@lordwolseleyhotel.com.au www.lordwolseleyhotel.com.au
PORTERHOUSE HOTEL 233 Riley St Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9211 4454 info@porterhouse.com.au www.Porterhouse.com.au BIG HOSTEL Single and double & Dorm rooms available Max 4 bed dorms. 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 92816030 Free: 1800 212 244 reception@bighostel.com www.bighostel.com O’MALLEY’S HOTEL 228 William Street, Kings Cross Sydney, NSW 2011 Ph: 02 9357 2211 admin@omalleyshotel.com.au www.omalleyshotel.com.au SYDNEY CENTRAL HOSTEL 428 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 7323 stay@sydneycentralhostel.com.au www.sydneycentralhostel.com.au THE ROYAL HOTEL 370 Abercrombie St, Darlington, NSW, 2008 Ph: (02) 9698 8557 info@royal.com.au www.royal.com.au KANGA HOUSE BACKPACKERS 141 Victoria Street, Kings Cross, Sydney Ph: (02) 9357 7897 www.KangaHouse.com.au
SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES
SYDNEY BEACHOUSE - YHA 4 Collaroy St, Collaroy, 2097 Ph: +61 2 9981 1177 mail@sydneybeachouse.com.au www.sydneybeachouse.com.au Guaranteed jobs/work all year. Cheap weekly rates by the beach with free Surfboard, Bodyboard & Bike hire
SYDNEYS SOUTHERN BEACHES
CRONULLA BEACH YHA Level 1, 40 -42 Kingsway Cronulla Sydney, 2230 Ph: 02 9527 7772 enquiries@cronullabeachyha.com www.cronullabeachyha.com www.yha.com.au
PORT STEPHENS
MELALEUCA SURFSIDE BACKPACKERS 2 Koala Place, One Mile Beach, NSW 2316 Ph: (02) 4981 9422 Mobile: 0427 200 950 melaleucabackpacker@bigpond.com www.melaleucabackpackers.com.au HUNTER VALLEY Hunter Valley YHA 100 Wine Country Drive Nulkaba, Hunter Valley, NSW Ph: 02 4991 3278 huntervalley@yhansw.org.au www.yha.com.au
KATOOMBA
KATOOMBA MOUNTAIN Backpackers Lodge 31 Lurline st Katoomba, NSW Ph: 04782 3933 stay@katoombabackpackers.com.au www.katoombabackpackers.com.au BLUE MOUNTAINS BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 144 Bathhurst Road, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Ph: 02 4782 9630 www.bluemountainsbackpackerhostel.com.au
50 www.bbmlive.com
BYRON BAY
AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 16 Lawson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 Ph: (02) 6685-7663 Free: 1800 028 909 info@aquarius-backpackers.com.au www.aquarius-backpackers.com.au NOMADS BYRON BAY 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6680 7966 Free: 1800 766 673 bookings@nomadsbyronbay.com nomadshostels.com ARTS FACTORY LODGE 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 02 6685 7709 info@artsfactory.com.au www.artsfactory.com.au An essential part of your journey
LAKE TABOURIE
LAKE TABOURIE TOURIST PARK Princes Hwy, Lake Tabourie, NSW 2539 Free call: 1300 559 966 tabourie@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au www.holidayhaven.com.au/tabourie
QUEENSLAND BRISBANE
BASE BRISBANE UPTOWN 466 George St, Brisbane City, Qld 4000 Ph: (07) 3238 5888 Free: 1800 24 2273 uptown@stayatbase.com www.stayatbase.com Free Tinbilly Limited Edition T-shirt With presentation of this BBM Ad THE DECK 117 Harcourt St, New Farm Brisbane QLD 4005 Ph: 0433 777 061 the_deck@live.com.au Designed with the working Traveler in Mind. Minimum 2 week stay BASE BRISBANE CENTRAL 308 Edward st Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: 07 3211 2433 brisbane@stayatbase.com www.stayatbase.com BUNK 11-21 Gipps St, Fortitude Valley, Qld, 4006 Ph: +61 7 3257 3644 Free: 1800 682 865 info@bunkbrisbane.com.au www.bunkbrisbane.com.au BRISBANE CITY YHA 392 Upper Roma St, Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3236 1004 brisbanecity@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au
GOLDCOAST
TREKKERS BACKPACKERS 22 White Street, Goldcoast, QLD, 4215 Ph: (07) 55915616 Free : 1800 100 004 info@trekkersbackpackers.com.au www.trekkersbackpackers.com.au AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 44 Queen Street Gold Coast, Queensland Ph: 07 5527 1300 Free:1800 229 955 info@aquariusbackpackers.com.au www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au SURFERS PARADISE YHA AT MAIN BEACH Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive Main Beach, Surfers Paradise 4217 Ph: (07) 5571 1776 surfersparadise@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au BACKPACKERS IN PARADISE
40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com SURF N SUN Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217 Ph: (07) 5592 2363 Free: 1800 678 194 info@surfnsun-goldcoast.com www.surfnsun-goldcoast.com SLEEPING INN SURFERS 26 Peninsular Drive Surfers Paradise QLD Ph: 07 5592 4455 info@sleepinginn.com.au www.sleepinginn.com.au COOLANGATTA SANDS HOSTEL Cnr Griffith & McLean Streets
ISLANDER BACKPACKERS RESORT Cnr. Beach Road and Surfers Paradise Blvd Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 Ph: +61 7 5538 8000 Toll free: 1800 074 393
res@islander.com.au
www.islander.com.au/Backpackers Coolangatta 4225 QLD Ph: 07 5536 7472 hostel@taphouse.com.au www.taphouse.com.au SURFERS PARADISE BACKPACKERS RSRT Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au
NOOSA
NOMADS NOOSA 44 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Phone: 07 5447 3355 bookings@nomadsnoosa.com www.nomadsnoosa.com
HERVEY BAY
NOMADS HERVEY 408 The Esplanade, Torquay, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655 Phone: 07 4125 3601 bookings@nomadshervey.com www.nomadshervey.com
TOWN OF 1770
(Between Bunderberg & Rockhampton) COOL BANANAS 2 Spring Road, 1770, Queensland, 4677 Ph: (07) 4974 7660 Free: 1800 227 660 wheeler_danny@hotmail.com www.coolbananas.net.au 1770 SOUTHERN CROSS (Backpackers) 2694 Round Hill Rd Agnes Water QLD 4677 Ph: 0749747225 info@1770southerncross.com www.1770southerncross.com 1770 BEACHSIDE BACKPACKERS 12 Captain Cook Drive PO Box 212, Agnes Water QLD 4677 Ph: 07 4974 7200 enquiries@1770beachsidebackpacker.com.au www.1770beachsidebackpacker.com.au
CAIRNS CAIRNS SHARE HOUSE 17 Scott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: (+617) 4041 1875 info@cairns-sharehouse.com www.cairns-sharehouse.com GILLIGANS BACKPACKERS HOTEL & RESORT 57-59 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD Ph: (07) 4041 6566 Free: 1800 556 995 reservations@gilligans.com.au www.gilligans.com.au NOMADS ESPLANADE 93 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 7477 Free: 1800 175 716 bookings@nomadsesplanade.com www.nomadshostels.com DREAMTIME TRAVELLERS REST 4 Terminus Street (corner of Bunda st.& Terminus st.) Cairns 4870 Queensland Ph: (07) 4031 6753 info@dreamtimehostel.com www.dreamtimehostel.com JJ’S BACKPACKERS 11-13 Charles Street Cairns QLD 4870 Ph - (07) 4051 7642 Free- 1800 666 336 jjsbackpackers@ledanet.com.au www.jjsbackpackers.com
MISSION BEACH ABSOLUTE BACKPACKERS 28 Wongaling Beach Road Mission Beach Queensland 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8317 Free: 1800 688 316 info@absolutebackpackers.com.au www.absolutebackpackers.com.au SCOTTY’S BEACH HOUSE 167 Reid Road, Mission Beach, QLD, 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8676 info@scottysbeachhouse.com.au www.scottysbeachhouse.com.au
WHITSUNDAYS BAREFOOT LODGE Whitsunday Passage, Whitsundays, QLD Ph: +61 7 4946 9400 Free: 1800 075 125 longisland@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au
AIRLIE BEACH AIRLIE BEACH YHA 394 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach QLD Phone: (07) 4946 6312 Free:1800 247 251 airliebeach@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au MAGNUMS/WHITSUNDAY VILLAGE TRAVEL 366 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach, QLD Ph: (07) 4964 1199 or 07 4964 1188 Free: 1800 624 634 travel@magnums.com.au www.magnums.com.au
CAPE TRIBULATION
PK’S JUNGLE VILLAGE Cape Tribulation Road (PMB 7) Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 Tel: 07 4098 0040 info@pksjunglevillage.com www.pksjunglevillage.com FERNTREE RAINFOREST LODGE Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation, QLD Australia Freecall:1800 987 077 International Telephone: +61 7 4098 0033 Availability and Rates: www.thebookingbutton.com.au reservationsferntree@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au
Jewell House 180 Goderich St. Perth, WA 6000 tel: (08) 9325 8488 fax: (08) 9221 4694 jewellhouse@ymca.org.au www.ymcajewellhouse.com.au UNDERGROUND BACKPACKERS 268 Newcastle Street Northbridge WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9228 3755 www.undergroundbackpackers.com.au
WESTERN BEACH LODGE 6 Westborough Street Scarborough, Western Australia, 6019 Ph. (08) 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus.com.au www.westernbeach.com
EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000 Ph: (08) 9221 9991 exclusivebackpackers@hotmail.com www.exclusivebackpackers.com BEATTY LODGE 235 Vincent Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au info@beattylodge.com.au BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort.com.au www.billabongresort.com.au GLOBE BACKPACKERS 561 Wellington Street, cnr. Queen St, Perth, WA Ph: 08 9321 4080 globebak@iinet.net.au www.globebackpackers.com.au THE OLD SWAN BARRACKS 2 - 8 Francis Street Perth (Northbridge)6000 Ph: 08 9428 0000 www.theoldswanbarracks.com
COTTESLOE
MONKEY MIA
RAINBOW BEACH
PIPPIES BEACH HOUSE Cnr of Spectrum Street & Cypress Avenue, Rainbow Beach FREEPHONE: 1800425356 info@pippiesbeachhouse.com.au www.pippiesbeachhouse.com.au 30mins FREE Internet on presentation of this ad PLUS FREE Breakfast & Eco Whale-Watching for all!
WESTERN AUSTRALIA SCARBOROUGH
OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS Cnr Marine Parade & Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 stay@oceanbeachbackpackers.com www.oceanbeachbackpackers.com
PERTH
RAINBOW LODGE 150 Claisebrook Rd Perth, WA (Have just moved around the corner) Ph: (08) 9227-1818 or 0417 927 529 Ron@rainbowlodge.com.au www.rainbowlodge.com.au ONE WORLD BACKPACKERS 162 Aberdeen St Northbridge, PERTH WA Ph: (08) 9228 8206 www.oneworldbackpackers.com.au MOUNTWAY HOLIDAY APARTMENTS 36 Mount St,West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9321 8307 info@mountwayapartments.com.au www.mountwayapartments.com.au BRITANNIA ON WILLIAM 253 William Street, Northbridge 6003 Perth WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 Fax: 08 9227 6611 www.perthbritannia.com YMCA ACCOMMODATION
MONKEY MIA DOLPHIN RESORT Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au www.monkeymia.com.au
KUNUNURRA
KUNUNURRA BACKPACKERS ADVENTURE CENTRE 24 Nutwood Crescent, Kununurra WA 6743 Ph: (08) 9169 1998 or 1800 641 998 www.kununurrabackpackers.com.au info@kununurrabackpackers.com.au
BROOME
BEACHES OF BROOME 4 Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach, Broome, WA, 6725 Ph : 1300 881 031 bookings@beachesofbroome.com.au www.beachesofbroome.com.au
VICTORIA MILDURA
REDCLIFFS HOTEL 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs VIC 3496 (03) 5024 1704
GREAT OCEAN ROAD
JOHANNA BEACH COTTAGES 225 Blue Johanna Road Johanna Heights Victoria 3238 (03) 5237 4224 cottages@johannabeach.com www.johannabeach.com
HALLS GAP
BRAMBUK BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 330 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, VictoriaPh: 03 5356 4250 bramback@netconnect.com.au www.brambuk.com.au/backpackers.htm Brambuk Backpackers offers travellers an affordable and comfortable range of accommodation, ideally situated within the stunning Grampians National Park.
MELBOURNE
EASYSTAY MOTEL AND STUDIO APARTMENTS Great accommodation at fantastic rates Rooms available for up to 4 people Book online and save $$$ www.easystay.com.au Or call 1300 30 17 30 EXFORD HOTEL 199 Russell Street , Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9663 2697 res@exfordhotel.com.au www.exfordhotel.com.au BACK OF CHAPEL 50 Green St, Windsor Prahran, Vic 3181 Ph: 03 9521 5338 www.backofchapel.com NOMADS ALL NATIONS 2 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Freecall: 1800 739 989 Phone: 03 9620 1022 info@allnations.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night (min 3 night stay) if you mention this ad FLINDERS STATION HOTEL BACKPACKERS 35 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9620 5100 res@flindersbp.com.au www.flindersbp.com.au The Spencer Backpackers 475 Spencer Street, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9329 7755 1800 638 108 hotelspencer@hotkey.net.au www.spencerbackpackers.com.au Bring this ad for 40 min FREE internet (new guests only). MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKERS 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9662 4066 res@mibp.com.au www.mibp.com.au HOTEL DISCOVERY 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525. Freecall 1800 645 200 reservations@hoteldiscovery.com.au www.hoteldiscovery.com.au
INDEPENDENT & BUDGET TRAVELER ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Victoria Hall Accommodation 380 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: 03 9662 3888 www.victoriahall. com.au
ST. KILDA
ALICE SPRINGS
JACKSON APARTMENTS 80 Ikerman St ,St Kilda Beach Ph:0433 118 334 or 0412 525 510 www.jacksonapartments.com.au Jackson.apartments@bigpond.com HABITAT HQ Freephone 1800 202 500 info@habitathq.com.au www.habitathq.com.au Award winning 4.5 star hostel with a homely & relaxed atmosphere Specials from $20! FREE pick up from Tullamarine (min 3 nt stay) * Conditions apply
ANNIE’S PLACE 4 Traeger Avenue, Alice Springs , NT, 0871 Ph: 1800 359 089 www.anniesplace.com.au HAVEN BACKPACKER RESORT 3 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Ph: 1800 79 4663 / 08 8952 4663 www.alicehaven.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE
APOLLO BAY
APOLLO BAY BACKPACKERS LODGE 23 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay Ph: 1800 157 280 +61 352 377850 Mob: 0413 504 402 ww.apollobaybackpackerslodge.com.au ECO BEACH YHA ECO-HOSTEL 5 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay 3233 Ph: (+613) 5237 7899 apollobay@yhavic.org.au www.yha.com.au Clean, quiet and relaxing Eco-Hostel. Cosy fire in winter. DVD’s available to borrow from reception.
HALLS GAP
GRAMPIANS YHA ECO-HOSTEL Corner Grampians and Buckler Roads Halls Gap 3381 Ph: (+613) 5356 4544 grampians@yhavic.org.au www.yha.com.au Eco accredited. Solar powered. Herb garden, free range chooks and friendly local kangaroos
NORTHERN TERRITORY
ADELAIDE TRAVELLERS INN BACKPACKERS 220 Hutt St Adelaide 5000 Free call 1800633747 Ph: +61 08 82240753 bookings@adelaidebackpackers.com.au www.adelaidebackpackers.com.au MAJESTIC MINIMA HOTEL 146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Ph:(08) 8334 7766 minima@majestichotels.com.au www.majestichotels.com.au OUR HOUSE BACKPACKERS 33 Gilbert Place, Adelaide, SA, 5000 Ph: 08 8410 4788 info@ourhousebackpackers.com www.ourhousebackpackers.com ADELAIDE SHAKESPEARE INTERNATIONAL 123 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA, 5000 Ph: +61 (0)8 8231-7655 (Oz Freecall) 1800-556-889 bookings@shakeys.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.shakeys.com.au
DARWIN
ASHTON LODGE & WISDOM BAR 48 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 4866 ashtonlodge@gmail.com www.wisdombar.com.au MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL 52 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 7900 Freecall: 1300 723 437 www.momdarwin.com info@MOMDarwin.com
www.bbmlive.com 51
RECRUITMENT NEWS
Build Your Future Down Under With Australia bursting with natural resources, we take a look at how mining and construction work can get you ahead.
Demand from emerging economies such as China and India has kept Australia at the top of the resources cycle, yet this would not be possible without a workforce of skilled employees. Therefore it should come as little surprise that the mining and construction industries have proved particularly attractive to the Irish. Considering the downturn in their economy has left so many skilled workers unemployed, it makes perfect sense for thousands to take the plunge by coming Down Under for work. While there are still a significant proportion of local Australian and Kiwi drop-outs, the Irish, naturally, make themselves known. Such a vast ex-pat population also means that you should feel right at home, even in the vast remoteness of Western Australia. For anyone looking to make a quick, hardearned buck then there are few better opportunities than heading down into t’pit. If you have the requisite experience and qualifications, then you should get applying, as the list of skilled jobs that are available is extensive. For mining operations there are opportunities for geologists, pit technicians and surveyors. In terms of heavy construction if you have experience as a project manager, contracts administrator or a mechanical, electrical or mining engineer then you will be tempted. The same goes for specialists in
52 www.bbmlive.com
trades and labour including HV electricians, mill operators, drillers, welders, boilermakers and riggers. Yes, it may be hard graft, yet if you have visited Western Australia you should be aware that some of the country’s most beautiful and sparsely populated beaches lie on the coastline - not to mention the blissful all-year-round weather. Summer temperatures can reach 44C and the mercury rarely dips below the 25C mark even when the rest of the country is experiencing some mysterious period known as ‘winter’. If that is not enough of a draw, then consider the wages. Last year the average full-time wage in the mining industry was $2478 a week, almost $130,000 a year. These figures are mainly for skilled jobs, so perversely this means no degree, no worries. Apprenticeships are available as well as mining jobs that require no previous experience such as labourers and mine-site support staff. There are also opportunities for IT professionals as well as plant and machinery operators. Of course, such bountiful wages have to be earned. Though degrees are not a specific requirement in many jobs, there are several restrictions for working in such a challenging environment. There is the use of highly specialised equipment and extensive training to be completed, a distinct focus in health and safety, as well as strict operational standards. Working underground in Western Australia also necessitates that you be physically fit and able to perform with accuracy and precision. It is not all danger and dirt underground as improvements are also being made to the home life. While working 12 hour days in the middle of nowhere may not seem very appealing, there is significant investment being put into these isolated areas. With such money being generated, this could not have come soon enough, as remote parts of mineral-rich Western Australia are quickly becoming the land of the nouveau riche. In an effort to attract workers to the area then keep them there, large global resources companies, such as BHP
Billiton Ltd, are putting their hand in their (albeit deep) pockets. While the developments may not be comparable to Dubai, they are building recreation centres, sports fields and art galleries to make the flight home seem less of a necessity. Ah yes, the flying. Even that is improving as Qantas, Virgin Australia and Skywest operate passenger services to help workers reach job sites in East Pilbara, WA. This has been seen as somewhat essential for an area the size of Germany. Over 10,000 people reside there with most working in Mt. Whaleback, which is the world’s biggest open-cut iron-ore mine and is owned by BHP Billiton Ltd. Considering that the mines are mainly in Western Australia, and in particularly isolated regions, it is also worth mentioning that many mining and construction jobs count as specified work towards a second year Working Holiday Visa. According to the official list the mining jobs include - coal mining, construction material engineering, exploration, metal ore mining, mining support services, oil and gas extraction, as well as other non-metallic mineral mining and quarrying. In terms of construction, the jobs include; building completion services, installation services and structure services, heavy and civil engineering construction, land development and site preparation services, non-residential building construction, residential building construction and other construction services. If you are wanting to complete your specified work in the mining and construction industries, then do mention this while applying for positions. Thanks to the mining boom and Australia’s vast natural resources there is a hell of a lot of money being generated in Western Australia. With sunshine all year round and improvements being made in the remote, isolated areas there are reasons to get yourself across there and remain. Sure, the 12 hour days grafting underground may be hard work, but for an average $130,000 a year it is totally worth it.
By Omar Soliman
Australia has long been known as the happy land of upside-down. It is also the land where the fluoro vested blue-collar workers currently earn more than their shirt and tie white-collared peers - and few countries can boast that. Yup. You read that correctly. Currently, miners and construction workers are earning more than financiers and computer experts. Crazy ain’t it, tempting too I bet. Being a country that is blessed with such vast mineral reserves means that the Australian economy is currently the envy of the rest of the Western world. The mining and construction industries are riding the wave of a boom and while the simple mantra of ‘what goes up, must come down’ may put some off, there is still gold in them thar hills. As well as diamonds, coal, copper, nickel, liquefied gas, iron ore and crude oil, there are also huge wages on offer.
Temp & Semi Perm Staff Wanted Nationally Hospitality / Promotions / Tele-Sales / Face to Face / Admin / Child Care / Recruitment email your cv and a brief cover letter telling us a bit about yourself to info@what-media.com
www.bbmlive.com 53
MIGRATION NEWS How Mining & Construction work can get you a visa... Having emigrated from Northern Ireland in the early nineties, Migration Agent and Director of Arrive Australia, John McQuaid, knows a thing or two about visas. Here he explains all you need to know about nursing and engineering visas that will help to extend your stay in australia. If you work in a licenced trade such as Electrician or plumber, depending on the Australian State you plan to work in, you may need to obtain Australian licencing. Licencing rules differ from state to state and immigrations rules are different for each visa type so check carefully before applying for a visa.
The current skilled migration program allows for more than 128,550 permanent skilled visas to be granted this year. The program for the 2014-2015 year beginning in July is expected to be even bigger.
Professional occupations such as Construction Project Management or Engineering require applicants to have formal qualifcations at Bachelor Degree level or higher.
Today there are also nearly 100,000 temporary 457 skilled visa holders in Australia.75% of the permanent Employer nominated skilled visas granted in the last six months (to December 2013) went to 457 visa holders. Clearly the temporary visa sponsorship route continues to be a viable pathway to a permanent residence visa in Australia. Nearly 25% of the 27,000 457 visas granted in the last six months went to UK and Irish passport holders. More than 15% of all the 457 visa grants went to construction and mining occupations.
Depending on the occupation, five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification.
All the main construction occupations are listed on the CSOL, including the popular, construction project manager and project co-ordinator, Carpenters, joiners, plumbers, electricians, painters, fitters, metal fabricators, and boilermakers. Mining and related occupations such as Driller, Mining production managers, mining engineer, civil engineer are also available. Check out the list at http://www.immi.gov.au/ skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/csol.pdf Let’s have a look at what’s needed to meet some of the visa option requirements; To be sponsored by an employer in a trade occupation, visa applicants need either trade qualifcations such as UK NVQ 3, Irish Fetac level 6-7; or have a minimum of three years full time work experience in the trade. Work experience can be in any country and a mix of overseas and Australian work experience also counts. If relying on work experience only, good evidence of the years of paid work is needed. Providing detailed work references and past tax certificates or payslips will help to show evidence of your skills. For UK and Irish passport holders a formal migration skills assessment is not needed for temporary sponsorship, but may be needed to apply for some of the permanent skilled visa options. Check out the requirements http://www.innovation.gov.au/ SKILLS/SKILLSASSESSMENT/ TRADESRECOGNITIONAUSTRALIA/Pages/ default.aspx
54 www.bbmlive.com
Mining jobs tend to be in regional Australia. “Regional Australia” is pretty much all of Australia except the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong or Melbourne. Regional Sponsorship may be an option if your employer actively and lawfully operates a business in regional Australia. This is a permanent residence visa. As part of the visa conditions you must agree to live and work in the regional area for the employer for the first two years of the visa. Regional Sponsorship gets the highest priority processing of all the permanent skilled visas. Visa applicants need to have a relevant qualification or work experience. Trade applicants must have a pre visa application migration skills assessment, licencing is needed for some trades. Professional occupation applicants merely need relevant qualifcations unless registration or licencing rules apply. See more at http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/187.aspx We often see employers take on skilled employees on the 457 temporary visas and then help the employee transition to permanent residence via the RSMS scheme or the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS). ENS is the alternative sponsorship option for non-regional employers. For Employers to access the ENS program, employers must be able to show that they are training Australian staff to the required Benchmarks set by immigration law. Here, again, a close assessment of the business training should be undertaken prior to applying for approval. Read more at http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/186.aspx Other skilled visa options include the Independent Skilled 189 visa and the State nominated 190 skilled visa. These points tested options require a pre visa Expression of Interest application. (EOI) To make an EOI you need to have at least 60 points and a migration skills assessment. The 190 visa options also need an application to a state
government that is listing your occupation for sponsorship. Each state has its own sub list based on the CSOL and may have extra criteria to meet. On the upside a state nomination can give a sometimes critical 5 or 10 points towards meeting the minimum 60 point eligibity. Other points can be claimed based on age, qualifcations, work experience and English language ability. Yes even native English speakers may need to sit an English test to get enough points to get to the visa application. See the English test at https://www.ielts.org/ These are complex applications that are expensive and take many months to process. Consider asking a registered migration agent for an assessment of your profile before committing to an application. You can find a registered migration agent at http://mia.org.au/ Fore more information on migration visit ArriveAustralia.com.au
SKILLED OCCUPATION LIST Want to stay in Australia for longer? Here’s a few of the jobs going that will help you to make that dream come true. For the full up to date Skilled Occupation list visit www.immi.gov.au Construction Project Manager Project Builder Engineering Manager Production Manager (Mining) Child Care Centre Manager Medical Administrator Nursing Clinical Director Primary Health Organisation Manager Welfare Centre Manager Land Economist Valuer Ship’s Engineer Ship’s Master Ship’s Officer Architect Landscape Architect Surveyor Urban and Regional Planner
By John McQuaid
For anyone considering skilled visa options for Australia the good news is that there are over 600 eligible occupations on the current consolidated Skilled Occupations list (CSOL). Many of the available occupations are in the construction, mining and engineering category.